XiC: The High-Fleet

The Sanctuary High-Fleet, commissioned freshly after Sandra’s re-organization of Xi forms the backbone of the galaxy’s space armada. The deep space forces work in dual concert with the Star guard, lead by the former Star Charity’s rearmament initiative. Sanctuary’s ship primarily utilizes the Aphidstritus astrastrata cisterna (AASC) specimen bio-model for their organic vessels. Full grown specimens take anywhere from 6-12 to grow into an expanded frame from their larval nuclei and expansive crews supplying a circulatory system of both brine nutrient solution, pith and audio around the clock. The Sanctuary High-Fleet's interstellar ships include a unique procedure made of parasitic microbes known as the MAL-SHEEP shell, from the guts of the Llav333333alite Starbreeder macrophage.

The MAL-SHEEP bioresin coagulates into a specially designed carapace that allows for rapid evolution of the AASC that make up its frame. This allows the organism to adapt to various ship types, atmospheric and weather conditions, extreme temperatures, and other environmental factors that it may encounter during its operations, along with survive the passage with Gravitron Beam emission faster-than-light travel without organic duress. The ship can be controlled by a single parasync’d operator, who interfaces with the ship using a specialized interface system in the biopit. The ship can also be remotely controlled by a central command system of onboard staff, which allows for coordinated attacks and maneuvering without the use of an operator, although this typically has been known to create ‘Slavage Stress’ for the psyche of the ship, referred to as ‘Sheering the wool’. The MAL-SHEEP outer exterior is armed with a powerful energy weapon that can melt through most forms of armor, making it an effective tool for disabling enemy vehicles and fortifications. Its speed and maneuverability make it ideal for long term missions, reconnaissance, and hit-and-run tactics. The MAL-SHEEP shell is also capable of absorbing organic matter, which allows the MAL-SHEEP to serve as a self-sustaining ship during long-term operations by absorbing anaerobic fuel. Despite the fearsome reputation of MAL-SHEEP units and the difficulty in mastering their complicated psychic subterfuge, some soldiers have reported feeling a strange sense of empathy and connection with the parasitic entity, leading some to speculate that the bugs may possess some deeper form of consciousness or intelligence. Research on this topic has been considerably controversial.

Parasynchronized Sanctuary High-Fleet vessels that utilize MAL-SHEEP-Shells include:

SCAVENGER SWARM CLASS – The smallest vessels in the High-Fleet, mass produced for single pilot synchronization. Scavenger ships are used in great number to swarm as support units, they’re armed with 2000 mm plasma-bolt cannons and micro-Beam Arrays for a short number of relativistic trips. The only ships without expansive scanning equipment, these bioships can easily get lost in deep space. A sleek, fast-attack organism designed for hit-and-run missions against enemy fleets. With advanced stealth technology and powerful plasma weaponry, the Scavenger is a deadly weapon in the hands of skilled pilots.

DRIVER SHIPS – For detection and research operations primarily. The Driver is a massive interstellar trading vessel, equipped with Warp Ports and state-of-the-art scanning technology to navigate the perilous void of space. Its hosts are typically bonded to their ships for decades at a time. With a crew of skilled traders and negotiators, the Driver is able to establish lucrative trade routes and forge alliances with alien species across the galaxy. It’s high tonnage also allows it to be fitted with numerous military armaments when necessary.

ENSIGN-DEEP VESSEL – A slim, versatile Transport ship, often used to resupply Pith and weapon supplies to other ships. It’s long bendable centipede like appearance have given the nickname ‘Creepi Crawlies’ out in space. Pilots immersed inside them tend to report long periods of sleepiness off duty and need numerous meds to deal with the lethargic after effects.

CLUSTERHAWKS – Clusterhawks are carriers, known for their shrieking sounds through space that are originally meant to signal the protection of brood. Lightly armed, Clusterhawks are flat vessels carrying numerous Starwasps inside of them. Numerous genetically modified Pith-organelles refuel ships within, the scurry of staff carrying plastic pipes to carry the orange, yellow and lime slush to recharge them quickly. The Clusterhawk is designed to transport smaller Biocraft into battle with great endurance. Equipped with a hangar deck, repair bays, and fueling stations, the Carrier is a mobile support station for fleets on the move.

STARWASPS – Smaller missile ships, the pilots tend towards younger ages to handle the immensely quick reaction times the ships operate at. Starwasps are able to navigate at quick speeds with powerful engines and a modular design. While not as numerous as Scavenger class, their speed and dual-payload Gigasonic detonators make them highly desirable for bomber missions.

 

BLISTER-CRUISER –The Blister Cruiser is a heavily armed and armored battleship that is used for combat missions. It is equipped with advanced weapons systems, including long-range energy weapons and missile launchers, making it a formidable force. The sync’d pilots are trained to utilize the bioship’s speed, firing range, detection systems and coordination with others to form patrol-like formations and the ability to threaten powerful railguns, making it a force to be reckoned with.

BLAST-CRUISER – The “Brother unit” to the Blister, Blast Cruiser Class ships are battering rams of the stars. They’re loaded with dozens of Gigasonic detonation charges that can be launched at lightspeed with Beam Arrays in blunt, quick succession to break up enemy formations. While carrying lighter armor than the Blister, their MAL-SHEEP shells have numerous larval Starwasps modified both to repair the ship’s organic haul as needed, aswell as attack enemy vessels in proximity.

GRAVEWATCHER – The Gravewatcher is a stealth-cloaked, reaper mechship, equipped with advanced sonar and radar technology to navigate the depths of space without detection. Armed with anti-matter torpedoes and pulse cannons, the Gravewatcher is a formidable weapon against enemy warships. It’s Cascade-powered engines allow it to teleport without detection even galaxies away. Synchronizing operators locked within its psych have reported surreal, dark and strange dreams and infinite loops when piloting it, aspects noted of long-term synch’d operators are typically dark baggy eyes and extensive weight-loss. Loss of balance is a typically reported complaint.

AVASCEROS – Avasceros is a massive three-pronged vessel that functions as a massive warship, bristling with dozens of turrets and missile launchers. Three operators are required to link into its hivemind in order to steer them, with numerous staff for manual control of its abundant firepower. It’s dark matter disengagement field makes most energy and explosive armaments untenable against it and lets it disable electronic ships within vast ranges. With thick armored ATLAS plating and advanced shielding systems, the Avasceros Battleship is a nearly-unstoppable weapon in the hands of a skilled trio of captains. It’s received a terrifying reception among the stars as the iron heel of Xi’s might.

MOURNING MOON - See its vast shadow upon the sons and daughters of terra, like shrieking wraiths cast upon the lands of ode, we thrash thru the stars in sirens wail to let the skyfathers know our dream dons near. Let other mother know, let every father say, the plague of the Mourning Moon readies the great darkness, writhing like a plague interwoven thru the spine of starlight eternal. From our might, the eons shall crumble to stardust and breed our sinew anew.

The Mourning Moon is an organism-Biostation 2945 KM in diameter, formed of numerous assimilated Llavalite hiveships. It was overseen and constructed by a mysterious Llavalite seer known as the ‘Witch Queen’ whom Sandra commissioned personally. The interior surface is constructed of a skeletal frame made of platinum, going around a sphere with massive rings. The gaps are wrapped in a blanket of flesh of Astridstrata Gally-Tato Sumptavius, an extinct prehistoric Llavalite predator that would feast on thousands of AASC’s a day as a filter-feeder. It serves as the main base for the Sanctuary Xi High Fleet. Serving over 13% of Xi’s spacebound military personnel, it’s massive prongs are hundreds of kilometers long and allow it to propel itself through space at a surprisingly adept speed. It’s breathing, pulsing cores, reaching millions of degrees internally, each has the capability to burst out a hot, slow flash that reaches into the stars and obliterates worlds when the beam reaches them.