Spoiler!
Just outside of Earth's solar system, a frontier station performs peaceful scientific exploration. Earth believes it is alone in the universe and thus safe.
-This is Tranquility actual; survey team has completed their mission and finished docking.
But their naivety will be measured in tears and blood.
-Strike force assembled at staging area; ready to attack the alien station. For the glory of the hive!
Like a careless musket shot on a grassy field centuries before, a lone particle beam streaks through space and War is begun. The refined energy literally melts the ceramic hull plates on the unarmed station.
-What?! Strange ships? But who-what would be out this far? Oh no they're firing on us! Quick send them a hail of peaceful intentions!
-I don't think they got it...Can we radio for help?
-No, we're out too far to get a response in time. Those strange beams are tearing through the outer hull; we can't take much more of this!
-Oh no! The hull has been breached and the science is leaking out!
-They are targeting the habitat module and our generators!
-We have to get out of here; head to the rocket-shuttle now!
-Docking clamps disengaged.
-Full reverse thrusters. Strap in!
-We are away; coming about...
-The reactor is going critical!
-They're moving in to finish it off...
-Take us to full burn! Set course for Node 3.
-Target destroyed.
-They didn't even return fire; pathetic!
-A small vessel is trying to escape at high velocity, shall we attempt to intercept?
-Negative; we need to return to the carrier for refueling. If this is the measure of their strength, it matters not when we make the killing blow.
-Full burn achieved. ETA to Node 3 is nine hours.
-Terra V to Node 3 and all fleet forces; we have been attacked. I repeat, we are not alone out here and they are hostile. Tranquility base has been completely destroyed...
Prepare for war!
Chapter 2
Spoiler!
-Node 3 actual this is Terra V on final approach vector.
-Roger Terra V, we have you on our screens. Minefield has been deactivated.
-Minefield?! Since when is there a minefield around the base?!
-One of many changes because of your broadcast. You will be debriefed once you dock; until then maintain radio silence.
-Radio silence, thats odd. Well, prepare to come about for reverse burn.
-Roger, maneuvering now.Zug zug.
-What was that?
-Nothing, just clearing my throat.
-Full retro burn initiated. Negative inertia in 5-4-3-2...burn complete.
-Bring us about and initiate docking procedures.
-Aye, maneuvering thrusters firing. Bringing us to bear on the docking port.
Docking complete.
Welcome to node 3 Gentlemen. Please follow me so we can debrief you, then we will show you what we've been busy with. And your next mission.
-A new assignment? Already? Is it another station or here aboard Node 3?
-Neither. You'll understand once we get to the hanger deck.