It's more than likely that I won't FRED this, as an unofficial ASW minicampaign just wouldn't ignite peoples' interests. Even if I do decide to make this, there's little harm in sharing the plot background, so here it is:
Ancient-Shivan War
Ceremony
The destruction of the Apesokari in Verbex was a major pain for the Ancient Empire. They infiltrated the dominion of the Destroyers, and they paid the price. Verbex is an impregnable fortress world, and this is just the outskirt of Shivan territory. The Ancient fleet is being decimated. There is little hope for them to win this time.
Im'Halus, the failed Fleetmaster, has been replaced by the aging Han'thari. An exalted Vice Fleetmaster, Han'thari made sure no Aesdherian made it out alive from their homeland when the Empire launched its final attack. Now, he is given an inverse task: to flee with his fleet from enemy territory. Only one thing is the same: the escapees are facing an enemy of overwhelming strength. When the Core hurriedly commands him to destroy the Verbex-Vocruar jump node, hoping that would prevent the Shivan influx into Ancient territory, Han'thari had some reservations. He is aware that more is at stake than the survival of the Empire.
The Ancients construe subspace not only as a corridor to travel from one star system into another, but as an omnipotent living being, intimitely connected to the universe. The destruction of a jump node is like cutting out a piece from the universe, disrupting the predestined course of history. But what exactly is the correct course of history? Maybe the Empire will be able to surmount the Shivans, at a terrible cost, and the Empire will emerge as the undoubted rulers of the galaxy, as it is foreseen by the great seers. If that is so, then the collapse of the node may turn the tide, dooming the Ancient Empire, and possibly all sapient beings in this corner of the galaxy. Maybe the Shivans are destined to win, and the Empire could use their knowledge of subspace disturbances to eliminate their worthiest adversaries.
Whatever the consequence, the harm done to the universe will be irreversible. Han'thari must act, and he must act now. An obedient warrior all his life, Han'thari has silenced his inner demons and trusts the unfaltering wisdom of the Core.
And the destruction of a jump node is not to be done in a barbaric fashion. The sacrifice of a subspace tunnel, like the legacy of legendary warriors, must be celebrated. The strict protocol of this unique ceremony must be followed to the letter.
The Shivans interrupt the ceremony...
