Counteraction

**Previous**"Aftermath"

"**Counteraction**" is the third episode of the Chronicles of Humanity web series' first season.

## Plot

An ENF station picks up a transmission from a spybot that has detected the *Hawkeye* near Pluto. The commander prepares to contact Captain Heyman with the news.

In the *King's Arch* galley, Lieutenant Brawner makes a move on Chief Baker but is interrupted by a call for command officers to report to the bridge. The two and Commander Fulmer join Heyman who informs them that the *Hawkeye* is range and orders the helm to intercept.

However, the enemy vessel spots their approach and jumps away right as the *King's Arch* fires a shot at their engines. A hit is scored, which stops the *Hawkeye* in the asteroid field. After hearing that the enemy vessel's location has been determined, Heyman orders the *King's Arch* to jump there.

Not long after, Captain James Green of the Hawkeye is informed that the jump drive will not be operational for at least half an hour and that despite detecting a nearby jump distortion, sensors are practically usesless.

The *King's Arch* enters the asteroid field, tracking energy discharges that could be emitted by the enemy. Aboard the *Hawkeye*, similar readings are being read as having moved behind a large asteroid.

Heyman is informed by the weapons officer, Lieutenant Smith, that a practically positive identification has been made and that the *Hawkeye* is attempting to keep the asteroid between the two ships. The Captain orders the warship to be moved above the asteroid and for weapons to stand by.

As Green asks for an update on the *King's Arch*'s location, the enemy vessel emerges above the asteroid and opens fire, destroying what little was left of the *Hawkeye*'s sensory capabilities. Not long after, a transmission is received from Heyman, who explains that he is there to place the *Hawkeye*'s crew under arrest. Green agrees to surrender and asks for a moment to inform his men.

Heyman tells Commander Fulmer to prepare a transport of Marines to board the *Hawkeye*, as both officers hope that Green won't try anything stupid. Meanwhile, the man in question decides against such an action after learning that the jump drive won't be able get the *Hawkeye* far enough away to escape.

Aboard the King's Arch, Smith fires several shots that destroy the *Hawkeye*. An aghast Heyman demands to know what he was doing to which the man replies, "They had it coming." The Captain orders Chief Baker to take Smith to the brig and tells Fulmer that the *Hawkeye*'s destruction was exactly what he was trying to avoid. He then orders her to search Smith's quarters to see if they can determine the man's motivation.

Later, Admiral Yasuko speaks with Heyman via holotransmission. He reports that nothing has been determined about Smith and that the man refuses to talk. He also mentions that they are uncertain as to why the *Hawkeye* had been visiting Pluto several times. She commends Heyman and orders him back to Earth to oversee the final repairs being made to the *Hellstorm*.

    Some time after, in drydock aboard the *Hellstorm*, Fulmer reports to Heyman that Smith has disappeared during a mix-up in paperwork. In disbelief, the Captain says he'll deliver the bad news to the Admiral himself.

At Naval Headquarters, the Agent enters Yasuko's office and informs her that the Hawkeye was destroyed, leaving no survivors. Yasuko is pleased, stating that there is one remaining matter on Titan to deal with...

## Cast (in order of appearance)

* Matt Sias as Lieutenant
* Tommy Murray as Commander
* Mauri Majanoja as Lieutenant Brawner
* Fern Pankhurst as Chief Baker
* Ingrid Moon as Commander Elaine Fulmer
* Richard Grove as Captain Rex Heyman
* Andrew Bugenis as Rebel Officer (credited as Andrew Hookway)
* Andrew Sanjanwala as Captain James Green
* Damien Valentine as The Agent
* Kim Genly as Admiral Yasuko