ARKBIRD / ARKBIRD

  • Organization
  • Regular
  • Exploration
    Exploration
  • Scouting
    Scouting

Ad Astra Per Spera
“To The Stars Through Hope”

To explore, to discover, to learn, and to help those in need. Arkbird stretches into the infinite skies above.

“The wonder is, not that the field of stars is so vast, but that man has measured it.” – Anatole France



History

A Bird Takes Flight

Since childhood, Donovan had one dream. To allow mankind to make amazing discoveries and live amongst the stars in peace and harmony. Born in 2926 they found a love and appreciation for aviation, spaceflight, and science. Joining the UEE Navy as an officer out of College in 2944 they quickly made it through the flight academy and were assigned to the 2nd Fleet. Their flight career as a Starman ended at the Battle of Vega II in 2945 as more and more Vanduul Blades surrounded his F7A after his wingmen had already fallen. Even after putting up a fight, it was inevitable he was downed by the opposition’s overwhelming numbers. He was rescued after ejecting, but not before slamming legs first into a piece of floating debris left by the decimated Idris that was recently sliced in half by the Vanduul. He was subsequently discharged for his injuries. Knowing how to fly, and having the credits from retirement, they purchased a Gladius and took numerous years of mercenary work and continued to study in their free time learning more about star systems, ecosystems, and the mysteries of the universe itself. In that free time in 2952 while while visiting Orison, the NineTails took control of the Platforms of Orison and slaughtered many innocents while the CDF was dispatched to help stop the growing threat, Donovan realized just how thinly stretched out the UEE was to need the local militias to help quell the threat instead of the Starmen he had served with. After taking part in the retaking of Orisons platforms, he decided with the money he had made over the years that the best way to keep the peace was to form a deterrent towards the adversaries that would threaten the ones who needed defended the most. At the beginning of 2953 at the age of 27, with the help of a few starting members and a dream, Donovan slammed the bottle of Chardonnay on the hull of the Arkbird, the new flagship for his organization of like minded individuals that wanted nothing more than to protect the lives of those around them. Using the funds generated from keeping the peace, the new organization made further advancements in science and exploration of the cosmos. Taking on the same name as the flagship, Arkbird was founded. Since then it has helped repel numerous attacks on the Stanton System from various groups while sending exploratory missions into other systems such as Pyro, Nyx, and Castra recovering valuable artifacts and documenting new locations along the way.

So why join Arkbird?

If your goal is to explore everything the universe has in store and to do it with others. This is the organization for you. We may be your main organization, or an affiliate. But you’re all flying under the Arkbird banner in the pursuit of knowledge over all. A better home for everyone amongst the stars.

Weekly Content

Donovan Ruckman is a content creator as a TikTok Star with 1.6 Million Followers and a Twitch streamer with 8k followers (@donovanruckman) so you can always expect there to be something going on during the week.

Manifesto

Our Mission, Is Simple

We have many core functions as to what we are

  • To Discover and Explore
  • To Protect and Secure
  • To Help Where Needed
  • To Chart and Run Data

This is a growing fleet of Explorers, Surveyors, Data Runners, Traders, and a well armed militia for self defense use.

The Pathfinders Personal Fleet Includes
  • The “Sovereign” a Javelin Destroyer that is currently being retrofitted in an Aegis Dynamics shipyard.
  • The “Arkbird”, the flagship “tip of the spear” of the fleet, an RSI Polaris, used as a mobile base of operations under the command of the Pathfinder, Donovan Ruckman. Quick and Nimble, its never seen, until its too late.
  • The “Excalibur” an Idris-P Class Warship with the directive of securing systems the “Arkbird” Currently isn’t active in, it is currently active after being built by Aegis Dynamics
  • The “Retribution” , a Hammerhead Gunship sent out for rapid response against pirate fighter swarms when aid is called upon. Armed with torpedoes and ballistic Gatlings, it is hoped it needn’t fire a single round.
  • The “Atlas” , An 890 Jump that focuses on search and rescue. Offering first class amenities and medical care to anyone in need.
  • The “Regalia” , a fast Perseus class Gunship, under the command of Captain Khaital, this warship is the first line of defense usually traveling alongside or nearby the Arkbird or Excalibur and can be sent off on operations similar to the Retribution’s purpouse of warding off pirates and providing quick aid and support.
  • The “Jamestown” , a Pioneer class Colony Vessel which sets up Arkbird’s research bases and settlements across the verse.
  • The “Odysseus” , a Carrack that handles the Faraway Exploratory Missions of Arkbird, the most important part of the Organization
  • The “Invictus” , A Nautilus class Minelayer vessel that lays defenses around critical areas that need defended from space-born threats
  • Resource Vessels such as the Reclaimer, Vulture, Hercules C2, The Arrastra, and the MOLE fund the larger vessels of the organization to explore further and further.
  • Multiple Fighter Craft, Bombers, and Dropships in pursuit of the self defense militia part of the Organization, Although in truth its hoped we never have to use it as we chart new stars, we know that the universe is a hostile place and we must protect the innocent.

This Group is focused on freedom amongst the stars and discovery, although this freedom is in line with the Laws established by the UEE.
Our main focus is plotting Jump Points, scanning for recourses and new locations, exploring everything from deep space, to caves on irradiated moons, to deadly asteroid fields posing a hazard to other explorers.

In the vast and silent ocean of stars, where the echoes of ancient cosmic birth still resonate, Arkbird stands not as conquerors, but as custodians. Our doctrine is not etched in the dust of fallen worlds, but in the shimmering nebulae of peaceful coexistence and mutual growth.

We are a shield, not a sword. Our strength is not measured in the destructive force we can unleash, but in the tranquility we can preserve. We acknowledge the inherent right to existence for all sentient life, and the boundless potential residing within every star system.

Therefore, our guiding principles are

Preservation of Life and nascent Civilizations

We pledge to safeguard intelligent life, especially those emerging or vulnerable, from both internal strife and external aggression. We will intervene only when necessary to prevent genocide, enslavement, or the existential threat of a species, and always with the aim of fostering self-determination, not imposing our will. Non-interference in the natural development of civilizations is paramount, unless their trajectory poses an imminent, verifiable threat to galactic peace.

Galactic Stability through Deterrence and Diplomacy

Our presence is a deterrent to aggression, a clear signal that the peace of the cosmos is defended. While prepared to defend, our primary recourse is always diplomacy. We will actively facilitate dialogue, mediate disputes, and champion treaties that promote understanding and prevent conflict between disparate civilizations and warring factions. Our vessels are instruments of peace, capable of projecting power, but primarily designed for observation, humanitarian aid, and scientific exploration.

Open Communication and Shared Knowledge

We believe that ignorance breeds fear, and fear breeds conflict. We advocate for the free and responsible exchange of information, scientific discoveries, and cultural insights across all borders. We will utilize our network to facilitate communication between isolated systems and emerging civilizations, promoting a sense of galactic community.

Resource Stewardship and Sustainable Growth

The cosmos is abundant, but not infinite. We recognize the need for responsible stewardship of celestial resources, ensuring that no civilization’s growth comes at the expense of another’s future. We will promote sustainable practices and advocate for equitable distribution and access to vital resources, fostering collaboration over competition.

Exploration with Respect and Humility

We are explorers, driven by a thirst for knowledge and understanding of the universe. Our exploration will always be conducted with profound respect for indigenous life, astronomical phenomena, and the unique characteristics of every celestial body. We approach the unknown with humility, recognizing the limits of our own understanding and the vastness of what remains to be discovered.

Internal Discipline and Ethical Conduct

Our members are drawn from across the galaxy, united by a shared commitment to these ideals. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct, discipline, and self-restraint. Corruption, prejudice, and abuse of power will not be tolerated. We serve the greater good, not individual ambition or factional interests.

The Right to Self-Defense and Collective Security

While dedicated to peace, we recognize the inherent right of all entities to self-defense. We will stand in solidarity with those who are unjustly attacked, contributing our resources and expertise to ensure collective security, always with the aim of restoring peace, not prolonging conflict.

We are the quiet watchers, the unseen hands that guide the balance, and the steadfast hearts that beat for the future of all life under the endless, star-dusted sky. Our strength is not in our weapons, but in our unwavering commitment to a cosmos where peace is not merely an ideal, but a tangible reality for all.

Charter

While we chart new Stars, we must stay the course of this initiative, and abide by certain tenets.

We Focus on Exploration

  • Our Core Purpose is to chart out new stars and make it a safer place for everyone by providing new discoveries and information to all the known universe. Space is the final frontier to explore and share with everyone. We must document everything and chart everything we find amongst the stars, in the pursuit of knowledge. This includes but isn’t limited to.
  • Plotting Jump Points, – Nobody can get to these places safely if we don’t chart them and catalog them.
  • Documenting Flora and Fuana – Whether is friendly or hostile, toxic or edible it must be cataloged.
  • Establish First Contact – There are many Alien Species amongst the universe, we take a first contact approach to everything, friendly until fired upon. But remember to stay vigilant, not everything is friendly.
  • Map Cave Systems, Moons, And Planets – We must make it a point to chart surfaces and planet locations to make them easier to navigate the universe.
  • Resource Locating – Charting Fuel, Salvage, Mineable Materials, Derelict Ships and any other hazards should be cataloged and data ran for resources and to keep hazards away from other people in the universe.
  • Helping Anyone in Need – Whether a Medical Beacon or a Distress call, if you’re nearby, you are expected and encouraged to help out your fellow citizens. You may be the only one nearby to make the difference in whether they live or die.

Keeping A Well Armed Self Defense Force

  • While Combat is not our first priority if we have to come to the aid of our other explorers, we are well armed with many capital ships, fighters and bombers.
  • If an outlaw is disrupting our operations or engaging in piracy harassing others, the fleet will act accordingly. Hopefully resolving the conflict peacefully before resorting to violence.
  • Everything we do is in accordance to UEE laws, we do not condone Piracy. But leave our traders to their own vices. If you make trouble for the UEE or other Organizations such as ITC, Rescue Squad One, or the Medrunners we cannot, and will not help you.

Commerce is attributed to keeping our ships fueled and funds for research

  • While our main goal is to explore trading commodities can help cut fuel costs. It is good to get into the habit of making small or large cargo runs in-between stations while exploring and always keep your cargo bay, if not taken up by a rover, full.