A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing is a multi-part Story Contract arc focused on locating and neutralizing the elusive pirate vessel responsible for numerous attacks on UMC infrastructure, culminating in the destruction of the UMC Orion Sentinel. The storyline revolves around a strategic counter-operation planned by Commander Harken to lure the powerful pirate into a controlled trap.

The quest begins with surveillance and evidence gathering, escalating through a humanitarian rescue and culminating in a complex, decisive combat operation designed to neutralize the threat.

Overview edit

The storyline is divided into three distinct parts, transitioning from covert investigation to a direct military engagement. The series introduces advanced ship operations, including crew logistics, specialized equipment handling (Thrusters), and new combat mechanics (the EMP trap).

Part 1: Initial Investigation edit

Main article: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, Part 1

The player is tasked with recovering the **Flight Recorders** from three separate destroyed commercial vessels, including the **UMC Interstellar Prospector**, the **UMC Infinite Horizon**, and the **UMC Celestial Hauler**.
The mission introduces environmental hazards (Meteor Shower in INFINITE HORIZON) and player choices (paying a scavenger for the Flight Recorder, or fighting them).
A final piece of evidence (the wreckage of the **UMC Stellar Horizon**) must be collected via Shuttle operation.
Reward: $200,000 Credits.

Part 2: Rescue and Tracking edit

Main article: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, Part 2

The mission begins with an urgent humanitarian rescue operation to save the 40 crew members of the UMC Orion Sentinel, which is actively under attack by the target pirate vessel.
The player must install **four Thrusters** to successfully dock with the distressed ship.
The mission features the sacrifice of Captain Amelia Ryker, who ensures the crew's escape before the UMC Orion Sentinel explodes.
Reward: $250,000 Credits.

Part 3: The Decoy Operation edit

Main article: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, Part 3

The player must crew and pilot the decoy freighter UMC Astral Temptress into remote systems to lure the pirates.
The core of the operation involves executing a critical sequence: installing weapons onto the UMC Astral Temptress, charging and detonating a massive EMP burst to trap the enemy.
The player must survive a two-minute holdout against the disabled pirate ship until Harken's strike force arrives for the annihilation and salvage operation.
Reward: $300,000 Credits and ownership of the UMC Astral Temptress.

Legacy edit

The successful completion of this contract arc secures the safety of the UMC's supply lines in the sector and provides the player with a valuable new freighter, the UMC Astral Temptress, suitable for immediate commercial use or refitting.