# World Underneath 29 — Above the Ashes

> Captain Rufus defies EVER pressure to sacrifice a trapped DAA squadron, uses his flagship's shields to protect them, and is apparently killed. Caleb arrives, redirects the energy surge, destroys EVER drones, and arranges for Rufus to fake his death while hiding at Caleb's covert medical facility.

- Branch: World Underneath
- In-universe: 2048 (present day) — Farspace Fleet / orbit
- Released: April 21, 2026 (World Underneath update)
- Characters: Caleb
- Locations: Farspace Fleet HQ
- Page: https://ladsarchive.com/events/caleb-world-underneath-above-ashes/

## Description

EVER has infiltrated the Farspace Fleet command structure and pressures Captain Rufus to allow a trapped DAA patrol squadron to die in a magnetic storm (caused by a mutated Protocore) rather than compromise the Protocore's research value. Rufus refuses — he severs the suppressor's connection and uses his flagship's shields to protect the trapped squadron, severely damaging his own warship. EVER observation drones circle the dying vessel. Colonel Caleb arrives piloting a black fighter jet, redirects the magnetic energy surge away from Rufus's flagship, and destroys EVER's drone swarm. The official narrative Caleb presents: Rufus perished, Caleb recovered the Protocore and prevented catastrophe. In reality, Rufus is alive and hiding at Caleb's undisclosed covert medical facility. Rufus recognises that his successor has orchestrated a perfect cover story to preserve Farspace Fleet's independence from EVER while establishing his own operational position within the system.

## Related events

- [Farspace Colonel Companion Outfit — Gravity Field, Possessive Protection](https://ladsarchive.com/events/caleb-farspace-colonel-outfit/)