NationStates Jolt Archive

"SHIFT ENDS! DAY SHIFT RETURNS HOME! EVENING SHIFT BEGINS NOW! WORK AND LIVE! FAIL AND DIE! SHIFT ENDS! DAY SHIFT RETURNS HOME! EVENING SHIFT BEGINS NOW! WORK AND LIVE! FAIL AND DIE! SHIFT..."

The menacing growl of Lord Lancaster blared on speakers scattered all throughout The Great City, Necron II, and in hissing complacency, the Hordes obeyed. It was the snarling efficiency of Burninatonia: the cretins work, the cretins rest, the cretins work, the cretins rest, the cretins do not think, the cretins only do, the cretins do not think, the cretins only do, work, rest, work, rest, do, do, do...

Every evening since his stay on Io, Darian Creed had watched the shift change from the only window of his Io suite. It stood high in the Mystics' Tower--the top floor of five, in fact, signifying Creed's role as the first and wisest among the five Mystics of Burninatonia. The window occupied the entire south wall, looking out onto the alarmingly polygonal streets, across the robotic creatures who hovered high above the city, through the lines of Hordesmen who trudged in straight lines through the center of the streets, exhausted and slumping forward.

And in the center of it all, the Bone-Cave. It stood tremendous as both zenith and origin for the complex simplicity of the Necron equation. There really wasn't much to it, really: if the Bone-Cave fell, Burninatonia fell. Any fool with eyes in his head could see that every corner, every curve, every howl of this grand experiment in complete efficiency rested solely on the ideal that Lucius Lancaster, the last Alegnan, Lord and Commander of the Burninatonian Hordes, was capable of leading and was, most of all, alive.

If the Bone-Cave fell, Burninatonia fell. It was that simple, really.

It had almost happened once. Creed couldn't remember precisely how long ago it was that the NDA outsiders had been invited to the Bone-Cave, how long it had been since Lord Lancaster allowed the Mouth of Billcifer to be defeated and the lands of Billcifer--the dominion of The Tempest, one of his fellow Mystics--to be handed over to Lord Melkor. But he remembered the rush, the sudden urgency in which Lancaster had asked his friends to leave, when the Meteorapolitans had scarred the top of the Bone-Cave, had carved their way into its interior, had begun to destroy Lancaster's labor of self-love. They failed, of course, and the people of Meteorapolis suffered greatly for what they had allowed to happen, for what they had attempted to do to their master after he had done so much for them.

So much... like driving them from Earth, handing their children over to the savages of Burning Mountain to be sacrificed, forcing those who were not killed into slave labor, and then forcing their leader, King Darian XLVII of Creedwater, to become Darian Creed, servant of Lord Lancaster, Earth Mystic of the Burninatonian Hordes... or else suffer the loss of his dear wife and his son.

On that day--the day the Bone-Cave was scarred--Lord Lancaster had allowed the Hordes to enter the home of the woman formerly known as Queen Elwynd of Creedwater and her child, Prince Darian XLVIII of Creedwater. The house no longer stood, and what remained of the family of the once-proud king of the Sky-Stone Worshippers of Meteorapolis was ash, a black shade against the red sand of Io.

Creed clinched his fist as he stared into the obsidian mirror of the Bone-Cave. He had not fought this; he had sat by complacently, thinking it in his own people's best interest. And for this reason, he had allowed his proud nation to become just another jewel in the vast crown of Lord Lancaster. And as he stared, against the biege orb of Jove, a single meteor flickered into vision, only to disappear into the atmosphere of the planet.

The crown would be melted soon. It would fall. The efficiency would cease. The Hordes would run rampant through the land, directionless, hungry, mad. For Burninatonia's success rested on a single, simple ideal: if the Bone-Cave fell, Burninatonia fell.

"WORK AND LIVE! FAIL AND DIE! SHIFT ENDS!"

One Sister, white as winter, to reflect...

She saw the Green Beasts descend upon Sanctum years ago, falling like meteors from the sky and to the land. Dozens became hundreds became thousands became tens of thousands became... oh, Great Fathers, the terror...

She saw Three Lands, said in the crude tongue as Armond, Baala, and Piewacket. They were silent on Sanctum, rich in resource and wealth, without the splendour and wonder of the Machine Age. They were quiet, complacent, vulnerable, like babes in the cradle, so alone, alone...

She saw the Green Beasts descend upon Sanctum years ago, snarling, howling, screaming, gnashing. They shot fire from their grim steel machines, and the men and women of Sanctum fell. The Children of the Three bled, died, no more, no more...

She saw Three Sisters--Arlemond the Elder, Baylaa the Middle, Pyewikket the Younger. Past, Present, Future. Three Sisters stood in the center of The Last Stronghold, felt her granite walls quiver, her stones fall. The dim shaft of sunlight cast above them was often blotted out as one of the great steel dragons that carried the Green Beasts flew by. Pyewikket held her face to Baylaa's breast, sobbing for what was to come, and Baylaa could not offer the comfort of the present to her. Arlemond, white as winter, reflected...

She saw the Green Beasts descend upon Sanctum years ago, and the granite of The Last Stronghold shattered with a single punch. There stood Tempus Terminus, the Beast of Earth and Sky prophesied so long before. In his shadow, all was inexorably tiny, and the power of the Three Sisters was helpless before him. He roared and the ground shook. Sanctum was his.

She saw Three Sisters, carried in chains beyond the Moon. The Beast of Earth and Sky grinned at them, his fangs larger than their bodies. Somewhere in the midst of it all, Baylaa--endlessly aware--heard his name. Arlemond, white as winter, heard it always. His name was Lucius Lancaster.

She saw the Green Beasts descend upon Sanctum years ago. All that remained of Sanctum was a name unrealized.

It was a plan without flaw, so simple it could have killed them: hijack the crafts and blow the Bone-Cave open.

And blow it open they had. The obelisk had once been a symbol of pure, indomitable strength--no more, no less. Now, its walls riddled with holes, from each hole emerging the insurgents of the Protectorates, the Bone-Cave looked more like a bullet-riddled body, waiting to fall.

The red-yellow light of Jove cast itself on the floor like a spotlight reflecting the battle that raged on the floor of Lord Lancaster's lobby. The Hordesmen fell like tin soldiers knocked over in the path of the insurgents, their scythes and swords cutting a swath through the creatures. It was not through numbers that they were victorious; rather, it was through their own wits.

High above the creatures stood one monster who could not fall. He stomped about furiously, desperately trying to discriminate between his own Hordes and his foes. Of course, it mattered not if Lucius Lancaster, Lord and Commander of Burninatonia, Tempus Terminus, the Beast of Earth and Sky destroyed his own creatures; they, too, would return. All that worried him was that too many were falling. Faster, faster than they could breed they fell. He felt the corpses of his foes crunch beneath his feet like beetles, and his terror was only tempered by the incredible, almost sensual pleasure he attained from being the wall, from being the Bone-Cave, from being the beast who would not fell...

...until the pain came sharp.

In the midst of the crash of swords and the buzz of machine guns came silence, and joining with it, a deep moan that shook the very magma beneath the core of Io. Ten thousand million faces upturned toward the Great City, Necron-II, towards the Bone-Cave, towards the leather-clad man, his flaming locks blowing in the breeze from the hole from which he leapt, his mouth low and sinister, his fingertips gripping an elaborate gladius, his gladius thrust like a bloody Excalibur deep into the stone and anvil that was the skull of Lord Lucius Lancaster.

"...why?" The beast made one final noise as it began its slow descent to the ground. The insurgents scattered, and the warrior, King Darian XLVII of Creedwater, pulled the sword from the stone and leapt for the creature's ear, dangling just long enough to whisper.

"For my family, for my people... and for me."

With this, he released, landing safely on the ground just as the gigantic body of Lord Lucius Lancaster fell to the ground with a sickening crash, moments before the monster's magma eyes cooled to dead obsidian.

They had taken the Bone-Cave.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All throughout the galaxy, their was a silence in the Hordes' minds. Any task, no matter how grand, was dropped. Vehicles glided in quiet motion in whatever direction they were travelling. Space vessels continued forward, some crashing into land and sea, some even into the heart of the sun after running out of fuel. They fell like steel meteors, their direction as random and meaningless as the purpose of their pilots now.

And on the surface of Io, chaos ensued. Creatures once driven to create one thing and destroy everything else had lost what semblance of industriousness remained. They became hundreds of millions of wolverines, each one cornered by the one beside it. All through the Great City, buildings began to crumble. The insurgents could only run for safety and watch behind them as many of them fell in the assault. The Hordes had forgotten everything except instinct, and instinct told them only what Lord Lancaster had programmed them to enjoy: killing and eating.

They killed. They ate. And their numbers fell faster and more violently than any race before them.

Senkei is ever so slightly touched by feral anger as it appears before the Leopard Sow. The intelligences playing dressup as a simulated organic using its skin have looked too closely on Io.



"The Lancaster is under attack," says the machine-avatar to the oldest of the three sisters. "The Tigra folk do not worry, but they are tense."



"Maintain vigilance," says the Sow. She speaks in a language Senkei does not understand easily right now, full of HUMINT and SIGINT and SATRECON. She mutters to herself, subvocalization and brain revealing her thoughts of Lancaster and NDA and Melkor and power vacuums.



"The Lancaster is wounded," says Senkei and its white hair is wild and its face ferocious. The Leopard Sow takes note, and so do her husbands.



"The Lancaster is dead," says Senkei, and the Leopard Sow already knows (but not her near-human part). Where the god-beast nods to the departed Lancaster, her elder, the woman calculates risks and opportunities.



"The Lancaster has fallen," says Senkei, and its face is wild; it crouches ready to spring and smash and slay. "The Lancaster has fallen and Burning Mountain is on the move."

Io erupted...

Lord Gondramil stared at his holo, watching as Burninatonia consumed itself in a last tortured gasp of fire, in one final orgy of violence and destruction. "Gods," the Elven viceroy whispered as he watched.

"Lancaster must be dead," his aide Faigliel said softly, coming up beside him, her amethyst-violet eyes shining in the firelight of the holographic image. "Without his stabilizing influence, the Horde turns upon itself. Burninatonia falls. So what now?"

"What now?" the elf-lord echoed. "We tell the Lady, that's what now. We perhaps put the defenses on the alert, in case of raids from any Hordesmen to survive this little self-made holocaust. And we stop having to pay rent on this place. Beyond that? I haven't a clue."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
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The habitats begin moving over Burninatonia, deploying warriors. Not troops all of them, not at all; warriors, barely guided by their priests and the AI and NAI infested nets.

The Tigra Blanca folk slam into the Hordesmen like a buzzsaw, occasionally losing teeth but spreading sawdust all around. Habitats and battle platforms support them with lasers and the occasional flash of fusion explosives, almost lost in the violence of the fiery moon.

Savagely, leaving droves of dead Hordesmen but recovering their own dead and wounded, they begin to shape the Horde. Move it.

There are great carvings in the side of the world. One, immense but lesser, is a great cat. Another, far greater, is of Lucius Lancaster, a mountain range shaped into a hand trying to tear its way out of two-dimensionality.

The Hordes were moving.

The masses fought against dual foes: the Tigra Blancans and one another. Many of them fell, quickly to find their corpses gathered and devoured by those around them, who tore and slashed like sharks in a bloody pool. The force of the attack pushed them to the west, towards Moltain Alegna-Lancax, or as it was known in the common tongue, Lancaster Mountain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, from a source within the Bone-Cave, a transmission was sent forth. Its primary source was the nations of the Non-Democratic Alliance and the inhabitants of Io; however, anyone within close range of the Jovian system likely received it:

Good day to you, neighbors. Many of you may know me as Darian Creed, Earth Mystic of the Imperial Hordes of Burninatonia. In fact, I have only held this vile name for a season, and it is despicable upon my tongue to utter it. Before this time, I was known as King Darian XLVII of Creedwater, King of Meteorapolis.

Years ago, a peaceful place known as Isla Sanctum housed four peoples: the the Armondi, the Baalans, the Piewackets, and the Meteorapolitans. The former three were known as The Three Sisters, peace-loving folk whose culture was rooted in the mystic and surreal, whose monsters were terrible and whose heroes were grand. The Three Sisters were themselves led by three sisters: Arlemond the Elder, Baylaa the Middle, Pyewikket the Younger. They oversaw the past, present, and future of their lands and thus secured their people a relatively isolated position in the world.

The king of the neighboring land of Meteorapolis, however, was a vile and greedy man. In his lust for power he began dealings with one Lord Lucius Lancaster, a vile turtle-dragon and upstart dictator from a nearby island known as Burninatonia. The king acquired great wealth and fabulous weapons from Lord Lancaster, and in return, he swore loyalty to Burninatonia and even granted Lancaster the service of the three most cruel villains in The Three Sisters: the fallen elf Kretian Thorne, the fire-breathing lizard Tiki, and the monstrous ape-beast Grendelynne Magg. Lancaster took them and the king, along with a biological experiment purchased from a cruel scientist named Dr. Billcifer, and made them his lieutenants--"Mystics," as Lancaster called them. They began to assist Lancaster in the duties of ruling his nation under the promise of prestige and power.

However, the king was most deceived. No sooner had he taken them under his wing than Lord Lancaster and his forces took up arms against The Three Sisters. Having no weapons of their own, the Sisters were powerless against the attack, and their people were taken as slaves. The attack continued, however, as Lancaster and his Hordes moved on to Meteorapolis. What little resistance they found was literally trampled underfoot.

The kingdom was lost. Its king was forced to take a new name, and King Darian of Creedwater became Darian Creed, a lowly servant to a madman, forced to serve without question, else witness the death of his family and the complete fall of his people.

It was then that Lancaster brought us to Io and forced my people into slave camps. Those luckiest to live served under Horde masters, toiling without break in the vicious Burninatonian factories. Others were rounded up like cattle and brought to Moltain Alegna-Lancax for sacrifice to their malevolent dragon lord. They served for years, their king distant from them, watching as their land was sold off, given away to outsiders, and burnt into a wasteland--and they too far away to stop it.

Finally, several months ago, the first rebel faction arose. An attack on Lord Lancaster's great castle, the Bone-Cave, was quickly brought down. Lancaster was furious, suspecting each and every one of his own Mystics to be a part of the conspiracy against him, and in his rage, he... killed my wife and son. It was then that I knew that we would suffer no more.

We began to rally, to organize. I found Arlemond , Baylaa, and Pyewikket and instructed them to begin gathering their people together. The movement was swift and brilliantly executed, as the factories of Burninatonia abruptly shut down. By the time the Hordes could mobilize and arrive, we had gone as far as the Bone-Cave. Lancaster stood off the attack for as long as he could. I remember watching him from my place high within the walls of the Bone-Cave, waiting for the precise moment. Then, I descended, and all of Io shook with his scream. My sword, the New Moon, pierced the very mind that had forged this dystopia, and it shut down. It fell.

And now I speak to you, my neighbors, as King Darian I of Creedwater, the first king of the newly united land of Isla Sanctum--a confederation consisting of Armondi, Baalans, Piewackets, and Meteorapolitans.

First of all, I must offer my most sincere apologies to anyone harmed by the sudden and inexplicable rage of the Hordes. It was a setback I could not have anticipated. From my observations here, things have begun to quiet down considerably and without a great deal of loss on the world stage.

Now, there is the matter of what to do with Io. Prior to this day, the whole of Io fell under the rule of Lord Lucius Lancaster; however, he is no more. The Imperial Hordes of Burninatonia now fall under the control of their highest commanding officer. That is, at this point, their Earth Mystic... me.

I have no desire to remain on Io. This land has been most cruel to me and my people, and we all desire to return to Earth and Isla Sanctum as quickly as we can. It is our hope that we can rebuild it to at least a shadow of its former glory.

The Three Sisters and I, however, recognize two things. First of all, to leave Io now would create a tremendous power vacuum. As such, I will remain here until I decide who shall receive control over the lands once known as Burninatonia. Feel free to make suggestions or claims, but know that I will be the final authority in such a switch.

Secondly, our people have no way of returning to Earth. Burninatonian space vessels were designed to be piloted by Hordesmen, and as the Hordes are essentially wolverines now, there is nothing we can do. Therefore, we implore the international community: help these misplaced peoples return to their homeland. I assure you we will not let you soon regret such a decision.

Thank you all for your kind attention. This is indeed a grand day for us all.

http://invisionfree.com:54/85/115/upload/p1077.jpg
King Darian I of Creedwater
King of The Confederation of Isla Sanctum

Your Majesty King Darian I of Creedwater:

It was, I confess, with shock that I learned of the fall of Burninatonia, and then with great sadness that I read the tale of the oppression of your people. I greatly sympathize with your plight, and the Menelmacari merchant marine is uniquely suited to aiding you in your return to Earth. I need only to know how many people need moving, and the ships will be sent, along with a military escort to ensure they are not attacked in transit.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
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How typical is it for the Menelmacari to sit on the fence and choose sides after it's all said and done? Here you have a hypocrite Elf Queen who is dining with Lancaster one night, and professing her love for the rebels the next. She's trying to pander to Darian and kiss his ass. It's revolting, but I've come to expect this when dealing with the Elves.

Lancaster was a great man...lizard.. thing. I was in the Bone Cave before it fell, and I was honored to dine at his table, and I daresay moreso to slay the Mouth of Bilicifer. Quite fun. Didn't much like you, Creed. Killing Lancaster is a deed neither myself nor my Master will ever forgive. If you're people were enslaved, it was because they were weak. And as such, probably still are, as we'll soon see.

But enough idle chatter! The disaffected Hordes of Burninatonia do not need empty words and pity-stories! They need to stop destroying themselves and avenge their fallen master!

And venegance is what they shall get.

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

The Warlord did not speak idly. For the first time, the soldiers of the Io Imperium would move. They mobilized quickly, and efficiently, leaving their labors to the resident orcish slaves as they took up arms and began to move under their master's command.

They were driven forth in force under the tunnels quickly, Uruk-Hai at the fore, beneath the rumbling caverns to their deployment ouposts. Above ground the massive scream of the Uruks could scarecly be heard whistling wildly up from the cracks in the scarred landscape. Beneath, however, it was a deafening orgy of sound and beating drums. Rising above the crys were the calls of their captains, driving the army forward in the Black Speech.

Warlord Althalon began his operation.The Fleets on Mars broke orbit and fell into a formation with Frigates in the fore, surrounded on the sides, above and below by fighters, with gunships behind. Taking up the rear of the Five Fleets' respective formations were the massive Imperial Capital class vessels, weapons armed and ready. Crews began loading drills as the fleets burned towards Mars. Soon, they would arrive.

When they did, Althalon would make his next statement. He hoped the Hordes would listen to him.

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

The news had been... interesting. Unfortunately, It hadn´t been good news. Having about 2.4 million people in the Jovian system, the three colonies were more than just... concerned. They were nervous. Very nervous.

Many paid the horrendous costs for a ticket back to earth, however, many more simply hadn´t the money. Although panic could be prevented... Hordesmen without any rule or discipline, and a fleet of the imperium arriving...

It didn´t look good. And the leading councils of the colonies didn`t like it, either.

Back on earth, other discussions were held. Here, where the threat of the imperium wasn´t as easily to feel, it wasn`t so much fear, but... greed that led the minds of the ruling councils...

The associates, because they feared for what they had achived in the Jovian system.

Clarks nationalists, because they wanted to expand, to enlarge what they already had.

And the MSC, because they could hardly resist the possibility of testing a few new toys.

This one time, their minds wanted the same.

From: Union of Jovian settlements
To: King Darian I of Creedwater
Subject: The future of Io, Relocation of your people

"We have received your message, and we are more than willing to help you. Of course, moving an entire nation is most definitely impossible for us, however, we should be able to transport about 40000 people/ month from Io to Earth. Together with the help of others, we are sure we can manage the end the problem.

As far as we can see, there are two problems: 1. the Hordesmen who are now sort of... ah... going mad, and 2. The Imperium, which seems to be sort of... interested in the matter. In fact, despite them not saying it, we believe they want the entirety of Io.

Now, we wonder if, in exchange for our help regarding the relocation (Which would include transporting all necessary materials), we could get a small outpost on Io... say, about 70000km^2.

We can being moving the necessary transport ships, security forces, and anything else of relevance to Io, immediately."

Sincerely,

Commander Susan Ivanova, Head of the associated council, Ganymede, & member of the Union of Jovian settlements

Hargraves frowned. "When did this come in?" he asked the face in the corner of the screen.

"About an hour ago, sir. Normally we would've had it sooner but the link was down for a while. An outpost reported movement elsewhere in the system. Hence, this report."

Althalon speaks of vengence, Hargraves thought. But nobody, nowhere goes to war for revenge. He knew you don't go to war simply to punish someone, to destroy all their people, raze their homes to the ground and leave. You just didn't do it, unless there was something to be gained.

He frowned again. Land grab. Had to be a land grab. The thought made him nervous. Io was... close. Very close to Petros, Ganymede, and Europa.

And yet, Io was neither Ganymede nor Europa. What happened there was no concern of his, really. All Konanians remembered their last evacuation attempt. But then, with fleets coming from Mars, there would be a lot of ships in the region. He sighed. "Does Jansen know?"

"Jansen, Avinn, Cheriden, Raugher, they all know." Hargraves frowned, the image smiled. "Sorry sir, you're always last on the list."

Hargraves chose to ignore that. "Inform them that we are available for escort if nesscessary, nothing more. Go back to work, you have work to do."

Kristilanna frowned, her brow creasing as she finished reading the information contained on the datanode. Replacing it to the desk, she took a few moments to make considerations. A few feet through the observation windows behind her, Europa moaned. Snowstorms fell violently, once more drenching the soil in a permanent white blanket that it could not escape from.

Almost as though the moon sensed the chaos evolving on Io.



Battles now raged on her volcanic surface. The Imperium mobilised, and rebel factions now sought to outdo each other totally. Immediatley thoughts of Europa passed through her mind, and she instantly made her decsion.



>>>Transmission to:Trium DataNetwork[s], Public data redundencies<<<
||From: Sector One, Llian jovia. Diplomatic Juncture C/o WorldDisc Transmission Redundencies||
||Re: Events on Io ||



The events on Io unfolding as this transmission is sent concern the Serene^Union to the point that a reaction will be issued. Due to the proximity of Kaeneian interests to the disputed Jovian moon, actions will be undertaken to ensure safety of our subsidieries.

The first Solarri fleet will deploy immediatley. Europan orbit will be secured, with only authorised transports occuring between surface and orbit, and vice versa. Kaeneian vessels will begin patrols through the immediate space sorrounding Europan orbit.

Menelmacari isotope transportation will be halted temporarily, and instead stored surface-side for mass lift at a suitable date of resumption.

Communications with Europan settled nations of DA concur with the above measures.


These reactions will terminate apon a relative certainty that the situation on Io has stabilised.




Kristianna Lgarie
Overseer Aeneglis, Protectoresse of Kaeneian interests on Europa

Most Serene Union of Kaenei

Division Five Command, Deep Tsarai, Tsaraine

That Burninatonia would collapse nobody could have foreseen; neither that it would do so fast. Prior analyses of Lancaster's empire had lacked two vital pieces of data. One, that without their leader the Hordes were helpless. Two, that one of Lancaster's lieutenants was in fact an enemy.

The man ... turtle ... thing was a fool, Rene decided. An ally, but a fool. Not unlike Quil'raya in Iraqstan, actually, though his foolishness is an excess of xenophobia, not this insanity of Lancaster's. Putting an enemy in a position of power! Crazy.

"What of my salvage plans?" she asked her legal aide. The man had been consulting international law - what there was of it - upon the rightful ownership of derelict Burninatonian ships.

"I can't see any problems with them, Domina," the little Sche'dayach replied. "So long as vessels don't come to rest in foreign territory, or still have living Hordesmen aboard. From what I've heard, if they do they're likely to be non compos mentis.

"Any ships that land in international waters - should we be so lucky - or simply drift in deep space should be fine. However, discrection is advised."

"As always," Rene agreed. "I had best state Tsaraine's position to Darian Creed, then."


Message To: King Darian I, Confederation of Isla Sanctum
Message Fr: Domina Rene Seingult, Dominion of Tsaraine
Message Re: Salutations from the Dominion

Tsaraine was allied with your former overlord through the Non-Democratic Alliance, and were there any survivors of the Lancastrian government, we would be likely be obliged to act against you.

However, Fate has ensured that that has not come to pass, and Io is beyond the influence of the Dominion. Provided the Earth territories of your new Confederation do not engage in any blatantly offensive actions, we should be able to deal peaceably with each other.

Unfortunately, Tsaraine does not currently have the capability to assist you in resettling your populace, though I personally wish you well in your endeavours.

Khalr'trêi, Darian I.

http://shade.jonpearse.net/Rene.jpg
~ Domina Rene Seingult
Division Five Commandant
Abnatr A'abnatratj E Anlabjatj

From within the communications room of the Bone-Cave, King Darian received transmission after transmission. Quite thankfully, nearly everyone within earshot was not only supportive, but willing to help. It was when he received word from Warlord Althalon that Darian's eyes narrowed.

"I anticipated this..." he mutters, gripping his gladius tightly in one hand. He turns back to his nearest aide. "Are the ports secure?"

"We've managed to secure the five remaining in working condition," the aide replies. "West, Northwest, and Southwest have all gone down."

Darian strokes his chin slowly. "That complicates matters a bit," he says. "And where are the Sisters?"

"North, Highness."

"Then we shall send word to the Menelmacari," he says. "Tell them that it is imperative that a vessel arrive at the north dock as quickly as possible. Right now, if Melkor's forces are going to descend on the Great City, we need to get the Sisters as far away from Io as possible."

The aide nods as the king returns to the communications panel. All at once, however, the aide's eyes light up.

"And what of us, Highness?"

King Darian hesitates. His hand moves back to his gladius again, his fingertips tracing the copper along its hilt. His left hand rises to his forehead, then lowers quivering to his heart. At last, it runs tangental away from his body, straight out. The King of Isla Sanctum does not turn around.

"Were it not for my foolishness, we would not be here right now," he sighs. "I owe the people of Isla Sanctum a great debt, and now, the time has come to repay it. I... will defend the Great City, so that others may return home." His voice quivers as it rises. "Send word to all that would join me. Have them salvage the arms the Hordes left behind. The defense of the five docks must be our top priority, along with the safety of the Three Sisters."

All at once, his left hand clenches into a fist and slams down against the panel.

"I'll hold them off... even if it costs me my life."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the other side of the moon, a slender and tall figure darts across the treacherous plains as best he can, fumbling a bit with the sealed systems kit that protects his body from the dangerous Iotian air. His destination is apparent: the Io Imperium.

As he draws closer to the site, he recalls the attack, the way the cowardly insurrectionists had blindsided his Lord, the way the Hordes had gone mad upon feeling their master's death. And now, it seems, that Lord Melkor has a new plan in mind for the ravenous Hordes.

The man's teeth flash a wicked smile. He has every intention of seeing to it that said plan reaches fulfillment.

Nathicana sat behind her desk, scowling darkly at the recent intel reports, and the request that had gone out, sent by Darian Creed.

"A fine pickle, this. All hell has broken loose, an ally has been lost, the lines are blurred, and they need assistance picking up the damned pieces." She hurled a glass across the room impulsively - not for the first time - and watched it shatter against the far wall with a pop and tinkling of shards as they fell to the wooden floor and scattered. "DAMN you Creed, why now?" I knew it ... I could see it in his eyes. Gods, why do I feel like I narrowly escaped the noose?

She launched a long string of curses, even as she prepared a response, and sent an encrypted message to the two squadrons of Angelan ships stationed in and around Saturn. Preparations were made, crews readied, and plans set in motion. And all the while, her thoughts kept returning to several points in Creed's transmission.

Not so different from your own, bloody coup ... family, all killed ... just revenge ... not so different at all ...

Other missives were sent, recieved, and sent back again in a flurry of keystrokes and calls.




To King Darian I of Creedwater

I can only hope that you recall our meeting in a somewhat better light than what I fear, given the unfortunate happenings of the past day. While I was indeed allied with Lancaster, he made no requests to me in regards to this situation, and it would seem that in the end, the strongest among you stepped forward to take his place. This fact I am forced to respect. The legions of Melkor Unchained seem to be on the move as well. These things together put me in somewhat of a strained position. Now, however, is not the time for philosophical debate as time is exactly the thing you seem short on.

Let it be known that at least for now, we wish to set politics and treaties and the like aside, and to assist you in what small measure we can in the evacuation of your people. Our Angelan fleet stands ready, with room for, I am told, 17,575 of your people. My captains will require direction.

When the danger has passed, and your people resettled, I hope that you will look back on this effort in a positive light, and that you and I may find common ground on which to pursue if not firm ties, at least pleasant relations.

Best of luck.

--Nathicana D'Aquisto, Dread Lady of the Dominion



And in the darkness of space, the fleet heard the call. Under the direction of Admiral Serafina Alighieri, the sleek Angelan ships engaged their jump engines and set their course towards the angry moon of Io.

"We have been guaranteed safe passage and non-interference by the forces of Melkor at least," she relayed via the Mainframe to the other captains of the fleet. "Our mission is simple - evacuation of Creed's people to the best of our capacity. Due care is to be given to maintaining a humanitarian position. All the same, stay alert."

Regardless of assurances, she trusted to the promises of the Imperium as far as she trusted in the diplomatic skills of the Hordes at this point; which was to say, not at all.

When finally the fleet completed their jump, appearing in the skies above the war-ravaged moon, a simple message was sent.

"MarescialloSerafina Alighieri of the Dominion Fleet requesting permission and direction for evacuation proceedures."

"No answer..." Ivanova cursed. But she couldn´t help it, she had her orders... And apparently, all the different groups, corporations, FOQNE`s etc. wanted the same, as surprising (if not impossible) as it was. "Well, we will offer them our services, anyway. Since we are already in the region, we do not really need to move our ships..."

Her aides just nodded, they weren´t really supposed to say anything.

Just about two hours later, a few ships arrived near Io and started to monitor the situation. Keeping their distance to the Io- Imperium (provocating them would have been... bad), they tended to monitor the opposite side of the moon, releasing dozens of drohnes... some large, to watch from far away, others small, landing on the surface... although the casualities were high, due to the... unique environment on Io.

It weren`t large ships, they were just about a hundred meter in diameter, six of them, with a cloud of drohnes surrounding them. For all purposes, the drohnes were mainly scanning for the environmental conditions, the structure of the surface...

To prepare for the evacuation. Of course, it would also be useful to land there, and one couldn´t help but to catch a glimpse of what else was going on.

The ships continued to send a message to the surface. Soon, the first groups could be evacuated IF the people that were to be evacuated actually showed up. Since a lot of officially 'occupied' transporters wanted to leave as soon as possible, the number of people they could transport was fairly large... larger than expected. About a hundred thousand, to be correct. Of course, that would be the only wave they could take within a months, and only about 10k/ day could be brought from the surface to the ships...

But it was better than what they had expected beforehand.

The front moves a lot like wildfire, with the tribes driving the entirely unorganized Hordes before them like animals, which i point of fact they were. Hordesmen and whatever else found itself in the way of the fast-moving melee of Hordesmen and Tribesfolk.

Most of the Horde simply moved, fleeing from the terrible lights behind them. Abandoned cities, pounded into slag. The systems that had kept them reasonably intact against the continual quakes, annihilated. Firestorms trigger and burn and burn and burn, a pyre to a god.

There are two Hordes now. Behind one, the cries of "La Tigra!". Behind the other, "Lancaster!".

The Fleets had arrived. Looming almost larger than life in close orbit were the massive shipyards of Morgoth, from which streamed squadron after squadron of fightercraft, swppoing into the moon's atmosphere and shooting over the camps and bases that covered the land. Frigates manevered around the moon.

Any extraction had to be made quickly. The fleets were moving to blockade.

Under the surface, the march continued. Men in environment suits marched grimly at the front: the unequipped Uruk Hai would have to stay behind. The trolls, however, were sturdy enough in body to handle their surroundings, and needed only masks with which to breathe. The army marched under the standards of both the Imperium and that of Lancaster.

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

The transporters were hard to actually see, just occasionally, their black hulls obscured the stars...

The first wave arrived, shortly after Melkors fleets showed up. One can imagine that the captains weren´t overly... 'happy' about the presence of darkness they had to witness. Well, they would have to deal with it. The question that had to be answered was, of course, Will they allow us to pass?

They came in from behind the six smaller vessels already there, eighteen transporters, the smallest only 100m, the largest 400m in diameter.

The drohnes that made up the crews of the ships were busy actually 'arming' the (usually unarmed) transporters... although their 'armaments' would be more a poor excuse than an actually efficient defence...

Surprisingly enough, they weren´t guarded by any warships. Ivanova didn`t intend to make the situation even worse. In the end she thought... well, hoped that the presence of about 225 vessels at the nearby moons would be sufficient.

Watching the Melkorian fighters emerging, any crew would have prayed... of course, having no crews except the ships CPU(s) and the occasional landing forces, the psychological effects weren´t exactly large. In the case anything would happen, one could still drug the soldiers to make sure they wouldn`t panic.

The transporters were now near the six vessels waiting for them, and in fact just waiting for the Imperial fleets to... well, do something. Or not, which was, in fact, infinitely preferable.

In the meantime, the six vessels that had already been there (One could probably call them frigates, perhaps destroyers), each released a single capsule, each of them heading straight for Io.

"Take us down," Alighieri said, sending the message through the Mainframe to the other captains, along with the directions to where they'd be landing.

Monitoring the Imperium vessels closely, they did just that, taking the most direct route to the northern drop point where already a large crowd had gathered. The Michaelangelo was the first to touch down, followed soon by four more of the Angelan Raptors (http://www.silentrequiem.net/angelus/raptor.html). The remaining twenty-seven ships queued up in orderly groups awaiting clearance as space became available.

Alighieri and the captains and first officers from each ship walked down the ramp to address the waiting crowd. In a loud voice, she barked out orders.

"Line up, women and children first. We have limited capacity, but will be making several trips. Please, no crowding or pushing - we'll get you out of here. There are more ships on the way. The more orderly the evacuation, the faster we get you people to safety."

In the meantime, a quick message was sent to the Imperium forces.

[code:1:12000535b7]
Maresciallo Serafina Alighieri of the Dominion Fleet to the commander of the Imperium forces now in orbit.

We will need more time to evacuate these people. Our forces were guaranteed no interference. I wish to confirm that and reiterate our non-combative intentions. [/code:1:12000535b7]

Fkeet Admiral Il-Amir laughed heartily as he read the transmission. He peered over the paper, where he watched several more frigates slink into the distance. He smirked and set the report down. The faster the DLN got out, the sooner the land could be occupied. He could answer the transmission, but that could render them complacent, and would serve to do nothing but make their operation take longer.

Of course he wouldn't hinder them. But better for now to make them think the Fleets may yet move, so as to hasten the departure of his would-be foes.

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

In vortices of crimson light did the tesseracts of Menelmacar bloom, disgorging fleets of freighters and warships into the Jovian sky. Forty freighters and thirty warships formed up, breaking into four groups of roughly even strength and capacity and making for the surface of the world of fire.

They had been assured of safe passage; arrangements had been made with the Dominion to handle the operation as quickly as possible, and after contacting Maresciallo Serafina Alighieri to inform him of their arrival, they made for the other four ports that remained operational near the Bone-Cave, the terminals at the northeastern, eastern, southeastern and southern cardinal points.

At each station, the warships hung in orbit above, while the transports hurried surfacewards, docking at the ports; they were sufficiently large to take five vessels each, while the other five in each group hung above and back to be ready to land the moment the others left.

Great doors yawned open, Menelmacari officers stepped forth to guide the waiting refugees aboard as quickly and in as orderly a fashion as possible.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

Hargraves bit his nails, watching the hologram of Io hover in the center of the room, with different fleets and ships labels floating midair. Nail biting was a bad habit, he thought, but he was a nervous man and if he didn't he'd go insane.

With a flick of his hands, the hologram turned midair. He saw the multiple fleets of the Imperium. One thing came to mind: That was a lot of ships. Ol' Melkie meant business.

Quickly he dictated a letter to Malcom Raugher, Commander in Cheif of Starfleet-Armada-- Ganymede was to be secured.

In the twin mountains, the Hordes were being pressed deeper in. Their numbers were shrinking, and their drive was failing. The "fight or flee" instinct had been reduced to "quiver in fear" as the Tigrans now outnumbered their foes, both in quantity and in quality of weaponry. They were cornered now.

In the east behind them, a much greater creature appeared. Her gigantic paws padded across the planet's surface as she looked inquisitively toward the cornered Hordes. Her head cocked in curiosity, Princess Tiki set out towards the battling Hordes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the opposite side of the moon, Kretian Thorne had removed the small PDA-like object from the pocket of his suit. In muffled tones, he spoke into it as he continued towards the Io Imperium:

Konrad Althalon, Melkor, Reaven, whoever... this is Kretian Thorne, Steel Mystic of the Burninatonian Hordes. If you plan on taking back the Hordes and putting that fool Creed down, you may need my help. Please respond quickly. Over.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All throughout the Great City of Necron-II, the masses were moving. Wave upon wave of Sanctumites darted through the streets, gathering whatever they could salvage along the way from the ground: supplies, weapons, tools, anything at all of use. The better part of them headed to the cardinal points of the city. Mothers pulled their young children along behind them. Muscular men hoisted large crates in front of them--provisions for their return to Earth and for the long trip back. A young baby on the side of the road bawled, her mother lost, moments before being scooped up in passing by a friendly man.

In the midst of it all, still others were heading towards the city's center, towards the Bone-Cave itself. These had armed themselves with Burninatonian weaponry, preparing to gather to receive further instructions. The Tempest was among them, his monstrous arms pointing out potential points of ambush as he ordered the militia around in their king's absence. They were to protect the gates to the city and the underground entrances--the most likely points from which Melkor's forces would attack.

Even in spite of the tactical advantage, however, The Tempest looked nervous. While their numbers were great, they were indeed understaffed... and how could such a rag-tag force hope to hold a candle to the most vicious attack force in the galaxy?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"They've arrived, Highness," the aide announced. King Darian turned back around, nodding slowly.

"They'll be loaded as quickly as possible," he replied. "I take it they've gathered ample provisions?"

The aide nodded. "And I'm certain we can find others along the way who will be willing to help."

King Darian reached for his gladius again, still not removing it as he paced behind the aide. "And what of our forces?"

"We haven't taken an exact census yet, Highness," the aide replied. "We're most likely looking at a number in the low thousands. I'd say we're quite lucky to have even that."

Darian shakes his head solemnly. For the first time since the assassination of Lancaster, he pulls the gladius from its sheath.

"Well, if we can't win this war by numbers, we'll have to win it tactically," he sighed. "Make sure the entrances are sealed, and make sure that every able-bodied man who isn't loaded onto a vessel is prepared to fight if necessary. We have the supplies; all we need is the will and the mind to win if we are going to stand a snowball's chance in magma of winning this battle."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From on high, she watched as the first of the vessels arrived at the North port--exactly as she had anticipated. In the other four directions, the ships would be loading as planned, taking off just as quickly to be replaced by new ones.

But not the North. The North was different.

First in line for the vessels were three women, The Three Sisters of Isla Sanctum. The eldest, Arlemond, held her black cloak tight against her chubby body as the Dominion representative stepped off of the vessel. The youngest, Pyewikket, bounced her head impatiently as she pressed against Arlemond's leg, her wild eyes changing from green to blue to purple and back again as the future flashed before them. The middle, Baylaa, stood silent and tall, her red hair flowing down her back and almost to her waist, her usual gowns and dresses now replaced by the rags and dust of a slave girl just recently set free.

They were at the front of the line. They were to be the first to board the vessel.

Until that precise moment, the boarding would go off without a hitch.

From high within the rafters, the monstrous ape-like form of Grendelynne Magg dropped into the front of the crowd. Her landing had been pinpoint and had placed her directly behind Baylaa, who had not the time to react as the beast wrapped her right arm around the neck of the Middle Sister, the eye that perused the present.

"Thought we was gonna make a lil' escape, ay!?" the beast growled. "Don't take a step or even move in a way that displeases me, or the bitch gets 'er neck snapped like a pretzel! An' we don't want that, do we?"

The crowd backed away slowly as murmurs and cries arose from them. Pyewikket buried her face in Arlemond's leg as the old woman stood back helplessly.

"That's royt... back down!" Grendelynne snarled. "Dis 'ere vehicle ain't gettin' off da ground 'till th' uruks show up, 'less you wanna see yer pretty lil' princess 'ere goin' back t'Earth in a pine box! Now do we 'ave an understandin'?"

Admiral Soldi dropped the datapad on his desk and slumped back into his chair after he read the report. Two Captains, Sudhara and Singh, sat with him in the coference room about Gammak station. They had been discussing the progress of Phase Two of the Jupiter Project when the news came. Now, there ws only stunned silence.

"They... how... How, damnit! Soldi's pulse quickend as his tone rose. "How on earth could this happen? Now, of all times? HOW!"

"This means..." Sudhara interjected, "...this means that Io is gone. Gone. The Hordes are scattered and broken, and soon the Imperium will besiege and either drive away those who can flee, or take those who can't. Within a year this means they'll have sole possession of Io. This..."

"...Is a distaster, yes," said Singh gravely. 'The Jupiter Project was supposed to be damn near completed before the Imperium was to be in this sort of position. Now, unless the elves hold them back, they've got all of Io to themselves."

"So, what can we do?" Soldi half-whispered, afraid to even commit to the morass that this event would cause.

"First off, we need to lock everything down. Everything." said Sudhara as he outlined his plan. "The stations here, on Mars, Earth, and Uranus, all of them. The inner fleet is to take up their defensive positions, while the entire outer fleet is to be recalled here, save for the Ophelia garrison. Construction continues, and we immedietly start with the installation of the defensive systems. Then we pray they don't get ambitious."

"Can we help get those refugees get off that god-cursed rock?" asked Singh.

"If the Imperium allows us, yes." replied Sudhara,"We can detail nearly a dozen Warlocks to the evacuation effort. They can carry nearly 20,000 men and equipment, after all."

"Good. Do it. Do it all." Soldi's order was final.

"But what if they refuse?" interjected Singh.

"We'll kindly remind them we outnumber them two to one, and hope they don't call out bluff," offered Sudhara. "Tell them we don't want a fight, and that helping of our allies in their time of need is our overriding concern, not petty squabbles and territory grabs. They can have Io, if they want it, but only once the enslaved people of the former Burnintonia are freed. But, say that only if they refuse."

Soldi breathed a sigh of relief. Thank Buddha for Singh and Sudhara. He would just have easily ordered the Imperial fleet destroyed and the base on Io oblitereated, but he knew that a war with Morgoth was not one they could hope win. So his councellors advised patience, and reason prevailed. Yes, thank Buddha for Singh and Sudhara.


To: Commander-in-Cheif, Imperium fleet, Io
From: Indiastan High Command representative, Lord Admiral Soldi
Re: Io evacuation

Honoured Imperial commander, welcome. I will be straight forward with you, and not play the petty political games that we soldiers are not accustomed to. You and your forces currently stand between us and aiding our allies in the former Bunintonia leave Io. Now, we are not concerned with what you plan to do with Io, however, we ask that you stand down and allow Indiastan transports to begin landing at Necron-II and assisting with the evacuation of the humans there. There is no need for bloodshed there; I'm sure on that we can at least agree. Permit our transport craft and their landers into orbit, and we will help remove the only human resistance left on Io. After that, you are free to do as you please with that blasted rock. Good day.

The imperial fleet didn´t seem to do much... Actually, it didn´t seem to want to do much.

Which was, in fact, exactly what they... well, liked.

Slowly, the six capsules descended towards Io, and finally landed, hard, the capsules being heavily damaged. Not that it mattered much, though, since they weren´t reusable, anyway.

From the damaged capsules, things emerged. Red and black, brown and grey bodies could be seen, some with legs, some with wings. Some looking like they were actually alive, others looking like machines.

All of them were quite small, the largest perhaps a meter long, the smallest only a centimeter.

And then, they begun to move, to explore the area... To collect information, geographic information, climatic information, meteorologic information, geologic information... Anything they could get.

Only minutes later, the civilian freighters begun their move.

Their shuttles were usable. Not at high- gravity objects like earth, there one would need to shoot them into space with rockets. But Io... Io`s gravity was acceptable for them (And the amount of fuel they needed).

And so, they descended, shuttle after shuttle, the largest about 40m in diameter, the smallest only about 10m in diameter...

While the shuttles themselves didn´t need pilots, every single one had two men on board to prevent chaos on the surface, to bring order to the chaos of Io...

Meanwhile Ivanova was discussing other... 'stuff' with the other Jovian councils. It was unlikely Melkor wouldn´t use this chance to get Io... Unfortunately, they wanted a part of it for themselves.

Finally, another group of ships begun to move. WAY to early, according to the original plan, but it couldn´t be changed.

This time, just about thirty warships came in, and this time, it weren´t only destroyers...

With them, another eighteen civilian transporters and frighters moved in. Considering the short distance, they would arrive within less than thirty minutes.

However, this time, there was a difference... This time, the ships weren´t empty.

[b]Encoded Message
From: Der Angst
To: United Indiastan
Subject: Io

"I`m sure you´re just as nervour regarding Io as we, and for that matter, my superiors, are.

It is unlikely that we can actually prevent Io being taken by the Imperium. That is, taken mainly by the Imperium. However, we have considerable interest regarding Io, as you surely know... QActually, we believe it is mutual interest.

So, we think about establishing an outpost on Io, size comparable to out other Jovian assets, that is, about 70000km^2. We wonder if you´re interested as well... That is, creating an outpost on Io. Considering the mutual aims we talked about a while ago, this seems to be the... well, logical thing to do.

Sincerely,

Susan Ivanova, ACJA (Angstian Council of Jovian Assets)

The Jovian Konanian States had 5 of the Armada's fleets, each of 25 ships. Of these fleets, First Jupiter and Fifth Jupiter rose from their respective bases on Ganymede and Europa to secure Konanian interests. Their fighters, now deployed, were to help AIDSATs in destroying anything of unknown or unfriendly origin that attempted to pentrate Konanian space.

Second Jupiter and Fourth Jupiter remained, defending various expendable mining projects on smaller moons. Laborers were told to continue their work, but were assured that they could be evacuated at a moments notice. None were to breach Io space.

Third Jupiter had a mission of its own to complete-- To safely escort any friendly ships in the area back to Ganymede "if circumstances arose that vessels become disabled".

Too much was happening at once. Far too much. Alighieri was not amused. Taking advantage of the outlets available to her through the augmentations recieved on the WorldDisc, she quickly sent out instructions, her face never betraying more than a tightening around her eyes, watching the great beast threatening the red-haired woman.

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: Serafina Alighieri - Angelus Mainframe - Dominion Squadron Leaders
:
{Ready our soldati meccanica. I want all 100 of them on the ground. Now.}
{Do it quick, do it quiet. Perimeter - close the circle but take no actions til}
{ordered. Keep it cool, people. No heroics. We're here to get these people out,}
{not get their leaders killed.}

{Keep monitoring the Imperial fleet. And I want info on the new arrivals asap.}
{Establish contact, monitor activities, hold position til ordered otherwise.}
:
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###

"There is no 'escape' here, Mystic Magg," Serafina replied smoothly, hardly able to mistake the creature before her from the files she had recieved on Burninatonia previously. "As for these uruks you mention, I'm afraid they won't be coming here until after we've evacuated these people. If you doubt, contact the Imperial fleet above us and see for yourself. We are here completing our task with their blessing and full knowledge."

She flashes Grendelynne a toothy yet cold smile. "I suggest you let the lady go. The sooner we are finished, the sooner we, and they, are out of your hair. I'm fairly certain you have more pressing business to attend to than waylaying a pack of refugees."

Several of the ships above released their smaller craft, fanning out in what could be interpreted as a standard search pattern. Now and then one would dip down, as out of sight as was possible, to deposit the few soldati they held. Each of these individuals moved stealthily, acting as but a part of the whole, coordinating their approach in an attempt to encircle the waiting crowd ... and to draw a proper bead on the hulking beast threatening them.

[Communication={First Officer Cipriano Inzaghi}] Stay with me, man. If things go sour, get those women aboard, and lift off.

Cipriano gave Alighieri a quick glance, showing his understanding as he stood next to her, his expression one of careful neutrality.

The other officers mirrored the stance of their leader, all the while quietly communicating with their crews, and keeping a sharp eye on the other fleets via the Mainframe.

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: Captain Giuseppe Cavalleri, - Angelus Mainframe - Der Angst and United Indiastan Fleets
:
{We request an explanation of your presence here. We are working with Creed and}
{his current regime to evacuate his people from this place. As allies under the}
{NDA charter, and as Burninatonia, regardless of who holds the leader position,}
{we request that you respect their sovereignty, and desist from any further}
{actions until you, and we, recieve clearance from them.}

{To United Indiastan - we realize you also are an ally under the charter, however}
{your intentions again, have not been broadcast to us. You have come into a very}
{delicate situation here, and we do not wish to upset the careful balance we have}
{worked to achieve with any possible rash actions on the parts of others.}

{To both, we await your response.}
:
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###

---------------------------------

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: Captain Pietro Malatesta - Angelus Mainframe - Menelmacari Fleet
:
{Imperium fleet is playing it close. No response when hailed. Suggest we do this}
{as quick and careful as possible. New fleets have arrived - intent, unkown. We}
{are allied at the least with the United Indiastan forces, but are awaiting their}
{reply as well.}

{Have run into a hostage situation here in the North. Our departure is going to}
{be delayed somewhat. The forces here seem to be as much set against each other}
{as they will be the Imperium. No assistance requested at this time.}
:
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###

Soldi and his staff watched the flow of communications traffic, and got down to trying to sorting things out.


To: Captain Giuseppe Cavalleri
From: Indiastan Jovian Fleet Command
Re: Prevention of an Io incident

Captain, our intent is the same as yours. We have asked the Imperial fleet to allow our ships into orbit in order to allow us to assist in the evacuation. Our fleet is present here because it is always present - Gammak, our Fleet HQ, is located in Jovian orbit, and so the unfolding events are of vital concern to us. In addition, we are preparing to offer King Creedwater limited automated defense systems if he intends to attempt to hold Necon-II against the Imperium. That is all.


To: Susan Ivanova, ACJA
From: Indiastan Jovian Command
Re: Establishment of an Io outpost

Well comrade, this most certainly is not a good situation. Burnintonia crumbles, and now the Imperium moves to fill the gap... the noose is tightening. Our best bet is to establish an outpost very near to the Menelmacari one - they may not be the best of friends, but it serves both our interests that the Imperium is not allowed sole dominion of Io. Barring Imperial interference, we could start construction within a week. Acceptable?

In the mean time, the Fleet was abuzz with activity. Every ship that could was put out, and ships were distributed to Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa, to defend the colonies there. It was merely a precautionary measure, but one that no one minded taking. Fifteen Warlock class Strategic Destroyers were made ready to go to Io, and were packed with food and supplies for their passengers. Some of the ships fighters were even left behind in order to fit more shuttles aboard. They awaited Imperial responce.

Tense could only begin to describe the atmosphere aboard Gammak.

The first wave of refugees loaded swiftly and efficiently aboard the waiting vessels--women and children first, followed in short order by a small quantity of men. Those who were able carried provisions and cargo; after all, they were anticipating a long trip and an even longer time revitalizing their society upon their return home.

But just as quickly as the ships were filled, more refugees began filing in. And even despite of their speed, the process seemed dirge-slow, hindered by the sheer numbers involved.

Melkor's troops would arrive soon. When they arrived, they would meet with what little resistance had been gathered within the capital of Burninatonia. The militia would be able to hold them for some time; this they did not doubt.

But would it be enough time?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All throughout the center of the Great City, the barricade had begun.

King Darianhad reported no movement of Melkor's troops on the ground, so the focus was on sealing the underground entrances to Necron-II. Each tunnel was connected to the surface by a freight elevator, so the first effort was to deactivate these elevators. From there, the doors at the tops of the elevators were covered with whatever heavy things could be found: boxes, buses, tanks, or anything else that the militia could find and manipulate. It would be enough to delay the attacking force, and every second they could gain was pivotal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"More pressin' business?" Magg snarls. "'Scuse me, love, but wit' all due respect, dis 'ere's da same Sista Baylaa who took me life away once already! Dis bitch woulda killed me once if I 'adn't left th'country!"

"Oh, rubbish!" Pyewikket abruptly shouts, her eyes flashing with rage. Arlemond restrains her by the shoulder with one hand. "Arlemond told me! You were taking people into your lair and killing them! You were making meals out of everybody in the land! You were..."

"Dat's quoyte anuff, Lil' Missy!" Magg howls, and with the lifting of one foot, the hairy beast kicks the girl backward into Arlemond. The girl sits still, staring in silent rage at the beast. "Now den, nobody try dat again! I wanna personally deliva dis 'ere shiela to Melkor 'isself! Now, if Melkor ain't comin', den I guess yer gonna 'ave t'take me to 'im. So 'ere's the deal: you get me to Melkor, an' I promise I'll make sure 'e don't kill 'er! Do we 'ave a deal?"

Only panic makes the Hordes outnumbered - the population of Burning Mountain is less than 15 million and many of these are juveniles. Well-armed, leopard-graceful warriors supported by floating fortresses can seem far more numerous than they are.

Now the Hordes are driven into the very lines of the two great figures, and the sacrifice begins. By laser and rifle and machete the Hordesmen die and die and die...

Space

The drawings flare, the figure of Lancaster and of the jaguar. First it's only visible to the ones with eyes to see, to thaumaturgic instruments. Soon it becomes obvous to all but the mind-blind that there is a vast raging will working here.

And then the simple figures, hundreds of kilometers across, begin to flare in even the visible spectrum.

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: Captain Giuseppe Cavalleri, - Angelus Mainframe - Der Angst and United Indiastan Fleets
:
{We request an explanation of your presence here. We are working with Creed and}
{his current regime to evacuate his people from this place. As allies under the}
{NDA charter, and as Burninatonia, regardless of who holds the leader position,}
{we request that you respect their sovereignty, and desist from any further}
{actions until you, and we, recieve clearance from them.}
{To both, we await your response.}
:
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###


From: Admiral Yamato, DA Fleet
To: Captain Giuseppe Cavalleri, Dominion Fleet
Subject: Our fleet presence

"We do likewise, intend to evacuate Creeds people from Io. In this situation of grave danger, not to mention the actual warfare on the ground, we think that actually waiting for clearance is but a risk for the people that need our help. We can`t guarantee that Creeds people are actually able to reply to our calls, but we wont let legal issues come in the way of humanitarian aid.

But then, you being an ally of the former Lord Lancaster, i sort of understand your position...

Yamato grinned when sending the message. It had taken him some time to stay calm, to prevent himself from insulting the Dominion... Which he failed, but it was, at least, not too obvious.

Now other, more pressing matters became significant for him...

He watches the shuttles descending, finally arriving at the rocky surface.

The shuttles opened their door, ready to take the refugees, whereever they were. So far, nothing had happened... and the information they got about the geography was valuable...

And the Imperium hadn´t interfered.

Looked like he could begin the second part of the operation.

And soon, other capsules, as well as shuttles, were launched while the new arrivals released even more drohnes, covering them like a cloud.

The shuttles released by the eighteen new civilian vessels were empty, except the usual two men to organise anything.

However, the shuttles that headed downwards from the military vessels, as well as the capsules released by them, were not empty...

---

Indiastan Jovian Command, Encrypted wrote:

To: Susan Ivanova, ACJA
From: Indiastan Jovian Command
Re: Establishment of an Io outpost

Well comrade, this most certainly is not a good situation. Burnintonia crumbles, and now the Imperium moves to fill the gap... the noose is tightening. Our best bet is to establish an outpost very near to the Menelmacari one - they may not be the best of friends, but it serves both our interests that the Imperium is not allowed sole dominion of Io. Barring Imperial interference, we could start construction within a week. Acceptable?

From: Susan Ivanova, ACJA
To: Indiastan Jovian Command
Subject: Establishment of an Io outpost

I agree, so do the other two members of the council. However, first of all, we need to secure the area. We begun moving to guarantee said security just a few moments ago. It is a risk, but unfortunately, it is necessary.

Regarding the Dominion`s interference... It would be most useful if you could secure our interests by negotiating with them. I have the feeling my own Admirals aren´t exactly able to handle the matter diplomatically.

Regarding your 'other' ideas... we will begun the operation shortly. However, it will take about a day until the ships are prepared.

Sincerely,

Susan Ivanova, ACJA

On the three other galilean moons, preparations begun. Transports were made, shuttles headed into orbit...

They needed to be fast, or they would be too late.

Captain Singh was ordered to take command of the mission, so he led from the bridge of his own ships, the INV Kiritsubo. Fifteen of the new Warlock-class Destroyers had been pooled for this project. While they had their fighter and compliments reduced to allow for more people, their holds were not entirely empty. Crate upon crate of wepaons and supplies were to be offloaded for the defenders of Necron-II, and the bedraggled people of the city were to be loaded on in turn. Eight thousand rifles, some five thousand anti-personel mines, nine hundred Tarantula Sentry 55mm Autocannon systems, and enough explosives to level a good third of the city, plus enough ammunition and ration packs to last for five months. They figured they had three days to offload everything, and teach enough officers how everything worked so that the guns could be useful. If they overstayed their welcome... well, they'd have to show them how to shoot by example...

The shuttles themselves were nondescript; they were little more flying boxes with engines, a front cockpit above the central hold, and a underslung nose ramp. They held about a hundred people each, though another hundred could be held if everyone stood. Each ship had twenty of these shuttles, and they started work immedietly. In addition, teach ship's fourty troop lander VTOL craft began making runs, carrying thirty people apeice. The shuttle runs took ten minutes each way, and another ten at each end for loading and unloading. They were confident that all 500,000 people that they had agreed to move out would indeed be moved in the alloted time. And the weapons and training crews were all ready to go.


To: King Darian I of Creedwater, Io
From: Captain-General Raliegh Singh, United Indiastan
Re: Evacuation and War

*Begin Encryption Cypher*
King Darian, let me be the first to congradulate you for liberating your people from the grip of Lancaster. Yes, we are allies of that former regime, though we have not had dealings with them in the past. We wish to help as best as we can, so I have a propisition for you. We know that you need to get your people off of Io, and in this we can help. We have enough ships that we can move half a million people in three to four days, if they are all marshelled and made ready to go. Ind addition, if you'd like, we can provide arms for you and any remaining people to hold the city against Imperial advancement. We are aware that you have only disgarded Horde weapons; we would provide you with weapons far more suitable for the force at hand. For one thing, the rifles are designed for humans, and the mines and rockets are very simple. We ask nothing in return at present, though I have been told that we may ask for land on Io in the future, land which is yours to grant. Our ships will be in orbit tomorrow, and we fervently hop that you will have responded by then.

Sincerly,
Captain-General R. Singh, United Indiastan
*End Encryption Cypher*

And it ate my post.

Althalon stood gazing out a window, muttering softly. Suddenly an aide burst into the chamber, and the Warlord turned his head sharply, and removed from his ear a headset. He held it behind his back as he looked to the Lieutenant, who presented a datapad. It played the transmission from Kretian Thorne, who was advancing on the compounds of the Io Imperium. Already he was over the subterranian bases and advancing on the domes.

"We received this a few minutes ago. Kretian Thorne was present in Lancasters court, as you know, and may have valuable information for us."

Althalon nodded. Send word to the Captains to slow the armies. It serves our purposes more directly to have these people evacuated, so as to isolate the defending force. They won't be able to withstand our onslaught for long, barring some unforseen device. Scouts are reporting that some countermeasures have been taken."

The other man nodded. "Anthing Else?"

Althalon grinned wickedly. "I've been authorized to use those modified Amarthi variants. Morgoth beleives they're ready for use. They'll advance very rapidly overland and out of sight to the epicenter, and strike before our armies rise from the tunnels. They'll keep them busy while we figure out passages up to the surface. Once the strike begins, I want a direct uplink with all Unit Captains and Taskmaster Overlords to coordinate the assault. The fleets have been ordered to stay in close orbit and allow the extractions."

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

Not sure if I'll have reason to post here or not, so TAG.

{Wide Band Comms, Open Channels, High Priority}
o Cetagandan Home Fleet
x ALL SHIPS IN JOVIAN SPACE

ATTENTION ALL SHIPS!

The Cetagandan Imperial Battle Fleet is hearby declaring an exclusion zone 150,000 kilometers in radius around the Callisto, Jupiter IV. Any and all ships entering this zone without prior authorization will be engaged by Callisto Orbital Defeneces and the Cetagandan Home Fleet.

THIS APPLIES TO ALL VESSELS!

====

In the skies above Callisto, the Cetagandan defenses prepare for battle. All orbital platforms power, militia and reserve ships begin to muster, and the Home Fleet moves to guard against any incursions that could threaten the numberous shipyards in orbit and the large ground colony.

[code:1:053641e50a]TO: SKYMSL M'SHA, CO 2TEF
FR: TYCSHQ
RE: IO

RENDEZVOUS WITH 6TEF 4TCF AND 5TCF AT FAILSAFE KILO TO FORM TASK FORCE GUARDIAN <STOP> PROCEED TO IO AND FORM UP WITH CETAGANDAN FORCES FOR MANEUVERS <STOP> TAKE UP POSITIONS OUTSIDE ENGAGEMENT RANGE OF MELKOR VESSELS <FULL STOP>

OBJECTIVES ARE AS FOLLOWS <STOP> PRIMARY PREVENT ATTACK ON TRIUMVIRATE HOLDINGS ON IO <STOP> PRIMARY LIMIT MELKORIAN EXPANSION ON IO <STOP> SECONDARY PREVENT MELKORIAN EXPANSION ON IO <FULL STOP>

YOU ARE TO PREVENT AGGRESSION AGAINST TRIUMVIRATE MEMBERS <STOP> THIS IS CURRENTLY CONSIDERED TO BE AN NDA AFFAIR <STOP> PROVIDE SECURITY BUT DO NOT TAKE PROACTIVE MEASURES AS OF YET <FULL STOP>

EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO <FULL STOP>[/code:1:053641e50a]M'sha crushes the printout in one furred fist, grinning to herself as she nods to the comms technician that handed the sheet of paper to her. Turning back to the center of the command room, green cape flapping momentarily around her legs, she stalks back to her seat and sits down, swinging her console in front of her and immediately tapping a yellow-colored button. "Alert Condition Zero."

The bridge's lighting immediately takes on a yellow tint, as do lights all across the battleship Vinegaroon. Troopers of the TYCS immediately go to general quarters and battle stations, warming up weapon capacitors and shield banks. The Second Expeditionary, idling in parade formation near Iapetus, disperses into combat formation--fifty kilometers between ships--as the Sixth Expeditionary, Fourth Combined, and Fifth Combined form up alongside and immediately begin gravving out of the Innerspace Exclusionary Zone.

"So... what's the plan, M'sha?" The briefing room is filled with the ghost-like projected images of other Sky Marshals, all looking on with a bit of concern as the kzinret paces around the room. The questioner, a man with boyish Mongolian looks and a face that looks like it smiles far too often, dourly follows her with his eyes.

"They have established a blockade of Io, Dashyondon. Technically, this is an act of war. The TCPS and Menelmacar both have colonies on Io and, if this blockade is extended against them, then it is time for the mutual defense clause. We will jump in outside of engagement range, split up into two pincers, and begin orbiting. I will demand that clear lines of transit be left open to our vested interests on Io and warn the Melkorian commander that expansion would be... frowned upon."

"Makes sense." Sky Marshal Ho'elun Dashyondon of the Fifth Combined nods, still frowning. "And if he doesn't open up routes to Burning Mountain and the like?"

"Then..." Tandra Fani-Kayode, commander of the Sixth Expeditionary, pauses for a moment, her deep brown face locked in a mask of grim determination. "Then we do what we must."

* - * - *

Leaving the frontiers of the IEZ, the fleets vanish into nothingness, a mix of student-film bump-cut and receeding into infinity in infinite directions at infinite speed. Exchanging the yellow and white bands of Saturn for the curling red, orange, and off-white vortices of Jupiter, they fan out, one group of two fleets taking the lead. They fall into orbit around Io, outside the weapons ranges of the ships already arrayed there, each group taking a hemisphere. Merely a statement of presence.

* - * - *

To the Ardan fleets:

I am Sky Marshal M'sha of the Triumvirate of Yut, commander of Task Force Guardian. We are here to ensure the continued sovereignty of pre-existing Territorian and Menelmacari claims on Io. To this end, we require that open passage to these claims be maintained.

We understand that just as we have long-standing legitimate claims on this moon, you do also due to recent good fortune. Congratulations on that. Hypothetical expansion into our own would be frowned upon greatly.

Sky Marshal M'Sha
CO, Second Triumvirate Expeditionary Force
TYWS-BB Vinegaroon

<This double post destroyed for entering the Callisto Exclusion Zone.>

{Secure Comms, m16 Security Protocols}
o Cetagandan Home Fleet
x Allied Forces

Consider yourselves authorized to enter the Callisto defence zone as needed. We're preparing to move additional forces into the area to support any move the Triumvirate should need to make. Gods willing, we won't need to do anything, but its not looking good.

Fleet Admiral Horatio Lepescu
Home Fleet

Convoy Group Lemminkainen Mindscape

The CG is inbound for Io on a fast track, boosting hard.

"...ships entering this zone without prior authorization will be engaged by Callisto Orbital Defences and the Cetagandan Home Fleet.

This applies to all vessels!"

The exclusion zone appears in the navigation plot. The projected path of the CG's center of mass describes a chord that cuts 31,100 kilometers into the red sphere.

Colonel Joshua Rukavindi inclines his broad head. Course plots flash. 31 minutes until point of no return for crash evasion. BB Lemminkainen deploys one FACREW mount. One weapon decollimates and spears a primary comms relay with green light.

The messenger, the androgynous macine-avatar Senkei.

"Cetagandan Home Fleet, this is Convoy Group Lemminkainen out of Haphaestus Station, en route for Burning Mountain at Io. Requesting permission to traverse exclusion zone along present course plot. Colonel Rukavindi available for consultation. Request immediate response."

The ships quickly and discreetly perform weapon checks.

At the Orbital Docks in orbit around Titan, the 2nd Battle fleet has finished making repairs and maintanence on its ships. Fully restocked and manned, they head out slowly. The 1st fleet is scheduled to make a stop-over on its patrol routes, and they would need the space.

Commander Twaarl, aboard the Impetuous Guat, receives a comm from Admiral Shaar.

[code:1:72b6c590f1]COMMANDER TWAARL:

SITUATION AROUND IO HEATING UP<STOP> TRIUMVIRATE MEMBERS MAY REQUIRE ASSIST<STOP>MOVE 2ND FLEET INTO IO AREA< AND RENDEZVOUS WITH ANY FORCES FRIENDLY THAT ARE PRESENT<STOP>POSSIBLE HOSTILE SITUATION MAY EXIST<STOP>DO NOT ENGAGE<STOP>MAINTAIN FORCES BEYOND FIRING RANGE<ALL STOP>[/code:1:72b6c590f1]

Twaarl read the comm on his datapad, and got on the PA.

"All hands, prepare for maximum burn. Attend your positions. I want constant drills and checks made until we arrive at Io bearing [xyz]."

He then stood up, and made his way to his neuro-shunt pod. The other command crew did the same. As soon as the feeling of vertigo subsided (a side-effect of the neuro-shunt), the command staff were in contact with each other at the speed of thought.

Twaarl: "I want us ready in case we enter run into a firefight. Keep all weapons and shielding on stand-by. maintain radio silence until we arrive there. Contact the Cetagandans and let them know our ETA."

The seven capitol-class ships, and the numerous escort crafts, go into full burn after getting a 5 km distance from the Orbital Dock.

"Hlaford Eadwacer," the page begins. "As you are aware se micel wyrm Ioes has fallen and the land of Io is in upheaval. At present, þa wyrd sweostors are claiming partial authirity and Cyng Creed the rest. It grows more complex.

"Se elf Melkor, bearn Caines, þone cwealm gewræc ece drihten, is moving to claim Io. There exists the risk that se synscaða will move to claim more lands, if this happens, we must be prepared to defend the borderlands. I recommend that we start calling up reserves and ensure that we are ready for battle."

The torch light flickers over the old king's face, deep shadows outlining his many winters. "Long have the elves, good and evil, strove and stood against each other in this world. We find one evil gone and replaced by another far worse. Victory may be glorious, but war can be a curse. Call up the reserves, ready the armaments. We must be prepared to defend our borders and support our allies."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/eadwacer/eadwacer.jpg
Eadwacer, Mearclanda Þeoden

To the Ardan fleets:

I am Sky Marshal M'sha of the Triumvirate of Yut, commander of Task Force Guardian. We are here to ensure the continued sovereignty of pre-existing Territorian and Menelmacari claims on Io. To this end, we require that open passage to these claims be maintained.

We understand that just as we have long-standing legitimate claims on this moon, you do also due to recent good fortune. Congratulations on that. Hypothetical expansion into our own would be frowned upon greatly.

Sky Marshal M'Sha
CO, Second Triumvirate Expeditionary Force
TYWS-BB Vinegaroon

"Ah, you'll pardon the blockade, Melkor ordered it for some reason. I don't myself much know why, but he insisted. If there's something you need to do on the surface or what have you, just be sure you don't land around Necron-II because it's about to be a full-blown war-zone. Notifiy Fleet Admiral Ahadi Il-Amir of your passage, however or he might just be nuts enough to open up on you guys.

At any rate, I assure you we won't be making any moves against the existing colonies on Io. We're merely trying to reign in the disaffected Hordes and further our claims."

PS.- I myself personally don't plan on screwing with you here but I must warn you that Ahadi has lately been under suspicion of being a loose cannon. He bears an intense hatred for all things Titan, as he was a Nargothrond crewman.

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

ATTENTION ALL SHIPS!

The Cetagandan Imperial Battle Fleet is hearby declaring an exclusion zone 150,000 kilometers in radius around the Callisto, Jupiter IV. Any and all ships entering this zone without prior authorization will be engaged by Callisto Orbital Defeneces and the Cetagandan Home Fleet.

THIS APPLIES TO ALL VESSELS!


[ooc: You ain`t the only one with a colony on Io... Since it is almost impossible to know who has what, where, since when in NS, i would suggest always adding an 'except nations with <enter name of moon here> assets' line...]

ic:

Commander Jashugan frowned. They did what? What do they intend to do, cut us off from any supplies?

He quickly composed the message, his anger fairly... obvious:

From: Commander Jashugan, DA Callisto
To: Cetaganda
Subject: Your lack of thought

"I`m sure it`s just a little mistake... But you do not intend to cut us off from supplies or restrict our travel from here to our other assets or back to earth, do you? In that case, we would consider it an act of war, which is surely not your intention.

And since we do not intend to request Cetagandan authorisation to reach our own assets (nor do we demand that from our allies and trade partners), we are sure that you are able to make an exception for your dear neighbors, don´t you?

Of course, if you feel threatened by mere freighters, we can surely organise a link to your authorities, to make sure you know which ships we authorised to land, and which not..."

Sincerely,

Commander Jashugan, DA Callisto

---

Meanwhile, at Io, the process continued...

Quickly, messages were sent. It had to be fast, time was running out.

From: ACJA
To: Menelmacari Io
Subject: Coordination

"Due to the collapse of Lord Lancasters regime and the apparant expansion of the Io Imperium, we see a need to suit our own jovian interests by establishing a small outpost on Io.

We hope that you are in support of such an operation, especially since we intend to land near to your own colony. Oh, and it would be nice to to firing at us, since we`re not of imperial origin.

Further coordination is wished."

Sincerely,

Susan Ivanova, ACJA

The second wave of shuttles descended...

The civilian transport shuttles landed where the people waited, ready for transport...

The other wave, however, landed elsewhere...

Near the Menelmacari colony on Io, to be correct, and as far away from the Melkor imperium as possible, considering their interest in bordering the Menelmacari.

A few shuttles broke, and several walkers, as well as about fifty men were lost. Io... a dangerous place, that was for sure.

However, the rest, about 10000 men, 1000 walkers (Jovian- based constructions, heavier than the ones used on earth), and lots of capsules with... 'additional stuff' landed, setting up the center of the operational sector... the territory supposed to be theirs, soon.

The most interesting part was, of course, the 'additional stuff', this being macroscopic bioweapons, bred for use on the jovian moons... although most of this, well, 'animals' they had weren´t suited for survival on Io, a few could do it...

And they did, exploring the sector and it`s borders, following orders implanted into their minds, securing it.

The problem was, of course, that no matter what claims they had beforehand, regarding humanitarian help, and god knows what, this claims couldn´t be used... not anymore.

"Ah, you'll pardon the blockade, Melkor ordered it for some reason. I don't myself much know why, but he insisted. If there's something you need to do on the surface or what have you, just be sure you don't land around Necron-II because it's about to be a full-blown war-zone. Notifiy Fleet Admiral Ahadi Il-Amir of your passage, however or he might just be nuts enough to open up on you guys.

At any rate, I assure you we won't be making any moves against the existing colonies on Io. We're merely trying to reign in the disaffected Hordes and further our claims."

PS.- I myself personally don't plan on screwing with you here but I must warn you that Ahadi has lately been under suspicion of being a loose cannon. He bears an intense hatred for all things Titan, as he was a Nargothrond crewman.

Warlord Konrad Althalon
Our task force has no need to traverse any such blockade at the moment; we are simply here to ensure that legal civilian and member-nation traffic is permitted to pass.

Good luck on working with the 'disaffected' Hordes. If you are able to appeal to any sort of disaffected nationalism in them, then you will be the first.

Sky Marshal M'sha
CO, Second Triumvirate Expeditionary Force
TYWS-BB Vinegaroon

* - * - *

Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services Headquarters
Port Aurora, Titan

The 'Big Board'--essentially a giant holographic map of the Solar System, like a strategic indicator system on a truly gargantuan scale--fills the top of the flattened-dome room, showing positions of fleets and situations across the star system. Below is a ring-shaped table, underlit, casting a sort of eerie heatless glow on the uniformed officers sitting around it.

One woman, wearing a TYCS naval uniform, looks up at the board, leaning back in her chair. "Think it's time?"

A badly scarred blue dragon on the other end of the table, artificial cybernetic prosthesis covering the right side of his face and making up his left arm, nods. "We at Special Services have extremely reliable information that the Ardan 'Horizon' station is on schedule. As you know, it's essentially a Nargothrond inbetween the orbits of Uranus and Neptune, supposed to help 'contain' us. They aren't making much effort to hide it--as if they could--because they know we will not attack it directly."

"And yet we've just got an admission from Warlord Althalon that Melkor is paranoid, Director Coranth." The woman smirks.

"We know this," Coranth continues with a nod, deep voice echoing through the room, "and that is why I believe it is time to commence Operation Triangle Circuit. We have the Roving Cruiser Squadrons ready; we are going to stay well outside any sort of engagement range and make no hostile moves."

"All right. Let's see how many ways we can make Morgoth turn. It's like hopping from the North Sea to Kamchatka within half an hour... should make anyone nervous."

* - * - *

An unprecedented event. The nine Triumvirate cruiser squadrons wandering about the Solar System all coalesce over Mars. Breaking back into squadrons and entering formation, they disappear squadron by squadron, only to reappear elsewhere. Over Earth, in plain sight of Ardan spy and space reconnaissance satellites. Near Horizon Station, at the very edge of known Ardan sensor capability. A simple visit, the squadrons cavorting with their flashy maneuvers and popping away, only to be replaced twenty minutes later.

Horizon, Earth, and Mars, forming some sort of astral triangle. Nine cruiser squadrons, jumping and running from one point to another, sometimes meeting to engage each other in mock combat, other times to simply sit and quietly watch the happenings wherever they are at. Coverage is not constant nor is it complete; no active scanning and often gaps of several minutes of total emptiness before another squadron appears. Despite the seeming chaos of it, there is still method; a carefully timed ballet of comings and goings, a demonstration of mobility.

Treznor frowns as he reads through the reports on his screen. Then he pauses, reflecting for a full ten minutes.

Nath's people are under the gun there, trying to get out before Althalon gets impatient or the Hordes arrive to eat. Damn Lancaster, what is it about insane dictators and their overweening complexes? Then of course there's Der Angst and their bid for a piece of the pie. They're not going to be satisfied unless they get a slice. I'm amazed that Siri and Renate haven't pressed their claims. Does Melkor have them cowed as badly as he thinks?

He drums his fingers idly on the desk as his thoughts fly. In the end, we're talking about territory belonging to an NDA ally. Even if Lancaster is no longer there to keep it under control, there are still elements left, the Mystics. They represent the legitimate authority of what's left of Burninatonia. Creed wants out, and I don't blame him. But he doesn't realise what kind of problems he's creating. I've got to slow things down.

So I guess there's nothing for it. I've got to stick my nose in.

He reaches for his keyboard and types furiously.

[code:1:307686d2b1]To: The Barracks State of The Territory
The Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
The Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained
The Corporate Oligarchy of Der Angst
The Most Serene Republic of Isla Sanctum
The Bloodthirsty Theocracy of Burning Mountain
Re: Territorial claims on Io

With reluctance I've reviewed the situation on Io, and I regret that I find I must invoke Alliance rights in the matter. While Lancaster is no longer in control of Burninatonia, the Mystics represent the remnants of that entity and we must be allowed to discuss this situation with them. We understand that some of them, united under Darian Creed, wish to leave Io and press no claim. However, we urge all remaining Mystics to meet with the NDA to discuss their future and any claims on Io. Just because Lancaster is dead doesn't mean our involvement is at an end. That's for them to decide, and I'm not willing to concede any rights without meeting with them all.

I understand that the Hordes are presently destroying everything they can reach, and advance elements may already be in contact with them. I do not suggest anyone give up their claims or withdraw from Io at this time. I do request that any and all claims over Burninatonia lands be held in abeyance until such time as the NDA Council can meet with the Mystics and make a ruling. Refusal to comply will be regarded as a hostile act against an ally and invoke the mutual defence pact in our charter.

As Menelmacar and The Territory have made no claim, I request that they stand ready to assist and stand in oversight while we discuss a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.

Devon Treznor
Emperor
Speaking for the Ruling Council of the Non-Democratic Alliance[/code:1:307686d2b1]

Ivanova smiled, receiving the message of Treznor. She had to realise a few mistakes had been made in the current haste... But it seemed the results would be rather... irrelevant, considering the great scheme.

She composed the answer, quickly, satisfied. This was, in fact, a very good turn of events, and she intended to use it.

From: Susan Ivanova, ACJA
To: Treznor
Subject: Your proposal

"Considering the current, very, how to put it, well, yes, tense situation on Io, I do not only accept, but welcome your proposal, which is hereby unconditionally accepted."

Sincerely,

Susan Ivanova

ATTENTION ALL SHIPS!

The Cetagandan Imperial Battle Fleet is hearby declaring an exclusion zone 150,000 kilometers in radius around the Callisto, Jupiter IV. Any and all ships entering this zone without prior authorization will be engaged by Callisto Orbital Defeneces and the Cetagandan Home Fleet.

THIS APPLIES TO ALL VESSELS!


[ooc: You ain`t the only one with a colony on Io... Since it is almost impossible to know who has what, where, since when in NS, i would suggest always adding an 'except nations with <enter name of moon here> assets' line...]

ic:

Commander Jashugan frowned. They did what? What do they intend to do, cut us off from any supplies?

He quickly composed the message, his anger fairly... obvious:

From: Commander Jashugan, DA Callisto
To: Cetaganda
Subject: Your lack of thought

"I`m sure it`s just a little mistake... But you do not intend to cut us off from supplies or restrict our travel from here to our other assets or back to earth, do you? In that case, we would consider it an act of war, which is surely not your intention.

And since we do not intend to request Cetagandan authorisation to reach our own assets (nor do we demand that from our allies and trade partners), we are sure that you are able to make an exception for your dear neighbors, don´t you?

Of course, if you feel threatened by mere freighters, we can surely organise a link to your authorities, to make sure you know which ships we authorised to land, and which not..."

Sincerely,

Commander Jashugan, DA Callisto


<OOC> As far as I knew, I've always been the only on (who actively RPs on the forums) who ever had anything on Callisto, or shown any interest in it besides a recent request by Menelmacar to put a colony down and a small Ravenspire outpost.
The only Jovian colony of yours that I've seen you do anything with recently is the one on Ganymede, and a mention of Europa. The only other reference to Callisto of yours that I've found was on October 6th (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1735383&highlight=#1735383). Is it really necessary to have colonies on all four of the biggest moons? There's not really any reason you'd need so many around Jupiter, and there's nothing special about Callisto that makes it hugely desireable. If it you're really set on having one on Callisto, I'm sure we can work something out (Siri and I have already worked out our positions), but I'd prefer that you not.
For now, consider the announcement to have only concerned non-Callisto people. Its mainly just to keep anything from spilling over into my very valuable shipyards.
</OOC>

Treznor's plea, regrettably, came a bit too late. The advacing army by now was nearly to Necron-II, having split off in smaller groups because of the narrow corridors of the Io subsurface. The Amarthi had been unleashed, and it would only be a matter of time until they descended upon the city violently.

They could not be recalled, even if Althalon wanted them to. The deployment of the Amarthi served two purposes. First, it would add another element to the attack on Necron-II, and barring a catastrophe there, would seal victory for the rapidly advancing Imperial Infantry. Second, it served to introduce the creatures to their new habitat, where they would in all probability harass unwanted neighbors like Menelmacar and Der Angst.

Althalon intentionally said nothing, a common tactic for the Imperials. Instead they often preferred to let the meddling parties stew in their own juices for a bit. His lack of an answer would facilitate the surprise of the Amarthi's lighting-quick descent on Necron-II.

The warlord then began to ponder how to best unseat Der Angst.

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

Sirithil pondered events on Io... they were worrisome indeed.

"Do we intend to press larger claims or not, milady?"

"No, not at this time."

"Milady?" Serendis looked confused.

"We will, of course, be getting more land. It's quite simple, really. We let the Angstians land... and we use them as shields. It's dirty, but it works... and it lets us expand in the other direction." Sirithil smiled.

"They are allies..."

"Realpolitik, Serendis. We must minimize direct engagement with Melkor, at least until we have more troops on the ground... I will send a message to the Angstians, and our fleets should be arriving soon..."

[code:1:eb6f527fa6]
x - Menelmacar
o - Der Angst

It has come to my attention that you wish to colonize Io... The world of fire remains a highly unstable place, politically as well as geologically. We'd request that you hold off on pressing your claim. However, Menelmacar intends to claim certain areas in future; to prevent any future disputes, if you insist on landing now, we'd appreciate if you were to land to the northwest of our current holdings. There are substantial ore deposits there you might find useful in maintaining a colony.

Sincerely,[/code:1:eb6f527fa6]
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

Tesseracts bloomed open... Menelmacari freighters emerged from the maelstrom in space-time and descended towards the Elven colony on the surface of the burning moon... two fleets of warships emerged shortly thereafter, joining with the first to have come, forming up.

Melkor's ships had yet to blockade the entire moon, only the former Burninatonian holdings. It did not matter, as the freighters were not running the blockade, and neither were the warships.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

Aboard the Ali'Staan, Ahadi could barely fight off the urge to open up on the Menelmacari. He had ordered all crews on full alert and had all stations manned. He hunched over a control panel in the bridge, sweat dripping from his brow, his face set in an ironclad scowl. His knuckles pressed against the cold steel of the panel, whitened by the clenching of his barely-surpressed rage. The ship's Overlords stood a short distance away, awaiting their orders to fire. They'd been standing there for 30 minutes.

He lifted his head and stared codly at the ethereal 3d projection of the Menelmacari convy. He only had to say the word, and hundreds of craft would descend with righteous fury on the Elves.

He shook his fist. "Someday."

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

The Sakkran 2nd fleet enters the Io vicinity under sub-light drives. Within the neuro pods of the ship Impetuous guat, the command staff analyzes the readings gained from the Io vicinity.

"What is the situation around Io?"

"It appears that the Menelmacar are in force here, as are the Melkor crafts, Cetagandan, and other crafts of an as yet unknown designate averting the Cetagandan territories."

"Interesting. What is the status of engagements?"

"No engagements at this time. I'm sure the Menelmacari and the Melkorian forces are champing at the bit, though."

"Hmmm...Menelmacar has holdings on Io, yes?"

"Since the last intel update, yes."

"Then we will aid them. They are a Trium member, and we will abide by that pact. Have the comm officer send a standard laser-pulse encrypted transmission to the Menelmacari command ship. The message is as follows...."

[code:1:440bb3d6be]ENCRYPTED LASER-PULSE TRANSMISSION
DESIGNATE: MENELMACAR COMMAND SHIP
SENDER: COMMANDER TWAARL
SUBJ: IO SITUATION

We are entering Io space to monitor the situation, and have noticed multiple crafts in the area including your own. We are ready to lend assist per the Trium Charter. Direct us to where we will be of the best use.[/code:1:440bb3d6be]

Maledicali diritto ad inferno, voi puttana ripugnante ... I need to get these people out of here, now. I don't have time for this! Dammit. Needs of the one over the needs of the many ... but il Dio, she's one of the leaders. Scopa! Either I give in to this bitch, though god knows how I'll pull off taking her to Melkor of all things, or I call her on it, and put the princess at risk. Damn, damn, damn!

Serafina Alighieri clenched her jaw, the corner of her right eye twitching now and then - the only obvious signs of her extreme displeasure.

[Communication={Ground Crews, Soldati Meccanica}] On the name 'Grendelynne', I want your weapons out and aimed at the Mystic. We're not here to negotiate, we're here to extract these people. No one shoot without leave - we're calling her bluff.

Confirmations blink in across the Mainframe connections they all share, the soldati meccanica having pounded across the terrain with a fierce, tireless speed born of biomechanical limbs, driven on by a sense of purpose. As Alighieri continues to speak, they take their positions as quietly as possible, prepping their weapons.

"This is not a time for accusations and revenge, Mystic. Nor is there a need for such animosity and threats between allies, for ally you still are in the eyes of the NDA, and our Lady. With Lancaster gone, has the council of Mystics fallen apart as well? Are your personal vendettas more important than holding the seat of power here? Do you think that this little present of yours will set you up as the top dog, Grendelynne?"

At the given spoken signal, the captains and first officers of the Dominion fleet that were on the ground all quickly drew their weapons, taking a bead on the Mystic with their powergun pistols. Around the perimiter, the soldati took aim with AI-assisted precision, their pulselaser rifles resting unwavering against their shoulders.

"You harm one hair on that woman's head, Mystic Magg, and I can guarantee that action will be your last," Alighieri says coldly. "Now, if it is merely passage off this godforsaken rock, so be it. This, I can arrange. But in the meantime ... let her go."

[code:1:cd4775050f]x - Lord Gondramil nos Eärendil, Viceroy, Menelmacari Valarauka
o - Devon Treznor, Emperor, Treznor

We would be glad to provide any oversight and assistance necessary to ensure the safe and peaceful transfer of power over Burninatonia's assets from the late Lord Lancaster to King Darian of Creedwater. Please keep us advised as to the nature of the desired assistance and oversight.

Sincerely,

Lord Gondramil nos Eärendil
Viceroy of Menelmacari Holdings on Io[/code:1:cd4775050f]

ooc: Cetaganda, TG

[code:1:7639558356]x - Menelmacar
o - Der Angst

It has come to my attention that you wish to colonize Io... The world of fire remains a highly unstable place, politically as well as geologically. We'd request that you hold off on pressing your claim. However, Menelmacar intends to claim certain areas in future; to prevent any future disputes, if you insist on landing now, we'd appreciate if you were to land to the northwest of our current holdings. There are substantial ore deposits there you might find useful in maintaining a colony.[/code:1:7639558356]

Ivanova checked the region in question It wasn´t too bad, about 50% of the area the menelmacari wanted them to land in, they were in. the other 50% were elsewhere, though, so it was... well, acceptable. Not perfect, but acceptable.

She quickly wrote an answer:

From: ACJA
To: Menelmacar
Subject: Io

"We covered obout 50% of the territory you suggested, and hope this is satisfying. Recarding the claims, we already informed other involved groups that we wiill abstain from further pressure and wait for a mutual agreement."

Sincerely,

Susan Ivanova, ACJA

---

At Io, the situation wasn`t exactly perfect... only 1/4 of their force had been deployed, the rest was still inorbit... the shuttles returned, yes, and a second drop would be possible, if it became necessary, but that was all...

It didn´t look good, and more than one person wondered how this would end...

Many feared it wouldn´t end good... But one has to take risks to achive success.

{Private Communications}
x Fleet Admiral Horation Lepescu (CIBF 0F)
o Commander Jashugan (DA Callisto)

My apologies, Commander. We were not aware that you had a colony present on Callisto, no doubt do to some strange quantum thingy that I wouldn't understand. Be assured that we had no intention to prevent ships from reaching your colony.

H. Lepescu
Officer Commanding, Cetagandan Home Fleet

----
{Secure Stutterpoint Comms; m16 Security Protocols}
x Lt. C. Jenkins (Comms Officer, Home Fleet)
o Convoy Group Lemminkainen

Permission granted, Lemminkainen. Always nice to see friendly faces.

----
{General Broadcast}
x Callisto Central News Network
o Subscribers

Fighting continues on Jovian moon of Io. Sources inside the CSS reports the movement of major TYCS fleet elements, as well as numerous other allied ships. The stated purpose of these forces is to prevent incursions into the Io holdings of Triumvirate nations. Sources also indicate that the Second Fleet will be joining these forces soon. Callisto defences are at full readiness and militia forces arming to insure that no fighting spills over into Cetaganda territory.

In related news, recent fluctuations in reality evealed that a Der Angst colony exists in the southern hemisphere of Callisto. CCNN wishes to extend a warm welcome to our new neighbors.

On the Blower

Senkei's face reflects a great deal of barely-concealed anger as it addressed Lt Cmdr Jenkins through the encrypted stutterpoint - or rather, the cues given to Cetagandan systems to build a Senkei evocation reflect anger not directed at the recipient, and respect for their capability.

"Compliments of Group and Fleet, Leutenant Commander. Proceeding on original course."

Space

Even with Io a warzone, the proportion of escort ships is high - Lemminkainen a latest-generation BB with its CVA consort the Shaka, another heavy wall group led by CVA(S) Chr'rowl Diplomacy and her consort BB(S) Sweet and Full of Grace incorporated into the escort force. Cruisers, missile cruisers and light carriers support them, and a substantial force of tin cans down to pickets and battle platforms.

There're even fresh scorch-marks on several ships. Possibly a bit of Darwinism has been applied to the pirate gene pool.

At the core 18 immense bulk freighters, outmassing even the massive machine-crewed Chr'rowl Diplomacy. Whatever they're carrying, maybe it was expensive enough for some pirate to try his luck.

The ships maintain heavy boost and .07 random evasion, going for Io close orbit insertion.

Rough course specifications are sent to the forces arrayed around Io, as well as a request that they maintain a 500 kilometer exclusion zone.

The Nets

Or rather, a very hardened piece of the Nets. One leading to a certain Devon Treznor, to whom a courier has been sent with a one-time encryption pad.

[code:1:0df0bc9a74]
M Emperor,

I am sad to say that the Territory Co-Prosperity Sphere cannot at this time contribute greatly to the political stability of Io - but as far as we are able we will. After conferring with the Advisory Board of the Black and with the White Tigress I can promise Sphere support for such an effort, however, but with one caveat.

Presently the Tigra Blanca tribes on Io are concluding their sacrifice of the vast majority of the former Hordes, and because of this much of the organic population of the Sphere is in what can only be described as a hairtrigger state. Therefore, only the sentient warships of CG Lemminkainen and the warsats and automated ground assets of the Burning Mountain defense grid can be fully trusted to exercise sound judgment.

There is no risk of Sphere assets engaging in entirely unprovoked aggression, in my opinion.

Shortly, the sacrifice of the Hordes will be concluded and materiel deliveries to Burning Mountain made - at this point the Sphere will no longer be a liability to your effort.

I remain,
Renate von Saucken
Senior Member, TAB[/code:1:0df0bc9a74]

Horizon Station

As the Triangle Circuit progresses, the point near Horizon slowly moves closer. Very cautiously, each new jump is just a few mere kilometers closer, sensor nets gently expanding. Other than the increasing proximity, there is no other observable effect; the roving cruiser squadrons continue to practice maneuvers and situational awareness as they have been since the start of their odd little operation.

* - * - *

Io

The beak-like prow of the Battle of Shiloh-class corvette Nemapogon noses towards the burning surface of Io, escorted by the Wildcat-class fast corvettes Arrow and Falchion in an inverted wedge formation.

"This is Lieutenant Commander Al Muwalid of Nemapogon to the Ardan blockade. We are currently carrying an official to friendly Ioan territory and thus require passage. We'll keep it quick." Slicing a hand under her chin, Al Muwalid looks over to the communications officer as he turns off the transmit switch with an audible click. "Tactical," she says, "situation status?"

"Well, they're keeping warm, ma'am," the tactical officer grimaces in his little nook of the small command room, "but no active targeting as of yet."

"Helm," the lieutenant commander continues, "the instant we get anything approximating active light-up I want to be elsewhere. We need to keep that Treznorian official safe."

"Acknowledged, ma'am."

[edit: added the second part about heading to Io]

Benjamin Vitner makes another nervous check of his suit's systems and shoulders his pack. The view just outside the hatch is not encouraging, and the knowledge of the horrors that await him are even less so.

Oh man, I'm really gonna need the Void now. This would be a horrible time for it to fail.

No, no, don't think of that. Feel the Flame. Throw my concerns into it. Worry, fear, hope and desire. All burned by the Flame, until there is only Void. Only Void.

The comm unit in his helmet dings, and a voice accented in the Scolopendran manner speaks to him. "Sir, we're just about to the surface. Thank god the Melkies didn't fire. Touchdown in T-minus-thirty. You sure you don't want me to open the hatch?"

"I'm positive," Ben replies calmly. "Just follow your instructions. Count to ten, then lift off agan."

Dubiously, "All right, you're the boss. Good luck."

Seconds later the ship shudders gently as it settles on the moon's tormented surface. Just to be sure, the pilot announces, "We're down!"

Ben doesn't bother to answer. He leaps toward the armoured hatch and passes through it without a trace. He experiences a moment of disorientation as the lighter gravity of the Jovian moon allows him to fly gracefully through airless space for several meters before he touches down again. When he turns to wave to the pilot, he finds the fast courier ship already in motion, flying away as though the hounds of hell were after it.

No, Ben thinks to himself. But they'll be after me shortly. Now, where's that entrance?

The approval of Althalon noted, Mystic Thorne meandered into the Io Imperium, his huge teeth tinted with orange in the light of Jove. He began a search for the nearest orc, uruk, human, or whoever was going to escort him to the warlord.

Meanwhile, Thorne observed the happenings about the moon on his handheld computer. He took special note of Emperor Treznor's mention of a "convening of the Mystics" with a sharp grin.

Perhaps this moon may yet be mine...

TO: Emperor Devon Treznor
RE: Convening of the Mystics

I have heard of your desire to convene the Mystics, and I may indeed be interested, once this ordeal blows over. I will be taking temporary residence in another part of Io; I have my own reasons for this.

Please contact me when such a meeting can be arranged.

Regards,

http://invisionfree.com:54/85/115/upload/p1079.jpg
Kretian Thorne
Steel Mystic of the Burninatonian Hordes

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was in the mind of Mystic Magg as well. Even in spite of the threats of the Soldati, all Mystic Magg could think about was power. Its prospect rose in her head slowly, quietly at first, like an oncoming storm. She was the storm. She was every rumble of thunder within it. She was every eroding drop of rain. She was the sky. She was the wind. She was power.

And in her power, she relinquished her grip on Baylaa the Middle, who collapsed to the ground, gripping her throat and coughing. Pyewikket rushed to her side and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder as the crowd fell silent, the monstrous Grendel-beast rising taller than all of them.

"OKAY, NOW LISSIN UP!" Her voice was like thunder. "Get yer wank'ead selves offa my moon royt da f*ck now! An' don't ye fuhget: Sanctum is STILL territ'ry o'th'Imperial 'ordes of Burninatonia! An' as long as th'NDA recognizes dis, dey're obligated t'respect th'sov'reign royts of th'Mystics ova' dis land!" With one final roar, she turns to Baylaa.

"NOW GET ON TH'SHIP 'FORE I RIP YER F*CKIN' SKULL OUTTA YER PRETTY LIL' 'EAD!"

With a slight shriek, Baylaa leaps to her feet and darts onto the vessel, Pyewikket helping the elder Arlemond on after her. The vessel's loading resumes as Grendelynne walks to the Soldati, arms in the air.

"Now 'eah's wha'appens, sheila, an' lissin royt good," she says quietly. "I want you t'get sumbuddy down 'ere dat can keep me abreast o'th'goin's-on 'bout the World o' Foyre. I say you, 'course, 'cuz I like ya. Y'remin' me o' me in me younga days. Now are ya gonna 'elp me out or ain't'cha?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Before three of the Five had fled, King Darian had been pondering reuniting the Council of Mystics. Of the Five, he had managed to locate only The Tempest, who was more than willing to cooperate. Even as the king continued to attempt to make some semblance of the chaos that had become Burninatonia within the confines of the Bone-Cave's communications room, The Tempest was outside, unloading the Indiastani vessels, arming the troops, training commanders, sealing up the last of the underground tunnels with whatever weight they could find. The entrances facing the Io Imperium were also sealed as quickly as was possible.

Yet Darian knew all was not lost for such a meeting. Even as Melkor's forces descended on the Great City, they still had help. He still held on to the vain hope that the Bone-Cave could indeed be held long enough for NDA support to arrive, for the Charter to be enacted.

With dark eyes, Darian began responding to the workload before him.

TO: Emperor Devon Treznor
RE: Council of Mystics

Like yourself, I am interested in reuniting the Council of Mystics; however, I have only managed to locate our Stone Mystic, The Tempest. He is willing to cooperate in any and all reunions of this sort.

If you have better success than I have contacting Mystics Thorne, Magg, and Tiki, let me know.

http://invisionfree.com:54/85/115/upload/p1077.jpg
King Darian I of Creedwater
Earth Mystic of the Burninatonian Hordes
King of The Confederation of Isla Sanctum

TO: Captain-General R. Singh, United Indiastan
RE: Holding the Great City

I am eternally grateful to you for your assistance. As you are no doubt by now aware, The Tempest has been familiarizing those who are willing to fight with the particulars of the weaponry. We will employ it to the best of our ability, and with any luck, we will hold this land so that the forces of hate may not again overturn it.

May the Falling Lights guide you.

http://invisionfree.com:54/85/115/upload/p1077.jpg
King Darian I of Creedwater
Earth Mystic of the Burninatonian Hordes
King of The Confederation of Isla Sanctum

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Princess Tiki watched the bloody sacrifice from a safe distance, roughly halfway between it and the Great City. She watched the drawings glow and the distant green figures of the Hordes turn suddenly resolute as the glow rose tall above the mountain.

A familiar form appeared within it, translucent green and snarling. His monstrous arms and legs bulged and rippled, and his spiked shell shimmered against the orange glow of the mightiest of the gods behind him.

The figure of Astral Lancaster towered over the land, hundreds of kilometers high, uttering but one word.

Now.

And the Hordes awoke. Where once they fought against one another, they now through themselves upon the Tigrans, clawing and biting with the utmost ferocity. They all faced east, back toward the Great City, back toward Princess Tiki.

And the Fire Mystic knew only one reaction: run. Back to the Great City. Back to the steel world. Back to Necron-II.

(OOC: Yeah, I know, wrong nation...)

Ben makes his way through the caves, guided by the map on his handheld. Thoughts bubble up from the Void, but he maintains his concentration with the benefit of long practice. Left here, down another kilometer or so, and then another left. Gods, these guys don't believe in doing anything small, do they?

What surprises him most is that he hasn't come upon any giant beastly monsters, Horde or Amarthi. He's arrived earlier than he thought, which makes things easier. At least for the journey into Necron II.

He pauses to stick his head through a door to peek at what's on the other side. The sheer alienness of the structure fascinates him, architecture more incredible and mind-boggling than anything he's ever seen before. It's crude and elaborate at the same time, a grand testament to culture and sheer manpower, but lacking any sort of gentle subtlety that might have made it inspiring to him. Seeing nothing to hint at his goal, he moves on.

Another thought gradually rises to the surface of the Void. I'm not lost. I don't think so, anyway.

He focuses on the task at hand, and on maintaining his concentration. Although it's easier than it was when Guide first taught it to him, he still isn't completely comfortable with it. His natural cynicism doesn't help; he still finds it incredible. At least now he knows how to make it work for him, when he needs it.

The detailed map in his hand gives him directions, and he follows them doggedly. He's got a number of places to look for Creed and the Mystics, and all he can do is follow the directions until he finds them.

A little while later, he sticks his head through another door and finds himself confronted with...unearthly beings. He's met cyborgs, genetically modified humans, sentient robots, talking lizards and cats, but he's never met anything like Darien Creed before. Either Creed or one of his people. He's found them. He finishes stepping through the door and clears his throat.

"Ahem. Sorry to interrupt, but I'm Ben Vitner, representing the Non-Democratic Alliance. I'm here to talk to the Mystics on behalf of the Council."

"OKAY, NOW LISSIN UP!" Her voice was like thunder. "Get yer wank'ead selves offa my moon royt da f*ck now! An' don't ye fuhget: Sanctum is STILL territ'ry o'th'Imperial 'ordes of Burninatonia! An' as long as th'NDA recognizes dis, dey're obligated t'respect th'sov'reign royts of th'Mystics ova' dis land!" With one final roar, she turns to Baylaa.

"NOW GET ON TH'SHIP 'FORE I RIP YER F*CKIN' SKULL OUTTA YER PRETTY LIL' 'EAD!"

With a slight shriek, Baylaa leaps to her feet and darts onto the vessel, Pyewikket helping the elder Arlemond on after her. The vessel's loading resumes as Grendelynne walks to the Soldati, arms in the air.

"Now 'eah's wha'appens, sheila, an' lissin royt good," she says quietly. "I want you t'get sumbuddy down 'ere dat can keep me abreast o'th'goin's-on 'bout the World o' Foyre. I say you, 'course, 'cuz I like ya. Y'remin' me o' me in me younga days. Now are ya gonna 'elp me out or ain't'cha?"


Serafina Alighieri could not have been more surprised. Weapons were ordered lowered immediately, the soldati meccanica told to stand down, and the rest of the crews, directed to get the hell on with the rest of the loading, despite the fact that it's well on the way after Grendelynne's outburst.

With a broad smile, the wiry woman holsters her weapon, and offers her hand to the imposing creature before her.

"Mystic Magg, it would be my pleasure to assist an ally," she says, as one of the heavily augmented beings steps forward from the rest. "Please, accept the services of officer Bartoli and his company, Morti che Camminano. I assure you, he, and the others, are both deadly in a fight, should they be required to assist in defense, and are all very capable of keeping you aprised of things both here and abroad. We will keep in constant contact, relaying information we gather on the goings on here, and elsewhere that pertain to your situation."

"As for your compliments, I thank you, and hope that we can continue along these good relations. As far as I have been instructed, the NDA wishes only to assist as needed here, no more, no less."

Now, lets hope the rest of this goes off without a hitch. We're losing time here, damitall.

Ground, as it is

The Hordes turn - and they're still a mob. There is a short, sharp engagement until the Tribes begin to move aside. Move aside apart from the occasional berserker, killing left and right but quickly overwhelmed.

Every mangled body in the warzone contributes to the vast crackling lights.

The Tigrans move into actual formations, compact, under cover from floating habitats. Between the formations, the Hordes pass unmolested.

"Get aboard, damn you! Get aboard!"

Soon, the habitats are moving, positioning themselves to support the Horde.

Space

CG Lemminkainen moves toward low Io orbit, active beacons ablaze. With the hash of the environment, collisions and panic fire seem the greatest hazard from the blockade fleet.

Which is not to say the ships aren't ready. Defensive energy weapons remain powered up, and as for the coilgun mortar arrays in their sides, if they are loaded firing is only a matter of diverting power from fast storage.

http://www.spawn.com/toys/spawn/series23/spawn-mut/images/series23_spawn-mut_photo_01_dl.jpg

A hiss rose from the surface of Io. Stalking slowly, methodically over the landscape, Althalon's Io-Amarthi had reached their destination in massive numbers. Darting out from behind rocks and out of crevasses, the Amarth descended upon the city from all sides, slipping with frightening speed towards the city, brutally maiming anything and anyone in their way. THey slaughtered without remorse or second throught--bred only to dismember their enemies in brutal fashion, they weren't much for refined tactics.

They pushed inward, continuing their grim advance. The ground moved quickly beneath them as they advanced on the city's static defenses.

[ooc: some background on the Amarthi: theyre kinda like the aliens in "Alien" except they have a vague idea of which side they're fighting on. They used to be 'catpeople,' twisted by Morgoth to carry out his various evils. They're very primal, of course, and are generally around 11 feet tall--though mutations are common. Some of them, as a result of the mutation, are less than five feet tall [vicious little buggers] and still more come close to 20 feet]

*tag*

To the Indiastan Leadership

Our apologies for any misunderstandings in the initial race to assist our allies here. We wished to drop a brief line to thank you for your support, and wish you continued success in your endeavors.

--Evangelista Ravanelli, Minister of Public Relations

"Excellent," Nathicana murmured as the missive was sent off. She had been assured by their contractor that the naughty little extra so seamlessly imbedded within the text of that message would do what was necessary within their systems.

All information concerning herself or Devon's involvement with Indiastan, or requests for such on their systems would be systematically hunted down, and either removed entirely, or altered, rendering them harmlessly inconsequential. No additional harm would come of it.

She furrowed her brow in thought. True, it was a dirty little trick, but as she so often liked to quote ...

'The ends justifies the means.'

The young secretary was more then a little bit mollified when the ledger that the Minister had told her to print for him was suddenly gone. The file detailed the arms shippments to Burnintonia, including ship manifests, shipping logs, and delivery confirmations. But, to her horror, the file was gone. Just... gone. Unsure what to do next, she approached the Minister and told him. While he was a little bit concerned, he told her not to worry about it. Then, hey gave her a key out of his desk, and told her to go down to the basement, and use the X-10 backup system. She complied unerringly. The X-10, or Big Papa as if was referred to around the office, was an independant file storage system, that was only accessable through three terminals in the basement of the Ministry of Defence. No outside connections led into the system, and everything that passed through the main network was copied onto disks and hand transferred, after a very secure screening. She printed the requiste file, and life quickly returned to normal.

In the G*dd*mn Soup

Below the Dor Daedoloth envelopment, CG Lemminkainen divides into two groups; one of six bulk carriers and the majority of warships remain in low orbit. The other disperses across several target areas, escorted by tincans and Burning Mountain armed habitat platforms.

Consider space around Io for a moment. There is actually a thin atmosphere, and chemical conditions in low orbit are even worse since the surface recieved its thin, always-dwindling supply of marginally breathable air. The magnetic field, eventually lethal to creatures no engineered for the environment and hard on ships and sensors. High up, suffering radiation and maneuvering to not pass through Lancaster, the Dor ships. Lower, a defense grid of warsats and clumps of waste material and explosives enclosed in metal shells.

Colonel Rukavindi is considering space around Io. He's been doing that for a bit. He detests it. Close quarters, degraded sensors, actual significant environment hazards.

Conversely, Chr'rowl Diplomacy and Sweet and Full of Grace are giddy as schoolgirls, or some rough approximation thereof. Then, they are quite thoroughly backed up.

Colonel Rukavindi has some doubts about his second-in-command and its groupmates as well.

On the surface and in orbit, deliveries are being made. Defense sats - the vast majority of them decoys unless Intel have screwed up royally - are rolled out of cargo holds and cheap brute-force magdrives maneuver them to waiting orbits amid the awful hash. Down below, freighters hover against Io's mild gravity.

Hover above Tigran habitat clusters, over areas in the way of the Horde advance, hover near the domes of Valarauka.

Invisible Transfers

Long-Distance Calls.

Immediately as he enters the room, Ben is greeted by the clicks of hundreds of guns. The lobby of the Bone-Cave is crowded with men and women in ragged grey-and-brown clothes. Many of them have skin that is the same deep greyish maroon as their king's. Others appear to be elven. Each one is heavily armed with as much Burninatonian and Indiastani weaponry as they can conceivably handle. The hundreds of guns all point toward Ben as he enters. No shots ring out.

"DOWN! Stand down! He is a friend!" a voice shouts above them. Many of the weapons lower as the crowd parts. King Darian appears, his cape flowing behind him as he walks toward Ben with eyebrows lowered. "Confound it all, could not the NDA think of a better time to send a diplomat for negotiations?" With a huff, he turns back moments before reaching Ben. "Come. Sit. Wait. And in the name of the Sky-Pyres, grab a weapon. You've wandered into a warzone, Sir Vitner."

The king stomps to a large computer console on the other side of the room, its numerous screens displaying scenes from across the Great City and the skies above her. Some display text, messages exchanged from the leaders and generals in charge of this strange operation. One undeniable truth is evident, though: King Darian I is very, very busy right now.

"The Tempest is in the fray right now," he says slowly, motioning to one of the screens, where the monstrous mutant relays orders to troops perched in a nearby building. He motions to another, where a gigantic Gila monster stomps towards the Great City. "Princess Tiki. We've also confirmed the presence of Grendelynne Magg in the north dock. That leaves only Kretian Thorne..." Here his eyes turn narrow, his words, dark.

"...and as I know that snake, his forked tongue is likely quite near the ear of the enemy right now."

King Darian pauses for a moment, then resumes showing Ben several of the screens. He cycles quickly through the streets of the Great City, which appear quite empty--save, however, a few creatures roaming through them.

"Melkor's beasts," he explains. "We don't know what they are or why he's sent them, but there are quite a few of them roaming around. Luckily, we've spent the course of the past few days preparing this city for an invasion."

One camera displays an area to the east, where an Amarthi is engaged with an Indiastani automated weapon. Another shows to the north, where the monsters have begun to wander into areas heavily wired with explosives, set to detonate when a creature enters their proximity. Still another camera, this one to the south, shows a creature on the ground receiving a calculated shot from a rifleman perched high in one of the city's many buildings.

"We're taking no chances here," Darian says. "We know we have no chance of defeating Melkor's forces in a straight brawl; thus, we will attack from the shadows, taking positions that they will have a difficult time countering."

With a slow sigh, Darian switches the cameras again. This time, the screens display shots from the network of tunnels under the Great City--tunnels filled nearly to overflowing with Imperial troops and weapons.

"These tunnels were once used for freight purposes," Darian says. "Today, they house the most vicious force to ever march upon the Great City. We've taken measures to barricade the paths into Necron-II; however, we do not doubt that the forces will be able to breach them."

Darian's eyes turn distant as he gazes at the screen, at the dread army moving to overrun his city.

"We must hold the Bone-Cave. If the Bone-Cave falls... Burninatonia falls with it."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Astral Lancaster looks on as his Hordes move, the Great City within their sight.

They will arrive within the hour.

But why...

Ben freezes as guns are pointed at him, but he relaxes and finishes stepping through the door when King Darian announces him to be a friend. With a sigh, he comes out of phase, happy to relinquish his concentration and release the Void.

"I'm sorry, Sir," he replies as he eyes Darian. "But frankly, we were under the impression that you were splitting up and surrendering your claim to Io. I was sent here to make you some offers in return for not surrendering this moon. But...I assume that there was some mistake made somewhere?"

He follows Darian to the computer console and studies the display. "It looks sound," he pronounces. From his pack he removes a small device the size of his hand and makes some adjustments. "I can't think of anything to improve on it. But I have no data on the forces arrayed against you, except for the Imperium fleets in blockade formation. But please, sir, for the record. Do you assert your position as the rightful authority of Burninatonia and wish the invasion forces repelled under Alliance terms?"

King Darian looks down at the device curiously, then back up at Ben. For a moment, he is confused. Then, his confusion gives way to a smile.

A wicked smile.

He leans into the device, enunciating clearly.

"Yes. I, King Darian I of..." He pauses. His eyes turn dark again as he reaches for his gladius, crossing himself again to the words. "...no. I, Darian Creed, Earth Mystic of the Imperial Hordes of Burninatonia, under the authority vested in me by Lucius Amaroth Lancaster, Lord and Commander of the Imperial Hordes of Burninatonia, do hereby assert that upon the passing of His Lordship, I the aforementioned am hereby placed in rule and command of the Imperial Hordes of Burninatonia, pending the convening of the Council of the Mystics. As such, I hereby request from my fellow signatories of the Non-Democratic Alliance Charter the guaranteed right to mutual protection."

The soldiers in the room beam and lower their weapons. Applause ring forth, filling the chamber, echoing through the poorly patched holes in the wall and all through the Great City. With a smile, the Lord and Commander of the Burninatonian Hordes faces them again, drawing his gladius and holding it high. His eyes blaze with the fires of magma, of the foreign weapons of the Hordes, of the orange light of Jove, of the grandeur and terror of the Bone-Cave...

...of the free peoples of Isla Sanctum.

"TO WAR!"

Ben nods and picks up the device. "Home Base, send that recording out to all NDA allies. Put out a general broadcast for all elements around Io that the Burninatonia lands are still under the protection of the Non-Democratic Alliance, and that no rights are being ceded at this time. We formally request the withdrawal of the blockade, although we appreciate any assistance in bringing this conflict to a peaceful resolution. Repeat back to me."

A woman's voice responds immediately and clearly as instructed. "Good work, Ben. Shall I dispatch a craft to pick you up?"

Ben looks around at the people assembled, ready to fight for their lives. "Negative, Jen. I'll stick around until things settle down. But contact the Emperor and make sure he knows what's going on. You can bet he's gonna wanna be in the driver's seat for this."

Ben turns off the broadcast and puts returns the device to his pack. "Now then, you were saying something about a weapon?"

General broadcast to all ships and colonies in or around Io
[code:1:876c4acf21]The NDA recognises the voice of Earth Mystic Darian Creed on behalf of Burninatonia. He has agreed to remain a part of the Non-Democratic Alliance until such time as the Council of the Mystics can be convened. Burninatonia does not relinquish any claim to Io or its people, and all forces are requested to stand down and leave peacefully. We formally request an end to the blockade around Io, although any assistance in a peaceful resolution are appreciated. Any rights or territory taken from Burninatonia will constitute a breach of peace and dealt with accordingly.[/code:1:876c4acf21]

ooc:Just a heads up, I am taking over the TYCS forces for scolo

Task Force Guardian

As had been standard since they arrived, the task force deployed a standard fighter patrol at the standard "shift change." As was usual, they were accompanied by an Electronic Warfare/Command and Control Loki. (Think AWACS) As they patrolled, the Loki broke off and began flying passes along the blockade line at extreme range. Inside, the crew bagan collecting ELINT, and performed full investigational scans on the Melkorian forces.

Althalon scowled. Given the nature of the rebellion and the requests made, he made a hasty assumptionin assuming they'd simply leave the Hordes behind to continue their orgy of self-destruction. The miscalculation was brought about partly by Morgoth's long-standing policy for failure: bad things would happen to the man should he fail to carry out the Dark Lord's orders, which as it stood now to seize all possible territories on the Jovian Moon.

He tapped a finger on his desk and his jaw tightened, his eye trailing to holographic images of the brutal Amarthi raids. He couldn't call them back if he wanted to, and he knew it. But ultimately the battle would be a victory even in the event that the Amarthi should be overcome, as they would migrate away over the moon in force, and reproduce. They could be beaten back, but they'd return in greater force later.

Still, Althalon had to talk to someone, and he wanted to make sure he had a chance to meet with Thorne before responding to the NDA transmission. Though he knew little of the internal workings of the old government, he figured Thorne would have about as much legitimacy as his counterpart in the Bone-Cave.

The raid continued, and the armies still waited beneath the earth. Teams were dispatched to climb up the massive shafts and conduct reconaissance on the cave exits in and around the city, proceeding with extreme caution and stealth. In orbit, The fleets still waited. Sensors read and evaluated their Triumvirate counterparts, and the blockade lines shifted their formation, placing their frigates in a line with the capships looming neatly behind them, fighters and guships to the flanks. Crews began to scan for targets, trained as always to prepare for the worst.

On the surface, the Amarthi grew greater in number as wave upon wave of the hideous creatures descended upon the weapons emplacements and fortiffied troop positions.

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed Forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

Ben scowls as he studies the computer consoles. A moment later, he digs out the Channel Spook device from his pack. This time he attaches a small headset to it for a more private conference.

"Jen, we're not seeing a withdrawal of Imperium forces here. What's going on in orbit? Yeah, that's what I was afraid of." Ben pauses to take a long sigh, stalling for time. I really don't want to do this. Devon is much better at this stuff than I am. But orders were orders, and no new communication had been received from the Emperor. A corner of his mind is starting to worry about that.

"All right," he says in resignation. "Record this and have it re-broadcast to all ships around Io, specifically to the Imperium fleet."

He clears his throat, and speaks clearly. A moment later, the following broadcast is rebroadcast from NDA transmitters on Io.

[code:1:535b332161]Attention to all ships. We see no signs of compliance with our directives, and we see that the sovereignity of our ally is threatened. Furthermore, we note that Althalon is too cowardly to admit his duplicity and piracy. Instead he waits in orbit in contravention of our lawful demands with his thumb up his ass. And so we see the honour and courage of the warlords of the Morgoth Imperium.

By authority vested in me by the Emperor of Treznor on behalf of the Ruling Council of the Non-Democratic Alliance, I give the so-called Warlord Althalon five minutes to withdraw his fleets and ground units. If that jackass doesn't move, or so much as warms up his guns, I authorise all forces in the area to fire in defense of our ally and their holdings on Io. We formally request the assistance of TYCS fleets in the area, as well as their allies. Message ends.[/code:1:535b332161]

From: ACJA
To: NDA
Subject: Io

"As it seems, Burninatonia is working again. Well, sorta.

While we`re still worried, since The Imperium doesn´t seem to be willing to withdraw, we are sure that you are able to handle the situation quite well, and we intend to withdraw soon, say, within twenty- four hours.

However, should our assistance be required, or rather, wished, we are willing to help the NDA enforcing the souvereignity of it`s member."

~ Manfred Grubenbauer, Ganymede

---

[ooc: The Amarthi... currently only attacking the great city, not the rest of Io, right? (At least thats how i understand the previous posts). If I`m wrong, i will include somethign about the Amarthi in the next post.]

Due to promises made on behalf of the Imperium by Lord Alkanphel, I have been ordered to stand down and respect the NDA's intervention, as much as it pains me to do so. Effective immediately, I'm ordering the fleets to disperse and sending words to the Haradrim Field Marshals to desist operations. You'll pardon the Amarthi, kindly, as I cannot myself control them."

Althalon sat at his desk and shook his head. He couldn't help but wonder just what damnedable pea-brained Uruk kept Thorne out of his office, but given the nature of his henchmen, he deduced that Thorne had been jumped or otherwise detained by one of the creatures, or....something. Regardless, the Warlord was not pleased. He had long urged to Lord Alkanphel that the NDA should be told to go fuck themselves, but the Maiar had different plans.

The order was issued, and the fleet lines broke their blockade. Benetah the earth, the men disappointedly slung their weapons and turned their formations around, detonating whatever charges they had laid simply out of spite--and perhaps to dare the enemy after them.

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed Forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

You'll pardon the Amarthi, kindly, as I cannot myself control them."
"That is unacceptable. The continued Amarthi presence on Io is an unallowable risk to our holdings."

Sky Marshal M'sha leans forward, lips peeling back in a broad, toothy grin. "You will eradicate the Amarthi or we will be forced to evaluate your tacit approval of their actions as hostile intent against our Menelmacari and Burning Mountain territories. That is an act of war, Warlord, and we will prosecute it as such. It is your mess, and you will clean it up."

She slashes an orange hand under her white-furred chin, cutting off the transmission. "Sig and send, Comms. Weapons, go to Event Condition Zero. FlightCom, launch all fighters."

Across the fleet, weapons grids come to full power, shield generators on full output, flickering to allow squadron after squadron of Excaliburs and Phantom IIIs to leave and form up. They remain just outside maximum weapons range on full combat footing.

Serafina Alighieri watched nervously as the last of the refugees made their way up the ramps onto the ships. The evacuation had been going well, but reports of strange, terrifying creatures, the Amarthi of the Imperium, had them all concerned. Following the reports and demands flying back and forth hadn’t done a thing to allay her fears, and she occasionally barked orders to hurry up the process. They had been the first down, and now on their return trip, the group of one Revenant (http://www.silentrequiem.net/angelus/revenant.html) and four Raptors (http://www.silentrequiem.net/angelus/raptor.html) was the last.

The latest transmission had done nothing to ease their minds. Everyone was tense and alert, even the soldati meccanica seemed on edge as they made their silent patrols. The ungodly heat only exacerbated the problem. Serafina was not the only one with their jackets off or open, sweat trickling down faces more pale than the typical Dominion citizen – too much time spent in the coldness of space, away from the warm Mediterranean sun of their homeland.

Movement.

A flicker of something racing through the slag heaps that cluttered the tormented landscape. More than one. Too many for comfort.

They are coming.

The message filtered through all those who were linked through the Mainframe, and a shiver of fear mixed with adrenaline washed over them all. Orders were relayed at the speed of thought. Personnel from the transports were quickly deployed.

“Get aboard those ships, you dogs! Pronto! Hostiles inbound. If you want to get out of here with all your parts intact, I suggest you leg it!” Alighieri was furious. Swearing fluently in her native language, she and the other officers hurried the stragglers up along the ramps. The other troops from aboard the ships – all too few in number, being but a scant four per vessel – formed up around the ramps, hurrying the stragglers aboard.

And none too soon. The Amarthi pack broke into view, and the soldati meccanica laid down a heavy fire from their high-powered pulse rifles on the monstrosities. Round after round tore into the ravening beasts, guided by AI accuracy and a speed born of heavy augmentations and training.

The AI’s of each ship took care of the preps for launch as the crews shuffled the last few refugees up the ramps and into the safety of the ship’s holds. Orders were given to fall back as best as could be managed as the carnage continued. Here and there, one of the soldati meccanica went down, the others quickly vacating the immediate area. Where they had fallen, a small but violent explosion went up, spraying the surrounding Amarthi in a hail of shrapnel from imbedded tubes of metal bits they’d been implanted with.

The ships fired with what weapons they could into the oncoming rush of twisted alien bodies, limiting themselves to pulse laser fire, attempting to disrupt the ranks further back, away from the front lines. And as the harried mechahumans made their way to the ramps, the ships already hovering, waiting to take off, he call went out.

[code:1:104d3c6963]To all friendly forces in the area, we’ve come under attack while running evac for Creed’s refugees. The Imperium guaranteed us immunity – they’ve bloody lied. Amarthi have breached the north docks. We’ve fought the bastards off as best we can and are clearing the area to get these people out. The Imperium has made no effort to draw back, or eradicate the menace, and we have suffered on account. Clearly this act of aggression cannot be overlooked.

As agents of a humanitarian mission, and a due representatives of the NDA we request assistance from anyone in the area to clear the zone of hostiles and protect our crews.

--Maresciallo Serafina Alighieri, of the Dominion Fleet[/code:1:104d3c6963]

Mindscape, a round table

The elegantly coiffed Guards Captain CVA(S) Chr'rowl Diplomacy absently buffs a manicured claw while courteously not looking quite at the Dwarfish form of Colonel Joshua Rukavindi. "Colonel, I concede that TYCS has strongly requested that we make tracks post haste. Still, your course plot takes our screeners inside 400 kilometers from the Dor screeners." With a careful gesture, he indicates a simplified animation showing ships at very high readiness levels, at extremely close range. "We can evac all the freighters and run them unmanned, and accept the risk of delaying departure to 1340 Zulu. That way, our departure track will be well clear of Group Althalon."

His counterpart and nominal force commander steeples large black hands, heavyworlder muscle straining. "I argue that the risk of a close pass is tolerable compared to the risk of remaining as the situation escalates. We'll screen the freighters with hard-target DEATs in the pipes and grid sats ready to back us up, ventral arrays at the ready, weapons warm and averted. Given that we are leaving orbit and the threat Althalon will likely not provoke an incident. Every minute we stay contributes to a risk of us getting caught in the middle of a major battle. Along with the warsats we'll likely cripple Group Althalon for TYCS, but that's not what we're here for. And we'll take heavy losses."

Rukavindi's black eyes meet the warship avatar's gold; Territorial and Kzin social reflexes flaring for a fraction of a second before both gazes flick away. An unforunately is carefully left out of the sentence as Rukavindi continues. "My opinion is that a crash departure is the optimal response, even if the Elves will have to dig out their goods with a bulldozer. Our own freighters can open hatches and dump the remaining sats while we rendezvous with the surface group. Guards Captain?"

The compact kzintosh opposite Rukavindi ponders - and, being the avatar of a machine warship he is going through a great many options indeed. "I believe the alternatives are close enough that your tactical feel cinches the decision, Colonel. We go with your schedule." Rukavindi nods slowly - being a Guardsman the machine ship has the option of assuming command. If it had felt strongly about an issue this important it would have pressed the argument and if necessarily done so.

In the air over the table, course plots flicker. Warship group to take up station by the Io-Jupiter flux pipe after screening the leaving freighters, freighters with a more modest screen to execute a low Jupiter flyby, preserving their course options.

The Colonel summons the hermaphrodite avatar Senkei, nonsentient face of the Territory nets. "Senkei, transmit the following to Group Althalon..."

[code:1:b314c13a28] Cargo Group Lemminkainen is about to leave low Io orbit as soon as possible. We are presently forming up with freighters leaving the Io surface. Final departure maneuvers will commence at 1220 Z. To facilitate a rapid and safe departure we request you pull in your southern screen 100 kilometers by 1235 Z, to maintain a minimum separation of 500 kilometers. Force Commander Rukavindi's compliments to Warlord Althalon. Lemminkainen out.[/code:1:b314c13a28]

The orbiting freighters open main hatches, spewing objects. On the ground, "rapid unloading" devolves to "dumping" Pinnaces speed between the orbiting freighters and the warships, transferring crew.

Surface

Ana cradles the stump of her arm and kicks the mewling, staked-out Amarthi straggler viciously. "What's the verdict, Julio?" she asks of her compatriot, while a band of Tigrans prowl nearby. They're not hunting for fun any more, that is done - and the Amarthi did well even against their numbers. Now their railrifles are out instead, not machetes... tools of methodical slaughter.

Julio doesn't look up from peering into the demon-cat's vivisected entrails. Displays dance in his optic nerves as probes move through the almost dead creature. "Unless I'm missing something, chemistry is wrong for Io. Catboy would have to go through a huge amount of prey and probably be sickly. Population density would be low."

"Build a symbiont?" Kick, kick.

"Stopgap measure. Be hard to disperse a retroviral plague through a top predator population, though. I think it'll be best to infect females directly so the young can breed. I'll put up the proposal. Anyways, done here."

"Do it." Ana slides claws out and skins the Amarthi's chest. Reasonably normal sternum... blade flashes and soon she holds the heart up to sleeping Jupiter. Shouted words in Nahuatl dedicating a strong beast's spirit to a sleeping sun.

They move off, pleased that the insular underground (underground at Io? Glorious, stupid madness!) Empire has given Io a new breed of beast.

[code:1:5a06e449a9]For your information, we are dispatching battle platforms to support the Dominion evacuation effort.[/code:1:5a06e449a9]

They're horribly inefficient - a space combat battle platform carries a large x-ray laser, spinal coilgun or neutral particle accelerator, and an assortment of lesser frequency-agile lasers and railguns. Then there is a missile belt and a DEAT drop bay, but those are really inappropriate. But they're what's available and they're fast.

Minnows in space combat, now they hover like great space-black monoliths. Their smallest weapons fit for a main battle tank, they turn every Amarthi they get a clear shot at into soup, skeletal remains the consistency of bread crumbs. Still, the remaining CHON will prove a nutritional supplement for the local soil.

[OOC: My prior posts were written when the forums were down... can we assume this happens a bit before the heads-up to Althalon goes out?]

Khenala Prime was as silent as it had ever been.

After warnings of elevated tensions, and threats of war, the populace had been ordered into the heavily armored underground bunkers lining the city. The massive spires of steel and glass were vacant, and only but a small number of people, military and emergency personnel, could be found throughout the maze of buildings.

With the news of war echoing throughout the upper echelons of Government, defensive countermeasures were brought online throughout Khenala Prime and abroad. Anti-aircraft cannons lined the tops of Khenala Prime's highest buildings. Anti-missile countermeasures were deployed throughout the city. National treasures were heavily guarded. The city was so quiet, it seemed almost tranquil, rather than gripped in the event of war.

- - - - -

<Message Type: Declaration of War>
<Destination: Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained>

Whereas the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained has committed unprovoked acts of war against the Members and citizens of the Triumvirate of Yut, and of which the Imperial Commonwealth of Khenala is a Member Nation,:

Therefore be it Resolved by the Council members of the Khenalian High Council assembled, That the state of war between the Imperial Commonwealth of Khenala and the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained which has thus been thrust upon the Commonwealth is hereby formally declared; and the Prime Minister is hereby authorized and directed to employ the entire space and military forces of the Imperial Commonwealth and the resources of the Government to carry on war against the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained; and for the purpose of bringing the conflict to a successful termination, all of the resources of the nation are hereby pledged by the High Council of Khenala.

<End Communiqué>


- - - - -

"Incoming message from TYCS Command."

Admiral Gabriel Zell turned to the Lieutenant, who handed him a data-pad with the transmission's contents.

"Three simple words, and we are at war.", he said gravely, staring down at the highlighted 'IT IS ON' on the DataPad, the sole content of the message.

"Lieutenant, patch me into the rest of the fleet."

After a small nod from the Communications officer signaling that he was patchted through, Zell began. "All fleets, Tactical Alert. We are now at Event Condition Zero. Raise shields and bring the weapons online. All fighter squadrons, prepare for launch at a moments notice. By the command of the High Council, the Imperial Commonwealth is at war with Melkor Unchained. Our current command is to prevent any and all incursions into Titanspace. All hands are to take any unauthorized presence of any vessel as a hostile attack and respond as necessary."

With the end of his message, the Khenalians were ready for war.

The war has been moved here:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2738731#2738731

The OOC thread is established here:
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=124626

This thread is remaining clean for Slag.