NationStates Jolt Archive

The Earth front (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=115980&start=0) was going well, and soon he would have the powerbase he needed to dominate the universe. Still, he needed more resources, more power, more people's to enslave for his empire. . . Adam turned as his body slept safely in his flagship, high over earth, his mind seeking outward for more power. . . he senced it, deep in the Euyridian empire. . . a schizm, growing by the day, and a dark power. . . .

Candor. . . Nightmare. . . Meleagent . . . your powers are great, yes, and I see you have left a world ripe for the picking for me. . . excelent. . .

Dozle's eyes flashed open, as Adam fought away sleep. He looked in the mirror, the pink flesh begining to retake its place as his scars faded.

"you will pay for that insult father" he said, tracing his hand over them "for once I have Eurydice, then you will be next. . . mark my words. . . you will be next. He scanned the dossier, 1st and 32nd fleet were designated to earth, along with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd army, the 31st, 30th and 29th fleets were tapped to the Klonorian system, with the 20th-28th in standby for that conflict. The 2nd-12th fleets were open for the Proximan invasion, the lucky 13th, 14th 15th and 16th fleets set aside for the defence of his home around Alpha Centuari B, leaving the 17th, 18th and 19th fleets open for the push into Eyrdice. He closed his eyes, finding the ships in a matter of moments, relaying thier orders, while his flagship slowly moved away from earth, prepared to reinforce any front that needed it.

**200,000,000 miles from Eurydice**

Space warped and tore, as the Adamite 17th fleet ripped through space and time, emerging at the edge of the system, its first volly against the planet flying into deep space. The computers clicked for a moment, realizing thier mistake. . . a subspace damper around the planet had kept them from folding where they intended. . . and with such a blast of energy, there would be no mistaking the intent of the fleet. WEapons and sheilds primed, they gunned engines towards the planet, intent on making it fall despite thier blunder.

<tag>

Better keep an eye on this....<tag.>

Emperor Rowald Alderman I, Master of the Valinor, stands in the cold, dark room of University Base. The capital of Provost Academician Prokhor Zakharov's technology empire. Light in the room emits from a few dull panels, instrumentation, and a single cryo-cell tube. He moves toward the tube.
Rowald has not slept well for many nights, a omni-present shadow now eats at the fringes of his mind. Each morning the twin suns of the Alpha Centauri system rise, finding the Emperor of the Valinor already awake, the same nightmares plaguing him.
"We are paying for our sins at last," Rowald says to the man standing beside him. Dressed in a plain jumpsuit, Prokhor Zakharov seems ordinary, but the complex genius behind that aged and cratered visage constantly learns, develops, and thrives.
"And those sins have added up. I trust you have seen the reports from Earth?" Rowald turns to Zakharov. The ancient genius nods solemnly.
"Reports of Dozle's actions reach even here, Your Majesty. The Myrmidons are ever more paranoid, and I hear tell the Scorpion shugenja constantly blather that a shadow blocks the suns and the stars."
Rowald's face grows dark at the mention of Dozle's name.
"You are correct," he says in a tone that ends that line of conversation. "How is your charge, Academician?"
Zakharov steps forward with his comp-pad.
"It goes well, Your Majesty. A few more weeks."
Rowald removes his glove and swipes his hand across the tube's ice-skimmed surface. A face swims in fluids of ice, an old face, one that is feared and revered throughout Valinon, and even outside of it.
"Soon, Director, soon you will deliver a final lesson to my son, and end this sickening affair that the universe has handed us."

The door quietly swings open, and a man enters. His white hair falls over his face, and he brushes it aside with his left hand, his right holding a bamboo walking stick, though a glint of steel and a hairline fracture reveals its deadly nature. Two men flank the high prince, both have fair features and elongated extremities, though the most demanding aspect are a pair of large white feathered wings wrapped tightly around thier shoulders. Taka steps to the railing unseen.

"Our allies in Cromestar are feeling his bite as well, four fleets there, nine in Klonor, two at earth. . . already he has utilized almost three times the number of ships that Taka could bring to bare. . . and of our stolen ships. . . less than half are ammoung his fleets used this far. . . I hate to say it old friend, but it appear our wayard youth has found a messure of success in the ways of war."

Rowald rapidly turns around, almost instantly recognizing the man that has entered. Prokhor Zakharov looks intently, highs narrowed, trying to place the face with a name. Seconds later a look of realization comes to him.
"He spends his fleet on frivolous conflicts. Already the fractures are showing. His lines of supply will soon be stretched to their limits, and he has not even touched Alpha Centauri. When the time comes," Rowald says, "my former son (distaste fills the word), will feel my wrath and the wrath of many others. These victories he has stolen are the luck of a fool. Eventually he will face those with greater experience and be shown for the amatuer he is. Even if I have to do that with my own hands."
His tone was harsh, cold, and determind. Rowald eyes the men with Taka.
"And who do you bring to Academician Zakharov's sacred sancratorium, High Prince?"

EBN Monitor Avenger
Deep Space Patrol

Captain Roland had been staring at a blank screen for the last 8 hours. His graying beard and wrinkled eyelids only amplified his look of weariness. Sleep depravation was taking hold and he didn’t see much need to remain on the bridge. The recently renamed Imperial Guard (EBN) seemed to constantly watch nothing. They held a constant vigil over a few stray cosmic particles. Still, his ship was just a single cog in the massive machine, a cog that needed to work properly. He shuffled around in his seat, huffed, and rubbed his eyes for a short time. He didn’t even bother asking if there was anything out there; he knew the answer.

Quite suddenly, something entirely unexpected happened. The ensign called out frantically, “Sir, I’m reading the largest energy spike I’ve ever seen. It’s as though… an entire fleet is in front of us!”

Roland jerked awake and stood. “Give me weapons, now! Prepare for combat!” He’d been waiting for this sort of experience his entire life. All the training, all the waiting, all of the days and nights of patrol had just come to a head. Unfortunately, what he saw materialize on the viewscreen ended his life rather quickly. The Avenger became nothing more than a snuffed out candle.

EBN Space Fortress
Deep Space, Surrounding Eurydice

Admiral Antonidus had been alerted immediately. One moment there was silence, the next it seemed as though everything that could flash and buzz was flashing and buzzing. Men began to move frantically from one station to another, not wholly sure what threat they could be facing. If the massive energy spike hadn’t tipped off High Command, the destruction of the Avenger made the insurgents well known. RSATS that littered space surrounding Eurydice burst to life, immediately probing in the direction of said energy spike. All of these responses were automated, in preparation for an impending invasion from who knows where. Along with the RSATS, Asgard –just recently completed- stirred slightly, it would need more time to build the energy to activate the defense shield. Asgard’s A.I. monitored systems throughout Asgard; everything registered the as working properly. Within 30 seconds Eurydice would be encased within a hardened shell.

Everything happened within a matter of 15 seconds.

Admiral Antonidus left his ready room and stepped into the “bridge” of the Space Fortress. Antonidus was like a shepherd watching over his flock as he surveyed the massive room from a large overhand. A soldier rushed to his side, clutching a computerized notepad. “Sir,” he said, panting slightly. The fear in his eyes was readily apparent to the Admira. “Sir, a fleet has just arrived. They fired immedietly and destroyed the Avenger. I hate to speculate, but they used far to much firepower to destroy a monitor.”

Antonidus looked blankly at the soldier, “It’s not your job to speculate.” He knew why they’d fired. They were preparing for the kill… but the dampening field had thrown them off. “Go back to your post. Make sure the link between ODIN* and FREYA is working properly. That’s the most important thing.”

The soldier saluted and rushed off quickly. As if remembering for the first time, Antonidus called out to Space Fortresses own A.I. “Freya, prepare coordinating with the EBN, have them leave there posts and take a standoff position well away from the enemy fleet. It’s our luck that Emperor Traiden and the 2nd fleet is away, but call upon the 1st and have them leave from Conconi immediately. Send word down to Eurydice, inform the Directorate of what’s going on. Hurry Freya, there is no time to spare.”

Freya’s voice had a calming ring to it, which sounded odd amid the confusion. Do not worry, sir. What you asked has already been done.

It’s not bad having the most powerful A.I. Eurydice has ever made as your second in command. I’d be lost without her. Antonidus nodded, “Good. Have you linked with Odin yet?”

Yes, I have

“Good,” Antonidus said with a slight tinge of relief. Now he knew he had to do something he really didn’t want to. Something that would prove as fruitless as Captain Roland raising the shields on the Avenger midst the hail of laser fire. He had to do something his new enemy failed to do before attempting to annihilate the Eurydian people. “Freya, contact the lead ship, I wish to speak with their commander.”

*Odin is the A.I. that oversees operations on Asgard

"Two men who have vollentarily gone through hell and back to prove their loyalty to thier prince. Death is never pleasant. . . having your entire body slowy dissolved, only to be regrown is perhaps worse, as there is no releace from the agony. Unfortunatly, many of those who agreed to this process did not complete it. These are two of my more trusted Honor Guard, I pray you will accept thier pressence here, as thier loyalty has been proven true. As for our. . . old friend *a slight smile traces his face* its seems you are right. . . the rope he has payed with is now begining to tightly coil around his neck, and when he is able to commit the last of his fleet to Alpha Centauri, then we will pull upon the ends with our allies, and choke the life out of him. . . preferibly for good this time. . . " the smile fades as he makes his way slowly down towards Rowald. "I am growing old my friend, three centuries have passed, and twice I have seen my empire threatened by the same force. . . It is time that I left my empire to the next generation, after this war, I shall announce my heir, and like my namesake, shall retire to live the rest of my days in peace and solitude. I have a gift for you, as my son in law, it is fitting that you finish what I began thirty years ago. . . "

One of the winged men steps foward, unfurling part of his wing to produce an oilcloth wrapped package. Taka takes it reverently and slowly unwraps it, revealing an old and battered katana handle, once ornatly designed, hammered gold, with divots that must have held priceless gemstones. . . now empty, ugly, and worn. . . it may have started as a decorative blade, but it now holds the aura only a blooded blade can hold."

thirty years ago, I used this very sword to put an end to Adam's reign, it holds some of his soul within it, or so it is wispered amoung those that cared for it, for it would never take anouther shape, no matter how many attempted to refit the handle, rehammer the gold, or replace the stones. . . for thirty years, it has waited for the day he would return, and it once more would drink the blood of the pretender to the Mizunian Throne. . . Mizunian Tradition dictates that the Heir may only be killed in honorable combat by a full blood relative. . . and alas, my blood is not thick enough to uphold my own law. . . so it falls to you, his father, to end this madness when the time comes. . . and I assure you. . . it will come soon."

The hailing signal came through, and Commander Ikari looked at it for a moment.

Captain, there is a call for you from the Republic

An dark smirk comes across his face,

"send one out, weak signal on the same channel"

He stepped towards the Holo transmiter in the center of the bridge, just as his transmition goes out.

"unknown system, we mean no harm to you, I repeat, this is Admiral Ikari of the Takian Armada, we mean no harm to you, our ships came under fire and to escape damage we folded to the nearest system in retreat. I do appologise for our unschedualed arrival, but we are in desprate need of medical facilities and docks so we may repare our generators and restock our holds with food and ammunition."

You’ve got to be kidding me? Antonidus chuckled softly. Just how dumb does he think we are? A commander should know that a ruse so hastily set up would fail to make even the lowliest ensign falter. He’s up to something. For now, I’ll play my part. Antonidus instinctively looked up to the ceiling (he really had no need to when addressing Freya), “My dear Freya, have the RSATS probe for any superficial damage. Also, analyze final data reports sent by the Avenger, I want to know if this ‘deflection’ is true or not.”

Sir. Freya said immedietly. It should be noted that Takaian shielding neutralizes energy weapons by turning it into matter. There would have been no deflection had the Takaian fleet come under assault. Also, analysis of the Avenger’s records indicate energy spikes within the Takaian fleet consistent with that of a pre-charged weapons buildup and subsequent firing.

Antonidus nodded. It was apparent Freya had been working while talking with the admiral. Sir, RSATS confirm that there are burn patterns indicating weapons fire on the hull of some of the Takaian vessels. The weapons fire was not recent however, and does not indicate there has been a firefight with the entire fleet involved. The weapons fire is from different types of weapons.

We have them in a lie then. We can be sure they’re up to no good. All these ships though, we will be hard pressed to stop them. Antonidus had been a gambling man early in his life. He used to bet on the races (illegally of course) while he was still a cadet. Now though, he would be gambling with the entirety of the Eurdyian people. Even with Asgard now fully charged. A fleet of this size may do some damage. Deep within his mind he knew he would be sending some good soldiers to their graves. In truth, Roland had already earned his place.

Sir. Freya said, interrupting Antonidus’s train of thought without even an apology. The First Fleet reports that they are currently en route to Eurydian space. ETA 30 minutes.

“Good,” Antonidus said with a nod. He gripped the guardrail tightly with both hands. “Put me through to the enemy commander.”

Yes sir.

Antonidus was instantly linked with the enemy commander. “It appears your ships have taken quite a beating. It seems you barely managed to escape with your lives.” Antonidus realized he was going a bit over the top. “Erm… I should say that it is a good thing that you escaped with only the damage you did. Unfortunately, it seems you didn’t acquire this damage all at one time, or in one place. I will ask you,” He said grimly, “What are you doing here?”

The Adamite fleet contined foward, shields at full power and weapons at 50%, while Ikari watched the display.

"I understand your concern" he said "but we are the Takian Expeditionalry fleet, sent to chase the space pirate Yuugi over ten years ago. We are running low on supplies and have substained damage in our battles. . . luckily our ships have held together, but our maps are old and we would require an update to be brought aboard ship at the very least."

The Adamite fleet contined foward, shields at full power and weapons at 50%, while Ikari watched the display.

"I understand your concern" he said "but we are the Takian Expeditionalry fleet, sent to chase the space pirate Yuugi over ten years ago. We are running low on supplies and have substained damage in our battles. . . luckily our ships have held together, but our maps are old and we would require an update to be brought aboard ship at the very least."

Antonidus raised an eyebrow as the transmission played out. He had no doubt in his mind that these ships were here to kill. In all of the thousand years the Eurydian Republic has existed it has never once come under attack. Now that may change. Once Antonidus had realized that he stopped smiling. “Status of the HORDS?”

Heimdall Orbital Reactionary Defense System is functioning properly in a dormant state. Do you wish for me to bring the system online?

“No,” Antonidus said, shaking his head, “They may detect our fleet and Space Fortress, but as far as they’re concerned the HORDS system doesn’t exist. We can wait until the proper time presents itself and then activate the system. This commander appears to be about as cunning as a sloth.”

Still sir, it would be unwise to underestimate our enemy. Haven’t we been hearing reports of Takaian ships attacking other systems? It would be safe to assume that this fleet represents the faction under the control of a man known as ‘Dozle.’

Quite suddenly the admiral’s eyes widened. He had missed the most obvious piece of evidence. These ships were under Dozle’s control. Antonidus began to speak frantically. “Freya, analyze all data gathered on Dozle’s fleet actions. We need to know how they attack, defend; move in for an offensive, and retreat. You need to anticipate everything Freya.”

Freya diligently set to work analyzing all battle data gathered on Dozle and his various actions around the galaxy. Antonidus reopened the link. “Whether you are an expeditionary fleet or not, I suggest you slow your ships down. You haven’t been given permission to cross into Eurydian territory.” Antonidus forced the next word. “Please, stop your ships.” He glanced back up to the ceiling, “Freya, open a link to all ships, including Asgard.”

It is done, sir.

“Soldiers,” he said in a calm tone, “I have undeniable proof that we are about to engage enemy forces. I don’t believe we will be the first to fire. As soon as an energy spike is registered from the enemy fleet, you are cleared to destroy all vessels. As of right now you may launch fighters. It may tip them off to the fact that we know what’s going on, but I’d rather do that than try and pull my sword after the fight has already started.” Antonidus added in “Good luck,” for well, good measure.

OOC: The above post was by me. At the time the NS server was acting like... poorly so I posted when I could.

The Adamite vessles slow, reverse thrusters kicking in.

"thank you for your cooperation. . . "

Ikari, if you really think they are going to fall for that then you are just as stupid as you are ugly.

Space ripples as a newer Takian Warship, the TSA Reisinger, folds in, weapons springing to life and firing on the smaller Adamite ships. Three frigates fall to the inital barrage, and a swarm of plasma torpedeos streak at high speed toards the group, as the battlecruiser moves at full speed towards the EB outpost, the captain, a young looking man no more than 23, hails the EBN Space Fortress.

"Commander, this is Captain Lantis from the Takian Space Armada. . . Commander Ikari is a follower of the traitor Dozle, he's come to add you to his master's list of conquests. . . with you permision, I wish to call the rest of my fleet in to aid in your defence and provide you with information that will assist you in disableing or destroying this. . . captain *he says the world with messured disgust* and his traitor fleet."

"Two men who have vollentarily gone through hell and back to prove their loyalty to thier prince. Death is never pleasant. . . having your entire body slowy dissolved, only to be regrown is perhaps worse, as there is no releace from the agony. Unfortunatly, many of those who agreed to this process did not complete it. These are two of my more trusted Honor Guard, I pray you will accept thier pressence here, as thier loyalty has been proven true. As for our. . . old friend *a slight smile traces his face* its seems you are right. . . the rope he has payed with is now begining to tightly coil around his neck, and when he is able to commit the last of his fleet to Alpha Centauri, then we will pull upon the ends with our allies, and choke the life out of him. . . preferibly for good this time. . . " the smile fades as he makes his way slowly down towards Rowald. "I am growing old my friend, three centuries have passed, and twice I have seen my empire threatened by the same force. . . It is time that I left my empire to the next generation, after this war, I shall announce my heir, and like my namesake, shall retire to live the rest of my days in peace and solitude. I have a gift for you, as my son in law, it is fitting that you finish what I began thirty years ago. . . "

One of the winged men steps foward, unfurling part of his wing to produce an oilcloth wrapped package. Taka takes it reverently and slowly unwraps it, revealing an old and battered katana handle, once ornatly designed, hammered gold, with divots that must have held priceless gemstones. . . now empty, ugly, and worn. . . it may have started as a decorative blade, but it now holds the aura only a blooded blade can hold."

thirty years ago, I used this very sword to put an end to Adam's reign, it holds some of his soul within it, or so it is wispered amoung those that cared for it, for it would never take anouther shape, no matter how many attempted to refit the handle, rehammer the gold, or replace the stones. . . for thirty years, it has waited for the day he would return, and it once more would drink the blood of the pretender to the Mizunian Throne. . . Mizunian Tradition dictates that the Heir may only be killed in honorable combat by a full blood relative. . . and alas, my blood is not thick enough to uphold my own law. . . so it falls to you, his father, to end this madness when the time comes. . . and I assure you. . . it will come soon."

Rowald draws forht the blade, its grim aurora filled with its own quasi-malovolent purpose writhes in his hand. Rowald studies it, and the light from the cryo tube give its an eerie light of its own.
"I have felt something like this before," he mummers under his breath. He looks up at Taka, the Blade a then barrier no bigger than a few hairs between them when held vertically.
"You have never seen the Dominion of Outer Centauri, High Prince, but their society and yours hold strange parallels. Let us hope that they are not too similar."
He resheaths the blade, "Have no fear when the time comes I will end this madness. And I will wipe away this dishonor that dares tarnish my family and the Empire."
Suddenly a group of four Perfects enter, their eyes all strange red flecked with gold. Zakharov bows to Rowald and Taka.
"My Lords, it is time for the next stage in Director Vacit's treatment. If you will excuse us."
Rowald nods, "Come, High Prince, let us leave the good Academician to his work."

Taka nods as he turns to exit with Rowald.

"the nation of Taka is one with a history steeped in war, yet it has been three thousand years since we have struck the first blow. . . I hardly think we would be so foolish as to restart such a hasty stratagy of shooting first and asking questions later. . . there are no worries of a first strike being launched by Taka, I can assure you of that. . . however, we will not stand idely by as certain powers plot our downfall."

OOC: Unfortunatly this thread is going to have to wait untill Monday at the earliest to continue. I am going to be out of town for the weekend, so this will be my last post till I return. I pray that you don't post too much, as I'd hate to come back to 3 extra pages of things I must deal with. My appology for this, however it is something that I am going to be doing reguardless. Peace with you all, untill I return.

Paul,
player of Taka and Dozle

OOC: Unfortunatly this thread is going to have to wait untill Monday at the earliest to continue. I am going to be out of town for the weekend, so this will be my last post till I return. I pray that you don't post too much, as I'd hate to come back to 3 extra pages of things I must deal with. My appology for this, however it is something that I am going to be doing reguardless. Peace with you all, untill I return.

Paul,
player of Taka and Dozle