NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This is a continuation of http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=118788

President Calimar sighed as he finished reading the diplomatic report Ambassador Givens had submitted. He rubbed his forehead, then took a sip of his iced tea. Well, at least we got a fleet base out of that mess of a system. Just have to do a little renovating of it to bring it up to standards. Memories of Newlin's state funeral flashed through his mind. He activated his intercom to his secretary's office. "Julie, summon the Cabinet for a priority meeting."
**

"Mr. President, we could have Commodore Banton's cruiser squadron in the system within a day. All you have to do is give the order and we'll bring those neo-barbarians to their knees." Anger was evident in Secretary of Defence Ronald Bergren's eyes, he and Calimar had had many heated arguments over the President's unwillingless to cut the impudent nation down to size, even if it may have risked the negotiations with LNH. Ambassador Newlin had been highly respected among the high-ups in the government, and news of his death had shocked many, along with hammering in an unpleasant fact; they were not invulnerable. One of the more infuriating things about the assasination was that they couldn't prove that Seven Heads was behind it, all the assasins had escaped or been killed in the firefight. Not that they really needed hard evidence of that, the fact that a Seven Head's patrol ship had tried to capture the ambassador's yacht was damning enough.

"All right Ron, we'll take them out. But understand this, I don't want any nations jumping all over us about civilian casualties. Make sure the commodore understand he is to hit only military targets. No nuking any cities from orbit, unless absolutely necessary, no matter how much they deserve it."

Commodore Banton relaxed in his seat as his pinnace rose from the planet to his flagship, the heavy cruiser VNS Mars. His eyes glittered with satisfaction, he had opened his orders half an hour before. It's about time we did something about those fanatics. He looked out his viewport as the pinnace turned to make it's final approach to the cruiser, the pinnace shuddered slightly as a docking tractor beam locked onto the small ship and towed it into one of it's docking bays. Mechanical docking arms locked the pinnace into place, and the green light over the airlock flipped on, signalling it was safe to disembark. Banton and his staff stood from their seats, and one of his aides opened the outer airlock door for him as stairs automatically unfolded to the bay floor.

Banton stepped down into the bay as the ship's honor guard snapped to attention, and Captain Passehl crisply saluted him. "Permission to come aboard Captain?" "Permission granted Sir. If you will follow me, I will show you to the bridge while your staff unpacks your things."
***
A whistle sounded throughout the shipwide comnet, and visual displays flickered to life all throughout the compartments of the cruiser. "Attention all hands. Commodore Banton will now read our orders."

Banton brushed his black and silver uniform with a gloved hand, then stepped into view. He pulled out his orders, stamped with the seal of Naval Command, and read them.

"From Fleet Admiral Harris, People's Navy, to Commodore Bantion, People's Navy: You are hereby directed to board the heavy cruiser VNS Mars, and take command of CA Squadron I. You will then proceed to the Morningstar System to proceed with the destruction of the Holy Empire of Seven Head's military capability, and to bring about the surrender of the enemy nation. By order of Fleet Admiral Harris CNO, People's Navy of Vernii."

Cheers broke out through the ship's compartments as Banton finished reading their orders. "Take us out of the system Captain."

The six ships of Heavy Cruiser Squadron I sailed out of their place in orbit over Vernii, out from under the guns of Home Fleet and the orbital fortresses. Upon leaving orbit, each went to max accel, and a few hours later they reached the sytem hyper limit and vanished into hyperspace.

The Relentless floated silently, a blue and silver spot above the marble that was Vernii. On the darkened bridge, two figures sat, silohetted by minium power lighting.

"captain" the first mate said, looking over a holographic sensor display "It seems that a Vernii wargroup has moved towards hyperlimit. . . shields are at full, and all weapons are charged for battle. . . it looks like our friends are going to war afterall."

Sakura said nothing, simply smiling at the display.

"send word" she said, straightening her blue and white dress uniform "to special agent Kakashi, I would like him to take a closer look at this situation from the ground. Though notify all crewmembers for potential recall. Shoreleave is to go to level three alert."

"Yes ma'am" the first mate said, snapping to salute. His fingers flew, over the keyboard, sending the heavily encrypted message through the secured lines.

*************************************************************

Kakashi cursed silently as the pager begin to vibrate.

"I'm very sorry for this" he says, his blond hair closly cropped and neatly held into place. "but I'm afraid I've got a call I must take, I'll be back with you in a second ambasador."

He opened the restroom door, making his way into a pirvate stall, the holographic mask shimmering for a second, before coming down to reveal the light skinned man. His hair was pulled back into a ponytail, a white matching his skin, making his eyes the only point of color. He pulled out the pager, quickly descrambling the code with his implanted left eye.

"they want me to abort one mission in favor of anouther? Something must be heating up out there." He looked at his watch, three more hours till his double woke up, and he was so very close to finaly cracking the secret of project "CLAC".

No matter, he thought. . . if something was more important, he would simply have to assure he could pick up where he left off. He quickly reactivated the mask and went to excuse himself for the remainder of the evening.

*************************************************************

Two hours later, hidden outside the Hexagon, Kakashi watched the pacing guards with a sence of ammusment. His orders were to take as few lives as possible, it was recon, not covert assualt, though the difference is often mearly a matter of luck and semantics. He moved through the shadows, his Sharingan Eye creating a shifting hologram around him, camoflaughing him, while his IR armor blended him into the background's heat, making him, essentialy invisible as he moved towards the wall.

OOC: Taka, I'll get around to Kakashi in my next post.

Hyperspace flashed by in all its glowing blue and purple glory through the viewport set in Mars' briefing room. The assembled captains of the squadron (present by visual display rather then in person) and Banton's staff sat around the table in the center of the room. A 3D map of the Morningstar system floated above the table.

"Seven Heads is located upon the third planet of the system." Banton pointed to a blue and green world orbiting the system's G3 star. "Liberated New Hope is on this desert world here, the second planet. As I included in your briefing downloads, according to NavInt, the Seven Head's fleet, the Navy of the Faithful, is divided up into several fleets. One guards the planet at all times, while the rest patrol their territory. I plan to take out one of the patrol fleets first to get an idea of their battle capability, and then move on to their world. We will make a close pass by the planet to draw out their home fleet beyond the weapons range of any fortifications they might have, and then engage any remaining defenders if they refuse to surrender. Are there any questions?"

The captain of Implacable spoke up. "According to the briefings, they have a larger fleet then our squadron. I know their relative ship capabilites are estimated to be lower than ours, but shouldn't we have a little more support here?"

"NavInt and NavCommand think we're sufficient to deal with them, but in the case of our withdraw being forced, Rear Admiral Rollin's battlecruisers will be sent to deal with whatever we couldn't take out. Any other questions? No? Very well, we'll be translating from hyper in two hours. I will let you gentlement go now to make any last minute preparations necessary."

The main entrance to the Hexagon is guarded by a tank and a battalion of infantry. None of the guards standing watch around the walls of the massive skyscraper noticed Kakashi as he crept toward them. The walls of the building had no windows until about thirty feet up.

Kakashi slinks to the side of the building, watching the soldiers for a moment. Unnoticed still, excelent. He reaches to his wrist and presses a button, the glove coming to life with a soft humming noise. He grabs the wall, fingers sinking into the stone as if it were butter and forming instant handgrips. He pulls himself upward, climbing the thirty feet to the first window. Reaching through the glass, he creates a hole large enough for him to go through, and after deactivating the gloves, scurries through and into the building itself. The Sharingan hologram disipates, and he removes the IR armor, faning himself as he begins to cool back to normal temperature. Stowing it in backpack, he moves to the nearest computer console and sets up a remote access bug, hiding it in the computer tower itself. A noise at the door draws his attention, and he silently ducks behind the row of cubicals, using a mirror to keep an eye on the opening door.

One of the Navy's analysts enters the room. She crosses the room to her cubicle, mumbles something about how she hates working late, and then sits down and starts up her computer.

Kakashi smiled darkly, his eye focusing on the girl, processing it into computer data. The hologram formed up again, transforming his face into hers and slowly producing a mockup of her uniform. He moved towards her, intent on silencing her before she noticed the window and alerted the facility.

He reached into his bag of tricks, withdrawing a single accupuncture needle made of crystal, a thin yellow liquid inside it's narrow form.

The woman turns around in her seat at the sound of the footsteps behind her. Her face turns into an expression of confusion and horror at seeing herself. "What the?! Who are you?!" She then sees the needle and jumps back out of her seat, grabs a hardcover book from her desk and backs into the corner of her cubicle. She holds the book threateningly, "Don't come near me!"

Kakashi smiles as he walks quietly towards her "This won't hurt you, it's only going to make sure you go to sleep and don't remember what's transpired here. Afterall, we wouldn't want this little secret to get out of the bag, now would me?

He moves his hand in a blur, wipping out a trio of needles, which he sends streaking towards her left side, throwing the tranquilizer dart at her left leg.

The analyst yelps in surprise and pain, clutches the dart embedded in her leg, and then passes out on the floor.

Kakashi catches her as she falls, stuffing her securly under her desk, before powering down her computer and taking her security badge. He cliped it on, throwing the backpack on and moving through the hallways.

Clear, just the security cameras following their preprogramed sweeps, though with his borrowed face, none of the MPs would be any the wiser. He stepped quickly down the hallways, scanning the badge at an elevator, waiting as the doors slipped open before stepping inside. It was late, and the only other occupant was a well dressed man, a burecrate, not a military man, and as such useless to him.

He did not say a word, simply noding in acknowledgment to him as Kakashi stepped into the elevator.

One hundred and twenty floors. . . what kind of a building made you go up one hundred and twenty floors to access a mainframe? He shook his head as the door swung open at long last, stepping out into the hallway and stopping outside a large double door. THis was it, but it would take at least three ranks of security beyond what his badge provided to enter it.

"Sharingan to the rescue" he said dully, his mechanical red eye accessing the secuirty pad and begining the process of hacking it open. All he needed was five seconds and he would be home free.

Janitor Orner whistled to himself as he pushed his cleaning cart down the hallway. He pushed open the door to the analyst's section, and went in with his bucket and mop. It's a bit chilly in here... he thought as he began to mop the floor.

The lock clicked open smartly, as Kakashi hurried in, scanning the room and assuring that he was alone. Hurridly he moved towards a nearby terminal, interfacing his eye with it and pulling through various programs.

"let's see, dealings with other nations, intel reports, national secrets, ah. . . a war against Seven Heads? This looks promicing. . . "

He accessed the files, hacking through the encryption rapidly.

"Ah, so thats where they are going. . ." his mechanical eye switched over to transmition, sending the data to the orbiting cruiser overhead. A few tence moments passed, before anouther order was given. Kakashi's eyes widdened slightly, before he closed both and smirked.

"So we shall fight a covert war again. . . so be it, I will deliver your offer."

He stepped out of the door, walking down the hallway till he came to an ornate oak door, on it the simple title "Fleet Command" hinted that within, the recipiant of his message would reside. His eye interfaced with the retinal scanner, overriding it and opening the door, much to the surprise of a lone secretary.

"Is the High Admiral in?" Kakashi asked, his voice changing to imitate the female analasyst's. "there is an important message, and I've been ordered to deliver it to him personaly by Admiral Sakura of the Takian Starfleet. Please, I hope you can help me. . ."

"Er, no. Fleet Admiral Harris went home for the night, and I was about to leave myself. You can just leave it here and I'll see to it he gets it first thing in the morning."

"Accualy, I need to get into his office for a second to write it down, do you think you could do that for me?" he asked, a hand tracing down to his bag of tricks and pulling out a holo cube and a small rc robot, palming them and keeping them behind his back. "I just need a second alone to write the note."

He moved towards the door, activating the hologram cube and programing it through his Sharingan Eye.

Orner looked up from his mop as he felt a gust of wind, and noticed the hole in the window. "Oh." he said to himself, and hurried out of the room to summon security.
**
"I'm afraid I can't let you in. As I said, you can write it down here and I'll see to it that he gets the note."

"well, alright" he said reluctantly "but if it is compromised, we'd both be held for treason, do you have a safe you could lock it in?" He attached the cube to the robot, pulling out one of the Analasyst's memo's as cover for his ploy.

The secretary takes the note, "Yes, we do have a safe for Alpha and Beta priority messages." She turns around and enters a combination into a safe set into the wall behind her desk, then puts the note in.

Kakashi kneels as the hologram of the analasyst flickers away, being replaced by a mockup of the environment around him. Invisible to the naked eye, he places the RC robot and the holo cube infront of him, the Analasyt's form appearing where it once was. The secretary turns around, having placed the memo in top security, and moves to leave, the analyst following her out the door as Kakashi's robot moves the opposite dirrection from her, powering down the hologram and coming to rest under a display case, hidden from site. Finaly alone in the empty office, Kakashi breaths a sigh of relife, and moves to pick the fleet Commander's lock. Allowing himself access he looks around till he spies a ventalation shaft in the ceiling.

"perfect" he mutters, jumping up to it, and hauling himself into the ducts.

'thirty minutes ahead of schedual" he thinks resting against the airshaft wall, falling into a light sleep, to assure he can get the drop on the admiral the next day. He removes his backpack and shuts off his Sharingan eye, replacing his headband over it, hiding it. He had learned long since, when making backroom dealings, a red eye with three pupils rarely made your conspiritors feel at ease enough to accept offers such as these.

Aboard the Seraphim, Admiral Henson (a descendant of John Henson, the founder of The Great Church of the Seven Heads) sits in the Officer's hall with his lieutenants. The Admiral, who's faith was probably unrivaled by many, still separated war from his God. He knew they were in bad shape and not even The Beast could save them now. Nevertheless he stands ready to face the Verniian fleet, who's attack is now immanent.

"If only the Emperor had approved that Orbital Defense System..." One of the Lieutenants begins to mutter.

Glancing over sternly, Henson scolds: "No-one will doubt the word of the Emperor, Grand profit of Him and His Likeness on board MY ship. There's no sense in regretting what we don't have. What we need now is a strategy to hold back the Verniians as long as possible until ground defenses can be set up to fight off any landing craft. We all know that the chances of a victory in this fight are slim; but as long as every man stays at his post and we fight for God, Emperor, and Nation our faith shall service!"

The fiery speech had been planned out in Henson's head for nearly hours but he had had no chance to use it thus far.

"As of now, our most powerful weapon is the fortifications on The Emperor's moon, Osirus. The Verniians will know not to encroach upon it's shooting range, cutting out nearly one-third of the space from which they will attack. Also, they will want to destroy our Navy before invasion. We shall stay concentrated and use EM for safety. As for attack we'll start large and work our way down. Any Questions?... They give the command."

Ships then took up position on the opposite side of the planet as Osirus while ground defenses, in the form of GtoS missiles (ground to space) prepare to take aim at anything in range.

Aboard the Seraphim, Admiral Henson (a descendant of John Henson, the founder of The Great Church of the Seven Heads) sits in the Officer's hall with his lieutenants. The Admiral, who's faith was probably unrivaled by many, still separated war from his God. He knew they were in bad shape and not even The Beast could save them now. Nevertheless he stands ready to face the Verniian fleet, who's attack is now immanent.

"If only the Emperor had approved that Orbital Defense System..." One of the Lieutenants begins to mutter.

Glancing over sternly, Henson scolds: "No-one will doubt the word of the Emperor, Grand profit of Him and His Likeness on board MY ship. There's no sense in regretting what we don't have. What we need now is a strategy to hold back the Verniians as long as possible until ground defenses can be set up to fight off any landing craft. We all know that the chances of a victory in this fight are slim; but as long as every man stays at his post and we fight for God, Emperor, and Nation our faith shall service!"

The fiery speech had been planned out in Henson's head for nearly hours but he had had no chance to use it thus far.

"As of now, our most powerful weapon is the fortifications on The Emperor's moon, Osirus. The Verniians will know not to encroach upon it's shooting range, cutting out nearly one-third of the space from which they will attack. Also, they will want to destroy our Navy before invasion. We shall stay concentrated and use EM for safety. As for attack we'll start large and work our way down. Any Questions?... They give the command."

Ships then took up position on the opposite side of the planet as Osirus while ground defenses, in the form of GtoS missiles (ground to space) prepare to take aim at anything in range.

The six heavy cruisers exited hyperspace, light flaring from their impeller nodes as transit energy bled off. Shields were raised as each ship went to General Quarters, each missile tube was loaded and energy weapons came online. Commodore Banton took his seat on Mars' flag bridge. "Bring our accel up to 400Gs, assume wall formation."
****
Morning came, and despite a search by Hexagon Security, no one had found anything but the unconscious analyst. Fleet Admiral Harris, escorted by his two bodyguards, entered his office suite. The bodyguards stood at the doors like usual. His secretary stood up to greet him as he entered. "You have a few messages for you Sir, including one from some Takan." She punched her access code into the safe, and handed him his mail. "Thank you Mary," Harris said as he unlocked the door to his office and strolled in. He walked over to his large desk, dropped his mail on it, then walked over to a wall mounted drink dispenser, selecting a cappucino. He blew on it to cool it and then sat back down at his desk, and began reading.

Kakashi awoke as the commander entered the office, looking down through the vent shafts.

"morning coffee?" he thought to himself, grabbing a sleeping gas bomb from his bag of tricks and dropping it through the grate into the room with the secretary and the two guards. A collorless, odorless gas filled the room quickly, putting the unprepared guards and secretary into a deep slumber. He looked back as the commander opened the memo, silently opening the grate and dropping noislessly into the room below. He crept to the desk, his Sharingan eye covered by a metal headband.

"You won't find what you are looking for in that" he said calmly. "I and I alone have the true message to be delivered."

*************************************************************

**Morningstar sytem**

Space warped and shifted as a Takian cruiser, fresh from the slips of the Arbiter shipyards materialized. A wide band transmition was sent out to the Vernii battlewall, a young man, bearing the insignia of a Takian commander appeared on screen.

"Good day gentlmen, I hope you will pardon the interuption, but we are here for observation only. . . we have no intentions of firing on either side, and would appreciate the courtesy returned to us."

Harris's hand slips under his desk to press the security button that would summon his bodyguards. "Who are you and how did you get in?"
***
Banton opened up a comlink to the Takan cruiser, "As long as you are only here to observe, I have no objections to your presence."

"Oh it was quite simple really, You see I just walked up to your desk while you were distracted by that memo. Though that's not the reason I'm here. . . I have a proposition for you in your war against Seven Heads, and I've been tasked to deliver it personaly. . . oh, and Admiral, you can stop pressing that button, I took care of your bodyguards before I came in here, and if I wanted to kill you, I would have done so as you were getting your cappuchino."

He smiled, and though his face mask obscured it, his intent was obviously not one of and assassin.

"I am Kakashi, a master ninja of the uchuukuukan clan."

"Ah...so Kakashi, what is the proposition you came here to deliver? And there are proper channels for information between militaries to be relayed you realize. Would you care for a cappucino?" Harris points to the wall dispenser.

"Ah, but you must realize that I have a particular disdain for bueracrats, and after all the red tape had been cut, likely the war would have dragged on well past when our assistance would be most useful. As you undoubtily know, Taka is divided into a series of clans, each controling a specific portion of the continent. As it is, the Okkibi clan controls the great southern desert, and are experts in desert warfare, having served well in the Adamite wars of three decades ago. Your troops, however, have had no experience in desert war, and will be unprepared for a long drawn out ground war. I am authorized to offer you six hundred of our mercenaries to act as advisors and leaders ammoung your rank and file infantry on that desert world."

"Well, that decision isn't mine to make, that would be up to Grand Marshall Hammond of the Army. I will give him the offer though, I'm sure he'd accept. What sort of price range are we talking about?"

"nothing too outrageous, considering that these are the elites of the Takian military. Four hundred thousand Takian Bullets to hire them, plus an additional four hundred thousand a month, plus expences. . . ammunition, food, fuel, the ussual. I'm sure that this is an acceptable offer for veterines of the Adamite war's desert campain."

Henson sits in his quarters and sees the blinking light on his visual message system. He sits down and watches the message from his Emperor and smiles: "deliverance" he mutters under his breath.

Over the intercom an officer alerts him of the arrival of the Verniian fleet. He pays little to no attention to this and relays a message to the planet "we will welcome the men. Send them straight to the cruiser."

As this is muttered, 500 engineers and 1000 marines go at top speed to the Taka Cruiser. They mean to board.

"Coming in as expected captain, orders?"

"Send a heavily encrypted message to the incoming ship, tell them to proceded on a balistic course, we need to fire at it to keep the Vernians from becoming suspicious. All hands prepare ship for battle. All C and D class crewmen are to report to shuttles and fold back to the Alpha Centauri system."

"here they come" the first mate said, turning the AS system online.

A young man appeared, blond hair spiked upward, and wearing a tee-shirt saying simply "l33t m4st3r"

You rang, captian? he said, his holographic head swiveling and locking ice blue eyes with him.

"I need you to make this ship battle ready, and prep it for a new crew, asap."

Captian? he says, raising an eyebrow and producing a mockup of a cross bow. We are just handing this ship over to the first followers of the Zombie Queen that step through that airlock?

"Largo. . . just. . . never mind, just do what you are told, and don't even think of turning the automatic defences on them."

The hologram grumbled, as the ship's weapons and shielding came online, the HEPD fields still down. Lances of fire broke from its side, missing the incoming enemy ship by hundreds of kilometers. HEPD fields crackled to life as it touched against the airlock, and a mayday rang out on the public channels. The captian, and the hologram of Largo appeared as the airlocks slid open, Seven Heads sailors moving into the ship. The Takian saluted for a moment before speaking to the highest ranking man there.

"Good day, I appologise we couldn't have made the delivery in better circumstances, though war is, and always has been a boon to the Takian economy. I regret we can not give you a more detailed rundown of the ship, but the ship's computer, Largo, will help you out as much as he can. Is'nt that right, Largo?"

of course, I exist to serve, though I recomend you get to your escape shuttles before the battle starts.

After the captian was out of earshot, he turned to the men filing in. His shirt was now covered by a tactical vest, weapons hung through the webbing of every shape and size. He snarled as he looked over the captian, raising his holographic crossbow to chest level.

And I suppose you are the Zombie Queens minions, sent to commender this ship. . . well I've got news for you, put so much as one microchip out of place and I'll kill you again, mindless undead minnion of my nemmisis.

"I'm sure that would be acceptable. What is their equipment and/or vehicles, and how soon can they arrive?"
***
"Looks like they are trying to board the Takan ship sir."

Banton looked up from his display in surprise. "Fools, Takan marines would slaughter them in a boarding action. Anyway, are the bunker busters loaded?"

"Yes sir. Ready to fire."

"You may fire."

The six ships of the squadron performed a synchronized turn, bringing their starboard broadsides to bear upon True Hope. Light rippled down their sides as sixty missiles hurtled into space, half carrying standard laser warheads, and the other half carrying a 30 megaton nuclear warhead.

OOC: The missiles are pretty far outside of their normal powered flight range. Pretty much they will be ballistic when their power runs out, and unable to manuever. They are accelerating at 42,500 Gs, powered flight time is 180 seconds, powered engagement range is 6,755,000 km, and a terminal velocity of 75,000 KPS when the power runs out. Pretty much they will be travelling 25% of the speed of light at the end of their run. Detonation range for the laser-head missiles is 20,000 km from their target. They detonate and spray the target with high powered lasers, those are being targeted at the fleet in orbit. The nukes are self explanatory, and are heading for the moon. They will burrow about 50 ft before exploding.

"Halt, Largo. I am Samus Daniels: Protector (OCC: Vice Admiral) of the Faith. Your leaders have given command of this vessel to the Holy Empire of the Seven Heads. You and I are fighting the same battle, you know. We both aim to destroy evil. I only ask your help in fighting it this one time until we can send you back to your leaders."

The hologram leaned in, eyeing the Protector of the faith.

Then we shall slay the hoards of undead together, good Paladin He smiles darkly, his eyes flickering dangeriously before hundreds of coppies of him appeared.

you, you and you, come with me he said, tapping out the engeneers and leading them down the hallways to thier stations, till all crewmen had been hearded off towards battle stations. The hologram led the marines off towards the weapons lockers, fully stocked with tactical power armor and the latest in Takian Arms.
This way, Captain Largo said, saluting, before walking towards the far elevator that would take them to the bridge.

*************************************************************

**TSA Largo, docking bay**

The Captain arrived as the last shuttle finished preflight checks, activating a voice only com's beacon.

"Mayday, mayday, mayday" he said franticly, walking calmly towards the shuttle.

"Ship has been overun by Seven Heads invaders, for God's sake, why wasn't I informed that we had no marines onboard. . . Someone's head is going to roll!" He smacked his hand across the titanium hull of the shuttle, a resonating thump sounding over the coms device.

"Sweet merciful emperor, they are at the bridge bulkhead, Damnit, get those Autoguns online now!"

He shut it off, stepping into the shuttle and removing the admiral's uniform. He slipped a buisness suit over his white shirt, and pulled a tie from the shuttle's modified weapons cashe.

"Home" he said simply "and have Takian Arms stock reports wired to my terminal, I want to see how this little charade has boosted my chance of reaching VP."

Samus preaches as he takes a seat in the captain's chair and a few engineers take up position at the weapons systems and other posts. "Now, my fellow warrior against the darkness, show me how we may lay waste to the infidels!"

As this happens the marines sit and aw of the grand bounty of weapons placed before them. Some wonder if replacing they're holy blessed armor with the energy based protection layed before them is sacrilige and consult the officers (all of whom are deemed chaplins of the church). They decide that placing such armor underneath holy armor is no sin and they all proceed to place it on as if it were a christmas gift from christ himself. They also grab what arms they can and prepare to take garrison positions in the ship.

Simple, these targeting consoles allow you to target weapons clusters on ships, The holographic map here shows you our possition, with a 360 degree threat board in each fireing arch. Simply tap out the ship to be fired on, and I'll calculate and fire the weapons. Just keep an eye out for the energy levels, if the ship is running at optimal power, then there is nothing to fear, but if the Singularity generators go down then you will need to divert power from non-essential systems to keep them online. . . also note, While I'm capable of runnign this ship myself, I still need you to devise tactical manuevers and troubleshoot minor problems that arise durring battle. . . I can tell you what needs to be done, but I'm incapable of reparing burned out circitry, or reinstalling the absorbtion shields when they go down. And captain, one final word of advice before we get started. . . He paused, turning his attention to the bridge viewing monitors, a massive 3d hologram of the ship, along with a mockup of the planet and the dreaded Vernii battlewall

Do remember that fortune favors the bold

Alluding too his holy text Samus quotes "And thee who fights valiently and strikes bravely at thine foes shall be the victor, for He and His Likeness do not hinder the rule of the bold!" Forward, my fellow warrior; into the battle!"

Mean while the fleet begins rounding the planet toward the moon to draw the Verniians within range of the moons fire, and once that fales the planet's fire. The newly aquired cruiser follows behind at full impulse, circling round behind the Verniian attack force, still looking as though it is observing.

The missile pound into the long system of tunnels and fortresses established upon Osirus. They're massive payload nearly decimating 2/3 of the moons fighting capabilities, those who survived stand ready to fire.

Sultan Phalis calls in his personal cabinet (including Darius) to the private meeting room of the Palace.

"We have a situation on our hands. Vernii has begun it's invation of Seven Heads and we have a possible Terrorist attack on our hands. What I need from you is a decision on whether to send troops and ships or not. Darius?"

"The Verniians promised to take out Seven Heads themselves. They have more power than we could hope to offer. Leave this to them. We need full focus on the issue at hand, capturing these terrorists in here in Hamunaptra."

Debate continues until the council agrees that sending forces to help the invasion is not nessicary at this time.

"We hit them hard sir, sensors detect atmosphere escaping all over the surface, looks like we collapsed a lot of their defences. Energy readings are still pretty high though. The enemy fleet is withdrawing behind the moon's estimated range."

Banton chewed on his lower lip, he didn't want to but the enemy gave him no choice. If he pursued he risked being caught in between both the moon and the enemy fleet, and that could potentially mean the destruction of his entire squadron. "We end this. Fit missiles without warheads, we'll do a kinetic bombardment."

Another sixty missiles launched from the fleet, each simply programmed to smash into the surface at maximum velocity.

OOC: According to the KE formula I got from SD.net (kinetic energy = 1/2 * mass * speed^2 ). That's an energy output of 646,875,000,000,000,000 joules for one missile.

The missiles smash into the moon, causing craters the size of cities and annihalating the entire moon base tunnel system.

Meanwhile, the fleet has taken up position in front of the now flattened moon surface, and seeing that the Verniians are now in range, open a broadside volley of missiles directly at the the Warlock, the total number amounting in 147.

Only a few seconds later the captured Taka cruiser, which in rounding about the back of the Verniian attack squadron, has stopped with prow side facing the wall, and fires it's Nova cannon at the Mars. Simultaniously it releases it's full compliment of 100 dropships, 16 gunships, and 30 interceptors (all loaded with marines, accept a few for lack of marines). All are ordered to fire anything as soon as they are in range.

OOC: I hate Battlefleet Gothic weaponry.....damn shell moving at near light speed, makes my kinetic bombardment of the moon look like a rifle next to a cannon.

Mars bucked as the Nova Cannon's shell smashed into it's shields. The energy shields flared brilliant white as kinetic energy bled into them, but it was too much and they collapsed. The shell smashed through the ship at a point near the aft impeller ring. Mars broke in half, the smaller stern section drifting away with it's entire crew dead, while some of the PD lasers on the forward section continued firing at the incoming missiles, until the power died. The ship's lights flickered and died, and escape pods began to hurtle from it as it's crew abandoned ship.

Banton floated in the darkness and zero gravity of the ship's flag bridge, watching in anger and horror as the displays flickered and died one at a time. After the last display went black, he turned to face his chief of staff, "I suppose we ought to be leaving."

Command transferred to Captain Hall of the Apollo.

Meanwhile, counter-missiles raced out, and PD lasers swiveled in their mounts and targeted as computer's assigned threat values and priorities to the incoming missiles. Fourteen made it through, detonating against Warlocks' shields. The shields flared as they absorbed the impacts, and several shield generators went offline as kinetic energy bled through into them. Missile tubes completed their reloading cycles, and another sixty missiles hurtled out toward the enemy, each carrying a standard laser warhead. They were all targetted upon the lighter destroyers. For a moment command confusion hampered a response against the Takan cruiser, but each individual captain figured out the betrayal, missiles began racing out towards it, first solo, and then in twos, threes, and finally entire broadsides.

"Quickly, another Nova at the fearless, and all parasites concintrate fire on the Warlock." Samus shouts in an excited and concintrated voice.

This is said as the volley of Vernii missiles are weeded out to a meer 4, colliding with the ship's shields, causing a short flicker of lighting across the ship.

At the same time, the first barrage hits the fleet. Defences knock out 35 of the incoming missiles, letting 13 stip through. 8 hit the Archon, decimating it's engine capabilities and leaving it to float and fire. 2 more make contact with Solar, shaking it up conciderably, but still ready to fight. 3 leave the Eladrin in similar condition.

Largo fires a Nova at the fearless as instructed while another volley of 142 missiles from the fleet continues toward the warlock. The parasites also fire upon Warlock, firing lasers and another 188 smallship grade missiles at random within a 30 minute time span.

PD lasers again burned through incoming missiles, and counter-missiles hurled themselves against yet more missiles. Another thirteen got through, knocking two of Warlock's shield generators offline and knocking a broadside laser and counter-missile tube out of action.

One of Fearless's counter-missiles clipped the incoming Nova Cannon shell with its gravitic field, and both exploded in a brilliant flash of energy. Antimatter fragments from the shell spewed out, and the shields on each of the five cruiserse lit up as they impacted against them. Several generators went offline, and backup generators came up to provide temporary protection.

Each of the four 90cm lasers on the cruisers open fire upon the approaching parasite craft, and another two salvos of sixty missiles each is hurled out against the Takan cruiser and the enemy fleet, again concentrating on the wounded destroyers.

Captain Hall looked grim as she watched the holodisplay of the battle. "Begin tractoring escape pods onboard, and adjust course for the edge of the system."

"What the..." Samus says in a confused manor. "The Nova stopped by a missile??"

(OOC: this is actually Taka in here, i just didn't want to wait for another post)
Largo: it is a projectile weapon, no matter, we have no shortage of cannon shot, and I have an idea. . .

The Torpedeo tubes load of thier own accoard, a volley of smaller missiles streaking out. They burn out and break apart, each one releacing 20 smaller Anti-aircraft missiles, creating a moving debris screen to confuse the Vernii PD missiles. The Nova thunders again, sending it's warhead screaming outward towards the shrouded Vernii vessel. (fired at the Fearless)

Just then, the volleys make contact with the cruiser and the fleet. The archon is destroyed by another 5 missile hits while the rest of the fleet takes even hits and only slightly scathed. The Eladrin's shields are left dead. The cruiser takes another 5 hits, causing an overload in one generator, but is replaced by backups.

Point defences engaged the incoming missiles, and this time each of the four 90 centimeter lasers on each cruiser's side opened fire. Together, they cut a swath through the incoming missiles. Two lasers concentrated their fire upon the Nova Cannon shell, and it blew apart under their fury. Antimatter again splattered the squadron, and Fearless lost a missile tube and laser mount, along with having gashes torn into its armor. Apollo lost a secondary shield generator.

Captain Hall tightened her grip on the arms of her command chair as her ship shuddered underneath her. "We can't take much more of this. All ships, fire a final salvo, then roll ship. Go to max accel for the hyper limit."

A last salvo of sixty missiles was fired, concentrated upon the wounded ships in the Seven Heads fleet, and then the cruisers rolled to present their heavily armored dorsal and ventral surfaces to the enemy. They then pulled up so they were perpendicular to the battle, and went to maximum acceleration away from it.

The last volly destroys the Eladrin and leaves the fleet in a very shaken condition. The fleet cheers as the fleet turns tail and runs. "Victory is ours!" rings across the propaganda machines on the surface.

Largo watched the fleeing Vernii vessles with a touch of disdain in his glower.

Those cowards will return with greater numbers he said, resting an armored arm on a navigation console.

Let us hope it is not before the exchange can be made, my damage reports indicate that I've escaped with no physicial damage, and only minor shielding loss. . . still, I would rather not face the entire Vernian armada without backup. I am going to make a connection with your capital's computer networks and download schematics for defencive shielding. . . Next time they come, that moon will not be touched.

A series of soft whirs, clicks and hums echoed through the silent bridge, as the Largo set about designing a defence network for the moon, and opened transmition to the planet below, informing them of the materials and schematics nessisary for it's defence.

Largo watched the fleeing Vernii vessles with a touch of disdain in his glower.

Those cowards will return with greater numbers he said, resting an armored arm on a navigation console.

Let us hope it is not before the exchange can be made, my damage reports indicate that I've escaped with no physicial damage, and only minor shielding loss. . . still, I would rather not face the entire Vernian armada without backup. I am going to make a connection with your capital's computer networks and download schematics for defencive shielding. . . Next time they come, that moon will not be touched.

A series of soft whirs, clicks and hums echoed through the silent bridge, as the Largo set about designing a defence network for the moon, and opened transmition to the planet below, informing them of the materials and schematics nessisary for it's defence.

"Thank you, Largo. You're gracious gift shall be remembered. We hail you for the great victory you have given us!" Samus praises as he bows. "Now, have there been any escape pods captured from the attack force?"

"Yes, Sire. We have captured 34 prisoners who we will bring back to the surface for interrrogation. Salvage has already begun on the destroyed ship."

"Praise Him and His Likeness!" rings across the ship.

"The dead shall be honored as soon as possible, but as of now we shall prepare for yet another onslaught." Samus solumnly mutters. "Your new ship shall arrive with Takan protection for it's investment, I trust?" He asks Largo.

Largo's eyes glint darkly for a moment, before he bows his head, a devious smirk on his face.

Of course. . . though you realize for a ship this expencive, a lein has been placed over a sizable portion of your planet to cover construction and assure your government is able to pay off the loan in the event that it collapses or is overthrown.

Gregor Sector

A blinding brilliance erupts in the space of the Gregor system, it seems to be a new star coming into existence. But the brief nova is short lived, rapidly giving away to what it is the real messenger of. A sleek Eagle class assault cruiser finishes its retranslation from hyperspace and moves rapidly to reengage its ion particle and gravimetric engine systems. The combined methods of thrust and direction make the Eagle class the fastest ship in the Solar Navy several times over, and also the fastest capital ship in the Proxima Centauri Defense Initiative alliance. The sensors in the system begin to detect a strange energy aurora forming in a sphere around the Eagle, as it moves with a deadly, calm grace toward the Verniian homeworld at an increasing acceleration--very much like a watery predator from Earth's oceans.

A transmission begins, it is lightly encoded and is directed toward the ships and stations orbiting over the Verniian homeworld.

"This is Captain Truette of the OSNS Degewin, Ortagan Solar Navy. My ship and I are here to ensure the safe arrival of Ambassador Aldrain Lee to begin negotiations in the name of His Grace, Archduke Poul Corrin II, between the Grand Duchy of New Ortaga and the People's Republic of Vernii. I request with all haste clearance through your orbital defenses so that we may allow Ambassador Lee's shuttle to depart and make way to your capital city so these final negotiations may begin."

http://www.kitsune.addr.com/SF-Conversions/Rifts-B5-Ships/Centauri_Vorchan.jpg
OSNS Degewin

http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/uc/zeta/characters/images/icon_wong.gif
Ambassador Aldrian Lee

A transmission is sent from the largest of the orbital fortresses over Vernii, Bastion.
"This is Admiral Thompson, Commanding Officer of Gregor Defence Command. Clearance is granted. Gregor Traffic Control will asssign your ship a parking orbit, and a priority lane will be established for your ambassor's shuttle. Landing clearance is granted at Cardona Spaceport, an honor guard will be assembled to meet your ambassador."

Cardona Spaceport

A small Ortagan shuttle descends rapidly throught the atmosphere, having left the Degewin in orbit a little over ten minutes ago. The shuttle is blatantly functional, with the consideration to asthetics only taken because of its need to enter planetary atmosphere as it ferries personnel and moderate cargo loads to and from its mothership.

Claw-like landing gear extends as the shuttle approaches its assigned landing pad. After a few minutes a ramp descends, and Ambassador Lee along with a single man from the Atlas Wing group of the Ortagan Army walks down from the shuttle, and begins to move toward their awaiting honor guard.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/samis/hi/models/centauri/images/centauri-shuttle_large_ih.jpg
Ortagan shuttle

OSNS Degewin

Commander Truette stands aboard the bridge of her assault cruiser, watching with vivid interest at the traffic and fortifications around the Verniian homeworld.

"Take sensors to maximum passive level, I want to get as full a data dump as possible on the status of their orbital defenses and ship numbers as possible without raising too much suspicion. Also, once the shuttle returns, pull a full dump from its own sensors and put it into our own computers."

"Yes, Commander."

"A small price to pay for the protection the faith." Samus says to his holographic counterpart.

The fleet then returns to it's docks for repairs.

"Largo, the Verniian infidels shall return soon. Do you have any data on them? Fleet information, alliences, troop movements, anything? How shall they react to such a defeat?" Samus questions.

OOC: Sorry I was gone yesterday.

There are five orbital fortresses over Vernii, each is a sphere shape, the smallest is 4.75 km in diameter, and the largest is 10 km in diameter. The framework of a sixth fortress is under construction, along with ten asteroids with defences erected on them. There are fourty dreadnoughts and five superdreadnoughts in orbit, along with twenty-four battleships and eighteen battlecruisers. There are plenty of lighter units, but they are scattered around the system on patrol and escorting convoys in and out of the system. There are also the usual orbital industrial structures, such as warehouses, smelters and fabrication facilities, cargo transfer stations, and a massive shipyard, in which dozens of warships of various types can be seen under construction.


Twenty marines in red and black dress uniform await Ambassador Lee. As he steps off of the shuttle they snap to attention and salute. An officer wearing the uniform of a Vice Admiral is waiting at the front of the line of guards. He smiles in greeting and extends his hand, "I am Vice Admiral Hirtzel, I will be your guide to your meeting. If you will follow me, a VIP aircar is waiting."

Lee accepts Hirtzel's hand in a long-fingered, firm grip.

"Thank you, Vice Admiral," he says in quite and vaguely musical tones. "So nice to have efficiency somewhere else besides Centauri for once. I trust that everything finds President...Callimar, is it? Well?"

Lee struggles for a moment with the pronounciation, looking at Hirtzel for signs of correction or confirmation of his own attempt.

"Yes, Calimar is correct. I hope that Archduke Poul is doing well?" As Hirtzel speaks, he begins guiding the ambassador to the waiting aircar. "It's not often we get visiting foreign dignitaries such as yourself, I believe the last important visitor we had was Admiral Forrest from Valinon, after that nasty little border war we had." The side doors on the aircar, a long and sleek black colored vehicle, open.

Lee smiles oddly, "You don't say? A pity really that attention had to come to your sector of space in such a hostile way. I know that my own government is evaluating an expansion of trading interests in this particular area of space, and several more bold shipping lines have already started trade with some of the systems that border your own world."

At the mention of Forrest, Lee's mouth ticks.

"Ah, the Ice Man," Lee says with a shake of his head as he boards the air car. "Yes, I think that many either inspires awe or fear, or the combination of the two. I had the...well I'm not actually sure it was a pleasure exactly..of meeting Admiral Forrest at one of Prime Minister Ansel's receptions several years ago. There is some sort of history between the two, but I think divergent paths have come to play. Forrest may be one of the greatest tacticans and strategists the Valinor have ever produced, but he stays far away from politics in general, and has a reputation for being very blunt. And I'm sorry, but picturing him as an ambassador is hard for me to do. But then the Valinor under Emperor Rowald have become rather...quirky is the word I think suits its best."

After everyone is seated inside the aircar, it activates it's counter-grav and lifts off of the ground. Inside are heated leather seats, a holographic display that can tune in to various channels, and a miniature bar. "May I offer you something to drink? And Admiral Forrest didn't really visit Vernii as an ambassador, he visited only long enough to negotiate a cease fire between our nations, and then left. I believe you said you're expanding trade to this sector? You might want to bring that point up with Secretary Stanton, she's in charge of commerce, and would be very interested I'm sure."

Two assault shuttles move into escort positions on either side of the aircar, and the trio of vehicles glide into the city.

OOC: If you've ever read any of the honorverse books, Cardona is based on Nouveau Paris, capital city of Haven. It's pretty much a gigantic forest of skyscrapers, and has a population of 32 million.

*OOC: Sorry, but no I have not read any of these Honorverse books. But tell me, would it be something like a "dumbed" down Coruscant?*

Lee looks thoughtful for a moment, "I believe a soda water and a whiskey will do me, just a small glass though. And I will most certainly bring up the point of trade and commerce with Ms. Stanton. That way this round of negotiations can be even more productive than had been anticipated."

OOC: Yeah, its a lot like that.

"Very well." Hirtzel pours the soda water and whiskey and hands it to Lee. A few minutes later the aircar approaches the Tower, a 250 story black skscraper (imagine the John Hancock Center in Chicago). The car decelerates and gently lands on the Tower's rooftop garage. The pilot shuts down the counter-grav, and the doors swing open. Hirtzel steps out, then waits for Lee and his bodyguard. "If you will follow me, I will lead you to the conference chamber."

"Thank you, Vice Admiral" Lee says and moves with a certain amount of forced grace from the air car. The single Atlas Guardsmen follows next, and takes up a position several feet behind Lee and Hirtzel, remaining a respectful distance as the two move toward the conference chamber.

Hirtzel leads the way through several hallways, before coming to a transit shaft. After everyone enters he keys in the appropriate floor, and the transit car whisks the party down to floor 125. Hirtzel then leads them down several more hallways, before coming to a pair of ten foot tall wooden doors. Two PSF (Presidential Security Force) Guardsmen stand before the doors, and open them as the group approaches. Inside is a room about fourty feet wide and sixty feet long, with a marble floor, a small fountain at one end, and a black marble conference table sits in the center, with about thirty seats at it. Twelve Guardsmen are stationed around the room. Eleven of the seats at the table are filled, including nine Cabinet members, a man dressed in the uniform of the People's Navy, and in the large leather chair at the head sits President Calimar.

Calimar stands, "Welcome to Vernii Ambassador Lee. I trust your journey from the spaceport was pleasant enough?"

Lee's escort peels off, and assumes a position at the door, arms clasped behind his back.
"Thank you, Mr. President. And the hospitality I have been shown by Vice Admiral Hirtzel has been excellent, my compliments to you on producing such capable officers."

"The Academy does have a fine reputation of turning out competent officers. Normally we wouldn't greet a visiting diplomat with a flag officer, but we consider you important enough to extend that courtesy to. Please have a seat." Calimar waves a hand at the table.

Once everyone was seated, an aide came by with a serving tray carrying glasses of wine. She places a glass in front of each person seated at the table, and then leaves unobtrusively. "The wine is a Merlot from my personal collection, imported from the Loire Wine Company in Steel Butterfly." says Calimar, "Now on to more important matters. We recently negotiated the right to build a fleet base in the Morning Star system, along with trading rights, with the nation of Liberated New Hope. The problem is that they are in conflict with the third world of the system, which calls themselves the Holy Empire of Seven Heads." Calimar pauses to take a sip from his wine.

"They have a large enough fleet to pose an impediment to construction of the fleet base, and post a large threat to merchant vessels. NavInt deemed that a single heavy cruiser squadron would be sufficient to deal with the threat, and it seemed like it was. However, the Navy of the Faithful has purchased a Takan light cruiser to supplement their forces. It attacked Commodore Banton's squadron by surprise, and crippled his flagship with it's opening salvo. The command confusion that followed lost us the battle, and the squadron was forced to retreat."

"This is where our interest in your nation comes in. NavInt has suggested that New Ortaga is on the search for more territory, judging by past events. We offer Seven Heads to you. The heaviest ship in their fleet is the light cruiser. In return for crushing these impudent fanatics under your heels, Vernii will turn a blind eye toward anything that goes on under Ortagan occupation."

OCC: If Taka doesn't post soon by the time you guy get here there will be no defence to speak of. If that happens I'll just say Taka ran with it's tale between it's legs at the mention of New Ortaga and i'll face you with my existing forces.

((OOC: accualy, Taka has no intrest in the system save your outstanding debt to us for said ship, we are more than willing to let Ortaga grind you into powder provided we get to pull through said powder to get our 12 trillian.))

"The Academy does have a fine reputation of turning out competent officers. Normally we wouldn't greet a visiting diplomat with a flag officer, but we consider you important enough to extend that courtesy to. Please have a seat." Calimar waves a hand at the table.

Once everyone was seated, an aide came by with a serving tray carrying glasses of wine. She places a glass in front of each person seated at the table, and then leaves unobtrusively. "The wine is a Merlot from my personal collection, imported from the Loire Wine Company in Steel Butterfly." says Calimar, "Now on to more important matters. We recently negotiated the right to build a fleet base in the Morning Star system, along with trading rights, with the nation of Liberated New Hope. The problem is that they are in conflict with the third world of the system, which calls themselves the Holy Empire of Seven Heads." Calimar pauses to take a sip from his wine.

"They have a large enough fleet to pose an impediment to construction of the fleet base, and post a large threat to merchant vessels. NavInt deemed that a single heavy cruiser squadron would be sufficient to deal with the threat, and it seemed like it was. However, the Navy of the Faithful has purchased a Takan light cruiser to supplement their forces. It attacked Commodore Banton's squadron by surprise, and crippled his flagship with it's opening salvo. The command confusion that followed lost us the battle, and the squadron was forced to retreat."

"This is where our interest in your nation comes in. NavInt has suggested that New Ortaga is on the search for more territory, judging by past events. We offer Seven Heads to you. The heaviest ship in their fleet is the light cruiser. In return for crushing these impudent fanatics under your heels, Vernii will turn a blind eye toward anything that goes on under Ortagan occupation."

Lee finishes taking a sip of the Merlot as Calimar finishes speaking.

"The Grand Duchy has been observing the situation in the area and the Gregor area of space in general for a brief bit of recent time. And we are as you say interested in acquiring new territory and expanding our overall sphere of influence."

"As for the matter of the Takan warship, I assure you, Mr. President there is no love loss between the cities of Silesia and Neo-Kyoto. In fact, His Grace, Earl Wayridge, and Prime Minister Ansel feel that it is high time the Takans were shown that they are not the supreme power they seem to think they are. And the ID had already anticipated a proposal along these lines."

Lee access some information on a small vid-screen link, "Currently, His Grace is willing to discreetly dispatch a force from the Seventh Fleet of the Solar Navy to dispatch with the 'Navy' of the Faithful. Along with an appropriate force from the Cronus Assault Wing to initiate a planetary occupational authority and begin to instruct the fanatics of the Seven Head's regime in the true way the galaxy works."

"However, there is one other thing His Grace would wish to have requested to complete the deal. My government would like to be promised that our trade interests and markets will not be interferred with if we so chose to allow a considerable growth in the commerical arena between New Ortaga and Liberated New Hope. Is this acceptable?"

"I agree to your terms, the prosperity of trade should always be a priority. As to the matter of interstellar trade, several Verniian freight lines are interested in opening up shipping routes to your territory. Since your capital has almost two billion citizens, not counting colonies, that's a lot of potential customers, and since each superfreighter can carry around four million tons of cargo inside, it could become extremely profitable. At the same time, we are open to allowing Ortagan merchants into Verniian territory, since our citizens have developed a bit of a "hunger" for imports."

"Indeed," says Lee. "Out of hand I see nothing wrong with allow initial trade between New Ortaga and Vernii territories and protectorates, however, any favored status or complete free trade agreements will have to be decided upon by the House of Commons. But I was given some instructions in this regard should anything come up."

He pulls out some formally prepared documents, "In order to begin to ease trade between the Grand Duchy and the People's Republic, His Grace would like to see that a formal embassy is established here in your capital as well as a secondary embassy on Acler. Finally, it would please His Grace greatly if a small, non-military trade legation were to be allowed in the Klein system in order to use that system as an easy jump-off point between New Ortaga and the inner systems of your own territory."

"An embassy on both Vernii and Acler is acceptable, and we would like to establish one on Roum as well. However, I'm afraid we cannot allow non-Verniian shipping into Klein. The system is off limits for national security reasons."

Lee arches an eyebrow and makes a small notation, "I see."

"Very well then, now that that is concluded on to other matters. Your offer to avert your eyes during the Ortagan administration of Seven Heads is most kind, but there is another similar matter that needs to be addressed."

"His Grace and Early Wayridge," the absence of the Prime Minister's name is not entirely lost on those at the table, "realize that a war between the Grand Duchy and the 'High Dominion' of Falasmayon is inevitable because of our competing interests in commerce, as well as territory. They wish to inquire if a similar eye could be turned away when a more active stance is taken to reduce the threat of Falasmayon to Ortagan interests. Whay may I say to them on this matter?"

"Considering our lack of trade with Falasmayon and that our nations don't even have embassies on each others worlds, we will not make any move against your dealings with that nation. That's not to say we won't note it, but that we won't interfere."

"His Grace and Earl Wayridge didn't expect you to pretend to be blind, Mr. President," Lee says. "They merely wanted to know where Vernii stood in regards to Falasmayon. And I think they will be very pleased with your response to that question. It may grant you considerable favor in the future," Lee smiles cooly.

"Are there any other matters you wish to address, Mr. President?"

"No, I don't believe there is anything else we need to discuss. I believe we can allow our subordinates to work out the details with each other. If there is nothing else, I can have an aide escort you back to your shuttle, although Cardona does have some nice cultural attractions that I can arrange for you to have a VIP pass to, if you ever decide to visit in the future."

(OCC: I declare that N.O. is just stretched on resources at the moment and can't afford a war on SH, so I can get on with destroying it myself... mwa ha ha)