NationStates Jolt Archive

The Sol System Protectorate Zone fortress, HMSS Aden continues its lazy orbit around Sol, caught between the vast distances between Neptune and Pluto. The station stands as the last of the three great stations built to service the Sol System Task Force, and the various other Valinor ships passing through Sol.
Lady Diedre Rolt stands on one of the Aden's observation decks, looking out across the timeless starscape. Her eyes drift lazily toward the Virgo-class heavy cruiser moving away from the station. She is waiting patiently for the arrival of the other delegates from the Epsilon Pegasi crisis.
Flottenkapitan Strekensky, master of the Aden, stands at her side.
"Will the other delegates be arriving soon, My Lady?" he asks.
"Yes, Kapitan, they will. The Takans, the Ortagans, and the Falas will have been alerted by Nu-Space and an courier will have already reached Gregor by this time. We will not have much longer to wait before we can begin the conference. Now, what word from Lord Adonis?"
"The Lord Marshal says he will come to Aden immediately, My Lady. And says that he will act as your military advisor in the matter of the division of Epsilon Pegasi."
"Very good, Kapitan."

OOC: Just a small TAG, since it's my war torn and subjugated system that's being divided

A few hours after the courier boats delivers it's message, Foreign Secretary Elaine Jurgens was already on a pinnace bound for the dreadnought VNS Valorous.

Her pinnace settled into it's assigned berth, and she stepped out out it's airlock into the boat bay. The honor guard waiting for her snapped to attention, and she was momentarily confused by how to respond. She managed an awkward salute, and then Captain Spencer approached. "Secretary Jurgens, it is an honor to have you onboard. Lt. Patterson will show you to your quarters. We will be ready to depart for Sol within two hours."

"Thank you Captain. It is a privilege to be onboard this fine ship." She shook his hand and followed Lt. Patterson out of the boat bay as her staff unpacked her luggage from the pinnace.

It took her several minutes to reach her quarters, considering the dreadnought was 2.75 kilometers long. She was assigned to the ship's vacant admiral's quarters, and found that they were quite luxurious.

The day cabin was about ten meters wide, and the sleeping cabin was built on the same scale. The thick carpeting was a rich blue, and the dining cabin could seat twenty people around the elegant dining table. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the day cabin had a massive viewport set into the bulkhead. Not bad, Jurgens thought as she stared out the viewport at the blue and green sphere of Vernii. Tiny glints of sunlight orbited it; the rest of Home Fleet, the orbital fortresses and defense asteroids, and Vernii's massive orbital industrial infrastructure. A few hundred kilometers away sat one of the Navy's new Imperious class battlecruisers, it's own 1.75 kilometer length dwarfed by the dreadnought's size, and she assumed another one was holding formation on the other side of the dreadnought. She smirked, she didn't know much about the navy, but she did know that the level of firepower the Valorous carried was absurd compared to a mere battlecruiser.

Two hours later, just as Captain Spencer had said, the Valorous and it's escorts Imperious and Adamant, left orbit. Ten hours after that they reached the Gregor system's hyper limit and vanished into hyperspace.

The Takian shuttle folded near the station, sublights kicking to life as the craft gracefully moved to dock at the station.

"Valnor command, this is the Takian delagation. Ambasador Ori will be arriving as soon as final go for docking is given."

A burst of pure, white light splits space as an Eagle class assault cruiser completes its translation from hyperspace to n-space. The Eagle rapidly begins to accelerate toward Aden, bringing up its gravimetric shielding as it does.

"Aden Command, this is Commander Halden OSNS Wind of War. We are here to see Ambassador Kathlynn Nagami safely to the conference on Epsilon Pegasi as an obsever and request permission to dock with Aden as soon as possible."

Almost half a day later, Valorous and her two escorts translated from hyper at the edge of the Sol system. They brought their acceleration up to 400 Gs, and headed in system

Several hours later, the dreadnought came to a relative rest 10,000 km from the Valinor fortress. Boat bay doors opened, and a single VIP pinnace floated out, once at a safe distance it activated it's impeller drive, and moved toward the station.

"Pinnace Valorous 10 requesting permission to dock."

OCC: Since LRR ships were there, can I send a delegation?

OOC: I suppose, just don't expect much tolerence for anti-imperialist dogma.

"Takan shuttle, you are cleared for docking in hanger 3. An honor guard will be prepared for Ambassador Ori and he will be escorted to the conference facilities as soon as he disembarks."

**********

"OSNS Wind of War, this is Aden Command. Ambassador Nagami's shuttle is cleared for landing in hanger 3. An appropriate honor guard will see her safely to the conference area. We request that you assume a stationary orbit inside the immediate defense perimeter 850 kilometers from the station itself."

**********

"Valorous 10 you are cleared for docking in hanger 3. An honor guard will be awaiting Secretary Jurgens to see her safely to the conference room. In the meantime we request that your parent vessel assume a stationary orbit near its current position of 10,000 kilometers."

**********

The blue-white light of a Valinor jumpspace exit point forms up 8,000 kilometers from Aden, on the opposite side of the station from the Valorous. The ship even looks new, fresh from the yards it is one of the first of the new Ares II-class dreadnoughts, and the third ship to bear the name HMS Fearless. The dreadnought is the flagship of the Sol System Task Force and the personal command vessel of Lord Reynard Adonis, Lord Marshal of the Sol System Protectorate Zone. The Fearless is flanked by a pair of destroyers.
Soon after its exit, a Longshard interceptor flies away from the Fearless making rapidly toward the fortress.

**********

Lord Diedre Rolt sits at the head of the conference table in one of the Aden's spacious flag conference rooms. A row of viewports allow a startling view of the starscape outside the station, she turns away from it as she hears the door at the conference room enter. Flottenkapitan Strekensky enters and comes to attention.
"My Lady," he says with a slight bow.
"Please, Kapitan, you may dispense with some of the formality."
"Very well, My Lady. I am here to inform you that the Takan, Verniian, and Ortagan ambassadors are already on the station and are being escorted here. Also, Lord Adonis is on his way from the Fearless and will arrive momentarily."
"Thank you, Kapitan," Diedre says with a slight nod. "I trust that now you will wish to slip away before the dignitaries arrive?"
"If there is nothing else you need, My Lady."
"No, Kapitan," says Diedre, "you have been of great assistance to me already."
"Thank you, My Lady. The stewards will see to the remainder of your needs," Strekensky clicks his heels and then exits. A few minutes later the Takan, Verniian, and Ortagan ambassadors arrive.
"Gentlemen, Ms. Jurgens, it is a pleasure," Diedre says standing and making toward the door. "Please take a seat, we can have some refreshments brought in while we wait for Lord Adonis to arrive."

A small Type-20 diplomatic shuttle arrives out of hyperspace near Aden.

"This is C-37893287 requesting permission to come aboard."

Ambassador Nagami politely accepts Lady Rolt's hand. She is dressed in a plain dress that is a deep, fluid blue. The only real piece of outstanding ornamentation on her simple guard is a small pin on her strickly cut dresses collar, the sun and sword device that has been popularized as the symbol of Prime Minister Channing Ansel's Conservative Federation and the symbol of his much promised "New Order" for Ortaga.

After she exchanges pleasantries with Lady Rolt, she moves to take a seat toward the bottom end of the conference table, remaining some distance for the places indicated for the other ambassadors. It is an obvious move that New Ortaga is here primarily as an observer and with only a casault interest to events within the Epsilon Pegasi system, rather than being at the conference as one of the major players involved in its divisional negotiations.

With a flash of blue and a ripple in space there appears a Sub-Space Node, out of which flies the DRAD Intrepid (repaired and re-crewed since it was destroyed in Regulus). It pauses in space, it's Beam Cannons charged yet not readied, it's Missiles Turrets loaded yet not aimed.

Broad Beam Transmission: All Valinon Receiver Stations (Sol system)

Attention all Valinon ships, this is Prince-Admiral Hirak Jessmin, Commander in Chief of the Gamma Draconis Military Consortium. I have been sent on behalf of Supreme General Yunger Keane, Commander of the Klonor Space Corps, to negotiate your surrender and withdrawl from the Epsilon Pegasi stellar system. We are willing to negotiate compensation and transfer of resources. May we dock and come aboard?

OOC: So, can I be in? I figure since it's my systems we're tearing up I can at least take part in it.

"Indeed it is a pleasure, Lady Rolt. I hope that a mutually satisfactory decision can be reached today." Jurgens then sits her briefcase down next to a chair and takes her seat. Her military advisor, Rear Admiral (retired) Trailman, takes a seat next to her.

Lord Marshal Reynard Adonis watches from his Longshard fighter as the Gamma Draconis Military Consortium ships exit jumpspace. He quickly brings up the comm back to the Fearless.
"Kapitan Marsden, it appears that our erstwhile neighbors have made the move OAI expected they would. Please contact Vizeadmiral Warley and tell him he is to operate under Operation Shroud."
"Yes, My Lord," comes the reply from the comm. Adonis looks toward the Consortium fleet and allows himself a small smile as he enters one of Aden's hangers.

**********

Six seperate points of blue-white light tear through the space around the DRAD Intrepid. Eight battlecruisers, eight battleships, 8 heavy cruisers, ten light cruisers, fifteen destroyers, and a super carrier rapidly move to surround the Consortium ships. A host of Mobile DOS drones begin to streak way from the ships and form up a secure perimeter.
Soon afterwards a transmission goes out the the Intrepid, a man in the space black uniform of the Star Armada, bearing the rank insignia of a Vizeadmiral appears.
"Consortium ships, this is Vizeadmiral Smythe Warley of His Majesty's Star Armada. You are cordially invited to attend the conference as an observer nation," sarcasm carries even through the hologram, "by Lord Marshal Reynard Adonis. After of course you have powered your weapons down and assumed a stationary orbit 40,000 kilometers from Aden. Also note that any actions to the contrary will result in your immediate expulsion from this conference, this system, and also this universe entirely."

The two diplomats in the type-20 get impatient, especially because one has to use the bathroom. The cramped quarters of the Type-20 shuttle were a testament to its purpose-short hyperspace range diplomatic missions. Any more than a day in a Type 20 could cause nausea, soreness, seizures, and mild throat pain.

"Aden, this is C-37893287, requesting permission to come aboard, over."

Hirak Jessmin smiled to himslf, These ingrates actually think their threats mean something. No matter, as long as we get what we want nobody need die. His smile sours a bit, Nobody on any side need die.

"That is perfectly acceptable. We are here on a peaceful mission and have no wish for violence. Expect the shuttle Omega (standard designation for any Elysium class Transport) within the next half hour. Intrepid out."

With that the ComChan is closed and the Admiral walks to his weaponry officer.

"Disarm all the weapons. I want the Laser Turrets energons drained and the Missile Towers unloaded. However, just withdraw the Rods from the Beam Cannons. Keep them ready for immediete insertion in case these things go down hill."

"Yes, sir. Working."

"Good. Now, ready an Elysium transport and get me to their station. They have something of ours, and it's time we took it back."

OOC: Whoops, sorry LRR.

"C-37893287, this is Aden Control, you are cleared for docking in hanger three. An approriate honor guard will see your representatives safely to the conference area."

**********

Lord Adonis enters the conference room shortly before the LRR representatives. He is dressed in a plain, unadorned charcoal and grey trimmed uniform of a Sardaukar officer.
"I apologize for my tardiness," he says with a nod to the assembled ambassadors, and moves toward a seat at Lady Rolt's right.
"My Lady," he says with a smile smile and a slight bow.
"Lord Adonis," she says with another smile.

OOC: Whoops, sorry LRR.

"C-37893287, this is Aden Control, you are cleared for docking in hanger three. An approriate honor guard will see your representatives safely to the conference area."

**********

Lord Adonis enters the conference room shortly before the LRR representatives. He is dressed in a plain, unadorned charcoal and grey trimmed uniform of a Sardaukar officer.
"I apologize for my tardiness," he says with a nod to the assembled ambassadors, and moves toward a seat at Lady Rolt's right.
"My Lady," he says with a smile smile and a slight bow.
"Lord Adonis," she says with another smile.

The two LRR representatives, Kevin Disraeli and Josh Lombard take their seats. They have the regular LRR sketchy look. Wearing ceremonial multicolored robes and feses, they look right out of deep Africa. Kevin, of African descent, completes the appearance.

The DRAT Omega flew out of the Intrepid's docking bay, blue/white engines glowing hot along its rear as it accelerates towards the station. Docking, the Admiral (and his team of Super Ninja Asassin Bodyguards) debarks and greets those waiting for him.

"Greetings, I am Prince-Admiral Hirak Jessmin, Commander in Chief of the Gamma Draconis Military Consortium. I have been invited to attend a meeting. You will direct me there at once."

Shown the way (Valinon's to lazy to write up a post with me being shown there) he enters the meeting room.

Bowing low, showing the deep respect that the Leaders of Men have for one another, he introduces himself yet again.

"Greetings, I am Prince-Admiral Hirak Jessmin, Commander in Chief of the Gamma Draconis Military Consortium. I believe that we have not met previously. Tis truly a travesty I am glad to correct. May I have the honor?"

And he extends his hand in the customary manor.

Jurgens looks rather confused as the Klonorian Admiral enters the chamber. She whispers to Trailman, "I thought that none of the rogue Klonor systems were being invited to this." He whispers in reply, "I think that they invited themselves, not that it's unexpected, we are occupying one of their systems." Jurgens nods in agreement, and the two sit back in their chairs to watch Adonis and Jessmin.

Lady Rolt turns away from greeting the LRR representatives and moves toward Prince Jessmin, along with Lord Adonis.
"Prince-Admiral, I am Lady Diedre Rolt, His Majesty's ambassador to this conference as well as your host. And this is my colleague and advisor Lord Reynard Adonis, Marshal of the Sol System Protectorate."
Lord Adonis takes Jessmin's hand, Jessmin sees that the hand is old, tanned by many suns and calloused. The Lord Marshal regards Jessmin cooly, obviously not impressed by what he sees.
"If you would take a seat, I am sure we can find you some refreshment," Diedre says as Adonis breaks the handshake.

Just as obviously not the least bit interested in Lord Marshal's opinion (Jessmin is polite and smart, but he's one of those "The only opinion that matters is mine, I don't care what other people think of me" type of people) the Admiral moves toward a seat, near the seats of the Vernii representatives.

"Thank you very much Lady Diedre Rolt, I am pleased that you are willing to allow me here."

He then turns to the delegates from Vernii, making the first opneing statment.

"Excuse me, but I believe you are mistaken. The Draconian-Rossian Alliance is not one of the "Rogue" Klonor systems, as you called it (Klonor military have extremely good hearing, when they enlist they're submerged in a sensory deprivation tank designed to force the 5 senses to improve, lest the person go mad). We are led by the last surviving member of the Original Klonor government, I believe this elevates us above mere "Rogue" status. However, that is of trivial importance, a mere technicality. Please, allow me to join you." (He hasn't yet actually sat down)

"So, not to rush things, let's discuss the state of Epsilion Pegasi, if my fellow delegates are comfortable with it. As our first request, this may sound a bit hypocritical, but we would like a small piece of territory in Epsilion Pegasi. This is not for LRR colonization or major usage, but to set up a zone of independent government on Epsilion Pegasi. Just a small piece of land would suit, as a neutral place for occupying parties to discuss with the native inhabitants. What do you think of this idea?"

"Go ahead." Jurgens waves at the chair Jessmin is standing next to. She turns to face the LRR delegates. "Well, we'll come to that matter when we get to discussing how to divide up the system, and it depends on the location of the territory. I'm sure we could come to some agreement about it, because it's similar to one of my proposals."

"Thank you."

He sits down, then turns to the LRR speaker

"I think I should make one thing perfectly clear. While we have no wish to anger any of your wonderous nations, we will not accept your government of the Epsilon Pegasi systems. We are willing to negotiate compensation and the transfer of minor territory, but we will not merely give up the entire EP system."

"By all means, Prince-Admiral," Rolt gestures to a seat on the opposite side from the Verniian and Ortagan delegations, on the same side as the Takan representative and the LRR representatives. She then resumes her own seat at the head of the table.
As she is sitting she listens with half an ear to the words of the LRR representative.
Rolt inclines her head toward the LRR representative, "I am sure an appropriate lease or purchase contract could be worked out with one of the respective nations when we have established the zones of occupational authority for the Epsilon Pegasi system. I think that will be infinitely better suited for those rather...unique set of purposes you described."

((OOC: sorry I'm late, lack of internet is a drag. forgive the shortness of this, simply trying to keep old rivalrys alive and assure that I have a placeholder.))

Ori nods to the Klonorian military man, casting a glance over his fellow negotiators as he does so. He noted the LRR ambasador with a glare, but quickly sheathed it, speaking up for the first time.

"Our Valnor counterparts have a point." he says nodding towards the Klonorian delagate. "Epsilon Pegasi is ours by right of conquest, we will divide it into spheres of power first. Though it should be noted that we will accept nothing less than a fair share of the spoils. . . I wonder then, why the Ortagans are at a conference for a battle they did not participate in?" he leans foward and rests his elbows on the table. "as observers. . . that much is clear, but perhaps there are secondary motives at play, milady?" he says, locking eyes with the Ortagan delegate.

Addressing the Valinon delegates, since it's clear the Takan and Ortagan representatives have some history, the Admiral attempts to take a bit of the thunder out of the "We conquered it, it's ours" argument

"By our review of the communications logs, it seems that the two sides stopped fighting to watch a " he pauses for a second and barely manages to supress a giggle, "a Star Trek marathon. So, unless I missed something, you people just walked into the system and claimed it. Just because nobody stood against you doesn't mean it's yours."

He stands up, trying to address everyone at once.

"Here's our proposal. Each of the so-called 'conquerors' shall receive gas mining rights to one of the six Gas Giants at the outer edge of the system. Mining rights for the inner, solid planets can be granted as well. Furthermore, you shall each be permitted to establish a military base in the system for future 'peace keeping' situations. There shall be allowed the free establishment of any and all businesses and trade routes, as well as our cooperation in making sure those businesses make money."

He pauses for a breath.

"For these concessions we demand merely what is rightfuly ours, governmental control of the two inhabited planets and the trillions of cubic miles of uninhabited emptiness that people call 'space'"

He sits back down, waiting for the refusal he knows is coming.

"The elven and human fleets surrendered to us, even if there was no fighting beyond the initial salvos. It's just as well that they did, for it saved thousands of lives on either side, and putting up a resistance would have only meant that we would have to utterly crush their military."

Double Post

"Yes, the military fleets did. Since when does the military run the system? The military is the military, it's the fighting force, not the ruling body. They had no authority to surrender the system to you, they just stopped fighting you. There is quite a large difference."

"A mere technicality. Nevertheless we now control the system. Just the same, the fact that you are not the Klonor Empire means you no authority over Epsilon Pegasi. Your authority extends to the systems you directly control, and that does not extend to Epsilon Pegasi or the worlds that it contains."

Addressing the Valinon delegates, since it's clear the Takan and Ortagan representatives have some history, the Admiral attempts to take a bit of the thunder out of the "We conquered it, it's ours" argument

"By our review of the communications logs, it seems that the two sides stopped fighting to watch a " he pauses for a second and barely manages to supress a giggle, "a Star Trek marathon. So, unless I missed something, you people just walked into the system and claimed it. Just because nobody stood against you doesn't mean it's yours."

He stands up, trying to address everyone at once.

"Here's our proposal. Each of the so-called 'conquerors' shall receive gas mining rights to one of the six Gas Giants at the outer edge of the system. Mining rights for the inner, solid planets can be granted as well. Furthermore, you shall each be permitted to establish a military base in the system for future 'peace keeping' situations. There shall be allowed the free establishment of any and all businesses and trade routes, as well as our cooperation in making sure those businesses make money."

He pauses for a breath.

"For these concessions we demand merely what is rightfully ours, governmental control of the two inhabited planets and the trillions of cubic miles of uninhabited emptiness that people call 'space'"

He sits back down, waiting for the refusal he knows is coming.

"Regardless of the conditions of the surrender," Lady Rolt says, regarding the Prince-Admiral in a cold, firm gaze, "the 'nations' of the Epsilon Pegasi surrendered to us, not to you. And regardless of whom you think you might be the, Prince-Admiral, your Consortium is not the Klonor Empire, and your claimants to that legacy do not allow you to take Pegasi. If that logic holds that means Regulus Autocracy has just as much right to the system as you do."
"And ultimately we find your terms unacceptable to say the very least, and wholly inappropriate as well. The Epsilon Pegasi system is now under the direct jurisdiction of the governments of Taka, Vernii, and Valinon and will remain so for the foreseeable future until a proper transitioning process to a more stable situation has been completed. And I doubt very seriously the Consortium has the resources to challenge our nations respective claims and continue to pursue its various.... conflicts with the other Klonor successor states."
Adonis clears his throat, "Also, 'Prince-Admiral'," he says with cool sarcasm. "It might be further noted that several OAI inspection teams have already begun to survey the ships that surrendered to our respective authority, and most of them seems, how best to put it, less than impressed with the Klonorian offensive capabilities. It even seems your vaunted defenses are less omnipotent than you have led many to believe."

"Ah, there is one mistake in the Klonor delegate's information. The Takan and Valinon fleets did not withdraw to watch the Star Trek marathon, the Klonor and LRR 4th Patrol Division left the battle to indulge in Star Trek. The Takans and Valinon forces, far more militaristic than our, my and Josh's brethren in the 4th PD, stuck around. But we find one thing absent in this discussion. We have yet to hear from representatives from Epsilion Pegasi. It would be a great asset to actually hear the opinions of the citizens of the territory in question. If the territory is to be divided between the occupying parties, we would very much like if at least a portion of land on Epsilion Pegasi were to be reserved for independent government, with assurances on all sides that they will not try to seize it."

"Perhaps we can bicker about the legality of our occupation later. For now, let's get on with discussing how to divide up the system. Before we do though, I have a few proposals I'd like to suggest.

Until control of Epsilon Pegasi is firmly established, we should erect a blockade of the jump nodes into the system, to prevent other former Klonorian systems from contesting our control." Jurgens pointedly glares at Prince-Admiral Jessmin.

"As for the Klonorian warships we captured, I believe they should be scrapped, or more preferably sold. Their current value is $7.15 trillion. I suggest that if they are sold, each of the occupying powers gets 30% of the profit, and the final 10% goes toward building up the system.

That value estimate is for the warships only, not counting support craft we captured, or the planetary defences. Which brings me to another point, the Harbringer Cannons and other defences we captured. They should remain under our control for now, but as control becomes more secure, we could gradually retire and sell them off, and include the Harbringer warheads into our own military stockpiles.

My final proposal is an idea for after control of Epsilon Pegasi is undisputed." Jurgens looks over at the Ortagan and LRR delegates. "We could divide up some of the system's moons and asteroid fields into "lots" that could then be leased to foreign nations to exploit for resources. This could provide a nice source of income."

"Your proposal sounds highly reasonable and well considered," Lady Rolt says with a nod toward Jurgens. "But I feel that Lord Adonis would be far more qualified to speak on the military specifications of it. My Lord?"
Adonis looks at Jurgens, "I do hope you will excuse me for being direct, Madam Secretary, but I do not think we should sell the Klonorian ships so hastily. It might be prudent to keep at least a handful and study them appropriately, that way we might find at least something of merit in their hulls and capabilities. And the same would go for the orbital defenses of the planets. I would think that one to two years would be appropriate for our purposes. And then after that we could decommission the ships and liquidate them as dated resources we no longer need."
"As for the matter of the sub-space nodes, I find that entirely appropriately. Actually I already requested that the Admiralty and the High Command dispatch several minelayers and satellite deployment ships to set up an appropriate blockade around these before I left Voltaic. It seemed that was necessary due to the somewhat.....misplaced over-confidence the Klonor successor states seem to have of their own capabilities."

Trailman speaks up. "I agree with keeping a handful of captured warships for research purposes. NavInt and BuShips are interested in testing their capabilities. As for the jump node blockades, the Navy could move in a couple Defender class fortresses to help guard them."

Adonis nods, "Yes, that would be very wise. Actually, I had already considered having three Nova-class mobile operation centers transferred from my own forces here at Sol to Epsilon Pegasi. And I think those would compliment your own fortresses very well."

The Prince-Admiral smiles inwardly, not showing his happiness at the way things are turning out.

"So, let me see if I have all this down. You three (referring to Vernii, Valinon, and Taka) will maintain complete control of the Epsilon Pegasi system and plan on 'liquidating' the Klonor materials there. You also plan on mining and blockading the Jump-Nodes, effectively locking us out of the system. Is that correct?"

"Yes, that is correct, although the details of each step will take a lot more discussion to work out."

"I'm sorry, but that is just unacceptable. To even think of selling off ships of the mightly Klonor Space Corps as scrap causes my heart to twitch. Surely there is some way we may resolve this without resorting to such barbaric levels."

He leans forward, glancing at his wirst map of the EP system

"The 4'th planet. In between the Elven and Human planets. It's habitable, yet not inhabited. Perhaps we could allow a small colony of yours to be established there. A way to keep your foot in the door, so to speak."

Ori chuckles slightly.

"I'm afraid you fail to see the point, friend. We will take all the planets and divide them amoungst ourselves, if anyone would be recieving a colony of anysort it would be a neutral nation such as Ortaga, rather than you, who obviously feel that simply being in the right place at the right time gives you authority over the former Klonorian Empire. . ."

He glances quickly around the room, keeping an eye on each of the member's body movements.

"Though I'm afraid that the Takian Empire has use for the fourth planet. . . as a possible homeworld for our people."

"No, we feel that our authority over the former Klonor Empire comes from the fact that we are led by the last surviving member of the Original Klonor government. Not merely because we are 'in the right place at the right time'. Also, we already control four of the six Klonor systems and have opened negotiations with former Klonor allies (present company excluded, of course)."

He pauses for a moment

"I also am wondering why the esteemed representative from New Ortaga is here at all. To my knowledge, the illustrious people that he represents played no role in the minor conflict in the Epsilon Pegasi system. I am confused, and wish to be enlightened."

Kathlynn Nagami looks between Ori and Jessmin.

"My government wishes to express its moral support of the occupation of the Epsilon Pegasi system by the respective governments of the United Star Empire of Valinon, the People's Republic of Vernii, and the Imperial Principality of Taka. And also wishes it to be known that His Grace, Earl Wayridge, and Prime Minister Ansel are willing to support the continuation of this occupation by any means necessary should it be threatened by military action on the part of certain factions and rogue elements."

She turns her gaze to Rolt and Jurgenson, "And finally we wish to know where the 'borders will fall' so to speak in Epsilon Pegasi that way we will know whom to negotiate with to expand our commercial sphere of influence."

Jurgens slightly smiles at Ambassador Nagami's words. "Now, on to the matters of dividing up the system? Any opinions on how should we do it?"

"Allow me to put forth the immediate proposal of His Majesty and His Majesty's Government," says Rolt, laying a comp-pad aside. "Since the Takans have expressed a wish to form a more permanent territorial interest in Epsilon Pegasi, I propose that we grant them the uninhabited fourth planet to turn into a permanent settlement, along with the immediate satellites of this same world."
"As for the second and third planets populated by the Elven and human factions, respectively. I think a joint transitional occupational authority between the governments of Valinon and Vernii would suit best to 'reform' this system and its occupants into more peaceful and stable members of the interstellar community. The territories of these two planets, including any immediate artificial or natural satellites, would be divided equally between our governments. The progress of these worlds will be reviewed in fifty years to determine if conditions on these two worlds have improved. The ultimate decision then will determine if these worlds will need an extended exposure to an occupational government or reverting to local system control, most likely under Takan jurdistiction."
"Finally," she says, "we come to the matter of the systems various other assets, such as asteriods, gas giants, etc. These will be divided equally between the governments of Takan, Vernii, and Valinon and they will be partitioned and developed as seen fit by the respective administrators."
She looks around the table, eyes lingering longer on Jurgenson and Ori, "Any comments on this plan?"

"Before we go any further, I'd like to ask a question: What about what the systems inhabitants want? So far we have determined that the resources are to be didivided, land ownership is to be conveyed, and the people will be placed under the control of one of the present nations, Taka being the most likely. Do they have no say in any of this? Will they merely accept the rule of a foreign nation without complaint? The Elven colony was established by refugees fleeing from an oppresive government in which they had no say, why would they submit to one now?"

He leans back, contemplating for a second before venturing forth a suggestion

"I have an idea, one which I believe will be beneficial to all. Allow the DRA to assume 'control' of the system in name only. We will allow the planets to be ruled by Valinon, Vernii, and Taka as was just outlined, yet the populace will not feel they are being oppressed by a foreign nation. The system of Tau Ceti has been home to a society similar to this for centuries now, and as can be seen there have been no difficulties. The nation of Guanyu has long maintained a colony on one of the planets and has complete jurisdiction. The system was technically part of the Klonor Empire, but the Empire took no part in its management. If you were to accept this proposition for Epsilon Pegasi I believe we would all be satisfied, my superiors would be that much closer to re-establishing the Empire and you would all receive the benefits of your efforts. Is this acceptable?"

OOC: Okay, as you guys can probably tell this guy is just trying to ruffle up the negotiations and make them grind on and on and on and on and on and on and............... He doesn't really care what happens to EP and is just going through the motions. If you'd like, I can have him pretty much sit out of the negotiations so things can actually move on to where he'd have a reason for being there

"This is so far the proposal we like best. While we would prefer that Epsilion Pegasi be allowed to become independent, a loose, and we stress loose rule by a forigen power would be acceptable."

"This is so far the proposal we like best. While we would prefer that Epsilion Pegasi be allowed to become independent, a loose, and we stress loose rule by a forigen power would be acceptable."

"Lady Rolt, your proposal sounds acceptable to me." Jurgens says. "And Jessmin, while your proposal does sound reasonable, for legal reasons we can't accept it. If you claim jurisdiction of the system, even in name only, it could still open up the way to a push for complete control later."

Rolt nods at Jurgens statement, "My sentiments exactly, Secretary Jurgens. What may start out as a legal fiction now could one day warp into a legal fact at a later date, and that is not something that His Majesty or His Majesty's Government is willing to entertain at this point. The only nation that has a legitmate claim to Epsilon Pegasi besides our own respective nations is the now, regretfully, defunct Klonor Empire. Which your Consortium, regardless of the 'claims' made by your government, is not, Prince-Admiral Jessmin."
She turns to the LRR representatives, "As to the matter of elections, it is obvious that these people cannot govern themselves. After all if we would have not intervened it is most likely genocide would have erupted, genocide on the part of both parties. Obviously at situations like this the older, wiser, and more sophisticated nations of the interstellar community must undertaken the burden to see that the people of Pegasi are educated on how to become reformed civil and stable societies and governments."

"There is nothing saying that they should be armed. If we find a group of peaceful, intelligent politicians and prominent citizens from both races of Epsilion Pegasi and set up a coalition government between the two sides, under the eye of peacekeepers, not permanent troops from all the nations at the conference, the system will almost certainly be eventually ready for self-government."

Lady Rolt looks at the LRR representatives with something vaguely resembling pity.
"With all due respect, this is what was attempted by Klonor when it still controlled the system. Obviously this system has not worked in the years since Klonor started the process, and I doubt seriously that putting additional resources behind it is going to make it work. No, it is quite clear to His Majesty that direct action must be taken to permanently diffuse the underlying conflict in Epsilon Pegasi, and that is exactly what we intend to do."

**********

Outside Aden the HMS Fearless begins to power up its engine and break off its current orbit. The Ares II-class dreadnought moves to interpose itself between the Consortium ship, the rest of the SSTF ships, and Aden itself.
The course of the Fearless will bring it within just a little over 7,500 kilometers from the Verniian dreadnought acting as the transport for the ambassador from Vernii. The Fearless also brings up its active sensors and begins to do an immediate area sweep, triangulated at the Consortium ship, but also making a pass through the area where the Verniian dreadnought is.

Double Post

Lady Rolt looks at the LRR representatives with something vaguely resembling pity.
"With all due respect, this is what was attempted by Klonor when it still controlled the system. Obviously this system has not worked in the years since Klonor started the process, and I doubt seriously that putting additional resources behind it is going to make it work. No, it is quite clear to His Majesty that direct action must be taken to permanently diffuse the underlying conflict in Epsilon Pegasi, and that is exactly what we intend to do."

"Provided that there is no exploitation of Epsilion Pegasi's resources by the occupying parties, attempts to keep the peace are OK by us. As long as there is no seizure of Epsilion Pegasi land and resources, not including weapons, and there is at least a long term plan for either creating two independent states in Epsilion Pegasi or a unified state in Epsilion Pegasi, we will aid the effort with civil engineering troops, peacekeeping troops, and a small contingent of battlecruisers and frigates."

Jurgens begins to look exasperated, "But dividing up the system is exactly what we are here to discuss Mr. Ambassador. It is our right by conquest to divide up the system's resources between our nations. We are not slave drivers, whatever you may think of us. There will be no human, or elven, rights abuses in Epsilon Pegasi. They will just have no large scale political power, as is appropriate for the citizens of a protectorate."

"The system's resources are to pay for the cost of restructuring it, nothing less my friend." Ori says, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. "And while it is possible profit could be made, the cost to clean up the mess left behind, both from this show of hostilities as well as by the destruction of the Klonorian empire, will be astronomical. . . We will be lucky to break even if we mine only the uninhabited planets and celestial objects. As for the population of the system, they will be no worse off then the Takian population as a whole. People can live very well under a strong central government, provided that their other rights are provided for them. . . and that includes a job for every single citizen that is willing to work. How can you say that such an inevitable boost to thier economy can be a bad thing for them as a whole? I doubt that the simple citizens in the Klonorian empire had much say in central governing either, so they will be trading one banner name and face for anouther, with little change to how they live their lives."

"Yes, we suppose that will be true. While we would like to see a democracy in Epsilion Pegasi, we agree the hostility between the two sides makes such an arrangment very dangerous. We can send a sizable contingent of civil engineering personnel to Epsilion Pegasi to restore and repair infrastructure, as well as a psychological unit which is trained to deal with the trauma of war on former combatants."

Jurgens smiled thinly. "It is good that you do see reason, that a democratic government is not always the best choice, especially when it would be abused by those who it serves. Anyway, I have no problem with LRR sending civil engineers and such to Epsilon Pegasi, just as long as they do not spread any anti-occupation propaganda or aid dissidents."

Jurgens smiled thinly. "It is good that you do see reason, that a democratic government is not always the best choice, especially when it would be abused by those who it serves. Anyway, I have no problem with LRR sending civil engineers and such to Epsilon Pegasi, just as long as they do not spread any anti-occupation propaganda or aid dissidents."

"While democracy may not work in this case, there is no need to suppress freedom of speech and freedom of the press. There should be a set of laws governing the government to prevent any infringment on the rights of law-abiding personal citizens."

Abruptly, the Admirals wrist begins to buzz and vibrate, signalling an incoming call.

"Excuse me, please."

He walks to the hallway, rasing his Comm to his ear and hissing

"I told you I don't want to switch long distance carriers! Stop calling me! Oh, sorry, sir. I thought you were someone else. What? Are you sure? Oh, hell. This will not turn out well."

Walking back inside he stays standing, addressing the congregated diplomats

"Sirs, ma'ams, I bring bad news. It seems that a Klonor Colony Fleet, dispatched to SR-2091 several decades ago and before the Fall, has returned to the Epsilon Pegasi system. Unfortunately, instead of being welcomed with open arms and directed to the DRA capital, they are purposefully and maliciously attacked! They showed no aggression besided demanding an evacuation of the system, which was understandable considering that they were unaware of the Fall of Klonor, and instead of attempting to enlighten them the ships of Vernii and Taka attempted to destroy them! This is unacceptable. What do you have to say for yourselves?"

"I have nothing to say for myself, and am not qualified to support or condemn any action the People's Navy thinks is necessary. Also, forgive me for being a bit skeptical that it was a colony ship that was fired upon, if indeed any ship existed in the first place. It would be all to convenient for a civilian vessel to show up and cause a volatile incident in a system that you are trying to get us to pull out of."

"Would you like a copy of the distress call? They transmitted a message to the Gamma Draconis fleet base, believing it to still be subject to the orders of the Duke, requesting aide. They included images of the two ships they'd encountered. I believe you'll recognize them. If you like I can have a copy from the DRA here in a few hours."

He strides forward, leaning close to the speaker

"And how dare you accuse the DRA of having a hand in this? Think what you will of the General, or me, or the DRA in general, there is no way you can think we would risk the lives of 15,000 people to start a war we would be justified in starting right now! We are here (referring to this conference) to avoid a war, we have no wish to start one. Perhaps it is you who are responsible for the ship? Hoping to lure a rescure fleet into a trap! Is that it?"

Lady Rolt stares to intercede, but Adonis holds up a hand.
"Please, Diedre, allow me," a strange fire lights the old Sardaukar's eyes.
"Regardless of how fascinating your display of egotism is," Adonis says, eyes staring at Jessmin unwavering, "there is more important business to be had. You have the following option, Prince-Idiot, sit down and shut up or...."
The conference room doors open and four Sardaukar walk in, "I will have my men insure that you reach your shuttle using whatever means necessary and that your ship, such as it is, leaves the Sol System at once. Even if that is after it has been given an appropriate kick in the ass by a full broadside."

Ori leans back quietly, his voice almost lost in the rush.

"It should be remembered, that you were not invited to this conference in the first place, your place here, if any what so ever, is as an observer, and as an observer, you have no place to make demands. Were this a Takian station, I would suggest you be let out of the station via the airlock, though our Valnor counterparts are being more generous at this point. Though there is no obligation, nor even a reason for me to defend the actions of the Takian ship, no Takian ship's commander would ever open fire unless threatened with the same. We have a policy of using violence only as a last resort. Likely, either your colony ship opened fire first, or the captain of our ship determined that it was about to open fire, and there was no further recourse but to shoot first and sort the chaos out after the fact. Now as our guests have so eloquently stated, you have a choise to make."

The older man relaxed as he watched the Klonorian's face, keeping close watch that the tence situation would unfold in proper time and order.

"You know, your reactions really are quite predictable. When faced with an embarissing situation, you immedietly back out and claim that it either never happened or that it's completely our fault. Reminds me of a politician on Old Earth that I once read about. Tree or shrub or something like that. Wait, it was Bush! Startling similarities. Anyway, since you refuse to even consider that your vessels might be in the wrong, I bid you good day."

He reaches into his pocket, bringing out a very small box. He then presses the large button on the side and the box unfolds, becoming a rather lare ring that glows a faint purple.

"Farewell all."

He leaps through the ring, the miniature Phase Gate transporting him in an instant to the bridge of the Orion Destroyer he came to the system on. The Phase Gate, it's miniature power source used up, blackens and falls to pieces in the conference room.

"Good ridance, the fool. Now, where were we before that blowhard did us the favor of exiting?"

"I believe we were discussing how to divide up the system, I'm not sure if we'd already agreed upon how to divide control of the planets, but that everything else in the system would be split evenly between our three nations. We'd also agreed that the People's Navy would move a couple Defender class fortresses into the system to guard the sub-space node, and that most of the Klonor warships would be sold off."