NationStates Jolt Archive

Lord Kentaka looked out from the grand balcony of his office, high atop the cliffside that faced Sparta City. It had changed through the years, and there were artist renditions of his predecessors' domains. Kentaka had seen the city grow even through his reign, and now the city had sprawled and grown almost to the height of his office. If he looked close enough, he could see what was going on in the various offices and high-rise homes. That is why he decided to make the announcement to the people.

He stood out there; ready to address the people as great leaders had in the past; albeit with the help of television cameras and loudspeakers throughout the streets. The camera started rolling, and he began his speech.

"Citizens of Crimson Sparta, there are many times in history when a population grows too large for its borders. Yes, we've fought away those tribal warriors and gained more land, but now our country is packed to the borders. And trust me, we don't want to begin talking to the Padmasans about 'lebensraum.'

"As you all have seen, Crimson Sparta has made great advancements in space technology. We have seen the solar system, and now I'd like to unveil the next step in our civilization, the Visigoth Class and Lightning Class."

When Kentaka finished the sentence, large pictures of the ships came up on the holoprojectors and televisions around the country. They were both in docking ports with crews moving all around the ships. In the background, a few of each class could be seen floating in orbit.

"These top-secret projects are designed for two purposes: one for interstellar travel and defense, and the other for mass transport. We, as citizens of Crimson Sparta, are moving to a star system approximately fifty light years away to a planet we have named New Sparta. It is mostly covered in water, and we have spent years researching the prospect of underwater cities."

An informational page came up alongside Kentaka as he spoke, outlining the layout of the planet and renditions of an underwater city.

"There are sturdy island chains and large landmasses, and there are plenty of moons to terraform if any of you dislike the idea of living undersea. We will make our mark all over that world, and truly claim it as ours.

"It will take awhile to move all of our population, and we will take volunteers first. Of course, the volunteers get the best real estate. And I have already taken my plot of land. You will be allowed to take everything you want that isn't nailed down-- your cars, your weapons, your pets-- everything.

"This move is not completely compulsory, but if you do not move, you will no longer be citizens of Crimson Sparta. You will still belong to The Order, and therefore be protected by Cobradom and his Order Defense Force, but you will be on your own.

"There will be more informational briefings when we are ready to begin the transports. For now, I suggest that you all pack your things, and report to your local government official if you wish to be among the first pioneers of New Sparta.

"Long live Crimson Sparta! Long live The Crimson Order!"

It is good to see you have choosen to move and join us Lord Kentaka. The masters are most pleased that you have finally begun, and have begun disptaching ships to protect your transports and even sent several transports of our own. Look foreward to a large number of Trade ships coming to transport anything you need, they will have to be paid but we have asked that they lower thier prices. We will have to get a welcome ready for you and what we expect to be rather substantial fish exports.

Alyson kreegsbrock, Padmasan ambassador to all foreign powers.

The message was handwritten and delivered to Lord Kentaka himself by a Padmasan soldier in full dress unifrom.

Kentaka read the message as the messenger walked away without saying a word. Those Padmasans never give me a chance to thank them, he thought. Well, I'll have plenty of time to thank them during our next conference, which should be soon.

****************
The ships came through the atmosphere like their primitive space shuttles before, but these were much larger. The Lightyear Class* was the only of the larger ships that could safely land on a planet, if there was a special docking bay prepared for it. In all, the 535 meter long ship was designed for moving the population of the planet, and there was room for 10,000 people, and about 8,000 could fit, albeit cramped, with their possessions.

Three landed in the large ports built for them outside of Sparta City, as others did all around Crimson Sparta. The ports were built in the shape of the lower half of the ship, allowing the flat backside to line up with the ground. That design allowed for easier loading and unloading of the eighteen-wheeled trucks that would transport almost everything.

****************
Lieutenant Ben Shi was strapping on his boots as the movers were taking the last of his things. His wife had just put their three month-old child into the family car, and things were almost all ready to go. The motorcycle escort waited as he walked out in his uniform and sat in the driver's seat of his car. The escort would ensure that he and his family would make it to the ship in time for him to report for duty.

His wife had been supportive of his joining the newest of Crimson Sparta's armed forces, and she was very happy when he'd learned that he was a candidate for the newest officer position in his platoon. Since his Captain liked Shi-- whose name itself meant death-- he was made Second Lieutenant and shipped off to officer school. His wife loved the status of being a Noble Citizen, a family member of an Imperial Citizen, or a man who served his country. But she had her doubts.

"Why do we have to leave this planet for another one? Why can't we stay on Earth, in our house?" she asked.

"You know that it wasn't our house," he replied, "that we lived on the base and therefore it was a federal building. And besides, military people move around all the time. Just think of this as a longer distance than we've gone before."

"But what about our families? Won't they miss us?"

"Look, everybody's going to have to move sometime. We've gotta go because I can't do anything as a Marine here on Earth. They set up bases on New Sparta, and that's where I have to report. They want us there first so we can get a handle on the way things happen when you arrive on some planet you've never even heard of before. And plus, we get our own land with our own big fat check to build our own real house on. That's what you've always wanted!"

"I know, but it's going to be different... and scary."

"I won't lie to you honey. My job is not going to be easy. Now that we know there are other planets and other species out there, there are going to be some that don't like us. And it's my job to get to them before they can get to you or Sarah."


*Here’s a picture of the Lightyear Class:

http://plaza.ufl.edu/bcav/spaceships/lightningclass.jpg

Shi walked through the lines of cargo trucks that were lining up on the back of the ship. They were being checked for hazardous materials and then lowered by special elevators to the underbelly of the ship.

"Lieutenant Shi reporting for duty!" he yelled while saluting. He was standing at one of the reporting stations outside of the large ship. In front of him sat Lord Meitou, the man in charge of putting together the Marine portion of the armed forces, considerably one of the most honored men in Crimson Sparta.

"Shi, I have some bad news for you. You are no longer a marine. Lord Kentaka and myself have been talking, and there is no branch of service called the 'marines' anymore. You are now a proud second lieutenant with the Crimson Guard."

"Yes sir!" was Shi's only reply, grinning at the cool but ominous sound of his new classification.

"Lieutenant, there has been much talk about you," Meitou said from behind his mask. "Don't let us down. Since you have a child with you, we have put you in your own quarters, but don't let it get to you. Report there and prepare for launch."

Shi saluted again, did a right-face, and walked into the ship.

*****************
From his balcony, Lord Kentaka could see the huge ships undock from their ports and lift off. They were slow while bound by the gravity of Earth, but in space they were as quick and graceful as whales in the ocean. As they started up their engines and moved out out of the atmosphere, Kentaka got in the elevator and pushed the button for the bottom floor.

He stepped out and boarded the Archangel shuttle that waited on the helipad on the bottom of the cliff. Waiting for him was Admiral Ogana, who had led the development of the entire space program. Kentaka trusted Ogana's knowledge of the subject, most of which he'd learned from the Padmasans. Ogana was the lead designer of the ships, and even now was consulting the Padmasans for a new design.

The hatch sealed shut behind them and Kentaka took his seat. This was one of a fleet of ten shuttles that belonged personally to Kentaka, to be used as his personal transport to and from a planet's surface or a ship. It soon joined the ten lightyear class ships just beyond the reaches of Earth, and it docked at an orbiting Visigoth class ship.

They exited the shuttle and made their way to the bridge.

"Lord on the bridge," the officer of the deck announced.

Kentaka sat in the main seat and Ogana took the seat to the right of him. The captain of the ship took his seat on the left. There were a lot of flag officers on the ship, and the captain hadn’t yet taken command of the CSS Visigoth, so he definitely wasn’t feeling that his seniority was being stripped. Besides, he was in the presence of Lord Kentaka himself, and that was enough to make up for the inconvenience.

“All ships and stations report ready, my lord,” said the captain.

“Then let’s be underway. All ahead full, set course for New Sparta. Inform the other ships: maximum speed when we breach the solar system.”

The ships all moved in formation out of the way past the Oort Cloud and Kuiper Belt and then disappeared with flashes of light, on their way to their new home.

The fleet dropped out of its drive and slowed as they approached the new system. Kentaka saw it fit to take a tour of the planets, to show the people where they would visit, and work, thanks to the inter-system alliance that was forged. The ships lined up and flew by the planets. Many people were amazed at the varying landscapes of each planet, and wondered what their homes would look like.

They arrived at the planet designated Pegasi IV, which Kentaka saw fit to name New Sparta. Rushing towards the windows, the people only saw small landmasses and what possibly looked to be only one continent-sized green and brown piece. The rest was covered in water.

As the ships descended, viewscreens and holoprojectors came to life, describing the features of the new planet and how they would get around. There was a technology available called supercavitation, and the prototype and concept ships were being shown on the screen. There were plans to build floating cities as well as underwater cities, but those would take years to be finished, and were to be saved for the colonists that came later. Floating airports and large surface ships would also ease travel, and the program proclaimed, "If we can move through space, surely we can figure out how to get across a single planet!" The program continued and discussed new air technology and everything that was needed for maintaining logistics on a 90% ocean-covered planet.

******************
"Leiutenant Shi reporting as ordered!" Shi stood in front of the captain, who was very interested in this bright young officer.

"I've heard about you, Shi. You've got quite a reputation to live up to."

"Yes sir! Thank you sir! I will make the Crimson Guard proud!"

"Excellent. Suit up! We're doing battle drills in fifteen."

The CSS Visigoth began its orbit around New Sparta. Kentaka had just watched the other transport ships descend into the atmosphere to drop off its passengers and cargo. The colonists would have to rough it on the planet until they could construct permanent buildings, but it was believed to be better than venturing into the unknown seas of an alien planet.

Kentaka ordered his shuttle ready at the docking bay and proceeded there with Admiral Ogana and a few others to survey the progress in New Sparta City. They boarded quickly and were soon descending through the clouds, watching the massive Lightyears slowly lower into their ports.

***************
Shi was finishing up with his high-grav training, located in one of the only buildings in the area. The government had made sure to build its training complexes first, and the advance teams sent to the planet were no more than contractors, solely intent on finding suitable places to train troops. Because of that, there was not much surveillance of native animal life in the area.

"Shi!" the captain barked.

"Yes sir?"

"We've got some VIP's coming in, and you're riding gunner in the transport."

Shi knew there were a lot of important people in Crimson Sparta, but there were only a handful of those people here, and they could all help him out with his career. Just as he was contemplating promotion, a shuttle with Lord Kentaka's seal flew overhead and landed at the base HQ. The captain nodded and a grin spread across Shi's face. "Yes sir!"

***************
He entered the room and everybody stood up. "Anything interesting to report?"

"My lord," one of the men at a terminal said, "we have some reports of animal activity not far from the base. It's not a dense area, and we were about to send a few walkers in to check things out."

"Meitou and I will go ourselves."

"My lord," he tried to object, "we don't know anything about what's out there."

"Thunderation!" Kentaka boomed. "If there's something out there that Meitou and I can't handle, then we don't deserve to live! We were going to take a transport around anyway, and this is the perfect chance for us to see the landscape. We leave in five minutes."

***************
Shi was suited up in his uniform, holding his helmet under his left arm. Kentaka and Meitou walked out and he saluted them. Kentaka nodded and Meitou saluted back.

"Lieutenant Shi, it is nice to see that you've already reported for duty. I know you were looking for a ride in the park today, but the plans have changed. We're going into the forest, on a hunting mission."

"Yes sir!" He put on his helmet and activated the targeting sensor in his visor. Kentaka and Meitou boarded and he strapped himself into the gunner's seat.

The driver engaged the thrusters and the transport began to hover. They slowly moved forward and quickly sped up to crusing speed. Shi kept his eye ahead, on the forest that was approaching.

OOC: Hmmmmm... a shame you advanced to quickly for me to meet you in space with a chunk of my fleet but it is unavodiable. One of my newer characters is going to come calling if you don't mind, he'll even be carrying some new tech... Ooooo check your TGs.

IC: "Sir, it appears that they are just setting up. Admittedly they have a fleet about but it isn't keeping a very good watch. I've checked and our own vessels won't object if we sneak down a couple of men."

"Very good, very good. What's the most discreet way to get down there?"

"A personal drop ship would probably be best, it would let you bring a couple of packs who can work their way into the society as people arrive. They have all be set up with IDs and everything but it would be best if they arrived here and could work thier own ways in."

"Very good. Have one dropship prepped and ready in ten. I'll be going down myself."

"Of course, sir."

_____________________

Tarrant stepped out of the tiny dropship. It was just bigger than a drop pod, but had had a stealth generator thrown on. It was far too humid, and it seemed the spartans hadn't set up any massive gravity generators to bring this world back to earth-normal gravity. The two packs that had come with him were already gone, having slipped into the wilderness to sneak up to the spartan encampment and observe. He put a hand on his chainsword's hilt and walked off into the woods. He had a rifle strapped to his back and a pair of Hammer 5s but the chainsword should be all he'd need.

He walked away from the stealthed dropship and toward the leader of Crimson Sparta, though he was unaware of this last condition.

Monolith is having trouble with the forums so I'll be posting for him.

The sensor drone, upon detection of possible hostile vessels via its passive systems, began active sweeps of the area. This notified the drone operator located on the nearest Halo defence platform to the presence of a possible hostile. The operator sat staring at the console, awaiting eagerly the responce from the unknown vessels IFF transponder. The report came back positive, the Spartans have arrived in system the operator thought to himself and notified the officer of the watch who in turn sent the report to Lusanka. The fleet had anticipated their arrival for months now and had prepared an aid team which was prepped and launched. The vessel contained extra supplies and various raw materials to aid in the construction of a permanent outpost on "New Sparta". It also carried a pair of Arieto Howitzer Siege mechs, with pilots, to help the Spartans defendfrom any hostile forces. The captain of the vessel opened a frequency with the lead Spartan ship: "This is Aid Vessel Carpathia requesting clearance and a landing vector for the New Sparta colony." He proceeded to transmit a ship's manifest. "Best wishes from Lord Steelbane."

((OOC: I won't be able to reply often, my AA clan is having reform and I've been promoted to Senior Member :\, if you need any help with this venture, just TG me :D)

OOC: Pad, sorry I didn't meet your ships, but our arrival was supposed to be a surprise in case there were any hostiles in the area (as surprising as a fleet of transports can be). Also, I can meet your guys after this small battle that will go on.

IC: The Visigoth remained in orbit above the planet surface with another of its class, and the remaining broke orbit to survey the system. The Padmasana and Monolithians were already quite active in this sector, and Kentaka made it clear that Crimson Sparta's space force would be as formidable and knowledgeable as the allies.

The message from the Monolithians came through to the communications station. The officer there informed the captain, who informed Admiral Ogana, who was coordinating the ship landings on the planet surface. Upon confirmation, he transmitted a reply.

Carpathia, you are granted permission to land on the planet's surface. Be advised that you will land in Crimson Guard training camp Bravo Charlie. Coordinates will follow this transmission. Visigoth out.

******************
The life form readouts were getting stronger, whatever was out there. Probably some wild beast, some kind of alien game, Shi thought.

The transport came to a stop right on top of the location where the beasts should have been. Thinking they may have moved on, the other guard stepped out of the transport and began looking around. Shi wasn't a hardened veteran yet, but he knew enough of when to stay close to the big guns. He unlocked the safeties and kept an eye on the sargeant that was getting further and further away.

Seemingly out of nowhere, the great beast jumped at the soldier and toppled him. Shi centered his weapons on the beast's head and fired away, but it appeared that he was too late to save the Guardsman from becoming the first casualty on the new planet. Lord Meitou stood and looked around, then at Shi.

Shi looked back. "Sir, they are more of them, and they're surrounding us."

"I can smell them, Lieutenant," was Meitou's only reply as he drew his weapon.

They popped out of the woods, surrounding the transport just as Shi had seen on the tactical image at the late NCO's seat. They walked on their four hind legs, and had two small arms that reminded Shi of the Tyranosaur that once roamed ancient Earth. About 5 feet tall and twice as long, the tail led to a thin spiked back that ended at the hardened hump just below the neck. The beasts' eyes were welled deep in the thick skulls, and two thick, long teeth protruded up from the lower jaw.

Meitou started firing as the beasts closed in. Shi could do a lot more damage with his twin-barreled guns, but it took a lot to take down one of the animals. The three men were lucky that the animals had never encountered bullets and rifles before, because the sounds confused them. Once they were used to the noise, it was an all-out battle. Ten animals were lying dead on the ground, but Shi was running out of ammunition. Meitou emptied his last cartridge on an animal and drew his sword. Kentaka had only a pistol and managed to take out an animal or two before he had to draw his sword as well.

Shi was in the front trying desperately to keep the beasts from getting close enough to jump into the transport. When he was out of bullets for the big guns, he reached around to grab his rifle. As he was turning it around to begin firing, one of the beasts jumped onto the transport, separating Shi from Meitou and Kentaka. The sudden weight of the beast caused the vehicle to lose its hovering capability, and it hit the ground with a thud. Shi turned to fire at the beast, but Kentaka had already slain it with his sword.

With the vehicle on the ground, more of the beasts jumped on and looked to one of the three men as their next meal. Shi spend the next minute or two firing wildly at the beasts as they tried to overpower the three. His ammunition completely spent, he reached to his belt for his standard issue knife, freshly shipped from Thundercorp.

There were only a few left, and one of the beasts jumped directly on Kentaka. Meitou raised his sword when he too was pounced. They both looked into the mouths of these things as Shi tried to make his way towards the back of the transport. His job as a Crimson Guardsman was above all else to protect the Lords of Crimson Sparta, and now he was the only one that could save two of the four. Armed with only his knife and plain human adrenaline, he fought off the beast that looked to pounce him and hopped onto the animal attacking Kentaka. It tightened up and began thrashing wildly in an attempt to throw Shi off. He grabbed onto what he could only suppose was the animal's ear and began stabbing away at what he thought were the weaker parts of the animal. Kentaka picked up his sword and stabbed the animal through the stomach, knocking Shi off the transport.

Shi fell hard to the ground and couldn't immediately get up. There was something wrong with his leg, and he couldn't prop himself up on his arms. The beast on Meitou jumped off him and moved towards Shi. The last animal that was lingering around also made its way towards a "sure thing" of a meal. Shi looked up at the both of them as they approached. Holding his knife in his good hand, he began stabbing the animals wherever he could. One of them bit his arm, nearly severing it from his body. He dropped the knife and was out of ideas. He thought surely he would die right there.

Suddenly, the animals both fell over dead. Shi wasn't sure what happened, but he knew that his life wasn't in immediate danger anymore. Content that he wasn't about to die, he passed out.

OOC: Pad, I'd like it if your guy managed to see this battle and kill the remaining two animals. If not, I can have another transport arrive or something. But what better way to make your entrance?

The Five Kingdoms certainly hopes that this move does not render previous agreements between our sovereign nations moot. We would like to remind our brothers in Crimson Sparta that Arda will still recognize and honor the bonds of our agreement, and do indeed expect that Crimson Sparta and TCO reciprocate this ideal.

Please respond, as this move is most curious and we would like to be made aware of the reasoning behind this decision.

Jay Reaven
Foreign Minister of the Five Kingdoms
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload5/Reaven.JPG

The Five Kingdoms certainly hopes that this move does not render previous agreements between our sovereign nations moot. We would like to remind our brothers in Crimson Sparta that Arda will still recognize and honor the bonds of our agreement, and do indeed expect that Crimson Sparta and TCO reciprocate this ideal.

Please respond, as this move is most curious and we would like to be made aware of the reasoning behind this decision.

To: The Jay Reaven
From: Alyson Kreegsbrock, ambassador to all foreign Powers
Subject: Greetings.

Your lordship, we are glad you have taken some concern over this exodus from earth but your concern is misplaced. Padmasa and the Order as a whole remain bound by our agreements, and could not see breaking them. As you may know, our holdings on Earth have largely been abandoned in favour of the now heavily terraformed Pegasi system. The improved resources, larger spaces, and improved defensability mean much to us.

We remain loyal and shall forever more. If you have any questions, or desire additional information feel free to contact us.

Alyson Kreegsbrock

To: The Lord Reaver
From: Alyson Kreegsbrock, ambassador to all foreign Powers
Subject: Greetings.

Your lordship, we are glad you have taken some concern over this exodus from earth but your concern is misplaced. Padmasa and the Order as a whole remain bound by our agreements, and could not see breaking them. As you may know, our holdings on Earth have largely been abandoned in favour of the now heavily terraformed Pegasi system. The improved resources, larger spaces, and improved defensability mean much to us.

We remain loyal and shall forever more. If you have any questions, or desire additional information feel free to contact us.

Alyson Kreegsbrock

Most excellent. Perhaps it would be prudent at this juncture to arrange for a renewed exchange of emissaries? We've been out of touch with TCO for quite some time. Your exodus, coupled with our own plans for expansion, greatly interests us and we'd like to learn more.

Most excellent. Perhaps it would be prudent at this juncture to arrange for a renewed exchange of emissaries? We've been out of touch with TCO for quite some time. Your exodus, coupled with our own plans for expansion, greatly interests us and we'd like to learn more.

Most agreeable. We will do whatever we can to expediate the preceedings. How may I serve you?


OOC: Do you wish a nation to join you in Arda or are you speaking of exchanged Emissaries in IC terms?

If we are to continue ICly, may I kindly ask that we adjurn to another topic, and let the above RP continue.

[I just want to send some guys over to this new system of yours is all. Will post more when I'm not falling asleep at the keyboard.]

ooc: A much better opening than I had envisioned. Hell, you might not arrest Tarrant upon sight now. Honestly, do you think I could ask for a better entrance?

Oh, and about Mono's "post"... We'll figure something out.

IC: Tarrant slung the Plasma Rail back over his shoulder and looked down at the carnage... and the probably broken transport. He shrugged and jogged down the trail jumping exposed roots as he headed for the scene of the fight. It took him about a minute to get down to the clearing.

Surveying the men and transport he stopped. Those were not standard issue uniforms, they were much to rich for that. These were obviously high ranking dignitaries trying to get a look at their new home.

"Hail! It looked like you could use a hand, I hope you don't mind?" He shouted as he stepped into the light, the sun glinting off of his mechanical arm.

OOC: I just wanted to reaffirm our position that Padmasa had already stated.

IC:

To: Lord Reaven
From: The High Lord Usuengi Kentaka himself

I would like to personally assure you that the move to a new solar system in no way inhibits or negates our aggreements with Arda. Crimson Sparta was merely outgrowing its available land on Earth, and we were stacked to the borders with our ever-sprawling population.

Please see this as no insult to you, your country, or your people, but rather a change of venue of the chairs of The Crimson Order. We would like to personally invite you and any other emissary to visit our planet, as soon as we've built an adaquate reception site.

Yours in alliance,

Lord Kentaka
High Ruler of Crimson Sparta

Return Message from the Foreign Ministry:

"Most excellent. I couldn't have hoped for a better answer. For now, though, a good start would be to enlighten us as to the coordinates of your new system, so as to ease transportation concerns once you're prepared for our arrival.

That and....well, Melkor likes to know these things."

Jay Reaven
Foreign Minister of the Five Kingdoms
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload5/Reaven.JPG

To: Jay Reaven
From: Alyson kreegsbrock
Subject: Welcome

The Pegasi System lies at 8951 by 3774 by 1099. We will need you to send a message before you arrive. Our fleet security codes are changed hourly, and it would not due for your ship to be obliterated... We will have an escort ready to guide you to New Sparta, and to make sure that nothing could go wrong.

Alyson Kreegsbrock, Padmasan ambassador to all foreign powers.

IC: Tarrant slung the Plasma Rail back over his shoulder and looked down at the carnage... and the probably broken transport. He shrugged and jogged down the trail jumping exposed roots as he headed for the scene of the fight. It took him about a minute to get down to the clearing.

Surveying the men and transport he stopped. Those were not standard issue uniforms, they were much to rich for that. These were obviously high ranking dignitaries trying to get a look at their new home.

"Hail! It looked like you could use a hand, I hope you don't mind?" He shouted as he stepped into the light, the sun glinting off of his mechanical arm.

Kentaka was the first to stand. He hadn't suffered any major injuries in the fight, but he was livid that his cloak was torn. "Thank you, sir, for killing those last two beasts. The man on the ground had saved my life, and now I will get a chance to repay him thanks to your swordsmanship. It looks like you came at the right time."

He jumped out of the transport as Meitou gathered himself and stood as well. "Good thing we are out of bullets, or I would have shot you as you approached," Meitou said resheathing his sword. "You are not of our kind, and therefore you don't belong here."

"Meitou, this man must be an ally. Otherwise we'd be fighting for our lives. Padmasan, I'd say. Those Monolithians would probably be too scared to walk through the woods of an alien planet alone."

Two more transports-- full of Guardsmen this time-- arrived at the scene. Lord Meitou excused himself, then hopped out of his broken vehicle and met them. "Let's collect all of the sergeant that we can. Move Lieutenant Shi onto the transport and get him to the medical station. I'll ride with him. Let's go."

**************
Kentaka returned to talking with Tarrant. "Welcome to New Sparta. I am Usuengi Kentaka, High Lord of Crimson Sparta. If you don't mind, I'd like to get out of these woods now." He walked towards the transport and stepped in. "Here, you may sit next to me. We'll go back to the headquarters and I'll change into my spare cloak. But you're going to have to tell me something about yourself..."

Tarrant glared at Meitou and considered the practical applications of putting an explosive round into his leg for a moment before listening again to the more overdressed of the two, an obvious sign of greater rank.

Run, just run now! Tarrant considered the guardsmen and the mounted guns, none were pointed at him, or in his direction. He could probably make it a fair distance, lie low for a couple of days and then head home... He could kill anyone that came upon him, probably they wouldn't come close. Aloud he murmured his assent and joined the Leader of Crimson Sparta on the transport.

"Your lordship, it is good to meet you. I am Sergeant Major Tarrant of the Padmasan Scout Korps." This last was true, he had achieved a rank of Sergeant Major in the Scout Korps before he lost his arm and left the army. He continued, "how I am here is a long story, I shall only bore you with the short version." Tarrant paused and watched the landcape blur past as the Transports headed into the city. "As I'm sure you know Padmasa briefly established forts on all these worlds to asses the local wildlife and make surveys. Of course the operation was packed up about a year ago, yet me and my partner were left behind. We got engaged by a bunch of the bastards you just met and didn't make it back in time. With operations like this it is not effective to wait, so we were stuck here." Tarrant paused again, they were entering the Spartan base. Nothing much to see, yet but it was busy with structures being hastily built and defenses erected. " He died a couple weeks back, and we'd been living off of what was left at base and a few of the locals..."

Tarrant wound down as the transport came to a halt before one of two actual buildings in the entire base. His story had holes, though none were bad or easily regonized. Of course, how he had ammo would be the big question... Tarrant vaugely considered ditching the clips on his belt but he had come too far for that.

"Five minutes until takeoff, five minutes until takeoff," the computerized voice repeated as the proximity klaxon sounded. As the ships were fitted into the ground, there was a lot of surface area for somebody to get lost on. If they weren't off in five minutes, the ships would engage their thrusters and carry any stragglers as far as they wanted-- until they fell off.

Inside the ship, alarms didn't sound, but the voice reminder chimed every minute. Admiral Ogana was present on one of the Lightyears that was docked at Camp Bravo Charlie. He was in his quarters resting, as he would have more work to do once they were back in Earth's orbit.

Two minutes remained. The captain sat in his chair on the bridge and gave the order to seal all hatches and prepare for all stations.

One minute. He gave the order to fire up the engines and release the docking clamps.

Zero. "Full thrusters, take us out of the atmosphere. Increase to all ahead full when we're clear of the planet."

The three great ships at the compound made their way into the sky. They were joined by the others from the planet surface, and met up with their escorts. The captain of the Visigoth relayed a coded priority message to the Padmasan relay stations in the area.

"Attention any available Padmasan ships, we request an additional escort for our trip back to Earth. We do not foresee any problems but would rather be safe than sorry."

****************
The transport stopped in front of the largest building in the compound. It flew the flag of Crimson Sparta, and for now was the only administrative building in the area. The ground began to rumble and Kentaka looked up at the sky. Seemingly right next to the headquarters, a large interstellar ship rose from the ground. He nodded and walked up the stairs. "That's a shame about your other man. We could send out a party for him..." the two guards at the doors presented arms and then opened both of them for their leader and his guest. "... but those beasts probably tore him up already." He stopped again and a servant approached him. He removed the tattered cloak and replaced it with a new one.

They moved towards the central stairwell. It was made out of marble and the banister was framed with ornate brass. They started up. "Those things sure are savages. We'll go out and bring back the dead ones and hopefully be able to study them." The stairwell ended at the top and two more guards snapped their axes to attention. Kentaka placed his hand on the panel and the doors opened automatically. "Then, we domesticate them and use them for our advantage. They seem sturdy enough to hold a soldier..."

They made it to the main office. It looked more like a business executive's office and not the chambers he had envisioned when entertaining his first guest. There were some red drapes blocking the light from entering through the window, and it made him feel a little better He would have to wait until New Sparta City was built on the water before he could have the type of room he wanted. It wasn't the most favorable, but he could wait.

"Well, you must have been out in the jungle for a long time. Can I offer you a drink, or something to eat maybe?"

****************
The transport arrived at the medical station and the doctors were waiting outside. There was a sizable piece of Shi's right arm missing from his shoulder to his elbow. Meitou helped the others move him to a stretcher. He ordered the transport back into the woods to collect the beasts.

"Tell them we will meet them at the system edge," Mind sifter commanded the comm officer. "Also, contact Battlegroup Slayer and tell them that the Spartans want an escort."

The illithid nodded and set to work contacting the relvent people, its tentacles lashing the air. Mind sifter himself walked back to his command throne and lowered himself down, things were going as expected.

*********

Tarrant nodded gratefully, "Anything cooked would be excellent. Oh, and coffee, I haven't tasted coffee in over a year." He smiled wistfully. "Aye there wouldn't be anything to recover, not now. If you don't mind, m'lord, what were you doing out there? It doesn't seem like a place any self respecting leader would want to visit."

He sunk into one of the two chairs set before Kentaka's desk and looked up at the Lord. "I don't think even trying to domesticate those things would be a good idea, lord. They live in extended family groups, up to twenty per group not including young, and can dig really well... swim well too. They live in big cave systems... I don't know how you'd keep them from getting out but if you don't and they don't figure out how to get around whatever you put up, you'll end up loosing a lot of people."

A servant knocked politely and entered placing a tray on the desk with a glass of wine which she set before Lord Kentaka, a plate of grilled chicken and rice which she set before Tarrant and a cup of coffee with the pot. Tarrant smiled, and tried to discreetly eye her figure... he managed with some success.

OOC: Invitations only extended to TCO members and those who have already posted in the thread.

IC: The ships arrived at the edge of the system and met the Padmasan ships. The air seemed odd, and now that Crimson Sparta's presence in the system was known, it was alright to contact the ships of allied nations. They cleared things with the Padmasans and engaged their drives on their way to pick up more Spartans.

***************
The servant made it a point to be noticed by Tarrant, as she liked "rugged" men, and he seemed as rugged as they got, according to the stories of the transport driver.

Kentaka sipped at his wine and let Tarrant eat a little. "If you must know, I was out in the woods because I was getting tired of being cooped up in a spaceship breathing artificial air. I wanted to breathe the real stuff for a change, feel the breeze as the transport whizzed through the forest. And who knew we'd find those beasts? I thought maybe something like a fox or a wolf, but that beast was like a dinosaur. And we took them on..." Kentaka let that last sentence linger on. He was a proud warrior, and he knew Meitou was glad to have been there too.

The mobile information coordinator (ooc: think a data pad from Star Trek) chimed on his desk and he looked at it. "Well, it appears that we know why all of the beasts seemed to attack us. It appears that we stumbled on a nest. They found ten eggs. If we can train those from birth in an enclosed environment..." Kentaka let his mind wander at the thought of a cavalry comprised of these beasts.

“Either way, it’s good that you’re here now. We haven’t mapped out the jungle parts of the forest, and maybe you can help us find our way around. The sooner we get through the land, the sooner we can get into the ocean.”

***************
Shi woke up in the hospital bed. He was hooked up to a number of machines, all of them making some kind of beeping or whirring noise. He wasn't in pain, and he could move his arm remarkably well. The doctor came up to him as he as coming about.

Shi's eyes opened suddenly as he remembered what happened to get him there. "Lord Kentaka, Meitou?"

"They're fine. You did a great job saving them," the doctor replied. "You got a good piece of your arm taken off, and we had to replace your arm's entire nerve system with robotics. Your arm is still flesh and blood, but now you've got a lot better response time. And a quick trigger finger, too."

Shi moved his fingers around and made a fist a few times. If his reflexes were good before, they were definitely instantaneous now. It was almost as if he acted even before he thought about it. He waved his two hands side by side, and his right was definitely faster than his left. "Thanks doc. When can I get back to training?"

"Tomorrow. We just have to make sure your immune system likes your new hardware. We have a workout station here, for rehab, but you can use it to keep your legs exercised. No arm work though, not until tomorrow."

"Yes sir, doc."

Tarrant nodded sagely. "Anything I can do to help, m'lord. Of course, I'd like to get in a couple days of rest before heading out again... I hope you're right about being able to raise these things... I've seen what they can do to a camp full of men." Tarrant gulped down the last of his coffee and stood, offering his hand. "If you don't mind, I'd really like to get some rest, maybe visit your quartermaster. Who would I have to see to get some requesition forms?"

Now what the hell am I going to do? I've got some maps of the area... I wonder where they keep the comms, all I'll have to do is get to that and I can probably still get all the old logs and info from the Padmasan forts.

*********
Battle Group slayer quickly followed and overtook thier charges, heading back to earth ahead of the Spartans to make sure everything was clear.

Kentaka finished his glass of wine and stood up, extending his hand to Tarrant's outstretched one. "We've set up space for you on the base here. All of our division commanders haven't arrived yet, so we are setting you up in one of their homes. One of our Guardsmen outside will show you there. You are also welcome to our medical facilities, if you need them. You may return to this office whenever you are rested."

***************
Shi was out of the hospital and back on the base. He was definitely feeling the difference in his arm now, and if he pressed his skin hard enough he could see the little flashes of light in his new muscular system.

Much to his objection, the orderlies in the ward dressed him, and they put him in his dress uniform, not the armor he'd come in with. He would much rather have worn his armor, but this was what they had insisted on, and not following the nurses' orders had been known to lead to removal from service due to the "accidental loss" of medical records. He'd change as soon as he got to his locker though, there was some catching up he had to do.

The base was alive with activity; most of the younger trainees had reported for duty by now. Shi wanted to return to duty quickly and get on with his job, but he thought it would be hard to do, being a national hero and all.

The transport came to a stop at the division headquarters. Shi was wondering why he was dropped off here and not his company HQ, where he was eager to begin train his new men. The guards at the door saluted him and opened the door, and he was shown to a briefing room. It was sizable, Probably one where the division commanders met to go over battle drills and plans, he thought. The room overlooked the front of the building and the training grounds that made up the base, and the other three walls were covered with viewscreens. There were data interfaces at every seat, and there was a large seat at the end for the head of the operation.

Shi's captain was the only one in the room at the moment, looking down at the report of the incident. He was still reading the report when he heard Shi came in and said, "Ben, you did one hell of a job out..."

He looked up at Shi, rose to his feet, and saluted. "Sorry, sir. I didn't know. It's probably noted at the end of the report."

Shi was confused. He saluted back, but he pressed the issue. "What was that, Captain? I don't understand."

"Sir, well..." he scrolled down in the report and handed it to Shi. "It's right here."

I was lucky to have an honorable and courageous soldier fight alongside me on the battlefield. It is hereby my recommendation that Lt. Second Class Benjamin Shi be promoted immediately to the rank of Captain, and to be rewarded with the position of Division Commander.

"...Signed Lord Kentaka.” He put down the report. “Me, a Division Commander?" Shi looked at the insignia on his jacket, and then to the collar of his dress shirt. They both displayed him as a captain, which would explain all of that saluting...

Lord Meitou walked in on the two men. "Do you not think you can handle it?" he asked Shi.

"No, sir. It's just all very surprising."

"It was surprising how you took on an entire pack of those animals yourself, Captain. In this meeting we will discuss your new division and the duties that are now assigned to you. After that, we have a meeting with Lord Kentaka."

Shi just nodded and Meitou placed the documents on the desk. "Windows opaque," he ordered, and the courtyard and drill fields disappeared as if the window suddenly fogged over.

Tarrant shook Kentaka's hand firmly and then headed out. He made his way down to the ground floor, and headed outside. The base was still abuzz with construction and men training, it didn't look like a badly run operation although they didn't seem to be working with the speed and sheer efficiency that Tarrant had been used to when he was a scout… but these Spartans lacked the practice, and Illithid overseers, of the Padmasan engineering Korps. He turned to the guard to his right, “I was told one of you would show me to my lodgings.”

“Ah, yes sir. A transport is on its way if you’ll wait here, sir,” The guard said, clearly unsure of Tarrant’s rank or why he was even here.

Tarrant nodded and stood back to wait. After a moment he turned to the same guard and spoke, “Are you familiar with the Padmasan practice of whim-death?” The guard turned his head to look at him for a second and then shook his head. “I didn’t think so, it allows commanders in the Padmasan army, and nobles, to kill anyone who is not a commander or noble. For any imagined slight, any insult, for any whim really. It’s a fascinating practice and one I have found quite entertaining.” At that moment a transport came to a rather abrupt stop in front of the doors. Tarrant smiled sweetly to the guard and hopped on.

He was taken to a squat house about a kilometer from Kentaka’s hall. It was a decent pre-fab, probably would even stay together during a storm. Tarrant hopped out and headed inside, it was small but not really cramped. A small office/all purpose room, a bedroom, a bath, and a miniscule kitchen. Tarrant walked around the whole building waving his mechanical arm about like an idiot, after two full circuits of the house he stopped and threw his Plasma Rail onto the desk. "I don't know how these Spartans manage to live with each other," he sighed, "No listening devices, no surveillence whatsoever. Bah!" He sat down and pulled out all of his equipment.

"Two heavily modified Hammer 5s, with 4 clips for each, a plasma rail with 6 clips, a chainsword, some mechanical tools, a T-Bar, a pair of boots... I'd better find the quartermaster." Tarrant replaced the clips about his person, reholstered his pistols, and slid the T-Bar back into his boot sheath. He headed outside and joined the general traffic, wandering the base and getting a feel for things. Some few men stared at him, but no one dared ask a thing... between his baggy pants and lack of a proper shirt he looked anything like these spartan soldiers. Most of whom looked greener than the jungle he had so recently landed in.

When he finally arrived at the quartermaster's office he found it relatively calm, there was no one inside except for him and the man behind the counter. "Hello," The man growled at him, "Lord Kentaka has requested that I give you whatever you need."

Tarrant smiled, the Spartan leader was proving wonderously helpful. "Okay, what do you have for poisons?" The man glared at him. "Ah yes, this isn't Padmasa. Alright, do you..."

Thirty minutes later Tarrant arrived back at his temporary abode with a backpack, pair of magoculars, new combat knife, a portable comm that would at least let him get the information he needed, and no ammunition. It seems the Spartans didn't use 11mm rounds... much less the explosive rounds he favoured. Two hours after that he had all the information he would need to traverse the jungles competently stored in his microcomputer.

He then lay down and let sleep claim him.

The quartermaster had thought about Tarrant's request for 11mm bullets. It might be a problem if the Spartans and Padmasans found themselves in a battle together and could only be supplied ammunitions by one side. Would the others be useless to the group? It seemed that if any situation that required allied forces came about, there might be a lot of problems. He made a few phone calls and managed to make this a priority.

***************
Admiral Ogana watched as the ships broke the Earth's bounds and formed up for the next jump. He was back on the Visigoth, the current flagship of the fleet. It felt good to be back in his quarters; his bed always felt softer in space. This was where he felt at home, able to go anywhere he wanted. Ogana was born in a time when space travel wasn't a key priority of the nation, and so he joined the Air Force. He quickly moved up the ranks and was soon developing the very ship in which he lived. His genius and knowledge of aerial combat helped them create the space fighters and orbital bombers. When Crimson Sparta began heavily funding its space program, he was transferred to the Stellar Corps and given the rank of admiral. He considered the command of the Move to be the most boring one he'd had in awhile, but it was something that needed to be done with accuracy. His ship wasn't ready yet, so he needed to do this in the meantime.

Shi was surprised at all of the information he had to absorb as a Division Commander. It was rare for captains to be made responsible for an entire Division, but Meitou made it clear that Shi was still supposed to take his place on the battlefield. Shi was shown projects and documents that were marked for men of much higher rank than him just the day before, but now he was being overwhelmed in an attempt to catch him up.

On the viewscreen currently was a six-legged walking mech, making its way through a forest. On the top right corner of the screen it read Project Strider.* Its forward guns were blazing away and ripping the trees apart, while anything not directly in direction of fire was merely crushed as the mammoth feet trodded over the tree trunks. It stood about 30 feet tall and 40 long, Shi estimated.

After that demonstration came a picture of empty space. The camera started to move, but nothing was visible yet. Suddenly, distinct patches started to fluctuate as two different classes of fighters uncloaked. They moved quickly and entered the atmosphere of a planet, which Shi guessed to be New Sparta. One class broke off and flew through the mountains while another flew to the ocean. They maneuvered and demonstrated their weapons, but Shi was even more interested in the cloaking device.

The screen went blank. Meitou looked at Shi, as if to ask if he was up to the task. "As a Division Commander, you will be required to keep track of every one of these elements if you have them on the field, not to mention advancing your position. Now there's another thing I want you to remember. I don't want to get any messages saying that we are holding our position. We're not holding anything. We are advancing constantly and we're not interested in holding onto anything except the enemy. We're going to hold onto him by the nose and we're going to kick him in the ass! We're going to kick the hell out of him all the time and we're going to go through him like crap through a goose! Understand?"

Shi nodded. "Yes sir!"

"Very good. Now there's one more project I want you to see." He pressed a button on his desk console and the door opened. A 6'5" robot soldier** walked in and straight over to Shi. It started towards him and wrapped its hands around his neck.

"What the he..." The robot tightened its grip. Shi's eyes darted to Meitou, who just sat there watching from behind his cloth mask. "Wh... is... go... he...." he gasped. "Make.... it... st...!"

"Only you can make it stop now, Ben," Shi said casually.

Shi tried to knock it away, to grab at its face, but the robot kept his superhuman grip on him. He could feel the blood swelling up in his neck, and things were starting to go black. What's going on here, why is this happening? he thought. I was loyal, they wouldn't show me all this if they wanted to kill me. He tried to muster one more word before he passed out...

"Sssssstooooooop," he gasped.

The robot loosened its grip and stood at attention. Shi fell out of his chair to the floor and gasped for air. He writhed there for a few more seconds before composing himself and standing back up. The captain knew better than to question one of the Lords of Crimson Sparta, especially the one that was his commanding officer. He stared down Meitou though, and just waited for him to speak.

"That, Captain, is one of our Tekken. We're assembling millions of them, and they're going to be interspersed through every division. If there's something that needs doing that no ordinary person can do, this is your guy. He will fight all day long and never get tired. As long as you give him bullets, he'll shoot whatever you tell him to. If there aren't any bullets, well, you just got a demonstration on hand-to-hand combat.

"They are programmed to follow the chain of command, so they will obey your orders and yours alone. If anything happens to you on the battlefield, they will obey your second in command. If your superior gave them an order, they would follow that and disregard anything you've told them. That last scenario should never happen to a Division Commander, but we programmed it in to keep anybody from using them against our own forces."

"Tekken... Iron First. Nice." He turned towards the robot. "Dismissed. Go stand outside."

The Tekken turned and walked out the door. Shi sat back down to finish out the briefing.

*Strider:

http://plaza.ufl.edu/bcav/Online/strider.jpg

** Tekken:

http://plaza.ufl.edu/bcav/soldiers/tekken.jpg

"Admiral on the bridge," the officer of the deck announced. Captain Hitomi stood up to relinquish his chair; he couldn't wait for the flagship to be built either. Ogana wasn't imposing on anything, but the captain felt that, if he was given command of this ship, he should be able to command it now.

The Fleet Admiral, Commander in Chief of the Stellar Corps, took his seat as the captain took the seat to the right of him. "Thank you, Captain. Are we ready for departure?"

"Yes, Admiral," Hitomi replied. "All stations report ready."

"Very well," Ogana said sitting back in his chair. "Take her out."

The Visigoth streamed to the front of the other ships in the small fleet. It began making its way out of the solar system so the ships could jump to superspace.

***************
Lord Kentaka's communicator chirped, announcing from the desk that Lord Meitou and Captain Shi were there to speak with him. He pressed a button on his data interface that disengaged all of the safeguards in the stairway and hallway. They were in place in case the guards just didn't cut it.

The door swung open and in walked Meitou and Shi, in his new Division Commander armored uniform.

Kentaka stood up. “Captain, you’ve done a great service to Crimson Sparta and to the entire Crimson Order as a whole. Your valor and service are commendable. Captain Benjamin Shi, I hereby confer on to you the Crimson Heart, the Order of Crimson Sparta, and The Crimson Order Medal of Honor.” He took three medals out of his desk and gave them to Shi. He then took the small magnetic clasps and put them on the armor Shi was wearing. “Wear these medals proud, Captain. You are now a fully-fledged Soldier of Crimson Sparta.”

“Thank you, my lord,” was all that Shi could say in response. The Order of Crimson Sparta and the TCO Medal of Honor were two medals that took years for career soldiers to earn, and he had done it at the age of 22. No doubt he would be looked favorably upon from above, now that he’d saved two Lords of Crimson Sparta.

“Come with us, Captain. We’re taking a trip to the future site of New Sparta City. It’s out on the ocean, and we’ve got to pick out a nice piece of land for you and your family. Bring them along too.”

“Yes, my lord. I’ll go get them right away.”

After Shi left, Meitou looked at Kentaka. “Women and children?” he scowled.

“We must look after our rising star, if he is to be as great as his potential is,” Kentaka replied.

People of The Crimson Order! Do not think that moving to another system can protect you from our wrath! We have the power to follow and destroy wherever you may go!

OOC: Really, it's nothing personal...Not from me anyway. This is just for publicity.

OOC: No problem. I've been planning this for awhile, and I wasn't about to let a little aggression get in the way of it.

IC: Kentaka's Personal Interface Unit beeped and he read the message sent by The Silver Turtle. He yawned and deleted the message.

They were on the shuttle, heading towards the coast. They passed through a rugged mountain range, and Shi could see some of those beasts he encountered out the window. It seemed like they were all over this continent, but luckily he'd have a house on the ocean. The shuttle came over the last cliff and it dropped into the blue sea. The ocean was a light blue at the coast, but then quickly dropped to a deep, dark blue. The continental shelf dropped off about 50 feet past the cliff. I'll have to find a planet with some good beaches, Shi thought.

As far as he could see, there was no more land, and the sensors on board weren't reading any. Shi looked out the side window and saw a group of strike fighters, like he'd seen on the demonstration screens the other day. They were doing practice maneuvers, flying dangerously close to the surface at high speeds. They engaged thier cloaking devices and were gone again.

Shi's family had never been on an Archangel before, and his wife was amazed at the ornate design of Kentaka's. They were in the aft compartment, while Kentaka and Meitou were having a meeting in the forward, just behind the pilots. They weren't allowed there now, but Kentaka promised them they could see it after the trip.

The shuttle came to a large archipelago with most of its vegetation removed. It landed in the center island where most of the work was being done.

"This will be the heart of New Sparta City." Kentaka started outlining. "The city itself will cover all of these islands and will be connected by bridges for the land vehicles and magnetic levitation trains. But here," he said, pointing to the deepest excavation point, "is my palace. It will stand over twenty-one hundred feet tall and will tower over the rest of the skyline. It will be another thousand feet under the water, where there will be submarine evacuation stations and other classified activities." He smiled. It wasn't a problem living on the base, but he would rather impress his guests with his palace. "There will be a grand canal leaving the front of it, and smaller canals, about the size of ten lane roads will run like streets through the city. When it's finished, we will be able to sustain a population of eighty-seven million on the New Sparta island chain."

Kentaka looked to Shi. "You may take ten acres to do with as you please. This will be the final repayment of the debt of my life. You will always have my gratitude, Captain, but you will no longer receive any special favors from me."

Shi was awestruck. Ten acres in an island city. Ka-ching! he thought. His wife was apparently thinking the same thing, and that hopefully Shi would make it through his next five year service contract. Then they could retire off the profits of their land sale.

***************
They'd picked out their land and it had been marked on the maps. The area was also cornered off with stakes, each of them showing the badge of a Division Commander, as if Kentaka's seal on the map wasn't foreboding enough. It was a strip of coastline and then a block that ran inwards on one of the outer islands, making the mark look like a giant T. Mrs. Shi would be receiving a lot of calls as more colonists came to the planet, and she would be in charge of coordinating the offers. Hopefully the accountants would make it to the planet soon, so the Shis could do something with their sudden windfall.

The ships dropped out of warp and entered the system. The transports were now steadily bringing people and equipment over, and things were progressing nicely on the planet surface. The Crimson Guard headquarters was almost finished, a large structure built into the side of the mountain range not far from BC Base. The entrance of the HQ was a heavily-guarded building close to the face, where the entrant would take an elevator to the lower level and walk over via the underground concourse.

The facility had spread out among the plains, and now three entire divisions were located there-- Shi's and two colonels'. The others were obviously jealous of Shi's fast rise up the ladder, but they didn't find themselves with the same requirements to be on the battlefield during combat. It seemed to Shi that the colonels were too afraid to get their hands bloody and had forgotten their training to lust for blood and be killing machines. He'd show them what a real Division Commander looked like in the lunar exercises they were going to hold.

***************
The dropships landed Shi and the two other Division Commanders on different, random points on the moon. Their orders were to advance and overtake the others, with the ultimate goal of controlling the entire surface.

The weapons were all fitted to fire laser beams, and the uniforms would register hits. If hit in a vital area, the soldiers would be electrically shocked by the uniform as a knockout gas was released to ensure the soldier stopped fighting. They would be dragged off by medics and taken back to the base to recover and be punished for their deaths.

The three commanders were dropped at their locations first. Shi was placed close to one of the colonels, and the other was on the far side of the moon. Shi activated his visor and began looking for lifesigns. He moved forward and was brought a larger ship full of men. They formed strike teams and moved again, 20 miles from the other colonel. A platoon of Tekkens arrived next, along with two Strider walkers. They could see the colonel now, but he was moving away from Shi's group. The scouts didn't see any other dropships in the area, and they figured the other group was on the other side of the surface.

Shi prepared his group for an attack when fighters arrived. Shi gave the order for his to cloak and take out some of his closer opponent's forces. The colonel had his land, as it was in the manuals, to talk to the pilots and get everything coordinated.

By now, there were sizable camps being set up by both, but Shi kept most of his men moving as the fighters zoomed overhead, dropped their cloak, and "took out" the grounded fighters and a Strider. The colonel looked in the direction of the fighters, deliberately going the wrong way, and hastily ordered his men all to follow the fighters' paths. His arrogance and lack of time to think made this colonel's career finished. The divisions were almost all on the surface, but there were vital dropships coming in bringing more striders and troop transports. Shi ordered his fighters to shoot down the dropships behind his lines so he could make use of the Striders. His plan worked, and now Shi had enough Striders to take out the colonel's entire division with them alone.

As the colonel madly moved in the opposite direction, Shi's men swung out around the other division and formed a peninsula around them. The fighters came about and hit the front of the division as the Striders took the rear. The men came in from the sides and it wasn't long for the colonel to be face to face with Shi and a platoon of men, and they all took a shot at him, causing his electro-shock circuits to overload. Luckily for him, he passed out before the pain became too bad.

Shi knew the other division would be of formidable size, but he had more Striders and transports to use against the other colonel. He would move on and find him, but he would first need to change his strategy. He ordered a fighter to land and boarded it. It lifted off and cloaked again, and would bring him around to the other side of the moon to see the other man he would soon beat...

Shi stood over the other colonel's unconscious body, putting his boot on the man's chest. Both men had weapon failures-- caused by Lord Meitou's meddling with the system. He was above the moon's surface in a cloaked ship, high enough to prevent any collisions with the fighters that were phasing in and out of their cloak. He watched the two Division Commanders as they fought, and if he were a betting man all of his money would have been on Shi. He had still retained his combat training, while the colonel sat behind a desk and filed paperwork. He was in his makeshift division headquarters when Shi's men attacked, and they were caught offguard. Shi snuck his forces past the patrols and saved his fighters until he knew the positions of the colonel's.

Meitou's shuttle decloaked and landed at Shi's position. He ordered Shi to get in and to get the colonel out of his sight. He realized that there needed to be a substantial change in the Crimson Guard, and it needed to happen with the high-ranking officers. The lower ranks were fine with their abilities to fight, but they had commanders that were desk jockeys. Meitou realized this after the scrimmage, and that he had to retrain all of his brass. They were too cozy and too cocky. He knew one man who could teach them all a lesson- Shi. Shi trounced two other Division Commanders, and Meitou thought he could do the same with five. He wasn't about to promote Shi to General, because Shi was still needed on the field to fight. But they would need to send the officers back to boot camp, starting from the top down.

Tarrant came awake slowly, it didn't take him more than a second to become aware of where he was but still he presisted in rolling over and trying to fall back asleep. Finally after twenty minutes of tossing on the tiny bunk he threw off the covers and went to get ready. He checked his biowatch: three AM local time, nine AM Padmasan standard... damn. "I'm gettin' lazy, gotta stop oversleeping."

He dressed quickly pulling on his 'uniform' and making a pot of coffee. He lingered over his breakfast, a pair of ration bars and three cups of coffee, and was outside by three-ten. The base wasn't nearly awake, hell even the guards were asleep. Tarrant sighed and headed back inside to pick up his weapons, no sense not using this time for some target practice... or scaring a guard or two.

Tarrant quickly headed to the armoured training grounds. That they were making thier best men jump through hoops was annoying but he completed the course in twice before growing bored with it and heading off for other various exercises. By five the base was just coming awake as the smell of coffee and bacon drifted from the mess tent. Tarrant sheathed his chainsword and tried to blot the sweat off his face, it didn't work well but at least he had worked through three of the advanced routines and quickly too. He turned and jogged to the administrative building. Kentaka had better be up, I missed my chance to simply walk out of here while the men slept... should have taken the oppertunity to gut one and blame it on the beasts to make these fools pay more attention to thier duties! He walked passed blurry eyed soldiers and snickered to himself.

The servant walked into Kentaka's room and found him already awake. He was finishing putting on his black boots and stood up.

"My lord, I apologize for disturbing you, but our guest is up and about. It looks like he's making his way to the training range now."

"No problem, have my breakfast sent to my office. Continue watching Tarrant and inform me if he does anything interesting."

"Yes my lord."

***************
Kentaka was stirring up his scrambled eggs with his fork while he read the report of Tarrant's performance. Ninety-eight percent, not bad. The cameras showed that he was on his way to the building. The soldiers sneered as he passed by them. They knew he was no better than the rest of them, just a cocky Padmasan who thought he was born to rule the universe.

The communicator chimed and announced Tarrant's approach to the building. Kentaka told the guards to give him a hard time on his way up. "But make sure to have six other guards standing more than arms length away," he advised. "Don't be afraid to point your gun at him if he gives you any trouble. Then let him up."

They waited for Tarrant to get to the second floor checkpoint, where eight men were waiting for him-- armored and armed-- on top of the regular guards who wielded sidearms, drawn but at their sides. "Hey buddy," one of them said, approaching Tarrant, "got an appoointment?"

"An appointment?" Tarrant looked puzzled for a minute then laughed. "I don't suppose I do. But Kentaka has asked me to come and see him when I have rested so I suppose I should be on my way to see him." None of the men moved, some of the guardsmen laughed.

"Well, I think you should go and make an appointment then, don't you?" The guard spoke again his drawn sidearm was annoying.

"I see," Tarrant drawled, " Then I guess we have a problem." He stepped up to the landing though he made no move toward the guards making sure none would have an excuse to point thier weapons at him. "You see, you seem to lack courtsey, which I find unacceptable."

The man started to reply but was cut off as Tarrant surged forward and past him to the left. He drew his chainsword with lightning speed and swung at the guard: The man didn't even think to raise his axe to block the blow, he tried to dodge and lost his arm for his trouble. Tarrant meanwhile had drawn one of his pistols and shot at the guardsman directly infront of him... the explosive round entered his chest before detonating and sprayed the hallway with gore and metal fragments. As Tarrant put his back to the wall he swung again and began firing at the assembled guards hitting one in the knee and sending him to the ground.

Above them Lord Kentaka stared at the viewscreen barely comprehending what had happened. He lurched to his feet and sprinted for the guard-post.

Tarrant laughed harshly as one of the soldiers fired his rifle--into the guard that had been moving to engage him with his chain-axe. The man screamed a harsh sound that ended in a sickening gargle as Tarrant ducked and took another shot. It went wide slamming into the metal wall and then leaving a small crater as it detonated.

"STOP THIS!" Lord Kentaka ran down the stairs nearly tripping as he took the stairs three at a time. He wore the same clothes as the day he had met Tarrant and looked disturbed. Tarrant for his part snickered and lunged out to take a suprised guardsman in the knee before stopping and begining to wipe the blood of his sword on one of the dead trooper's uniforms. "What is the meaning of all this?" Lord Kentaka roared at the assembled men and bodies. Tarrant for his part jus sheathed his chainsword, put his pistol away and bowed formally to the leader of Crimson Sparta.

"Oh, I was just having a pointed discussion with these lads of yours." He nudged the first guard who was flailing around on the ground as the stump on the end of his shoulder pumped out blood. "I'm afraid I had to chop in some logic and then cut the discussion to an untimely end."

Kentaka curtly nodded and tapped a panel on the wall. "Medical emergency, report here immediately." More guards ran in at the moment, keeping two men far, far back away from Tarrant. They pointed their guns at Tarrant and looked at Kentaka. "Stand down. Get the injured men out of here."

One of the soldiers that was in the fight looked at Kentaka as the other men dragged the dead and carried the living. "My lord, this..." he said with contempt in his voice.

"Silence. Why did you treat our guest with such horrible hospitality?"

"But my lord!" he protested.

Kentaka picked the sidearm off the dead man that was being carried out past him. "You shot one of our guards, you treated our company poorly, and you would have failed to save my life! This is treason!" He shot the sergeant and threw the gun on the floor.

He turned to Tarrant. "I am terribly sorry about this. I suppose the men have been on edge, and they might have been a bit jealous of your performance earlier this morning. I have the results, and you scored the second highest ever on the track."

They walked up the stairs to Kentaka's office and he motioned for Tarrant to sit. He sat himself and got straight to business. "Are you ready to help us map the surrounding area? We've been looking to start building a city nearby, but we'd like to know your thoughts on the land we've picked for it."

They continued talking as the sirens of the emergency transports became louder outside.

Tarrant grinned wolfishly across the desk. "I'm not familiar with that area personally. I know it was looked at and was relatively human-friendly." Tarrant looked down at the map and nodded. It was anything but human-friendly of course. It was infested with dangerous animal and plant life, but it was close to his lander and dense enough so that he could get away. Probably dense enough so that scans wouldn't be able to show how many animals there were.

"I'd be happy to lead a scouting party out there to help survey the land, M'lord." Tarrant smiled innocently and leaned back.

Kentaka leaned back in his chair as well, thinking over the prospect of allowing Tarrant to lead his men. He could certainly go along with the group and navigate, but to let him be in charge...

"Great idea. We'll send out the survey team-- civilians-- but they'll need some protection in case we meet any more of those animals. And I know just the man..."

***************
Captain Shi was sitting in the lead transport, this time in the back. There was another soldier at the guns, and Shi couldn't help but remember the day where he earned The Order of Crimson Sparta. Hopefully today won't be like then, he thought.


Tarrant walked up, and every soldier around gave him a wide berth. Word traveled quickly around the base, and now nobody knew what to think of their "guest."

The sooner we're rid of him, the better. That was the predominant feeling of the soldiers. Tarrant took the seat next to Shi and the transports were off.

"You saved my life out in the woods, and for that I am grateful. Although you killed soldiers I had trained with, I was not there and do not know the situation that occurred and so I will not make any judgments. Maybe one day you can teach me how to wield a sword. I feel I can learn a lot from you."

The brush became denser as the transport moved on. The transport was now in a marshy area, where the tree line stopped and there was nothing but green algae covering the water. The transports stopped at the first sign of solid ground and the crews got out and started working. The gunners in the front of the transports kept a vigilant watch, and the sensors didn't show anything unusual in the area. Shi remained sitting, holding his rifle in his lap and hoping he wouldn't have to use it.

The sensors started beeping, alerting the men of something approaching them. The soldiers jumped out of the transports and took defensive positions around the survey crew. Shi and Tarrant stood up, still in the transport, looking out over the land.

The crews were busy taking measurements of the local environment, and Shi suggested that they hurry things up. The sensors were beeping persistently now, and the gunners readied their weapons. The teams finally finished the area when the trees at the edge of the marsh started to move. Out jumped two of the animals, followed by three more. The science teams moved out to a safe location, but were trapped in the middle of the marsh until the animal threat was taken care of.

The machine gunners opened fire at them, and were successful in taking out the group, but by then there were more and more coming out of the forest. Shi and Tarrant jumped out and each took a different flank. The battle began to rage, and Shi lost track of Tarrant. Aerial help was on the way, and hopefully they would be quick about getting there.

Maybe I'm bad luck in these forests, Shi thought, gun blazing away at the animals.

Tarrant slipped up into the trees, the fight below was going well it seemed. A shame that the mgs had been given more ammo than usual but that wouldn't really matter. He turned and sighted down his plasma rail and gunned down a beast going for the young captain's back... It wouldn't do to lose the one man in the Spartan command who like him.

He snickered and drew a couple of smoke grenades from his belt. He threw them down near the transports and the civvies and let out a long ululating howl. Let them think of that what they like, when they finally discovered its significance and its link to The Werewolves he would be long gone. He turned and loped through the forest.

It took Tarrant an hour to reach his ship but he laughed when he arrived. It was still perfectly cloaked and the ship AI told him that nothing had come near. He sniggered and walked in, in another hour he was well on his way back to Akaron.

________________________

Lord Kentaka looked down at the screen and read the report again. It seemed that Sergeant Major Tarrant of the Padmasan Scout Korps had been honourably discharged three years ago, before the Padmasans had even landed on New Sparta to begin making their own maps and surveys. He had left after losing his right arm to an unlucky (or very lucky as it were) shot from a tank. Lord Kentaka leaned back and considered who it was that had been inside his camp and had met with him several times.

The fighters blazed over, dropping their payloads dangerously close to the outer line of transports. The smoke from the grenades around the scientists interfered with the pilots' visual accuracy, but the sensors onboard didn't need eyes. The bombs were targeted for the temperature-specific parts of the area, the beasts' internal temperatures being higher than the humans' around them.

After the planes came around for a second pass, the battle was over. Shi stood atop one of the transports counting the bodies he could see. There was somebody missing though...

"Where's Tarrant? Somebody find him!"

"Captain," a soldier reported. "He's not here. The science team reported that they saw a few smoke grenades come from his position, but they didn't see anything after that."

He came out of nowhere, and it seems like that's where he's disappeared to too, Shi thought.

***************
"He what!?" Lord Meitou fumed. He and Kentaka were listening to Captain Shi's report of the conflict in a conference room.

"Meitou, he did help save our lives," Kentaka reminded his Crimson Guard commander.

"And mine," Shi added, "...twice." He paused for a few seconds and then continued. He pressed a few buttons on the screen and a satellite image appeared. "The overhead satellites recorded his heat signature moving out into the forest, close to where we were first attacked by the beasts. Then, it disappeared. We assume he had a ship out there, and we've sent men to check it out. However, there is the possibility that Tarrant booby-trapped the area, so we are moving slowly towards the location."

"I still should have killed him when I had the chance. And our other soldiers! We should demand that the Padmasans turn this man over to us at once! If not, we will take him by force!"

Kentaka stood up and faced Meitou. "Listen to me, carefully. We are not going to demand anything of the Padmasans. Yes, we are the head of The Crimson Order, but, but, we are in no position to make demands. Maybe one day this will all be sorted out. Maybe one day when the fleet is complete, but not today! Unless you want them to laugh more at us."

Meitou grunted in acknowledgement.

"Thank you, Captain Shi. You did your best."

Shi bowed at Kentaka and then Meitou, and left the room.

OOC: To clarify only a few members of the Fleet have ever laughed at your men. Oh we snicker occasionally and for all accounts we judge you too much... Especially when it comes to the use of robots, armour, and your fleet. But then again we almost never laugh. Unless you take into account the fact that my illithids are all elitists... then we laugh a lot. I should just stop now shouldn't I? Yes, I think I shall.

And actually you are in position to make demands, where do you think that report came from? I made the vast assumption that you'd want info on him and further assumed you'd ask for the records on the man, we politely sent his military records. Demand away, though it probably will cause some snickering among my military orders and anyone near Alyson Kreegsbrock... she wouldn't mock of course, just comment to those around her.

Oh, and as I've said before, Meitou really needs to meet Typhus later. He probably won't be civil to Ari (after he learns about who Tarrant works for, and who Ari commands... if he does) but he really should meet Typhus. At least then he'd have a little respect for my men.

Edit: I've just noted that Meitou advocated use of force to get Tarrant... ummmm... bad idea. At the end of the bug war The Cult, The werewolves, and The Hunters form an alliance. I'm not saying that whoever you sent would die brutally as he was tortured to death by a sadistic daemon BUT the holos wouldn't be something *anyone* would like to watch. (With the exception of most of my nation ;) )

Five Years Later:

The city was bustling with small ship and plane activity. There was not much of a civilian population yet, but the city was almost finished. The construction crews worked day and night for the last six-and-a-half years to put the city together and build the main island from the ground up. There was a lot of money invested in these projects, both by interstellar firms and private real estate bankrollers who stood to make a lot of money off the acres and acres of waterfront property.

The city was built on an island chain, and currently the center island was the only one nearing completion, with a lot of work to be done on the outer islands. The plan was to connect them all one day with bridges, but the crews were working too hard on finishing the center of the city before they worried about the other parts. There was a law in effect saying the same thing, and it assured Lord Kentaka that he would not have to wait any longer for his home to be built.

Kentaka was taking a break from his Archangel shuttle, and instead was on the yacht that had been newly commissioned for his use. The planet was over 90% water, so it would be a great travesty if he was yacht-less. It would be good for cruising across the planet to various events that didn't require his immediate attention, and it was also very relaxing for the leader of a planet.

The ship approached the city, and he was informed. He went above deck to have a look at his city-- something he hadn't seen since he visited the dirt with Captain Shi five years ago. Kentaka was informed of updates on his city, but he didn't want to see any progress at all until it was finished. He walked to the front rail of the ship and looked out.

http://plaza.ufl.edu/bcav/Online/spartacity.jpg

New Sparta City was even better looking that he'd imagined. The ship traveled down the main canal, surrounded on both sides with hundred-foot tall streams of water shooting from fountains that lined wide median of the canal. They passed two statues-- one on either side of the canal-- that were as tall as the buildings and quite impressive. Holding giant spears, the sentries were foreboding to anybody entering the inner circles of the city.

Looking ahead was the 2,500 foot tall palace that was his to rule from. Topping off the building was another 2,000 foot flame-shaped crystal statue.

Now that is a home, Kentaka thought. No more stuffy office buildings, but a huge palace where I can take care of everything I need.

As they closed in on the monolithic structure, they got a feeling on how large it really was. There was room for his large living area, quarters for aides and servants, military offices and command headquarters, a space port that could house an Ariake Class Corvette, and numerous other facilities that provided services to Kentaka and his government.

Kentaka smiled as he thought of his new home. The current population was quickly adjusting to its new planet, and as soon as the others arrived, they would love their new capital city as much as their leader.

The city was thriving now. There were people moving in to their new homes, businesses opening up their doors, and numerous other city functions were starting to come to life. Those who could afford their own personal shuttle now owned one, but even they had to hitch a ride on one of the new Yamato Class super-transports. Almost 1.6 km long, they had been built for the purpose of transporting the masses to New Sparta. Those who could not afford their own shuttle probably could not afford much of the property on the islands, and those who could took a smaller transport vessel to the surface.

There was activity in every venue of transportation. The aerial transports were landing and taking off, people were driving their cars on the roadways, more were walking among the streets, becoming acquainted with things, and there were boats of all sizes traversing the great canals that ran through the cities.

http://plaza.ufl.edu/bcav/Online/spartacity10.jpg

Lord Kentaka watched out his window at the arrivals of the population. Most of these people were the elites, which Kentaka enjoyed the company of. He could talk about cultural things and other matters of policy, and most of them would actually know what he was talking about. There would be many receptions in the coming weeks, military demonstrations, and other functions that would keep him occupied. He was much happier now that he was moved into his palace, and now he could enjoy himself a little as the planet got itself together.

***************
Captain Shi and his wife had finished packing their bags and were riding with their daughter on the next transport from the base to Sparta City. They were basking in the newfound riches from the sale of most of their property, though they kept a sizable portion for their own place. Ben would still be needed for his military duties, but his division was being transferred to the Sierra Charlie base, which was located on one of the outer islands, close to his house.

The transport landed at the port built right outside of their estate. They had sold that particular parcel of land to the transport company for a reason-- and now they only had a short car ride to the main gate.

The gate opened to a lush green garden with elegant shrubbery and trees placed throughout the grounds. The road curved through the greenery and to a clearing where the house could be seen.

http://plaza.ufl.edu/bcav/Online/himeji.jpe

The car stopped at the door, and a man came to retrieve their bags from the trunk. The family got out, surveying the property and being pretty much overwhelmed by their new house. It was more than enough for a family of three, but they were rich now, and they wanted to show it.

As their own things began to fall into place, so did everything around the city. Soon it would be the heart of the planet, and of the entire empire of Crimson Sparta. They would soon build colonies throughout the galaxy, and this would be the test for how smoothly things could go.

http://plaza.ufl.edu/bcav/Online/cityship.jpg

One of the transports was landing at a docking port in the outskirts of the city as Kentaka took his tour in his official car. Kentaka had large, luxurious vehicle for almost every means of transport possible, but he couldn't wait for his flagship to be built. Then he would be able to travel anywhere he wanted in the galaxy in his "home away from home." He was unsure of where he would spend more of his time-- probably in Sparta City, but there might be long voyages he may have to take.

He would have stopped to greet some of the new arrivals to the city, but there were more important things for him to do at the moment. The car stopped at a shipping port where a submarine was waiting for him. He and some of his top scientists boarded the boat and they were soon ready for departure.

New Sparta is a nation comprised of 90% water. It is 1.5x the size of Earth, which means a huge area of oceans covers the surface. Luckily, the science crews that studied the oceans found them to be relatively shallow in places, and they found a way to build cities under water.

Having read plans for underwater bubble cities before, the scientists were able to develop a large canopy for the city that had systems for everything needed to sustain life. There were large "gills" that converted the H2O into breathable oxygen, and a system of airlocks and canals that allowed subs to enter the city and travel through the large thoroughfares. Regularly scheduled garbage pickup and resupply transports would tend to the city's import needs, but there were facilities for sustaining most of the city by itself. Agriculture and livestock fields were placed in the blueprints, and they would make the cities self-sufficient in a matter of years. Private firms were selling small sedan-sized submersibles for families living in the cities, and they were selling like hotcakes.

http://plaza.ufl.edu/bcav/Online/city4.jpg

Kentaka and his team approached one of the cities for a tour. They noticed some dolphin-like animals on their way, but weren't sure if this life was indigenous or brought from Earth by the early teams, and nobody was willing to exit the sub to take a closer look. The seas were still dangerous on the planet, and with wild beasts on the surface, they could only wait to see what was in the depths of the ocean.

Things were still progressing rather smoothly. The surface was colonizing nicely, and the underwater cities were ready to be moved into. There were also some colonies on the orbiting moons with spectacular views of the planet surface and other planets in the system, with the help of a telescope. Crimson Sparta was getting adjusted in its new home, and all of its citizens seemed to be adjusting well. They would learn to live in space and on distant colonies, and the nation as a whole would prosper.