NationStates Jolt Archive

Throughout the Universe, transmissions are hijacked to broadcast a short, disturbing message to all who care to listen. A deep, gargeled, inhuman voice, at once ancient and evil, crackles over the etherwaves:

"Beware the return of the shimmering one. Beware all false prophets, beware all who have taken my legacy and bent it to your own petty interests. Beware; for the Crimson One, the Dark Seed, the Valkyrian, The Forgotten Soul has returned. Repent, for I have watched idely for a long while, and I now come to take back that which is mine.

The audio message is accompanied by a still, ancient video image, one which had been obviously travelling for many light years:

G.D.O.D.A.D

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B5439923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23235%3A3679497ot1lsi

Intel honcho Torometi Bavadra scratched his head. "Now what the fuck.." he trailed off, not bothering to finish the question. To anyone with a working cerebellum, it was pretty obvious.

Warlord Garrand pursed his lips. "This is vaguely troubling. I don't anticipate an immediate threat, as the message appears to be quite dated," he says, lifting a brow. "But still, something must be done. I'll forward the message to all GDODAD nations and inform them of the threat, if they haven't already received this."

The stout Veriag ashed his cigar and leaned back in his chair, tossing the report on his desk. "True enough. I'll let you know when something new comes up. Will there be a public announcement?"

Garrand nodded. "Of course. Our position at the helm of Metus means that any threat such as this, however vague, must be met with our assurances of safety. We cannot allow our position to be compromised."

***

Broadband communication, to all GDODAD nations
encryption: Metus standard
Designation: Elevated

"It has rencently come to our attention that an as-yet-unknown party has made vague threats towards the GDODAD. Enclosed is a copy of the transmission we received: indeed it is likely that most have already seen this. I would like to make it clear at this point that we fully intend to honor the mutual defense stiuplations of the Metus charter should this threat become manifest.

However, it appears to be quite dated, and as such may not reflect the current sentiment of the sender[s]. We're running the attached image thorugh our database, and it has spawned a handful of tentative leads.

Reccommend all parties keep in touch with us regarding this most unusual missive: any tangible threat must be met with the full might of our alliance.

Warlord Marcus Garrand
Imperator-General of the Imperial Air Force
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload8/edharris1.jpg

ooc: ah fu...it wasn't it meant to be a threat toward GDODAD. The image was supposed to suggest GDODAD affiliation. Sigh.

[heh. well we saw it as a threat. at least for now ;)

considering it says "I'm coming back to take what's mine," followed immediately by the word "GDODAD," it's sort of got the Five Kingdoms on edge.]

Right then.

OOC: Heh, I got it when I read it. The name was familiar ;)

Welcome back :)

thanks.

ooc: Isn't that Crimson Sparta's flag? I don't know. I thought for sure...
time to do some research.

OOC: Heh, imagine my suprise seeing this in the recent thread corner just after getting you're telegram...

ooc: We have much to discuss, you and I.

ooc: Isn't that Crimson Sparta's flag? I don't know. I thought for sure...
time to do some research.


Yes, as a matter of fact it is... although I think that it is a stock flag. Not sure though.

What's a stock flag?

What's a stock flag?

One of the flags you select when first starting the game, before you can upload your own.

Anesca PHALANX sighed slightly at the feeble attempts to crack her systems. She skimmed the message, scrubbed it for any potential viruses, and tossed it into the public networks. Maybe someone would be interested.

Well, no its not.
Also, after doing some basic research, I've found that Gernalitily is part of a region called the Crimson Rebirth. Is this region at all afilliated with your Crimson Order?
Sorry, don't mean to be snoopy. It just seems to me that there is some kind of puzzle here.

Well, no its not.
Also, after doing some basic research, I've found that Gernalitily is part of a region called the Crimson Rebirth. Is this region at all afilliated with your Crimson Order?
Sorry, don't mean to be snoopy. It just seems to me that there is some kind of puzzle here.

Nope, and moreover thanks. I shall have to investiage this Crimson Rebirth and report to Sparta about this... If that isn't a stock flag like I suspected than there is a puzzle here and I have a feeling both him and I will have some talking to do.

And this Crimson Rebirth thing... I need to look in on that.

Always glad to be of use. ;)
Um...do you think you could maybe keep me posted on what's going on? I'd really like to see how things unfold. If not, that's cool. If so, that would be very, very cool of you. :)

UT: Seeing as how you were the one that gave me all this information I rather think it would be rude of me to do less than keep you in the loop. I'll TG you with any information I find, and any reports.


My findings so far: The Crimson Rebirth,
Factbook entry: ... And death to the false one.

As I have asked the Region's creator, this seems directed at The Order. Now, I cannot be sure but that does seem pretty bad. It is possible we now have a region dedicated to destroying us, or this is all happening by chance.

Coupled with a shared flag, this all seems very odd.

Thanks for letting me in on the action, Padmasa, I really appreciate it. :)
Hmmm, do you really think that's his intention? Have you had any dealings with this nation in the past? It would be strange for him to just pick your region for no understandable reason.

Thanks for letting me in on the action, Padmasa, I really appreciate it. :)
Hmmm, do you really think that's his intention? Have you had any dealings with this nation in the past? It would be strange for him to just pick your region for no understandable reason.

In truth, I do not think it to be his intention, seemingly he is an old hand based on this thread and The Order never really had enemies. Moreover as I was present at the Founding of the Order I can tell you with an amazing degree of certainty that it was created by Crimson Sparta and no other. I do not ever remember speaking with any of the Nations of the Crimson Rebirth. Though the founder Presgrief does sound familiar.

It's my pleasure to work with you on this.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

I know that Take once used my flag, but I was unaware of these others who seem to have quite an interest in Crimson Sparta. Nevertheless, it's probably some naive nations wanting a piece of the glory that is The Order.

You should wish that it were so, my old crony. Unfortunatly for you, the flag is of my own design, as is the alliance which you have butchered. Arrogance is not a virtue. I have come to judge your performance. And I am not pleased.

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B5479523232%7Ffp64%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23235%3A3%3A66%3A66wp1lsi

Cold feet Mathias?

Ledan Deep Space Transmissions Monitoring Station 314
"Sir, we're picking up a transmission directed towards the nations of Earth. We don't have the audio yet, but we have the video component."
The operator and his supervisor watched as the image appeared on one of the screens before them. As it ended the supervisor turned to his subordinate with a blanched look on his face.
"Decode it and forward it to The Great Ineffable Bob at once."

Later, at the Ineffable Palace in The Silver Turtle
"Your Ineffableness, one of the Ledan monitoring stations has detected a potentially hostile transmission from a fairly distant part of the galaxy."
"I know. Melkorian intelligence detected it and forwarded it to me. Why didn't we detect it sooner? With stations further out, we should have seen it first."
"I'm sorry sir, I believe it has something to do with the amount of space there is to monitor. I'm led to believe space is in fact very large, and the funding for monitoring stations infintesimally small in comparison."
"That's hardly an excuse. Get out of my sight efore I remove you myself."
As Bob Minor closed the door behind him, TGI Bob viewed the message once more. Anything to do with the G.D.O.D.A.D. was his concern. He looked toward the section of the wall where vital info concerning G.D.O.D.A.D. members was displayed, constantly being updated by his intelligence services. He gazed for a few seconds, before something in the corner caught his eye. Smiling slightly, he pressed the intercom button on his chair and told Bob Minor to have a database search launched of all nations with a flag resembling the image in the transmission. He had a feeling the message's threat was directed towards something other than the G.D.O.D.A.D., but he would very much like to know what.

OOC: Natalya's a Chaos goddess now is she?

Warlord Garrand strides through the corridor in a great hurry, his long black cloak flowing behind. On either side of him stood two large Overlords, their hands folded neatly behind their backs. The three reach a large door, and the Warlord keys in his code. On either side of him the Overlords stride forward in practiced unison; keys falling from their sleeves as they approach the hatch. Pushing their keys into the door, they turn them in tandem after a quick count, tucking the keys back into their sleeves with a nod to the Warlord.

With a nod to his men, Garrand steps through the doorway, and into a large room with row upon row of computer terminals; and a massive holographic display adorned the fore of the room, where a large man stood. The man approaches the trio--an Easterling by the look of him. "Warlord Garrand, it's an honor," he says, saluting the aged Dunlending.

Garrand nods in turn and plucks off his gloves, tucking them inside his dress jacket. "What have you got for us?" he asks flatly, clasping his arms behind his back.

The Easterling sighs and shakes his head. "Not much so far. The image seems to be a flag of some type; we've seen similar designs in the Crimson Order and affiliated states," he begins, as the group starts to move forward. "It's very curious. But the good news is we're very close to pinpointing the origin of this message," he reports excitedly, gesturing towards the holographic display.

Garrand lifted a brow. "Interesting indeed. You'll do well to notify me when the point of origin has been found," he informs the Ensign.

The Easterling furrows a brow. "One more thing," he begins tentatively, his hands absently fidgeting behind his back. "It might not actually be a threat," he says carefully, more than aware of the Warlord's previous message. "The more we look at it, the more it seems like it's a crude form of association. Perhaps they're not after the GDODAD," he guesses, "but trying to join it."

Garrand strokes his chin in thought, now gathering the collective gazes of about fifty men. "It's a possibility, I'll concede that much," he admits, drawing his hands from behind his back. "But I'm still trained to assume it's a worst case scenario. You keep working on it, and let me know the instant a second transmission arrives, if it does. Right now it would be unwise to jump to conclusions such as these."

"Yessir."

***
Broadband Diplomatic Transmission; to all GDODAD nations
Encryption: Metus standard
Status: Elevated

Re: The Message

Thus far I have found the lack of GDODAD response to be quite disturbing. It is my opinion that this matter needs to be discussed amongst the active members of the Metus Alliance, to determine whether or not a tangible threat exists. Intelligence sources are turning up possible ties with the Crimson Order, to whom Arda is closely allied. Should either the GDODAD or the Crimson Order fall under threat, Metus will be tapped to destroy the threat.

Come now, try calling me back for once. I don't bite. Leastaways, not over comms such as these.

Warlord Marcus Garrand
Imperator-General of the Imperial Air Force
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload8/edharris1.jpg

Broadband Diplomatic Transmission to Melkor Unchained
Encryption: Metus standard
Status Elevated
"Our apologies. Thank you for your higlighting of the message, one of our monitoring stations detected it also but was slow in relaying it to the central government. We have done some investigating of our own, and also suspect it is a threat, but not directed at the G.D.O.D.A.D. We would have replied sooner, but we didn't want to send you anything until we had information rather than a hunch.
What we can tell you, however, is that G.D.O.D.A.D. member Presgrief, and it's associated dominions use that flag. One of them, Gernality, also happens to be within the volume of space we believe the message originated in.
So far, however, we have not been in touch with Presgrief to pursue this matter, and have yet to turn up any other nation with the flag, though we are searching. Would you believe how many nations there are whose names begin with "A"???"

Ineffable First Minister, Bob Minor.

The Second Transmission

Greetings to.....Councileers...Met....................................................
great agony, unspeakable pain has.....................................................
my youth is lost, Natalya of the Greif is no more. It was an..................... inev.......................transforma............................Tzeentch of Change....................................my destiny has come full circle. Though it will upset our good relations, I must ac.......................................................
The Crimson Rebirth has begun.............................................................
war.....................................betrayal......................................vile.... deeds which cannot be left forgotten...................................................
war.......................inevitable....................................join me..........the begginings...............................of supremacy....................................I do hope this transmission is decernable...............................................all is distorted............................................in the................................... warp.........................Tzeentch of Change.................................I'm cominghome..........................................GDODAD....................supreme............... Tzee................................................................................................ .................................................................................................... ...I'm coming ho..........................

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B5479523232%7Ffp64%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23235%3A3%3A66%3A66wp1lsi

Warlord Garrand whirled around in his seat as his desktop comm flashed to life: a relay from the DDSI, apparently. A second transmisison had been received, and presumably already forwarded to the GDODAD like the previous one.

The voice of Natalya fills the room as he listens to the transmission, a smile spreading slowly across his lips. It had been a long time since the Five Kingdoms had heard from this one. Looks like Bob was right.

Furthermore, it looked like the goons over in Intel had actually done their job. He noticed that the return transmission switch was now active, meaning that they had discerned the message's point of origin.

One last test had yet to be carried out.

***
Return Transmission
Encryption: Metus standard
Status: Normal

This is Warlord Marcus Garrand of the Five Kingdoms; representing Lord Melkor, Speaker of Metus. I send you this missive in an attempt to discern your true purpose, and indeed to find out if you are in fact who you claim to be. We have long been bereft of contact with Natalya de Greif, and have long sought to re-establish contact there.

The GDODAD has been made aware of your message, and you'll kindly pardon us if we interpreted your first missive as a threat. Trying times, you see.

Please respond, as both Lord Melkor and myself are very much pleased to hear from you again. And if you don't mind me asking, who is it you're after this time?

Warlord Marcus Garrand
Imperator-General of the Imperial Air Force
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload8/edharris1.jpg

ooc: Melk, I'm itching to respond, I really am. But it wouldn't be in keeping with the situation.
spoiler: These are very old transmissions, sent out before Natalya began her journey home. They were also sent trans-dimentionaly, first Gernalitily, then Presgreif were used to "bounce" the signal, but the signal did not originate from them.
So if its okay with you, I'd like to wait a little before Natalya actually arrives, and sends an intelligable message.
Ya....so please, run with it as much as you can.
Oh and thanks for jumping on board right away. Without you and TST, this thread would suck...

[ok, fair enough]

OOC: As Mel B might say, "Fook!"
Everytime I write a long post these forums log me out, resulting in it's complete loss...At least with the old "Invalid_session" you could still go back and retrieve your post... :mad:
*sends ninjas to killinate these forums*
:mp5: :mp5: :mp5:
Can't be bothered retyping, but to summarise:
Second transmission recieved, Bob recognises the name and voice. Orders spacenaval patrols doubled and increased sensor sweeps for incoming unindentified craft or anomlies, particularly those related to the warp.

ooc: That's why I always copy my posts before I submit them.

OOC: Well, well.

Welcome back, Presgreif.

OOC: Well, well.

Welcome back, Presgreif.

You spelt achieve wrong.

You spelt achieve wrong.

???

Clueless as usual Derscon? That's good.

now now, play nice...

now now, play nice...

Me, play nice? Are you mad? :D

Where did I spell achieve wrong?

ARGH! Don't worry about it! Just bloody RP, damn your hide! :headbang:

Where did I spell achieve wrong?

In your sig dum....um....buddy. Better? :D

In your sig dum....um....buddy. Better? :D

*scans sig*

Aha!

*fixes typo*

Thanks.

Look closely. There's another one.

Grr....

*fixes*

o.O

ooc: I'm really enjoying this thread. The suspense is killing me! Um, I've noticed that none of the players in this drama have posted for a while. Are we waiting on another transmission from Presgreif? Hmmm...

OOC: I'd say we're waiting for something from Presgrief. Bob's actions are really limited to:
sending a ship off to Greifan territories to investigate (which he doesn't want to do since he's assuming Natalya's on her way to Earth making the trip pointless)
sitting and waiting for something to happen
calling Melkor or someone for some banter.
Actually, on that last note...
IC:
Broadband communication, to The Five Kingdoms of Melkor Unchained
encryption: Metus standard
Designation: Elevated
"I assume you recieved the second transmission also, but a copy is attatched to this transmission in case not. It would seem this proves it, the transmissions are from the long silent GDODAD nation of Presgrief and its associated dominions. I think we can remove any threat to the GDODAD from the table, provided it is indeed from who it claims to be from. We have, however, probed both messages and find them to indeed be authentic.
Interesting times lie ahead, I believe.

Ineffable First Minister, Bob Minor."

ooc:I'll just wait a little while longer, incase Melk has thought up something he might want to write.

Return transmission

Yes, this would in fact appear to be the case. We've sent a return transmission, but have thus far received no response. I'd recommend contacting Warlord Althalon on Aurontel to coordinate our defenses; he's been briefed and by my estimation seems to have a solid understanding of the situation. It is likely that any further attempts on Presgreif's part to contact us will go through him.

But I would not so lightly throw caution into the wind. Natalya was always something of a hothead, and we have no idea what she's up to. The first transmission still disturbs me slightly. If she is in fact gunning for the Crimson Order as some have come to suspect, she would do well to confer with Lord Melkor before she does, as Arda has treaty obligations with that alliance.

Warlord Marcus Garrand
Imperator-General of the Imperial Air Force
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload8/edharris1.jpg

A lone vessel cut through the blackness of space somewhere between Ardan and Greifan territory, sending off gentle, encoded signals to its intended recipients. The tens of thousands of signals made no sense alone, but to those who know how to combine and decipher them, they form a clear audio/video message. It was an ancient code, established long ago for candid communication between certain space fairing civilizations. Today, it was being used to announce the return of the once-Empress, Natalya de Greif.

To The Member Nations of GDODAD, and to Lord Melkor of Arda, Called the Unchained:

This is my third transmission, as you are perhaps aware. I do not know if you received the first two in a complete and unaltered state. These messages were sent from a place far away, even by our stellar scale, a place beyond the warp, where it seems only darkness and lonliness reign. Indeed, it would be a miracle if you received these messages at all. I am, however, home now, and so I send you this third transmission, in hopes that it will be well received.

I have been traveling for many years, through uncharted and horrible places, and I am most thankful to be home. I will not record here the reason for my journey, nor the many things I have been forced to endure, for that is not the purpose of this transmission. Suffice it to say that I have suffered much, and am forever changed by it. The things I have experienced did almost kill me, indeed, I did often wonder if I would ever return to my domains. Though the prize I have attained is great, I have lost my youth, my beauty, and perhaps to a greater extent, myself. I am no longer the Natalya you once new, and I can only hope that you will accept me for that which I have become.

I have returned home, to set my domains in order, and complete the circle which is my destiny. My time in that horrible place has provided me with many revelations, both painful and pleasurable. These revelations have given me a clear knowledge of my own fate, and the fate of many others, and I know now what it is that I must do.

I intend to build an Empire, gentlemen, an Empire the likes of which has not been seen since the ancients still strode the dimensions. I will build this Empire for not only my own glory, but for the glory of the GDODAD as a whole. I shall build it upon the corpses of a band of deceitful, treacherous bastards, who have chosen to blaspheme against their true Goddess, and defile the ancient covenant which once bound us. To achieve this end, I ask for the support of my ancient comrades within the GDODAD, and do invite any other willing party to join me in my crusade.

I thank you, my Lords, for your attention, and do encourage you to provide me with any input you may have. Be well.

And to the half-elf traitor Kentaka, self-titled overlord of Crimson Sparta, who is assuredly spying on this transmission despite my best efforts to keep it confidential, I say, yes, I am coming for you, and I will tear your walls down! Your nation is doomed. Your Order is doomed. Your people will suffer, and they will blame you. Your children will grow to worship me. Mark my words, for they are prophetic. Repent!

end transmission

http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/schematics/valdore-screen.jpg

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B5479523232%7Ffp64%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23235%3A3%3A66%3A66wp1lsi

Brotherhood Global Intelligence and Communication Agency #3, Peru

"Did you get all that?" Brother #33409 asked.

"Every word." Brother #12844 responded.

"Forward to Cairo. I'm sure High Command will be interested."

"Done."

Temple of Nod, Cairo

"Empire building, eh? GDODAD should be very able to help with that. We certainly are" Kane said to nobody in particular. "CABAL, take this message and get it to wherever in space their message originated from:

From: Kane, Messiah to the Brotherhood of Nod, Leader of the Liberated Third World Countries
To: She Who Was Empress Natalya de Grief of Presgrief
CC: All Metus nations
Subject: Empire building

The Brotherhood welcomes Presgrief and her current leader(s) and is willing to help Presgrief in establishing a new empire. Unfortunately, the Brotherhood's sphere of influence does not extent outside Earth's athmosphere, but within it we will do anything within our power to help.

Kane

OOC: Kinda busy to reply.... but I am watching.

And to the half-elf traitor Kentaka, self-titled overlord of Crimson Sparta, who is assuredly spying on this transmission despite my best efforts to keep it confidential, I say, yes, I am coming for you, and I will tear your walls down! Your nation is doomed. Your Order is doomed. Your people will suffer, and they will blame you. Your children will grow to worship me. Mark my words, for they are prophetic. Repent!

The whole of Padmasa city, millions of people, fell to thier knees in agony as the Masters met kilometers below the city proper. The psychic backlash could be felt all across the planet sending men reeling. Stormclouds formed, unseen since ancient times when Padmasa was still earthbound, and neon lightning struck the snowcaped peaks obliterating great chunks of the mountains. This was not unexpected but still it caused a boiling rage.

The relevent parts of the message were rebroadcast to the nation as a whole, and the people cried for blood! This threat could not go unanwsered. Yet it would...

T.G.I. Bob watched the message and smiled.
"Have you traced the signal?"
"Indeed sir, it originated from a moving source approaching the system."
"A ship?"
"Most probably. Your orders?"
"Send the following message:

To: The Once Empress Natalya de Grief
From: The Great Ineffable Bob
CC: All Metus nations
Welcome back, my friend. It has been a long time. I believe Kane spoke for us all when he said we are willing to help. The GDODAD shall stand by its own, and thusly we will aid you in your quest to build an empire. The Ineffable Empire has a respectable starfleet, and so we can assist you in any extra-solar operations required.
We have been waiting for you, and I sense a new lease of life in all of us now...

His Imperial Majesty, The Great Ineffable Bob.

And make sure it gets there now, don't send a radio broadcast that will take hours or years depending on how far away the ship is, and when it arrives will be blueshifted like hell."
"Yes sir."

Oi, G.D.O.D.A.D Guy, That aint no messege, thats a picture stupid. And im sure it aint no antcent pic that has spiritual Qualltys, And You Are just tryin to freak people out, But were not that dumb. Get out of here, You Disgrace

Anesca PHALANX sighed slightly at the feeble attempts to crack her systems. She skimmed the message, scrubbed it for any potential viruses, and tossed it into the public networks. Maybe someone would be interested. The G.O.D.A.D Guys Fakin, Dont u think?