NationStates Jolt Archive

Xanthal had never been stronger socially and never been weaker militarily than it was in 2599. It had been over one thousand years since those first visionaries of a nation ruled by peace and equality had set foot on the continent of Zithal, Xanthal's birthplace. Over the centuries that vision had grown and changed with the times, allowing the nation to step from Earth to the stars and from the stars to the infinite beyond. There had been many interpretations of the Xanthalian vision since it was first concieved, ranging from pacifistic to imperialistic. The Xanthalian people lived in a dream. They were isolated at heart, no matter how they opened their minds to the Universe.
As the years turn, they wear on all things. As the blowing wind tears down the tallest mountains and the rushing river creates deep valleys, so does time slowly destroy the intangible. There were already signs that the Xanthalians' long sleep was about to come to an end. The nation seemed to be faltering somehow. The Abh, different as they were on the surface, had struck a resonating chord when their empire first shook hands with the Xanthalian Republic. As the bond between the Abh and Xanthal grew tighter, the chord grew louder. The crystal tower that was the Socialist Republic grew only more beautiful as it vibrated in the sun, deviding and throwing its rays about like a prism. It was a lovely sight indeed that blinded the people to impending destruction as they admired that which had already been built.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to fathom the loss of a people when they are still alive and well. Perhaps it is best to simply think of such things as beginnings rather than endings; but there is no denying that the loss of what is now widely known as paradise is something to be regretted, no matter how great the society that succeeds it. This is the story of a paradise lost, the final chapter of the great Xanthalian story; told for those who live outside that incredible universe where only those events put down in type are known to the mortal gods that lord over it without thought for the terrible and beautiful reality of the people they have created. Xanthal's awakening, and the end of the thousand-year dream.

Triumvir Tolmarin Doh sat down with a heavy sigh in his office. Lately it seemed to him as though every session of the Triumvirate was driven more by pleasing the Abh rather than tending to the needs of Xanthal itself. He knew that that was the job of the Triumvirate to tend to the nation's internatonal relations, but the driving force behind their decisions was supposed to be the motherland's interest, not that of its allies. In the five years since the Treaty of Lakfakalle had been signed,the nation was falling more and more under the looming influence of the Abh. Doh had opposed the treaty, but he was outvoted. He still thought that it was a mistake. Treaties between such unbalanced powers rarely worked to the smaller nation's advantage in the long run. He sighed again and rubbed his head. At least the Council still seemed to be sane. Plans to disband it had been indefinately postponed, and the Senate abandoned. This was the only decision that had been made lately that Tolmarin felt comfortable with. Looking out the window at the glorious expanse of the city, he couldn't help but feel a sense of impending disaster. It was time for action. He could think of only two powers that might be willing and able to help him, so he sent off two audience requests. One each to the rulers of Teritora and Arenumberg. Sitting back, he fought off a feeling of betrayal. This was for Xanthal, and that was the highest priority.

OOC: Im sorry if i repeat stuff..

The President and her entourage arrived at the large cylindrical building, it must of been at least 90 to 100 floors tall, maybe more, the clear outside allowed an intriguing view, and was most interesting, it was criss crossed by many metal separating panes. This was the park where most of the Xanthalian Ministries were positioned, and standing tall, a statue of a leader, obviously that of the founder of Xanthal, it loomed and watched over a stage what use it was for the president did not know.

Allana Carvas was the President of Arenumberg, She had been the queen, she was a tall woman, an elf, easily visible by her well developed ears, Her black hair almost reached her waist, and her blue eyes were almost as clear as the sky, her clothing was simple, but elegant. Arenumberg had been quick to answer Xanthals call for , whatever it was, she walked into the ground floor, the huge sweeping lobby was a breath of fresh air from some of the more cramped buildings on the Homeworld, where space was a premium, 130 Million people cramped on a few islands had its problems.

The lobby was slightly spartan by Arenumbergian standards, but was clean, tidy, and more than comfortable, the elevators buzzed with slight acitivity, and the President approached the desk's along the back, and spoke to one of the receptionists.

"We Are The Arenumbergian Delegation answering the call for audience" She said, and waited for a response.

The receptionist nods. "With Triumvir Doh, correct? Welcome. Please proceed to the hundredth floor. I will alert the Triumvir's secretary." As the delegation boards the elevator, the receptionist uses her computer to allow it to proceed to the top floor, usually locked out to unauthorized personnel.

Shortly after the Arenumberg's preisdent and entourage's arrival and entrance onto the elevators. King Latira Tor Asha and his entourage arrived. Walking over the receptionist desk he spoke formally and with an slight respectful bow. "I am King Latira and this is the Teritoran Delgation answering the call for an audience."

The receptionist directs them to the same elevator used earlier by the Arenumbergians and before long both delegations find themselves in a spacious conference room on the top floor. One wall is all windows looking out over a small garden on the rooftop and the expansive city outside, the rest are blank with the exception of the one opposite the windows, where the double doors through which they entered are now closed. The long table in the room's center has at its head the man himself, Triumvir Tolmarin Doh. He stands to his full height of just under 190 centimeters and bows in respect. "Welcome. Please, sit down. We have much to discuss." He ushers King Latira to the first seat on the side of the table to his right, and President Carvas to the seat directly opposite, facing the windows. He waits for their delegations to sit beside their leaders before resuming his own seat. He looks from the President to the King and back again. "Thank you for coming. I would like to apologize before I continue for calling you away from your duties to be here. However, I felt it necessary to go directly to our greatest friends to alert you to a danger that threatens Xanthal now, and may soon threaten the entire galaxy. I have called you here to ask for your help."

King Latira narrowed his eyes slightly thinking. "An threat? Out of curiosity, would be that extra Galaxic Empire Xanthal signed an treaty with? It seems not much but invaders and trouble comes from beyond the reim of the galaxy. From Mishakal, to those demons I have heard about, to some unpleasant and agressive expansive races causing trouble to those on the other side of the galaxy. But no matter Teritora has always helped our Xanthalian friends and allies when we could. What exactly is the nature of this threat?"

Tolmarin seems to deflate as he answers the question, feeling foolish. "Honestly? I don't know." His voice strengthens again as he continues. "I called you here because I'm the only member of the Triumvirate who seems to see that the nation has been slowly collapsing since the Treaty of Lakfakalle was signed. The Abh are an honorable race, and their values are to be admired, but they are still an empire. Any 'alliance' between an empire with trillions of subjects and a pacifist republic with less than three billion seems fated to a single conclusion, and all the signs are pointing to that conclusion. I do not know what the intentions of the Empress are, but from where I sit they do not include Xanthal as a sovereign nation."

King Alern nodded. "The Abh are an great unknown I have heard little of them, but yes it doesn't seem to bode good though surely the Abh know that if they tried to force Xanthal to join their empire that Xanthal has loyal allies that aren't pacifist. What can you tell us so far? What have been the signs so far?"

Tolmarin's eyes narrow. "I'm going to give you the opportunity to leave now. What I say from this point forward must not be related to anyone else. Your delegations must leave the room and wait outside. Any recording devices you have must be turned off. What I'm about to say compromises my entire nation."

Allana had been quiet the entire time, studying the man, sensing his emotions, he was hard to read, but seemed sincere, she sat up straight, dismissed her delegation, looked into Tolmarin's eyes, and said.

"I am going nowhere, and i have a perfect memory and have no need for a recording device, i will tell no-one of this, for i have no desire to, now speak"

King Alern narrowed his eyes and spoke. "Very well, everyone in my deglation are utterly trustworthy and their honor is above question but I will do what you ask, as for recording devices there are none."

After everyone but the three leaders has left, Triumvir Tolmarin Doh speaks. "I have a suspicion that the Triumvirate is being controlled by the Abh. I don't know how, but I have strong evidence that both of my fellow Triumvirs are working for them."

Allana raised an eyebrow "Thats a very serious allegation you are making.. no matter what the evidence"

King Latira spoke. "Indeed it is, but also very disturbing and Alarming at the same time. What points to this?"

Tolmarin reaches down and brings up two PADDs, one of which he hands to each of his audience. "These contain a list of the evidence gathered by me and my personal staff. It includes, among more minor things, large, unapproved transfers of value between Skul, that is, the Abh's currency, and Quinaults, identical coded transmissions from the Abh to both Triumvir Kyomino and Triumvir Jinto before all major sessions of the Triumvirate over the past nine months, and many secret meetings such as this one held with Kyomino and/or Jinto in attendence in the Abh capital of Lakfakalle itself. It should also be noted that Atachi Kyomino and Than Jinto have voted together on all issues of significance introduced to the Triumvirate in the past four months."

"Interesting.. this does indeed show some form of collaberation ... but what exactly are you, or we, going to do about it?" Allana asked

"Well, that's the tricky part," Tolmarin says, folding his hands on the table in front of him. "The best course of action would seem to be to release these reports to the public and let them see the evidence for themselves. I think the Ministry of Communications and Media would be only too happy to broadcast it. However, the power of the Triumvirate over that of the Council has grown significantly since the governmental reforms of 2592. I am more than a little concerned that my compatriots would..." he speaks the words like poison, "refuse to yeild office."

King Latira spoke. "On the other hand I don't think you want the Abh coming in and 'restoring law and order' either. Is there anything that you can have them arrested for, crimes they've commited. Then they wouldn't have an choice about leaving office because they'd be under arrest."

Tolmarin frowns. "I do not believe that the Abh would take a nation over from the inside. That's what makes all this so confusing. All the evidence says that they are infiltrating our government." He sighs. "I suppose I am simply mistaken about their honor." He pauses, then looks out the window. The sight of New Krytan was always stunning, no matter how many times one saw it. "First of all, I'm not sure any crime has been committed by the other Triumvirs. The only legal 'crime' being committed here is illegal transfer of funds, and I can't trace that directly to either Kyomino's or Jinto's offices. It could just as easily be me ordering the transfers, by the evidence."

"Indeed, well.. you hav'nt, have you?" Allana inquired

"I have not, but that is only me saying that. The Xanthalian legal system does not take the word of any one person above that of another, no matter what the circumstances."

"I still dont know why we are here, there seems theres nothing any of us can do.."

Tolmarin bites his tongue, then replies. "Actually, there is. I need you to be my insurance. When I take action, I want a ship. The Xanthalian military is crippled since its numbers were cut after the Tordoran rebellion. If the Abh decide to attack, our own forces will be no match for them. I need a Teritoran shipyard and a staff of designers and engineers from both Arenumberg and Teritora to work alongside Xanthalians. I also want access to your respective technologies for the sole purpose of completing it. The end result, if all goes well, will be a vessel specifically designed to oppose an Abh incursion. Xanthal doesn't have the technology, but if we work together it can be done."

King Latira nodded. "I see, what you need then. This can be done, but we will need to keep total secrecy. I can Picture what will happen if Abh spies, greedy people or people with Abh leaning got wind of this."

Tolmarin nods in agreement. "Absolutely. It obviously cannot be hidden that something is going on there, though. Unfortunately, as it is your shipyard, I must leave the... cover story up to you."

King Latira spoke calmly. "You would be surpised we could hide if we had to but an cover story will be easy enough if we have too."

"You have our support compliance and co-operation." Allana said

Tolmarin nods. "Then we will bide our time for now. When the spacecraft is complete; then we shall choose our next move. On behalf of myself and my people, I thank you."

It took three nations just over two years to build the Shining Hope, a starship to rival the power of the Abh and stand in Aellis' defense.
http://www.foederationsdatenbank.de/fdb/schiffe/andere/bilder/dauntless.jpeg
The Shining Hope was specifically designed to combat Abh technology. All its weapons and systems were made to be effective against the Abh. It was an amazing accomplishment. The Shining Hope alone could rival hundreds of Abh warships. It's specific design made it vulnerable, however. As great an achievement as the ship was, it was virtually defenseless against vessels that were not of Abh design. In a way, that sealed its fate from the beginning, but it was still to have a major impact in the months to come; and without it history may well have taken a much different course. But no one knew what was in store, not even the Abh, when the three collaborating leaders arrived at the Teritoran stardock. They were meeting to see that which their people had created and, in a way, decide the fate of the entire galaxy.

Triumvir Doh is a tired man when he first steps foot in the conference room of the Shining Hope. Things in Xanthal have only degraded further since his first action was taken two years ago. His nation's economy is beginning to crumble with the foreign influence of the Empire permeating it. His fellows are acting suspicious as ever, though he finally knows why. Looking out the window, he feels that the universe is not big enough. The universal community was only growing closer as faster and better ways of transgalactic travel were developed. He knows what his nation is fated for now, but he cannot accept it. He, and millions like him, are now prepared to defend their lost cause to the grave. And beyond. He sits at the table, a small piece compared to the one on the top floor of his nation's government headquarters, being sure to face the outside view. He resolves not to move again until his partners arrive.

King Alern arrived next and spoke as he entered the room going to the table. "You look like hell, Triumvir Doh."

Tolmarin smiles crookedly. "Thanks. Good morning to you, too." He gestures to a random chair. "Please, sit down."

Allana finally cleared the time she needed, without making it seem to obvious to home authorities she didnt want or need knowing about this, and finally got to where she needed to be.

She made her way over to the 2 Men.

"Sorry about the delay, had to make.. arrangements and such things."

King Latira sat at the chair and spoke wryly to Allana. "Welcome to the party. Don't mind doom and gloom."

Tolmarin sighs. "It's not your country that's on the verge of collapsing in on itself. So, good news/bad news time. The good news is that I was mistaken and my instincts were correct. The Xanthalian government isn't being infiltrated by the Abh. The bad news is that the people I thought were working for them are." He looks back and forth between the king and the president. "It seems that there is a growing movement in the Xanthalian government to merge the Socialist Republic with the Humankind Empire. And what's worse, I found this out because the other Triumvirs announced it on live television, along with almost half the Council." He shuts his eyes. "The Xanthalian public is split over the issue."

King Latira spoke passively. "Well thats bad, have they concidered how this would effect Xanthal's allies, expecially those who have been traditional allies, trading partners and friends? How it would effect their actions, like I believe Xanthal is still helping Tordor reform its government after the civil war of theirs. More imporantly, what are we going to do now?"

Tolmarin rolls his eyes. "It's not about allies. It never has been. The Xanthalian government has friends and it has tools. When its friends can be used as tools, they become allies. Do not take that to mean you are not respected. Generations of Xanthalians have grown up knowing that the Teritoran government was their friend. However, the Xanthalian government has demonstrated time and time again that its first and only priority is Xanthal itself. The Abh present Xanthal with the opportunity to become as one with a nation that spans galaxies; one that shares their very ideals. To join with the Abh is seen by many of my people as the best way to see to Xanthal. When the opportunity to advance the nation exists, allies mean nothing to them." Tolmarin pauses a moment, then continues. "Or to me." He rises, slamming his fist on the table. "But I do not believe this is an 'advancement'! My people have lived for centuries in a nation where idealism ruled; where there were no underdogs! We have proved that the communist ideal can work!" He takes a few breaths, then sits back down. "The Abh have made amazing accomplishments. Their social structure is incredibly stable and organized. Still, they are no Xanthal. They do not house all of their citizens, they do not feed their people. They are, essentially..." he says the word, not bothering to hide his distaste, "capitalist." He sinks back into the seat, his drained look returning. "I can't let my people do this to themselves."

King Latira spoke. "As I recall the Abh control all the space ships in their empire effective controling where people can travel and even if they can leave an planet. this does bode well and Xanthal going into their hands could give them an hand into another nation, Tordor."

Tolmarin nods. "I see you've done some research since our last meeting. You are essentially correct. Though she may lease ships to private companies, every Abh vessel is owned by the Empress and piloted by an officer of the Labule." He hesitates, surprised by his own usage of the Abh term. "The Imperial Star Forces." He stands, and goes to the window again. "The threat the Abh would pose to the rest of the galaxy is the reason I called upon you to help me. It means that you have personal interest in the matter, just as I have interest in preserving my own nation." He turns around, smiling. "The Xanthalian crew is boarding as we speak. Would you care to come with us on the Shining Hope's maiden voyage?"

King Latira nodded. "Indeed, I had concidered that and I would be glad to join you on the shining hope's maiden voyage."

Tolmarin exits onto the bridge, where crewmembers are already arriving. The ship's first officer salutes as he she passes and takes her seat. Tolmarin looks back at his comrades. "I have recruited those of like mind to ourselves to crew this vessel. It will be operating outside the main fleet, which is why it lacks a Xanthalian designation. Its sole directive is to guard against an Abh invasion."

"Do you really think it will come to that, Tolmarin?" Allana Asked, using first name terms

"Arenumberg has recently joined a organization, which some of my Delegates are signing as we speak, that seems to have some ties to the Abh."

The triumvir turns, an intense expression on his face. "Ties? What kind of ties? What nation is this?"

"What i mean is, we joined a galactic orginization, only then did we realise the Abh know of it and are participating in it, in some way, i dont think they have joined it, however" Allana said

Tolmarin's eyes widen. "I should hope not, considering they have no foothold here." He bows as the ship's captain enters, and she returns the bow.
"Triumvir. It is an honor to have you aboard, Sir."
"The honor is mine, Exalya," he replies. The captain smiles, then proceeds to her seat. Tolmarin beckons his companions to a set of chairs at the back of the bridge. "Please, sit down. We will be departing shortly."

King Latira nodded and sat one of the chairs.

Allana also nodded, and seated herself.

OOC: Lets not let this die..

OOC: I should be saying that to you. I was waiting for you, after all.

IC: The vessel moves out of drydock slowly and gracefully, her power unapparent in the delicate-looking construction. This was the most dedicated warship in the galaxy, but it did not seem to boast. As systems tests commence, it moves with purpose through the various shakedown courses around the Teritoran shipyard.

Tolmarin's mood can only be described as joy. He stands, arms spread out to the fore, with a broad smile on his face. "Isn't it beautiful?" he asks, not needing nor waiting for an answer. "The finest ship in the galaxy, made to combat our greatest common enemy!" He turns on his guests. "This is our salvation, my friends! Thank you."

King Latira nodded. "It is an wonderful ship, an marvel of engineering. It is harder to hit just from its shape than the typical Xanthalian warship and much tougher than it looks if I recall, excluding the sheilding."


OOC:Hmm thinking about it the styles and the some of the ships and some of the commanding characters in my Space forces was inspired by watching both Crest and Banner of the Stars, notable examples being the twin Admirals, the Asha Brothers, the patrol and assault ships.

Tomarin nods his agreement. "The Shining Hope is strong in every area. It has virtually no weakness against Abh technology." He spins around, facing the front. "Prepare for slipstream! Set course for the Aellis system!"

OOC: You won't know spectacular insanity until you see how Tolmarin is acting by the end of this. He's already starting to lose his marbles.

OOC: Dont wait on me to post, i dissappear for days on end sometime.. sorry but you know, Life.

OOC: ...

IC: The Shining Hope arrives at Aellis soon after, moving just outside the system. Tolmarin turns to his companions. "For your own safety, you may want to leave. There are two shuttlecraft in the bay on deck four. You may wish to depart before we are met by the Armada."

"The Armada!?" Allana Asked, becoming slightly alarmed

(As Xanthal, since I don't want to re-log-in.)

Triumvir Doh's mouth curls up in a knowing grin. "You didn't really believe that the Xanthalian military would allow a vessel they don't know about to patrol their space, did you? While the majority of the space forces may be on our side ideally speaking, they are not loyal to me alone. I don't have the authority to do what I have been doing. That's why it had to be kept secret."

OOC:Sorry just got back from being run out of my home by hurricane Ivan.

IC:King Latria nodded. "Yes prehaps we should. It could cause much trouble and division. I do not like it though.

"Does anyone.. but still what has to be done has to be done.." Allana sighed

King Latira noted. "The path of Honor is not always pleasant but honor, faith, family and duty have always driven Teritoran society and honor is an imporant part of our governmental policy. It has been an honor to know you Triumvir Doh. Come what may. Honor and duty may yet bring us together again."

Tolmarin bows low to the two leaders "None of this would have been possible without you, friends," he says. "When the Abh are defeated, we will meet again in celebration." He pulls aside a crewman and directs him to lead the two leaders to the shuttlebay. A few minutes later both shuttles depart with payloads aboard and Tolmarin turns his attention to the oncoming Xanthalian defense fleet, his expression going cold. "All defensive systems to maximum. Prepare to recieve fire."

OOC: Unfortunately, I must wrap this up in a single post. My school life is preventing me from the epic ending I wanted, but that's okay. After all, as much time as we spend on it, this is only a game. Keep in touch, yeah? I left my e-mail and IM contact information on my profile.


Epilogue: The Abh came only days later, demanding the nation's surrender. The Xanthalian government gave their instrument within hours, having prepared it and voted it through before the attack even came. The Xanthalian military, infuriated at what they viewed as a betrayal of the nation from the inside, resisted the onslaught, but were quickly overrun. The Shining Hope, Xanthal's ultimate weapon of resistance, destroyed hundreds of enemy ships before government cruisers eliminated it and its commander, the former Triumvir Doh. Over the next few months the Humankind Empire Abh launched several minor test attacks on neighboring nations, all unsuccessful. Deciding that time was needed before they faced this newest independent group, the Imperial house orchestrated the largest forced relocation in the nation's history, utilizing their subjugated nemesis' Infinity Gateway to move literally the entire Aellis system into established Abh territory. All contact with the Xanthalian nation and people and the Abh was lost after the system disappeared. If and when either will ever be seen again is known to none but the gods.