From Brick to Marble, From Silver to Gold [Archive] - Page 2

The WIck

07-04-2005, 16:23

Hall of the Congress
New Danzig
Planet Rembrandt
Somerset System
Capital of the Federated Commonwealth of Stars

It had been a month since the ratification of the Constitution of that formed the Federated Commonwealth of Stars out of what had been the Federation of Allied Systems. True to its name the Federated Commonwealth appeared to be an oxymoron for it proposed a juxtaposition of two opposites, a strong centralized government of a loose associated more then a dozen systems scattered over almost 250 light-years, a momentous task. In all honesty the Constitution was a far from perfect document that was rushed through its drafting and ratification out of the sense of urgency that the wormhole terminus to Alpha Centarui wrought.

It seemed impossible to do, for their wasn’t any sense of political or cultural unity among the systems of this government. The nations of the Inner March’s for better or worst could at least claim that. What was left of the Wickians were unified by their sense of survival and hatred of the Ortagans, The Vaku were unified by their well alien-ness. Even the people of the LNH could claim legitimacy and unification through their trade power. Hell the Valinor were all but demi-gods their influence even converting the society of their once hated enemy the Verniians, and could one even tell the difference between a Yalta man and a Valinor any more, thought not.

Distance and the backward nature of their technology perhaps explained why the nations of the Cluster never unified previous to this moment. Its volume was nearly as great as that of the Inner March itself. The monarchist of Avalon could not claim a single common trait with the country-men of Vermont. The masochists whom dwelled in the poisonous atmosphere of Grayson could not claim to be privileged as those whom dwelled on the tropical paradise of Quest. For all of their differences all the systems of the Federated Commonwealth were unified by one important principle that of the want for self-preservation.

This sense of preservation was at first acted upon by the Rembrandters by expanding their navy beyond that of a system defense militia so that they could project their merchant Marine into the surrounding systems, establishing the RTU. Often times this took advantage of their poorer neighbors but the profits allowed the establishment of the Federation of Allied Systems, which was a quasi central government until the arrival of the Valinor, the inabilities of the Federation of Allied Systems had to be fixed, thrust into the center of Raumreich attention would bring in untold threats the cluster must be prepared for.

And so now the reformed Federated Commonwealth had been granted several powers to protect themselves from any external threat. First and foremost the Federal government was finally allowed to Tax. The members of the Federated Commonwealth whether a recognized state or a territory was forced to stop minting their own currency now only Federal Currency would be accepted. And finally the formation of a true and practical Federal Navy, one that could project its power first abroad and as well as support system militia, who were no longer independent commands but rather reserve units and auxiliaries of the “professional” Navy.

Now a delegation was meeting to see what could be done with this new power, representatives from the Valinor and Vernii were invited to attend as well as those from Caledonia. The Federated Commonwealth was under no illusions that some would not be happy with the formation of this new government that could united the backward neo-barbs of the Cluster, but as the men of Split were fond of saying:

“They can bloody well go sod off”

Valinon

08-04-2005, 02:09

In but a few moments the TiberCorp delegation lands on the planets surface and comes out of the ship's yacht (yet another brilliant example of TiberCorp's trademark sleek and silver design) sitting upon the landing pad. First comes a host of TiberCorp gaurds, clad in crimson uniforms with yellow and black trim; quite the inverse of Liberated New Hope uniforms as they were meant. After them comes Samantha; her white furs and equally white, silken hair flowing, then Elias Fox; a tall dark man with a gotee wearing a sharp black suit, and finally Samul Hudan; the exiled Prime Guardian of the Morning Star System. Soon after them a line of corporate lawyers and secretaries line up in military fashion along side the ship.

Meanwhile, some distance outside of the Yalta System...

A crude looking, grey craft pops out of starburst and is quickly enveloped in the blackness of space around it. Inside, Felix sits in his tiny, cramped captain quarters within the small carrier. He grasps the comm. next to him and contacts the bridge.

"Their signature is in that system, correct?" Felix inquires.

"Yessr."

"And you're sure we're currently out of scanning range?"

"Yessr."

"Good. Blanket, all stealth up. Move within specified range. Out." He quickly hangs up the comm. and leaves his room and marches down the coridors to the quarters of Special Agent Jeremiah Maxwell, Felix's second in command for this misson and operations leader of the MSIA team. He knocks.

"Who goes?" Maxwell ask.

"Colonel Doltzworth."

"Come in."

The Colonel enters the small room to see Maxwell laying on his cot reading Better Homes Magazine. The agent quickly puts down the text and looks at Felix, who comments "I see your keeping busy, Agent Maxwell."

Maxwell looks sarcastically "I see the last man in this room had a creepy obsession with window treatments. What's your business?"

"That last Starburst put us just outside of the Yalta System." Felix reports. "We'll be waiting here in case our agent needs extraction. Thankfully this thing is going down planetside. You've been breifed on the ifs, whens, and hows?"

"Yes, and if the agent isn't caught?"

"We follow the the Signus back to the Morning Star." Felix observes Maxwell running his hands through his hair in frustration. "What? You expected this to be eventful?"

The two have a quick laugh and Maxwell says "Ten years on with the LIA and and two with the MSIA and my first operation off planet is 'just in case.'"

"Yea, well as soon as we can get them you'll have some readouts of the planet's surface; specifically wherever the negotiations are happening. Good evening, Agent."

"Good evening, Colonel."

Adrian Sterling steps forward and firmly shakes the hands of Fox and Hudan.

"Prime Guardian, it is good to see you are well. With Setties ruling Morning Star and his noted ties to the former People's Republic of Vernii, New Koln had justification to fear for the worse. However, it seems the Tiber Corporation does very well at protecting its own and those it considers to be acquaintances in good faith. And I am glad that you could attend the proceedings here."

Finally Sterling approaches Samantha and offers a graceful, well-executed bow.

"You must be the Lady Samantha, it is a pleasure. Allow me one moment to introduce my own colleagues."

"Grossadmiral Lady Katherine Adonis," the stern-faced First Star Lord offers a brisk, military nod of respect to the Tiber Corporation's delegation.

"Gentlemen, My Lady," she says gravely.

"And the Viscount Ronaldo Orsini, who has been kind enough to host this meeting and allow the ISS to momentarily take up residence on estate en masse so to speak."

An older gentlemen of Yaltan descent, dressed in a simple three-piece suit, offers a warm smile to the Tiber Corporation delegation.

"Shall we move in doors?" Sterling offers. "I understand that there might be a cause for expediency in these matters. With the Tiber Corporation currently in negotiations with the Collective Protectorates, I do not think it will easily escape notice if some of its upper tier officials go missing for a long period of time."

Liberated New Hope

10-04-2005, 19:53

Liberated New Hope

10-04-2005, 19:58

Vernii

11-04-2005, 00:31

The next day, Erwin walked into Victoria Automobile's main headquarters for the last time as an employee. The Sardaukar bodyguard loaned to him by the embassy brought him a bit of trouble getting through security, but they finally let him pass after he made up a lie about how he wasn't allowed to go anywhere without him. It didn't keep another obviously upset security guard from accompanying him thoughout the building though.

Erwin took the lift up to his accounting floor, and strolled straight through the cubicle farm. He ignored the confused looks from his coworkers, heading straight to his manager's corner office. He knocked on the door.

"Come in." His manager smiled slightly, "What is it Erwi-who the hell is he?"

Erwin looked back over his shoulder at the Sardaukar, and resisted smiling. "Oh, he's my bodyguard, on loan from the Valinor Embassy."

"What, what the hell for?"

"I'm here to let you know I'm quitting."

"Uh, alright, why?"

"I've come into an inheritance, and don't need to work here anymore. C ya."

He couldn't resist smiling as he walked out.

***

Vallis smiled. "No, not yet. See, at this stage, I'm limited to "light touch". So, Mr. Heathcliff, what are you doing in Gregor? Visiting old war buddies perhaps?"

***

UES-5 [Unclaimed Expansion System - 5]

Blue light rippled around VCS Amundsen, an Archimedes class survey vessel owned by the University of Cardona's astronomy department. It was a small starship, pure white, sleek, with propulsion provided by gravitic thrusters instead of the impeller nodes that the Navy favored.

"Hyper transit completed."

Commander Ainsley noted the ship's computer's announcement. His vessel only had a crew of twelve, relying much on automation. "Helm, take us in. Sensors, launch a probe. Let's take a look what we have here."

His sensor officer looked bored. "Looks like there isn't much here. One planet far out, asteroid belts and the usual planetoids...just a sec. We have another planet in the star's habitable zone..." Her voice took on a more excited tone. "Active emissions. Communications, power and engine signatures." She turned around to face Ainsley. "Well, there's something here at least."

The helm officer turned about in his seat. "Orders Commander?"

"Go ahead and take us to it. Keep our active emissions down though, I don't want to make it easy for them to spot us until we know if they're friendly."

Krolor

11-04-2005, 02:48

Wortas, son of Woran; the leader of the Ociran Klan, sits in the murky air of his small bridge of his small ship within the dense rings of the planet. The planet was small, and the rings, while providing a wonderful cover for his father’s fleet, were only temporarily brought on by the detonation of a large asteroid that orbited the planet; they rained down destruction upon his people daily.

“Wortas” his second in command requests upon entering the crowded room. “Your father has ordered the attack. We are to move upon Belor immediately.”

“Good,” Wortas grunted as he got up from his seat, walking across the room upon all fours with his massive and powerful forearms. “Then we move!”

The helmsman… or ape… helmsape entered the command and suddenly a pack of nearly forty small, armored ships emerged from the rings, all headed in the direction of the craft.

Vernii

11-04-2005, 03:00

"Contacts, we have multiple contacts! They're on a direct intercept course." The sensor officer's voice had taken on an edge of nervousness.

"Com, transmit IdentMessage3."

IdentMessage3 was one of several preprogrammed transmissions available to the Amundsen.

"...yourselves immediately. Repeating. Unindentified ships, this is VCS Amundsen of the Imperium of Vernii. Please identify yourselves immediately. Repeating. Unindent..."

Liberated New Hope

11-04-2005, 03:47

(OOC: This is Krolor. Sorry. Forgot to log in as them.)

"...yourselves immediately. Repeating. Unindentified ships, this is VCS Amundsen of the Imperium of Vernii. Please identify yourselves immediately. Repeating. Unindent..."

The voice came over the ship's comm and Wortas looked up at the red glowing light next to the speaker in front of the bridge. "WRAAHH! What in the name of Kragor is that?"

The helmsape pushes a few buttons and replies, "One small ship, lord. Scanners say it is ill-armed, but it's weapons and engines are more advanced. You bidding?"

"Give me Lord Woran."

The human voice quickly stops and a large, booming one replaces it. "Son, why do you slow in our attack?"

"The ship, it is advanced. We would profit from taking it, Lord." replied Wortas.

There was a short pause.

"The Belor do not know of our attack, so we will not loose the element of surprise. The fleet shall stop. The ship shall be yours. End Tranmission."

With that the son continued to head toward the ship. "White ship. Open your bay. Your ship and all on board are now property of Lord Woran. Surrender or die. End Transmission."

Vernii

11-04-2005, 04:44

"Helm, get us out of-"

"Already doing it sir!"

The Amundsen began a rotation to bring its stern to face the hostile starships approaching it. The ship's gravitic thrusters fought against it's inertia and momentum as it's course continued toward the attackers.

"Bring up the point defenses and shields."

"Aye sir."

"Com, prepare a nu-space message to New Tyrolia: This is Commander Ainsley, captain of the survey ship Amundsen. Routine survey mission to UES-5, have come under attack by hostile force. Presumably pirates or mercenaries. May not make it. I am including a download of our sensor logs. End transmission."

"Sent sir."

"Good." Ainsley sat back in his chair, grimly staring at holoplot, watching the dot of his ship fall toward the enemy, as it strained against its forward momentum, praying that they'd be able to reverse course before the enemy brought them into range.

Liberated New Hope

11-04-2005, 06:42

(OOC: This is Krolor. Sorry. Forgot to log in as them.)

"They're slowing down, Lord," the helmsape reported, "but they are raising defenses. Your Bidding?"

"Show them we will not tolerate insulence."

"Yes, Lord."

With that a singular missile was fired toward the ship.

Lunatic Retard Robots

11-04-2005, 23:08

OCC: I hope this is ok...

IC: It turns out that Vernii is not the only country with interests in the system known as UES-1. The RGF had long maintained a listening post there, and there were even plans underway to expand it into an automated mining platform, although those plans have largely been put on hold due to the current resource situation. With most major ships in hiding and the smaller, faster Junks and Dhows are laying low.

However, the freighter RGSV Kingston Advice is an exception. It comes to collect numerous small geological probes deployed in the system several months earlier, so would otherwise not be in the area at all. The Kingston Advice is a spindly, artsy-looking ship designed for maximum FTL speed traveling through the little-known higher dimensions.

On the bridge, the captain learns of certain discoveries made by its extensive sensors equipment.

"The primary array is detecting anomalous electromagnetic radiation. Designate one Verniian vessel, judging by the motors, and numerous unknown..."
"Wait, primary array is picking up an infra-red spike. Designate small missile."
"Ready the jamming equipment, bring up the HEPD generators and point-defense weaponry."
"Attention all vessels, this is the RGSV Kingston Advice. Do you require assistance?"

Vernii

13-04-2005, 03:47

OOC: I think we'll split the Krolor subplot off into it's own thread. I'll do that tomorrow. Oh, LLR, telegram.

Lunatic Retard Robots

14-04-2005, 01:01

OOC: I think we'll split the Krolor subplot off into it's own thread. I'll do that tomorrow. Oh, LLR, telegram.

OCC: I recieved it and TG'd you back.

By the way, that thing about that Erwin guy is pretty neat, if I might say so myself.

IC:

In the meantime, Robotic freighters trickle into both the Gregor and Proxima Centuari systems. Most do not plan to stay, but rather hope to sell off their current loads before temporarily going into hiding. The majority of such ships are larger freighters rather than the medium-sized junks and smallish Dhows, which can operate with relative impunity given their considerable faculties of manouverability and acceleration thanks to oversized powerplants.

The freighters bring ores and other manufacturing goods, harvested both from Robotic mining outposts, most of which are automated, as well as from agreements with mining companies to transport and sell their goods.

OCC: Valinon, are you still interested in that tour or do you think we should just end it? Mabye you'd want to take a look at some Robotic technology demonstrators...

Valinon

20-04-2005, 02:59

“Yes, Conny was a good friend and it seems his son has not forgotten his duty to the Liberation” Samul replies to Sterling’s handshake. “I’m also glad to know we have some friends in this part of Galaxy.”

Fox calmly but still firmly shakes Adrian’s hand and greets him with a dapper “Nice to meet you.”

Samantha places her hand to her heart and smiles smugly as usual. “Oh my. Such a gentleman.”

The group continues their greetings and quickly agree to the move indoors. As they approach the doors Fox walks along Sterling, striking up a bit of conversation. “So. Shall we be headed straight to talks? I was hoping for a chance to at least see a bit of the grounds, if you don’t mind.”

"I believed that could be arranged, Mein Frau," Sterling says, turning to Orsini who smiles and offers a slight bow. "So long as you do not mind attendting to a few moments of preliminary business as Ronaldo gives us the tour de force."

"Perhaps we could go through the gardens?" Orsini says. "I will admit although this is my family's ancestral estate we always paid more attention to our home close to New Odessa during the days of the Kingdom. And when Yalta was made a Dominion of the Star Empire, I moved into the Bashar's state house in New Odessa instead. Still I did recently manage to accquire eternity lotuses from Ootsan-Uchi's gardens, and they seem to be adapting splendidly to the climate here. Not surprising, after all, how anything can thrive in the deserts of Proxima III will remain a mystery to me. A testiment to both yours and the Outer Centauians efforts, Lord Adrian."

Sterling follows the party with Lady Adonis, who seems to be accepting rather than enjoying the tour, "Proxima III has always been a somewhat odd specimen in the Star Empire, and it is likely to remain so. The Scorpions and the more conservative members of the Dominionites have effectively blocked all attempts at global terraforming since the whole of the planet was brought into the fold at the end of the First Outer Dominion War."

**********

Vallis smiled. "No, not yet. See, at this stage, I'm limited to "light touch". So, Mr. Heathcliff, what are you doing in Gregor? Visiting old war buddies perhaps?"

Heathcliff rolls his eyes, partially for the sarcasm and partially to hide his surprise that the Verniian security services have already managed to find his name. To his knowledge there are only three possible sources that would allow them to do such--none of which should be at the possession of Imperial Security.

"Visit friends? No, I came for the culture, such as it is. My presence in Alpha Centauri is frowned upon these days, so I must settle for the pathetic imitation here."

OOC: Yeah, LRR, that might be wise. Feel free to use Proxima as a base of operations for as many ships as you want to, but I'm buried in a host of other events right now OOCly and ICly.

Lunatic Retard Robots

20-04-2005, 03:45

OCC: Hey Valinon, do you want to continue with Kayyam or should we drop it?

IC:

"Steady...steady...come left six...yes your left...good...good...contact!"
"Prepare to recieve docking clamps."
"Watch number three, coming in a little fast."
"Extension speed adjusted."
"Good. It checks out."
"Contact on all docking clamps. Prepare to recieve airlock."
"Equalizing air pressure."
"Docking procedure complete."

The bulk freighter RSV (the G has been dropped) Jimi Hendrix pulls into the side of a gutted asteroid, converted into a Robotic outpost. The Jimi Hendrix, while unimaginably massive, fits snugly into the first-rate docking facilities and is quickly covered by a cloud of engineer robots and remote controlled arms.

(OCC: This will develop into something soon, but I am rapidly loosing energy...)

Lunatic Retard Robots

20-04-2005, 17:15

The Jimi Hendrix is taken apart by small tugs, corvettes fitted with oversized engines and magnetic grippers, and new equipment is slapped on the incredibly modular design. Extra remote arms, additional manouvering thrusters, and docking padding are all fitted onto the head of the freighter, which contains the propulsion systems, crew compartments, bridge, central computer, hyperspace drive, and primary armements. The freighter, while still quite large, is greatly reduced in size as its cargo module is removed. Engineers and remote arms fit a new cargo module, specially designed for carrying gasses. It looks more or less like the standard module but actually consists of numerous small gas vessels.

Once the ship is fully rigged for travel, it is carefully manouvered out of the yard and into open space. Its destination; the WIck via the Proxima wormhole terminus. The Jimi Hendrix is chosen to inaugurate Robotic trade through the region for fairly obvious reasons. It is practically the largest freighter around.

"R two seven seven, you are clear of the yard."
"Ok, power up the thrusters. Set coordinates for the hyper limit."

Vernii

28-04-2005, 03:42

Heathcliff rolls his eyes, partially for the sarcasm and partially to hide his surprise that the Verniian security services have already managed to find his name. To his knowledge there are only three possible sources that would allow them to do such--none of which should be at the possession of Imperial Security.

"Visit friends? No, I came for the culture, such as it is. My presence in Alpha Centauri is frowned upon these days, so I must settle for the pathetic imitation here."

Vallis leaned back in her chair. "Yes, I'm sure your home government would be quite interested to learn of your continued existence and detainment. Perhaps you wanted to visit your old headquarters? You know, the one on Endicott. The one where you dumped prisoners out in the frozen wilderness so they'd freeze to death. The one that we recently discovered, and are in the process of raping it of records."

Valinon

28-04-2005, 03:47

Heathcliff's eyes narrow to predatory slits. He knows all to well what extradition to the Star Empire will mean. If he is lucky, a death sentence, but if not. Well, the prison farms and labor colonies of the Star Empire were at one time brimming with ex-Nightwatch personnel. Slowly there numbers had dwindled and almost faded entirely, not even the surviving members of Nightwatch could determine what happened to them. And the Aldermans ability to bury those they did not wish to see again without much effort had from time to time shown its hand.

"Raping is certainly an appropriate term, considering your backwater world's utter lack of ability to perfect anything besides mass strikes and brute force tactics. I do have to wonder who is the more brutish--you, the Ortagans, or the Erewohnese."

"As for Endicott," he says with a shrug. "Population control is certainly a necessity when you have a culture whose single ability seems to be that to produce massive urban slums on a truly grotesque scale."

Vernii

28-04-2005, 04:04

"Oh come now, as if you really need to ask who's the more brutish. The Hegemony wins that title without much competition. My nation has for the most part limited attacks to military targets, and routinely rescues escape pods of even enemies. The Erewohnese, while a bit too aggressive, do not conduct themselves with nearly as much animalistic savagery as your Ortagan friends." She half smiles. "I think you're just trying to be spiteful now. Afraid of what will happen when Lord Bergen is informed of your capture?"

"We already have enough evidence to find you guilty in a court of law and hand you over to a firing squad. Or we could actually give you what you deserve and let your government have you. I suggest you make it worth our trouble not to."

Valinon

28-04-2005, 04:08

Heathcliff allows himself to shake with laughter, for once an emotion not feigned. He continues for quite sometime, until a sudden stitch in his side doubles him over for a second.

"Your attempts to sow dissention would be quite effective, if you had any true skill at it. Your little Imperium cannot inform the Star Empire of the discovery of a Nightwatchmen in your borders. You might draw an unwanted increase intention by those morons who currently run the ESS."

He shrugs, "Besides, there are even far worse things than the ESS to attract the interest of. And in the end, you will not liberate me entirely so I fail to see why I should disclose anything to you."

Vernii

28-04-2005, 04:27

The fool thinks I'm bluffing. Vallis thought. She stood up, "I've enjoyed our little chat for today. I'll be seeing you again tomorrow. The guards will take you back to your cell." She smiled and walked out.

***
To: Lord Peter Bergen, Valinor Ambassador to Vernii

It is my duty as Director of Imperial Security to inform you that a citizen of your nation was detained today at the Kiel spaceport. At the same time, I must inform you that said citizen is also a wanted fugitive in both of our nations, and that is currently being held in the high security wing of Imperial Security Headquarters. While normal protocols would have one of my assistants or a Sub-Director notify someone of equivalent rank in your embassy, I believe this matter calls for our personal attention...you see, this detainee is a former Nightwatch Obersturmbannfuehrer.

Baron Charles Lyton
Director of Imperial Security

Valinon

29-04-2005, 03:56

Peter Bergen studies Obersturmbannfuhrer Vincent D'Agosta carefully as he reads over the terse message on the comp-pad. Bergen's adjutant for the Ministry of External State Security grimaces as he hands Bergen back the comp-pad.

"There are no additional details, My Lord?"

"None," Bergen says wearily as he scrolls back over the message. "I am more than willing to believe that the Verniians have indeed captured a Nightwatchman, rather than argue that point. I do not see what purpose it would serve them to lie about such an event at this point."

"I was not arguing that point, My Lord. But I believe I may know at least where the Imperial Security services apprehended this new prisoner."

Bergen arches an eyebrow.

"Two days ago, I received a report from some of our field operatives that there had been a considerable security breech at the Kiel Aerospace Port. One customs agent was killed, another wounded, and at least one member of the Interior Ministry security branches was involved. A single individual was taken into custody soon afterwards."

"A very...interesting coincidence."

"And also very convenient, don't you think, sir?"

Bergen offers a wintry smile, "Indeed. Well, what I must do now is quite clear. I will be drafting a request to have an audience with Grand Duke Brydges soon, and I will seek to arrange the immediate extradition of whomever this Nightwatchmen is so he can stand trial in New Koln. Of course I will want you in attendence at this audience."

"It is my duty, Lord Bergen."

"And there is also another matter. I will also move to have you given access to interview this prisoner. It will most likely occur under Verniian supervision."

"That is to be expected."

"This is not: Director Togashi has...requested he be allowed to join in on any interview with this Nightwatchmen."

A moment of shock ripples across D'Agosta's features, "And I will take it there is no way to deny this."

"If you can think of one, Vincent, I will see to it you are granted a baronet. But it is a factor you will have to deal with when you confront an interview. Director Togashi will most likely deem it to be his perrogative to give this prisoner special attention."

D'Agosta stands and salutes, "I shall bear that in mind, Lord Bergen. Shall I take it you will also contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs if necessary?"

Bergen nods, "And see if you cannot find out who this unfortunate little spy is. The whole of Nightwatch needs to be cut out and burnt alive like cancer it is once and for all. That way it can never be resurrected, not even by the fiat of a sovereign."

"Yes, My Lord."

**********

To: His Grace, the Grand Duke Lord Alfred Brydges, His Majesty's Minister of Foreign Affairs
From: Lord Peter Bergen, Her Imperial Majesty's Ambassador to the Imperium of Vernii
Concerning: Request for an Immediate Audience

Your Grace,

I was informed recently that agents of His Majesty's Imperial Security service have taken into custody a former member of the Ministry of External State Security's Nightwatch division. Needless to say, the matter of former Nightwatch agents, officers, and personnel is a matter that is of considerable mutual interest to both Her Majesty, Her Majesty's Government, and Emperor Alexis Calimar.
Therefore, I formally request an audience at the soonest possible convenience. I wish to address the manner in which the this former Nightwatch officer will be treated, the nature regarding the charges against him, and finally the matter of his extradition to the United Star Empire so he may receive due, proper, and just trial and punishment for his crimes.

Liberated New Hope

29-04-2005, 19:07

"I believed that could be arranged, Mein Frau," Sterling says, turning to Orsini who smiles and offers a slight bow. "So long as you do not mind attendting to a few moments of preliminary business as Ronaldo gives us the tour de force."

"Perhaps we could go through the gardens?" Orsini says. "I will admit although this is my family's ancestral estate we always paid more attention to our home close to New Odessa during the days of the Kingdom. And when Yalta was made a Dominion of the Star Empire, I moved into the Bashar's state house in New Odessa instead. Still I did recently manage to accquire eternity lotuses from Ootsan-Uchi's gardens, and they seem to be adapting splendidly to the climate here. Not surprising, after all, how anything can thrive in the deserts of Proxima III will remain a mystery to me. A testiment to both yours and the Outer Centauians efforts, Lord Adrian."

Sterling follows the party with Lady Adonis, who seems to be accepting rather than enjoying the tour, "Proxima III has always been a somewhat odd specimen in the Star Empire, and it is likely to remain so. The Scorpions and the more conservative members of the Dominionites have effectively blocked all attempts at global terraforming since the whole of the planet was brought into the fold at the end of the First Outer Dominion War."

(OOC: Fox is a guy, just to help straighten things out [this is in responce to your "mein Frau" comment.])

"Oh, I'd love to, Herr Orsini," the man replies. The whole group then follows the Valinor delegation into the building.

(OOC AGAIN: Sorry it's been a while. I've been a bit busy. Perhaps we can also discuss the replacement of Setties at this meeting.)

Lunatic Retard Robots

01-05-2005, 01:02

The Jimi Hendrix arrives at the Proxima Centuari wormhole terminus in a flash of energy, suiting its massive size well. Loaded with ores and ship components, the Hendrix is quite ready to inaugurate the Robotic merchant route into WIckian territory, as well as to conduct a diplomatic mission.

The freighter surely impresses most who see it, if only due to its extravagant size with the large cargo module attached to the tractor. Massive ion drives pull the ship through space near the terminus, and crewmembers check over the numerous systems in anticipation of the wormhole transit.

"Attention Terminus control, this is RSV Jimi Hendrix requesting traffic pattern instructions."

Vernii

01-05-2005, 22:32

To: Lord Peter Bergen, Her Imperial Majesty's Ambassador to the Imperium of Vernii
From: Grand Duke Alfred Brydges, His Majesty's Minister of Foreign Affairs
Topic: Re: Request for an Immediate Audience

Lord Bergen,

Unfortunately my appointment schedule for today is full, but considering the importance of this matter, I believe I can make an exception. I am planning on dining tonight at Floor 81, a restaurant here in Cardona. If you would care to join me, we can discuss the matter there.

Grand Duke Alfred Brydges
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Valinon

02-05-2005, 01:57

"Oh, I'd love to, Herr Orsini," the man replies. The whole group then follows the Valinor delegation into the building.

As the group approaches the end of the gardens, Sterling casually turns toward the Tiber Corporation representatives. Orsini has lapsed into silence as they approach his home, evidently releasing the time for more pressing matters than gardens is at hand.

"So tell me," Sterling says quietly, "what exactly is it the Tiber Corporation wishes to speak with Her Majesty and Her Majesty's Government about? We have gathered that the state of affairs in the Collective Protectorates was not exactly satisfactory to all parties involved, but to my own knowledge there have not been any reports of rigorous domestic disputes. Is there something I should be made aware of?"

**********

"RSV Jimi Hendrix this is HMSS Sanctuary Central Junction and System Traffic Control. You are cleared for all internal system traffic pattern vectors on approach to the worlds of Proxima, Pholus, Proxima III, Nessus Prime, Prometheus, and the wormhole terminii. Further traffic certification and orbital patterns will be relegated to the duty of individual system and regional controllers. Appropriate course patterns are being uploaded to your navigational channels now. Please stand by and wait until the process is complete. So long as you continue to observe the customs procedures, laws, and navigational codes of the Star Empire you will not need an escort."

**********

Lord Bergen, dressed in a simple three piece suit the carefully arranged pins on his collar the only symbol of his rank enters the well-appointed lobby of one of Vernii's most exclusive restaurants. Close behind him is Obersturmbannfuhrer D'Agosta, wearing his painfully pressed and starched black ESS uniform. Bergen approaches the maitre d', hands neatly grasped at the small of his back, and starting down at the smaller man using every inch of his six feet and five inches to bear away any possible arguements.

"Pardon me, I am Lord Peter Bergen here to see His Grace, the Grand Duke Brydges. If you would kindly convey my arrival to him..."

Liberated New Hope

02-05-2005, 23:06

Samantha replies slyly. "It's Setties, Herr Sterling," she says, eyeing Sterling. "He's under the impression that the War of the Lions is still at it's height. The Valinor are publicly named as tyrannical enemies of the Liberation. It's almost as though he wants the Morning Star to become part of the Imperium. We only wish to ask your help in bringing a more... 'balanced' political environment to our humble nation."

Lunatic Retard Robots

03-05-2005, 02:04

"Understood, Traffic Control. Recieving patterns..."
"Alright, switch 'er over to the chart follower."
"Traffic patterns are set and calibrated. See you in a couple weeks, Sanctuary."

And with that, the new face of the Robots rears its blockish chrome head. The Jimi Hendrix zips off to WIckish systems, ready to undertake the Robots' unique brand of merchant-diplomacy.

OCC: Valinon, do you want to continue that bit with Captain Kayyam or should I let it go?

Vernii

03-05-2005, 03:39

The white jacketed maitre d' looked through the table listings, "Ah yes, His Grace is expecting you." With the snap of his fingers he summoned another waiter. "Escort these gentleman to dining room five."

The waiter gave a small polite bow, straightened, and swept an arm toward the main stairway, "If you will follow me please."

He led the way up the stairway, which curved gracefully as it followed the round wall of the lobby. It opened up onto a hallway with elegant white paneling and etched glass doors to the private dining rooms. He stopped at one, knocked and then leaned in. "Your Grace, your guests have arrived."

"Good, good!"

The waiter opened the door the rest of the way, and politely ushered Lord Bergen and D'Agosta into the room. It was furnished in a simple but expensive corporate style, with a circular black marble table capable of seating six in the center, and paintings and sculptures lined the wall. A floor to ceiling window dominated one wall of the room, providing an impressive view of downtown Cardona. The two black suited gentlemen seated at the table rose as their guests entered, one was Grand Duke Brydges, a man of middle aged appearance with grey hair. The other was obviously younger, with sandy hair, blue eyes, and sharpy defined features.

"Ah, Lord Bergen and Mr. D'Agosta, welcome." He waved to the other man, " This is Baron Lyton, Director of Imperial Security."

Lyton smiled, "I'm pleased to make both of your acquaintances."

The waiter laid menus on the table for the two new arrivals and patiently waited for introductions to end before taking drink orders.

Valinon

04-05-2005, 04:46

OOC: Let's just say Kayyem gave a grand, rousing tour to some Admiralty flunk, LRR. But feel free to let him use Proxima as a base.

Lord Bergen turns back to Brydges and Lyton as the waiter retreats to collect the drinks.

"It seems, Your Grace," Bergen says in neutral tones, "that you and Baron Lyton have recently apprehended a fugitive from Her Majesty's law. Perhaps you would be so kind as to offer myself and Herr D'Agosta some additional information on our wayward shadow from the War of the Lion? I believe Vincent was especially interested in the name of your prisoner, weren't you?"

"Yes, My Lord, I would very like much to know which one of the surviving Nightwatch commanders you have apprehended. That way we may know exactly who we are dealing with."

Lunatic Retard Robots

04-05-2005, 22:33

OCC: Ok.

IC:

Kayyam putters around in the engineering compartment as the (er...what did I name it now?) is repainted and refurbished. Specially-ordered cargo lifts and handling equipment, packed in crates labeled 'Fragile-Do Not Use Hooks' (OCC: Incidentally what it says on my Ukulele's case.), are manouvered into the cruiser's docking bay with the help of the ship's few tugs and remote arms. At the same time, the primary guns...antimatter cannons and 20" railguns...are removed, as are their extensive cooling and ammunition systems.

Word has it that they will be installed on a class of monitor or gunboar, although its far from certain what their fate will be. They might even be sold off.

The crewmembers begin to place orders with Valinor firms for large sections of plating, presumably new pieces of hull. Engineers test out their welding equipment, probably some of the best out there, on a piece of discarded cooling pipe.

"So, when do you think you'll have this ready for us by?" asks a Robot of a Valinor foundry owner, after going over the hull plate's dimensions.

Vernii

08-05-2005, 03:33

Lunatic Retard Robots

09-05-2005, 02:16

OCC: This might interest you guys:

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417731

One of you must know where I got the names.

Vernii

09-05-2005, 22:25

OOC: Hitchhiker's Guide, specifically the two programmers of Deep Thought. I'm also wondering where Valinon is. Finals maybe, it's what I'd bet.

Lunatic Retard Robots

09-05-2005, 22:55

OOC: Hitchhiker's Guide, specifically the two programmers of Deep Thought. I'm also wondering where Valinon is. Finals maybe, it's what I'd bet.

True...but I was more specifically looking for the ship names.

I'll give you a hint: Heilgoland Bight.

Krolor

10-05-2005, 00:23

KROLOR SUBPLOT:

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8847058#post8847058

Vernii

10-05-2005, 02:23

True...but I was more specifically looking for the ship names.

I'll give you a hint: Heilgoland Bight.

Ah, ship names. I guess you just used the British naming scheme then, right?

Valinon

10-05-2005, 18:21

Lyton smiled thinly. "The Nightwatch detainee in question is named Aaron Heathcliff. He had been living in Acler as a shipping magnate named Douglas Bronte, and was on his way to Alpha Centauri when his liner was held over by higher priority military use of the wormhole junction. He took a shuttle to Kiel, probably to hide at a safe house or arrange for alternate transport off the planet, and was identified by Customs and captured by my agents."

Bergen turns to D'Agosta, who has a some what distant look in his eyes.

"Obersturmbannfuhrer?" D'Agosta seems to be brought back to reality.

"Heathcliff was one of the primary officials in Gregor during the occupation. He was in command of one of the high security detention facilities on Endicott after the evacuation of the civilian population. Reports on the facility he ran are corrupted or deleted. It was known as Paradigm, and supposedly was an 'overflow' facility for the Kiel detention complex."

Bergen eyes narrow, and he composes a quick message to D'Agosta with his implant.

Did Heathcliff sit on the Gregor operational directorate?

Yes, My Lord, until the Nightwatch operational orders were repealed. Then he was transferred to the research and operational oversight directorate.

Research into what?

Unknown. The Paradigm facility was never located once Lord Adonis was installed as bashar. It gradually was forgotten once the reconstruction of Vernii itself was given greater authority.

Then Herr Heathcliff just became more important than he has ever been in his life.

Bergen turns back to Brydges and Lyton, "How very unfortunate for Herr Heathcliff, but how very fortunate for both of our governments. Tell me, Baron Lyton, do you have any additional details on Heathcliff before we move into the realm of standard policy between Her Majesty's realm and the Imperium regarding the former Nightwatch operatives?"

**********

Samantha replies slyly. "It's Setties, Herr Sterling," she says, eyeing Sterling. "He's under the impression that the War of the Lions is still at it's height. The Valinor are publicly named as tyrannical enemies of the Liberation. It's almost as though he wants the Morning Star to become part of the Imperium. We only wish to ask your help in bringing a more... 'balanced' political environment to our humble nation."

Sterling nods sagely for a few moments, "Indeed bringing a more balanced view to the government of the Collective Protectorates does interest Her Majesty greatly, My Lady. Although I would urge you to make no mistake, the Star Empire has no territorial interest in Morning Star. And we are deeply commited to the creation of a neutral zone between ourselves and the Verniian Imperium. We are willing to support localized initiatives that are working toward a more neutral system of government, so long as our support will not cause conflict with the Imperium or the Ortagan Hegemony."

"And I understand part of Tiber Corporation's difficulties come from a lack of trained space security personnel and commerce protection resources. If my understanding is correct, that is why I have asked Grossadmiral Adonis to join us."

Liberated New Hope

10-05-2005, 18:56

"Why yes, Herr Sterling," Samantha replies.

Fox then jumps in. "I do say, the Valinor are certainly on top of their game."

"Ehem," Hudan interupts. "The Liberation's Fleet is not only fully capable but specifically designed for the protection of commercial fleets. Might I remind you that we are not planning for even a partial split and the Corporation plans to remain under the Protectorate's flag."

"Yes, Guardian, but a General Protection and Escort agreement with Valinor, or any nation, would be in the Protectorate's interest."

Hudan felt a bit embarrassed for his outburst and simply nodded.
___________________________________________

Meanwhile on the Morning Star News Network...

A young, attractive woman of no more than twenty-some years sits behind a news desk with a large newsroom visible behind her. A graphic appears on her right bearing the words "Prejudice Rages on Centris."

"Police discovered the dead body of a young man today. The body was found hanged in a small mining camp on just north of Helsenburg on Centris. Names are being withheld at the moment but Police have told us the young man had Elven ancestry. There are no suspects at this time but many speculate the killing is a result of public distrust of Elves due to their ties to Valinon. Elven community leaders have made no comment on the situation while one interviewed in upper Hamunaptra stated he 'feared for other Elves in the nation.' More to come at six; this tragedy brought to you by Delicious Granola Nuggets brand cereal; Healthy enough for you, sweet enough for them. Back to you, John."

Vernii

13-05-2005, 05:10

"Nothing for right now, other then he managed to amass a substantial fortune. He apparently had a sense for business. We caught him after finding some new records in the Imperial Library's archives that contained images of various personnel who served in the occupation. They were all uploaded to our networks and distributed as part of a regular update, and it was a surprise to us to have someone like him fall into our hands."

It was of course, a lie.

Brydges took up the slack. "I realize one of the more pressing issues at hand is the matter of extradition. I realize the Star Empire has a tradition of handling matters concerning it's own people, but in this case, I think it might be impossible. It's a matter of pride really, pride in that after so many years, such a high ranking criminal has been caught. After what a man like that did to our nation, it'd be considered an insult by our law and order departments to let him be tried and punished in a foreign nation."

Brydges paused to sip his wine, and then his eyes appeared to twinkle. "If you like, I'm sure it'd be possible to let you have his body, so you can hold your own posthumous trial and execution."

The waiter returned, having given the group time to choose their selections.

"Ah yes!" Brydges quickly scanned over the menu, "I believe I'll have the hexacow filet mignon entree, and french onion soup." He glanced up from the menu at Bergen as Lyton gave his order. "It's my usual selection here."

It had all been planned out by Brydges. Underneath his general pleasant disposition and kind expressions laid a shrewd mind. He expected the extradition issue to be a thorn, and intended to keep Bergen unbalanced. Toward this end, he'd worked everything out with the management beforehand, and kept a small device in his pocket to summon the waiter when required, to add needed distractions at the appropriate timing.

Liberated New Hope

16-05-2005, 06:14

“Hi, I’m Marin Jennings, this is MSN News. If you’ve just turned in, fear grips the nation as a string of bombings tears through local homes and businesses. Buildings, apartments, and houses on Centris, Tanzir, True Hope, and New Hope were damaged or destroyed in the attacks, almost all of which were targeted toward people and families of Elven, German, or Valinor descent.

In response, a large group of civil activists, Elves, and other groups that seem to be under attack have gathered in the Liberation Square in protest of Admiral Setties’ policies that, in the words of one Elven civil rights activist, ‘villainies Valinon and use it as a scapegoat for the Protectorates’ problems.’

We take you live to Liberation Square where noted activist Klaus Bäker as about to make a statement to the crowd.”

The scene changes to a young man wearing a business suit and thick lensed glasses standing behind a podium with the Guardian’s palace behind him.

The man rests his hands sternly on the sides of the podium and begins to speak. “Citizens of the Liberation!” he announces, the crowd becomes louder; he waits until they quiet down. “Citizens of the Liberation, were you Valinor operatives during the occupation?”

“NO!” Errupts from the crowd.

“Are you Valinor operatives now?”

“NO!”

“Did your fathers, grandfathers, mothers, and grandmothers fight in the Liberation War?”

“YEA!”

“Did you, your sons, and your daughters fight along side our Verniian brothers to destroy the clergy?”

“YEA!”

“Then why. Why are we the victims of this rage?” The crowd becomes loud once more and quiets once more. “Why are we the victims of this prejudice?” More noise, but Klaus speaks over it. “I’ll tell you why. I’ll tell you why. That man.” Klaus indicates the palace behind him. “That man has told our nation that to be alert! He has told our nation to watch out for the threat of ‘tyranny.’ He has told our nation be vigilant in their search for those that would destroy are hard won freedom.”

“YEA!”

And this is true. We should be watchful, we should be vigilant; but who is our oppressor? Who has robbed us of our freedom? I’ll tell you one thing, it – is – not the Valinor!” An uproar comes from the crowd, and as it rages Klaus interjects, “and it certainly isn’t us!”

Screaming and yelling seems to envelope the crowd as the man steps back a bit and look at the results of his words.

“Mr. Setties, you have done this to your people and I submit that you use your powers to cor—“ just then a shot rings out, then another… another.

Klaus falls to his knees, then to his side as other men in suits, t-shirts, and all matter of wardrobe surround him. The camera turns out to the crowd where an individual in a white-collar shirt holds a silver handgun in the air and runs back through the crowd, but is quickly descended upon by the crowd, which is now swept up in hysteria.

Men and woman’s fists fly at the man who quickly hits the ground. The feed cuts and returns back the anchorwoman.

“If you were just watching, you witnessed Klaus Bäker was shot by an unknown man… apparently with… some sort of handgun, I repeat; Klaus Bäker was shot by an unkown assailant with a handgun in the Liberation Square not more than a moment ago…”

Valinon

16-05-2005, 21:25

Bergen orders his own meal, and then offers D'Agosta a few recommendations in a short exchange of German. Apparently the ESS officer is not quite accustomed to such establishments, which is a rather interesting characteristic in a society so focused on display of influence and stature as that of the Star Empire. After sending the waiter off with a curt nod and a thanks, Bergen turns back to Brydges and Lyton, folding his hands together. He smiles in a rather frosty manner.

"Your offer may entertain other governments within the Raumreich, Your Grace, but not that of Her Majesty. While the Ortagans may find some rather bizarre satisfaction in executing a corpse, or prosecuting a dead man over and over again, the opinion of imperial justice on this matter is a relatively clear precedent: the dead are dead and justice has already been exacted from them."

He finishes his glass of wine and motions for another, "Besides, such affairs exude the essence of a show trial--and show trials are so clique. I do not think Heathcliff would find the mercies of justice either tender or biased in his favor in the Star Empire. Plus, you already speak of execution, Your Grace, and I assure you there are far worse fates than death. Some crimes require due and proper payment on this plane of existence, death is simply too good for some that are brought before any court."

"And while he may not claim his citizenship under his assumed identity, Heathcliff is still officially a citizen of Her Majesty's realm. To allow him to be charged and prosecuted before a Verniian court for such crimes sets a dangerous precedent, one I am not so sure Her Majesty would be willing to entertain. I am sure-."

"My pardons Your Grace, Baron Lyton, My Lord," comes a smooth, flowing voice from behind Bergen.

A man of Asiatic descent stands, one arm holding that of a waiter. His eyes are covered by a small black band, and the sockets have a drawn and sunken look as if the organs they are supposed to house was long removed. He wears an unextraordinary three-piece black suit, cut along a some what militaristic line. But it his collar belays his ordinary characteristics, on each side of his throat ride the crest of the Aldermans, with its sword-welding lion against a scarlet background. The man seems to be looking at a point in the center of the table.

"If I may take a seat?" he adds, the looks from Bergen and D'Agosta suggesting the man's presence may not have been entirely expected.

**********

To: His Excellency, the Prime Guardian, The Honorable Admiral Setties
From: Dame Antigone Job, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Friedelinde Alderman I's Ambassador to the Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
Concerning: Internal Disputes and Tensions Relevent to the Continuing Interests of Her Majesty, Her Majesty's Government, and Citizens of Her Majesty's Realm in the Protectorates

Your Excellency,

Her Majesty and Her Majesty's Government have watched with growing concern the increasing internal tensions and strife of the Collective Protectorates. While the Star Empire is always loathe to see political and social instability in the nations along its borders, the growing cases in the Collective Protectorates has merited special attention from numerous members of the both congresses of Her Imperial Majesty's Diet.

It is therefore that I formally request and audience with you as expediently as possible to address the concerns of Her Majesty and Her Majesty's Government to the government of the Protectorates. This issue has raised considerable attention in Alpha Centauri, Your Excellency, I would urge you to use considerable prudence when selecting a time frame for the requested audience.

With respects,
Dame Antigone Job,
Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Collective Protectorates

Liberated New Hope

17-05-2005, 00:44

(OOC: Forgive my impatients but I’m bored with the TiberCorp negotiations, so if you don’t mind I’ll short hand it.)

TiberCorp quietly asks for your help in removing Setties in a covert manner. Frame the bastard of dabbling in old clergy religion. Whatever it takes to make the public hate him or get him the fuck out of the Morning Star. LNH can’t really pull it off because the military and intelligence agencies love the guy, but Valinon certainly could.

In game, the spy was caught and disposed of in a manner that could be clamed accidental. Setties knows the delegation went to Valinon but assumes nothing sinister was negotiated since TiberCorp is now under the CP’s (Collective Protectorate’s) protection.
__________________________

Anyway, back to the race riots…

“Do you see this?” Setties remarks as he reads the communication from Job. “… your Excellency. Your Excellency my ass. I’ve got more important things to do than talk to a bunch of Krauts about our problems.” He then indicates Darius who is sitting across the room, hunched in a corner facing away from Setties, the secretary, and a few other officers in the room. “Darius?”

Quietly, Darius whispers into his cell phone, “Yes honey… yes… I know… well I’m sort of working right now… yes, the baby is important to me, too but I can’t leave work every time you think you feel a kick. …No… no… don’t cry… I have to go. Yes honey I have to go…”

“Darius?”

“Good… g… goodbye.” Darius shuts his phone and turns around quickly. “Yessir?”

“You’re the diplomat. Handle this.” Setties demands as he sets the letter down in front of Darius on the table. “Meanwhile, Hennisey?”

“Yessir.” A man in an navy uniform stands.

“Lead a riot squad to disperse the mob outside.” Setties ordered. “Inform them that the situation is being handled and, while their enthusiasm is appreciated, the military can handle the problem on it’s own. Davis?”

The handsome man from the briefing responds from the other corner of the room.

“These bombings are going to stop. Use your operatives and find these guys. Shoot down a couple stooges, make sure the people and the Ghosts know we’re on it”

“Yessir.” Davis replied with his slick smile. He turned around and headed out the door to perform his task right after Hennisey.

Outside, loudspeakers boom out Setties’ message to the people and men in beige camouflage with gasmasks, clear shields, and electrified clubs slowly walk toward the crowd, pushing them out of the square. The crowd backs away for a moment before one member of the seemingly flowing body throws a glass bottle, which smashes into one of the riot guard’s helmit. He falls to the ground, but the guard charges forward suddenly, beating at the crowd with their batons as they scream and run for cover. Tear gas launches into the mass of people causing man to drop to their knees, blind and breathless. Still others attack the riot squad, screaming obscenities and thrashing at them with whatever they can find.

Within the palace, Darius walks down the halls with his new task in mind, trying to keep from looking out the window.
_______________________________________

To: Dame Antigone Job, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Friedelinde Alderman I's Ambassador to the Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
From: Darius of the Setting Star, Liberation’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (OOC: Darius’ title changes so often because I just can’t remember it… but I’m going to pretend it’s because of the regime change)
Concerning: Internal Disputes and Tensions Relevant to the Continuing Interests of Her Majesty, Her Majesty's Government, and Citizens of Her Majesty's Realm in the Protectorates

Dame Antigone Job,

I regret to inform you that Admiral Setties is busied with domestic matters at the moment, but he has assigned me, Darius of the Setting Star, to meet with you and discuss the social state of our nation. I invite you to meet with me and a few other colleagues aboard the Gibralter, a Verniian space station orbiting Tanzir; our largest moon. If you could contact me with a convenient time for your arrival I will make preparations.

Respectfully,
Darius of the Setting Star, Liberation’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

Vernii

23-05-2005, 00:55

Lyton's eyes fixated on the crest on Togashi's collar, as Brydges stood. "Of course, Herr Togashi." The waiter pulled out a seat for the Alderman's personal representative.

Lyton coughed to clear his throat. "I do realize your nation does dearly want to prosecute Heathcliff, but as it was pointed out, political realities here in the Imperium are quite against that. I do believe we can offer you a compromise though. We've informed Heathcliff that unless he cooperates with us and gives us information that we require for our own int-, i mean, investigation purposes, that we will hand him over to your tender mercies. He doesn't believe us of course, but a visit from any of you will probably change that. If he doesn't cooperate after that, then you may have him. If he does, then will we let you have the next Nightwatch officer of equivalent or superior rank that falls into our hands."

Valinon

25-05-2005, 03:21

Bergen leans back and warily eyes Togashi, who busies himself with ordering a single glass of saki from the waiter who momentarily reappeared. Once he is done, Togashi turns his head back fully to the table, and looks unnervingly like he is trying to bore a hole into Lyton's skull.

"This agreement sounds initially...acceptable, Baron," Bergen says haltingly. "However, I will need to further consult with Imperial Centre on this issue, as a matter of course. I believe a fundamental issue will be the question of Heathcliff's representation before your court system. If he cannot be extradited, the Star Empire will most likely want to see him receive the benefit of having legal representation from outside the Imperium, most likely from the Star Empire itself. That way a question of localized biased cannot come into play. Herr Togashi, your thoughts?"

"I do not initially see a problem with this arrangement on the part of the Crown. But I concur with Lord Bergen statements that we need to consult with the appropriate persons in New Koln before agreeing to a binding arrangement. As for the matter of arranging a visitation," Togashi gives a very chilling smile at that word, "for Herr Heathcliff, I'm sure that Obersturmbannfuhrer D'Agosta can attend to that for us all."

"Of course, Dir-," D'Agosta swallows hard for a moment, "sir."

Vernii

31-05-2005, 07:37

"I'm sure there will be no problem with him having a Valinor representative in his defense. Our legal system does have the principle of innocent until proven guilty, it's just that in this case, there's so much evidence against him that his guilt is pretty much assured. But nevertheless, a fair trial is required, so I'm sure there will be no trouble at all," said Brydges.

Lyton continued from where the Grand Duke left off. "Visitation can be arranged for his questioning session tomorrow if you wish. It will certainly add teeth to our threat." He smiled in a sadistic manner.

Valinon

01-06-2005, 05:16

“No,” Antigone Job says with a carefully measured firmness. “This matter will persist without the involvement of any members of the Setties Government for as long as I can continue to do so, Hauptsturmfuehrer. That much of it was left to my discretion.”

Even if nothing else was, Antigone adds silently to herself.

“My Lady, you must understand these orders do not come from me. They come directly from negotiations and agreements between representatives of Her Majesty’s Government and representatives of considerable dissatisfied elements within the Collective Protectorates. The last context of my directives, and those forwarded to your office no doubt, came directly from Lord Ribbentrop with advisory guidelines from the Special Liaison Service.”

“Regardless of what you think, Herr Drucker,” Job says in cautious tones, “My imperatives from the Centre did grant me some amount of room to use my own expertise regarding the state of affairs in the Collective Protectorates. In this case, I am exercising them. And until such time that I receive a direct order to the contrary I will not involve Setties’ foreign affairs minister in any attempt to restore sanity to this star system. Peddle your plans and the aspirations of the Liaison Service to your agents and your co-conspirators in the Tiber Corporation. I have seen no direct evidence that what you suggest in actively seeking support within the halls of Setties’ officialdom is either wise or prudent at this time.”

“But, My Lady, I believe that this is the only way we co-.”

“No, Hauptsturmfuehrer,” Antigone finally delivers the imperative of that of a Peer of the Realm to an inferior. Even being on the lowest tier of the Star Empire’s peerage has its advantages from time to time. A slim Sardaukar steps through into the small shuttle’s main cabin.

“We are on final approach to Gilbraltar, My Lady. Docking clarification will be forthcoming momentarily.”

“We will continue this when I return to the embassy, Herr Drucker,” Antigone says turning back to the hologram of her ESS adjutant. “I suggest that you prepare alternate courses of action by the time I return.”

“Yes, My Lady,” as the hologram dissolves, Antigone turns to the Sardaukar.

“Any word from Minister Darius?” Antigone says with a wearied look at the young stabsgefreiter.

“No, My Lady, although we were informed you would be received accordingly.”

“Fair enough,” she says, pausing to rub her temples and take a few more moments to compose herself, “although with the state that Setties seems content to allow the Protectorates to descend to ‘received accordingly’ fails to ring in a wholly good light in my ears.”

“Rest assured, My Lady, we will not allow any such actions that Setties entertains.”

Antigone represses a sigh, and fervently wonders how long it will take before her position in Morning Star makes her age so fast even prolong and the gene baths cannot slow it enough.

**********

“I believe you can arrange to see Herr Heathcliff, can’t you, Vincent?” Bergen says coolly to his own ESS adjutant, the laced sarcasm escaping no one.

“Rest assuredly, My Lord, it will be done,” D’Agosta says, even if his eyes do appear to be drifting more to Togashi than to Bergen. “One of my men and I will see this rogue immediately after your own efforts are concluded, if that is acceptable.”

D’Agosta finds himself wondering, no startled, about saying “one of my men and I.” Who would he possibly bring with him? But his mind is resolved around that statement, as concretely as it is considering the food being brought to him. D’Agosta barely notices an ever so slight sensation at the back of his head, like an itch of scratch on the inside of his skull.

“There is one question I have for you, if I may, Your Grace,” Togashi says smoothly as he cautiously tastes his saki. “When will His Majesty be holding an open court again? It is not necessarily Her Majesty’s most direct reason for dispatching me to Cardona, but it is of relative importance that I attend. Along with several other direct representatives of Her Majesty. The Throne of the Twin Suns has much to convey to the Throne of Gregor.”

Liberated New Hope

02-06-2005, 03:46

Darius waits in the docking bay of The Gibraltar anxiously. He had wished the Valinor would send Tolwyn and his elderly colleague from the last visit because he would know them and actually missed them a bit. No doubt they were busy with some other great task for the Star Empire while he was stuck orbiting some rock in a system slowly descending into the depths of madness.

“I wonder what she’ll look like” Talia mentions while still looking forward and away from her husband, both hands on her stomach making her pregnancy more apparent.

“What do you mean?” Darius inquires.

“I dunno… will she be pretty, old, young…”

Darius thinks for a bit then replies. “Hm… well from what I hear the Valinor have much better anti-aging technology… I believe Harold, that accountant from Algrum, bought a few things from there and feels like a new man. This Dame Antigone might be near a century old and not look a day over twenty… although I seem to remember reading she’s nearly three-hundred.”

“Why don’t you get a few of those… gadgets? I’m starting to get crow’s feet, Dar.”

“I think you’re aging beautifully, Darling… and besides. Setties has cut my salary considerably in the last few years. And I’m fairly certain those things couldn’t be good for our little Samantha.”

“Ugh. I hate that name, Darius, and you know it; and I can’t stand the thought of our daughter being named after that cold hearted bitch.”

“It’s a family name, and if you could refrain from insulting my cousins... and would you cheer up? I took you up here so it could be like the old days,” Darius says with a hopeful smile. “You and me, saving the Liberation one rude, self absorbed outlander at a time.”

Talia smiles and emits a bit of a giggle, finally looking at Darius. Just then the shuttle arrives and the two stand a bit more at attention while the guards around them do the same.

A rather large man of anglo decent and in a dark green suit walks up to the other side of Darius, leaning in a bit. “The room is prepared, sir.”

“Good work, Cedric.” Darius replies regularly.

Vernii

04-06-2005, 08:20

"Well, His Majesty is currently at his private retreat on Isla de la Perla. He expects that he will return within the next two days, and will probably hold court the day after that. Have you ever been inside the Throne Hall? It's quite a sight, even by the standards of the rest of the palace. As it should be of course, it's a symbol of our nation's wealth and prosperity, as well as serving to impress upon the power and responsibilities of the Emperor. Of course, I hear that Her Majesty's court is also rather impressive. I'm sure it's quite a humbling experience to stand in that chamber and know that centuries of important events took place there, and that notable figures walked on that very same floor." Brydges took on a bit of a sad expression, "Unfortunately, this government has no such distinguished history -- yet. But we're making it. It's a proud moment when you realize that you're among the first people involved in creating the birth of an empire, an experience that few will ever have."

***

The gold pocketwatch snapped open. 10:00 PM, Alexis is waiting on me for our weekly conversations. The pocketwatch snapped shut again and was placed back into its coat pocket. William Stanton, Archduke and Prime Minister, and personal friend of His Majesty, reclined back into a comfortable chair and put on his nu-space headpiece. He rather disliked it when Alexis was away and they had to conduct their conversations by nu-space, since the Emperor had rather...different...ideas when creating their virtual meeting places. The conversation the previous week had taken place two kilometers above a virtual representation of Cardona, and Alexis had taken amusement at Stanton's initial instinctive panic at finding himself two kilometers above "solid" earth.

He entered his ID and password, logging onto a highly secure government server. He closed his eyes as the world around him shifted to the virtual one, and then hestitantly opened them. No flying this time, thankfully. Their meeting spot was actually rather beautiful. They were meeting on the ceiling of the main hall of an inverted gothic cathedral, so that the pews and floor were actually the ceiling. The cathedral itself was made of translucent crystal, illuminated by an outside source of light which filtered through, giving the cathedral a rather airy appearance then the typical dark gothic feel.

His Majesty was leaning against a column a few feet away. "Well, what do you think of this one?"

"Much better then last week."

"I thought you'd appreciate it. Anyway, I'm troubled by the difficulty we're having with the Conservative League and Liberal Association. We both know that the Navy needs more funding for new construction."

"The Opposition is rather misguided unfortunately, and while our party might control the Lords, we don't have enough of a majority to approve the budget without support from them. The Conservatives are against the higher taxes required, along with the monetary diversions from other programs. The Liberals don't want to provoke the Ortagans into a war, and think that us getting into an arms race with the Hegemony will inevitably cause one."

Alexis scoffed, "Idiots. The war is inevitable, at least it is unless something drastic happens to prevent it. What they fail to realize is that the Hegemony is biding its time. Sure, they haven't involved themselves in a conflict for decades, but that's only because they're building their strength and picking a victim, and they've chosen us! The annexation of Erewohn put us on their target list earlier then it normally would have, but I expect that's because they intended to pick off Erewohn and then come for us at their leisure, but now they have to deal with us at the same time."

"Indeed, they seem to have an unrealistic view of the Hegemony's goals and motivation. I think our time has just run out really. We're right in the path of their expansion "west", we're wealthy, we're more advance then they are, and we have a strategic central location in the region. But while we're more advanced technologically, we aren't as advanced as the Star Empire, nor do we have the sheer numbers that the Hegemony has. We also don't have the Star Empire's main advantage, the threat of starving them of funding if they don't behave. Then there's what they can snap up if we fall, they can snatch up Morning Star, Ticonderoga, and then be in a position to move against the Vaku if they need, or expand south."

Alexis smiled grimly, "Indeed, we have alot of advantages, just not enough of each to actually deter a war. And this is why it's absolutely critical that we expand the navy while we have time. We're also going to need to get our allies involved. I want you to start putting pressure on the big industrial corporations like KIG, if they can provide discount goods to help our allies build their own militaries up, then it's a good start. Also, make a note for Public Relations to start a advertisement campaign in the Star Empire if possible, something to try and generate more positive feelings toward our nation. If we can influence the Valinor public to react badly toward any aggressive actions by the Hegemony, then perhaps Friedelinde's government will put pressure on the Ortagans not to misbehave."

Stanton nodded. "It will be done. I'm planning on holding meetings with the more moderate Opposition members, to show them exactly what the stakes are in this game, and make sure they know what happens if we lose, and what will happen to them personally. That might influence a few more votes our way."

"Good, with all luck, the navy will get its extra funding. I'll leave it up to the experts on what to build with it, but I know they need that money."

"Speaking of the navy, how is Prince Edward progessing?"

"Oh, I'm quite proud of him. He was promoted last week, he's now the executive officer of the battlecruiser Adamant...."

Valinon

04-06-2005, 20:57

The HMS Sariel returns to normal space in the Schmiede system, the brief storm of blue-white energy signaling a ship of the Kriegsmarine powering down its Verner jump drives.

“Verner drives are entering stand-by cycle, sir,” comes the steady voice of the helmsman. “Shall I place them on emergency charge?”

Normally Kapitan zur Sternen Hunt would not have the Verners recharge at the rate a warship of the Kriegsmarine would if it were in battle. But this was far from a normal visit to Schmiede, the star system the Kriegsmarine had created as its top development system after the withdrawal from Yetti’s Star two centuries. Let the spies and the informants continue to believe the illusion the Kriegsmarine so carefully fostered that Draco in the Alpha Centauri system was the center of the research and development efforts. Hunt turns toward the pair dressed in the crisp, starched white uniforms of grossadmirals. No, it was far from a normal run to Schmiede when the First Star Lord and the Fourth Star Lord were on board.

“My Lords?”

Lady Katherine Adonis turns and Lord Kaelin, head of the Bureau of Ships, allows his sentence to trail off.

“No, Kapitan, normal stand-by will be more than sufficient. Lord Kaelin and I have considerable matters to attend at Schmiede.”

“Very well, First Lord. Helm, prepare a course for the Schmiede Installation, two-thirds full.”

“Two-thirds full, sir.”

Hunt turns to his second, “Prepare my shuttle and put it at the grossadmirals disposal.”

“Aye, sir,” his second returns quietly. Hunt turns and watches as the cluster of lights and black skeletal outlines of docking and construction slips starts to take shape against the smoldering fire of Schmiede’s cool red primary. A pair of battleships is already accelerating toward the Sariel from the outer perimeter of the installation.

“Sir, we are being hailed by the Pappenhiem.”

“Secure a channel to Kapitan Corsev.”

“Yes, sir,” Hunt calmly approaches his own station, preparing for his conversation with the fanatically methodical commander over Schmiede’s outer security. Although this time, Hunt feels, he may have a way to break Corsev’s typical cold demeanor.

**********

“Breathtaking,” Katherine Adonis mummers as she looks at the sleek profile of the next generation of cruiser awaiting final trial tests and activation in the Schmiede slip. The sleek, elongated profile of the new Angelus-class cruiser is one of the final products of the Project DOS Evolution that has consumed billions of the Kriegsmarine’s budget and thousand on hours. Rudolphe Kaelin smiles from behind the hand clasped at his chin. Konteradmiral Bryant, commanding Schmiede and the efforts of Project DOS Evolution, overlooks the slip.

“Eight hundred fifty meters, twice the heavy armament of the Prince Viktor-class, expanded drone parasite capacity, and the new DOSEV system, My Lord.”

At this, Adonis seems to almost, but not quite, blanch, “It is unfortunate that we have to resort to full automation. I am still somewhat hesitant over the issue, but it is quite clear that the general populace of the Star Empire has grown to disfavor military action.”

“One of the previously hidden drawbacks to Gustav II’s expansion,” Kaelin says quietly. “I have often wondered if the Lion Emperor had some idea of how the war wearied populaces in Yalta and Madras would affect the political climate of the Vaterland.”

“If he did he presumably thought he had a way to overcome it. However, he did not deem it a necessary point to leave behind after his demise,” Katherine says coolly. Gustav II is rarely remembered favorably outside the Centrist circle of influence, but none can deny the long term impact he has had on both Valinon and the Raumreich as a whole. “But this is also a necessity, especially considering the rate at which the Reichswehr is automating its units—despite von Richter’s complaints.”

“Thankfully his influence in general seems to be waning,” Katherine says dryly as she turns back to Bryant. “The final Angelus-class seems to be completed, Christopher. But how proceeds the project overall?”

“Well, Ma’am. We will have completed two complete fleet groups of the new Angelus-class and the Seydlitz-class destroyers by the end of next year. They will be integrated with the First Fleet as soon as possible, and then we can begin implementing a definitive plan to start replacing the Prince Viktor- and Romanov-class cruisers and destroyers currently on patrol.”

“And the modification to the Enigma-class carriers?”

“Full DOSEV upgrades have been completed on the Amadeus, Coventry, Warhawk, Dunkirk, Jutland, Verdun, Trident, and Warrior. The Wolfhound and the Concordia arrived in-system two weeks ago and have started the final upgrade and modification process.”

“A full squadron then, quite expedient of you, Christopher, considering that modification on the Amadeus started just under a year ago.”

“The process is relatively straight forward, Ma’am. Much of the Enigma-class is already heavily automated with only limited crew oversight required, it is relatively simple to replace remaining personnel functions with drone and AI combinations.”

“Indeed,” Katherine says, and eyes the lift entrance at the end of the observation deck. “I want the new squadron of carriers reintegrated to their task forces within a month, Christopher. We will test your ships in the Great March within a month after that, God willing. The pirates and smugglers that operate there may not be the challenge I wish they were for these DOSEV platforms, but they will have to suffice for the moment.”

“It will be done, First Lord.”

“Then let us proceed to the Amadeus.”

**********

“Good evening,” comes the familiar clipped accent of Marc Hudson, the long-serving anchor for the United Valinon News Network’s Twin Set late evening news program, “and welcome to Twin Set this evening. I know many of you are looking forward to our interview with Grossadmiral Forrest this evening over his book, To Rule the Stars, but today has granted substance to many rumors that have been circulating throughout the Empire for the past several months.”

“As many of you may be aware from announcements in the ‘briefs, Her Majesty called for a formal press conference on the Lotus Garden of the Palace grounds late yesterday evening with the official statement that the context of the conference be withheld for six hours. The conference this morning proved to be a historic tide of announcements from the Palace that echoes to the Hundred Days following Her Majesty’s coronation that ushered in what was already then being called the Third Empire.”

“Citing the approaching occasion of the seventieth year of her reign, and the continuing effort to return the Empire to ‘normalcy’ after the War of the Lion, Her Majesty has announced that the positions of Kammerherr and Reichsprotektor, long vacant since the end of Old Emperor Gustav’s reign, will be filled. Lord Erwin Ribbentrop has been appointed as Kammerherr to the Throne of the Twin Suns and Lord Reynard Adonis has been appointed as Reichsprotektor and Her Imperial Majesty’s Champion. The imperial appointments, apparently with knowledge only at the highest levels of the Rolt Government, have generated a considerable amount of both celebration and outcry. Lord Adonis’ appointment has caused considerable tensions within the higher ranks of the Centrist party and more conservative elements in the Imperial High Command. Many fear this is an attempt by Her Majesty to seize more direct control of the military, as Gustav II did during his reign. These statements have been refuted by both Her Majesty, Kammerherr Ribbentrop, Prime Minister Rolt, Grossadmiral Adonis, and several members of the Council of the Grossgeneralfeldmarschalls. All have agreed that the performance of Her Majesty’s armed forces have suffered considerably without a central figure to rally to, and a stronger representative to introduce more cohesion between the Kriegsmarine and the Reichswehr.”

“But perhaps the greatest surprise, or shock depending upon your ideology, was the announcement on the subject of the title of the Earl of Port Rosario. Many are still mourning the death of Earl Markus Cavegn three months ago, and fears had emerged that one of the oldest of the Empire’s noble bloodlines may have ended with his death. But Her Majesty has confirmed that a direct bloodline descendent of Markus Cavegn has been located and confirmed by the personal documents and last will of the Earl.”

“In what may prove to be a trial on the system of the hereditary system of the Peerage, Earl Cavegn revealed in his will that he has a son of partial Verniian parentage. Her Majesty said that additional details would be revealed to the press prior to the reconfirmation hearing before the Lords. She did say that Lord Bergen, ambassador to the Verniian Imperium, has met and discussed with Earl Cavegn’s heir the nature of his announcement with the legal representation of the Earl’s estate. The Cavegn heir has agreed to return to Alpha Centauri and is expected to be recognized as the legitimate heir to the Cavegn title by the Palace upon his arrival. Details about the birth, and indeed the life of the heir, remain undisclosed, although many of our analysts believe Earl Cavegn may have sired and heir during his service with the Protectorate administration of Gregor. The nature of his inheritance would mean that the Cavegn seat in the Congress of Lords would need to be reconfirmed by the full majority of the included Peers.”

“With that I would like to welcome Viscount Orsini of the Greater Raumreichers and Baron Doucet of the Centrists to our program tonight to discuss the matter of the Cavegn inheritance. Your Graces, thank you for joining us this evening.”

“It is a pleasure,” Orsini adds in his warm tones as Doucet offers a curt nod.

“Viscount, perhaps you would be so kind to as to share your thoughts on the nature of the Cavegn inheritance?”

“Frankly, Marc, I’m thankful that the Cavegn title and bloodline will not just expire. I know many within the Rolt Government, including many within my own party, feared that Sir Markus would be the last Earl of Port Rosario from the Cavegn line. I do think some measures of extremes are being taken by the more dissident elements of the Congress, such as threatening immediate exclusion if the new Earl tries to reconfirm his seat. We should be marking this occasion as an attempt to forge greater continuity and stability within the Star Empire and the Raumreich, as that is the only-“

“Nonsense,” Doucet says quickly. “We know nothing of this…this…Verniian, and the Palace seems content to smother all attempts to gain information on this so-called heir. If we do allow him to take Sir Markus’ seat in the Congress he may very well become a spy for the Calimar regime in Gregor. The Verniian intelligence community may very well use him to disrupt our government, and at the least will use him to keep abreat of the most intimate levels of the Congress!”

“I do believe that’s a little extreme,” Orsini says cautiously. “He is one man, Sir Ingram. One man among many, a great many, and he is Valinor in terms of blood.”

“Half Valinor, and half Verniian. We all know recent history, Sir Dante. The Verniians have shown time and time again they are willing to make unprovoked war against the more civilized societies of the Raumreich-“

“Like the Ortagans you mean?”

“The actions of the Hegemony in recent years have been those of coexistence with the Inner Marches, Viscount,” Doucet growls.

“Coexistence and peaceful coexistence are two very different subjects, Sir Ingram. Perhaps Roum merely is eying who on its borders it should consume next.”

“Preposterous, Hegemon Ansel’s government has made no hostile actions since they had to eliminate the WIckian threat to the continued stability and security of the Hegemony.”

“Indeed.”

“And this does not even begin to address the fact that the Cavegn seat does include a position on the oversight committee for the budget of the Reichswehr. Untold damage could be done by a disloyal member of the committee-“

“It is easy to paint an individual as disloyal when you have not even met them or given a time to defend themselves.”

“The Verniians have shown time and time again they are treacherous…” and so the debate rages until Marc Hudson eventually quiets the dissent and ushers in the much more calm Forrest.

Valinon

05-06-2005, 01:07

Two Sardaukar in the typical danger suit basic armorer favored by the Reichswehr descend from the small shuttle first. Both stand at a practiced rigid attention while another Sardaukar wearing the crisp pressed uniform of a leutnant stands at the top of the boarding ramp. The officer holds out a hand to someone half concealed by the shuttles darkened interior. An ivory hand extends, and is rapidly followed by a striking woman with deep brown eyes, dark hair, full lips, and dressed in a simple dress that is surprisingly revealing by the standards of the Star Empire. She nods curtly to the leutnant once they reach the bottom of the ramp and then approaches Darius with an easy grace and poise.

"Minister Darius, I thank you for agreeing to see me on such short notice. I do wish that the circumstances were a bit more pleasant, but the drastic nature that the course of affairs seem to be taking in Morning Star have raised eyebrows and attention at the highest levels of Her Imperial Majesty's Government and in the Court."

Dame Antigone Job (http://users.teol.net/~stevopfc/Pictures/Angelina%20Jolie/Angelina%20Jolie%20(8).jpg)

**********

"You are nervous."

D'Agosta almost jumps out of his skin as the cool flowing voice of Togashi fills the cramped aero-car. The Liaison Service director is casually removing a pair of mirrored data-specs and placing them over the sunken hollows of his eye sockets. Today Togashi is wearing the deep black uniform of the ESS, with the rank insignia of a full oberstgruppenfuehrer to discourage any questioning of his presence. D'Agosta is wholly positive that even the might of an oberstgruppenfuehrer would be dwarfed by the kind of power Togashi wields on a daily basis.

"Perhaps to an extent, Herr Direktor," D'Agosta says quietly. "More for the sake of your-"

"I assure you, Herr D'Agosta, the handicap you are mulling over does not handicap me any where near what you presume it to. Besides, the Verniians want the good Heathcliff frightened and on the run, and I will give them that much in a handful of heartbeats. But we also need to make certain that what truths this vile little rodent of Morthmann's has buried away in his skull does not do any damage to the efforts of Her Majesty to safeguard the continued efforts to rebuild the Star Empire's reputation. And for that you need my expertise."

"So my presence is more of a formality?"

"Nonsense, you will conduct the primary interrogation. I will merely be making sure it is completely thorough. And that the Verniians have a far more pliable individual to work with."

"I see."

Togashi smiles faintly, "Also, there are many ways to see by, Herr D'Agosta, and I do like to employ the less noticeable ones whenever possible."

D'Agosta feels a slight wave of a headache pass over his brow, and then suddenly it is gone.

"Ah, there, infinitely better. How long until we reach the complex where they are holding Heathcliff?"

"Perhaps five minutes, Herr Direktor."

"More than this Nightwatchman deserves, but a necessary evil."

Liberated New Hope

05-06-2005, 01:21

Darius stands befuddled a moment, tooking at Antigone with wide eyes and a slightly open jaw, but soon feels the sharp heel of Talia's stilleto digging into his angle and snaps out of it. She stands with arms crossed; annoyed.

"Oh... um..." Darius shakes his head a bit while extending his hand, "Greetings Dame Job. I assure you that circumstances are not as bad as they appear and that the Admiral has complete control over the situation, but he is always open to some help from our freinds in the Star Empire," he says with a sizeable smile.

"Ehem?"

"Oh, yes... and this is my lovely wife Talia."

Talia's face brightens up with a prostetic smile and she extends her hand, "Lovely to meet you."

Gesturing behind himself, Darius bows a bit. "Forgive the lack of fanfare, but given our small time table I'm forced to have our discussion begin quite immedietly, M'Lady." The gaurds, along with Cedric, begin to escort the group to the arranged meeting room.

Valinon

05-06-2005, 01:32

After accepting Talia's hand with an undisclosing smile, and a courteous nod, Antigone turns back to Darius.

"I assure you, Minister, the lack of fanfare is somewhat appreciated. I recognize this audience is on extremely short notice. But also the lack of fanfare allows for a measure of expediency and directness I sometimes find is altogether to distant from most of the matters brought before my office."

She quietly moves to match her step with Darius' own, "I am most interested to hear as to what actions Admiral Setties is taking to curb the excesses of some of the more radical elements of the Collective Protectorates' community, Minister. Have any of the criminals responsible for these race crimes been apprehended yet?"

Liberated New Hope

05-06-2005, 01:44

Darius maintains his smile. "The Admiral has dedicated a large sector of the Liberation Security Bureau to the search for these criminals and many suspects have been captured and are currently under investigation..." they reach the door to the elevator and Darius holds it open for his new collegue and his wife, allowing Cedric and a few other gaurds through as well. They ride down the elevator a bit before Talia takes Darius' arm and pulls him toward her a bit, still smiling. Darius elaborates on Setties' efforts for some time until they exit the elevator and reach the conference room.

They enter and Darius orders the gaurds to exit the room, leaving only himself, Antigone, Talia, and Cedric in the room.

"Please, sit down, M'Lady... would you like a drink?" [if she does Cedric fetches it]

Darius then sits down next to his wife and his smile wears a bit. "Dame, things are not as they should be."

Cedric hands him his drink and he takes a sip. "Dame... we've got problems. We've got problems and I need your help."

Valinon

05-06-2005, 02:11

Job eyes Darius with a look of cooled emotions, "Problems are a very diplomatic way of describing the current race conflicts plaguing Morning Star, Minister. Although I am extremely grateful to hear that Admiral Setties is moving to actively stop these crimes, and will convey such to New Koln, they have caused considerable tension in the Congress of Lords."

"The nobles of the Eleni Avacúmanóre, loosely translated as the Stars of the Starland, who represent the Elven community in the Dominion of Mizar are petitioning the Lords to appeal the matter to the Liga der Raumreich. They want action to be taken if these crimes are not stopped against their distant cousins in Morning Star, and many in the Lords--Centrist, United Lords, and Greater Raumreichers alike--are inclined to agree with their assessment."

"And there is also the matter that Her Majesty fears the most: that these crimes will in time come to be focused on our own citizens conducting legitmate and peaceful business in your realm. Needless to say, any wanton crimes against Her Majesty's citizens will not be received warmly at the Palace, or anywhere in the Star Empire."

"Still, Her Majesty, and Lady Rolt, realize that these affairs are not necessarily under the control of Admiral Setties or the Protectorates government. And we are willing to grant you an appropriate time to try and address them. As for the matter of assistance, tell me what you had in mind. I can issue you no firm gaurantees, but I can promise you that I will forward these requests to Imperial Centre at once, and attach my personal credentials to them."

Liberated New Hope

05-06-2005, 02:18

"No... no... Antigone. We've got worse problems then a few undereducated working class heroes taking out their problems on elves. It's Setties. He hasn't done a damn thing. His riot squads have killed over fifteen people and he refuses to let of Emergency Powers. The only reason I can talk to you is because Cedric has 'cleaned' the room."

He looks to his wife and sets his hand on her lap.

"We come to you... not as ambassidors, but as children of the Liberation. Our way of life is in danger, M'Lady." Darius has become serious.

"What can we do?"

New Ortaga

05-06-2005, 20:08

Morning Star System, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
05.11.1300 AF
0800 Solar Forces Standard

Morning Star had long been a singular unique system in the Raumreich Oversector: it was controlled by a succession of governments that had remained to stay neutral in the grand conflict between Valinon, Vernii, and New Ortaga. True in recent history the various local rulers had to be first somewhat subservant to the dead People's Republic of Vernii and for a brief time had been forced into a protectorate status under Valinor jurdistiction following the end of the War of the Lion, but the Hegemony had long ignored Morning Star. Most of the Solar Forces high command, even Strategos Garahou herself, saw the system with little tactic or strategic important. The only factor Morning Star offered was a possible bastion to launch attack at both the Valinor fortress system of Klein and the inner worlds of the Verniian Imperium, but other systems were infinitely more accessible than Morning Star.

However, opinions changed, and the entire military might of the Solar Forces are not dominated by Garahou and her immediate lackeys. And in a single burst of blinding white light and energy generated by Solar Navy warships returning to normal space, the Hegemony's disinterest in Morning Star becomes a subject of the past.

Twelve Hegemon II class dreadnoughts, two Phoenix class dreadnoughts, twenty-four Roum class war frigates, and thirty-six Ansel class monitors make the first appearance of the Solar Navy in the Morning Star system. On their own, the ships would have made a formidable deployment, capable of turning an entire system into a wasteland if only through sheer force of numbers. But it is the ship at the core of their formation that dominates the the fearsome miniature armada, even dwarfing the three-kilometer length of the two Phoenix dreadnoughts and the two-kilometer inverted wing-span shape of the Hegemons.

At almost six kilometers, the HSS Nemesis is one of the most fearsome ships the Solar Navy has ever produced. It bears a strong resemblence to the Phoenix class dreadnoughts riding at its bow and stern. Although it lacks the fearsome primary cannon of its Phoenix brethern, the Nemesis carries a sufficient array of heavy ion cannons and second generation heavy battle lasers to reduce and entire planet to slagged earth from orbit. It is also the personal flagship of one of the most infamous men in the Raumreich: the Rear Admiral Ginias Saharin.

"Retranslation complete, Rear Admiral. The fleet reports as at the ready for your orders."

Saharin smiles quielty, staring toward the primary world of the Collective Protectorates from the curved row of transpar-steel viewports on the Nemesis' bridge.

"Open a channel to the system control frequency and transfer it to my up-link."

"Yes, Rear Admiral."

"Morning Star system control, this is Rear Admiral Ginias Saharin of the Hegemon's Solar Navy. I require an immediate transfer to the offices of either Admiral Setties or the Foreign Minister of the Protectorates. I have come to conference on behalf of His Excellency, the Hegemon Channing Ansel, and will not discuss any further details with any lesser officials."

With that Ansel breaks the link and turns back to survey the half-spherical bridge of the Nemesis. His sudden arrival in Morning Star serves a definitive purpose, even if it is momentarily distracting him from opening negotiations with the Mesans. But this bit of Polemarch Galt's strategy is just as important to the overall designs of the Hegemony as the establishment of the new personnel resources.

"Do we have the Aaron on our sensors, yet?"

"No, Rear Ad-," there is a sudden chirp from the sensor station. "Yes, Rear Admiral, positive identification on the IMS Aaron 177 kilometers behind our initial retranslation point."

"Good, then our part here is mostly complete. Alert me when the system controllers return my hail, Captain."

Captain Clark, salutes stiffly as Saharin sweeps past to leave the bridge.

"Yes, Rear Admiral."

Saharin holds his quiet, cold smile as he enters the grav-lift and descends towards his quarters. The tramp freighter Aaron is perhaps the primary purpose for his detour on behalf of Galt. Next to the arrival of his own fleet, the down-trodden Valinor merchantman will slide through lose Protectorate customs with even less notice than usual. And aboard the Aaron is the first "gift" of the Coordination for Security and Intelligence's to the last remnants of the Nightwatch.

Liberated New Hope

05-06-2005, 22:22

A young lieutenant sprints down the halls of the Guardian’s Palace in Hamunaptra, runs past the receptionist and is stopped by two guards in front of the main office. “Whoa, there buddy. Where are you headed?” one of the guards in desert camo inquires while holding the younger officer back.

“I need to talk to Setties right now, clearance sandfox 9. Now!” the young man nearly screams.

They let him in hurriedly and he approaches the Admiral, smoothing over his roughed hair and uniform.

The Admiral raises his head from his paperwork, “Yes… lieutenant?”

“Sir, we’ve got an arrival in system. Ortagans, Sir. Thirty-eight capitol ships.”

Setties sits, shocked, for a few seconds with eyes wide. “… Oh shit.”

****************************** Meanwhile on the Gibraltar…

Darius sits in the conference room, awaiting Dame’s response, when an announcement comes over the rooms intercom.

“Attention, Minister Darius of the Setting Star; you are needed in the Gibraltar’s main control room. Repeat, Minister Darius of the Setting Star; you are needed in the Gibraltar’s main control room immediately. Thank you.”

“What the hell could that be right now?” Talia asks, confused.

“I don’t know, honey… I’ll be back shortly. I’m ever so sorry, M’Lady.”

****************************** Back Planetside in the Admiral’s Office…

“Apparently they… Rear Admiral Saharin wants to talk to you.”

Quickly Setties calms himself, stands, and begins issuing orders. “Alright, only thirty-eight? It doesn’t sound like an extermination squad, but put the fleet on full alert. Have them pull in from dock at Centris, but keep their distance.” He thinks for a moment and then addresses the lieutenant once again. “Also, have Dame Antigone Job, the Valinor diplomat up on the Gibraltar brought planetside immediately. I want her in my office within the hour. That is all.”

With that the lieutenant leaves the room, issuing the orders where they may be needed and Setties faces the wood paneled wall to his right. “Comm, open.” The panels open to show a large communication screen. “Comm, open channel to MSSC.”

The screen suddenly shows the face of a comm. officer with a grim look on his face. “Patch me through to the Ortagan fleet, Rear Admiral Saharin.” Setties orders.

“Aye, sir.”

But before the connection can be made, the screen splits between Darius, who is onboard the Gibralter, and the comm. officer. Darius, looking grim himself, asks “Setties, whats all this business about Ortagans in-system? Forty capitol ships?”

Setties waves his hand to the right of the screen. “Soldier, hold that connection. Darius, calm down. I’ve put the fleet on full alert and I’m contacting Rear Admiral Saharin right now.”

Darius continues. “Alright, Setties, but they say this guy wants to talk to me, too? I didn’t even know we had connections with the Ortagans, let alone any way to make them mad enough to send a fleet.”

Setties turns his head a bit and bites his lip. “damnit…” he whispers to himself. “Alright, we’ll both do this but I’ll do the talking. The last thing we need is to piss this guy off by double teaming him, agreed.”

Darius stands for a moment, considering. “Agreed.”

Setties waves to the right side of the screen again. “Alright, patch us both through, soldier.”

“Aye, sir… connection made.”

Setties stands confidently, looking at Admiral Saharin on-screen. “Good day, Rear Admiral. Might I ask what brings you to the Morning Star?”

****************************** Meanwhile on the Gibraltar…

Liberation gaurds storm into the conference room, fully armed. Their leader, a Colonel, looks to Dame Antigone "Excuse me, Dame. You are required in the Guardian's Palace immediately."

New Ortaga

06-06-2005, 00:07

Personal Quarters of Rear Admiral Ginias Saharin, HSS Nemesis, Morning Star system, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
05.11.1300 AF
0823 Solar Forces Standard

Saharin takes a few moments to compose himself and look around his quarters before activating the visual feed component of the connection. A spartan lifestyle occassionally had its advantage, for one was the real lack of energy it required to prepare your desk for a vid-feed, and second was the fact it looked more intimidating to be austere.

"Admiral Setties," Saharin says cooly. "I am here to open dialogue on behalf of His Excellency, Hegemon Channing Ansel, and the Citizens of the Hegemony. I assure you, it is a relatively routine matter and can be attended to rather quickly. As long as some measure of cooperation is appreciated by both parties."

"His Excellency and Strategos Garahou have long viewed with considerable displeasure the presence of the Verniian Imperium's fleet base in the Morning Star system. In essence, both believe this violates the very nature of your neutrality in the balance of power within the Inner Marches. If the Valinor are willing to tolerate this offense to the very nature of the principle of neutrality, that is their affair. But the Hegemony is no longer willing to tolerate such a grevious offense."

"Therefore, the Hegemony of New Ortaga has come to a stark conclusion on the matter of the Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope. In order to enjoy a continued state of neutrality and non-aggression with the Great March, the Collective Protectorates must either have the Verniians withdraw from the Morning Star system--as the Valinor did sixty-five years ago--, or permit the Solar Navy to establish a similar fleet base in the Morning Star system so we can be assured the Verniian Imperium is not using their station here to threaten the continued security and stability of the Hegemony."

Valinon

06-06-2005, 00:20

Antigone eyes the colonel with a gaze that could freeze mercury, "For starters, Colonel, I will of course require the pretenses 'requiring' me to leave a conference with Minister Darius. Secondly I will remind you that as a direct representative of Her Imperial Majesty and the United Star Empire of Valinon I am required to do very little, such is one advantage of diplomatic privilege."

Distant shouts and the sound of metal-shod footsteps echo through the opened door to the conference chamber. Antigone's escort in the form of the leutnant and the two Sardaukar erupt into the room, their weapons held cautiously at the ready.

"My Lady," the leutnant says formally, eyeing the colonel with a measured degree of malice, "I trust that you are both unharmed and unmolested?"

"I am indeed, Leutnant."

"Then I must beg your forgiveness, My Lady, but an Ortagan battle group has entered the system under as of yet unknown pretenses. In the interest of your own security I will be relocating you to the embassy until it can be established as to why the Ortagans have entered Protectorate territorial space."

The leutnant moves toward Antigone as his men carefully study their Protectorate opposite numbers. Antigone suddenly raises a hand.

"You may stand down, Leutnant, for the moment at least. Tell me, Colonel, does this rather terse request to go with you have anything to do with Admiral Setties recently finding his long silent neighbors have come to call?"

Vernii

06-06-2005, 00:36

A single coded nu-space message was transmitted from Gibraltar after Saharin's first transmission as the fortress stepped up to general quarters.

From: Gibraltar Station, Morning Star System
Recipient: Imperial Fleet Command, Gregor
Time: 0900 LST, 1100 GT

At approximately 0900 local system time, forces of the Hegemony's Solar Navy have violated system territorial limits. I have put the station onto general quarters, but hostilities have not broken out yet, but are possible. Solar Navy forces reasons for being here are unknown, but they have demanded a conference with Adm. Setties.

Comd. Evermann

Liberated New Hope

06-06-2005, 01:08

****************************** In the conference room…

With the sudden entrance of the Sardaukar, the compliment of four guards raise their assault rifles, taking aim on the Valinor men while the Colonel quickly pulls out his handgun, keeping it aimed toward the ground but ready.

Talia stands from her chair, nearly fainting, and is caught by Cedric, who sets her back down gently into her seat. Cedric reaches in his jacket for his handgun but Talia gestures for him to stop.

“Ma’am, I have orders from Admiral Setties to take you to the palace. I can either escort you peacefully or take you by force; it’s your choice,” the Colonel says matter of factly. “Now, order your men to stand down and follow me.”

****************************** Meanwhile, in the Admiral’s Office…

Setties retains his confident demeanor, standing in front of the rather sizeable and well decorated Guardian’s Office. “I assure you, Rear Admiral, that Vernii’s small presence here is merely for protecting it’s trade interests in the area. I believe it’s rather obvious that the few cruisers stationed near the Gibraltar Station pose no effective military threat to the surrounding area, including the Morning Star or the Hegemony.”

****************************** At the same time not too far outside the Meteor Belt (aka within the Ortagan’s scanning range but not too threateningly close)…

Admiral Achmed Kairawan, Setties’ current second in command and head of the New Silver Fleet, stands on the bridge of the newly constructed LNS Motorola, the flag ship of the Liberation Fleet and also most the expensive ad ever taken out by a mobile phone manufacturer.

“Commander, are we in scanning range of the Ortagan fleet?”

“Aye, sir; not too far out of weapon’s range, either.”

“Alright, tell the fleet we are not to proceed into weapon’s range. We want to be seen, that is all.” The Admiral says as he leans forward, placing the palms of his hands onto the back of his chair.

The term “on a dime” could well describe how the four-hundred and ninety-seven new ships of the Liberation’s Silver Fleet halted in their lumbering course toward True Hope.

“The fleet is at full stop.”

“Good, relay that they are to await further orders.”

“Aye, sir.”

New Ortaga

06-06-2005, 01:49

Personal Quarters of Rear Admiral Ginias Saharin, HSS Nemesis, Morning Star system, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
05.11.1300 AF
0848 Solar Forces Standard

Saharin offers Setties a wintry smile, "Admiral, surely you do not dispute the past history of Vernii? The Valinor were tolerent enough to allow the Verniian navy to establish a presence in the Sol system, as well as several other systems in outside their home star in the Gregor Sector, and what did such tolerence give them? I believe it was a wholly unprovoked attack across the Star Empire's interests in the Gregor Sector and the ruthless murder of thousands of Valinor civilians in Sol. The Verniians have taught us that caution, in fact extreme caution, is nece-"

Saharin stops briefly as a tell-tale ignites on his desk control panel showing a message from the bridge.

"If you will excuse me, Admiral," Saharin says and activates the link.

"What is it, Captain."

Clark licks his lips, obviously fearing what interrupting the Saharin's conference will cost him, "Rear Admiral, we have approaching signatures matching known Protectorate warship engine signatures. Over 450 on our sensors so far. They are slowing, but maintaining a steady holding pattern roughly twenty-seven kilometers from out current position."

Saharin's smile grows even colder, "I expected as much. Contact Admiral Auerbach and have him bring in his fleet. Setties thinks he can intimidate us with his backwater fleet, and I do not intend to suffer his petty attempts at intimidation."

"At once, Admiral."

Saharin reactivates the connection, "Ah, Admiral, it seems that you have been highly productive in your tenure as overlord of Morning Star. Four-hundred fifty warships is quite an achievement for any single star system polity, but allow me to demonstrate what a truly effective naval display is. If you will allow my subordinate five minutes?"

Interstellar Space, 89 Light Years away from Morning Star
05.11.1300 AF
0850 Solar Forces Standard

"Your orders, Admiral?"

Auerbach studies the priority encrypt from Saharin's flagship. Despite his official rank, Saharin is far more powerful than any mere rear admiral.

"Prepare for immediate translation to the Morning Star system. Use approach vector 5556, and put us at nav point 77 behind the Nemesis."

"Yes, Admiral," Auerbach's flag captain makes a crisp salute and then turns to effect the admiral's command to the fleet.

Fifteen seconds later, Admiral Auerbach's fleet makes a rapid translation to the Morning Star system.

Personal Quarters of Rear Admiral Ginias Saharin, HSS Nemesis, Morning Star system, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
05.11.1300 AF
0854 Solar Forces Standard

Saharin looks at the reappearing image of Captain Clark.

"Admiral Auerbach's fleet is translating back into normal space now. Confirming the fleet's ready status now, but according to our sensor readings his fleet is at your disposal, sir."

"Thank you, Derec," Saharin smiles at the hologram in the center of his quarters that shows the overview of the Morning Star. His own command has now been bolstered by Auerbach's command, nominally attached to Galt's forces in Seljuk. Twelve Phoenix dreadnoughts, sixty Hegemon II dreadnoughts, forty-eight Roum war frigates, and finally ninety-six Ansel monitors. Saharin turns back to the view of Setties.

"Now, Admiral, that we have dispensed with any illusions of granduer you may have been haboring, can we begin earnest negotiations on the terms of the Hegemony? Or must I summon a few other of my colleagues from Seljuk or Axis?"

New Ortaga

06-06-2005, 01:56

Valinon

06-06-2005, 01:59

Antigone arches her eyebrow, "I have ordered my men to stand down already out of courteous to Minister Darius reputation, Colonel. Do you dare to further violate my honor and my word, or are you simply deaf?"

With that Antigone stands, pulling herself up to every inch of her six and a half feet.

"I, Colonel, am a Citizen of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Friedelinde Alderman I, and a member of Peerage of Her Majesty's Realm. My rights and my dignity are protected by the power of a nation even the Ortagan Hegemony dares not challenge. And I do not think I need to remind you of the last time a nation of the Raumreich dared to violate the citizens of Her Majesty do I? Has the fate of the People's Republic of Vernii in its arrogance to presume it could violate the Star Empire been forgotten so quickly? Or does the Collective Protectorates believe it can succeed where Vernii, the Wick, and Erewohn all failed?"

Lunatic Retard Robots

06-06-2005, 02:03

With the profusion of Robotic merchants in the Milky Way Galaxy, a junk or freighter liable to turn up just about anywhere, the Robotic collective doesn't take long to learn about the Ortagan incursion into the Morning Star system.

A number of Robotic ships immediately make for the hyper-limit at full acceleration, while others attempt to take shelter amongst Liberated New Hope warships, presumably to offer their temporary service as support ships. In total, only five or six Robotic ships are in the system, on shipping and mining business most likely, and only two of those elect to stick around. Given the masses of merchant ships belonging to the Robotic Collective, such a small number in such an important system is not common, but can be attributed to the relatively young age of Robotic merchant presence in the system. (Considering that the red tape between LRR and Vernii and LRR and Valinon had only been taken care of a short time ago).

But through this channel or the other, the Robotic fleet announces its readiness to serve as a neutral third party in Morning Star (or, through less public channels, to bolster the Liberation's defensive forces). A pair of destroyers, RSV Grampus and the infamous RSV Hornet, arrive 'on the scene,' so to speak, within a few hours, although their presence is as much diplomatic as anything given their relatively poor capacity for independent operations. A larger force, lead by RSV Cumberland and including the light cruiser Fiji, collects at a small logistical depot not terribly distant. Still, their arrival as well would be more diplomatic than anything, if requested, given the somewhat poor state of the Robotic Grand Fleet.

Back in the day, the Robotic Grand Fleet would have been able to acquit itself in a much more impressive manner, being furnished with no small number of spherical battleships and heavy cruisers, but the Aumanii raid on Robotic ships in the former Robotic Cluster destroyed the large part of these. "Besides, the whole Type XXVI antimatter cannon carried with it very grevious design flaws. It is probably better, in the long run, to convert these very expensive vessels into a role which will allow them to pay off the cost of building them," says one analyst.

Liberated New Hope

06-06-2005, 02:20

****************************** In the Admiral’s Office…

“Excuse me, Rear Admiral, but I have no visions of grandeur. I wish you would give me the professional courtesy of assuming I might be trying to protect my people from about forty foreign warships that recently landed in my system,” Setties calmly replies to Darius’ surprise.

“Now, if the pissing contest is over I’d like to return to our talks about the Verniians, if that is quite alright, Rear Admiral.”

****************************** Meanwhile in the conference room…

The colonel, listening to about half of Antigone’s ramblings (as he heard them, anyway) takes his pistol and lays down a blow across her temple, effectively knocking her to the ground and out of consciousness.

The Colonel then smiles and looks at his troops. “Damn, the bitch just wouldn’t shut up.”

At this Cedric pulls out his handgun, aiming it directly at the Colonel from across the table. “Lay down the firearm, sir!”

****************************** Meanwhile on the LNS Motorola...

Achmed looks down at his readout of the Ortagans with wide eyes.

"Commander... tell the Robostanian ship's support is... well appreciated."

Valinon

06-06-2005, 02:46

One of the Sardaukar at the door way becomes a sudden blur of motion, taking full advantage of the enhanced reflexes his. The LNH colonel suddenly finds nine centimeters of sharpened neo-titanium at his neck. The second Sardaukar has withdrawn an egg-shaped sphere from somewhere and is depressing switch at the top of the device.

"I thank you for your efforts, sir," the leutnant says to Cedric as he crosses the room to reach Antigone, "but I am afraid what my men have just done is necessary. Thorgson has just activated a sonic gernade, if he should release that switch this room will be filled with a sonic blast strong enough to bring a full-sized man to his knees. My men, Dame Antigone, and myself are of course prepared for such an occurence, but I highly doubt any of you are."

The leutnant bends down next to Antigone, "My Lady, can you hear me?"

"Yes...leutnant."

"I will be taking you to the shuttle and then to the embassy, My Lady. If you will pardon me," and with that the Reichswehr officer lifts the dame in his arms and carefully rests her head against her shoulder.

"If I was truly a merciful man, Colonel," the leutnant says in stiff tones, "I would have your throat slit now. However, I will leave you to the infinitely more capable hands of the Foreign Ministry, and when you are extradited and tried in the Star Empire, I will be among the first to stand in celebration when your sentence is handed down. Vockers!"

The Sardaukar holding the colonel inclines his head ever so slightly.

"You and Thorgson will follow me in three minutes. If any of them should move, stun them."

"Sir, yes, sir!" the two say in perfect unison. And with that the leutnant takes Antigone through the door.

Vernii

06-06-2005, 03:29

Imperial Security Headquarters, Cardona

D'Agosta and Togashi were both checked through security, then issued visitor badges. They were led to the high security detention area, where Vallis was already waiting for them.

"I'm Major Vallis, War Crimes Investigation Division. Herr Heathcliff has already been informed that if he doesn't start cooperating with us, then we'll have no problem at all in giving him over to you. Perhaps you'd like to speak with him?"

She smiled with the sort of sadistic glee that would one see on the face of someone who had their worst enemy at their mercy. It seemed rather out of place on her rather cute face, a somewhat disturbing example of how people you'd never suspect could have dark tendencies.

She walked down to the door of his cell, and motioned for a guard to open it.
"Good, you're already awake. Well, you have 'visitors', enjoy."

She stepped back and waved for D'Agosta and Togashi to enter.

Valinon

06-06-2005, 03:42

For a moment surprise crosses over Heathcliff's face, but it is rapidly contained. The former Nightwatchman remains rigidly seated, showing a greater measure of discomfort and unease than he ever had under Vallis' attention--actual making some sign of it for once.

D'Agost takes one of the seats across from Heathcliff and pulls out a comp-pad. Togashi takes the seat next to him and calmly folds his hands and holds them at his waste. Streams of data appear on his data-specs.

"If you would be so kind, Major Vallis," D'Agosta says, bringing out his stylus, "perhaps you would be so kind as to bring me up to speed on the progress of the prisoner's interrogation? That way I will where to begin my own efforts."

"Horse shit," Heathcliff says, "your tricks don't fool me, you little Prole! Have you gotten one of your little men to dress in a tawdry uniform? How very unoriginal. These two are no more representatives of Valinon than I am a feathered lion! Why don't you all go back outside and go fuc-."

Rest assured, Herr Heathcliff, we are very real. And one of us is a good deal more of a reality than I believe you are fully ready to comprehend at this moment.

Heathcliff looks wildly about, unable to tell where the silent whisper came from.

"I believe I can see where this has gone so far, Major," D'Agosta says. "Has this been typical behavior?"

"Oh, shut u-"

Silence is golden, Herr Heathcliff.

The whisper is far more aggressive this time, and Heathcliff suddenly finds his tongue arrested in his mouth. And suddenly a realization washes over him, and he feels his knees and spine begin to feel like so much steel melted to liquid. His stomach lurches.

Yes, quite correct. Now offer no resistance and this will not take long at all. However, the process of making you more pliable to the Verniians will not be so pleasant. Enjoy the next few moments, Herr Heathcliff. By the time we are done here, your entire perspective on life will have a far...fresher and far more....open outlook.

And then Heathcliff feels of if a thousand needles are trying to drive into his memories, yet he cannot bring himself to scream.

New Ortaga

06-06-2005, 04:19

Personal Quarters of Rear Admiral Ginias Saharin, HSS Nemesis, Morning Star system, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
05.11.1300 AF
0856 Solar Forces Standard

"Honestly, Admiral, forty ships hardly seems a matter to necessitate calling out the entire navy of the Protectorate," Saharin says while just barely shaking his head. "I assure you my own command has a very distinct purpose. The space beyond our own Great March, especially closer to the Talbott Cluster and the Periphery are far from civilized. And if one has busy to attent to there it is prudent to come prepared for the worse."

"But judging by the response a mere forty ships earned from you, perhaps the Protectorate has security problems of its own? Certainly rumors abound these days of riots in your streets. Perhaps you need assistance in subduing them?"

Saharin offers a slight shrug, "No matter, that is a secondary topic in the extreme. So, Admiral, what answer to you offer His Excellency in regards to the matter of the Verniian installation? I am required to communicate your response back to Silesia before I proceed with the rest of my directives."

Liberated New Hope

06-06-2005, 04:21

Outside the conference room…

Another detail of guards is visible down the hall, this time led by what looks to be an intelligence officer. Upon seeing Antigone his face becomes full of shock. “Oh… oh no… What the hell is going on here?” Upon seeing the guards in the room, he orders them to stand down and looks to the Sardaukar. “What the hell happened, here?”

Before the Valinor can respond Cedric approaches the officer. “The Colonel here just pistol-whipped a Valinor Ambassador, Major.”

“He was supposed to escort Dame Job planetside to help negotiate with the damn Orts!” the Major exclaimed. He then looked to the soldiers in the room. “You and you. Take him to the infirmary and make sure he’s put in the detention level. Herr [insert name of Sardaukar’s name on name patch, if he has one], I know it’s much to ask but it’s imperative that Dame Job is taken to the Palace to help negotiate with the Ortagans. We cannot afford to start a shooting war with the Hegemony in this system, do you understand?”

In Setties' Office...

"Well this is a bit short notice for an immediate response. I have to consult the Council of Trusts and Corporations, my cabinet, make the proper forms. I really don't mean to delay but I can't simply kick a small Verniian fleet out of my system simply as a favor.

Also, I would have been glad to set up a meeting with you, or any other Officer of the Hegemony, if you had simply requested it. I mean no offense in saying that I believe we might have avoided this hubub altogether."

New Ortaga

06-06-2005, 04:42

Personal Quarters of Rear Admiral Ginias Saharin, HSS Nemesis, Morning Star system, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
05.11.1300 AF
0856 Solar Forces Standard

Saharin leans forward to rest his elbows on his desk and rest his fingertips against one another, "Well then, Admiral, I do believe I shall convey that message to Roum in short order."

"And then I believe it will be necessary for myself to stay in the system to make sure this issue will be addressed as quickly as possible. Also, I have onboard my vessel Citizen-Ambassador Austin Ward. He will be confering with the Verniian consul to the Protectorates to deliver a similar demand to the government of the Imperium. One way or another, I feel this matter will be addressed with proper expedience."

"As for the matter of my own presence, I do feel it is necessary, Admiral. After all, some times expediency can be something that is difficult to find. The Hegemony has learned this all to well in its dealings with the other governments of the Inner Marches. I do hope that the Collective Protectorates will prove more efficient than the bureaucracies in Alpha Centauri and Gregor."

Valinon

06-06-2005, 05:07

Vockers eyes the intelligence officer cooly and speaks with forced formality, "I am sorry, Mein Herr, but Leutnant Carruthers is removing the Lady to the embassy as we speak. At this point I do not have the authority to contradict his orders, and under the general imperatives and directives of the Emergency Response Teams responsible for Her Imperial Majesty's security of embassies and ambassadors the leutnant does not have any other course of action."

"Any further concerns you have, Mein Herr, will have to be addressed with either Hauptmann Norwood or Consul Oden. Until the Lady returns to her offices, they will discharge the duties of the ambassador in her stead."

He spins on one heel, "Thorgson, we are done here."

The two Sardaukar move to follow Carruthers toward the shuttle.

Liberated New Hope

06-06-2005, 05:48

In Setties' Office...

"Rear Admiral, you drive a hard bargain and I'll consult the proper parties shortly, but aren't you worried about what Valinon, Vernii, and a few of our other neighbors might think about your rather sizeable presense? Surely they would take note of some..." Setties looks off to the side at a read out on the left of the comm screen, "over two hundred warships in a system so close to Klein?"

On the Gibraltar...

The Major tilts his head a bit, then looks back at the Sardaukar. "Alright. We'll continue this matter with the embassy. Thank you for your cooperation, Herr Vockers. We will try to straighten out this matter and I offer my deepest apologese for what happened to Dame Job." With that the Officer turns about taking his compliment of guards with him.

Reaching up to his earpeice, he innitiates a communication with the surface. "The package has been delivered, not to the nest but to the Lion's Den... Yes. Out."

New Ortaga

07-06-2005, 00:02

Personal Quarters of Rear Admiral Ginias Saharin, HSS Nemesis, Morning Star system, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
05.11.1300 AF
0859 Solar Forces Standard

Saharin smile gradually turns into more of a casual smirk, "Considering the previous stance of both the Star Empire and the Imperium regarding the allowance their own militaries to make their homes in Morning Star, Admiral, I do not think either the Valinor or the Verniians would be able to find stable ground to lodge a complaint with my superiors or even the Liga der Raumreich."

"Besides, these days the Star Empire seems content to reside in its home systems so long as it is not threatened. And it is not as if I am bearing a declaration of war from the Hegemony, or even threatening to seize the system. My command and that of Admiral Auerbach's are simply non-aggresive warships of an Inner March power using the convenient location of Morning Star for temporary rest and reprieve, much like the ships of both the Kriegsmarine and the Imperial Verniian Navy do quite frequently according to our own reports."

Saharin moves as if to cut the link and then suddenly pauses, "There is one small matter I would be appreciative if you could attend to, Admiral. I will be dispatching Citizen-Ambassador Ward momentarily, and it would be highly convenient if the Verniian consul on your world was alerted to his impending arrival."

Lunatic Retard Robots

07-06-2005, 00:42

The Grampus and Hornet move in towards the Liberation ships, taking over from the better-protected, yet much less heavily armed, freighters. The freighters themselves move off to stand as hospital ships, using on-board workshops to expand the medical bay into the now emptied cargo hold.

A specialized hospital vessel will likely arrive in a few days, although its presence is likely not necessary.

The two destroyers take up formation, more or less, adding their considerable anti-missile and anti-fighter capabilities to the LNH flotilla, for as much as their small number counts.

Robotic diplomats are also dispatched to Morning Star aboard one of the unfinished Tiger class light cruisers, converted to serve as a long-range passenger transport, and they hope to secure the Robotic Cooperative's trade interests in the region at the very least. The Cumberland and its small task force also leave dockship Revolution Rock (RV4), bound for Morning Star, with the expressly stated intention of guarding neutral shipping. The relatively well-armed Cumberland is joined by, not counting Fiji, eight destroyers, six corvettes, two monitors, three squadrons of Osprey interceptors, and one squadron of Walrus patrol craft.

Liberated New Hope

07-06-2005, 23:40

In Setties’ Office…

Setties furrows his brow a bit, looking slightly sideways, then back at Saharin agreeably. “Oh, of course, Rear Admiral. He’ll be alerted immediately. As will the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister Darius, who should be visible on the left side of your screen if the connection was made properly.”

“Greetings, Rear Admiral,” Darius says while bowing his head a bit.

“If you find it agreeable, the meeting will be held here in the Guardian’s Palace in the Grand Conference room, and his shuttle will be most welcomed at the Samson Memorial Spaceport just outside Hamunaptra, where the meeting will be held. Cindy, my secretary, will forward you the specifics. Now, if you don’t mind, I must contact the Council, as well as Ambassador and several others who will be included in the conference. Good day, Rear Admiral. Setties out.”

With that, Setties promptly reached over and disconnected the signal, leaving Saharin’s screen either blank or filled with whatever screen-saver he had chosen to place upon it; partly to spite Saharin for reaching for the disconnect button first but mostly so he could begin contacting his cabinet and the Council as quickly as possible.

[i](OOC: If Saharin disagreed with Setties’ proposed locations or time for the conference while or right after Setties was mentioning them, let’s just assume Setties promptly agreed. Sorry, I’m just a bit short on computer time today.

Also, this is going to be a lengthy post because I’m going to assume I will have been given at least a few hours to prepare for the conference... and even if I haven’t it should be long anyway)
______________________________________

On the Gibraltar…

Darius quickly steps away from the comm. area, pacing out the door and down to the conference room.

“… where’s Dame Job… and what are you two doing here?” he asks the Sardaukar in front of the room.

“She was just extracted, Darius.” Cedric says from inside the room, sitting with Talia. “Setties’ men tried to take her but the Sardaukar got her out and back to the embassy. The strike team leader pistol-whipped her right across the face.”

Darius’ eyes widened in fear. “oh damnit, oh damnit. We’ve got to get back to the surface immediately; we’re having a conference with Setties, the Ortagans, the Verniians…” Darius then looks at the guards and thinks of Antigone. “Damnit… alright. Lets get to the shuttle and get planetside.”

Darius, Talia, Cedric, and a compliment of guards goes to the shuttle bay and enters a… well… shuttle. They go down to True Hope where they are met by officers of the LSB, who escorts the trio to the Palace where Darius and Cedric meet Setties in his office while Talia goes to the couple’s rather large in-house apartment.

In an audio transmission to Saharin…

Greetings, Rear Admiral

Hi, this is Cindy Holtz, Admiral Setties’ personal secretary, yea… the Memorial Spaceport is unusually busy today, but there is still an opening at one of the high-security landing pads in sector G at… um… where was that… oh… oh… 11:15 system standard. There the Citizen-Ambassador will be greeted by Minister Darius, his entourage, and a compliment of Liberation Guards and taken by transport to the palace for the meeting in the Grand Conference Hall, don’t worry; he’ll be escorted, at 12:00.

That’s about it, and have a very nice day, Rear Admiral. Goodbye.

In Setties’ Office…

Darius sits down at the Admiral’s desk in a hurry, only then noticing the large number of other naval officers standing about the room bickering; Setties’ Cabinet. On the main comm. screen are eight different terrified yet painted calm faces, all representatives of different trusts, corporations, and other powerful commercial entities in the Morning Star All trying to speak to Setties.

Only a few faces are noticeable or memorable. Samantha, Darius’ cousin and special delegate to TiberCorp is on the comm. screen, Col. Felix T. Doltzworth; a rising power in the LIA, and a few others.

“Sir,” Darius begins quietly when finding a space in Setties’ conversation.

Setties turns his head about slightly, noticing Darius, and then turns around fully. “Good; you’re here.”

“Yes… I’m guessing you’ve heard of what happened onboard the Gibraltar not too long ago concerning Dame Job.”

“Nothing to worry about, Minister. The officer involved will be… taken care of; but that’s not what we need to worry about, now is it? I’ve got two-hundred and fifty warships in my system that aren’t mine, Darius.” Setties continues speaking while walking away from the comm. screen. “Now, I’ve talked him down a bit but…”

“Now we have to deal with this Citizen Ambassador.” Darius interrupts.

“Yes, and you’re going to meet him at the spaceport and see to it he’s escorted to the Grand Conference Hall. You’ve heard the demands, yes?”

“Yes, Admiral.”

“Alright. Now we want to keep the Verniians, and hell, I like the damned ghosts a whole hell of a lot more than these Ortagans,” The Admiral laughs a bit as he finishes his statement. “but I don’t want anymore foreign military presence here than there already is. What do we do?”

“We argue that the small Verniian presence is negligible and his claims are ludicrous… bit then again we know Saharin doesn’t think of this as a legitimate complaint. He just wants to castrate us and then put in an Ortagan naval base in-system. I’d say our best bet is to simply invite anyone in the whole damned Raumreich to build a base here. That way the Orts would think twice before trying anything, because there’d be enough allied firepower to take them out.”

“You seriously think the best way to solve this is by inviting more people foreign warships into our system?” the Admiral inquires.

“Yes, but primarily people willing to shoot the bastards if they try anything,” the minister retorts. “It’s either that or kick the Verniians out because we can’t hold our own against some lunatic with a very big gun.”

The Admiral thinks for a moment, looking down at the floor, then back at Darius. “Alright… I’ll take it up with the Cabinet and the Council.”

“Attention!” the Admiral calls, bringing an instant calm to the room. “It appears we might have a solution. Minister Darius here says that the best solution would be to simply invite the Ortagans to set up a base here, in-system, along with as many other friendly nations as possible; making the Ortagan presence insignificant and easily toppled by any allies that might be in the system.”

The room uproars in commentary.

“That’s preposterous!” is heard called from one officer. “Invite more foreigners here? Allow us to be over-run by many nations, just not one. That makes perfect sense!”

“I say we initiate the contingency plan now! Use CSEDDNoT to it’s full potential! Fight back the bastards now!” is heard from another.

Felix stands from his chair near the Admiral’s desk and directs toward Darius, “quite frankly it’s a security disaster waiting to happen…” but before he can continue he’s interrupted by Setties.

“But do you have a diplomatic alternative to booting the Verniians and our direct lifeline to protection from outsiders?”

The room became silent again.

“Alright then. Darius, contact the Verniian Ambassador and inform him of what is to be done. Your part is done here, I’ll expect you to contact me with details on your discussion with [insert the Verniian Ambassador’s last name here]’s in…” The Admiral looks down at his watch, “fifteen minutes.”

With that the minister left the room for his private quarters to speak with the Verniian Ambassador and the Cabinet continued its discussion on the contingency plan, which would shortly be carried by curriers to the fleet while the Council members on the comm. screen left to prepare for the worst; all accept Samantha who would be the only representative of the Council at the conference.

In Darius’ private quarters…

Darius enters the front room swiftly, Talia is there sitting back on the couch watching the news nervously… nervous because the news hasn’t said one thing about the Ortagans. He moves across the room into the bedroom, only shallowly greeting his wife as he passed, and sat down at his own personal commlink, commanding it to contact the Verniian Ambassador.

Talia pokes her head into the room, looking concerned. “Dar… what’s going on? Are we going to have to evacuate?”

“No, honey; it’ll be just fine. Now, I have to talk with the Verniians so I’ll be alone for a bit, alright?”

“Oh… alright… I’ll be in the front room…”

She felt powerless. Not only was she cut off from the situation and any information about it she was cut off from Darius at the same time.

“We’ll talk about this, right? I’m not just… cut out of this… right?”

Darius got a bit agitated but caught himself, “Yes… Talia; just not now…”

Talia simply looked down and stepped out of the room, sitting back down on the couch.

(OOC: Vernii, you’re Ambassador is up)

New Ortaga

08-06-2005, 15:04

Main Hanger Bay, HSS Nemesis, Morning Star system, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
05.11.1300 AF
0917 Solar Forces Standard

Saharin casually steps out of the lift, calmly nodding to the technicians and pilots that come to a stiff attention as he walks toward a shuttle being brought from the forward storage slips along with Captain Clark. Saharin regiments his steps, allowing the echo to reverberate across the hanger as he approaches a nervous looking man wearing a plain cut three-piece suit.

"Citizen Ward, I trust that you are ready to proceed to Hamunaptra."

"Yes, Rear Admiral, and I have also reviewed your demands and the nature of my position with Setties' and his cabal. And I...," Ward seems to trail off for a moment.

"Yes?" Saharin says, inclining his head a few centimeters.

"Realistically can we expect Setties to concede to these demands? The pretenses Roum has outlined here are very vague, and I do not think the current regime of the Collective Protectorates has shown itself to be willing to accept any outside presences other than that of the Imperium."

"The pretenses are strong enough," Saharin says casaully, playing a data disc over his fingers with a measured disinterest. "They are the same pretenses and justifications both the Verniians and the Valinor have been using for sixty years to justify their presence in Morning Star. And if the Star Empire and the Imperium cannot protest our complaint than we have nothing to fear."

"What of the Protectorate fleet?"

"It is a single system polity, Citizen Ward. We can seize Morning Star any time we please, and even that blind old war horse in the Guardian's Palace isn't so stupid as to miss that fact. And if does not concede, we can turn Morning Star into the worthless backwater it is supposed to be in a more permanent arrangement."

"The Valinor will-"

"As long as we do not move to seize the system the Valinor will do nothing," Saharin says in a moment of cool fire. "The vaunted imperial lion enjoys its precious age of Pax Valinor far too much to risk it all on Morning Star. If the Verniians are stupid enough to risk a war for such a worthless system let them, and then we will reduce them to a state that will make the Valinor occupation of their world look very enlightened."

Ward swallows hard as the shuttle is brought to rest on the docking floor by a grav-beam.

"Yes, Rear Admiral," he moves quickly to board the shuttle with his squad of Solar Marine escorts.

"And, Citizen-Ambassador?"

"Yes, Rear Admiral?"

"Remember if you will, we are here to test the Valinor and the Verniians more than these would be warlords in Setties cabal. Diplomatic niceties and graces do not need to be wasted on the Protectorate."

"Yes, Admiral."

As the shuttle lifts off, Saharin turns to Clark.

"What is the status of the Aaron?"

"They have entered a stable planetary orbit over New Hope, Admiral. The captain managed to generate an engine hazard that required him to stay in-system despite the mass exodus after our arrival. I have forward your message to the Nightwatch channels as you requested."

"They will make contact soon enough, and then we can leave this system when these negotiations are concluded. Carry on, Captain, I will be in the laboratories unless the Citizen-Ambassador fails or Nightwatch makes contact through their network."

"Yes, sir."

Liberated New Hope

09-06-2005, 03:10

(OOC:

Hate to nitpick, but I thought I might straighten a few things out so everyone can know them, not just Vernii and Valinon [two of the three or so people here on NS I talk to outside of the forum].

New Hope was the first planet settled in the system, the planet formerly controlled by the Clergy (reference the Liberation Wars... although I think threads associated with them might be gone or in different forums).

Upon settling New Hope, the Clergy sent slaves to mine precious metals on True Hope. True Hope rebeled and eventually took over the whole system under the name of Liberated New Hope. It's a bit of a reversal. The Capitol planet of Liberated New Hope is True Hope while New Hope has little significance. It is simply a much more temporate planet slightly farther from the Morning Star that holds slightly more than half of the population of the nation. [Note to self, actually do something on that planet for a change.]

I'll put a history thread up sometime explaining this in more detail, but the point is that Hamunaptra (along with any and all of the planet-side events going on) are happening on True Hope, while New Hope is off literally doing it's own thing.

Thanks,
LNH

)

Vernii

09-06-2005, 19:32

Lord Jacob Havel had served as the Imperium's ambassador to Liberated New Hope for almost two years, and never in his life had he experienced anything like this. The embassy staff was mostly cluttered around the holos and 2D visual displays, frustrated at the lack of news. Apparently the LNH government had placed an information clampdown over the current incident.

His secretary peaked through the open doors to his office. "Sir, Minister Darius is on the comline, he wants to speak with you and says it's urgent."

"Then put him through."

The visual display of his com panel winked on, "Ah, Minister Darius. Am I correct in guessing that the reason behind your call is the Ortagan fleet sitting in the system?"

Liberated New Hope

09-06-2005, 21:49

"You have a knack for the obvious, Lord Havel," Darius said in a joking tone which then turns a bit more grim. "It seems that Rear Admiral Saharin, the man in charge of the massive death threat currently hovering over Hamunaptra, has called a conference and wants you, as well as myself, Admiral Setties, and a few others to be there. He wants to kick the Verniian Military presence around the Gibraltar, as well as the Gibraltar, out of the system on the grounds that it somehow compromises the CP's neutrality.

The only thing we can think of is to open the system to New Ortaga and several other parties, particularly Valinon and other states wary of the Ortagans, so we won't have to give into Saharin's demands so humbly and any Ortagan force placed in our system will be easily over-run by the other forces that would already be present as well.

Also, we'd like to ask the Verniian fleet to be ready in the case of an attack as we're all hoping the Verniian government would support us against any acts of Ortagan aggression."

After completing his proposition Darius noticed he was on a bit of a rant and slowed himself. "Of course, if you've got any ideas I'm open to suggestion."

New Ortaga

11-06-2005, 00:37

Encrypted Message from the HSS Nemesis, Morning Star system, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope, to the Office of Lord Jacob Havel under the personal codes of Rear Admiral Ginias Saharin
05.11.1300 AF
0934 Solar Forces Standard

Lord Havel,

On behalf of His Excellency, the Hegemon Channing Ansel, I am here to open negotiations regarding the Verniian Imperium's continued naval deployment in the Morning Star system. His Excellency can no longer in good faith allow a continued military presence from your nation, a known and repeated hostile aggressor in the Raumreich, in the Morning Star system if the Collective Protectorates is going to continue to hold to its claim of absolute neutrality.

Not only does your continued military presence make this claimed neutrality a crude hoax, it also presents a continued outlet for attempts to destablize and erode the continued stability and security of the Hegemony and the Great March. Therefore, His Excellency has recently had Citizen-Ambassador Ward and myself present the following demand to Admiral Setties of the Protectorates: the Verniian Imperium must withdraw from and disarm the Gilbraltar facility or the Solar Navy must be allowed to create a corresponding facility in Morning Star so that the continued stability and security of the Hegemony may be assured.

Based upon these demands, a conference is being held with Admiral Setties, his consular officials, and due and proper ambassadorial representatives from both the Verniian Imperium and the United Star Empire of Valinon. It is my personal suggestion that you encourage your erstwhile ally in the Guardian's Palace to see the reason and merit of these demands.

With regards,
Ginias Saharin
Rear Admiral of His Excellency's Solar Navy

Vernii

11-06-2005, 02:01

"While I cannot decide government policy, I imagine His Majesty would not leave the Imperium's friends here in Morning Star to fend for themselves. The navy withdrawing from Gibraltar would require your nation to either request it, or for the Navy to decide to close the base. This is where bureaucracy kicks in. If it was the latter, the Navy first has to vote to close the base and hand it over to you, then have it approved by the Emperor. In either case, the navy then has to draw up orders for transportation, then the transit time for the transports to arrive, and then there'd be the time between there arrival and departure, which depending on how long it takes to strip the base of sensitive or valuable materials, could be anywhere from days to weeks. While I might not be much of a military man, I do know that operating warships costs money, and right now the Ortagans are operating a couple hundred warships far from home. It might be interesting to see how long Saharin himself is planning on sticking around."

Havel's desk computer beeped, "Just a moment please." A "please hold' screen came up on the visual link as Havel switched over from his comlink to the computer, brought up his messages folder, then quickly read the newest message, then flipped back to his call from Darius.

"Sorry for the interruption, I just received a message from the dear Rear Admiral. It's pretty much a repeat of the demands you told me off. I guess I'll attend the conference, as I said, I'm only of limited authority and can't promise anything, only pass on recommendations to my superiors."

Lunatic Retard Robots

11-06-2005, 03:00

After a long delay, a Robotic battle squadron arrives just outside Morning Star. Admiral Lem Ystad sits aboard the bridge of RSV Kent, a County-class Heavy Cruiser, at the head of a modest formation of light cruisers and destroyers.

"Sub-Lieutenant there, contact LNH fleet command. Tell them that the Kent and squadron have arrived to reinforce them and are awaiting further instruction."
"Aye, sah."
"How do our systems check, engineering?"
"Everything is running quite smoothly."
"Very good."
"Number six squadron, prepare for launch."

The Kent launches a small patrol of seven Osprey ship-borne fighters, which begin to circle the Robotic squadron, on the lookout for any probes or unsavory things. A small auxilliary is released from the Kent's small ships bay as well, bearing a diplomat intended for the LNH government.

There is word (although it is definately being kept on the down-low) that the diplomat in question carries documentation concerning the construction of a 'special' class of protected cruiser, dubbed C-Class. If the very very vague and sketchy reports coming out on the subject are to be taken as fact, it would seem that these vessels (some 30 ships, all told) are bound for somewhere besides the Robotic Cooperative...

Liberated New Hope

11-06-2005, 18:49

In Darius’ quarters…

“Well I’ll take that into consideration, Ambassador, and I’ll be looking forward to seeing you at the negotiations. Good-day, sir.” Darius tipped his head and after Havel said his farewell Darius cut the line and contacted Setties.

“We have the Verniians on the same page, Admiral. Now I’ll be going to the spaceport to pick up Citizen-Ambassador Ward.” Darius reports.

“Good man, Minister. I’ll see you at the conference.”

“Thank you, Admiral. Darius out.”

Onboard the LNS Motorola…

Admiral Kairawan still stands in the bridge of his ship, keeping alert when he learns of the Robotic ships coming into the system.

“Please alert the Robotic ships that, while their support is appreciated, their growing presense may prove to provoke the Ortagans. Advise them to keep their distance.”

“Aye sir.”

“Also, ask why there’s a small Robotic craft bound for Hamunaptra, I’m sure they just haven’t contacted MSC yet with the information, but I’d like to know first hand.”

“Aye sir.”

Lunatic Retard Robots

11-06-2005, 21:06

Admiral Ystad, upon recieving the Motorola's message, has the patrol of Ospreys (OCC: yes, named after the Hawker Osprey) called back, in case they unintentionally provoke the Ortagan vessels.

"Recall the Ospreys, fighter controll."
"Aye, bridge. Right away."

The autonomous Osprey drones are brought back into the Kent's drone fighter bay quickly and seamlessly.

"All ships, cut your thrusters and maintain position."

The Robotic Collective has never been one to make waves, at least as far as foreign policy is concerned, and is quite content with influencing things quietly and diplomatically. After all, when the small and underequipped military comes out in force its usually too small a concentration of ships to do much. The Kent itself is a mere 500 meters or so from bow to stern.

The auxilliary cuts its engines and fires its retro-thrusters, stopping the craft. It is realized that perhaps word never got to the LNH authorities of their very much pro-Liberated New Hope mission and favorable tidings, so the auxilliary's crew prepare the mid-range communications array. The pilot also activates an encryption device, which will make their transmission to the Motorola slightly (yes, slightly; Robotic encryption technologies and other stealth measures are generally not up to scratch) more difficult than usual to intercept and decypher.

"Attention LNS Motorola, this is Robotic Auxilliary Launch 1102-B. We are carrying a diplomatic mission that would very much like to meet with your government, or a representative thereof. Would that be at all possible?"

Liberated New Hope

11-06-2005, 21:41

(OOC: Sorry, LRR. I didn't mean to tell you to leave the system, just to literally keep from getting too close or too noticable to the Ortagans... I really would like as many ships as possible here in the case of Ortagan aggression)

On the Motorola...

"Hm. I wonder if they want to attend the conference." Achmed says largely to himself. "tell them we're forwarding their communications to the LBFA (Liberation Bureau of Foreign Affairs)... also (OOC: and I'm hoping maybe your post about leaving could be altered to preparing to leave) make sure they know we want them here... give them co-ordinates 'round back of the fleet in case we need them as reserves."

"Aye, sir."

Planetside in the Bureau on Liberation Square...

Things walk along the border of panic in the LBFA as people sprint from office to office with reports, summeries, etc.

A young woman answers the LRR communication. "Hello, I'm Sub-Minister Marian Al'Siad. We have recieved your communication and need clarification that Robostan (OOC: This is the IC name of your nation, correct?) would like a representative at the conference."

Valinon

11-06-2005, 22:17

To: The Honorable Minister Darius of the Setting Sun (Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Collective Protectorates), Lord Jacob Havel (His Majesty's Ambassador to the Collective Protectorates), Rear Admiral Ginias Saharin (His Excellency's Special Envoy to the Collective Protectorates), and Admiral Lem Ystad (representing the continuing interests of the Robotic Collective)
From: Dame Antigone Job, Her Imperial Majesty's Ambassador to the Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hop
Re: Representation of the United Star Empire
Encrypt/Priority: Alpha-Rho-Rho, Orig: Hamunaptra, Priority: Emergency Flash, PECode:DAJDS

Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government do not intend to ignore the current presense of the Hegemony's Solar Navy detachment in the Morning Star system. The United Star Empire of Valinon will make its position on the new military presence in Morning Star and inquire as to why it is present at the upcoming tri-parte conference between Liberated New Hope, Vernii, and New Ortaga.

I will be acting as a representative of the continuing interests of Her Imperial Majesty, Her Majesty's Government, and Her Majesty's citizens in the Morning Star system, and have been granted special authority in regards to the unique issues pertaining to this situation. Expect my presense at the Guardian's Palace in short order.

Sincerely,
Dame Antigone Joe
Her Imperial Majesty's Diplomatic Service

The WIck

12-06-2005, 02:26

The Hall of Representatives was one of the largest single rooms onboard the new orbital colony of Side Six, because of its heavy concentration of governmental and naval assets it was already being called Liberty City, the traditional name for the capital of the WIckian Commonwealth. The hall was an amphitheatre where about ¾ of the three hundred seats were occupied by a duly elected representative from one of the 230 or so districts of the Ticonderogan Concordat. This was the democratically elected body that represented the will of the roughly 200 million living and breathing WIckians in the Raumreich.

Like any democratic body the Hall was divided among factions. Three factions competing for the government to enact polices beneficial to their own agendas, though recently the Naval Faction as well as the Independents formed a coalition to oppose the majority of seats held by the Merchants Guilds who they viewed for the most part as corrupt. An exaggeration but it was true that there existed an element in the guilds that still resented the Navy and their challenging of the Guilds original charter for the system.

The Merchants were the first proprietors of the system and it was no secret that it took a duel between the current president Villers and the leader of the largest Merchant guild to form the current government. But even now the Merchant Guilds still held a majority of 55% of the seats, which reflected undoubtedly that the majority of WIckians lived in colonies controlled by the merchants and they found to their dismay if the local merchant lost in an election their district would suffer from life support problems making life very uncomfortable.

“I put it to you again Mr. President why it is exactly that you will have vetoed the Bill One-Forty-five that would have allowed the guilds to produce dreadnaughts and battleships at our own shipyards not to exceed the strength of one battle squadron!” the words Mr. President came out with venom showing the merchants dislike of the current head of state. “With the recent Ortagan incursion into Morning Star it is clear that another war is on the horizon, we will need all the ships we can get in the fight should they reach this system.”

The president was one of the oldest WIckians in the room at 230 years stood and approached the podium, his body was every bit the abomination the Ortagans claimed the WIckians to be, seven feet tall and rippling with muscle Villers genetic codex was used to produce some of the greatest gladiatorial and soldier specimens for the Vagrant Overlords.

“I am quite aware of the situation in Morning Star Representative Ginske. I do not feel that at this particular juncture that the government can afford the construction of an entire BATRON under an independent command.” The president of the Concordat said mater-of-factly.

“Then why have you approved the construction of a new Battle Squadron for the Home Fleet, if as you say the government can not afford it?” Ginske framed the question as more of an accusation.

“You misunderstand me Mr. Ginske,” The president said shaking his head. “I said the government can not afford the construction of an entire BATRON under independent command. If you wish to place this force under contract with the CSN I think and arrangement to accommodate your needs can be reached and construction could begin in two to three years.” Construction could very well begin much quicker if those ships were built at one of the Guilds shipyards but Villers still did not like the idea of a BATRON not under the direct command of the navy or reliable Mercenary forces.

“Unacceptable Mr. President, the guilds will oppose this veto and it will be overturned, you know that to be a fact.” Ginske said icly he took an automatic dislike to the President’s neutral tone, Ginske was one of the leading hardliners of the Guild‘s Faction.

“Yes… that maybe the truth Mr. Ginske but it would be foolish for your faction to pursue such a course. The Guilds do not need to be producing ships of the line, that is what the navy is for. We need you to produce more freighters and habitats, industrial foundries and orbital farms. We all agree it is the mandate of the Guilds to bring in the funds that will allow for the prosperity of our people. I need not remind everyone here that 30% of the population still lives in conditions that would be considered below poverty standards every but perhaps the occupied systems of the Hegemony.” Without a home planet the average WIckian who didn’t sell their soul to the Guilds or the Navy lived in what would amount to be 15 by 15 foot dormitory, privacy was nonexistent. “For the first time everyone is afforded universal health care, educational and medical services, and that for the first time since the burn every child is attending school instead of applying themselves to a trade to insure the survival or our race. We need a controlled growth with every one doing their part to better the nation, we do not need ships of the line piloted by merchants outside the chain of command.”

A new voice rose up from the guilds the deep baritone of Henry Masarru,

“ I never thought you to be a coward Villers!” the President’s head immediately swung to the new voice, such words were the cause of duels.

“I’ve never heard so many fancy words used to cover up the fact that you are yellow. We had more battle squadrons under Admiral Strength while producing even more of those beasties, at a time when our economy was in the shitter. I think you are scared of arousing the wrath of the Hegemon like he did. You think the minute that that inbred devil Ansel thinks us to be a threat, that the moment we stick out heads up like a nail that the hammer of the Solar Navy will come down upon us. I think you stared into the eyes of the devil over Thetis a decade ago and you are too fearful of that force to stop it! I’m sick and tired of controlled growth, lets build up and strike back at the Ortagans, we need to get our home back!”

“Thetis is a dead system it died a century ago! There exist nothing there now but Ortgan strip mines and it would be beyond foolish for another WIckian to die trying to liberate that system!” Villers rage was almost tangible at this point. “I watched them massacre our civilians in lifeboat escaping Liberty City, I watched monitors toy with our freighters before they decided to finish them off. We were lucky to save as many people as we did from that debacle. You are right I do fear that every day the Hegmon’s fleet will come to finish us off, I know you were there, anyone who witnessed that day understands my wish not to have it repeated in this system.”

It took Villers about twenty second to burn through his rage before he spoke again, yet what struck him before he did so was that this was Henry Masarru was speaking as an independent among the guilds but as a bitter veteran of that battle nearly 15 years ago.

“You are correct Henry that I fear that every new day in this system may be our last, that every day’s growth may be for naught as the Solar Navy jumps into the system to finish of what they stated 100 years ago. I am afraid for the future of our people, that is why every action my administration has committed has been for our mutual benefit. Our navy is small by anyone’s standards but it is robust, no it cant beat the Solar Navy alone, but with the Imperium’s help we will do a hell of a lot better then Admiral Strength did fighting alone. Strength was our greatest patriot and brave, he had no equal among us in battle. The man was however, a fool and as despotic as that insane son-of-a-vagrant who rules the Hegemony! Strength had thirty years to prepare for another war and he did so at the cost of our treasured liberties.”

At this an uproar occurred among all parties the navy included who thought Strength to have been a hero. Yet, Villers voice arose above the protests.

“He made us into exactly what we were fighting against, a militaristic police state, he was no better than Channing Ansel himself, in his hate he became like the man he so despised. We have come twice as far in half the time he had and now everyone among us are members of the only truly democratic government in the Raumreich.”

“Henry you are as much a stubborn and prideful fool as Strength was if you have confused my fear for our nation’s very survival as fear of our enemy. For to long has the Hegemon’s specter hovered over our state and our minds, for too long have we used his name to scare our children to sleep.”
His voice now echoed of the walls of the now silent chamber, if there was one thing every WIckian agreed on it was there hate of the Hegemon.

“Anyone who fears the Hegemon and his minions is a fool! The Ortagan Hegemony is a dying state, they consume everything they touch, they bleed it dry and by the time their thirst for conquest is quenched they find there war machine larger and more powerful but with very little infrastructure to support its mass.”

“They need more systems, their next move must be against the Vernii, and they will bleed for every inch more of soil they attempt to steal. To follow them on the same course the same course Strength lead us on is to invite self destruction, the same self destruction that the Ortagan Hegemony has embraced with open arms. Our enemy is dying from the rot that it has allowed to fester within the marrow of its bones. They deserve not our fear but our pity for soon that same rot will cripple even them , and they will be a culled state. Ansel’s specter shall no longer haunt our nightmares but soon it shall haunt his own people’s as a the man who ruined their influence in the Raumreich.” With that the president ended his speech and the hall erupted in applause, the remainder of the session was quite productive, the guilds were granted contracts for the construction of two Dreadnaughts and four Battle cruisers provided that they render every possible aid to the navy in the event of an invasion.

As the session broke down into bureaucratic dribble about jump-ship rates, income taxes, subsidies for industry, Villers felt another migraine coming on. The doctors said that it comes with his age, even with modern anti-aging processes out of Vernii, his body was beginning to deteriorate. It is said that the candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long, and it was a theory proved true with a WIckian. Their bastardized genetically alter bodies had great benefits but the cost paid was dear. He took a long pull from a flask of sour mash whiskey…it dulled the pain for a fleeting moment but nothing would mask the pain in his head inflicted by the Vagrants and his heart bleed for his people and lost loved ones caused by another demon even greater, Channing Ansel.

New Ortaga

12-06-2005, 03:39

Personal Laboratories of Ginias Saharin, HSS Nemesis, Morning Star system, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
05.11.1300 AF
1001 Solar Forces Standard

Captain Channing Clark, named as so many are after the Hegemon, fears each times he must enter the laboratory sections of the Nemesis. Even after serving as Saharin's flag officer for almost three decades, the laboratories aboard this ship inspire a constant state of uneasiness. He shudders as he hears the screams and shrieks coming from the room he must enter, then steels himself and inputs his security code.

The room is a small observation chamber overlooking a sealed containment/testing cell. Along the row of reinforced security glass and energy shields stands Ginias Saharin along with two technicians at a long panel of instrumentation. The screams are emitting from a form strapped into an upright operating table inside the cell. At one time the form might have been that of a Wickian, but it is shifting and changing before Clark's very eyes. Strange, callous like growths and spike like protrusions cover the flesh of the Wickian, and the skin on its head now writhes as if strange snakes are moving under it. It is almost like the Wickian is trying to grow armor.

"Subject W-33 shows an inherent inability to adequately adapt to the changes generated by direct introduction with the Zarak mutagen agent," Saharin says with clinical detachment. "As have previous subjects W-28 and W-29, complete loss of higher intelligence functions and cognitive abilities will occur in under fifteen minutes."

Saharin turns to face one of the technicians, his eyebrows rising by a few centimeters at noticing Clark.

"One moment, Captain. Sub-Lieutenant, I am afraid the time has become to sterilize and terminate the continuation of the Zarak experiment."

"Yes, sir."

"Prepare for room sterilization in thirty seconds," Saharin says cooly and turns back to the controls. The Wickian's screams take on a more feral tone of rage and the form starts to strain with renewed vigor against the restraints.

"Delivery system ready, Rear Admiral. Cetus agent ready for use, preparing to insert now."

There is a sudden high-pitched whine and suddenly eight minute darts leap from a small, ceiling-mounted arm. They form a perfect circle on the chest of the still writhing and chaning Wickian.

"Cetus agent delivered."

The screams become more intense, turning into monstrous howls. The writhing flesh begins to still and solidify, and the screams dissolve into desperate hacking coughs. And finally nothingness. The form on the table now resembles a melted and warped form, bearing only a passing resemblance to a Wickian, or even a humanoid.

"All vital signs, mental activity, and transformations have flat-lined, sir. W-33 is confirmed as deceased at 1011."

"Thank you, Sub-Lieutnant," Saharin steps away with a heavy sigh and turns toward Clark.

"The Vagrants the Wickians claimed created them were true fools, Captain. They left me creations they deemed perfect, but they allowed for no room for improvement. A horrible, disgusting waste of simulated evolutionary form if you ask my opinion--unfortunately the Vagrants did not. I do hope the subjects I will be receiving from Vaku space will be of more use to the Zarak efforts."

Clark swallows hard, "Yes, sir."

"I take it you have something for me?"

"Yes, Rear Admiral."

Saharin accepts the data-pad, "Ah, so the Valinor will attend. I expected as much. Citizen Ward will have some true minds to compete against then. Anything else of note?"

"There have been a number of arrivals from ships identified as the Robotic Collective, unknown warship configurations. I have yet to perceive if they are a threat or not, sir. They claim neutrality, even as they move to support Protectorate forces."

Saharin waves a hand, "That will be the nation of the LRR, Captain. Do not worry, they pose no serious threat to us, or to anyone in the Raumreich for that matter. They are a second-rate nation playing at being an empire, a nation from the Cluster or even the Ticonderogans could dispatch them with ease. Is that all then?"

"Yes, Rear Admiral. I will allow you to return to your...work."

"Actually, Captain, there is one thing I do need you to do. Prepare a secure channel back to Apocalypse Keep on my personal code channels. I need to speak with Director Glas as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir."

Vernii

12-06-2005, 05:41

Admiral Eldeman,

You are ordered to transfer to the Erewohn system, once there you are to take command of Imperial forces stationed there. You will be allowed time to make any needed arrangements, the dreadnought Dauntless will provide transportation when it transits from Gregor to Erewohn in a week.

In the name of His Majesty,

The Naval Transfer Committee
Fleet Admiral H. Leveson, Chairman
Admiral M. Windsor
Admiral T. Reed
Vice Admiral C. Shreve
Vice Admiral D. Owen

Admiral Eldeman's fist crumpled the letter he'd just opened and read. Erewohn! How could they do this to him? Sure, being the ranking admiral in an imperial system was quite a prestigious position, and certainly a career helper. But Erewohn? He must have pissed someone in the government off, someone with enough influence to get satisfaction for whatever slight he may have committed. That was the only explanation he could think of.

Each system of the Imperium maintained it's own system defense forces to bolster whatever detachment of the navy was assigned there. These were considered seperate branches of the military outside navy command, but with the provision that they would be subordinate to the ranking imperial flag officer in the system in times of crisis. Typically these fleets consisted of nothing heavier then battleships or maybe a pocket dreadnought or two, in Stocurm's case, nothing heavier then battlecruisers. But Erewohn was an exception. Rather then the systems which had found themselves as provincials to one power or another decades ago, Erewohn was a recent acquisition, one which came with its own navy. Erewohn had over a hundred dreadnoughts, and enough escorts to provide adequate coverage for each. In comparison, Imperial forces consisted of a mere two battlesquadrons and their escorts, plus the junction defenses. The haughty attitudes of Erewohnese officers toward their Verniian comrades was well known, and they resented being inferior in rank to a foreigner only because of a treaty clause. These would be the people he'd have to deal with on a regular basis, and with no ability to actually force them to change their attitudes or to operate their forces to his standards.

It was going to be a nightmare. He got up from his chair and stalked over to the minibar in his quarters, and poured himself a nice strong drink.

Lunatic Retard Robots

12-06-2005, 17:15

OCC: To LNH;
Yeah, Robotstan will do. Robotstan, the Robotic Cooperative, LRR...it all works. The nation is in such a state that it doesn't really even have a name anymore.

IC:

Aboard Auxilliary 1102-B

"Yes, the Robotic Cooperative would like to send a representative to the conference. Our most sincere apologies for the short notice."

The auxilliary's pilot, a robot and therefore without a determinable rank, responds and calls the chief diplomat, Fedor Ligonwe, into the cockpit.

"Requesting traffic coordinates, over."

On RSV Kent

The Valinor message is picked up by the Robotic squadron, lifting spirits significantly.

"Ok, Motorola. We can bring in a few more destroyers and corvettes if you think you might need them."

Liberated New Hope

12-06-2005, 19:21

(OOC: It's cheap, but so we can get the story moving I'm going to give a bare-bones post. Sorry... I'm just a bit out of it. I might improve it later but for now, here it is.)

Marian Al'Said grants the Robotic representative permission to attend the conference after contacting Darius and gives him instructions on how to get to the spaceport, alerting Darius that he will have two representatives to escort to the conference.

A little while later....

Darius is now waiting at the spaceport for the Ortagan and Robotic representative.

At the same time Setties waits for the Verniian and Valinor representatives at the Gaurdian's Palace.

Lunatic Retard Robots

13-06-2005, 00:43

With a characteristic lack of grace, Auxilliary 1102-B lands at the spaceport, and disgorges Ligonwe and the other diplomats. The retainers carry suitcases full of papers, mostly information on this and that, while Fedor carries the most important documents on a small pocket database.

"Its a pleasure to meet you, Minister. On behalf of the Robotic Cooperative, I promise your nation our support, as much as our rather reduced means can grant."

The auxilliary pulls away and heads back to the Kent, in case it is needed for another one of its numerous assigned tasks. Lem meets with the other cruiser captains, and also communicates with neutral freight traffic in the system. After all, the squadron's official purpose is to protect the rights of Robotic and other statedly neutral merchants and civillian vessels. However, some hospital-configured freighters are put on standby, should there be a need for their services. For the time being, Robotic merchants at least avoid the system. Lacking much in the way of offensive weaponry, a Robotic junk or freighter crew does not want to find itself in the middle of a large battle, or even a tense standoff, especially when it could be infinitely more useful somewhere else. After all, with the multitude of both profitable, humanitarian, and scientific commitments that Lunkwill & Fook shipping has signed itself to, the massive trading fleet is rarely idle.

Vernii

13-06-2005, 05:34

A chauffer quickly opened the door of an aircar from the embassy, and Lord Havel stepped out. He was wearing typical Verniian attire, a grey three piece suit, matching pants, and carried a briefcase his aides had stuffed with any information that might be needed.

He walked over to Admiral Setties, gave him a brief, formal bow, "It appears that I have beaten the Valinor representative here. I do hope that she won't let her headache get in the way of such an important meeting." It was obviously a thinly veiled reference to her being pistol whipped. Havel apparently had a somewhat different sense of humor. A career in the foreign diplomatic ministry had a habit of instilling that in a person.

Lord Havel (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/Jadeite/peter-cushing.jpg)

***

The House of Lords was unusually packed. Typically only 70% of its members showed up for debates or even votes, but the furor that had surrounded the proposed increased naval budget had ensured that party whips would make certain every member that could possibly attend did so, and vote along party lines of course. The debate over it had led to a lot of ill feelings between members, accusations of cowardice or war-mongering had run rampant, and there'd even been one scuffle in a side hall between a Crown Loyalist and a member of the Conservative League.

So here the sides sat glowering at one another, the Crown Loyalists had a majority, but not enough of one to pass the budget, and the Liberal Association and Conservative League had banded together in an unholy alliance to prevent what they saw as an ill advised attempt to provoke the Hegemony into a conflict.

The doors opened, the Sergeant at Arms entered the chamber. His next words took the Lords by surprise. "All rise for His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Alexis!" Typically Prime Minister Stanton would have entered the chamber next, but today it was His Majesty, walking through the doorway at a fast pace as the Lords quickly and confusedly rose to their feet. He ignored the next bits of parliamentary procedure, instead marching straight to the speaker's podium as a the room fell to a quiet from its confused mumblings. Quietly unnoticed, the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer filed into the room.

"Citizens and Lords of the Imperium. The primary issue facing you today is whether or not to approve the proposed expanded naval budget before the national budget is even written. There is a matter you should all be aware of, one that may have grave consequences for the Imperium. Yesterday, units of the Solar Navy entered the Morning Star system without permission from the government of Liberated New Hope. According to reports from Gibraltar Station, it is a force commanded by Rear Admiral Saharin. They have demanded our withdrawl from Morning Star, or to be allowed to construct an equivalent facility in the system. Lord Havel, our ambassador to the system, is currently conducting multinational talks with the Ortagans, and the outcome is still unresolved. I'd like each of you to reflect on this, that the Hegemony expects us to either spinelessly capitulate to their demands and withdraw, or to allow a potentially hostile facility within quick striking range of the very heart of the Imperium, this system. Either way, this shows that the Hegemony has no fear of our nation, no respect for our way of life, our government, or our people. To them, we are simply people that have yet to feel the lash of an overseer, worlds yet to be stripmined, and economies yet to be plundered. They are a dying nation, one where the military controls the state, and it is rotting. It only remains to be seen whether it takes us with it in its death throes. I for one will do whatever I can to stop that from happening, and the budget proposal loaded to each of your personal computers contains my idea for this nation's salvation. Good day."

With that, Emperor Alexis Calimar, ruler of the Imperium, stepped down from the podium and walked out of the chamber, with applause from the Crown Loyalists and even a few Opposition members following him the entire way.

***

A white gloved hand reached over and pressed a small black button on the recording equipment.

"This meeting of the Naval Expansion Committee is now called to order. To the visitors in the observer gallery, please refrain from noise or the Sergeant will have to ask you to leave." The Chairman, Admiral Acton, looked over pointedly at the small gallery full of other admirals, the lowest ranking of which was a rear admiral, no one below that had proper security clearance.

"As my colleagues are no doubt aware, the House of Lords has deemed fit to approve of the treasury expanding the construction budget by an additional two trillion solaris, and another trillion for refits of existing ships. It's now up to us to decide what to do with it. BuShips recommends putting an additional ten Puppetmaster-class warships into service. Your thoughts?"

Vice Admiral Cravens cleared his throat. "A new warship type that has yet to be proven in combat is an unnecessary risk, the money could be better spent on ten new dreadnoughts, or perhaps a few superdreadnoughts."

Rear Admiral Ashford was next, "With all due respect to my comrade's opinion, the Puppetmaster idea has been proven in combat, just not by us. I'd like to point out the sucess of the Star Empire's DOS and Precentor programs, which I don't think I'll need to point out their effectiveness in combat. Our program simply takes that and upgrades it in size. As such, I'm going to endorse the Bureau's recommendation, and propose it for a vote."

Acton took a sip from his water glass, "Any seconds?"

"Seconded," from Vice Admiral Yager.

"The proposal is seconded and put up for vote."

"Admiral Wickham?"

"Aye."

"Vice Admiral Cravens?"

"Nay."

"Vice Admiral Stapleton?"

"Nay."

"Vice Admiral Yager?"

"Aye."

"Rear Admiral Stockton?"

"Nay."

"Rear Admiral Ashford?"

"Aye."

"The vote is now three to three. As Committee Chairman, I shall now cast my vote. Aye. Unless I've counted wrong, the proposal for production of an additional ten Puppetmaster class warships has passed. Next order of business concerns the expanded refit budget..."

Liberated New Hope

13-06-2005, 06:35

Darius was supremely relieved to see the robotic diplomats were much less the technological horrors he feared they might be. He had always been fearful of robots since childhood, and if you ask him he won’t tell you why. Most likely something to do with enemy death-squads… that or a scary movie; either one.

“Thank you good sir, we appreciate your support… although in this confusion I haven’t had a chance to learn your name. I apologize, but everyone has been a bit panicked for the last few hours. Also, I apologize because we’ll have to wait for a bit until the Citizen-Ambassador from Saharin comes.”

In front of the Gaurdian’s Palace…

Setties let out a noticeable smile after hearing Havel’s coment. “I’m sure she’ll whip herself into shape in no-time, Ambassador… actually if you don’t mind we’ll step out of this heat. It’s too much for an old native like myself so I’m sure you’re not liking it too well, either.”

The Admiral walks along side Havel up the steps and into the Palace, leaving a compliment of his own personal guard to escort Antigone into the palace when she arrives, where the climate control has lowered the temperature to a less sweltering temperature.

Lunatic Retard Robots

14-06-2005, 01:31

"My name is Fedor Ligonwe, Minister...Darius, I believe? Again, a pleasure to make your aquaintance. And may I introduce you to my subordinates; John Stroud, Prudence Marley, and Killeg Parimbo."

The retainers politely bow to Darius and continue to review the documents in their possession...

New Ortaga

14-06-2005, 02:07

Hamunaptra Star Port, Hamunaptra, True Hope, Morning Star System, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
05.11.1300 AF
1008 Solar Forces Standard

The sleek form of the shuttle carrying Citizen-Ambassador Ward and his escorts streaks through the layers of True Hope's atmosphere with an experienced ease. There is a burst of energy from the shuttle's main engine and manuvering gravimetrics as it enters an approach pattern to the star port. Ward's vessel descends at an angle toward the awaiting docking slip. The shuttle looks like a smaller, more stream-lined version of the Ansel class monitors. Its formidable pair of pulsed fire battle-lasers jut from the ends of its wingspan.

A thin layer of dust sweeps out around the shuttle as it completes its descent and a ramp descends smoothly. Twelve Solar Marines, dressed in the harsh utilitarian medium field armor, form twin lines along both sides of the ramp and bring themselves to stiff attention. A man dressed in a three-piece suit bearing a pair of Hegemonic red crosses on his lapel walks at a steady pace through the small assembly.

Ward approaches Darius and the Robotic envoy. The Citizen-Ambassador barely gives the envoy a sidewards glance, the Hegemony's public xenophobia is far from limited to the massed denzies of the citizens.

"Minister Darius, I am Citizen-Ambassador Ward, here to open dialogue on behalf of His Excellency," Ward says calmly, leaving little room for further discussion.

Shuttle (http://www.b5tech.com/isa/bluestar/bluestar.jpg)

Solar Marine (http://www.steelfalcon.com/TIW/Images/cvr4.gif)

Valinon

14-06-2005, 04:17

An aero-car bearing the lion crest of the United Star Empire slows before the Guardian's Palace escorted by six grav-cycles bearing Sardaukar. A leutnant moves to quickly open the door of the aero-car, and soon enough a slim, poised figure steps out and cooly moves toward Setties and Havel.

Antigone Job moves with her usual cool and collected grace, and her face is only marred by a thin line of faded blue-black just below the temple. There are more than a few advantages to being a citizen of the Star Empire, and juding by her determined gaze Job intends to use quite a few of them in short order.

"Admiral Setties. Lord Havel. I trust that the Ortagan and Robotic envoy's are on their way?"

Vernii

16-06-2005, 04:50

"Alexis."
"William."

Today's meeting spot wasn't the usual nu-space virtual chamber. It was one of Alexis' private offices in the Imperial Palace, a large but cozy room that was decorated rather spartanly compared to the one from where he usually made public announcements and received important visitors.

The Emperor strode over to a cabinet and opened it, pulling out a bottle of brandy and two glasses. He filled each and handed one to his Prime Minister. "I see that the Opposition finally got itself to face reality."

"Indeed. We've got the budget expansion the Navy wanted, and they've already decided what to do with it. That's efficiency for you."

"As much as my father might be vilified by the Valinor and other nations, he certainly put together an efficient government under his rule. Unfortunately, it would have been impossible to recreate it, although you do have to admit that adopting a parliamentary system does have advantages."

"It created my office after all." Stanton smiled, then pulled out a holoprojector from his pocket. He sat it down on the Emperor's desk and activated it. A map of the Raumreich appeared, he zoomed in until it was just the central systems. Another button, and Verniian systems glowed green, Ortagan systems red, and neutral systems blue. "I think that in the event of a war, Settie's government will most likely join our side, provided he isn't knocked out of the war early by Saharin. This forms a nice chain of systems between us and the Hegemony. The weak point is Erewohn." Two yellow lines appeared, the route of the wormholes that connected the Raumreich. "They could easily put a fleet through the junction into Erewohn from Yetti's Star, knock out the Grand Fleet, move through additional reinforcements, and then launch a multi-pronged offensive against Gregor, via their standard FTL and putting a fleet through in a junction assault. It's a simple plan, but one that I think they're going to try. It takes out our second largest shipyard and a good chunk of our forces, then assaults us directly. Even if the attack on Gregor fails, they'd know they hurt us badly and could press their terms on us."

"Agreed. Your suggestion?"

"The Ministry of War wants to reinforce Erewohn with a couple more battle squadrons, which will help of course. They also want to seed the Yetti's Star terminus with new minefields, and put a couple recon drones through the wormhole to have a look around. Both them and the Foreign Ministry believe we need more allies, and they're looking at the Vakutu as a prime candidate. They have a good fleet, if a bit small, and they hate the Ortagans more then us, and they know the Ortagan policy on other species. Brydges has also requested that our ambassador to the Star Empire be allowed to petition an audience with Empress Friedelinde or another senior Valinor official to discuss their government's feelings on this whole affair."

"Sounds like a plan, go ahead with it."

***

A small diplomatic cruiser, unarmed but fast, joined the queue to transit to Alpha-Centauri. The standard protocals were followed, identification and registry sent, and it finally popped through the junction into the heart of the Valinor empire. Once there, it immediately filed for junction transit to Vakutu. As the bridge crew took care of that, a single encrypted nu-space message was transmitted to the Verniian embassy in New Koln.

***
Verniian Embassy, New Koln, Proxima Centauri

"Sir, you have a priority message from Minister Brydge's office."

"Send it to my office."

Lord Ryan Masters, Ambassador to the Star Empire, grimaced as he read his orders from the head of the ministry. He opened up the message program on his computer, wrote out a new message, and sent it.

To: His Excellency, Lord Erwin Ribbentrop, Her Imperial Majesty's Kammerherr and Trusted Advisor to the Throne of the Twin Suns
From: Lord Masters, His Majesty's Ambassador to the Star Empire of Valinon.

Your Excellency,

I would like to petition Her Majesty for an audience to discuss the state of affairs in the Raumreich as a whole, and specifically the Great March, as they may shortly become of common interest to our respective governments. I'd also like to request that this remain confidential.

Lord R. Masters,
Ambassador

Valinon

16-06-2005, 20:09

To: Lord Ryan Masters, His Majesty's Ambassador to the United Star Empire of Valinon
From: Lord Erwin Ribbentrop, Kammerherr to the Crown and the Throne of the Twin Suns (grey%lion@imcimp.gov)
Re: Request for an Imperial Audience

Lord Masters,

I have presented your petition for an audience with Her Imperial Majesty and have noted your request for utmost discretion in this regard. It is my pleasure to inform you that Her Imperial Majesty has acknowledge your request and will allow you a private audience so that you may present the concerns of Emperor Calimar.

The audience will be held at 0655, Imperial Alderman Standard, this evening in Her Imperial Majesty's personal apartments at the Palace. I would highly suggest you arrive at the Palace by 0620 that way you can be conveyed to my own officer by the Protectors and I can see your arrival and your time in the Palace is made as discreet as possible. The guardsmen have been alerted to expect your arrival and have instructions to be carried out accordingly.

Respects,
Erwin Ribbentrop

Vakutu

16-06-2005, 21:04

The Verniian diplomatic craft is quickly shuffled through the traffic patterns of Alpha Centauri, spending only a few hours in a holding pattern until it is allowed to transition over the event horizon into Vakutu. Once over the event horizon and retranslated into the home star of the insular and reclusive Vaku, the ship is rapidly hailed by the Valinor operated traffic control around the wormhole junction.

But there the semblance to Alpha Centauri, and indeed in the rest of the Raumreich ends. The calm, formal tones of the Valinor controller quickly says that the crew of the ship will soon be hailed by Vakutu Imperial System Control. The Vakutu end of the Alpha Centauri-Vakutu terminus is jointly operated and defended by the United Star Empire and the Greater Empire, with the Valinor providing traffic control around the terminus and maintaining a naval base. However, the Vaku still exert territorial rights and some security priorities over the terminus. The Vaku have served themselves well by allying with what they call "The Great Lion".

However, Vakutu is decidedly an alien star system. Unlike the other capital star systems of the Inner March powers, Vakutu is almost devoid of commercial traffic outside the presence of two nations: Valinon and Vakutu itself. Only a scattering of Verniian and Wickian merchants can be find, and most of them are near the terminus-not Vakutu Prime itself. The constructs of shipyards, and indeed the numerous ships, are radically different from normal Terran sense of asthetics. They are contructed out of harsh angles, with little regard given to symetry. The ships and constructs obviously prefer function over form, and indeed the Vaku have to with the some what resource poor nature of the region of the Raumreich they inhabit. Finally, as if to emphasize all the other alien aspects of the Vaku home system, is the common unencrypted comm traffic. Although there are some scattered concentrations of Valinor-influenced Imperial English, the majority of comm traffic is in the harsh language of the Vaku. A language whose sounds and inflections no human mouth could ever hope to fully develop.

A hail reaches the Verniian ship, its voice laced with the clipped nature, growled "r"s, and hard constants of accented Imperial English.

"Verniian diplomatic craft, this is Vakutu Imperial System Control. Your diplomatic credentials and transit codes have been verified by Sanctuary control and your consulate offices in-system. However, you are required to transmit a formal statement of your purpose and business in this system, as well as submit to a mandatory security scan before an orbital insertion pattern will be transmitted to your navigational systems. Compliance is mandatory."

There is another factor about the Vaku that sets them apart from the rest of the Inner Marches: they trust almost no one. Catapulted into their own interstellar age by Valinor intervention fifty years before the War of the Lion, the Vaku are the only fully alien power in the Inner Marches. With the xenophobic Ortagan Hegemony on one side (having shattered the traditional shield of the Wickian Commonwealth) and the still relatively unknown Verniian Imperium on the other the Vaku have more than enough justification for their distrust. The Valinor alone seem to have gained the Vaku's trust, and even that relationship seems to have its form of limitation.

And so, twenty-four Dralthi IV-class fighters setup on a converging vector with the Verniian diplomatic ship. And they will remain until the Verniian ship satisfies the queries of VISC. Not quite distant enough to conceal its purpose, a Sh'ar-class destroyer drifts lazily on a course blocking the most direct path of the Verniian ship to approach Vakutu Prime.

Sh'ar-class (http://www.wcnews.com/ships/images/wc3heavydestroyer.jpg)
Dralthi IV-class medium fighter (http://www.wcnews.com/ships/images/wc4dralthi.jpg)

The WIck

17-06-2005, 00:21

Hall of Representatives
Side-6
Liberty City
Capital of the Ticonderogan Concordat

“Admiral Brentworth even now our national security is a very tenuous thing, I need not remind anyone in this chamber that it is unlikely that we could hold this system if our enemies attempted to seize it.” Representative Ginske the leader of the House’s majority party was suddenly interrupted by the man he was addressing only a moment before.

“Then why bring the matter up in the first place! Mr. Representative.” the words tasted sour in the officers mouth, and betrayed the regular navy’s rivalry with the merchants guilds.

“I bring it up,” he repeated “I bring it up because under your orders over a quarter of the Regular Navy sortied for Gregor no less then a week ago. I would like to know the Navy’s justification for exposing this system by detaching the units of this, ‘1st Concordat Expeditionary Force’.”

“As you said yourself Mr. Representative, no matter how many of the current navy’s units defend this system we can not hold it indefinitely, so why saddle our units in this system when they can be better employed to protect our allies.” Refering to the current alliance with the Verniian Imperium.

“Damn the Verniians to Hell I say!” a voice yelled from the upper levels of the hall, Representative Colin stood, an ex-naval veteran of the War of the Lion and the Third Battle of Thetis he was a scarred bitter man, who now maintained a mercenary company in addition to his responsibilities as a representative of the Concordat.

“Tell me David,” he said referring to Admiral Brent worth “why should we stick our neck out for them, the Vernii need our support now? Let them burn I say! Where were they when the Solar Navy came to exterminate our race!? WHERE WERE THEY when I was watched my family burn in the ruins of Liberty City.”

“Where were our allies when the Ortagans waged their holocaust against our race! I stood and fought with Admiral Villers’ command in Gregor, I watched friends die in their defense, we gave them everything we had when we had very little to give…. Where was the Imperium when the Solar Navy returned to finish us off, where were they when my Margaret was slaughtered by those gutless thugs of the Solar Navy.”

The old man’s voice was now icy with rage and disgust, his one good eye watered at the memory of that day.

“They were too busy securing Boroglia waging a war to expand their own borders, looking after their own greed.” That word came out like acid. “We faced extinction and we very nearly fell to its onslaught, where was our allies fleet, they had plenty of vessels in Gregor that could have supported us, they could have ferried using the wormhole junctions, they didn’t even try!”

His hate was now an elemental force spreading throughout the chamber, numerous shouts of encouragement and agreement rose from the Guilds’ and Independents’ sections. “The Vernii didn’t lift a finger to help us in out eleventh hour, I say we give these betrayers what they deserve, nothing.”

A roar of applause greeted his finale. It finally began to ebb as one man stood and raised his hands, most of merchants still cheered but the president managed to speak over their collective voices with practiced ease. He nodded to Admiral Brentworth, who saluted the president and then sat down, the armed forces swore an allegiance to the constitution not to obey the president, but it just so happened that the current president held the Navies deepest respect.

“Frank you were always one of my most able officers, a soldier’s soldier and for that you have my utmost respect”

His former subordinate seemed to stand taller given that adulation coming to attention, such credit was not often given by Villers.

“But I would challenge you to a circle of equals should you suggest that we abandon any nation in the Raumreich to the whim of the Hegemony. I agree with your words but we would still be nothing more then nomads if the Vernii did not give so much aid in rebuilding our economy. Some of you may state that this is only because there was a profit was to be made, which is most likely true to an extent. For this effort though honor demands that we stand by the Vernii in the coming storm, should we survive it, then later we can re-examine our relationship. For as long as I draw breath, for so long as Channing Ansel draws breath, this nation should stand by the Vernii.”

The president‘s voice now became more gentle,

“This is a democracy and we follow the will of the people should that will be to countermand what I’ve just said the nation will assume that course of action, however it will do so without me as its President. I leave it in your capable hands.” With that the president turned and left the House heading towards his office, even though the chamber had been silent the president felt another migraine coming on.

Vernii

17-06-2005, 02:41

New Koln

Lord Masters arrived five minutes before the suggested arrival time, he figured that there would be security searches before he would be allowed into the presence of Her Majesty, and five minutes would be a nice buffer zone to get anything unexpected out of the way.

His groundcar rolled up to the main entrance, and he stepped out. He walked up to the nearest gate sentry, "I am Lord Masters, Verniian ambassador. I have an appointment to speak with Lord Ribbentrop, who is expecting me."

***
Vakutu

"This is the diplomatic starship Caledonia, carrying messages to embassy in this system, along with transfer staff. We are standing by for your security scan."

Valinon

17-06-2005, 04:00

In short order, Lord Masters finds himself politely--if some what abrupt--escorted to a security room built under the Proximan fieldspar wall surrounding the Palace by a pair of protektors from the Souveräne Schutze, Her Majesty's Sovereign Protectors. His diplomatic credentials, as well as his long-standing reputation as a man of quiet dignity, gain him a more dignified session as he is scanned. However, the actions of past Verniian diplomats, even those of past regimes, are still etched into the long memories of the Valinor.

Shortly after Masters is calmly escorted by one of the numerous servants of the Gehn family who have long had their fate tied to that of the Aldermans and their retainers. A pair of heavy, oak doors stained and bearing the crest of the Kammerherr dominates the end of this hallway in the middle levels of the wing of the Palace commonly devoted to the affairs of governing the Her Imperial Majesty's realm. The Gehn servant push opens the door and steps in.

"Your Excellency, Lord Masters has arrived."

"Good, good. Send him in," comes a smooth voice from inside the vast office.

The Gehn turns and beckons to Masters. The Verniian ambassador finds himself in a massive office, with thin windows sending light spilling between pillars onto the marble floor that is riven with fine threads of black. The rest of the office is hewn from similar marble, with black lighting fixtures (currently dimmed) leading up to a desk mounted slightly above the rest of the floor. Behind the desked is an aged, dignified man and behind him is a portriat of the same face years younger. The figure stands, neglecting the formal coat worthy of the Imperial Court draped over the back of his chair.

"Lord Masters, welcome. You are some what early, not that there is a sin to be found in that."

The Kammerherr steps down from his desk and drifts toward Masters with a distinct stiffness to his step.

"I am confident that this the matter of the arrival and your request has been handled with the utmost discretion. Her Majesty will be ready to see you momentarily, but before we proceed to the apartments is there anything I can do for you?"

Lord Erwin Ribbentrop (http://www.mckellan.com/images/8047.jpg)

Liberated New Hope

17-06-2005, 04:11

The small band of Setties' personal guard followed Antigone up the steps and into the palace where she met Setties and the Verniian Ambassador.

Setties sees the Valinor woman approach and puts on a more civil, less amused countinence while also avoiding tooking at Job's slight, but still noticeable, injury. "No, Ambassador Job, but Minister Darius will arrive here with them shortly."

Spaceport

Darius bows to the Robotic sub-ordinates and greets them individually until the Citizen-Ambassador arrives...

Darius then bows in turn to Ward. Lacking in his usual freindly tone, Darius reacts to the Ortagan with a similar disposition. "Greetings, Citizen-Ambassador. We'll be headed for the palace immediately. If you would come this way..."

Darius gestured toward the black Caddilac Limosine Air-trans DeVille 500 only a few yards off of the landing pad.

"The driver will take us to the palace and I will escort us to the conference room." Darius continued as he began to turn toward the vehicle. At the same time the Dozen or so Liberation Gaurd surrounding the landing pad began to collapse their formation toward their transport which would be following the ambassadors.

Lunatic Retard Robots

19-06-2005, 05:13

Fedor and the subordinate diplomats follow Darius into the luxury car, seating themselves in whatever order seems best given the size of the diplomatic mission and the assumed capacity of an average luxury automobile. The Robotic diplomats also attempt to introduce themselves to Ambassador Ward, despite what bad things they have heard about the Ortagans. After all, while a very old nation in one form or another, the Robotic Cooperative's flirtation with overt international diplomacy is relatively recent and Robotic diplomats have only begun to grasp the necessary formalities and procedures. After all, Robots tend to be very lenient negotiators.

Back in space, Admiral Lem begins to grasp the futility of his mission. His heavy cruiser is barely half the size of an average Raumreich light cruiser, he guesses, Robotic databases being not entirely certain of Valinor, Verniian, Ortagan, WIckian, and LNH designations and classes. And that's not to mention the destroyers and corvettes, which form the backbone of his force. But, the admiral's mission is not to fight the Ortagans. The squadron's purpose, at least officially, is to protect neutral trading interests. While that might change in the near future...in fact it probably will change as a result of a Robotic presence at the conference, the squadron remains on the edge of the system, ready to come to the aid of LNH ships but not implicitly there to do so.

Fifteen years previously, the Robotic Fleet would have been a force to contend with. However, the construction of no small number of spherical battleships and cruisers drained the Flotilla's budget and even dented the vitally important trading fleet. This was only compounded by the first period of isolation following the withdrawl from Earth (and the loss of a huge market), and the flotilla was finally strained to the breaking point by the Aumanii raid on the Robotic Cluster. With the majority of the very expensive spherical ships destroyed, along with their primary maintainance and construction infrastructure, the Robotic Collective could only afford to build relatively small, cheap, raiding warships.

Vakutu

19-06-2005, 22:47

Vakutu

"This is the diplomatic starship Caledonia, carrying messages to embassy in this system, along with transfer staff. We are standing by for your security scan."

The harsh voice once again fills the comm, "Caledonia, your credentials and authentication have been verified by Sanctuary and your own embassy. Your statement of purpose and mission in Vakutu have been noted and confirmed. Stand by for scanning, any attempts at acceleration or attempt to alter course at this time, will be consider and overtly hostile act."

Two of the Dralthis move quickly to opposing ends of the Caledonia and then slowly complete a circle around the vessel. The two squadrons of fighters continue their predatory stance, and then the comm crackles.

"Scanning is now complete, system clearance has been confirmed. Stand by for coordinates for orbital insertion. You will be escorted to your orbital pattern, and then you may contact Karga Central Control for your landing coordinates."

The comm dies and twenty-two of the Dralthis accelerate away, but two linger off the port and starboard sides of the Caledonia.

Vernii

20-06-2005, 08:38

New Koln

"Ah, good evening Lord Ribbentropp. I felt I should arrive early to take care of any unexpected security precautions. I realize that while the Imperium isn't the People's Republic, that there might be some lingering...eh, distrust, especially with audience with such an august presence as Her Majesty. Anyway, I don't believe there's anything I need to take care of right now. Oh, and I'd like to thank you for arranging this appointment, I realize that my request was somewhat unusual."

***

Vakutu

"Confirmed System Control. Caledonia out." The small starship steadily held its course and acceleration, not wanting to provoke the Vaku "escorts" into doing anything rash. Time passed as the ship neared Vakutu itself, and finally the pilots established contact.

"Karga Central Control, this is the Caledonia, we are a diplomatic starship and require landing clearance and instruction."

Lunatic Retard Robots

24-06-2005, 04:28

eh, bunp

Vernii

24-06-2005, 05:03

Think Valinon is gone for a while.

Lunatic Retard Robots

24-06-2005, 16:17

Think Valinon is gone for a while.

Ok. Just bumping it up for the heck of it, there.

Valinon

26-06-2005, 21:37

Ribbentrop nods calmly as he guides Masters toward the imperial apartments. After a few trips through discreetly concealed grav-lifts, and an apparent change of venue away from the functional parts of the Palace, the parade of officials has slimmed down to a few scattered Gehns and the omnipresent Sovereign Protectors.

"Your request, while unusual, is not unheard of, Lord Masters. Although it has been some time since a direct audience was requested by any ambassador to the Star Empire, it is a privilege that can be exercised. And certainly given the nature of the times it is far from inappropriate."

Ribbentrop smiles frostily though, "As for the matter of security regarding Verniian envoys, rest assured precautions were taken. And for your own sake I do hope you do not intend ill-will to Her Majesty."

With that Ribbentrop comes to a sop before a polished and deeply stained wooden door. A Gehn quietly emerges, carefully guiding the door shut, the aged servant almost jumps when he turns to find Ribbentrop and Masters. He quickly bows.

"Your Excellency," and then he is gone.

Ribbentrop rolls his eyes and mutters something about people living on caffine wires.

"Allow me a moment to announce you, Lord Masters," he says and then reopens the door. After a few moments he returns, and holds the door open.

"Her Majesty will see you, Lord Masters."

Through the door is a massive library, massive shelves of books easily two stories high spiraling up toward the ceiling. A massive window allows light to stream in directly on the door, the flaming brilliance of Alpha Centauri's yellow primary keeping most of the room concealed. There is a hint of motion, and a tall figure approaches Masters from one side of the room. Friedelinde Alderman is still a stark figure, possessing a lithe grace that is finally beginning to move toward a starkier, more gaunt demeanor as even pro-long and gene baths start to lose some of their edge. Her hair is more fire-gold than the once typical Alderman blond, but the eyes are still the same deep vivid blue that has hallmarked the Star Empire's rulers for so long.

"Welcome, Lord Masters. If you would like I have had coffee brought up for myself, and you are welcome to join."

The WIck

27-06-2005, 00:58

For he owned and displayed such remarkable ability that even as a private person it was spoken of him that he lacked nothing but a kingdom to be king.
-The Prince, By Niccolo Machiavelli

Derrick Ginske hand grasped the support bar of the train cab as he felt himself pulled backward momentarily as it accelerated quickly down the tube towards the headquarters of the Concordat Space Navy. He looked about the interior of the train’s cab and noticed as one might have expected that it was filled with naval officers and warrants. He looked out of the windows of the cab and saw the system itself. The naval headquarters were located at Side 6 itself in the heart of the Ticonderogan system. He could see in the distance the millions of asteroids that formed a dense ring around both the systems planetoids the very thing that attracted his grandfather to this system, his family was the largest and most powerful of the original proprietors of Ticonderoga.

Also visible to his naked eye were the closer and large orbital habitats, farms, and bases that were clustered in the “Cleared” space around the twin planets of the Ticonderoga system. For a moment he felt a twitch of anger in his core. Life was good as the son of the leading Family of the Merchant Guilds, his families manor was huge by anyone’s standards, Derrick reminded himself that his families comfort came at the price of others labor. That was the thing which divided him from his father their opposing political views, it was possibly also the main reason why he now wore the “Green over Grey” uniform of the Concordat Space Navy. The uniform he wore now also was most likely the reason his father disowned him, and why he would not be inheriting the family legacy. He still remembered well the words he and his father exchanged that night,

“You most certainly will not, do not ever again be so presumptuous in my presence again! You will captain the Oreint and you will gather the experience necessary to be able to replace me as head of the Company, my boy.”

“No father, I will join the Navy and become one of its officers and learn the kind of qualities our people will need for me to lead them, when I replace you as head of the company.” Derrick refuted his father flatly.

“Our people do not need that kind of leadership!” his father said his face flushing with red color.

“We will see what kind of leadership our people need father.” Derrick replied coldly as he left his families’ common room before he was thrown out of it.

Now he was on his way to conduct an interview with his new commanding officer in the very service he gave up his family and fortune to serve in, as he looked at the fleet’s insignia he wore on his right shoulder he knew he had made the right decision.

+ + +

Derrick stood in the second of three ranks of eight officers each, they stood at attention as their Commodore addressed them. His voice was loud and clear,

“Each of you will be captain of a new Wolf class fast monitor. These ships are not LACs and they should not be referred to as such. They are the manifestation of all the lessons learned by the Raider Class destroyers and the benefits our tech transfers with the Valinor can produce. They are faster more maneuverable then anything besides our fighters and they each pack the firepower of a capital ship in their hulls. As such they can nail fighters just as handily as they could tangle with a battlewagon. I expect that the command of your ship will push each of you to your limits just as you will push your ships and crews yourselves.”

Derrick was able for a second to take notice of the ribbons pinned to the Comodore’s chest, the distingused service cross, Silver sunburst with a cluster, the bleeding heart with two bloodstrips indicating wounds suffered in combat. He wore three campaign tabs, two struck him as soon as he saw them because no more then fifty officers in the navy wore them both, the campaign patches of the 1st and 2nd battles of Thetis. Their CO had been around the block so to speak.

“ Make no mistake we are a people at war, The Ortagans have moved into the Morning Star System, our own may be next. I can not promise you that I will bring you all home to your loved ones some of you will die in the coming storm, some of you may wish you have when you see that you alone remain when your friends and loved ones have fallen but no matter the cost you will stand your ground against those who mean our people harm… This is who we are, do your full duty . Dismissed!”

As he about faced Derrick began to think once again that he had made the right decision, then he heard his Commodore’s voice.

“Mr. Ginske, I do not know why you joined this service, nor do I care to understand the reason about your apparent falling out with your father. Know I was by Commodore’s Villers side when he challenged your father, know that I will not tolerate any officer who uses his family name to his own advantage.” Derrick bit his tongue as he heard his CO’s harsh words. “Your academy scores and your performance evaluations have been exemplary which is why I chose you for my command, I do not judge an man by his past deeds or associations but by his actions, I expect big things from you Mr. Ginske do not disappoint me. You may go now.”

“Aye aye Sir” Lt. Ginske stated as he saluted and hurried off. For a moment he did not know if he made the right choice after all.

Vernii

29-06-2005, 02:07

Masters bowed respectfully to the Valinor empress, mindful of the fact that he was representing his own emperor, and that one shouldn't spoil such an unusual occasion by forgetting his place.

"Coffee? Oh, I'm quite fine. Thank you though. I also want to thank you for allowing me this audience tonight."

He coughed to clear his throat, a somewhat nervous gesture, he hadn't exactly figured how he should bring up the war, so he decided to get right to the point.

"The Emperor and most of my nation's government and military are convinced that a war between us and the Hegemony of New Ortaga is only a matter of time. His Majesty also wanted me to offer my assurances that Vernii will not be the aggressor, nor will there be any massive preemptive strikes by us. He would however, like the Star Empire to clarify its position on any hostilities or any actions it might take."

Valinon

02-07-2005, 22:58

As if by some unseen command, the vast window grows darker of its own accord, dimming the fiery light to an extent. The size of the library is at last revealed, at least two stories of shelves serviced by a wrought-metal catwalk and a system of ladders. The well-ordered shelves are only interrupted by four massive portraits of Aldermans: Frederick the Founder, Penrod the Great, Gustav I, and finally Gustav II. A vast desk, of some form of dark oak, dominate the center of the largely empty floor. Scattered chairs and tables is all that takes up the rest of the vast room, one pair that Friedelinde is slowly leading Masters toward.

Friedelinde takes a moment to pour rich-smelling caffine from the waiting service and add a little cream. She rest the cup and saucer on her lap as she regards Masters.

"First, Lord Masters, I am very appreciative of the fact that Emperor Alexis is willing to try and preserve the state of peace in the Raumreich for as long as possible. I would encourage this course of action, if for nothing more than it denies Hegemon Ansel and his council a point from which to rally the Ortagan masses to a new war. I do not think you need even my personal clarification to say the the Ortagan Hegemony isolates itself from the entirety of the Raumreich--especially in the diplomatic arena. And such isolation has typically meant that the Hegemony is preparing for war."

She takes a measure sip and her face seems to calm for a moment, "However, I cannot committ the Star Empire to a course of hostile action. We have invested a considerable amount of time and resources to maintaining the delicate balance of power--and thusly the peace--that currently exists between the Star Empire and the Hegemony. For almost a century now, this balance has been the crux point that stability in the Raumreich has hinged upon. This is not something I would decide to destroy so quickly."

"It is also the opinion of a considerable amount of the Diet, and a portion of my own mind as well, that a war between the Imperium and the Hegemony will ultimately be caused by actions in Roum and Gregor--not because of events here in Alpha Centauri. If there is to be war, the Star Empire will move to declare neutrality and impress on both sides that our neutrality is to be respected. We will also extend the offer to all other neutral nations that the power of influence of Valinon will be used to safeguard their stance in this war."

"Other than that the Star Empire will act in accordance to what has become primary points of policy in regards to safeguarding our security, and maintaining the balance of power. We will continue to ensure the safety and stability of all wormhole terminii currently under our control. We will take an active interests in ensuring that the so-called rules of war are upheld and that combatants and civilians from both sides are granted equal and fair rights and treatments. We will offer our services as a neutral intermediary to attempt to end this possible conflict. And, finally, we will continue to see that the Gadsen Accord is upheld and enforced."

Friedelinde seems to be seperated from Masters by the rift that has so often seperated Valinon from Vernii. The forces of age old animosity, as well as the Star Empire's growing reluctance to participate in another all out war across the Raumreich, have created a distance between the two nations that is yet to be overcome. However, relations between Alpha Centauri and Roum are hardly warm, and may in many cases be even cooler than those between the Star Empire and the Imperium. The venerable alliance between Valinon and New Ortaga is all but dead in modern times. But the Gadsen Accord may allow some hope, the agreement strictly prohibiting the use of sunbuster weaponry--or the employment of weapons of mass destruction on a system-wide level--for offensive strikes between the Star Empire and the Hegemony has long bound Ansel's and his warlords' hands. And the Star Empire will not tolerate the extermination of entire systems. It is doubtful even Ansel's war machine and ruthless cunning could save him from intervention by the Star Empire if he detonates a sunbuster weapon in anger.

There is a flicker that flashes across Friedelinde face for a heartbeat, a look that could have been regret tinged with anger. As if even the Empress of the Valinor wishes there is more that could be done, or a way to justify that more could be done. But although Friedelinde governs with broad powers, the Congress of Lords is far more reluctant to give an Alderman the centralized powers that Gustav II enjoyed during his reign. Even the Centrists cling to their power in the Diet, determined to use it as a way that they can see their will spread through the Star Empire's realm.

"Does that cover the concerns of Emperor Alexis, Ambassador? Or do you need me to clarify the position of my government in other respects?"

Vakutu

02-07-2005, 23:32

New Koln
Vakutu

"Confirmed System Control. Caledonia out." The small starship steadily held its course and acceleration, not wanting to provoke the Vaku "escorts" into doing anything rash. Time passed as the ship neared Vakutu itself, and finally the pilots established contact.

"Karga Central Control, this is the Caledonia, we are a diplomatic starship and require landing clearance and instruction."

The comm crackles again, this time with an even more accented voice, "Verrrnian diplomatic craft, this is Karga Centrrraal Contrrol. Your descent patterrn is being uploaded, and will be monitorred closely. Prroceed to the Karga Immperrial Aerrospace Porrt. Yourr embassy has been alerrted to your impeding arrrival and has sent an official grround carrr with escorrt."

New Ortaga

04-07-2005, 01:25

Personal Quarters of Ginias Saharin, HSS Nemesis, Morning Star system, Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope
05.16.1300 AF
1900 Solar Forces Standard

Captain Clark waits with forced patience as the chime acknowleding his presence outside Saharin's door sounds calmly. A distinct air of tension has settled over the entire fleet of the Solar Navy currently present in Morning Star. It started settling after the fleet first arrived, and has rapidly increased as the negotiations have drug onward with no signs of progress. The door slides open and Clark steps in.

The main room of Saharin's quarters is surprisingly dark, light spills only from a wall-lamp panel close to a slanted back chair. A strange mixture of violins and woodwinds washes over the darkened environment. Saharin himself is sprawled in the chair, a glass of some dark, golden liquor held with the palm of his hand against his thigh. A single blue eye opens and eyes Clark's move through the door.

"News, Captain?"

"Yes, sir. LRDS HN-3 has arrived at Mirage Point. We have also received confirmation from Axis that HN-3's sister ships have transited through the warp gate to Dylar."

"Then our purpose here is complete. Has Nightwatch sent any additional confirmation since the delivery and their acknowledgement of targets."

"No, Admiral."

Saharin leans forward and finishes the contents of the glass in a smooth motion.

"Contact Auerbach, tell him he is to detach a squadron of war frigates and two squadrons of monitors on detached duty for the continued duration of Ward's negotiations. Prepare the fleet for departure and lay in a course for New Edo. I have wasted enough time here and as it is and there is an army awaiting acquisition in Mesa."

"Yes, sir," Clark salutes and turns to go.

"And, Captain?" Clark pauses.

"Have a channel secured back to Roum when we finish translation to New Edo and fed to my quarters, full Nu-space interface."

"Yes, Admiral."

Saharin waits for Clark to leave before he stands and walks to the decanter to fill his glass. He smiles slightly, the end game is about to begin.

The WIck

04-07-2005, 06:22

Captain Hank Davis like most WIckian mercenary captains was a combat veteran of the Ortagan Conflicts. He was built like a typical WIckian, tall and built hard as a rock, though he was known as a gentle giant by those who seen him play with his two little daughters. He was also the commanding officer of one of the most respected mercenary units out of Ticonderoga and his unit laid anchor in Morning Star at the request and coin offered by Admiral Setties. Two CLACs, a dozen battle cruisers and another dozen smaller escort vessels comprised his force.

He frowned as he watched the status change in the holo-tank showing the withdrawal of a massive portion of the Solar Navy units from the system, leaving behind what really amounted to nothing more then a token force.

“I don’t know if I should feel glad that worm is leaving the system with his monstrosity of a Flagship or be concerned that the rats are fleeing the ship instead.” the mercenary stated to his Chief of Staff who just so happened to be his brother.

“I don’t know either Hank, but I think we can be sure that we will soon find out why he came here in the first place, much to our own chagrin I fear…’ His brother replied.

Lunatic Retard Robots

04-07-2005, 17:18

Lem Ystad also notices the departure of a large portion of the Ortagan force on the Kent's holographic plotter. The entire bridge crew is visibly relieved, for obvious reasons. Of course, Ortagan intentions in the long run are not at all known, and Admiral Ystad's squadron could easily be called away to the next crisis spot in short order, but for the time being there is certainly a feeling of relief.

"I don't like it, Admiral," pipes in one of the light cruiser captains, over one of the numerous ship-to-ship communications systems operated by the squadron. "The Ortagans could very well be up to something."
"I hear your concern, but we don't have any information on it. I mean, yes, I wouldn't be at all surprised if those ships turned up elsewhere and started a rather large problem, but if they do I'm sure we'll know about it. Right now, we should just try and concentrate on the issue at hand."
"I appreciate it, Admiral."

Being a robot, Lem Ystad isn't terribly comfortable with standard fleet protocol, so, like the great bulk of captains and crews, the squadron largely dispenses with it...

Vernii

05-07-2005, 08:45

New Koln

Lord Masters was dismayed by the Empress' reply, but it wasn't unexpected. His Majesty hadn't expected the Valinor to commit themselves, but he did want to make sure Friedelinde understood the stakes of the potential war.

"The worst-case scenario for the outcome of a possible war with the Hegemony concern the fragmentation of the Imperium. The Concordat destroyed, Erewohn annexed, Gregor either devastated or captured, and Acler, Stocurm, and Boroglia left to fend for themselves. If such events came to pass, there's the potential for billions of lives to be destroyed, and economies devastated, and the Star Empire would be affected by that, no matter what protectionist policies might be emplaced. You'd lose the junction tariffs on Verniian shipping, massive markets to sell your goods, and potentially millions of immigrants and refugees fleeing the chaos or the Ortagan banner. You'd also lose the largest political and military barrier between your own nation and the Hegemony, and any counter-balance to their madness in the Great March. And when the resources of the Imperium are plundered, when their new acquisitions become deadweight, their economy is going to need new blood, new infusions of plunder. And I bet you they'll either look to the 'south-west', to Talbott, or 'north', to shining Alpha-Centauri and its riches. Is your government willing to risk that? Are your people?

If the fleets of the Solar Navy appear in Gregor, if soldiers of the Solar Marines and Army tread foot in Cardona, what will your nation do?"

***
Vakutu

Sleek atmospheric manuevering fins emerged from the hull of the craft as it hit atmosphere, and powerful counter-grav units brought themselves online. Hull hugging particle shields put up a barrier between the ship and the wind, causing the flames of reentry to wrap themselves harmlessly around it.

The ship entered into approach pattern to the aerospace port, shedding velocity and energy,finally lazily circled the pad, and then touched down gently.

A ramp emerged from the belly of the ship a few minutes later, and the representative it carried hurried down it, and into the embassy's ground car with a briefcase of updates and orders. He had a very important message for Lady Effinger.

***

Erewohn

The dreadnought Dauntless popped back into existence inside the system after junction transit from Vernii. Back in the days before Vernii and Erewohn had FTL communications, the ship would have found itself immediately targeted by the guns of the junction fortresses until it was cleared. Now though, Junction Control could send and receive information about what was coming through before the ships even reached the wormhole. As such, the warship was given a customary scan, sent the proper identification and codes, and received clearance within minutes.

Inside one of the ship's VIP guest suites, Eldeman paused from his work for a moment at his desk while the brief wave of nausea from transits passed over him. It passed quickly, and his desk computer beeped as it confirmed the ships arrival in-system. He was early, the yard dogs in Gregor had completed the ship's routine maintenance a couple days ahead of schedule, and it'd been hurried out of the yard to clear space for ships more in need.

He brought up a holo viewer to take a look at his new command, which was rather contrasting to Gregor. In Gregor, both the military and private companies had tended to centralize things. The bulk of Capital Fleet tended to remain within lunar orbit of Vernii, and the vast majority of the system's civilian and military infrastructure was located within that same region, or over Endicott. Erewohn was different though, facilities were spread haphazardly throughout the system. The fleet was split up into many different clusters of ships, and military installations were scattered in orbit around almost every planet.

Two huge stations were the main focus of Eldeman's attention, Icarus and Daedalus. They weren't completely manmade, both were massive asteroids that had been ripped out of their orbits and put into new ones around the fourth planet of the system. Daedalus was one of the Grand Fleet's primary shipyards. It resembled a rocky potato, albeit one that was 125 kilometers long. Multi-kilometer long construction gantries spiked out from it in every direction, like a demented spider. Small defense stations rode in orbit along with it, and while Eldeman's plot wasn't detailed enough to display it, he knew that the station was surrounded by thousands of automated weapons batteries and mines. The shipyard's main protection though was Icarus, an asteroid about half the size of Daedalus, but instead of construction slips, its surface was studded with missile batteries, energy turrets, shield projection towers, and fighter launch bays. It contained the firepower of six superdreadnoughts within itself, and with more durability. It'd need it of course, unlike a warship it wouldn't be able to maneuver, which meant any enemy attack would automatically have the initiative. Instead it was designed to slug it out with any enemy that ventured within range, and any enemy that wanted to destroy the shipyard would have to make sure the fortress couldn't respond or was destroyed.

Daedalus wasn't the only shipyard of course, the Gregor Corporation maintained a large facility at L5, built like most shipyards, slipways floating in space, connected by hubs. There were at least three other small yards located in the system, two orbiting the fifth planet, and another located in the asteroid belt between the first five planets and the sixth, a gas giant. Then there were the other fortresses in the system of course.

As much as Eldeman hated his transfer, a part of him had to admit that there were far worse postings, and that Erewohn might not be so bad after all...

Valinon

06-07-2005, 04:46

Friedelinde's eyes narrow ever so slightly, but it is a change that in an instant speaks volumes. Displaced is the detached serenity of the woman Masters first encounrtered upon entering the library. The strong, parental features bearing much in common with the portraits of Gustav I and Penrod the Great, staring off into some great future-some great plan-it seems only a face like that can guide you to, evaporate and warp. Left in its place is a far colder, far more imperial presence that echoes of the paintings of Frederick the Founder or even Gustav II. Men of the Alderman line who seemed to be able to speak the language of the autocrat with every motion of their body, ever inflection of their tone, and ever fiber of their being.

Friedelinde knows she plays a dangerous game. She hears all to well the distant whispers in her Court, by the dissident Centrist Lords and even some of the older and far more conservative lines of the oldest peers in her realm. They wonder if the wrong Alderman is on the throne. If they need something besides the regal diplomacy of her reign. If they desperately need the power and the dominion of a stronger and far more militaristic Alderman in what very well may be the greatest war the Raumreich has ever known. They whisper about needing the daring of Frederick, a governor who seized the reigns of power in a squabbling colonial federation on the backs of his militia's rifles. They discuss in the shadows of needing the chilling ruthless and cunning of Gustav II, and the Lion Emperor's ability to always be ahead of his opponents. They even note that Old Emperor Gustav, the grandfatherly Emperor of Valinon, fought the bloodiest war in the Star Empire's history when all other options had failed to bring the Dominion of Outer Centauri to heel.

No matter the rumors that the ghosts of that war haunted Gustav I to his grave. That the Star Empire will be centuries recovering from the horrors in the Valinor nature unleashed by Gustav II, with his seeming utter disregard for the value of sentient life. Or how the sheer autocracy of Frederick and his immediate successors brought about the fall of the First Empire and sent Valinon spiraling into over seventy years of bloody civil war.

But it is the darker element of Alderman nature that has seized Freidelinde at this point. The element that gave rise to Frederick, Gustav II, the tyranny of the mad emperor Adolf, and the mindless wars of the Dozles. Their ghosts whisper to let the Congress of Lords keep their delusions, but in truth the Aldermans are the Empire. They are the Great Lion that holds the fabric of the realm they have forged over centuries in place. And they demand that this upstart, this foreigner, this outsider, be taught his place.

"Do not be so quick, Ambassador, to speak of worst case scenarios and what my government is prepared to do," Friedelinde says in tones that are barely over a whisper, yet laced with a lineage beyond any one person. "Less you find all to quickly what actions the Star Empire will take when it is faced with a 'worst case scenario'. If need be in such a case we can burn Cardona, Vernii, and the entirety of Gregor out of existence forever. We can reduce Erewohn to a swirling nexus of a dead nebula, and we can annex Boroglia, Acler, and Slocum into a fold with barely a second thought."

"We can burn worlds and fight a war that would make even Ansel's slaughter look like paltry child's play by comparison. In a week alone we fight a war with double or triple the number of deaths the Hegemony has caused in its entire existence. We can light the Raumreich itself ablaze from end to end and cleanse it of our enemies and allies alike for all time."

"Your own nation faced a hint of what Valinon is capable of in its darkest and most deadly anger. When the Valinor respond with nothing but their anger and allow restraint and prudence to parade themselves to Lucifer himself. Thankfully wiser minds and prudence did prevail. But are you so ready to have that unleashed again? Are you so ready to invoke the cases of worst case scenario to have another nation fight battles you yourself have partially generated? Is Alexis Calimar fool-hardy enough to think that anything can survive when the Star Empire and the Hegemony go to war in a worst case scenario?"

Friedelinde leans in, her own menancinly aura of restrained rage enhanced by the glaring eyes of Gustav II in the portrait on the wall above her, "Above all else, Lord Masters, is your entire nation ready to pay the price for what invoking an all out war between the Star Empire and the Hegemony will cost?"

New Ortaga

07-07-2005, 03:56

A day after Coordinator Wolfe had been ordered by Channing Ansel to draft a letter of petition for the wormhole terminii in Erewohn to be ceded to the Hegemony, a courier from Roum delivers the message to Citizen-Ambassador Sid Kerrigan, representing the interests of His Excellency and the Citizens of the Hegemony in the Imperium of Vernii. Kerrigan rapidly dispatches the sealed letter from his own office by a secure courier to the Verniian imperial palace. So that its contents and the demands of the Hegemony may be known by the self-proclaimed Emperor of Vernii.

Emperor Alexis Calimar,

His Excellency, the Hegemon Channing Ansel, after hearing the advice of the Interim Council has recently made a change in the policy of the Hegemony in the interest of upholding its security and stability for the sake of its Citizens.

On numerous occassions in its history, the nation of Vernii has made unprovoked preemptive strikes against its neighbors. These attacks have caused considerable loss of life, both to foreign militaries and innocent civilians, and have shown the willingness of the Verniian state to commit wanton attrocities against innocents. His Excellency cannot ignore such willingness, nor condone it by salutory neglect. To do so does not only threaten the continuity of its Hegemony, but also the safety of its Citizens young and old and the fulfillment of the promises of the Revolution.

Since the Verniian state has repeatedly demonstrated this willingness against numerous allied and non-allied powers, His Excellency has decided to actively pursue a policy to negate the Verniian state's ability to attack the Hegemony. Therefore, His Excellency formally demands the ceding of the wormhole terminii connecting the system of Erewohn to our systems of Yetti's Star and Thetis in no more than two months time. After they are ceded to our control, these terminii will be fortified and protected in the manner His Excellency and Strategos Garahou deem fit to protect them from being seized and used as a weapon against the peaceful Citizens of the Hegemony.

These demands are non-negotiable, and if after a month's time you refuse to meet them His Excellency will seek immediate redress before the Liga der Raumreich. Attempts to stall or avoid Liga processes will result in the Hegemony exercising its right as a sovereign nation of the Raumreich to take any means necessary to disrupt the threat of a known and repeated hostile power in Raumreich affairs. Military build-up or increased deployments around the terminii in Erewohn will be considered an act of hostile intent designed to carry a war to the sovereign territories of the Hegemony and will be dealt with accordingly.

Arthur Wolfe
Coordinator of Foreign Affairs

Vernii

08-07-2005, 02:25

New Koln

"I don't think it will come to that Your Majesty. I also realize your government views my nation as having made this mess itself by annexing Erewohn. But you see, Erewohn is a system that my nation has had close ties to for a large part of its existence; economically, politically, and militarily. Toss in the fact that our systems are linked by a wormhole junction, and there's no way the Imperium could let the Ortagan's claim that system by mere reasoning of "it's close to their space." Every one of Erewohn's citizens is now a Verniian citizen, and my government has an obligation to defend them from subjugation and enslavement."

***

Erewohn

Admiral Eldeman had settled into his quarters on his new flagship, the Arcadia. They were of the typical standard of luxury that Verniian flag officers were accustomed to. He'd put off doing most of his waiting paperwork until later, and had sat down at his rather large desk to review the conglomeration of forces under his command. He had two squadrons of dreadnoughts and their escorts, a squadron of battlecruisers, and the junction defenses all under his direct command. Another two BatRons lay near the Gregor end of the junction as a rapid response force in case they were needed, and he could also assume command of the Erewohnese Grand Fleet in an emergency, which would bolster his capital ships by about six times their current number. The only problem is that the Erewohnese had far more variation in warship types then the Imperial Navy, particularly in cruiser classes. While the Navy preferred to keep it down to heavy and light types, the Erewohnese had both heavy and light cruisers, it further specialized into missile ships, interception cruisers, and fleet support cruisers. It was going to present a problem tying them into his chain of command and using them properly, but he felt he was up to it. Thankfully his Erewohnese aide had foreseen the problem, and thoughtfully provided him with some recordings of training exercises.

***

Cardona

"This is outrageous!"

Emperor Alexis stared into the faces of his assembled Cabinet. They showed a mixture of expressions, mostly anger or tinged with fear. Duke Bergren, Minister of Defense, was an exception. His face was a simple blank mask, betraying no emotion at all. He spoke first.

"Indeed Your Majesty, their threat is outrageous in both its arrogance and belligerence. It's also a trap. They expect us to either flatly reject it, giving them an excuse for launching an attack, or to roll over and hand it over to them, in which case they'll use it later to take the system from us anyway. We should carefully consider our options."

"I'll agree with that, Alfred, what do you think?"

"I concur with Arthur. I'd also like to point out that if we haven't handed over the terminus to them within a month, they threatened to take the matter to the Liga. I say we let them. We should simply ignore their initial demand. Particularly that "non-negotiable" part."

Alexis thought it over for a moment, "Alright. Most likely the dear Citizen-Ambassador will get a bit upset with us, and we'll probably receive an angrier letter from the Hegemony."

Valinon

08-07-2005, 03:36

Friedelinde arches her eyebrows by several centimeters, "You will have to forgive me, Lord Masters, if I find some small bit of irony the Imperium's affection for Erewohn. Especially when Holtzmann and his countrymen were so willing to sell access to their system to my half-brother regardless of the fates of either Gregor or Thetis."

"However, the affairs of Emperor Calimar in that respect are of his and his cabinet's own concern. No matter how strange they may be. Although it certainly does seem to give the belief held by so many in my own court that the Great March breeds only incomprehensible madness a certain amount of chilling merit."

Friedelinde nods calmly, apparently to herself for the most part, and moves to pour another cup of coffee, "If that is all you have to say, Lord Masters, then I believe this audience is concluded. And I will leave you to continue your duties to Emperor Calimar and his citizens so that I may attend to those of my own."

New Ortaga

09-07-2005, 00:54

Three days pass before Coordinator Wolfe expresses his impatience with Calimar and his government's inaction in regards to the petition of demands. Wolfe rapidly orders Kerrigan to resend the letter as an enclosure to a document from his own embassy, stating for the record what steps the Hegemony will take if immediate reply is not given.

Liga der Raumreich[/i] by calling for an emergencing meeting of the Liga council. At this time, it is also my duty to inform you that all Verniian citizens in systems currently in the territory of the Hegemony have been declared persona non grata by executive order of His Excellency. All Verniian citizens currently within the Hegemony are being escorted to the nearest space port and ordered to find passage out of the Great March. All Verniian citizens that resist deportation, or cannot find passage out of the Great March within forty-eight hours of notice of their unwelcome status, will be detained by the Coordinator of Security and Intelligence. This decree also extends to any and all Verniian diplomatic personnel within the Hegemony.

Finally, any and all ships of Verniian registry within the Hegemony are to be expeled from the Great March. Verniian ships will be escorted out of the Great March where ever they are found by the vessels of the Solar Navy, Coordination of Security and Intelligence, or the Directorate of the Observers. Repeated attempts to reenter the Hegemony's space, or any resistance to expulsion, will result in ships being detained, or if need be destroyed.

Citizen Sid Kerrigan
His Excellency's Ambassador to the Imperium of Vernii

Enclosures

Vernii

09-07-2005, 02:24

OOC: Goddamn NS signing me out while I typed, this is the second time I've had to type this.

New Koln

Masters stood from his chair. "I don't believe their's anything else to add. Again, I thank you for this audience."

***
Cardona

Expressions of amusement flickered on the faces of the assembled Cabinet members as Alexis read the second Ortagan letter to them. He finished and sat it down on the table, then leaned back in his seat. "As tempting as it would be, I don't think we can ignore this one. Arthur, I think you should upgrade our military alertness level. Any suggestions on how to handle their demands?"

Grand Duke Brydges spoke up, "Simple, you should invite the dear Citizen-Ambassador to have a chat about his government's demands, and explain to him that we have intention of using the month they gave us to think about it. Of course, our answer is going to be a no I imagine, but we need to give them the impression we're seriously considering it."

"Alfred, I like your thinking. That's why I appointed you of course. I'll compose the letter myself.

***

Citizen-Ambassador Kerrigan,

My government finds it unfortunate that your government is so willing to resort to such extreme measures to gain our attention over what is obviously a misunderstanding. Your initial letter said that my government had one month before the matter would be taken before the Liga, and so it was scheduled to be brought up in a Cabinet meeting next week. The problem here is that you've demanded an answer after only three days, before the meeting has even taken place. If your government had no intention of waiting for the month it said it would, then it should have said that it also demanded an immediate answer rather then waiting. As such, we demand that your goverment should be more clear about these things, as it results in unfortunate misunderstandings like this. Anyway, you are invited to a personal audience tomorrow at the Imperial Palace at noon (local time) to discuss your demands and your government's concerns.

Emperor Alexis Calimar

***
Erewohn

To: System Force Commanders

Tensions between our nation and the Hegemony of New Ortaga have reached a new height recently after the Hegemony demanded the ceding of our end Erewohn/Yetti's Star wormhole terminus. All system force commanding officers are authorized to take any actions necessary to defend their command from attack, including firing first if under immediate threat.

In the name of His Majesty,
Fleet Admiral Leveson

Any action necessary...complete authorization to defend my command... Admiral Eldeman leaned back in his chair, thinking of his next course of action. Within the hour he was in a nu-space conference with his subordinate flag officers and the admirals of the Grand Fleet.

By the end of the day, tugboats had been dispatched to various planetoids scattered throughout the system. Hidden storage bunkers were opened, and components were dragged out, then slowly and laboriously towed toward an assembly area near the fifth world.

Liberated New Hope

09-07-2005, 18:41

(OOC: Sorry gents. Had a spell in the hospital but I’m back to post [haha… I assume you missed my posting to begin with]. Anyway, I’m going to assume Mr. Ward from NO got into the limo and road a very awkward ride with Darius and the bunch to the palace)

Darius stepped out of the vehicle just as the Liberation Guard had properly secured the square and looked up to see that Setties was no-where to be found. Either Setties had stood him up for the conference (which for a moment seemed very possible) or the heat had gotten to him and he stepped inside to wait in the main hall. Darius nearly prayed it was the latter.

Luckily some of Setties’ personal guard remained at the steps to show the small party was at least expected. “Now, gentlemen, if we could proceed into the palace.” As Darius continued up the great marble stairs toward the towering ivory-white columns of the palace, Setties’ guards, clad in their off-white uniforms and nearly blending into the marble, followed. The Liberation Guard remained in the square.

Once inside the Minister was relieved to see Setties with the Verniian and Valinor ambassadors but was surprised to see that Antigone had made it to the conference after the… incident on the Gibraltar. But he averted his attention from the public relations and diplomatic nightmare that awaited him because of the colonel’s actions and focused on the conference.

“Minister Darius, I see you’ve brought the Citizen-Ambassador…” Setties declared upon seeing the small group enter. The Admiral then turned his attention to the robotic ambassadors, “And I see you’ve brought… friends,” his brow slightly furrowed.

“Admiral, these are the Robotic representatives Fedor Ligonwe, John Stroud, Prudence Marley, and Killeg Parimbo. They have a trade concern in the conference, the Robotic Cooperative has been one of our most loyal trade partners,” Darius Declares with a small smile.

Setties bows his head a bit to honor the robotic representatives, thinking in my day we didn’t name the toasters but not being able to tell anyone at the moment.

“And this is Citizen-Ambassador Ward of New Ortaga.”

Setties bows again looking into Ward’s eyes; and when we saw a snake we killed it.

(OOC: I'M ADDING!!!! REEEAAAAADDDDD!!!!!!)

Admiral Setties led the group into the conference room and each representative was escorted to their seat. As expected, Darius took the briefcase that had all his prepared files in it, laid it upon the conference table, and opened it. When he looked down though, the expected pink and yellow forms he had expected the Sub-Ministers to place in his briefcase were gone and he saw one glaring white page with bold black font at the top reading “Official Complaint to the League of the Raumreich.”

He remained calm, closed the case, and looked over to Admiral Setties who had just sat down beside him. The Liberation Delegation was situated on one side of the table while all others were placed on the other side, making sure that Antigone separated New Ortaga from both the Robots and Vernii and the Robotic representatives separated the Verniian representative from the Valinor.

As expected Setties opened the meeting by standing to make a declaration that “This conference is officially declared open for the discussion of military presence, whether or not they be of Verniian origin, and whether or not they be allowed within the borders of the Morning Star. Good morning everyone, and after take my seat I will have the floor after which it will be passed accordingly.”

Setties then sat down and Darius became worried. Why was that form in his briefcase? How could such a mix-up occur? It would make the entire Liberation look like a joke if they were so disorganized in front of all these people.

“Minister Darius, if I could have your briefcase,” Setties declared while looking in his direction and slightly extending his hand.

“Oh of course, Admiral,” Darius replied, handing him the case while full of inner-panic.

Setties opened the case, pulled out several stacks of paper, including a stack titled “Official Complaint to the League of the Raumreich,” organizing them and straightening them as he went and taking a few minutes to do so. After the papers were to his liking he placed the briefcase underneath the desk, leaned the bottom end of his forearms against the table and placing his hands together, looking Citizen-Ambassador Ward directly in the eye. “No.”

Confusion struck Darius. What the hell is going on here?

After what will no doubt be a moment of confusion and possibly outrage the Admiral states, “The Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope does not—I repeat—does not negotiate with terrorists.” An officer of smaller rank in the corner picked up one of the many stacks of paper and began passing it out the delegates. “As you can see, one hour ago the free press of the Collective Protectorates was released information about the New Ortagan military presence in our system. Taking every precaution possible to our soon to be re-instated republican government, previously informed and prepared police and military forces were stationed throughout the Morning Star in expectation of social backlash. In the report being passed to you, you will find that almost immediately a major riot broke out in nearly every one of the major cities in the Morning Star, along with small uprisings in mining camps dotting along the outer-moons. So far twelve elves, seven people of german decent, nineteen people of known Ortagan decent, an unexpected five jews, and thirteen police officers have been lynched by the unruly mobs, despite police efforts. An estimated fourteen billion dollars in damage have been done to private property while damage to government property has not yet been catalogued. The price of mobilizing the fleet along with police and military forces due to the arrival of the New Ortagan warfleet has been estimated at a cost of fifty-two billion dollars. Since the arrival of the New Ortagan warfleet commerce has nearly ceased and any incoming merchant vessel has had to be viewed as a possible Ortagan Security Risk. The Council of Trusts and Corporations expects to lose an estimated three point two trillion dollars in trade due to the New Ortagan warfleet, which will undoubtedly cause a recession in our economy over at least the next five years. All these damages and more, as you will read, are due to the rear-admiral’s cowboy actions in breach in protocol used to intimidate our government.”

Darius is livid. He had not been kept in the loop at all. He had been completely cut out. These negotiations weren’t his, they were Setties and he knew it. All Darius could do was sit there and act as though he supported Admiral. Just then the same officer began passing out the stack of papers titled “Official Complaint, etc.”

“As a response the Collective Protectorates has prepared an Official Complaint with the League of the Raumreich and is filing as you speak, as you will read. The complaint charges Rear-Admiral Saharin with mass intimidation, disruption of the general peace, damaging local commerce, and using his military forces to spread fear in an effort to inflict his will.”

At that moment the same officer began passing out yet another form titled “Plea for General Protection.”

“As a second response the Collective Protectorates, under the powers invested in me which are completely legal under these circumstances and under the promise of our returning republican government, is filing a Plea for General Protection against further action from New Ortaga with the nation we think to be nearest, most prepared, and most willing to take action against any future incursions to our territory; The Imperium of Vernii. Lord Havel, this is no doubt your first notice of this plea and accordingly no demands will be made accept of course a request for acknowledgement within thirty days and a notice stating whether or not the plea will be considered by higher officers of the Imperium.”

The Admiral then stands up, leans over the table placing his hands firmly upon it, and looks Citizen-Ambassador Ward directly in the eyes once again saying; “Mr. Citizen-Ambassador. Today you stepped on the wrong pissant.”

With that Darius awkwardly stood up and declared the floor open.

New Ortaga

12-07-2005, 03:51

Ward looks at Setties with an expression that is not even contempt. It is the demeanor of one who is casually disinterested with what has spoken, as if he and the nation he represents is wholly above the case and demands of Setties. He takes a few moments to meticulously empty his attache case, and neatly arrange his data-pad, stylus, pen, and few sheafs of old-fashioned paper.

"Frankly, Admiral Setties, the internal affairs of the Collective Protectorates do not interest His Excellency, the Hegemony, or Rear Admiral Saharin. If you cannot control your own population then that is your problem, not the Hegemonys. If anything it shows the inherent instability of your regime in Morning Star as nothing more than that of an uncaring, sadistic, and autocratic warlord. Blaming the Hegemony for these petty internal squabbles and economic problems serves merely as an attempt to distract your own citizenry--who apparently grow disallusioned with their ineffective government. His Excellency and the Hegemony will therefore take no part in them, and will merely wish the repressed and struggling citizenry of your 'Protectorate' well in their efforts to install a more benevolent and sympathetic government. We can only hope their revolution proceeds as well as our own."

Wards eyes drift casually to the petition, "Now in regards to this little petition of yours, the Hegemony will of course excerise its right as a veto power in the Liga council to dismiss it. You will not use vague pronouncements and international debates to distract from the desperate need of your own people to liberate themselves by Revolution. And, so long as the Hegemony continues to serve not only its own citizens but all Terrans across the Raumreich, we will see to it your efforts at illusions are destroyed before they can reach any kind of warped, twisted fruitation."

"Finally, in regards to your rather curt announcement of pleaing to Gregor to save yourself from the own inevitablities at work in Morning Star, I will say only this. Placing the Collective Protectorates in the camp of Emperor Calimar and his decadent plutocrats is obviously a direct breech of the long-standing neutrality of Liberated New Hope. His Excellency and the Hegemony will respond accordingly and will make sure the Collective Protectorates receives the same treatment as its chosen ally. However, I do not believe the Hegemony will be the only nation that will view such a gross breech of neutrality in a poor light," Ward's eyes drift to Job.

"And perhaps this whole endeavor will do nothing more than truly show what you are, Admiral Setties. A small-minded warlord whose soul purpose is to act as a cat's paw and servant for the greater powers around him."

A slight glimmer of a smile passes over Ward's thin lips, "But perhaps now we can carry on to serious and relevant manners? Unless you would care to vent other internal problems of the Collective Protectorates before the international community. Perhaps there is a...a...leaky faucet in your personal bath you would like to discuss with us?"

**********

Kerrigan calmly leans his head back against the rest in the embassy grav-car as it races towards the Verniian palace with a full escort from the Solar Marines. He longs for this posting to Gregor to be over. The Verniians are nothing more than a group of wanton hedonists and in-bred lackies, serving a plutocrat with a self-proclaimed title.

Worse, at least in the mind, is the fact that the Verniians have developed a seemingly unended obsession to emulate the Valinor in every way, form, and fashion.

Kerrigan is not stupid, he realizes that even the vast Hegemony lacks the necessary materials to challenge the Valinor supremacy in the Raumreich. But unlike many in the Hegemony's bureaucracy, Kerrigan is far from conceding defeat. He firmly believes that the Valinor can be defeated. If not by the internal forces that are surely working to dismantle their arrogant and reactionary aristocracy, then surely by their own isolationist tendencies.

Kerrigan smiles as he closes his eyes, blocking out the attrocious, almost Gothic city-scape of Cardona. He studied in Valinon briefly, at the Imperial University itself. He knows all to well Valinon's greatest weakness. The "Great Lion of Valinon" is far too willing to give all for the sake of its blissful, catatonic slumber. Well, let the Valinor retain their blissful, contented slumber. Let them continue to horde their wealth and power in their ever-divided society.

In time it will all be liberated for the sake of the Revolution, delivered into the hands of the Citizens of the Hegemony for the sake of furthering the Revolution.

There is a distant, sounding metallic chime as the Marine driver comms him from the front of the grav-car.

"Citizen-Ambassador, we are entering our final approach pattern to the Palace. I am querying now for clearance and landing protoccols."

Kerrigan merely nods and lazily eyes his opened attache case. After a few moments he moves to pack his data-pad in the case and straighten his tie.

"Soon," he mummers, "soon."

Soon the Verniians will be delivered into the hands of an ultimatum they themselves created.

Lunatic Retard Robots

12-07-2005, 04:24

The Robotic representatives nod in agreement with Admiral Setties as they browse through the distributed documents and commit them to memory in a very robotic fashion. However, it wouldn't be a great leap of insight on the part of any of the attendees that, no matter what the Robots say, if things come to blows it would take nothing short of a miracle to see the fleet come out on top.

Of course, Auman is partly to blame for that bit, and Robotic gullability for the rest.

But if the Robotic Cooperative was ever a periphery power, it is now just short of a nonentity. The only thing that keeps things running is shipping, and that's only by the fact that Lunkwill & Fook is one of the few carriers capable of extremely large loads, and that the resources that would have been invested in a warfleet have gone into a merchant fleet par excellence.

"It is our opinion that Ortagan military vessels should immediately leave Liberated New Hope. Solar Navy units have undertaken an illegal breach of Liberation soveriegnty and should be ejected from the system as soon as logistically possible. The Robotic Cooperative has suffered greatly from the Ortagan presence and its effect on merchant shipping."

OCC: Eh, not very good or long. I'll have something better in the morning.

Valinon

12-07-2005, 04:45

Antigone Job favors Citizen-Ambassador Ward with a look many would reserve for a particularly loathesome insect one would find errantly defiling a kitchen. But the look rapidly passes and she turns her gaze to Setties.

"Admiral, although I will concur with your statements that the recent arrival of a substantial Ortagan military presence in the Morning Star system has had a considerable--and detrimental--impact on the stability of the Collective Protectorates, I would like to add that the Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government cannot condone your course of action in regards to contacting the Verniian Imperium."

"While I am loathed to agree with Citizen-Ambassador Ward in almost any regard, I will have to say that the Star Empire will not look favorably on this breech in the long-standing neutrality of the Collective Protectorates. Once this change in policy by your government becomes to Imperial Centre, it will no doubt have considerable repercussions in the form of a considerable shift in the policies of the Star Empire regarding Morning Star."

"I must also add that whether the riots currently occuring in Morning Star are caused by Rear Admiral Saharin's presence or not, this does not affect our position that these riots must be quelled and dealt with soon. Not only do they clearly pose a threat to Her Majesty's citizens and the interests of Her Majesty's citizens, they show clear elements of race hatred and petty vengeance that cannot be condoned even by salutory neglect. Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government firmly request that these riots be stopped and their masterminds brought to trial from their crimes."

"If this issue is not resolved, and if these riots continue unabated, the Star Empire will have no choice but to declare Morning Star a system unsafe for general travel and a system that possess an environment that disrupts normal venues of commerce. And if your government proves unwilling to quells these riots and bring these radicals under control, then the Star Empire will have to consider more immediate means to pressure you into action. These means may include possible sanctions and embargos against the Collective Protectorates until these radical elements are contained, and stability restored to Morning Star."

Liberated New Hope

13-07-2005, 18:45

“Citizen-Ambassador, I pity the small mind that conciders the lynching of civilians because of their ancestry a positive revolution. I assure you that the riots driven by a small minority, not revolution, will be quelled within the next few hours and no. My faucet is not leeky. I’m just afraid I’ll have to disinfect this room after you leave. And Madam Job, the mere possibility of your accusations are offensive. Our armed and police forces have taken every possible action in putting a stop to this violence and I apologise if resolving seventy years of occupation driven tension is taking longer than a few weeks!” boomed from the Admiral’s voice from across the table. “and if the Star Empire wishes to have the plea extended to it’s forces then I suggest you file the proper forms, such as…” at this point the Admiral pulls the breifcase up from under the table and pulls out another stacked and stapled white form titled “Special Diplomatic Request Form #48/A-26”

“This form, when filled out properly, would request that the plea be extended to the Star Empire of Valinon, meaning any and all requests of the plea currently being extended to the Imperium of Vernii would be asked of your government; including the plea’s request for protection from any foreign threat to the Morning Star including New Ortaga and any of it’s forces and affiliates. Of course if you believe the Valinor are incapable of fulfilling this request then the plea would be usless. Otherwise the plea is not a breach in neutrality. It is simply a humble request for the Imperium, a nearby and cabable military force which has showed initiative toward threats to the Liberation, to continue it’s presense in the Morning Star system in order to protect our government and people from any possible foreign threat.”

Valinon

13-07-2005, 19:43

Job smiles at Setties calmly, "Admiral, I would remind you that Morning Star was never an occupied state before, during, or after the War of the Lion or the greater conflict of the Great Raumreich War. Your people were lead by their own leaders and governed their own affairs. If this is what you defined as "occupied", then I believe you need to consult with Herr Webster."

"And before you prattle to the Star Empire about forms and regulations, Admiral, I would suggest you remember who protected your home system for three decades from the nation Citizen-Ambassador Ward represents. Certainly it was not the Verniian Imperium, who has shown on numerous occassions it has a tendency to neglect its allies if it wants to attend to affairs closer to home."

"Perhaps that point would be emphasized more, and your little tirade of your leviathan bureaucracy would be a bit more muted--and a bit more tactful--if a representative from the Wickian government was present."

"Furthermore, Admiral, I would remind you that it was the Collective Protectorates--specifically your government--that withdrew from the protection of the Star Empire, not the other way around."

Lunatic Retard Robots

14-07-2005, 00:26

Fedor, relieved that John Stroud's rather overzealous comment went unnoticed, decides to throw his two cents in, so to speak.

"It is in the interests of all parties involved, we believe, that peace come to prevail in the Morning Star system as soon as possible, and furthermore that it is the duty of all present to work towards a multilateral agreement assuring as much. Violence benefits no-one in the end, bringing only suffering and discontent.

"While the Robotic Cooperative remains, for reasons that I doubt escape anyone present here, officially neutral, it is our belief that Ortagan military presence in the Morning Star system is, considering there has been no declaration of war, an unwarranted and illegal action. Moreover, Ortagan presence has hurt the economies of a number of neutral nations with trade interests in Morning Star.

"The Robotic Cooperative therefore suggests, for all it matters, that major Ortagan military units withdraw, in the short term, and that all parties seriously review the possibility of drawing up an all-encompassing multilateral agreement governing the actions of foreign nations in Morning Star. To these ends, we would ideally see both the Ortagan fleet and Verniian base removed, and a stronger, more capable LNH navy be built with international assistance."

Liberated New Hope

14-07-2005, 05:03

Damned if the toasters can't have a good idea every now and then shot across the Admiral's thoughts.

In a plain voice responded to antigone. "I apologize for my use of the word 'occupation,' and let us discuss the implications of the Valinor presence in this system during the War of the Lion later; but I would like it to be known that that presense, as is obvious, seems to be a driving force behind these criminal's actions whether or not they be wrong in their impressions toward Valinon. That I feel we can all agree on and I feel is not too hostile of a thought to entertain."

Darius then stood.

"Now, there are two things that I would also like to make clear. The offer of extending the plea to Valinon still stands, but more prominantly I am very interested in the peaceful option presented by our friends from the Robotic Cooperative. I feel that most sensible delegates in this room can agree that the actions taken on the part of the Rear Admiral were highly damaging and irresponsible and that leaving our nation capable to defend itself would be a far more agreeable option than inviting any foreign force. May I hear and 'ay'?"

Vernii

14-07-2005, 09:19

Erewohn

Eldeman was preparing a surprise for any enemy invasion. As he watched from the observation dome of his flagship, he could see the lights of hundreds of small mining craft as they busily set about planting missile pods into asteroids at the holding area. A nice surprise indeed.

***
LNH

Havel was rather surprised by Setties' request, and sat quietly, thinking, and finally formed a response until after the Admirals latest proposal. "The Imperium will definitely support any building program that the navy of New Hope engages in. I'm also sure Verniian corporations would enthusiastically offer their expertise and services. But in the meantime, until your nation would be able to complete such a defense program, I'll convey your request to my superiors. Anyway, about the subject of my nation maintaining an outpost in this system. I'd like to point out that it's only here to protect Verniian shipping and serve as an extra deterrent to any mercenary or pirate forces in the area. Unless the Hegemony operates any warships on piracy missions, which I suppose is always a possibility, they have no reason to be threatened by a fortress that can't move, or a few cruisers. Or perhaps the Solar Navy's technology is more inferior to our own then we thought?"

***
Cardona

"Your Majesty, Citizen-Ambassador Kerrigan's aircar is on approach."
"Understood, thank you Lieutenant."

For more then a brief moment, long enough that he actually considered the possibility, the Emperor was tempted to order Palace Defense to arrange an unfortunate accident for the ambassador, perhaps something like a technician accidentaly unlocking a PD lasers automatic defense responses. But that would lead to repercussions of course, not even the Observers would be stupid enough to believe that. As it was, he simply sat back in his chair and waited.

Kerrigan's aircar was directed to a garage adjacent to the Palace, where a squad of troopers from the Imperial Army met him. His reception was strictly formal, no underlying friendliness that an ambassador from the Concordat, LNH, LRR, or even the Valinor or Vaku would receive. They formed a protective square around him as he was marched through a connecting passageway into the palace. They hurried him through the incredibly spacious public spaces and into an elevator. It soared up to the dome levels of the palace, and opened. They marched through the corridors before finally approaching a set of large wooden doors. Two black and gold uniformed Imperial Guardsmen snapped to attention. "This is Citizen-Ambassador Kerrigan of the Hegemony, here to see His Majesty," the lieutenant announced. The two Guardsmen swung the doors open in response.

The Emperor's formal office was quite spacious, the walls made of fine wood, a rich carpeting covering the floor, and expensive paintings hung from the wall. His desk, made of oak imported from Earth, was raised up on a section of floor a step above the rest of the office, and behind it, the entire wall was transparisteel, giving an excellent view out onto the city that Kerrigan loathed.

Alexis rose from behind the desk. "Ah, Mr. Kerrigan, so nice of you to respond to my invitation. Please, have a seat."

OOC: Any bodyguards Kerrigan brought along will have to remain in the corridor outside.

Cardona (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/Jadeite/denversite.jpg)
The Imperial Palace (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/Jadeite/color_city.jpg)
The Palace's main lobby (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/Jadeite/pentho6.jpg)

Valinon

14-07-2005, 19:34

Job inclines her head at Fedor's words, "Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government would be willing to support the implementation of the plan proposed by the Robotic Collective. Certainly we feel that it will be a more substantial benefit to Morning Star in the long run, as it will not result in the system being turned into an armed and primed powder keg merely waiting for the strike of the match."

"However, if it does become necessary, I am certain the that Kriegsmarine would post a small detachment here in the interest of keeping piece in this region of space. Although I would need to confer with Imperial Centre before delivering a definite confirmation of any deployment of Her Imperial Majesty's Armed Forces."

"But at this time," Job says, her eyes sweeping the table, "I would like all delegations and representatives present to note the fact that the Star Empire will not actively support the arming and weapons development of the Collective Protectorates. We feel that at this time the Star Empire cannot support a government known to have...extreme reservations in regards to relations with the Star Empire."

New Ortaga

14-07-2005, 21:51

Ward smiles wolfishly at Havel, "Ambassador, your nation has demonstrated many times in its history that small--supposedly harmless--bases are often more than meets the eye. And frankly, judging by the display of hulls Admiral Setties gave us a few days ago, the Collective Protectorates obviously have a fleet capable of patrolling and defending their entire solar system. Why they need Verniian--or even Valinor--support is beyond me. Unless those ships in orbit are merely gilted-cardboard painted with some metallic primer. And I do suppose that is entirely possible, given the nature of this system."

"But I stand firmly by the demands of His Excellency. The Verniian naval presence must be withdrawn from this system, especially since the size of the Protectorate flotilla shows it is obviously not fulfilling its original purpose of an anti-piracy and commercial security operation. We will endorse the plan of military build-up in Morning Star--as it is quite obvious it will only serve to drain this system dry and render it useless to the Collective Protectorates--so long as it includes the withdrawal of the permanent Verniian presence."

"As for the matter of Rear Admiral Saharin's command, the Hegemony continues to retain the right to deploy the Solar Forces any where and at any time in order to preserve the security of its borders. So, a permanent presence of the Solar Navy will be maintained in Morning Star until such time that all other permanent foreign naval deployments are withdrawn. Besides, ladies and gentlemen, surely you all remember that adage about the meek inheriting the earth? Well, perhaps some day they may, but until that time the strong will make the laws of the land. And I do not think anyone here has the tenacity to question the strength of the Hegemony."

Ward's gaze burns into Havel, "And perhaps you should rethink your statement, Ambassador. The pathetic grouping of hedonistic autocrats and spineless plutocrats in Cardona you call a government obviously fears the Solar Navy's capabilities to such an extent they are moving their own naval 'assets' to systems bordering the Great March."

"Who knows," Ward says with another chilling smile, "some day your government may see the true prowess of the Solar Navy. And then perhaps, Ambassador Havel, you will have the wonderful opportunity to see the repressed citizens of your little enclave rise up and cast their lot with an infinitely more capable and more beneficient government than that of self-proclaimed Emperor Calimar."

Cardona

"Emperor Calimar," Kerrigan says cooly, refusing to grant this self-serving autocrat any title he had not earned, "I am here to repeat the demands of His Excellency and Coordinator Wolfe and also demand a response from your government."

"It has become quite clear to His Excellency and the Council that you and your colleagues do not give their full attention to the opinions of the Hegemony. Such a policy is wholly unacceptable, and will not be tolerated by His Excellency or the Council."

"And so, Emperor Calimar," Kerrigan says, absent-mindedly studying his fingernails, "I am here to carry your response back to the embassy so that Roum may be informed as to what its next course of action must be. It has obviously become clear that to waste time on such a retrogressive and reactionary organization such as the Imperium will only serve to belittle the Hegemony, the members of the Council, and the office of the Hegemon."

Vernii

15-07-2005, 05:38

LNH

"If my government is shifting its naval assets to outlying systems, it's to protect innocent citizens from unwarranted aggression by your forces. After all, everyone in this room knows the record of New Ortaga. New Edo, Archangel, Seljuk, Thetis? How many worlds will you attack and conquer in the name of the Revolution? You accuse us of atrocities, and I admit my nation isn't innocent, but compared to you, we're schoolchildren. Your nation though, is like an axe murderer loose in a hospital. How many civilian deaths have your forces caused? Several hundred million? Perhaps one or two billion?
Your military is merely barbarians in uniform, sacking and burning worlds for the sake of a failed Revolution. We've all seen the reports. Your beneficient and capable government is simply corrupt and incompetent, staggeringly incompetent when it comes to public and private sector economics. Perhaps your citizens should rise up and show your government, show you, how well you've managed the Revolution, how you squandered an opportunity for reform, turned it into a bloated cancer of oppression and corruption. You're merely thieves and frauds wearing a cloak of fake legitimacy that you stole from the Grand Duchy."

***
Cardona

"First off, Mr. Kerrigan, I'd like you to explain to me why a nation such as yours is afraid of Erewohn? I find it incredibly odd that Ansel feels that a single terminii linking to a remote system of the Hegemony is such a threat that you have to resort to ultimatums and petty threats. After all, the Valinor control both terminii of the Gregor/Alpha-Centauri wormhole, and that of course would give them the ability to strike right into our capital system in the event of a war. But yet we only wanted them to cede control of our end of it, we weren't greedy and demanded both. And when it became obvious that such a thing was going to be impossible, we dropped the subject. I'd also like to point out that the Valinor control both terminii for both Immolan and Axis, and you aren't complaining about that arrangement. Where's your threats for them? Where are your demands to take that to the Liga? Hm?"

Valinon

15-07-2005, 06:19

Job carefully stands, eyes flickering from Havel to Ward for only a moment. Her look is detached, her face blank and distant. She has assumed what has been the posture of the Star Empire for so many years in recent decades: benign indifference, an old guardian tired of watching after its old, now grown, charges. She turns to Setties and Darius.

"Admiral, Minister," she says in a reserved voice, "as far as Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government are concerned, this summit is over. Our position has been presented, and our statements of what we intend to do if that position is not given proper observance have been noted."

She carefully returns her chair to its former position under the table, before looking coldly at Setties, "There is also the matter of a petition to extradite a certain officer of yours from the Collective Protectorates, Admiral. A formal letter will be drafted and arrive at your office shortly, I believe you and Minister Darius know of which officer I speak. If you have further need of me, you may contact the embassy."

With that Dame Antigone Job leaves, perfectly demonstrating the position of the Star Empire. The Great Lion of the Raumreich will let the Verniians and the Ortagans continue to rain blows down upon each other. Let other nations be consumed by the inherent madness of the Great March, the United Star Empire of Valinon will remain aloof from this barely civilized states it all too willingly helped to sire.

New Ortaga

15-07-2005, 23:31

Morning Star

Ward sighs, and looks at Havel as a teacher tired of an errant, misinformed pupil might.

"New Edo and Archangel were the failures of the Grand Duchy, Ambassador. A regime I might add, that closely resembles your own autocratic plutocracy in Gregor. I believe true history shows where such imperialistic and jingoistic endeavors lead. Thankfully it is to a future where the people of your nation will be all to ready for the promises of liberation by the Revolution."

"Unfortunately, the nature of our Revolution makes almost all our neighbors view us as a threat--an assumption that is totally unwarrented. However, unable to dissuade neighboring governments from the poison of their own self-conceived propoganda, the Hegemony has had, regretfully, to take extreme action in order to protect itself. Your own nation, both in the present and in the past, Ambassador, has taken action to eliminate its rivals. We have done the same, no more, no less."

"As for your other statements," Ward makes a vague, unconcerned gesture, "they are quite clearly more of the self-serving propaganda that has so long been sown in the minds of the citizens of those governments around us. Mismanagement you say? Preposterous! The citizens of the Hegemony need no longer even work for a living. All concerns, all needs, and all wants have been sated. The promises of the Revolution have long ago been filled, and now we are spreading our great gift to other suns."

As Job stands and leaves, Ward gives a smile. On its own the smile is normal, a simple action of a sentient being. But when mixed with the words that follow, it becomes sick and twisted--a parody of the very action it is.

"How very fortunate for the poor, propaganda poisoned citizens of Vernii that their suns will be among the first to be liberated. Freed from the grasp of corrupt plutocrats and a sham of "imperial rule", and given the chance to be purged of all unclean taint."

Cardona

There can be no doubt in the nature of Kerrigan's expression. The Citizen-Ambassador looks bored.

"Emperor Calimar," Kerrigan says condescendingly, "the very nature of your government--in fact nothing more than the bloated carcass of the People's Republic risen from the dead--has demonstrated time and time again its hostile attempts against our Revolution. His Exellency is merely taking steps that are necessary and proper to save ourselves from having to fight a war, or live under the continual threat of one as we do now."

"The matter of the Immolan and Axis wormholes is not in question here. Although the simple fact of that matter is this. The wormholes in Immolan and Axis were ceded to the Valinor after due and proper compensation was given by the Star Empire. And to continue, at any time the Solar Forces could expel the Valinor presence from our home suns and obliterate all traces of their existence. The Valinor are allowed to entertain an illusion, a small thing that is necessary when one negotiates with fading lions."

His eyes move up from his fingers, and the hint of a smile tugs at Kerrigan's lips.

"In regards to your own wormhole between Gregor and Alpha Centauri, Emperor Calimar, this only shows the justification of why we must be ceded control of the Erewohnese wormholes. Your government quivers at the very mention of the Valinor, and dares not challenge it. His Excellency long ago deduced that this will mean you will move against the Hegemony. Unable to challenge the Valinor or the Vaku, another Valinor cat's paw," Kerrigan smiles at his own joke, "we are your only other target. Trying to refute this statement will get you no where, Emperor Calimar. We have seen all too easily your pathetically concealed attempts to fortify Erewohn. You are preparing for war. We are taking steps to prevent this war from harming the innocent Citizens of the Revolution and their loyal servants in the form of the Solar Forces. Deal with it."

Kerrigan returns his gaze to his fingers, "And so, what reply shall I give to His Excellency and the Council?"

Lunatic Retard Robots

16-07-2005, 00:11

Fedor, if his face were designed to show expressions, would probably look rather dejected. Perhaps the Robotic Cooperative had set hopes too high for the very short summit, sizing it up as a venue to begin some sort of permanent process of stabilization and demilitarization. If there's one thing that Fedor and the other delegates can come away knowing, it is that human beings can be very obstinate sometimes.

As the Valinor representatives leave, the Robotic delegation also prepares to depart. Without the Star Empire's significant influence to back up what are percieved as more sensible policies, things look very ready to degenerate into little more than an exchange of insults between the Ortagans and Verniians.

"If you would excuse me, gentlemen...I'm afraid we must be going. It seems our continued presence at this conference will serve little purpose anymore, for reasons that I doubt escape you. Admiral Lem Ystad has agreed to keep his squadron in Liberated New Hope for as long as they are needed, but I don't think our delegation can hope to accomplish much more in the present environment. If any follow-up summit is planned, we will surely be glad to attend, but for the time being we'll leave you to your own devices.

"I sincerely hope that all nations and races will learn to live with each other, with mutual understanding and good intentions. Vernii and New Ortaga are no exceptions. The entire Robotic Collective urges you to make a real effort towards reconcilliation, for the sake of all those who could be affected by violence."

Fedor and the Robotic delegation stands up and thanks Darius and Setties for having them there, and walks out.

Vernii

16-07-2005, 08:15

LNH

"I do believe the delegates from the Star Empire and LRR are right, we have gotten a bit sidetracked. Back on topic, Gibraltar and the cruiser detachment in this system will remain until our hosts request our withdrawl, which we will politely accept. Until then, we have a firm policy not to let other nations dictate our foreign policy to us, and the Hegemony will not be an exception. As I've said, I'm sure that the various construction and armaments companies will be happy to lend their services to Morning Star's needs."

***
Cardona

"Wait a moment, you're saying that because we're fortifying Erewohn's defenses, that we're preparing for an offensive action? That's ridiculous. And the reasoning you've come to is equally absurb. Why should we invade your nation? What would it have to offer us? That's no matter I guess. Anyway, the established precedent in the Raumreich is that nations control terminii that are in their space. The Valinor are the only exception to this rule, but that's because no one feels like going to war against them. As such, handing over the Erewohn terminus is an unacceptable breach of our security, as it would give your nation a bridgehead for an invasion of Imperial space. Simply put, your answer is no. Ansel can take this matter to the Liga if he wants, but I'm sure they'll agree with my answer."

Liberated New Hope

17-07-2005, 20:36

A guard steps in front of the door blocking Job’s exit as she approaches the door and Setties slams his first upon his desk as he stands. “Excuse me, Dame, but I will not have anyone walk out of my house and out of a conference that effects my people’s future because they’re bored,” he declares from across the room, then turning his attention to the Verniian and the Ortagan. “And though I may agree with my Verniian brother you two bicker more than a sewing circle and you, Mr. Ward, are the smuggest son of bitch I have ever met in my entire life. For Gezirah's* sake the only people in the room that know how to act like decent human beings are the fragging toasters!” he berates to the whole room while violently swinging his arm outward and pointing toward the Robotic delegates. “It’s like watching my brother’s kids or something!”

There is an awkward silence as the Admiral’s breath calms and Darius simply holds his forehead in his hands in utter defeat. “Madam Antigone you are free to go as I have no authority to keep you here but the plea has not be extended and will not be extended until a promise of our safety can be made. Citizen-Ambassador I would encourage you to leave before more of this travesty of a conference is allowed to go on. As for you, Ambassador,” Setties indicates the Verniian delegate, ”I would invite you and the Robotic Cooperative to stay for a drink and further discuss the Gibralter, it’s possible dismantling or handing over, and several other trade agreements. That is, if you would like to stay.”

With that the guard steps away from the door and opens it as Setties extends his arm toward the door.

*Cultural note: Gezirah is one of the better known heroes of the Liberation. You'll find that many expressions such as "Oh God" or "Goddamned" or "For Christ's sake" aren't used because religion is strictly forbidden among citizens of the Liberation as a backlash against years of religious persecution by the former leadership, the Clergy. Also I used fragging because I'm a Galactica fan and also a tremendous loser.

Valinon

17-07-2005, 22:29

Job regards Darius carefully, "Thank you, Minister, for your continued courtesy. They are quite appreciated."

With that her eyes narrow on Setties, "As for you, Admiral, I hope you will remember to control your emotions before too much longer. Hopefully if you do, the virtue will soon spread throughout the ranks of your men."

She turns toward the door, and then turns back, "And also, Admiral, do remember this. You removed your own nation from the protection of the Star Empire some years ago, and the Star Empire has not taken any form of action against you for your decisions--despite what a faction of your citizens seems to think. But you would do well to remember this, Admiral. You have already attracted the less than desirable glance of one of the Raumreich's foremost power, and you would do well not to invoke the wrath of a second."

Lunatic Retard Robots

18-07-2005, 00:38

Taken quite by surprise by Admiral Setties' rather strong words, Fedor and the Robotic delegation return to their seats.

There are many things that Fedor would love to say to the various dignitaries present, but for all the anger and frustration that the Robotic Fedor could spout, it would be like tossing pinecones at Godzilla. All one has to do in order to have a fairly good picture of Lunkwill & Fook's military assets is consider Admiral Ystad's squadron. Its largest ship is some 540 meters long, dwarfed by many destroyers.

In fact, as Auman already quite clearly demonstrated, the Robotic Cooperative is defenseless against any sort of serious opposition, and has for such reasons become even more decentralized and secretive.

But Fedor's opening statement was also more or less all the delegation had to say, and with its rather bad mauling at the hands of the Valinor and Ortagans, the Robots keep quiet and follow the course of conversation.

New Ortaga

18-07-2005, 17:41

Liberated New Hope

Ward stands and calmly collects his comp-pad and other effects. He snaps his attache case shut with a disinterested look.

"The Hegemony has made its opinions known, and I will now withdraw from this conference. However, I will leave two pieces of information for you, Admiral Setties, Minister Darius."

Ward turns to eye the two Liberation officials cooly, "The Solar Navy will continue to maintain a presence in Morning Star until such time that the Verniians withdraw from the system, or are rendered into being a non-hostile threat to the Hegemony and its Citizens. And a formal diplomatic presence of the Hegemony will be established in-system, with myself acting as His Excellency's and the Hegemony's envoy to the Collective Protectorate's government," he smirks, "such as it is."

And with that Ward makes for the door.

Cardona

Kerrigan sneers in a predatory fashion, "We will see whom the Liga agrees with, Emperor Calimar. And you would have been wise to learn there are other powers besides the Valinor you don't want to fight a war with. In fact, given the nature of the Valinor in recent years, there are opponents who would be infinitely more worthy of this distinction."

"I will convey your response to His Excellency and the Council. I have no doubt you will receive your summons from the Liga shortly."

Kerrigan spins on one heel and makes for the door.

New Ortaga

20-07-2005, 01:34

HSS Revolution, Alpha Centauri system, United Star Empire of Valinon
6.01.1300 AF
0858 Solar Forces Standard

A brilliant whiteness dawns in the Alpha Centauri system, the home system and core of the Valinor empire. A series of white eruptions of energy warp, twist, and bend space as a small flotilla of Solar Navy warships retranslate back into normal space.

An almost stately parade of three Hegemon II class dreadnoughts surrounded by four Roum class war frigates and two squadrons of Ansel class monitors reactivates their gravimetric engines and shields. They appear disinterested at the cluster of Kriegsmarine warships rapidly racing toward them. Although the reply to the hails of the Valinor system traffic control are responded to rapidly.

"This is the HSS Revolution, leading the flag squadron of the Solar Navy. We are here to transport His Excellency, the Hegemon Channing Ansel, to an emergency session of the Liga der Raumreich. We wish clearance to approach Proxima Centauri so that His Excellency's personal yacht and an escort may proceed to the Skye Complex."

As the Revolution transmits its purpose and proposed optimum navigation path a message is fed into the Nu-space hubs of Alpha Centauri. It is rapidly forwarded along the high priority diplomatic channels of Nu-space to Gregor, Liberated New Hope, Rembrandt, Nouveaux Caledonia, Ticonderoga, and Vakutu.

Fellow Leaders of the Raumreich,

In recent months the Hegemony of New Ortaga has grown increasingly wary of the actions and policies of the Imperium of Vernii. Emperor Calimar, his government, and his military commanders have fortified and deployed considerable military assets to the system of Erewohn.

As you all are well aware, the system of Erewohn is of considerable strategic importance due to its control of two wormholes. These wormholes connect to the systems of Yetti's Star and Thetis, currently the sovereign possessions of the Hegemony. After consultation with the representatives of the Citizens of the Hegemon on the Interim Council, and repeated evidence presented by both the Coordination of Security and Intelligence and the Coordination of the Solar Forces, it is my firm belief that the Imperium is readying itself for war. And the target of this war is the Worlds and Citizens of the Hegemony.

Ladies and Gentlemen, time and time again the Verniians, under whatever government system they chose to assume, have demonstrated their violent and wanton imperialist policies. I cannot idly stand by and allow them to launch yet another preemeptive war of aggression against the peaceful and hard-working Citizens of the Hegemon.

In order to prevent a war, and dissuade Emperor Calimar from his plans for aggression, I petitioned that the wormholes in Erewohn that connect to our systems be ceded to the Hegemony. That way the Solar Forces may ensure the safety of the Hegemony as the armed forces of the Star Empire have through their control of numerous extra-territorial wormhole zones.

Emperor Calimar and his government have blatantly rejected my demands, and clearly demonstrating their hostile intent. I therefore have no further recourse than to bring this matter before the Liga der Raumreich.

Therefore, as is my right as the head of state of one of the Consul seat-holding States of the Liga, I formally call for an emergency sessions of the Liga's diplomatic council to present my case and demand a resolution on this matter.

Channing Ansel,
Hegemon of the Citizens of New Ortaga
Protector of the Revolution
First Citizen of Roum

IMS Morgan's Journey (HSS Fortuna), Erewohn system, Imperium of Vernii
6.01.1300 AF
0900 Solar Forces Standard

Commander Norman Octavius; Coordination of Security and Intelligence, Intelligence Division; reviews the data garnered from the Morgan's week-long stay in the Erewohn system. The ship's mediocre Valinor constructed hull hides a considerable array of advanced passive sensors, computer tap hardware, and finally one of the most advanced gravimetric engine boosters the Solar Navy has produced.

And Octavius is chilled by what his ship's considerable capacity has shown him. The Verniians, and their Erewohnese lackeys, are assembling a mass driver. An apparent reproduction of the same mass driver the so called Triple Alliance employed against the Valinor assets over Mars. This massive, space-born artillery piece is one of the most deadly weapons ever created in the Raumreich, competing with even the Vortex warheads of the Solar Navy.

And so, Octavius ordered his ship to make ready to depart from Erewohn on a course for Morning Star. It maintains the ship's manifest, an independent merchanment dutifully transporting its goods across the systems bordering the Great March. But Octavius will return his ship to normal space only fifty-two light years from Erewohn, and rapidly proceed to Dylar at his fastest possible speed. There he will load the intel update into the Coordination's database, and send a priority to Admiral Hellings. Hopefully the Solar Admiral will be able to secure a new targeting pattern for the LRDS ship assigned to hit Erewohn. If not the very home suns of the Hegemony could be at stake.

"Commander," his comm technician saids, turning around from his station, "we have received clearance from traffic control and are preparing for translation."

Octavius nods, inhales deeply, and waits for the momentary disorientation of an FTL translation. He knows Operation British is entering its final moments before zero-hour. And he hopes that he can arrive at Dylar in time to ensure British is victorious.

Across the Hegemony...

Across the vast star systems of the Hegemony, numbering some thirty-eight suns and over thirteen billion souls, the final moments of peace preluding war slide rapidly by.

In the severe calm of their flag bridges or in the secure chambers of their quarters, eleven Solar Admirals contemplate the disposition of their fleets. Readying their forces for battles either on the immediate horizon, or existing only in simulations or scenarios.

On the world of Axis II Cima Garahou looks up as the sirens blanketing the planet begin their plantive wailing.

In Roum, Jordan Galt allows himself a small reprieve. Pouring a small glass of wine and toasting alone to the execution of one of what he believes are the final cells of Collectivist sedition in Gadsen. Ginias Saharin smiles quietly to himself as the main hanger of Apocalypse Keep opens to accept his personal shuttle.

Around the distant red star of Dylar, Admiral Hellings quickly returns the salutes of passing men as the screams of klaxons sounding the general quarters fills the corridors of the HSS Phoenix. He calmly speaks with one of his communications officers, ordering the reorienting of the LRDS ship deployed in Thetis.

In the cold, shadow-filled realm of interstellar space, the pale-skinned technicians of Ginias Saharin aboard the two other LRDS ship make final calculations and checks. They nervously eye one another and the sensor read outs of their ships, showing the flitting contacts of Observer manned monitor squadrons filling the space around them.

In Acler and Gregor, the stored up malice of decades feeds in the heart of the survivors of the Nightwatch organization. They steel their malice with weapons and armor gained from Ortaga, and ready the invaluable resources stored aboard Q-ships in orbit over Vernii. They await their moment to pay in full the hunting of their kind by the Verniian security agencies.

Across the home suns of the Hegemony plantive wails arrive from the various outposts and bases of the Solar Forces. Warships, Marines, and security forces move rapidly to impose what is the largest quarintine on movement and communication in the history of the Hegemony. The already mysterious realm of the Hegemony, shrouded behind the levels of protection and security of the Solar Forces and security troops, is turned into a black hole. Warp gate traffic patterns are suspended, as the Solar Forces closes down the system for "emergency testing procedures".

Across thirty-eight suns, and hundreds of worlds, a great beast awakens once again. Since the end of the war against the Wick in Thetis, the Hegemony's military machine has laid dormant and relatively docile. Now it awakens with a renewed verocity, and beings to stir. Its pulse quickens and it moves to hunt again. The time until it strikes is measured by a thousand, a million, counting clocks across its many limbs, eyes, and ears. Each one a dwindling row of numbers, each one counting toward the final moment of nothingess: the zero hour of Operation British.

And, in his place of exile on the distant Isle of Perdition, Yuri Kellarny jolts out of a shallow slumber to the insistent beep of his call manager. He watches through half-blurred eyes as reports feed in from across the Hegemony of the creature that is stirring.

It is the moment he has hoped and dreaded over for so long.

It is the final moments of stilled breath and slowed pulses before the final strike.

It is the moment of desperation born by the minds of so many men.

It is the praised eve of deliverance.

It is the last hope of greed.

It is the end of an age.

Vernii

20-07-2005, 05:32

The Ministry of War

The admirals of the Imperial Navy had been assembled, attending either in person, or watching the proceedings via nu-space. Fleet Admiral Leveson took the stage, walking up the podium as the eyes of his audience followed. He cleared his throat, a nervous sounding gesture in a way.

"My comrades, as some of you might already know, His Majesty has refused the outrageous Ortagan demand to cede vital strategic points to their control, points that would give them a dangerous amount of access to our territory. The Ortagans are taking this matter to the Liga, but I don't believe it will settled there. However, we all know that the Hegemony hasn't had a good record at settling things peacefully, so it is both my opinion, and that of the government's, that a war is probable. As such, I want every admiral to take measures to insure the safety of their command, and to ensure that every squadron and installation is ready for a fight. I'll leave measures up to each fleet commander. As for Home Fleet, I want the squadrons dispersed. It's far too vulnerable bunched up in orbit and around the dockyards. Squadron commanders will receive their specific orders later, but for now the general plan is that the fleet, while retaining enough assets in orbit for adequate protection and response, is to spread out more within the orbit defined by our moon. Inside each of these groupings, no squadron is to take position within 30,000 kilometers of another. Also, Admiral Hilldebrand and I have decided that the fortresses will make orbital adjustments twice a day now. In the event of a conflict, it will be stepped up to four times a day. Also, the potential use of Q-ships can't be overlooked, we all know that our own nation has used them to great affect in the past, and it is possible that the Solar Navy has learned from our example. Any vessel registered to the Hegemony will not be allowed to approach within Endicott's orbit without being very thoroughly searched. Also, non-Verniian starships will not be allowed within 50,000 kilometers of military shipyards or repair docks, nor will any civilian starships coming in to dock be allowed to without being inspected first. That is all. And now, Admiral Meredith has prepared a report about potential offensives against the Hegemony in the event of a conflict..."

The WIck

21-07-2005, 04:00

The Hegemon’s voice was heard plainly and clearly as Ansel’s message played for the third time for President Villers ears to hear,

…present my case and demand a resolution on this matter.

The message ended only to be heard again from the beginning as it was in a continuous feedback loop. The Hegemon’s voice as always contained a marked edge of superiority to it, while at the same time retaining the determination and steel required of any former office of the Navy be it the Solar Navy or the CSN.

…it is my firm belief that the Imperium is readying itself for war…

The President of the Concordat almost laughed when he heard this line again, of course the Imperium were reading themselves for a war, even the Valinor were judging by the lack of their once active patrols in the so called “Great March. The reason the Imperium was preparing for conflict was that they were the intended target. It was the most basic instinct of man, to dig in first to confront the coming storm. The Ortagans needed spoils and loot gathered from the Verniian economy to sate their own deficit, such funds could no longer be bleed from the WIckians,

A dark blue liquid twirled about Villers tumbler as he considered its merits, dark with smoked undertones it wasn’t a bad sour mash considering that it came from the Talbott Cluster. He up turned the tumbler and downed the whiskey, his migraines had returned as they often did when his stress level was up.

Not that Ansel’s demands before the Raumreich were his only problems, not by far. In only another year the contract that was the framework of the Concordat’s government was up for review and amendment. It seemed that Villers opponents in the Congress were using this time to put forward their agendas, people like Representative Ginske pulled few punches. Some called for his impeachment, others called him a war hawk, and claimed that his administration’s support for the Imperium would drag the Concordat into a war it could not win. However not all the merchants were against the Presidents administration, but some of the most powerful proprietors of Ticonderoga were, and the “Self-Defense” and Mercenary forces people like Ginske could marshal were considerable, which explained why Villers attempted to reconcile the relationship between the Navy and the Merchant Guilds…

Well a lot had changed in the fifteen years since the last conflict between the two star nations, and this time the WIckians would not be alone. That gave him some hope of surviving the coming war…though the odds were still quite long.

He went to pour himself another shot of whiskey, when suddenly he felt cold, his left arm holding the bottle trembled as the bottle dropped from it. Villers remembered hearing it shatter, the noise distant in the background as his left side went numb, suddenly there was and exploding pain in his chest, as his heart failed.

The President, a veteran of many military campaigns who knew the violence of war, who heard the death screams of good friends whose lives were snuffed out in mere moments, considered it ironic as he slumped into his chair that he would die without so much as uttering a word.

Lunatic Retard Robots

21-07-2005, 04:29

The Robotic Cooperative watches in horror as Vernii and New Ortaga prepare for war. And by the looks of things, judge Robotic observers, it does not seem set to be a 'clean' war, if warfare could be called clean. Robotic merchants are, within the next few hours, recalled from Vernii and Liberated New Hope for that reason. Still in the process of mending the damage done by the Aumanii raid-in-force on the Robotic Cluster and its ultimate abandonment, none of the Robotic captains are willing to send their expensive and new freighters, much larger and more capable than what they had been using for the past few years, into a warzone as trading vessels, fair game for internment or destruction. A fair few ships are being refitted as hospitals, though, and Robotic captains and crews stand quite ready to fulfill their humanitarian (or Robotitarian) commitments.

In the mean time, more Robotic warships are slated for deployment to Morning Star as peacekeepers, there to support Liberation neutrality. In addition to No.2 Commando Brigade, deployed aboard the carrier Hermes, the survey ships Echo, Togo, Somaliland, and Gannet are sent to join Admiral Ystad's squadron.

Valinon

22-07-2005, 01:31

Sanctuary uploads a detailed flight pattern to the Solar Navy force within moments. For the most part it ignores the "recommendations" of the Ortagan navigators, keeping the dreadnoughts and their escorts in cis-lunar space around Proxima. Four Quentin Forrest-class dreadnoughts and a squadron of battlecruisers take up positions on the edge of the Ortagan flotilla, a supposed "honor guard" that in reality shows the displeasure of the Kriegsmarine to have to deal with "large" numbers of foreign warships near the Twin Suns of Valinon.

The escorts around the flotilla are far from alone. Proxima, the hallowed Vaterland, is surrounded by two squadrons of Reich-class super-dreadnoughts, and an entire host of battleships, battlecruisers, super carriers, cruisers, and destroyers--Kriegsmarine, militia, and mercenary ships alike. Not to mention the hordes of automated defense drones, satellites, and scattered Reichswehr orbital defense centers.

Yet even the warships, satellites, and even the vaunted, massive bulk of HMSS Sanctuary seem small when compared to the amount of civilian traffic and facilities around Proxima. Neatly regimented rows of space containers, the spidery frames of civilian shipyards, and carefully controlled and monitored lanes of private freighters and transports are what make up the ever-present waves of ships and engine signatures around Proxima. Vessels from across the galaxy--Sol, the Orion Sector, former Xanthalian space, the Raumreich, Klonor, and beyond are all represented.

The course Sanctuary gives to Ansel's yacht, along with an escorting squadron of Precentor-class space superiority interceptor drones, takes it very near two super-dreadnoughts lazily orbiting over Proxima, almost above the Isle of Clouds that is the home to the Liga der Raumreich. The barely concealed reminder of whose star system the Hegemon of the Ortagans is in serves a simple purpose: to convey the message that the Star Empire will not humor any errant attempts at adventurism by the Solar Navy in their space.

**********

Below the organized maelstrom of Proxima's orbital traffic and defenses, a sense of frenzy over takes the Skye Complex, the headquarters of the diplomatic council of the Liga der Raumreich. The serving Chancellor of the council, Rakti nar Kiranka, finds himself roused from a surprisingly peaceful afternoon.

As the Vaku ambassador is appraised of the situation, the rest of the small bureaucracy of the Liga moves into action. The main chamber of the Liga is prepared, and the full measure of the defenses of the Isle of Clouds are brought into activity. Additional flights of Needle-class aerospace combat drones are brought online, and the closer garrisons of the Reichswehr coordinate with the joint international forces stationed to defend the Skye Complex.

Imperial Sovereign Protectors from Valinon, Imperial Guard from Vakutu, Marines from Vernii, Solar Marines from Ortaga, and even scattered squads from the Cluster, the Wickian Concordat, and Collective Protectorates are put on full alert. Additional Emergency Response Teams, among the best trained and most experienced troops in the Reichswehr, from Her Majesty's Ministry for Foreign Affairs are flown in.

As nar Kiranka is rapidly escorted to the primary landing pad of the Complex, a carefully assembled honor guard with three-men elements representing each nation in the Liga forms up at the pad. The Solar Marines from New Ortaga are allowed to stand at the foremost position, and present the bold, red cross flag of the Hegemony to their Hegemon when he arrives.

The stage is set as nar Kiranka calmly steps out to wait, and is joined by Sir Prange and several other ambassadors and Liga functionaries. Whatever the decision of the Liga at the end of Hegemon Ansel's appeal, this is one of the most historic moments for the Liga. Only at the formal signing of the Proxima Centauri Accord where any of the heads of state of the Raumreich present at the Skye Complex itself. Since then the Liga has languished, despite concentrated efforts by the Star Empire and its allies to make it a greater force in international affairs.

But today it seems that the Liga may be poised to reclaim its rightful mantle as the instrument of peace, justice, and stability in the Raumreich.

But there is still that sinking doubt that hangs in a hushed silence over the Isle of Clouds, along with the spiraling mists that give the small isle its name. It is the doubt that the Ortagans have any intention of coming here to make peace and amends, and the growing fear that this is merely the final prelude before the opening act of war.

Vernii

24-07-2005, 04:35

Erewohn

Eldeman had sat in his quarters for hours, brooding over what seemed to be an inevitable conflict, one that would undoubtedly involve his system. Morale had been a bit lower then usual, and the tension of waiting for an attack that may or may not come at any given time was becoming a strain. Thus, he set about finding a solution, something symbolic.

Manuevering thrusters on each of the gigantic rings of the mass driver fired as one. The entire enormous chain, a thousand kilometers from end to end, would appear as a giant grey line turning in space, bringing one end, the end with the fold generators, to point directly at the terminus to Yetti's Star. On a practical note, it made targeting calculations easier, but the more important benefit was the symbolism it created.

Let the Solar Navy come, Erewohn wasn't afraid, and it was waiting...

The WIck

24-07-2005, 14:50

TO: Admiral of the Green Brooks, VMV, DSC, BS w/cluster, SE w/cluster

FROM: President Ginkse (Designate)

RE: Deployment of the 1st Concordat Expeditionary Force

Admiral,

It is my sad duty to inform yourself that President Villers has been struck down by a heart attack at 0230 hours last night. His status is currently critical and he currently has not regained conciseness since the attack. As you well know the normal course of action in such a situation would be to hold new elections for an interim president to hold office until such time as Mr. Villers can regain his office or be deemed unable to return. Given the current tenuous situation in the Raumreich the Congress has deemed it necessary for myself in my station as Speaker of the House to become the Interim President believing that there is not time to dawdle in elections.

There should be much concern in the current deployment of the 1st Concordat Expeditionary Force, over a quarter of the Concordat Fleet is currently supporting the Imperium’s massive Home Fleet. The latest deployment figures shows that there are over 200 ships-of-the-wall in that fleet, and with the GFL included there are four Concordat Battle Squadrons in Gregor, when in Ticonderoga itself there are only eight. Our last star can not afford to be ravaged by this coming war, it would be the last nail into the coffin of our economy so to speak.

You will at the soonest possible time return your force to garrison duty here at Ticonderoga. The Vernii have made it clear through past actions that they believe navies one should look after themselves when the onslaught of the Solar Navy comes for their stars. Let them look after their selves for once, the Imperium violated the Pact of Swords fifteen years ago, there exists no binding agreement between the Concordat and the Calimar government for mutual self defense, they voided that agreement themselves. The Imperium will look after their own defenses and we shall look after ours. Already once in the past we were dragged into a losing war by the Verniians through their own actions, I have no desire for our government to be dragged into a second. Come home Admiral and defend our own , Tester willing if we do not provoke the ire of the Ortagans they will not deem it ness Cary to wipe out how few of us remain.

These are your Orders.

Sincerely,

President Ginske

New Ortaga

25-07-2005, 18:01

Skye Complex, Isle of Clouds, Proxima Centauri, Alpha Centauri system, United Star Empire of Valinon
6.01.1300 AF
0948 Solar Forces Standard

"Your Excellency, we are on our final approach."

Channing Ansel looks up at the Elite Guardsman and simply nods. He then turns back to the actual hard-bound book that he was digesting with barely a second thought.

Opposite the Hegemon, Coordinator Wolfe taps his fingers anxiously on his knee caps. Unlike his superior, Wolfe is far from secure at what he--about what the Hegemony--is about to do. And he is still very afraid that he may never see the outside of the Skye Complex again.

"Are you sure about this, Your Excellency?" Wolfe says in a breathless whisper. "What if the Verniian or Wickian ambassadors chooses to assault us after Operation British hits the nets? They have that reputation."

And there's also the possibility Chancellor nar Kiranka may simply rip off the arms of anyone who has ever been in the Hegemony, Wolfe adds in his mind, and desperately stills a shudder.

"Have confidence, Arthur. The Valinor will not allow blood to be spilt in the Liga, it would soil their marble floors," Ansel smiles slightly. "Besides, security in the council chamber is very, very thorough. And if anyone was stupid enough to try something, the Sovereign Protectors in the chamber would cut them down where they stood. There is at least something to be said for Valinopr efficiency."

The yacht jumps slightly as it comes to a rest on the tarmac. Ansel glances at the top of the page, carefully noting its number in his mind, then slides it into a plain black shoulder bag. Wolfe gets a brief glimpse at the book's jacket and its title: To Rule the Stars. In smaller font is a small caption "A complete history of Her Imperial Majesty's Kriegsmarine" and the author's name, Grossadmiral the Count Sir Quentin Forrest, Retired.

Wolfe arches an eyebrow, "Know thine enemy, Your Excellency."

Ansel pauses for a moment while handing the bag to one of the omipresent Guardsmen.

"For the sake of the Revolution, Arthur, I hope not," Ansel mummers quietly, not even bothering to lift away the Coordinator of Foreign Affairs confusion.

Wolfe eyes the Hegemon and the blank faceplate of the Guardsman, and then falls in behind Ansel as he makes for the ramp.

Ansel descends and cooly reviews the awaiting delegation and honor guard. A full squad of his own Guardsmen neatly files out of the shuttle and takes positions on either side the corridor formed by the Liga welcoming party. The Hegemon seems to take the assembly as if it is his due, and he nods calmly before approaching the Vaku ambassador serving as the Liga's Chancellor.

"Chancellor, Sir Gordon," Ansel says calmly, "I am here to address the diplomatic council, and as this is a matter of utmost importance to the Hegemony and the Citizens of the Great March, I would like to expedite the process as much as possible."

Vakutu

25-07-2005, 20:59

Rakti nar Kiranka momentarily bathes in the feelings of satisfaction it gives him to tower over the Hegemon of the Ortagans. Even at his rapidly advancing age, the ambassador is still over seven feet tall. And since Ansel and the repugnant little man with him had neglected the honorific "Your Excellency" address of Rakti's temporary office, he does not favor them with the polite bow of his kind.

"Your request is in order, Hegemon. I shall alert the other delegates on the council of your arrival. I will convene the Council of the Liga in an hour. For the moment allow my staff to show you to a suitable room for you to relax in from your journey."

And I only pity that I cannot shove one of your body parts in every closet in the Complex, Rakti adds to himself as he turns and barks a series of orders in his own language. A young Vaku rapidly advances and bows to Rakti, but neglects to extend the honor to the Hegemon and his party.

"Your Excellency?"

"See the Hegemon and his compatriots to the conference rooms next to the chambers. Extend no further courtesies."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

The member of Rakti's staff turns to Ansel, "This way, Hegemon."

Vernii

25-07-2005, 21:12

Lord Chelshire was not a happy man. With the Ortagans here (the Hegemon no less!) the Liga chamber was going to be a powder keg waiting to be set off. He would have felt markedly better if it hadn't been his nation on the death list of the Hegemony, but alas. He poured himself a goblet of wine, and sat back to relax as much as he could before the Liga convened.

New Ortaga

27-07-2005, 02:18

Skye Complex, Isle of Clouds, Proxima Centauri, Alpha Centauri system, United Star Empire of Valinon
6.01.1300 AF
1023 Solar Forces Standard

Channing Ansel adjusts his collar and gestures to one of the Guardsmen who accompanied him. The Guardsmen quietly hands the Hegemon his shoulder bag, and Ansel carefully flips through its contents until he finds a small black box. He sets the box casually on the table and opens it. Conveying with his motions that he is barely giving the action a thought, Ansel begins to select the neatly-regimented series of pins and decorations in the box. He starts by attaching a pair of blazing suns to the collar.

Wolfe watches nervously, although a tinge of anger is beginning to slowly eat away the fear. Wolfe licks his lips.

"No refreshments? I thought Valinor hospitality and manners were above reproach, and above belittling themselves for the sake of an insult."

Ansel calmly adjusts the series of gold bars on his shoulders, "The Valinor may be, Arthur, but the Vaku are not. And since nar Kiranka is the current Chancellor, he is using his power and control over the Liga's bureaucracy to deliver a few small calculated insults. The whole bowing display at the pad was one element of it. Denying us any kind of recognition is another."

Ansel stands and flexes his fingers, popping his knuckles, "No matter thought, at this point all the Vaku can do is deliver petty insults. They are just as tied to the Valinor policy of non-interference and inaction as the Valinor military itself. That is just one of the prices they pay for striking their deal with New Koln."

Ansel takes a deep breath and exhales heavily before sitting down in a chair. He keeps his back rigid, tensed down ever millimeter of his spine. The Hegemon's eyes remain closed and his palms rest on his knees. Wolfe watches with slight interest, it is a routine most of the higher members of the Council know at least to an extent. It is the same routine Ansel performs every time before he gives a speech. Wolfe often wonders if it truly has any proven value, but then Ansel is entitled to do what he wants. Such are the benefits of being the Hegemon of the Ortagans, the Leader of the Revolution.

There is a knock at the door to the conference room. Wolfe looks up, his action mirroring those of the Guardsmen standing about the room. Wolfe nods to one of them, and the door is opened. Another Guardsmen steps in, notices the position of Ansel, and blanches under his faceplate.

"Citizen-Coordinator, Citizen-Ambassador Varquez to see His Excellency and yourself."

Wolfe's eyes drift to Ansel, who remains in his almost meditative state, and then turns back to the Guardsmen.

"Send him in."

A few seconds later, Theodore Varquez enters the room. He is a man of powerful build, and his suit seems ill-equipped to contain his muscular frame.

"Coordinator Wolfe, I-," and then Varquez stops, his wince not concealed by a faceplate as he notices Ansel.

"I apologize, Your Excellency."

Ansel's eyes snap open, "Noted, Citizen Varquez, although it is a trifle thing. I am ready."

Varquez nods deeply, "Then I have arrived just in time. The rest of the council is almost assembled, and the chambers have been prepared. Chancellor nar Kiranka," Varquez spats the Vaku's name like some form of bile, "should be calling the meeting to order in a few moments. Although if he were to neglect to do so would not surprise me."

Ansel stands suddenly, which causes the Guardsmen to suddenly snap to attention and makes Wolfe shift rapidly to follow--almost knocking his chair over backwards as he does.

"Then let us get this over with, Citizen Varquez. It seems little has changed on Proxima Centauri since I was here last, and to sit here and listen to the hardening of the Star Empire's habitual patterns of behavior grows wearisome."

Varzquez nods again and moves to lead Ansel, Wolfe, and the Guardsmen through the Complex. Ansel pauses for a moment to look at his chronometer, still keyed to the Solar Forces Standard. It is an action that is mirrored by thousands upon thousands of officers and soldiers across the Hegemony, by Observers and technicians in interstellar space, and by the hard eyes of the Nightwatch survivors on the worlds of Vernii.

The eve of war is almost finished, and the dogs of conflict, ancient as mankind itself, take a final, deep breath before the strike of the pack commences.

Vakutu

27-07-2005, 02:45

Rakti nar Kiranka's eyes sweep over the assembled delegations of the nations of the Raumreich. Almost all the various states that inhabit the Oversector are present, only the Mesan Conglomerate is not represented. And generally the envoy of the Republic of Monica also serves as something of a representative of Mesa as well, the fate of those two nations are so intertwined it is hard to separate them at all.

Below the raised diased of the Chancellor are the two dias for the delegations of the "consul" nations of the Liga--Valinon and New Ortaga. Rakti's eyes rest for a moment on Sir Gordon Prange, the Valinor ambassador, and notes the fact that the Ortagan dias is devoid of any presence--save for two Citizen-Ambassador Varquez's flunkies.

Then a voice speaking Vaku whispers in Rakti's ears over the comm-link hidden there, one of his own staff.

"Your Excellency, the Hegemon and his delegation are present at the chamber's entrance. The Hegemon wishes to enter when he is formally introduced by the chair."

Rakti growls slightly. Ansel has him, the Chancellor of the Liga cannot refuse to introduce the representatives of either consul power. Especially when one of them was the reason the council had been summoned on such short notice.

"Very well," Rakti says in a whisper. He then stands and rests his massive hands on the podium, a hush rapidly descends over the room.

"Honorable Ambassadors and Representatives of the Nations of the Raumreich Oversector," nar Kiranka begins, "I apologize for summoning you to a formal session of the Liga der Raumreich's Council on such short notice, but in my position as Chancellor I am required to bring this matter to your attention."

Rakti's eyes float to the Wickian and Verniian representatives for a moment before he continues, "His Excellency, Channing Ansel, Hegemon of the Ortagans, has called for an emergency session of this body, excerising the right of the Hegemony of New Ortaga as a consul member-state of the Liga to do so. He wishes to present the allegations of the Hegemony against the Imperium of Vernii, whom the Hegemony believes are conspiring to make hostile actions against their holdings in the Great March. Furthermore, the Hegemony has enacted its right as a consul state to demand an immediate and clear ruling on this issue."

"At this time I would like to note that the chair will not entertain any additional motions or matters of procedure at this time. His Excellency will be allowed to present the case of the Hegemony, and then the chair will recognize the representative of His Majesty, Emperor Alexis Calimar I, and the Imperium of Vernii to present their own case to the council."

Rakti's eyes sweep the assembled delegations, "Then and only then will the chair entertain a motion to open the floor. Attempts to disrupt this meeting, or to violate the sacred decourm of this chamber, will result in the immediate expulsion of those responsible by the Guardians of the Council."

Rakti's eyes move downward, as if to guide the delegates' own eyes to the fact that their are almost double the number of Guardians as is usual for the council. Most are drawn from the Valinor Sovereign Protector and Reichswehr detachments to the Liga, although a full squad of Imperial Guardsmen of Vaku are present as well. Finally, two squads of the red-garbed Elite Guardsmen of the Hegemon form a row to the speaker's dias.

And it would be all be easier, Rakti hears his mind echo, if Ansel were to fall dead on the floor of the chamber now.

"The Chancellor of the Liga der Raumreich, acting as the chair of the council, formally recognizes His Excellency Channing Ansel. Hegemon Ansel, if you would come to the speaker's dias and present your case."

Lunatic Retard Robots

27-07-2005, 03:18

In the meantime, the figure of the monstrous spherical freighter, formerly heavy line cruiser, Derek Igomo* appears near Proxima Centuari. In addition to its load of god knows what stuffed into the cavernous, bottomless cargo deck, captain Byrne Gabrone carries a passenger. Zimbra Seychelles is accomodated in a small annex towards the back of the foreward galley, directly below the cockpit-like bridge, and as the freighter heads towards one of its more frequent destinations the robot Zimbra prepares an attache case full of various documents, the vast amount of them rather redundant.

"Attention Proxima Centuari traffic control, this is RSV Derek Igomo requesting permission to dock and unload cargo, and deliver a diplomat. We are standing by to transmit our logs and merchandise register, over."

The WIck

27-07-2005, 03:57

There sat in front of him was the instrument of vengeance, the instrument that made strong men weak and weak men strong. It was a disassembled pulser field striped, it did not look like much until his hands slowly began to reassemble the weapon. Soon enough it looked like an instrument of death, small, sleek and compact . The man pushed the weapons magazine into the pistol grip of the weapon, his other hand pulled the slide backwards and released it with a click charging the weapon.

The sheer and utter lies that that Ansel stated as his pretense for calling this meeting brought bitter tasting bile to the WIckians mouth. For a decade he had tried with every fiber in his body to make the Liga an effective institution, he called for reparations for WIckian dead, he called for Liga sanctioned humanitarian aide for the Concordat, he called for the trial of the war criminals of the Solar Navy. Every motion of his was vetoed by the Hegemon’s representative to the Liga.

Now the Hegemon himself came to this ineffectual body to display himself as the concerned neighbor protesting the military build up of the Imperium. That it was the Imperium who would be responsible for the coming storm. He considered the weapon he just assembled, he could do it kill the Hegemon, but what then, war at least , but the true cost would be much more. His hands now shaking he placed the weapon back upon the desk and stood, buttoned his suits jacket and walked out of his office, he couldn’t keep the Hegemon waiting could he?

+ + +

C.N.S Reliant
Gregor System
Flagship 1st Concordat ETF

No matter how much it galled Admiral Brooks to follow his orders to return home with his task fore, he must do so. They were lawful orders and it was his duty to follow them to the letter. The sixty ships of his task force had spun up their jump engines earlier in the morning to depart the system to return back to Ticoderoga. As much as it seemed like he was abandoning the Imperium in their moment of need he had no choice but to obey his orders and to respect the chain of command.

As much as his orders galled him what was worse was that he could see the logic of his orders. The fact was that between the Grand Navy of Erewohn and the Imperium Fleet which were on alert his task force was not too significant in the overall strategic picture. Back home they would add many more ships to cover the capital, if war came to Gregor it would surely follow to Ticonderoga no matter what the current President thought.

The GFL would remain in Gregor however they would be reinforced by an entire battle squadron of Concordat Navy ships built by the Imperium, they would be undermanned but they were combat ready and would be a welcome addition to the GFL.

Soon they would be the only WIckians remaining in the system, Brooks only hoped they would make the difference, he wondered if even his own force in its entirety would have mattered he supposed he would never know…They would be leaving in the next couple hours . He watched the icons in the holo-tank he noticed the patterens of the warships, the chaging trajectories of the Orbital Forts. The Imperium was reading itself for a were, and they were allied. They were bracing themselves against the onslaught of the Hegemony just as his own people have done many times before, the outcome seemed a sure thing to Brooks. Alone the Imperium would fight and valiantly but they would undoubtedly fall just as the Commonwealth Navy did.

“No!” Brooks stated loudly to himself as he realized a loophole in the Presidents orders, Brooks was bound by the chain of command, he was a officer of the Concordat Navy, he would respcect the chain of command.

“Excuse me sir?“ Commander Bradford asked her superior. “S-Sir you can’t mean to dis-”

“The Fleet is remaining in this system for as long as I have the authority to keep it here.”

“Admiral the President himself has ordered our recall to Ticonderoga.” she pointed out to Brooks. “Disobeying his lawful orders would be mut-” he cut her off there.

“No, commander the President is in a coma in a hospital, President(designate). Ginske’s orders are illegal, the President Designate may be the commander-in-chief but technically he is not in the Navy’s chain of command, he is a civilian. Civilians no matter their position can not order a soldier or an officer to do anything directly. Mr. Ginkse can not order this force out of Gregor directly , he must go though Admiral Peregrine who is commander of the Fleets. Commander I want you to dispatch a courier boat to Ticonderoga immediately, they are to ask for clarification on our orders, and to have them issued by the proper authority.” Brooks ordered again his voice now full of life.

The WIckians would remain in-system until the orders were clarified and by courier boat that was a round trip of four days at least.

“Aye Aye, Sir!” Commander Bradford replied quickly.

New Ortaga

27-07-2005, 04:02

Skye Complex, Isle of Clouds, Proxima Centauri, Alpha Centauri system, United Star Empire of Valinon
6.01.1300 AF
1058 Solar Forces Standard

Channing Ansel carefully measures his steps as he walks down the row of Guardians and Guardsmen. He does not even suffer to glance at the other delegations, and does not even favor either nar Kiranka or Sir Gordon with a glimpse. His pace is brisk, yet somehow is restrained, conveying power and a strange kind of nobility all at once. Compared to him, the barely contained nervous energy of Wolfe and the simmering glower of Varquez might as well be non-entities, mere bits of flotsam and jetsam in the wake of a greater, primal force.

Ansel ascends the speaker’s dais and steps up to the podium. He waits patiently as Wolfe and Varquez take up positions on either side of him. For a moment, Ansel allows the council to rest in silence as he eyes each and everyone of the ambassadors, his posture stiff with that remnant military bearing, his hands clasped behind his back. Then he begins.

“Ambassadors, Citizens of the Raumreich, Children of the Revolution,” Ansel says in tones that are neither a shout or a whisper, “I come before you today to present the cry of reason, to demonstrate that we have reached a period of divergence, and to show that the time has come for the final resolution of so many conflicts.”

“For one-hundred-and-forty-three years the Hegemony of New Ortaga has acted to protect its Citizens, to uphold our sworn duty to eradicate the corruption of the Grand Duchy, and to fulfill the promises of the Revolution. For all those years, all those decades, the members of the Interim Governing Council, so many others, and myself have toiled tirelessly to perform our duties, as handed down to us by the mandate of the Citizens of the Hegemony. Every year we have grown closer and closer to fulfilling our goals, at long last delivering to the Citizens the promises of the Revolution—the manifest destiny of a golden age—in full.”

“Yet—as is required to build all great eras, to reach the finality of destiny—sacrifices have had to be made. Great sacrifices, many sacrifices, each one both a blessing and a curse to the Revolution and its Children. Almost a century and a half ago, so many gave their lives to being this process, to tear down the corrupt and vile order of the Grand Duchy and raise up the Citizens of New Ortaga to their rightful place in their own homeland and among the suns themselves. Over eighty years ago, thousands upon thousands of the Citizens of the Revolution in the Solar Forces gave their lives—along with their Valinor comrades—to end the tyranny of the People’s Republic of Vernii, and remove one of the greatest threats to international peace the Raumreich has ever known. We of Ortaga also spilled our own blood to eradicate the puppets of Vernii, those twisted souls in Thetis and Erewohn who had to be subdued, a repulsive triumvirate of evil that had to be eradicated, less the Raumreich itself be consumed by their madness.”

“Forty-five years ago the Citizens of the Revolution again endured more sacrifices, in a desperate final attempt to end the reign of a self-proclaimed tyrant, the ‘Protector’ Strength, and expunge his military machine from the Great March before it could slaughter millions. And since that victory, that sacrifice, the Citizens of the Revolution and the Great March have known peace, a blessed state of harmony, a living example of the promises of the Revolution.”

Ansel’s eyes seem to blaze for a moment, “But once again peace is threatened, and the promises of the Revolution are snatched from our grasp. The Imperium of Vernii prepares for war, fortifying its systems along our border and readying massive armadas at its innumerable fleet stations. Repeated reports reach the Council of Verniian warships plaguing trade routes and peaceful initiatives of the Citizens of the Revolution within the Great March itself. For several years now, the Council and I have realized that the actions of Emperor Calimar and his warlords has only one conclusion: they are preparing for a war, and the target of their instruments of malice are the Citizens of the Revolution.”

“We have tried reasoning with the Verniians. We have tried coexistence. But each time the Verniians refute our attempts. First they extend their borders to the Erewohn and the corrupt regime of Tio Holtzmann, allowing this madman to invent weapons of immense destruction on a whim and build an armada of warship vast enough to conquer an entire sector under their protection. And now they combined their own fleets with Holtzmann’s, pointing a knife at the very heart of the youngest colony efforts of the Citizens of the Revolution in Yetti’s Star and Thetis. And this blade is strengthened by the power of a planetoid mass driver, a weapon that the Raumreich has witnessed once before, a weapon that exterminated the lives of thousands of innocent civilians in orbit over Mars in a matter of seconds.”

“Left with this evidence, the Council and I feel we had one last hope of peaceful recourse with the Verniians. With this last glimmer, this last desperate hope for peace, we petitioned Emperor Calimar to cede the wormhole termini in Erewohn to us. So that we may establish at least a forward sensor station, and also ward off further conspiracies of war by making our presence visible at the doorstep of both Holtzmann and Emperor Calimar.”

“Our petitioned was first ignored and then rejected by Emperor Calimar. Then we had no recourse to seek redress with the Verniians, no course except an even more desperate plea to the Council of the Liga der Raumreich,” Ansel’s eyes suddenly lock on Lord Chelshire. “But the time for desperation has ended.”

“Time and time again I have watched the Citizens of the Revolution endure sacrifice to save the future of their children and their children’s children from the pain and agony they have know. Time and time again I have watched them endure this ongoing agony with never an outcry, never a stolid, hidden tear. No longer can I allow the Citizens of the Revolution to do this. No longer can I allow the fate of these brave individuals, the Citizens of Destiny, to be cast before the uncaring and impotent eyes and ears of a defunct body such as this.”

“The time has come for the Hegemony to at last ensure its destiny will be fulfilled, that the promises of the Revolution will not be stolen from its Citizens grasp ever again. The time has come for us to eradicate once and for all the desperation of our enemies to thwart us. The desperation that has caused the sacrifice of so much again and again and again.”

“The time has come for us to sweep our enemies aside, to burn their names from the tomes and annuals of history, to cast them into the pits of an inferno of their own making. Only when they are reduced to ash beneath our feet, when even the names of their crimes are forgotten, can the promises of the Revolution fully be within our grasp. Only then will we be allowed our peace, our respite, our destiny.”

“And so, under my orders, the Solar Forces are moving at this moment to remove the corrupt regimes in Gregor, Morning Star, and Ticonderoga from power.”

Ansel’s eyes move to Chelshire, the Liberation, and Wickian ambassadors in a rapid-fire gaze of fury and righteous conviction, “The time has come for these tyrants to feel the fire of the Revolution. The time has come for the liberation of the Citizens of the Revolution from all who would dare conspire against them and plot to instill fear. The time has come for you all to at last pay for your crimes—past, present, and future—in full.”

And with that Ansel steps back from the podium, and starts to descend the dais. And across the Hegemony, a million upon a million of timers hit zero and flash read. Cries of a single, breathless word are shouted across stars and into the void.

British

British

Commence Operation British

The eve of war has past. Now the greatest conflict the Raumreich has ever known has begun. This is the first blow of the Great March War.

The WIck

27-07-2005, 04:22

Darrel Witcomb the WIckian ambassador to the Liga quickly motioned to the Marine next to him,

“Corporal quickly, contact the Kestral” Mentioning the Concordat battle cruiser that waited in orbit “Tell them to transmit this message immediately to Ticonderoga and Gregor.” The ambassador gave the marine a quickly scribbled message.

To: All Concordat Military Commands
From: Ambassador Witcomb

Ortagan Hegemony declared war against the Concordat, Imperium, and LNH. Hostilities expected imminent. A state of war now exists.

End message

The message was quickly sent over the Concordats Nu-Space channels.

New Ortaga

28-07-2005, 00:15

OOC: Link to the Great March War: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9330019#post9330019

Lunatic Retard Robots

28-07-2005, 03:15

As news of Hegemon Ansel's speech reaches the nearest Robotic listening post, the post's computer signals Lem Ystad's battlegroup in Morning Star via the sub-etha net. The Kent is told to be ready to recieve a courier with information of the utmost importance, and to beat to quarters.

The sub-etha transmission takes several hours to reach Morning Star, and the courier, aboard a small Pembroke communications vessel, will take a day at least. The treat is unspecified and if the computer was really serious it would demand that the Morning Star Expeditionary Force prepare for battle, but if anyone is about to antagonize it is the Ortagans.

News of the impending war spreads throughout the Robotic Cooperative's constituancies and the reaction everywhere is largely similar. While not nearly enough is known about the situation to lead the remainder of the fleet to prepare for action, rapid response diplomatic teams are rudely picked from their business and told to get ready, and light cruisers are earmarked for deployment in protection of neutral shipping.

Valinon

28-07-2005, 03:45

For a moment Sir Gordon W. Prange sits in silence, a stunned silence. He is unable, almost unwilling, to believe what he has heard. This man, this arrogant man, who has so often made a mockery of the efforts of the Liga to establish some form of international peace and order in the Raumreich has delivered a final insult, the proverbial nail in the coffin. Prange guts are a churning maelstrom of anger and disgust. How could any head of state, any nation, dare to walk into the Liga der Raumreich and make a declaration of war? This is an action on the level of the Aumanii or Alleaneans. This is a travesty of diplomacy.

Prange shock-widened eyes move to the Chancellor's dais and find an expression similar to his own mirrored on the strange, alien features of Rakti nar Kiranka. And before Prange himself seems to realize it he is standing, and speaking in the silence born of shock.

"Hegemon Ansel," he says with half a snarl he rapidly moves to suppress, "do you realize what you kind of attrocity you have committed? What utterly disgusting show of mockery and contempt you have made of diplomacy and of the trust of the international community in the open forum of the Liga itself? And then to not even explain this arrogance, this calculated destruction of the only progressive attempt to bring peace to the Raumreich. Have you no shame, man!"

New Ortaga

28-07-2005, 23:59

Ansel turns crisply on one heel and eyes the Valinor ambassador with a calculating gaze, "Ambassador Prange, the Hegemony is not doing anything that the Star Empire has not done before. We are moving to secure our continued safety and security by any means necessary, just as Gustav II did during the War of the Lion."

Ansel turns and starts descending the stairs again, "Frankly, sir, the Hegemony has seen where this 'international order and diplomacy' will take us. It will see the Hegemony stripped of its power, its citizens reduced to mere servants of outside economic interests, and see the Solar Forces reduced to a mere defense force. This I cannot allow, for it would be the first step to destroying the Revolution itself. And now I shall return to Roum, I have to lead my nation in its greatest hour of need. Citizen-Ambassador Varquez will see to the representation of the Hegemony before the Liga, as he has done so well in past years. However, I believe it has been all to often demonstrated that this is nothing more than a disgraceful sham to allow the reformed People's Republic of Vernii and its allies a chance to subjegate the Great March."

And with that Ansel starts to make his way toward the doors of the chamber, closely followed by Coordinator Wolfe.

The WIck

30-07-2005, 17:34

Whitcomb asked only one thing of the Liga creators looking upon Ambassador Prange,

"Tell me Mr. Prange this is the third time in which the Ortagans will have tried to exterminate my people, only this time they are also assaulting the Vernii and LNH, undoubtedly the Ortagans will inflict some sort of new atrocity against our three nations. Will this new conflict be enough to wake your people out of its slumber to finally confront the demon of the Raumreich or not.

"Just keep in mind should the Ortagans be victorious there will be none else to fight along side your nation when their unquenchable thirst for conquest takes them to AC or the Dominions.” The WIckian added bitterly.

Valinon

30-07-2005, 18:18

Prange looks at the retreating form of Ansel, "You like to think you are never wrong, don't you, Hegemon? Let us hope for the sake of your government and your revolution you are correct in that assumption. Otherwise you may lead the very citizens you swear your protect to their destruction and seeing their cities join so many others in the ashes of history."

Prange hears Whitcombs accusations and whirls around, stil livid from the actions of the Hegemon.

"Do not even begin to deliver a sermon to me, Ambassador," Prange barks in quite undiplomatic tones. "For eighty years the Star Empire has tried to forge some for of international order in the Raumreich, and received decidedly little support from the rest of the international community--especially those nations your Concordat counts among its allies. And the Verniian annexation of Erewohn is as much a cause of this war as anything the Star Empire has done. We have tried to contain the Ortagan Hegemony, and every time we suceed someone else interrupts the process. Excuse us for finally growing disgusted with the rest of the Raumreich because it does not seem the rest of the nations around us have the slightest interest in pursuing policies that might lead to their continued existence!"

"And frankly, Herr Whitcomb," Prange's eyes flash, "from where I see the issue it may be best if Vernii, the Wickians, and the Liberation fights with the Ortagans. With any luck--with the mutual disregard for innocent life and civilian casualties--you will all exterminate each other and some semblance of sanity can be restored to the Raumreich!"

Wazzu

30-07-2005, 23:37

The hundread or so ships (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=434365) that came out of hyperspace as the Oragans left the Liga were, well, unimpressive. Wazzu had been sending its limited little FTL ships to Alpha Centauri for years now, trading with the Valinon. The only thing different this time was how many ships there were, and where they were going.

At about 600 meters long, the most obvious ship (and largest FTL ship Wazzu had ever made), was the IStS Megan, once an experimental ship now turned transport. She was followed by 13 other unique ships, each between 200-400 meters themselves and each looking like they were designed by amatures in a garage...but not bad considering that was close to the actual case. The most common of the hundread or so ships made up the rest of the merchant convoy...the little 100 meter clippers that had been making their way here for years. They actually looke quite well designed if somewhat old...and then only if someone ignored the weapons sticking out over their hulls. Those weapons looked rather odd on them, as if designed for and scavanged off of other ships only to be placed on these merchants.

Perhaps they would need them though. Except for a couple of these merchantmen that looked to be less then well disguised Q-ships, there weren't any military vessels in the convoy.

Historically, these ships would have headed towards Valinon planets to trade...now they headed for the wormhole to Yalta, requestiong permission to pass as they moved.

[[OOC: Just a heads up, further posts will go in the thread linked above, or to: Wise-tales at "Bob's Bar." (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=433912)

The WIck

31-07-2005, 15:43

“But what will the price of your wanted sanity cost? Perhaps another billion lives, perhaps Vernii will be turned into a wasteland like Thetis now is? You know well the doctrine of the Solar Navy Mr. Prange, even the PNV at its height paled in comparison to that force. You insult my entire people’s honor by stating that our navy indiscriminately murders civilians like the Solar Navy, name one instant that the CSN has targeted civilian centers with weapons of mass destruction! Name one sir!” The WIckians voice was now filled with pure tangible hate.

“Maybe you should thank the Tester that you have had the privilege of being born a Valinor. I shudder to think the shock you would suffer had you been born a WIckian and realized that your attempts at containment are so easily dismissed by the Hegemony, like it was fifteen years ago. Your government’s attempts to maintain your vaunted balance of power in this region have disgusted many, its even made all of this, the noble idea of the Liga… ineffectual.” The WIckian said opening his arms wide.

“I think the true tragedy of the Ortagan Wars, of Ansel’s revolution is that your politicians have strived to maintain the “Balance of Power” thinking that they would be saving lives. We see it for what it is though do we not, it just a cover for Valinor cowardice! People as I speak are dying by the millions once again, people have already died by the billions. The so-called Great March is immolated by the fires of war. What good is balance between the Valinor and the Ortagans when everyone caught in between can be written off as expendable. My people certainly were, I wonder to think if the lives of Verniians are worth more than WIckians, if not I am saddened by the value you place upon others lives.”

“I am sick of excuses so I do not care in the least if your ego and national pride are hurt by my words. But I am thoroughly disgusted with the inaction of your government, how you so easily ignore wars of extinction when it is not Valinor blood being spilled. Your nation has been petrified by the fear of rising the ire of the Ortagans. You lack the moral courage to finally bring the Ortagans to heel, it would take a concentrated effort on the part of your armed forces, and yes, I imagine many civilians would die. But this is our best chance to defeat the Solar Navy and Ansel’s government and it can only be done if we are united.

We and the Vernii will fight, but I am sure your have the estimates of our survial chances. Perhaps seeing Vernii slagged will finally motivate your nation into action, if it does not you may find that the Raumreich is suddenly a much more lonely region. I always thought the people who hold their heroes such as Admiral Forrest in such high regard would have more moral courage to do what is right before we reach that bleak conlustion.” The hate and anger in the Wickains voice has clearly transformed into something else, now it was almost a lament, disgusted and embittered and most of all disappointed. Dissapointed in the Valinor who speak such fine words so eloquently, who always epsonge their virtues and superiority with justification, but now it seems that they fear to much the cost of doing the right thing . His final statement was was a challage that he thought no Valinor could back down from without losing face.

“We are living in dark and difficult times Mr. Prange, we will all face a choice, between what is right and what is easy. Which course of action will your nation choose Mr. Prange….”

Valinon

05-08-2005, 23:14

Prange glares at Whitcomb, "Perhaps you do not support the policy of attacking civilian populations, Whitcomb. But the rest of the Raumreich--those that watch UVNN or any other ansible news-net--have heard the words of your government officials and those of the Concordat's own populace. Those who would give never a second thought to 'repaying' in the Ortagans in kind for their attacks on Thetis. Citizens in your own ranks are no better than Ansel and his warlords for considering such actions!"

Prange turns the fire in his own eyes to the whole chamber, "When will any of you learn? A war between the Star Empire and the Hegemony will not benefit or save anyone! It will only release a violence that will treat all life as insignficant, irregardless of nationality or loyalty. It will release a madness that can have only one conclusion."

Prange eyes turn back to Whitcombt, "And while that conclusion may be definitive, Herr Whitcomb, and may give a final end so many seem to seek, it may very well be the complete extermination of civilization in the Raumreich! The teeming billions of misguided and betrayed citizens of the Hegemony do not deserve to have such a fate visited against them for the sake of merely removing one man from power! And I would no sooner condone that action under any circumstances than I would the orbital bombardment of civilian population centers! I believe you would find that Count Forrest would also share my sentiments in that respect."

"Furthermore, Herr Whitcomb," Prange voices quietens for a moment, and his eyes look desperate, "if the Star Empire was to declare war on the Hegemony, do you honestly think the Ortagan would continue to respect the Gadsen Accords agreements between our two nations? Do you honestly think the Ortagans would continue to respect the prohibition against sunbuster weaponry? And if they no longer respected it, who do you think would be the first targets of the Solar Forces? What two [b]single system[/i] polities along their borders would the Ortagans eliminate in short order so they could confront the rest of the Raumreich with their full might?"

"No, Herr Whitcomb, the balance of power is not some illusion to protect cowardice. It is a grim, ever-present reminder to the Star Empire that we have matured to a level the Ortagans seem incapable of. That we are no longer so ready to burn entire civilizations to the ground for the sake of territory or power, if we ever where of such determination and fanatical conviction. It is the only means the Star Empire has to continue to govern at least some measure of restraint against Ortagan attrocities. The only way we can save entire stars from being turned to dust at the order of Ansel and some Ortagan commander."

**********

Friedelinde Alderman regards with a strange sense of detachment everything around her. She watches as Prange and Whitcomb spar with one another as Ansel stalks from the Liga chambers in front of the entire of audience of the United Valinon News Network and half-a-dozen other news networks, literally the entirety of the Raumreich. Her eyes flicker to the shattered tea cup on the floor, and to her own slack hand that had held the cup only moments before. Then she turns to James Steward, her husband and former Prince of Yalta, as he looks at here with similar shock from where he stood from his own chair.

The door to the small sitting room in the imperial apartments of the Palace suddenly bursts open. A breech of decorum that would be inconcieveable under normal circumstances, but "normalcy" has clearly just ended. Friedelinde watches as Lord Erwin Ribbentrop flies into the room with a speed that is wholly out of character with both the ancient Kammerherr's dignity and his age. His eyes are wild with shock and his appearance is that of a breathless man who has just competed a marathon. And judging by Ribbentrops quickened breath, he very well could have run from his own office on the other side of the Palace. Friedelinde watches as Ribbentrop starts to speak and reality suddenly comes back into focus.

"Your Majesty...my apologies...I am sorry...but..." Ribbentrop gestures at the UVNN feed.

"I know, Erwin, I know," Friedelinde says quietly. She waits as Ribbentrop gathers himself, and moves to lean heavily against another chair. "Contact Diedre and tell her I want the Ministry assembled within the hour for a full emergency session. Then comm Lord Adonis, I want to speak with the entire high command as soon as the Ministry session has ended."

There is a sharp in take of breath from the Prince-Consort. An emergency session of the Ministry of Imperial Affairs, the conglomeration of all other imperial ministries and high officials of the current Government was no small matter, but to assemble the entire high command--literally ever Grossadmiral and Grossgeneralfeldmarschall in the Star Empire--had not been heard of since the eve of the War of the Lion.

"Yes, yes at once, Your Majesty."

"I also want messages passed all members of the Imperial Diet. I will address both Congresses in a joint session tomorrow evening. And....contact UVNN, I will make a public address tomorrow morning at 1000, Koln Regional Standard."

"At once....Your Majesty," Ribbentrop bows and takes a few more deep breaths before moving to depart. Friedelinde feels a hand tighten on her shoulder and looks up at James. She rests her own hand against his.

"It is only a matter of time now," her husband mummers. "Only a matter of time before Ansel and his commanders force our intervention in this war."

Friedelinde nods soberly and then looks back at the Liga feed, "I know. And I can only hope that Togashi is right, and that this war will not lead where so many think it will."

And Friedelinde feels a gnawing emptiness inside her, her conscious struggling with the course she is about to committ ever single citizen of the United Star Empire to. And she also feels a great triumph of futility as Hegemon Ansel sweeps away over eighty years of effort to contain this insanity aside with only a handful of paltry, cheap words.

"God let us hope that this war will not lead where it should."

**********

In the Yalta system, the system traffic controllers aboard the massive space station HMSS Brimstone grant the Wazzu convoy clearance to enter normal traffic patterns and either proceed in-system or transit to their final destination as they desire to. But then the Wazzu ships are bombarded with travel warnings and the announcements of wormhole termini closures as the Kriegsmarine pickets in the Ortagan systems of Axis and Immolan and the Verniian system of Gregor move to suspend wormhole traffic and transit for the "duration of an emergency closure, for security purposes."

The WIck

06-08-2005, 05:00

“Mr. Prange…”

The WIckian bellowed, but he stopped himself when he spoke again his voice was controlled and cooled for the first time in the exchange.

“You sir speak of the possible consequences that a ‘Total War’ shall cost not only your nation but every sovereign nation in the Raumreich. I will not argue your logic, its been proved long before our time on Old Earth, its mutually assured destruction. I don’t think you or anyone outside Ticonderoga or possibly several Vernii medical centers understand the consequences of your nations polices.” Slowly the Wickian removed his jacket then barred his arm showing the Valinor many the wrinkled and scarred tissue of his arm.

“Radiation burns Mr. Prange, there what we WIckians call our St. Crispin’s wounds.” He thought the Valinor man would place the reference. “Every year the doctors scan my body for tumors that may have developed of my exposure to radiation during the second battle of Thetis. Do you know sir the number one cause of death among our people, It is cancer. You ask those dying from the ravages of the Solar Navy which method of death they would have preferred, Ortagan fusion missiles or a sun buster? You will find sir…that there are indeed many fates worst than death.”

“You need not tell me sir which nations would be first attacked by the Ortagans, as I speak my own is again under assault. And I have to believe that those who will be dead in the next few hours will go to a better place, we unlucky few that survive will do what we must. If the Valinor were so concerned over the Concordat’s well-being perhaps they should have assigned a squadron of Battle Cruisers there instead of a lone wolf, I do not intend insult to that vessels crew by those words. Mr. Prange you should find that WIckians do not fear death whether it is sudden or prolonged, we accept it as a matter of fact.”

“I did take insult at your comments that we are a vengeful lot who would wish what was done onto us wrought upon the Ortagans, that Herr Prange is a fate I would wish upon no man. The Battles we wage against elements of the Solar Navy maybe ruthless and bitter, but not one incident can be cited where a Concordat or Commonwealth vessel deliberately targeted civilians. I would have to call myself a lair if I did not admit to considering exacting such measures upon the citizens of Roum, I think anyone man could understand the reasons for one harboring such thoughts after their family and friends had been killed. What makes us better then those who committed the catalyst for harboring those thoughts is that we had never acted upon them”

Liberated New Hope

08-08-2005, 07:19

"It's useless Whitcomb!" announces Sub-Minister Eberhardt as he strolls down the aisle, escorted by two kevlar clad battle-dressed marines. "Your cries for help fall on def ears, and your call for reason on fearful minds." As he approaches he suavely removes his white gloves which match his white suit, a sharp contrast from the marines.

"If you'll forgive my absense in the past. Though I do remain planetside for convenience's sake, the Liberation has never felt it neccessary to be present in the Liga. After all. A dozen impotent voices forced to bow to the orders of New Ortaga and Valinon is the same as thirteen."

"This League of nations within the Raumreich is a farse and every being in this room knows it. Ortagan warlords do their bidding while our freinds in the Valinor curl up inside the security of their Sunbursters, knowing they'll never have to face the Hedgemon's wrath. Our calls for protection against foreign invasion effect Valinon the same as they do the Ortagan fanatics that will soon be ravaging my system."

"And besides. Why would the Valinor care if a few billion lives are lost. They're not Valinor lives. Don't you see, Whitecomb? We were born outside of the Star Empire! Scum like us doesn't deserve the protection of the Kreigzmarine or any of the of the other services available to those who were born in the land of the twin suns. How could lowly vermin such as ourselves expect the mighty Valinor to come down from their thrown and rescue us from our petty, barbaric sqwabling. Oh how dare us even ask!?!" he Charasmatically inquires to the entire hall.

Sarcasm burns in the Sub-Minister's words as he turns his attention to the Valinor representative. "Isn't that right, Herr Prange?"

Valinon

09-08-2005, 02:08

Prange looks at Whitcomb with a look of resignation, "Ambassador, your own nation--at least until the government of President Villers--has made its position on foreign aid and support quite clear. In fact, Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government had ever logical reason to expect that any aid efforts or support to the Wickian community would be rejected outright until quite recently. The government in Thetis was very clear about its thoughts in regards to the Star Empire, and they were not sentiments of welcome or even the begrudging position of a man unwilling, yet recognizing the necessity, of outside support."

"As for your wounds and the death causes of your people, Ambassador, be thankful they can enjoy some kind of life at all. If the Ortagans were to have employed sunbuster weaponry in their wars against you, there would be no survivors. The Star Empire will not dictate a course that will see billions, trillions of sentients, eliminated in the blink of an eye and the push of a button! We will not give the Ortagans an excuse to--"

Eberhardt's rampage cuts into whatever Prange was about to say, and many eyes in the chamber go wide as the Liberation's ambassador finishes his outcry. Rakti nar Kiranka finally seems to shake off the shock of the Ortagan pronouncement and suddenly jumps to his feet.

"Order!" the Vaku bellows, seeing the expression on Prange's face and the vein pulsing on his temple. "There will be order and decorum in this chamber! Minister Eberhardt, you will restrain yourself and follow the decorum that is due this assembly or I will have you ejected from it!"

A pair of Vaku Imperial Guardsmen and Sovereign Protectors move closer to the Liberation's delegation. But Prange is already descending from his position beside nar Kiranka. His look is that of a cold rage as he descends upon Eberhardt. Only six feet removed from the Liberation ambassador, he stops

"You, sir, have gone to far," the voice is cold and deadly, removed of any human inflection. "And I demand satisfaction for not only the breeching of the honor of this chamber, but also that of Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Realm, as is my right as Her Majesty's ambassador, a former officer in Her Majesty's Reichswehr, and as both the right and duty it is of every Citizen of the Star Empire to defend against such a slander against honor!"

"You can either meet me on the field of honor, Eberhardt, or by God I will do all that is my power to see to it that you never leave this room alive. Even if I have to kill you with my bear hands."

The WIck

09-08-2005, 03:40

As the Valinor man spoke the WIckians contemplated his nation’s evolution in the past couple decades, there were times the WIckians would have excepted no aid, matters of pride and honor. Yet desperate times called for desperate measures, such times also breed a cynical and bitter people.

“Never, would any WIckian ask for rescue or beg for assistance. We simple present the facts of reality in hopes that an honorable action will occur on the part of those we presented too.” He now looked at the man from LNH, “Sub-Minister Eberhardt it appears that you have misunderstood the exchange between Ambassador Prange and myself, thusly it is your ignorance of the situation that caused your outburst and insults to Ambassador Prange honor. As such you are not at fault, I am. I shall be your second in this duel, and as a matter of honor, I shall participate on your behalf…” There was no hint of suggestion in the WIckians voice but almost a command, matters of honor were of the utmost importance to a WIckian and Whitcomb truly felt he must do this action. He knew Prange was like most noble born of the Star Empire or any of their politicians was an expert duelist, Eberhardt would be so much mined meat.

Liberated New Hope

09-08-2005, 06:06

Eberhardt looks upon the enraged Valinor with supreme amusement. "We see the nature of the beast come out! You seem so eager to defend your honor but I ask you, Prange, would you come to arms so quickly when seeing a gang of thugs rape a woman on the street?" Eberhardt's tone quiets and darkens as he leans in toward the Valinor Ambassador, only allowing Prange to hear the proceeding conclusion. "I tell you. The Ortagans are doing just the same to Morning Star, Gregor, and Ticonderoga as we speak. Perhaps you'd enjoy to watch from Nu-space, I'm sure we can arrange a live feed."

He then turns the Wickian. "I assure you, Good Sir Whitcomb, that there has been no miss-communication as to the nature of your discussion with the excited Mr. Prange here. I came here to say what you all have been thinking... or at least should have," he mentions passingly while glancing at the rest of the hall. "I'd advise you not to allow this feudal relic the satisfaction, Mr. Whitcomb, but you're welcome to duel the man all you want. I'll have no part in returning words with violence... and here I thought such a barbaric practise would have been irradicated by the matured Valinor society." Angrily he turns to Prange, "let there never come the day that my nation becomes too mature for Justice and Humanity."

A wide smile returns to Eberhardt's face as he looks at the Vaku faces before him. "I will take my seat now, my apologies." He bows slightly then turns to Whitcomb to bow before proceeding, stopping to speak to his Valinor counterpart once more. "Be careful Prange. I hear the WIck are not so... delicate as I."

Valinon

09-08-2005, 15:38

Prange looks disgusted at the actions of Eberhardt, then a deeper loathing sits in.

"I suppose this can only be expected from the representative of a government that sells itself to the highest bidder and panders to whatever special interest group can buy it a new chrome-plated warship."

"Remember this, Sub-Minister, I would willing give my life to prevent violance against an innocent woman. But the simple fact of the matter is, no matter of international diplomacy or politics is as simple as you are trying to make it. A nation can survive raping and pillaging, it cannot survive total and complete annihilation that occurs in the time it takes a human heart to beat."

Prange glares at the chamber, "We have solved one problem for you, we have ended the threat of sunbusters in the Raumreich for at least the present time. But that is not enough, apparently none of the Star Empire's neighbors will be satisfied until all their problems are solved for them. You want us to fight and defeat the Ortagans for you, eh? Well where does it end? Will you want us to manage your fiscal policy next? Or perhaps just send in freighters laiden with gold to assist you? Perhaps you would like to manage your entire governments for you?"

Prange eyes flash, "I suppose the sovereignty, the will to self-determination, and the willingness of other peoples to solve their own crisises was grossly over-estimated by my government and my nation. Apparently Admiral Setties wants nothing more than to have the issues facing his government removed by some outside power. And if that is so, I was wrong to wish that both sides of this conflict destroy one another. I should wish that the Ortagan Hegemony conquers you wholesale! That way you will get your wish of having your problems dealt with for you by an outside power."

Prange turns on one heel and moves toward the chamber door, "And remember this, Eberhardt, I would gladly die at the hands of Ambassador Whitcomb. At least his people, for all their failings, have the common decency to understand matters of honor."

Vakutu

09-08-2005, 15:48

Rakti nar Kiranka stands and sounds his gavel a few times to restore order to the chamber. He watches as Prange moves toward the door.

"By the power vested in the office of the Chancellor of the Liga der Raumreich, I hereby close this emergency session of the council as the consul nation that requested it has since withdrawn. I will summon the council back into session to discuss the possibility of a humanitarian and relief effort to the systems currently under attack tomorrow morning at 0930, Charity Local Standard (OOC: Time zone in Isle of Skye is in on Proxima)."

Rakti moves to collect his own small amount of materials and turns with one of his staff to exit the chamber by withdrawing the Chancellor's and the Consul nation's podium to its position below the main chamber. As the platform descends his aide leans in.

"Your Excellency, there is a priority message from the home world, it bears the personal sygil of the Emperor and the Council. Its priority statement says that it carries information that has great bearing on the Ortagan declaration of war."

"Do you have the disk?"

"Yes, Your Excellency," the aide hands Rakti the small, silver dot. Rakti collects it using two half-extended claws.

"I will be in my office. I do not wish to be disturbed."

"I will see to that, Your Excellency."

Liberated New Hope

10-08-2005, 05:37

Eberhardt smiles and turns to Whitcomb as Prange storms away. "Leave it to a politician to shout petty insults, wish the ortagan's upon you, then rant about honor." He says with a bit of a laugh, hoping the irony of his words would find humor in the WIckian's mind before changing to a slightly more serious tone. "I'm sorry that you do not share my particular distaste for the... mannerisms of Valinor Nobles, Good Sir Whitcomb, but I wish you good luck in the upcoming duel," he ended optimistically.

"I do say, how an 'advanced' culture still allows such brutallity is beyond me. I assure you I will be present and you, as well as the WIckian people, will be remembered for your generosity in my time of need. ...Now that the meeting has been dismissed would you care for dinner? It's the very least I can do for the moment and though my private chef is not familiar with your native cuisine, he makes a delightful poisson rouges et chili." the Sub-Minister inquires, finishing in flawless french. "I simply must sit down for a bit with the man who's agreed to chance death on my part. I beg you."

The WIck

11-08-2005, 02:53

Whitcomb laughed at the Eberhardt joke, he had to keep up an appearance of solidarity after all, for those watching.

“I would be delighted dine with you Mr. Eberhardt after all you are an ally.”

The Wickian walked with the man from Morning Star as they left the Chamber that served the Liga. Then he placed his hand upon the mans shoulder and squeezed it ever so slightly as he spoke.

“There will be no duel my friend, your disgraceful actions have seen to that.”

“You lack a certain clarity as to what has just happened just now. I admire your stubbornness and emotion but such things must be controlled in this setting. I am afraid that I must say that should we survive the current conflict your nations prospects will be more bleak. Realize that your nation and mine are third-world powers in the Raumreich, it does not bode well for either of our nations to insult one of the Superpowers such as the Star Empire.” His tone was diplomatice as he then released the man’s shoulder sure that he had bruised it fairly badly. Before he continued speaking

“You were right about one thing…’ What he did next would have completely startled the man and his marine escorts. Whitcomb moved quickly with the speed and strength that his mutated muscles allowed for, his contempory by his jacket and violently lifted him into the air. “Mine are not a delicate people.” His voice was now loud carrying down the corridors, perhaps even Prange would hear it though he far away now.

“Never insult the Liga in my present you son-of-a-vagrant! You have not earned the right to do so, your people have not Bleed enough to earn that right. Mine have…that is why I said what I did in there, even I did it respectfully. You have not earned the right to insult the nation whose consciousness bears the burden of the sins committed by Ansel. It is true that the Liga has done little to aide the Concordat, but it is because of failed motions here that the Valinor have sent humanitarian aid and technology transfers to my nation. I WILL NOT STAND FOR YOU INSULTING THIS BODY AS THE ORTAGANS HAVE, BECARFUL NOT TO BECOME THE ENEMY YOU SO FEAR!” With disgust in his action the WIckian drops Eberhardt roughly.

He spoke again his voice once again diplomatic,

“Look at it from the Star Empire’s point of view, your nation and the Imperium have been at war for less then two hours and already you are begging for their help. Can you blame them for their haughty attitudes when the nations that surround them act like children scared of their own shadows. I asked for support because unlike your nation my own has been at war for over a hundred years, there is a distinction there that even you must see.”

“Your nation would do well to look after itself in the coming days, start to act like a nation who can stand on its own, if you can do that then you may have earned enough respect from the Valinor to ask their assistance, even then I doubt they will give it now.’

“So what time is dinner?” The WIckian asked in a suddenly bright and chipper tone.

Liberated New Hope

11-08-2005, 04:46

Eberhardt rolled his shoulder, allowing several dull pops to escape from it. "Dinner is at seven thirty, local time," the Sub-minister said, returning the WIckian's chipper tone, reaching around to his shoulder and taking a similar but proportionally more powerful hold, knowing the WIckian's tolerance for pain would be much greater than his own. "And you see, Whitcomb," the sounds of the Sub-minister's mechanical prostetic arm suddenly become more apparent, "when I lost my arm fighting Clergy remnants on New Hope, I bled. My nation did nothing but bleed for the first four hundred years in the mines on True Hope and I assure you that niether me nor any of my kind will ever beg one damned ghost* for anything." His grip became a little bit tighter and suddenly his demeaner became one of shear rage, "and if you ever accuse me of groveling to Valinor uppercrust scum again I will have you shot where you stand." His grip realeased.

(*ghost is a durogatory term for Valinor, durived from Gustav)

The WIck

13-08-2005, 04:54

There are many potential catalysts that could explain the actions of the next minute. It could have been the news that President Villers was still in a coma, it could have been the news of the terrorist attacks on Gregor, it could have especially been the news of the fifteen million dead as a result of the most recent Ortagan attack on Ticonderoga. Hell a smart man would have thought it was perhaps caused by the LNH man’s threat on the WIckians life, such a threat when issued directly to a man’s face was a challenge to a “Circle of Equals” that very next moment, to the death.

None of those moments could be called the catalyst, they were not what sent Whitcomb into action, not by far. It was simply one word and the context in which it was used… Ghost

There is no record of the WIckian people that is dated more then 1,000 years, because all those records had been destroyed, their knowledge forgotten. Is the WIckians home planet really Thetis or was that some kind of penal colony, no one knew because until 300 years ago every single WIckians was a genetically breed slave to their oppressive overlords known only as the Vagrants.

And so Whitcomb and his people knew racism rather well,

And men like Whitcomb could not abide racists…

It happened in the fraction of a second it took Eberhardt to release his shoulder, the “cane” if it could be called that a tree trunk may have been a better descriptor, in Whitcomb’s right hand impact square in the nose of the marine on Eberhardt’s left side, a jaw breaking left hook put the man down.

The second marine reacted surprisingly quickly, but Whitcomb’s assault was unexpected and his moment of hesitation cost him as the WIckians cane impacted upon his solar plexus which was undoubtedly armored, but the kinetic force generated by the impact was enough to break ribs under even the strongest un-powered body armor. As the Marine doubled over the the brass fitting on the top of the WIckian’s cane impacted on the marine’s chin finally subduing him.

The cane sought a new target, Eberhardt’s face…only an inch from impact the bloodied cane stopped in midair. As the LNH’er flinched involuntary, he would have only heard Whitcomb’s laughter.

“You call those boy’s marines Eberhardt? Shit I was fighting Vaku boarders in hand to hand combat before they were even a gleam in their mother’s eye. Now the Vaku they are natural marines… Did you think I was going to hit an ally with my cane, surely not, no that wouldn’t do at all…I hit muggers and thugs with this cane.” The WIckian dropped the four foot long piece of hardwood. Before the cane hit the ground Whitcombs knee dealt the cruelest of blows to the LNH’er as it was lodged firmly between the man’s leg.

With a slight push of disgust Eberhardt fell to the floor.

“I do not abide by racial terms used in my presence Emberhardt, you would do well to hold your tounge in the future. By people have been just about eliminated by racists and bigots, I will not tolerate such men amoung my ‘allies’.” He watched the man gasp for breath on the ground, “By the way Gustav II is dead, as will you be should you ever threaten my life again.”

As the Wickian walked over the three bodies in the corridor he began to whistle a diddy before he confirmed his appointment with the fallen man.

“Seven-thirty it is, Ill see you then my friend”

Liberated New Hope

13-08-2005, 09:38

(OOC: Your assumed on my part will go un-punished this time, Tarrant, but never again... hahahaha)

After catching his breath and forcing his pain down the old war dog stood up and looked to the WIckian. "Yes... Seven Thirty... it appears we have an understanding then..." Hiding his newly aquired limp quite well he turned to his marines and looked in anger. "Get up!" he barked as the two men slowly stood in pain. Eberhardt then turned to the WIckian once again "I'll be on my way now, I hope to see you at the embassy... in good nature."

With that the small group of three turned around and began their walk to the transport, Eberhardt scalding the marines for their incompetance all the way.

(OOC Note: Be glad those marines weren't Liberation Gaurd or even Automated Infantry, WIck; or I'd have corrected your post with lots of angry gunfire and a very disembowled WIckian ambassador)

The WIck

13-08-2005, 17:33

OOC: well I think if your marines carried any weapons into the LIga the Soverign Protectors would have something to say about it...

Whitcomb watched as the LNH delegation left the corridor, before he turned around and considered the four WIckian Marines who just entered the corridor behind him. They carried no weapons for none were allowed in the Liga’s halls, but the ceramic/composite armor they wore would have stopped all but armor piecing rounds.

“Just like the good old days, sergeant.” He told the Marine in charge.

“I actually believe that sir.” He answered his voice was somewhat disappointed, well the marine was bitter that Whitcomb faired so well, if the man had not it would have meant intervention was necessary. If that occurred the LNH men certainly would not be walking away as they did, at least until after a long spell in the hospital ward.

"Well it has been quite a day, not only has LNH ruined his credibility with every single power within the Raumreich, but they have also lost whatever respect they once had with the Concordat. Too bad for them, I reckon the Vernii will still support them, but they may find there only remaining ally has bigger problems to worry about soon."

Lunatic Retard Robots

13-08-2005, 18:17

Valinon

13-08-2005, 22:07

OOC: Consider your ambassador clear and already at the Liga, LRR. You'd have an observer capacity if nothing else, considering the amount of Collective citizens the Raumreich has in it these days.

It is a gathering some of the most powerful individuals in the Raumreich, magnified if one values physical or direct representation of power. The ten Grossadmirals of the Kriegsmarine, the fifteen Grossgeneralfeldmarschalls of the Reichswehr, and the commanders of the individual dominion militias have assembled either in person or Nu-space hologram before Empress Friedelinde Alderman and the Reichsprotektor the Lord Reynard Adonis. The vast chamber in the Glockhauser Engelmann Complex, the headquarters of the Imperial High Command in New Koln, is silent as the Empress and the Reichsprotektor enter and the officers move to stand.

Friedelinde looks very tired as she waves a hand to stop the assembled masters of the imperial armed forces to stay seated.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have just come from a meeting of the Ministry for Imperial Affairs and I feel it necessary to tell you that Lady Rolt, Duke Sterling, Director Sven, and the rest of the Ministry have all agreed that it is only a matter of time before the actions of the Hegemony provoke us into a declaration of war."

She turns to the two officers seated foremost among the assembled, First Star Lord of the Admiralty, Grossadmiral the Lady Katherine Adonis, and Grossgeneralfeldmarschall of Proxima Centauri the Baron Gunther von Richter.

"First Star Lords, Grossgeneralfeldmarschall, as Lord Adonis no doubt informed you both before this meeting, I wish to know the feasibility of a war with the Ortagan Hegemony as the situation stands now. First Star Lord, if you will," Friedelinde gestures to Lady Adonis, daughter of the Reichsprotektor.

"Your Majesty," Katherine Adonis says as she stands and brings up the massive projection of the Raumreich, it spirals on the systems along the border of the Great March, the Gregor Sector, and the Cronos March, "the Office of Kriegsmarine Intelligence and the Ministry of External State Security have confirmed that the Ortagan Hegemony have launched attacks on Erewohn, Morning Star, and Ticonderoga. Reports from all three have become increasingly erratic, but it appears the Solar Navy are only participating in the attacks on Erewohn and Morning Star. The forces attacking Ticonderoga and the bulk of the force attacking Morning Star appears to be drawn from the Ortagan Observer service."

A barely perceptible wave of resentment passes through the assembly. The "Tactical Observers" of the Ortagan Hegemony are loathed across the Raumreich, especially by the professional militaries of the Inner Marches. They are seen as nothing more than war criminals carrying out their own fanatical designs. The First Star Lord presses onward.

"The last reports we received from Morning Star indicated that the Liberation's Silver Fleet was have some success in stalling the Ortagan attack, and showed a high possibility of driving the Ortagans out of the system but with considerable casaulties. In Erewohn our information is far more limited, but if the reports we received regarding the size of the Solar Navy force deployed are correct-and I have no reason to suspect they are not-it is only a matter of time before the Verniians are either destroyed or force to make a withdrawal from the system."

"We have far better information on the engagement in Ticonderoga thanks to the presence of the HMS Chimera. Kapitan Tereshkova confirmed that the Ortagans are using either some form of FTL capable missile or have a ship present in Ticonderoga with some form of active cloaking device that can defeat both ours and the Wickians sensors completely. She also confirmed that the Ortagans are employing 'numerous quantum singularity warheads' in their attacks. Then Kapitan Tereshkova said she was activating a Case Delta for Ticonderoga's ansible platform, and three minutes later Ticonderoga was dropped from the ansible network. The Admiralty has presumed, especially from Kapitan Tereshkova's transmission of a Case Bravo, that she was moving to support the Concordat's defense of the system against the Observer monitor flotilla."

Katherine Adonis looks at the Empress for a moment, and finds herself looking at a woman with a slightly arched eyebrow and a slightly amused look.

"Ah, if only the rest of the Raumreich had access to such information," the Empress mummers, "perhaps Sir Gordon would be saved a great deal of grief and aggrevation. Please continue, Dame Katherine."

"Yes, Your Majesty. We have also received word that Emperor Thrakhath has ordered Admiral nar Hhallas to take the bulk of the Greater Empire’s navy to the border system of Sum’Tlor. When nar Hhallas’ fleet left Vakutu, it was centered on the six dreadnought squadrons maintained by the Vaku, supported by two full carrier squadrons, plus an escort screen. Grossadmiral Gorgas,” gestures to the head of OKI and the Second Star Lord, “has confirmed that there had been an increasing formation of Vaku cruiser and destroyer classes forming in Sum’Tlor.”

“The Vaku are moving to attack the Hegemony?” Friedelinde stiffens slightly.

“That is most likely, Your Majesty. We have been receiving reports for some time that Admiral nar Hhallas, Baron nar Kiranka, and many others on the Council of Eight viewed a war with the Ortagans as inevitable. Admiral nar Hhallas had also advocated an all out strike against Dylar, to push the Ortagans back to their home systems as principle means of logistical support. The Admiralty is unanimous in its belief we will see a Vaku strike against Dylar while the Ortagan fleet is still engaged in Erewohn.”

“All the more reason we should have demanded additional force integration with the Vaku,” von Richter growls, and Katherine Adonis eyes the Grossgeneralfeldmarschall with disdain.

“You will have your time in a moment, Sir Gunther,” Friedelinde says coolly, and holds von Richter in her gaze long enough to quell the look of rebellion.

“In conclusion to the current situation, Your Majesty,” Katherine continues, “the Verniians will lose Erewohn and be forced to deploy from Gregor for the immediate future. The Liberation will no doubt lose a considerable amount of its capacity to wage an offensive war, and it is doubtful there will be much will in the Silver Fleet to abandon Morning Star. The Wickians and the Vaku will be in the best position to counter the Ortagans’ advances, especially if the Vaku can achieve a victory in Dylar.”

Adonis eyes Friedelinde calmly, “I will make no excuses, Your Majesty. Our ability to wage a successful war against the Ortagan Hegemony would benefit greatly from having other allies to draw support from—even if those allies are only those of momentary convenience. It is still the opinion of the Admiralty that it is in our best interest to intervene directly against the Ortagan military incursion outside the Great March should the Solar Navy move to violate the integrity of either Gregor or Vaku space.”

“Thank you, First Star Lord,” Friedelinde says with a sobered look. “And God willing the more vague realm of political thought will also hear reason in the need for more direct action if the time comes for it. Grossgeneralfeldmarschall, if you would.”

Von Richter stands and salutes Friedelinde, although the man’s arrogant posture belays any attempted shows of difference.

“Your Majesty, it is the opinion of the Office of Reichswehr Intelligence that the Ortagans still are unwilling to commit any elements of the Solar Army to a battle or operation outside the Great March. The exact reason for this continued action remains unknown, although I have no reason to discredit the Ministry of External State Security’s theory that this is due to some political debacle within the Hegemonic government.”

“If it does come to a war against the Hegemony, a course the majority of the Council of the Grossgeneralfeldmarschalls is not necessary at this time, it will be of utmost importance to commence dedicated ground offensives in both the Axis and Roum systems. If both, or even one of the systems, can be removed from Ortagan control the Hegemony’s ability to make war will be effectively nullified.”

“I would also disagree with the need of foreign support,” von Richter says with clear disdain as he eyes Katherine Adonis. “The Reichswehr mobile armies, supported by additional forces from the militias, will be more than sufficient to defeat the Solar Army and Solar Marines. Especially when the relatively inactivity and lack of experience of the former is combined with the dispersion of the latter. Calling on other nations for support will merely cause unnecessary strain on the chain of command, and lead to a possible loss of superiority at a critical moment that the Ortagans could exploit to gain momentary superiority.”

“It is also unnecessary to deploy large force to the Gregor system, given the fact that the system’s only point of strategic importance is the wormhole terminus connecting to Alpha Centauri. We would be far better served to deploy additional units to Klein, Archangel, and Yalta—so they will be ready to mobilize when the Ortagan inevitable seek to breech Vaku territory.”

Von Richter’s eyes flicker to the Reichsprotektor for just a second, “Your Majesty, I would also request that you demand additional force integration on the part of the Vaku. So that we may curb their unnecessary barbaria-“

“That will be enough, Grossgeneralfeldmarschall,” Reynard Adonis growls with fire in his eyes. “This matter was already brought before the High Command during our debriefing before this meeting, and you were specifically ordered not to bring it before Her Majesty. Do I need to clarify that order once more with you?”

Von Richter’s eyes return the Reichsprotektor’s fire with that of his own, “That concludes my report, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you, Baron von Richter. These reports have only confirmed the opinions of both the Ministry and myself. It will be only an issue of when, not if, the Ortagans will provoke us into action. We will stand behind Reichsprotektor Adonis’ decision to raise the alert level of all stations, systems, and commands to red alert. And at this time, the Admiralty is also ordered to assemble due and proper escort forces to any and all aid missions being dispatched to Morning Star, Gregor, and Ticonderoga.”

Friedelinde eyes the officers gravelly, “The time has finally come, Ladies and Gentlemen, to correct the error that was made in allowing Hegemon Ansel to seize control of the Great March without question. And it is also time to end the ease with which weapons of mass destruction are used to set the standards of international diplomacy in the Raumreich. We are being given a golden opportunity to put into place an international order of sanity to the Raumreich, and we will either exploit it or fall making the attempt.”

She inclines her head, “We wish you all well in your efforts to oversee the continued security of our realm, and when the time comes will look forward to the moment when the sons and daughters of the Empire may return home victorious. Dismissed.”

The officers, hologram and human alike, stand and salute. Then the holograms dissipate and the real officers move quickly to disperse. Von Richter sweeps out of the room quickly, obviously irked by the denial of his attempt to breech the old topic of forcing the Vaku more under the control of the Star Empire.

Friedelinde stands and approaches where Reynard Adonis and his daughter Katherine are standing, a pair of Sovereign Protectors follow closely behind.

“Sir Reynard, if I could have a moment with the Grossadmiral?”

“Of course, Your Majesty,” Reynard bows and leaves the two women alone.

“Your Majesty?”

“I want the reopening of the wormhole termini in Immolan and Axis postponed inevitably, Grossadmiral. Use whatever delaying tactics or excuses you deem appropriate and reasonable to discourage Ortagan protests, I will personally handle any matters that develop on political front.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. But if I may…”

“Of course.”

“What of the Gregor terminus, Your Majesty?”

“Have it reopened as soon as the terrorist attack on Vernii is suppressed at a level that will allow normal operations to assume. However, I will understand if additional security measures must be brought in. But I want the terminus in Gregor reopened no more than twenty-four hours once the Verniians have eradicated the Nightwatch terrorist.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Good, thank you, Dame Katherine, and good luck,” Friedelinde says as she sweeps by the saluting First Star Lord.

Lunatic Retard Robots

14-08-2005, 04:48

As the Derek Igomo takes care of its commercial purposes with Proximan merchants, no doubt raking in no small amount of money, Byrne Gabrone and Zimbra Seychelles enter the main hall of the Liga der Raumreich, and immediately feel out of place. Unlike the Robotic House of Parliament, the Liga has a certain sense of formality, perhaps coldness as well, unaccustomed to Zimbra's and Byrne's better-known haunts.

But the matter at hand is not a very Robotic issue at all, so therefore, Zimbra thinks, it is better to deal with it in a more official arena. Carrying a black attache case, Seychelles looks for the Valinor representatives, perhaps the most welcoming to the strange and planetless Robotstanis among the various nations present. Byrne, looking even less human than Zimbra and wearing only a chrome finish, draws plenty of less than approving glances from the other diplomats at the Liga. If Mr. Whitcomb think they have borne quite a bit of racism, at least he is made of things more tangible and not of processed alloys.

Zimbra's and Byrne's reason for being at the Liga der Raumreich, besides in order to show that Robotstan isn't completely unable to send a permanent representative, is to discuss with the Star Empire just how to handle the 'Ortagan Confrontation,' as the state of affairs has been termed by Robotic admirals. With a modest (and ultimately ineffectual) peacekeeping force in Liberated New Hope, a unit that looks more likely to join up with the Silver Fleet, and new warships coming out of shipyards as they walk, Robotstan is quite ready to take some part in things. But since Valinon is arguably the most sympathetic Raumreich nation as far as Robotstan is concerned, the Star Empire's reaction will have plenty of influence on what the Robotic Navy does.

Regardless of what military matters are settled, however, Lunkwill & Fook has already allocated a veritable fleet of large freighters to serve as humanitarian transports and several divisions of destroyers and light cruisers to serve as escorts. These, as Zimbra will no doubt inform the Valinor, are ready to move as soon as they can be fully provisioned with food and medecine. As Robots don't exactly have much need for either of these elements, Zimbra very much hopes that the ever-charitable Valinor will provide...

Valinon

14-08-2005, 05:18

After a few moments, a member of Prange's staff notices the Collective envoy's wandering the corridors of the Skye Complex. He calmly approaches Byrne Gabrone and Zimbra Seychelles and finds out why they are at the Complex. A few minutes later, the Robotic envoys find themselves in the personal offices of Sir Gordon W. Prange.

Prange still looks angered as Gabrone and Seychelles enter. He is pacing his office with a rather large amount of scoth in a high-ball glass in one hand. Angered by the actions of Hegemon Ansel, angered by the continued complaints by the rest of the Inner Marches, and angered beyond measure by the comments of the Liberation sub-minister, Prange's general diplomatic collected cool has been shattered. The fervent bark of the single word of "enter" still seems to ring through the office as the young diplomatic serviceman announces the Robotic envoys arrival.

Prange takes a deep breath, sets the glass down, and stops his pacing.

"My apologies, Kurt, it was not my intention to be so short with you."

"I understand, Sir Gordon," Kurt-the robots' guide-says calmly. "The situation has put a large amount of stress on all of us. I also have a message from Chancellor nar Kiranka, he has extended an invitation for you to join him at dinner this evening."

"Please tell Rakti that I will be more than happy to join him, Kurt."

"At once, Sir," Kurt says and then quietly exits. Prange approaches the Robotic envoys, extending a hand.

"Welcome, welcome, gentlemen. I only wish that you had arrived here under better circumstances than those we are faced with presently. I am afraid you are seeing the Raumreich at its worse. Before we start into more serious matters, is there anything I can offer you? Some form of refreshment perhaps?"

Liberated New Hope

14-08-2005, 18:56

(OOC: Kudos for RPing the anger-at-bigotry. Also, thanks for the heads up on the weapons rule at the Liga)

"My fears have been confirmed, Statia."

"How's that, sir?"

"There are three types in this sector, Major. The Tyrants, the Cowards, and the Rightious; the WIck have thown their lot in with the Cowards."

"Unfortunate, sir."

"Yes, very. But perhaps some day the when the Tyrants have been cast out from this land the Rightious will turn on the Cowards."

"Perhaps, sir."

"Yes, Statia... perhaps. Perhaps sooner than later."

Later at the Embassy...

Eberhardt looks out the window of his personal quarters planning, scheming even (this narrator will not lie. Eberhardt is a scheming, caniving, scumbag; but scumbag or not he is a patriot and all his bastardry is done for the Liberation) every word that could and would be said at and before the dinner.

Truthfully he dreads the thought of dining with Whitcomb, just as he would dread having to socialize with anyone of the primitives found outside the borders of the Liberation or Imperium. The people of the Morning Star pride themselves on their old earth Western sensiblities; in fact so much of their culture and society is based on the western model that it could be called completely responsible for the recent rise in popularity of a republican government.

But the barbarians are different. Their emphasis on physical prowess and matters of honor seems nearly comical to the Sub-minister; and their insane hatred of one another went far beyond any underlying disgust he had for the Valinor.

But he had contemplated enough. Tonight is a night for peace and diplomacy; a time for compromise and the putting aside of differences. No matter how he might feel about the WIckians he was obligated to keep their good political and military favor, whether or not it be for the sole purposes of survival and keeping sanity within the sector.

He steps out of his quarters and is greeted by Major Statia Kumuur, his personal assistant, watcher, and, when needed, body guard. Following her are a compliment of four Liberation Guard (it had recently become apparent that Eberhardt's security measures were insufficient). The go down the main stairway and enter the mainhall; a decident memorial to the Liberation's tendancy to enjoy the finer things in life before that short existance is extinguished. (Really the whole marble mess could be seen as gawdy... a step too far with gold linings and ebony decorum) Near the entry way is another monument to the Morning Star's culture; something that troubled Eberhardt as he approached the Headservant.

"Excuse me, Villers?"

"Yes, Master Eberhardt?"

"Yes... as you know we'll be having guests tonight but I was wondering..."

"Yes, sir?"

"Do WIckians... well... do they... like human women?" Eberhardt inquires this while gesturing to the aformentioned monument to the Morning Star's culture; a line of "attractively dressed" young women meant to "entertain" any high profile guests of the Liberation.

"Well the WIckians are human, are they not sir?"

"Yes... but... they're different. One might wonder if they prefer women of their own... stature."

"Oh of course sir, I should have known..." Villers looked around and became a slight bit concerned, "but we do not have any WIckian women."

"Oh."

"Yes... this might prove a problem, sir... why don't we do without the virgins for these guests. It would seem that they are useless and we have no way of accomidating them anyhow."

"Yes, Villers. That seems best. Have them sent to their rooms... besides. Why bring out the good china..." Eberhardt began to laugh as Villers soon followed, all the while Statia stood solumnly and business like as usual. "Alright then, Villers. Alert me when the Whitcomb arrives."

"Certainly, sir."

Lunatic Retard Robots

14-08-2005, 19:40

"No, thankyou, Mr. Prange," says Zimbra as he shakes Sir Gordon's hand. "Might I introduce Byrne Gabrone, captain of RS Derek Igomo*."
"Its a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Prange."
"Before we begin, I must thank Valinon for being Robotstan's friend in these uncertain times. It is doubtful that we would have been able to recover from the Aumanii attack as much as we did without the support your nation gave us."

Zimbra hands the attache case, full of Lunkwill & Fook reports and other assorted documents for Valinor consumption, to Sir Gordon.

"As for more serious matters, I'm sure no one understands the implications of the Ortagan attacks on LNH, Vernii, and The WIck better than you, so we've come to discuss it with you."
"At the present time, Lunkwill & Fook has a large group of freighters and hospital ships assembled and ready to ship humanitarian supplies into areas most badly hurt by the current war, although they still need to be provisioned. If your nation were able to gather together the requisite amount of medecines and emergency food aid, Lunkwill & Fook is ready to pay for and ship it."

*A round of applause for whoever can tell me who Derek Igomo is/was...

Valinon

14-08-2005, 20:21

Prange nods as he carefully studies the reports, and then he eyes both Gabrone and Seychelles.

"Gentlemen, I am not privy to all the details at this moment, but I have no doubt Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government will organize a substantial humanitarian mission to all of the nations attacked by the Hegemony once immediate hostilities have ended in Morning Star, Ticonderoga, and Gregor. I am afraid to say I do not hold out much hope for the likelyhood of Erewohn to remain free from the Ortagans grasp, and I would strongly discourage any attempts to stage any sort of relief missions into Ortagan held territory."

"However, I will say this. Any foodstuffs will be drawn from the stockpiles of the dominions of Pelledrine and Chandara, and I have no doubt Her Imperial Majesty will greatly appreciate the support of the Collective in transporting aid shipments to the affected systems. I would recommend that hospital ships be sent to Gregor, where they can join with efforts from the Star Empire to assist the Verniians in trying to control the amount of radiation visited on their worlds in Gregor and Acler."

Prange smiles slightly, "The continued assistance of the Robotic Collective is always appreciated by the Star Empire. And I believe your continued assistance may soon prove a boon to the Collective, Herr Seychelles. The recent opening of two systems in the Imperial Reserve bodes well for additional colonization efforts from other powers friendly to Her Majesty and Her Majesty's Government."

Lunatic Retard Robots

14-08-2005, 23:32

"You are most kind to us, Mr. Prange. We only wish we could do more for you."
"Would it be possible to contact the Derek Igomo from the Liga der Raumreich complex? It would be best, I think, to relay any information regarding the present humanitarian situation back to the hospital flotilla as soon as possible."
"Yes, that strikes me as prudent also. By the way, does Valinon plan on taking any military action against New Ortaga? I certainly do not wish to decry neutrality and advocate that the Star Empire send its sons and daughters to die in a war that is very much rooted in the troubles of another generation, but New Ortaga's disregard for the welfare of noncombatants is, well, worrying."

Valinon

15-08-2005, 00:53

"I will show you to my own delegation's personal ansible link, Captain. You can use it to communicate with the Collective flotilla for as long as you need."

Prange pauses for a moment at Seychelles' words. His shoulders tense slightly.

"The situation at present is difficult, Her Seychelles. As far as international law is concerned in the Raumreich the Hegemony has not broken any laws. Hegemon Ansel and his colleagues have seen to that quite well by abusing their veto power in the Liga for almost a century. The issue of solar destablization weaponry, more commonly known as sunbusters, further complicates the matter. Currently the Gadsen Accord, made by both the Star Empire and the Hegemony, forbids the offensive use of sunbuster weaponry. If the Star Empire were to declare war on the Hegemony with no direct attack to justify such an act, I doubt very seriously the Hegemony would continue to respect the Gadsen Accord for a heartbeat."

Prange turns and eyes the robots soberly, "By declaring war on the Hegemony we would be sentencing more innocents to death than we do by remaining neutral."

"I do not think for one moment Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government will allow Ortaga's wanton disregard for innocent life to go unanswered. But our hands are tied, and the Ortagans lack of outside trade means traditional economic sanctions will have only a negligible effect. Now, come, I will get you a secure connection to your ship."

Lunatic Retard Robots

15-08-2005, 01:14

Zimbra and Byrne follow Prange to the delegation's link, considering his words as they go.

"Aye, well, the Ortagans can be rather hard to work with. We recently sent a delegation to Morning Star to try and resolve that problem peacefully, but without luck. It does make one think what those Ortagans are doing to themselves."
"But perhaps it isn't too late for diplomacy. If we were to show up in the contested systems with a sizeable military force and demand that the fighting cease..." hazards Byrne.
"Hmm. It occurs to me that what very many of these nations need is a bottom-up movement that advocates peace. It escapes me how the citizens of these nations allow themselves to constantly be at war."
"Mabye they just need a nudge in the right direction."
"But what? The problem is very complicated. Mabye all we can really do is help pick up the pieces afterword."
"Is there any other avenue the Liga can pursue, Mr. Prange? We would certainly commit significant forces to an enlarged peacekeeping operation if something of that sort were to take place."

Valinon

15-08-2005, 22:37

"There are considerably movements for peace and stability in the Raumreich, gentlemen. That is one reason the Star Empire is not committing itself to a war. Many of Her Imperial Majesty's subjects feel that we have shed more than enough blood trying to bring some semblance of international order to the rest of the Oversector. But these movements only manifest themselves in the nations that actually allow a free and open society. The Ortagan Hegemony is not, by any measure, a free and open society. Its government has complete and total control of all media venues within the Great March, and maintains rigid control on the contact of Ortagan media with the rest of the Raumreich. And it is doubftul the bulk of the Ortagan citizenry knows what attrocities are carried out in their name, all they see is the removal of another threat-real or imagined-to their security and a momentary boost in the Ortagan economy as its assimilates another system."

"At this point there is nothing that can be done to stop the war, perhaps later an opportunity will present itself. Any action the Liga could possibly take to reprimand or stall the Hegemony would only be met with the power of the Ortagan veto seat. Besides, gentlemen," Prange says as he holds open the comm booth portal, "the Ortagan Hegemony's Solar Forces represent the largest military force in the entirety of the Raumreich. The Solar Navy consists of at least 2000 warships, not counting the various ships that fly the banner of other Ortagan quasi-military organizations like the Coordination of Security and Intelligence or the fanatical "Tactical" Observers."

"The Star Empire, on the other hand, controls the third largest fleet in the Raumreich. And combined with the fleets of the Vaku and Vernii, we would still most likely be quite a distance from the numbers the Hegemony can call upon. True, a certain discrepancy in technological prowess and individual ship superiority would come into play, but skill can only do so much to overcome the vast hordes. And history, unfortunately, has shown repeatedly that ability does not necessarily quell the power of a rampaging horde."

Lunatic Retard Robots

17-08-2005, 02:13

"Well, you are certainly better informed about these things than we are, so we will take your advice. But the Robotic Navy will stand with Valinon should you decide to take any action. Er...by the way, what would your government say if we were to start building arms for Vernii and The WIck? The WIckians especially don't look as though they're doing well at all and could use some help. There is already an export light cruiser design in production for the LNH, although it looks like they don't need them, and the ships, which number over 30, could be transferred there."
"We already tried that, though, and I'm sure nobody here is unaware of the results. But who knows? It might work. It might not. I certainly don't like the prospect of the Ortagans taking over a good chunk of the Raumreich, at least no more than they've already got. It occurs to me that what the Ortagans need in order to revise their mindset is a rather significant defeat."

They enter the communications booth, and captain Gabrone looks around for the controls.

"Eh, how might one work this, Mr. Prange?"

Valinon

17-08-2005, 03:31

Prange looks weary, "The last round of Ortagan military defeats is what landed us in our present situation, gentlemen. The old Grand Duchy of New Ortaga lost the first Ortagan colonial empire in a series of conflicts collectively known as the Colonial Wars. That coupled with the failure of the attempt to conquer and occupy Falasmayon created the political instability that allowed Ansel and his revolutionary colleagues to seize control of the Ortagan government, military, and society."

"And, actually," Prange hits an activation stud and a few panels glow an eerie blue-white, "the Wickian Concordat is faring by far the best in this war. Their ships and their tactical doctrine has evolved over the past few decades to be specifically geared to engage and destroy Ortagan warships. It is not all that wise of a course, considering it leaves the Concordat woefully unprepared for a war with any other power in the Raumreich, but it is serving them well now. The Concordat may be one of three powers capable of undertaking an offensive action against the Hegemony following this attack. And the other two, as of this moment, are neutrals. Namely that would be the Star Empire and the Greater Empire of Vakutu."

"As for the Verniians," Prange shrugs. "Vernii accepts outside aid at some moments, then refutes it the next. It is a hit or miss subject, but I will not discourage the Collective from trying. I just do not know if it would be wise to waste the remaining military forces of the Collective in a war that could possible result in their total destruction."

"As for the comm system, it is voice activated. I have engaged the system's resident intelligence (RI). You can either interact with it verbally, or go for a direct interface. It will give you a secure channel via ansible connection or tight-beam laser if you wish it."

Prange steps out of the booth, "I will leave you to conduct your affairs in private, gentlemen."

Lunatic Retard Robots

18-08-2005, 00:47

"Thankyou, Mr. Prange. It is indeed a much more complicated matter than we had initially thought, and I fear that we would have got ourselves into a pretty mess had we not contacted you first. Oh, and...I suppose the laser will do."
"By the way, there is something for your government on board the Derek Igomo, a present from the Parliament."

Zimbra Seychelles leaves the booth with Prange.

"Its always a pleasure to come and visit our Valinor friends. My most sincere thanks for your time and council."

Byrne Gabrone also steps out of the communications booth, finished with dictating a message for the Derek Igomo's crew to relay back to the Hospital Squadron.

"Many thanks, Mr. Prange. It was wonderful to meet you. I'm afraid we must be going."
"I'll be sure to send someone out to discuss those planets as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, the Derek Igomo's cargo lifts deposit a relatively small, specially packed crate on the Proxima recieving facility. Inside is nothing less than an impeccably restored RAI-built Blenheim bomber, one of those that took part in what was arguably the deciding action of the 1938 royalist revolt (the sinking of HIMRS Soveriegn in Kingston harbor). What's more, the aircraft is still in flying condition.

RS Hamilton, Intersystem Freighter, Clyde Shipyards

"That's it, mates! We've our marching orders!"
"All ships, stand by for divisional assignments."

The fleet of more than 50 freighters, 10 hospital cruisers, and a further two dockships, escorted by a force of light cruisers and destroyers, organizes itself into three divisions. The 1st division, lead by the heavy cruiser Lion and consisting of 22 of those freighters along with three of the ten destroyer wings dispatched as escorts, makes plans to head for Pelledrine while another 22 with three destroyer wings and the light cruisers Edinburgh and Chatham are tasked with taking on stores at Chandara. The Valinor government is, of course, contacted and informed of the pending departure of the Hospital Squadron to the respective Valinor systems.

For Gregor, six hospital cruisers, a destroyer wing, and the light cruisers Hogue and Bacchante are dispatched.

Lastly, a division bound for Ticonderoga is formed. For the much more embattled and dangerous system, four hospital cruisers, the remaining unaccounted-for freighter (RS Chaffins), and the other repair cruiser, along with three destroyer wings and the heavy cruisers Tiger and Blake along with a section of light cruisers is collected.

With RS Hamilton, a former battleship, as the overall flagship, FTL engines begin to charge and the Hospital Squadron prepares to carry out its mission. Other ungrouped freighters prepare their own humanitarian runs as well, although the fierce battles taking place all across the Great March forces all but the most heavily armored and armed freighters from continuing to operate normally. After all, regular freighting operations are what raise the funds requisite for staging such comprehensive humanitarian operations as the missions to the Great March.

The WIck

22-08-2005, 04:08

Whitcomb stood at the entrance to the embassy dressed in what could only be considered WIckian fashion, or lack there of as most other nationalities are concerned. He stood tall all seven feet of him, there was no discernable pattern or style to the pants and tunic he wore, it was simply a wash with colors and hues. A black and blue synthetic leather vest was worn over his tunic. A flowing green and black edged cape completed his outfit. A single man stood behind him where clothing less eccentric but no less ecliptic.

They awaited to be admitted.

Liberated New Hope

22-08-2005, 07:01

Villers, the oddly coincidentally named Headservant, answers the door promptly and escorts the WIckians in. "Greetings Mr. Whitcomb. The Sub-minister will be down promptly. Please, take a seat in the smoking room if you wish."

Villers butles off upstairs and after a few moments Eberhardt comes down, this time in a midnight blue "power suit" (as he liked to call them; a silken suit with similarly colored shirt and tie and completed with recently shined black worm's-leather shoes--some of the most sought after and expensive in the Morning Star as well as anywhere else they were sold no doubt). Without showing it he notices the WIckian's outfit in horror but keeps a straight face and eye-contact. I really must read up more... are WIckians colorblind? he thinks to himself.

"Welcome, Whitcomb, to our humble little embassy. I hope the hospitality will be to your liking..." Eberhardt is about to extend his hand for a handshake before jokingly lifting both his hands up to shoulder-level "ohp, which one's prostetic?" and letting out a bit of a short laugh, then returning his offer shake Whitcomb's hand. "And who might be accompanying you?"

The WIck

23-08-2005, 04:37

"I have been on this planet for five years often visiting the Vernii Imperium’s embassy, you will find that I am quite use to the frivolous and decant habits of the Concordat's ally’s." Whitcomb said not even attempting to shake Eberhardt hand, the insult was intended.

"This is Eric Crowley, my assistant. Now you said we had much to talk about over dinner? Perhaps we should be about it then."

Liberated New Hope

24-08-2005, 22:30

"My apologies, Whitcomb, I knew you were a straight-forward man and I should have treated you as such." Eberhardt begins to lead the WIckians down the hall and to the Dining Hall. "As it is apparent, you do not like me and whether or not it be relivant I'm less than fond of you, but quite frankly I don't think either of us have the time or resources for personal distaste. I invited you here to solidify stability, peace, and cooperation between our two nations in the comming war and the peace that can and will follow. In a way, Whitcomb, I've been asked to investigate if your nation is interested in a healthy relationship between our nations whether or not it be one of love or understanding."

At that point they reached the entrance to the Dining Hall and paused at the door for a moment before opening it.

"I simply wish to open the door, Whitcomb. No less, no more."

The WIck

28-08-2005, 04:06

"Ah that is all well and fine Mr. Eberhardt, healthy relationships between allied nations is a good thing. But what good is opening the door to a relationship between our two nation's if the room inside has been ransacked?"

The WIckian asked the man from LNH, it was a reference to the recent Ortagan raid on the Morning Star system. It could have also alluded to the fact that so much of the nation's infrastructure and even its capital was damaged by the attack.

"Tell me Mr. Eberhardt what benefit is an active relationship between our nations is at this time?"

Liberated New Hope

28-08-2005, 19:35

Approaching his seat and gesturing Whitcomb to his, Darius pondered for a moment and smiled. "My people are a productive people, Whitcomb. I doubt this Ortagan raid carried enough ammunition to cripple our infrastructure. Might I remind you that though we are a single system power we currently carry the manufacturing capacity of Vernii only a few years ago. I assure you that our infrastructure is just fine... How's yours?"

"Oh, but that is no matter. If our two nations were in more dier straits then an active alliance would be even more imparative; but that is not the case. In this case an alliance would not be one for survival's sake. It would be one for strength and ideals; two things we need to fight this war. Strength lies in cooperation; in the free exchange of information and assistance and this cannot be argued."

"But more importantly, my superiors and I also believe that an alliance would show the Raumreich that cooperation for the greater good, compromise and putting away petty differences can accomplish something."

"Then there is the agenda of the Liberation. We wish to assist the reinstatement of the WIckian people into their home and the rebuilding of their nation. The Ideals of the Liberation demand that we help you fight these tyrants and continue your operations as a recognised free people."

His use of the word "recognized" is peculiar, as is the policy it references. Liberated New Hope recognizes certain peoples or states as truly free and not in need of Liberation... at least for now. The two primary states recognized as free are the WIck (which had only recently been added for political reasons) and Vernii; while several others of the Raumreich had been recognized as well. Noticably absent from the list is Valinon; which is specifically named as an counteractive to the Liberation.

However. These classifications are highly confidential as to avoid diplomatic disaster.

The WIck

30-08-2005, 04:05

A vain throbbed in Whitcomb’s forehead as he listened intently to Eberhardt's words. He waited politely until the man was finished before he spoke. It wasn't really his fault that his emotions showed, some say that a WIckian will never make a good politician because of the fact that they were their hearts on their sleeve. Then again there were others who thought that quality is what made them such good politicians, they were open and frank at all times, when dealing with a WIckian one did not have to worry about lies and deceptions.

“I do not know if I heard you correct sir…” His words were diplomatic if his tone was not as Whitcomb continued, “It is the opinion of your nation’s government that we are not in at this moment ‘Dire Straights’. It would be folly to assume these raids are the extent of the Hegemony’s efforts to neutralize our respect nation’s ability to project power. If I was the leader of your space fleet, I would be massively relived that as the raid commenced as it did that a fleet sized element of the Solar Navy did not follow it. If it did I surely doubt I would be talking to a man with so much gall as I do today.”

“It was not the Solar Navy that attacked your system good sir, at least they were not the main participate, it was Kendra Ansel’s observers, that mistake is the reason why Liberated New Hope still bares life at all. If it was the Solar Navy that attacked your fleet and your nation’s entire infrastructure would be in ruins today. I do not take away from the courage of your Silver Fleet, but the Solar Navy would have slain then like so many rabbits, they are not the thugs people think them, they are dedicate and know their duty.”

“Yes, Mr. Eberhardt you are correct at least partially in the industrial capacity of my nation, at least when it comes to the production of warships. Keep in mind though that per-capita only the Valinor can compete with the industry of my nation. Keep in mind the Erewohnese had a very large industrial base and look how well it served them. What good sir are 100 ships flown using an outdated doctrine, when 10 ships could complete the mission using new doctrine. Mine nation survived two massive battles with the Solar Navy and we thwarted this raid with only minor losses, that is a record no one not even the Valinor can claim.”

“As for the Liberation’s recognition of my people’s sovereignty, that is all well and good. Your Liberation can do diplomatically whatever it like, but do remember my nation never asked to be recognized by yours, nor do we give a rat’s ass about the Agenda of the Liberation government. My nation is one which has been burned in the past by associations, There are some elements in the Concordat that believe this present sent of alliances will lead to a similar situation.”

Now his voice was hard and wooden once again,

“know that my people are also well acquainted with revolutionary or liberation governments, know that we are not allied today because we like your nations politics or its treatment of foreign diplomats” He would have said women but he knew Dame Job and to infer her to be weak in anyway would have been an insult his honor could not bear. “I sit here today simply because my nation hates the Ortagan Hegemony far more then the bigots and thugs that control your own government.”

“Finally Mr. Eberhardt, I wonder what my nation’s support of yours will mean for the future, whose greater good will it serve, if my nation is to assist in removing one threat to replace it with another?” He said sitting down his voice once again diplomatic,

"So where is the beer, I could use a drink I imagine you could to eh?" he asked

Lunatic Retard Robots

30-08-2005, 05:23

OCC: Sorry to break the story for a bit...

IC:

As the Robots assemble what passes for their war fleet, preparing to brandish it at the almost limitlessly more powerful Ortagans, although not so much intending to actually use it, a number of Robot diplomats deem it prudent to inform the WIckians of the fact that, should they request it, Robotic shipyards are quite capable of handling special orders, the likes of which could very well be 'on the house,' given the present situation in The WIck's last major system.

Although Whitcomb is out, the first in-person (or rather in-Robot) Robotic delegate to the Liga der Raumreich (Stanley Tricomalee) leaves notice with the WIckian's staff that such services are very much available.

The WIck

31-08-2005, 02:35

"You are a stupid fool Eberhardt! You are underestimating the Hegemony that is pure folly! My nation made that mistake once and we paid the price, your stubbornness will see that you pay the reaper as well!" Whitcomb shouted to his back,

"The Valinor can barely protect their own at the moment, you throw me out of this house your navy will be utterly demolished when it faces the Solar Navy just like the Erewohnese, the Vernii even acknowledge this..." Whitcomb said as he was pulled back from the table by the guards.

"You think the Solar Navy will come to your door and do battle with you? They don’t operate like that against a forth rate power such as you, your precious victory means that next I imagine you wont even see their attack before your primary goes nova! After all the Valinor may even ignore it after the way your nation has spurned them in the past, and now you lost half your remaining support! Thugs and racist bigots is how they view you nation now and with reason!"

“I can find my own way out thanks…” The WIckian said and if the marine dared to touch him again he would maybe live to learn his mistake.

Liberated New Hope

31-08-2005, 05:11

OOC:

I don't know who did it, and I'm not pointing any fingers; but I didn't write that post. That's why I deleted it. I don't know how they got my password or why the hell they'd just randomly post shit for me, but I'm changing my password right now and I'm hoping this won't happen again.

God damn. Who the fuck does that?

Anyway, I'll post on here tomorrow. Apologies, WIck.

[EDIT: ADDED ON]

Alright. I'm done being pissed now, and I'm pretty sure I know the person who did this and they probably just did it to fuck with me. SO.... I'll just use the post anyway.

Here's what it was:

"You sir, have a problem," Eberhardt declares, standing from his seat. "I'm frank with you, I offer you compromise and good will not-disguised with false freindliness yet you still bitch and moan and no. You did not hear me clearly. The raiding party failed. And failed miserably at that. And yes, the Solar Navy is mighty but it has not come to our door quite yet and though your pessimism seems apparently we haven't given up on the hope of victory against Ortaga."

"I can't figure out how to please you. In fact, I don't don't think anyone can. Would you like us to pull out of our system and become Valinor citizens out of fear of the Ortagans? How's about we specifically offer you no trade and start aiming our guns at you? Is that what you want? We don't. We offer you cooperation to help our two nations and you spit on it."

"Unless your nation shows some sign of a want for good will and compromise, I will personally see to it that the Liberation will play no part in the restoration or protection of your people in any way, fascet, or form, Mr. Whitcomb. Now; I have no time for diplomats who lack every aspect of diplomacy. Get the hell out of my house."

At that moment the door is opened by two Liberation guard while another four pour into the room from alternate enterances, slipping in front of Eberhardt who is already headed out the rear exit and toward his room.

I'll to respond to the WIck's post tomorrow.

Liberated New Hope

06-09-2005, 22:36

The Liberation Guardsmen followed Whitcomb out closely escorting him to the front gate and closing it quickly behind him. Meanwhile on the way to his personal quarters Eberhardt is approached by a soldier.

"Sub-minister... Hamunaptra has been hit."

"How badly?"

"Very."

Tragedy actually strikes the normally shallow man's eyes as his patriotism to the Liberation is sorely stabbed by the loss of the city... that is until he is reminded of the possible benifits of the strike. "Any word on if Minister Darius survived?"

"No sir, but until he is found and secured you are acting Minister."

"Ah... well thank you. Is there anything else?"

"No, sir."
________________________________

Later in his room...

Eberhardt holds a phone to his ear. "Hello? Yes. Get me whoever the hell's in charge of the Morning Star right now. Clearance Alpha Sandfox Nine."

Eberhardt quickly learns that command of the fleet and, for the moment, the system has been handed over to Admiral Sean Murphy prepares to handle him effectively.

Admiral Murphy answers his vocomm. "This is Fleet Admiral Sean Murphy, is this Sub-Minister Eberhardt?"

"Yes, Admiral. This is Eberhardt... and for your information it's Minister Eberhardt untill Darius is found; my thoughts go out to him."

"Yes..."

"I was calling to inform you that the WIck have been declared counteractive."

"Oh?" (until now Murphy had not really been paying attention to the call but instead looking over figures and tactical information)

"Yes... it seems they have a distaste for truth and compromise."

Not know what Eberhardt meant by that, Murphy simply ignored the comment; "are they still our allies?"

"Only in the sense that they are fighting the same war against the same enemy and that is the extent of their freindliness to us."

"I'll keep that in mind, Sub... I mean Minister."

Liberated New Hope

14-11-2005, 04:41

Though the war rages in a terrible silence in the Raumreich, many matters concerning the Liberation still carry on.

To the East of the Morning Star, two systems so close but so far away have gained the notice of the several private corporations under the flag of the Liberation. The first, and closest to the Morning Star, is a system previously (and tastelessly, as far as Abbodiah was concerned) named Charlie 7 by the Liberation Science Bureau.

Now, since the system has been claimed in the name of the Liberation (and since the Liberation Science Bureau is currently buried under a few thousand pounds of rubble), the system bares the name of Anies, after the first Foreman of the Old Revolution.

But alas, we have gotten ahead of ourselves.

Abbodiah is a short woman, pretty though not quite as ravishing as her TiberCorp counterpart, Samantha, working for Fidelity Insurance. Yes, it might seem odd that an insurance company is exploring and settling a system, but it might also seem odd that an insurance company would own three fast food companies, a bank, and air-car company, and gate research project. Needless to say, Fidelity has its fingers in many pies.

Back to Abby (as she prefers to be called), she is another decendant of one of the old houses of True Hope, so she holds no last name, only the name of her house: The House of the Blazing Storm. Despite her rather exciting house-name, Abby is rather laid back and commands her small commercial project accordingly (not to say she allows the operation to become lax, but she is less strict than many of her collegues).

The project, consisting of eight ships, six of which are cargo-ships full of the beginnings of settlements in the system, have been in the system for four months, meaning it went nearly uneffected by the war at home. Nearly.

"Lady Abbodiah," a crewman began as Abby entered the bridge of the project's flagship, the Martin. "Cargos Delphi and Markus are prepared to begin initial stages of the Drop Off. Housing and Altern. units ready for dump."

"Well then. I guess we should start the dump!" she replied with a smile.

The Cargo ships open the bottems of their hulls, revealing massive crates, apparently self-propelled as they began shooting down the two different habitable planets' surfaces, Anoria (named for Abbodiah's eight year old daughter) and Fidelity (obviously named after the company).
____________________________________________________

Meanwhile in the other system (you do remember that there are two systems being settled, don't you?), McGee Terraforming continues with its work. This system, which had been named Charlie 8 (what did you expect?), is now given the name Milligan, another Foreman of the Old Revolution.

McGee Terraforming had been assigned the job of populating the system because the system is particularly uninhabitable but rich in resources enough to be desireable. They have two mission objectives:

1.) Make the two moons fit in size for human gravity tolerance, as well as the one similarly sized planet, comfortable for large human populations.

2.) Make the other six moons and three planets liveable to the point they will not be a danger to mining and harvesting operations on the surface.

Objective 2, which is much easier than objective 1, is already near completion. The terraplexes have effectively made the atmosphere non-corrosive and slightly breathable and the ground plantable for "hearty" crops. Objective 1, however, is not going so well...

"We've had another 02 synth failure in terraplex 5-B, sir." reports a crew-member to Commodore Steven Billwithorse (McGee makes use of military ranks among its employees).

"Repair time?" the Commodore inquires.

"Three days, sir."

"Then another three days it is..."

(OOC: I'd write about my third project, a trade outpost in the Talbott Cluster, but I'm running out of time and energy. Might edit it in later.)

Valinon

15-11-2005, 19:28

Lady Diedre Rolt looked up harriedly as a sharp rap came from her office door and a subdued click announced its opening. The worn and almost tired looking face of Marius Bandholtz--her secretary and aide--steps in.

"My Lady, Grossadmiral Adonis would like to see you if at all possible."

Diedre raises an eyebrow. Yes, tensions have risen across the Star Empire and even more across the rest of the Oversector, especially with the newsbreak from UVNN confirming the rumors of the Ortagan victory in Erewohn, the outbreak of a massive insurgency in Morning Star, and the evacuation of Ticonderoga in the wake of the Ortagan assault. The Kriegsmarine had tried to conceal its massive redeployments in recent weeks, but even the most unobservant of Her Imperial Majesty's subjects could now see the growing naval buildup as the fleets fell back on the home systems of the Empire--preparing for the growing possibility of war with the Ortagan Hegemony. It was a silent admission that the long pursued policies of containment had failed.

Still, even with the growing threat of war, a visist to the office of the Prime Minister and Minister for Imperial Affairs by the First Star Lord of the Kriegsmarine, especially an unscheduled visit, is highly irregular.

"What time was my meeting with Director Sven?"

"1400, My Lady."

"Have it pushed back to 1430 if you would, Marius. Then tell Lady Adonis I will be more than glad to speak with her."

"Yes, My Lady," with that Bandholtz vanishes and a few moments later is replaced by the trim figure of Katherine Adonis in the brilliant white uniform of a grossadmiral. Diedre smiles warmly at the woman who a few years ago had become her step-daughter since her marriage to Reynard Adonis. But there was a distinct tension between father and daughter, one both refused to answer directly.

"Please, have a seat, Katherine," Diedre says motioning to one of the seats in front of her desk.

"Thank you, Lady Prime Minister."

"Oh, please, dispense with the formal titles. We are all facing the possibility that the Star Empire and most of the Raumreich could burn down around our ears in a matter of days if we go to war with the Ortagans. If nothing else, suspending the rules of pomp will allow us a little more free time in the evenings to come to terms with it."

"Very well, Diedre, and I suppose by that spiel you also know the relative opinions of the High Command on the current situation in the Oversector."

Diedre sighs, "Yes, yes I do. And I will say I stand firmly with Her Majesty in this respect. There is no reason to hand the Ortagans a way to violate the Gadsen Accord on a silver platter, and firing the first shot in a war would most certainly do that. I do hope that wasn't your only reason for coming her, Katherine. Because on that issue I will simply not be moved."

"No," and Katherine pulls out a data-disc, "it isn't. You are aware, I assume, of the recent reevaluation of the Office of Kriegsmarine Intelligence's disposition of forces, especially where the Verniian Imperium and the Ortagan Hegemony are concerned?"

"In vague details, I have not yet received a full debreifing. Although Director Sven did outline the basics in the initial summary of his debriefing for this afternoon and mentioned with particular concern the 'recent amount of discrepancy demonstrated in the previous balance of naval parity'."

"Director Sven has a gift for understatement I find somewhat disturbing in a professional spook."

Diedre smiles, "But that gift makes us clamorous politicans feel better when we drop the ball, so you will have to excuse me if I feel the need to keep him around if only for the ego boost."

Adonis smirks, "I will bear that in mind. And will try not to have Stephan send in his jack-booted death squads from OKI when he hears how the ESS phrased his recent discover in regards to 'naval parity'."

"Indeed. Now for the real question, how bad is it?"

"Too be perfectly blunt, bad in the worse way," Adonis says and lays the data-disc on the desk. "That disc has the full details, but I will summarize in order to save some time. As you said, we are trying to cut through some of the red tape."

"Coming from the opposite side of the line between civilian and military, that fill me with trepedation," Diedre says, only half-mockingly.

"Good, perhaps I can use the proverbial bogeyman to make this even easier. Basically, given the force deployments of both the Ortagans and the Verniians during this war, Stephan and OKI have had to come to terms with the fact that the deployable assets of the next most powerful navies in the Oversector were far larger than he initially estimated. Rough estimates they are working with right now are giving the Solar Navy in excess of 2,000-2,300 warships--not counting their monitor assets. And the Imperial Verniian Navy has in excess of 200 dreadnoughts, over 50 superdreadnoughts, and three of their own "monitor" class super-ships, not to mention the number of dated battleships and their own battlecruisers."

"My God..."

"That was my reaction as well. Basically if it wasn't for the dominion-raised navies, especially the Yaltans and the Falas, we would be so far out of parity with the naval forces of the Raumreich that not even our technological superiority in a class-by-class basis or our alliance the the Vaku could help."

"What about Schmeide?"

"Project DOS Evolution is proceeding well ahead of schedule. However, the Schmeide facility is not designed to produce ships of the wall. It was constructed specifically for the purpose of building our new automated drone cruisers and destroyers, plus refitting the hulls of our current carriers so they could operate with the full DOS ship integration hardware and software. The state of our wall of battle is where we have a growing defficiency, in terms of escorts and battlecruisers we have plenty to serve both our combat and escort needs."

Adonis eyes the Prime Minister cautiously, "I will admit that as the situation stands, trying to play a game of catch up with the Ortagans is a fool's errand. The Ortagans have run their economy into the ground maintaing their military at its current state of growth, and the entire Raumreich knows that. There is no way any other nation in the Raumreich, even ourselves, could attempt to maintain their force level and not do the same. Besides, the Ortagans have no allies and have for all intents and purposes scared the rest of the Raumreich into each others arms to seek the destruction of the Hegemonic ability to make war. And given the growing move toward an allied front and a common military effort, I see it has a growing probability that the Solar Navy can be destroyed."

"It is the Verniians that pose the most pressing threat, but for the moment--and considering the losses they have taken and will take during this war--we can easily distance ourselves from them. But in order to do so, we need to reactivate our wall of battle building programs."

Diedre arches an eyebrow, "Which ones?"

"All of them."

Diedre's eyes widen.

"I am going to reactive the Sanctuary, Draco, and Brimstone yards using the emergency discretionary funds that have been alotted to the Kriegsmarine over the past three decades. I have already spoken with Rodolphe and with the number of uncompleted hulls currently in lock down, we can expect to complete thirty-two dreadnoughts and ten super-dreadnoughts by the end of the year. After that I have authorized from him to give all of BuShips construction capabilities, excluding the Schmeide facilities, over to the construction of ships of the wall."

"How many ships per year are we talking about."

"If we are starting from scratch, and combined collectively, those three yards can yield forty-four dreadnoughts and fourteen super-dreadnoughts a year. Given the inherent cost and investment necessary to produce our super-dreadnought hulls though, Rodolphe and I are going to give additional priority over to dreadnoughts rather than super-dreadnoughts."

"This is all within the limit of the discretionary funds?"

"Yes, and will be for the next sixty to eighty years if the naval appropriations remain the same for the next eight years."

"Then I am not entirely sure why you need to see me, Katherine."

"First and foremost was to alert you personally to the situation we face, but this is only the initial step."

"I am not surprised."

"After the war their will be a power vacuum to fill, on one side or the other. If the Ortagans do achieve victory then we won't be around to worry about it, but personally I would rather err on the side of optimism in this case. Agreed?"

"Certainly."

"There will be a scramble to fill the void left by the Ortagans, the most likely candidates at hand are the Verniians and the Vaku. The Vaku have the unfortunate cap of their resource issues to effectively limit their shipbuilding, the Verniians suffer no such handicap. And both OKI and the ESS agree that in a post-Hegemony Raumreich the Verniians are the most likely to attempt to fill the vacuum and challenge our position as the leading power of the Raumreich. Especially given the instances we've been seeing of Vernii's current government growing increasingly nostalgic with the days of the old People's Republic."

Diedre rolls her eyes, "Something that they can neither be beaten nor cajoled out of doing, apparently."

"Apparently, but that obssession is serving them well. OKI and the ESS are already picking up rumors of increasing naval appropriations from the Verniian government. It looks as if they are going to start a massive upgrade in their construction capacity across their territory. To cut to the point, we need to beat them to it, and the easiest way to do that is to start now."

"How much of an 'upgrade' are we talking about here."

"We need to increase our construction capacity in at Sanctuary and Draco by at least three-fold, Brimstone by two-fold, Madras and Archangel by four-fold, and actually have a naval capacity in Pelledrine and Chandara that can produce ships above the cruiser level."

Diedre leans back in her chair, taking a deep breath, "The cost...."

"If astronomical is what you are searching for that is certainly what some will call it. The current naval appropriations in the budget will have to be doubled initially, although my own estimates--coming from BuBud (Bureau of Budget)--say that they could be reduced back to present levels after six years. After that point, we can draw on the discretionary funds and the original appropriations to maintain construction levels. What I need to know is if it can be done."

Diedre sits in silence, "We will need to carry it through as a wartime measure, and then hope we can keep it in place after the war. But for that kind of increase we will need both the Government and the Opposition to be running scared from something."

"Then I suppose I should send a letter of thanks to Channing Ansel," Adonis says with a cold smile, "because I think he intends to give us just that. And I think the numbers we can present before the Lords regarding force disposition between ourselves and the Imperium will sober them up quite a bit. Hell, we may even be able to get von Richter to sign on to this if we tell him that this demonstrates his despired 'Proles' are getting 'uppity' again."

Diedre smiles slightly, "If I phrase it exactly like that, I think his support is gauranteed. And if I can carry him I can carry enough of the Centrist and their coalition to get a super-majority."

"I like where this is headed. Now is this the time to mention that I also need a pay raise?"

"You can skim it of the money you just black-mailed out of Her Majesty's treasury."

Katherine fakes a sigh, "I suppose this is an indeceny I will have to bear for Empress and the Vaterland then."

"You will make do."

"I suppose I will have to, but there is one more thing I would like to ask."

"If its to increase overall pay schemes in the Kriegsmarine or pensions, the answer is no!"

Katherine laughs, "No, no, nothing so sinister as that. I was wondering if, in your infinite capacities as a politican, you may have heard of a certain retired flag officer being summoned to see Her Majesty?"

Diedre's smile grows, "I may or may not have heard of a certain Kommodant of Her Imperial Majesty's Dexamenus Imperial Academy being invited to have dinner with Her Majesty this evening."

"Amazing the things we may or may not do, isn't it?"

"Very much so. But I take it this is one of those 'may or may nots' that makes you as First Star Lord look more fondly on our wartime future."

"My Lady Prime Minister, you have no idea!"

Valinon

15-11-2005, 23:11

Quentin Forrest felt vaguely uneasy as he walked through the gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace. No doubt part of that arose from the fact that he was being led through them by Empress Friedelinde Alderman herself, but a larger part was because each time he had visited the Palace it was to receive or to do something he had no desire to receive or do. Somehow he doubted this time would be any different, and he strongly suspected that it would be even worse this time around. After all, he sincerely doubted that Friedelinde Alderman laid out a seven course meal just to exchange small talk.

They come to a stop on a bridge that crosses over an artificially created stream, leading into a pond surrounded by lotus trees, their blooms now gone and replaced by leaves.

“I am sure that you have heard of the news from the Great March, Sir Quentin,” Friedelinde says smoothly as she rests he elbows on the rail of the bridge.

Forrest hides a grimace, so it begins.

“I have, Your Majesty. It is hard to miss considering the way that Hegemon Ansel made his declaration of war. I also hope the news has not exaggerated the reports of aid shipments by the Star Empire and the Robotic Collective to Vernii, the Collective Protectorates, and the Wickian Concordat.”

“They have not, although the Concordat shipments may be suspended. The Concordat government has decided to evacuate its civilian population to several safe havens until hostilities are concluded, some of those locations are here in the Star Empire.”

Forrest nods slowly, “The Wickians have lost much to the Ortagans, and having met a few of them I know how hard it must be for them to simply abandon their last home system without a real fight.”

“Hard as it might be, Sir Quentin, it is better that they move now rather than die at the hand of some Solar Navy warlord with a political ax to grind,” Friedelinde says sharply.

“This is true, Your Majesty.”

“My apologies,” Friedelinde says quickly, “affairs in New Koln have been tense as of late. Especially where matters of the military and the war are concerned, there is a growing discrepancy over what should be done between the Reichsprotektor and the Imperial Diet.”

“Historically it has been the nature of military and civilian authorities to be in conflict with one another, no matter who carries the real weight of control at any one moment.”

Friedelinde smiles, “Is this something you teach at Dexamenus?”

“Upon occasion, Your Majesty. Officers of the Kriegsmarine must have some basic knowledge of the political environment that surrounds them. Not too much, less they devolve into nothing more than political creatures, but enough that they understand the logic that guides those who often control their fate.”

“I do not suppose that is something even my own decree could change, or the decree of any of my immediate predecessors.”

“Pardon, Your Majesty, but I am not sure I understand…”

“Your position on politics, Sir Quentin.”

Forrest pauses for a moment, “I am afraid it is not, Your Majesty. I believe the distinction between military and political is a necessity, and that it is not one that can be bent, warped, or twisted without becoming a detriment to both sides. I have seen all to well what doing so costs and it is not a price I am so willing to allow any one to pay.”

“I see. But you do recognize that in war the military must make some allowance for political considerations, do you not?”

“Only so long as those ‘political considerations’ are necessary to secure either victory or peace. If they do neither, then those ‘considerations’ have no place in war—no good place at any rate.”

Now it seems it is Friedelinde’s turn to pause, and a few more moments are passed in silence.

“On that we may disagree in part at least, Sir Quentin, but I think we can set aside that difference long enough to get pass the business at hand. How familiar are you with the disposition of forces between the Ortagan Hegemony and the nations it currently has put itself at war with.”

“Your Majesty, the Ortagan Hegemony has the necessary means to drown any of the opponents it currently has put itself up against in sheer numbers alone—including the Verniians and the Vaku. It most likely has the means to shatter all centers of resistance opposing it now when they are taken together, although the cost to do so might be higher than Roum and Axis think they may be. But the Ortagan cause is assisted by the fact that there is a lack of coordination between any of the nations currently facing the Hegemony. The Verniians, the Liberationers, the Wickians, and the Vaku are all shooting themselves in the foot because they refuse to work together.”

“Fair enough, but in many cases their unwillingness to listen to each other is based on a certain amount of justification based on prior experiences,” Friedelinde interjects. “Certainly no one could questions the Wickians hesitancy to work with the Verniians seeing as how they have all but abandoned the Concordat and its predecessors twice. And the Vaku have become insular because they feel no one is willing to relate to them because of their sheer ‘alieness’, despite the attempts we have made to prove to them that this is not necessarily true.”

“You have adequately summed up something that Lady Rolt, Lord Adonis, the Admiralty, and myself all agree upon, Sir Quentin. And it is amazing how rare that is becoming these days. The nations opposing Ortaga need a common point to unite at, or rather someone to unite them. What they need is a nation that previously has been something of an outsider to this conflict and that can still see clearly without the built up fog of old animosities and grievances.”

“Then the rumors of the Star Empire intervening in this war are true, Your Majesty?”

“To an extent,” Friedelinde says quickly. “But do you honestly see a way the rest of the Inner Marches can survive this round of Ortagan aggression without our support.”

“….No…no, I do not.”

“And so far neither has anyone else, save the Centrist and however they see it Archduke Metternicht apparently has told his colleagues not to share.”

Forrest snorts, “Most likely, Your Majesty, they don’t see it either. They just want to see the Verniians taken down a few notches.”

“That is most likely the case. But still if we are to finally secure an end to the Ortagan threat to the Inner Marches, especially by conventional means, we need a united front by all the other nations in the Inner Marches, agreed?”

“Without question, Your Majesty.”

“And as you have said before this is very problematic considering the lack of unity between the various members of this would-be alliance. I learned this when Sir Reynard and I had a summit with Emperor Calimar, President Ginske, Crown Prince Ratha, Admiral Heddon of the Robotic Collective, and Admiral Murphy—who appears to be the leader of the Liberation at the moment. There is a desperate need for common leadership, I managed to create this to a degree by having Sir Reynard appointed supreme commander of the allied front. But there is an element and a position that needs to be filled even more so.”

“Oh?” Forrest says, suspecting that he is already ensnared.

“This war will be one of navies, Sir Quentin. The War of the Lion proved that, terrestrial armies in the Raumreich have their fates directly linked to the success or failure of their nations’ navies, much as the armies of Old Earth had their fate tied to their nations’ navies and air forces. And in order to defeat the Solar Navy, an allied navy needs to have a commander who has at the very least overall strategic command in the theater, and the majority of the tactical command in certain key areas where large amounts of allied forces are having to work cohesively as a group.”

“In order to do this, we need someone who has the respect of all the allied nations’ fleet commanders. This is a position that even we do not have in our active ranks. And after careful thought the high command and myself can think of only one person who meets this qualification.”

Forrest feels a moment of satisfaction inside, at least he was right about something. Well, multiple things, but that doesn’t mean he has to like it.

“Your Majesty, with all due respects I am retired from the service and wish to remain so.”

“Sir Quentin, we both know the only reason you retired from the direct military service of my house is because you could no longer stomach the atrocities and policies my half-brother was writing a carte blanche for. If he had not been such a ruthless little despot you would most likely still be First Star Lord to this day.”

“But we do not live in an ideal universe, Your Majesty.”

“You are right, Sir Quentin, and this war proves that all too well. The policies I believed would work—that I personally put my faith in—have failed. We have failed to contain the Ortagan menace; we have failed to bottle it up in such a way that it will have no choice but to destroy itself. And now I find myself having to contemplate a policy that I have no desire to approve of.”

Friedelinde turns around and locks eyes with Forrest, “I know full well what even a conventional war with the Ortagans will cost. I know that it will make the casualties of all the past wars look like paltry statistics in an accountant’s ledger, and I know that before all is said and done it could very well result in the death of entire worlds. But I also know that cost can be brought down at least a little if we can present the Hegemony with a truly united and coordinated front. If we can challenge the amount of forces the Hegemony can bring to bear on equal numbers and with equal coordination. And I know of only one way we can achieve that and that is to seek to put you in command of an allied fleet we are going to send against the Ortagans.”

“Your Majesty, with all due respects, I do not think that I can unite all the nations of the Inner Marches under one banner.”

“With all due respects, Sir Quentin, your historical flaw has been to underrate your own abilities. The Vaku virtually adopted you as a warrior of their own blood, the new Verniian navy has devoted itself to trying and catch up with the navy you created for the Star Empire, your works are read by Liberation fleet officers, and even the Wickians hold you in respects. And I have no doubt there are more than a few in the ranks of the Solar Navy that quietly rejoice the fact that they think they are not going to have to put their commands against yours.”

“I do not have the power to put you in command of the allied fleet of my own authority, but if I could rest assured you would already be there. And I am loathe to order you to reenter the service, Sir Quentin, but if the good of the Star Empire and if the good of the entire Oversector dictates it then I will personal write that order and sign it in a heartbeat.”

Friedelinde takes a few steps closer to the retired grossadmiral, “And if nothing else, Sir Quentin, my son still is in the service of the Reichswehr. If we go to war against the Ortagans, how long do you think it will be before he asks to go to the front? And given his name, who do you think could deny him that request?”

“I would think you well could, Your Majesty.”

“Don’t play stupid, Sir Quentin, you know full well what action my family has taken when one of its sons has asked to prove himself on the field. And for better or for worse the answer has always been to let the field marshals and the admirals to decide. Given who is Grossgeneralfeldmarschall of Proxima Centauri at the moment, I have no doubt that request will be approved the instant it reaches von Richter’s desk. And I doubt seriously I would be in the minority of mothers who would at least be able to steal a few hours of sleep at night because they knew their sons and daughters were under your command.”

“Your Majesty, I do have a family of my own to consider.”

“Yes, I know that well. And what does your son aspire to be even now?”

Forrest takes a step back. He knows the answer to that all to well. Even now at the age of thirteen Virgil wants to know when he can join the Academy, what is the earliest age the mandatory conscription service will accept him, and all the knowledge he can about how to be an officer in Her Majesty’s Kriegsmarine. Forrest has tried endlessly to dissuade him, showing his son the aftermaths of the Star Empire’s battles, taking to see him the seemingly endless memorials for the wars that forged the Star Empire, and even taking him to one of BuMeds hospitals to see the wounded from the pirate campaigns in the Cluster and the Great March. It is a poor substitute for the havoc that follows a major war, but Forrest assumed it would do. For once, the grossadmiral assumed incorrectly.

“Your Majesty, may I be perfectly blunt.”

“You may.”

“Your Majesty, with all do respect you fight at the dirtiest of all levels when the situation calls for it.”

Friedelinde smiles slightly, “Sir Quentin, I am an Alderman. We’ve had to fight dirty when the situation calls for it for over a thousand years; at this point it’s a genetically inherited trait. I am also a mother, and mothers have had to fight dirty for even longer to get their way. With all due respect, Grossadmiral, even with all your accrued honors and victories, you were outclassed the moment you stepped through my door this evening.”

“Then, as an officer, I feel I can do no more than surrender now. If only to save the rest of my command from such vulgarity.”

“Sir Quentin, you have no idea the thanks I owe you, or the thanks billions of others owe you right now.”

“I will bear that in mind, Your Majesty, but if a defeated veteran may ask for one thing?”

“Go on.”

“The Academy class will be graduate in less than a week. If I am going to lead these men and women into battle, I would like at least one last chance to address them as their teacher—not as their commander.”

“I believe that can be arranged, Sir Quentin. It is the very least I can do.”

The Crooked Beat

16-11-2005, 03:49

"Let it be resolved, under the Common Defense Act as confirmed and adopted by His Majesty the Sultan's five-hundred thirty-fourth Parliament, that funds and finances allotted for His Majesty the Sultan's and his Right Honourable Robotic Parliament's Robotic Fleet Service in times of war be released from the Robotic Common Treasury for the usage of His Majesty the Sultan's and his Right Honourable Robotic Parliament's Robotic Fleet Service, in accordance with provisions enumerated in the Emergency Shipbuilding Act and Apportionment Acts, and in conjunction with the specifications of Emergency Fleet Programme Number Eight-C (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417731&page=2)."
"Hear hear."
"And furthermore, let it be resolved that those shipbuilding facilities, great in number and well profitable, in the employ of and under the jurisdiction of His Majesty the Sultan and his Right Honourable Robotic Parliament be, the fullest means to which this Right Honourable Parliament sees fit to consent, fitted and staffed in appropriate measure for the fabrication of warships belonging to the respective navies of states friendly to this Commonwealth of Robots & Associated Persons, and aligned contrary to the Hegemony of New Ortaga, perpetrator of numerous wrongs."
"Hear hear."

The robed and wigged Rt. Hon. Guillaume Zyzx bows quickly and shuffles away from His Majesty the Sultan's and his Right Honourable Robotic Parliament's Most Serene and Proper Apparatus for Speaking, and the Speaker of Parliament grumbles from his throne in front of and below that of the Sultan.

"At this time would the Right Honourable Ministers of Parliament cast their votes..."

A short time later, a retainer, replete with golden fabrics and extraneous wig volume, marches to the Speaker and announces in a whisper the results, simultaneously placing a steel placard with the results engraved onto it in front of the Speaker's throne.

"Let it be hereforth known that, by virtue of the consent of His Majesty the Sultan's eight hundred and third Parliament, eighty-nine and six tenths in favor, such ordinances as enumerated by the Right Honourable Minister are rendered the law of the land, pending confirmation or rejection per plebiscite. Your Royal Highness the Sultan Akhbar the seventy-second, if you would grace said ordinances with your royal stamp..."

Retainers carry a gold placard up to Sultan Akhbar, devoid of anything except functionary powers, and His Royal Highness The Sultan of the Robots & Associated Persons affixes his Royal Stamp (Akhbar's coat of arms, flanked by a sturgeon and a meerkat) on the placard.

"His Majesty the Sultan Akhbar the Seventy-Second hath affixed his most Royal and Exquisite of Stamps onto the face of the enumerated ordinances..."
"Hear hear."
"Parliament is adjourned."

Outside the gigantic house of Parliament, some of the several tens of thousands of Rt. Hon. ministers converse before taking their lunch.

The most interesting discussions revolve around the RFS's ability to wage war against New Ortaga and its size relative to the other Raumreich powers.

"Admiral Lord Kariba, why hello," says Guillaume Zyzx, Speaking Minister of Parliament.
"I have come to discuss with you several points that seem to me worthy of more public consideration," says Admiral Lord Antei Kariba, as the pair strolls through the gigantic corridors on what could only be described as a Moon Of Parliament. "It has come to my attention that other powers of the Raumreich, significantly better-endowed in terms of warships than ourselves, specifically the Star Empire itself, are prepared for terribly heavily losses in what they expect will be a difficult and bloody war."
"Indeed, Admiral Lord Kariba. It would seem that way judging by what information we are granted by the Star Empire."
"I have come to you with the following provision; We the Admiralty do Suggest the continued expansion of the Robotic Flotilla Service, in order to conform with the Commonwealth of Robots' significantly more prominent role in the affairs of the Raumreich. Being a soveriegn nation, and one of particularly deep pockets at that, it should be well within reason to expect that the Flotilla Service might do well with a considerable expansion, taking the Yaltan Navy as a template..."

Lunatic Retard Robots

17-11-2005, 03:23

Hammersmith Palais Shipyard

Contained within the massive Hammersmith Palais compound are the beginnings of Emergency Fleet Programme No. 8, under construction by Lunkwill & Fook engineers. Hammersmith Palais is one of the few very large shipyards operated by Lunkwill & Fook, which generally prefers to distribute its workload amongst excessively dispersed establishments.

Before too long, the first battleship to be completed under the programme, RNS Royal Edward, is floated out of its berth and crewed.

Things proceed at a remarkably calm pace, a testament to the high degree of proffessionalism practiced by Lunkwill & Fook's quite talented workforce.

In addition to Hammersmith Palais, Lunkwill & Fook's other large shipyards (Kingston, Revolution Rock, Battery, and Parliament Square) continue to work at a quick pace.

(Eh, a glorified announcement of LRR's return to the forums in LRR form rather than TCB.)

Thuyakalrul

27-12-2005, 09:34

Morun, fifth planet of the Ilasara system, Talbott Cluster

Legion Legate Quatate Thola of the Dragonfly Clan stood on the bridge of the egg shaped cruiser designated Tyaxe, The Hunter, which hung in low orbit over the barely developing world, surrounded by six of the Clan’s frigates. A small force, but more than enough to take this world. He watched the viewscreens from behind the eyeslits of his expressionless iron mask as green blips representing his own ground forces surrounded and consumed the red of these primitive, pre-industrial people. One or two pockets of resistance remained around the capital of this piece of land that some noble had claimed, but their sharpened sticks and clumsy black power firearms were no match for the laser weaponry of the Legion, and it was only a matter of time before they realised that the fight was lost and that their lives depended on accommodating their new masters. Many had already realised this, and would be rewarded accordingly with peace and prosperity under their new masters. Those who failed to realise this were gunned down mercilessly, as befits dogs who cannot see that the hand that disciplines them is the same that feeds them. He motioned a servant to him, who promptly genuflected, awaiting orders.

“I am retiring to my quarters. Have a comline opened to Gold Lord Nektate Yax. I wish to inform him of our imminent victory.”

“Yes my Lord” the man responded, scuttling to do his duty and do it promptly, lest Thola find his work lacking and seek to remedy the situation. Such instruction was almost always fatal, although Thola did not believe in killing those who could still be of some use as a soldier or blind attendant, such as the one who would be waiting in his room to assist in making him presentable to the head of the Dragonfly Clan. He quit the bridge, taking the elevator to his sealed quarters, the only section of the ship in which he was free to walk unmasked. It chafed and was heavy, but the law required that it be worn to prevent lesser beings from viewing the face of one who carries a measure of the divine blood.

As the door to his chamber slid open and the attendant lifted his head, looking at Thola with sightless eyes, he had already removed the mask and moved to place it on its stand. Maskless, his features were revealed to all who could see them, slender in contrast to his relatively large frame, with angular eyes and a small nose. His bald head showing signs of stubble that would need taking care off before he could present himself to his own Masters

“I am to attend a conference with the Gold Lord. You are to garb me appropriately and retire.”

“Of course my Lord” the blind man responded, already moving to remove the armoured plates that clad the Legate and place them on a dummy. Once he was stripped of his armour and underclothes, the attendant reached for a pot of cosmetic paint, glancing at Thola enquiringly.

“Shave my head first, then reapply the paint to my head and face. Then the green and blue robe.”

Thola reflected as the servant followed his instructions. Such ceremony simply to report that a band of hovel dwellers was falling to the might of the Chosen People. Still, above all else, the law must be maintained. He shut his eyes as the paint was applied to his face with long, even stokes. That done, he surveyed the attendant’s work in a mirror. Perfect, as always.

“Your work is good for a blind one. I can take it from here. You are dismissed until I send a runner to fetch you”

“Thank you my Lord.” The blind man replied. It was not often that a Master would allow a servant any private time, even if only an undetermined amount. Thola shouldered his way into the shimmering robe he had selected and prostrated himself before be commscreen just as the gold mask of Gold Lord Nektate Yax appeared on the screen.

Umyarta, third planet of the Ilasara system and seat of the Immortal God-Emperor Nanexete Ilahma Quarath Tyakorea Suth, Talbott Cluster

Incense clouded the grand hall as candlelight glinted from golden masks. The effect was like viewing distant city lights on a foggy winter night from sea. The Clave was gathered, all the clans were in attendance, and over all presided the opulently dressed God-Emperor of the Thuyakalrul, his ornate golden mask studded with rubies looking impassively at the gathering. He sat silently as Gold Lord Nektate Yax held the floor, reporting a recent victory in which the fifth planet of the system fell to their might.

“… and so, the people of the planet Morun have surrendered to us, their former leaders are all captive or dead. Those who survived will be transported here for you to examine and find a place for, my Lord. My son and heir, Nektate Calth, shall act as Vassal of Morun in preparation for the time when he shall take the name Yax and serve as Gold Lord for the Dragonfly Clan. He shall oversee reconstruction and modernization and then integration into our society. As it is a young planet, it is rich in resources and perfect for mining and industrialisation, as well as agricultural pursuits due to its virgin nature. The people are hard working, and although unintelligent and stricken with disease, this can be swiftly remedied. The Dragonfly Clan will of course retain the lion’s share of all produce and profits, with a large percentage going to the Empire and smaller shares to each of the other Clans, as stipulated in our ancient laws. Once the planet is modernized, it shall be opened for all Clans to form colonies of a certain percentage of landmass on, with the Dragonfly Clan retaining planetary governance. I trust all is in order My Lords?”

The assembled Gold Lords nodded their assent, while the God-Emperor continued to watch, motionless, as if considering the deal. Finally, after several minutes of anxious waiting, he also nodded, still remaining mute.

“What is the next step then, my Lords?” Queried Gold Lord Bandete Basar of the Hawk Clan “Our system is only so big, with only so much room. Every inhabited planet in this system belongs to one clan or another, along with many of those that are not inhabited. At this rate, we will quickly outgrow our own home, and those Clans who have not had the opportunity to form these colonies and to claim these planets will soon be left behind, to survive only on the charity of the other Clans. The law stipulates that all of our Clans are Holy, and must survive. This is why we support each other and the Empire through our labours, despite any Clan-feuds that may occur. However mutual survival is best assured by seeking other planets, allowing each clan to become self sufficient. We must go beyond our system, traverse the stars, as our divine ancestors did.”

“A pipe dream!” Shouted Gold Lord Nektate Osra of the Storm Clan, the raised voice seeming out of place coming from the expressionless mask “Searching the stars for answers to every problem. And what a surprise that it comes from the head of a Clan that has fallen on hard times and must act as a leech to survive!”

“You fool! Do you not see that this will allow us to end our parasitic relationship with the other Clans?” Basar retorted. “It will allow not only our wealth, but yours and that of the entire Empire to increase. It will bring more slaves, more wealth, more power, to all of us!”

“And how much will it cost to start with? Why should we all pay for a venture we do not even know will succeed? Can you guarantee us that it will? Can you guarantee that we will even see a return? Can you guarantee that you will not find a race more advanced than us and that your actions will rile up a hornet’s nest to destroy us?”

“Lord Osra, you speak impiously. Of yourself and your Emperor” Gold Lord Nektate Yira of the Lotus Clan interrupted. “Surely we are the preeminent race, above all others but the ancients themselves, our gods with whom we share a measure of blood, diluted though it may be. There is nothing that is beyond us, within the laws the ancients set down for us eons ago. If we wish to search the stars and emulate our divine ancestors, we should. And if we come across another race, he should be put in his place or destroyed. This is what our ancestors did. This is what we should do.”

“I shall not risk my wealth on a doomed venture. If others wish to assist this beggar-Clan and his zealot allies, so be it. I will have no part in this fantasy, and as such will forgo any share I might, but will not, gain, even should you succeed.”

Again, Yax took the floor: “But should we partake in this venture my Lords, what method shall we use? The distance is too great for us to consider sending even our lowliest slaves to survey the stars. My Clan is working to develop planetary sensor arrays, with which we can survey a planet without ever setting foot on it. With these, we might have a low risk, low cost method to explore the stars for fertile ground. We can survey the peoples of the universe and discover which are fit for assimilation and which are fit only to discard. Along with this, we can use with Lotus’ developments into Faster Than Light engines, which while still in development, should be able to propel our probes. And what better to use as a test? With this, we might be able to receive information in months rather than years.”

“I agree with this” Yira assented. “Our engines are small, and not fit to transport live cargo, but with some additional testing I am certain we can utilise Lord Yax’s plan. Developments made now can continue to the point that live cargo will survive, and then, colonisation can occur. Of course, all wishing to benefit from this shall share in the costs and rewards.”

The gathered Lords nodded, with the exception of Osra. Still, the Emperor remained mute, but nodded.
“It is decided then. We shall search the stars.”

Thuyakalrul

16-02-2006, 04:00

Ilasara System, Talbott Cluster

Gold Lord Nektate Yira of the Lotus Clan overheard the chatter of countless, nameless scientists from his ornate throne onboard the clan’s flagship, the mighty cruiser that bore the same name as the clan; Beautiful Lotus. Today was the day of reckoning, the day in which all of their efforts might pay off or end in disaster as had recent efforts, losing the clan millions of Sanguines and many slaves when the experimental engines overloaded, resulting in a catastrophic explosion. However, he was confident that the twelve probes scheduled for launch today would succeed. They had to succeed.

His own ship was part of a line of similar cruisers, all carrying the Gold Lords of the five major clans, all dwarfed by the immense size of God-Emperors own craft, Mumha, named for the legendary first child of the Thuyakalrul and their divine ancestors. A floating palace, tens of thousands of slaves would live their entire lives on board that ship, as would their children and their children’s children, a hundred times over.

Twenty thousand kilometers from this line of ships sat the launch station, a sprawling scaffold carrying a full crew of three thousand research, launch and maintenance personnel. Each ship’s viewscreen would allow a close up view of the launch while keeping the Lords out of danger should anything go awry. Yira Pressed a button on the arm of his throne and the picture changed to a split-screen view of the other Lords. Five plain golden masks stared at him, the sixth heavily decorated with rubies, but otherwise identical to the others, belonged to the God-Emperor himself.

“My lords. My Emperor. We stand on the brink of the unknown…” Yira began, attempting dramatics.

“We all know why we are here Yira.” Gold Lord Nektate Osra of the Storm Clan, a skeptic of this program, interjected. “I only hope that your efforts at childish fantasy do not get us all killed.”

“Osra, be silent for once in your life. If you continue to feel the need to voice your doubts, please leave at any time. The gods know that you had no part in funding this endeavor, so your presence here is a mystery to me.” This from Gold Lord Nektate Yax. “I am certain that Yira would not have requested that our Emperor witness today’s events unless he were certain of success, and I am doubly certain that there is no risk to us.”

“I thank my Lord Yax for his support.” Yira said, taking the reigns of the conversation once more. “As we know my lords, recent accidents with the experimental engines resulted in many researchers dead, both slave and Chosen. However, those mistakes have been corrected, and my researchers all agree that we are ready for testing. Of course, they are stationed on the launch station to ensure that they are certain in their assessment. If they are wrong, they will not even know about it.” He paused slightly, composing himself.

“Now, my lords, these probes have been dubbed Maharqara, the lord of sight and he who guided the gods through the stars. We have twelve probes ready for launch, but shall only be launching six, as we have six star systems near to us each tens of light years away. They shall serve perfectly as an initial target. The probes shall travel along their predetermined courses to these systems using FTL technology, the secrets of which were left to us in our ancient texts by our divine ancestors. Using this method it will take weeks, rather than years for our probes to reach these systems. Once there, the semi-intelligent AI dubbed EXEC shall scan each planet for biomass, signs of industrialization, mineral composition of the planets, atmospheric conditions and so on. The probes shall then return to us with all of this information. They will also broadcast a message to any advanced enough to receive it, in our divine tongue for those like us, and in the vulgar languages of the barbarians. The message is that we are the Chosen, and we have come to take our rightful place.” He paused once more, allowing this information to sink in. It was all deliberately vague, specifics tended to arouse questions, the answers for which Yira himself did not fully comprehend. Still, such questions were always inevitable

“How long before this technology can be used to transport living matter, my Lord?” enuiredGold Lord Bandete Basar of the Hawk Clan. “I ask, not to pressure or embarrass you, but as I am eager to see a return on my investment and to bring prosperity back to my clan.”

“My Lord, all testing in this area has resulted in catastrophic loss of life as our subjects are crushed into jelly before the jump can even be made. Of course, there is no shortage of condemned prisoners to test this on, and we expect progress shortly. We have our finest scholars studying the divine codices, and our greatest scientific minds refining the design of our engines to the point that they can safely transport a live cargo. Now my Lords, if you please, we are ready to begin”

The Lords fell silent and once again the chatter of the crews came over the com.

“Begin system check. Scanners are working at optimum efficiency”

“Power supply, nominal.”

“Artificial Intelligence is stable”

“Standby for pre-launch, Maharqara one through six”

The screen showed six of the small, egg shaped probes move from the hanger of the station and arrange themselves in a circle below it, engines inward, each facing their target.

“Standby for engine test”

Yira held his breath. Should one probe fail and go critical, he could lose the support of the other Lords and the program could be scrapped. He gave a silent prayer to the gods, that they might see and bless his works.
“Engines are in the green. We are ready to begin my Lord.”

“Excellent.” Yira replied. “My Lord Emperor, have I your permission to continue?”’

The Emperor gave a single, silent nod, maintaining his habitual silence.
“Thank you, my Emperor.” Then, to the crew of the station “You may proceed.”

The six probes moved slowly outward from one another, building speed. Then, with a blinding flash the FTL drives were initiated, and the probes were nowhere to be seen.

“Status report!” Yira barked, fearing another explosion.
“My Lord, all six probes are accounted for and are en route to their targets. We did it.”

Yira turned slightly, lighting a stick of incense on his side table in thanks.
“My lords. My Emperor. We stand on the brink of the unknown. And what happens now, is up to the gods”

ooc:Here (http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/6238/proberoute1kv.jpg) is a map of the cluster showing my position and those six nearby stars, just so we all know what is going on.

The Mesa System

07-03-2006, 06:11

Kuy System, Mesan Corporate Conglomerate
Kuy Station

A single blue furnace sat at the center of the system, orbited by five lonely terrestrial worlds, none of them habitable. Humanity's sole presence in the system consisted of a single spherical naval base approximately five kilometers in diameter. It was accompanied in its long trek by a maintenance yard. Together, they formed a tiny enclave of civilization in the vast desolate volume of the system.

Conglomerate warships were stationed there as part of a system of rotating patrols and garrisons, they'd even played host to a squadron of battlecruisers once, but as it was, the system received little traffic. Not that anyone would want to visit anyway, the Mesan Conglomerate was infamous for its paranoia of foreigners.

Mmm...coffeee.

Lt. Nasser sipped from his mug and relaxed back in his station's chair. His job was pretty simple, he was a watch officer for the system sensor network, and thus, it was also very boring. He was watching the cute Junior Lieutenant, a slim blonde Beta Minus, at her station across the compartment, when his idle fantasies were interrupted by the polite beeping of his computer as the sensor network updated.

"Damn."

"What is it Michael?" the Junior Lieutenant's soprano voice inquired.

"Er....looks like we just got an unannounced arrival. Huh, according to the preliminary data, not ours either."

"I'll go ahead and alert CIC and Command."

"Yeah, you do that. You do that."

+++

Three hours later, the unknown probe was snagged in the towing beam of a small system patrol craft. After ascertaining that it wasn't a threat, it was hauled aboard Kuy Station, where a team of Alpha and Beta technicians set about taking it apart like a team of medieval Inquisitors working at getting a heretic to divulge his secrets.

+++

As befitting his status as an Alpha Plus, and a station CO at that, Captain Samoza's office was quite spacious. His desk sat on a dais, and a large viewport dominated the bulkhead behind him. Light scultures danced and spun in small alcoves along the sides of the chamber. It was all designed that way on purpose of course, to denote a position of wealth and authority to any guests intruding into the domain of the Captain.

He leaned back in his chair, looking down upon the Alpha Plus Chief Science Officer, Lt. Commander Amin.

"Report?"

"Well Sir, it's obviously a probe of alien origin. It broadcasted a short message about something called the Chosen coming to take their rightful place. It appeared designed to jump back to its origin, and we were able to decipher the system coordinates from its databank. It's a rather unremarkable system approximately 40 light years from here, known to us as Torino. It's all right there on the datapad."

"Could this be a threat?"

"I can't make an assessment yet."

"Well, I think we'll check it out. Dismissed."

+++

Six hours after Amin's report was submitted, the heavy cruiser Excursion retrieved the last supply shuttle, brought its reactors up to full power, and spun up the jump drive. It reappeared 25 light years from Kuy, pausing to recharge its drive systems for the final jump into Torino. With a flash of light, the cruiser reappeared at the edge of the system, lurking silently until it its safety was not in doubt.

Commander Saddat sat stiffly in his command chair, eyeing the displays in the cramped compartment. "Launch a recon drone, keep our drives ready for an emergency jump out of here in case of trouble."

Thuyakalrul

19-04-2006, 14:24

Oh, how the mighty fall. Great clans crumble into obscurity, to be forgotten in all but tales and distant legend. The Moon Clan teetered on the edge of such a fate, kept in place only by the shrewd bargaining of their current Lord, Ninexte Naha. His title was simply “Chosen Lord”, as his relatively low blood rank, a mere six, would not allow him to wear a Golden Mask of the Great, nor would the waning fortunes of his clan enable him to negotiate marriages to increase this. At most, all he could do is keep afloat, to hold his clan in a kind of limbo until a better opportunity presented itself, and then to slowly build the clan up into a power worth considering.

This is how the Moon Clan came to possess mining ships operating at the unclaimed metallic asteroid belts on the fringes of the Ilasara system. Following their fall after the last Clan War, Naha had called in a favour from their one time staunch allies, the Storm Clan, to arrange for the loan of a fleet of near derelict craft, in exchange for a full half of all materials mined, until such a time that the Moon Clan could outright buy the ships. It would take decades at present rate, for the Storm Clan, while slow to forget friends, was even slower to forget profits, and sensing Naha’s desperation, had endeavoured to squeeze as many tons as possible from them.

Ixare was not of the Chosen. He was what the Chosen referred to as a barbarian, born of unblooded parents in some backwater village under the stewardship of the Moon Clan, back before the war. At the height of its power, the Moon Clan appreciated leadership and intelligence wherever it was found, barbarian and Chosen alike, and sought to nurture such traits. Ixare showed both of these traits, and their teaching instilled in him a great loyalty. Nearing 50 now, Ixare’s loyalty was compounded, not diminished by the clan’s current state, and his ability to lead was tempered by age and war. When the time came to choose a Majuthir for the fleet, Naha overlooked his sons and nephews, who were needed at home, in favour of Ixare. The honour was not lost on the veteran, nor did the Chosen of the clan bear him any hostility for it. Some even called him Ratha - the saviour.

The ship Gaya, essentially a hanger and giant refinery with an engine attached, was where he directed the operations from, with wings of tug ships dragging asteroids into the gaping maw of the monstrous craft to be smelted down and the metals, mostly iron, stored before they could be taken back to Umyarta to be divided, half to the Storm Clan, quarter to the Emperor, and quarter to the Moon Clan. Their stores were roughly one third full when the unexpected happened.

“Sir, we have an object on radar.” The sensors operator informed him. “It is not of the Thuyakalrul.”

“Don’t tell us what it is not, tell us what it is man” Ixare responded.

“Tiny. And fast, faster than anything I have seen. Other than that, there is nothing I can tell you.”

“Can you pinpoint its point of origin?”

“Hard to tell. We might be able to give you a general area, but it will take some time.”

“Then take it. Lord Maha will want to know about this. Scribe! Take a message and have it sent to Lord Maha immediately!”

Within an hour, a message returned ordering the Gaya to cease mining, to determine the point of origin, and to recon the area. Within another hour, the crew had found a likely region of space for the origins of the object. In another five hours, the Gaya was there, and the crew were totally unprepared for what they would find.

“Scanners are showing a massive object, most likely some form of warship… by the twins! The output on those weapons must be massive” The sensors operator was in a near panic

“Hold us out of range of this thing’s weapons and wait. I need further orders. SCRIBE!” Ixare again, his outward calmness belying the butterflies in his stomach

“Sir, if this thing wanted to blast us into vapour it probably already could”

“Either way, keep some distance. We don’t want to appear threatening.”

New orders came within minutes this time, sent by Maha himself and with none of the usual ceremony that clouded even the simplest of tasks. It simply said “greet them”.

Ixare opened a general comm channel and said a silent prayer to the twins, took a deep breath, and began. He decided to use an altered form of the greeting given by Laka to the gods when they first arrived on Umyarta.

“Greetings, travellers, to Ilasara. I am Majuthir Ixare of the Gaya. I speak for Chosen Lord Ninexte Naha of the Moon Clan. What brings you to our homes, strangers from the sky?”

NationStates Jolt Archive

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