NationStates Jolt Archive

.:ooc:. Note: This is my first RP on NationStates at large. I highly suspect that I'll end up tripping up somewhere in some etiquettal faux paus. Thus, if you have any suggestions, feel free to post them here – (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=409716) – in this thread’s OOC discussion thread, which also contains more information about the RP, and if you have any interest, post as a guest under your nation’s name. Thanks for coming!

.:ic:.
-=High Council Chambers – Arizona Prime

“Gentlemen, we have a coming crisis on our hand. While now, we are comfortable, well fed, and prosperous, I project that in the near future – maybe even the next twenty years - we will begin facing a shortage in just about every sector. Our military buildup* over the last one hundred years has severely taxed the resources of our three main systems – technically two, as we haven’t really touched Chyrsham that much. Our population continues to grow at staggering rates, and soon the hub worlds will not be able to adequately support themselves. Finally, our trade with other worlds has been lagging, due to our relative political and positional isolation – while our orbital stargate does help, being a backwater nation in this corner of the galaxy does not. Things have to change. Mere conservation will only delay the inevitable, and buying what we need from foreign markets will make us dependent upon them and just as weak as when we started.”

The Councilor looked at everyone, then continued, “What we need, is to begin expanding. Annexing resource rich systems, and taking over habitable worlds to colonize. If we don’t, we face a Malthusian crisis of paramount proportions.” The Councilor took his seat.

“So what you are suggesting, then, Councilor Byrman, is a war,” said Councilor Langley, “please, let us just throw away this pretense of nobility and right and just came out and say it then: we’re getting crowded, and we need a good fight to thin out the breeding stock; a little unnatural selection to fortify the ranks. It would rankle me much less.”

Councilor Byrman was unphazed: “Infer what you may, Langley, but this crisis is coming. Something has to be done well in advance, or it will be too late. I would rather err in this then watch as the Empire falls apart about us when we’re begging for scraps from others. Don’t forget that we must not just support and defend ourselves, but at least two dependent satellites. Besides, a war would show our strength to the universe. We need not challenge another nation to a duel of course, but it would establish us, and God knows at this point we have no name or reputation internationally to speak of.”

Councilor Langley scoffed, and replied: “Establish us, yes, as some futuristic race of Huns determined to flatten every innocent bystander that gets in the way. Any caveman with a club can start a war. Say what you may, I remain against this proposal.”

“Duly noted,” said Byrman, “but speaking of which, this should be taken to vote.”

He cleared his throat, and continued: “All in favor, say I.”

The final vote came out 3-7 in favor of a push for expansion, and soon the military began to mobilize. The Third Fleet, “The Armada,” as the High Admirals liked to call it, quickly began preparations. Scouts and envoys went ahead of this first wave, mapping and categorizing systems, and looking for signs of other civilizations – to either sway to the Arizonan flag, or conquer. The First War of Expansion was beginning.

* OOC Note: when I say "buildup over the last 100 years," I don't mean a massive buildup, just a slow and steady one. I am, at least, well acquainted with the perils of godmoderry and wankery and will endeavor to avoid them.

Things were in motion now. A year to plan, months to prepare, and a few days to assemble, and the entire Third Fleet, the “Armada,” was geared up to go – a thousand ships and thousands of souls all, the very sword of the Empire. However, the first stage would send scout ships, drones, and some Stahldolch destroyers out – to locate planets and most importantly, signs of sentient life.

.:ooc:. Anyone who wants to jump in here, please do so. I'll post a response of one of my scouts finding a system of yours.

ic: we are alarmed by your moblizeation and any attempt to attack another nation with out cuse will be met with our force ,to preserve the santicy and peace of this quadrant .. thats all ( cool post btw!)

Captian Stanton was looking out of the window of his Utopia Class Cruiser, the UST Sarengetti. He was staring out into the vaccum of space, wondering if he would ever find anything worth reporting back to HQ about. He was one of three other ships, all Utopia Class Cruiser, sent out on a routine patrol. He was the only Captian, and thus, in full command. The ship began to turn, and Stanton, John is his first name, got a full view of the Rigel Star System. (OOC:want a map, let me know, i made it myself. Its of hte system)

"Just look at it Sussie......isn't it beautiful...." asked the Captian. He was talking to his wife, Susan Stanton. She was 29 years old, although, her husband looked much older then she, he was only 27.

"Yes dear, it does look beautiful. Now, come, you know you can't spend all day inside these quarters. Get out onto the bridge." said sussie.

"I guess your right.....goodbye honey..." with that, John kissed his wife on our forehead, and headed for the bridge.

***5 minutes later***
It took John 5 minutes to get to the same level as the bridge, but when he did, there was alot of commotion. Apparently, the Commander issued an Emergency Alert. All around John, red lights were flashing Damnit Saci, what is it that spooked you thought Stanton.

He ran to the bridge, the doors were opened because an officer just ran out to go get the Captian

"Sir!" said the Ensigh, quite surprised, "I was about to go get you, sir."

"Whats going on here?" asked john

"Sir, long range scans have picked up a couple of ships. They are to far away to tell if they are being guided remotly, or, with people on-board." said the ensign

"Friend or Foe?" asked the Captian

"Can't tell sir" said the Ensign

"AH! Captian, thank goodness your hear, the other commander have begun to scramble fighters, shoudl we sir?" asked Commander Sacrotes Atopolis. Sacrotes, or Saci, was slightly talelr then the Captian. He had long wavey hair, which the Captian let him have, with strong hands and arms. He became a commander after he helped fend off an attack from The Federal Union. He was a LT on one of the destroyed ships.

"No Commander, and tell them to dock the fighters. YOU! LT, how far are the objects?" asked the Captian

"About 6 hours sir" said the LT

"OK, begin hailign them, all Freq's. Commander, Contact Treky Space Station, and tell them what we've discovered. And, tell them to get the Freedom Class Super Battleship (my flagship) the UST Trekys. The Commodore will like to move her a bit, sicne she has been in drydock for sometime." said John

"YES SIR" screams the Commander, Saluting the captian

Damn......are they peaceful.........or warlike..... thought the Captian,a s he saw the green bleeps, which were the newcomers, come closer and closer. Have they detected us? thought John, then he said it out loud

"Have they detected us?" asked the Captian....

The ONS-Ourobouros, the largest and most heavily armed ship in the Otagian fleet, drifted silently near the orbital shipyards of Otagia Primus. Nearby, a cluster of Helen carriers patrolled the area, along with flights of Stingships, Achilles and Hectors. While Otagia was not preparing for war, Pale Rider Arms was always busy churning out new ships, both for Otagia and for customers abroad. Still, they were not expecting customers at the moment.

Which is why they were quite suprised when a Stahldolch and a pair of Renegade scout ships suddenly dropped out of warp. Admiral Deckard, commanding officer of the Ourobouros was alerted immediately upon the arrival of the unidentified ships. He turned to his comms officer.

"Broadcast the following message on all available channels to those ships: Attention Unidentified Vessels: You are currently in Otagian space. State your purpose or you will be fired upon."

"Tell me as soon as you get a response."

A.N.S.S. Andalus, Trekys Space

“Dropping out of hyperspace now sir…”
The A.N.S.S. Andalus dropped out of hyperspace with a lurch, part of one of the small convoys sent to investigate the nearby “suspect” worlds. Long-range scans of the first drones had returned anomalies that resembled well developed systems. They were right, but only now, watching the movements of the foreign fleet moving outside, did Captain Lazirc realize that all he had on him were a couple of tin cans full of sensor equipment and a small tactical destroyer if things went sour. He had of course “realized” this during the brief, but the full impact hadn’t hit home until now.

“They’re taking up defensive positions, and I hear encrypted chatter sir. Wait, we’re being hailed.”

“No, lets just tell them what we’ve been instructed to say – blasted diplomats are so concerned with disclaimers and whatnot.” He cleared his throat, and then began reading from a script “Foreign vessels: we come in peace. We will take any offensive action on your part as an act of war against the sovereign Imperial Corporate Nautocracy of Arizona Nova. We only wish to open up diplomatic channels between our two nations for the time being. Please, power down any of your weapons. We are sending a diplomat on one of our scout ships and we wish to have him escorted into your system, and to set up an embassy. Non-compliance with our wishes will be remembered in future engagements. That is all.” He shut off the com link.

“I don’t think they’re gonna do it,” nervously intoned one of the navigunners, “you can tell just by the way they’re positioning the fleet. Like Armageddon or something.”

“We’ll see what happens.”

Meanwhile – Otagian Space,

“We’re being hailed sir.”

“Jolly good,” replied Captain Mikolaj, “lets see what they have to say.”

“Attention Unidentified Vessels: You are currently in Otagian space. State your purpose or you will be fired upon."

Captain Mikolaj said: “Oh good, straight to business then eh what? I like it. None of this shifting foot to foot business. Ahem – bloody script, where did it go, ere we go: ‘We come in peace. We shall take any offensive action as an act of war upon the… um… Empire, of Arizona Nova. We only wish to establish diplomatic channels, so please power down your weapons. We are sending a diplomat and we wish to have him escorted into your system, and to set up an embassy. Non-compliance with our wishes will be remembered in future engagements. That is all.’”

“You really need to be taking this more seriously, sir,” said the lieutenant.

“I do be taking my job seriously, lieutenant. Now I could have said that we were a terrible alien race who eats brains fur brunch, but I didn’t. So knock off and do your job and I’ll do mine and we’ll all go home ‘appy.”

The lieutenant sighed, and mumbled “yes sir,” turning back toward the complex instrument panel.

.:ooc:. Sorry for taking so long - I went to dinner then had some friends over to the dorm and whatnot.

The KSFU Shixuna, a Dragon class Battle ship in the Kazunziwa Navy, the Second Largest Fleet in the Empire noticed the Aproch of a Renagade Scout ship. A quick Scan showed it had computer systems on board, as well as life forms.

"Force Leader!" The call went out across the deck. "We have problems, their is an ship entering our space with computers."

"What!" Came the Reply, as Force Leader Makuli of the Keda came rushing out. He ran swiftly, considering his nine foot winged frame. "All nations know the rules, no computers within Tsuani space, we don't use the Technologies of Vaul to smash them to pieces."

"Sir the ship is of no unit we have ever seen, and we are not getting any signals, orders?"

"Open fire, while sending a message why we are doing it." He said stifly.

Outside, the huge cone like ship opened into a twelve pointed star, all the points looking at the scout ship. Their was a small pause, before the following message would have come.

To: Unidentifed Starcraft
From: Force Leader Makuli of the Keda

You have here by Violated Tsurani Law stating that no computer, unless under express permission, may enter the Imperial Borders. Any attempts to do this are to be met by force. We are giving you five minutes to send a message to any superiors you may have about this law, and then we shall procead to Open fire apon your craft.

We will allow you to leave, if you do not return with the Dreaded Machine.

They waited the time, then fired apon the Ships position, not intending to break the promise.

Bridge of the A.N.S.S. Arizona, Armada Flagship

High Admiral Ultan stood calmly on the main bridge of his flagship, watching unaided the formation of the fleet. At least three separate nations had been located by now, and scouts dispatched to all three. What would their reactions be? More importantly, however, he worried whether this was right, or at all wise for that matter. Strong the empire may be, but strong enough? Who knows what lurked out in that black void, what unseen terrors could take offense at their pomp and crush them? He was jolted out of his thoughts when an officer hailed him.

"I have a report, sir - we are negotiating with two of the contacts, and the situations in those systems are normal. However, shortly after exiting hyperspace, our third scout group was destroyed by a ship of unknown origin. There were no survivors. We don't know if they even hailed them or sent a message."

Admiral Ultan suppressed a shudder. "Do they know where the scouts came from?"

"As far as we know they don't. They were destroyed quickly; we didn't have any time to find out anything."

"I don't want to be fighting a war on three fronts then. Enforce politeness in negotiations with these first two nations. If you get any suspicious signatures or anomalies inbound to the Hub worlds, get First and Third here as quickly as possible. Relay all intelligence to the Emperor as well and ask him to kick the DEFCON up a bit. As far as I'm concerned, we're under attack."

"Yes sir," and the officer bowed and left.

Admiral Ultan looked out the main viewindow, taking in view - the twinkling of the stars, and the organized chaos of the fleet.

"So it begins," he sighed.

The mood on all the ships was somewhat dour. The last time an unidentifyable object entered Trekys' Space, it ended with many lives lost. That was the battle, infact, during the battle, was when Captian Rash became Commodore Rash. He was able to create a 2 or so hour stalemate between Trekys' Forces and the forces of The Fedral Union before following orders to retreat to the safty of the defense platforms around Rigel III.

GreatThought Rash, Were going to have another war on our han...

The commodore was cut off from the rest of his thought, because one of the Ensigns was screaming something...

"Sir, their hailing" screamed the Ensign

"Good.....patch it through Fleet Comm, let the ENTIRE FLEET, including HQ hear it." said the Commodore. He wasn't afraid of their ships. There were many Utopia Class Cruisers around, 5 total. Three from the patrol and two escorts for the FlagShip he commands, the UST Trekys.

Foreign vessels: we come in peace. We will take any offensive action on your part as an act of war against the sovereign Imperial Corporate Nautocracy of Arizona Nova. We only wish to open up diplomatic channels between our two nations for the time being. Please, power down any of your weapons. We are sending a diplomat on one of our scout ships and we wish to have him escorted into your system, and to set up an embassy. Non-compliance with our wishes will be remembered in future engagements. That is all.

Hrmm....they want to open up relations.....this is good

"Sir," said the Ensign, "One of their ships are moving closer..."

"Tell them where to dock son. And, have a Troop escort meet me there. Also, tell one of the Diplomats to Accompany me there." said Commodore Rash

"Yes Sir" snapped the Ensign

With that, the Commodore got up out of his seat, and began to walk towards Docking Station 3...

OOC: Dude, if u wanan have one big post with both our parties, my aim is FDWSBones. http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/bones6/Rigel.png map of my system

"Sir! We have recieved a reply from the unidentified ships. They claim to represent the Empire of Arizona Nova, and are sending a diplomat."

"Good. You know the drill. Accept the diplomat, take him to QUETZAL for aggressive bargaining tactics. Send a flight of Stingships to escort his transport, and get three squads of Marines for his escort. Not like the leathernecks have anything better to do. Oh, and send a reply. Something along the lines of 'Welcome to Otagian Space, yadda yadda yadda, we accept your diplomat and embassy, blah blah blah, buy some souvenirs. I'll brief QUETZAL."

The admiral moved over to a comfortable chair and immediately went into a comatose state as his DNI quantum comm chip communed with the nation-spanning AI of QUETZAL.

[Tag]

OOC: Er... Lessir.... are you Lesser Tsurani, or his puppet? Or are your names just similiar?

Captain Lazirc breathed a sigh of relief.

"They're standing down sir, and accepting our diplomat."

"Excellent, Lieutenant. Send the cutter in and have them start negotiations. We'll standby on the periphery."

"Yes sir."

On the A.N.S.S. Jarl

"Ah jeez..."

"What is it captain?"

"There is no docking bay big enough to hold the cutter, and any other ports are lock-docks that we probably aren't compatible with."

"You're kidding... man, I would've thought that the snags in this would have been in like, the negotiations or something like that, and we can't even get aboard their ships!"

"I could reconfigure the shields to hold atmosphere, though..."

"You're kidding me. What are you suggesting?"

"You'll see."

The captain then maneuvered the cutter - all 50 feet of it - over to the extended docking tube - all 7 feet of it.

"Sir, with all due respect, you are out of your damn mind. Thats at least a dozen feet of wing still in between us and the tube."

"No, it'll, work, see - I'll reconfigure the shields to hold atmosphere and form a 'bubble' for the diplomat. I'll extend it to the tube and have them hug it to form a seal."

"There is still the small matter of the man sized gap between the cockpit and the wing."

"No, the solution is simple. I'll lower the landing ramp manually to 45 degrees. It's pretty long, and the remaining gap could easily be jumped."

"What happens if he doesn't make it?"

"You don't wanna know. Mr. Garret?"

Demetrius Garret, Imperial Envoy, was busy going over his training in his head - all the subtle conversational maneuvering and whatnot. He had to be in top condition for this, and was slightly annoyed by the interruption. "Yes?" he asked.

"How good were you at the long jump?"

"What... what does that have to do with anything?"

"I take it you mean yes. Shields reconfigured, lowering the ramp."

Demetrius felt a blast of air - outside. For a second he thought the seals had failed, but soon realized - "MY GOD! What are you doing?"

"Going to have to jump it, sir."

"You have got to be kidding."

"No, I'm not. We can't keep them waiting, and just swapping ships would be annoying to everyone involved. It isn't a big gap."

"But... no..."

"It's either that or the Marines throw you through."

"You'll be hearing from my attorney."

Garret pulled himself up stiffly and walked over to the door. There it was, the landing ramp fully extended nearly to the wing, then a stretch of wing until he got to the docking ramp, which was open. He gave one last murderous glance to the captain, then backed up and took a running leap. It would have been perfect if he hadn't looked down into the infinite void below, but he managed to catch the edge of the wing and scrambled onto it, spewing epithets at the mad captain. He instinctively brushed himself off and walked with all the dignity he could muster into the docking tube, and the Marines soon followed. The door slammed shut, and the Jarl pulled away.

.:ooc:. I was informed of physics problems to the above post. There actually are none. A Freedom class is 1.1 km, and it generates its own artificial gravity. R Cutters also generate artificial gravity. Thus, it is highly plausible he would fall, and not fly through the shield if he took a running leap. So stop nitpicking - you know who you are.

http://anikari.zioncreation.com/Renegade.jpg Here is a pic for an idea. The ramp would be right behind the cockpit.

Captain Mikolaj twitched his moustache. These new buggers, as it were, had just received the message and were doubtless stewing it over. What would there response be? Hopefully nothing involving live fire.

"We're getting a response - diplomat accepted - the hell - yadda? What do you suppose that means?"

"Hopefully 'we won't shoot you.' Rouse august diplomat and get him ready."

"Yes sir, Captain Mikolaj."

The diplomat, Edward Ingolf, was sleeping in the back bunk. Luckily, these scout ships came with relatively civilized quarters to keep the crew men sane on long journeys, and he was exhausted. He had been briefed for hours on the mission, and had little chance to sleep. He had just settled into deep sleep when one of the ship's officers shook him a bit by the shoulder - "Wake up, Mr. Ingolf, we're here."

"Are we actually there or just getting ready to be there?" he mumbled,

"We're pretty much there, just have to get in the docking bays."

"Grah, alright, I'm getting up."

Ingolf pulled himself out of the bunk and walked over to the hatch.

Ingolf was greeted by a troop of Otagian marines in power armor, along with a muscular man in a black skin-tight jumpsuit. "Welcome aboard the OMS Ourobouros, Mr. Ingolf. I'm Captain Simmons, envoy for QUETZAL, regent of Otagia. Please, follow me to your quarters."
Ingolf warily eyed the Otagian marines and gave a quick glance to see if his marines were following. They were, and he glanced back at the Otagian and he didn't seem to mind. Not that the poor sods could withstand an attack by these behemoths, but he felt better having them there. Ingolf followed Captain Simmons deeper into the Otagian ship, unsure of what to expect.

The Light of Heaven, Junri, sat apon the Throne of Silver and White, his long Black Hair made his now filled out features looked actually alive, with a Youthful Look on His Features. On his Right hand sat Reola, his Wife and the EverQueen sat as well. Below them the Reprisentative of the Dead Moon Kingdom and Qakukaki sat, and on the Married Couples laps sat their twin Children. On the Left stood a warrior who wore the White and Blue of the House of the Pheonix King, and on the Right of the EverQueen sat the ones who wore Her own Device and one who wore the Black Robe of the Assembly of Magicians. Then along the walls of the Huge Dais, the High Preists of the Twenty Orders of the Gods stood, each at an equal level, and then the Five Reprisentative of the Clans and the members of Different Families. Their was a Pause, right before a Warrior Clad in Blue came into the hall without Ceramony.

"The Light of Heaven recignizes the Presanse of Hokanu of the Shizuwan, of the Clan of Kazunziwa." The Fat Chamberlane said in a high Pitch Voice.

"I welcome the current Fleet Commander of the Kazunziwa Clan" The Emperor said in a Voice deeper then a human could make.

"I wish it was under better Curcumstances" The boy said wearily. "Our ships Registered a scout ship, which had Computer units installed, Violating Tsurani Law, as you know. I have come to call a muster of the War Party, because we may be facing war."

"I hear your request, please retire to my Chambers, I shall talk to you once I am done with the days Events." The Boy nodded as the next person in line came forward.

The Emperor and EverQueen, along with the Other Reprisentatives of the EverKingdom's members, and The Highest Advisers came into the room.

"So what is the Problem Hokanu" He said warmly, Taking the Short Illetrian in a huge Bear Hug. "Why do you call for a muster to war"

"The Craft in Question was a Scout craft, much different from the other craft that would otherwise come." He sighed. "It did not send out any message when we gave it the chance, which could mean they where looking for an excuse to go to war. No matter what, I belive we should be ready to meet this threat."

"Aye, your Council is well taken, I will muster the Imperial Whites, Tell your wife to Muster Clan Haduam, and Muster your own clan. With that meny troops, I am sure the Xtecatexs, Seztec and Lash Clans Will muster soon as well." He sighed. "I just wish we could stop polotics from interfearing if it comes to it."

A.N.S.S. Arizona

"Who let her on to MY ship?"

Admiral Ultan was in a dour mood, and the meddling of the Diplomatic Corps was not alleviating it. But of all the events of the day this topped them all.

"I got on by the authority of Emperor Anithraldur himself," she said with an icy edge to her voice. "We must take all things into account before running haphazardly into a war!"

The woman was Anariel, though she wasn't just a woman. She was an elf, through and through, possessing the same heedless idealism and patronizing nobility that had annoyed Admiral Ultan on many occasions before. Unfortunately, she was also Diplomat General and an Advisor to the Emperor, and thus felt she could do anything she wanted.

"They fired on one of our scout ships without so much as a 'hi howya doin'! Completely disintegrated! While we wait here they may even be trying to invade!"

"You're only going by what you have learned so far!" protested Anariel, "Yes, I was very alarmed and perturbed indeed when I learnt of the incident. However, we don't know the whole story why they did it. Perhaps something about the ship intimidated them, or some aspect of their culture is antithetical to something we possess?"

"Or perhaps they're just waiting for the next opportunity to mercilessly slaughter us without thought or reason! By God Almighty, why don't you go back and do your job and leave me do my job and have everyone happy?"

"Dealing with other nations with something other than a club is my job, Admiral!"

"Deal with the ones that haven't killed our soldiers in the field yet then! Leave me to the rest."

Anariel gave a little sniff, a sign that she had grown tired of debating with a lesser being and was soon off. About time.

"Then I shall, but I shall remember this, Admiral, in the future."

"That is High Admiral to you. Good day."

Anariel turned around and exited the room - gracefully and purposefully, as is the wont of elves.

"Wench," growled High Admiral Ultan.

The Council for War gathered, with the Lords of all the Clans and their advisers present. The Emperor wore the Armour of Vaul, its silver and white shine looking menacing in the Glow of the Cho-Ja Globes. He looked at each hardly in turn.

"We have gathered to the Council of War, which is still under the Sway of Mara of the Acoma, Current Warlord." He nodded Respectfully to the Lady who wore The White and Gold of the Warlord, as well as her Clans Green.

"We are not sure where the enemy are intending to deploy, having many rumours does not help. We will be getting the Assistance we need from the Dead Moon Kingdom in a matter of days, since they will be using the Gate Network, they will be able to rapildly deploy anywhere within a few hours, meaning if the Enemy attack we can use their Stelth to Demoralise them until such a time that our forces can make their stand." She looked at them all "Ideas Gentlemen?"

Diplomatic Office Michael Bala was debriefed shortly on the current matters. An alien race dropped into our space, unannounced and unwanted. They wanted an alliance and we accepted. Private Jennings and LT McCallister met him outside the briefing room. When they got to the end of the corridor, Commodore Rash met them.

"Good day Commodore, how are yo..." started the diplomatic officer

"Shut up Mike, I don't like this one bit..." said Rash, "They come out of nowhere, claiming peace, yet their ships, can prolyl wipe out two of ours before we destroy them......i don't like armed diplomats, they scare me"

"Calm down....ah, here we are, come lets go meet our, hopefully, new friends" said Mike

All four of them walked down, past some doors till they came to an airlock. Ths airlock was connected to a long tube, that was fully extended to the ship, but the ship was not full docking.....the doors were opened, and the forcefield in the doorway was keeping space out, while matter can still pass through it, no door was connecting.

What in God's name..... thought Rash as he saw their ramp lower

"I bet 20 Treky Credits, their dip officer falls and dies" said LT McCallister

"HAHA, your on man" said Private Jennigs

The Diplomatic Officer jumped, and made it and so did the other marines.

"DAMNIT.....here you go Jennings" said McCallister

"Shut up you two" said the Commodore

After the docking port retracted, the inner door opened up. The unknown nations marines walked in through the door, followed by the diplomatic officer. The commodore looked them over. Mike was about to reply, but the Commodore nudged him and thought Let them reply first, see what they TRULY want

**BUMP** for reply

Demetrius walked aboard the Trekys vessel as dignified as he could. It was difficult, seeing as the marines were both barely suppressing snickers as they walked down the ramp and on board, but he didn't care. Once the inner door opened, he caught sight of the envoys. He gave a slight bow, and said, "Greetings, my good men. I am Demetrius Garret, Imperial Envoy, representative of the Imperial Corporate Nautocracy of Arizona Nova."

Commodore Rash looks over this "Demetrius". He looks nervous, but he doesn't care, this is an alien race, and they are smack damn on our back porch. Before Commodore Rash could reply, however, Michael Bala replied to him,

"Greeting Demetrius Gerret, I am Diplomatic Officer Michael Bala of the United States of Trekys, and this is...." before Bala could finish, the commodore interjected,

"I am Commodore Jason Rash. I am acting Admiral in place of Fleet Admiral Kirk, as he is away on diplomatic talks. I wish to ask you a few questions, may I?" asked commodore rash, even though it sounded more like an order.

Demetrius looked over this Commodore Rash. It was fairly obvious that he was not thrilled with this visit at all, but the Emperor and especially the High Admiral had made it quite clear that he wanted peace with this people. He'd have to be careful here.

Commodore Rash was a little surprised that the alien diplomate agreed to answer a few questions, right here, right after they met.

"Very well," said Rash, looking him over one last time, "First off, I've recently fought in a very bloody battle, and I wish not to lose more Trekysian lives. Why are you here? Are your people warlike? Are they expansionists? Are they tru..."

But before Rash could finish asking the questions, Michael interjected, "Rash, is this really nesassary? They've just arrived....."

"Oh, that is fine. Our mission so far has two purposes - to 'get to know the neighbors,' so to speak, and find out if we have any belligerents living 'near' us - nations that might eventually cause trouble for us, through their own expansionist desires or what have you. We are, in all truth, expanding our territories, but we're trying to do it as peacefully as possible - mainly laying claim to systems we can use for resources, or trying to find undeveloped worlds that can support life for colonies."

Hrmmm.... thought Rash, at least they're not here to have a war... Rash thought about this for a few moments, and there was an uneasy quiet, until Bala broke it...

"Come, let us leave these crowded corridors," said Bala," plus, I'm sure the commodore has other matters he must attend to?"

"No Bala, I have none, besides it is my duty to not only oversee the protection of the diplomat, but, to make sure that the military does not get 'jipped,' so to speak, in these terms," said Rash, "Come, let us move to the diplomatic chambers, there we can discuss more on matters of peace... would you care to eat anything, though, Mr. Garret? We shall be passing the Mess Hall."

"Capital idea, I am a bit hungry after the journey here," replied Demetrius.

"Very well, let us go to the Mess Hall then. Guards, please start." ordered Rash.

Demetrius turned to one the marines and whispered "Follow with me, but don't make any sudden moves, I don't want to alarm them."

.:ooc:. Team-wrote with Trekys

OOC: May I join?

OOC: post in the OOC thread asking, its located:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8595188#post8595188

The Captain led Ingolf to a cozy, comfortable looking room.

“These will be your quarters for your stay. I’d let you get acquainted with them, but I’d like to get down to business. Please, drop off any personal effects here, and we’ll head down to the conference room.”

Ingolf looked around, still uneasy, and set the few affects he brought down on the nightstand. Though, it looks like these Otagians were masterfully skilled at making power armor. He wondered… ah, it would have to wait though.

After stowing his gear, he followed Simmons to a large conference room, with a large circular table, ringed with chairs. The walls were almost entirely covered with a huge holoscreen. As Ingolf sat down, Simmons waved his hand and the lights dimmed. Suddenly, a huge face appeared on the holoscreen.

“Welcome to the OMS-Ourobouros, Diplomat Ingolf. We are QUETZAL, Regent of Otagia, Host of Pale Rider Arms. You have come as an envoy of Arizona Nova. What is it that you wish to discuss with us?”

“Eh? Yes, I’m… you know that already. Well, we are currently scouting unexplored territories for resources and trying to find new, colonizeable worlds, and also establishing diplomatic contact with other nations, um, your grace.” Ingolf added the last bit when he fully realized that this DS was the actual leader of the nation.

“We commend your nation on its admirable goals. Otagia is always happy to open relations with its neighbors. Regrettably, we have little to offer you in the way of either raw materials or colonizable worlds. However, we would be willing to trade resources and habitable worlds for suitable recompense.”

“What sort of recompense?” asked Ingolf, wondering what it had in mind.

A grin broke out on QUETZAL and Simmon’s faces, as they spoke in unison:
“Gagging bagloads of money”

"Money? By the Oversentient, we've no shortage of that. Lets talk numbers..."

Mara looked at each of the people in the room, her slanted eyes frowing at the Lash-Min allies.

"We have the Plans worked out, we have all given the Levies, as well as troops that have been volanteraliy given." She looked at all. "The Levies are no longer withdrawable, they are now commited, however the Volantaeraliy given troops may be withdrawn with two Terran Weeks before hand, and one they are within a major plan they are commmited until said plan is compleat." Their was a chorus of Amen, before the respective Lords stood, and made the arrangeements.

"My lord, the Defence NEtwork is going up, we have suffciant fleet numbers to hold a full Battle Station attack force." Mara said, smiling. "We will hold, I know it"

Admiral Ultan was standing on the bridge, doing his silent vigil. The buzz of the sea of electronics and people around him was both excited and nervous - he had done this so long he could easily tell the moods and feelings prevalent just by ear alone, without having to focus on anything in particular. It was like listening to a symphony, in a way. He knew why, as well. It was the eve of invasion, and nobody knew what to expect. Having the first scouting detachment slaughtered without so much as a word wasn't a harbinger for optimism either. Admiral Ultan had plotted out the vectors and courses he would take with the fleet - a good run away from the system. After the Battle of Groombridge, FTLi was always factored into battle tactics. He staggered the individual ship's positions as well, with the Hyperion at the core and the smaller ships radiating outward. The first attack would not be strong - he would send in scores of Jormungand's Spit drones - to probe for any possible weak spots in whatever defenses there were. Of course, he wouldn't use too many - he had to have a trump card for later on, and if Groombridge was any indication, these Jormungands were miracle workers. An officer was approaching, however, and jolted Admiral Ultan out of his tactical musings.

"Sir, awaiting to confirm coordinates and enter hyperspace."

Admiral Ultan read the coordinates - yes, those were correct.

"Coordinates confirmed. Enter hyperspace on my signal."

All across the fleet, power plants and engines powered up, and rumbles echoed through a thousand seperate vessels.

Admiral Ultan strode over to the "captain's" chair, and pressed a button. The signal was engaged, and a moment later, the entire fleet had passed into hyperspace.

Outskirts of Lessir Tsuriana Space

The fleet exited hyperspace as Admiral Ultan ordered, far out from the system. Admiral Ultan gave the order to commence the first attack - and within the core of the fleet, Jormungand stirred.

I taste of war once again - though with considerably more resources at hand.

Jormungand, the Digital Sentience that was in command of the drone-carriers, stirred.

Bah, and all they want me to do is throw a few pebbles at them. I had better have some fun later on then...

The automated factories within the bellies of the carriers roared to life, and drones that had been pre-assembled began to swarm out of the ships. They fired up their engines to maximum and swarmed into the system.

The Main defence Grid Bleeped red on Kelawan, and the Empire new Within Minutes the main force of the enemy had arrived. So, the Computer/Biolocial Allience had not come in peace afterall, the Emperor nodded Grimly to Hokanu, who began the orders.

"Imperial White Squadron Twelve, please Report to Sector Gap Twelve, as well as Kinzunziwa Brigand two." He nodded, and knew that the Twelve ships mentioned would be their in minutes.

Can't post anymore, GTG

Jormungand continued to probe forward into this unknown system. Despite the limited sensory abilities of his little fighters, he found out more and more about it. Hmmmm - what is this then? Fighters, of unknown origin, coming at his force. He doublechecked in a fraction of a fraction of a second - certainly not friendly. Only 12, but who knows what they were packing. He, however, had the numerical advantage if anything. He wanted to be sure, though, and buzzed the Admiral.

Admiral Ultan...

Admiral Ultan was currently on the bridge, watching a readout of the fighter group. The Jmocom buzzed, and he snatched it to his mouth - "Yes, Jormungand?"

"I might need some assistance. The scout group is coming up against a squadron of capital ships of unknown origin. While just by sheer numbers alone I should be able to go around them, it'd be nice if I had some backup - we'd be able to better flank them that way."

"Alright, Jormungand, we'll scramble some Freelancers and Pleiades right away."

"Thank you Admiral."

Admiral Ultan always thought the synthesized voice, and fillipant manner of this sentience unnerving. However, he had to get that squadron out.

"Priority Message A.N.S.S. Bulldog: 15th Squadron, scramble, our J-drones need some assistance against an enemy squadron they have engaged."

Meanwhile...

Jormungand soon "saw" the enemy ships as they approached. He drew up his fighters into a "reverse Swine array" formation, a wedge with the center pointing away from the enemy ships. This would make them hard pressed to keep the ships on the extremes of the formation from escaping while not exposing their flanks to the center of the formation. Jormungand waited until the enemy ships were in range.

Open fire.

Space lit up as the drones let loose a blinding barrage of miniMAC shells and turbolaser bolts.

[bumpitude] - keep in mind that anyone else who wants to open relations or embassies, the floor is open. Post here if you want to RP it out, or in the OOC thread to just have it done, or TG me.

The ships came from nowhere, their long Smooth Metal Surfaces flecked with the light from the stars that dotted the Expance of Space. They studied the area, before turning into a type of target, with the Dragon In the middle and the ships all in random locations that formed a circal. They then began the Lock down Sequence, which was a locking formation that ment they did not move location without the crew being told it would be.

They would now wait, allowing the enemy to come to them. As was standered Tsurani Protacole would not allow them to take offence until the ship was inside the FTLi Border, then the ships would be Crushed.

The Tsurani ships waited, and then at some imaginery line fired. The number of shots was smaller then a similar ship of that size, but this was made up for in stronger sheilds and hull armour. The Dragon's spring foils opened, and it unleshed a massive salvo of beams, missiles and projectiles went flying, sufficiant firepower to cut through a planets crust. The others was supiorly less, Normal fire for a ship, but the combonation ment their was a pratcial blanket of firepower being sent at the enemy.

Kinkrio, Strike Leader of this Force of this brigand looked at the enemy with a sigh. Why did the Gods hate this nation so much? He shook his head as the enemy salvo smashed up against the sheilds of the ships.

"Sir, the Overlap Sheild is down to Ninty five Percent and Recharging slowly" One of the officers shouted.

"Ok, Work on directing more power to it. We can hold as long as the Overlaps keep up."

"Yes SIR!"

Ouch.

Drones were exploding left and right under the withering fire of the enemy vessels.

Fierce ones, indeed.

The cripples, as per their programming, began flying straight at the enemy fleet, dodging fire to try and deliver their deadly cargo: the Gilium crystal reactors - powerful sources of energy that became as the situation required, high-powered explosives. Having no need of weapons, the damaged ships put everything into firing their engines in suicidal charges. Meanwhile, the rest of the swarm was doing its best to pass the enemy line, as of course the mission was merely scouting. Boring stuff, overall. Jormungand began to take notice of the odd things happening in the subroutines - drones tricking other drones to fly into missiles to avoid their own death - quite curious what happened "down in there" while you weren't looking. In the meantime, the plan was coming to fruition - or nearly so anyway. The troubling thing about these ships was that the bulk of their armaments were on the side - thus flanking them was not going to be too easy.

Hmmmm. Just continue to advance then...

In response, the drones who managed to escape the terrible fire of the capitals rushed on.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, 15th squadron was streaking towards the fight. It wasn't hard to find - following down the trail of the J-drones, they soon came on the mass of huge capital ships and tiny drones flitting about.

"Hold together men," barked the commander. "Make the land of your ancestors proud today!"

The little squadron screamed toward the enemy fleet, and whatever doom awaited them.

Hokanu sighed, before walking into the telaporter. He arrived on the bridge of the Dragon Class carrier, the whole Fleet of the Empire where conected, but could be disconected at any time. This was on the bridge, so Hokanu could flee the ship at any time.

Right, so the enemies are trying to outflank us. Their was the colourfull play of colours across the massive sheilds And trying to get through the sheilds.

"Ok, get those ships trying to crash into the sheilds down, then follow that by hitting the piloted ships." He shook his head. "Also, engage the Computer blockers, I want all those drones DOWN!"

"YEs sir" His subordanate yelled.

The Anti Computer unit was missle that scrambled all computers in the area.

Something isn't right.

Jormungand had been looking at the information he was receiving - but something just didn't seem right about it. He began scanning the lines of code - millions of them at a time, looking for anomalies - he had a bad feeling about something. Maybe that was odd for a computer to have a bad feeling, but he was no mere computer - he was a digital sentience. He called Ultan.

"Admiral Ultan?" his synthetic voice hailed from the Jmocom.

"Yes Jormungand, what is it?"

"Ask the fighters to do a visual scan of the area around the enemy capital ships."

"Uh, alright Jormungand."

Switching to a different channel, Admiral Ultan hailed 15th Squadron. "15th Squadron, do a visual scan of the battlespace. Anything unusual?"

Commander Rogers took a quick look - there wasn't much going on. Wait... there wasn't anything going on. The drones weren't moving!

"Admiral Ultan - the drones have stopped. They're dead in the water."

Suddenly, Jormungand's voice overrode the comchannel: "Admiral Ultan! Tell 15th Squadron to pull up now!"

His pulse racing, Admiral Ultan yelled into the com "15th Squadron! Disengage! I repeat, disengage the enemy ships!"

Commander Rogers pulled back hard on the control stick of his Freelancer - but something was wrong. Lights began flashing, and control systems began going haywire.

"Admiral Ultan! We have a... pr..." There was only the buzz of static.

"Damn it!" yelled Jormungand. "They're frying our computers with some device. I'm temporarily disabling my battlenet in case it's some sort of virus."

Admiral Ultan stood deep in thought, pondering the situation. Striding over to a sensor screen, he observed that a quarter of the 15th Squadron was not accounted for. How in blazes do you kill something that fries computers when just about everything you have uses them?

Hokanu looked at the enemy ships and smiled.

"I am going to call in on the Emperor, I do NOT want any more ships here when I return." He then walked back through the gate. "Long live the Light of Heaven."

The Ships launched huge amounts of cannon fire launched into the ranks, tearing apart the missiles and anything else in the area.

Coming out of hyperpace on the edge of the system, the scout powered up its main computers. As the ship sprang to life, the pilot noticed the message on the HUD. [Long Range Sensors Damaged] Guess I have to do this one with my short range sensors

Guiding the ship inward the scans started showing detailed reports of everything within their range.

[Hailing Frequencies Open - Hunter's Mercy and Scout Base Alpha - Priority 1 Encryption - Outgoing Transmission]

Scout Alpha Beta reporting in. Long range sensors damaged, proceeding inward using short range sensors. Will maintain constant contact with base to provide constant streaming data. Current readings are indictating presence of sentient life. Space travel has been accomplished by this race, FTL capabilities remains to be seen. However FTL is assumed due to presence of FTLi in the area. More to come.

The scout continued on its way into the solar system.

This time, it was not one of the massive Dragons that patroled the area, nor was it Kinzunziwa ship. It was in fact a squadren of fighters, the craft larger then their human counterpart to make up for the Illetrian's size, and they where under the Lash Clans control. However, since they where under orders by the Emperor to destroy any computer controled ships inside Tsurani space, they would.

To: the Ship Carrying Computers in Tsurani space
From: Strike Leader Manziu
You have entered our space without permission, you will be given five minutes to send a message to make sure this fact is not repeated, then you will be destroyed.

The fighters began to circal the ship, waiting the time needed, before fireing huge amounts of FIre.

OOC Lets see, the fighter squadrens are 50 each.

The scout killed its engines. A short reply was sent forth, moments after recieving the incoming message.

[Hailing Frequencies Open - Unidentified Fighters - Outgoing transmission] This is scout Alpha Beta of the Flaming Souls cartography division. I am on a mission to chart certain solar systems, and this one is my last for the day. Please allow me to finish my scans and I will leave immediately, expected time to completion of mission T minus 45 minutes. If you do not agree with this request I will...[transmission ends]

The HUD displayed the message [Local Comm Frequencies Malfunctioning - Please hang up and try again]. Dammit, now I am toast, they won't like this one the pilot thought in distress.

Punching a few buttons he determined that if he rerouted all power to long distance comms he could manage a brief message to HQ.

[Hailing Frequencies Open - Hunter's Mercy attn: Galeel Stryer and Scout Base Alpha - Encryption Priority 53085]

[Transmitting Coordinates]I am between a rock and a hard place here, aggressive bogies, no way to talk them down, I will not survive more than 2 more minutes later...[Coordinates Transmitted Successfully]...I am matched fifty to one, no chance for survival.
...
I have less than a minute now...[Transmission Lost]

The small scout was reduced to rubble by the overwhelming numbers. The debris floated harmlessly.

Meanwhile...

The enemy ships were making short work of the idled drones. Bereft of all guidance, they were dead in the water. Unshielded and not even really armored, they exploded very easily. Within minutes, the entire scouting force of drones was lain waste, and the unlucky quarter of 15th Squadron which fell under the influence of the field, was similarly destroyed.

High Admiral Ultan opened a channel to the rest of the High Admirality.

"Admiral Ultan, what news do you have?" asked High Admiral Naronya.

"I have some bad news. The enemy possesses some form of weaponry which mangles computer systems."

"Bad news indeed," remarked High Admiral Rhys.

"Any idea how this system works - whether by a virus or some form of energy?" queried Admiral Naronya.

"None at the moment," replied Admiral Ultan. "however, it seemed to have a certain range, as you can see here," said Ultan, pulling up a holo-map from a nearby table, "beyond but not behind this vector," gesturing to a red line, "the ships from 15th Squadron were affected." He made pulling motion and the holo-map refocused onto a patch of ships. "If the 'field' issued from these ships, this would be the logical 'detonation point' of it assuming the area of affect expands at a uniform point from the center. It would then give them an affective range more than double the size of their formation." The holo-map began to glow a poisonous green in the area of affect, and Admiral Ultan gave a wave and it faded out.

The rest of the admirals sat in deep thought for a while.

"Would it be possible to move the fleet in a pincer movement around the enemy ships and skirt around the edges of it?"

"We don't yet know how the scrambler is delivered, though, and Jormungand's scouting gave indications that their weaponry is actually a bit stronger on the sides."

"Do something. Inactivity will only encourage them. Don't throw everything into an all-out attack yet. High Admirality out."

Admiral Ultan began drawing up plans. A small raid of Stalhdolch destroyers - about 10, for now - to try and figure out just what it was that was behind this weapon.

Coming out of TFTL just inside the system, the fleet immediately powered up all weapons systems, looking for threats. Fortunately for someone, the fleet had purposely jumped to different coordinates than those recieved by the scout, so that nothing was damaged. Seeing the area safe for the time being, Galeel ordered a sensor sweep of the system to find out who was there, and who had attacked the scout.

Minutes later, the report filed in. Apparently it was the indigenous race that had slain the scout, however there was another fleet out there as well. The readings showed that it was a fellow member of the ESUS, one Arizona Nova.

"You there, look lively. Open a secure comm channel to the Arizona Nova flag ship. Encryption Level of ESUS. Well what are you waiting for, open the damn channel." Galeel fumed, not happy about the situation.

To: Arizona Nova Flagship
From: Galeel Stryer of the Hunter's Mercy Flagship of the FSSF

How's it going? Name's Galeel Stryer, nice to meet you. I see that you are engaged in battle with the indiginent culture in this system. We've just arrived after one of our cartography vessels was unwarrantedly destroyed. So, it is time to bash some skulls, hike up our knickers and what not. My fleet will be close to your position within a few minutes, so if we could meet in person that would be cool, maybe have a few drinks and play some cards, or plan some destruction, all up to you really. All I know is that I demand retribution, and any information in regards to our common enemy here would be much appreciated.
-----End Transmission-----

With the message sent, the entire fleet quickly disappeared from existance and reappeared 10,000 km from the rear most ship in the Arizona Novian fleet. They continued the journey by use of their sublight engines.




OOC: My fleet consists of the following:

1 Omega Class Temporal Dreadnaught Hunters Mercy
8 Texas Class Command Battle Carriers
2000 Docked Milky Way Class Scouts
2000 Docked Shadow Stabber Class Fighters
10 Andromeda Class Fast Attack Frigates
10 Trinidad Class Frigates
20 Hera Class Corvettes

In a flash of green light, a fleet of Otagian vessels dropped out of subspace near the Arizonan navy.

--ATTN ARIZONAN VESSELS: We are QUETZAL. We have come to honor our treaty with your nation. Our vessels are at your command. What is the current situation in system?--

OOC: Sorry for poor post, its late and I need sleep.
My fleet:

The Empyrian Vision, an Echidna Dreadnought
10 Helen Drone Carriers
10 Arachne Cruisers
20 Bellerephon Cruisers
200 Hector Escort Frigates
250 Achilles Missile Frigates
1000 Stingship Fighters

Admiral Ultan had just finished his dispatching orders to the captains of the Stahldolch destroyers when messages began coming in. The first:


To: Arizona Nova Flagship
From: Galeel Stryer of the Hunter's Mercy Flagship of the FSSF

How's it going? Name's Galeel Stryer, nice to meet you. I see that you are engaged in battle with the indiginent culture in this system. We've just arrived after one of our cartography vessels was unwarrantedly destroyed. So, it is time to bash some skulls, hike up our knickers and what not. My fleet will be close to your position within a few minutes, so if we could meet in person that would be cool, maybe have a few drinks and play some cards, or plan some destruction, all up to you really. All I know is that I demand retribution, and any information in regards to our common enemy here would be much appreciated.

Admiral Ultan read the message again, with a quizzical expression on his face. Rather informal and "cheeky" for military personnel. He began working on a reply message:

"Reply@same channel
Message to: Galeel Stryer, Hunter's Mercy, FSSF
Received from: High Admiral Ultan, Armada Fleet, Arizona Nova
Encryption: Beta

Greetings, Mr. Stryer. We have received your message and we agree to let you help us, but please keep in mind that treachery on your part will not be tolerated. After this battle I'm sure our Emperor would be pleased to open diplomatic channels with your nation as well. Good luck in the coming fight; our enemy possesses powerful weaponry, including a weapon that disables computer systems, so be on your guard."

Scarcely had Admiral Ultan sent that message off when the next arrived.

--ATTN ARIZONAN VESSELS: We are QUETZAL. We have come to honor our treaty with your nation. Our vessels are at your command. What is the current situation in system?--
"Ah, short and simple." remarked Admiral Ultan. He began to formulate a reply:

"Message to: Otagian Vessels/QUETZAL
Received from: High Admiral Ultan, Armada Fleet, Arizona Nova
Encryption: Beta

The current situation is that of a standoff. The enemy possesses a weapon which disables computer systems. It has a large area of affect, and the enemy also possesses long range weapons. While some of our larger weapons could fire out of range of their weapon, it is possible they could be evaded. I am sending some destroyers in to see if they can figure anything out about these weapons."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, the battlegroup of Stahdolches assumed a staggered line formation. Packed with advanced technology, in comparison with the rest of the fleet, they made good time utilizing their advanced engine systems. The sensor systems were straining for any signs of odd anomalies or devices being deployed from the enemy vessels. Within a few minutes, they had reached the "boundary" which the earlier skirmish had established as the maximum affective range of the enemy's weaponry.

Message to: Galeel Stryer, Hunter's Mercy, FSSF
Received from: High Admiral Ultan, Armada Fleet, Arizona Nova
Encryption: Beta

Greetings, Mr. Stryer. We have received your message and we agree to let you help us, but please keep in mind that treachery on your part will not be tolerated. After this battle I'm sure our Emperor would be pleased to open diplomatic channels with your nation as well. Good luck in the coming fight; our enemy possesses powerful weaponry, including a weapon that disables computer systems, so be on your guard.

Galeel chuckled as he read the message. He sat down to begin examining the reports the scans had brought about.

"What is it sir?" The tactical officer asked.

"Huh? What?" Galeel replied, not entirely paying attention.

"Why did you chuckle sir?" The officer reiterated.

"Oh, just thinking about how I must have struck a chord with the "High" Admiral." Galeel said with a laugh.

"Why do you say that sir?" The officer questioned again.

"Damn, but aren't you full of questions. I say that because of his statement about treachery. Of course it wouldn't be tolerated, any nit wit could tell you that." Galeel said with a firm tone.

Taking the hint the officer went back to his duties. Looking over the maps and reports he had Galeel realized he was missing a few things. Getting up, he left the bridge in search of his items.

Ten minutes later, he returned to the bridge with a "Galaxy's Best Captain" cup, a pack of cigarrettes, and a lighter. As he lit up a smoke he ordered a comm channel opened to the High Admiral.

To: High Admiral Ultan
From: Galeel

I would like to request any documentation that you may have regarding our enemy here. I will need it to formulate an effective battle plan. Thanks.

~~End Comm~~

"Sir, should we contact the Otagian ships that have also appeared?" The comm tech asked.

"Eh? Why wasn't I informed that the Otagians had shown up?" Galeel asked briskly.

"You were busy sir." The tech replied.

"Oh, well...alright, open a comm channel to them too." Galeel commanded with an irritated tone. Gods I hate this political bullshit, let me get on with killing the damn enemy already

To: Otagian Fleet
From: Galeel Stryer of the FSS Hunter's Mercy

How's it going? I see that you have come to join the party. Just wanted to let you guys know that we are here too so that you don't crash into us. Cheers.

~~Comm Ended~~

With that Galeel sat down and started to lay out plans.

Hokanu stepped through the gate, standing within the Emperors presance.

"We need more ships their, I am thinking Two hunt ships and a Elven Fleet." He said simply. When in the current situation, rank was irellivent, well, the ceramony as well.

"Your fleet commander, you make sure its done" Junri said simply. "Sorry Hokanu, but I am making sure the ground forces are being deployed in the nearest system, its fairly difficult, because of the fact most of the planets in this area are not major areas to defend, since this is a Protrectate member." He sighed, "Their refusing me to go to certine areas, which will not be allowed by the enemy, I need you to hold that area for at LEAST one Kelawan Day" Hokanu nodded and pressed a number of buttons on the consoule, before stepping back through the Riftgate.

He appered on the bridge on the ship, now assulted with two new fleets. "By the Eight powers!" He screamed. "Are they inside CSi range yet?" he commanded of his subordinet.

"No Sir! They are just sitting on the edge of it." He said.

"Right, I want fighters to be launched at the enemy, as well they are to have a cover of the Dragon's Major Dragon Cannon." He said. "Aim for the largest of the enemy ships" He said.

The Dragon sprung open, and it began to point towards the largest of the enemy ships within all three fleets ((Not sure whos, just tell!)) The main point could be seen as a massive point cannon, which was gathering orange energy. It would take time to load power inside the barrel, but it would be ready to fire within five minutes.

((ooc: just a quick post before i go to work. I think mine may be, not sure. I don't actually know the size of the flagship there. I will have to find out how big the Omega Class is))


((OOC: EDIT: The Omega Class Temporal Dreadnaught is around 6.5 km long.))

((I remiss, I am not the largest, too small... oh well.))

To: Otagian Fleet
From: Galeel Stryer of the FSS Hunter's Mercy

How's it going? I see that you have come to join the party. Just wanted to let you guys know that we are here too so that you don't crash into us. Cheers.

A response was quickly sent out over the same channel by the Empyrean Vision
.
--Admiral Galeel: We are QUETZAL, Regent of Otagia. We are honored to fight by your side. We have observed that there is a field detrimental to computers in effect around the enemy fleet. Any information on said field will be required. We request data on any tactics to be used. QUETZAL out--

OOC: I'm not the largest either, 6 klicks is my largest ship here.

Tsurani: Details on the CSi field? My stuff uses a lot of nonstandard tech, so I'm not sure what the effect will be...

--Admiral Galeel: We are QUETZAL, Regent of Otagia. We are honored to fight by your side. We have observed that there is a field detrimental to computers in effect around the enemy fleet. Any information on said field will be required. We request data on any tactics to be used. QUETZAL out--

To: QUETZAL
From: Galeel
Well first off, I ain't military, so don't go calling me admiral or what-not, I am merely Galeel. Second, any information you need on the CSi will have to be furnished by the Arizona Novians over there. We only just recently arrived and are also awaiting details on said field. And what the hell does QUETZAL mean?

To: QUETZAL
From: Galeel
Well first off, I ain't military, so don't go calling me admiral or what-not, I am merely Galeel. Second, any information you need on the CSi will have to be furnished by the Arizona Novians over there. We only just recently arrived and are also awaiting details on said field. And what the hell does QUETZAL mean?

Galeel:
--QUantum Entanglement Telecom-enabled Artificial Life-form. We are the Regional AI of Otagia. QUETZAL out--

Galeel sat in thought, Great! Just friggin great. On one side we got some bio-nuts who hate technology in our form of it, and can jam our computers. On the other we got a fleet of ships that all it is is AI...what a showdown...and here I am, just because they blew one of our scouts out of the sky per se, and then we got 'Zona Nova over there, don't know crap about them. Who the hell runs this place?

The Nearest System from the battle ground was teeming, thousands of fighters backed by the might of the Imperial Fleet. Within this fleet, a massive thing sat in space. The Everkingdom Defender had been deployed.

Tomas sat on the deck of the massive ship, his long hair hanging down his head in four braids. He wore the Dragon armour of The Eagle Reaches apon his back, and in front of him a psykic projection of the main planet could be seen with chess like pieces on it.

"I think this should do well, the enemy will be allowed to land at these locations" He said gesturing to the red locations. "They will suffer, but they must make land fall, otherwise our little, suprise will not be usful." He smiled, nodding.

Back on board the Dragon class in the middle of space, they where getting ready for something. The enemy would not know what, but slowly the formation was shifting. All but the dragon, which's cannon continued its build up.

The Stahldolches continued to speed toward their targets.

“All right squadron: be alert for any suspicious power signatures or launches from the enemy vessels. Get ready to open fire with your missiles.”

In the whole group, the Stahldolches synchronized their systems and prepared to launch their missiles – targeting systems came online and missile systems were warming up.

“Launch in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – fire away!”

Flashes of bright white light lit up the fore of the destroyers, and the missiles blazed a brilliant trail through the void between them and the enemy vessels.

The formation then gunned their engines to full power, engaging the enemy vessels.

.:ooc:. Sorry, it's crappy, but I'm just trying to get this thing moving again. Tsurani, e-mail or IM me as soon as possible about this; we need to straighten some stuff out quick.

Hokanu looked at the incoming missiles and swore. While the sheilds would usually hold, with the dragon cannon charging, his hopes where not high. So, he began to yell orders.

"Redirect those missiles to the left winger, tell them to bail ship!" He screamed. The men nodded as the missiles snapped through the sheilds, they would turn and head towards the smallest of craft. They made a impact, crippling its outer armour shell, leaving the softer metal underneath.

"Damn" Hokanu yelled. "Where are those elves?"

"Inbound, ETA Three Minutes." Said a Strike Leader "Sir, they bring news, the Seztec are withdrawing support in the system, we are down a full third of our units."

"NO!" he screamed. "Right, continue, we must hold here for as long as possible! The Emperor must get replacements in!"

"Impact confirmed, missiles detonated! Wouldya look at that!" yelled the ensign on the lead Stahldolch. "It looks like it did considerabl damage..."

"Don't be celebrating just yet," interjected the captain. "Anything strange on the scopes?"

"No, but we're getting odd fluctuations in real space - I think they've got reinforcements on the spoke."

"Wire fleet command and tell them that right away. Get our speed down and keep us out of range of those capitals; it looks like their little computer-frying missiles aren't coming out to play. Oh, and make sure our allies are informed. We may have a conflaguration on our hands shortly. Get those missile tubes reloaded and prepare to fire another volley, preferably before the reinforcements arrive."

"Yes sir!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Admiral Ultan was waiting for a message from the Stahldolches. He couldn't help but feel that they might have very well been sent to their doom. Hopefully, if the enemy had used its computer scrambling weapon against the destroyers, the advanced ECM/ECCM systems on board had stopped them from taking damage.

"Sir, we've got an incoming transmission - it's the raiders."

Striding over to the nearest display, Ultan began reading. It was a good news/bad news proposition: the missiles had been affective, but reinforcements were on the way. Ultan realized there was no time to lose, and began composing a message to the allied fleets.

"Notification to: FS Battlegroup, Otagian Battlegroup
Encryption: Alpha

Enemy reinforcements are incoming. Prepare to engage the main enemy battlegroup."

The entire fleet then began to move. This standoff had to end.

Above the ecliptic plane of the current solar system, several holes tore the fabric of space in two. A small fleet of Blue-hulled vessels appeared. The sleek vessels did not engage in combat, they merely watched from a distance, not transmitting to either side, merely looming there, high above the action. Within moments, a defensive fighter swarm was visible, but still, the fleet made no move to engage.


A similar fleet jumped into position below the eccliptic moments later, it also made no move to engage the enemy, and similarly launched a fighter screen. There the two fleets sat. Silent, waiting.

On board the Hunter's Mercy

Galeel watched as the missles struck the ship and did a fair amount of damage, and seeing the ships flying away was a good sign. The anit-computer effect was out of play at this time. It was time to do some damage.

"I want half those torpedo tubes loaded with Plasma-Anti Plasma warheads. Tactical, get that big ship locked on. Then fire the half that I just ordered loaded." Galeel ordered.

"Sir, lock achieved, firing." the Tactical officer said.

Twenty four plasma-anti plasma torpedo's shot from the Hunter's Mercy and then disappeard from the STC and reappeared in front of the Dragon Class carrier. As they zoomed in, the entire bridge of the Omega Class fell silent, watching the coming destruction, the first this ship had ever dealt out.

OOC: Those are 5g(or kg..I don't know antimatter that well) anti-matter warheads. I can do the calculations if anyone requires and provide what yield they have indivually.

Hokanu swore, just as the missiles where sent in the direction of the damaged ship. He watched in horror as one of the Eight points fell off as the missiles crushed along its form. The sheer size off a fully extended dragon allowed them to take damaged on a limited area. And now it was time for the counter attack.

"Fire the Dragon cannon!" He screamed. "Aim to take down as many ships as possible."

Outside, an orange beam was formed deep within the ship, then launched at massive speed towards the main enemy strength. It would go through most ships, it crippled a fghter wing *50 ships* and kept going on its ponderus pace.

And now the Elves where a mear minute away.

"Sir!" yelled an ensign on board the flagship. "We've got unknown contacts on top of us and below us!"

On the sensor readout, a large group of the unknowns appeared out of range of the FTLi.

"Are they hailing us?"

"No sir. No power fluctuations either."

Admiral Ultan was now in a bind. It was bad enough to have the enemy in front but now some wild cards on top of you and beneath you wasn't a comfortable position either.

"Continue driving the fleet forward! Make sure the allied vessels don't open fire on the unknowns either. Full speed ahead."

The entire fleet, literally a legion of vessels, began barreling toward the enemy fleet.

"Sir!" yelled the ensign again. "Major power fluctuations on the enemy formation! They're preparing to fire - this is huge!"

Ultan glanced over at a readout for it - those numbers were astronomical! He punched a command for an all-points-communication and yelled "All hands, brace for impact!"

Meanwhile, the orange beam cut through the void. It impacted into the periphery of the fleet and caused a group of Hughies to incinerate. A group of Arrows that followed were similarly annihalated, at least one totally consumed by the beam and destroyed, while others had towers shaved right off them. It continued to move in, and though a couple of carriers tried to drop out of the way, it was too late, and at least five - a couple Golems and a couple Jormungands - were crippled. It then smashed through the bridge of one of the battleships, and it was left behind until control was reverted elsewhere in the ship. Finally, the beam found the Hyperion battleship. Ultan watched as the bright orange beam smashed into the center of the ship. The bridge rocked, and the lights dimmed as the ship's systems readjusted all power to the shields. At the point of impact, Ultan watched as the shields reacted to the beam, lightning bolt - like fluctuations radiated all over the surface. Ultan turned to a readout for the shields, and watched as they dropped. He prayed they would hold, as critical damage to them this early would be disastrous. The end of the beam was in sight - shields were at 30% - 20% - the beam had ended. He breathed a sigh of relief. "Life support will hold on the crippled vessels for now - continue to advance, and get ready to engage! I want all batteries synchronized to fire on my mark. 1st - 20th fighter wings, hit the ramp."

All around the fleet, the thousands of turbolaser turrets began to charge, and the more ponderous MAC cannons were loaded. Soon, the combined arms of the fleet would answer with a volley of their own - but would it be soon enough? Onboard the Golem carriers, hundreds of pilots began to run to their ships. It was time for a showdown.

.:ooc:. Losses
20 Hughies (destroyed)
6 Arrows (1 destroyed, 3 crippled, 2 disabled)
5 Carriers - 2 Golems, 3 Jormungands (Jormungands destroyed)
1 Neo (disabled)
A.N.S.S. Arizona Shields at 20%, recharging.

A garbled, low quality transmission came through:

"Attention attacking fleet. What are your grievances with the defenders of this syestem?"

OOC Sorry if my losses seem small, but I only have twelve *I think* Ships here, Losses will increase once the battle begins.

IC The ships locked in, thier bodies imobilised so they would not fall back in space. Hokanu smiled, watching as long range scanners showed the progress of the enemy. He looked back and smiled even more, for the Seventh Elven Fleet had arrived. He then sighed as three of the ships left formation, then left. To the enemy it would look like a retreat, in reality, it was a shift in the council, and dangerous one for the Emperors War effort. Hokanu prayed they would live through this.

"Yo Elves" He yelled into the Intercom "Get going, standered harras, keep yourselves alive for the real showdown, and be ready to abandon ship." He smiled grimly. "We are not here to win, we are here to hold."

The bridge was a flurry of activity now. Ensigns were scurrying about, interfacing with the ship's Digital Sentience, Mars. An ensign at the com hailed Admiral Ultan: "Admiral! Incoming transmission - I believe it's the unknowns - the nation of the Isle of Skye."

"Patch it through, ensign," replied Ultan. He was slightly annoyed, seeing as the whole fleet was going in for an attack, and as such he was a little busy.

"Aye sir."

The transmission played loud and clear over the noise:
"Attention attacking fleet. What are your grievances with the defenders of this syestem?"

Admiral Ultan composed a message in reply:

"Message to: Isle of Skye Fleet
Received from: High Admiral Ultan, A.N.S.S. Arizona, Armada Fleet, Arizona Nova.
Encryption: Beta

Isle of Skye, we are attacking these 'defenders' in response to a surprise attack on a group of diplomats sent to establish contact with them. They jumped into the system and were near-immediately destroyed. Arizona Nova cannot afford to have such belligerent neighbors in the Perseus Arm. Please do not attempt to interfere. If you would like to open an embassy with us, we shall forward your message to our diplomats.

http://anikari.zioncreation.com/seal2.gif

High Admiral Ultan"

Ultan then saw that the fleet was nearing the boundary marking the maximum affective range of his weaponry. The front of the fleet was already in it, but he wanted the whole fleet to fire at once - if it was at all possible to take them out in one volley, then so be it. The hind edge of the fleet was closing - only a few kilometers now - there.

Ultan spoke, loudly, clearly, over the chaos of the bridge - "Fire."

Across the fleet, as one, the hundreds of batteries on the capital ships opened up, releasing a massive volley of concentrated plasma at the enemy vessels, the entire fleet glowing a luminous green as the turbolaser bolts raced into the void. Soon, the MAC guns would be at prime range...

Meanwhile, aboard the carriers, fighters began to swarm out. All of the carriers were strike carriers, thus their loadout was not terribly impressive, but this would be enough. 1-20th , minus the 15th, was 550 + easily.

Hokanu swore as the main bluk of the fleet was crushed in one single stroke. Because of the Seztec-Lash Withdraw, they would not stand a chance. He mde the last message.

"All units abandon ship, open gates to Perrin Prime, leave the ships for scrap, they can be replaced." The message went through the fleet, right before his men went streaming through the many gates. Hokanu smiled, as he pressed the last thing that would do damage. The Entire fleet would overload their Generators, which would make a blase that could cripple an enemy fleet.

Back on Perrin Prime, the forces ran faster.The defeat had spread quickly, and now the land forces wanted to be ready for the incoming enemy. Junri watched sadly, this was a bad day for his empire.

Ultan had watched as the terrible power of the fleet decimated the enemy ranks. He had not expected such destruction, but then he realized: they weren't retaliating either.

"I want a power reading of their remaining ships right now," he ordered an ensign.

"One moment - strange, the generators are powering up but it isn't going anywhere."

Admiral Ultan thought: "Why the devil would they be doing tha..." then it struck him - what do you do when you're outnumbered and outgunned? Cause a very large explosion. It's what happened at Groombridge - Jormungand had rammed one of his carriers, which was filled with high explosives, into the enemy formation. He cursed - there was no time for evasive action, and they were probably nicely within the blast radius by now. There was no time - he hit the channel for the entire fleet and yelled:

"All shields forward! I repeat, put all your shields forward immediately, maximum power! Frontmost lines, fall back!"

Immediately the Hughie squadrons leading the charge attempted to turn around and dive under and over the ships behind them, but it was too late. The generators on the enemy vessels finished overloading and exploded, and Admiral Ultan could only watch as it radiated outwards, right into the fleet - a poisonous green halo, radiating from the ruined enemy vessels, that almost seemed to mock the glow that the turbolaser volley had made earlier. It slammed into the retreating backs of many of the escaping Hughies, and their shielding was nowhere near enough to hold against the enemie's vengance. The first few fighter squadrons which had just gotten to the line were greeted by the oncoming of the deadly retribution of the enemy, and most of the squadrons were crippled if not destroyed outright. A large number of the Arrow frigates lost their shields and took grievous damage, though the larger capitals remained steady. Nonetheless, Ultan was furious.

"Cowards! They destroy themselves instead of fighting back - curse them! Nothing to follow after either. Mars?"

"Yes, Admiral Ultan," replied the Digi-Sent, his disembodied voice floating around the bridge.

"Where is the nearest enemy system?"

"One moment - a week's travel under light speed, as scans are telling me that we have FTLi all the way there. There should be no other defenses, but we should expect some at the system's periphery."

"What sort of defenses?"

"I don't know, but suffice to say, from the forward readings we got it isn't pretty."

Ultan thought for a moment, then said: "Thank you Mars," and punched for the fleet channel again: "Attention all vessels: go back and sweep for salvage and any survivors among the wrecks, and get every ship that still has engines and guns back in working condition, but if they warrant it, send them home for repairs, otherwise I want as many as possible with us. We're going to have to cruise sub-light for about a week before we hit their system, and then it's hell to pay."

Across the fleet, salvage ships came out of the larger capital ships and began towing some of the more heavily damaged wrecks back to the main fleet body for repair. Within twelve hours, the ships too heavily damaged to continue were sent back home, while the remaining fleet began to advance into the enemy homeland - the "Lessir Tsurani" homeland, which is what they called themselves - a scrap vessel had found a piece of one of their ships with writing on it and Mars had analyzed it. If anything had been won, at least they had wrestled the identity of this mysterious foe from their clutches.

On board the FSS Hunter's Mercy

"Galeel, we have an incoming transmission, from New Sovietia, seems they set up base somewhere new. They want to re-establish diplomatic ties." the Comm officer said.

"Well, it looks like Ultan can handle himself here, let's go say hi, again." Galeel said bemusedly.

To: Ultan
From: Galeel
Hate to ditch out on ya, but there is a better party to get to, see ya

With that message sent, the ships in the fleet opened at Temporal Wormhole and went straight to their destination.


OOC: So long and thanks for all the fish...

Another low quality message came from the strange fleet. There was a lack of insignia on it, and it was a simple audio transmission.

"We are the people of Skye. The onemind has authorised us to begin diplomatic negotiation with your selves. A negotiation self can be sent to your fleet."

The transmission came, quite luckily, right before the fleet was to set out. Of course, Admiral Ultan was not too thrilled with the prospect.

"I'm an Admiral, not a diplomat!" he fumed at the hologram before him - one of the stuffed-shirt envoys back home.

The image sniffed contempously. "Well, if you're not a diplomat, then we shall send one." He glanced at a watch. "ETA: about an hour - though, are you in the FTLi yet?"

Ultan scowled. "A small ways, yes. Who are you sending?"

The man gave a knowing smile. "I'm sure you'll be thrilled. Homeworld out."

Admiral Ultan sighed and cradled his forehead in his hand. Middle of a bloody war, and this pops up. He quickly wrote up a message to send back to these new ones:

"Message to: The Isle of Skye Fleet
Received from: Admiral Ultan, A.N.S.S. Arizona Nova, Armada Fleet, Arizona Nova

We have received your message, and will prepare our state quarters aboard the Arizona for your arrival. Ultan out."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

His mood was not improved an hour later. He was walking down the corridor toward the main docking bay, gesticulating furiously.

"WHAT? THEY SENT WHO?"

"Sir, please - just let her on, we'll get this over with and she'll be gone."

Ultan's eyes were protruding in an alarming fashion. "Look! I've had a VERY trying last few days. Perhaps you don't understand. Have them send someone else."

"Sir, it's too late..."

"I don't care who they send - they can send the bloody janitor! I don't want that elf in my hair at this time!"

"Sir," said the officer, "I've done all I can. Shes insistent. There is nothing more I can do. Shes here now, so we've got to deal with it."

They stopped at the door to the bay. "Such impudence!" he cursed, but he composed himself, for the door hissed open, and Anariel, the Diplomat General, stepped aboard. She gave a courteous smile to the admiral and the officer, "Greetings Admiral Ultan. It is good to be aboard."

"Oh," said the Admiral, squinting furiously yet putting on his most sickiningly sweet smile, "the pleasure, is all mine." Anariel nodded her head smartly, still with that blasted smile on her face.

"Well, I've got business to attend to, so if you'll excuse me," she said. She immediately walked off down the corridor, accompanied by her two guards. The smile dropped off Ultan's face like a ton of bricks and he growled to himself.

Into the middle of this raging conflict, the unknowing flagship of Edar bursts from subspace. The survivors of an ancient but forlorn nation, those people who had escaped the destruction of their mother land had done so by making a blind jump into empty space.

Prince Thelion aboard the Edarian flagship Faith and Freedom was a desperate man. He had just made a blind jump into space, escaping his enemies but forsaking his home. He was the only survivor of the Royal House, and few of his people were left. The Prince knew that his enemy could not have followed him into a blind jump, but he personally read the scans to make sure. Neither Thelion's former empire nor its everlasting enemies had yet developed a stable system for "jumping." The Faith and Freedom 's jump drive was a prototype, and the earliest tests had not been completely successful.

And so the survivors found themselves in completely unfamiliar space, with a damaged ship and little prospect of surviving without help. Prince Thelion knew his situation was dire, but being noble in character, he gave a stirring speech to the Remnant, promising hope, strength in unity, and ultimately revenge. In that speech Prince Thelion named himself Apollyon, "The Destroyer", so that he may never forget his purpose though his life be long.

But the Prince was also a practical man, and he soon sent out messages of peace and need to anyone who might hear. Long-range scans commenced as well, looking for a suitable planet to rest on, though the odds of finding one were dim. With those tasks begun, however, all the Remnant could do was wait. Thelion knew that they had not much time before basic food and oxygen ran out, for the Faith and Freedom was overtaxed with the refugees. And so Prince Thelion Apollyon and the Remnant of his people waited and hoped beyond hope that help would come.

Ultan was brooding alone in his quarters when yet another officer came in with some news. The door opened and he growled resignedly, "What now?"

"Sir, we have another new contact. They've sent out a distress call."

"Why not have august Diplomat handle it?"

"Sir, with all due respect, you need to see this right now."

Almost a little startled by the officers unction, he followed him to the bridge.

"Long range scans have revealed this: we've got pictures of the ships."

Ultan looked at the scans - and paled. "No, no, this can't be. The scans must be malfunctioning."

"No sir, we're sure these are right."

"Get the elf down here. Now. I told you they should have sent someone else - in addition, of course."

Ultan was now quite pale - as if he had seen a ghost. Maybe he had...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Admiral Ultan's Quarters

"You're sure it's them? Why, their empire has been gone for more than a decade!" Anariel, like Ultan, was now mightily perplexed - and for the first time in months, the two were working together.

"You know what? I don't know where, or when, or how, or why they got here. They are our allies, and they need our help. Sooner than later."

Anariel nodded her head in agreement. "I leave this to you. I have left the envoy of Skye waiting long enough, methinks."

"Right. Good luck there," he mumbled as he got up to go to the bridge.

Anariel cocked her head to one side and gave a half-smile to him. "Thank you."

Ultan shook his head and went to the bridge.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

He immediately composed and sent out a message to the Edarian vessel:

"Message to: Prince Thelion, Faith and Freedom, Edar
Received form: Admiral Ultan, A.N.S.S. Arizona Nova, Armada Fleet, Arizona Nova
Encrypt: Beta

Greetings, Prince Thelion. If you are who we think you are, you're in good hands. We shall send assistance immediately - we can spare a few vessels yet, especially considering the dire and extraordinary situation you are in. We shall escort you back to Arizonan territory and set up a temporary refuge until we can find someplace that can suit you. I shall notify the Emperor Anithraldur of your arrival with the sending of this message. Welcome back.
~Admiral Ultan"

MESSAGE TO ADMIRAL ULTAN OF THE A.N.S.S. ARIZONA NOVA

"Greetings, most gracious friend. It is truly beyond all hope that we have come upon our allies in our hour of greatest need. Though I was but a child on my father's lap when last I saw you. Indeed, your aid is accepted with all due gratitude, and forthwith the nation of the Edar shall be ever indebted to our friends of Arizona Nova and in allegiance with them, come what may."

signed, Prince Thelion Apollyon of the Remnant

Message to: Prince Thelion
Received from: Emperor Anithraldur
Encrypt: Groombridge (Delta Encrypt on Decoder)

Greetings, old friend. We are already setting aside space on the world of Ondataru for your arrival, and you shall certainly be gladly received there. I was most enheartened when I learned that you were, beyond all hope, still alive despite the cataclysms which seized your ancient home. Our fleet is at your disposal, and we shall be sending a detachment from Second Fleet to meet you at the "halfway" point as well. It is my sincerest hope that with our help we shall help you establish a nation once again, and that you will prosper in your affairs. Godspeed, old friend.
~Anithraldur, Servant of God, Emperor of Arizona Nova, Lord Protector of Nominor and the Free Worlds Combine

.:ooc:. Curse you jolt! I had a much better post layed out and the thing ate it. *backs up post again*

.:ooc2:. Ondataru is a terran-like planet within my own territories already; it is not a Tsurani world.

The Emperor and his Wife have assended!

Despite the best efforts of High Command, the Entire EverKingdom had found out the very next morning. Now people waited to see how the Emperors daughter would take it. The Seztec-Lash Allience had expected her to crumble under the pressure come on, but she did not. In fact, most where suprised how quickly she took command. In one day she managed to turn a nation near civil war and quickly crushed it under her boot. Even now, the White Guard Deployed on the world that was being defended was being withdrawn, for the next day she would be crowned.

The Palace was in an Uproar. All around, the Lords and Ladies of all Families in the empire had gathered. No one wanted to miss this, epecially the fact she would be given the Sword of Tsurani and the Crown of The EverQueen. Elven Lords had already taken most of the seating, so many where forced to stand, although they where less influencial. They waited, before the sound of a Dragon Roaring could be heard, and the Roof of the massive hall opened to allow the creature, more then a hundred meaters in length, to land at the base of the Dias that was the Light of Heavens. Then a form droped from the massive creature, then two others. All within the hall knew that face, it was Malien, the New Empress.

The Dragon, finished now its duty, with one beat of powerful wings lifted itself from the ground. The girl before them moved up the steps, one at a time, each time she did a priest of one of the Orders blessed her. When she reached the top, she was standing before Imrick, the elf who stood her height. She smiled, before kneeling before him, and he spoke new words.

"Offspring of the Assended two!" He roared "I bless thee in thy Father and thy mother, in the name of Junri and Reola, all who stand witness will know they bless their child." He smiled as he slipped out of the high toung. Malien smiled, before the wreith was placed on her head, and she was given the sword. In one move, she turned, raised the sword and roared in triumph, she got applause back.

Presently she sat on the cushions in her Private chambers, her most trusted advisers around her, which where to say, Imrick, Tyrion, Teclis, Tomas and Pug.

"If my vision is right, this world will be taken, then we shall sign a peace." She looked worried. "BUt then its just Darkness, I can't see their stratergies, or what happens after."

"Do no worry Mal" Tyrion said softly. "You have both the Elves and the Tsurani Behind you, nothing in the EverKingdom matches that force. And you are not your father, at your command, Robottica will be allowed entry, as will Poultra!" He looked at her. "I will be at your right hand, and Tomas your left, and we will not leave your side. With our two minds, we should be able to keep you aloft until you find skill yourselves." He smiled "Not that you haven't got it now, but you have much more to learn." He sighed. "Now, we must leave, we have to get to the world before the enemy do. We have a war to fight."

Yes, let us go She thought grimly.

A small white shuttle departed from the IOS command ship. It's engines roared to life, and the vessel started towards the Arizona. It was escorted by two small fighters. Their weapons were cool, as they were not expecting an attack. Only basic energy screens were raised on the vessels, rather than any defensive shields.

The shuttle sent off another garbled Low-Quality transmission. "This is diplomatic shuttle Caith Sith, requesting permission to dock." The speaker had a thick, scottish sounding accent. Every transmission recieved from the IOS ships was low-quality, no holograms. This could signal a number of things. Most likely, it was that their main forms of communication were incompatible with the Arizona's transmitters.

When the shuttle had been given clearance, it maneuvered in to dock. The Ambassador stepped out of his shuttle, accompanied by three guards. While the ambassador appeared to be human, the guards were questionable. The fist two were each five feet tall, and wrapped in folds of white cloth. A feeling of edgy discomfort seemed to eminate from them. They wore thick armor that would prevent damage from most small-arms, and likewise, prevented subdural scans, though there were several energy readings coming from inside either of the guards. Those readings were consistent with droids, though the guards appeared to be organic. The third guard wore black robes, and was quite small. In the light of the halls it seemed very out of place, but did not appear to be very threatening at all.

The ambassador himself appeared to be quite normal. He wore a simple, unassuming dark grey jumpsuit. On the sholder was the insignia of the Isle of Skye, and on his breast were several military decorations. The man before them at least had the appearance of being a retired military officer. He smiled warmly to whomever was greeting him.

MESSAGE TO EMPEROR ANITHRALDUR

From: Thelion

Greetings dear friend. Indeed, I am most thankful for your aid, and shall receive it gladly. Our course is now set for Ondataru, and there we shall rest and recover as well as we may. However, I shall not keep from you my own intentions, for my desire is that our alliance may become as mutual as it was aforedays. Therefore, once the people of lost Edar have regained strength, it is my intention to make a world for ourselves. We will as ever happily exist in union with Arizona Nova, to our mutual benefit. For a new home is what my people now need, and I will not deny this to them. We shall benefit and grow all the more for this, increasing in our own arts and by your aid.

Once again, humble thanks.

.:ooc:. Dash it all. Can't coordinate the IMs, so we're going to have to do this the clumsy way. Oh well...

.:ic:.

Anariel came through the door in the docking bay, flanked by her own guards - decked out in the newer uniforms and helmets. The helms had high, golden crests on them, and were coated in precious Tinechium, a metal with the luster of platinum but strength on the level with titanium. The the rest of their armor was similarly covered, reflecting their elite status. Anariel had on her signature dress - a red top and a long blue skirt, and a shimmering golden cloak draped about her shoulders. She smiled and extended her hand to the diplomat, and said: "Greetings, ambassador. I am Anariel, Diplomat General of the Empire and advisor to the Emperor. How may I serve you?"

.:ooc:. Due to the absence of Skye, the diplomatic liaision will only be settled oocly. We now return you to your regularly scheduled war. Tsurani, just throw something at me for now.

.:ic:. With the negotiations concluded, Admiral Ultan began to get the fleet moving again - once again, toward the territories of Lessir Tsurani. On route, the fleet continued to make further repairs to itself, even modifications to try and combat some of the devices that Tsurani had deployed. Things were quiet as the fleet moved inexorably forward through the FTLi. One week later, however, and the fleet had finally arrived at the first line of Tsurani defenses.

Defences is a diseptive term. For, before them, was one single silver ball, floating in space like a proud eye. When the AN Ships came within its webbing however, they got a message that would be quite confusing.

You: Are considered Enemies of the Everkingdom, Signitures match that of the enemy fought within this garrison.

Then, a small energy burst appered within the ball, and a blue sphere began to expandidly move outwards. It looked fairly calm, With two strands of lightining that went across their surface. However, once the First Arizona Novan ships came within it, hundreds of bolts of The Blue Electricity came fast, crossing over their hulls in a power frenzy. And yet the thing continued, it would strike sheild and hull according to the ship, but the damage would be the same, large and hurtful. And this was just the begining.

The cold was everywhere, it sept into his armour, his clothes, his flesh, it sept into the very bones. He did not complain, he was soldier, he kept himself warm with his Mhi, his inner being, so he would be a warrior within himself. He smiled, and then began moving again, towards the Giant Mech that would be his vessel for the coming fight. He smiled, or tried, as the proven warriors around him also fitted themselves into their own MAchines, connecting into the suits that would give them control. And he drew the last breath of untreated air, right before the MAIN tanks was put over his face, and he breathed the adrenlien pumped oxygen. He put a thumb up, the mech coping his every move. He nodded, before jumping up and activating the main thrusters.

"Why didn't I hear about it as soon as it came up on the scope?" thundered Admiral Ultan.

"We didn't even know it was artificial, sir! It waited until the fleet was close by to go off!" responded a slightly panicky ensign.

"Sir! It's draining shields rather fast..." yelled yet another.

Ultan cursed and grabbed a com-link and barked, "All vessels in range open fire on the attacking construct, turbolasers only at maximum firepower!"

In reply to the enemy's weapon, the front half of the fleet threw a great salvo back at it, the luminous green glow of the turbolasers rushing towards the offending object.

The Ball, as suddenly as it started, stoped. It seemed that it had no reasoning there, except to make the enemy become scared. No one was sure what was happening, but...well it was rather weird for them.

Yet they would be suprised, for now, hundreds and hundreds of Mines where being thrown at them, each one a small discharge, but united they had quite evil effects. Behind these a fleet was gathering, this time the formation quite different, this time they had two Space Stations on each side.

Ultan started when the silver globe disappeared - and was replaced by an enemy fleet. As the mines began going off all around the fleet, he cursed loudly once again, and yelled,

"Engage that fleet now! I'm sick of these parlor tricks! They will receive no quarter! 1-20th fighter squadrons, get out there now to support the corvettes!"

The shields of most of the fleet were nearly exhausted by this point, and some of the smaller vessels were cripples or destroyed by the mines. Nonetheless, the fleet rushed forward toward the Tsurani fleet, guns blazing. The Arizona Nova was soon in range, and it's hundreds of batteries opened up, firing at the large space stations. The rest of the fleet moved to flank the formation, using numbers and firepower to drown the smaller force, with the heavier battleships shrugging off blows. Fighters began swarming out of the carriers by the dozen.

Yet, elsewhere within the fleet, Jormungand was watching, and waiting. And glowering. Having his drones so easily dispatched by some fool wizardry of these Tsuranians was bad enough, but it was now as if he was going to be sidelining it for the duration if a way wasn't found to defeat that weapon. Suddenly an order from Ultan came through - dispatch drones in a defensive screen within the fleet. Bah, defense work - better than nothing, but as far as Jormungand was concerned he was still being left on the bench. Stored drones began to make their way out of the bellies of Jormungand's ships, and began to fly miniature patrols within the fleet as it moved onward and inward.

And it had been a trap. The projection fadded after the first lines of fire where gone, leaving the two space stations to themselves. And where was the Tsurani fleet do you ask? Ah, now that was what they loved. Had the AN fleet checked behind them, they would have seen nothing, for their had been nothing, but now, the massive rift gate opened, and through it came the fleet they had just charged in to kill. And, sadly, all four dragons, as well as the Empresses own Craft, had Dragon Cannons fully ready to fire, and they did, two of them fired at the Arizona Nova, while a further two fired at Jormungand, and the final two aimed for anything that would contain the higher ranking officers, although theres was guess work. Meanwhile, the smaller craft broke formation, engaging in a massive charge of fire, getting into point blank with the enemy. This stratergy showed the sheer ruthlessness of Tsurani Tatics, all their leaders are targets.

But the stations where damaged, the one fired by the AN was torn to ten percent shields, and the other down to fifty. Still, Tsurani tatics grew of these cheep subjects, able to be used then discarded for minimum loss of profit.

A blood vessel was twitching, by now, in Admiral Ultan's neck, very visibly, when the Tsurani fleet arrayed in front of him disappeared - and sensor warning began to go off about contacts on the back quarters of the fleet.

"Ensign? Is their fleet now behind us?"

"Yes sir! They're powered up and opening fire!"

"ALL SHIELDS AFT NOW!"

The shields, already weakened by the earlier distractions, were not long to hold under the bombardment, and soon gave way - to reveal the next layers of shielding, and by the time the bombardment was done, the second layer had been reduced considerably, but held.

"Even out! Batteries aft! Fire at will!"

As one, the hundreds of turbolaser batteries all along the titanic Arizona Nova flew around and began pouring the cup of wrath at the Tsurani vessels.

Jormungand, however, wasn't fairing quite as well - he was, of course, networked over about 55 vessels, and of course, in the case of a real emergency, could easily escape to another capital ship - these Arizonan computers were so spacious and roomy - but the component vessels were not the strongest. Two of his carriers were struck and went up in flames - and this made him mad. He immediately began running them out of the main fleet and right into the Tsurani fleet - they didn't have to get close, just close enough, and far enough away from him....

Meanwhile, the captains on the Neodammerungs only smiled - as, ever since the battle of Groombridge, tacticians had been expecting flanking tactics from enemies in all engagements, and the Neodammerung was built along this idea. Two extremely powerful and extremely lethal MAC cannons looked aft, while four huge batteries could be put in that direction in moments. Soon the many groups of BB was directing MAC fire straight into the Tsurani fleet.

Ultan then began to direct the counter-attack - seeing the unruly smaller craft break formation gave Ultan an idea.

"Corvettes and fighters! Form up; swine-array, engage light craft - Mark!"

Swarms of the larger Hughies and the fighters drew up into a formation to engage the Tsurani vessels, coordinating fire and moving to outflank the enemy's vessels.

OOC: Wow, I kinda lost track of this thread... Any chance of me getting back in?

-Planassi System, Perseus Arm, 6 light years from primary Arizonian conflict-

The small orb glided sernely through the uninhabited system far above Planassi Prime, the only planet orbiting the cold black star that had once burned a bright blue several hundred times the size of Sol. The electromagnetic chatter of battle murmered across space like whispers in a hallway. These echoes were the probe's only reason for existance. Search for conflict, identify it, and see to it that Traileric interests are not in harms way. Small antenae twitched as data rattled around in it's CPU.

Arizona Novian ships..Ally..unknown conflict, unexplored system, investigate? Y/N? Sweet and simple. Telemtry was phased back to the nearest significant Traileric command center where that eternal decision, Y/N, is answered.

And the Tsurani attack was not all. Even when all looked hopeless, a full Cilithiana Of ships, Six hundred of the bastards, came from the system, pouring into the enemy fleet. They let loose hundreds of missiles, lasers and fighters, the two fleets joined, as always with Elven/human conflicts, the Elves where using superior skill and craft to the humans. These craft, while not having the defencive capabilities of the Tsurani ships, where still works of art in their own right. Still, the message came through loud and clear for all Everkingdom ships.

Pull out, time to let the buggers land their ground troops, until thats done we don't continue to engage their fleet.

So, the elven attack pulled out as swiftly as it had begun, and the Tsurani, well, because the order had come from Tomas, they followed as well.

((Soz For taking over your forces Tsurani but you did say that seems like something they would do.))

The attack had ended as quickly as it had began, it seemed. Ultan had been directing the counterattack when suddenly a huge fleet thundered in back in front - not Tsurani, but someone else. They immediately began to engage in skirmish mode, and the Arizonan ships, suited to fight forward as well as backward began to reply to them in kind. However, the buggers did not stick around long enough to fight, as oddly enough, despite the sticky situation they had the Armada in, they and the Tsurani vessels withdrew. Ultan and the Armada did not move to pursue this time.

Admiral Ultan was seated on the command chair once again, holding his chin. The Tsurani fought using deceit; above all, it was their main and most powerful weapon. He could not lose more vessels to their games, especially if he hoped to not only keep his position but his life. As soon as the enemy vessels ran, he commenced long-range sensor scans. The Tsurani vessels were nowhere to be found, but the new ships were lurking about the system. Ultan didn't like this a bit. The fools probably could have had them - at best, of course - at the least they could have done something horrendous. He began reordering the fleet and getting reports on losses. The scans also revealed that they were, in fact, by one of the Tsurani systems, and one of the worlds which had been originally marked as habitable and inhabited. It was, of course, the objective of the whole operation. Flying in there banner flying, of course, would probably result in some other trickery, though being overcautious would be the death of all of them anyway.

A little while later a group of about a hundred vessels - fifty Hughies, twenty Stahldolches, ten Cinder Blocks, ten Neodammerung battleships and ten Arrow cruisers began a run towards the planet. The rest of the invasion fleet followed at a distance - not long enough to have the forward attack group stranded, of course. But enough. And all eyes were open, looking for any trickery on the part of the enemy.

The Thing was, they would find nothing. What was there to find? Warships all around but far out enough that if they sent enough ships they could cut it off and kill them one by one before reinforments, and send tomany, they would just outspeed them and run off. The only option for damagaing the fleet was to go to the systems habitable system. The Tsurani had a plan, that was obvious, the problem was, it did not like it could happen without enough warning to give their fleet time to get out of it.

On the ground, activity was massive. Rifts where opening everywhere, and men poured out. Weather they be elves Illetrians Addalions or Qakukakians they where deployed at their locations. The Forces where from most scans hidden, although none so much as the Addalions. These warriors where camped around the AN Designated Landing zones, Able to fire with seeing them extreamly difficult. The plan would damage, but in the Most Supeiorss, they knew the plan was not to win, it was to cause pain, and respect.

As the battlegroup neared the planet, suddenly from inside the larger vessels issued hundreds of drop pods, and the Cinder Blocks as well began their descent down to the planet, leaving bright yellow and crimson streaks as they made their track through the sky. Meanwhile, the Neodammerungs, after running surface scans, identified the potential landing zones, and began a concerted bombardment of them.

Then it happened, the Tsurani Rift opened on the non planet side of the Fleet, and instead of the Fifty or Twenty ships seen, before, a real fleet came out. A full Hundred and Fifty Craft, with 100 Fighters supporting each one came out and engaged the fleet in "close quater" fighting, which was fighting within formations, less then a few kilomeaters between ships. The ships no longer held back on fire power either, all weapons where brought to bear, not nessersarily on the largest craft, just on the nearest one. The battle was what you could quite easily call brutal.

On the ground things went much better. The Planet haven been evacuated when the first battle had started was mearly now a millitaray strong hold. The forces within the cities brutilly attacked their enemies still under cloak, but they would be quickly taken down. Now the forces had hit the ground the real war had begun. For they where on a planet that had no plains, just mountines, true fun for both sides.

.:ooc:. Twill be continued after some continuity problems are cleared up... byargh

edit: This RP has been discontinued. However, coming soon to a galaxy near you - The Anikar Trilogy! It will be the best RP ev4r and it will be finished! W007