NationStates Jolt Archive


Coram Populo [OPEN - FT/Modern/Fantasy]

Ma-tek
08-01-2006, 03:01
Near Iluvauromeni-claimed Space, Earth Orbit

The warship lumbered into position slowly. Actually, technically speaking, all fifteen did. The fifteen Fear hulls were not, in fact, Fear-class vessels - the hull design was to a degree modular, so these were far cheaper vessels that were thoroughly unprotected on their own. Energy expense was thus far, far, far lower.

Since they were uncrewed, they were significantly cheaper still. The Iluvauromeni were getting better at cutting costs.

Still, seven eXon space superiority interceptors floated around the warships serenely, weapons down but sensors very much active. Crewed or not, the debris caused by an idiot thinking to make cash from worthless junk would be expensive to clear up.

And the 4 Stellar Squadron was still not over the horizon, so it mattered little. This was a higher orbit, not yet fixed because the objects being deployed had no engines. Instead, they would be allowed to drift, with maneuvering shunts arriving every few hours on their own orbital paths to correct with minor taps here or there.

The objects being maneuvered by unseen means by the 'warships' appear to be large struts and several large spheres.

The whole operation is very lengthy indeed. Very dull.

* * *

Commander Alixi Dejure sighed softly. Her uncle was a very esteemed man, and, as such, she got all the shit work.

That, at least, was her opinion. "White Liar, nobody is going to shoot at us here. Nobody at all."

White Liar was her wingman.

"Yahsmam." Lix wasn't really listening enough to hear it properly. Either that or the sound filters were playing up again - she filtered them. The perfluorocarbon gunk that filled the cockpit tasted funny, too. Like old potatoes.

White Liar was not a talkative sort. Alixi, however, was. Liquid environment or not.

"Well, yeah."

But there wasn't much to say.

Lix brooded on, silently... for about five minutes, at least.

* * *

Hours pass. Days. The 4 Squadron rises and falls and rises and falls above the horizon, repeatedly, along with various other passing features in the orbital landscape. Some are fixed and some do not remain long, but there is always the variety here, in Earth orbit. You can see almost any type of ship go by, on a clear day with no hostiles.

Unfortunately Earth space is not notorious for it's stability. Several pirate assaults are beaten off when the morons flying the pirate vessels don't think before engaging - the 4 Squadron gains some kills, and everybody (except the pirates) goes home happy (who don't go home at all).

In the end, however, the structure takes form. And then the orbital defense systems arrive; small drones, big drones, drones the size of your car. They all hug close to the station - point defense.

Finally another sphere arrives, this one seemingly filled with atmosphere and plants. A dome at the top, transparent, it would appear, with a metallic sheen covering the rest.

Clearly, this is a station taking shape.

[OOC: Anyone can feel free to enquire what they're up to, of course.

OOCly I can tell ye that this is the beginning of something a little bit more special than usual. At least, for those of you who are into MU*ing...]
Ma-tek
08-01-2006, 03:07
Arishya Island, South Atlantic Ocean

Meanwhile, in more mundane surroundings, a thousand labourers... well, laboured.

The unclaimed island was unimportant until it was claimed. Arishya was at the mouth of the Bay of Turath, fifteen miles wide but deeply rooted. Arishya was the heart of a chain, containing seven islands. It used to be eight, but one had been destroyed by the Commonality Space Force for unknown reasons just months prior.

This one, however, was completely safe. Mostly because it didn't have any rebels on it.

Arishya, however, was one of two viable anchor sites in the Commonality. That made it endlessly useful. The other was less so, since it wasn't really politically inside the Commonality.

Arishya wasn't, either, but it had been previously unclaimed. Now the Commonality flew a 'flag of neutrality' here - providing security and services. Not that anyone was actually allowed on the island yet - only... certain persons.

Soon the invitations would go out. But not yet.

First there was much work to be done.

Much to bring together.
Ma-tek
14-05-2006, 03:58
[OOC: Though long silent, I still have plans for a MUX based in the NS universe. Hosting is now sorted, for free. Yayzor. If anyone is interested, please telegram me or post ICly here. Thanks! :)]
Ma-tek
14-05-2006, 04:29
Arishya

Rumours about Iluvauromeni efforts towards building a socket at Mount Tumnore apparently diverted the international community well, allowing Nenya, Elf, Tharash, and Human hands to craft something magnificent on the little island of Arishya.

The fortress-like socket building itself, completed several months ago, looks nigh-on impregnable...

A squat, apparently black-marble building, surrounded by trees. The trees look as if they grew around the building - or perhaps the building grew up amongst them, gently pushing them to the side. The ground is amazingly unmarred, too - the island, on the whole, could easily be untouched.

But it isn't.

Soft red roads weave through idyllic forestry.

There were no predators of any kind on Arishya; that was why it was selected. Nor, of course, did it have any biting insects; the climate was not humid enough for those little beasties, here.

Not since Iluvauromeni tampering, at any rate. The ecosystem was now planned, rather than wild; but it looked wild. It could have been wild.

No doubt the Elves played their part in that.

Human hands have built great walled buildings, monuments to the ingenuity of Mankind; Tharash hands have built their domed Hunting Centres, with their aristocratic and wise Keepers; the Elves encourage things to grow, and the Nenyar aid them in all that brings life.

The thousand souls on Arishya now are The Guardians, those who helped build and now remain behind to protect and maintain. The land grows lush. The sea crashes against sands it has met for year upon year.

And the island waits on those far away, toiling to prepare the asteroid which will bring the cable.