NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: This is just me wrapping up any plotlines I had left unresolved in preperation for my 3 year mark in May. Join in if you wish)

IC:


ANN:

“Good night and welcome to tonight’s edition of ANN. Later on we will discuss such issues as the growing threat of the new mysterious lethal “sex” disease, and how it may be linked to the new supplement drug that has recently gone on the market, designed to replace the third gender’s role.

But first, there have been several updates in the war against the rebel forces, which now occupy about half of the country’s holdings. With us tonight we have Professor Perseus of Cirrus University, Rear Admiral Allon of the 12th fleet, and Dr. Erthen, one of the many head scientists working on the supplement drug”

A viewscreen appeared behind the newscaster, divided into three parts. Both Perseus and Erthen where Atlantians, but Allon was an Anubite, a species created by the government ages ago as part of a successful military project.

“Thank you for joining us tonight” the newscaster said to the three on the screen. They nodded, and thanked him for inviting them.

The newscaster continued, “We are here tonight to discuss the current state of affairs on the civil war currently wracking our country. Tell me, what are all of your opinions on say…the outcome? Who do you think will prevail, the Acendency or the Federation?”

Allon spoke up first, in an aggressive beastly voice that was expected of an annoyed Anubite. “What kind of question is that? Of course we will win this war!”

“I’m not so sure” Perseus replied, “A few months ago I would have agreed with you, as the rebels had only a shipyard in the Sol system. But now the rebels have control over about half of the cluster, and are quickly approaching the capital system in full force”

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“As you can see, the rebel territory has grown exponentially in just a few short months”

“It’s a tactic of ours!” the Anubite growled, “We’ve withdrawn from many of the less populated and unpopulated systems in an effort to protect our real prizes”

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The newscaster stepped in. “So, Rear Admiral Allon, what you are saying is that the Rebel’s current push is just a tactic?”

Allon nodded, his wolf-like fangs bared. “Correct”

“So why did you lose the Tekara system?” asked Perseus.

Allon made a glaring look. “Because…unfortunately that system was too far out of the way of the main cluster of heavily populated systems for us to defend properly at this time. We set up a garrison, but it seems that the defenders where just too incompetent”

“Dr. Erthen, we haven’t heard your opinion yet” said the newscaster, “Please, what do you think of the situation?”

She nodded, and spoke up. “I think tables are currently equal. While the Acendency still holds more of the major systems and worlds, the Federation seems to have better technology at this stage…possibly salvaged from the now-vacant Elarian and Zoir territories, as well as locations of ancient Atlantian technology that only they know about”

“So you think the rebellion has a shot at victory?”

“Yes I do”

Perseus spoke up. “Overall, I think that whoever manages to take the Dopa system will be the one who will gain the upper hand. Not only is it a major system, but it also allows direct access to the capital system, Kora. And unlike the other majorly contested system of Vitar, it is also in the direct path of the Federation’s main power bases; both the Hope Shipyards in Sol, and the Tekara system”

Vega switched off the hologram display, and sat for a few moments in the darkness of his ready room, watching the stars shine out his port window.

The Dopa system would have to fall.

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Achilles switched off the console and rubbed his eyes tiredly. He didn’t have any clue of how to break through both the enemy lines holding both the second planet in the system, and the jump node. The Federation forces might have been laying siege to the planet, but the Acendency forces where in turn sieging the entire system. And the Federation couldn’t afford a defeat here….they where too close.

The nearest fleets where in the Keloda and Gree systems. But the ones in Gree where barely holding their own as it was, and Keloda only had enough to defend the system in case the Acendency decided to push forward.

The Federation was officially boxed in…and there seemed to be no way out.

“You need to get some rest”

Achilles looked up at the console. A small green hologram stood where the now-dark screen was. “How long you been at this anyway?”

“Way too long” he yawned.

The hologram nodded. “Get some rest. I’ll pick it up from here. Besides, the captain needs you fully awake when the battle comes”

“Right…” Achilles nodded sleepily, getting up. Normally he would have resisted, been stubborn…but even those characteristics had shut down from lack of sleep. The security officer of the Olympia slowly walked out of the darkened astrometrics lab.

The hologram, Shara, sat down on the console and began to collect any and all info stored in the ship’s databanks. She sighed.

“We need a miracle”

…

“Anything?” Xol rested his coffee mug down on the dresser as he entered his room. His wife, the communications officer, was sitting on the bed in her pajamas, a laptop in front of her and a coffee mug in her hand as she typed with the other. A screeching sound coming from the computer caused both of them to cover their ears.

“Ah…” Xol gasped, putting his hands down when the sound ended, “A simple ‘no’ would have worked”

“Sorry” Sing shrugged. She grumbled, “I don’t get it…I should be able to break though these incription codes…there has to be something more to it! GAH!” she slammed her fist into the bed.

“Not in a good mood?”

“Oh, I’ll be in a good mood” she replied, keeping her eyes on the screen, “Just give me something to blow up, and I’ll be in a REALLY good mood”

Xol smirked and sat down on the bed next to her. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Yes, actually” she replied, taking her eyes off the computer for the first time since her husband had entered the room. She handed him her empty mug. “You can start by refilling this”

…

Back when she had lived on ancient Atlantis, before she entered stasis upon the conclusion of the Zoir war, she remembered growing up in a constant state of panic. If it wasn’t one enemy on the verge of wiping out her species, it was another.

Then the Zoir came. Ten long years of war, where the Atlantians where unable to gain any tactical advantage or score even a single victory that mattered…and the Zoir continued to close in. So this should have been no different.

Except it was. She had never thought her people would attack each other…the Atlantians where supposed to be one people, one nation. One empire…indivisible. Yet here she was, putting on battle armor and preparing to attack her fellow Atlantians. It was wrong, she knew it…

…but she also knew it was the only way.

…

Oran checked over the medical bay one last time. In a few short hours, this room would be full of mutilated bodies, smoke, and the dead. He could almost see where the sparks would erupt from.

He had been serving as a doctor in the fleet for decades…but he always hated going into a warzone…as he knew that most of his patients would even get to meet him.

…

Choosing to sit in the lounge instead of the busy bridge, Vega found that watching the stars shine in the dark while alone was actually very comforting.

“You just going to sit here all day?” asked a voice. The captain turned around in his chair to see Andromada standing at the other side of the long table.

“Possibly” he replied. She walked around the table and found a chair next to him.

Vega looked at her, “I’m betting you want to get back to your post as senator soon, don’t you?”

She smiled, “Maybe…”

“The only way…” he thought to himself, “The only way”

Admiral Vega slowly made his way to the bridge, not really wanting to reach his destination. For when he did, he would have to give the order for the fleet to push forward. It was a pure death sentence. Not only did they face an enemy fleet of exactly the same size, but defensive platforms, a Citadel class Battlestation, and a secondary fleet that would reach them within a few hours after the battle had begun. And on top of that, his communication officer, Sing, had not yet been able to break through the enemy transmissions.

This was a death sentence. His fleet would be crushed. His only hope was that reinforcements would arrive in time…although he knew the chances of that happening where slim to none.

As the Admiral stepped onto the bridge of the Olympia, he saw everyone in the room turn their attention on him. For a moment, everything was silent—sans the beeping and whirring of the computer systems.

He cleared his throat. “Lt. Commander Xol…” the young navigation officer looked his commander right in the eye. “Take us out”

Xol and Sing looked at Vega, then at each other. Then they both turned around and began to perform their duties.

Vega took a seat n his captain’s chair, fully ready to face the end of his existence. But he wasn’t ready to watch all of his crew…who had served him for ages faithfully, sacrifice their lives as well. But some things couldn’t be helped. This was the Federation’s only chance to take the Dopa system once and for all.

The Olympia began to turn, breaking from its orbit around the moon of Meridian, Druoda. The entire fleet that was backing this ship soon followed it.

“Set a course” Vega ordered, “Allos. Warp 2”

Warp 2 was the fastest any Atlantian ship could hope to go…and that was even if one was outfitted with a warp engine. In other words, only the Federation fleet. The Olympia and the fleet shot forward, seeming to stretch out before vanishing in a flash of bright light in the distance, the signature of a warp drive.

…

“This is it, folks!” Achilles strapped on his battle helmet. It resembled a classical greek helmet in some ways, except teched up. An aqua-colored visor shielded the eyes and provided stats to the wearers. Also, having it built out of Orchalic, it protected the wearer more then a standard metal helmet. “Are you ready soldiers?”

His troops that filled up the rather large armory of the Olympia responded with a definite “YES SIR!” while saluting.

“At ease” he responded. “Save the energy for the enemy….you’ll need it” his tone turned of one from authority to one of calm sympathy, “This is without a doubt one of the toughest battles you will ever face. The chances of any of us coming back is slim to none. And clichés aside…you are the finest soldiers I’ve ever fought with” his eyes rested on Atlantia, the Anubite Goran, as well as several other of the troops he had grown close too.

“ARE YOU READY TO DIE FOR PEACE, SOLDIERS?!”

“SIR, YES SIR!”

Each one raised their rifle, loaded it, put it over their shoulders, put their feet together, put their fist on their chest plate that bore the Atlantian battle flag, and pulled it away to their side. It made Achilles proud, and he let a single tear form in his eye. Each one, weather they where Atlantian, Terran, Elven, or Centaurian, or any of the minor species in the Federation, did it simultaneously; in unison as one unit….perfectly.

Today was a good day to die.

…

By the time the Olympia’s fleet dropped out of warp, the battle had already gone underway. The other two Federation fleets where busy engaging the three Acendency fleets guarding the planet. And as expected, they weren’t fairing too well.

“Have the fleet open fire at will” Vega ordered, as he watched the carnage unfold on-screen. “Then have the Orion, the Anubis, and the Euphrates follow us. We’re going to take the battlestation orbiting this planet and shut down the orbital defenses”

The Olympia was followed by three other ships and surrounded by allied fighters as it traversed the gauntlet, headed straight for the large battlestation in the distance. Shields where up, as was ablative armor. Red Orchalic phasers flew out in all directions, torching anything it touched.

The hologram, Shara, maneuvered the ship while Xol opened fire and Sing kept the lines of communication busy with fleet orders. The first few sparks began to sprinkle across the bridge.

An Elf sitting at the science station, Sath, took in any damage reports coming in from anywhere on the ship as she scanned the enemy ships as well, providing Shara and Xol with weak points. The crew acted as one unit, just as any crew that had been together for decades should have…except they did it better. The Olympia seemed to be almost invincible to attackers, as the crew knew exactly where to block and where to attack. Where to re-enforce the shielding and where to shoot a full barrage of firepower.

At one point, the engines where hit, but that problem was soon rectified. Obviously the chief engineer Thall and his crew where busy at work.

As the Olympia and its group of ships reached the battlestation, the Euphrates; an Exodus class dropship, exploded in a blaze of fire as its hull was decimated by both the station and enemy warships. But now wasn’t the time to mourn.

“It’s time” Vega said, “Have our troops launch…and have the other two ships do the same”

The fleets continued to decimate each other in a hail of phaser and plasma fire that would make even the most bold captain shudder in fear of going in when looking at it from the outside.

Obelisk and Manta fighters flew by in flanks. The heavier Obelisk fighters taking out orbital harpy turrets and larger ships, while flanked and protected by the space superiority fighters that where the Mantas. Three Jaguar class destroyers where ripped apart by a single beam cannon emanating from a Titan Carrier. A wing of Centaurs swooped down and opened fire on the Titan, taking out its defensive abilities and stripping away at its hull. Explosions ripped the remains of the vessel apart as the Centaur cruisers continued on, setting their sights on a group of Pyramid cruisers.

Acting almost like a swarm of fighters, a team of Barracuda scoutships swooped in and cut off the Centaurs, taking out two of them on the first run. One of the Barracudas didn’t pull up fast enough and was obliterated as it collided with one of the damaged Centaurs, causing the larger ship to split in two.

One Leviathan was unlucky enough to stumble into a field of Harpy turrets. It fought back as hard as it could, but eventually the numerous turrets ripped a battleship the size of the Olympia to shreds.

As it was, the Olympia was having enough of its own problems, as it and two Exodus class dropships kept the starbase busy with enemy fire. It was their only hope, to keep the starbase’s interests drawn away from the Scarab shuttles full of soldiers quickly approaching its hull. The shuttles latched onto the hull of the starbase and began to cut a hole in the metal. When that was done, the doors to the shuttle opened up and Federation troops poured into the base.

Atlantia opened up a scanner on her wrist. “We’re currently six decks below where we want to be”

“And where would that be?” asked Goran. He was busy aiming his gun at the surrounding darkness. The base was obviously at red alert, so only a few red lights lit the important areas of the base…the rest where in darkness.

Achilles spoke up as Atlantia continued to scan. “The bridge. It’s the only place we can shut down those damned harpy turrets”

“Or reprogram them” Atlantia noted.

Achilles shrugged, “that too. But for right now, lets just focus on getting to the bridge…our people are getting slaughtered out there. Atlantia, have all groups converge on the bridge and the areas surrounding it”

She nodded and began to transmit the orders via her scanner.

Achilles turned to the rest of his group of about fifteen. “Let’s move”

…

Posidopolis Capital Complex, Cirrus, Kora system

Subspace feed was a beautiful, beautiful thing. It allowed Chronos to view the battle as it unfolded. This was the moment he had been waiting for…the fall of the Federation. They had finally made a fatal mistake, and he would exploit it.

Druoda was now almost completely undefended. It would be a piece of cake taking that moon, while the remaining enemy forces in the system where decimated by orbital platforms. A few minutes ago, he had sent the two fleets guarding the system’s jump node to Druoda. And he didn’t have to worry about any Federation re-enforcements getting in the way. Gree was busy, and there where few forces in Keloda.

Victory was his.

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Achilles kept track of his teams movements as they continued to head towards the starbase’s main control center. The bridge. Eighteen other boarding parties of about fifteen each had docked and where on their way to important locations on the base. Some where headed to the main bridge like they where, while others where heading towards the backup bridge, the armories, and the power core chamber. The plan was to have every major target under their command in less then 30 minutes. So far they had encountered little resistance. Not surprising, they had taken the back routes, where few people where in at the moment due to the situation. That would change once they reached the upper decks. But by that point, it would be too late. Six other groups where heading for the bridge as well….the sheer concentration of troops would overrun anything that attempted to stop them.

…

“FIRE!”

The Olympia soared up across the side of the Citadel class starbase, only a few meters from the hull of the enemy vessel. On each side of it flew the two remaining Exodus class troopships. Wings of fighters surrounded them, struggling to keep up while still fending off enemy fighters and bombers. Several wings of Federation bombers dared to swoop even lower then the Olympia and carpet bombed the hull of the starbase as they approached the “top” of the battlestation.

Turrets popped up out of the sides of the starbase and opened fire on the ships. The Euphrates was knocked aside and collided with the base. Severely damaged and burning, the other Exodus veered off, leaving the Olympia and its fighter escorts to fend for themselves. It wasn’t like troop ships where ment for heavy knife fights anyway…their only job was to send out the troops.

The main battle had reached a climax. The Federation forces had withdrawn from the turret field after taking too many losses there. The Acendency fleet was slowly boxing them in, trapping them for when the remaining two fleets arrived after taking Druoda. However, the Federation forces where not ready to give up. Several heavy weapons had been fired, and there was now a magnetic mine field in the center of the enemy lines.

Atlantian battles where more like large-scale dogfights then regular fleet battles with lasers flying in between large ships. While it was true that the older ships of the fleet where indeed of the classical “armed to the teeth” behemoths that barely moved, the newer ships where built for mobility and speed. So even massive battleships like the Olympia could maneuver fairly well in battle, avoiding such tactics as the Crimmond battering ram. In fact, that was the primary reason.

…

The Acendency fleet quickly approached the moon of Druoda at high impulse speeds. Soon, they would be in position to attack and destroy any remaining defenses that the Federation had left behind.

“We’ve got a single battleship attacking us. Leviathan class”

The bridge of the starbase shook slightly as the Olympia delivered another major hit.

“”What do those fools think they’re playing at?” the commander of the base stood up out of his seat and walked towards the viewscreen, watching the Olympia withstand a bombardment of attacks, while still delivering some major blows. “They honestly don’t think they can WIN against a battlestation alone, do they?”

Another shake. The commander grumbled.

“Have all weapons lock on…destroy them”

“Yes sir”

…

“What the—”. Those where the last words spoken by a random ensign a second before he gained a large hole in his chest.

“FIRE!” Achilles shouted, jumping into the fray first. He unleashed a fury of phaser bullets, cutting though everyone in the hallway. As he did, he continued to run, stopping for nothing. They where on deck two…it was all or nothing now. He kept his finger on the trigger, and opened fire on anything and everything that moved.

Behind him, Atlantia tracked the movements of the other groups. They would reach the bridge first.

The group bypassed the turbolifts and instead took the stairs. By now, alarms where going off. Someone had lived long enough to alert the bridge. Things would not be pleasant when they got there.

They reached the top of the flight of stairs, only to come face to face with a group of soldiers, just like them. Armed almost exactly the same, right down to the same class of rifle. The crossfire began almost immedietly, three of the Federation soldiers being taken out with the opening shots. Four more quickly replaced them, walking over their dying bodies. They returned fire, opening a hole in the enemy lines as they attempted to push though. Two of them died shortly after, replaced by the rest of the group as the Acendency force was overrun. The door to deck one was knocked down, and a hail of gunfire filled the room, created by the Federation forces to keep the Acendency off-guard, as well as to create as many casualties as possible.

“GO! GO!” Achilles shouted, pushing his men forward in a race to the bridge. The door was right in front of them. He kicked it down, and…

…

The door to the bridge imploded on itself and fell over. The commander only had a second to look behind him before a phaser bullet took off his head. The remaining bridge crew pulled out their weapons, although three died before they had a chance to shoot. One didn’t bother pulling out a weapon, he just quickly sent the order for defense forces to reach the bridge in full force. But to his surprise, all other forces where busy with attacks all over the rest of the base. He died shortly after.

“Achilles to Olympia, We have the bridge”

The reply was filled with static. “Good work…now you know your jobs. Get too them”

Achilles nodded, even though Vega couldn’t see him. “Understood. Achilles out” he nodded to Goran and Atlantia, his two top soldiers. They immediately went to work; Goran having himself and two other soldiers guard the exit to the bridge, and Atlantia working to hack into the system. It wouldn’t be that hard…after all, she knew Atlantian systems like the back of her hand.

“I’ve hacked in” she said, while continuing to type, “Initiate AI program” she commanded the computer. A small green male hologram appeared on the console.

“Oh, thank the gods” he said, stretching, “They suppressed my subroutines…keeping most things on manual while they tried to re-program me. Oh…right, name’s Isaac, how can I help?”

“Can you shut off this planet’s turret defenses?” asked Atlantia.

“Or rather, have them fire on Acendency ships?” Achilles intervened.

Isaac nodded, and closed his eyes for a second. “…done. I’ve also taken complete control of the base and set it into a lockdown mode. You guys will have no problem keeping the peace now. At least for the moment”

Achilles nodded, “thanks”

“Least I can do” he replied, “you saved me from getting re-programmed”

…

The tide of battle turned quickly, as the rings of harpy turrets orbiting the planet turned their attention on the Acendency forces and caught them by surprise. As the back of their forces where obliterated, the enemy gained the advantage, and broke though the “box” that had been created, formerly trapping the Federation fleet. One Acendency fleet began to make a retreat to the starbase, only to find that the base had turned on them as well. The other two completely broke rank and began to flee, all the while having heavy casualties inflicted on them as they had been inside the defense ring the entire time.

…

Back at Druoda, a similar fate awaited the two approaching Acendency fleets. While they had anticipated turret defenses, they had failed to anticipate the magnetic mine fields sitting in orbit. Several ships where eliminated right off the bat as they dropped to impulse speeds from warp one. The commander gave the order to fall back and attack from afar while waiting for re-enforcements, when the order to retreat was given by the fleets at Allos. Several sub commanders realized the battle was lost, and called for retreat, knowing full well the Federation forces would be nearing their location soon.

The ranks broke apart, until finally even the head commander gave in and called for his remaining forces to head back through the jump node to re-group his forces and try again.

The Dopa system was in the hands of the rebels…for now.

It had almost been a year since the Shadow Realm had fallen and during that time the Allied Forces have almost filled that power gap that was created during the fall.
However things weren't all that easy, shortly after the fall an old ally probed the defenses of Epsilon Eridain and started what could be described as an unofficial cold war.
Since then the sole jump node that linked Atlantian and Phalanixian space had been under heavy gaurd with no ships entering or exiting it, until now.

"Sir, the scout group is ready," a relatively young major, wearing AE black, said to Admiral who was in charge of the Allied forces in the sector.
"Alright, send the group through," the admiral replied.
The small scout group of one of the surviving assault class super cruisers and a pair of heavily modified Shadow Hawk fighters vanished in a space fold bubble that would let them off in the Trakia system and to what ever lay waiting for them.

OCC: Short sweet, and informative.

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ANN:

“Welcome to ANN, your first and best news source anywhere in the Atlantian star cluster. Several hours ago, at approximately 10:45 hours, the Dopa system, for all intents and purposes, fell to Federation forces. In a particularly ugly and disorganized retreat, the Acendency forces fled the system after Federation forces managed to secure the starbase and Allos planetary defenses in one fell swoop. While some resistance remains on the planet itself and some troops on the starbase, it seems that the Dopa system is now firmly in the grasp of the rebels, opening up the capital system, Kora; for invasion.

That is, unless the injured Acendency fleets return in full force as some have speculated they would. Rumors say the Federation forces took heavy losses in the fight, so they will be unable to continue their march to the capital for some time. We now look to the conclusions of the battles in the Gree and Vitar systems as the next stage of the war”

…

The Trakia system was uninhabitable. The only planet in the system; Bertha; was a class Y, a demon class. The kind of planet almost specifically designed to kill any carbon based lifeform within minutes…if not seconds. The only Atlantian presence in the system was a small mining outpost in orbit, and a heavily shielded mining base on the surface. A small Federation scout force protected it, keeping alert for any Acendency activity, as the enemy was currently contending for control of the nearest system, the Trabe system. The scout force consisted of just two Jaguars and a Centaur class cruiser, as well as a few wings of Manta class fighters. The Federation wanted to keep the Acendency from noticing the Federation’s presence.

While small and out of the way…this was one of the Federation’s more important resources. The planet was rich in both steel and orcialic, both badly needed materials for the war effort. They where just very lucky that the Acendency had not yet discovered the importance of the planet, as very few reinforcements would come to help them….they where for the most part cut off from any other Federation systems.

“Join the fleet…see the galaxy” Alex, captain of the Centaur class, the Intrepid, sighed, “I should have known better then to trust those ads. I should be seeing the galaxy, but nooo….now I’m branded a traitor and am hiding out in a forgotten part of my back yard”

His first officer smiled as the two sat back alone in the ship’s lounge, watching the demon planet turn slowly, its deadly atmosphere looking almost like a rainbow. A small outpost crossed the planet in front of the ship.

“Beautiful, don’t you think?” asked the first officer. Her name was Arkila, his fiancée.

“You keep changing the topic”

“Sorry…I just don’t like to listen to you complain for hours”

“Captain” a voice came through his wrist communicator.

“Go ahead” he replied.

“We have reports of a non-Federation force in the system”

Alex’s and Arkila’s hearts both skipped a beat as they glanced at each other. Alex asked, “Acendency?”

“No…I think Phalanixian…”

The two looked at each other again…what could this mean?

“We’ll be right up, ensign”

…

The Olympia slowly orbited Allos, helping to clean up the mess the battle had caused. The resistance on the planet itself had quickly collapsed…Atlantis was never big on foot soldiers. And in the face of orbital bombardment, the few forces there where quick to change their allegence…and it wasn’t like they really hated the Federation. Many of them had remembered the days of the senate fondly…and where eager for the change.

On the ship, Admiral Vega had called a meeting in the conference lounge.

“So what is the status?”

“Forty percent casualties” Achilles stated simply. “Another thirty percent is damaged. We couldn’t take the Kora system even if we wanted too at this point”

“Not to mention the enemy fleet is probably just regrouping…they’ll be back. Soon” Xol added.

Vega nodded. “We can only hope that the forces in Gee will be victorious soon and reinforce our position. Since this system is a choke point, we can leave the other systems minimally defended”

If only Atlantis still had allies. Zoir and Elara had collapsed, and they had lost contact with Xanthal and LRR. And Phalanix probably wasn’t too happy with them after the Acendency’s stunt...

Fleet Major was a recently added rank, basically it was the rank that some unlucky captain got when the brass wanted them to be sent out and put their necks on the chopping block before a large operation.

Fleet Major Davis was one such unlucky officer tasked with locating a beachhead to begin retaliatory action for the raid that had took place months before. The brass was baying for blood and Davis was tasked on locating where to stab.
"Sir, fold is completed and all three group members are acounted for," the tactical officer called out to Davis.
"Alright, send the two Shadow Hawks out to scan the planets. They have the right to open fire if attacked," he replied as he rubbed his eyes.
"Relax Major, as it stands we can jump out of here and back to the fleet in a mater of minutes," a female voice behind him said.
"I know Commander, I just don't think the forces are ready for a war so soon," he replied before turning his attention back on the fighters advance.

The two fighters, after being given the green light, engaged the afterburners that had been mounted and roared towards the planet sensors rapidly scanning all active objects and transmitting the data back to the super cruiser.

The Xanthalian executive has more than 4,400 military ships to its name, but only 31 vessels consistently on peacetime duty, not including the diplomatic corps' extensive fleet of shuttles. Of these 31, 25 are in constant service as Beyörö Tö Oĭdli Sord ships, members of a Sord Exploration Fleet. BTOS-4317 is one of those ships, and the leader of the Third Sord Exploration Fleet.

“Onsasäzoyli zĕke ĕsti ortöäl, Kĕ Lĕ Zĕ MätŦen-LönHen-MätDĕk-Mät ĕsti voyi.” The synthesized voice sounds out roughly across the compact command center. The admiral considers asking the insectoid to turn its translator volume down, but decides it isn't worth the trouble. Instead, he scrolls down the list of supplies they have onloaded; enough for another four months of pushing outward the already-vast frontier of charted planespace. The job is an exercise in mundanity infrequently broken by the thrill of discovering actual civilization among the predominantly lifeless solar systems scattered across the universe. For an admiral, the job of commanding one of these sorry excuses for a fleet is tantamount to an insult, but Fred Gehärä has learned not to take it personally. The duty may be inglorious, but in these days of peace the Xanthalian military doesn't provide much opportunity for glory either.

“Rodi beyörö teäl sord känsäl,” he instructs from his vantage on the raised platform at the rear of the narrow bridge. At his side, the ship's human commander sits quietly. Flagships such as this one frequently carry aboard them the most junior and ineffectual of commanders, relegated to doing odd jobs with their position on the chain of command pushed to third by the presence of an admiral above the captain. BTOS ships have a high turnover rate. They serve long tours of duty, sometimes more than three years, but because they often double as a proving ground for newly-commissioned officers, promotions and transfers almost always await the returning crew. It is highly unusual for a vessel on BTOS duty to begin a tour with more than a quarter of the staff from its previous mission still onboard. Gehärä, now on his third tour with the fleet, gave up dwelling on the idea of reassignment long ago.

The Karĭn class BTOS-4317 moves smoothly through planespace in space-time fusion with its four fellows, two Bodemeä-type and two Jĕl-type ships. The Karĭn hull design makes the other ships look small by comparison, even though 4317 is a modest 150 meters in length, its largest dimension. The Karĭn is not a pretty ship, but it is solidly built and sports capabilities even full-blown Läböl warships might envy, though its effectiveness in combat is decidedly unimpressive. Of all the starship designs in service for the Republic, it is the newest.

By contrast, the Jĕl is among the oldest. The model has been in service with periodic upgrades for nearly two centuries. The sleek, 60-meter assault ship still packs a punch, while being sufficiently unobtrusive to make it an ideal escort on missions of peace as well as a warrior on the front lines of the battlefield. Because of its compact size, the Jĕl is a needy craft, requiring resupply more than twice as often as the Bodemeä and ten times as often as the Karĭn. As a result, in fleets like this one, the Karĭn frequently transfers a portion of its own consumables and fuel to the other ships, minimizing the fleet's need to rendezvous with dedicated supply vessels that frequently must go far out of their way to meet the excursion.

The Bodemeä design is nearly as old as the Jĕl, specializing in precision scanning and quick retreat, should the need arise. At 80 meters it is slightly bigger than the assault ship, but the double-spearpoint front end attached to a boxy hull makes it even clunkier in appearance than the Karĭn. In fact, the Bodemeä could be called the grandfather of the Karĭn, as it was built for much the same purpose. Though its functionality is limited compared to the newer ship, its superior speed and combat abilities, as well as the fractional price tag, continue to secure the Bodemeä's place in active service. Of course, none of the ships in service now have actually been in operation for a century. The Jĕl and Bodemeä of today are newer versions, improvements on the original design that have been updated as technology advanced. In fact, one of the Bodemeäe with SEF3 is less than a year old, having replaced an obsolete Bodemeä removed from service after the fleet's last tour. The size of the Xanthalian fleet being what it is, the shipyards of the Socialist Republic are kept busy just replacing what the Triumvirate and the Ministry of Transportation decommission.

As the five vessels approach the next sord, they move apart, breaking the large space-time bubble that has encapsulated them, preserving their three-dimensional existence in this two-dimensional universe, into five small bubbles, one around each ship. The fleet forms up in the shape of a Y, with the Jĕle at the front, one after the other, and the Karĭn behind them, the Bodemeäe side by side at the rear. The front ship breaks away and enters normal space for a few seconds before returning to lead the rest of the fleet through. In rapid succession they cross the barrier separating fwäs from dädaäks and a new sord is added to the charts. “KäsŦen-ÄbHen-Ĕl ĕsti zi tö ĕşi pläsĭn zĕkäl,” reports the than.

It is less than a minute before the next report comes in, this time more urgent. “Bomowäs, ĕsti kolsăke rozrn nähĕn; sos äpren gon mĭlmetr. KäsHen-jölDĕk kolsăke ölĭliärk, sönĕs käfäl. Ini rĕte,” an avian humanoid creature calls out from its station opposite the than, using the same type of translator which relays the speech in a more feminine tone. She is obviously alarmed, and the rest of the crew stiffens as well, snapping to attention. Just a few million kilometers from the new arrivals, orbiting the second planet, the warring factions of the Ascendancy and the Federation are out in force. The Third Sord Exploration Fleet has re-discovered Gree. Xanthal, after a four-hundred year absence, has returned to Atlantian space.

OOC: Sorry for the delay guys…it’s been a busy week. I feel guilty >_> Anyway, I only got 39 days to wrap this up, so I’d better get started.

IC:

Alex and Arkila entered the bridge of the Intrepid within seconds of hearing of the news—the lounge was located right behind the bridge.

“Status?” Alex asked, as he sat down in his chair.

“Two fighters are heading in our direction, at high sub-light speeds. A larger ship is sitting back…not doing anything”

“Hmm…” Alex rubbed his chin and looked at his first officer. “What do you think?”

“After the Acendency’s little stunt? I doubt they’re too happy. We’d better go to yellow alert status”

Alex nodded, “Agreed. Ensign, have us, as well as the other two ships and the outpost raise shields”

“Yes sir”

“…well?” asked Arkila.

Alex looked at her, slightly puzzled. “What?”

She made a gesture that ment “Are you really that stupid?”. “Oh, I dunno…maybe…open a channel?”

“Oh…right” Alex looked back at the ensign. “Open a channel to the two approaching fighters”

“Open”

“Attention unidentified Phalanix craft. You are within Federation territory. Please state your business”

…

Gree

The Gree system had three planets. The innermost, Metha, was a class B…a molten hunk of rock. The second planet was Tholia, a class H, desert. Furthest out was the planet Psi, a class C…a dead world. It had one moon, Yathma.

Of the three planets, none of them seemed that habitable. However, Tholia was a heavily populated world, 400 Million people. And surprisingly, a “farm” world. The northern and southern sections of the planet, as well as the areas surrounding the small seas of the planet where able to be terraformed into well-working farms that could make enough even to export to other planets. This was mostly in part due to the fact that massive underground oceans extended everywhere. Overall, a very bizarre planet. By all rights, it should have been a class M world, but due to the fact that most water was below the surface make the ranking an “H”.

Other then that though, Tholia was mostly useless. No major resources to speak of, and therefore, very little industry. So while they had enough food to last, the Acendency was starving the planet in another way…by slowly cutting away at its defenses, knowing full well the Federation defenders could not replace them.

At the moment, there was a good-sized skirmish going on. A convoy full of needed resources and materials had attempted to approach the planet, and the Acendency would not allow it. Thus, both the Federation and the Acendency where battling it out, trying to protect and destroy the convoy, respectively. They where too busy to notice the Xanthalian ships that had just appeared.

…however, ships guarding another part of the planet did. Two Acendency Barracuda scoutships where sent to investigate.

“Attention unidentified spacecraft. State your business”

As the Acendency craft turn towards them, the Xanthalian ships stop dead in space near the sord, leaving open a quick route of excape. Aboard BTOS-4317, Bomowäs Gehärä quickly takes command of the situation, quieting the murmers spreading across the bridge. "Năl mor pläsĭn eäl. Owäri tö wä pläsĭn zĕkeäl dontĕp KäsŦen-ÄbHen-Ĕl ĕnli tĕl. Tĕpärki tö ikri."

A full minute ticks agonizingly by as the Barracudas draw closer. Just as they are upon the fleet, the tactical officer, a xanthalian, pipes up. "Bomowäs! Kolsăke tĕläl vĭzi eză Ătlăntĭsäl; bodemeä Bäräködä!"

Fred rises from his chair, shocked. "Ĕsti?"

"Yĭli!"

"Bomowäs, KäsŦen-ÄbHen-Ĕl owäri pläsĭn eäl zĕkeäl ĕsti Leosĭn Greäl. Lĭbyön Ătlăntĭsäl," the than reports.

"Bomowäs, kolsăke Ătlăntĭsäl ĕsti äkti yönĕke!" the tactical officer calls, distress and urgency evident in his tone. "Wä ärki äkti bögä!"

The storm of reports hit Fred like bullets. He visibly staggers. This is like nothing that has happened to him before. Sure, he's always been aware of the possibility that they might enter a hostile situation in the course of their explorations, it's all a part of his training, but facing down an adversary fully prepared to reduce you and your ship to lifeless shreds in person is something no training can fully prepare you for. A million thoughts race through his head, and for the first time since he joined the fleet more than eight years ago, he stammers while giving an order. "E-Eä. Năl yogo." Gehärä kicks himself mentally. He is an officer, of the Xanthalian military. He's been trained for this; entrusted with a fleet, and with it more than 150 lives. He straightens, acting quickly. To raise shields would aggrivate the situation. To run would mean forfeiting any chance to find out what was happening. There is only one course of action. He decides to trust in level heads among his counterparts. "Sĕnmon Sli, ĭdosi diskön."

The admiral clears his throat, and addresses the Atlantian vessels on an open channel. "I am Admiral Freed Geehara, commanding the Third Sord Exploration Fleet of the Socialist Republic of Xanthal. We are on a peaceful survey mission. Can you confirm your affiliation with the United Federation of Atlantis?"

Kynestia blinked holographic eyes once, twice. Her field sputtered. It flashed. Captain Tom McCay was looking at her oddly, his mouth twisted into a concerned frown just below bristly grey moustache.
"Just a moment, captain," she said anxiously. "I'm having some difficulties. Specifically, I appear to have lost photocohesion for a moment. I'm unable to ascertain why." Her field sputtered again, before suddenly dying.
It was different than going into hibernation mode. She felt as though trapped in a small, steel cage. She'd felt the feeling before, once, before she was loaded into the Pocket Battleship Ides of March's mainframe. She had not left since. She thought for a moment, an unusual and off-putting experience for a being used to instant cognition. Reduced capability, reduced response time. No sensory input. Analyzing.
She was inside her backup CPU unit. All her major functions were now located there. The Ides of March was no longer hers.

Captain McCay raised an eyebrow as Kynestia's holographic image disappeared. That was a new one, even for the unusually creative and idiosyncratic ship's AI to pull. Always an inveterate prankster, that one. He sighed.
"Kynestia? This isn't a good time. I need the logs that command sent for our contact mission." The ship shuddered once, in a way that it never had before. The engines groaned, and McCay immediately forgot about ships' AIs and their various foibles. "Report," he barked.
"We are dropping out of stepspace," the navigator yelped in reply. He was new, just out of the academy and still polishing his ensign's bar. A good kid. McCay turned to the engineer, a barrel shaped man by the name of Griswold.
"What's the status of the engines?" The Lieutenant turned to consult his board.
"We're reading massive power failures all over the engine complex. I have no explanation, sir." The ship reverted to realspace with another groan, this one sounding structural. "We have severe structural torque in the aft quarter of the vessel and are venting atmosphere!" McCay blanched.
"Seal atmospheric retaining doors. Sensors, where the hell are we?" The junior sensor staffer twiddled a few dials and otherwise manipulated the station. "We are in the Dopa system of the Atlantian star cluster. There are five planets insystem, in addition to a great deal of debris and at least a fleet's worth of vessels." McCay swallowed.
"Mr. Griswold, please attempt to repair the ship as best you can. Comm, get me Gurguvii command. We have a situation."

OOC: There’s only three planets in the Dopa system, and three moons.

IC:

Dopa

Within second, the Ides of March[i] was detected by nearby Federation forces. Seeing as how there as only one ship, they sent out a single Oceanus heavy cruiser to investigate.

The [i]Ares approached the Ides of March at high impulse speeds, not bothering to do anything but raise shields. Nothing was known about the ship or affiliation, for all they knew, it was a new class of Acendency warship.

“Attention unidentified craft, you have entered Federation territory. Please state your intentions” the cruiser blurted out on subspace frequencies, as it quickly approached the ship.

…

Gree

The captain of the lead Barracuda smirked at the message the Xanthalian Admiral had sent out. His crew was in hysterics.

“The Federation? HAH! Don’t make me laugh. We speak on behalf of the Acendency of Atlantis, and you have stumbled on a warzone. I shall give you two Terran minutes to turn around and leave this system immediately”

Further away, what remained of the convoy was rapidly trying to outrun the Acendency forces, heading away from the planet, and towards the Xanthalian group. Three Phoenix cargo ships, two Centaurs, a Pyramid cruiser, three wings of Manta fighters, and tailing them was a large group of Acendency ships. Three Pyramids, two Centaurs, several wings of Obelisk fighters, and an Oceanus cruiser.

OOC: I'll advance the actual story tomorrow...

"4910 has identified the opposing force as Atlantian as well, Sir," the communications officer reports, its translator switching to English automatically in response to the Admiral's speech. So that's how it is, Gehärä thinks grimly. This wouldn't bode well with the brass back home. An Old Xanthalian ally rediscovered just in time for the Republic to witness it tearing itself apart. He'd like to get more information, but if this is truly a warzone it is no place for his not-so-intrepid band of cartographers. He waves off his tactical officer as she opens her beak to begin clucking and chirping something about the firefight headed towards them at high speed. Fred doesn't need put into words what is obvious on the tactical display dominating the main viewscreen at the front of the bridge.

As much as he'd like to find more information to bring his superiors, time is something they don't seem to have. Still, they know how to get back here. That information alone is worth protecting. Whatever is going on, it's unlikely they'll be able to work anything out at the moment. They can always return later, hopefully once the fighting has stopped and someone is available that is more willing to talk than shoot. The admiral nods decisively. "I acknowledge your ultimatum and will withdraw this fleet. Please inform the necessary commanders of our contact today and communicate to them our intention to return at a later date. We hope to find this system then at peace, so that a dialogue can be opened between our nations." He presses a button on the arm of his chair and ends the transmission.

The Xanthalian ships don't bother to turn around. They simply fire their reverse thrusters and fly backwards into the sord, disappearing from scanners. The contact is over, but the path has been opened. Xanthal will surely return.

First Lieutenant Tara Sassoon was pretty sure, at that juncture, that they didn't pay her enough. The bridge was staffed by the night watch, some of whom hadn't entirely defeated teenage acne. An unknown attack cruiser was bearing down on them at full speed, shields raised. They couldn't move at all, and there was a full fleet of ships in the nearby vicinity. Accounting at her father's company was starting to sound better than this. And he made textiles.

"Attention unidentified craft. You have entered Federation territory. Please state your intentions." It was, perhaps, not the friendliest greeting that the Ides had ever recieved, but Sassoon much preferred it to a nuclear warhead.

"This is First Lieutenant Tara Sassoon of the GRS Ides of March. We have experienced a catastrophic engine failure, for which we are still trying to ascertain the cause. Our sole objective is to repair our engines and return to Gurguvii space."

***
Gurguvii Fleet Command, High Earth orbit.
Admiral Lord Francis Popham set down his glass of cognac and picked up the report, reflecting for a moment upon what a poor trade it really was. The report bore a large, stamped notice that read 'urgent' below the standard date, time, location headers. He flipped open the first page, tugging out the wrinkles in his uniform with a free hand.
Blah blah blah, trade relations opened with Johor, blah blah blah, dockworkers strike resolved, blah blah, Exploratory Battleship Ides of March disabled in warzone, blah--
That could be bad. He reread the section. The Ides had lost all power to engines while in stepspace, shear forces had severely distorted the refraction drive. The vessel was, for all intents and purposes, disabled and trapped in an unstable region.
Popham picked up the red telephone. He dialled a code, then a number.
"Commodore Whitting, alert task force Alpha-Chi," a woman's voice answered. She sounded rather youthful to command a fifteen ship task force, but the Lord Admiral wasn't one to judge.
"Commodore, the Gurguvii exploratory battleship Ides of March has been disabled in Atlantian space. As you may be aware, this area is currently engaged in a civil war, and I am concerned for the welfare of the ship. Your task force will proceed with all despatch to the Dopa system, whereupon you will do your utmost to retrieve the Ides, while simultaneously not angering the natives overmuch. Further details will be appended to the next communique from command."
"Yes, sir." There was a click on the other end of the phone. Admiral Popham set down the report and picked up the cognac. What a nice tradeoff.

The cruiser slowly began to move forth from it's resting place just moments before the message was recived.
Davis was sitting in the command chair when the ship's AI came to life beside him and spoke "Sir, I have a message from the Atlantian forces. Seems they've changed their national title. Other than that nothing has changed, should I alert the awaiting forces to jump here?"
"No, first we'll complete our mission and that calls for gathering information. Prepare a reply," he said.
Atlantian vessels, we are here in response to major violations of several
key laws within Phalanixian space. The charges are as follow;
assaulting a Phalanix vessel with the intent to cause harm or destruction,
entering Phalnixian space without proper clearance,
Killing several hundred Phalanixian officers,
and finaly attempted theft of PSN and AEN property.
All charges stand and shall only be wavered if you surender, pay reperations,
and submit to the Allied Forces of Phalanix.
Refusal shall result in your demise.
"Now to see what they do next," Davis said to the female commander beside him.

OCC: I'll update the spelling later.

Gree

As the Xanthalian force began to withdrew, the convoy opened up a distress signal, now horribly outnumbered and outgunned as more Acendency vessels joined in on the kill. They desperately tried to reach the Xanthal ships, but they had vanished right before their eyes.

The convoy was completely overrun and obliterated minutes later. Tholia would not be getting any well-needed supplies today.

...

Dopa

The Captain of the Ares looked at his communications officer. She shrugged at him. “Gurguvii” was a new one to them. Possibly a Sol power, it would explain a lot.

The Captain responded. “Do you have any working sublight engines? We have a starbase near here, in-system” He hoped he wasn’t making a mistake. Normally he would have just made them turn around and leave, but since that wasn’t possible…

…

The Olympia, Dopa system

The lounge…the informal one, was much larger then the conference lounge where meetings took place. And at the moment, it was mostly empty…most crewmembers where taking a well-earned rest, leaving just a skeleton crew on shift.

Atlantia was not one of those unlucky people. However, she was unable to sleep. She sat at a small table next to the rather large window, sipping her cup.

“You called me?” asked a voice. Atlantia turned around. There was Andromada. She took a seat next to Atlantia.

“Yes, actually” Atlantia replied.

“…why?” asked Andromada. What business would a mere soldier have with a senator? Sure, Atlantia was unique in the fact that she came from the distant past, but still…

“Well…” Atlantia put her cup down, apparently trying to phrase something as well as she could. “What do you intend to do with the government once we win this war?”

Andromada smirked…she sure was optimistic. “Well…IF we win the war….restore the senate. Hold new elections”

“Do you really think the senate can do its job alone?”

“What?” Andromada gasped. Did she come down here just to be insulted?

Atlantia’s eyes opened widely. “Oh…no, no…I didn’t mean you. But do you remember what led to this war?”

Andromada nodded solemnly. “The gender riots…”

“Genocide” Atlantia said, nodding, “About half of the senate was in on it…and not even you knew”

“So what do you propose?”

“A second branch of the government. A president, or a prime minister…or even maybe…royalty”

“Royalty?”

Atlantia took another sip. “Constitutional Monarchy. A King or Emperor with restricted power…he’d balance out the power of the Senate…hopefully keep it level-headed. And in turn, the Emperor…or Empress, would be kept in check by the senate”

Andromada nodded, seeing how the idea could work. “But how would we go about it? You can’t just “pick” a King”

“Oh, I know…look, there’s plenty of information stored in the databanks about Ancient Atlantis that I’ve been deciphering for you…we’ll figure out something”

…

Atlantian Captial, Posidopolis, Cirrus, Kora System

The Emperor clenched his chest as breathing got harder for a moment. Things got dizzy… He shook his head, trying to make the sensation go away, and prayed that his scientists would find a cure soon.

Damn that senate. Damn that ‘Federation’. They would all soon pay…every last one of them. This was a fate even he wouldn’t wish upon them. And what was worse, because of their incompetence, millions of other Atlantians where suffering from the same fatal illness.

The doctors said he had a month left…that was enough time to seek retribution. He opened a channel to his fleet.

“Admiral Kisinga…are you ready to retake the Dopa system?”

“In a few, sir” came the reply. “The forces have been re-massed, and we’re just going over some last minute checks”

“Remember…I want one of their planets obliterated…preferably the moon Allos”

“Yes sir. The Omega is standing by, with the Morning Star fully charged”

“Excelent”

…

Trakia

“Atlantian vessels, we are here in response to major violations of several
key laws within Phalanixian space. The charges are as follow;
assaulting a Phalanix vessel with the intent to cause harm or destruction,
entering Phalnixian space without proper clearance,
Killing several hundred Phalanixian officers,
and finaly attempted theft of PSN and AEN property.
All charges stand and shall only be wavered if you surender, pay reperations,
and submit to the Allied Forces of Phalanix.
Refusal shall result in your demise.”

“Well…peachy” Arkila muttered.

Alex thought for a minute, then sent a reply.

“We will not apologize for something we did not do”

He looked at one of the other bridge crew. “Have us, as well as the other two vessels power up…everything. Shields, ablative armor, weapons…all of it. Now. Send a distress signal on a secure frequency to other Federation forces.”

He nodded, and began to power up the ship.

“Not a wise move” Arkila sighed, “We can’t possibly fight another war right now”

“Nor can we pay reparations…or surrender. We don’t have the money or extra morale” replied Alex. Arkila nodded solemnly, and prepared for the first vollies.

"Sir, seems they are stating they didn't commit such crimes," the AI spoke, "Most likely trying to put off the blame."
"Still we should give them a chance to explain themselves," the female commander said, obivously out of line and yet not even warned.
Davis sighed, "Fine, give them ten minutes to explain. Also put the fleet on alert to prepare for their jump. God damn brass are loons if they think that we would win a war in our state."

Due to the fact that both our nations have strong historical ties
you shall be given ten minutes to explain. If the explanation is
unsatisfactory you shall be eliminated.

At the same time the message was sent one of the two fighters could be seen making a u-turn back towards the cruiser and vanishing into a green bubble, obivously heading to the invasion fleet.

In Transit, Assault Cruiser Samael's Cannon
Commodore Rachel Whitting of the Grey paced the deck of her ship's bridge. It was good for pacing, with a large foyer set just back and up from the main bridge. It offered a commanding view and a nice railing against which to lean.

Rachel still felt vaguely uncomfortable in the tight jacket of the Navy. It wasn't more than three months since she'd been promoted out of Fighter Command, and traded in her jumpsuit for the blues. Since then, she'd managed not to blow anything up that belonged to Gurguvungunit, a personal record. Perhaps responsibility was wearing off on her.

The ship was in transit, the viewscreen dark. Sensors showed the rest of her task force, fifteen combat vessels in all, tucked in tight below the cruiser's hull. She hated stepspace travel. Nothing for a commanding officer to do but wait and skim over her sitreps. She'd memorized them by now, all four pages, word for word. Flying into a warzone, outcome unclear. One Gurguvii vessel was stranded there, a ship with which Rachel shared a certain amount of personal history with. Spending two years as the Commander of the Air Group aboard any ship would do that to you. So the Commodore waited, and stared out over her bridge. Crew members manned their stations, hands idle as Antigone sailed the ship from the computer core.
Dopa

Sassoon drew her hand across her neck, signalling that audio be cut. The comm officer gave the thumbs-up, and the first lieutenant turned to her engineer.
"Master's Mate Cole, what are our sublight capabilities?" The young woman glanced at the readout board.
"We won't be able to go fast, or far. It'll probably take the better part of a day to reach any starbases insystem." Sassoon nodded curtly, before giving the thumbs up to comm.
"Attention vessel. We have very limited mobility capability at this time. Please allow me a few minutes to alert this vessel's commanding officer. Comm, end transmission." She tapped the intercomm on her chair. "Captain McCay, please report to the bridge immediately."

McCay was still buttoning his uniform as he arrived on deck, a cup of coffee clutched in one veined hand. The Cub Scouts were still on duty, he thought darkly as he surveyed each station's occupant.
"Lieutenant Sasson, if you would explain the situation." He smiled wryly. "The brief version, if you please." She layed it out as best she could while McCay sat down in his centre chair. When she had finished, McCay turned to the comm officer. "Get me a link to that ship." He pointed at the viewscreen, trusting that his message would get across.
"Channel open." McCay swivelled his chair back to face front.
"My name is Captain Thomas McCay. Before we engage in any sort of docking proceedure, I require to know the nationality of your vessel. Further--" The comm officer cut him off.
"Sir, incoming message from command, text only." McCay frowned and called up the orders, skimming.
"Vessel, be advised that there are fifteen Gurguvii military vessels inbound. They are here for the sole purpose of retrieving us. We thank you for your offer, but I think we'll sit tight for now."

Dopa

The communications officer cut her end of the transmission so she could talk freely.

“Fifteen? Ok, one’s bad enough…but fifteen well-armed and fully ready ships? I don’t like this”

“Neither do I, Lt…but it looks as if we have no choice…we’ve got to “play nice”, in fear of invoking another war”

She re-opened the transmission on her end, and the captain spoke up, in a very uneasy tone. “…understood”

Suddenly, alarms went off.

‘Sir…there are reports of a massive Acendency force jumping in…heading at full impulse speeds for Allos. We’re getting an order…stay where we are”

“Face off alone against fifteen warships?”

“…yep”

“Peachy…just…peachy” The captain sighed…hopefully this WOULDN’T result in another war.

…

Trakia

“Due to the fact that both our nations have strong historical ties
you shall be given ten minutes to explain. If the explanation is
unsatisfactory you shall be eliminated.”

“Peachy…just…peachy” Alex sighed.

“Attention Phalanix vessel…Atlantis is currently in a civil war. Acendency vs. Federation. Several months ago, Acendency forces probed your system…and where quickly confronted by yours, Crimmond, and other Atlantian forces.

We are the Federation, the other faction in the war. We urge you to STAND DOWN. We know you are no more able to support another war then we are. I repeat, STAND DOWN”

Arkila looked at Alex like he was crazy.

“Calling their bluff” he mouthed to her, so the Phalanixians couldn’t hear. He only wished he could be as confident has he was pretending to be. He also hoped that this WOULDN'T kill him.

The Vitar System

On the Edge of the System, realty tore itself Asunder. As the tear in the fabric of the Universe occured, a ship slipped through the fissure, long craft, almost intricate design adorned it, and it looked like a Cathedral had been set into the back of it. This craft was the Redemption, An Imperial Endurance Class Light Cruiser. As it was thrown into reality, the Warp Closed behind it, space returned to normal, the ship just hung there.

On the Bridge, the Captain was seething, looking at the Navigator before him, who was veiwing space through the third eye on his forhead. The Navigator was a tall thin man...almost anorexic, withered limbs hung. The Navigator was called...Tor'Shun. Captain Arilain Marcu watched the creature through hazel eyes. On his body hung the uniform of the Imperial Navy Captain. When he spoke, it was rather darkly, anger directed at the Navigator.

"How did you get us lost" he said darkly, looking at the Navigator.

"An Unpredicted Warp Current Captain" the Navigator said smoothly, not looking upwards. "We are, at present, stuck here, the warp is acting quite furiously in this area...I can only just see the Astronomican...I can't Navigate in these conditions...we are going to have to wait here for some time..."

"Emperor's Mercy..." the captain said as the Holo-Plate coming to life, showing the system...alive with ships. "Lets hope their friendly."

"I guess that would explain the noted annomalies during that battle," Davis muttered, "Alert the fleet of the new change."
"Major, I'll take care of this, you arrange what will come through next," the female Commander said, "Prepare a message."

This is Commander Slater of the Allied Forces,
Due to this "revelation" we may be on the same side
of this conflict. As a result we are willing to offer our
assistance, however there is a catch. Any battles
we take part in and any planets, bases, or systems we
capture shall be controlled by Phalanix. As well after the
war, we would like access to your shipyards to repair
several heavily damaged vessels during the attack on us
as well as any of the vessels damaged in the war.

Back on the opposite side of the jump node
The single Shadow Hawk defolded and sent a single data burst to one of the larger vessels around the node.
"Sir! Data indicates Atlantis is in civil war. Slater has sent terms to the forces they encountered for our participation," a young fleet officer said as she turned to an older man in PSN grey.
"Thank you, alert the fleet to prepare for fold operation. I want the heavy assault ships to jump first then troop ships second. We're moving out first," the man said.
Outside the beastly vessel was enveloped in a sickly green fold bubble before blinking out of existence, minutes later the slightly smaller ships began to vanish in their own fold bubbles until only the heavy defense ships were left watching the node.

Back in the Trakia system
Both the Phalanix cruiser and the Atlantian forces would pick up the massive spikes in gamma radiation. The spikes started to dissipate when the first beastly ship, the ASN Infernal Sky. She was the exact same PSN ship that had entered into the battle zone during the Atlantian attack. Due to her history as a CnC ship she was easily the one to be used to head this operation.
At that point several split second data bursts were sent between the cruiser and the Infernal Sky before the beastly destroyer sent out a message.
Anyone order allied assistance with a side of ass kicking?
Typical Phalanixian humor.

Dopa
The Samael's Cannon dropped out of hyperspace with a familiar sigh of its engines. From the bridge, Rachel was greeted with a strange sight. Two vessels, one clearly Guguvii, the other an unknown desgin, faced off in space. The Gurguvii ship, the Ides--had suffered severe torque damage from an uncontrolled stepspace transfer.

And beyond that were two fleets of similar design, rocketting towards each other in battle formation. In this situation, she didn't really want to give anyone the excuse to start shooting.
"Lieutenant Troy, hail the unidentified vessel." The third lieutenant hit a series of keys before flashing her the thumbs-up.
"Unidentified vessel, I am Commodore Rachel Whitting of the Gurguvii Task Force Alpha Chi. We have arrived to tow the Ides of March out of this sector of space. Permission to engage tractor beams."

OOC:

http://s2.invisionfree.com/The_FKC/index.php?showtopic=472&view=getnewpost
If anyone wanted to see pics or stats of my ships.

IC:

“This is Commander Slater of the Allied Forces,
Due to this "revelation" we may be on the same side
of this conflict. As a result we are willing to offer our
assistance, however there is a catch. Any battles
we take part in and any planets, bases, or systems we
capture shall be controlled by Phalanix. As well after the
war, we would like access to your shipyards to repair
several heavily damaged vessels during the attack on us
as well as any of the vessels damaged in the war.”

There was silence for a full thirty seconds. Then, something completely unheard of happened….the Atlantians turned on the visual. 90% of the time, Atlantians would only have audio transmission going, unless they felt it was either necessary, or with a good ally. The Phalanixians would see two Atlantians, one male and one female, standing side by side. As all Atlantians where, they had silver hair and tanned skin, and where in full Atlantian battle armor, sans helmet. Both of them had dead serious expressions. The male spoke.

“I’m afraid I can’t agree with that, Commander Slater. You see…while we may be in a civil war…we still can’t allow that kind of invasion to take place. You may use our shipyards, but…”

Two Oceanus cruisers jumped in, guarded by six wings of Manta Fighters and three wings of Obelisk Fighters. The only re-enforcements that could come at this time. They where already fully powered up and ready for battle…they would be in range soon.

“…well, let’s just say anything you intend to take; you will have to pry it from our cold dead fingers. And by that, I mean EVERYONE’S cold, dead fingers. Federation, Acendency, civilian. Tell me commander…are you ready to go to war with six billion people?”

Both of them knew they didn’t have a chance in Hades of winning this particular engagement. But that wasn’t going to change a thing. The entire thing was being recorded, and sent to the Federation fleet in Dopa. From there, every world in Federation space would see it. And from there, the Acendency would know of it. The Federation would make sure of that.

…

Vitar

The Vitar system was made up of six planets. The first three where uninhabitable chunks of rock. The fourth planet was a Federation controlled class O island planet with 200 Million people. The fifth planet was a gas giant with three moons, and the 6th was Acendency controlled. An ice planet with 100 million people.

The two sides had been at a standoff for months…nothing much other then small skirmishes now and then.

Upon noticing a foreign intrusion in the system, both the Acendency and the Federation sent out light patrols. The Acendency sent out three small Barracuda scoutships, while the Federation sent out two Centaur cruisers. The Barracudas reached their destination first, as they had been closer.

“Attention unidentified vessel, you have entered restricted territory. Please state your business”

…

Dopa

A large blue, wormhole like structure opened at the edge of the system, and an Acendency fleet of about three hundred vessels poured through…including a ten kilometer monstrosity known simply as the Omega. They would reach Druoda within a few minutes, where the remains of the Federation fleet would make a desperate stand. There where going to be no tricks this time…it was simply all or nothing. Especially if the Omega was going to unleash the Morning Star on the moon below.

And a few minutes later, the bloodshed began.

…

“ Commodore Rachel Whitting…this is Commander Thor of the Ares. I would suggest getting your people out of here by whatever means as quickly as possible…unless you want to witness something beyond horrible”

"Captain...the ships are asking questions..." one of the crew...Adiatus said. Arilais listened...swearing at the fact he had to use the Vox...damn the Unelightinged not being able to use his Emperor's Astropaths, communication became very hard.

+++Vox Transmission+++

To the Origin of this message,

I am Captain Arilais Marcu of the Redemption, a Vessel in his Most Belevolent God Emperor Of Man's Imperial Navy. We are the bringers of his will. We have become lost on our travels...and have lost our bearing.

We demand to know our location, so we may leave and return to our Emperor's Most Holy realm.

+++VOX ENDS+++

The Admiralty
The Lords Admiral were seated around an oblong table, resplendent in full ceremonial dress. At the head of the table sat Prime Minister Leionidas Farragut, while at the foot sat the Lord High Admiral, David Graham. All of them were fixated upon a grainy hologram, the real time data recording from the bridge of the Samael's Cannon.

... getting your people out of here by whatever means as quickly as possible…unless you want to witness something beyond horrible.”

The Lords Admiral watched, deadpan, as Commodore Whitting acknowledged and locked a tractor beam on the Ides of March. The Prime Minister fidgeted in his seat, tapping a pen against his forefinger. He flipped open an intelligence report titled Atlantian Civil War, read the first few sentences, and then shut it. He looked up gravely.
"High Admiral Graham," he said. "I hereby order you to marshall the First Fleet. I need them prepared to jump ASAP. Signal the alert squadrons. They are to proceed with all despatch to the Dopa system, where they will engage the Ascendency battle fleet." In the stunned silence, he tapped a sequence of keys into the holocomm.
"Commodore Whitting," he said into the pickup. "This is Prime Minister Farragut. Discontinue rescue operations and proceed immediately to support the Federation Fleet. You are to subordinate your command to the ranking Federation officer and engage the Ascendency vessels at his command."
The room was silent for a moment, before everyone started yelling. The prime minister sat in silence.
Dopa
Rachel gulped. She stood up. She looked around.
"Sound general quarters. Launch alert fighters. Lieutenant Troy, get me fleetwide."
"General quarters aye,"
"Launch alert fighters, aye,"
"Fleetwide transmission open."
"All hands, this is Commodore Rachel Whitting. We are transmitting updated orders from the Prime Minister. Discontinue rescue operations and prepare to engage the enemy."
Dreadnaught Shiva's Heel, flagship, 1st Fleet.
Vice Admiral Christian Valence was asleep. He rather liked sleep, it was an escape from all of his problems. He was dreaming about his wife, when they were both young and beautiful. It looked like their honeymoon. Somewhere sunny, with lots of mixed drinks and soft sheets. She was laughing about something, the light was very strange. They were--
Oh, god. The alarm. Damn the alarm. He woke up. Damn it to hell.
That wasn't the alarm. It was the all hands call.
What the hell?
He rolled out of bed and picked a uniform out of his closet. Clean, just as he insisted upon. He started to dress. The snaps took forever, the gilt fastens on his coat longer still. Now the hat. Gloves.
He surveyed himself in the mirror. Now that was how an admiral of the fleet should look.
Out the door, into the corridor. Up the 'lift, onto the bridge.
"Admiral on deck!" Indeed. Admiral on deck.
"Give me a cup of coffee." The Flag Captain looked at him oddly.
"Sir, we've been ordered to move out as soon as the ships are formed." Valence frowned.
"I asked for a cup of coffee, captain. Not a situation report." The captain nodded.
"Lieutenant Amerce," he said stiffly. "Find a cup of coffee for the admiral." Much better.
"Now then, Captain Hiberne, a situation report, if you please."
"Sir, we are required to muster the fleet and proceed at full speed to the Dopa system, where we will engage the fleet of the Atlantian Ascendency. We will be backed by vessels of the Atlantian Federation, as well as several task forces of Gurguvungunit. I must remind you sir, the battle is already underway. If our vessels and those of the Federation are not to be destroyed, we must act with the utmost urgency." Valence fumed. Urgency? Urgency served nothing. To be urgent was to be disordered, and battles were not won by disorder. The fleet must arrive en echelon, by formation and arrayed for a crushing blow that would smash the enemy to pieces.
"Captain, we will proceed by my timetable, and mine alone. Signal the fleet to recall their crews, and form in line ahead on the Shiva's Heel. I intend to strike only when we are prepared, and not before, captain. Not before!"

Sven kneeled before the ancient onyx sword which was eight feet long and three feet heigh; his Elarian armor gleaming in the warm rays of sunlight shining through the small windows of the ivory tower. Sven began to whisper a faint sentence which would barely be audible if anyone was there to listen...his hand outreached to touch the glowing blue writing on the blade of the massive sword, first writing in the Elarian tongue, then runes of an ancient language long gone.

"Gods, give me guidance..."

His sentence cut short by footsteps of an Imperial Guard.

"Forgive me Regent.." the Imperial Guard bows deeply; his eyes closed. "..there is a man, private Trader, he has urgent news m'lord."

"Take me to him..." Sven says standing to his feet; he turns and takes a deep breath of the sweet aroma flowing in with the breeze from the flowered fields and the nearby lush green forests.

+---+---+---+---+

The thin Elarian Trader looks around nervously as he fidgets with his hat. The Throne Room of the Imperial Palace was a place that few had the honor to see; along the walls were the eight banners of the eight noble houses of Elara lit by the flickering light of the lined torches.

Sven entered the great Hall through a door near the silver and ivory throne; brushing his crimson and ebon cloak back he sat and motioned for the man to come forward. The man eased forward shaking slightly, his every footstep followed closely by an footsteps of the two Imperial Guards which followed him, closely watching his movements with stoic stares.

"I am told you have come with urgent news, Trader; so speak."

The Elarian Trader's voice shook a bit as he began to speak.. "Your Highness, I am Anar of Ultulla, I deal in fine gems and precious minerals and have several mining facilities throughout the Empire." "You see Lord Regent I was hoping to establish some more trade partners and bring a bit of wealth back to the Empire, and, since we share a Space Border and diplomatic ties, abeit old ties, with the Atlantians then they would perhaps be a good race to open trade negotiations with." "But, m'lord when my ship left warp and entered Atlantian space we entered right in the middle of a great battle, Atlantians were fighting Atlantians sire and the wreckage of many a'ship and dead body did float eerily around creating a graveyard in the vast cold darkness of space." "We hurriedly went back into warp when we saw a few vessels turn and begin to come our way...I came directly here m'lord."

Sven's face grew serious and concerned as he pondered the words of Anar. "You have done a great service to the Empire my friend, and you shall be rewarded, please wait in my Counsel Chambers...I shall be with you shortly."

"As you wish my liege..." The thin man bows and then takes a sigh of relief as he exits the room.

An hour later..

Sven's armored hand touches the lit console infront of him...his father had warned him of times like this and Sven knew the secure channels to reach the Olympia. The beeping console suddenly grew silent as Sven entered the last of the code...

...Verifying...Verified...Recording Encrypted Transmission..

"Greetings Brothers and Sisters of Atlantis. I am Sven, Lord Regent of Elara, formerly Prince. I have recently recieved word that war rages across Atlantian Space, this news troubles me and I grow ever worried of our old friends; friends who once helped my father in his times of need, Vega, Andromada and the other Senators. I grow even more worried about the security of Elara's borders, I request that we may be informed of the situation, so that we may act accordingly to Elara's best interests. Gods be with you all." ...End Encrypted Transmission...

Slater smiled before turning on her own view screen, the two Atlantians would see a young woman (easily in her late twenties) wearing black scared combat armour.
“Good, we can discuss the true terms latter but that was simply a test. One to see if you truly were worth the effort of committing what little we still have to you,” she said with a sly smile on her face, “Now if possible an uplink with the current leader or leaders of the Federation forces would be very nice so we may arrange what our forces are needed for.”

As she finished several more ships began to defold behind the Infernal Sky, only adding more of an emphasis on how ready the Allied Forces were ready to get revenge.


OCC: sorry for the short little thing and the delay.

Vitar

The captain of the lead Barracuda mumbled to himself, “What in the Hades is a “Most Belevolent God Emperor Of Man”?” It sounded like bullshit of the highest order.

He replied to the message.

“Attention Captain of the Redemption. You have managed to stumble into Atlantian space claimed by the Ascendancy…and even more amazing, you have managed to stumble into a—” he was cut off by the alarms going off and the bridge shaking.

“Sir, we are under attack. Two Federation Centaur cruisers have just dropped out of warp and have opened fire”

“Thank you ensign” the captain replied, as the ship shook again. “I would have never known” the ensign quietly went back to his console.

“Take us about, charge weapons, fire on my order. These rebel scum want a fight? We’ll give them a fight”

…

Trakia

Alex still had that serious expression, but was just about ready to sigh with relief.

“I’ll send you the correct channel now”

…

Dopa

Thor stood stunned as this new fleet of fifteen ships discontinued their operations and began to head further into the system in a battle formation. Did…did he just NOT say something about “beyond horrible”?

He shook his head, trying to shake off a growing migraine. “Open a channel to the Olympia…inform them of the situation”

“Sir…I can’t. The line is busy”

As if things weren’t bad enough. What could be going on that would have Admiral Vega having a chat while his ship was being fired on from all sides?

“Well then…take us in”

“yes sir”

…

The Leviathan class battleship Olympia soared through the maze of vessels…most of them smaller then it. However, there was one that dwarfed even a Leviathan class. The Omega sat dead ahead, taking fire from all sides, and not even budging from its position.

On the bridge of the Olympia, that monstrosity took up a good portion of the view screen.

Shara, the ship’s AI , stood in between tactical and navigation; Xol and Sing respectfully. “Sir…we’re getting a message…” she said, “…from Elarian space. And they’re using a secure transmission”

Andromeda and Vega both glanced at each other.

“We’ll take it to my ready room, Shara” Vega said, getting up and nodding at Andromeda. “Atlantia, you have the bridge”

Atlantia nodded and got into Vega’s seat. “Yes sir!”

…

Vega’s ready room was small, only a chair, desk, and a bit of walking space, as well as another seat across from the desk. A small window showed what was happening in the battle. Shara’s hologram appeared on the desk, as the computer opened up. Vega and Andromeda expected to see Roland’s face, but they instead saw another.

"Greetings Brothers and Sisters of Atlantis. I am Sven, Lord Regent of Elara, formerly Prince. I have recently recieved word that war rages across Atlantian Space, this news troubles me and I grow ever worried of our old friends; friends who once helped my father in his times of need, Vega, Andromada and the other Senators. I grow even more worried about the security of Elara's borders, I request that we may be informed of the situation, so that we may act accordingly to Elara's best interests. Gods be with you all."

The ship shook as another hit glanced off the shields. From the sound of it, it was a major blast.

“What happened to Roland?” Andromeda asked. Vega shook his head.

“No clue. Shara, send a return transmission”

“Channel open”

“Attention Lord Regent Sven of Elara, this is head Admiral Vega of the Federation forces. Nice to see an old face. The rumors are true…there is indeed a civil war. As we speak, our ship is engaging in battle, so I am afraid our transmission will have to be short. After the battle I would be happy in chatting with—”

There was a bright flash of light out the window. As both Vega and Andromeda looked on, Sven would be able to see a massive 10 km long vessel firing a beam at the planet below.

“Oh my gods…” Andromeda gasped, “Oh my gods!”

A white shockwave seemed to expand from the point of impact, sweeping away clouds and such, signaling the removal of the world’s ozone. A second beam fired, surrounding the first, and the planet seemed to blossom into a blaze of fire.

The Morning Star, a weapon that should never have been used…had been invoked. Druoda’s ozone had been stripped away, and then bathed in a horrific amount of multiple types of radiation. Simple…yet deadly. Emperor Chronos’s revenge for the biological horror that had been inflicted upon his people by the Federation council had been enacted. Poetic justice.

And now…over 200 million Atlantians, Centaurs, Elves, and Merfolk...maybe even a few Terrans or Zoir...would be dead within the hour, if they weren’t already. Vega turned off the message to Sven, so he wouldn't have to see anymore.

“Sir” Shara spoke up, “We’re getting too more messages…one from the Ares, which was supposed to oversee a ship that had landed in this system…and a transmission from the Trakia system”

“Sir” It was Sing’s voice. “The Omega is moving off, as well as the Ascendancy fleet…and I think they’re heading for the planet Allos”

There was silence, except for the hits the Olympia was reciving.

“I’ll be right there ensign. Andromeda, be a senator…take my phone messages”

“Why don’t you?”

“If I don’t get to the bridge, there won’t be any phone messages to take”

Andromeda nodded, knowing when not to enact her political powers. Vega rushed out of the room, leaving Andromeda to the messages. First up was the one from the Trakia system…with a Phalanixian signature. She took a second to make sure she looked alright, and opened up communications.

“This is Senator Andromeda of the Atlantian Federation. How may I help you?”

"Thank you, you won't regret this," Slater replied with a smile before killing the video link, letting her speak without the worry of it being transmitted.
"God damned idiots have a stick rammed to far up their collective asses," she swore under her breath.
"Ma'am, new signal in bound," the AI said to her, "Routing it through to the main screen."
Slater sighed and hid her disgust with her false smile (although it was imposible to tell from a real one.)
"This is Senator Andromeda of the Atlantian Federation. How may I help you?”
"This is Fleet commander Jessica Slater of the Allied Forces of Phalanix," she started, "Please forgive the lack of formalities but in the situation your people seem to be in time is a very important thing. We're here to offer our assistance."

Prime Minister Farragut stood before the full Parliament of Gurguvungunit and was yelled at. Apoplectic old men and women stood in their seats, shaking their fists and threatening a vote of no-confidence. Farragut was silent behind the podium that depicted the sigil of the Gurguvii Exectuive branch. After about twenty minutes the yelling died down, and he took a deep breath. He let the pent up anger and frustration within him die, before opening his eyes and addressing the Parliament.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," he said gravely. "At zero-six hundred hours on the morning of April Ninth, 2006, I ordered the emergency deployment of the Gurguvii First Fleet to Atlantian space. I ordered all alert units to proceed at best speed to the Dopa system, and directed assets within the system to engage the Ascendency forces in the area." He paused for a moment, took a steadying sip of water from the glass provided, and then continued.
"Up until now, Gurguvii policy has been to remain neutral in the conflict. Pime Minister Vardaman went so far as to issue a Ministerial edict that Gurguvii Forces would not intervene in the Atlantian Civil War unless attacked.
"It is the position of this administration that we cannot allow such a war to continue. As of a few hours ago, both sides have utilized weapons capable of destroying planets. The dead are in the hundreds of millions. If this war is allowed to continue, there will be billions more.
"The Atlantian Federation is led by a senate-in-exile. It seeks the return of political power to the people. The time has come to choose sides, and the Interstellar Republic cannot, in good conscience, support the ruling Atlantian Ascendency, a dictatorship in all but name.
"I know that many among you are shocked by my actions this morning. I acted, I believe, in the best interests of the people of the Interstellar Republic of Gurguvungunit and the United Federation of Atlantis. An Ascendency fleet entered the Dopa system this morning and engaged the Federation fleet stationed there. The Federation faces certain defeat if the First Fleet does not intervene. It is my sincere hope that the might, resovle and ingenuity of the great people of the Interstellar Republic can tip the balance in favour of the Federation." Farragut paused once again, and took another deep, steadying breath.
"The Gurguvii people have long stood for the cause of freedom in our land. It is time that we took on the responsibility of great nations in the Galaxy today. We must fight for freedom, wherever it is threatened. We must never rest, never tire. We must never waver from our goal. In the name of freedom, we must fight. In the name of the millions of Atlantians already dead, we must win. For the sake of human dignity, I hereby request that the Parliament of Gurguvungunit declare war on the Atlantian Ascendency."
Dead silence.
Dopa, Samael's Cannon
"Get me the captain of the Antares," Rachel snapped, tense. She was standing up now, prowling on the foyer behind her command chair. Tension made her uneasy, snappish. This wasn't flying. Calm down. Can't make a tactical decision on a whim.
"Channel open," Lieutenant Troy said. Rachel took a deep breath.
"Commander Thor," she said, willing herself still. "I have been ordered by higher authority to assist in the defence of the Dopa System. I will require orders from a senior officer in the Federation military. Who can I contact?" She fingered the small hip flask that she kept on her belt. Everyone on the bridge knew about it, nobody commented. The reassuring slosh of liquid. Later, she told herself.

"Captain...we recived a partial message..." Adiatus said...looking up. "Cut off half way thought...and Emperors Mercy...the ships are fighting..." The Captain looked at the Holo-Plate before him...worried...

"They own this System then?" he said...looking at the slate.

"Thats what the message said...and their occupation seems to support this fact." Adiatus said, nodding.

"So that would make the others attackers," he said...considering it. "Right, move the ship into combat, fire Forward torpedos and Weapon batteries at the new ones to arrive."

"Yes Captain" the bridge roared as the ship began to speed up...moving into action. The ship moved forward, and from the armoured prow, Two Torpedos let loose, one heading for each of the ships. Along side this...the Forward Gun Batteries let loose in a barrage of Fire.

+++VOX Transmission+++

To the Acendancy,

You seem to be suffering a slight problem...and you say you have claimed this system. I here by am commiting us to assist you for this battle, afterwards you hopefully will supply us with the Infomation we need to know our location...and if possible, help us get into contact with the Imperium Proper.

+++END Transmission+++

OOC: Gurguvungunit, my nation title is “United Federation of Atlantis”. “Atlantian Outcasts” was a name for a direction I ended up not going in for my country years ago…and unfortunately, we can’t change names.

IC:

Posidopolis, Cirrus, Kora system

Chronos sat in his chair as he watched Druoda die at the hands of the Morning Star. A fan of Terran classical music, he had “Ode to the Queen” playing as the devastation unfold on screen. His fingers danced to the music.

Revenge was sweet.

…

Dopa

Another hit. This one caused some damage to the Olympia, hitting a weakened part of the shield and glancing off the ablative armor. Vega stepped onto the bridge, and gave an order.

“Have all available ships launch boarding parties”

“Sir?” Achilles asked, standing up. However, another shake sent him back down.

“We’re going to take the Omega, BEFORE it reaches Allos. Get your men together, Lt.”

Achilles nodded, getting back up, “Yes sir”

“Get us closer to the Omega…have the entire fleet follow it…I don’t want them escaping to Allos”

“Yes sir”

…

The Ares

"Commander Thor, I have been ordered by higher authority to assist in the defence of the Dopa System. I will require orders from a senior officer in the Federation military. Who can I contact?"

The captain of the Ares responded, “The Olympia is the flagship of the Federation and currently the headquarters for the remaining senate members. However, it is currently busy with other transmissions. You might have to wait a few minutes”

…

The Olympia

"This is Fleet commander Jessica Slater of the Allied Forces of Phalanix. Please forgive the lack of formalities but in the situation your people seem to be in time is a very important thing. We're here to offer our assistance."

Andromeda nodded, understanding. “Thank you for your gracious offer, Commander, and we would be very thankful for such help” her smile faded, “Just curious though…what is in it for you?”

…

Vitar

+++VOX Transmission+++

To the Acendancy,

You seem to be suffering a slight problem...and you say you have claimed this system. I here by am commiting us to assist you for this battle, afterwards you hopefully will supply us with the Infomation we need to know our location...and if possible, help us get into contact with the Imperium Proper.

+++END Transmission+++

The Captain of the lead Barracuda, Commander Irrilus, was pleased. Not about the holes being punched in his hull of course, but that he had an ally…at least for the minute.

”Understood. We shall supply you with a map and charts as soon as this um…misunderstanding is dealt with”

The Centaurs where only light cruisers themselves. Three scoutships they might have been able to deal with, but three scoutships and an alien light cruiser? Now they had some odds stacked against them. The torpedoes each made direct hits. As they where disposable weapons and not energy-based, they passed right through the shields and hit the Ablative armor underneath. The three scoutships all targeted on one of the Centaurs.

However, that didn’t mean the Centaurs where defenseless. Both of them opened fire with red Orcalic beam cannons and plasma bursts. One of the beams sliced through one of the scoutships, ripping it apart. The other two moved around behind the other Centaur and continued to attack. All the while, the Centaurs where being rained fire on by the Redemption.

Shots smashed into the Redemtpion, shaking it slightly. As the Holo-Plate zoomed, showing him the scene much finer detail. He looked down...the Enginseer was connect to the ship, his eyes now a readout of the Target Matrix. Arilais became slightly worried...one of those Acendancy ships was taken out with ease. With little effort, he took a Target, the Enginseer Responding...and BOTH Torpedos aimed for the craft that had just been struck by the Three Scouts, as well as another barrage from the Forward Batteries.

Meanwhile, Arilias watched the other ship, and as his ship approched, he hoped it would take to the side of his ship, where He would unleash a full Broadside. He waited for the mistake...that it would hopefully make to avoid the Torpedo Fire.

Dopa, Samael's Cannon
Rachel ground her teeth together at the Atlantian's reply. On the viewer, the fleets were tearing into each other and the planet was slowly darkening. Ships burned in low orbit, and devastating salvoes of weapons fire lanced into Ascendency and Federation ships alike.

"Forgive me, commander," she said into the comm pickup, "but to me it seems as though you need all the help you can get. Transmit the IFF codes of each fleet to my ships, unless you want us to go in shooting at whoever is nearby." With a swift jab of the thumb, she killed the transmission. "Major Taillebourg," she snapped to the commander of the Cannon's air group. "Launch recovery vessels to tow the Ides of March out of the battle." She turned to glare at the screen, still focussed on the battle outside.

Dreadnaught Shiva's Heel, Flagship, First Fleet
Captain David Augustus Ignatius Hiberne found himself standing outside of the Admiral's door at 0300 on the morning of the twelfth. It had been seven hours since the prime minister had given the order to mobilize. Had Valence not insisted on formation, three whole task forces would already be in transit. As it stood, more than half the fleet was waiting for twenty three vessels to recall their crew from shore leave.
Hiberne hit the call button.
No answer. He hit it again.
Still no answer. He pressed his thumb down on it for a full three seconds, eliciting a string of little beeping noises and curses from inside.
"Dammit, man, come in," Vice Admiral Christian Valence bellowed. The door slid open.

The admiral was in his bedclothes, sleepy eyed and irate.
"Captain," he said icily. "What is the meaning of this intrusion." Hiberne set his teeth.
"Sir, I feel compelled to remind you that the prime minister's orders were to proceed with all speed to the Dopa system. We are already hours late. The fleets will have engaged. By the time we get there, the battle will be decided and we will have had no part in it. On that basis, I submit that we are in violation of our orders for not having deployed sections of the fleet." Valence yawned titanically.
"Yes, captain," he said thickly. "Yes, I'm sure you're right. Please carry on." Hiberne raised an eyebrow.
"Sir, are you listening?" The admiral shuffled off to his closet, opened the door and stumped inside.
"Not really, David," he replied. "You see, I am an admiral, and you are a captain. I do not have to listen to you. You, on the other hand, must listen to me. Now run along and micromanage someone else, would you?" Hiberne opened his mouth again.
"Sir, I--" Valence cut him off.
"Dismissed, captain."
Dopa system, Ides of March
Captain Tom McCay smiled to himself slowly upon hearing the comm chatter between Commodore Whitting and the hapless Federation commander. Rachel had been his CAG for two years, and in that time had caused more property damage, been locked up for disorderly conduct more times, and broken other pilots' bones more often than any of the greenest recruits out of flight school. Imagining her as overall commander of the Gurguvii vessels in the Dopa system was... amusing, at least.
"Lieutenant Griswold, what is the status of our impellor ring?" The large man was covered with grease, burns and small lacerations of his hands. The skin around his eyes had that grey tinge that exhaustion leaves.
"We have minimal thrusters, nothing more, captain. We're not going anywhere until we get some dockyard time, sir." McCay nodded tersely. He'd just have to sit this one out.

“Thank you for your gracious offer, Commander, and we would be very thankful for such help” her smile faded, “Just curious though…what is in it for you?”
Slater's smile also started to fade when she spoke, "Revenge. They came in and slaughtered hundreds of helpless officers who did nothing to them. This is our way of ensuring that those who fell during that attack are avenged and their deaths were not in vain." By now her fist was clenched in rage, "If we have to we'll jump through every god damned system and find those bastards who aranged for that attack. Now if you'll please, tell us where to move."


OCC: Please forgive the shoddy post and long delay, I was caught up with my theory IT exam and my new computer.

OOC: I'll be away starting Friday the 14th for a week long vactation (yes!). Feel free to go ahead, so long as someone (AO) plays my characters for me. (Speaking of which, AO, you have a telegram. From me. About this.

OOC: Bleh...I hate using other people's characters...I never feel comfortable playing them, I just don't know enough about them. How they think, what makes them tick... But *shrug* the show must go on... So, I guess I will.

And about "go on"...um...tonight. I'm giving Elara some time to catch up...if he hasn't replied by tonight, I'll go on ahead.

OOC: Okay, I'm leaving. AO is now playing all Gurguvii forces in the Dopa System, plus any that he brings in. Be back on the 23rd!

OOC: Ok, here's the deal. Some things have happened with my classes (as we get closer to finals) including two tests this week, and a 6 page term paper who's first complete draft is due this Monday. At this point, I'm just gonna wait for Gurguvungunit to return, and post (hopefully) sometime Monday night...if I'm not too exusted.

I apologize for the delay.

OOC:
Well, I'm back. So whenever y'all are ready.

OCC: Then let's do this. -tapps his foot-

Ooc: Ao?

OOC: Excuse the LOOOOOONG absence, and the crappy post. But…well…. You’ll have to wait another week or so until I can make a BIG post (aka, when the semester ends) and finally advance the plot.

Vitar

As Arilias predicted, the second Centaur ship moved to the side of the Redemption and opened fire with all cannons. The first one continued to be pummeled, the torpedoes flying right through its shields and slamming into its ablative armor. Not that the armor was doing much protection at this point, seeing as how torpedoes where continually being slammed into it. An explosion ripped across the side of its hull.

Dopa

Thor sighed, and sent the IFF codes in resignation.

“Gods speed”

He turned to his navigational officer. “Lt…turn us about. We’re going in”

...

Andromeda sent a map to Slater, showing all major contested systems, the nearest one being the Vitar system.

"Have fun"

Dopa, Samael's Cannon
"IFF codes recieved, commodore," the kid at comm barked. "Transmitting to all stations." Rachel grinned, teeth and all. It'd probably be an interesting day.

"All hands, to your stations," she said to the bridge crew. "Prepare for combat. Tactical, target the nearest Ascendency formation." She took a deep breath, and prepared to give the order that every fleet commander in Gurguvii history had given upon the commencement of the battle. "Captain Ullerman," she said to the Cannon's commanding officer. "Fight the ship." She stood up from the command chair and motioned to her staff. "Join me in the Strategic Planning Centre." She made her way to the turbolift.

The Strateigic Planning Centre is standard on all Gurguvii heavy cruisers, battlecruisers and battleships. It serves as a command centre for a flag officer in overall command of the battle. To Rachel's eyes, it was small, dark and cramped; hardly the spacious, brushed-metal of the Combat Information Centre on purpose-built flagships. That being said, it was home for the forseeable future. She unbuttoned the first four clasps on her uniform coat and stood hunched over the situation readout.

It was big, confusing and three-dimentional. Red, yellow and blue dots representing ships shifted like schools of fish in the holographic projection. More red was pouring in from spinward every second, the dots crowding the northwestern hemisphere of the readout. The southeast was mostly held by yellow Federation vessels, while a small formation of blue-- the Gurguvii task force-- dove headlong into the flash point near the equator. Look deeper.

Two yellow dots were being savaged by an Ascendency carrier. The readout listed them as a battlecruiser and a destroyer by the Federation standard. Southeast of that, a pair of small ships-- probably armed freighters-- seemed to be forming for a counter-attack. It opened into a gap in the Federation fleet. If exploited...
Don't think, act.

"Vector 77-Alpha 3. Two Federation vessels under attack. Have the fleet converge on that point. Destroyers are to lead, other vessels to catch up as they can. Launch all fighters." She stopped herself from giving orders to the squad leaders as well. Coming up through the fighter corps had a tendancy to leave flag officers with the habit of calling vector, target and fleet disposition, as a wing leader might.

"Acknowledged, Commodore." That was Faretti, a bright kid. He'd gotten the message.

OOC: So are we... giving up, then?

OOC: Yeah...screw it. I lost my insperation, and I still got finals next week. At this point, the war wouldn't be over by my 3rd NS birthday; the others gave up I'm guessing...and Elara's about to be deated again....basicly killing the 2 on 2 war plans I had for this summer. And you know what? Civil Wars take too much effort.

Bleh.

*Atlantis returns to its state of isolationism*