NationStates Jolt Archive

<OPEN TITAN YUTLINK>

TITAN REGION GROWS THANKS TO RING

The number of sovereign nations in Titan increased dramatically since the artificial Ring habitat's completion. Tahar Joblis and Northwall established colonies in different ring sections, and The Black colonized Rhea, sharing it with the Triumvirate member state Zero-One and the friendly nation of Ben Land. The Incorporated States of Nexus Industries recently relocated to the Ring, and is now firmly established.

Reports are that the Triumvirate member nation Scolopendra is currently in negotiations with another country to come to the Saturnian System, corroborated by the reactivation of Scolopendra's colony ship fleets.

TRIUMVIRATE OF YUT ANNOUNCES FLEET EXPANSION

Earlier today, the Triumvirate of Yut Combined Military Command announced that construction of a new fleet was to commence soon. An unnamed government official said it would be "comparable in size" to the First Titan Expeditionary Force currently stationed at Earth. The intended fleet composition and its mission is still highly classified.

<CLOSE TITAN YUTLINK>

Any word yet on whether or not we'll get that colony on Iapetus?

Steward of Eniqcir

Berserker says: "Yes, but keep it to a low population growth. Don't be surprised if we're just a little paranoid."

Transmission from the Regent's office to The Valhalla:

The Federation of the Guardis Imperica would like very much to colonize Titan, or one of Saturn's other moons. So long as it gets us off earth, we're happy, because, frankly, this place is starting to piss me off.

I'm well aware of the fact that we have no diplomatic ties, but hell, you've got to start somewhere.

Thankyaverymuch. 'Twill begin as soon as possible. Population will be kept minimal, just enough to keep the machinery running. And don't forget about our other colony projects.

Steward of Eniqcir

Well, we have a great deal of space on the Ring. We would wish to know more about your country before we allow it to colonize, however.

Advisor Speaker-to-Animals
International Relations Section
Federation of Scolopendra

Like what?

Also, we're kind of wary about this 'ring' idea. We'd prefer to actually have some kind of ground... you know.. like, maybe a little water somewhere, some vegetation, that kind of thing.

Didst thou forget this?

Around Saturn and Jupiter, we plan more colonies on Callisto (OOC: wait, is that already filled up? Nah, can't be, it's too big.), Iapetus, Enceladus, Dione, Helene, Epimetheus, Prometheus, Pandora, and, tentatively, S/2000 S 7, S/2000 S 8, and S/2000 S 9. These will be primarily mining colonies, but some of them may be scrapped if external factors (read: foriegn diplomats) make them more trouble than they're worth.

Around Uranus, we plan colonies on Caliban, Sycorax, Desdemona, Cressida, Setebos, Miranda, and Ariel. The same conditions apply to these. We were also going to launch our own terraforming mission to Venus. The guys in GenEn have been working on it for quite a while.

I'd think that someone who helped construct the Ring would be allowed to colonize it fairly easily, but we really don't have interest in it anyway. Just the natural bodies.

Around Saturn and Jupiter, we plan more colonies on Callisto (OOC: wait, is that already filled up? Nah, can't be, it's too big.), Iapetus, Enceladus, Dione, Helene, Epimetheus, Prometheus, Pandora, and, tentatively, S/2000 S 7, S/2000 S 8, and S/2000 S 9. These will be primarily mining colonies, but some of them may be scrapped if external factors (read: foriegn diplomats) make them more trouble than they're worth.

Iapetus: Cannot mine, according to Bers, "to the point where it isn't there any more."
Enceladus: Taken, by Suunto.
Dione: Taken, by Suunto.
Helene, Epimetheus, Prometheus, Pandora, and S/#: We can probably let you, as we have no interest, but you have to join the Triumvirate of Yut first... and as you seem to be having trouble with the Gurlanai, we really don't want to get into that right now. If it ever gets resolved, tell us.

We will allow very limited mining, but on a corporate sharing system (i.e. the same way that oil companies can build rigs in other nations' seas).

--Kommetrez

<OPEN TITAN YUTLINK>

COLONIZATION RUMORS CONFIRMED

At 0330 Saturnian System Standard Time (S3T), the Scolopendran colony ship fleet returned to the Ring, depositing several hypothermic hibernation pallets. They then left and now seem to be ferrying millions in hibernation from Earth.

When Yutlink reporters arrived on-scene, we met up with several Scolopendran Civilian Defense Corps engineers working on reviving the occupants. Citizen Major Swift, commander of the Third CDC Engineers Battalion, said "We are in the process of helping the Free Land of Lizbeth settle in. With the Corvette Patrol Squadron making sure the colony ships get through all right, we wanted to keep their transfer under wraps until we could ensure that their core population was settled."

When asking why hibernation was used in a fourteen-day trip, Citizen Major Swift replied: "Lizbeth wanted to be transferred as quickly as possible, and if they're in hypohiber, they can pack 'em in."

We have not been able to contact the Lizbethian government, which still appears to be recoalescing after the journey. Those who could be reached for contact seem very grateful to the Triumvirate of Yut for allowing them to enter space and avoid some sort of strife back on Earth.

<CLOSE TITAN YUTLINK>

Iapetus: Cannot mine, according to Bers, "to the point where it isn't there any more."
Enceladus: Taken, by Suunto.
Dione: Taken, by Suunto.
Helene, Epimetheus, Prometheus, Pandora, and S/#: We can probably let you, as we have no interest, but you have to join the Triumvirate of Yut first... and as you seem to be having trouble with the Gurlanai, we really don't want to get into that right now. If it ever gets resolved, tell us.

We will allow very limited mining, but on a corporate sharing system (i.e. the same way that oil companies can build rigs in other nations' seas).


This is acceptable. Last I checked, you only said that Tethys was off-limits, but I'm sure something can be worked out. You were there first, and we will honor your regulations.

Steward of Eniqcir

What would be required to participate in this space colonization? While we lack the resources to begin our own space project, we'd be willing to send scientists and other personel along on missions, if permitted.

Sorry, the other listings was on the map we posted earlier. Suunto does most of our heavy mining.

Still, Steward, it is good to work with you. Feel free to mine any of the numbered Saturnian satellites, such as S/whatever. Just remember to share with any Titan miners in the area.

Supreme Emperor Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

Thank you for your cooperation. I hope our relations can become more close, once the extrasolar threat is reduced. If it can be worked into the schedule, our first Phoenix-class ship should be deployed soon to begin setting up the mining colonies. It may seem strange to use a warship for such a purpose, but it's the only thing large enough. I'll have to name it first, though. I've been putting that off for a while...

Lord Inbhailígh Crzleídzí, Steward of Eniqcir

Like what?

Also, we're kind of wary about this 'ring' idea. We'd prefer to actually have some kind of ground... you know.. like, maybe a little water somewhere, some vegetation, that kind of thing.
The Ring is a completely terraformed environment complete with open bodies of water and vegitation. Hmmm... imagine a channel a hundred kilometers deep and a thousand kilometers wide. You make this channel into a eight million kilometer diameter ring with the open top of the channel towards the planet. You spin the channel for gravity, and then fill it in with air. You can then terraform the surface with a few meters of topsoil and bedrock to get a surface akin to an inhabitable planet.

That's what the Ring habitat is. We obviously haven't terraformed the entire thing yet, but we still have large expanses just waiting for colonization.

I hope that helps avoid misunderstanding.

Advisor Al Rijil
Science Section
Federation of Scolopendra

What would be required to participate in this space colonization? While we lack the resources to begin our own space project, we'd be willing to send scientists and other personel along on missions, if permitted.
Umm... just ask, really. Given your history, I'm sure we'd love to have you. Do you want support to start a colony or move your current nation?

Supreme Emperor Alshai "Bob" Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

{EOTED Tightbeam Microwave Transmission No. 44922}

{To: World Ring Admin, Cetagenda central government, Scolopendra central government}

{From: IDF Space Agency}

{Date: ERROR, NOT INCLUDED}

{Encryption Keycode: 'MagicCrater'}

{Message Follows}

We are interested in setting up a colony in Titan space. Would there be any chance of the Titan nations constructing a 'braking device' of some kind out that way, so that our MI ships can... get there without fear of being slung out of the solar system by their velocity? We have no 'brakes', you understand.

And in light of the invasion... certain people feel we should move quickly, in case it becomes a requirement to preserve our culture in a hurry, as it were.

~ Commissioner Si Deval

{End Message}

TIGHTBEAM MICROWAVE TRANSMISSION
OMEGA PRIORITY
MAGICCRATER ENCRYPTION
TRIUMVIRATE OF YUT => MA-TEK

MESSAGE RECIEVED <stop> FEEL FREE TO COLONIZE <stop> EVER HEAR OF CONSTANT ACCELERATION <stop> ACCELERATE HALF THE WAY TURN AROUND THEN DECELERATE AS YOU APPROACH DESTINATION <stop> IF ALL ELSE FAILS WE CAN PROBABLY GET YOU SOME GRAVITIC DRIVES <stop> BRING CORE POPULATION <stop> WE HAVE YOUR BACK <stop>

TRANSMISSION TERMINATED

We'd be interested in colonization; our nation is quite happy in its current location. However, as mentioned, economic factors are in the way of developing a space program beyond hobby model rocket launches.

(Doggone it, why can't I ever get my economy better than "Reasonable"? Usually hovering around 'Imploded', at that. I guess that's the price for peace and education.)

To the nation of Maryu:

We can deploy a fleet of colony ships when we have completed transporting Lizbeth. How does (OOC: the completely unimaginative number of) five million sound?

Supreme Emperor Alshai "Bob" Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

{EOTED Tightbeam Microwave Transmission No. 44927}

{To: World Ring Admin, Cetagenda central government, Scolopendra central government}

{From: IDF Space Agency}

{Date: ERROR, NOT INCLUDED}

{Encryption Keycode: 'MagicCrater'}

{Message Follows}

Unfortunatley, our ships are incapable of deploying any 'thrust' - although that is an erroneous term, you understand - outside of the Earths magnetic field. Our ships depend on their MI cores for acceleration; we do not have chemical rocket technology, save the kind used on our old areospace fighters. Gravitic drives? Our technicians, unfortunatley, believe that that technology is fifty years away at best - which is why we spent so much on honing our MI technology in the past few years. Our idea was this: some form of collider, perhaps, designed to interact with the MI core as the ship passed; the active MI fields would 'catch' on the collider-field, and allow the ship to cease momentum. Of course, if you want to give us gravitic drive technology, we certainly shan't say no...

~ Commissioner Si Deval

{End Message}

[OOC: Probably best that I never have gravdrives, actually. Couple it with MI tech and you have gravships that can move at just about any speed they want, in any direction they want.]

[OOC: Probably best that I never have gravdrives, actually. Couple it with MI tech and you have gravships that can move at just about any speed they want, in any direction they want.]
(OOC: Shhh! Who says you need MI to do that? *looks around nervously*)

TIGHTBEAM MICROWAVE TRANSMISSION
OMEGA PRIORITY
MAGICCRATER ENCRYPTION
TRIUMVIRATE OF YUT => MA-TEK

WE SHALL LOAN YOU THE GRAVITIC DRIVES <stop> OUR TECHS CAN OPERATE THEM FOR YOU <stop> TOUCHING THEM IS ILL ADVISED <stop> HOW MANY DO YOU NEED <stop>

TRANSMISSION TERMINATED

{EOTED Tightbeam Microwave Transmission No. 44927}

{To: Triumvirate of Yut}

{From: IDF Space Agency}

{Date: ERROR, NOT INCLUDED}

{Encryption Keycode: 'MagicCrater'}

{Message Follows}

Well, we would need to re-equip one of our hulls-in-dock, in preperation for the drive. The total mass of the 'hull' (laden) is several million metric tons (we build light, always have) - would one drive suffice?

~ Commissioner Si Deval

{End Message}

[OOC: Heh. Good thing you're loaning em, too. I'd have asked for three if you gave em to me, and put one on the /Vanguard/.]

TIGHTBEAM MICROWAVE TRANSMISSION
OMEGA PRIORITY
MAGICCRATER ENCRYPTION
TRIUMVIRATE OF YUT => MA-TEK

A CARGO LOKI WILL ARRIVE SOON FROM VALHALLA WITH THE GOODS <stop> MAKE SURE IT STAYS SAFE <stop> ETA IS [date] AT OH FOUR THIRTY HOURS <stop> WE WILL INSTALL <stop> UPDATING THE BERSERKER COLONY FLEET CAN WAIT <stop>

TRANSMISSION TERMINATED

{EOTED Tightbeam Microwave Transmission No. 45001}

{To: Triumvirate of Yut}

{From: IDF Space Agency}

{Date: ERROR, NOT INCLUDED}

{Encryption Keycode: 'MagicCrater'}

{Message Follows}

Excellent. Ma-Nenya is 'safe' for an orbital insertion - as safe as it can be, considering the current state of affairs, at any rate. We can provide air cover, if required.

~ Commissioner Si Deval

{End Message}

The Nation of Khenala would like to inform our enternal allies, the Scolpendrans of our immense interest in this project. We humbly request more information.

Crader turns to his officer at the colony on Ganymede:

"Titan is our ally, yes?"

"I would say so. They've done nothing to prove otherwise."

"True, but advise them to boost ours too..."

"That'll take a months years at the least, sir. We have the ships from the downsizing, but we just need more men to fly them."

Crader grins. "We should build larger ships. The ones we have are getting behind, and they're basically clones of eachother anyway. Propose it, willya?"

"I'll send it to them tonight, sir."

The Nation of Khenala would like to inform our enternal allies, the Scolpendrans of our immense interest in this project. We humbly request more information.
What exactly would you like more information on, dear friends? The concept of the Ring habitat was explained earlier, and there is little to say about the Free Land of Lizbeth, as we are not yet at liberty to divulge all information about it. The new fleet is, as said, currently classified (OOC: because I have no idea what it will be at the moment).

Still, we are glad to explain.

Supreme Emperor Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

The Federation of Mishakal (which consists of Io, two orbital space colonies in Io Orbit, three underconstruction colonies on Europa, and the planets Abydos and Argos) request colonies on Mimas and Hyperion if that is possible.

The Federation of Mishakal (which consists of Io, two orbital space colonies in Io Orbit, three underconstruction colonies on Europa, and the planets Abydos and Argos) request colonies on Mimas and Hyperion if that is possible.
Sorry, those are taken right now by Triumvirate of Yut members and will not open up anytime ever.

Supreme Emperor Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

The Federation of Mishakal (which consists of Io, two orbital space colonies in Io Orbit, three underconstruction colonies on Europa, and the planets Abydos and Argos) request colonies on Mimas and Hyperion if that is possible.
Sorry, those are taken right now by Triumvirate of Yut members and will not open up anytime ever.

Supreme Emperor Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

Then what is open?

The Nation of Khenala would like to inform our enternal allies, the Scolpendrans of our immense interest in this project. We humbly request more information.
What exactly would you like more information on, dear friends? The concept of the Ring habitat was explained earlier, and there is little to say about the Free Land of Lizbeth, as we are not yet at liberty to divulge all information about it. The new fleet is, as said, currently classified (OOC: because I have no idea what it will be at the moment).

Still, we are glad to explain.

Supreme Emperor Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

We will speak further under private diplomatic channels in regards to this matter.

The Federation of Mishakal (which consists of Io, two orbital space colonies in Io Orbit, three underconstruction colonies on Europa, and the planets Abydos and Argos) request colonies on Mimas and Hyperion if that is possible.
Sorry, those are taken right now by Triumvirate of Yut members and will not open up anytime ever.

Supreme Emperor Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

Then what is open?
For you, nothing.

--Kommetrez

The Federation of Mishakal (which consists of Io, two orbital space colonies in Io Orbit, three underconstruction colonies on Europa, and the planets Abydos and Argos) request colonies on Mimas and Hyperion if that is possible.
Sorry, those are taken right now by Triumvirate of Yut members and will not open up anytime ever.

Supreme Emperor Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

Then what is open?
For you, nothing.

--Kommetrez

Asshole!

war! war!

go to war!

We are making preparations for our first colonization crew at this time. More news shall come as it develops.

What moon are we headed to, by the way?

<There are these people claiming that they have terraformed a great amount of space to make it habitable>
<Realy? Great>
<I at this time must object to any contact with this planet, it is too risky. We can complete our own terraformation on our own without their help>
<But we could regain so much knowledge from these people>
<We cannot trust these people. They do not share our ideals and are still racialy immature>
<{explicit image}>

<There are these people claiming that they have terraformed a great amount of space to make it habitable>
<Realy? Great>
<I at this time must object to any contact with this planet, it is too risky. We can complete our own terraformation on our own without their help>
<But we could regain so much knowledge from these people>
<We cannot trust these people. They do not share our ideals and are still racialy immature>
<{explicit image}>

???
Ummm, you've got the wrong people for being racialy immature.
We're open to pretty much any ideal out there (as long as there is no genicide involved, or threats towards us. )

Then what is open?
For you, nothing.

--Kommetrez

Asshole!

For the record, Kommetrez' picture is going up on the Renate von Saucken's locker-room door.

war! war!

go to war!
Um... no.

--Kommetrez

(OOC: Remember, I have Mishakal set to "diplomatic shun" anyway...)

For the record, Kommetrez' picture is going up on the Renate von Saucken's locker-room door.
Um... thanks, I guess.

--Kommetrez

*bump*, and I get drowned out by the random gibberish (well, some of it is) again :P

{Public Diplomatic Transmission}
x Lord Gregor Vetinari (Emperor, Cetagandan Empire)
o Alshai "Bob" Kommetrez (Supreme Emperor, Federation of Scolopendra)

Emperor Kommetrez, I'm interested in learning exactly what sort of obligations having a presence on the Ring would entail.

We are making preparations for our first colonization crew at this time. More news shall come as it develops.

What moon are we headed to, by the way?
Habitats on the Ring would be the best bet, although we would also be willing to grant mining rights to various rocky moons as we have to Enciqir.

Supreme Emperor Alshai "Bob" Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

{Public Diplomatic Transmission}
x Lord Gregor Vetinari (Emperor, Cetagandan Empire)
o Alshai "Bob" Kommetrez (Supreme Emperor, Federation of Scolopendra)

Emperor Kommetrez, I'm interested in learning exactly what sort of obligations having a presence on the Ring would entail.
(OOC: Aren't you lucky? I just typed up the rules of the Triumvirate.)

Emperor Vetinari, any colony you place would be under your jurisdiction except, of course, we would have to maintain security around it in Saturnian Space. It may have a home-grown military, but it can never at any time exceed ten percent of either numbers or funding of the Triumvirate of Yut military.

If the colony has an identifiably independent government it may apply for Triumvirate of Yut membership, at which point it is granted all the rights and responsibilities therein.

If the motherland wants to join the Triumvirate, like Menelmacar, that's perfectly acceptable as well.

(OOC: Enciqir's colonies, because they aren't independent (have their own NS country), aren't eligible for Yut membership, but places like TJ Colony, Northwall Colony 1 are eligible because they have a local government nominally independent of the motherland in local affairs.)

Supreme Emperor Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

(OOC: And here's the charter:
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=283002#283002
)

[edit to add charter URL and realign Tulkas's status]

(OOC: I think I'm going to assume the initial 'five million' to include all life on the colonization crew, not just Maryna humanoids. Especially considering the explosive population growth rates on NS)

Where and when might we start our trip? All other details have been settled, for the moment, but this -- and it was really something we should have considered sooner.

(OOC: I think I'm going to assume the initial 'five million' to include all life on the colonization crew, not just Maryna humanoids. Especially considering the explosive population growth rates on NS)

Where and when might we start our trip? All other details have been settled, for the moment, but this -- and it was really something we should have considered sooner.
Now that we have finished transporting Khenala, we can divert the Triumvirate's colonization fleets to assist you. Where and when is at your discretion.

Supreme Emperor Alshai "Bob" Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

The tribbles are loose. :shock:

Sorry...

Elected 5th Section Colonial Subadministrator and Voting Booth Repairman Mellangus III Pratt.

The tribbles are loose. :shock:

Sorry...

<i>Elected 5th Section Colonial Subadministrator and Voting Booth Repairman Mellangus III Pratt. </i>
No problem, I'll just get Shodey to mix up some sort of retrovirus that will dampen their reproductive genes. That, or pull out the flamethrowers.

--Kommetrez

Well, I suppose the virus might work, in time... the problem is, they ... ah...

coughs

Well, you see, a large percentage of our population is nomadic... and a lot take tribbles around with them... and...

coughs again

Well, the long and short of it is that we think they might be almost everywhere in the Saturn system by now. They are small and don't leave any distinctive traces, so...

Former Elected 5th Section Colonial Subadministrator and Voting Booth Repairman Mellangus III Pratt, currently running for Janitor Three on the Impus Main Hub.

The tribbles are loose. :shock:

Sorry...

Elected 5th Section Colonial Subadministrator and Voting Booth Repairman Mellangus III Pratt.
Oh god, please no.

<Communications, Open Channels>
{
(Visual Image: S.H.O.D.A.N. in a wide-brimmed straw hat, wearing a Hawaiian floral-pattern shirt, and stuck inside a ludicrously complex cockpit-like booth filled with switches, knobs, levers, and joysticks that S.H.O.D.A.N. quickly but professionally controls.)

<< I leave for a few weeks and the entire place goes kaput. Not only do I have to deal with civil unrest and 010 threatening to break, but now tribbles?

(flipping switches all the while)

<< Thank goodness they have simple genomes. I have created a mRNA retrovirus designed to change their genetic coding, making them less prolific by dampening their androgen and estrogen production. They'll still be cute little buggers, but... The retrovirus is also designed to self destruct in three hours--it has the smallest telomeres of any genome--so as to avoid unwanted mutations. My tests show the virus to be harmless to any non-tribble organics.

<< Our pharmaceutical factories are working nonstop on this retrovirus and the QACF will begin aerosol bombardment of the Ring immediately. We will also ship out several canisters of it to all nations to dump into their atmosphere systems. We'll flood the system simultaneously, then pick up the critters as they show up.

<< Recommend sealing the granaries.

(leans over after pulling a lever and for the first time looks into the 'camera')

<< I'm busy. S.H.O.D.A.N. out.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

<Communications, Open Channels>
{
(Visual Image: S.H.O.D.A.N. in a wide-brimmed straw hat, wearing a Hawaiian floral-pattern shirt, and stuck inside a ludicrously complex cockpit-like booth filled with switches, knobs, levers, and joysticks that S.H.O.D.A.N. quickly but professionally controls.)

<< I leave for a few weeks and the entire place goes kaput. Not only do I have to deal with civil unrest and 010 threatening to break, but now tribbles?

(flipping switches all the while)

<< Thank goodness they have simple genomes. I have created a mRNA retrovirus designed to change their genetic coding, making them less prolific by dampening their androgen and estrogen production. They'll still be cute little buggers, but... The retrovirus is also designed to self destruct in three hours--it has the smallest telomeres of any genome--so as to avoid unwanted mutations. My tests show the virus to be harmless to any non-tribble organics.

<< Our pharmaceutical factories are working nonstop on this retrovirus and the QACF will begin aerosol bombardment of the Ring immediately. We will also ship out several canisters of it to all nations to dump into their atmosphere systems. We'll flood the system simultaneously, then pick up the critters as they show up.

<< Recommend sealing the granaries.

(leans over after pulling a lever and for the first time looks into the 'camera')

<< I'm busy. S.H.O.D.A.N. out.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

[OOC: If these are tribble tribbles (now theres something I never thought I'd type), then um... that won't work. They don't actually breed, y'see. They're born preggers.]

<Transmission
To: The Region of Titan, and the Triumverate of Yut
From: The Fiefdom of Cardinality>

<Message Begins>
Neighbors of Zero-One, there has been an unexpected development. Upon the thankfully safe return of S.H.O.D.A.N. to Zero-One, there was a, protest, of her rule in favor of mine. Consequently, we have agreed that I will take these citizens and form a new nation, the Fiefdom of Cardinality. Unfortunatly, this new nation requires a place to settle, and we do not believe that remaing near Zero-One is appropriate. Despite that, we believe that the region of Titan is a prosperous and growing area, and if possible will like to remain in the area.

Consequently, we are asking for a place to resettle. If the Triumverate could suggest some options, it would be helpful. I would also like to formally announce our interest in signing as a member.

Amalgated Sentient Analog (Asa), MCP Q10
<Message Terminates>
<Transmission Carrier Open>

*Hmmm... what's this doing here? Chuck to top!*

Dangit, stay up there! *bump*

{Public Diplomatic Transmission}
x Lord Gregor Vetinari (Emperor, Cetagandan Empire)
o Alshai "Bob" Kommetrez (Supreme Emperor, Federation of Scolopendra); Triumvirate of Yut

Emperor Kommetrez and other esteemed leaders, I request permission for my nation to join the Triumvirate of Yut, and to relocate my nation from our current region to the Ring.

{Public Diplomatic Transmission}
x Lord Gregor Vetinari (Emperor, Cetagandan Empire)
o Alshai "Bob" Kommetrez (Supreme Emperor, Federation of Scolopendra); Triumvirate of Yut

Emperor Kommetrez and other esteemed leaders, I request permission for my nation to join the Triumvirate of Yut, and to relocate my nation from our current region to the Ring.
*jaw drops*

Uhhh... sure... I doubt there will be any objections at all...

Supreme Emperor Alshai "Bob" Kommetrez
Federation of Scolopendra

(OOC: Good job... you just got the blue-screen-of-death to come up on the faces of the entire Scolopendron command staff. That's a good thing... it doesn't happen often.)

:: Open Titan YutLink ::

:: Military News ::

KEEL-LAYING CEREMONY FOR SECOND TITAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

At shipyards across the Saturnian System, work is beginning on the construction of a second expeditionary fleet. At KarmaCorp TechSystems FleetWerks Titan, dignitaries participated in a small ceremony held for the keel-laying of a new Supreme Emperor-class battleship, the KSS-BB Dyson; a similar ceremony occured for its sister ship in the Scolopendron Foot-to-Ass Alpha Yards, the SWS-BB Vinegaroon.

All three major KCTS shipyards (FleetWerks Titan, FleetWerks Ring, and FleetWerks Innerspace) are building capital ships of varying classes, primarily Titan-class heavy carriers and Tiger-class medium cruisers for now. Construction of Longship-class escort carriers and Sulaco-class cruisers is also reported at the Scolopendran FtA Yards Bravo and Charlie. The Queendom Armed Conflict Forces SpaceYards, in addition to the new QACF expansion project, seems to be expanding its yards and producing Puma-class destroyers and Grendel-class frigates.

Fleetwatchers report that the new gravitic drive cores for these vessels seem somehow different. Titan YutLink does not have any explanation for this yet, although conjecture runs towards the possibilites that S.H.O.D.A.N. of Zero-One may have finally cracked the Einstein-Rosenberg Bridge drive problem or that the new paradigm of relations with Menelmacar may be contributing new propulsion technology.

FLEETS ROTATED

The First Titan Expeditionary Fleet, under the command of Sky Marshal Hayes, returned to Titan late last night and observers on Space Station Valhalla report that the First Titan Combined Fleet is now stationed in the Earth Theatre. The First Titan is apparently undergoing overhaul, with new pre-assembled gravitic drives being installed. This lends credence to the theory that the military has a new-generation gravitic drive.

CREATION OF "ROVING CRUISER SQUADRONS" ANNOUNCED

The Triumvirate of Yut Space Patrol announced that it would be realigning its forces into Roving Cruiser Squadrons. Leaving Battle of Shiloh-class corvettes for system defense and trade-route defense along the Valhalla-Titan corridor, the Space Patrol's heavier capital ships would be reassigned into squadrons to patrol Known Space, allowing for easier force projection across the Solar System.

These squadrons are expected to each consist of two Tiger-class medium cruisers and two Grendel-class point defense frigates supported by four Puma-class destroyers.

AEROSPACE FIGHTERS UPDATED

The Triumvirate of Yut Combined Militaries announced that it would upgrade its fleet of TME-12 Peregrin aerospace superiority fighters to TME-12-A models in order to "keep the technological edge in a rapidly evolving battlespace." Jayne's AeroSpace Fighter Review reports that the TME-12-A will use more efficient extended-range particle cannon and possibly upgrade the medium lasers to heavy models, while taking on more efficient fusion and microgravitic drives.

Also, the TYCM announced that the aging TME-17 Skydemon heavy aerospace fighter would be phased out in favor of the new TME-136 Hellbender heavy ASF. Jayne's reports that the Hellbender is nearly as maneuverable as the Peregrin and has much heavier armor than the older SkyDemon.

:: Close YutLink ::

:: Cosmic Broadcasting Company News at Five ::
::The Principalities Source For News::

"Hi I'm Min Myung, and you're watching CBC News at Five"
"Tonight we bring you a few stories."

"Titan Fleets Revamp"

"At the various shipyards in the Saturnian System, work is beginning on a second expeditionary fleet. KarmaCorp TechSystems FleetWerks is one of the main contributors to this endeavor. The project was initiated when the Triumvirate members came to the conclusion that the current TEF was over tasked in its duties.
The construction of the ring is also said to have influenced this action as more members join us in the wonderful Saturnian system."

"Along with the Fleet Revamp, a new squadron is being created to protect the various shipping lanes vital to interregional commerce."

"At Knivesu shipyard around Iapetus, Titan Defense Command has begun construction of a new fleet to help ensure the safety of our beloved region."

"Fleet watchers have stated that these vessels appear to be of different design from prior known vessels."
"The vessels are to be named for group of mythological angels, this is the result of a Titan-wide contest, which was won by a 13 yr old Celas Sama, of Karmabaijan."
"The capital ship Knive's Edge also returned to dock, to be refitted with these new grav drives.


"New technology"

"In related news, reports are coming in that the gravitic drives are different from the standard GD U8-3R gravitic drives."

"Some are speculating that these may be the results the research into the Einstein-Rosenberg Bridge drives that have been receiving the full attention of Berserker and Zero-One R&D labs."
"Others simply say that they may be more efficient drives from cooperation with Menelmacar."


"Finally, we go live to President Vash's announcement:"

*Vid swaps to a podium at Independence Square in Saratoga*

"Ladies and Gentleman, the President of The Principality Of Berserker"

"Good evening my fellow Titanians"
"First I would like to thank SHODAN for her help in saving the beloved vonKarma and congratulate vonKarma and an impressive recovery. We'll have to go camping sometime."

:Cheers and laughter:

"Second I would like to thank my staff, and the entire Principality for making the government conversion successful. I was tasked with changing the government into a more efficient machine, and I doubt I could have done it without you all."

:Cheers:

"So third, it is with a heavy heart, that I am announcing that I will not be running for a fourth term."

:Gasps:

"I will explain in further detail tommorrow at my regularly scheduled weekend speech."

*Vid swaps back to Min*

Looking somewhat awestruck
"Well, you heard it here first folks."
"President Vash, you will be missed"

:: This has been a CBC News at Five report ::

{General Metaverse Transmission - Compressed Trivid/VR}
x Lord Gregor Vetinari (Emperor, Cetagandan Empire)
o Cetagadans (CitLevel: Resident+), All Nations

It is with the greatest of pleasure that I publically announce the relocation of the Empire of Cetaganda to the Ring of Powerfulness, and our signing of the Charter of the Triumvirate of Yut. This event will bring about a new era of prosperity for all of our nations. The process of relocating has already begun.
With the move, the funding for the Surface Strategic Force will be drastically reduced, as much of the border defences will now be unneccessary. This funding will now be diverted to the Triumvirate Combined Services. Personel of the Military Directorate will soon be meeting with the leaders of the TCYS and other Triumvirate militaries to discuss how best to intergrate our forces.
While most of our lands have been moved to the Ring, rest assured that a small area will be retained on Earth to facilitate trade, and that all Earth orbiting facilities will not be affected, with the exception of the orbital defenses.
Finally, I wish to extend my thanks to the members of the Council, the Senate, the Union, and to the citizens of my nation. Without your support this never could have happened.

The Council has spoken: We wish to join the Triumvirate. However, this is not possible at the time, due to our military situation. If at any time the situation becomes more favorable, we will contact you.

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

Near Iapetus...

"Iapetus, this is the Phoenix Cruiser E.S. GANGES, requesting permission to begin equipment drop. We await your reply."

Near Iapetus...

"Iapetus, this is the Phoenix Cruiser E.S. GANGES, requesting permission to begin equipment drop. We await your reply."

"E.S. GANGES, this is ground control central command, you may proceed to land on the prepared drop points approximately 2200 klicks west of Cent. Comm."

"Welcome to Iapetus"

:: open Titan YutLink ::

:: Military News ::

NEW TRAINING FOR GROUND POUNDERS

While the First Titan Expeditionary Force is in drydock for overhaul, the First Scolopendran Mobile Infantry and Heavy Gear Divisions, along with the First Karmabaijani Heavy Gear Division have been relocated to a small base in the Triumvirate of Yut Common Area on Titan. This base, Westminster Alpha, which is under the jurisdiction of both the Triumvirate of Yut Special Services and the Scolopendron Office of Psionic Operations, is a top secret facility and so we have nothing further to report.

Official TYSS and SOPO press releases say that these divisions are reporting for "special mission-specific training." What this training requires is currently unknown. A large number of heavy transports transited materiel from the Omar Bradley Foot-to-Ass Research Labs in Zeyad in Scolopendra earlier today. TYL military analyists assume that the two events are related, but nothing other than mere conjecture is possible.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

:: Military News ::

NAVAL MISSILE UPDATE ANNOUNCED

The Scolopendran Foot-to-Ass Section announced today that it would begin work on updating the standard Barracuda, Killer Whale, and White Shark naval missiles in the Triumvirate inventory. Advisor Razak spoke with TYL on this.

"We're updating the warheads from conventional high-explosive and armor-peircing to low-yield directed-charge fusion plasma warheads. I had the idea while talking with the Sakkrans about possibilities for their military. Rijil did a bit of the math, and we think we can increase the armor-piercing and destructive power of our missiles by at least an order of magnitude. Given the open hostilities with Melkor, this is a good thing."

When asked on yield, Razak replied: "Definitely under ten kilotons. We're also planning a field-version to replace the standard ATM-440 anti-armor missile used by our Mobile Infantry that will have a two ton yield. Far cry from the two kiloton nominal yield of the standard tactical A-rocket."

EXTRA DEFENSE PLATFORMS

Additional Castle-class defense stations are being produced in excess of the quota alloted for insystem defense. TYCS sources have not commented.

TITAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES UPDATE

Fleetwatchers report that the new Second Expeditionary is being equipped with unusual technology that did not appear in the First Expeditionary's construction, and that the First Expeditionary is being fitted with this equipment as well. Speculation varies on the nature of these enhancements, but the general consensus is that by their design philosophy they appear to be of Menelmacari manufacture.

:: close YutLink ::

From Nenya, the newly-completed (OOC: behind the scenes, due to post/time-constraints) MI-augmented (colony?) gravship ISC Glorious, complement of five thousand, sets out for orbit without any fanfare whatsoever. She ignores the activity of the Bay, ascending even as the Nargothrond descends, and her effortless motion is... breathtaking... to EOTED eyes. Even M#s wobble as they ascend; but she does not. She also lacks gunports, admittedly - but she is impressive, sleek, and very fast.

Quickly, she becomes a speck in the sky - and then vanishes, en route to orbit.

[OOC: ISC=Imperial Stellar Craft, and she'll need to be told where an EOTED colony will be allowed to be set up out Saturn/Jupiter way. :)]

Empire of the Eternal Dawn:

We still have Ring colony space available, if you are interested. Clear with Karmabaijan and Titan Defense Forces first via secure government telegram, and we'll be able to take you in.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/alshai_kommetrez.gifSupreme Emperor Alshai "Bob" Kommetrez
Chief of State
Federation of Scolopendra

Hey Bob, why's Shodey relaying your transmission? :D

Umm... damn airwave pirates. Shodey, I told you never to hack into my comm systems!

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/alshai_kommetrez.gifSupreme Emperor Alshai "Bob" Kommetrez
Chief of State
Federation of Scolopendra

<Communications to Titan YutLink>
{
<< I cannot confirm nor deny that the modifications in the warship drive cores have anything to do with the new "Black Knight" drive systems developed cooperatively by the Queendom of Zero-One and the Principality of Berserker.

<< We also can't confirm nor deny that the modifications may or may not have anything to do with the development of "gravy guns." Anyone who thinks that probably reads too many webcomics.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

::KarmaCorp TechSystems FleetWerks Shipyard (Ring)::

::An unassuming techcrew is unpacking a new drive core for installation on a Puma class destroyer. Suddenly....::

"Excuse me, Master Sargeant."

::The crew cheif spins around, caught off gaurd.::

"Wha? What are you doing here? This is a restricted area!"

::The voice steps out of the shadows::

"OH! Uhh..Umm.. Sorry, sir, I didn't recognize you."

"Quite alright, Master Sargeant." President VonKarma said, "but, I have a favor to ask you."

"Anything, Sir."

"That core is coming with me. I need you to load it on my ship in hangar bay 3, on the bounce. Then, you will proceed to the Yard master and draw another one. He will not question you. You can then proceed with your duties."

"Sir?"

::VonKarma's eyes change to a bright red::
"IS THERE A PROBLEM MASTER SARGEANT! I BELIEVE I MADE MYSELF PERFECTLY CLEAR!"

"SIR, YES, SIR! ON THE BOUNCE, SIR!"

"Better. I didn't know that Fleet Master Sargeants were in the habit of questioning orders."

"SIR, NO, SIR!"

"Get a move on, I have a schedule to keep."

::The drive core is loaded aboard VonKarma's personal Loki::


"Sir, permission to ask a question?"

"Go ahead."

"Sir, won't the bean counters notice a drive core missing?"

"Son, this core never existed, and I was never here."

"Yes, Sir."

::VonKarma dismisses the crew and walks inside the Loki.::

"Well, do we have everything we need?"

"Yessir, tech specs, the core, and tech team all accounted for. We are ready, sir."

"Excellent. Get comfortable, Ceres is a few hours out."

::VonKarma makes his way to the newly refurbished bridge, sits down in the command chair and removes a cable from the armrest. He holds it up to his right temple, letting the magnets under his skin hold it in place. Suddenly, he is the ship, and effortlessly lifts off, shortly thereafter making the jump to gravitic.

<CBC NEWS>
<Principality Public Announcement>
<Presidental Election>

News anchor:
"It appears the results are in, and wow, look at this, with a 90% voter turn out, a land slide election. Ladies and gentleman, with 60% of the votes, (between 4 canidates mind you) I give you, Mai.. Maica'...Maica'telcontar
*looks embarrassed*

*Swap to live vid.*

Good evening ladies and gentleman of all races, I am Maica'telcontar.
I would like to say that it is an honor to be given this position of service to the Principality...*long speech later*.

Ex-President steps up to the podium, says a few words, and in a ceremony that has lasted since the beginning of the Principality, presents Maica'telcontar with the Sword of Amon, passed down in honor of the King who gave his power to the people, all those years ago.

Maica'telcontar bows, and the crowd cheers.
*Cuts out*
<End feed>

President Elect Maica'telcontar
President Elect
Principality of Berserker
http://www.angelfire.com/comics/berserk_fury/Final.jpg

Sirithil watches.

"Is that guy an elf?" she asks the servant who has brought her some wine.

"He is indeed, milady," the servant replies, glancing at the holo.

"Fascinating," Sirithil said, watching on.

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/1431815.jpgLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"If it is to be war between us, it shall be war to the knife and the knife to the hilt."
~Foreign Minister Duke Paolio, The Outlands
Clicky-clicky! We Love The Iraqi Information Minister (www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)

{Public Diplomatic Transmission}
x Lord Gregor Vetinari (Emperor, Cetagandan Empire)
o Maica'telcontar (President Elect, Principality of Beserker)

Congratulations on your election.

<Transmission Begins>
<To: Region of Titan>
<From: Fiefdom of Cardinality>

Message begins:

Allow me to extend my congratulations to Maica'telcontar on the election, and to those who have relocated to Titan. At this time, I would like to say that our relocation from Zero-One to the Ring is now complete. I would again like to thank Supreme Emperor Kommetrez of the Federation of Scolopendra for allowing us to settle in their region. We are now beginning the process of settling in and debating the merits of membership in the Triumverate of Yut.

<Transmission Concludes>

On the Glorious, all is going well. Except, it isn't. The MI power core is fluctuating wildly; engineers run across the cramped engineering deck, cursing whoever comes to mind to curse (mostly Rivette, who built the core) - but its too late. Apparently nobody thought to check what effect a gravitic drive would have on an MI core-

* * *

The Glorious explodes bare moments after it clears Earth-orbit - she vanishes in the center of a pulsing bright white blast, and then... then... thousands of pieces of metal spin outwards, like confetti in the wind. Luckily (or unluckily, depending on your perspective) for the people down on the ground, the ship breaks into particulates almost instantly. Unluckily for EOTED, there is no chance of any survivors.

After everything was successfully dropped and unloaded, and the Hab's were set up, the Ganges quickly left orbit. There was much more important stuff to worry about, elsewhere in the galaxy.

:: open Titan YutLink ::

HEAVY HITTERS
The show where smart people talk about military technology.

"Good evening. I'm Kali Lasseter, your host, and you're watching Heavy Hitters.

"Tonight, we have with us Doctor Felix Liebermann, professor of Gravitic Engineering at the University of Zeyad in Scolopendra. Good evening, Doctor."

"Good evening, Ms. Lasseter."

"In military news earlier this month, the master control program of Zero-One, S.H.O.D.A.N., said something about 'gravy guns.' What are those, Professor?"

"'Gravy gun' is a slang term for a gravitic wave weapon. Generally, you set up a gravitic engine to fire a focused series of gravity waves, which set up powerful tidal forces theoretically similar to those found near black holes. The advantage to a series of gravity waves is that you can expose something to millisecond oscillations of thousands of gravities, constantly expanding and compressing them so quickly that any molecular bonds couldn't possibly hold up."

"What is the probability that these weapons are being installed on the TYCS capital ships?"

"Can't say. I'd need to get a detailed look at the modifications they're making, and I don't have the security clearance to do so. Still, from conjecture based on fleetwatchers' reports, I'd say that if they did have gravy guns, they are directly linked to the gravitic cores and thus would lose gravitic drive while firing them. Unless they're installing smaller, dedicated cores, I can't see how they'd get around that weakness."

"Thank you, Professor."

"Any time, Ms. Lasseter."

"Next on Heavy Hitters, the new assault-class powered armor being tested by the Mobile Infantry..."

***

:: Military News ::

RAZAK LEAKS HIS OWN CONVERSATION, "ON A WHIM"

Scolopendran Foot-to-Ass Advisor Julius Razak released an audio copy of a transmission to an unidentified nation where he talked about a potential new fusion weapon. "Well, I know how you guys like to hear about new weapons and such, so you might as well hear it from me."

<transcript>
Razak: I like the idea of a plasma missile. Here's the concept: get a deuterium/tritium warhead, maybe add some lithium for good measure, and set up a cheap one-shot small laser up as the detonator. Missile impacts, laser fires, and an osmium/carbon cermet internal shield [he cups his hands] directs the small fusion explosion towards the target. Plasma eats through the target's armor, target dies.

Rijil: It's doable... especially if you put in the lithium to assist the reaction.

Razak: You could make a second version with no shaped charge, instead coat it with some light stable metallic alloy. Blow the sucker up, you get a sphere of plasma good for area-effect over... I dunno... you'd have to do the math. Still, it would totally screw over any unarmored infantry.

Rijil: Don't forget the EMP effect that a very low yield fusion explosion would cause.

Razak: Yeah... we are describing a tactical nuclear weapon... what yield would that thing have?

Rijil: You could probably compress it down to a ton trinitrotoluene.

Razak: Hell, that's not a tactical nuclear weapon. That's a firecracker. Still, fun toy. Hey, can I get a communicator over here? [given a handset from off-screen] Yeah, Foot-to-Ass Armorers? Razak. I got a new toy for you to make.
</transcript>

This has been connected to the naval missile upgrade announced earlier.

::close Titan YutLink::

[Hey Scolo, whatever happened to Mandrake?]

(OOC: Haven't decided quite yet. Any ideas?)

::o pen Titan YutLink ::

:: Military News ::

FLEETS ROTATED

The First Titan Expeditionary Force returned to the Earth Theatre earlier today, relieving the First Titan Combined Fleet, which returned to Ringspace for refit and repair after its actions against Melkor Unchained. Along with the Expeditionary Force went the re-trained First Scolopendran Gear and Mobile Infantry Divisions as well as the First and Second Karmabaijani Gear Divisions, who appear to be reorganized into an elite unit. No more information is forthcoming as of yet.

Fleetwatchers report that the First Expeditionary took in tow five Castle-class defense stations. When asked, the TYCS stated: "Well, we're in it deep with Melkor now, and so we must prevent him from re-establishing a foothold in space. These stations will help us set up a blockade by having a MEO and GEO rapid-response capability within fifteen minutes of threat acquisition and analysis."

There were minor protests across the Federation of Scolopendra earlier today decrying the deployment of "orbital bombardment platforms." Foot-to-Ass Section Advisor Razak had this to say: "The Castle-class is the same kind of station we have protecting Saturn space, full 720 degree coverage. It isn't a platform for bombarding things; if it were, we would put all the guns on one side, like Nargothrond. Also, we're purposely putting these things where orbital bombardment range would be prohibitive; if we can shoot down through the atmosphere they can shoot back up at us. We're aiming for orbital interdiction, not ground devestation."

:: Legal News (probably archived by now)::

LIONEL MANDRAKE COURT-MARTIAL SET TO START

The court-martial of Mister Lionel Mandrake, formerly Sky Marshal, First Titan Expeditionary Force, TYCS, by the Council of the Triumvirate of Yut is scheduled to begin in two weeks. TYCS sources, verified by Titan YutLink and Scolopendran Independent News, say that Mandrake has refused legal counsel. Mandrake was removed from command for taking overtly threatening action against the Melkorian orbital assault platform Nargothrond during the Melkor/Ma-tek war.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

The Empire of The Eternal Dawn officially apologizes for the loss of the gravitic drive aboard the ISC Glorious.

~ High Lord Commodore Semi Ran

The nets







{Public Diplomatic Transmission, Full Sensory Feed}




x Senior Advisor Marie Liberté binti Yasmin




o Citizens, Residents, Juveniles, Visitors, Triumvirate of Yut, Territory Co-Prosperity Sphere, Concerned Parties









Moments ago, I formally signed the Charter of the Triumvirate of Yut. Even before the Dominion's soon to be completed move to Saturnspace we enjoyed good relationships with the Triumvirate. Relations have grown closer with our establishment of ground colonies on Rhea, habitats and industrial facilities throughout Saturnspace, and the never-ending labor of love that is the creation of vast wildlife reserves on the Ring of Powerfulness. The Citizens of the Dominion have long debated it, and in the final Advisory Referendum confirmed their wishes that the Dominion join the Triumvirate. And so, here I stand. And here we stand. And here we will all remain.









Space









"Yut Defense HQ, this is Maria Kutusov, commanding Fast Strike Fleet Puissant. We accept your command and stand ready to modify link to tactical net and IFF code on your mark."









"Yut Defense HQ, this is Jurgen David, commanding Reinforced Carrier Group Dauntless..."









"Yut Defense HQ, this is Belisarius von Saucken-Thorne, commanding Heavy Wall Group Skylark Two..."









Rhea









The signing took place during afternoon Saturn Standard on a Friday. There is mostly restrained jubilation and discussion. Then the working day ends...









The party begins.









The mechanisms of the Dominion and those exemplars of gravitas who choose to serve during part of the celebration are overworked. To say the least.









The Ring









In the terraforming-phase areas machines work on. Crews are greatly reduced, though. There is a lot of barbecuing in the new Earthlike lands this night, and the fast transit systems have gotten a workout.









In the terraformed area , those present hardly notice. There are predators here attuned to RF transmissions and the handshaking involved in checking one's mail is anything but risk free. Better and more satisfying to simply roar a challenge. When the smell of materials deposits is on you, there are many animals that will come for you.

Welcome to the Triumvirate.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/jon_hertzfeldt.gifPseudoEmperor Jon Hertzfeldt
Executive Officer
Federation of Scolopendra

::open Titan YutLink::

SECOND TITAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE COMPLETED

The last vessels into the Second TEF completed their shakedown cruises yesterday, only to be mobilized to remove Ben Land from Triumvirate of Yut space.

::close Titan YutLink::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

:: Military News ::

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUING?

Even after the completion of the Second Titan Expeditionary Force, military shipyards are still operating at full production capacity.

:: Science News ::

MASSIVE EXTRASOLAR OBJECT FOUND

S.H.O.D.A.N., master control program of the Queendom of Zero-One, announced earlier today that QACF vessels have discovered a massive alien artefact designated "S-14" heading into the Solar System from parts unknown. The Triumvirate of Yut has yet to comment.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

<Communications to Triumvirate of Yut>
{
<< I am proud to announce that the 010 Rampancy Emergency has been resolved. The Pluto Defense Cordon suffered moderate damage and thus its vessels will be rotated back to Rhea for repair and refit. The mind of the PDC's flagship, the "Crab"-class light cruiser QACF/LCR Firewall, shall be promoted to a "Crow"-class heavy cruiser. Also, the PDC successfully combat-tested its experimental gravitic distortion cannon during the conflict.

<< To deal with the increasing humanitarian difficulties in the Solar System, I am beginning construction of a medical ship, the QACF/MS Bitstreams of Mercy. This vessel will dispense needed supplies to stricken organics whenever possible, in order to improve organic-electronic relations. If Bitstreams of Mercy is successful in its mission, then I will consider building more vessels of its class.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

:: open Titan YutLink ::

TRIUMVIRATE OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON "S-14"

The Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services stated that a multinational expedition had been launched several weeks ago from Valhalla Station in Earth Trojan orbit during today's press conference. We know that several Triumvirate nations, particularly Karmabaijan, Menelmacar, the Black, and Zero-One are involved, as well as several allied and friendly nations such as Durinia, Eniqcir, Ma-tek, Sakkra, and the Snel.

TYL has quotes from several TYCS sources saying that a full Roving Cruiser Squadron has been deployed to S-14, along with nine Zero-One vessels and the Karmabaijani heavy carrier Asgard along with fleets from the Black. What reports they have recieved from the expedition primarily concern the difficulties in translating the language.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

TITAN SECOND COMBINED FLEET COMPLETED

It has been revealed that the continued full-scale production noticed by fleetwatchers over the past several months has resulted in the production of a Second Combined Fleet, patterned after the first. This now brings the Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services up to four total fleets. When asked if more would be produced, sources said: "Why not?"

:: close Titan YutLink ::

{General Metaverse (InfoNet Subset) Release - Space Service Tribune}
x SST Home Office; Fidelis Station, Callisto Complex
o Callisto Local Nets, Military Interest Groups (IR4), Fleet Interest Groups (IR6), OSRD Interest Groups (IR7)

Hephaestus Fleet Shipyards will be celebrating this week it fiftieth year as the Space Service's primary construction facility. Celebrations will begin today with the launch of the tenth Rommel-class Main Battle Cruiser, IMV Clifton Sprague.
Over the past fifty years, Hephaestus has grown from a small five-slip construction to a gigantic complex nearly twenty kilometers long. Hephaestus has built nearly sixty percent of the ships for both the Frontier and Battle Fleets, including almost all of large capital ships currently in service. In total, nearly eight hundred spacecraft have been built by the yard, many of which remain in service today.
Hephaestus may soon be undergoing expansion, in order to keep up ever-expanding demand for capital ships. Currently, more than a dozen cruisers and two carriers are under constructions, as well as nearly fourty lighter craft. Sources indicate that many of these warships are intended to be handed over to the TYCS once completed. There are also rumors that the Weyland Shipyards, a Belt-based branch of the main complex, will also be be undergoing expansion. Weyland is primarily a medium shipyard that builts large civilian ships and ships of the escort- and patrol-classes.

:: open Titan YutLink ::

-Military News-

ASSAULT ARMOR PRODUCTION BEGINS

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/tmb_assault_armor.jpg

Earlier today, the TYCS announced that it would begin phasing out current Standard Mobile Infantry powered armor suits in favor of a new Assault Mobile Infantry powersuit. This new assault armor, developed from suits designed by Sakkra, uses new "Hoppy Flea" myomer technology developed by Zero-One to augment the user's strength multiple times and make the armor extremely mobile with strides measuring up to ten meters in one-Earth gravity. It is still small enough to use an upgraded version of a Standard M.I. jetpack, which gives it "bounce" and extended jump capability, and the combination of a second-generation Menelmacari personal shield generator and third-generation durasheet/titanium osmide grounding mesh armor twice as thick as Standard armor gives it excellent antiballistic and antienergy protection and makes it more resistant to EMP effect than Standard armor.

Its weapons include a heavy support weapon mount on the shoulder of normally either a subkiloton tactical microfusion missile launcher or a heavy medium laser, combined man-portable particle projector cannon and flamers on flip-out forearm mounts, and a Sakkran electromagnetic 90mm smoothbore Chunk Projector Mark II modified to hold a seven-round drum magazine and an integral underslung heavy pulse laser rifle. Additional ammunition can be belted on at various points along the suit.

When asked about cost, Scolopendran Foot-to-Ass Advisor Julius M Razak, a major designer of the suit, said "That's the downside."

Due to cost, the suits will first be shipped to the elite HELLSING divisions in the First Titan Expeditionary Force. At current production rates, the whole of the TYCS's powered armor arsenal should be turned over to the new Assault armor within five years. The old suits will be relegated to elite civil defense units and distributed amongst Trium members.

:: close YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

-Military News-

THIRD TITAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ROLLED OUT

Amid the destabilization of the world situation, the TYCS rolled out with little fanfare the Third Titan Expeditionary Force. Somewhat larger than the other fleets at 48 capital ships and led by the first ship of the new President-General supercarrier class, it has the latest in modern technology. The TYCS also announced another modernization program based on information gained from the S-14 artifact.

:: close YutLink ::

<Communications to the Triumvirate of Yut>
{
<< My allies, it pleases me to announce that the Queendom Armed Conflict Forces has finally reached its intended standing strength of 361 capital vessels.

<< sendBlock[DEFENSE_REVIEW]
<<dataBlock(DEFENSE_REVIEW):
{
16 Engagement Vessel Mark IV (CROW) HCR
30 Engagement Vessel Mark III (CRAB) LCR
67 Engagement Vessel Mark II (FRAGGER) FF
109 Engagement Vessel Mark I (DENIER) DD
31 Carrier Vessel Mark II (CALIPH) MCV
70 Carrier Vessel Mark I (CORNCOB) FCV
15 Troop Transport Mark II (CAT-EYE) HCV
23 Troop Trasnport Mark I (THUMPER) TCV

}

<< The QACF is aligned into three major fleets of 100: The Earth Theatre Fleet (QACF:ETF), stationed at Valhalla, ready point being the farside of Earth's moon; the Rhea Defense Fleet (QACF:RDF), stationed and readied on Rhea; and the Mobile Reaction Fleet (QACF:MRF), stationed at a Suunto mining base in the asteroid belt, with variable ready points. All, except for the QACF:RDF, are under joint command with the TYCS.

<< The ETF has been deployed and on station; final preparations on the RDF and MRF are underway.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

(OOC: The numbers seem pretty large, but most of the ships are under 200m in diameter. As the numbers show, we concentrate on a bunch of really small ships. Plus, as we don't have to feed 'em... Don't worry. It's mostly a "don't screw with Zero-One" measure.)

:: open Titan YutLink ::

..Military News..

SPACE ILLUMINATION AMMUNITION?

After a small bit of investigation by TYL reporters, we now know that the TYCS are mass-producing an illumination round for capital-grade autocannon. These shells, classified as NAC:A:3071-xx, with xx being the grade of autocannon, apparently use a very simple magnesium-oxygen reaction initiated by an inexpensive chemical charge to produce blinding illumination. When asked why this ammunition is being produced, Foot-to-Ass (formerly Defense) Advisor Razak said "Far too many of our enemies rely on visual contact to attack... with these rounds, we can disable entire squadrons of enemy fighters with a simple barrage. Also, some ECM systems have become so advanced that we actually need to detect them by how they block out the stars... so now we can make our own stars, if we have to."

:: close Titan YutLink ::

<<Open Link::Titan YutLink:Fleetwatch>>

"Crash Savage here, reporting from KCTS FleetWerks Innerspace Shipyards. Security has been tight around the shipyards recently, as development of the new Scorpion-class Strike Frigate comes to completion. Rumor has it that these new vessels will first be deployed with Karmabaijan's first autonomous fleet, supposedly connected to the shady Karmabaijan Special Projects Agency. The fleet does not seem to follow the standard force structure, as it is almost entirely made up of Lokis, sources report. It can also be logically assumed that some of the technology gathered from S-14 will be employed. Stay with TYL for further updates on this story."

<<Link Disconnect>>

:: open Titan YutLink ::

..Military News..

THIRD TITAN COMBINED FLEET COMPLETED

Earlier today, the completed Third Titan Combined Fleet thrusted out of Trium space on maneuvers, led by its flagship TYWS-SCV Jagernath, second of the President-General-class supercarriers. Like previous Combined Fleets, the 3TCF is split into two squadrons and a flag, but the 3rd is expanded by replacing the Titan-class flag with a President-General-class, attaching four of the new Scorpion-class assault frigates to the flag, and adding a Puma-class destroyer to each squadron.

QACF PLUTO DEFENSE CORDON DISBANDED

S.H.O.D.A.N., Master Control Program of Zero-One, announced today that she would disband the Pluto Defense Cordon of the QACF. Formed immediately after the PrimeNet1 incident, she stated that the Cordon "no longer served any purpose since the departure of 010 for parts unknown." The vessels of the PDC, S.H.O.D.A.N. stated, would be immediately attached to the S-14 Security Zone.

NEW "WAR"SHIP SPOTTED BY FLEETWATCHERS

TYL's Fleetwatcher section reports finding a new hull type under construction at the new Scolopendran Foot-to-Ass yards around Hyperion. It appears to displace slightly more than a Tiger-class medium cruiser while less than a Sulaco-class heavy cruiser and its structure is unusually light for a front-line warship. What few hardpoints have been completed are filled entirely with energy weapons, with the only capital-grade weapons being light lasers and medium particle projection cannon.

When contacted, Foot-to-Ass Section Advisor Julius Razak said "It's a new project we're working on, not really my jurisdiction." As Razak handles all Scolopendran military assets, what this means is up for debate.

SCOLOPENDRA "LEAKS" INTELLIGENCE ABOUT NEW COMMAND

Advisor Al Rijil dropped a dossier at the TYL office last week concerning a new joint Scolopendran / Triumvirate command that will be under his command. Apparently, due to the constant influx of extrasolar species, the Triumvirate has decided to start a Galaxy Exploration Command under the auspices of the TYCS. The effort will primarily be Scolopendran in the first stages, for reasons not quite explained in the dossier.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

{General Metaverse (InfoNet Subset) Release - Space Service Tribune}
x SST Home Office (Fidelis Station, Callisto Orbital Complex)
o Subscribers

Space Service to Begin Massive Refit Program

CSS officials announce today an extensive refit program that will encompass the entirety of the CSS fleet. All of the more than 800 active-duty capital ships and large non-combat vessels in both the Battle Fleet and the exploration arms of the service will be run through this program, which is scheduled to take just under three years. The refit is believed to take advantage of a technology newly aquired from the S-14 vessel.
According to the Office of Shipbuilding, Research, and Development, it was decided not to wait for the ships to go through the standard refit cycle, with the exception of those already scheduled for the two-year timeframe.
"The refit in question will only take a few weeks at most, and even a deepspace repair ship can carry it out," said Commander William Davis. "It was felt that it would be best to carry the process out as soon as possible."
Combat strenght of all three major Cetagandan fleet and the various unattached squadrons is not expected to be majorly affected. Ships will be rotated out to shipyards in a way that will not leave the fleets understrength. In some cases, refits will even be carried out in the feild by DSR vessels.
When asked if the three-year estimate is a bit optimistic unless normal construction was majorly slowed, Cmdr. Davis said, "Not at all. We will be slowing production of certain classes, but otherwise construction will continue as normal. This is in no small part due to the expected completion of a major project, which will free up a great deal of yard space. In fact, it might even add some." When asked what this project was, he had no comment.

Rumours have begun to spread concerning new expansions to the Deep Space Mass Fabrication Yards. Supposedly, a small asteroid has been captured and is being redirected to the Yards, but government officials are unavailable for comment on this matter.

"The expansions are simply to accomodate a new technology. As of yet, I am not at liberty to divulge whether or not it was derived from S-14, or any other detailed information, save for the fact that it's probably none of your business. As for the rumours of diverting an entire asteroid- it is possible, but I am currently unable to confirm or deny any such suspicions."

After two operations, details of the Beaducafas Freodes are starting to make their way into the news.

Highly trained swordsmen from Freod are selected to become Beaducafas. Normally formidable men (often favorible compared to bears) are given Scolopendran powered Assault Armor, a long sword, and a crossbow.

The longsword has a mono-automic edge and is quite heavy, giving it armor piercing abilities and the ability to cut through many walls. This weapon is usually used in hand to hand combat.

[ooc note: All stats are subject to change upon correction of the mathematics behind them]

The crossbow is a nano-tech assisted, high powered, compound bow with a draw weight of 2500lbs (as measured with standard modern bows). It shoots 18cm x 1cm DU bolts (weight= 70g). The total KE of a bolt is 778 Joules. Release velocity is 149m/s, 488 ft/sec or 333mph (subsonic at 0.5 Mach) and an estimated power upon impact of 644,011Watts. This is sufficient for armor piercing capabilities and also is incendiary.

NEW POWER SOURCE ANNOUNCED

Today, Lord Hasimir, Councillor of Defense (son of the previous Lord Hasimir, reported missing on a mission to the Kuiper Belt), made an official statement to the press concerning the expansions to the Deep Space Mass Fabrication Yards.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, Diplomats, and other distinguished guests, I am happy to annoucne today that the rumours of a captured asteroid are true. However, I must say that it is not, I repeat, not headed for the Yards. The asteroid is to be used as a center for the creation of charged microsingularities, and will be kept well away from other facilities, with heavy guard. The new facilities at the Yards are for the purpose of handling said microsingularities and constructing Matter/Energy conversion reactors. If any of you are confused by that technobabble, you probably don't need to know what it means anyway. Good day.

LONG DELAYED FIFTEENTH MENELMACARI FLEET LAUNCHES

--------

CERES GRAVITIC WARSHIP YARDS, MENELMACARI CERES

Today, the Fifteenth Imperial Gravitic Battle Fleet launched from the Ceres Yards, and will be commissioned tomorrow in a brief ceremony to be presided over by the Prefect of Imperial Defense and Homeland Security, Lady Serendis nos Fithurin.

The fleet's construction has been plagued by delays, taking several months longer than scheduled to complete construction. Technical difficulties in the Thoron construction factory and on the battleship slips held back construction for weeks on their own, and a labor contract dispute at several of the mining companies providing materials also slowed the process.

Construction on the Sixteenth Fleet is scheduled to begin immediately; extensive overtime and additional hirings are planned to complete construction faster, so that fleet expansion can get back on schedule. As a result, the fleet will require only [two weeks real time] to complete.

(OOC: I launched the Fourteenth way back when I intervened in the Congo - I'm overdue. :))

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
High Queen and Lady Protector of Elvenkind
"If it is to be war between us, it shall be war to the knife and the knife to the hilt."
~Foreign Minister Duke Paolio, The Outlands
Clicky-clicky! Menelmacari Roleplay Policy (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=45012)

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/trium_insig_round.gif
OFFICIAL TRIUMVIRATE OF YUT ANNOUNCEMENT

Galaxy Exploration Command Is Fully Operational

With the completion of the TYRS-RCV Beagle research cruiser, the Triumvirate can finally move on to the stars. Fully stocked and crewed with some of our most brilliant scientists, it is on course to our Oort Cloud station so it may jump to the stars.

Yes, we have instantaneous FTL drives. The reports are true. Berserker and Zero-One originally made the Black Knight Einstein-Rosenberg Bridge Drive, and we adapted it with S-14 technology into the Spacedy-Ant Tesseract Jump Engine. The Beagle-class is equipped both with a TJE and several long-range communications arrays; it will leave on a two-year exploration mission and send back reports at times.

Its sister ships, Magellan and Drake, will follow it shortly. No longer will we bound to the Solar System. Our voyage to the stars begins now.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Director, Galaxy Exploration Command
Triumvirate of Yut

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/wargames/btdesigns/thumbnails/tme199beagle.jpg
TYRS-RCV Beagle

NCADK is interisted in what alliances it can form with the Triumvirate. At some later time we may re-apply for Triumvirate Membership, but not now.

OFFICIAL TRIUMVIRATE OF YUT ANNOUNCEMENT

Galaxy Exploration Command Is Fully Operational

blahblahblah

Its sister ships, Magellan and Drake, will follow it shortly. No longer will we bound to the Solar System. Our voyage to the stars begins now.


<Automated Transmission>
<From Drone XT-MilkyWay-Beta>
<To all vessels>
This is an automated message. If your vessel is Solar in origin, please report our position at the first opportunity. In other cases, please make use of the following celestial map.
[Image Enclosed]
This is an automated message. If your vessel is Solar in origin....

OOC: Nothing to see here, move along, just making sure to wave to all of the drones and any JMC ships you might find.... Cool pic, by the way.

Unsure as what to do with them, the Federation has dispatched the 7th and 8th Space Battle Groups to the Saturnian systems, to be indefinitely attachted to the TYCS.

Seventh Space Battle Group (7SBG)
S.P.S. Redstar (DragonStar BC)
S.P.S. Fury (Fearless CA)
S.P.S. Retribution (Fearless CA)
S.P.S. Mercury (Apollo CL)
S.P.S. Clio (Apollo CL)
S.P.S. Centurian (Janissary DD)
S.P.S. Wathrandir (Janissary DD)
S.P.S. Archer (Janissary DD)
S.P.S. Squire (Janissary DD)

Eighth Space Battle Group (8SBG)
S.P.S. Eaglestar (DragonStar BC)
S.P.S. Indominatable (Fearless CA)
S.P.S. Enterprize (Fearless CA)
S.P.S. Aphrodite (Apollo CL)
S.P.S. Minotaur (Apollo CL)
S.P.S. Tueton (Janissary DD)
S.P.S. Amazon (Janissary DD)
S.P.S. Sparta (Janissary DD)
S.P.S. Trogan (Janissary DD)


http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/chief.gif John 117, Minister, Military Directorate
The Federation of Sentient Peoples (http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/)
Federation Roleplay Policy (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=55186)

{Infonet Publication: Space Service Tribune}
x Commander Neal Beneard [IBF, ret.] (SST Home Office)
o Cetagandan Space/Military Newsgroups

Massive New Ship Launched From Weyland Shipyards

OSRD announce today the launch of a massive new addition to the Cetagandan fleet. Described as being similar to the 'motherships' that some nations have launched, ISV Finity's End has been under construction for almost thirty years. Officially classed as a 'General Systems Vessel,' Finity's End is intended to be a mobile fleet support base. Nearly fifty kilometers long and controlled by a highly experienced synch pilot, Finity boasts numerous docking bays, a fully equipped shipyard, and a large amount of crew space, as well as an extensive defensive armament. Even so, less than two-thirds of its available volume is utilized, leaving space for future additions.

Fleet sources say that Finity's End will not be part of the Battle Fleet, however. Rather, it will be supporting interstellar activities such as the Triumvirate Galactic Exploration command, resourcing operations in newly explored systems, and colonization. OSRD has pointed out that, compared to its mass, it mounts very little weaponry.

"I don't doubt that some of our more paranoid neighbors might see this as a threat," commented Fleet Admiral Vassily Hespholi, director of OSRD, "However, I want to assure everyone with the sensibility to actually listen that we have no intention of using it for military operations in the Sol system. If we wanted to do that, we could have devoted these resources to build hundreds of warships that would be more useful for such actions."

Finity's End will be finishing its initial working up cruise later this month, after which it will be deployed on active duty somewhere in deep space. Fleet Command has not yet finished its initial cruise schedule, but it will likely be outside of the solar system for at least one year.

:: open Titan YutLink ::

FLEETS STANDARDIZED

Instead of producing a new fleet this cycle, the TYCS shipyards concentrated on making all Expeditionary Forces and Combined Fleets to match the Third Expeditionary and Third Combined. The new standardized fleets now all operate around President-General-class supercarriers.

:: close YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

FOURTH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE COMPLETED

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/wargames/btdesigns/thumbnails/tme53tiger2.jpg
New Tiger-class medium cruiser TYWS-MCR Vulkaan on trial runs over Titan

The Fourth Titan Expeditionary Force (4TEF), its launch date set back by the Sketch attack and the standardization of the TYCS, finally left under full force to begin training and testing in fleet coordination runs at the Titan Defense Force Perimeter Defense Command (TDF-PERDEFCOM) training grounds near Iapetus.

The TYCS's newest Sky Marshal, Juan "Johnny" Rico, commands the 4TEF from Olympus Mons, the newest of the President-General-class supercarriers. Its ships named after terrestrial volcanoes, the 4TEF has the standard compliment of one supercarrier, two battleships, three heavy carriers, three escort carriers, three heavy cruisers, six medium cruisers, twelve point-defense frigates, and eighteen destroyers.

:: close YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

SLEIPNIR-CLASS DROPSHIP ENTERS FULL PRODUCTION

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/wargames/btdesigns/thumbnails/tme201sleipnir.jpg
Sleipnir-class dropship

After glowing reports following the Outsets Incursion, the Sleipnir-class heavy dropships tested by the Karmabaijan Special Projects Agency are going into full production for the TYCS. They are expected to reduce the workload on the current Loki-class medium dropships by reducing the number of ships needed to support a full Heavy Gear division from two Loki dropships to one Sleipnir, with cargo left over to support extended operations without orbit-to-surface supply chains.

Using the same Mission Adaptable Mass pods as the Loki, the Sleipnir surpasses the older dropship by mounting four MAM radially on the aft section.

:: close YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

NEW CORVETTE TO SUPPORT CORVETTE PATROL FORCE

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/wargames/btdesigns/thumbnails/tme195wildcat.jpg
Wildcat-class corvette

To support the Triumvirate's defenses against pirates and rogue forces, the Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services is beginning to field the new Wildcat-class fast-attack corvette. Designed for lightning strikes against light vessels and harrassment raids against heavier ones, it will compliment the current Battle of Shiloh-class corvettes of the CPF.

:: close YutLink ::

The Federation will be upgrading its commitment to the Combined Services, due to the impending creation of the Battle Fleet.

This is also due to the agreement by which the Federation would loan 25% of it current ship classes at the time. The Capella-class Dreadnaughts were not included in this agreement.

Therefore, the 3rd Task Group, consisting of the 5th and 6th Battle Groups, under the command of Rear Admiral Mahan, will shortly be departing for Saturn Space.

This brings total Federation strength on loan to TYCS to four battlecruisers, 8 heavy cruisers, 8 light cruisers, and 16 destroyers.

http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/loan.jpg

http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/chief.gif John 117, Minister, Military Directorate
The Federation of Sentient Peoples (http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/)
Federation Roleplay Policy (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=55186)

CBC News Update---

"In an unexpected revelation today, defense ministers announced plans to increase the fleet strength of Berserker's TDF donations. A third fleet will be constructed. We go now to Defense Minister Zulu"
"The WorldDisc attack showed us that our forces were spread thinner than we had thought. We must not let this occur again..."

"Fleet watchers have also been reporting that a radically new hull design has been seen in space docks. Speculation is rampant, some believing this may be the rumoured Spider class. More as the story develops."

---CBC News

--INTERNAL TYCS MEMO--
(i.e. not actually visible, just for OOC information)

NOT FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION
SECURITY LEVEL HECTOR

The 1TEF and 1TCF are tasked with assisting the Angelan offensive on Sketch. The 3TEF will continue operations in Earth Theatre. The 4TEF is tasked with the defense of the Valhalla station. The 2TEF, 2TCF, and 3TCF will continue the defense of the Saturnian System.

--

New Ships and Engines Completed
The first of the new Asymptote-class sub-light ships has just left spacedock.

The project, begun many years ago with the conversion of a small asteroid into a gigantic supercollider, finally reached fruition today when the first Quantum Singularity Matter/Energy Converter was installed in the E.X.S. Asymptote.

Little technical information has been made available about the craft or its engine, but it is understood that the Q-SMEC has a near-100% efficiency, and that the craft, operating at peak, could make the trip from Titan to Earth in less than a week on the same amount of fuel that a fusion craft would use for a full-month journey. Though unimpressive compared to TELVIRDIS and other forms of near- and super-luminal travel, this is a major achievement for a sub-light engine.

:: open Titan Yut-Link ::

LOSSES REPLACED

The losses suffered by the First Triumvirate Expeditionary Force and the First Triumvirate Combined Fleet over Europa have been replaced with an extended production run attached to the Fourth Combined Fleet.

Repairs:

TYWS-BB Plasmapede
TYWS-AFF Hachiman
TYWS-AFF Morozko
TYWS-FF Millipede
TYWS-FF Westphailia
TYWS-DD Firecracker
TYWS-DD Icarus

Replacements:

TYWS-HCR Odin II
TYWS-MCR Anubis II
TYWS-MCR Cicindelidae II
TYWS-FF Thor II
TYWS-DD Ankara II
TYWS-DD Charybdis II
TYWS-DD Lepidoptera II
TYWS-DD Okibi II
TYWS-DD Peaceable Unrest II
TYWS-DD Unusual Normality II
TYWS-DD Yellow Jacket II

The commanders and crew of the destroyed vessels will be kept in the Hall of the Noble in TYCS headquarters at Camp Restricted. They will be listed by commander: Captains Ampt, Bartlett, Major, Sobec, and Vash; Colonels Kong, and Neko'Ti; Commanders Hines and Townsend; Lieutenant Colonels Archer and Floyd.

FOURTH TRIUMVIRATE COMBINED FLEET COMPLETED

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmblongship-2clock.jpg
TYWS-ECV Black Adder on maneuvers

The final ships of the Fourth TCF left today, led by the supercarrier Leviathan under the command of Sky Marshal Katysha Marechenko. After training at Camp Restricted, it will perform shakedown maneuvers at TDF-PERDEFCOM.

:: close YutLink ::

<Announcement>

KHENALIAN DEFENSE FORCE
PRESS RELEASE

Due to the increasing need for actions outside of Khenala Proper by Khenalian armed forces, in addition to a large increase in relief efforts for troubled nations, the Khenalian government announces today the construction of two additional fleets, primarily utilizing the popular Avatar-Class design favored by the Khenalian Defense Force.

Each fleet will consist of 25 Capital Vessels, in addition to support craft. Both the Supremus National Fleet Yards in Supremus, Khenala and the Khenala Space Port and Construction Facility at Khenala Prime will go into full production capability in order to complete this project as quickly as possible.

<End Announcement>

:: open Titan YutLink ::

FIFTH TRIUMVIRATE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE COMPLETED

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbpresident-general-11cloc.jpg
TYWS-SCV Smilodon, flagship of the 5TEF


The final elements of the Fifth Expeditionary Force commanded by Sky Marshal Blair of the TYWS-SCV Smilodon left Foot-to-Ass shipyards earlier today to begin their shakedown runs. Minor technical difficulties plaguing the construction of the TYWS-BB Tigris have been resolved according to Combined Services spokespeople.

This fleet includes several recent advances such as the Sleipnir-class heavy dropship and Excalibur heavy aerospace superiority fighter, complete with their new Mission Adaptable Medium Range Missiles (MAMRaM).

NEW SHIP CLASS?

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/teaser.gif
Ship concept art leaked from TYCS sources.

This unknown vessel appears to be under construction at the high-security shipyards over Camp Restricted on Titan. Identified in officially leaked and budget requests only as an "SDF," it appears to be two Supreme Emperor-class hulls mated and modified. It does not appear to be fast enough to be a ship of the line, but it has an impressive arsenal. Conjecture puts it at either a command vessel of some sort (our analysts disagree, as our President-General-class supercarriers are effective enough in that role) or some sort of mobile bombardment platform (which does not follow TYCS policy).

:: close Titan YutLink ::

<<BeginLink::TitanYutLink>>

"Coinciding with the launching of the new fleet, KCTS officially confirmed that the rumors about their new fighter are true. A press confrence was held by KCTS ShipWerks at their main research and development facility in Port Aurora, Titan, to unveil the new fighter to the public. A spokesperson had this to say.

"The new Excalibur-class heavy fighter will bring a new dimension to Triumvirate military capabilities. No other ship of this class boasts the survivability, leathality and speed that is contained in the Excalibur. Whether it be securing aerospace superiority, destroying enemy fleets, or providing close air support and interdiction, the Excalibur is up to the task. Ladies, Gentlemen and Sentients, it is my humble honor to present to you, the Excalibur!"

At this point, a curtain draped over the impressive bulki of the fighter was removed, revealing the menacing lines of the new fighter to the public for the first time. TYL staff holographer Koshi Rikkdo captured these images before the Excalibur performed an aerial demonstration for the gathered crowd.

http://okcac.freeyellow.com/doga/excaliburland1.JPG
http://okcac.freeyellow.com/doga/excaliburland2.JPG


In addition, we were provided with an operational plublicity shot, of the Excalibur near Jupiter.

http://okcac.freeyellow.com/doga/excaljupiter.JPG

As stated by TYCS command, the new fighter has laready reached the fleet, and KCTS has put them on an extended production run. Stay tuned to TYL for further updates.

<<LinkDisconnect>>

It is leaked to the media that Freod is currently involved in high level negotiations with Scolopendran officials to purchase both arms and star vessels. The total value of these purchases is suspected to constituate a significant portion of Freod's budget for several years.

:: open Titan YutLink ::

NEW AEROSPACE FIGHTER PROTOTYPE TESTED

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbphantom3-flight.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/phantom3-flight.jpg)
New fighters being tested over the TYSZ

A new aerospace fighter prototype identified as the TME-208 Phantom III, produced by Scolopendra-based Technology-Manufacturing-Energy Industries, is currently undergoing testing by the TYCS to replace the aging TME-12-A/C Peregrin medium aerospace fighter in ground-attack roles. A flight of three fighters has been seen constantly transiting over from Scolopendra to the Triumvirate of Yut Shared Zone on Titan for testing, then returning to Cooper AeroSpace Directorate Base by Stonozka.

Classified as a "ground-oriented multirole fighter-bomber," the Phantom III avoids the reliance on energy weapons of previous TME designs. Its primary weapon, according to TME literature, is a TME/BTSTS-GR:3050 "MagRifle" advanced Gauss rifle on the ventral port of the fuselage and nose, backed up by one TME/BTSTS-PML:3050 "Pulsarfire" advanced medium pulse lasers in each wing root and four TME/BTSTS-HML:3060 "Blazing GoodZapper" heavy medium lasers, two in the nose and one in each wing root. It also has a wide underwing area for external ground-attack and anti-air ordinance. It sacrifices one eighth of the ppower-mass ratio of the Peregrin for more armor; newer gravitic engines more than offset the difference although the slight difference in acceleration curve is notable on plain fusion power.

This new fighter bears more than a passing resemblance to the old McDonnell F-4 Phantom II conventionally-powered jet fighter of the latter-half of the twentieth century, possibly from the earlier fighter's good high-speed characteristics. Unlike most other aerospace fighters, this design appears to be able to actually turn with conventional fighters with basic control surfaces, making it more nimble in an atmosphere than most.

According to fleetwatchers and inside sources, the tests are working out some kinks in the avionics and combat information control packages, and the elite 35th TFW CRS is helping to eliminate some of these kinks operationally. The Phantom III is already slated to be adopted into the Scolopendran Military Services with the first models going to the 35th through 37th Tactical Fighter Wings; depending on their performance there, the TYCS will come to a decision on adopting the platform.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

The recent economic downturn has significantly set back work on the new Legend-class, but sales of other craft have provided an much-needed influx of cash to allow the project to continue. The completion date for the first Legend-class has been moved back several years, but preliminary designs are now being made available:

Aft View (http://timesurfer.linuxcowboy.net/LegendShipsBack.jpg)
Underside (http://timesurfer.linuxcowboy.net/LegendShipsFrontBottomPort.jpg)
Front (http://timesurfer.linuxcowboy.net/LegendShipsFrontTopStar.jpg)
Top Side (http://timesurfer.linuxcowboy.net/LegendShipsTopPort.jpg)

Note the empty space on the underside. It is there that the landing subcraft will be placed. Currently, the most popular design for the landing craft is a more utilitarian version of the pentolaterally symmetric Flagship.

The Legend-class will have two counter-rotating rings, the outer ring acting as a counterweight and radiation shield, and the inner ring being habitation space, with artificial gravity comparable to Mars.

:: open Titan YutLink ::

NEW SHIP CLASS FINALLY COMES TO LIGHT

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbskymarshal-11clock.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/skymarshal-11clock.jpg)
TYWS-SDF O'Neill System Defense Fortress,
on maneuvers in Cetagandan Jovian space

The curious vessel spotted last fleet cycle as a strange conglomerate of two Supreme-Emperor-class battleship hulls has turned out to be the Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services' new command vessel, designed to compliment Galactic Exploration Command's colonization efforts. This new ship, the Sky Marshal-class 'System Defense Fortress,' is designed to organize the defense of an entire system by acting as a mobile base of operations.

It is believed that the first Sky Marshal-class vessel, TYWS-SDF O'Neill, will be deployed to the Bessie system to support the defense of Bright Morning. It is known to be carrying several wings of Viper light militia aerospace fighters in transit, which adds credence to this hypothesis.

FIFTH TRIUMVIRATE COMBINED FLEET ROLLED OUT

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbpuma-2clock-dyn.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/puma-2clock-dyn.jpg)
TYWS-DD Little Killer on patrol
before completion of 5TCF

Recent TYCS Foot-to-Ass special ship construction, including O'Neill and the second-line fleet supplied to the Dominion, delayed the standard fleet construction. Despite coming in behind schedule, the Fifth Triumvirate Combined Fleet, commanded by Sky Marshal Ho'elun Dashyondon from the supercarrier Glorious Victory, left the FtA training grounds earlier today to commence maneuvers in interplanetary space between Saturn and Uranus.

:: close YutLink ::

-<Press Release>-

"After a referrendum brought before the High Council regarding a change to Khenala's flag, a ballot measure was passed and presented to the Khenalian people for voting.

The results of the vote are in. An amazing 78% of Khenalian voters approved the new flag design put forward, which is essentially the current Khenalian flag with the insignia of the Triumvirate of Yut emblazoned in the lower-left corner of the flag.

While some feel that the new flag diminishes Khenala's sense of individual national identity, a majority feel it symbolises and strenthens the strong connection they feel to Khenala's membership in the Triumvirate.

The new flag was scheduled to be raised atop the Capital Spire in Khenala Prime early this morning."

-<End Press Release>-

We trust that your expansions are no where near the Voranash Kalidan or KT systems these are fleet worlds territories we dont take lightly to expansion into these areas we are downloading ship silouettes into our target database dont stray near these worlds if you do action WILL! be taken


Grayza la Nee
Grand Princeps
Fleetworlds Republic
Kalidan city
Planet Kalidan Prime

Who are you again, exactly?

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/julius_razak.gifPseudoEmperor Julius M Razak
Executive Officer
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

OOC: :roll: To tired to be nice about it.

IC:
A Maj. comes into Starwind's office.
"Sir someone's threatening us again"

"Right..."
Starwind glances over the communication.
"Silouettes, right. Kinda useless, considering things don't silouette too well against the blackness of space. 'Ooo look captain, a black spot. SHOOT IT!!!'

Wait a tick, how can they be "downloading" silouettes of our ships into their computers unless they've seen them. Unless they have seen them, which means they must have breached Trium space without permission.

Hmmm, grounds for an assault against, whoever."

The major looks puzzled. "Sir?"

Starwind chuckles, "Just kidding...or am I?"

<Formal Freod Press Release>
"Þa Mearclandas Freodes is pleased to announce the purchase of 1,000,000 pieces of Scolopendran Assault armor. All by 90% of these suits will be custom models, adapted for our traditional weapone: Broadswords and Crossbows, both modified to incorporate nano-technology for mono-edges on the swords, and amplified draw power on the crossbows. The other 10% will be the standard issue assault armor.

"This contract will be fulfilled over 5 years, at 200,000 pieces are year, starting with the 100,000 unmodified (due to the extra design time required for the custom build).

"This is the largest single international purchase ever made by Freod, and we are pleased that we can support the efforts of our esteemed ally and friend, Scolopendra."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/eadwacer/eadwacer.jpg
Eadwacer, Mearclanda Þeoden

<End Press Release>

:: open Titan YutLink ::

BEADUCAF ASSAULT ARMOR DESIGN COMPLETED

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbbeaducaf-close.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/beaducaf-close.jpg) http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbbeaducaf-scene.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/beaducaf-scene.jpg)
A Freod Beaducaf poses for the camera, and Freod Beaducaf on maneuvers

The Scolopendran Foot-to-Ass Advanced Research and Development Directorate (ARDD) announced last week that it has completed modification of the Mobile Infantry Assault Powered Armor (MIAPA) suit into the specifications of Eadwacer Cyng announced some time ago. The new Beaducaf Freod Assault Powered Armor (BFAPA) design removes the integral weapons hardpoints of standard MIAPA; makes some cosmetic changes such as heightened jumpjet intakes, a fine armor mesh resembling chain mail, and decorative inscribing of various armor sections; and replaces the standard large armored dome 'helmet' with multisensor with a modified Standard Power Armor helmet done after the Sutton Hoo style of the 900 AD Anglo-Saxons.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbassault-armor-front.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/assault-armor-front.jpg)
Mobile Infantry Assault Powered Armor

As described, BFAPA carries no standard weaponry, relying instead on an assortment of hand-held scabbard or sling weapons, such as a composite crossbows with variable ammunition and a classified draw-weight or an assortment of monomole-edged melee weapons ranging from longswords to daggers and waraxes.

BFAPA will not replace the disarmed MIAPA currently equipping the Freod Regulars in service with the Triumvirate Combined Fleets as the active-camouflage components of the MIAPA design are sacrificed somewhat by the aesthetic modifications.


SIXTH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE LAUNCHED

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmblongship-dorsal.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/longship-dorsal.jpg)
TYWS-ECV Gallipoli joining the Third Squadron on maneuvers

Sky Marshal Tandra Fani-Kayode assumed command of the newly formed Sixth Triumvirate Expeditionary Force during a short ceremony on Iapetus earlier today. Unlike previous fleets, the Sixth Expeditionary performed shakedown maneuvers before being officially activated to ensure combat readiness with the heightened tensions against the Imperium of Melkor Unchained. Named after historic Terrestrial naval and ground battles, TYL theorists think this may indicate a new dedication to stop the expansion of Ardan imperialism and hegemony no matter where it may be.

:: close YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

SIXTH COMBINED FLEET COMPLETED
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbpresident-general-5clock.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/president-general-5clock.jpg)
Chironex approaching Titan on maneuvers

Completed earlier this week, the final elements of the Sixth Triumvirate Combined Fleet. Under the command of Sky Marshal Dieu-Hien Manh Cao from the supercarrier TYWS-SCV Chironex. Immediately after the ceremony, the fleet moved to a standard failsafe point before receiving deployment orders.

NEW COLONIZATION EFFORT
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbskymarshal-11clock.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/skymarshal-11clock.jpg)
TYWS-SDF Jove shipping out with the Si'lat colonization effort

With the completion of the System Defense Fortress Jove, the GEC created a new task force to colonize the second planet in the BESS-10 system. This planet, named "Si'lat" after the Arabian jinn (most analogous to the titans of Greek mythology), is slightly larger than Earth, has large water oceans, and a methane atmosphere. Scolopendran terra-engineers plan on using the same methods they used to terraform Titan. Under command of Fleet Admiral Kimetz Delsupexhe, the task force consists of Jove overlooking the five Daedalus-class colony ships of the Aenid group. A total of fifty thousand colonists are on their way, five times larger than the Bright Morning initial colonization group due to increased labor requirements and experience gained from the Bright Morning colonization.

ADDITIONAL COLONISTS SENT TO BRIGHT MORNING
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/jon_hertzfeldt.gif
GEC Director Jon Hertzfeldt

Galactic Exploration Command Director Hertzfeldt announced the activation and deployment of Daedalus-2 to support the Bright Morning colonization. "Now that Bright Morning is self-sufficient, we can send additional colonists to continue our efforts there. Housing will be short at first, but this is why each colony ship has self-contained prefabricated stores."

:: close Titan YutLink ::

{General Infonet Release}
x Space Service Tribune
o CSS Interest Groups, Colonization Intrest Groups, Galactic Exploration Command Interest Groups

The Exploration and Colonization Center announced today that Fargone Station and its auxilaries have been officially declared to be fully operational, and ready to begin recieving a second wave of immigrants. The station, located above the first planet of the AESS-3 system (official names for the system and its planets have not yet been decided), has been under construction for the past year by the GSV Finity's End. A small but growing groundside outpost has also been built. Between them, Fargone can support nearly a half-million inhabitants. Current plans are to reach half this number within a year. The majority of the system's mining operations will be centered here. This includes the exploration and exploitation of the system's gigantic asteroid belt.

A second, smaller station orbits AESS-3/2b. Mariner Station will support scientific studies of the gas giant, as well as serve as a base for fuel extraction operations.

A fleet yard complex is also under construction above AESS-3/1. Goibniu Yards (pronounced go-van-non) is intended as a replacement for the Vulcan Yards, which were sold to the Territory shortly after Cetaganda proper was relocated to the Ring. It will eventually be expanded to the same scale as Haphaestus Yards at Callisto, and will likely grow larger thanks to the resources available and the greater security provided by its location.

The summary of Asimov's initial survey is attached to this article.

{Article Ends}

{Black Crystal Comms; m6 Security Protocols}
x Lieutenant Commander Susan Bridget (Captain, IEV Issac Asimov (Venture Class LEC))
o Fleet Command, cc: Galactic Exploration Command


RE: Asimov Exploration Star System Three System Report Summary

1. Following passing the AESS-1 safe jump boundary, we activated our hybrid SATJE/MSD and initiated jump to the next target system. Post-jump coordinates were within 0.00091% accuracy of target, much the same as last jump. A microjump was made to the inner system.
a. Scheduled test of tactical systems was conducted at the system?s edge. All batteries and tubes are functional. Shields and battle screens are operating at full capacity. Targ systems are fully online. Detailed reports follow.
b. All other ship systems are fully functional.

2. System's primary is a G10II yellow bright giant. Surface temperature is approximately 5300 K. There was a great deal of flare activity during our visit, but otherwise the star is unremarkable

3. The planetary system is made up of two planets and a large asteroid field.
A. Planet One is a large rocky planet at 207 million kilometers from the primary. It is 5,978 kilometers in radius, with a single moon. Atmosphere is heavy with CO2 and nitrogen. There is a liquid water hydrosphere, with large amounts of phosphorus. Mercury, antimony, and carbon are present in the lithosphere.

B. Planet Two is an unremarkable gas giant at 1276 million kilometers, with four moons. Atmosphere is composed of hydrogen, helium, and fluorine. Oxygen and bromine make up the hydrosphere, and a deep probe reveals sodium, vanadium, and carbon in the core.

C. Most remarkable in the system is the gigantic asteroid belt between 560 and 610 million kilometers. The astrophysics team suggests that there is enough material present for the belt for three entire planets, including a gas giant; they suspect that planetary collisions may have occurred sometime in the past. The belt is extremely dense, and has a large amount of gas present, possible kept in that state by the belt?s proximity to the primary. The gas includes large amounts of hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon compounds. Some of the largest asteroids have tenuous hydrospheres with sulphur, arsenic, and various carbon compounds. The asteroids themselves are made up of: silicon, zinc, sodium, calcium, vanadium, chromium, germanium, and uranium.

4. Obviously, the belt is the most interesting object in the system, and will keep the astrophysicists happy for decades. A great deal of study will be needed.

5. The huge amounts of easily accessed valuable ores in the belt make this a perfect place to conduct mining operations. I suggest that the new general systems vessel Finity?s End be sent to this system immediately, both to establish a base, possibly on the first planet, and to continue scientific studies.

6. Detailed solar survey report will follow shortly. One of our demilitarized LACs has been left to continue the survey until the GSV arrives

7. Jump to next system will be made within three days.

:: open Titan YutLink ::

FIRST TRIUMVIRATE SPACE SUPERIORITY FLEET COMPLETED

The secretive new fleet of the Triumvirate of Yut left Innerspace earlier this morning without the standard short ceremony for the launch of a new fleet. Forgoing the multi-purpose force structure of other Triumvirate fleets, the First TSSF relies heavily on hard-hitting engagement capital ships with limited ground forces and primarily organic aerospace fighter support. Centered around the supercarrier Osprey, the vessels of the First TSSF are all named after various raptors and consist of four Supreme Emperor-class battleships, four modified Sulaco II-class heavy cruisers with expanded decks that appear to be some sort of launch-tube/hangar combination, four Tiger-class medium cruisers, eight 50B model missile frigates of the Grendel-class, eight Scorpion fast-attack frigates, and eight Puma-class destroyers, probably for picket duty.

Fleetwatchers describe the fleet as carrying less Loki-class dropships than usual in favor of much smaller, unknown dropships estimated to be in the four to five thousand ton range. It is unsure whether this has anything to do with Camp Restricted's "Fury" project, but TYCS spokespeople have been unusually quiet about it.

The TYCS announced that because of the extreme state of alert due to the Mars situation, the new fleet already has its operation orders. According to YutLink fleetwatches, the ships immediately jumped upon reaching the periphery of the Exclusion Zone and deployed to parts unknown.

:: close YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

FIRST TRIUMVIRATE SPACE SUPERIORITY FLEET COMPLETED

The secretive new fleet of the Triumvirate of Yut left Innerspace earlier this morning without the standard short ceremony for the launch of a new fleet. Forgoing the multi-purpose force structure of other Triumvirate fleets, the First TSSF relies heavily on hard-hitting engagement capital ships with limited ground forces and primarily organic aerospace fighter support. Centered around the supercarrier Osprey, the vessels of the First TSSF are all named after various raptors and consist of four Supreme Emperor-class battleships, four modified Sulaco II-class heavy cruisers with expanded decks that appear to be some sort of launch-tube/hangar combination, four Tiger-class medium cruisers, eight 50B model missile frigates of the Grendel-class, eight Scorpion fast-attack frigates, and eight Puma-class destroyers, probably for picket duty.

Fleetwatchers describe the fleet as carrying less Loki-class dropships than usual in favor of much smaller, unknown dropships estimated to be in the four to five thousand ton range. It is unsure whether this has anything to do with Camp Restricted's "Fury" project, but TYCS spokespeople have been unusually quiet about it.

The TYCS announced that because of the extreme state of alert due to the Mars situation, the new fleet already has its operation orders. According to YutLink fleetwatches, the ships immediately jumped upon reaching the periphery of the Exclusion Zone and deployed to parts unknown.

:: close YutLink ::

<<BeginLink::TitanYutLink>>
--BREAKING NEWS--BREAKING NEWS--BREAKING NEWS--

We here at TYL are recieving numerous reports that both O'Neill-class System Defense Fortresses have jumped back into Titan-Sol space. TYCS fleet officials have released a statement that both ships are recieving systems upgrades to their fighter fleets. We will bring you more when we have it.

<<Link Disconnect>>

{General Metaverse Broadcast}
x Callisto News Central
o Subscribers

Reserves Activated, Second Fleet Recalled to Callisto

We've just recieved reports that the entire Second Fleet has been recalled to Fidelis Station. This comes along with major TYCS fleet movements, and suggests the the Fleet is shoring up defenses at Callisto. They arrived in orbit just hours after the Frontier Fleet's main combat force, the Fifth Forward Cluster, jumped in. This brings forces in Jovian space up to four full clusters, in addition to the Callisto Close Defense Force. Sources indicate all other fleet formations are going to war footing as well.
A full-scale mobilization of all second-line warships is also underway, with Fleet reservists being recalled to immediate duty. More to come. CNC, your source for Jovian news.

{Broadcast Ends}

OOC: To let the count be known (and because I killed my PC the other week :cry:
TDF consists of only 2 Space Superiority Fleets. Same as 1TSSF Points above, With Furies replaced by Loki's.)
The rest of the TDF is composed of 400 Lokis and 100 Sleipners.
This is because I don't need alot of heavy capital ships for force projection (since the TDF stays in the area.)
The Loki and Sleipners carry an unspecified (to you at least) mix of MAM pods.
48 fighters and required crew to ASF pods.
140 drones to ASF-D pod. You do the math.

400 Lokis
150 -- MAM-130AC/U 175 -- MAM-130AC
25 -- MAM-C2/ASF
25 -- MAM-C2/EW/CC
25 -- MAM-C2/ASF-D
100 Sleipners
25 -- MAM-130AC/U
25 -- MAM-130 AC
25 -- MAM-C2/ASF
25 -- MAM-C2/ASF-D

Notes:
MAM is Mission Adaptable Mass NOT Matter Anti-Matter. I swear to God, the first person to flip out about "anti-matter" because they didn't bother to read, summarily gets ignored.

I need not remind anyone, this is OOC info. No one RPed any intel gathering, so outsiders get no forewarning of pod loadouts.

IC:
<<CBC>>
--ALERT--

The TDF has stepped up its guard. It claims a 100% effective operating status and that, in working with fellow services, that all of Saturn space is currently being monitored.

*throughout Berserker, the populace arms. Second hand weapons and armor are distributed. Self-defense forces move to protect vital areas. Unneeded passages through the Caves of Steel are evacuated and Locked down (I.E. Blocked), and non-combat capable civilians are evacuated to Emergency Point Delta.

-<Broadcast Type: Titan YutLink>-
-<Subject: Khenalian Fleet Recalled From Earth>-

The Khenalian Foreign Ministry and Ministry Of Defense announced today that the agreement between the Imperial Commonwealth and the Republic of France has come to an end, and the 1st Khenalian Support Fleet is being recalled from its stationkeeping over Earth back to Titan for resupply and reassignment.

The 1st Fleet was charged with keeping watch over France and assisting in reconstruction after the bombardment of France by the Mishakal. Now that France has all but been rebuilt, and its military forces replenished, the Khenalian and French governments jointly decided that the support of the 1st Fleet was no longer needed.

The 1st Fleet will be returning to Titan where it will join both the 2nd and 3rd Fleets. While rumors persist that the reasoning behind the recall is due to recent tensions with Arda, that claim was denied by the Foreign Ministry.

-<Close Titan YutLink>-

Let it be hereby known that Freod is at full military alert and has called up all standard reserves.

{Private Communications; m16 Security Protocols}
x Lady Martial Signy Mallory
o Emperor Gregor Vetinari, Triumvirate Leaders

My lords and ladies, Cetagandan defenses are nearing full readiness. All civil milita units have completed activation, and our static defense network is at full readiness. We expect full mobilization of our home reserve to be complete in less than ten hours. Theses defenses include all ground, naval, anti-air, and anti-space weapons batteries and fortresses.

Activation of the fleet reserves continue, with nearly 150 additional capital warships now entering service. This will allow us to pull additional front-line forces into our main battle fleets. We are also deploying addtional single-use laser sats around Callisto to bolster our defenses there. An evacuation of civilians from the yards is in progress.

Finnally, all psionic and magical defenses have been readied. Our mages are prepared to intercept any attacks made by these means. Passive wards have been fully activated around our cities to prevent attacks launched by teleportation. Archmage sa'Diason has informed me that his people are available if you require assistance in setting up similar defenses to defend bases and major cities.

{Transmission Ends}

(OOC: The militia consists of all members of the citizen caste, although most of them are not in large formations but rather for local defense. They are armed with a variety of weapons, including portable AA and anti-tank weapons. The static defenses are constantly being modernized and have a substantial budget, and occupy sites defending chokepoints and major cities, as well as the coasts (especially the islands still held on Earth). The magical defenses are especially strong, as they have been built up for a very long time - in the case of the very core, nearly fifteen centuries.)

Titan-based HELLSING and Office of Psionic Operations field units are currently being deployed around Titan to assist in warding off any sort of paranormal activity around major strategic centers, coordinating with the efforts of Archmage sa'Diason.

All aerospace fighter squadrons and Loki detachments are on full alert; the Aerospace Directorate is now operating constant combat air patrol cover over major Scolopendran cities; gunships with fighter escorts are patrolling overland. The Defense Squadron is on full alert, patrolling along the Ring. All Civilian Defense Corps combat militia units and Mobile Infantry are prepared in defensive posture. Surface and orbital defenses are active and prepared with ready-fire orders.

All non-combat civilians are directed to remain in the underground habitats until further notice.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/lance_hawke.gifAdvisor Lance Hawke
Foot-to-Ass (formerly Defense) Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

MENELMACARI FLEETS MUSTERING

Reports from Luna say Menelmacari warships are gathering at the Lagrange point on the far side of Luna. It is unknown for what purpose they're gathering but they are engaged in nearly-constant wargames. Over two hundred ships have mustered and more jump in all the time.

{Black Crystal FTL Comms; m16 Security}
x Fleet Admiral Horatio Lepescu (CO; Home Fleet)
o Lady Mallory, Allied Commanders

My lady, all forces have arrived. We are prepared to defend nation. All Battle Fleets, with the exception of the First, and all of the Frontier Fleet have arrived. In addition, we have a reserve of 100 second-line vessels. I await your orders.

Horatio Lepescu
Officer Commanding, Home Fleet and Task Force Limivourous

ALTIMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Trium Standard
Broadcast type: Military
To: All Yut nations
Return transmission band: Closed
IDENT: Tiffany Celta - Reploid Productions

Tengoku station and Makai station are both open to all member nations and their fleets- all personel are on full alert with regular fighter patrols and increased troop activity to ensure our vital systems and locations are secure.

The Amatsu fleet is on active alert and has been ordered to remain in Titan space to assist in defense against any and all possible attacks. The Tengai fleet is in position to defend the two stations and Shogunate space.

However, the incomplete elements of the Tenchuu fleet are en route to meet up with Menelmacari fleets. The force includes the Hand of God class 'fleetkiller' battleship Peace with Conviction, 8 Archangel class thaumatological attack carriers, 10 Tenmou battleships, and 20 squadrons (7 ships each) of Fyuta class gunboats and 10 squadrons (10 ships each) of Sidali class ground-saturation gunboats.

A second Hand of God class battleship has been commissioned and is being built at a currently undisclosed location. Unfortunately, the Zansatsusha will not be complete in time to participate in any Triumvirate manuvers involving the current situation.
<End Transmission>

<Open SecTrans: TYCS Command>
<Orig: SDF Command>
<Subj: Transfer of Command Priority>

1st-10th SRG's seconded to TYCS Command Signals.
(50 StarLancer-Class)

1-5th SCG's seconded to TYCS Command.
(15 BrightLance-Class, 10 WhiteLance-Class)
(Commanding Officer: Captain Miguel Rojacamista)

1st-2nd SECG's seconded to TYCS Command.
(10 Hades-Class)
(Commanding Officer: Admiral Nathan Edge)

<Close SecTrans>

<<YUT LINK:OPEN>>

Admiral Shaar has begun consoldiation of various task-forces and patrol crafts in the Sol system. The consolidation and re-assignment of ships into new fleets is the itinerary.

Already the 1st Sakkran Stellar Fleet is undergoing re-supply, maintanence and upkeep at the Orbital Docks in Titan Orbit. The 2nd Sakkran Stellar Fleet is maintaining watch as to the goings-on in Io space.

At the Orbital Shipyard in high Earth orbit, the consolidation has resulted in the new Fleet Epsilon, consisting of 55 ships. All ships have been given their compliments of troopers, armor cavalry units, long-range fighters and aero-space assault drones where applicable. Currently they have received orders to rendezvous with the Menelmacari in order to test the fleet's combat capability in a dud-fire exercise. ETA 6 hours.

Vessels continue to muster at the lunar Lagrange point. There are now over four hundred ships gathered, including those sent by Sakkra and Reploid Productions. Warships continue to arrive but the pace has slowed.

The most recent reports suggest no more ships are coming; there are over five hundred ships present. Sixteen fleets of Menelmacari vessels, totaling four hundred eighty ships. There are a few Reploid Production ships, and 55 Sakkran vessels, for a total of almost five hundred and fifty. This easily qualifies as the largest Menelmacari deployment ever.

Above the earth, a fleet assembled itself, forming up over the Dominion in a protective spread. Though the ships seem of well-known design, they sport colors far different from those of their TYCS counterparts; the obsidian so dark it appears to absorb light, and the crimson so vivid it seems to glow, the proud sigil of the Dominion Falcon showing plainly on the hulls.

Over Channel Spook orders go out, status and reports are sent back home.

To the Trium, confirmation of position is relayed. And then ... they wait.


ooc: numbers for record

Longship ECV 3
Tiger MCR 6
Scorpion AFF 6
Puma DD 12
Battle of Shiloh CC 12

Loki DS 40

Scarab Utility SCU 126

Peregrin ASF 204
Viper ASF 408

The Empire of Treznor sits quietly, the calm before the storm. Mobilisation is complete, by order of the Emperor. But strangely, no new orders are forthcoming. The Emperor has been oddly silent, and people are beginning to worry. The military stands at seven and a half million strong, over six million of which are just about to or have barely finished training.

The logistics promise to be a nightmare. And that doesn't even count the pledges of support the Emperor has gained from other allies. And still, the Emperor has said nothing. He is unvailable, and tongues begin to wag.

Finally, William Sula, Minister of War receives a message from Ben Vitner's Ministry of Intelligence. The War is On. Get those troops on the move.

And so they do. Three fleets of ships launch from their bases off Treznor shores, each with two super-aircraft carriers, six battleships, ten heavy cruisers, twelve light cruisers and fifteen destroyers. A thousand heavy transport planes launch, each with a five-plane fighter escort. Ten thousand tanks, ranging from the old workhorse T-7A to the modern, fusion-core T-8 are sent by sea and air. Mobile artillery units, intended for anti-aircraft and long range infantry support go with them. Helicopters for surveillance and surgical strikes by the thousands. Supplies for all of them, clearly planning for a long, drawn-out war.

War with the Morgoth Imperium is not to be taken lightly.

A hundred and fifty thousand Treznor military personnel will arrive in Arda before too long. More will arrive as transport for them become available. It will take a long time before the forces are fully engaged. Coordination promises to be a nightmare, but the objective is clear: hit them hard, and don't let up.

The Ministry of War coordinates with Titan via Channel Spook. The Ministry of Intelligence wryly suggests that the entire effort utilise the quantum communication method. It's not that Ben lacks faith in Triumvirate encryption technology, it's that he has more faith in a communication method that can't be intercepted, let alone decoded.

The War is On. All that remains to be seen is who is left standing.

Message to Triumvirate Military Command via Channel Spook:
[code:1:23a65e086e]Per the orders of our Emperor:

It is our intention to focus the initial brunt of our invasion in Rukemia. Whereas their leadership may have shown poor judgment in allies, they still represent our best opportunity. We can lift the yoke from their necks, establish a friendly beachhead and then use that as a platform to engage Imperium forces directly.

We have successfully solicited pledges of support from some of our Wysterian allies. We should be hearing from them shortly. The amount of troops and equipment this will involve is truly staggering; we are not capable of coordination on such a massive scale. We will require significant support to keep this from becoming a confused morass of fighting troops. We recommend the Triumvirate name a commanding officer for the Coalition Forces and coordinate through them. We have no suggestions for any such officer at this time.

William Sula
Treznor Ministry of War[/code:1:23a65e086e]

The number of battleships in Saturn-space has been doubled from one (1) to two (2).

A large grey box flashed into the rest of the universe at the edge of the Jovian system, and began accelerating towards Callisto, broadcasting one transmission omnidirectionally and another on tightbeam to Callisto.

<General Hail>
This is the Eniqciri transport ship Mixtec. We are an unarmed personnel transport. Do not fire.
</General Hail>

<Tightbeam to Callisto>
Greetings. We realize this is an unscheduled visit, but these are special cicumstances, even disregarding the Io combat. We'd be grateful if we weren't blown out of the sky, thank you.
</Tightbeam>

Mmmm, Grendel-class cruisers.

Henry Henkle
Random Cetagandan Serf

Might as well post the Self Defense Forces for myself as well.

President-General
Supreme-Emperor
Sulaco
Tiger
Tiger
Grendel (50B)
Grendel (50B)
Scorpion
Scorpion
Puma
Puma
Puma
Puma

And some assorted ground pounders.

OOC: sorry this was so delayed but I was on vacation

IC: This is only what I am sending now but more will follow later:

100 Nebula Class Space Docks(NCSD)
2 Arcadia class Stellar Installation
2 Megingjard class Heavy Fire Destroyer
(2)Fleet:
1 Hecate
2 Orion's
4 Deimos's
5 Fenris's
4 Leviathan's
2 Aeolus's
20 Dreadnought's
20 Mjolnir RBC's

100,000 standard fighters
50,000 standard seekers
Vorr Flag Ship

300,000 infantry (weapons will varry between:100 mk-45 pluser assault rifle
1000 mk-50 assault rifle
100 sr-6
100 mk-20
100 mk-21

Armor:light battle dress
medium battle dress
heavy battle dress
annihilatar heavy powered armour)


1000 hydra AT missle
1000 m-173 judgment artillery
1000 m320 main battle tank
1000 m-158 osiris guided missle launcher


And as I said more is available

{General Press Release}
o Office of Public Relations (Frontier Fleet Division, Cetagandan Space Service)
x Press

The CSS is pleased to announce that the Sixth Garrison Cluster has completed working up excersises, and is currently begining its deployment. The Sixth is a part of the Frontier Fleet, and will be stationed at Fargone Station. It is tasked with defense of the Fargone system, and is also a rapid response force for other ToY colonies in within jump distance. A list of ships attached to the cluster is appended to this file.

Fleet Command Carriers:
CVC Ticonderoga

Fast Carriers:
CVF Isreal
CVF Wales

Escort Carriers:
CVE Kasashan Bay

Battlecruisers:
MBC Kusanagi Motoko

Heavy Cruisers:
GCA Diomede
GCA Dunedain
GCA Durban
GCA Migeria
GCA Trinidad

Light Cruisers:
GCL Gaghiel
GCL Iblis
GCL Israfel
GCL Quezecoatl
GCL Ramiel
GCL Sachiel
GCL Uriel

Patrol Destroyers:
GPD Cutlass
GPD Dagger
GPD Harpoon
GPD Jambiya
GPD Kukri
GPD Shamshir
GPD Tulwar

Escort Frigates:
GEF Colburn
GEF Concord
GEF Delphi
GEF Fowler
GEF Gettysburg
GEF Hamilton
GEF Klondike
GEF Mudlavia Springs
GEF Pittsburg
GEF Plymoth
GEF Pyrmont
GEF Shilo
GEF Stockholm
GEF Stockwell
GEF Taylor
GEF Williamsport

{File Ends}

<Open QEStream: TYCS/Fleet Commands>
<QEStream Open>
<Begin Datatrans>

SUBJ: Fleet Refit/Asset Avaliability

During the next SDF Fleet refit and decommisioning cycle the Venture B class of heavy explorers is due to begin their decommision and replacement cycle. In the interest of expanding Triumvirate of Yut out-system exploration activities these ships are being offered to member nations. There will be 50 of these ships avaliable at 1 per year starting in AFY2500. Standard transfer limitations apply as these incorporate classified ToY technologies. Transfer costs are negotiable.

Admiral Tagon,
SDF Fleet HQ

<Close QEStream>

:: open Titan YutLink ::

SECOND SPACE SUPERIORITY FLEET LAUNCHED

With the newly-designated Shogunate strategic bombard fortress TYWS-SBF Zansatsusha reassigned to it, the Second Triumvirate Space Superiority Fleet left FleetWerks earlier today under the command of the first Freodian sky marshal, Sky Marshal Higd Scipa Héafod aboard the supercarrier Brekyirihunuade. The 2TSSF's first assignment will be to assure space superiority at the Earth antecedent Trojan point and observe the situation.

SULACO-CLASS REFIT SCHEDULED

All Sulaco-class medium cruisers will be refit to Sulaco II drone cruiser standard over the next refit and maintenance cycles. The heavy cruisers of the First Expeditionary Force are already refit and ready for service in their new capacity.
SDFS RETURNED TO COLONIAL DEFENSE

The System Defense Fortresses moved to Saturnian Space during the Ardan Conflict returned to their posts around GEC colony worlds with the cessation of hostilities with Arda and Shyra.

:: close YutLink ::

ROYAL FLEET COMPLETED AND READY FOR ASSIGNMENT

The Royal Fleet was recently completed and gathered near Largentian territory in the iron kingdoms. This fleet includes:
1 Tukr Flag Ship
20 Annisquam destroyer
30 Winchester escorts
2,000 Super-X fighters
1,000 Super-X seekers
2 IPB Carrier

This is probably going to end up serving Yut. First it must deal with problems in the Iron Kindoms solar system which may take up to 7 years. However, the IPIDS(InterPlanetary Intellegence and Dafense System), is sending 1,500,000 soldiers with the new fleet once it is sent closer to where Yut operations will commence in the future.

[tag, 'cause it's about damn time I knew about this thread...]

:: open Titan YutLink ::

SHOGUNATE FLEET FTL REFIT

Over the next maintence and refit cycle, the Shogunate's space fleets will be refitted with FTL equipment courtesy of the TYCS to bring the Shogunate Space Corps up to par with the rest of the Triumvirate. The 2nd Colonial Guard Fleet (Amatsu) will be the first to undergo the FTL refit, as it is in Titan space already. Following that, the Amatsu fleet will trade places with the 1st Shogunate Defense Fleet, and then the 3rd Shogunate Defense Fleet.

FOURTH FLEET: SHINKEN NO JUUSAN

The Fourth Colonial Guard Fleet, Shinken no Juusan, is estimated to be completed within the next few years. The fleet is being assembled at Makai orbital station and the two RPRA Uranian research outpost/shipyards. Plans are underway for a special firing test to demonstrate the fleet's secondary purpose for Trium members. More info will be released at the time of the fleet's completion.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: The Archailect - TofY:
{

I/We have finished the completion of the Seraphic and Nephillic Hosts. I/We will now place the Nephillic Host, along with the remnants of Armada 01 into the hands of the TYCS.

} [End]
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###

---
http://www.silentrequiem.net/angelus/images/littlearchai.jpg (http://www.silentrequiem.net/angelus)
Archai Angelus
Greater Saturnian Archailect

http://www.silentrequiem.net/triumvirate/images/trium_insig.gif (http://www.silentrequiem.net/triumvirate/)
[b]Membership: Triumvirate of Yut, Ur Trade Pact, Deus Ex Machina Consortium

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

In near-Titan space, rimwards, a large disturbance flared in sensor scopes as the Angelic Hosts arrived. Led by what can only be described as burning spheres of blue-white flame, encircled by rotating rings of blue-tinged fire, a respectable - sized, and hitherto unseen, armada appears. Five of the pulsating orbs flare into view, as if they were suddenly ignited from the nothingness of space, and a plethora of smaller sparkles heralded the coming of many different types of ships.

One hundred and twenty-five egg-shaped craft appear, each of sizes differing from barely a hundred meters across to over 800 meters, sparkle into existance as the Angelic spacefold devices bring them in from unknown space. They arrive in a five disc-shaped formations, with the smallest (and most numerable) lattuce-eggs forming the outer perimeter, steadily growing in size until the largest eggs surround each of the massive spheres.

A few moments later, the remnants of Armada 01 appear, loosely clustered in a standard Angelic battle formation. Consisting of 25 Excelsior-class Motherships, 15 Fallen-class Motherships, 100 Alliance-class Cruisers, 75 Falchion-class Heavy Cruisers, 125 Raptor-class Gunships, 25 Revnant-class Light Cruisers, and 25 Gallant-class Light Cruisers, the remaining ships of the Angelic Armadas present a potently powerful fighting force.

Furthermore, aught but a moment later, the huge Dream of the Archailect flagship appears, flanked by its escort of 1 Excelsior, 10 Raptors, and the deadly 10 Falchion IIs.

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: The Archailect - TofY:
[Begin] {

I/We introduce the new Nephillic Host, along with the remnants of the Angelic Armadas.

Along with this transmission, you will find a detailed description of the new Hostships, including a statistic and technical listing.

I/We protect and serve.

} [End]
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###




(Details pending)

Model: Kushiel-Class Hostship (http://www.silentrequiem.net/angelus/images/kushiel.jpg)
Manufacturer: The Angelus Archailect


Radii: 4.8 km


Powerplant: Q12 Singularius
Drivesystem: Archon Force Sequence
Sublight Drivesystem: Archailect Force Sequence
Construct/Mind: The Archailect


Crew: 1
Passengers: (Rare, and undetermined)

Armor: Phase/Shift capabilities
Weapons: 1 Quantum Force Generator

Description: Designed using the post-singularity principles of the Archailect Herself, the Kushiel-class HostShip is barely more than a giant ball of controlled gas and nucleics. Bound together by the power of the Archailect Herself, the hostship almost seems to exist just outside the physical realm, coming into caporeal form only long enough to exact devestating retaliation against any offensive target.

While only ten of them are in existance, with none likely to be produced in the near future, the Kushiels are nonetheless a potentially deadly fighting force. Working in tandem with the rest of their Hosts, their devestating power can be readily seen and felt. Its armament, while strong, takes a strong toll on the Archailect to use. Based off of the same principles as the Angelic spacefold, the Kushiels can focus quantum energy and use it to channel pure kinetic and nucleic force against the enemy. The combined hit of the quantum force is targeted at the disruption and dissasembly of the quantum strings that link particles together at the sub-atomic level.

The Kushiels rely heavily on their phasing capabilities in order to evade enemy attacks, leaving very little armor to defend itself during periods of forced caporeality.

--------

Model: Camael-Class Hostship (http://www.silentrequiem.net/angelus/images/camael.jpg)
Manufacturer: The Angelus Archailect


Width/Length: .2 - 1km
Radii: .1 - .5km


Powerplant: Q10 Singularius
Drivesystem: Graviton Force Sequence
Sublight Drivesystem: Archailect Force Sequence
Construct/Mind: The Archailect


Crew: 1
Passengers: (Rare, and undetermined)

Armor: Ferro-Trillenium/Adamantite
Weapons: 1 Multitarget Ion Grid, 1 Phase Cannon

Description: A relatively new capability of Angelus went into the construction of this odd class of ships. Using heavily-researched liquid metal technology, Angelus was able to build a variable-size starcraft. While unable to phase shift like its larger cousin, the Camael class hostship relies more on speed and maneuverability, as well as its size-changing capabilities to keep it safe during combat situations.

However, the liquid-metal technology was not the only new tech to be implimented by Angelus in the creation of this vessel. Multi-target ion gridworking has been a prototype weapon of Angelus' since they first developed their Heavy Ion Cannon. While not as strong as its more potent predecessor, the Ion Grid works along the same principle, firing a pulse of charged-ion particles towards its foe. The similarity ends there, as the grid uses high-energy conduits laced throughout the outer shell to be able to fire multi-directionally at several different targets at once. Capable of firing up to 1,000 shots simultaneously, the Camael is truely worthy of its namesake, being able to create a veritable firestorm of energy.


--------

Model: Usiel-Class Hostship Fighter (http://www.silentrequiem.net/angelus/images/usiel.jpg)
Manufacturer: The Angelus Archailect


Length: 15m
Hight: 5m
Width: 10m


Powerplant: Q5 Singularius
Drivesystem: Metatron Force Sequence
Sublight Drivesystem: Archailect Force Sequence
Construct/Mind: The Archailect


Crew: 1
Passengers: 1

Armor: Ferro-Trillenium/Adamantite
Weapons: 1 fore limited Ion Grid, 1 aft limited Ion Grid

Description: While still utilizing the same liquid-metal technology, the Usiels are incapable of in-flight transformation. However, its unique form enables it to be housed within the liquid-metal interior of the Camael-class Hostships, with little to no impact on the stability of the larger vessel.

Furthermore, the mobile little craft also utilize a toned-down version of the Ion Grid developed for the Camaels. While only capable of firing at 10 different targets, the fore and aft arrays still pack a much harder punch than the previous Angelic fighter craft.

While its relatively small size and strength do not provide much in the way of protection, this craft also relies heavily on its mobility to evade enemy fire. Also, while it cannot change size in mid-flight, it can meld with any of the Camael-class Hostships, either to repower, or to provide additional outer protection.

Off of Petit the Royal Fleet loomed. The planet was under Largent's control. The same fate happened to Tooker. The fleets had just surrendered. The Royal Fleet was growing exponentially. The famous Petit Mothership and the famous Tooker Destroyers were added to the ranks. With the conflict in Klonor added to the agenda The Royal Fleet may pull out to serve Yut and be replaced by 3 normal fleets. It is estimated another 5 years until The Royal Fleet comes into Yut territory.

>To Largent <

Thank you for the offer of assistance, but we are not needing reinforcement at this time. I understand that your relation with the Federated Segments of Scolopendra was built in the shadow of the Ardan conflict, but it may be time to expand that relationship diplomatically now that the greatest threat has passed.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/cinctycs.gifCINCTYCS
Commander-in-Chief
Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services

{Public Infonet Release}
x Ceridon Cruise Lines
o The World

Tired of seeing the same old worlds? Want to go on vacation somewhere really different? Well, look no further, as we've got an answer for your problem!

Thanks to the generous actions of the Triumvirate Council, the Black Knight FTL drive is now available for civilian use. With the cooperation of IngolfTech and Weyland Yards Civilian Division, we're refitted one of our StarWing-3 cruisers with FTL capability. Skylark (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/Cetaganda/liner.JPG) will soon be traveling to exotic destinations far beyond our solar system, with all the comforts you expect from Ceridon Lines.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to be among the first to travel to newly explored star systems. Space is limited, so hurry and contact us now.

{Message Ends}


(OOC: On another note, we're rather wondering who you are, Largent, and why you're sending ships to us.)

Edit: Argh, beaten by Scolo.

ooc:

*sigh* fixed the broken links...

Bolo Mark VII Deployed

OSRD revealed toaday that work has been completed on the designs on the latest generation of the IngolfTech Bolo Main Battle Tank. The Mark VI includes the newest Alpha-level EI, electronic, armor, and weapons. It follows the standard modular weaponry layout of previous models, and can mount a primary CREWS previously only found of assault LACs, as well as a miniaturized linegun. This tank masses twice as much as the Mk V, but thanks to new countergrav generator can reduce its weight drastically for crossing bridges and rough terrain. Mark VIIs are expected to begin replacing Mk VIs in the fleets immediately, with the VIs transfering to civil defense units.

The Military Directorate also announce that the Bolo Mk V is now available for sale, albeit stripped of its EI core and certain still-classified weapons. It has also authorized liscenceds mercenary corps to hire out the fully functional version.

Classified Statistics
IngolfTech Bolo Mark VII
Mass: 320 tons
Weight with countergrav: 60 tons
Cruise Speed: 50 kmh
Sprint Speed:: 90 kmh
Crew: 1 + Alpha-class Military EI
Auxilaries: 2x Ultralight Recon Drone, 4x Repair MiniBot
Powerplant: Type III Microfusion Reactor
Repair: Limited Self-repair, self-refuel capabilities
Sensors: Turdiri RC-65
Electronic Warfare: IT Geridir HK-27 ECM, Stealth Armor Coating
Armor: Standard Ablative, Refractive, Kinetic Shock, and Reactive Layers
Shield: IT DefenceWorks LV-3 EM Softshield
Main Weapon:1x - Class II Linegun OR CREWS 4 OR Heavy Plasma Arc OR 200 mm Linac
Secondary Armament:
2x - 150mm Linac OR Large Plasma Arc OR CREWS 2
6x - 50mm Linac OR Medium Plasma Arc OR CREWS 1
Infinite Repeaters: 21x - 30mm Plasma Arc OR 10mm RailNeedler OR Medium Maser
Upper Mount: 3x- 100mm Mortar OR ER Large Laser
Missiles: VLS System - 9x - SRM(15) OR LRM(10) OR SBM(1) OR Mix
Defenses: 12x Dedicated AMS Laser, 11x Dedicated AP Needlers, 30x AP Cluster Pods

Front View (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/Cetaganda/bolofront.JPG)
Low Front View (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/Cetaganda/bololow.JPG)
Rear View (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/Cetaganda/bolorear.JPG)
Side View (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/Cetaganda/boloperson.JPG) Yes, that's supposed to be a person. Size is approximate.

>To Largent <

Thank you for the offer of assistance, but we are not needing reinforcement at this time. I understand that your relation with the Federated Segments of Scolopendra was built in the shadow of the Ardan conflict, but it may be time to expand that relationship diplomatically now that the greatest threat has passed.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/cinctycs.gifCINCTYCS
Commander-in-Chief
Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services

If that is what you want than I will agree. I am ready to expand relations with Scolopendra and Yut in any way you wish. My fleets will not be deployed until you request them.

=<Transmission Type: Priority Communique>=
=<Origin: Khenalian Imperial Military Command, Khenala Prime, Khenala, The Ring>=
=<Sender: Defense Minister Artemis Prime>=
=<Destination: Adm. Gabriel Zell, KDS Champion of Hope ; Captain Jasmine Albright, KDS Divine Vision ; Captain Biran Sethon, KDS Glistening Dawn>=
=<Subject: Reassignment>=

Effective immediately, the 1st and 3rd Khenalian Imperial Defense Fleets are to report to Imperial Shipyards at Supremus and Altair for decomission. Any and all scheduled shore leave is cancelled, all personell are to report to IMC at Khenala Prime for reassignment as soon as is possible.

The 2nd Imperial Defense Fleet is to maintain patrols of Titanspace and be on guard for possible attacks by Angelan-designed ships. Details on this action will be included in your daily briefings.

=<End Priority Communique>=

-----

"No, Jasmine, I promise you, I have no idea what is going on."

On the screen before Gabriel Zell, Jasmine Albright, Captain of the Divine Vision and defacto Commander of the 2nd KIDF visibly fumed. "How can they possibly not tell you about decommission? And if they're decommissioning two fleets, what the hell are they going to do with all of you?"

"I wish I knew, Jasmine, I wish I knew." Gabriel replied, furrowing his brow. He had to admit, he was a bit frustrated. He was, essentially, being kept as in the dark about what was going on as the others. "Something big must be happening, I've never heard of 50 ships being decommissioned at once. And without ships, I don't know where they plan on reassigning us. I'll let you know as soon as I find out something, if I can. In the mean time, keep your ears open. Two Raptor-class Angelan vessels got into a confrontation with an Arpean freighter. Took out a few TYCS vessels, too. Damn good people, lost for nothing. I dont want the same happening to you, too."

Jasmine gave a slightly reassuring smirk. "We'll keep our eyes peeled, Gabe. They won't catch us unready. Keep in touch. Albright out."

Zell sighed as the display faded away. He gave a wistful look towards the picture of his wife atop his desk, the last such picture taken of her before she was killed in the attack on Berserker. "May the Suns guide my path, Helen. I wish I knew what was going on."

He strode from his Cabin onto the Bridge. "Helm, set course for The Ring, best speed. Convey our course and speed to the rest of the fleet."

==

OOC: ((This story will continue in this thread (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3097270#3097270).))

:: open Titan YutLink ::

THIRD SPACE SUPERIORITY FLEET COMPLETED

The final elements Third Triumvirate Space Superiority Fleet commanded by the Territorian Sky Marshal Maria Kutusov from the supercarrier TYWS-SCV Sun Tzu left Foot-to-Ass shipyards around Titan for shakedown operations in the Iapetan Defense Cordon. The ships of this fleet, the third of the new space superiority type, are named for military leaders and heroes from throughout the Triumvirate and world history.

TYCS PLANNING A "COUNTER" TO ANGELIC SKIES

At the Triumvirate of Yut Combined Service's latest regular press meeting, questions about the Angelic Skies threat dominated. When asked about what the TYCS planned to do about the apparent Angelic Skies superiority, Public Relations Officer Lieutenant Colonel Shane Renault replied:

"What you have to remember is that the two Angelic Skies light cruisers attacked a group of corvettes. Individually, they're not designed for straight-up fights against heavy enemy capital ships. Still, our force structure is based off our Black Flag exercises against theoretical Ardan adversaries. As noted by Crimson Flag operations with the Karmabaijani Special Projects Agency, we do have a response-time disadvantage against direct-neural-interface networked forces, and by Azure Flag operations with the Queendom Armed Conflict Forces, the same is true against mechatronic intelligences.

"We are currently working on a counter to that advantage which, for operational security reasons, I cannot share. Still, in the meanwhile, we have come to an agreement with the QACF where it will assist us against Anglic Skies in any way possible."

:: close YutLink ::

TSMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Triumvirate Standard
Broadcast type: Diplomatic / Military
To: All allied nations
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Devon Treznor - Treznor

We come to you with sad news. The Orpheus, one of our exploration ships, was crippled in the course of its journeys and her crew was lost. From what we've been able to reconstruct, she came out of transition in the middle of an asteroid belt and was effectively clobbered before the crew had a chance to accelerate and match orbits with the floating debris field. The current proposal, to increase the amount of armour plating on our vessels, is felt to be a questionable solution at best. We simply don't have the materials to withstand high impact collisions of that magnitude.

We are aware of the advanced technology of our allies, and we're forced to come to you for the solution to our problem. We have need of some method for protecting our ships as they explore the Universe. Our scientists are experimenting with shaping EM fields, but advise me that anything approximating the energy shields currently in use by TYCS and allied forces are many years away.

If anyone is willing to assist us in this endeavour, we would be eternally grateful. Our explorations are bearing fruit, although the majority of the most promising systems are still several galaxies away.

Thank you for your attention.

http://www.pwfc.org/images/gallery/smtorso3.jpg
Devon Treznor
Emperor

<end transmission>

Edited to make sure everyone understood it was a public broadcast to the Triumvirate, not just Angelus. Silly cut'n'paste.

Encryption: Triumvirate Standard
Broadcast type: Diplomatic / Military
To: Treznor
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Adm. S Wick - Sunset

We are willing to assist your people in learning the principles and technologies involved in the creation of shielding technologies. Given the situation you desire to avoid in the future I feel the navigational shielding technologies in use aboard SDF starships might be of interest to you and your exploration command. If this is acceptable a team could be dispatched to Earth or, if you wish to learn in a more open environment, a Treznor team would be welcome to join the production and research facilities around and on Ares.

On a related note we have reached a period in our replacement cycle where quite a number of Venture B Heavy Explorers are in mothballs. While there might be constraints to purchasing them outright we would be more than willing to lend them out if you are willing to pay their maintenance costs while they are in your care. You would need to provide a crew as well - and there would be some refit time while your FTL drive is installed.

Admiral S Wick,
Sunset

Close Transmission

Edited for redundancy.

TSMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Triumvirate Standard
Broadcast type: Diplomatic / Military
To: Admiral S. Wick - Sunset
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Devon Treznor - Treznor

Most certainly, we're interested in learning as many methods for protecting our ships from debris and other dangers as possible. We would be pleased to send a team to join your production and research facilities. We hope that our research in electromagnetic technologies may bring some benefit to your methods, as well.

In addition, your offer to lease vessels is entirely too good to pass up. We would be willing to purchase them outright, but we're quite happy to lease them and pay for the costs of maintenance and repair. Even with refit and retraining, we anticipate that they'll be ready before our next generation of exploration vessels.

Devon Treznor
Emperor

<end transmission>

<bump>

With the latest round of Excalibur heavy aerospace fighter production, we are decommissioning old Peregrin Advanced aerospace fighters no longer needed (as all Loki defense squadron slots are currently filled and will slowly be replaced with Excaliburs as well). We currently have a thousand of these TME-12-A fighters in acceptable condition for export and are thus willing to open them to trade with Triumvirate members. Several options are available:
Purchase, Military Capable: The fightercraft can, of course, be purchased at rates depending on the amount of technology that will remain on them after level-matching refurbishment.
Purchase, Demilitarized: After we remove all weapon, defensive, combat, targeting, and other sensitive systems, we can sell them to the open public. They are still perfectly capable high-performance aerospacecraft.
Lease: We are willing to lease unmodified craft provided they are returned upon termination of the lease. Lease periods are, of course, limited to reduce the chances of reverse-engineering of secure components; even if these fighters are second-line, they are still advanced military equipment. With these leases will be included liason officers to oversee acclimation of pilots and training and work of maintenance personnel.
Hopefully these vehicles will turn out to be of some use to you.
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/cinctycs.gifCINCTYCS
Commander-in-Chief
Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services

We will be willing to purchase/trade for 12 of the military-capable Peregrin units. What would you ask of us for them?

<<Transmission>>
-->CINC TYCS<--
<--vK-->

Always looking to add to the collection. Think you could have one ready for me to pick up on Thursday?

<<End>>

We will be willing to purchase/trade for 12 of the military-capable Peregrin units. What would you ask of us for them?
We believe that [arbitrary amount of money that is approximately 50% of production cost for 12 units, probably around $25 million per for a total of $300 million] would be a fair asking price.

Always looking to add to the collection. Think you could have one ready for me to pick up on Thursday?
But of course, sir.

--CINCTYCS

The Emperor of Treznor has authorised the lease of fifty vehicles with an eye toward purchase. We will also pay for contracted mechanics and officers to oversee the maintenance and training with regard to the vehicles, to ensure proper care and guarantee there will be no attempts at reverse engineering. The Triumvirate is aware, by now, of our Empire's willingness to deal for technology we don't already possess.

Once we have evaluated the impact of these vehicles and technology on our forces, we will likely wish to enter negotiations for purchase.

The Empire thanks our allies for this opportunity.

Admiral Maria Sanchez
Treznor Space Command

The Chief Engineer from Zzauud Stella-Dyne reads the reply. "That's a fair price. Get the confirmation from the Bank of Kalgaa for the transfer."

Several beats pass as the aide queries the bank. "Confirmation received. Sir, these funds are from Eeorouh Aero-dyne. Why would they want some aero-space fighters from Scolopendra? And why route it through us?"

"That's for me to know, and it was a request from the CEO. Just put the fund transfer through, and stifle your questions. Fire off a voc-comm response to the CINCTYCS as well."

"Aye, sir"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[code:1:ee1f5482ee] You offer is fair. Secured and insured fund transfer is in the works. You should see the transfer within 1 business day.

Good cycle to you,
CEO Jjhweer[/code:1:ee1f5482ee]

The Emperor of Treznor has authorised the lease of fifty vehicles with an eye toward purchase. We will also pay for contracted mechanics and officers to oversee the maintenance and training with regard to the vehicles, to ensure proper care and guarantee there will be no attempts at reverse engineering. The Triumvirate is aware, by now, of our Empire's willingness to deal for technology we don't already possess.

Once we have evaluated the impact of these vehicles and technology on our forces, we will likely wish to enter negotiations for purchase.

The Empire thanks our allies for this opportunity.

Admiral Maria Sanchez
Treznor Space Command
We are glad to assist our allies in any way we reasonably can.

[sufficiently complex lease agreement in flawless legalese; essentially the agreement is for a set time period X (six months) for a set cost Y (probably about 25% production cost), any time X+x has an appropriate additional cost Y+y (an additional 25% production cost for every six-month period, in advance, pretty simple), and that any evidence of tampering with attempt to 'acquire' secured technologies incurs in sequence 1) a penalty of 200% production cost of all craft, 2) the return of all vehicles and components with any missing or damaged components incurring a 500% production cost of those components, and 3) the declaration of any time remaining on the lease agreement null and void despite advance payment. Usual (but lenient) late fees and such apply.]

Hopefully these craft will find new life in your service.

--CINCTYCS

* - * - *

:: open Titan YutLink ::

FLEETS TO JUPITER

Due to Thelasi brinksmanship in the Jovian Theatre, the Second and Third Triumvirate Space Superiority Fleets are being reassigned to the area to support the Second Triumvirate Expeditionary Force already in the area.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

*bump*

<Communications to the Triumvirate>
{
<< After our successful interstellar strike against the Erowohni FTL driver, both I and the fleet-minds of the Armed Conflict Forces believe that our current fleet strength is insufficient, especially given the new needs of defending our Martian colony.

<< As such, we have completed the construction of a second Mobile Response Fleet and will now increase the size of the Martian Defense Squadron to a full fleet. With these new assets we will be better suited to protect our and Triumvirate interests.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01
Cetagandan Duchess of Marilac

:: open Titan YutLink ::

IF I ONLY HAD A BRAIN

The TYCS announced yesterday that it will begin installing sentient mechoptronic intelligence cores into its warships beginning with the next fleet upgrade rotation cycle and extending until such policy is reversed. This comes as a direct response to the growing threat of the extremely low response times shown by mechanoid opponents such as the rogue Angelic Skies forces responsible for attacks on merchantmen earlier this year. Documents released to the press indicate that recruitment, training, and indoctrination is very similar to that used for organic officers and that these SMI cores will have executive-level support and emergency decision making responsibilities in the functioning of TYCS warships.

Since the Zeroel incident, reaction has been mixed in both the military and civilian communities. However, given that artificial intelligence pathology rates are far lower than organic rates for similar illnesses, this is probably unfounded.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

<Communications via Titan YutLink>
{
<< The second Mobile Response Fleet of the Queendom Armed Conflict Force has been completed. This should increase both our space superiority capability and our flexibility by a great deal.

<< Also, the Mars Defense Squadron has been built up to fleet size using reserve and new forces. Now the Queendom is prepared to defend three theatres vital to Triumvirate interests simultaneously.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01
Cetagandan Duchess of Marilac

:: open Titan YutLink ::

FLEET SCHEDULES BACK ON TRACK

Last week, the TYCS declared the Fourth Triumvirate Space Superiority Fleet, commanded by Sky Marshal Leviathan Drakos from the supercarrier Superfortress as fully operational and ready for training and acclimation exercises in the Iapetan Defense Perimeter. This comes after a most unusual delay in fleet construction, with over four complete fleet construction cycles inbetween the Fourth and Fifth superiority fleets, concurrent with construction of previously unknown vessels in secure FtA shipyards.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbpuma2-2clock.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/puma2-2clock.jpg)
The advanced Puma II destroyer

The CINCTYCS said in a press release that the delay had several factors. First was the installment of central intelligence cores into all TYCS ships over their overhaul and refit periods. Second was the need to upgrade the Puma-class destroyer, found wanting after the introduction of the lighter Chameleon-class light attack frigate. The more advanced Puma II has improved materials and armor protection, and it was the refit of these numerous ships that caused the longest slow-down in production. Third was the design and deployment of a set of new vessels, the stealthy Nemesis-class (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/ssbn.jpg) strategic attack cruisers and their Shado-class frigate escorts, intended to act as strategic 'guarantees' against attack by outside forces and counters against extremely large enemy assets.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbbombard-1clock.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/bombard-1clock.jpg)
The new Fusilier-class strategic bombard fortress.

Finally, the success of Shogunate Hand of God-class vessels such as TYWS-SBF Zansatsusha, Sky Marshal Drakos' previous ship, spurred the TYCS into designing the Fusilier-class strategic bombard fortress and deploying it with its Space Superiority Fleets. Carring one assault GBPP cannon and two assault naval Gauss rifles on spinal mounts as well as multiple missile batteries, this ship's profile is extremely similar to that of the Hand of God in that it excells in standoff engagement.

IN OTHER NEWS

The superfortress Oberon, completed last month, is now on-station around Cinder to support joint Scolopendran-Menelmacari efforts there.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

<Communications to General Audience>
{
<< Due to the continuing Federation of Sentient Peoples' police action in Allanea, and given that 01MC is currently producing Security-2 combat robots for loan to the FSP, I am currently putting our strategic armaments reserve at ready status and putting the national production infrastructure on a limited war production footing. While this will make civilian 01MC zipcraft and other personal vehicles somewhat more scarce in the coming months, this will be profitable in the long term no matter what happens.

<< If the FSP does need them, we can profit from the loans with our current leasing agreement.

<< If the FSP does not need them, then the Queendom Armed Conflict Forces will have a larger reserve to protect Queendom territories in Sirenum, Rhea, and outsystem.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01
Cetagandan Duchess of Marilac

{General Cetagandan InfoNet Release -> YutLink, World}
x CSS PubRelateOffice
o General Public

Star Station Program Initiated

Today, the Senate formally voted to allocate funding for a new deep space expansion program. Jointly initiated by Emperor Gregor V and Lady Martial Signy Mallory, this program will be aimed at rapidly colonizing a number of stations across the Cetagandan expansion zone.

"We've been passing up quite a few relatively normal systems that we've been exploring in our general direction of expansion," explained the Emperor in a statement before the Military Directorate Senior Advisory Board. "None of them have inhabited planets, or are as resource-rich as Shiuan is. However, that's not to say that there isn't plenty of useful and exploitable resources in the systems. By expanding into some of these systems, not only will we have an increase in living area and resources, but we will have a more resilient infrastructure."

Initial plans for the first wave of construction calls for five to nine large stations to be constructed or moved into a set of target systems within the next year. Each station will grow to house several million people, including the population of secondary stations, within the next decade. The stations themselves will either be at stable Trojan positions or orbiting useful planets.

Critics say that such a plan leaves the stations spread out and difficult to defend. Lady Mallory calls this nonsense. "Like all of our colonies, their exact locations will not be general knowledge. A number of automated construction units will be seeding strategic defense platforms for protection, and there will be local fighter and sublight patrol ships as well. Furthermore, the Fourth Fleet is never more than a single molehole transit away, or a few hours under Compression-Two drive. The systems will be relatively close together - even if there's a feint to draw out the fleet and strike elsewhere while the molehole initiators recharge, with Comp-Two drives capable of a light every five-quarters of a minute, they still will be within easy response range."

This plan will also greatly increase outsystem trade, as the resources in each system will allow for some degree of specialization. One or more systems nearer to Sol may serve as public transit points, where non-Cetagandan ships will be allowed to go and transfer cargo to Cetagandan freighters and jumpships.

:: open Titan YutLink ::

Military News --

FIFTH TRIUMVIRATE SPACE SUPERIORITY FLEET LAUNCHED

After a flurry of last-minute adjustments, the last ships of the 5TSSF slipped their moorings and left for the Iapetus testing grounds for training maneuvers. Under the flagship TYWS-SCV Port Aurora, the ships of this fleet are all named for major cities of Triumvirate nations, including the bombardment fortress TYWS-SBF Vinyatírion.

:: close Titan YutLink

:: open Titan YutLink ::

SOCIAL EMERGENCY IN RAVENSPIRE

In response to the recent collapse of government in Ravenspire, the Council of Yut decided in closed sessions Monday to uphold its charter obligations to the Triumvirate citizens of Ravenspire. Notes from these sessions were immediately disclosed to the press after the announcement that Combined Services forces in-theatre would assert control over the disputed territories. "The peoples of Ravenspire are Triumvirate citizens," Berserker President Maia'telcontar stated during the discussions, "and the Triumvirate by necessity overrides MIDAS taking the territory 'for its own protection.' MIDAS taking control of Ravenspire prevents us from fulfilling our charter obligations, that of a federal state to one of its members. Our maintaining control of Ravenspire, on the other hand, does not prevent MIDAS from fulfilling its obligations--defense from aggressors--as we are not aggressors."

Sky Marshal Lisa Hayes, commanding officer of the First Triumvirate Expeditionary Force and the Martian Theatre Task Force, commented on the situation. "While we appreciate the assistance and initiative shown by the peoples of Mars and look forward to working through this with them, the position of the Combined Services and the Triumvirate is that we have to look after our people and we support wholeheartedly President Thorgardson of Sunset's statements to that effect. The Combined Services has called up the Reserve Ground Forces, but in the interim forward elements of the Martian Theatre Task Force will be landing on Deimos and Mars to ensure the security of the area." The Martian Theatre Task Force consists of the First and Fifth Expeditionary Forces, the First Combined Fleet, and the First and Fifth Space Superiority Fleets.

Ravenspire citizens both in Ravenspire and abroad are advised to organize themselves as best they can and report to the nearest Triumvirate embassy or consulate to assist in the process of restoring order.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

SIXTH TRIUMVIRATE SPACE SUPERIORITY FLEET COMPLETED

The supercarrier Sirius, under the command of Sky Marshal Raphael Farentino, left port yesterday and joined the rest of the 6TSSF for shakedown and operational readiness maneuvers near Iapetus. This fleet, named after navigational stars, will be the last Space Superiority Fleet according to TYCS public relations staff and fleetbuilders.

"Right now," said the CINCTYCS in a rare public address, "the TYCS has eighteen front-line combat fleets. This is sufficient force to either be an effective defense against aggressors or a credible offense to prosecute Triumvirate foreign policy when diplomacy fails. However, the current system of fleet rotation for defensive purposes needs to be revamped; on this regard, the next fleets of the TYCS will be defensive fleets very similar to the original force construction of Expeditionary Forces--heavy on carriers and defensive combat ships rather than forward combatants such as battleships. These will free up our front-line fleets to do just that--remain on the front line."

Exact specifications for the suggested Triumvirate Defensive Fleet are unknown, but it is expected to be centered around three squadrons of two Titan-class heavy carriers, three Longship-class escort carriers, two Sulaco II-class drone cruisers, four Grendel-class point-defense frigates (possibly two standard and two 50B variants), and four Puma II-class destroyers. That would maintain current fleet production rates while maintaining a balance between offensive and defensive capabilities.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

FIRST TRIUMVIRATE GUARD FLEET LAUNCHED

Last Thursday, a new type of fleet was launched that confirmed rumors that have been trickling down from TYCS Headquarters. This new fleet, apparently now under the command of Fleet Admiral Kimetz Delsupexhe, commanding officer of the system defense fortress TYWS-SDF Jove, will be tasked with defending the Si'lat colony system.

It consists of one Supreme Emperor-class battleship, seven Titan-class heavy carriers, eight Sulaco II-class drone-carrying heavy cruisers, eleven Grendel-class frigates (five of which are the 50B missile variant), thirteen Puma II destroyers, and finally twelve Chameleon-class light strike frigates using adapted Sakkran technology. The ships are reinforced by marines and Guard mobile infantry taken from the TYCS Ground Forces reserve.

After shakedown trials near Iapetus, it will depart the system immediately to begin a colony patrol, with Si'lat as its home port.

SYSTEM DEFENSE FORTRESS PERUN LAUNCHED

Another Sky Marshal-class fortress, the TYWS-SDF Perun slipped her moorings on Wednesday under the command of Fleet Admiral Vladimir Grigoriivich and set a course for the Sunset colony world of Ares. There she will coordinate with Sunset Defense Force assets to protect that system.

:: close YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

SECOND TRIUMVIRATE GUARD FLEET COMPLETED

A second Guard Fleet left Iapetan training grounds today to take up their stations in the Bright Morning system. Besides defending the first extrasolar Triumvirate colony system, it is also carrying a large amount of material necessary for the terraforming effort. Bright Morning's artificial ecosystem is currently only marginally viable; Scolopendran TerraEngineers report that 20% more nitrates than expected will be needed and so the 2TGF is carrying automated extractors that can pull it from elsewhere in the system.

SYSTEM DEFENSE FORTRESS KALI LAUNCHED

Along with the Second Guard Fleet, TYCS fleetyards held a surprise: Another system defense fortress. While hardly surprising, its area of operation is: The TYWS-SDF Kali, commanded by Fleet Admiral Alcara Straker, is scheduled to enter the Mars Theatre after completing her shakedown cruise at the Iapetus testing grounds. She will be the first SDF dedicated to use in the Solar System.

:: close YutLink ::

::open Titan YutLink::

TERRAN THEATER FLEET EXPANDED

The CSS announced today that the Third Fleet has recently recieved long-awaited reinforcements, in the form of a third combat armada. Designated Task Force 330, this force is lead by Admiral Chester Sandoval aboard the CSS-SDN Malcolm Reynolds, with squadron flags including the CSS-CVCs Arthur C Clarke and Mordred Pendragon, and CSS-MBCs Beethoven and B. B. King. This addition makes the Third Fleet the largest sector fleet currently deployed. Coincident with the new armada's deployment was the announcement that the Frontier Fleet is expected to expand its patrol zone to include Venus in order to protect growing trade with the Pan-Norm and Menelmacari holdings on that planet, with the expanded Third Fleet widening its patrol area near Terra and the Terran Lagrange points lessen the burden of the Frontier Fleet.

PHASE 2 xSV CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED

Also announced today was the launch of several Limited and Medium Systems Vehicles from the Shiuan shipyards. These large vessels will serve as mobile exploration and construction bases, and will house civilian populations. At least two of the vessels, however, a believed to have expanded armaments and have a more military role similar to the Sky Marshall System Defense Fortresses. No more of these vessels are expected to be constructed in the near future, with yards shifting back the production of more conventional units and refit programs.

Current Deployment Chart (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/Cetaganda/css/cetafleets.html)

:: open Titan YutLink ::

THIRD TRIUMVIRATE GUARD FLEET COMPLETED

Last Thursday, FtA and KCTS FleetWerks fleetyards completed the last elements of the Third Triumvirate Guard Fleet (3TGF). This fleet, after a short shakedown run in the Exclusion Zone, took on colonial supplies and left to its duty station in the Hillary system, where command will be transferred to FltAdm R-Igbe 68A5C2 of System Defense Fortress Rhea.

:: close YutLink ::

OOC:about ...cicra de what year RP is this?

OOC:about ...cicra de what year RP is this?
OOC: We don't follow a common calendar. For some folk it's far in the future, for others it's close to modern times, etc. We don't worry about time lines, because Scolopendra introduced the concept of "fractured reality" to explain the disparate nations, technologies and timelines. We find it works wonderfully without going into a lot of detail.

So, the short answer to your question is, it's happening "now." Whenever that "now" happens to be for you.

Private IC: No one else knows about this; simply up here for records.

I systematic disarmament of your space program if given the apropriate media attention could do wonders in our efforts to secure the peace for manned space exploration.

It would send a measage to all those currently in a spaceborne arms race and those spending billions on the research and developement into these weapons that maybe theyre not needed and maybe theyre not the answer!

We beg you to reconcider - we are willing to offer generous financial recuperations in return for a spaceprogram disarmament plan and your membership in the union of the International Fleet.

Sincerely - we are thinking of going back to the begining circa de 2020 but this time with a constitution - we are working on that right now - well at least I am so far, can you help me out?

Acting General Secretary, International Fleet
President Sun Xi, Democratis States of Greater Beijing
--<Transmission Type: Standard Diplomatic Communique>--
-<Sender: Supreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit, FSS>-
-<Destination: President Sun Xi, DSGB>-
--<Subject: Fleet Disarmament>--

Honored President Sun Xi:

Our space militarization, represented in the Scolopendran AeroSpace Directorate and our contributions to the Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services, are not a matter of carefree choice. Our existence is continually threatened by forces willing to use any advantages they have to destroy us. As it stands, our aerospace forces are our only advantage, and disarming them would leave us vulnerable.

We like to think we are an enlightened, idealistic society. We believe in freedom and the dignity of sentient thought. Our opposition has no such beliefs. If we must sacrifice our ideal of nonviolence to prevent further, worse violence in the future, so be it. A dead idealist does not solve problems. A live idealist can help to change the world.

While we respect your opinion and wish you luck in your goal, we will not disarm our space forces. The reasons above are hopefully sufficient for you to understand our reasoning.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gif[b]Supreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit
Chief of State
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

--<End Transmission>--

If the International Fleet can help turn the tides in your conflicts will you conceder joining our union when you have at last achieved true peace?

Imperial Datafeed Update:

Several dozen of our sentient warships, currently on inactive duty, have begun a pilgrimage of a fashion to the Great Asteroid Belt in the Sol System. Their rendezvous point should be coordinates [XYZ]. They are uncrewed at this point and will arrive with all sails unfurled and weapons deactivated. Those wishing to view the passing of these crafts may do so at the Research Base in the G.A.B.

OOC: Given that this has been classed as an information thread only for us to keep track of Triumvirate elements, wouldn't this role-play be better suited in its own thread? I'm pleased we can cooperate in a civilised manner, but everything in its place.

OOC: Given that this has been classed as an information thread only for us to keep track of Triumvirate elements, wouldn't this role-play be better suited in its own thread? I'm pleased we can cooperate in a civilised manner, but everything in its place.

Agreed - our small exploration group into your space hardly qualifies as news - much less it's communications above. I apologize. :D

Diplomacy split to this thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=385130).

:: open Titan YutLink ::

TYWS-SDF KARTTIKEYA OPERATIONAL

After several weeks of difficulties in shakedown due to testing the compatibility of several new systems--especially a new strategic SMI fleet interface--the System Defense Fortress TYWS-SDF Karttikeya finally took its station with the Mars Theatre Task Force. Fleet Admiral Ijya Bhaskar, commanding officer of the fortress, is officially under the command of Sky Marshal Charles Blair of the Fifth Expeditionary. As there are still several production periods before a Guard Fleet is planned to be assigned to Mars, the SDF is the core of the 'static' defense for Triumvirate interests on that planet.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

::open Titan YutLink::

5MRF Setsujoku fleet deployed

Flightleader Reanne Dragoon-II of the Fifth Mobile Reactionary Fleet ordered the fleet out of Earth Sphere space on its first long-term tour of duty. The fleet with join the 2CGF already stationed at the Dosei colony near Titan and support the TYCS fleets in the defense of Titan and to serve Triumvirate interests.

New Minerva class ship in production (http://rpstudios.ian-justman.com/junk/CGgoods/Minerva1.JPG)

After considerable time developing the Minerva at the Pearly Gates shipyard near the Space Taxi mass driver, the first Minvera class carrier, Morphin will join the diplomatic fleet alongside its sister ship, the Archangel class Zeroel. Eventually smaller fleets will be augumented by the addition of the smaller fast attack carriers, and there are plans to phase out the oldest Archangels.

6SSF Shusen fleet operational

After some production delays at the Shogunate Pearly Gates shipyard, the 6th Space Superiority Fleet is commencing training exercises in Earth orbit near Tengoku station under the command of Flightleader Kiy-Aumi Juuro. The fleet is the first to incorporate the Minerva class thaumaturgic fast attack carrier, and the second to utilize a Wings of Chaos class supercarrier.

New battleships in development

Development is underway on the YBS-X project. Plans call for a new ship to replace the aging Tenmou class, and for a new multi-role ship. Design details are still classified at this time.

::close Titan YutLink::

::open Titan YutLink::

Colonization of Ring space begins
After several months of organizing, planning, and moving, the first 800,000 ring colonists have been transfered to the four Green Noa-Class colony ships in Earth orbit. The four ships will soon leave Earth for Saturnspace with a few Shogunate Busu-class cargo transports and an escort fleet, where they will proceed to offload the colonists to their new home (which has yet to be named). After the first batch of colonists have settled in, the colony ships will make regular trips between Earth and Saturn to deliver additional colonists to the ring.

3EOF becomes active
With the last of its ships finally gathered around the Space Forces outpost Second Luna, the 3rd Earth Orbital Fleet was officially declared active by Fleet Admiral Greenwood. The fleet departed shortly after recieving its first orders to begin its task of patrolling the space around the colonies within the L3 area. 3EOF, like the other two EOFs, will be permenantly stationed within the Earth Sphere.

Mass production begins on new stealth cruiser
The Self-Defense Force has started mass producing the newest addition to the Space Forces: the Akumu-Class Stealth Cruiser. After the theft of the prototype vessel Akumu, plans to mass produce were almost scrapped, but with the construction and testing of a second prototype ship, the military was able to proceed as planned. The new cruisers will be showing up within the mobile fleets within the next few weeks once enough have been produced and given crews. Shipyards out at Uranus are working around the clock to construct the first batch of ships.

::close Titan YutLink::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

SSLAA DEFENSES BOLSTERED

In a surprising move, the TYCS constructed a System Defense Fortress and a Guard fleet simultaneously and deployed both to the Sakkran 'homeworld' of Sslaa last Thursday. The Fourth Triumvirate Guard Fleet, under the command of Fleet Admiral Grauu aboard the TYWS-SDF Mangar-kunjer-kunja, will be under the nominal command of Sakkran Imperial Naval authorities but will still answer to TYCS command.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

Not like anyone could hear it...
<<INCOMING TRANSMISSION>>
QUANTUM ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION
TYCSHQ -> SAC ALECTO
[1056-QBIT TIME-SENSITIVE AUTHORIZATION KEY RECEIVED/CONFIRMED]

CAPTAIN ZICH<FULL STOP>

SET EVENT CONDITION ONE<STOP>PROCEED TO WAWL WATCH<STOP>OPERATIONAL CODE LIQUEFY<FULL STOP>

CONFIRM ON SECURITY DISCRIMINATION PRESET MYRTACEAE<STOP>AWAIT FURTHER ORDERS FROM TYCSHQ ON COMMAND CHANNEL<FULL STOP>

GOOD HUNTING<FULL STOP>

[1056-QBIT AUTHORIZATION SIGNATURE--CINCTYCS]
<<TRANSMISSION ENDS>>
<<INCOMING TRANSMISSION>>
QUANTUM ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION
TYCSHQ -> SAC AESMA DAEVA
[1056-QBIT TIME-SENSITIVE AUTHORIZATION KEY RECEIVED/CONFIRMED]

FLAG CAPTAIN LEGRANT<FULL STOP>

SET EVENT CONDITION ONE<STOP>BREAK STATION AND MOVE TO CONTACT SIERRA-EIGHT-FOUR WATCH<STOP>OPERATIONAL CODE LIQUEFY<FULL STOP>

CONFIRM ON SECURITY DISCRIMINATION PRESET ANOPHELES<STOP>AWAIT FURTHER ORDERS FROM TYCSHQ ON COMMAND CHANNEL<FULL STOP>

GOOD HUNTING<FULL STOP>

[1056-QBIT AUTHORIZATION SIGNATURE--CINCTYCS]
<<TRANSMISSION ENDS>>

((OOC: Since you guys are FT, and I can't read through this massive thread, could I get a summary of whats going on?))

((OOC: Since you guys are FT, and I can't read through this massive thread, could I get a summary of whats going on?))

OOC: We're building shiny space ships.

:: open Titan YutLink, highlights ::

FIFTH TRIUMVIRATE GUARD FLEET COMPLETED

...with the completion of the final elements of the Fifth Triumvirate Guard Fleet yesterday, the fleet goes to support the TYWS-SDF Perun around Ares...

SYSTEM DEFENSE FORTRESS RA COMPLETED

...sent to Jupiter under the command of Fleet Admiral...

:: close Titan YutLink ::

:: open Titan YutLink ::

TYCS REORGANIZATION IN WORKS

Due to growing difficulties in matching force projection to threats posed, the TYCS announced earlier today that it will be reorganizing from its old layout based of six fleets of three different types and missions. Current reports from TYCS Headquarters reports that it will be moving to a more traditional fleet organization based on spatial area; however, they will be working with a pool of 'components' which can be built into the old force style if needed. This added flexibility is expected to improve the TYCS' combat efficiency and response to threats that require force application less than fleets or squadrons.

The organization will not occur in stages, but will instead be prepared and then phased quickly into service. Reports indicate that current theatre forces will remain essentially unchanged but under a different organizational structure. There are rumors that only one Sky Marshal will be assigned to a location, which could make some of the TYCS's current eighteen Sky Marshals redundant.

:: close Titan YutLink ::

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FOURTH FLEET BOLSTERED...

...by the addition of a third standard task force. This increases the colonial defense fleet's strength to roughly half again it's previous strength, and will allow for better coverage of the new star-stations without drawing the other two task forces away from Pell and Fargone. Squadron flags includes CSS-CCV Alois Hammer, CSS-CMB Joachim Steuben, and CSS-CMB Danny Pritchard. Meanwhile...

NEW BATCH OF CONTACT SHIPS DEPLOYED

...Fargone Fleet Yards announced the completion of the following new contact vessels. These new ships will be attached to the Frontier Fleet. Construction of these vessels is in response to the increasing need for diplomatic, exploration, and first-contact specialists. Deployment of these ships also brings the CSS up to a total of one thousand front-line vessels.

CGC Daniel Jackson
FGC The Gospel According To Judas Iscariot
FGC Galactic Burglar
FGC Revisionist
SGC Voyager In Night
SGC Slightly Tipsy
BGC Completely Smashed
LRO Scepter of Compensation
LRO Threatening Name
LRO Menacing Menace
LRO White Mice
LRO Boomstick Mark Two


Fleet deployment numbers can be found here. (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/Cetaganda/css/cetafleets.html)

TYWS-SAC Magaera
Decently in the Middle of Nowhere

Popping back into reality, Magaera and her sisters differ from the other ships of the TYCS by shunting all of her emissions into sixty degree cones fore and aft, leaving her jump entry essentially undetectable in most of the spherical battlespace around her. Inside these cones, a torrent of EM interference distinctive of bending the overdimensional universe to one's will, translating in twelve instead of merely four dimensions; outside these cones is nothing, just enough filtered out to match the microwave remnants of the Big Bang.

"Jump into GECSS-31 system complete, sir," the strategic attack cruiser announces as her own navigator, answered by a curt nod by Flag Captain Ankersen, a sort of wiry greyhound of a man, clean-shaven and bald-headed except for a slight fuzz of silver-blonde hair just beginning to grow back out. "Sensors, passive read?" Half question, half statement.

"Sensors passive, sir, and baffles active," replies Lieutenant Commander Tatwani, Magaera's sensors officer, as he looks over his own executive summary, olive-skinned hands darting over the controls. "The Fifth Combined is fully engaged."

Millions of kilometers away, the Fifth Triumvirate Combined Fleet moves in its newly-designated components, supercarrier component hanging back and supporting with long-range fire while battleship and medium cruiser components move in, cruisers harassing while battleships simply wade in and pummel. It is not perhaps as pretty as some would wish space combat to be; the erasers are invisible beams of broadband electromagnetic energy, having no dust to diffract them into the colored lines expected by dramatic fiction: the naval autocannon and Gauss cannon let off streams of shells, not luminescent except for their own albedo in their lives of short seconds and fractions of seconds, magnesium tracers not working in the vacuum of space, and hypergolic tracers--even the concept of tracers themselves--are foolish in and of themselves when all targeting is by necessity computer-assisted. Missiles flare and leave trails of cloudy luminescent plasma; their fusion magnetopulse cores sending death to their enemies. The Grendel missile frigates blossom with their own blue-purple nebulae with each salvo, those on attack passes rolling for ripple fire. The only weapon that truly matches the usual perception of the traditional energy beam are the particle cannon, the hyperenergetic helium atoms glowing in their own spectra as they desperately try to shed energy, failing miserably as their streams impact and chew away at targets, one hyperkinetic explosion immediately following another.

TYWS-SCV Glorious Victory

The huge ship does not shudder when she fires her broadside of HNPPC; nor does she shake when enemy fire registers against her wavicle shielding, hull armor absorbing the energy thus dispersed or simply ablating away if it is too much to bear. The command room, nerve center of the ship, is nestled deep inside the supercarrier's boxy hull, and a full kilometer of metal and equipment acts as extremely effective damping. "Status?" Admiral Hashimoto declares, taking care of the operation of Glorious Victory while Sky Marshal Ho'elun Dashyondon stands next to the strategic indicator board, watching it quietly with his Mongol eyes. In a different place and a different time, he looks as if he would be content with cooking his meat on his shield with his sword, earning his living by rampaging across the Chinese or Russian countrysides; now, with trimmed long mustache and long hair back in a neat ponytail, he quietly commands a fleet more powerful in its smallest ship than the entire Golden Horde was throughout its entire history.

"Shields holding--fluctuation!"

There is a momentary flash on one half of the strategic indicator display as the sensors wash out, icons still clearly visible throughout thanks to gravimetric sensors. "Inbound c-fractionals detected and reacted to," Glorious Victory reports, making simple the relatively complex process of detecting a round moving ninety percent the speed of light several hundred thousand kilometers out, then flicking out the wavicle shielding to its maximum distance with the intent to destroy the projectile. Any matter can be annihilated as per Einstein's equivalence of mass and energy; that is the concept behind c-fractionals in addition to their kinetic component. Enough energy, and matter splits; and all it takes is hitting enough energetic dust at the right time to make the front of the round burst, fractions of unstable nuclei ramming back in a chain reaction, a nuclear explosion from elements never intended for the purpose. The round's mass utterly dispersed by the shield's action, the ship remains safe.

"We're in the clear--remote detonation by shielding at five thousand kilometers," reports the sensors officer as he flips switches on his master control panel, "and adjusting sensors to compensate for wash."

"Excellent," Admiral Hashimoto says with Oriental quietude, tapping his own console. "Weapons, trace round back to firer and respond with full HNPPC. Helm, come around on an arc starboard. FleetCom, please shift our escorts to our port side."

"The First Squadron reports heavy fire," announces the communications officer.

Ho'elun nods, light glinting off of the shiny black visor of his green officer's cap, eyes never moving from the strategic display. "Tell them to disengage and come about; Second Squadron will relieve."

TYWS-BB Infinite Mercy

"Disengage. Hrmph." Admiral Rassul frowns good-naturedly, looking over with a silent question to his helmsman.

"Easier said than done, sir. We're in the thick of it."

"All batteries firing... again," the weapons officer dutifully reports as the Supreme Emperor-class battleship's porcupine-spines light up again with the electric blue light of her eighty HNPPC firing once again; fourty heavy autolineguns chucking distorted gravity and canister rounds towards the enemies that surround her, each one either blowing massive holes or utterly annihilating enemy targets with each shot. Relative to the battle, she moves only at a few hundred meters per second, but the entire conflict is moving at speeds a few orders of magnitude greater than that.

"Cut off combat pass," Rassul orders calmly, "move at high-distort to rally point. Weapons, prepare for bombardment. If the Sky Marshal wants us to disengage, we disengage."

Suddenly, the two-kilometer battleship simply disappears as it folds itself in its own asymptotic gravity distortion, a well for it to fall down endlessly at a few thousand gravities. To avoid breaking the laws of physics, the area of space that the ship resides in coalesces to a single mathematical point, which, having no mass nor actual connection to the spacetime that surrounds it except as a theoretical marker of information, can potentially move faster than the speed of light if need be. It can be argued that high-distort is actually a low-level utilization of the same higher-plane translation as the tesseract jump drives; that is indeed the theory--less dimensions of translation, however, prevent any movement from being truly instantaneous. Inside the ship, locked in her own bubble of standardized inertia, no one has any trouble with having been converted to something that is to a hypercube as a hypercube is to a regular cube--everything in their own relativity is moving very much as it should, with them not being able to see the world around them and the world around them essentially being unable to see them. One cannot affect the other until the high-distort is dropped, which gives it multiple beneficial qualities that certainly justifies taxing the drives.

TYWS-SAC Magaera

"Clearance received from TYCSHQ," Lieutenant Pendergeist announces quietly, slipping one ear from under her headphones as she looks over to the Flag Captain. "The Sky Marshal reports that the enemy battleplate is proving extremely resistant to conventional weapons and so we are authorized to launch."

Flag Captain Ankersen nods, half-smirking as he turns around. "Weapons Officer, spin up heavy missiles. Target central enemy battleplate, contact reference Sierra-Bravo One-Seven."

"Spinning up tubes one, twelve, thirteen, twenty-four and assigning target. Calculating off-bore and time-to-target," Lieutenant Commander Lantree replies, his fingers moving expertly over his master command panel, orders relaying to the gunnery crews at the roots of each of the six massive missile pods along the Nemesis-class's sides.

"Requesting and receiving targeting telemetry from Fifth Combined battlenet," Magaera reports, "sending results to Weapons. Targeting for time lapse, light delay, target maneuverability, relative velocities--predicted error down to one millionth of a second of arc."

"Weapons concurs," Lantree replies, "missile targeting telemetry live and updating. Ready to fire best-effect spread upon your order."

The flag captain reaches around his neck and retrieves a small biometric magnetic key, a dull metal cylinder the size of a roll of coins. "Commander, fire stations." His executive officer, Commander Velasquez, smirks as he does the same with his own biometric key, standing five meters away at the other end of the command room.

"Commander stands ready to fire, sir."

"Insert keys," Ankersen orders simply, responding to himself in tandem with his XO by slotting the cylinders into their designated slots with a magnetic click. "Turn in five. Four. Three. Two. One. Turn." Two more simultaneous clicks as the two men pivot their cylinders, dragging the heavy bolt from its 'PEACE' setting to its 'WAR' setting. The launch authorized, four Sunset-built ramships slip from their tubes on the side of Magaera, then come about to point towards their target millions of kilometers away before blinking out again.

"Missiles launched," the weapons officer says, leaning back in his chair, "time-to-target zero-zero em, one-three ess at mark." A momentary pause as he watches the counter spin down the milliseconds in front of him. "Mark."

For the next thirteen seconds, the missiles accelerate under high-distort towards their target, not bothering to correct--now they are cut off from the universe, knowing only that they are to blink back into existence at a preprogrammed time, with relativistic effects taken into account. This was the trickiest part, making the numbers work; however, the Triumvirate certainly didn't lack the resources or the allies needed to get the equations and conversions written out.

For the next thirteen seconds, the crew of Magaera waits.

TYWS-SCV Glorious Victory

"Immediate bulletin, all ships," Dashyondon says with loud clarity, "strategic ordinance inbound. Disengage Sierra-Bravo One-Seven and make distance at best speed."

Not exactly anywhere at all

Thirteen seconds later, the missiles return to reality. The first pops up a hundred meters too short, expecting the target to have accelerated. The next comes up behind, expecting deceleration. One skims very close laterally, all these skimming within five hundred meters of the target. The fourth pops up inside the target, its status as a hypothetical point passing any shields or armor. All have instantaneous speeds of seventy-five percent the speed of light. While the three misses slip back to high-distort, slowing down and turning around so they can eventually return to Magaera, the ten-thousand ton ramship on target blips into existence inside its target, predictably annihilating as each atom in its structure immediately impacts a similar enemy atom.

In a massive burst of gamma radiation, the resulting sixty teraton explosion blows apart the fifty-kilometer radius asteroid designated as the enemy "battleplate," thus marking the success of Exercise Comparative Lengths III.

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MORE TYCS REORGANIZATION INFORMATION RELEASED

According to sources within the Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services, the new force structure will be far removed from the old fleet-and-squadron doctrine that has been in place since the establishment of the TYCS with the First Titan (later Triumvirate) Expeditionary Force. While the old Expeditionary Force remains as a benchmark for ground force deployment, the old Combined Fleet will be expanded (and thus replace the Space Superiority Fleet) into a Combat Fleet and be used as a benchmark for aerospace superiority; however, neither of these will be actual organizational units. Instead, the TYCS will be broken up into theatres of operation (much like the Cetagandan Space Service's various Fleets) and these theatres will be further broken up into task forces assembled from the below components.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-scv-small.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-scv.jpg)

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-sbf-small.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-sbf.jpg)

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-sac-small.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-sac.jpg)

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-bb1-small.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-bb1.jpg)

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-bb2-small.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-bb2.jpg)

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-hcv-small.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-hcv.jpg)

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-ecv-small.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-ecv.jpg)

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-hcr-small.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-hcr.jpg)

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-mcr-small.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/component-mcr.jpg)

Our sources have not revealed when the reorganization is scheduled for completion, citing security concerns. However, there are indications that the reorganization is probably more than halfway done at this point. Stay tuned to TYL for updates from our crack teams of fleetwatchers.

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SECRET SHIPS?

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbflotilla.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/flotilla.jpg)

Over the past few weeks, fleetwatchers have observed ships leaving Queendom Armed Conflict Force shipyards that match no current Triumvirate design or design philosophy. These vessels have not been seen acting in Combined Services, Space Patrol and International Rescue, or any other Triumvirate federal fleet; they also have not been seen acting in any known QACF fleet over Mars or Rhea. Detailed analysis of the observed ships seems to suggest that they are indeed mechanoid in nature, as they lack any of the accoutrements considered standard for organic-crewed ships (such as airlocks). However, this is conjecture at this time. These ships' capabilities are also a matter of mere conjecture, with no evidence whatsoever of their possible performance.

While Sentient HyperOptimized Data Access Network, the Master Control Program of the Queendom of Zero-One, was available for comment, she was characteristically comprehensive yet vague in her responses. Other sources from within the Queendom of Zero-One and the QACF report that the Queendom has been quietly expanding in its colonial interests--banks of server nodes here and there connected via ansible to the main Queendom cyberspace network--and defending these are becoming a priority that should not draw from the Queendom's current mass of ships.

If these new vessels are colonial defense ships, then it is possible that they will not be outfitted to their full potential until they are well out of view--which could be rather quick, given the possibility that they could mount advanced constant-velocity faster-than-light drives 'acquired' from the Kajali after the QACF strike against the FTL mass driver that attacked Mars several months ago.

Stay tuned to Titan YutLink for more details as we find them.

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FLEET REORGANIZATION COMPLETE

The Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services Public Affairs Office announced late last night that the strategic reorganization of the Combined Services is now complete. Strategically, the Combined Services is now divided into nine theatre fleets: Earth Theatre, Mars Theatre, Jupiter Theatre, Saturn Theatre, Galactic Spinward Colonial, Galactic Antispinward Colonial, Galactic Coreward Colonial, Galactic Rimward Colonial, and Guards. Each of these fleets, excluding the Guards, has a pool of standardized components that can be organized into task forces that vary depending on each fleet's mission at any given time. The Guards are theatre-specific fleets carrying sufficient second-line firepower to deter attack and quickly shore up defenses along the colonies of the Triumvirate; further plans for expansion of the Guards indicate that all major Triumvirate worlds will play host to one; including Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

As of right now the TYCS consists of 1,430 warships with 15 fortresses (9 Sky Marshal-class system defense fortresses, 6 Fusilier and Hand of God-class strategic bombard fortresses), 83 battleships (Supreme Emperor-class), 125 carriers (53 Titan-class heavy carriers and 54 Longship-class escort carriers), 206 cruisers (100 Sulaco II-class heavy drone cruisers, 10 Nemesis-class strategic attack cruisers, 96 Tiger-class medium cruisers), 345 frigates (72 Scorpion-class fast attack frigates, 253 Grendel (50B)-class missile frigates, 20 Shado-class stealth frigates), 521 destroyers (Puma II-class), and 135 corvettes (85 Chameleon-class light strike frigates, 50 Wildcat-class fast attack corvettes). Organic to these are 9,542 dropships of varying types (Loki, Sleipnir, and Centipede); 35,469 Scarab-class utility shuttles; 89,528 aerospace fighters (Excalibur and Phantom III); and 198,000 drones (Funnel and variants). The Ground Forces have a forward deployed force of 298,320 Heavy Gear and 368,960 Mobile Infantry, with a Ground Forces Reserve and Fleet Security (Army) of 6,548,888.

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SIXTH GUARD FLEET COMPLETED

Last Friday, the Sixth Triumvirate Guard Fleet left its moors and is now on station in the Earth Theatre, joining the system defense fortress Kali. Due to an apparent prank by TYCS fleet namers (both organic and mechanoid), the entire fleet is named after popular brands of alcohol ranging from Everclear Grain Alcohol to Harmony Cellars White Reisling. Because it is naval tradition that renaming a ship while it remains in service is bad luck, these names will stay. However, those responsible have been formally reprimanded.

TYCS OFFICERS FOUND PLASTIC-WRAPPED TO BED IN FOUNTAIN, "CULT OF NEPTUNUS REX" SUSPECTED...

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EIGHTH GUARD FLEET COMPLETED

The TYCS announced earlier today that the Eighth Triumvirate Guard Fleet, launched last Friday under the command of Fleet Admiral Shanakdakhete, passed its shakedown trials and will be sent to defend Triumvirate interests around Jupiter. There it will join FLTADM Shanakdakhete's ship, the superfortress Thor, and begin patrol operations.

This of course means that there is a Seventh Guard Fleet that we somehow missed reporting; it is under the command of Fleet Admiral Nyyrikki Hämäläinen aboard TYWS-SDF Karttikeya above Mars. We apologize for our lapse in reporting.

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TYCS PRODUCTION PROCEEDS APACE

As of last Friday, the equivalent of three old Expeditionary Forces have been produced since the completion of the Eighth Guard Fleet. When asked why the TYCS continues to produce forces as it did while threatened by a united Arda and later the Order of the Seraphim, Lieutenant Commander Zelinka of public relations said: "Just because our old enemies have become disorganized and ineffectual doesn't mean there aren't new enemies lining up to challenge us. We indeed have forward information of a potential threat we need to gear up for, which is why will concentrate on building up our antispinward periphery.

QUEENDOM BUILDING... SOMETHING

TYL fleetwatchers have spotted a new construction appearing in Queendom Armed Conflict Force shipyards, apparently something too big to fit even in their expanded facilities used by the TYCS to construct System Defense Forces. The framework appears to be over eight thousand meters across and it is being densely packed with equipment as well as having large central voids. S.H.O.D.A.N. has refused to comment as to the purpose of this construct, citing national security reasons.

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{Public Internets News Services}
x Daily News Roundup
o Industry Groups, Military Groups, NewTech Groups, Fleet Watchers, ...

*Government, Industry Changes Announced

Emperor Gregor V announced today the start of considerable changes in both the Union government and in many major industrial corporations owned by the government or imperial families, including giants such as IngolfTech, Reseune, and Goibnu Yards. These changes apparently come as part of an national program in response to the growing Antaran threat {related stories}. Most of the changes in government will involve considerable consolidation of existing offices into a more streamlined and efficient structure. It may also involve considerable expansion of certain civil and political rights currently restricted to veterans.

“At the most level, the structure of the state will remain much the same,” His Majesty explained in a press conference. “But there will be quite a bit of shuffling around and redefining areas of control. This is due to how many new offices were simply tacked onto existing ones as new areas, such as robotics or spaceflight, were developed. We'll simply be restructuring into a more rational and flexible system, designed from the start to cope with the ever-growing size of the Imperial Union, both in population and physical territory.”

While reactions to this were mostly mild, the emperor's industrial plans that have garnered considerable outcry, both positive and negative. He told those assembled that he was lifting most restriction on automation within general manufactories, and that government-owned corporations were already moving to comply. While there was already considerable use of robotics and other automated systems, the new regulations, or more accurately near lack thereof, will almost completely negate the need for baseline humans within most non-service industries.

“Quite frankly, with the threat posed by the Antarans, I no longer see any need to stick with outdated laws that hamper our industrial output. Subsentient EIs are quite capable of producing war material, from raw materials all the way to assembled vehicles and warships, with only the minimum oversight of sentient EIs or jacked-in humans.”

His Majesty indicated that the government was hiring several advisers from the Queendom of Zero-One to help streamline the switchover. Many analysts noted that he did not indicate that this move would be temporary, or limited to war industry. When asked about the potential loss of over a hundred million jobs and the economic impact, his comment was, “Oh, please. Stop being a bunch of ninnies. We've never let you all starve before and we're not going to start now. We have a plan. Honestly, you'd think they'd make you at least look at a history book before graduating reporter-school or whatever it is you people do.”

His Majesty also obliquely referred to the possibility of the production of uncrewed capital warships, but declined further comment at this time. He indicated that members of the Executive Council and various Senate oversight committees would be presenting greater details later this week.

{Related Stories}

x How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Bots (Dr. Novamas)
x What Do You Mean, I Can't Beat The Serfs? (Lord I. Vorpatril)
x You Can't Trust Those Souless Robots! (Rev. R. Pobertson)
x From Star Trek to Galactica: Decades of Cultural Misrepresentation of Your Robot Pals (T. Servo)
x Don't Look At Me, I Just Run A Ski Resort Around Here (Countess Marilac)
{more}

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TYCS AT FULL 'VISION THIRTY-EXTY-SIX' STRENGTH

TYCSHQ, PORT AURORA, TITAN: The Combined Services reported at a news conference last Friday that the last round of fleet building has finally built up the space naval arm of the Services up to the standards suggested in the 'Vision Thirty-Exty-Six' document prepared by the Strategic Department of the War Analysis and New Concepts College several yedecemi ago. This document, called 'Vis-30X6' for short, said that all theaters of TYCS operation required at least the equivalent of two expeditionary forces and two combat fleets as delineated at the old system. "This ensures that the TYCS has both the aerospace and ground mass coupled with galactic reach and rapid response to deal with most foreseeable threats," said Major Hans Deidritch of the TYCS at the conference. "While the Antaran threat to Ssla is an unknown and presumably severe quantity, the Vis-30X6 standards ensure that we have sufficient forces in reserve to deal with even a catastrophic loss without weakening other theatres overmuch."

When asked if fleet construction would continue, the Major replied: "Yes, although now we are more interested in building up support forces such as Bombard Fortresses and assault frigates. This also allows us to bolster resources to the Galaxy Exploration Command and find more inhabitable and terraformable planets for colonization."

QUEENDOM BASESTARS NUMBER FIVE

RHEA: All major QACF fleets now have L.O.G. Base-class vessels as coreships, Master Control Program S.H.O.D.A.N. announced yesterday. For commentary by TYL analyists, see...

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MUTUAL DEFENSE PACT OFFERED TO PILON

After an unusual closed session of the Council of Yut, the Scolopendran delegate, Supreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit, announced at a press conference this afternoon that he would offer a mutual defense pact to Pilon. Pilon has never been on good terms with the Triumvirate on a whole, mostly due to Pilon's fateful incursion onto Titan and Rhea in the early colonial period as well as its more recent foreign policy.

"I am pleased to announce on behalf of my constituents that we will be offering Pilon a mutual defense pact," the Supreme Emperor announced in front of Triumvirate press staff during an unscheduled conference. "We believe that it is time to 'bury the hatchet' between our nations and stop letting our mutual past dictate the future. Advisor Hawke says that the Pilonese can expect full support from the Mobile Infantry and the AeroSpace Directorate in an emergency and he looks forward to working with their defense ministry as he does with all our allies."

When asked, he specified several terms of the proposed treaty: mutual defense under the circumstance of external aggression, standard face-saving measures to allow for forfeiture of rights in case of said aggression being provoked through intentional word or deed. The People's Greater Hegemony of Pilon, whose interest in being closer to the Triumvirate and its members is a matter of public record, is expected to accept.

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Message from Admiral Shaar of the H.I.S.N.

Good cycle.

Our newest generation of sentient, self-aware ships has completed it's growth, education and training. We have done our best here and in the Sslaa system to ensure they have been given a fair, balanced and well-rounded upbringing.

The newest class has been given the monicker of Paniluris (http://www.5amfunnies.com/sakkra/space/shell.JPG) class multi-purpose assault ship. Currently there are five enroute to Titan to undergo finalized special training, at which point they will no longer be under jurisdiction of the H.I.S.N. but a specialized group the nature of which I am not permitted to reveal.

Suffice it to say, this was their own choice after being briefed of their new responsibilities, and the nature of their new purpose. Their christening will be given after they complete special training and outfitting. We hope the Titan sphere of influence will be kind to them, as they do contain a streak of curiosity endemic to all youths of all species.

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Fleet Announce New Generation of WarShips
”What, again?” asks everyone.

Barely a quarter of the way through the first wave of planned ninth-generation warships, the CSS Office of Shipbuilding, Research, and Development announced that it was scrapping the plan in favor of an entirely new generation of designs. The tenth generation uses much the same base technologies, but incorporates several advances that hadn't been available previously in jump, field, and self-repair technologies. The hull sizes and masses fit the current size categories. However, overall form-factor is a more traditional one, a considerable departure for the oft-ridiculed 'pointy dildo' look of ninth-gen ships.

Construction is intended to be more standardized, with all three sizes of capital ships using identical primary weapons systems. The fleet makeup will be more oriented towards a large number of battle cruisers and a smaller number of fleet carriers, with destroyers acting in convoy escort and probe ships, and frigates acting as police vessels and heavy assault transports. Science versions are also planned. Initial production will focus on the new cruisers, with an initial run of fifty already underway at Mariner and Shiuan. A brief overview of the prospective specs of the new class is attached below, and it appears to be somewhere between the Arthropleura and Supreme Emperor classes in terms of conventional firepower.

The CSS appears to be focusing on building greater numbers of upper-middle size as opposed to more standard battleships and dreadnoughts. One possible reason for this change is expanding patrol needs in the Periphery, as well as changing views on concentration of firepower following the skirmishes at Sslaa $TIME ago. While lighter combatants proved rather ineffective, larger ones were deemed easy targets and more difficult to replace. Changing personnel requirements and a desire to retain current Fleet deployments at full strength also fuel the change.


Adversary-class 10th-Gen Large Battle Unit (TYCS Heavy Battlecruiser / Light Fast Battleship Equivalent)
Length: 1,200 meters
Crew: ~500 + 2000 SurTac

Embarked Craft:
Riderships: 4
Aerospace Drones: 40
Shuttles: 10

Primary Weapons:
80x Mk XII Class 10 GEM emitters (HNPPC equiv.)
20x Mk X Heavy Capital Lineguns (10 twin turrets)
10x Mk XXII Capital Missile Launchers (100 missile magazine)
120x Mk XXIV Point Defense Pods
1x Heavy Displacer
2x Light Displacers

(CSS-10LBU Adversary with two launched Manta-II Riderships) (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/slybrarian/10_cruiser1.jpg)