NationStates Jolt Archive

The Government of Mangala has been observing the slow collapse of the nomadic peoples of the Kinslayer for some time now, with great interest and concern. When it finally became clear that a combination of off-planet emmigration, social unrest, political anarchy, and apathy had rendered the nation a non-entity, Mangala was poised to intervene.

Mangalan troops began to advance up the canal, bringing humanitarian aid to former citizens of kinslayer and offering them shelter and acceptance in Mangala. While the troops were armed, and units of the Mangalan fleet flew overhead, it was a peacful and in many ways unprecendented territorial gain.

For now Mangalan troops merely advanced up the canal, but their plan, made more or less public through informal methods, was to advance to the west somewhat, as well as rendezvous with forces from RRB and Pilonia to make sure the allocation of land went smoothly.

Mangala was unsure of the reaction of Tiburon in the west, and decided to stay well clear of them.

Auman requests that Mangala cede a piece of land on the the Kinslayer end of the Canal to us. We request this so that we can set up a base for customs officials. The base would allow us to check cargo bound for Vascilia before it even gets close enough to be harmful...we find this to be reasonable.

OOC:

Were kind of sore from having the Grey Phage being passed to us, probably by transit through the canal. I think it would be pretty cool, allowing Auman to set up a port city on the entrance to the Canal...its a big Canal, I dont see why I cant have a little piece of land on it :)

OOC: Just some background from what I know of Kinslayer. The nations they are most likely to go to are (in no particular order): Sunset, Scolopendra, New ArAreBee, and Mangala.

IC:

The Therians made their homes on the giant pyramid shaped worldships - the land was simpy a place to extract resources from. As the troops moved in they would meet no opposition. The ruling council had faded and the people would scatter to the four corners of the universe. The massive ships left one by one - some were invited to join by friendly nations while others left to find their own way in the universe.

While the Imperium of Kajal had expressed some interest in claiming a portion of the land that had once comprised the Nomadic Peoples of the Kinslayer, it had been debated that they did not need the particular patch of land - There was unclaimed land on Mars a great deal closer to their current assets then where Kinslayer had once been. However, since the area was in something of a state of anarchy, and Mangalan troops had only secured the area around the canal, and some of the surrounding land, there were still several areas that were not exactly getting much attention from anyone at all.

Hence, against the National Controller's wishes (the Kajal government had ordered him to comply with the Colonial Senate, after all), Kajal Mars sent in humanitarian units to assist Mangala. Hopefully, they would be able to work with Auman as well, as the senate realized that they needed to do anything they could to try to improve relations. It would be obvious, of course, but the other nation had to understand that the Imperium of Kajal had placed a rather power hungry man (which is really quite admirable, but he got a little too powerful for his superior's tastes) in command of their Martian assets.

The Kajalan dropships landed, each vessel a sleek, shining aircraft bearing the Imperial sigil. As was the case with the Mangalans, they were armed, but under strict orders to use their weapons only in self defense. However, these orders also limited the troops to non-lethal force, which had caused quite a few grumblings among those deployed.

OOC: Of course Kajal wants to patch up relations and get some more positive rep on Mars now... First a bomb under the colony, and then a despotic lunatic, who, bless his heart, wasn't subtle enough not to get himself murdered by Imperial assassins. Kajal can be a nice country to work with most of the time. ^_^;;

Heavy cargo floaters, ten to be exact, began a slow ponderous descent to the ground. The destination was some 10 km's from the coast of the great northern ocean. Even before the floaters made touch down the doors had opened, 5 meters above the surface the crews began dumping crates of supplies in preparation for the arrival of the main theatre activation team. The army corps of engineers had been tasked with setting up the foundations of a military port system, they were to set up a basic housing system and defences. Though the possibility of taking on refugee's was not a desired option, they had still prepared for it, bringing several thousand pounds of food and other assorted supplies with them just in case.

---

Within three hours of the arrival of the engineers they had managed to set up five temporary buildings, three of which were two story apartments, one being a command structure and the other an ammunition warehouse. By the next week the engineers should have a small frontier city built out here...twenty nine habitats are planned for construction after that more specialised units will begin the construction of a rail system and begin installing dock gantries, in three weeks time Longshoremen will be flown in to operate the port and if everthing works out Hellas Delta International will be the second largest earning port system in all of Vascilia.

OOC:

My dad is a longshoreman...Im going to be one, if you have any questions about how things work in a port, just ask I'll probably know ;)

...if you dont know what a longshoreman is, he's the guy who loads and unloads cargo from ships and makes sure they are going where they are supposed to go.

Marked for later.

The Viceroy of DarkSith Mars reminds AGAIN that if any Vascilian member puts a feet in the Northern Ocean, we will make sure there is a Megalodon there to byte his/her toe. Come to think of it, an orca would do nicely, but we don't like the chance of poisoning a fellow sentient being.

(OOC: Tag!)

The Viceroy of DarkSith Mars reminds AGAIN that if any Vascilian member puts a feet in the Northern Ocean, we will make sure there is a Megalodon there to byte his/her toe. Come to think of it, an orca would do nicely, but we don't like the chance of poisoning a fellow sentient being.

(OOC: Tag!)

Junior officer Lesotho of the Auman engineers corps had been scouting out possible locations on which to place weather control machines, Martian coastlines were renown for the high speeds at which wind travelled...though he was an astute man, he had been distracted by the ocean. This was the first time in his life that he had ever seen it, it was wonderous to see. Some time ago he had removed his boots and began to walk along the the beach. The water was cool to the touch, almost refreshing as it covered his feet...Lesotho was going to enjoy this tour of duty.

OOC:

Uh oh! Vascilian feet in the great northern ocean!

ooc: Not to dilute your point any, and also I'm not totally sure about this, I'll have to ask a terraforming nation, but wouldn't Lesotho's feet freeze to the ground? This is MARS!

If this developes into a confrontational situation perhaps it would make sense for an extraordinary session of the Duma to be called?

OOC: Depends on if it's day or night. At night - yeah. -37 will likely result in frozen toes. But he should be fine during the day. The heavy misty atmosphere created is a little difficult to breathe, but it also keeps the temperature from getting too hot.

IC:

I would suggest that if Auman wants to build an inspection point they do it outside of the area that Mangala has the most rights to - IE the entire canal zone. They built it and paid highly for it, so they should control the length of it. Mangala has already stated that they will attempt to prevent anyone from shipping dangerous materials through, there is no need to add another layer of red tape to passage through the canal.

OOC: Depends on if it's day or night. At night - yeah. -37 will likely result in frozen toes. But he should be fine during the day. The heavy misty atmosphere created is a little difficult to breathe, but it also keeps the temperature from getting too hot.

IC:

I would suggest that if Auman wants to build an inspection point they do it outside of the area that Mangala has the most rights to - IE the entire canal zone. They built it and paid highly for it, so they should control the length of it. Mangala has already stated that they will attempt to prevent anyone from shipping dangerous materials through, there is no need to add another layer of red tape to passage through the canal.

OOC:

Its located 10 km from the coast...you know at the end of the canal there is that bay on the right side. Thats where it is. Its not only an inspection point but a forward shipping/recieving port. This will help ease traffic along the canal to Vascilian trade partners. As the cargo will be left at the port, and then sent Via mag-lev to trading partners...those primarily being ADK Mars and Mangala.

"Yuck! The water has become suddendly polluted around the Hellas Canal. It stinks."

TRINITORIAL ORDERS FOR THE DAY
SUBSECTION 44: INTERNATIONAL

Troops deployed to secure former Kinslayer Territory!

Negotiations to begin with Auman with a Port city founding!

Whaling fleets launched to cull burgeoning Martian Orca Population!

Former Kinslayer residents applicable for New ArAreBeen Citizenship, aftera fee!

Trust Employees gain Citizenship free of charge!

SUBSECTION 45: ELEBORATION ON CODEX FOR SOYBEAN CROPS...

¤The Tritarchic Dominions of New ArAreBee¤

ooc: Not to dilute your point any, and also I'm not totally sure about this, I'll have to ask a terraforming nation, but wouldn't Lesotho's feet freeze to the ground? This is MARS!
Well, it is pretty close to the equator, so the average temperature should be around 17 celsius- but it would get pretty frigid at night, and he'd need a breathing mask.

OOC:

errr...Melkor just claimed the bay in which I put my port system. He claims that if I want to contest it I must do so in the field of war. Which worries me to be honest haha.

OOC:

errr...Melkor just claimed the bay in which I put my port system. He claims that if I want to contest it I must do so in the field of war. Which worries me to be honest haha.
OOC: Eh, no worries. I'm not sure of Mangala, but you'll probably have Sunset and me behind you.

(OOC: Dunno... I might side with Melky on this one. DarkSithians are quite adamant about not having a Vascilian presence in the Northern Ocean. I don't like it much, but from DS Mars POV, is the most rational course of action.
I didn't like when Melky changed his representative in the Idol contest from a dumb, huge, homicidal WarMage (Warlock?) known as Randy, to a kick-ass heavy metal band, reducing my winning chances, as I saw them. Fortunately, that thread died. :) Melky could have won!)

The dispersal of Kinslayer citizens was going well - but there was a sizable contengent still left on the surface. Mostly miners and resource workers they had formed small communities during the breakup of the state and had armed themselves for protection from predatory scavengers and pirates.

"Melkor has declared their intention to sieze this area. I'm encouraging you to leave - you are not strong enough to resist if they take the area by force."

Envoy Wilson was talking to the leadership of one such enclave now. They wouldn't see him - they were paranoid of a trap - so the talks were taking place over the intercom.

"This is our place now. We built it, and we will defend it. If they want it - let them come. We will slaughter so many it will force them to withdraw."

Wilson sighed - they were in an excellent position but they would ultimately be slaughtered. They had secured a mine shaft and it's landing pad and had withdrawn into the safety of the shaft when Wilson's shuttle had approached. They were not hostile yet, but one of the nearby ground defense batteries had gone missing. It might have been scavengers, or it could be buttoned up inside the shaft.

"Brave as you are, Melkor can just pour orcs into here until he swamps you. Sunset would welcome you - please consider it."

500,000 new troops had been sent up the canal to defend the Vascilian and Mangalan interests. It is unknown what Melkors reaction to this will be...lets hope its placid.

In the space just outside of Mars, the Imperial Battlefleets--two of them-- flashed into being, hovering in formation over the Red Planet.

After a few moments, the fighters and gunships filed neatly out of the carriers and battlecruisers. Patrols were set.

Now they simply awaited the colonists.

http://members.cox.net/davage/images/AresStation.jpg

Captain April West woke suddenly to alarms echoing through Ares station.

-ance into Mars orbit, the 1MC sounded, high threat profile. This is a READY ALERT. Melkoran ships detected on FTL entrance into Mars orbit, high....

West jumped out of her rack, quickly donned a jumpsuit, and made a run for the hangers.

******
******

http://members.cox.net/davage/images/MissionControl.jpg

Deep under Mt. Cyan, in the Wazzu (Earth) Dendarii Range, Minister of Defense Dr. Helena S. Meyer was looking at an emergency Solnet transmission describing the situation. Damn she thought silently before looking up.

"OK, here's the deal. Jackson, I wan't all our ships notified of the situation, have them ready for imediate travel to Mars. Samson, get Executive Walton and Speaker Tawam on secure link, we need to get a public response out. The rest of you, gather 'round, it is time to make an emergency action plan."

In response to the sudden appearance of so many foriegn vessels, the Aumanii space fleet around Mars activated their S.I.T. drives and retreated to Freehold station.

Again!? Second time in a month!

The gigantic leaves of the canopy bent inward in response to the arrival of the Melkorians, as all ships in the area scrambled to re-enter the World Tree.

Bajon will support Melkor. We have nothing but disdain for the Vascilians. It is also our belief that another large nation on Mars will help to stimulate many of the stagnating economies.

If Auman backs down, we will ask lord Melkor to keep his forces to a minimum, as we do not want needless fighting on our planet.

In space, the now repaired Bajoni fleet sends its vanguard out to greet the Melkoran fleet. 5 Sandrock cruisers glided swiftly towards the Melkoran ships, transmitting a welcome message from Commander Sil.
Message to Melkoran Fleet:
"Bajon welcomes you to Mars. If you would have it, we would be glad to recieve you and your officers aboard our flagship."
-Fleet Commander Sotha Sil
http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/images/general1small.jpg
Bajoni Storefront (http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/index.html)
~The Nocturnal Empire of Bajon~

Tightbeam Transmission
Point of Origin: The Ali'Staan
Destination: Fleet Commander Sotha Sil
Re: Your invitation

Yes, we have strategy to discuss.

--Fleet Commander Ahadi Il-Amir

Sol-system wide transmission from various Wazzu satelites, ground stations, etc.

http://members.cox.net/davage/images/ManarTawam.jpg

"Ladies and gentlemen of Sol, I am Manar Tawam, Speaker for the government of Wazzu.

"Recently, Melkoran warships have entered Mars orbit. The tensions caused on Mars is enough to worry the leaders of Wazzu. As such, Wazzu space and Mars forces have been put on a ready alert.

"Politically, Wazzu currently does not oppose an Ardan landing on Mars, only a landing in the territory formorally belonging to The Kinslayer. As a MIDAS-II ally, Wazzu is concerned about the people, capital, and territory of this formor nation.

"Until the MIDAS-II Diplomatic Council has had sufficient time to debate this issue, Wazzu will not permit an Ardan landing in The Kinslayer territory.

"Thank you for your time, that is all."

Screens returned to normally scheduled programs, news commentary, or blank screens.

OOC:

Bajon...I know you are confident that you just beat the ADK to a pulp, but pal. You dont know what you're getting into. Back down, cause honestly. Bad things will be fall you.

The superdreadnought AI monitored the new arrivals with interest and the subsequent flurry of activity that they generated.

As soon as the Melkor fleet appeared above Mars the massive information gathering apparatus that was the E.D.A. went to work again. Every bit of information that could be gathered about the forces in orbit was gleaned and fed into the distributed network. Information flew back and forth between MIDAS and ToY networks as the strengths and weaknesses of each ship and fighter were culled from avaliable intilligence and forwarded to the Admirals in the field.

The fleet was still at alert from the recent ADK-Bajon conflict, thus there was no movement other than a slight reshuffling of ships. The gates remained active and the ground batteries powered up, though fighter squadrons were brought to full readyness instead of a partial readyness. The Titan wing of the fleet shifted as well - the Mars wing was the sharp end of the spear, but the Titan wing was the shaft that would drive it home if need be.

The full Auman fleet had appeared, as if from no where. Super Illuminous Travel had arrayed themselves around Melkors fleet. 2000+ vessels surrounded Melkor and activated their weapons. A transmission was sent to them. "Recall your forces or be exposed to the military might of Auman!"

OOC:

We have 2000 ships...but the majority of them are fragile patrol vessels and frigates. The top knotch vessels are the battleships and Carriers...Auman will take plenty of losses but Im confident that we will win. Melkor is already invloved in a war, and with the reinforcements that we will recieve Iam confident in Mars' ability to win.

The full Auman fleet had appeared, as if from no where. Super Illuminous Travel had arrayed themselves around Melkors fleet. 2000+ vessels surrounded Melkor and activated their weapons. A transmission was sent to them. "Recall your forces or be exposed to the military might of Auman!"

OOC:

We have 2000 ships...but the majority of them are fragile patrol vessels and frigates. The top knotch vessels are the battleships and Carriers...Auman will take plenty of losses but Im confident that we will win. Melkor is already invloved in a war, and with the reinforcements that we will recieve Iam confident in Mars' ability to win.

Incoming Widebeam transmission.
Point of Origin: The Ali'Staan
Destination: Auman Fleet command

*riotous laughter*

--end

Meanwhile, Wazzu assets were forming up, crews and soldiers hoping this would be just another false alarm.

Cargo ships began leaving Ares Station for safer ports around Titan, Luna, and Venus.

Wazzu's first and only "gravship" fleet, on Mars since the last conflict, readied themselves but stayed on Wazzu territory.

Several warships at or near Mars, many due to be donated to the M2DF, began to coalesse around the Wazzu trade/defense station.

Many of those in convoys further from Mars turned and headed towards the conflict, other ships taking their place.

Defensive troops were mobilized.

School children and workers began shelter drills.

In all, it was the most extensive space force reaction Wazzu had taken in well over a century, since hostile events in the ISAF Lunar Region.

Hopefully, the Ardans wouldn't do anything else rash...Wazzuians were not optimistic.

"Open fire! destroy them all!" exclaimed Admiral Chelazk II, 2000 vessels opened fire upon the Melkor fleet. Energy cannons, blazing in the night sky. Reaping a horrible toll upon Melkor and their heretical minions.

With live updates, Captain April West sighed. She had been hoping the Ardans would do something stupid and rash...she had forgotten about the Vascilians.

And so it begins.

The 600 strong Tannelorn fleet, Flower of the Vascilian Navies is now on full military standby....full disclosure of full Destructive/technical capabilities of all Fleet Class vessels shall be disclosed to righteous martian nations in the event of Open hositilities with melkor...also a full
400 000 Tannelorn Knights with their attendant Calliopes and support equipment shall be immediately dispatched to aid Auman forces in Kinslayer territories [I have loads of school so most RP with me will be only on Tues, thurs, and Sundays sorry, but i will try to keep in with the RP, generally set up dates for my forces to fight or leave under the control of Auman, as he is my little brother he will know exactly what to do ok?]

Sitting in his office President de los Santos rocked back and forth slowly in his chair. Pen in hand he tapped it on the desktop lightly. In his office the Director of the Office of Strategic Services, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff had assembled to discuss the whole issue of Mars and the deployment of ships to stop one of the larger galactic powers from landing on it. He stopped the tapping and the rocking in the chair and cleared his throat. "Dick, I want you to send an agent, your choice of course, to contact a low level Represenative in Wazzu's Space Agency...I want you to make it appear as if we're interested in buy civilian ships. But instead of that I want your agent to give that person a message."

Richard Bismuth the head of the OSS nodded his head slightly arms crossing up over his chest he waited for the specifics of the message. "Alright Mr President, I take it you want this as completely hush hush as possible?"

"Not to much to cause any suspicion, just enough so that anyone who wonders will figure we're just probing the market for space ships.Thats all."

"The contents of the message Mr. President?"

Santos put the pen down and took a paper with the offical NYNJ letterhead and folded it up putting it in an envelope. He addressed it to Manar Tawam and wrote urgent under the name. "Its just your typical stuff thats all."

The OSS agent selected was a veteren of many meetings with other so called "officals" typically they would be agents for foreign nations but under the guise of a civilian job. NYNJ had queried Wazzu through public diplomatic channels for a meeting between a lowlevel Advisor and a Sales Representative from Wazzu, of course in the open diplomatic channels it was hinted at a sale of vessels, on the closed channels it was hinted as a meeting between two Intelligence Officers to exchange some words.

[will reply soon. Auman, I think you're mistaken: I'm not involved in any other war. You'll have my generals' full attention! Oh Joyous day!]

this is the only thing I have to say ICly:

Shipyards carrying colonists have been diverted back to earth orbit. they will cycle civilians down to the mainland for their safety and to reload our ships.

And so it was that a NYNJ agent found him/herself in polluted, overcrowded Wazzu...indoors of course. Actually, inside the old TransCorp HQ, now primarially a sales building.

A guide led the agent into a surveillence-safe room, ostensibly designed for customer privacy. An elderly lady (that is to say, looking 50 but probably older) was there to meet him. The door shut solidly, and she spoke up.

"So," she began quite casually, "you have some interest in...."

The agent sat himself down across from the saleswoman and smiled alittle.Reaching into the inside pocket of his trenchcoat he pulled out the manila folder which contained the envelope on the table and pushed it forward abit,"I'm suppose to ask for two things, one of which is to ensure that this reaches your President/CEO, and the next is that, the next time I return, I speak with a member of your intelligence community. Unless you are one...." He left that open to the saleswoman giving her a small sly smile.

Battlecruisers at once launched their heavy missiles at the heaviest ships in front of them, moving forward to punch a hole through the trap. bombers spread out under tight fighter /gunship escort to bomb the lighter frigates and loosen up their control of the skies.

The Destroyers checked their targets and fired asthe various ships moved to evade enemy fire.

On the Deck of the Battlecruiser Vengeance, Captain Archon Sorenson scowled. Their orders were to punch through and withdraw. The 1st and 4th would meet them shortly, they hoped. Why Auman ha been so rash as to attack them, it was unclear. Their ships appeared to be of mostly light construction, so it would pay off to target the carriers and other capital craft first. then the light craft would be sitting ducks.

Sorenson saw to it that this plan was carried out.

WAR!

War was once again upon the Arda Alliance. The Fleet of Lord Melkor had been fired upon.

Arda would have its revenge. And Lost Americans would help lead the charge.

The Fleet moved to respond. Tactical Doctrine indicated that they should deploy along the fastest route to reenforce Mars. Battle Group by Battle Group, the Fleet peeled out of Orbit of Sol III. Maximum Fleet Acceleration was to be observed. Tactical Battle Groups deployed, with Patrol Groups screening the edges.

Lord Melkor's Fleet was horribly outnumbered, but there were many small vessels among the Enemy. Attack Craft deployed to the fore, sweeping ahead, seeking confrontation. They would arrive and return to rearm before the Fleet arrived. Weapons began to come online, deflection shields burning a hole in space, drive fields warping gravity about the ships, forcing the ships forward towards the energy flashes denoting combat.

It was the solid core of Battlecruisers and Heavy Cruisers, along with screen, would not arrive too late.

OOC: As for numbers, that's 12 Battlecruisers, 12 Heavy Cruisers, 18 Light Cruisers, 18 Destroyers, and 36 Frigates. 54 Squadrons of 6 fighters.

*tag*

"Well," she smiled, "you could say I am in semi-retirement. I lost my anonymity, and with it my profession. But at least I still have a career.

"I'll deliver this message immediately. Until then, I am authorized to talk to you, but I have little knowledge myself; need to know and all. I could set up another meeting."

"In our line of buisness none of us ever retires unless the company wants us to. And even then they keep close tabs." Nodding his head in agreement he stood up from the chair and looked around the room slowly. "We're probably going to need to meet a few more times, my government wants to keep everything in the backchannels for the time being...say you have a catalouge somewhere around here?So I'm not walking away empty handed?"

"I don't mind keeping the hours up," she stated, pulling out a thick bunch of ads, "I could always use a little extra cash...so you were looking for spacecraft right? Buisness or pleasure?"

"Pleasure, small civilan transport, capable from getting here to the Lunar regions. My countries actually looking to obtain several. I think someone plans to start a charter service to compete with other Earth-Lunar Spacelines." The agent checked to make sure his coat was nice and neat as he prepared to go outside once more but not before taking several of the ads from the saleswoman.

Elena cringed slightly...TransCorp was in that buisness. Of course, its transports were rather sparten...good in that the NYJ company wouldn't compete on the same level, bad in that there wasn't a perfect product to offer. Not that she was an actual saleswoman, but it would be nice to come out with a bonus.

"Well, you've got a choice. Three sizes of very efficient but not super pleasureable shuttles, or small one to four person hotrods. The latter are a spaceship trainer modified for personal use. I hear they are quite fun."

Then she decided to get back to some real buisness. "So, what can you tell me of why your really here? Or is it all in this little letter?" she asked, holding up the envelope.

All vessels launched drones, for they would prove to be the screen against fighters and missiles. Over 3 million drones had littered the skies above Mars. As poor as they were at fighting there were many of them. They would prevent the destruction of the Capital Ships.

------

Numerous vessels had still kept their withering firing upon the focus of the Melkorians, the enemy fighters still making way to their positions had not proved to be a problem as of yet.

"The hotrods would probably go well. We're looking at a small thing for executives of major corporations, and the wealthy. As for my purpose..."He moved back over toward the table and sat himself down stretching out abit and getting comfortable once more, "Most of it is in the letter as far as I know my government has taken an interest in the whole Mars situation, we had wanted of course to set up a colony, but frankly Melkor beat us to it, and is threating to beat up everyone else to it as well. It doesnt sit well with anyone in our government to have a bully run around in the Sol system. So since Wazzu is taking an active stance, I think my government is sending its support on the private lines.What do you know about the whole Mars Sit?"

"Oh my."

The commanding officer on the Kajal Mars Orbital Station was quite suprised.

He was more suprised to find that Kajal Mars had launched _all_ of the ships it had. They took up a defensive stance around the mostly-complete Orbital Station, and within moments, were joined by forces from Kajal - their waystation was nearly in the center of the battlefield, after all. As of yet, however, it was relatively undamaged. All essential personnel had been evacuated back to Kajal, however, which was quite a distance away. It was generally assumed that they would be safe there - after all, one needs an access code to even travel through the subspace portal at the waystation. Otherwise, the ship simply travels through the great ring without going anywhere.

Meanwhile, the Kajal Mars Government had been rushed to Fortress, where they currently coordinated their efforts with the other nations on Mars.

And then, they sent a tentative order up to the orbital station.

"You are cleared to initiate a full power-up of the plasma array. You may fire at will. Reinforcements are coming in from Kajal, however, they can't exit subspace jump in the midst of this battle. Good luck to you."

Meanwhile, the domes that were suitably equipped descended several thousand feet into the ground. It would safeguard at least 300 million of Kajal Mars' 579 million citizens.

The plasma array charged, but did not fire.

"Well, most people are more concerned with local news or inter-corporate rivalries, but I like to follow the international stuff. Citizens in Wazzu Elysium are generally pissed off because said bully is trying to claim the territory of a recently collapsed ally." She slides over another brocure, this one detailing very expensive and luxurous but also very slow and definately longer then Earth/Luna range solar sail craft.

"They were mad at the Vascilians at first too, but they didn't try to claim anything more then a port city. With the Ardans, well, what will happen to the remaining Kinslayers?

"Really, I don't know anything from my government's perspective, but in my own? Melkor is a kitten, at least in space. He acts tough, but he has been smacked down several times. I wouldn't worry too much about him near the MIDAS and Yut nations, even with his groupies along. It is on the ground that you have something to fear from him.

"So am I selling you?"

All vessels launched drones, for they would prove to be the screen against fighters and missiles. Over 3 million drones had littered the skies above Mars. As poor as they were at fighting there were many of them. They would prevent the destruction of the Capital Ships.

------

Numerous vessels had still kept their withering firing upon the focus of the Melkorians, the enemy fighters still making way to their positions had not proved to be a problem as of yet.

"Drones?" Sorenson confided with Fleet admireil Il-Amir, aboard the Ali'Staan. The Admiral clutched his hands behind his back.

"Equip our assault frigates with gravity blast missiles and have them clear a path. Load the heavier warheads. Gunships will be good against them too. We need to cut through that screen for our missiles to get to their capship. Until then, have battlecruisers activate PD. I've ordered the 1st and 4th over here--they'll be here soon. Once the drones are destroyed, we can obliterate them. Run over sensor scans to determine where the missiles need to go. Get to work, Sorenson. Amir out."

Archon scowled. all he could do until that screen was down was wait and pick off nearby frigates.

[ooc: three million drones? 2000 assault craft? where are you getting these numbers? I'm only claiming 160 frigates in the area, and maybe 44 capships, and I'm three times your size... I won't ignore or stop the RP or anything, but I'd like to know how these numbers will be compensated for...]

Meanwhile, the commander of KMO-1 continued to watch the battle. Hopefully Kajal Mars would remain blissfully uninvolved. If he fired the plasma array at the Melkorian fleet, it seemed that his little station would very quickly be destroyed.

However, with the fleet that had amassed about it, one would have to be able to get at it first. (unfortunately, it wouldn't be that hard for someone who was determined to actually get past the small fleet, of course.)

Another set of orders came in from Fortress.

You are to offer the Aumanii fleet Fire support, if and when they request it. Array the fleet in such a way that the plasma array may fire.

Those bureaucrats down there were crazy. Sure, it'd probably improve relations, but what good would it do when Melkor landed?

OOC: The defensive fleet around the station is more like a small battlegroup - only 6 Destroyers, 20 cruisers, of varying sizes, and little hordes of small ships operating in squadrons of five or six. Overall, about 50 total. Most have also been in service for three or four martian years, as well.

OOC: 2000 ships, eh? I didn't know cardboard was spaceworthy...

[ooc: just a note: I'm going to bed now. I have to work tomorrow morning, until 4 pm, at which time I return to reply to this thread. Don't make too many action posts without me, please. ]

Lunar orbit dropped behind the rapidly accelerating Fleet, as EI formulated the best attack plan, and told their human masters.

And those humans snapped orders, based on the data the EIs provided, formulated from raw data retrieved from the Melkorian Transmissions. The longest ranged missiles the ships had, each the size of two fighter craft, lept forward, streaking ahead of the ships.

GBAMs these missiles were called, and killing mines and other numerous tiny objects was their mission.

The Diablos roaring ahead of the fleet were quickly overtaken by the weapons' speed, and though the range was long, the sixty missiles would not explode until they reached preassigned designated locations.

A message lanced out a head of them, telling the Melkorian Fleet of their coming, which would not be in vain.

They blazed through interplanetary space for nearly 15 relative minutes. And then, tearing through the Melkorian Fleet, they emerged, hopefully unscathed, and tore into the drone field.

As one, the Fleet watched as the sixty missiles exploded, and it was hoped they would perform as expected. Small warheads exploded free, tinier than nearly anything a computer could target. Six hundred of these warheads, obscenely expensive, but about to prove their worth, flew into a nearly perfect wall.

And then, they did something far worse than exploding. They imploded, for lack of a better term to describe it. A massive wall of gravatronic energies flared among the drone field, as gravity fields ten thousand times that of the Earth clawed at space, seeking to tear the drones from exsistence.

The fighters would strike next.

Quietly, on the far side of Mars from the quickly escalating fight, the quiet of the void is disturbed. It begins with a small flux of energy, some bizaare kind of field that only barely registers on the scientific tools used by most civilizations. The psychic impact is unmistakable, though: a swirling nimbus of power, tinted with the red-hot hate lurking just beyond the veil of the physical universe. Nearly fifty roiling tears in the fabric of space-time split open like boils, leaking spiritual energy into the physical realm like ichors from a wound.

From one and all of the rips emerges the streamlined black prow of a dark eldar ship; each ship bears the icon of the Kabal: a bleeding heart, pierced through with a thorny vine and clutched within a gauntleted fist. The bladelike projections from the stern of the ships trail whisps of energy out of the Immaterium.

Then, the gates close, and the Warp is sealed off once more.

Four dozen ships -- a dozen Torture-class cruisers and three dozen Corsair-class corvettes -- slip into loose formations refined over centuries. The lead ship, bearing the name Blade's Kiss, launches a small swarm of shuttles. Then, as one, the dark eldar ships disappear from sight and sensor.

A score of drive trails drift towards Mars, paragons of ghostly grace in the void. Soon, the world will burn.

(edit to make the post a little less vague)

The Kajal News Network had begun broadcasting the arrival of additional ships over Mars, as the information had been relayed to them by satellite. However, the satellites had lost the contacts, and as such, Fortress was in another bit of panic. The public only knew that more ships had entered orbit, however, the military knew more about it then they did. A Mars-wide message was sent out.

"Fellow Martians... It appears that we have been drawn into a battle by none other then the Vascilians. However, even if the actions of the Aumanii were rash, we are obligated to protect this planet, whether we are members of MIDAS or not.

As such, we have called upon the Imperium of Kajal to send all the ships they can spare. It will take a united force, composed of both Martian nations and those that paved the way for the aforementioned nations to be founded."

The speech paused for a moment, and the National Controller came on the air.

"Additional reinforcements are en route from Kajal. However, they are travelling a great distance. We do not expect them to exit subspace jump for at least a half hour. Even then, they will have to proceed into Martian space at sublight, due to the fighting, and as such, they may not be able to meet up with our current fleet. They are under orders to assist the combined Martian fleets in battle. With any luck, we'll be joining the rest of you in defending this planet."

OOC: Kajal has diverted all the ships it can spare to the defense of Mars. The total fleet count, including what's already there, will be about 120, tops. This can be varied for purposes of credibility/feasability, of course.

A group of ten Ur-Quan warships, consisting of five Marauders and Dreadnoughts jumped out of HyperSpace, right into Martian space. The group was a small convoy on the way to replenish the supplies of the small Ur-Quan colony stationed on the planet, supplies that could not be synthetized. It did not take long for them to realize that they had entered a warzone, but it did not matter much to them, resupplying the colony was the number one priority. If they were to be shot upon, or the Colonial Hierarchy requests them to do something else, that is all they will do.

They continued on their projected flight path, as several of the Dreadnoughts enter the atmosphere and descend onto the colony. They were black as the Marauders this time. Soon after that, they would disappear into the depths of the colony.

"I'll ask my government about the Hotrods, how much is the asking price for one by the way? As for the solar sail, interesting concept, how much is one?I always wanted a boat, I just never figures solar sail..." He moved his hand up and rubbed the back of his neck slightly as he contemplated the whole situation and what he and she knew about the Mars situation. "As for the guy you call a Kitten, while he may not try much with Yut, and MIDAS forces, there are others on that world, and potentionals who will most likely shy away intest of having to fight for land. Of which, is probably what my government is offering in terms of support. Our own Stellar Fleet is on the edge of the solar system,its all over the news back where I come from...some real serious fighting is more or less going to happen, so I guess my government wants a tradeoff of sorts, least that is how my Director explained things to me. I dont know much more than that I'm afraid."

"A trade?" she enquired, opening up one of the catalogues, "hmmmm.

"Ahh, here we go, and not to bad. Only a few hundread thousand beggers for most of these models." She handed an ad over, opened to a particular picture (http://members.cox.net/davage/images/ShipExitAtmosphereSmall.jpg).

"I'm not really qualified for that bit, but I'm sure my government will give it serious consideration. Oh, and I'm pretty sure those solar sales are about a billion a peice. They don't pay you guys that well, do they?" the agent asked blissfully.

The shuttles skip across the atmosphere of the planet like rocks over a pond. Each bounce leaves firey sparks in the atmosphere in their wake. They do not take long, less than an hour, to navgiate around to the far side. Each moves along a different circumference, so that they form a rough circle hundreds of kilometers in diameter when they arrive on the far side.

Roaring, shrieking fire trails behind the shuttles as they finally enter the atmosphere, still moving sufficiently swiftly to to cause sonic booms to ripple through the region. Twenty shooting stars descend, hoping that the battle above will distract the fleets from sending forces to investigate.

The shuttles skip across the atmosphere of the planet like rocks over a pond. Each bounce leaves firey sparks in the atmosphere in their wake. They do not take long, less than an hour, to navgiate around to the far side. Each moves along a different circumference, so that they form a rough circle hundreds of kilometers in diameter when they arrive on the far side.

Roaring, shrieking fire trails behind the shuttles as they finally enter the atmosphere, still moving sufficiently swiftly to to cause sonic booms to ripple through the region. Twenty shooting stars descend, hoping that the battle above will distract the fleets from sending forces to investigate.

OOC: Oh, they will be noticed...Mars is too well developed and too well populated. The question is, decend where? Certain areas are watched more closely, especially at the current moment.

In an official transmission from Pilon, the Headspeaker applauded the actions of Melkor. "We would rather have a Melkor on Mars than deal with a Vascilian Invasion of Northern Mars. Vascilian League forces will again be beaten down by superior forces and this time all we have to do is sit back and watch."

OOC: Oh, they will be noticed...Mars is too well developed and too well populated. The question is, decend where? Certain areas are watched more closely, especially at the current moment.

((Well, I can hope :twisted:. They're descending into the contested region... each a goodly distance from the Canal, aiming to see if they can't find relatively empty land to give them time before someone comes snooping))

OOC: Oh, they will be noticed...Mars is too well developed and too well populated. The question is, decend where? Certain areas are watched more closely, especially at the current moment.

((Well, I can hope :twisted:. They're descending into the contested region... each a goodly distance from the Canal, aiming to see if they can't find relatively empty land to give them time before someone comes snooping))

OOC: The former Kinslayer territory is being very carefully watched. I need to know if that (or other MIDAS territory) is the "empty land" that is being headed towards in order to make an IC response (if any). That is anything in/around the bay that is not claimed, or New ArAreBee territory.

The Kajalan fleet was still underway. However, the ships present had not moved to assist Auman as they had been ordered, and while the plasma array on the station had been ready to fire for almost twenty minutes, it had not.

"KMO-1, what the hell do you think you're doing?!" The transmission from Fortress crackled somewhat due to interference from the battle.

"Sir, as commanding officer of the Martian fleet, I have ruled that your orders deliberately endanger Imperial assets in the region. I have notified Home Office of this, and they agree."

"You'll never serve on a starship again, you know that?"

"I'm afraid, sir, that I have been ordered by the Imperial Navy to inform you that you have been stripped of all rank and stature within the organization. I'm no longer obligated to take your orders."

The Admiral fumed. The damned bureaucrats around him had gone behind his back. It had been an opportunity to improve relations with Auman, and demonstrate just how effective their fleet really was.

Instead, the Imperium of Kajal had decided that it would rather maintain good relations with Melkor, rather then risk a war with it. Their relations with Auman were already damaged. What would a little more do? Allow them to pursue trade agreements with Melkor Unchained.

It made sense, from a certain point of view.

An official statement from the Imperium of Kajal followed, on wideband communications.

"We welcome Melkor Unchained to Mars, and hope that we may pursue trade with them that would benefit us both. Unfortunately, the government of Kajal Mars has acted too quickly once more, but thankfully the commanding officer of our assets over Mars realized the foolishness of their orders. Hopefully this conflict can be resolved quickly, as to remove the need of a defensive force."

<tag> cannot post now, I'm in school and really shouldn't be on this forum, let me get in some thoughts before im left behind>

IC, but hurried, will refine later

Full Mangalan Fleet has scrambled, is taking positions in holding orbit over Mangalan space. this is 2 carriers, 12 tatterdemalion class crusiers(think a smallish destroyer from homeworld), various support vessels, and lots of smaller fighters and corvettes. We're not doing anything but being there at this point.

On the ground, mangalan forces are concentrating along the canal region. We have a large buildup around Auman's half-finished port, but are not moving into that small area. ground forces are composed of grav-tanks, mechs, and grav-mechanized infantry. We will support Wazzu in preventing ANYTHING from landing in former Kinslayer territory.

ALL OOC

Auman you're in for a fun time, I will support you somewhat but we have much to talk about behind closed doors in a soundproof room. Alienating borderline martian nations in the northern sea and then starting an orbital conflict nobody wanted is going to blacklist you for many people...

As far as I can tell heres a summary of the conflict:


Arda&allies:
Melkor
Lost Am.
Manmen(?)
Bajon
DarkSith(?)
Pilon(?)
Indiastan(part of Arda?)

Aggressive Martian forces:
Auman

Defensive Martian forces:
MIDAS-II (Wazzu, Sunset, RRB)
Kajal
Ur-Quan Kohr-Ah
Mangala

[ooc: three million drones? 2000 assault craft? where are you getting these numbers? I'm only claiming 160 frigates in the area, and maybe 44 capships, and I'm three times your size... I won't ignore or stop the RP or anything, but I'd like to know how these numbers will be compensated for...]

OOC:

Believe me...the majority of the fleet stinks. I just have a lot of ships so I can throw down huge numbers for casualties and have intersting pitched battles, the tough ships that I hope do lots of damage are flag ships and carriers, with famous Captains and Admirals in charge of them. The drones are cheap, they dont travel fast and they are equipped with point defence guns to keep missiles and fighters away. Since Auman doesn't possess force fields that is the best equivalent they have...and speaking of casualties.

IC:

247 Drones had destroyed themselves removing missiles and other dangerous debris from the space surrounding the battle fleet. Meanwhile, 3 frigates and a patrol cruiser were destroyed completely by long range Melkorian fire.

The Aumanii Carrier, "Vascilian Might" had launched half its complement of manned fighters, 150 fighters screened out, conducting ranged Combat air patrols, engaging any enemy fighters that strayed in their path.

The Venerable Battleship "Yamato", recently refitted with more powerful weaponry began relaying orders to its seperate battle group, 200 vessels including the Yamato broke away from the main fleet to get better firing angles on the Melkorian 1st Battle group. Firing at targets of oppurtunity along the way, obviously trying to make their movement know.

The sister carrier of "The Vascilian Might" "The Wrath of Vascilia" Launched its full complement of fighters, 300 fighters on a probing mission against Melkors fleet assets.

Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet still kept hammering away at their foe.

OOC:

More info...Auman has no proper Airforce on Mars, so they train the majority of the pilots for space operations. So essentially, the entire Airforce operates in space. Thats where I got 600 manned fighters from.

Aumans primary doctrine for fleet engagements is the "Wolf pack" swarming the enemy with superior numbers...that explains the amount of "U-Boat" like ships in the fleet.

The Pagag, the Phoenix currently on rotation over Lunae, dropped shields and prepped its wings of Warfuries and Starfires for launch.

On the surface, two minisubs dispatched from the closest Nuclear Well, and headed for the deep waters of the bay, while a Flying Barge left the Flagstaff shipyards and began crossing the ocean towards Kinslayer carrying 20 Entopters.

(FYI: Phoenixes have physical blast shields over critical areas, as opposed to 'energy shields', except for an artificial magnetosphere. Thus, dropping shields refers to closing the blast doors, and raising shields refers to opening them, just the opposite of energy shield terminology.)

EDIT:
Info on Eniqciri forces-
Entopters- Silver helicopters without blades and with articulated tails. In place of helicopter blades are three sets of semiflexible wings powered by pnuematic muscles that row the air like a bug's, hence the name. Two pilots, 4 passengers, maximum of 1 tonne cargo. Usually armed with short-range laser cutters, blinders, and twin machine guns. About 1/3 are outfitted to carry missiles of varying types.
Flying Barges- Huge cargo planes. Basically, a freight barge with wings stuck on. It has downturned wingtips and flies low, both to minimize the risk of damage in a crash and to take advantage of ground effect. If speed isn't a requirement, they are capable of floating along like a oceangoing barge.
Warfuries- 1-man space fighters. Equipped with 360-degree radar and biofeedback control systems, Telvirdis generators, twin machine guns, and a bomb bay capable of carrying 1 RBB, 8 mines, or 4 ship-to-ship missiles.
Starfires- 1-man aerospace fighters. Similar to Warfuries, but capable of entering an atmosphere, and with more guns and missiles. Lacks a Telvirdis generator.

Under orders from Kajal, the staff of the orbital station was evacuated through the local jumpgate portal. Fortress was able to contain several million sentients, and a thousand more wasn't much.

However, it left the station empty, in standby mode. The plasma array was still primed to fire, but it would need to be reactivated first.

Former Admiral Seraph Janei was being escorted under guard to the military installation B-52, when shadows literally dropped from the sky and destroyed the convoy, save his vehicle.

"Admiral Janei, are you all right?"

"Yes, yes... Fine. It's about time you showed up. Execute Operation Orbit!"

"Operation... Orbit?"

"Bleh. You try to name these things on the spot. Let's just call it Plan B for the moment."

"I see. And this plan would involve the mining array on the orbital station, would it not?"

"Indeed it will! Assemble your men, and arrange for transport in the stealth flyers. We can't use the subspace gate."

"Yes, sir!"

The commander got out a small device, and within moments, six interplanetary shuttles, all painted black, and equipped with the latest stealth technology, landed around the convoy's remains. The Admiral boarded one with the commander, and the six ships screamed up into the sky.



"Sir, you'd better take a look at this..."

"What is it, lieutenant?"

The large vidscreen on the far wall changed to a view from one of the many orbiting satellites, showing the battle and the Kajal Mars Orbital Station. The plasma array was adjusting itself.

"The computer uplink shows that the array is acquiring a firing solution... It's been cut, sir! Someone is definitely up there!"

"Hail them! I want to find out who's taken over my station!"

Of course, there was no response.

"Sir, the computers estimate that the array has had all the time it needs to acquire a good firing solution. They expect it to fire within minutes. Ambient energy buildup in the area confirms this."

"My god... That was designed primarily as advanced deterrence... If any of our ships are caught in the blast..." The commodore looked somewhat shocked. "Move all ships AWAY from the station! Now!"

Unfortunately, they didn't get the order quite fast enough. The array locked onto one of the larger Melkorian warships, and fired, catching the heavy cruiser [i]Phennara in its wake. The ship's port side was cleaved cleanly off, and the beam continued unimpeded towards its target - One of Melkor's battlecruisers.

The Lost American fleet had come as a surprise to the Aumanii but not one that they could not deal with. In the initial assault the fleet had lost 432 drones, and several frigates had taken varied damage.

Combat Air Patrols reacted quickly to the enemy fighters, launching missiles from range, and quickly closing in to use their cannons. The High maneuverability fighters zipped around like angry bee's, scoring numerous hits on the New American fighters...sluggish by comparison to these high performance machines.

OOC:

Pilon...your military has never been superior, to anything haha ;) Kajal, Im disappointed but I understand. You guys dont seem to realise the big picture. Auman has never made aggressive action towards the northern ocean, just built a port to ease the costs of trading with Northern nations.

Point is, Melkor is the lord of darkness for god sake! no way am I gonna let Morgoth onto Mars with out a fight.

OOC: Since I don't have a positive, absolute answer from Manmen, I'll assume those troop transports (or whatever) were headed for formor The Kinslayer territory. If this is not the case, then please ignore this post.

IC:

Petty Officer Jim Danver was a prize of the Wazzu educational system. With Wazzu recognized as being in the top 1% of educational systems in the known universe, Jim was one of less then 20,000 (of over 2 billion educated people in Wazzu) to be certified in orbital and relativistic gunnery. He had trained for years after getting his primary education (equal to a technical/associates degree in most nations) to get this far. Relativity, orbital mechanics, and 3D+time probability fields had become intuitive for him. And all this qualified him for...

...one of the WSS Valor's smallest guns. But it was him who was eventually decided on to fire the shot.

Lasers, as coherent light, weren't very good warning weapons. In a vacuum, there wasn't any atmosphere to go to to make them glow. If a ship wasn't hit hard enough, it wouldn't even know the shot took place...and even in an atmosphere it wasn't very impressive. Likewise, particle weapons were too big and powerful to make for a good show. What was needed was a smaller gun. If the small guns were powerful, the enemy might wonder about the larger ones. But Wazzu didn't exactly have much in the way of plasma weapons, which were in Jim's opinion the most spectacular. So his medium mass accelerator was the next best thing.

So Jim got the order, command wanted a warning shot, he'd give them a warning shot. A practice round should do nicely...almost no mass, it posed little risk to the tough Wazzu ships...but he couldn't be sure what it would do to the rickity, hastily made rust buckets that the Melkorans made. He had no clue what it would do to the ships of the would-be god's groupies ships. Jim decided he better "miss."

The round loaded automatically, probility fields sprang up as holograms in his compartment, changing as time moved on. He chose a ship comming counter orbit, moved the aim to see how the statistics changed, decided on a solution, and fired.

A training round sped out of a lower cannon of the Valor at 70 klicks a second relative...of course, both the Valor and the unknown enemy ship were moving towards The Kinslayer territory from opposite directions, so the round seemed to be traveling a LOT faster.

It took three seconds for the round to go from the cannon, to burning brightly by barely a meter from the cockpit of one particular troop carrier. It missed and drove a small crater into the cold martian soil.

Yup, Jim thought, that'll get their attention.

******
******

On the bridge, Captain Anola Brown beamed. That guy gets a bonus.

The vast blue monoliths cast an eye over the battle. They cared not. A ship burst forth from reality as another New ArAreBeen commerce ship arrived, and it began it's descent.

The Cyclopean Obelisks watched as the Dark Eldar ships bounced off the atmosphere like it were a lake. Sensors fired off on the ground as various long range gunners were brought to bear.

Disks fell forth from the towers as the ships landed. Space congealed as they vanished from sight. Dots of void appeared in the sky as the great eyes of ancient things watched their movements.

Damage control specialist Justin Thomoso was en route to his station on the frigate AU-570 when he heard a loud metallic snap. He and his partner Alan Garibaldi looked in the direction of the sound, there was a fist sized hole in the side of the wall panelling they just passed by. Garibaldi spoke "whoa...its smoking, go check it out Thomoso." Thomoso made his way over to the smoldering puncture hole and looked inside. "Is it on fire Thomoso?" Specialist Thomoso looked back and said "yeah, its on fire alright."

"Ah crap...Im gonna radio command and tell them that we have something we gotta fix here." just as he finished saying that, they heard the sound again, and again, and again and then suddenly...they were dead. AU-570 was destroyed by enemy fire.

Tag...

On Tor Yvresse the council smiled at the rare oppertunity offered to them here and now. the forces where redirected, the avatar of Khaine was awakened, and the Fleets gathered.

Tor Yvresse was going to War, Melkor had came to Mars, and the Vascillaian league was fighting him. Now the moment had came and the council was going to enjoy this time.


((Four Fleets in total are gathering to strike at Mars. The Asuryan Fleet, and the Three Khaines Fleets. Each Fleet is Thirty Vessels in size, and carrys four Hundred Fighters. Meaning when I deploy I will be deploying 120 Capital ships of various sizes, and 1600 Fighters.

On Mars Several regiments are deploying through Webgates, including 4 of my 5 Titan Legions.))

Edit fixed a Small mistake I have 5 Titan Regiments not 4, one is currently deployed at Roania, Note I am very near my 6th, and it may well enter into this war when I check on it's finial date of construction as it may actually be finished.

Tag...

On Tor Yvresse the council smiled at the rare oppertunity offered to them here and now. the forces where redirected, the avatar of Khaine was awakened, and the Fleets gathered.

Tor Yvresse was going to War, Melkor had came to Mars, and the Vascillaian league was fighting him. Now the moment had came and the council was going to enjoy this time.


((Four Fleets in total are gathering to strike at Mars. The Asuryan Fleet, and the Three Khaines Fleets. Each Fleet is Thirty Vessels in size, and carrys four Hundred Fighters. Meaning when I deploy I will be deploying 120 Capital ships of various sizes, and 1600 Fighters.

On Mars Several regiments are deploying through Webgates, including 3 of my Four Titan Legions.

OOC:

eep...who are you gonna shoot? Cause well. You're an Eldar and all, and he is Evil ol' Melkor, bane of the elves existance. I just hope you're on our side.

[ooc: okay, Auman. I guess that's alright, if the ships have tissue paper for their outer hulls :wink:

I use the "mass numbers, bad quality" concept in my land armies, too, so i know what you mean. However, if I may offer some constructive criticism. First, you only lost two frigates. If they're really that bad, you probably should have lost a lot more than two. Secondly, I wasnt even firing at your frigates. Sensor data can tell rather easily enough that the quality of youor frigates are... below par, which is why I explained explicitly in my post that all of my frigates/capships opened fire on your carriers and battlecruisers.

Also, as an aside, the Imperium has never won an engagement in space. I have 3rd Generation Fleets, insane amounts of funding, and well-trained pilots. I think.. I think it may be high time for me to win one in the ol' vacuum, seeing as how the last two times I rebuilt my fleets, they got obliterated to the last ship. If it happens again, I think i'm going to pop an aneurysm. An IC post will be forthcoming, I just want to see what Auman says to this first, so I can gague my casualties and so forth.]

[ooc: okay, Auman. I guess that's alright, if the ships have tissue paper for their outer hulls :wink:

I use the "mass numbers, bad quality" concept in my land armies, too, so i know what you mean. However, if I may offer some constructive criticism. First, you only lost two frigates. If they're really that bad, you probably should have lost a lot more than two. Secondly, I wasnt even firing at your frigates. Sensor data can tell rather easily enough that the quality of youor frigates are... below par, which is why I explained explicitly in my post that all of my frigates/capships opened fire on your carriers and battlecruisers.

Also, as an aside, the Imperium has never won an engagement in space. I have 3rd Generation Fleets, insane amounts of funding, and well-trained pilots. I think.. I think it may be high time for me to win one in the ol' vacuum, seeing as how the last two times I rebuilt my fleets, they got obliterated to the last ship. If it happens again, I think i'm going to pop an aneurysm. An IC post will be forthcoming, I just want to see what Auman says to this first, so I can gague my casualties and so forth.]

The Diablos came under attack, and twenty percent of them broke off to engage.

A number were hit, but few were destroyed. And then, the internal hetrodyning lasers went into effect, streaking at light speed towards the incoming fighters.

But the majority of the fighter strike roared in toward the targets, as the dogfight rolled into range of the larger ships in their wake. The fighters broke off after one pass.

The Fleet could range now, and anti-fighter launchers went to full power. 150 missiles roared out in each of six salvos, all targeted on the enemy fighters.

In Earth Orbit, the Second Fleet Element moved into position. 12 Support Cruisers slid one by one into the Earth - Mars EM highway. Their engines blazed to life inside it as they accelrated down the highway. This cost the Fleet little for what it would accomplish, though strengthing Old Enemies was not always the best course of action.

Energy fields blazed a deep red as they burned forward through space, accelerating as hard as they could. The first would arrive just moments before the fighters.

[ooc: okay, Auman. I guess that's alright, if the ships have tissue paper for their outer hulls :wink:

I use the "mass numbers, bad quality" concept in my land armies, too, so i know what you mean. However, if I may offer some constructive criticism. First, you only lost two frigates. If they're really that bad, you probably should have lost a lot more than two. Secondly, I wasnt even firing at your frigates. Sensor data can tell rather easily enough that the quality of youor frigates are... below par, which is why I explained explicitly in my post that all of my frigates/capships opened fire on your carriers and battlecruisers.

Also, as an aside, the Imperium has never won an engagement in space. I have 3rd Generation Fleets, insane amounts of funding, and well-trained pilots. I think.. I think it may be high time for me to win one in the ol' vacuum, seeing as how the last two times I rebuilt my fleets, they got obliterated to the last ship. If it happens again, I think i'm going to pop an aneurysm. An IC post will be forthcoming, I just want to see what Auman says to this first, so I can gague my casualties and so forth.]

OOC:

The reason I only took a few casualties was because of ECM, The screen of drones and the fact it was long range fire...when we start closing in and the drones and fighters start deteriorating you'll see more losses. You may have aimed for the cap-ships but you hit the frigates ;) cause I want to leave the crippling damage on the Big ships for later on.

Ive only won a single naval engagement(out of 2 haha), and that was when the old fleet(which is integrated into the new one) ambushed Crimmond at Lunar Yard 1. The majority of my budget is spread between the Army and the Fleet...where the actual airforce recieves almost no funding in comparison. Auman, and the AF before it have always prided themselves on their ECM technology...that will also accout for alot of the shots being diverted away from the big ships. But not the little ones.

The AU frigates have mostly missiles, but have light rail cannon and point defence weapons(similar to a modern frigate but a little bit high tech)

The old fleet was 420 good ships, the new fleet is just a bunch of rickety U-boat style designs meant to sop up fire and exploit weaknesses in the line. The AU-Frigates have crews of about 28 people and aren't very big thats why they are so weak.

6 Frigates erupted in a chain of light, high energy cannons employed by the enemy raked across the position, obliterating them.

The Venerable Dreadnought "Foundational Fury" had taken a devastating hit to its B-gun deck, the explosion touched off the ammunition magazine, killing 140 men and women.

18 manned fighters of the "Vascilian Wrath" were lost to long range bombardment on their mission to attack the enemy fleet, though their targets became unclear as the Lost Americans and Melkorian fleets began to merge together.

892 Drones were lost defending the fleet, performing acts of heroism that no ones would ever hear about...or really actually give a damn about either.

The Diablos came under attack, and twenty percent of them broke off to engage.

A number were hit, but few were destroyed. And then, the internal hetrodyning lasers went into effect, streaking at light speed towards the incoming fighters.

But the majority of the fighter strike roared in toward the targets, as the dogfight rolled into range of the larger ships in their wake. The fighters broke off after one pass.

The Fleet could range now, and anti-fighter launchers went to full power. 150 missiles roared out in each of six salvos, all targeted on the enemy fighters.

In Earth Orbit, the Second Fleet Element moved into position. 12 Support Cruisers slid one by one into the Earth - Mars EM highway. Their engines blazed to life inside it as they accelrated down the highway. This cost the Fleet little for what it would accomplish, though strengthing Old Enemies was not always the best course of action.

Energy fields blazed a deep red as they burned forward through space, accelerating as hard as they could. The first would arrive just moments before the fighters.

13 fighters had been lost due to the efforts of the anti-fighter systems of the enemy ships, saving many of their number thanks to the help of Counter measures.

6 more fighters were destroyed in the dog fights with the enemy

OOC:

It may not look like Im posting many casualties, but they'll mount up. I like doing battles slowly. Well, I'll be off the computer for a few hours...might not actually get back on the thing until tomorrow considering its friday*Its miller time dudes* so yeah, just try and keep the action to a minimum...dont go crazy with attacks, you can do some just as long as they aren't like huge assaults cause I'd like to be around for those. Post losses guys ;)

((bwaargh. I'm posting from school, and this thing behaves like a 286 on a 14.4 dialup line... gwah!))

Almost as soon as the shot zips past the cockpit of the shuttle, it snaps into evasive maneuvers. Like any dark eldar ship, its speed and manueverability are dizzying; it moves like a fighter half its size. Moments later, the other shuttles (and remember, these things are spread out... each one is a few hundred klicks from any other given shuttle) begin to juke and weave through the air. They hardly stop this behave long enough to set down in the Kinslayer countryside.

Hissing and ticking with rapidly cooling hulls, the shuttles lower ramps. Each one disgorges a small team of five warriors; each team begins setting up the highly portable webway gates used by the kabal. The portals into the Web twist open and writhe furiously. Rainbows of light spill onto Mars from the Web, even as dark shapes move to debark...

((Melkor, that's your cue.))

The time has come for our nation to enter this fray on behalf of our allies.......

As per required in millitary pacts relating to Vascilia County, Der Vierten Reich has seen to enter support of our regions fighting forces.

At the current time, our nations resources are being converted to wartime production, and will create, and supply any and all arms to allied forces. Munitions, tanks, ships, planes and supplies will be enroute immediately to support the cause which has embroiled our allies in times of war.

Our nations defences have been put on alert, awaiting any orders to mobilize at the nearest instance....however, we have yet to submit any millitary actions against aggressor states.

Bump

As the Neutron scanners lit up, the displacement readings suggested a small enemy force racing towards Kinslayer positions. Several squadrons of the Tannelorns Morgenreate Fighters screamed in to intercept, Plasma engines generating unfathomable amounts of thrust propelling the fighters forward in an attempt to intercept. The twin Cannons mounted on the sides of the hull in high speed mode glittered ominously in the light of the distant sun. As they neared their prey half of them switched to high maneuver mode as they closed and started to fire their High energy MASER cannons in quick burst, the finest Genetic engineering in all mars guiding the pilots aim, and a enabling them to perform maneuvers that would kill a normal man outright, with out flinching. The bulky humanoid fighters had an agility almost impossible for such a massive frame...and as they closed with the Enemy shuttles they unleashed a veritable cloud of missiles to their targets

***

A large Displacement reading lit up on the enemy sensors as the Tannelorn Fleet Jumped in using their space time compressors Fully 500 ships of the Tannelorn armada jumped in to the Fray, Led By Eternal and
Celestial Sword of Light..the massive three Kilometre long battleships chraged their Loengren Cannons and Took aim at the largest of the Manmen Ships, the massive High energy Cannons almost could not miss at such a close range. The Smaller 500 meter Battle cruisers anmd Carriers also chose Targets and Fired, though only armed with one Loengren each there massed MASER and X ray Battery fire as well as a hail of missiles impacted in to the Manmen fleet.


The Carriers launched all available fighters a swarm of thousands of Morgenraete fighters launched to intercept all enemy craft and attack the Capital ships...the Finest pilots on mars, backed by the finest Equipment in Vascilia attacked the enemy forces with a vengeance.


ooc ok Tannelorn has a partial Eldar pop of about 25% they hate Dark elves and they are going after the Dark Eldar fleet.

ok i said i would disclose. Morgenraetes are 38 feet Tall, two big beam cannon arms, essentially a Veritech/Valkyrie without jet mode, slides the legs backs and moves mach twelve...very tough and maneuverable. and a payload of missiles..lots of missiles and Chaingun for Anti Missile/infantry.

Ships Eternal...the stats are around somewhere lol Essentially 48 maser batteries, Ten Pinpoint barriers [small moveable shields] 24 Anti ship torp launchers. Two Loengren cannons 4 Ingelsutung [essentially the same massive range high energy Gamm-X-ray Generators....ie very big guns the Loengren is turreted and twice as large] carries 1000 Morgenraete

Cruisers have 50 fighters loengren and spinal Ingelstung 16 MASER batteries and 8 Anti ship torps. Carriers have 400 fighters, 1 Ingelstung 4 anti ship torp launchers and 8 MASER batteries as well as point defense.

Use Mentats as comps.... and all ships have 5 Pinpoint barriers as shielding only Eternal class can jump.

Tannelorn has healthiest citizens on mars, ie Best Genetic engineering...the concept for the country actually lol but yes they are of very high quality. my army is VERY small in comparison to any of the Vascilian Armies...highly Elite. Just getting the facts in as i can post often at all...i have school and other interests.

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=103532

OOC: Looks like I'm going to Noachia soon. It's that area SW of Mangala, W of Mizar 3, S of Qaaolchouraav Mars.

I was waiting til I'd figured the stats on the diplomatic ship, but now that a war has broken out, it'll be military ships anyway... and I've got tons of stats on those.

Just a heads up if any of you were considering expanding into Enicqiri developed lands. I hope you weren't.

Nearly a dozen frigates erupted in explosions as the enemy fire was unleashed, the screams of the departed crewmen dying with them. Elements of several fighter escorts perished as well, while gunships seemed to be doing quite well, with all 36 squadrons still more or less intact.Word had filtered through to the Vengeance that ane of the destroyers was having engine trouble, and another two had disabled hyperspace drives.

Captain Sorenson stared out the main window of the bridge of the Vengeance, watching the fight. the Aumani fleet didn't appear to be consolodating their line of defenses immediately to the fore of the Imperial Battlefleets. By his reasoning, they should be through the line in less than ten minutes. Sorenson looked at his watch. 'Good.' He thought. 'Just in time for lunch.'

Suddenly, the sensors went berserk. The other two fleets were about to arrive. Sorenson strode slowly towards the main sensor display, showing a wall of incoming hyperspace signitures. With the reinforcements came a message from Ahadi himself, transmitted to all forces in the area. It faded in slowly, displaying the noble Fleet Admiral, resplendent in his Imperial battle regalia.

***
"Aumani forces: you have fought well, and we admire your tenacity. Now, however, is the time to desist. Cease fire now, and we will be more then generous in allowing you to depart from our land. Continue this charade, and we will be forced to slaughter every last one of you. We await your response. We await your response, and sincerely hope that it's a wise one."

[edited to erase the part about a ground landing. must wait for a response from Wazzu.]

ooc: Tannelorn! As far as I know the manmen ships are only a few shuttles moving down towards landing... Melkor's fleet is what you should be unleashing your firepower on!

Wazzu has announced their intention not to allow any landings in former Kinslayer territory, and is dealing with with Manmen. Mangala is supporting them. If you enter Kinslayer you may be fired upon.

IC: 4 flights of 10 Mangalan Interceptor fighters came screaming through Mar's thin atmosphere towards Manmen's dark eldar ships. Each flight moved to incercept one transport, meaning that 4 of the Manmen ships now had company. The fighters kept communications open with Wazzu as well, to avoid friendly fire.

<Unidentified ship, you are encroaching upon neutral territory, alter course and leave the area or you will be fired upon.>

The squad commander hoped his bold words did not betray the nervousness in the back of his mind. Mangalan armed forces had not fired a shot in anger in at least 150 years. Why did he have to be the one on duty when war came?


[ooc: No one has much intelligence about Mangalan ships because we don't use them much. The fighters have 2 small mass acceleraters, and a small laser bank. They are not so great, but could certainly punch holes in a transport...

Wazzu has been given discretion over what to do here, if he has a different plan I'll yield to his wishes, as a gesture of respect to MIDAS.

Melkor, you cannot have forces on the ground! you have not allowed wazzu to respond to Manmen, and as far as I know they are the only way you would have access to martian soil... wazzu isn't kidding around, he or I will shoot down the trnasports before they can land. Please let our side keep up with you, post wise.

As the Manmen shuttles began to touch down, the subs in the bay released 10 gundrones each, breaking the surface about a klik offshore as they made their way to intercept. Hopefully, Wazzu and Mangala would intervene in time to make the gundrones unnecessary.

OOC: I encourage everyone to wait patiently for a response from their opponents before posting additional information. It will make this go smoother and lead to less confusion and a more quality experience.

I cry out to my fellow Martians 'END THIS MADNESS!', but is my voice merely lost in the wilderness? Warmongering fools! If we do not overcome the primal urges of war and expansion, we are no better than those cavemen who live on Earth! We are more civilized than this. All Martians came to this planet, it was barren, and rocky. But now through the vailiant efforts of Encqir(sp?), the Snel, and others, we are turning this planet into a paradise. Put away your mass drivers, your lasers, your plasma cannons. Get trees growing, wildlife flourishing. War is a waste of money, resources, and sentient life. Grow up, my fellow Martians, before you eradicate yourselves.

--Zona Tora, Empress of the Toran Empire, Speaker of the Martian Confederacy

<tagedy>

50 Bajoni Cruisers move nonchalantly into orbit over Vascilia County. Another 50 wait near the battle to see what develops.

On the surface, the military build up in southern Bajon from the ADK war is loaded onto dropships, while Bajoni APMs load up in their own dropships for rapid deployment.

(NOTE: War has not been declared on anyone by Bajon!)

http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/images/dragoon.jpg
Bajoni APM

((I do have a fleet near Mars, but it's on the far side from Melkor. So, Tannelorn, if you're approaching from the Kinslayer side of the planet, unless your sensors can penetrate untold thousands of kilometers of rock, plus dark eldar stealth tech, it's exceedingly unlikely you know where they are. As to the shuttles... since I've already posted about the landing, they completely disregard any warning to stop. I'll not say any more until Wazzu gets his rear back here. ;) ))

OOC: Ok Manmen, that works, but remember that if they tried to land they had those interceptors on at least 4 of the transport's tails. Ground troops will respond along with more air support if anything is seen on the ground.

The Bajoni ships standby as the situation grows.

From the surface, a plethora of Bajoni dropships blast up into orbit, awaiting possible orders to dive back down.

Meanwhile, the Second and Fourth battlegroups of the Kajal Imperial Navy arrived on the scene. The Kajal Mars fleet had since moved itself away from the orbital station, which had, of course, activated all its defensive systems. It would be suicide for anything short of one of Kajal's newest destroyers to even attempt to approach it.

Luckily, the only weapon that could reach anywhere on the battlefield was still cooling off from being fired once. The Mining array, derived from Capsule Corp's Farad system (which Kajal purchased the designs to, etc, with the clause that they were not allowed to build and distribute their own farad-capable ships commercially), had never been tested at full power. At the output level that had been used in the primary weapons test, it was estimated that it would be able to fire once every few minutes.

However, it had spent the past half hour cooling down, and was still shut down due to excessive heat. The Kajalan fleet moved into formation just outside the range of the defensive weapons on the orbiting station.

And then, the commanding officer on the Kitharrana sent a message to the Melkorian flagship.

"I am the Imperial Controller, appointed by the Emperor of Kajal himself. We regret that one of our recognized assets here has been used against you, and humbly request any information you can spare on what damage it may have caused. We are more then willing to turn those responsible over to your authorities for their, aheh... prosecution. We can apply more then enough force to extract the aforementioned individuals from the orbital station without permanent damage."

It was a good thing it was an audio transmission only. The grin on the Imperial Controller's face could have probably killed Admiral Janei by itself.

((I do have a fleet near Mars, but it's on the far side from Melkor. So, Tannelorn, if you're approaching from the Kinslayer side of the planet, unless your sensors can penetrate untold thousands of kilometers of rock, plus dark eldar stealth tech, it's exceedingly unlikely you know where they are. As to the shuttles... since I've already posted about the landing, they completely disregard any warning to stop. I'll not say any more until Wazzu gets his rear back here. ;) ))

OOC:

There is an amazing amount of Vascilia intelligence sattelites around Mars. I reckon the sattelites would have relayed the info.

The amazing fire power is the result of over a hundred years of joint Vascilian defence programs.

IC:

As if from no where CASCADE had burst to life, firing numerous beams into the enemy fleets(145 could see the enemy, there are 650 in total. CASCADE is an asteroid defence system put up by Vascilia...the cannons are meant for deflection but they'd do quite the job on enemy ships)

In addition, ground based defence systems began firing on the approaching assault shuttles, easily visible to the advanced sensors of Vascilian aerospace command. 20 High energy defence cannons and 200 missile launch systems(The missiles are nuclear but in space its not that powerful...they shouldn't kill ships but just do damage)

The first line of Aumanii vessels disappeared in a brilliant flash of light, retreating to Freehold station for quick repair and refitting...they will not be able to return to the battle for another 30-45 minutes. 450 Vessels are now out of the fight for that time frame.

Meanwhile the remaining fleet put the retro thrusters to full power, backing away from the onslaught of the Ardan fleet...retreating to prepared defensive positions in the asteroid belt. Firing upon the enemy the as they went.

16 Aumanii frigates, 3000 drones and a Light cruiser were lost in the last 5 minutes of high intensity combat.

-----

Lord Admiral Guhentzy Chelazk the III was furious with the enemy, and to a lesser extent the foolish maneuvers of certain "allied" fleets. Chelazk made a short but direct message to the Melkorian Flagship. "Begone evil one, your presence is not tolerated here."

Melk, check TG's in a sec.

Under orders from Kajal, the staff of the orbital station was evacuated through the local jumpgate portal. Fortress was able to contain several million sentients, and a thousand more wasn't much.

However, it left the station empty, in standby mode. The plasma array was still primed to fire, but it would need to be reactivated first.

Former Admiral Seraph Janei was being escorted under guard to the military installation B-52, when shadows literally dropped from the sky and destroyed the convoy, save his vehicle.

"Admiral Janei, are you all right?"

"Yes, yes... Fine. It's about time you showed up. Execute Operation Orbit!"

"Operation... Orbit?"

"Bleh. You try to name these things on the spot. Let's just call it Plan B for the moment."

"I see. And this plan would involve the mining array on the orbital station, would it not?"

"Indeed it will! Assemble your men, and arrange for transport in the stealth flyers. We can't use the subspace gate."

"Yes, sir!"

The commander got out a small device, and within moments, six interplanetary shuttles, all painted black, and equipped with the latest stealth technology, landed around the convoy's remains. The Admiral boarded one with the commander, and the six ships screamed up into the sky.



"Sir, you'd better take a look at this..."

"What is it, lieutenant?"

The large vidscreen on the far wall changed to a view from one of the many orbiting satellites, showing the battle and the Kajal Mars Orbital Station. The plasma array was adjusting itself.

"The computer uplink shows that the array is acquiring a firing solution... It's been cut, sir! Someone is definitely up there!"

"Hail them! I want to find out who's taken over my station!"

Of course, there was no response.

"Sir, the computers estimate that the array has had all the time it needs to acquire a good firing solution. They expect it to fire within minutes. Ambient energy buildup in the area confirms this."

"My god... That was designed primarily as advanced deterrence... If any of our ships are caught in the blast..." The commodore looked somewhat shocked. "Move all ships AWAY from the station! Now!"

Unfortunately, they didn't get the order quite fast enough. The array locked onto one of the larger Melkorian warships, and fired, catching the heavy cruiser [i]Phennara in its wake. The ship's port side was cleaved cleanly off, and the beam continued unimpeded towards its target - One of Melkor's battlecruisers.

Captain Sorenson raged. All around him the lights were dim, and steam hissed from the pipes as he stumbled through the shaken corridors of his ship. They'd taken a greivous hit.

An aide rushed to him. "Sir! I'm glad you're alright! It seem's we've been hit from a... a.. some kind of energy ray, sir. Outboard engines are operating at 29% No word yet from the engineering deck on the Hyperspace drives. Gravitic countermeasures may yet be strong enough for a repellant burst."

Sorenson sighed. "Weapons?"

"That's the good news, sir. most damage was sutained to our lower aft section. missile batteries are still online. One Photon cannon is down. Arc PD topside, and starboard are at full. Port PD operating at 55% efficiency."

Sorenson scowled. "Return fire and order a fade away. coordinate with gunship escort to canvas the beam's point of origin."

AUBC Newsflash:

"Overlord Marduk appeared for the first time in 3 months publicly to speak on the issue of the insuing orbital conflict, Marduk went on in his speech to chastise nations reluctant to support Vascilia in its endeavour..." Film cuts to Overlord Marduk, he is standing at a podeum in full black battle dress, his words echoed across the hall...anger clear in his voice. "Mars is tainted by the presence of Melkor, already formerly friendly nations have turned their back on the League in the face of corrupting power of Morgoth. Blinded to the truth of the situation. Melkor is evil incarnate...the bane of all that is good in the universe. Nations that are supportive of Melkor and Arda are now classified as enemies of the state...

Such a presence cannot be tolerated on the face of our great planet...never will we allow the scum of the galaxy to set foot here, the greatest world in all the galaxy."

OOC:

Im tired so this may not be clear. If we manage to survive this...we'll be going after any Martian nation that is supportive of Melkor. We will see to the removal of your colonies from Mars...though this is OOC, so you cant act on what I said here. Just make assumptions based on the speech, Classification as "enemy of the state" does not mean the League will declare war on you...but possibly do bad things to your economy.

The time had come for the first strike. The Fleet was ready. The attack craft had the range now, mere moments from the drone field.

Now the surprise. The twelve support cruisers, mainly used as freighters and fleet colliers, burst from the EOTED Earth - Mars Highway at a quarter of light speed.

They're speed would only give them one firing pass, but it should be enough as they angled directly into the center of the Auman fleet.

Point defense lasers and missile launchers, more than powerful enough to destroy tiny little drones, began to speak rapidly. A thousand lasers reached out every second of the two second approach. Five hundred point defense missiles streaked outward as well, carving a path into the drone field. Drive fields clawed aside those drones the weapons could not, its impact ripping them from existence.

As the ships smashed into the heart of the Enemy, they opened fire. Only time for one shot from each weapon, but it should be enough, as they would pass within mere tens of kilometers. Railguns fired in sequence, spitting solid death at five percent of light speed. Or it appear solid, at first. Two milliseconds after impacting a target, the 50 megaton nuclear warheads inside detonated. Down each broadside, again in sequence, the missile launchers fired sprint mode missiles roaring in at nearly the same speed. Each of these also contained a 50 megaton warhead, designed for one thing. Death. Their pass had been much too fast for anything but computer to register, and no human mind could have possibly redirected fire from Lord Melkor's Fleet in such as short time frame.

The entire firing pass took no more than 15 seconds to pass from range, and then the ships began to slow, lightly damaged, leaving swirling confusion and death in their wake.

Then the fighters roared in through the gap in the drone field. They closed to point blank range, taking losses as they advanced. But most of them made it through, or at least, last long enough. Each fighter launched automatically as it died, when it could. And those that survived made it into less than point blank range before unleashing the fires of the sun itself into the Enemy. Heterodyning lasers spit death, and fusion missiles flew into the very embrace of Hell itself. The larger Enemy combatants were their sole targets, ignoring the tiny ships ringing the edges of the formation.

Ripping around Mars, the fleet little craft made the sling shot back towards their waiting motherships in the Fleet, now liberally expending energy weapons and anti-fighter missiles. They would fire until the Enemy's attack craft withdrew from range, or were destroyed.

But the Fleet continued to advance towards a meeting with Destiny.

"Confirmed, sir. A crippling hit against the first target. The array is not cool enough to fire another blast of that magnitude, however..."

Admiral Janei smiled. It had just been broadcast by Lord Marduk that those who were supportive of Melkor were enemies of the state.

The Imperium of Kajal, of course, was attempting to do it's damndest to stay on Melkor's good side. Hand over those responsible for the firing of the array, have them flayed alive, whatever.

All they were concerned about were their precious trade agreements and assets.

"Commander, lower the intensity of the beam to a level that will allow more consistent fire support." The Admiral marked the next target on his screen. It was hard not to notice the Imperial Flagship in the Kajalan Fleet.

"Fire when ready."

The array pivoted in the Kitharrana's general direction, and fired, not caring about whatever else happened to get caught in the beam.

The Imperial Controller's ship went up like an atom bomb, and the Kajalan Fleet scrambled into disarray.

[OOC: Kajal's ships are only second gen... and while boasting impressive armaments, they aren't exactly that durable.

Nor were they expecting the array to fire again so soon, but meh. Go Chaos!

OOC: Unfortionately, the post below doesn't exactly give much time to reply in. That is to say, it takes up a lot of time. Time for the shuttles to reach their destination, time for them to slow down and land, time for them to disembark troops, and time for those troops to set up "webgates." A LOT of time.

IMO, it was made to gloss over time so that the shuttles could not be targeted before a landing was made...but I don't care how fast you are, you do NOT outrun light (well, OK, not at sublight speeds...but go ahead and try FTL speeds in an atmosphere, I dare you!!! :) ). You can go ahead and take evasive manuvers, but that does not guarentee you will get past said lasers (especially with such well trained/educated gunners firing from a 'high ground').

In any case, it was a poor attempt to avoid damage and I'll give Manmen one chance to recall it. If he (she?) doesn't, I do have another IC option to take, but Manmen will NOT like it.

I'll wait for Manmen to choose between the following options before I post again.

1: To go back and give time between actions.
2: To not go back and to state damages from the attacks by multiple players that have already taken place.

I'll reply again probably in...15-17 hours...maybe once sooner. I have a long day tomorrow.

((bwaargh. I'm posting from school, and this thing behaves like a 286 on a 14.4 dialup line... gwah!))

Almost as soon as the shot zips past the cockpit of the shuttle, it snaps into evasive maneuvers. Like any dark eldar ship, its speed and manueverability are dizzying; it moves like a fighter half its size. Moments later, the other shuttles (and remember, these things are spread out... each one is a few hundred klicks from any other given shuttle) begin to juke and weave through the air. They hardly stop this behave long enough to set down in the Kinslayer countryside.

Hissing and ticking with rapidly cooling hulls, the shuttles lower ramps. Each one disgorges a small team of five warriors; each team begins setting up the highly portable webway gates used by the kabal. The portals into the Web twist open and writhe furiously. Rainbows of light spill onto Mars from the Web, even as dark shapes move to debark...

((Melkor, that's your cue.))

OOC: On another further note it seems to be assumed by many that Mars is a unoccuppied world for the most part. Nothing could be further from the true - there are over 20 billion sentients living on/around Mars, and from any point a ship could see thousands of merchant and capital ships from the various nations conducting their daily business. When it comes right down to it Mars is reasonably one of the greatest hubs of commerce in Nationstates.

((No, I won't edit that post. In case it escaped your notice, eldar ships are fast. That's all they are. Furthermore, the sole purpose of dark eldar landing craft is to raid. They are fast, and stealthy.

Given that I'm currently facing three million drones and untold thousands of enemy ships with a fleet of fifty, you're not going to convicne me to give up the only advantages I have. I'll go back and edit the post when your side gives up the OMG TEH NUMERWANK FLETZ. Shall I break it down?

DE ships are fast. For the sake of simplicity, I'll say twice as fast as anything you can muster (this is the only guideline I have to go by). How long do you think it takes for five guys to jump out of a shuttle, set a brick on the ground, and press a button? A few seconds. So, as far as I'm concerned, not only is speed the only advantage I have, it's not an unreasonable one. Melkor will touch the ground, I'm pretty bloody sure there's nothing you can do to stop him from landing if he really wants to. This will be the extent of my involvement in the conflict. Is this really such an important point anyway?))

OOC: On another further note it seems to be assumed by many that Mars is a unoccuppied world for the most part. Nothing could be further from the true - there are over 20 billion sentients living on/around Mars, and from any point a ship could see thousands of merchant and capital ships from the various nations conducting their daily business. When it comes right down to it Mars is reasonably one of the greatest hubs of commerce in Nationstates.

If NS Earth is scaled up to be somewhere close to the size of Jupiter (in order to fit so many nations on it), then who says that NS Mars isn't too? I see no reason why there would not be some large, unoccupied areas.

OOC: On another further note it seems to be assumed by many that Mars is a unoccuppied world for the most part. Nothing could be further from the true - there are over 20 billion sentients living on/around Mars, and from any point a ship could see thousands of merchant and capital ships from the various nations conducting their daily business. When it comes right down to it Mars is reasonably one of the greatest hubs of commerce in Nationstates.

If NS Earth is scaled up to be somewhere close to the size of Jupiter (in order to fit so many nations on it), then who says that NS Mars isn't too? I see no reason why there would not be some large, unoccupied areas.
ooc: I do not believe that we ever did scale up the size of the planet, we just have a high population density. Your point is still valid however... There are large portions of Mars where there is no infrastructure, save for minor terraforming outposts. HOWEVER! None of these areas are close to the disputed land, and this is all besides the point anyway, since Mangala, Sunset, Pilon, and Auman all have satelite nets watching the planet. Very little can get in undetected, especially now with everyone on edge and watching... maybe during peacetime, but not now.

All was readied, On the ground hidden inside Bunkers and prepared structures the Kionash waited for the time. In Space the first vessels entered the Immaterium and the final part of the operation. Time passed and the fleet emerged once mmore from the Immaterium, as on the ground the first waves of troops burst from Shelters and structures, and began the final stages of their operation. The Territory formally known as New Roan was lit with the signs of Forces heading straight towards Vascillia League territorys.

((OOC The following Messages/Statements are issued at exactly the same moment.))

IC

Transmission to the Melkorian Fleet Admiral.

Mon-Keigh the last time the Melkorian fleet and ours met in orbit above Mars, it was as enemies. The next time we meet, it will likely be as enemies. Today, however, we come as 'allies' Understand we do this for our own reasons, now then I suspect you have a few problems that need dealing with?

Decleration of War

The Council finds that the Vascillian league is attempting once more to deny Mars to others, to dictate Martian policy, they have acted illegally. We hold no love for the Imperium, we dream of their eventual destruction, but, International Law must be upheld. Mars is free to all who can come to her, and no vessel shall be attacked without due cause. In it's actions the Vascillian league has proven itself to be a destablising presence on Mars, a Nation that will bring war to these lands endlessly, and a threat to us all. We therefore act now to end this threat. Tor Yvressian forces are prepared to invade the Vascillian league, to seek it's eventual break up, and seperation. We will seek the end of the League.

Anger Rises,
Blood runs,
Death Wakes
War Calls.

Khailia-Mensha-Khaine. Khaila-Mensha-Khanie.


(End Messages)
As the messages where transmitted the Vampire fighters of Tor Yvresse where launched, and gathered into wings, ready to pounce on a target, and moving forth to intercept any enemy ships that strayed too close.

'Wing One When formed up engage enemy fighters, Wing Two support. Wings Three and Four cover Packs One and Two. everyone else is to form up and await further orders.'

As the commands where issued the First of Eldar vessels sprang forwards into the Fray, smaller than the Carriers and the Flagship, these vessels where a simple enough design, a massive amount of speed coupled with a weapon mount that was supercharged. They hunted in packs, and the first two packs had begun an attack run. A Single target enemy vessel had been selected, As the vessels hurtled towards it they waited until they had closed the range before begining to open fire pouring on the Power, and manouvering always moving. The Ten ships where hunters that caught sight of their Prey, and would not rest until they had completly destroyed it. ((Note this is Packs one and Two, the ones with fighter cover Auman it'll be a larger vessel in your fleet that they have selected.))

On the ground all that could be reasonably seen was the see of cloud cover as the Armoured, and mechanised columns of Eldar began the rapid movement towards the Vascillian/New Roan Border, and the promised invasion. Now Vascillia was caught between the forces of Melkor in the North and the Kionash here... A Strange predicament, but one that would be exploited fully. After this war of course certain issues would have to be dealt with, such as Melkorian access to the Web... but for now War had came.


((Wings are 100 in size, further split into Squadrens of ten. Commands are obviously issued, Wing One, Squad Two etc. This may or may not be important. Ground force numbers will be given but not yet. As at the moment you havn't a clue, and I need to check a few things OOCly))

((::glares at Tor:: I switch teams to Arda, and you follow me. >_> ... <_< ... are you stalking me?))

((No, I won't edit that post. In case it escaped your notice, eldar ships are fast. That's all they are. Furthermore, the sole purpose of dark eldar landing craft is to raid. They are fast, and stealthy.

Given that I'm currently facing three million drones and untold thousands of enemy ships with a fleet of fifty, you're not going to convicne me to give up the only advantages I have. I'll go back and edit the post when your side gives up the OMG TEH NUMERWANK FLETZ. Shall I break it down?


Oh, just you against all of us? I have some news for you.

1: Wazzu isn't on the Vascilian side. Right now it is (or had intended to) taking unilateral action...It turns out that Mangala had a similar view. No landings. It has nothing to do with Vascilia and everthing to do with "claim not yet recognized." Thats why a warning shot was issued. Politics is more complex then "your side, mine."

2: The Vascilian league is the only one fighting here, Kajal has pulled out, neither Wazzu, Sunset, Mangala, or anyone else has entered on what you would incorrectly call "the other side."

3: Wazzu has only around 30 ships (larger then 50 meters) present. That is about half it's spacefleet (extremely high quality...as according to NS, Wazzu outproduces Menelmacar and Melkor_Unchained both). You sending only a few ships does not make them somehow better, especially considering your tiny population and merely "thriving" economy.


DE ships are fast. For the sake of simplicity, I'll say twice as fast as anything you can muster (this is the only guideline I have to go by).


You can say that, but you don't know what I can muster. You don't know how fast or how slow it is. Wazzu is not based on that game. You can call yours twice as fast as mine, and I can call mine thrice as fast as yours. What is the point? Pick a speed or get out.


How long do you think it takes for five guys to jump out of a shuttle, set a brick on the ground, and press a button? A few seconds.


On the contrary, a few minutes. Unless of course you want to either:

a: have your shuttles smash into the thin atmosphere.
b: have your troops make craters in the martial soil.
c: have your equipment malfunction due to improper setup.

You have to get through the atmosphere, you have to slow down, you have to land, you have to have troops get out, and you have to have them set up what ever equipment is there. It is not as simple and as fast as a few seconds...especially while "taking evasive manuvers."


So, as far as I'm concerned, not only is speed the only advantage I have, it's not an unreasonable one.


The way you are playing it, to avoid and ignore attacks, it is unreasonable.


Melkor will touch the ground, I'm pretty bloody sure there's nothing you can do to stop him from landing if he really wants to. This will be the extent of my involvement in the conflict. Is this really such an important point anyway?))

Sure or not, we'll see one way or the other. But you have chosen to godmode. Thats fine, you won't like the result.

State damages from other people's posted attacks on your shuttles, teams, and gates thus far. Then I'll tell you what Wazzu did in those "a few seconds." Keep in mind other people may have done things too.

State damages.

Damage to Manmen shuttles comes from:

As the Neutron scanners lit up, the displacement readings suggested a small enemy force racing towards Kinslayer positions. Several squadrons of the Tannelorns Morgenreate Fighters screamed in to intercept, Plasma engines generating unfathomable amounts of thrust propelling the fighters forward in an attempt to intercept. The twin Cannons mounted on the sides of the hull in high speed mode glittered ominously in the light of the distant sun. As they neared their prey half of them switched to high maneuver mode as they closed and started to fire their High energy MASER cannons in quick burst, the finest Genetic engineering in all mars guiding the pilots aim, and a enabling them to perform maneuvers that would kill a normal man outright, with out flinching. The bulky humanoid fighters had an agility almost impossible for such a massive frame...and as they closed with the Enemy shuttles they unleashed a veritable cloud of missiles to their targets


Keep in mind also:


As the Manmen shuttles began to touch down, the subs in the bay released 10 gundrones each, breaking the surface about a klik offshore as they made their way to intercept. Hopefully, Wazzu and Mangala would intervene in time to make the gundrones unnecessary.



Further, it is blindingly obvious Manmen tried to get out of danger here:

((I do have a fleet near Mars, but it's on the far side from Melkor. So, Tannelorn, if you're approaching from the Kinslayer side of the planet, unless your sensors can penetrate untold thousands of kilometers of rock, plus dark eldar stealth tech, it's exceedingly unlikely you know where they are. As to the shuttles... since I've already posted about the landing, they completely disregard any warning to stop. I'll not say any more until Wazzu gets his rear back here. ))


How? Because he conveniently forgot that he wasn't the only one to jump/warp/hyper/whatever into battle. Observe:


A large Displacement reading lit up on the enemy sensors as the Tannelorn Fleet Jumped in using their space time compressors Fully 500 ships of the Tannelorn armada jumped in to the Fray, Led By Eternal and
Celestial Sword of Light..the massive three Kilometre long battleships chraged their Loengren Cannons and Took aim at the largest of the Manmen Ships, the massive High energy Cannons almost could not miss at such a close range. The Smaller 500 meter Battle cruisers anmd Carriers also chose Targets and Fired, though only armed with one Loengren each there massed MASER and X ray Battery fire as well as a hail of missiles impacted in to the Manmen fleet.


The Carriers launched all available fighters a swarm of thousands of Morgenraete fighters launched to intercept all enemy craft and attack the Capital ships...the Finest pilots on mars, backed by the finest Equipment in Vascilia attacked the enemy forces with a vengeance.


Last I checked, Manmen does not choose where other people come out.

Manmen, state damages.


EDIT: Back in perhaps 10 hours. Melkor, everyone, feel free to add a post after Manmen. I don't want to hold this up too much for you guys.

And I appologize to everyone else for the constant OOC arguing with this guy, I'll try to cut it out now. Back in 10.

((Indeed, I do not dictate the actions of others. I let them do it for themselves. What part of this statement does not clearly imply he jumped into the battle, of which my fleet is a few thousand klicks through solid rock from?))


A large Displacement reading lit up on the enemy sensors as the Tannelorn Fleet Jumped in using their space time compressors Fully 500 ships of the Tannelorn armada jumped in to the Fray,

((I won't further argue the point. Period. Now, if you'd kindly like to continue with the rp instead of bickering over truly minor posts...))

An explosion rocks the Martian soil as the nearest shuttle explodes, raining debris and bodyparts over the countryside. Some viscous fluid of dubious purpose billows thick black smoke into the thin atmosphere as it burns.

Elsewhere, the other crews of warriors scramble to relocate the webway portals to any available cover before the fighters can arrive. The shuttles, too, refuse to stick around, and make hard for the horizon as soon as their skids clear the ground.

Warloard Althalon himself stood on the bridge of the Ali'Staan--a safe way away from the main battle, but still close enough to see small points of light here and there from the explosions.

Fleet Admirial Ahadi Il-Amir sat at a conference table behind him, his arms folded behind his head. "Reports are coming in that we've punched through the Aumani Line. Our ships are now more or less consolidated." Ahadi stood, striding to a control panel, where he punched up an enormous, 3-d sensor readout of the entire area. The ethereal blue figures blinked into being, with specific ship damages highlighted in red.

Althalon's eye twiched as he watched one of the fighter facilities on the Eviscerator burn. Ahadi strode to the other side. "Our strategy at the moment is to consolidate our position, order a tactical retreat, and let the Tor and Lost American fleet to step up the beatdown while we watch for something else, be it a flanking attempt or another hyperspace jump. We've placed a number of hyperspace and slipstream inhibitors in the area, so we'll be unable to jump as well, until we deactivate them or they're destroyed. What news of a landing?"

Althalon sighed. "There's still some confusion as to whether we'll be pursuing this legitimately. the Dark Eldar are attempting to set up a web-gate: if we dont get 'official' clearance by then, we'll just march our troops trhough. They're not to engage, just occupy. Unless the Aumani shoot at them too, which would be.. the pinnacle of idiocy. What losses have we sustained through this battle?"

Ahadi punched up a subcreen, which appeared in front of the battle. It was clear--you could still see the battle through it--but it litsed the major damages. "We've lost about 13 frigates. 1 marine, 5 Heavy Missile and 7 Assault Frigates. The Battlecruiser Vengeance may not live the day. She took a massive hit from... well, we don't know yet. It appears to be som sort of outpost belonging to a nation that already lives on Mars. Called 'Kajal.' They've apparently apologized, and we've seen some fire since then. We do not know exactly what's going on with them. Sorenson, naturally, expects its trickery and suggests we fire back. The Venegance has unleashed a barrage of anti- ship missiles on the outpost as they retreat. another blast will destroy her. She's currently travelling at 15% speed, under heavy gunship escort. She's making her way to the shipyards' rally point."

Althalon nodded. "What else?"

"2 Destroyers have seen light damage. fighter losses totalling approxomately 6 squadrons; mostly bombers. Gunships have taken light damage, and are still mobile and alert. Some sort of energy cannons have also been fired. No serious damage yet, they just fired. Firing angles have been calculated, and the targetted craft are moving to evade. we anticipate losing a few more, we don't know how many."

Althalon strode to the Admiral, and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Well done. You've made the Imperium proud this day. Consolidate your postion, and move your forces through that pocket left by the retreating Aumani ships. Anticipate a defensive formation. Run a capitalship line formation, so as to push through his line with long range weaponry before he can intercept. Target capships: our gunships can handle his frigates. Ignore the cannons. The second battlegroup will wheel around and attack again from the flank. They will fall."

***
The fleets moved into position to accomodate Warlord Althalon's wishes. The fleets adjust fora capship line formation, with AA frigates immediately behind, followed by gunships and fighters. From a distance, the battlecruiser missile arrays [excepting the Vengeance, at the moment] sending their ordinance streaking towards the enemy cpital ships. Launched a moment later via the destroyers were an array of gravitic burst missiles--intended to carve a line through any remaining drones. They cut under and to the front of the battlecruiser's capship killers' detonating a good distance ahead of them, in proximity to the drones.

Then, the missiles hit. A good number were obliterated by PD laser arcs, but a goo dnumber of them slammed into frigates and capships, a carrier bursting in explosion, followed by 7 more frigates.

The Vengeance had one last trick up its sleeve. Reversing the ships's gravitic field, it suddently sent a massive gravity well outwards, crushing the warheads as they sped in.

The counterattack was initated as soon as the new formation was taken up. The ships pressen into the Aumai formations, salvo after salvo of heavy missiles and energy weapons lanced into the Aumani Fleet, targetting exclusively their capships.

On the ground, column after column of Southron Guardsmen filed out of the webway gates, followed by War Trolls, and MBKs, which immediately activated their AA missile arrays, and deployed TCD and sensor drones. Streaking out behind the MBKs came Chronos Gravtanks, speeding up and splitting to the flank, they arrived to reinforce the main Southron Guard Infantry unit. Trolls went to work with carried materials to set up AA batteries. The men dug in as more reinforcements were shipped through. In the gates could stay up long enough, the Uruks would arrive.

They consolidated their position, waiting for the securing force could get through to unleash the Uruks.

***

"We have arrived. We do not seek war with Mangala or Wazzu. With all do repect to MIDAS and its representatives, we find blocking our landing is unacceptable. We cannot allow the enemy to fortify it while we sit around, waiting for you to make a decision. IN the interst of keeping our relations peaceful, I'll do whatever you wish with any civilians, and we'll cede that canal to Mangala. Don't shoot us, and we won't shoot you. Don't make this worse than it is."

--Warlord Althalon

[Tag]

(OOC: My! What a suddenly busy thread! And my ships are in the Drydock!
I need to bring more ships from my ship-building puppets. And this I better deal from a Metropilis POV, rather than DSMC's.
I'll try to post something on Monday IF the battle still rages on. We'll see.)

DSMC thinks that MAY BE this could be a subject for the Duma to unravel. We oppose to Vascilian presence in the Nothern Ocean, and though right now we are unable to commit forces to the battle, we support the efforts of Melkor Unchained.

(OOC: My! What a suddenly busy thread! And my ships are in the Drydock!
I need to bring more ships from my ship-building puppets. And this I better deal from a Metropolis POV, rather than DSMC's.
I'll try to post something on Monday IF the battle still rages on. We'll see.)

DSMC thinks that MAY BE this could be a subject for the Duma to unravel. We oppose to Vascilian presence in the Nothern Ocean, and though right now we are unable to commit forces to the battle, we support the claims of Melkor Unchained.

TAG for beer and popcorn

"No...they dont pay us that well...but they do give us retirement requests. So I'll run the figures by my superiors and I'll be back in say...four days to see what your superiors have to say, sound good?" The agent once more stood up and extended his arm over the table, "It was a pleasure meeting you."

Reacting quickly to the nuclear detonations, Shadowcraft began once more to pour from the Canopy. Despite the high speed of the attackers, it was blindingly obvious that they must be Ardan, given who was being attacked. The swarms of tiny living ships began to spread through all of Martian orbital space, gathering most densely around known Ardans, and releasing their clouds of nanophage.

Again, the orbital outpost's array was cooling.

However, since those first two shots, it had sustained a very large amount of damage, both from the Vengeance's counter-attack, and the long range attack that was currently still underway by the Kajalan Fleet. The damage was constantly being repaired by a fleet of drones on the station, due to the fact that Kajal was deliberately not targeting the mining facilities. The power to the array would be knocked out shortly, and as the defenses on the station were occupied, several dropships launched from their bays, and latched themselves onto the airlocks of the station.

The Emperor himself had taken over commanding his fleet, if only through holographics. He 'stood' on the bridge of the Faralurra, observing the scene with mild interest. Turning his gaze to the Melkor warships, or at least, the tactical recordings, he saw how effective the array could be.

We must invest further research in this technology... Were it able to fire at that power consistently without an extreme amount of time within firings...

The Emperor cackled, and spooked everyone on the bridge.

"Your Highness, all teams report that they have secured the outer ring of the outpost."

"Good. What do your scans reveal?"

"There's a small force in the command center, your Highness. There are also... six Black Ops dropships in the outpost's hangar. There are no other contacts aboard."

"Good. Have your teams move on the command post, and have them set their weapons to.... agonize. We want them alive, but we do want to have some fun, now don't we?"

At that very moment, the array fired. However, it was not at a ship, nor anything in orbit at all.

It was aimed at the Fortress Dome.

Admiral Janei's people had been evacuated a long time ago.

The defensive shielding crackled, and gave way, allowing the beam to slam into several layers hardened armor, used in the past on ships designed to exchange fire of such magnitude. It bore its way down, towards the dome which had retracted underground, until it stopped.

There was damage indeed, but Fortress was intact. However, it was stuck.

The Kajalan assault teams broke into the command center, and blasted every occupant with their weapons before carting them off to their dropships, in binders.

Support craft from Kajal began repairing the outpost, while the Faralurra moved to meet the vessel in the Melkorian fleet that was recieving the largest amount of comm traffic - The Ali'Staan.

The Faralurra would only get close enough to launch the shuttle with the prisoners on board. Of course, they would need clearance from Melkor to launch first, lest they destroy their present with naval weaponry.

The Pilonese Defensive array continued to monitor the situation but took no further action, this was not their war and unless MIDAS made a decision Pilon would not take any action for or against Melkor's presence on Mars, as far as Pilon was concerned they were welcome as all were welcome on Mars until proven otherwise.

<Encrypted transmission to Melkor (secret IC)>

Mangala is willing to negotiate, we will allow Sunset to mediate. We have no quarrel with you, and hope that you will not see our attack on Manmen's units as an attack on youself. The transports ignored multiple warnings from two reasonable sources, namly Mangala and Wazzu. We only asked that no one land in the area until this was resolved, there was no need for that ill-concieved and pointless incursion.

We are open to you settling Mars, but hope that you are not as rude as your friends seem to be.

<encrypted transmission to TorYvresse(secret IC)>

TY fighting on the side of dark eldar and the lord of evil? Are you out of your mind?! Auman is a harmless, if provincial, power and generally means little harm. Pardon my bluntness, but what is your problem? You would let dark eldar and orcs on Mars simply to weaken a mildly obnoxious regime in the South? Explain your reasoning[ooc: seriously, what is your ic reasoning?]

[ooc to Auman: we cannot support your attack on Melkor, ic this is how it balances:

support Auman: piss off melkor, lose our neutrality, piss off TY, and Pilon. Also, we would probably lose.
stay neutral: annoy Auman

Unless a larger power moves to support you I cannot]

<encrypted transmission to TorYvresse(secret IC)>

TY fighting on the side of dark eldar and the lord of evil? Are you out of your mind?! Auman is a harmless, if provincial, power and generally means little harm. Pardon my bluntness, but what is your problem? You would let dark eldar and orcs on Mars simply to weaken a mildly obnoxious regime in the South? Explain your reasoning[ooc: seriously, what is your ic reasoning?]


((OOC Okay this is ultra OOC, As in no one outside the Council knows this. We couldn't care a less about the issue. Melkor comes to Mars... big wow, it was gonna happen. We know Melkor, we know how to deal with him, he's a force of nature, part of the power focus. Now Vascilia isn't our friend either we had a chance for some payback here, normally we'd have ignored it but...

Okay there is a larger issue here than meets the eye, and I will not go into that suffice to say there exists a Plan of which this is a part. Secondly Rage, the Eldar on Tor Yvresse are furious at recent events, and looking for a target for that rage, the council saw this engagemnet and decided it was perfect... Time to burn up some anger, and anger that if it wasn't given a target would have piles of bodies lining Roanian streets at the moment...))

IC Return transmission.

'The Council knows of what is to come, it sees things that will come to pass and it acts to prevent those things coming to pass. Melkor's presence on mars is a part of this process, and so we will encorage it for now. We know how to deal with orcs, and the Fallen. besides this confirms something to us that we had feared... we can take steps against it, now that we have seen it.

Farseer Council

double darn it

darn it

We are disgusted with the hypocrisy of our neighbors. We are closing our borders to all nations. No craft of any kind may fly over the Matian Confederacy, wether in the atmosphere or not. We hope that the other nations will respect our wishes. We will not participate in the Martian Terraforming project, or any other global project. We were also considering signing The Martian Free Trade Agreement and the Mangalan Accords, but until what we consider good conduct is shown by our fellow Martians we will refrain from signing any treaties.

The above restrictions will not be instituted immeadiately. We will give the nations of Mars 3 days to come to the peace table.

We are also interested in purchasing air time for anti-war demonstrations throughout the Mars sphere.

Return Transmission to Mangala
Point of Origin: Camp Ancalagon, Mars
Destination: Mangala

"And nor do we have a quarrel with you. Our forces are in the area for the explicit purpose of occupying land and escorting disaffected Kinslayer civilians out of the are in accordance with MIDAS' wishes. We urge those opposed to our occupation to refrain from hasty retribution, for it will only lead to your destruction."

--Warlord Konrad Althalon

Commander Sil sat pondering, watching the battle. As soon as the Mangalan station was subdued, she stood from her chair, crossing her arms behind her back, she gave the order.
"Move in."

75 Bajoni battlecruisers swooped in behind a portion of the Aumani fleet. 25 Bajoni ships stayed in high orbit over Mars.

The 75 Bajoni cruisers split into 3 groups, with subgroups in the V5 formation. As they quickly approached the rear of the Aumani fleet, they let out a volley of torpedoes, and entered among the enemy vessels with their railgun banks blazing, straffing through the weaker Aumani vessels. On queue, all 3 groups pulled up out of the Aumani fleet, firing spacial proximity mines back into the enemy fleet. The Bajoni ships withdrew from the ambush to regroup for another run.

"Estimated enemy casuelties?"
"High"

Meanwhile, following an announcement by a certain Dictator who wasn't quite killed when the Imperium attempted it, the 50 ships from Kajal Mars left their holding position, swooping towards the outpost that was surrounded by Imperial ships from Kajal. They fired into the flanks of the vessels, which, although they had recieved the announcement, were once again caught unawares. Several of the smaller ships were destroyed, and the Emperor pulled the fleet away from the station entirely. They had reinstated the command link, and it had opened fire on them as well.

Once the station was clear, the 48 remaining Kajal Mars ships swooped in to defend the Aumanii fleet, dividing themselves into four battlegroups. Three remained with Auman's fleet to help reinforce it, while the forth moved to strike at the already crippled battlecruiser Vengeance, pouring salvos of fire from their torpedo and lance banks in its direction.

Meanwhile, several dropships belonging to the Kajal Mars military moved to deploy reinforcements for Auman's ground forces.

The Imperial ships from Kajal transmitted that they intended to join forces with Melkor. They had believed the rebellion that had recently ended in Kajal Mars crushed, however, they were obviously mistaken. Several squadrons of Imperial fighters moved to defend the Vengeance from the bombers deployed by Kajal Mars.

The Emperor scowled.

"Get me a status report on Fortress. NOW!"

(OOC: Blargh. I'll try to post Kajal Mar's fleet actions AS Kajal Mars from now on. ^_^;;)

The Battlefleets, having made absolutely no indication that they were welcoming the Kajali vessels, responded with a volley of fire that could only have been mustered had it been well anticipated. the fighters screaming at the Vengeance were rahter unpleasantly surprised by the 10 squadrons of gunships escorting her. Screaming to intercept in a V formation, the gunships ripped into the incoming fighters with their mobile flechette cannons, several from the rear of the formation contributing with light anti-fighter missiles.

Interceptor and frigate escort was diverted from the Ali'Staan to aid. The Vengeance was rapidly close to becoming lost.

Boarding vessels were deployed to seize any remaining Kajali-seperatist capships in the area, under bomber/gunship escort.

Another 4 frigates were down, as well as the equivalent of about 3 fighter squadrons and 2 gunships.

[tag for later reading]

Disheartened by the acts of the people they thought they could call friends, the Aumanii government ordered the battlefleet to return to Freehold. The line, deteriorated as it was still retained the power to fight off Melkor...but not so many of these scum that had come out of the woodwork.

The fleet, returned to Freehold in a flash of light. Giving orbital space to the coalition forces.

-------

Aumanii fighter groups kept the battle going, 423 still existed in orbit around Mars, still battling the hordes of enemy fighters...in a last ditch attempt 123 fighter bombers broke away from the swirling melee burning full speed towards the Lost Americans, 12 fighters were shot down by defences before managing to get within pointblank range, many released the Anti-Ship torpedo's they carried, unable to miss at these ranges the torpedo's all impacted the hulls of the light pickets surrounding the capital ships(The torperdo's are only powerful enough to take out destroyers at most)

Many of the fighter/bombers ran out of fuel after the attack, unable to reduce their momentum or change their direction 41 fighters either impacted the hulls of their targets or flew off into the void...never to be seen again. The remaining 70 returned to the surface of Mars.

The 300 fighters left to engage the enemy fought until their ammunition or fuel became low and they too returned to Mars.

-------

CASCADE and the Vascilian Ground defences still hammered away at the enemy fleets, particularly the ones closest. As difficult as it was, the amazing power of Vascilian Aerospace Commands sensor arrays could still detect the attempted landing of the vessels belonging to the Dark kin...backlit by the atmosphere they were the most vulnerable to attack. 23 high energy laser cannons and 150 missile arrays opened fire on the 12 ships visible to them, scoring incredible damage on the lightly constructed frames of the Eldar vessels.

The CASCADE System remained relatively untouched during the battle, 2 arrays destroyed themselves when fired...apparently due to maintenance issues. 240 Arrays had fired in total out of 648 unmanned units.

--------

With Practiced efficency the defenders of the Hellespontos Defence wall promptly came into action, forwarned by the numerous early warning systems installed into New Roan during the cease fire. 450 Mega-Cannons roared to life for the first time in 15 years, reaping long range death into the waste lands beyond the wall. Forward recon teams targetting the fore front of the enemy invasion with laser targetters, guided missiles into the armour and destroying many of their targets.

The great walls of Hellespontos opened, numerous divisions of Mechanized infantry and Armour(8 Mechanized infantry divisions, 4 Armoured) speared into the waste lands, taking on the first line of 8 well planned defensive emplacements. Laser Anti-Aircraft vehicles placed in great quantity through out their ranks would make enemy air power nearly useless in this engagement...Vascilia has had over twenty years to prepare for the inevitable assault by Tor Yvresse, the first time had nearly ruined Vascilia. This would not be a repeat of past events.

Citizen Militia's numbered in their thousands, and though not apart of the Vascilian command structure had deployed themselves to the numerous towns and villages that dotted the Hellespontos No Fly zone. 120,000 Lightly armed troops stood ready to defend their Homes, farms and business' from the onslaught of the Alien forces.

OOC:

Yeah, Tannelorn is incompetant..."Im gonna attack stupid landers when Aumans fleet is getting sacked" you could say Im somewhat peaved, but this is just a game.

Once again, Kajal Mars deserves props for actually trying to prevent this Alien evil from spreading its tentacles to Mars, Im glad at least one non-evil Martian nation recognizes what is going on here. Being as MIDAS does not.

Yeah, Vascilia doesn't have much luck with Naval engagements...cause they usually end up with the unknown hordes of evil joining together to attack us. While the forces of "good" usually sit around debating what the main course will be for the state dinner taking place after the defence meeting.

MELKOR IS THE DARK LORD! how can you not fight him if you consider yourselves good guy nations...its ridiculous.

Total Losses, 312 Frigates, 311 Fighter craft, 3 Cruisers, 3 heavy cruisers and the Carrier "Wrath of Vascilia"

Ground wars are more my thing, as I know nothing of Naval engagements. This was a fun Naval engagement...though I was more or less looking forward to a one on one duel between myself and the dark lord it worked fine. I expect to see final losses posted.

Tor Yvresse has attacked me unilaterally, I dont hope to see MIDAS jump in to save him...

Anyway, Im gonna start a new thread for that war now...I'll post the link in a few minutes

<Private Message
TO: Konrad Althalon
FROM: Flagstaff via Ganges
We have a proposition. While, to be perfectly honest, we are not all that happy about Melkor establishing a presence on Mars, we would like to bring the current situation to a peaceful conclusion as quickly as possible. However, we have been attemtping to establish positive relations with Vascillia for some time now, and remaining neutral or entering the conflict on your side would alienate them beyond hope. Consequently, we would like to arrange a staged battle, something that will allow the Aumanii to believe that we fight for them, while avoiding actual casualties to either Kaseian or Ardan forces, and still leaving the bargaining table open. If you agree, it would make us more willing to support a Melkorian land claim in MIDAS.
>

stuff
OOC: What of this?:
Reacting quickly to the nuclear detonations, Shadowcraft began once more to pour from the Canopy. Despite the high speed of the attackers, it was blindingly obvious that they must be Ardan, given who was being attacked. The swarms of tiny living ships began to spread through all of Martian orbital space, gathering most densely around known Ardans, and releasing their clouds of nanophage.

OOC:

Dear god...staged battles, the worst part is the government ICly would be none the wiser.

Anyway, heres the thread for Tor Yvresses ground assault...its Invite only, I dont want people pouring out of the woodwork swarming me with posts...you need a good reason to join the fight.

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2357035#2357035

Now the fleets could concentrate all of their firepower on CASCADE. Fighters and gunships were stowed for repairs, and assault frigates awaited at the shipyard rally point for their own repairs. All capships [excepting the carriers and the beseiged Vengeance] moved at once to engage, gauss rounds ripping into platform after platform. A total of 32 destroyers, 11 Battlecruisers, and 30-odd heavy missile frigates cleared their way through the cannons from a distance as bombers ran at them, unleasing their ordinance.

***
on the ground....


Althalon barked orders to his men through a bullhorn as the missiles approached "Spread out your formations! mitigate the damage. A company to the front! We have enym incoming! Lock and load, men! Give 'em everything you've got!"

Enemy missiles slammed into what few fortifications they had, causing a few AA batteries to burst into flames, and taking out a number of MBK's. It didnt' matter, as reinforcements were still pouring in via the Dark Eldar's webgates. By now, they had a couple batallions of Southron Guardsmen on the ground, and a good number of MBK's--and gravtanks totalling nearly a batallion as well. Missile trucks deployed their ordinance, sending several hundred missiles streaking back at whatever long-range batteries Auman had set up.

At that moment, the shipyards blinked into existence in orbit. Descending to low orbit, dropships began to pile out of the behemoths, filled to the gills with more marines.

ETA: Ten minutes.

<Private Message
TO: Konrad Althalon
FROM: Flagstaff via Ganges
We have a proposition. While, to be perfectly honest, we are not all that happy about Melkor establishing a presence on Mars, we would like to bring the current situation to a peaceful conclusion as quickly as possible. However, we have been attemtping to establish positive relations with Vascillia for some time now, and remaining neutral or entering the conflict on your side would alienate them beyond hope. Consequently, we would like to arrange a staged battle, something that will allow the Aumanii to believe that we fight for them, while avoiding actual casualties to either Kaseian or Ardan forces, and still leaving the bargaining table open. If you agree, it would make us more willing to support a Melkorian land claim in MIDAS.
>

stuff
OOC: What of this?:
Reacting quickly to the nuclear detonations, Shadowcraft began once more to pour from the Canopy. Despite the high speed of the attackers, it was blindingly obvious that they must be Ardan, given who was being attacked. The swarms of tiny living ships began to spread through all of Martian orbital space, gathering most densely around known Ardans, and releasing their clouds of nanophage.

Tightbeam Transmission
Origin: The Ali'Staan
Destination: Flagstaff via Gagnes

"From what I can gather, our colony will exist at any rate. Auman will not mount sufficient resistance to keep us off. Needless to say, we're rather wary of your offer. You don't trust us, so why should we trust you? Consider your offer politely declined."

--Fleet Admiral Ahadi Il-Amir

[ooc: well, the post is really somewhat vague. he said he relased these "nanophages" [oh joy. more nanomachines :roll: ] but he never really said who they were going after specifically, or rahter what they were doing. Also, as a note, you better have an insane amount of ships to "surround" mine. I just love the way most people think space warfare works.. I've been surrounded completely twice in the same engagement :roll: ]

Please don't hurt us!!!!!

*Shivers in the corner*

ooc actually speaking of Nano machines Tannelorns elite soldiers, Healthiest on mars, the Naval Troopers...probably....no undoubtedly the highest quality soldiers in the Vascilian league and mars [i have the healthiest citizens on mars by a lot lol] are actually using protein based Nano machines as there enhancement....think the progenitor of the reaper strain in blade 2 for a good example.now thats unimportant, but this is.


Manmen....ships can see your ships and they were attacked...i have school and cant post all the time....i did have 400 000 troops in reserve in the area of your attack as well as hundreds of fighter craft....the shuttles would have been engaged almost immediately, as i said by 4 squadrons 48 air craft as soon as they came in range. About the fleet engagement....ummm Neutron sensors can see through solid rock...people use neutrons today to find mineral deposits deep underground and the like.....plus we do have surveillance sattelites...and my fleet used space time compression [space fold] to support the Auman attack.

Now thats all fine and dandy if you dont want to take the Attack [by the way that was 5/6th of my entire fleet which gets the highest funding out of my armed forces by the way] then instead i would most likely have jumped in to the middle of Melkor or Lost americans fleet to support Aumans forces then. And my fighters are very very good, not just from my good manufacturing but from the pilots...they arent mindless drones.


Now i am getting frustrated with this alright, every time i do one of these war thingies, i am always ignored...i read all the posts and took a fair tactical analysis and attacked the outriders of Melkors fleet, the Dark eldar forces. Its safe to assume that if you are going anywhere near the kinslayer as sensors tend to be very high up in mars orbit, that we could see them...neutrons will pass effortlessly through atmosphere and i know the science for everything i use. i am not goign to tech wank but if i have to explain everything to get a dramatic storyline....fine.

Tightbeam Transmission
Origin: The Ali'Staan
Destination: Flagstaff via Gagnes

"From what I can gather, our colony will exist at any rate. Auman will not mount sufficient resistance to keep us off. Needless to say, we're rather wary of your offer. You don't trust us, so why should we trust you? Consider your offer politely declined."

--Fleet Admiral Ahadi Il-Amir
<Private Message
TO: Admiral Ahadi Il-Amir
FROM: Flagstaff via Ganges
You shouldn't trust us. But you should cooperate with us. Perhaps the situation was not made clear: we face war with either you, or Auman, and to be perfectly honest, we would prefer war with you. The only way to avoid this is by the method we suggested. The existance of your colony is not absolutely ensured, and if we are forced to stand against you, don't assume that you'll come out on top.
>

((Tannelorn... first off, I will say for the last time that I am NOWHERE NEAR EITHER MELKOR OR KINSLAYER! Wrong side of the planet! Furthermore, my entire fleet went into hiding immediately after arriving. They're hiding. You can't just walk up and shoot them. The shuttles circumnavigated Mars to reach Kinslayer turf. Why is that so hard to understand?))

ooc ok....listen you cant hide in space.....its impossible to hide against a planet.... they went in to hiding...but they are still around mars and just one fusion neutron sensor sattelite in high orbit will see half the planet and surrounding space in real life. So elaborate on how they are hiding, are you in the asteroid field? mars side or jupiter side...very, very important...as half of tannelorns population lives their its is far more heavily patrolled, and surveyed then over mars....are you trying to hide against the dark side of the planet? well that might work with optic sensors ie telescopes but it wont work against any sensor used in space.

Now Vascilia incorporates the entire southern polar region.....and it doesnt matter because the attack is against someone else i suppose.....screw drama....hell screw science you are "hiding" it doesnt matter.....just someone respond lol because i dont have a lot of time to post my losses ok.

OOC: A review of the ADK war would reveal more details, but I shall put them in here, too, for convenience.
Also, as a note, you better have an insane amount of ships to "surround" mine.
That's the point of Shadowcrafts. There're hundreds upon hundreds of them, but they're all really small (2.5 meters wide at the most). All they do is swarm individual larger ships to disable them, not surround entire groups of ships.

IC:

The swarms of Shadowcraft began latching themselves primarily onto the shipyards and capships, targetting propulsion, airlocks, and launch bays. Aiming not to kill, but only to make unsuitable for combat, they began eating through hull plates with swarms of nanophage, cutting fuel and electrical lines and antennas, and melting doors closed with blue lasers.

((It's easier to hide in space than you think. A black object against a starfield is almost impossible to see. Furthermore, when that black object sports night shields and holographic projectors, it's perfectly capable of hiding where ever it bleeding wants.))

OOC: A review of the ADK war would reveal more details, but I shall put them in here, too, for convenience.
Also, as a note, you better have an insane amount of ships to "surround" mine.
That's the point of Shadowcrafts. There're hundreds upon hundreds of them, but they're all really small (2.5 meters wide at the most). All they do is swarm individual larger ships to disable them, not surround entire groups of ships.

IC:

The swarms of Shadowcraft began latching themselves primarily onto the shipyards and capships, targetting propulsion, airlocks, and launch bays. Aiming not to kill, but only to make unsuitable for combat, they began eating through hull plates with swarms of nanophage, cutting fuel and electrical lines and antennas, and melting doors closed with blue lasers.

As the nanphages latched on to the ships, and the reports started coming in,the Imperial capships initated their last line of denfesnse: the gravitic busrt. Reversing the gravitic fields surrounding the capital ships, a wall of gravity force swept from the craft, sufficiently crushing any machines immediately surrounding the craft. This effect could not be acheived, of course, without the nanophages causing a nominal amount of damage to onoard propulation systems. Engines especially were in dire need of repairs, 3 destroyers rendered suddenly immobile. Weapons systems onboard another battlecruiser were daamaged as well.

The Imperial fleet didn't see it necessary to respond with "nonlethal" force. With a good number of the CASCADE cannons dealt with, the fleet's firepower now turned to the ships around them. A phalynx of missile frigates detached from the cannon-clearing operation to rip into the enemy craft with their ordinance, hundreds of missiles streaking at the aggressor craft inside a span of a few minutes. EMP charges were prepped and aimed at the nanophage facilities, and fired.

ooc ok you dont understand.....I play 40k too ok...and i know what the Eldar and the dark eldar can do...now thats all fine and dandy except for one small problem....i am not using optical sensors....i dont see your ships this is how neutron sensors work ok. now you blanket and area with neutrons this then sends the shapes and displacement back creating a picture...there is no visual identification...they are something we can build today with the Farnum fusion generator [its a neutron battery]. Essentially your ship displaces neutrons, this sends gamma rays back to my sensor systems......which paint a real time picture of the battlefield. second off most space combat ranges are at hundreds of thousands of kilometres....you cant see each other anyways...you are looking for each others energy readings and signature...you have stealth...you are harder to target maybe but i can see where you are...its early warning. Its a moot point anyways...fine i didnt attack you or anyone with my fleet....


thats just fine as mine is probably pound for pound the Deadliest fleet in Vascilia according RP. Also sensors are augmented by vascilian aerospace command, which is like Sastrac. Ok i dont care...we didnt attack....but my fighters DID attack your shuttles....and that much is for certain...i just couldnt get on any earlier because of school.....I cant go on the internet at my school to play nation states....i am not allowed to its adult school and the computers are off limits for that. My forces in the area you were coming down ondid have patrols of the mach 12 capable transformable Morgenraete. its only 4 squadrons...1 or 2 shuttles may even survive, especially considering that Mangala's fighters are there too as well auman and Norieganian fighters.

((I'm not going to continue this argument, Tannelorn. The idea that you have miracle satellites that can see through planets and perceive anything in the general stellar vicinity of Mars is ridiculous. ))

OOC:

Melkor, the missiles and Artillery weren't aimed at you. They were in response to TY's assault on Hellespontos some hundreds of miles away. The battle in space was to prevent troops from landing but now that they have we aren't go to attack anymore, instead just reinforce our port and positions across the channel.

And Manmen, the sattelite doesn't see through the planet. The sattelites are arrayed around the planet and communicate with one another. So if one sattelite can see your ship on the one side of the planet, it will relay that information to another sattelite and it will keep relaying the information until it gets to its desired location. Now, the Vascilian League wraps around the entire southern pole of Mars. You are attempting a landing in the southern Portion of the nation. You will be subjected to attack from ground defenses...please post losses. This isn't some isolated imperial colony world you're attacking. The Dark Eldar wouldn't have a hope in hell of doing a planet fall on a planet like Cadia or Mars.

Any way. At this point Vascilia having failed its mission have chose to accept the inevitable landings of the enemy...

IC:

30 CASCADE Systems are destroyed by Melkors onslaught. Ground based operators of the array realising that CASCADE will not be around longer begun feeding incredible amounts of power to the systems, overloading many guns to the point of self destruction(120) they opened fire upon the enemy fleets, destroying the entire array and inflicting crippling damage on the Melkor fleet.

Vascilian ground defence systems fell silent, choosing to keep a low profile and avoiding destruction for possible future use.

Another half dozen frigates burst into flames, and the Eviscerator was finished off, as the CASCADE cannons ripped through the Imperial craft.

[ooc: sorry for the brief post, but I already posted what my fleet was up to, and I misread Auman's post regarding teh CASCADE cannons. god damn, those things were annoying. :wink:]

Seeing the retreat of Aumani forces, the Bajoni Fleet now turned its attention to the Tannelorn fleet. The 75 attacking ships formed up into the V5 formations, and awaited the order to attack.

On the surface, Bajoni anti-aircraft and anti-orbital batteries came alive, linking up with the Mars Satelite network and waiting for any enemy targets to come into range.

OOC:
Tannelorn, post your fleet position ans composition.

<Private Message
TO: Auman
FROM: Flagstaff
We regret that we were unable to come to your aid in the orbital battle, leading to the loss of that conflict. However, we cannot stand by while the Incarnation of Evil attempts to take land by force, and one who we hoped to be able to call 'friend' is beaten into the ground. While other obligations will not allow us to go to open war with Melkor, to leave you standing alone is not an option, either. Please tell us how we can assist in the ground war, and we will do our best to hold the back the enemy at the gates.
>

Losses. The Fleet had taken losses. Two of the support cruisers had been destroyed, and nearly every squadron had lost a fighter. Over one thousand men lost. But losses were unimportant, for Honor had to be maintained, Alliances kept up.

The remaining ships of the Support Squadron had accomplished their purpose, though they had all taken heavy damage. But now the Fleet had arrived in orbit of Sol IV. It held position, lightly powering the drives, scanners sorting out the situation below.

Vascilian forces. Surrender immediately, or we shall commence full bombardment of your forces on the Planet and destruction of any remaining orbital assets. Any and all resistance shall be met with overwhelming force.

To emphasis the point, the fighters relaunched, sitting in orbit, awaiting orders. And then, from every missile tube in the fleet a small mine burst forth, taking up stationary orbit around Mars. The Auman fleet would not return. 2000 exotic matter gravity mines erupted on every bearing straight back towards Earth, sealing the planet in a bubble without any known form of FTL travel. They would last for 12 hours, at which point they would be refreshed. Any ship attempting to cross the bubble would be brutally ripped from supraluminal travel.

The Fleet remained on high alert, awaiting anything they might need to do, as energy weapons began to sneak past the drive fields, attempting to help pick off the Enemy's tiny nano-armed ships and the remaining battle drones. But they had nearly all the time in the universe.

General Transmission. The Mars Subsystem is now sealed against FTL incursion. Do not approach in such a manner, or serious damage may result to your vessel. Approachs along the clean vector <vector> shall be monitor, and hostile forces destroyed. All Enemies attempting to engage the Fleet and the Fleet of Lord Melkor shall be eliminated. This has been your only warning.

As the General Transmission lanced out, the remaining support cruisers fell back in among the Fleet, deploying a rather large mine field along the clean approaches to Mars.

Commander Sil observed the battlefeild once more, still standing with her arms folded behind her.

"Split off 25 ships. Send them around the planet, counter-orbit. Tell them to ready weapons, and set flight paths to take them by the Mangalan station."

Transmission to Melkoran Fleet:
<Encrypted>
"Prepare your boarding parties."
-Fleet Commander Sotha Sil
http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/images/general1small.jpg
Bajoni Storefront (http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/index.html)
~The Nocturnal Empire of Bajon~

As the nanphages latched on to the ships, and the reports started coming in,the Imperial capships initated their last line of denfesnse: the gravitic busrt. Reversing the gravitic fields surrounding the capital ships, a wall of gravity force swept from the craft, sufficiently crushing any machines immediately surrounding the craft. This effect could not be acheived, of course, without the nanophages causing a nominal amount of damage to onoard propulation systems. Engines especially were in dire need of repairs, 3 destroyers rendered suddenly immobile. Weapons systems onboard another battlecruiser were daamaged as well.

The Imperial fleet didn't see it necessary to respond with "nonlethal" force. With a good number of the CASCADE cannons dealt with, the fleet's firepower now turned to the ships around them. A phalynx of missile frigates detached from the cannon-clearing operation to rip into the enemy craft with their ordinance, hundreds of missiles streaking at the aggressor craft inside a span of a few minutes. EMP charges were prepped and aimed at the nanophage facilities, and fired.

As white blood-equivalent and black flesh splattered and boiled across the ships' hulls, the remaining Shadowcrafts backed off, content to let the clouds of 'Grey Goo' take care of the rest, and headed for the smaller ships, Melkorian and Lost American dropships and fighters. Yet more alien entrails cluttered the battlespace as missiles cut through the swarms, and those near the EMP charges began to convulse with pain. Still, sheer numbers prevented defeat, as of yet.

A number of the larger Shadowcrafts attempted to re-attach to the disabled ships and pull them into higher orbits for rescue and/or salvage, while other unnoccupied crafts gathered debris.

As the nanphages latched on to the ships, and the reports started coming in,the Imperial capships initated their last line of denfesnse: the gravitic busrt. Reversing the gravitic fields surrounding the capital ships, a wall of gravity force swept from the craft, sufficiently crushing any machines immediately surrounding the craft. This effect could not be acheived, of course, without the nanophages causing a nominal amount of damage to onoard propulation systems. Engines especially were in dire need of repairs, 3 destroyers rendered suddenly immobile. Weapons systems onboard another battlecruiser were daamaged as well.

The Imperial fleet didn't see it necessary to respond with "nonlethal" force. With a good number of the CASCADE cannons dealt with, the fleet's firepower now turned to the ships around them. A phalynx of missile frigates detached from the cannon-clearing operation to rip into the enemy craft with their ordinance, hundreds of missiles streaking at the aggressor craft inside a span of a few minutes. EMP charges were prepped and aimed at the nanophage facilities, and fired.

As white blood-equivalent and black flesh splattered and boiled across the ships' hulls, the remaining Shadowcrafts backed off, content to let the clouds of 'Grey Goo' take care of the rest, and headed for the smaller ships, Melkorian and Lost American dropships and fighters. Yet more alien entrails cluttered the battlespace as missiles cut through the swarms, and those near the EMP charges began to convulse with pain. Still, sheer numbers prevented defeat, as of yet.

A number of the larger Shadowcrafts attempted to re-attach to the disabled ships and pull them into higher orbits for rescue and/or salvage, while other unnoccupied crafts gathered debris.

The Imperial Fleets, having made their point, withdraw completely, consolidating their defense in Martian orbit as best they could. some elements were still engaging Kajal ships, but these too withdrew before substantial losses were taken. First, the politics of Mars must be discerned. Only then would a counterattack be launched.

The Fleet was annoyed. The Nanophage was annoying, but of no real concern. It merely became energy when it came in contact with the drive fields. While slightly degrading performance, it was not damaging.

The fighters were set to the task of eliminating the Shadowcraft, with the gun frigates in support, spitting huge amounts of point defense as they wove back and forth across the Martian Surface, though high above it. The Shadowcraft, if withdrawing, were allowed to go, though, as a withdrawing threat was not a threat at the moment.

The Fleet continued to hold position though, ready to engage any new threat, it's strength, for the most part, completely intact, as tractos began to sweep through space, drawing in debris as well, point defense and energy weapons engaging if anything strayed too close. They would remain as a cover, to defend, for now, the Imperials on the surface. Remaining at combat status, they silently hoped someone would be dumb enough to engage them.

Two hundred thousand kilometres from Mars, Sunward

With a faint flicker of pseudomotion the fleet arrived, decellerating from FTL. It was their first appearance here for many years. Last time they had been here, they had come to destroy the forces of Tor Yvresse, now they came, perhaps, to aid them. The great shape of two Cairn class tombships, larger than any eldar warship, dominated the fleet, the Vigilance of Death and Harvest of Tears they were called in their own language. Beyond them hung seven Scythe class cruisers and ten shroud class cruisers, and beyond them arranged in squadrons, forty Dirge and Jackal class escorts.

They remained, their weapons powered down, passive, watching the eldar deploy their ground forces, waiting for their time to join in with the eldar assault. Aboard the Vigilance of death, the C'tan known to the eldar as Kalis-Ra, waited, as ordered obeying the mysterious plan, whose ultimate objective was vague and nebulous...

As the battle raged around them Toran-Byblos and Khristian transports continued their everyday business, but their defensive weaponry ran hot, lest any fool should get in there way. Usually the people of the Martian Confederacy were calm and still, yet underneath their pacifism lay a primal desire for destruction. They were fluid like water, calm and serene at one moment, and a crashing torrent the next. God help anyone who crossed their path.

To emphasis the point, the fighters relaunched, sitting in orbit, awaiting orders. And then, from every missile tube in the fleet a small mine burst forth, taking up stationary orbit around Mars. The Auman fleet would not return. 2000 exotic matter gravity mines erupted on every bearing straight back towards Earth, sealing the planet in a bubble without any known form of FTL travel. They would last for 12 hours, at which point they would be refreshed. Any ship attempting to cross the bubble would be brutally ripped from supraluminal travel.
(OOC: Clarification- exactly why would these gravity mines prevent FTL travel? So far, no one has yet been able to explain to me a method of stopping Alc/Broeck drives... but maybe those fall under the 'unknown' category. Still, if there's a valid reason why and Alcubierre drive wouldn't work, please tell me, and I'll honor it.)

Commander Sil sat pondering, watching the battle. As soon as the Mangalan station was subdued, she stood from her chair, crossing her arms behind her back, she gave the order.
"Move in."


OOC:

WTF? there is no Mangalan station! what are you talking about? The Mangalan fleet is in holding orbit over Mangala, but we have no permanent presense in space, only a sattelite net. What are you attacking?

Martian orbital infrastructure (some has since been destroyed):
http://www.bbfree.com/NSMars/index.php?showtopic=10

Mangala's profile:
http://www.bbfree.com/NSMars/index.php?showtopic=7

Bajon if you really are attacking us I will be forced to completly change everything Mangala is doing... right now we were attacking only Manmen transports. I believe we have been driven off by superior numbers, so I'll rp moving off in a second. We attacked NOTHING else. Currently we have NOT attacked anyone but Manmen, and in fact are negotiating with Melkor through Sunset. If you attack us we will have to defend ourselves, as well as take steps to ensure you cannot again harm us, please reconsider.

It was a strange feeling for the Kionash, to be surronded by those who would be foes, and yet to treat them as allies. It was perhaps a sign of this vague plan's importance. The Eldar's fleets disengaged, the cleanup ofthe Tannelorn and Kajal fleets would proceed without them. Although every so oftenthe defences of the many structures dotted around their martian territories would open fire upon enemie assests.

The Fleet had withdrawn for one reason only however, fighter/Bombers gathered in Orbit above the Vascillian territory, when all was readied they entered on mass into the atmosphere half the Yvressians Fighters... 800 Craft racing to start the first round of bombings on the defences of the League. Of course the target was the Anti-Air defences utilised by the league. The rest of the fleet moved to create a buffer around the Flagships of the Eldar fleets, around it's Largest vessels, as they searched for targets on the surface,their weapons tracking and logging areas as they came tolife in response to the Eldar's efforts. Soon they began to fire, Striking at the Vascillian Defences, for as long as they where able, expecting any moment the return of their fleet.

((As far as I can tell the Vascillian Leagues fleets have withdrawn. I suspect they are close by, but I should I estimate get a small amount of Orbital fire of.))

The Mars-Based Kajali fleet had taken heavier losses then the one that had come from Kajal itself, but there were still elements of all the battlegroups left, comprising the majority of the fleet. The Kajal Mars ships disengaged before serious damage was dealt to a large amount of their ships, and fell back to their prior position, the Kajalan Station.

Even with the attention that the station had been recieving lately, the swarms of automated drones that it had released had been able to keep the damage to a minimum, and the station itself was actually near completion. It was only lacking the exterior armor panels on the furthest reaches of the outer platforms.

It was, however, currently crewed only by the multitude of maintenance droids on board. The atmosphere that would allow humans and other sentient beings to survive on the station had been purged, and the station's own defensive shielding activated, having been installed only moments before. There were gaps in the field, of course, but it protected the majority of the station.

Boarding parties would find it hard to proceed if they were not properly equipped, however, and they would need to be able to cut through several hundred sealed blast doors to even take the command center.

Meanwhile, the Imperial forces from Kajal itself (not the colony on Mars), had taken up a position around the Kajal Waystation, using their subspace drives to submerge themselves a single layer into subspace. The waystation, being nothing more then a giant subspace drive with habitat sections attached, did the same. They would not be able to be targeted by weapons from any enemies, but they would also not be able to fire on them either. From the martian perspective, the station, and the Imperial Fleet surrounding it simply vanished.

Ships would be able to fly through the space that they had occupied, but the fleet and station were still there, one layer down. The gravity mine bubble was powerful enough that it did extend into subspace, and any of their ships crossing it would experience difficulties.

However, the waystation could create a subspace tunnel layers below those affected, and already, more Imperial ships were coming through from Kajal. Mars based sensors would detect massive energy readings in the area, but the ships would not be discerned.

Down on Mars, Kajal Mars fighters scrambled, and began an air campaign over Vascilia to attempt to shoot down the bombers from the enemies, while troops assisted the Vascilian troops on the ground.

(OOC: Basically, the Emperor has pulled his ships out completely, and the Kajal Mars fleet has taken up a position around their station again. Said station's main armaments are damaged, yes, but the point defense stuff is pretty much untouched. I assume that Bajon is sending troops/ships towards it, as it's really the only station that'd need subduing...)

To emphasis the point, the fighters relaunched, sitting in orbit, awaiting orders. And then, from every missile tube in the fleet a small mine burst forth, taking up stationary orbit around Mars. The Auman fleet would not return. 2000 exotic matter gravity mines erupted on every bearing straight back towards Earth, sealing the planet in a bubble without any known form of FTL travel. They would last for 12 hours, at which point they would be refreshed. Any ship attempting to cross the bubble would be brutally ripped from supraluminal travel.


Or perhaps less than 12 hours. Almost as soon as the bubble was established, its invisible "skin" began to stretch as mines were removed here and there by gleaming quicksilver ships... and then it "popped" altogether. No attempt was made to enter the (former) battle area; none was necessary. No transmissions were recorded while the ships went about their task. Only afterward was any word sent.

General Communication

The Mars Subsystem is once again open for FTL travel. Be aware that orbital space in the vicinity of <coordinates> is considered a hot zone. We suggest approach through other areas.

Combatants in the Mars vicinity are warned that the Ravenspire Spacy will not allow hindrance to our commerce. If further general blockade, or any specific attack against Ravenspire trade interests, is attempted, we will respond by closing the Web near Mars, at minimum.

Their message sent, the sleek fightercraft withdrew back toward Kuraboshi-Deimos, where their mother fleets awaited.

The Fleet had expected resistance. And the lanes were established now. 2000 more of the mines flew forth, and then another salvo.

But they only moved into positions to reenforce the uncleared areas. There were few enough lanes, at the right angles, that the Fleet would not be surprised.

But then it moved. Lord Melkor had been attacked directly. The fleet began to shift orbits into the area, the only area the nukes could have come from.

The Landing Zone. They awaited confirmation of targets to fire.

Onboard the flagship:
"Commander, we're reading no atmosphere inside the Kajali station, and the main coridors appear to be blocked by blast doors. It would take hours to capture it."

"Well, then we have but two options left. We can leave the station to the rebels, or we can destroy it. As the first option is moot, open a transmission to the fleet."

Message to Fleet:
"The Kajali station will be destroyed. Prepare all weapons, and launch all fighters. Ambush ships, you will slingshot the planet and surprise the Kajali rebels from the rear. The main contingent will move forward and engage them head on. Wait for my signal."

At once, the bulk of the Bajoni Fleet moved towards the Kajali Station. A transmission went out:
"Kajali Rebels, stand down now and we can avoid needless bloodshed between friends. Your station is a threat, and must be deactivated or destroyed. The choice is yours to make, but make it quickly. We await your response."
-Fleet Commander Sotha Sil
http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/images/general1small.jpg
Bajoni Storefront (http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/index.html)
~The Nocturnal Empire of Bajon~

At the heart of the great Palace of Orm Embar, which hung like some great golden mountain in the emptiness of space, overhanging the lands of Arda, Prince Solyan al Vvishiak relaxed into the satin cushions which covered his golden throne, stretching out his mind through the runic networks which surrounded him, and gazed down upon the planet known as Mars.

How amusing these young-kingdomers are! They squabble constantly like little children. Ahhhh..I can feel their rage and anger even from here. Though their minds are primitive, their emotions are so raw and deliciously powerful. Shall we play with them, my brother?

And with his mind, he gently caressed the mind of his sibling, which roared in response, futily straining at the bonds which chained it, and Solyan laughed. His mirth flooded out of his lips, echoing off the glittering walls of his chamber, and at the same time resounded through the ether, leaking into the runic networks of the palace, and thence out into the void, so that all those fighting in orbit around the red planet could hear the faint sound of laughter in their minds, like the tinkling of a mountain stream, clear and fresh and musical.

The Baka class superdreadnought AI detected the weird emanations again. Safeguards were in place but now since the ship was fully activated with perimeter defense protocols initiated, it was a tiny bit more susceptible to raw, warlike emotions. In other words, the ship was now more "awake".

"No reply from the Kajalis."

"Very well, give the order."

Commander Sil watched as the fleets began moving forward, slowly, as to arrive only shortly before the ambush. The graceful black Sandrock Cruisers moved in perfect unison, every captain focusing on the objective.

As the ships drew closer, they launched a long range barrage of torpedoes, increasing speed as their shots went off. As they drew closer and closer, they began to fire off their forward railguns. As the main fleet closed in, 25 cruisers swooped in at full power from around the planet. A volley of torpedoes into the Kajali rear, and then all hell broke loose. Both Bajoni fleets enganged the Kajalis at close range, initiating all railgun banks, straffing entire cruisers as the ships continued through.

"Now."

The Bajoni ships dove or pulled up, out of the mass of Kajali ships, firing spacial mines back into the fleet they had just passed through.

Commander Sil stood watching. Her arms still folded behind her back.
"Once their fleet is gone, the station will not be a problem.

Keep an eye on those energy readings, and prepare to scramble if they try to fire the laser. I want all ships reformed ASAP. Prepare for another run..."
-Fleet Commander Sotha Sil
http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/images/general1small.jpg
Bajoni Storefront (http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/index.html)
~The Nocturnal Empire of Bajon~

Onboard the flagship:
"Commander, we're reading no atmosphere inside the Kajali station, and the main coridors appear to be blocked by blast doors. It would take hours to capture it."

"Well, then we have but two options left. We can leave the station to the rebels, or we can destroy it. As the first option is moot, open a transmission to the fleet."

Message to Fleet:
"The Kajali station will be destroyed. Prepare all weapons, and launch all fighters. Ambush ships, you will slingshot the planet and surprise the Kajali rebels from the rear. The main contingent will move forward and engage them head on. Wait for my signal."

At once, the bulk of the Bajoni Fleet moved towards the Kajali Station. A transmission went out:
"Kajali Rebels, stand down now and we can avoid needless bloodshed between friends. Your station is a threat, and must be deactivated or destroyed. The choice is yours to make, but make it quickly. We await your response."
-Fleet Commander Sotha Sil
http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/images/general1small.jpg
Bajoni Storefront (http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/index.html)
~The Nocturnal Empire of Bajon~

A transmission was returned, from the heavy destroyer Mejara, which Commodore Renar, formerly the Martian Chairman, had claimed as his flagship.

"It would be a waste of your resources to destroy the station. Surely your scans have revealed the extent of what the fleets today have done. We will not deactivate the station itself, however, we will not reactivate the offensive armament of the station once repairs are complete.

We will not, however, deactivate the point defense weaponry. Surely you understand why. The Kajali Imperials would be able to send attack drones into the station to destroy it themselves if we lower the defensive weapons it has left. However, we will agree not to target your vessels with the aforementioned weaponry if they come within range of them. If this is acceptable, please respond promptly. Otherwise, we may be forced to activate a secondary weapon in orbit to... deter... you."

Unfortunately, the Bajoni ships had already started attacking.

"What is the status of repairs to the station's weaponry?"

"42% of the offensive armament has been brought back online, including the plasma array."

"Good. Target their largest ship, and fire. Are the new modifications complete?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Full power to the plasma arrays. Deploy defensive screens, and release all fighter drones, to be followed by a wave of the stealth bombers."

"Aye sir... done."

"Commander, you may fire the array at will. Admiral... initiate the Pulsar barrage."

The array moved to target the largest Bajoni ship it could see, and fired. Meanwhile, the rebel Kajali ships let loose with the weapons that had inspired the array in the first place, pouring a stream fire towards the Bajoni ships.

The only difference was that the Pulsar weaponry of the Kajali ships fired in bursts. It was not as powerful, but the weaponry itself was far more damaging to smaller targets.

The blasts, of course, imparted their own momentum and energy to the target, often in streams of four to six. The only advantage of the array was that it would maintain a beam that could cleave a ship in half.

Such a display, however, was no longer necessary. Kajali fighters scrambled to shoot down torpedoes while automated bombers began suicide runs on the Bajoni cruisers.

Secret IC: The Martian nation did not technically have a second plasma array in orbit, but they were hoping that the others would call their bluff. The massive energy readings the Imperial Kajali ships were giving off would be more then enough to suggest that there was indeed another weapon hidden in orbit. However, even if the station was held by rebels, the Imperium wanted it intact, and would likely send a message to Bajon stating that shortly.

The Emperor's fleet emerged from subspace, numbering nearly a hundred and twenty ships. They had been arriving through deeper subspace channels (OOC: The deeper in subspace, the faster the travel. Think Onion Theorem), and the Imperial Waystation itself had been modified somewhat.

To be exact, the weaponry on it had been increased, and it was generating a subspace waveform - it would make most forms of communication in orbit very difficult, as well as affecting drive systems of unshielded ships for the worse.

"This is the Emperor of the Kajalan Imperium to the Bajoni commander. If you do not cease in your efforts to destroy the station, we will have to make sure you do nothing more then disable it. However, if you are willing to cooperate... We will send in boarding parties equipped to deal with the current environmental situation within."

(OOC: I've been having connection problems recently, so, ah... this came as a little bit of a surprise. ^_^;; So, if in the future mayhaps a little more time to respond might be given, we could, er.. enjoy this a little bit more? Meh. Just a heads up - I've been having problems with the forums all day. And other sites, but those are unimportant. ^_~)

A small number, maybe five, of Ur-Quan Marauders (http://sensori.soldats.net/kuvia/kohrah/KohrAh.jpg) came out of HyperSpace quite close to Mars, but they still were far away from the warzone. They stood there, waiting, observing the fleets and the ongoing combat. They would stay here, possibly for a long time. It depends. They do not care.

The Bajoni Cruiser Red Flare was thrown back, a large chunk was missing from its side. The ship powered its engines and limped away from the ensueing fight.

Message to Kajal Mars:
"It is a shame you did not reply sooner. Bajon is willing to cease hostilities if you are as well. We would also ask that no Melkorian ships be fired on (unless they shoot first). We hope in the interest of friendship, that you accept, and we can both move along with our objectives."
-Fleet Commander Sotha Sil

Message to Imperial Kajal:
"I do not believe the Kajal-Mars rebels will give us a problem if they accept Bajoni peace. They will be your problem once again if they do."
-Fleet Commander Sotha Sil
http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/images/general1small.jpg
Bajoni Storefront (http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/index.html)
~The Nocturnal Empire of Bajon~

Three Khristian vessels, 7th Generation, entered Martian orbit, observing the conflict, debating on whether it would be wise to join the struggle. Perhaps later they might, but they would observe for now. The Aleph class beam cruiser and two Thingol class gunboats scanned and watched.

Three Khristian vessels, 7th Generation, entered Martian orbit, observing the conflict, debating on whether it would be wise to join the struggle. Perhaps later they might, but they would observe for now. The Aleph class beam cruiser and two Thingol class gunboats scanned and watched.

...only to find yet another Shadowcraft swarm approaching, accompanied by a message- "We told you not to come back."

The Bajoni Cruiser Red Flare was thrown back, a large chunk was missing from its side. The ship powered its engines and limped away from the ensueing fight.

Message to Kajal Mars:
"It is a shame you did not reply sooner. Bajon is willing to cease hostilities if you are as well. We would also ask that no Melkorian ships be fired on (unless they shoot first). We hope in the interest of friendship, that you accept, and we can both move along with our objectives."
-Fleet Commander Sotha Sil

Message to Imperial Kajal:
"I do not believe the Kajal-Mars rebels will give us a problem if they accept Bajoni peace. They will be your problem once again if they do."
-Fleet Commander Sotha Sil
http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/images/general1small.jpg
Bajoni Storefront (http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/index.html)
~The Nocturnal Empire of Bajon~

The return transmission was quicker then the prior, and thankfully, the mining array's second shot had missed. It appeared that it's targeting array had been damaged in the attack. The beam streaked out into space for several hundred thousand kilometers before dissipating.

Commodore Renar responded personally, as before.

"We will accept this agreement. However, if we feel that we are going to be "stabbed in the back" as the humans say, we will use whatever resources we have, as I am sure you would. Luckily, our fleet has not suffered any appreciable damage as of yet that will pose any large problems."

The Kajali Rebels took up their prior defensive stance, while the Imperial ships remained around their waystation.

Three Khristian vessels, 7th Generation, entered Martian orbit, observing the conflict, debating on whether it would be wise to join the struggle. Perhaps later they might, but they would observe for now. The Aleph class beam cruiser and two Thingol class gunboats scanned and watched.

...only to find yet another Shadowcraft swarm approaching, accompanied by a message- "We told you not to come back."

Commander Makai looked out from the bridge of the C.K.S. Aleph as the Shadowcraft approached on his instraments he picked up his inter-ship communictor, pressed the speak-to-talk button on the side and spoke.

"All hands to general quarters, as of this moment we are at war with the Snel. We did nothing to provoke them and may God have mercy upon their souls, for the fury of Khrista is to be unleashed. Bring up the LCIWS and PDL's. Focus Laser and Pulse Cannon fire into the approaching craft. Inform the Thingol and the Singollo(I need better ship names) to do the same and open all their weaponry upon Snel."

Over a hundred lasers, large and small, opened fire into the Shadowcraft, they fired rapidly with what should be a reasonable hit rate. The Thingol and Singollo launched their fighters and plasma torpedos. More ships could be called up if neccessary.

Three Khristian vessels, 7th Generation, entered Martian orbit, observing the conflict, debating on whether it would be wise to join the struggle. Perhaps later they might, but they would observe for now. The Aleph class beam cruiser and two Thingol class gunboats scanned and watched.

...only to find yet another Shadowcraft swarm approaching, accompanied by a message- "We told you not to come back."

Commander Makai looked out from the bridge of the C.K.S. Aleph as the Shadowcraft approached on his instraments he picked up his inter-ship communictor, pressed the speak-to-talk button on the side and spoke.

"All hands to general quarters, as of this moment we are at war with the Snel. We did nothing to provoke them and may God have mercy upon their souls, for the fury of Khrista is to be unleashed. Bring up the LCIWS and PDL's. Focus Laser and Pulse Cannon fire into the approaching craft. Inform the Thingol and the Singollo(I need better ship names) to do the same and open all their weaponry upon Snel."

Over a hundred lasers, large and small, opened fire into the Shadowcraft, they fired rapidly with a 85% hit rate. The Thingol and Singollo launched their fighters and plasma torpedos. More ships could be called up if neccessary.

Bold added by me.

Isn't that calling hits?

OOC: Declaring losses (numbers, percentages, and similar) for an opponent is godmod'ing - the actual definition of it. Declaring hits is also borderline godmoding as you then expect your opponent to declare some kind of losses for these hits.

Your 'job' as a roleplayer is to describe what happens as clearly as possible with as much interesting flavor text without doing the above. If you've ever played tabletop with a GM you know how this works - you roll the die, give them your number, and then they declare if it hit or missed. Same thing here.

Remember as well that many of the more experienced roleplayers will base much of their losses on the quality of your post - not the numbers you throw around. A well written and clear description of your actions is worth far more to me and the other roleplayers than huge numbers and uber-technology.

OOC: Declaring losses (numbers, percentages, and similar) for an opponent is godmod'ing - the actual definition of it. Declaring hits is also borderline godmoding as you then expect your opponent to declare some kind of losses for these hits.

Your 'job' as a roleplayer is to describe what happens as clearly as possible with as much interesting flavor text without doing the above. If you've ever played tabletop with a GM you know how this works - you roll the die, give them your number, and then they declare if it hit or missed. Same thing here.

Remember as well that many of the more experienced roleplayers will base much of their losses on the quality of your post - not the numbers you throw around. A well written and clear description of your actions is worth far more to me and the other roleplayers than huge numbers and uber-technology.

I thought I had posted, but it got eaten in the forums. I'll change it, I was attempting to give a general idea of what the losses would be but whatever. And Sunset, I've never been in a tabletop RP. And also, even though I've been around since March, I've never RPed an entire nation until NS, so lay off. >_>

Crown Heights Transfer Point,Queens, New York City:

The Marines of the 11th Marine Detachment, and 14th Marine Detachment waited as ISSAPCs took them from the surface up to orbit.The embarking procedure had begun early in the morning waking up the large mixed race and species community with troop movements The awaiting MacAuthur class Transports were being prepared for departure. Orders had been relayed earlier in the day that operations were to commence off world. Not a new experiance for the FRAFs, but a deployment of the magnitude being witness was definately new. The 6,000 troops of the 11st MD, and the 6,000 troops of the 14th MD would go ahead of the major equipment which would be sent later on a second trip.

Exact deployment locations were kept secret to the regular Marines. Only the COs knew where they were going. Of course the major rumor was that ground fighting had broken out on Charon, and the Marines were being sent in to try and hold the Research Facility there. Of course this was not the case. When the last of the ISSAPCs were loaded up the 4 MacAuthur class transports began to move toward the direction of the Lunar wormhole gate. They were marked as civilian traffic heading for Sunset. It would be several days before they reached the Lunar Gate. Orders from there even to the COs remained sketchy. Only President de los Santos and the upper echelons of the military command knew of what was to happen next, and they would only share with a few allies.

Nearly as one, the Fleet blinked. Something was wrong with the mine field. The power requirements had apparently been underestimated, under uncontrolled deployment situations.

The field was beginning to shatter, and break down.

It was only a small matter of time before the Fleet would again be vulnerable to supraluminal surprise attacks. In fact, at the rate the mines were failing, it would only be a matter of minutes.

And the Fleet was out of mines. Backup plans would be initiated. The Fleet returned to Battle Status.

But this time, something new was introduced. Another squadron of fighters began to fly in orbits around the fourth planet, silver dust spraying from behind them, creating sparkling rings around the planet.

The Fleet smiled as one. While the Fleet itself was not FTL capable, its Allies were.

If the New Enemies returned, the Fleet would now be able to track them.

The cargo ships came visible again, as they ascended from the colony, horizontally. The shield crackled and was shut down for a while, the ships, one after another, were turned to an almost completely vertical position, and they launched off the colony with quite high speeds. The shield came back up as the last ship had left the colony.

They will be vulnerable until they leave the atmosphere, but it still is faster than rising up in a horizontal position. This would have been possible for them, but it was impractical. The ships would meet with the ships that had escorted them and go back to Ur-Quan territory through HyperSpace.

--

The five Marauders that had came out later were still there, waiting for something to happen. Apparently the fighting had not ended yet, they might still be needed. The colony was well out of harm's way, but who knows, it still might be targeted by someone or something.

Back in Wazzu, Rebecca Moores was depressed. She had failed. The Melkorans had agreed to the deal, then went right back on their words and doubled their attack on Vascilia. Not that it was stopping Wazzu.

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

In Kinslayer territory, Wazzu troop transports continued to land and take off again. They were not moving troops in, they were moving Therians out. Small explosions followed in their wake, as important capital was destroyed. What could be saved was crammed into the transports with the refugees.

OOC ok sorry Bajon didnt notice, well they would be in the asteroid field due to the ignoring of my valid attack by Manmen...so instead we are in holding position over tannelorn with orders to attack all hostile ships over Vascilian Airspace...meaning your fleet Bajon...standard fleet disposition Carriers and BAttleships on the inner ring of the fleet protected by Cruisers on the outsided and Pickets of Thouasands of heavy fighters.

This is not a tin foil fleet like Auman either...of course i have no escorts simply cruisers, carriers, and Battleships. ok so lets start this sorry i have school so i can only post within this half hour 4-4 30 PST


A flare of light signalled the Tannelorn fleets arrival over Vascilian space, Battle ready arrayed in Classic Tannelorn fleet Formation.
neutron sensors on the ground relayed targetting information to the
Tannelorn "calculators" [mentats human computers].

"sir 75 enemies capital ships over Vascilia sir, should we tell them to stand down?"

"there is no need, Pirates make poor target practice...All ships engage the enemy"

as the Order was given thousands of Morgenraete's broke off to attack the enemy fleet, the cruisers took up blocking positions and started firing their Loengren and Ingelstung antiship/planetary defense weapons a 1 thousand spikes of brilliant energy lanced towards the Bajonni Ships.....with thousands of torpedoes behind them.

though most of the Ground defenses were busy firing upon the Tor Yvresse, some were attacking the bajonni fleet...hideous amounts fire was coming in from two angles on the Bajonni...even as they started their attack on the Tannelorn fleet.


ooc ok need to know when you get over tannelorn proper very important.
And we should move this to a different post. the Hellesponto's war thread Auman is telling me....

Doing their usual thing, the Shadowcrafts began releasing clouds of phage around the ADK ships, sealing gunports, eroding the hull, and generally wreacking the havoc they were meant to.

As laser fire bore down on the uncounted hundreds, white puffs of vaporized blood began to cloud their paths. A few, one here, one there, stopped flying under power, convulvsing wildly with pain as bodily fluids seeped from charred holes and flashed into vapors.

Several broke off in ones and twos and headed for the fighters, aiming for head-on collisions that would knock them out of the way. Meanwhile, the main body of the swarm continued to proceed towards the Thingol and Singollo, sticking to the hull and pulling them away from Mars.

The majority of the Pakleds were onboard, while those that didn't make it were turned aside rather roughtly by the dreadnought drones. These Pakleds were most bewildered and unwisely turned their gaze skyward to the ship, mouths agape.

A cargo bay door opened and some dark shapes could be seen - 6 smaller ones and one large boxlike one. Closer they drew to the Martian surface and soon they landed. After a few minutes, the 6 smaller shapes left and proceeded rapidly to the dreadnought. The curious box was left behind on the landscape.

With an earpiercing roar, the super dreadnought begin to ease slowly from the Mars. Not knowing the exact political make up but being aware of the current space engagements, it soon charted a trajectory that would take it over the Darksith Mars colony, Snel, Tiburon, and finally the Kinslayer territory, reaching escape velocity.

The stupid Pakleds that were too close were roasted by the maneuvering thrusters.


The AI mind contemplated the following information...


Weapon systems: 100% operational - online
Main grazer cannon - activated
Secondary grazer cannons - activated
Plasma cannons - activated
Long range missiles - activated
Shields: 100% - online
Power core: 100% - online
AI mind: 100% - online
Sublight engines: 100% - online - warm up complete. Stand by for full activation.
Main comm array: 100% online - message transmission ready


...and made its decision.


Initiate Perimeter defense protocol #4. Ready combat protocol #2. Relay message.


Soon, a powerful broadcast on all electronic, tight beam, or other communication mediums to the surrounding Mars nations and nearby vessels could be heard.



This is Colony Ship #4 leaving Mars territory. Our trajectory is set and we shall not deviate from it. Clear a path or face destruction. Repeat. This is Colony Ship #4 leaving...




OOC: For reference

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2379673#2379673

Althalon looked stunned. "They... they left?" He blinked.

Ahadi smirked. "Well, then. I think we both know what to do."

***
Public Diplomatic Transmission
Origin: The Ali'Staan
Destination: Mars [broadband transmission]

"Given that the Pakleds have now departed the Red Planet, another patch of vacant land as sprung up. In the name of Lord Melkor's Imperium, I claim this land for use in trading further on Mars."

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Grade A badass
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

OOC: Don't poke that black box too much now...

As well, where are your fleet assets? Unless you have a path cleared, the ship will run straight through them or use the grazers. If you want to know more about the ship's capabilities, please telegram me.

OOC: Ahh, right...exactly where were the Pakleds on the map?

http://www.pacifier.com/~cziller/mapofmars.gif


EDIT: Oh, Green Mars, right. OK, whatever. Their problem I guess.

OOC: Don't poke that black box too much now...

As well, where are your fleet assets? Unless you have a path cleared, the ship will run straight through them or use the grazers. If you want to know more about the ship's capabilities, please telegram me.

They're in orbit, but given the size of a colony ship, and the fact that my captains aren't idiots, I think it should be fairly easy to maneuver out of the way. Given the transmission, we've got plenty of warning too, so... yeah. 8)

OOC: Ahh, right...exactly where were the Pakleds on the map?

http://www.pacifier.com/~cziller/mapofmars.gif

OOC:

Wazzu: Why, the Mighty Pakled Garbage, Radioactive, and Other Nasty Goods Hauling and Trade Emporium once occupied the Green Mars region! :) Still have something there as well.

Melkor: Okay. Hoping for a bit of a drive-by shootout but maybe someone else will oblige. One can dream.

OOC:
MIDAS has proven to be the most ineffective organization...it kinda makes me wish I didn't storm out of the organization when it first started so I could slap them in the face and tell them to get going.

Right now we've got MIDAS nations fighting each other...we've got them acting unilaterally to stop an invasion of our planet. But still, the ponderous organization talks amongst themselves about the fineries of life and the taste of the tea being served during the proceedings. MIDAS is useless if they do not act...they have to choose a side. Either they attack Vascilia or Melkor, I dont care as long as they act!

Not in the mood for a space battle, and my fleet isn't over Vascilia anyways.

IC:
The 75 Bajoni ships stay back, away from the planet, keeping a cautious watch on their enemies' ships. Bajon has won its bit in space, and is still recooperating from the ADK war.

The 25 other Bajoni ships that have been stationed on the other side of Mars return to the main fleet and moniter everything.

The fleet is joined by the EBS Melkor; Bajon's first dreadnaught.
http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/images/melkor1.jpg

OOC:MIDAS is useless if they do not act...they have to choose a side. Either they attack Vascilia or Melkor, I dont care as long as they act!
(OOC: Hopefully, if everything goes as it should, they will... although neither side may like the outcome.)

Luna/Mars Gate:
The four MacAuthur class Troop Transports held inline at the gate awaiting the all clear from the gate traffic control center. Each transport deploy its 8 ISSAPCs which had been loaded with the initial wave of troops. Aboard the MacAuthur the Captain had his doubt. Rumor over the spacelanes had it that Mars was a warzone unlike anyone had ever seen in their lifetimes. Talk of WWI style combat raging across the planet didnt sit well with the Marines down in the Troop holding area. They had been breifed on their objectives and chaplins had been provided for prayer services.

After several minutes of waiting, the first transport in the line began to proceed forward and through the gate disappearing and reappearing over the Martian nation of Sunset.Aboard the second transport the entire bridge crew watched the MacAuthur disappear into the gate."Captain, the MacAuthur is through the gate." The helmsmen on the transport called back to the captain. The first of the MacAuthur class Troop Transports had moved through the gate. The other three waited for the okay from the lead vessel."Helm, all ahead one 1/3, once we are through the gate bring us 50 degrees starboard and increase speed to 3/4ths. I want to clear the gate as soon as possible. They'll be two other transports on us."

"Aye,aye Captain." The bridge controls were reministant of the ocean going vessels with the wheel at the helm and the engineroom orders lever which actually controlled the thrust. Pushing the lever forward from All Stop to 1/3 the second transport began to move and disappeared into the gate reappearing on the otherside. Twenty minutes later the other two transports were through as well and had set themselves up in Sunset orbit to begin the ferrying of troops down planetside. They werent going to any of the Combat Zones. The ISSAPC pilots and Marines both rejoiced at this notion, landing in a hot CZ, was not something anyone wished to do unless under dire circumstances and while the APC did mean the transports were armored, it didnt mean they were inpenetrable to concentrated fire.

Wazzu gets a word in. (http://www.bbfree.com/NSMars/index.php?act=ST&f=3&t=37)

Althalon looked stunned. "They... they left?" He blinked.

Ahadi smirked. "Well, then. I think we both know what to do."

***
Public Diplomatic Transmission
Origin: The Ali'Staan
Destination: Mars [broadband transmission]

"Given that the Pakleds have now departed the Red Planet, another patch of vacant land as sprung up. In the name of Lord Melkor's Imperium, I claim this land for use in trading further on Mars."

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Grade A badass
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

Public Broadcast

Point of origin: Khalthorak, principle city of His Imperial Majesty's colony "Kaiser"

The Emperor, too, wishes to claim a small slice of the abandoned territory's northern half; so that the Imperial colony of Kaiser might have an outpost off the planet's northern pole, where it flourishes at present.

We would remind Lord Melkor that Kull space is open to him & that we will assist him in his endeavors to the best of our abilities should he request it.

~High Lord Ahritane

OOC: Assuming everything works out right, I'd essentially be seeking a little blob of land at Green Mars' north-eastern corner. Since the Empire already occupies a sizeable (if a little sparseley populated) colony wrapping around Mars' northern icecap I'm thinking I'll just move overland to it- is that possible, or is that area under Eniqcirian control?

Roughly how long can I expect to wait before the map update is completed by the way, Kajal? Not trying to harrangue you or anything, but it's kind of a hassle for the purposes of RPing.

is that area under Eniqciri control?
Nope.

<Encrypted transmission to Melkor (secret IC)>

Mangala is willing to negotiate, we will allow Sunset to mediate. We have no quarrel with you, and hope that you will not see our attack on Manmen's units as an attack on youself. The transports ignored multiple warnings from two reasonable sources, namly Mangala and Wazzu. We only asked that no one land in the area until this was resolved, there was no need for that ill-concieved and pointless incursion.

We are open to you settling Mars, but hope that you are not as rude as your friends seem to be.

<encrypted transmission to TorYvresse(secret IC)>

TY fighting on the side of dark eldar and the lord of evil? Are you out of your mind?! Auman is a harmless, if provincial, power and generally means little harm. Pardon my bluntness, but what is your problem? You would let dark eldar and orcs on Mars simply to weaken a mildly obnoxious regime in the South? Explain your reasoning[ooc: seriously, what is your ic reasoning?]

[ooc to Auman: we cannot support your attack on Melkor, ic this is how it balances:

support Auman: piss off melkor, lose our neutrality, piss off TY, and Pilon. Also, we would probably lose.
stay neutral: annoy Auman

Unless a larger power moves to support you I cannot]


OOC: Our IC reason is that Auman rubbed us the wrong way and due to the unsatisfactory ending of the last war theres been a sort of Cold War going on between us and Auman. They have also repeatedly threatened us both IC and OOC and we would feel safer with a great power that will possibly not do anything to us than another power that others seem content to allow to establish themselves within striking distance of our nation and who keep over a million troops to protect a single city.

<Encrypted transmission to Melkor (secret IC)>

Mangala is willing to negotiate, we will allow Sunset to mediate. We have no quarrel with you, and hope that you will not see our attack on Manmen's units as an attack on youself. The transports ignored multiple warnings from two reasonable sources, namly Mangala and Wazzu. We only asked that no one land in the area until this was resolved, there was no need for that ill-concieved and pointless incursion.

We are open to you settling Mars, but hope that you are not as rude as your friends seem to be.

<encrypted transmission to TorYvresse(secret IC)>

TY fighting on the side of dark eldar and the lord of evil? Are you out of your mind?! Auman is a harmless, if provincial, power and generally means little harm. Pardon my bluntness, but what is your problem? You would let dark eldar and orcs on Mars simply to weaken a mildly obnoxious regime in the South? Explain your reasoning[ooc: seriously, what is your ic reasoning?]

[ooc to Auman: we cannot support your attack on Melkor, ic this is how it balances:

support Auman: piss off melkor, lose our neutrality, piss off TY, and Pilon. Also, we would probably lose.
stay neutral: annoy Auman

Unless a larger power moves to support you I cannot]


OOC: Our IC reason is that Auman rubbed us the wrong way and due to the unsatisfactory ending of the last war theres been a sort of Cold War going on between us and Auman. They have also repeatedly threatened us both IC and OOC and we would feel safer with a great power that will possibly not do anything to us than another power that others seem content to allow to establish themselves within striking distance of our nation and who keep over a million troops to protect a single city.

Message from the Kalessin Ministry of Peace:

"The Empire has decided that it would like a small plot of land on the Red Planet. As such, we of the Ministry have requested that house al Vvishiak occupy a part of the land once possessed by the Pakleds, and they have graciously agreed to do so. We assure you that the Empire bodes no threat to any Martian nation, and that as such, opposition to house al Vvishiak's landing would be pointless, as well as futile."

ooc Alright then Bajon that leaves the Tannelorn Fleet free to Support Hellesponto wall effort!!!! ok well thats good. Too bad i missed the posts i was looking forward to a space battle!

ooc Alright then Bajon that leaves the Tannelorn Fleet free to Support Hellesponto wall effort!!!! ok well thats good. Too bad i missed the posts i was looking forward to a space battle!

OOC: You can try your luck against the super dreadnought. In fact, someone nearby just may get a taste of its might...

But before I do, what fleets are still in the nearby vicinity? That is, not on the opposite side of the planet? I see: Melkor, Tannelorn, Tor Yvresse, The C'tan, Menelmacar (but she didn't post yet), Lost Americans. Anyone else?

OOC:

Just to let you know, the population of this nation has been downgraded severely in order for the ship to accomodate the Pakleds. Large as it is, it cannot hold 200+ million Pakleds. It is, after all, a fighting ship and not a transport. So basically, just divide by 100 to get the population total.

IC:


Sweet, tinkling Laughter could be heard. But from where? From eachother? Space? The walls? Their own skulls?


The Pakleds, once aboard the ship were strapped into their cryogenic cubes and began their sleep cycle. Certainly these cubes were not part of the original design of the ship but then again, much has been done and much more remains. The dreadnought though still remained a dreadnought and its primary function of war had not been compromised.

Hundreds of thousands of Pakleds lay in their cubes while a several hundred still shuffled about, confused and anxious. The dreadnought drones guided the rotund organics to their designated spots, making sure that none strayed to any restricted areas.


More Laughter. Musical. Inviting. Disturbing.


"Glop. Did you say something?"
"No Pug. I think you said somethig."
"I didn't!"
"You laughing at me Pug. I know you are!"
"I'm not laughing! You are laughing!"

The two Pakleds began to exchange heated words. Fisticuffs began with both Pakleds on the ground, clawing and scratching. Other Pakleds were similarily affected while some closed their ears with their hands and began screaming. Still other took to grabbing scrap pipes, equipment, or whatever wasn't bolted down and began attacking the drones, nearby bulkheads, and eachother. Some dreadnought drones that didn't move quickly enough were seized upon by groups of Pakleds who began to use them as makeship battering rams. Other drones quickly rose above the rabble and reported this disturbance to the AI. The reply was immediate:

Internal com: Pacify the organics. Secure the cryo cubes. Defend any nearby systems. Area will be sealed off in 30 seconds. Mark.

The drones began a deadly sweep of laser fire into the Pakleds, killing several. This only enraged the fools who began to throw things at the drones. Further down the corridors, massive hatches began to close.

But some wily Pakleds managed to get out. One group, raging like madmen and scattering about like slippery pigs, seemed to be heading for a grazer cannon gunner's gallery...


The Laughter increased in tempo...

With the conflict ongoing, more Wazzuian ships headed in. The stragglers, comming from further outsystem, would increase Wazzu's space dedicated ships orbiting Mars by half.

The nearest of the two groups was composed of two Defender-Class Frigates (http://members.cox.net/davage/images/Chris(Morning%20Patrol).jpg) and four Comet-Class Corvettes (http://members.cox.net/davage/NationStates/Wazzu/Military/Vehicles/Comet.html). Behind them, an additional two Knight-Class Frigates (http://members.cox.net/sincityraiders/images/Knight.jpg) cruised in, surrounded by the small load of gunboats and fighters each carried.

Those eight ships alone would mean Wazzu was taking something seriously, that they joined 14 space warcraft and 15 "gravships" already at the planet meant Wazzu was more then concerned. It was, in point of fact, the largest gathering of Wazzu warships ever, and was made of more then half of the larger ships (anything over 50 meters) Wazzu posessed.

The Cardboard Avenger might yet prove the value of better building materials.

As the Shadowcraft began pulling the three Khristian vessels away Commander Makai gave the order to bring up the FTL drives. Once the ships had gone to FTL, the Shadowcraft would be destroyed.

But in the command dome of the Thingol something went wrong.

Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Titus Nuccitelli, propulsion officer looked over his console as an error appeared on his status screen.

[code:1:64c16db408]ERROR IN RUNNING FTL.SYS SUB-SYSTEM 0135-F-34532-J LINE 32 COMMAND 45. INITIATING DEMINSION.CFM. CANNOT CONNECT TO HYPERSPACE. IMMEDIATE SYSTEM SHUTDOWN. SUB-SYSTEM 3284-H-48314-K OFFLINE. SUB-SYSTEM 1238-Q-19457-N OFFLINE. DRIVE.EXE IS CORRUPT. ERROR IN RUNNING PLASMAINJ.EXE. FILE HELP.DOC IS CORRUPTED. DELETION OF HELP.DOC INITITED. ERROR IN RUNNING PROPCONSOLE.SYS.[/code:1:64c16db408]

Titus typed quickly before his console shut down initiating the random dimension generator and salvaging most of the sub-systems for the FTL Drive before immediate ship-wide shutdown occured. The deminsion generator was supposed to bring up the power , trajectory, and coordinates of a deminsion much like Hyperspace. Hopefully it would work.

As the Aleph and his two escorts made the jump, everything seemed to go fine. But they knew something had gone wrong when the Thingol didn't appear on the other side.

The crazy Pakleds manged to squeeze their way into the gunner's gallery control room and began hitting buttons. For the most part, the controls were off and inactive but this only enraged the Pakleds. One squirmed his way into the gunnery control chair and managed to turn on the manual override switch. The 10" grazer cannon was immediately activated and erratice, deadly lances of energy spewed out. His buddies managed to seal the hatchways - essentially reverting the gallery into a self contained unit.

Gunnery gallery #5 has been activated. Manual override iniated. Connection between organic behaviour and this incident established. Survival of this unit is paramount. Initiate Intruder Countermeasure #20.

Internal com: Proceed to Gunnery gallery#5. Destroy the organics and shut down grazer cannon

With deadly purpose, the nearest dreadnought drones made their way to the Pakled position.

~~

Elsewhere in the ship, the Pakleds were subdued and forcibly put into their cryocubes. The dead bodies were soon gathered up and vented out via airlocks.


OOC: So whomever want to take some hits go ahead. The grazer is more of a short-range weapon though and this one is located on the port side of the ship. Assume erratic fire.- along the lines of a machine gun but then with frequent pauses and with no targeting whatsoever.

Suddenly the amount of Ur-Quan Marauders in the area quintupled, but they did not engage any ships in the area. It was quite likely that they would do something soon. But what would they do? What could they do? No one exactly knows, but still, there now were about twenty five Marauders close to Martian space. They still just stood there, observing as the situation on Mars deteriorated.

A tiny golden speck appeared in the sky above Mars, heading rapidly toward the Red Planet.

After a long wait, the Marauders started moving towards Mars, to the colony. They were not far, it did not take long for them to get into position and for the first ones to descend into the darkness of the colony. The slave shield crackled as it went down. All of the Marauders would soon be inside, unless something unexpected would happen.

More ships jumped out of HyperSpace, those being Dreadnoughts. Now they waited as the Marauders had before them.

Amazingly, the 10" grazer cannon currently being manned by a flipped out Pakled struck no nearby ships, despite the raging ground war being fought by Tor Yvresee, Tannelorn, Auman, etc... plus nearby ships such as the Ur-Quan Kohr-Ah and Menelmacar.

After scattering the Melkorian ships, the massive super dreadnought continued unmolested - its destination unknown.

~~

The drones approached the heavy hatch that sealed the gunnery gallery. After unsuccessful attempts with laser fire that barely scratched the surface, a request was made. Deep within the bowel of the ship, a lumbering piece of equipment was activated and slowly made its way to the trouble area.

As the Shadowcraft began pulling the three Khristian vessels away Commander Makai gave the order to bring up the FTL drives. Once the ships had gone to FTL, the Shadowcraft would be destroyed.

But in the command dome of the Thingol something went wrong.

Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Titus Nuccitelli, propulsion officer looked over his console as an error appeared on his status screen.

[code:1:a3bee69e53]ERROR IN RUNNING FTL.SYS SUB-SYSTEM 0135-F-34532-J LINE 32 COMMAND 45. INITIATING DEMINSION.CFM. CANNOT CONNECT TO HYPERSPACE. IMMEDIATE SYSTEM SHUTDOWN. SUB-SYSTEM 3284-H-48314-K OFFLINE. SUB-SYSTEM 1238-Q-19457-N OFFLINE. DRIVE.EXE IS CORRUPT. ERROR IN RUNNING PLASMAINJ.EXE. FILE HELP.DOC IS CORRUPTED. DELETION OF HELP.DOC INITITED. ERROR IN RUNNING PROPCONSOLE.SYS.[/code:1:a3bee69e53]

Titus typed quickly before his console shut down initiating the random dimension generator and salvaging most of the sub-systems for the FTL Drive before immediate ship-wide shutdown occured. The deminsion generator was supposed to bring up the power , trajectory, and coordinates of a deminsion much like Hyperspace. Hopefully it would work.

As the Aleph and his two escorts made the jump, everything seemed to go fine. But they knew something had gone wrong when the Thingol didn't appear on the other side.

As the Khristian vessels jumped, several Shadows dissapeared in bubbles of distorted space- but several more ceased to be. They would be honored in Ankh.

The destruction of their comrads did nothing to phase the rest, though, and the Thingol continued to be towed farther and farther away.

Deep within Ankh, processions marched between the gigantic trees, carrying silver a purple banners from the Spawning Pools. But these carried no Honored Dead- copper bowls of flame instead. And at the crossroads, they turned away from the path to the Crana.

A long line of the Religious issued forth from between two of the many buttresses of the Anchor Grove, accompanied by others of the Civillian Caste, carrying their copper-housed torches. At the river, the torches were set free to float out to sea, among the low sounds of the Snel Death Chants. The collection of lights flowing in a line lit the river below, flickering flames reflecting off of the dark water of the river- a river of souls.

When the Marauders started leaving the colony after being loaded full, the Dreadnoughts began their descent in similar fashion as the Marauders had some time ago. The Dreadnoughts did not collide with the Marauders, there was quite enough space for all of them to maneuver.

The Marauders, as they were leaving the planet's atmosphere, took a course back to the point they had been before, they would then wait there once again. The Dreadnoughts would do the same after they leave the colony, but it will take some time.

The golden speck grew swiftly, shining as brightly as the pole star on a clear winters night, and throughout Martian space, a strange sensation of pressure grew in the minds of those manning the many warships which roamed the area.

As the Shadowcraft began pulling the three Khristian vessels away Commander Makai gave the order to bring up the FTL drives. Once the ships had gone to FTL, the Shadowcraft would be destroyed.

But in the command dome of the Thingol something went wrong.

Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Titus Nuccitelli, propulsion officer looked over his console as an error appeared on his status screen.

[code:1:d35d2c5f70]ERROR IN RUNNING FTL.SYS SUB-SYSTEM 0135-F-34532-J LINE 32 COMMAND 45. INITIATING DEMINSION.CFM. CANNOT CONNECT TO HYPERSPACE. IMMEDIATE SYSTEM SHUTDOWN. SUB-SYSTEM 3284-H-48314-K OFFLINE. SUB-SYSTEM 1238-Q-19457-N OFFLINE. DRIVE.EXE IS CORRUPT. ERROR IN RUNNING PLASMAINJ.EXE. FILE HELP.DOC IS CORRUPTED. DELETION OF HELP.DOC INITITED. ERROR IN RUNNING PROPCONSOLE.SYS.[/code:1:d35d2c5f70]

Titus typed quickly before his console shut down initiating the random dimension generator and salvaging most of the sub-systems for the FTL Drive before immediate ship-wide shutdown occured. The deminsion generator was supposed to bring up the power , trajectory, and coordinates of a deminsion much like Hyperspace. Hopefully it would work.

As the Aleph and his two escorts made the jump, everything seemed to go fine. But they knew something had gone wrong when the Thingol didn't appear on the other side.

As the Khristian vessels jumped, several Shadows dissapeared in bubbles of distorted space- but several more ceased to be. They would be honored in Ankh.

The destruction of their comrads did nothing to phase the rest, though, and the Thingol continued to be towed farther and farther away.

Deep within Ankh, processions marched between the gigantic trees, carrying silver a purple banners from the Spawning Pools. But these carried no Honored Dead- copper bowls of flame instead. And at the crossroads, they turned away from the path to the Crana.

A long line of the Religious issued forth from between two of the many buttresses of the Anchor Grove, accompanied by others of the Civillian Caste, carrying their copper-housed torches. At the river, the torches were set free to float out to sea, among the low sounds of the Snel Death Chants. The collection of lights flowing in a line lit the river below, flickering flames reflecting off of the dark water of the river- a river of souls.

OOC: Erm... (I'm too lazy to log into ADK) I just meant that the Thingol didn't make it to the other side, it jumped it just... didn't come out the other end. 1 in 30 chance of not making it, give or take a dozen...

As it approached Mars orbit, the golden speck resolved into a long, cylindrical shape, and then, before long, as it rushed onward at a phenomenal speed, the scanners and telescopes of those in orbit around the planet could see its shape in more detail, and began to realise that it did not resemble a star-ship so much as a some great tower, such as one might see rising high above the walls of a mighty fortress or palace, its slender spires reached up through the soft white clouds. And the bright golden sheen that made it so clearly visible was not purely due to the reflected glare of the sun, since this strange vessel glowed with an inner light, causing it to shine as brightly as a star.

Meanwhile, throughout the area of space surrounding Mars, strange thoughts and feelings swept through countless sentient minds. The strongest of these was a sensation of pressure and repulsion toward the oncoming tower, yet the emotion which swept through their minds as a result was not disgust, but all-consuming drive to avoid any form of contact with the bizarre vessel, and any thoughts of attacking or hindering it caused bile to rise up in the throats of the thinkers, accompanied by a wave of paralysing fear and foreboding.

But beneath that was a subtler undercurrent. An undercurrent of hatred, hatred for the nation of of Abu-Dhabi Khristatata. For its lands, and for its people, for its ships and its language, even the name itself began to inspire loathing in all that heard it, but as yet, this feeling was dim and weak, lurking in the subconscious, and easily controlled even by the flimsiest veneer of civilisation.

Important, Mangalan policy, planetary address

http://www.bbfree.com/NSMars/index.php?showtopic=40&st=0&#entry376

May I reguest a base for my country so that we can carry out operations there. We will be peaceful and help out with, ops it the country of Kingslayer.

May I reguest a base for my country so that we can carry out operations there. We will be peaceful and help out with, ops it the country of Kingslayer.

Pardon my asking - but I don't find a nation of Kingslayer. Why would you wish to be involved anyway? This is a very complex situation with a lot happening behind the scenes.

OOC: Please note that something will happen if the "box" that the Pakleds left behind will do something if probed.