NationStates Jolt Archive

The long-dormant Federation of Azbinia launched its first spacegoing combat vessel today amidst growing concerns about the enormity of the military budget.

FASV Sirius detached itself from the space station dock and departed Earth orbit before activating its atomic pile. This first-generation space vessel will travel to Mars on its shakedown cruise, which will certainly be a test for the small crew. "This is the first time Azbinians will go beyond Earth orbit," declared S/Cmdre Turnbull. "We hope that it will become a peaceful routine."

The Sirius resembles a misshapen, tailless submarine. It is armed primarily with missiles, and two laser turrets. Four small UCSVs are attached to conformal stations on the hull. It has a crew of 45, and will serve as a light patrol vessel.

Not all members of the National Congress approve of the vessel. The governing Azbinian Labour Party has been rent by dissension for neglecting its traditional emphasis on social welfare and education for defence industry interests. Still, the government plans on producing six of the vessels, with further, more capable ones following soon after.

This has been Tara Plehvin for ARTC 1 News.

You should know that sending a warship to Mars is not a good idea right now if you want "a peaceful routine." If you arrive before the battle ends, we'll try to herd the rest away from you, but don't be surprised if you're fired upon.

-Guild Phoenicia

Er, wilco.

FASV Sirius, recently apprised of the ongoing conflict around Mars, diverts to Venus instead.

"Copy, Sirius. Wouldn't want the elves blowin' you out of the sky, transmitting passcodes now. Safe journey, comrades, be seein' you 'round the Ring."
-Space Traffic Control, Guild Phaiakia

Solar rays caught a glimpse of the Sirius as she slid behind the dark side of Venus. The trip from Earth had been uneventful, with the exception of diverting from Mars. The atomic pile worked well, achieving even better than the expected efficiency, and the shielding had not leaked. Both missiles and lasers operated adequately against target drones. The sensor drones worked as expected, although No. 3 tended to pick up ghosts on the starboard aft quarter. Captain Wentworth had shuffled the drones several times, but only No. 3 seemed to find the spectres. All in all, the voyage was thankfully dull.

Still, Wentworth worried. Even after the artificers examined No. 3 drone, it continued to pick up ghosts. Now those phantoms were slowly increasing in solidity. He ordered the Sirius to run silent and plotted a course to hide within Venus’s magnetosphere. No. 3 drone, using its passive (infra-red and light amplification) sensors, transmitted an approximate firing solution to the missiles and turrets. The other three sensor drones, fed data from the same link, readied to blast the intruder with active sensors once it was identified as hostile.

After six hours, the intruder edged its way forward. No. 3 drone transmitted distant images of a large, peculiar vessel, covered in blisters, unlike any Wentworth had ever seen. One of the blisters began to glow.

"Now!" All four drones illuminated the intruder feeding precise targetting solutions to Sirius's weapons. She began to unleash her small arsenal on the aggressor, but it was too late.

As the first salvo of missiles emerged from their launch tubes, a blue-white beam struck the Sirius amidship, compressing the section until it imploded. Fore and aft sections, now released, spun contrarily to one another, being compressed themselves from the scission to their ends.

Five small lifeboats ejected from the disintegrating hulk, four tumbling mercilessly into the deadly Venusian atmosphere. The remaining pod, having exhausted its main booster rocket, drifted slowly towards Earth...

bump

The commander of the newly formed Space Command, S/Cmdre Turnbull, announced today contact had been lost with the FASV Sirius after its arrival at Venus.

As yet, no reasons have been given why the Sirius has remained silent. Some critics of the program speculate the vessel was built hastily, circumventing many safety practices. Foremost of these concerns surround the atomic pile that, despite successful tests with unmanned probes, is viewed by some as inherently hazardous for manned spacecraft.

This has been Tara Plehvin for ARTC 1 News.

(OOC: Are you knowink Out-of-Character who attacked?)

[code:1:573e136687]Unauthorized radiation detected nightside.
Investigating...
Possible spacecraft debris identified. Deploying rescue craft.[/code:1:573e136687]
Five triangular spikes dropped from the Ring and dived towards the planet to rescue the lifeboats. Granted, they had a long distance to cover, but the atmosphere was still dense, and the lifeboats would most likely float gently to the ground as long as they didn't burn up first.

Travelling at top acceleration, the spikes dived into the upper atmosphere within ninety minutes, pulled up, and headed on the most probable intercept course for the lifeboats. One by one, they latched on and began towing them to the closest Flying Island.

(OOC: Are you knowink Out-of-Character who attacked?)

(OOC: Nope. Just inventing a big bad with nasty weaponry based very loosely on string theory)


[code:1:5e6da0170c]Unauthorized radiation detected nightside.
Investigating...
Possible spacecraft debris identified. Deploying rescue craft.[/code:1:5e6da0170c]
Five triangular spikes dropped from the Ring and dived towards the planet to rescue the lifeboats. Granted, they had a long distance to cover, but the atmosphere was still dense, and the lifeboats would most likely float gently to the ground as long as they didn't burn up first.

Travelling at top acceleration, the spikes dived into the upper atmosphere within ninety minutes, pulled up, and headed on the most probable intercept course for the lifeboats. One by one, they latched on and began towing them to the closest Flying Island.

(OOC: Interesting...)

----

ESCAPE POD 5:
"It's hopeless..."

Able Crewman Peter Gogol coughed as he closed his notepad for what he thought was the last time. He'd exhausted the lifeboat's meagre food supply five days ago. The water and air reclamation units struggled to keep operating as their batteries drained the last reserves, a micrometeoroid storm having snapped off the solar panel. Worse still, he was only a fortieth of the way back to Earth...

EARTH ORBIT, FASV BETELGEUSE
Commander Gillian Howard received her last instructions from Space Commodore Turnbull. The Betelgeuse had been cobbled together out of the three ships in construction, but she was a hardy boat. Still, Howard was anxious about what disaster might have befallen the Sirius, troubles in which her sister ship would soon find herself...

If the pods have windows, the occupants would be able to see a steady increase in ambient light, until the wisps of yellow clouds could be seen- though not very well, as droplets of acid would etch the glass or plastic. Following this, the pods were flying through fluffy white water clouds. Exiting one particularly thick cloud mass, a series of hazy black spikes and bumps could be seen sticking out of the lower layer of sulphuric acid clouds. 'Twas here that the spikes and their cargo of lifeboats headed, led by the fifth unburdened one.

The spikes flew through a wide iris door into a sort of landing bay inside the Flying Island, where the pods were deposited before the spikes took off again to return to the Ring. Then, the iris closed and all was dark for a few moments before harsh mercury-vapor lamps switched on, and turbopumps began buzzing to replace the toxic atmosphere with oxygen. after about half an hour, eight creatures like cycloptic six-legged shelled octopods began walking around and climbing over the four lifeboats, looking for a way in.

OOC: Azbinia, those are very well written posts. Would you mind if I RP'd as the ship that killed the Sirius? My Beam Cannons (the primary ship to ship weapon on my ship) seem to fit what you said about the beam that killed the Sirius. So, how bout it?

We are sorry to hear that this ship of yours has been destroyed on its maiden voyage.Perhaps you shall take this as a lesson to not mettle where you don't belong.

-In The Flames of Hostility That Become Him,Lord Admiral Gero-

http://www.satanstephen.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/flagz0r.gif


Traileric Empire:Proud Member Of U.O.H.N.

An Diablo VI Warship slips into hyperspace somewhere in Venus space.

Diablo VI: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_152/vortal_pic_76037.jpg

OOC: Azbinia, those are very well written posts. Would you mind if I RP'd as the ship that killed the Sirius? My Beam Cannons (the primary ship to ship weapon on my ship) seem to fit what you said about the beam that killed the Sirius. So, how bout it?

(OOC: I'd be honoured. Mind, my posts might be a little erratic 'til Monday. Thanks!)

If the pods have windows, the occupants would be able to see a steady increase in ambient light, until the wisps of yellow clouds could be seen- though not very well, as droplets of acid would etch the glass or plastic. Following this, the pods were flying through fluffy white water clouds. Exiting one particularly thick cloud mass, a series of hazy black spikes and bumps could be seen sticking out of the lower layer of sulphuric acid clouds. 'Twas here that the spikes and their cargo of lifeboats headed, led by the fifth unburdened one.

(OOC: The fifth escape pod went Earth-ward, albeit not very far...)

The spikes flew through a wide iris door into a sort of landing bay inside the Flying Island, where the pods were deposited before the spikes took off again to return to the Ring. Then, the iris closed and all was dark for a few moments before harsh mercury-vapor lamps switched on, and turbopumps began buzzing to replace the toxic atmosphere with oxygen. after about half an hour, eight creatures like cycloptic six-legged shelled octopods began walking around and climbing over the four lifeboats, looking for a way in.

(OOC: Unfortunately, the lifeboats haven't windows, but those inside are certainly terrified by their rescue, thinking their rescuers might be their attackers... I'll get back to this as soon as possible!)

GDC Hermes, Active Patrol, Sol System

"What's the status of the ship?"

"It's still on a direct course. There's was that quick change from Mars to Venus, but it hasn't twitched since then."

"Interesting. Still no response to hails? (They'd be using Sub-Space signals, you wouldn't be able to hear them)"

"No response, sir."

"Well, let's move to a more direct approach. Get us close enough for a pule laser transmission."

"Yes, sir. We are closing to 1 km."

Suddenly, the sensor station creman jerked upright

"Sir! We are getting direct sensor pings from 5 different sources, it looks like targeting data!"

"****! It's a trap! Arm the forward Beam Cannon, blow that thing out of the Void!"

"Firing, sir!"

As the first salvo of missiles emerged from the Sirius launch tubes, a blue-white beam struck the Sirius amidship, compressing the section until it imploded. Fore and aft sections, now released, spun contrarily to one another, being compressed themselves from the scission to their ends.

FASV Betelgeuse, halfway between Earth and Venus

Cdr Howard received the fourth message from engineering to reduce speed. The hastily installed reactor shielding was leaking radiation at dangerous levels, forcing the entire crew into their uncomfortable and ungainly radiation/EVA suits. Cursing their bad fortune, she ordered helm to reduce speed by half.

"Pritchard," she growled to her orderly, "get down to engineering and see if they can fix that damn engine." The engineer, a veteran of nuclear subs, responded immediately by cutting the drive entirely. Through a barrage of static he announced that they would have to vent and sanitize the aft sections for at least forty-eight hours before any work could be done."

Cursing once again, Howard agreed with her engineer's assessment. She ordered the sensor drones deployed, powerless to do anything else as the Betelgeuse glided towards Venus, powerless save for her fuel cells...

"Sir, we have detected another ship moving along the vector of the one that attacked us. Sensor profile and energy readings are identicle. I think they're from the same builders."

"Interesting. No chances with this one. I want shields on full, keep the Beams charged. Start a Pulse Laser from 7 klicks out. I want space to Jump out if they get nasty."

"We are in position. Pulse Laser started."

"Attention unidentified vessel, this is the GDC Hermes. Please identify yourself."

Deep inside the Flying Island, one of the Snel began rapping in the hull of one of the pods, tapping out "STAND BACK" in alternating morse code and ASCII Binary. Suddenly, the tapping stopped, and was replaced by a soft hissing sound as a high-power laser cutter began working its way through the hull, cutting open the door.

After a large chunk of hull clattered to the floor, several green Snel peered inside before darting back and conversing in clicks and whistles. One of them quickly ambled away, while two others stood guard around the opening.

The Snel Race Flying Island

The majority of the crew within the rescued pods were unconscious. Leading crewman (LCM) Lucas Dram, delirious from the effects of the weapon and the entry into the Venusian atmosphere, could not believe what he saw. Thinking he was hallucinating, Dram checked the external atmosphere through his suit-helmet's HUD.

[code:1:90abe384c9]Oxygen....OK[/code:1:90abe384c9]

He checked his two crewmates vitals before fumbling to disconnect himself from the pod. Other than unconscious, they seemed all right. He just hoped they all stayed that way...

----

FASV Betelgeuse
"Captain, we're picking up something on both long-range scans and the LWR (laser warning receiver)," declared Master Crewman Gavin Odding.

"How strong a reading on the LWR?" Howard asked.

"Mid-strength, Captain. Can't tell whether their targetting or communicating."

"OK, general quarters, but let's see if we can angle one of the drones to act as a relay. Jenkins, broadcast (by standard radio) a general message that we're on a search and rescue mission. Let's hope they're friendly..."

OOC: The Pulse Laser would be received by a standard radio receiver. It's just directed at one specific point, so other people can't intercept it (SO, you'd hear my message)

OOC: The Pulse Laser would be received by a standard radio receiver. It's just directed at one specific point, so other people can't intercept it (SO, you'd hear my message)

(OOC: Sorry! The Betelgeuse is barely in one piece and is still emitting a fair measure of radiation that's messing with most of the ship's systems. I was going to use the drone as a booster relay... Apologies)

"Captain, we're receiving something," OCM Jenkins said.

"Pipe it through."

"Attention unidentified vessel, this is the GDC Hermes. Please identify yourself."

"Captain GDC Hermes, this is FASV Betelgeuse. We are en route to Venus searching for a vessel. Can you assist?"

"This is Captain Kilser Ralnik, commander of the GDC Hermes, on patrol from the Klonor Empire. We recently encountered a ship similar to your vessel in construction and energy emissions, when we moved in to open communications they attacked. We were forced to destroy their ship."

He confers with his sensor officers, confirming that the other ship is not transmitting targeting data as the first ship was.

"If you will power down your weapons we will dock with your ship and share our sensor tapes. maybe you can tell us what happened.

For info on Klonor ships and technology, visit the Klonor Ship Stores (The Hermes is a Fenris class Cruiser, you can check out it's specs ot at the main store)

http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/134012/0.jpg (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=108847)
http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/kwsig.jpg? (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88389)
http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/ksig8.jpg (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=94716)
http://hometown.aol.com/jbk405/images/ksig4.jpeg (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=59081)

"Wonderful," muttered the XO, LCdr Alex Perkins. "We're halfway to Venus, leaking radiation all the way, barely able move, never mind fire, and now we run into the people who destroyed the Sirius."

"That's as may be, but unless we want to keep using these obviously obsolete ships for another few centuries, we should play nice," replied Cdr Howard. "Open the channel again, Jenkins."

"Captain Ralnik, this is Captain Howard of the Betelgeuse. We regret the misunderstanding that cost our fellow citizens their lives. Though we know such events can occur, may we trouble you for some modest form of reparations, perhaps some technological advancements (or a discount from your shipyards) in the spirit of interstellar amity? We are prepared to meet you halfway, owing to the hazardous conditions [i.e. still trying to clean up the radiation from my leaky drive] prevailing on this vessel, and would like to see the readings from your encounter with the Sirius. Is this acceptable?"

The third Snel quickly returned with a small black box. It leaped up and slithered into the pod, and levelled its single compound eye at Dram while sweeping its four fingers over the box, which began to emit a synthesized voice.

"Human. Where do you come from? Why were you attacked?"

"Wait, these guys attack us and they expect us to pay them for defending ourselves? What, are they high or something?"

"High or not, the Duke wants us on our best behavior. Ever since that Commonwealth incident we're supposed to treat everything likes it's our fault, he doesn't want another war. Communications, re-open the channel."

"Open, sir."

The Captain, obviously fighting not to curse out the other commander, begins to speak

"If you will allow it, we will dispatch a repair crew to assist with the damage control on your vessel. You may then take their shuttle back to the Hermes to view the sensor tapes. Hopefully we may then reach some sort of agreement."

(OOC: Nice switch!)

FASV Betelgeuse
"Captain Ralnik, we thank you for your kind offer of assistance and will comply. We thank you for your honesty."

-----

The Snel Race Flying Island
LCM Dram was certain he was delusional when the Snel entered the pod, until it began to speak. Azbinians had not encountered non-human lifeforms before, so Dram responded the only way he knew how. He screamed...

The green leaped backwards, nearly losing balance as it tumbled out of the pod holding its forelimbs over its tympanic membranes. The three Snel scuttled around the synthesizer until it was acting as a semi-effective noise canceller, reducing the human's scream to a bearable level. The other two Snel then climbed up into the pod and began gently removing the humans.

Meanwhile, three other sets of three set about opening up the other three pods.

OOC: Switch? What switch?

(OOC: Sorry, Klonor. I was writing of how the Betelgeuse's XO was complaining and how your crew made similar comments regarding my captain's response to your communication. I found your reply clever, and entirely apt.)

-----

The Snel Flying Island
Dram noticed that the creature had not attacked and had indeed offerred assistance. Slowly, still terrified, he crawled from the hole the Snel had cut into the pod...

With a nod to the crew chief an experienced repair is assembled, meeting in the docking bay next to the Elysium class Transport Omega.

"Okay, we're being sent on a slightly peculiar repair mission. Apparently, there's been contact with some sort of amazing primitive craft. It's barely space worthy. In fact, it's not. The ship is falling apart even as we speak. We're to shuttle over, fix what we can, and bring the Captain of that ship back with us. Okay, let's go."

The men slowly file aboard, the Omega rising off the floor and out through the MagCon field.

"Jenkins, you'd better notify the people on the shuttle to wear hazmat suits," ordered Cdr Howard. "We don't want our benefactors to get radiation poisoning."

"Perkins, make sure everyone here stays on their best behaviour. If what their captain said about the Sirius is true, we certainly wouldn't want to anger them. Especially in this deathtrap." As she waved her suited arm a new circuit blew. "Understand?"

"Yes, Captain."

"And if anyone does mess up, make sure they understand they'll be tried as if we're at wartime. Hopefully, that will stop some hothead."

As Dram exited, the Snel backed away to give him room, keeping a good five foot minimum distance to let him walk a bit on the silvery-grey floor. After a few moments, one of them tried the synthesizer again.

"What is yor origin? Why were you attacked? Do you require food or medical assistance?"

The Omega flies to the other ship and docks. (Not really much more to say right now)

FASV Betelgeuse

As the hatch opens, the Omega's crew is greeted by an unarmed honour guard of eight crewmen in spacesuits and Cdr. Howard. Howard salutes the benefactors and moves to shake hands with them.

-----

The Snel Flying Island
"I'm from Earth, from a country called Azbinia," answered Dram. "I have no idea who or what attacked us. I was monitoring the atomic pile when the chief engineer ordered us to abandon ship." Dram paused to remove his helmet, and tried to take in his surroundings. "Where am I? Who are you?"

"Greetings, I am Lieutenant Commander Cordova of the GDC Hermes. We've been sent over to help with repairs, and to escort you back to our ship. Please, direct us to the trouble."

He gestures behind his back, signaling his men to follow the guide (I assume there's gonna be a guide)

"I am unfamiliar with that nation. We shall have to investigate your vessel's destruction further. You are on the Flying Island of Thekla, 49 point 5 kilometers above the Venusian surface. I am Atmospheric Observer Sub-Coordinator 21st of August Clan Zaius. Do you require further information?"

FASV Betelgeuse
"Lieutenant Commander Perkins will conduct you through the boat and answer any questions you might have," Howard said. "I can't thank you enough for your help, Commander Cordova."

LCdr Perkins shook hands with LCdr Cordova and guided the repair team through the narrow corridors dimly lit by emergency lighting to the drive. "Your vessel is very impressive, Cdr. Cordova. We're still using fission reactors in our vessels. Generally, they're more reliable than this clunker, though." Azbinian workcrews cluttered the passages, interrupting their welding and other repairs to allow Perkins and the crew from the Omega past.

-----

The Snel Flying Island Thekla
"Where are your people from, and what species are you? Azbinia's barely left Earth," Dram replied. He looked over at the other escape pods and saw the holes made by the Snel. "How are my other crewmates?"

"Fission reactors? You haven't even moved onto fusion? Yet you're still attempting space travel. Either you're incredibly brave, or insanely stupid."

His men stifle a laugh at that and move forward, following Lieutenant Commander Perkins.

"Let's see what we can do here."

The Snel Flying Island Thekla
"Where are your people from, and what species are you? Azbinia's barely left Earth," Dram replied. He looked over at the other escape pods and saw the holes made by the Snel. "How are my other crewmates?"
"Do you mean the clan, or the species, and originally or most recently? The second question is easier. I am Snel. I am not aware of your crewmates, but unless they are already dead, they will live. Those in your own pod are simply unconcious. I assume you wish me to become aware of them, yes?"

The green hexapod slowly turned and then more quickly waddled across the deck to another group of three busy carrying out the inhabitants of another pod, then another, and the last one, before returning. The obviously injured crewmen were carefully being put on stretchers and carried away.

(OOC: Your call on how many are in what condition.)

The Snel Flying Island Thekla
Of Dram's six fellow crewmembers only two were conscious, slowly coming round to their surroundings as he had a short while before. "Thank you for your help, er, Zaius. Any help finding who did this would be greatly appreciated."

-----

FASV Betelgeuse
In the reactor room, several medics assisted artificers from the room. The chief engineer oversaw the repairs to the reactor shielding and to the atmospheric scrubbers. "All this is shot, Commander," the Chief announced to Perkins. "It's too dangerous to operate without proper shielding. We'll have to return on our chemical boosters." The Chief, his vision restricted by his anti-radiation suit, finally noticed the visitors. "Who's this lot?"

"They're from the Klonor ship Hermes," answered Perkins, "they'll be helping you with the repairs."

"So, what seems to be the problem? All we were told was that there was a radiation leak. We'll need more details before we can help. Lay it on me."

"It's the reactor shielding," replied the Chief. "Whoever built the vessel did a shoddy job, using some terribly substandard materials." He indicated to Cdr Cordova the cracking seams whence the reactor vessel leaked the worst. "Generally, we like to weld the pieces together at a good temperature to create a uniform vessel, but not this time." Chief Whitby, shook his head in disgust before looking at Cordova again. "We can't remove the control rods for fear of irradiating everyone, but the emergency fuel cells are starting to peter out. When we get back, I'm gonna give a swift kick to the a--- of whomever sent us out like this."

"Jesus, you're still using solid shielding? Wow. I'm shocked this thing even made it out this far."

Turning to his men, he begins to issue orders. Within minutes the repair crew is racing around setting up equipment surrounding the reactor.

"Emitter set, sir."

"Excellent. Start it up."

With a few crackles, and a little electricity arching between the metal components, the emitters begin to whir and hum. A few seconds after that, it's all over.

"We've placed a radiation barrier over the cracked seams. They should block all the radiation being emitted. We've also placed metallic reinforcements across the rest of the shielding. It should keep it from cracking any more. So, problem solved."

Then he just stands there, with a slightly superior smile on his face

"Anything else?"

The Snel Flying Island Thekla
Of Dram's six fellow crewmembers only two were conscious, slowly coming round to their surroundings as he had a short while before. "Thank you for your help, er, Zaius. Any help finding who did this would be greatly appreciated."
"This? To which event do you refer?"
The othe two Snel at that particular pod chattered back and forth to each other before nudging the two conscious humans over towards Dram, and then beginning to ferry away the unconscious ones.

FASV Betelgeuse
"Er, thanks," Whitby replied. "Could we perhaps get some information on this technology, or at least purchase some of this equipment off your government? We've never seen any such devices before."

Perkins was mildly peeved but mostly pleased. The ship was saved and the other repairs were in order. "Thank you, Commander Cordova. You've done more than we could have asked, though I must second the Chief's request for information, if at all possible."

-----

The Snel Flying Island Thekla
"Oh, this," Dram replied. "I mean the attack on my ship, finding out who might have attacked us. Thank you for recovering my people. It must have been very difficult to have rescued our pods."

bump

"Difficult, no. Inconvenient, yes. Now then, we will have to put you somewhere. It will not do to have you camping out in the landing bay. Come."

The trio of Snel led Dram & Co. out of the bay and into a corridor carved out of the black carbon of the island, just slightly wider and shorter than those built for humans would be.