NationStates Jolt Archive

Moonlight reflected from the disturbed waves as the PCS Ion sliced through strange waters, hundreds of miles from home and the Vascian Gulf. Beside her sailed the Imperial Praetonian Warship, the PWS Linux, a Cassius Class Destoryer. Aboard the Ion, 20mm cannon trained back and forth across the empty sky, and a light anti-ship missile launcher sat on the large foredeck. The Linux by comparison was bristling with weapons, high calibre guns and large missiles, able to counter most threats quickly and effectively. The cannon aboard the Cassius Class Destroyer did not train across the sky, but were left limply pointing into the sea, an overlooked tertiary weapon.

In the bowls of the unusually heavily armoured Ion thirty Imperial Marines stood guard over the cargo stored within the second thick hull of the ship. The third hull was lined with lead and within that was stored 5 tonnes of uranium destined for Neo-Praetonia.

"Status report, Lieutenant," came the standard half hourly words from Captain Mathews.

"Nothing to report, sir. Radar is blank, sonar is blank, there isn't another ship for miles," replied Lieutenant Rawlings, stifling a yawn.

"Very good Mr. Rawlings, back to your station," said the Captain, reclining in his chair and closing his eyes.

Inside one of the VLS batteries, however, all was not well. A small spark erupted from a partially severed power cable, shooting into the fire control box, which started to smoke worryingly. Seconds later, several large sparks shot out of the control box before the CO2 generators came online and stifled the would-be fire. Unfortunately, one of the sparks had shorted out part of the flight control systems on a Lance anti-shipping missile, activating the emergency firing systems. The engine activated and propelled the missile into the VLS silo ceiling which had been artificially locked. The missile exploded, half way out of the battery, setting off the entire magazine.

The Linux heaved sideways, the entire starboard outrigger pulled out of the water as stores and people were flung against the side of the ship. The port outrigger snapped off and began to sink as sailors scrambled to escape before they were pulled under. Most of the super structure was vapourised even as the entire raised VLS structure shot away from the ship, the system designed to vent a possible blast away. The ship shook violently several times from the aftershock. Most of the bridge crew was dead and Captain Mathews was sprawled across the floor covered in cuts where he had landed on smashed glass.

Two hours later, a message was received from the Ion, herself partially damaged by the explosion:

Imperial Praetonian Cargo Ship Ion requesting immediate
assistance. Escort crippled. Nuclear material on board. Ship veering
dangerously off course. Rudder appears jammed. Imperial Praetonian Cargo
Ship Ion requesting immediate assistance.

OOC: If you try to dispatch rescue ships then note that it will take some time to reach the Ion and also that she only transmits once, so you need to spend time searching. Also Im planning on someone trying to steal the uranium, but that's up to you.

-tag-

On the F.S.D BLOWUPYOURBUNGHOLE returning from a missle launch on Dougomania. The ship's advance radar picked up the explosion of the ION.

"Sir."
"Yes." replied Captain Relly Quex
"Radar just picked up a huge explosion." "Looks like the Ion."
"How big?"
"About an armory full of missles."
"Holy crap, set courses to see if there are any survivors."
"Yes sir, all men report to rescue stations!!"

Upon Hearing the news from his intelligence operative, President Phillonius Dispatched half the fleet to attempt a rescue, at least thats what he told the public. the real reason was that the benefits of having nuclear material greatly outweighed the political implications. he could always say that the uranium was gone when his ships found it. He gave Admiral Fresdon Full Autonomy and authority over the operation
Admiral Jacob Fresdon looked over the "fleet" he would be using to "save" the Ion her crew, and her cargo. 7 ships, 2 scouts, 4 cruisers, and one battleship. He thought he had enough to take on nearly any threat he may encounter. so he set off in the direction that the signal came from.

The RNS John M. Forrester a Liberty II Class destoryer was on patrol when it recived the message.
"Sir, A signal come from a Praetonian Cargo Ship called the Ion " yelled the Comm Officer."
Capt. Stevens ordered the ship to the area at flank speed. He also asked for a Discover-Class Underwater Recovery Ship to join the Forrester

Lol
That is a great disaster...
Need help ?

OOC: Sure if you want to help. I wont reply IC for a bit, since no one is close enough to be in my radar range.

The radar detected another ship in the area, and Admiral Fresdon ordered a comms officer to open a channel
"This is admiral Jacob Fresdon of the Sovereignty of Pie, we are here on a mission of peace to help the surviors of a terrible accident onbord a ship called the Ion
The coms crackled, "I am Captain Steven of the RNS John M. Forrester,"

OOC:My first RP to participate in! :)

The Istvaan Archmagister for Defence, Lazaar Broadback, viewed his info-screens and news broadcast channels flood suddenly with information. A large cargo ship deemed helpless. Containing large amounts of Uranium. Possible enviromental disaster. Lazaar sent a message to the Archmagister of Public Safety to make the government's official statement to be along the lines of:

'A very sad incident. We are immediately dispatching ships to rush to the aid of the Ion and to rescue it's crew.'

That to be published in the country's only newspaper, 'The Emperor's Light'. Of course, the government was taking an entirely different action. That Uranium will be seized and all survivors on board the Ion will be killed. Broadback knew there would be competition for such a cargo. He notified the Emperor of the actions being taken, and also sent an order to the Lord Commander of Istvaan's Navy to take the ship.

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

Lord Commander Valkheim surveyed the half-mile long, Emperor class battleship His Will throttle out of the dock. He thought it was quite silly to use one of the Empire's largest ships for a mere raid, but Broadback had insisted to take His Will it was surrounded by several Typhoon class battleships and many small scout boats.

'For the Emperor.', Valkheim prayed as the fleet rolled out to sea before him.

To: Admiral Fresdon
This is the Forrester and the Discovery we are doing the same mission. Yep, we're also looking for the Ion

OOC: You have a mile long battleship :confused:

IC: PWS Jolt, Some Hours Later

Commodore Pertinax Veno sat at the head of a small conference table behind the armoured bridge of the namesake ship of the Jolt Class of Long Range Destroyers. Sat along the table were three Captains, one of the Jolt, and two of the Cassius Class Destroyers, Polaris and Jove.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, as you are no doubt aware a distress signal was intercepted from a Praetonian Merchant Vessel, the Ion. This is a ship of which very few of you will have had prior knowledge. It is carrying several tonnes of enriched uranium to Neo-Praetonia to facilitate the construction of several nuclear siloes there. The ship is damaged and the idiot of a Captain relayed a distress call for all to hear. No doubt privateers and pirates will be surrounding her as we speak. We are currently moving to intercept."

OOC: Sorry I had to cut this short, I'll post more tomorrow.

OOC:Yeah I guess I went a bit over the top. I've halved it's size now.

An interesting transmission had been recieved, possibly through dubious means, and the light cruiser Altens had been sent to provide assistance. Of course, there were ulterior motives. It was known that the distressed ship had "nuclear material" on board, and Callisdrun's weapon program could use all the uranium it could get its hands on.

CLF Altens sailed at three quarters speed through the high seas. It was a storm, but she was built for storms. Inside the bridge, only red light lit the instruments. All else was black. The ocean was a beautiful, but dark and lonely place at night. The captain, a gaunt woman, stood silently peering out the window. She hadn't moved in more than half an hour.

OOC: Continuation of my last post.

IC: Captain Marcus Terpus of the Polaris stood up and asked, "Do we know where the Ion is, and what state her escort is in?"

"We have triangulated the position of the distress signal, and if their rudder is jammed then they are definately within the area of it, but we do not know exactly. If the escort is still afloat then her communications are down, because we haven't heard a word from her since a few hours before the explosion. It is likely that she is in the immediate vicinity of the distress call, if she is even afloat.

"Are we considering sinking the Ion if we find her?"

"Not at this point, but if we find that she is in the hands of a foreign force then we will attempt to sink her. Unfortunately that may be hard considering the armour we've put on her.

"How far do you estimate us from the epicentre of the distress call?"

"Between one and two days' sail in good conditions. We can only hope that anyone attempting to take the Ion was not already at sea when she was damaged."

Admiral Fresdon stood on the bow of his ship, looking for any sign of the Ion. it had been a little more than a day since they left the Forrester. he decided he should call in a carrier from home.
"Mr. President, yes Sir, no Sir, well yes Sir, but Sir, look, Sir, we need one of the new aircraft carriers we just received. yes, and preferably with a full compliment of SU-37's. yes sir. well, I plan on having them do areal search patters. yes Sir, thank you Sir. Fresdon out."
Fresdon sent a message to two of the scout ships, the Iliad and the Odyssey, he sent them back to intercept the incoming carrier, Homer, and escort it here. it should rendezvous with him in approximately 12 hours time.

*Aboard the DAFS Principle - Niyau Class Battlecruiser on patrol.*

Admiral Briggs stood quietly aboard the ships quarterdeck, thinking to himself how far he has come from a lowly cook to Second-In-Command of the 7th Fleet. Most Admirals were customed to commanding Aircraft Carriers, but not Briggs, this was his ship.

"Admiral!"
"Yes Mr. Jenkins?"
"DSAC wants us to investigate the transmission from an allied vessel sir."
"Which one?"
"The Ion sir, Praetonian, apparently another Praetonian vessel was carrying enriched uranium when it exploded due to unknown reasons, the state of the vessel is unknown to us, DSAC has ordered us to investigate and help assist in the rescue of the crew of both ships"
"No doubt other vessels heard this as well"
"No doubt"
"Full ahead together"
"Yessir"
"And Mr. Jenkins"
"Get the SSM Batteries online"

Ten hours ago, Fresdon had sent two of his ships, the Iliad, and the Oddesey to escort the homer, and aircraft carrier to him. his navigations officer had just picked up a blip on the radar, and all attempts to communicate with it were met with static. he ordered all Missle batteries be brought online, and all crew to their battlestations. he told his comms officer to dispatch a meesage to the Homer, ordering them to dispatch five Su-37's to his postion at once, fully armed. He knew that if this was the Ion, chances are, he wasnt the only one who picked it up, and he was not about to lose his first engagement should there be one.

PCS Ion, Somewhere

"Major Vitellius, bring your men up on deck," shouted the Captain of the Ion from the bridge. Un unknown ship had just passed over the horizon and he was beginning to have doubts over the intentions of this ship.

"Yes sir," came the reply almost at once. Major Vitellius clipped his sword onto his belt and arranged ten of the Imperial Marines. They were wearing their dark purple Battle Dress Uniform and each man carried an OICW slung over his shoulder. The ten men ran out onto the side of the ship in a single column, turned to face out to sea and then stood to attention. Above them, four further Imperial Marines were manning the four 20mm cannon on this side of the ship and a sailor was beginning to flash out morse code on one of the naval lamps.

Unidentified Vessel. This is the Imperial Praetonian Cargo Ship Ion. We
request towage to Praetonian waters.

Fresdon couldn't believe his luck, he'd found the ion, and was apparently the only ship in the area. he told his officer to send a message back to the Ion, in Morse code of course, the massage was as follows :
Ion, We are currently on an intercept course, our cruisers shall run along
side of you and tow you back to your waters, do not resist
of course, he had no intention of taking them back to their waters. He the Homer, the Iliad and Odyssey were still 1 1/2 hours out, but the su's had just flown over. he ordered all marines into full combat gear, and readied to engage the crippled ship. he told the marines to open fire as soon as they cruisers got along side of the ship, and armed two torpedo's for launch. once his cruisers got along side the ship, he ordered the torpedo's fired, more to cause chaos, then to damage the ship

*edited by request of of praetorian*

OOC: When you RP, you can't say what my ships are doing, so you can't post that my ships moved towards you, and you cant post that they broadcast that to you. My ships are still a few hours sail away, although you may have been spotted on helicopter-mounted radar. Since you're new to RPing I understand why you did that though.

Edit your post so you just come up alongisde the ship and try to board or something, but remember that at each stage you have to give me time to respond. Eg someone can't post your marines clambering onto the ship in full battle gear and storming the bridge, because they haven't given me time to respond firing back. Also remember that you can't post other people's losses (so you can't say you killed any of my marines or did damage to the ship, I have to post that). Im not saying that you will do any of that, they're just things that new players often do do.

EDIT: Also if my ships were approaching yours, bear in mind that my nation is considerably more powerful than yours. If you rescue my ship and some uranium goes 'missing', or you say the ship was sunk when you got there, I can go along with that. Even if you blatantly steal the uranium that wont mean much more than sanctions if you dont give it back, but if you open fire on and destroy my warships... that's a different matter.

/ooc yeah, sorry, i am new to RP'ing, and i appologise. , and message edited.

To: Praetonian Vessel Ion
From: DAFS Principle

"Ion, this is Admiral Briggs of the Demidian Navy, we are 4 hours full steam from your area, please give us coordinates, Ion this is Principle do you respond....."

"Jenkins!"
"Yes Admiral?"
"Any signs of other ships in the Ion's area?"
"Not that we can see yet sir"
"Very well"

The Imperial Marines looked onto the deck of the Cruisers. 'They're a little close,' they thought together, 'and why are all those marines in full battle gear?'. The next second, the ship shook, two torpedoes had slammed into the starboard outrigger, one smashing a hole through the already weakened hull. Water began flooding in as the Marines realised what was happening.

"Take cover! Open fire!" Shouted Major Vitellius. The crew ducked for cover, the Captain stooping down under a control panel just long enough to pull a pistol from under it. The crew were armed and the Marines started firing. The Marines on the side of the ship had been knocked to the ground by the blast, but at least it gave them some protection. The 20mm cannon opened up first, blasting shot after shot onto the Cruiser deck below, then the Marines recovered themselves and remained lying on the stomachs, firing 20mm shells and 9mm bullets from their OICWs at intervals.

Inside the ship, the crew drew their pistols and retreated behind the close-in defences which punctuated the narrow corridors of the ship. Also stationed there were the remaining 16 marines with machineguns and OICWs. "Prepare the anti-ship missiles for firing!" Shouted the Captain. He knew it was a long shot to try to knock out a cruiser with two small SMMs, but it was worth a try.

.
:confused:

Accident

"Sir, one of the torpedo's punched a hole in their armor, they are taking on water, and our marines are taking heavy fire from their 20mm canon," said one of the bridge crew officers

"Damn, We need to get that cargo out of there fast. Launch 1 SMM for each 20mm, try to take them out, bring the main guns to bear, lets try to give those cruisers some cover," Fesdon said, studying the battle taking place just in front of his battleship. "Tell the Su's to fire on the bridge with their missiles, lets try to knock out whoever is co-ordinating them"

Aboard the DAFS Principle

"Admiral!" Jenkins shouts to Briggs, whom is standing on the foredeck.
"Yes?"
"One of our Pave Low has spotted two war vessels, one heavily damaged sir"
"the Ion?"
"Yessir, the other is a Pie vessel, seems to be firing on the Ion sir"
"Are we in range to fire our SSM batteries?"
"Not yet, within th next few minutes."
"Notify me when we are in range"

OOC: Put it on hold for a bit, Im going to have tea.

SSMs hurtled towards the exposed 20mm cannon, but at close range they had little time to maneuver, and SSMs arent designed for pinpoint strikes. One missile hit a gun, smashing the barrel in two and killing the operator, before exploding and causing severe fires in the uper superstructure. A further missile exploded between two guns, killing one Marine and injuring the other. One of the missiles hit the bow of the ship, blowing a hole right to way through. Forunately the heavy armour contained much of the explosion and it caused little damage. The other missile shot right over the fordeck and plunged into the sea.

"Fire our SSMs!" Shouted the Captain as a missile smashed through the glass in front of him, destroying much of the bridge. The Captain lay uncouncious on the deck as the two small SSMs fired towards the cruiser. A hail of 20mm cannon shells from the port side of the ship chased the enemy fighters as they completed their attack runs.

"Sir, we've just detected another ship on our radar, seems to be Demidean," Fesdon's navigational officer said
"Give me damage reports, our ships and the Ion," Fesdon said
"The 20mm were destroyed, and the bridge has been turned almost completely to rubble, we lost two of our fighters in that assault though. and, the Medusa is taking on water, her crew is abandoning ship," said his Com's officer.
"Take us into boarding range, get our Marines ready for close quarters, we'll deal with the Demidean later," Fesdon said

Admiral Quarren of the His Will Emperor-class battleship smiled confidently as satellite photographs and radar images appeared before him. The Ion was sinking fast and several ships were closing in on it. He just needed another hour or two until His Will reached the range for on-board artillery to be able to fire. The barrage wouldn't be very accurate but from his experience he found that the Hyper-Mangonel MK III cannon did work very well as a panic-causer.

Quarren knew that he could not fail his mission, it was his chance to finally ascend to greater prospects, and he would stop at nothing to retrieve as much of the uranium as possible.

DAFS Principle

"Admiral"
"Yes Mr. Jenkins?"
"We have a positive lock on Pie vessels"
Radar was painting targets everywhere.

To: Sovereignty of Pie Naval Vessels
From: Demidian Strategic Air Command via DAFS Principle

Cease fire upon Praetonian vessel or we will have no choice to retaliate against you. If you dont, then the might of the Demidians will be brought to bear, this is your final warning, cease or be destroyed. Respond now.

SSM's in the Ships arsenal were primed and ready.

OOC: Just so you know, there are four 20mms on each side, you took out two and injured the gunner of one.

IC: With the Captain dead, Major Vitellius took command of the ship. Her starboard outrigger was completely flooded, but the trimaran could still stay afloat even with this damage, "Captain Varro, we appear to have destroyed one of their ships."

Varro was a Horseguard, wearing a mostly ceremonial uniform with a long cavalry sabre. He stood on the ruined bridge next to Captain Vitellius, who had recently returned from organising the defenders, and said, "Yes, indeed we have. What now? They have taken down two of our guns with another as good as gone."

"We have little choice but to keep sweeping their deck with cannon fire. Pull the Guardsmen back into the ship, have some take up defencive positions at the entrances."

"Yes sir, very good, sir."


In the sky above the Ion, a Praetonian helicopter was coming into view. This was the eyes of the Praetonian squadron assigned to hunt down the Ion. "This is Prometheus to [/i]Jolt[/i], the Ion has been located. She appears to be under attack by vessels unknown. Moving in to deploy Marines to the Ion"

"Very good, Prometheus, just dont get hurt."

The helicopter ceased hovering and moved in towards the raging battle to attempt a landing on one of the Ion's helipads, firing off chaincannon and unguided rockets as supressive fire.

Admiral Fesdon Noticed the Helicopter as soon as it came into view, "Get a fighter on that chopper, NOW," he ordered. An SU moved in to intercept, but it was too late, the helicopter had sent a message
"This is Prometheus to [/i]Jolt[/i], the Ion has been located. She appears to be under attack by vessels unknown. Moving in to deploy Marines to the Ion"

"Very good, Prometheus, just don't get hurt."


"Damn it, well, we know they will be getting at least one more ship as support. Take that helicopter out, and fire all torpedo's at the Ion, if we cant have her, no one can. What is the status on the Demidean ship," Fesdon ordered, and asked.
"Aye sir, firing torpedo's, Demidean ship is just entering weapons range now," his Com's officer said.

"What is the status on the Iliad, Odyssey, and Homer, Fesdon asked

"Still 20 minutes out sir," his navigation officer said.

"Tell them to dispatch all available fighter to the battle, I'm sure we wont be able to sink the ion with our torpedo's alone, and there is still a chance we can get that uranium. Train all main guns on the Demidean ship, and then open a channel,"

"Aye sir, message relayed to the Homer, channel open

"This is Admiral Fesdon of the Sovereignty 3rd Fleet, aboard the Hercules I am sure you have no doubt noticed, we are currently engaged with a Praetorian ship, should you help us, we would offer you half the uranium aboard," Fesdon said

The Demidian battlecruiser's armor piercing SSM's roared into the sky. 12 missiles were launched as the ship went into evasive, zig-zagging trying to keep the enemy from being able to hit them.

"This is Prometheus to Jolt, we're coming under fire from enemy~~~"

His message was cut short as two missiles ploughed into the cockpit and exploded, sending the helicopter into the ocean a burning wreck. The damage was done, however, and a signal has reached the Jolt. Seconds later a message was prepared:

"Vessels unknown, we are warships of the Imperial Praetonian Navy. You are to withdraw your attack upon a Praetonian flaged vessel and surrender your ships. Failure to comply will result in your destruction. Vessels unknown..."

Meanwhile on the Ion, all of the marines had been withdrawn to defencive positions inside the superstructure, but the single working cannon on the starboard side continued firing as the ship was rocked by more torpedo impacts. The starboard outrigger was ripped apart, bulkheads closing as it was pulled into the ocean. If it wasnt for the trimaran design the ship would be sunk, but that didnt mean it had no problems, several holes were appearing along the waterline, and the ship was beginning to sit low in the water. It would be many hours, maybe even days before she sunk at this rate, but she was undoubtably going down.

'Sir, we've got Incoming SSM's, Multiple vectors, beginning evasive maneuvers" The navigation officer said
"Perfect, they fell for it, open fire, all batteries, make the Demidean Ship the new target for the air force, Scout ship, move to engage,"
"Sir, the Homer and her escorts are entering into he area," said the com officer
"Tell the Homer to open fire with its batteries, and order them to fire torpedo's at the Demidean ship, i want the Demidean Bridge taken out just like the Ion's," Fesdon said

"Aye sir, fighters moving to engage"

"open a channel to the jolt," Fesdon said
"Channel open sir," his Com's officer said
"Praetorian warship, this is the commander of the Demidean vessel DAFS Principle, we are here to seize control of the uranium cargo aboard the Ion, any attempts to stop us will be considered an act of war against the-" the captain signaled to have signal cut off.
"Take out the Demidean's communication abilities, we are going to make it look as if we were here to save the ion from the Demidean, but first, the ion and her crew need to be dead, and we need to have that cargo." Fesdon said
"Sir, 6 fighters closing fast on the Demidean warship, and our marines have engaged praetorian marines just outside the cargo hold,
"
"Very good, i think this may come out in our favor yet," Fesdon said, starting to smile.

OOC:An SSM has range of Approx. 200 nautical miles, as stated we are at the range limit of those missiles, no way can torpedoes reach my ship 150 nautical miles away. I like the idea of you posing as me, although with the close ties between Praetonia, I don't know if it would work. A for RPing I'm done for awhile, Praetonians gone too, maybe ill be back later.

/ooc due to recent events, i can no longer partcipate in this RP, as such, i end with the following

Admiral Jesdon recieved the communique from admiral Midala, apparently they were at war, and he was engaged with their allies. Furthermore, Admiral Midala needed him, and his ships, to help her defend an allied terrirtory. He ordered all fighters back to the Homer and left the batle, he was fairly certain that the Praetorian fleet wouldnt arrive inn time to rexcue the marins, so he had nothing to worry about, or so he hoped. He orderd makeshift repairs on the ships he had under his command while he was underway.

After the departure of Pie vessels, the undamaged Principlesteamed toward the wreckage, spotlights blazing, they searched for survivors and attempted to save the ship.

"Jenkins"
"Yes Admiral?"
"Call in a dive boat, we need to get that uranium to Neo-Praetonia"
"Yessir"

Commander Issac Dansley, CO of the Majesty Class Land Attack Destroyer (http://tncforums.proboards34.com/index.cgi?board=WorldTech&action=display&num=1090052591) HNS Hughes, sipped from his coffee cup as he finished writing his mission resports.

Three months out on extended duty, and we still have to spend 6 months in McClellen. If this gets any more boring I'll just scream. he thought to himself as he finished the last report for the day.

While being in the Royal Navy may be the dream of most Hamptonian children, being a command-level officers in the Royal Navy was tedious. Navy Command wanted everything cataloged in triplicate, even the cataloging of the catalogs.

Just as Commander Dansley was about to collapse from boredum, his first officer, Lt. Cmdr. Sotri, knocked on the cabin door. She quickly came into the cabin and handed a piece of paper to the Commander.

He read the paper carefully, it was almost too much to believe. A Praetonian cargo vessel and her escort were crippled and have come under attack; on top of all of that the cargo vessel is carrying uranium. Crumpling the paper in his fist, Dansley puts his hat back on and rushes to the bridge along with Cmdr. Sotri.

"Where did we get this information?" Dansley asked as the two made their way through the bowels of the ship.

"One of our boomers was in the area and picked up nearly all the events, however Naval Command placed it under strict orders before it left dock. It's CO passed the info to the nearest ship...us." Sotri said while running right behind Dansley.

Slightly out of breath, Dansley and Sotri arrived at the Bridge. After entering in their access codes they were in business.

"Commander Sotri, best speed to the Praetonian's last reported position and get our birds ready to fly."

"Aye, sir." she responded, "Helm, hard to port; full speed to these coordinates." she entered in the coordinates into the navigation system.

Activating the ShipCom system, she began giving the other orders "Air Command Officer, ready all helos for service. Major Keller, ready your Marines for possible deployment."

Commander Dansley sat in his chair, the tedium would soon be over. 200 miles and 6 hours were the only thing standing between the Hughes and the excitement Dansley so wanted.

By now it had become apparent from the stream of radio traffic that other nations were after the prize as well. Using intelligence relayed to the ship, Captain Erlandsen had been able to guide them to the aproximate area of the stricken vessal. They would make their final approach after nightfall. Erlandsen knew that several other nations had probably devoted much larger ships to this area, so she felt it wise to make use of every advantage the Callisdrunians could.

There appeared to be much action nearby the stricken Praetorian vessal. This would not be easy. "All ahead flank," Erlandsen said calmly to the helmsman. Speed was one of the Altens' advantages, though the light cruiser was somewhat lacking in armor and firepower, compared to the ships the foreigners would bring to bear.

"Ma'am. Sentries have reported visual contact with the Ion." the helms reported to Lt. Cmdr. Sotri.

"Alright." she paused and approached the Commander Dansley. "Captain, radar shows that the Praetonian warships are still several hours off and that the Ion is in danger of sinking. I suggest we move in quickly to assist."

Pausing for a moment, his hand stroking his chin, Dansley was carefully weighing his options. Clapping his hands together, the Bridge crew knew that he came to a decision.

"Helm, bring us right alongside the damaged side of the Ion. Let's say within 1,000 feet. Bring all defensive and offensive systems online. I want our choppers up in the air..." the crew quickly goes about the Bridge, moving and preparing the Hughes for the first real action it's seen in almost a year. Dansley continues "and I want to broadcast a secure message to the Praetonian relief force and the Ion itself. I also want a broadband transmission to every ship in the area."

Message Broadcast over loudspeakers and all primary radio channels:
"This is Commander Issac Dansely of the Hamptonian Royal Navy Destroyer Hughes. The Ion and all Praetonian property and personnel in this area are under the protection of the Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire. Any attacks upon the Ion or any Praetonian property will be an attack upon the Hughes itself and mark my words, we will respond with enough firepower to send you back to your homeland."


Message Sent to the Jolt:
"This is the HNS Hughes, we have arrived on station and shall aide the Ion and any Praetonians in the area. As this vessel is a Land Attack Destroyer, we have a large compliment of Royal Marines; with your authorization they will be deployed to assist in the defense and maintaince of the Ion. In addition, two Appomattox Class Heavy Destroyers and an Endeavour Class Light Carrier (HNS Diamond) are 200 NM south of our current position, we are prepared to evacuate any wounded or injured Praetonian personnel to the hospital facilities present on the CVL.

Message sent to the Ion*:
"This is the HNS Hughes, we are moving to a position between your ship and those vessels that are attacking you. The Hughes will provide you with cover until the Praetonian relief force can arrive. Should you need further personnel for defense, 100 Royal Marines are ready for deployment. You may also wish to note that three Dark Nova Heavy Assault Transport Helicopters will be providing cover fire for the Ion. Any injured personnel can be transfered via helicopter to the HNS Diamond for immediate medical treatment."

The Hughes quickly made its way right alongside the Ion, its 8 inch guns, heavy torpedoes, and missile batteries ready to fire.


[OOC: While communications on the Ion may or may not be down, I will assume that the Marines stationed aboard have some sort of radio communication system. Since the Hughes is no more than 12 or so miles away at the time of the broadcast, communication through hand held radios is not inconceivable.]

OOC: Hamptonshire, just to let you know, Im already alongside the Ion. Evacuating survivors, and taking aboard the wounded.

Altens closed the distance rapidly at 36 knots. Captain Erlandsen had her slow gradually as she got closer to the stricken Ion. The cruiser's 6" guns gleamed brightly in the light. Like most Callisdrunian ships, Altens was painted a very dark grey. Black clad crew members rushed about on deck, getting out ropes in case it became necessary to help evacuate people from Ion. Captain Erlandsen's voice came over the PA, as she made an announcement to the stricken ship, in English. "Crew members of Ion. Should you wish it, we are here to help evacuate you from your damaged vessal."

OOC: Sorry for the long posting gap, Ive been very busy lately with school work etc.

IC: A large piece of metal was lying on the deck, behind which five marines were huddled, trying to protect themselves from the hail of fire coming from the edge of the ship. Occassionally someone would poke their head above the barricade long enough to fire a few shots before ducking back down. One marine lay dead next to them, riddled with bullets.

Behind them, inside the ship, further marines were firing from the purpose built bunkers. Machinegun and light rocket fire sprayed the deck where Pie troops were attempting to make headway against the fortified marines. No one appeared to be moving. The attackers had numbers, but no cover at all. The Praetonians were presented with a shooting gallery, but even one casualty was a major blow for the defenders.

Deep in the bowls of the ship, a single marines stood defending the last gate to the nuclear materials containment facility, his fixed bayonet pointing out through the narrow firing slit into the long, thin corridor. He crouched staring fixedly at the corner around which the enemy would have to come. Perhaps they wouldn't. Perhaps they would flee. Thoughts were chasing eachother through his head as he heard the sound of gunfire get closer. Suddenly he was distracted by a sound coming from his radio...


Up on the wrecked bridge, a parapet had been hastily constructed. Four marines, including their commander, and the Captain crouched behind it, firing down upon the attackers. The Captain's radio also went off, causing him to duck behind the parapet as a hail of bullets flew over his head and next to him, hitting one marine in the face. The perspex from the visor of his helmet was smashed into his bloodied face as he fell.

"Hamptonian ships, you are cleared to land troops on the Ion, they are not however to enter the nuclear containment area. We thankyou for your help, and will welcome your helicopters to take away our survivors, although we should warn you that a Praetonian helicopter has already been shot down attempting something similar."

The Captain slotted his radio back into its holder, before being tapped on the shoulder by the Major in command of the Marine force.

"They're retreating sir!" He said with glee, watching his men fire after them before leaving their defencive positions to charge the hastily retreating attackers with bayonets. They watched as a few of them fell to rifle fire, shot in the back, and then as more were brutally skewered by the jubilant Praetonian troops. Most of the enemy marines, however, reached the edge of the deck in time, and jumped for sheer life into the freezing sea.


Diplomatic Communique to the Sovereignty of Pie

We are most distrested that you have seen fit to launch an unprovoked
attack upon a Praetonian ship signalling for aid. We are further distressed that
your ships then fled from Imperial Navy assets, rather than agreeing to
surrender and be seized by the Imperial Government. We therefore demand
that you hand over the ships in question, along with a monetary sum totalling
$5bn in compensation for the acts committed against Praetonian naval
vessels. We most sincerely hope that no such incident will ever occur
again.

Meanwhile Demidian ships were pulling up alongside the Ion ready to take on survivors and protect the ship. The Linux is still out there somewhere, severely damage but not destroyed.

OOC: I took the liberty of killing some of your men, but as you were fleeing anyway it didnt seem to matter. Without reinforcements and supplies from their ships they will be pinned down and easily killed. If you object to this and want to continue the firefight for a while then tell me and I'll edit this post.

OOC: Am I being ignored?

/ooc not at all, i was engrossed with my war to protect an ally from neoma. and myself.

occ;

Can I still get involved, or is it to late?

OOC: Callisdrun: No, sorry I forgot about your request. I think that everyone has already been evacuated by the Hamptonians and the Demidians.

VI: Yes you can join, but no random space tech rubbish in this RP.

OOC: Bumptasia! This is still open to newcomers btw.

~Aboard the DAFS Principle~

-The Bridge-
"Mr. Jenkins, status report on the evacuation"
"From the information we've recieved from the Praetonians and the Hamptonians, we have all crew accounted for, some of the bodies however are still missing"
"Very well, and the cargo?"
"We can't locate it, we don't know where it is, still on the ship or at the bottom of the sea floor."
"Locate that cargo, double time."
"Yessir"

"Have we located the Linux?"
"No, our helicopter made a wide range search a few hours ago, but came up with nothing."
"Send them out again."
"Aye Sir"

OOC: THe cargo is still on the ship, and I wouldnt let anyone into the cargo bay anyway...

~Aboard the DAFS Principle~

"Admiral, we have located the cargo, it's still aboard the ship and in no immediate danger, the Praetonians won't let anyone near."
"I expected that, very well. Have you located the Linux?"
"No, but we have sent communications but have had no reply"
"Find that ship"
"Aye Admiral"



~Pave Low SAR Mission~
"Tony you see that?"
"Yeah, what is it?"
"Dunno, looks like a ship to me."
"Lets go in for a closer look"


"Thats the Linux!"
"Radio Command, tell them the coordinates"
"Right"

"PL-571 to Principle, visual verification of Linux, relaying coordinates"
"Principle to PL-571, go ahead."
"Linux Position at Zero, One, Niner, by Six, Five, Four.
"Roger"

Altens slowly pulled up alongside the Ion. There alreadly appeared to be a ship on the opposite side. They had said that all hands had been evacuated, but there was no harm in making sure for themselves. Also, the cargo was still on board. Captain Erlandsen watched silently as marines came topside. Their faces were unpainted, one indication that no combat was intended.

OOC: What is the exact nature of the nuclear cargo?

~Aboard the DAFS Principle~

"Captain Jenkins!"
"Yes Petty Officer?"
"Callisdrun Warship Altens alongside the Ion sir."
"Rous' The Admiral"
"Aye Sir"

*Jenkins grabs ahold of a headset, tunes it in then speaks*
Altens, this is Captain Paul Jenkins of the DAFS Principle, what are your intentions, let it be known that any offensive action taken place on the Ion is an attack on us as well. We have allies in the area and we are certain they feel the same way. We ask that you please back away as we have the situation under control, please respond.

OOC: What language is your guy speaking in?

OOC: English, why?

OOC: It's carrying weapons grade plutonium and uranium. I'll wait for something to happen before doing an IC post...

---Aboard the Praetonian Cargo Ship Ion---

Major Keller and forty-five Royal Marines, dressed in the Martime Combat Fatigues, took up positions around the Ion to give the Helicopters cover for the evacuation of Praetonian personnel. The large transport helicopters began the ferrying first to the Hughes and then on to the more distant HNS Diamond.

As Major Keller was escorting a group of injured Praetonians to the loading chopper, the deck began to rock and the moans of stressed metal could be heard. He could tell that the Ion wouldn't be able to stay afloat for much longer. After seeing the fully ladened transport lift off the deck, Major Keller tried to find the Captain of the Ion. Unless drastic immediate measures were taken, the ship and its cargo were doomed.




---Aboard the HNS Carter---

The Caesar Class SSBN HNS Carter, the Hamptonian ship that relayed the contact information to the Hughes, continued on its secret mission; the Carter was given direct orders from Vice Admiral Joshua Ayers, Commander of the Ballistic Missile Submariner Force, to maintain total silence. However, hearing the Linux flounder on the sea for the past twelve hours was beginning to take its toll on the Captain and crew.

"Sir, another explosion." One of the sonar operators reported.

Wipeing the sweat off his brow in frustration, Captain Edwards leaned over to
his XO and said: "That makes fourteen."

"Actually," Commander Huxen, the XO, corrected her Captain, "that makes sixteen."

While the bridge of the Carter was almost always silent, now a sense of stillness and helplessness permeated the bridge. Captain Edwards and the rest of the crew were pained by the knowledge that to help the Linux, to help follow mariners, would mean to disobey a direct order.

"There still isn't another ship in the area?" Commander Huxen quietly asked the Captain.

"No, and the nearest ship is a small frigate nearly three days away." Edwards began to tap the sonar panel.

"Sir, I know our orders but we can't just stay here while people are dying right above us. It's just not right."

In an excited, but hushed, tone the Captain responded: "Do you think I like staying here with both hands tied behind our back. If I make the decision to disobey the Admiral's order, I'll doom the entire crew."

"No, sir." Huxen said as she took the Captain to the rear of the bridge, "Vice Admiral Ayers gave the order to the 'Commanding and Executive Officers of the HNS Carter.' We can bring the Carter up, transport a message to Naval Command, and assist the Linux, but..."

Captain Edwards finished her sentence, "but our careers in the Royal Navy will be all but over."

Commander Huxen and the Captain returned to the sonar stations. Edwards looked at the sonar screens and then at the faces of the young men and women manning the bridge. If I was in trouble and my crew was dying, I'd want, no, DEMAND help, he thought to himself, I can't let the prospect of a court martial stop me from helping fellow mariners in need. With his mind made up, he tapped Cmdr. Huxen on the shoulder and gave her a nod.

"Dive Officer, surface the ship." the Captain ordered.

"Aye, sir. Helm, surface ship." the Dive Officer began the procedures to bring the Carter up to the surface.

"Commander Huxen, transmit a message to Naval Command. Advise our situation, current condition."

"Aye, sir. Transmission ready."

Taking the microphone, Captain Edward activated the ShipCom system. "This is your Captain speaking. I have ordered us to surface. All crew prepare for injured, repair crews report to stations. We've got us a friend to help." As the Captain finished his shipwide address, the 582 foot long Carter broke the surface not more than 2 miles east of the Linux. As she proceeded to close distance, the Carter began broadcasting identification information.

OOC: English, why?

OOC: English isn't the language used in Callisdrun, and Callisdrunians have a hard time understanding it.

OOC: Hamptonshire, I am in the area BTW, and if mentioning me by the small frigate three days away, im actually rping a guided missile cruiser. Please tell my if im wrong, thanks.

OOC: Yes... and the Ion is not that badly damaged.

IC: [b]Aboard the PWS Ion[b]

Marines stood around the deck, overseeing the repair work that was going on. The battle-scarred deck was being worked on, but this was no the major worry of the Ion. Several holes had been caused by the intense torpedo bombardment, although most of the damage had been absorbed by the now destroyed starboard outrigger. If it had not been a tirmaran design then the Ion would most likely be sunk already.

"Captain, the Hamptonians are saying we are floundering. I think they will want us to unload the cargo onto one of their ships..."

"Don't trust them, Major. The Hamptonians are tricky... they are only out for themselves," the Captain was of course refering to the Nove Praetonia affair. Despite th best efforts of the Praetonian government to patch up Praeto-Hamptonian relations, many Praetonians still had a bitter taste in their mouths, "we are under orders not to unload the cargo onto any non-Praetonian ship. It will sooner go to the bottom of the ocean, and besides, we are not going down."

"Im not sure sir... we are sitting rather low in the water..."

"Are you a sailor, Major? No. Well, the ship is going down, but very slowly, and we have time to patch her up. Time enough to make repairs that will get us to Neo-Praetonia."

"Well that is good news. Where are our ships?"


Just over the horizon the Praetonian fleet was sailing towards the Ion. Many of the crew were rather annoyed that they had missed all of the fighting, but the Captains were relieved. The fleet was only three ships, and the enemy were using heavy cruisers. It didn't matter now, or so they hoped...

OOC: What enemies? Pie is gone....

~Aboard the DAFS Order Eternity Class High Speed Light Aircraft Carrier~

"Captain"
"Yes Commander?"
"Principle asking for assistance with two disabled Praetonian Warships, one containing uranium sir, although they have stabilized that vessel sir."
"Names"
"Ion and Linux sir"
"Ah yes, I was informed of that already"
"Action sir?"
"If the Admiral says so.... Inform the Principle that we will assist the Linux within the next 4 hours, have they establish contact?"
"No sir, once we get in range, we will use lamps and morse."
"Very good, on your way Commander"
"Aye sir"

As the Altens tied up to the Ion, damage control personal leapt over onto the damaged ship's deck. They would attempt to stop or slow the flooding, if possible. Timbers were being passed over from the Altens.