NationStates Jolt Archive

In the endlessly varied and verdant realm that is space, it was easy to see why Thorn had been so easily overlooked. A small red dwarf star, two balls of rock so close to the star that both had almost entirely molten surfaces, Avernus and Dis by name, the former so close that it was suspected it would fall into the star in just a few thousand years. In cosmological terms, it was already gone.

Further out was a surprisingly dense asteroid field. Dominated by eight planetesimals ranging from 150km to 590km in diameter, the field featured countless smaller bodies dancing around in some merry yet sad fashion in the light of their ember-bright host. Beyond the field flittered two medium sized gas giants and one chunk of ice about twice the size of Earth, dubbed Stygia, Malbolge, and Cocytus, respectively. It was decided to name the various planets after layers of Hell mainly because the system was so damn DEPRESSING.

It was Thorn.

And it was now inhabited.

Two DawnRunner fleets materialized over the third planet, the first of the two gas giants, almost immediately, several drones popped out and started taking sensor readings in order to freshen up the previous scan.

"Dark out here," noted one of the sensors adjutants as the DawnRunner surveyed the system one more time before deploying communications relays. "Is that Thorn or did somebody light up a fart?"

"Shut it, you," replied Commodore Malcolm "Keep your eyes on those sensor readings. This joint is our home away from home from now on, you better learn to like it." He turned to the Helms Adjutant and continued "Helm, bring us over to that Asteroid field. I want more in-depth scans on those chunks of rock so we can see exactly what type of mineral content those suckers might have."

The main viewscreen lit up with the face of the Commodore of the other DawnRunner fleet, one Admiral Chang. "We're moving out to mess around with Cocytus for a while. Preliminary scans said it had a decent supply of platinum, carbon composites, and enough titanium and iron to last us who-knows-how-long. You moving in on the Asteroid field?"

"Just about to. Remember to set up the comms beacon out there. DawnRunner 17 moving out."

"DawnRunner 4 moving out." The screen reverted to the fore view of the vessel, showing the planet receding from view as the DawnRunner and its support fleet turned towards the star and headed inward.

It was suspected that the Thorn Asteroid Field used two be two super-earth planets that had torn each other apart with their gravitational pulls on each other. Either way, they were just as mineral rich as Cocytus. People rarely seemed interested in the minerals that Godular hunted, but Godulans prided themselves on their metallurgy and the ability to make some of the most resilient alloys known, among other things, from what others would consider pure crap.

A couple hours later, a small beacon floated into space to settle in an orbit a couple of AUs out from Cocytus' orbit. It sent a single message on a repeating cycle in all directions, reading the following:

FUTURE HOME OF:
Godulan PrimeLine HeadQuarters and Diplomatic Hub
Please Address All Letters and Missives To This Locale
Have A Nice Day!

Several days passed, and a decent number of cargo vessels had been trickling into the system, bringing the necessary resources and equipment necessary to commence construction and mining operations on the various planetesimals within Thorn's asteroid belt.

The cargo vessels also brought with them a hefty number of defensive satellites, which now orbited the two gas giants and also interspersed with the various asteroids within the field. More comprehensive defenses would go up later, when full-scale construction operations went underway.

As for the two DawnRunner fleets, they had been Joined by a third DawnRunner, commanded by Admiral Morland, who settled his fleet over Stygia and dropped high pressure probes to check for deep atmospheric content.

For the moment though, all three commanders were glad that they had been assigned to overseeing establishment of operations in such a BORING system.

Bump

Questions? Comments? People wondering why a near-dead system suddenly has comm traffic?

Mining Operations were well underway at this point, as more and more equipment and personnel arrived from the Homeworld and started burrowing ever deeper into their targets. The largest of the planetesimals in the asteroid field would eventually undergo a complete construction schedule to turn it into the main base of the system, with the other planetesimals following shortly after.

They weren't quite sure what to do with Cocytus yet, and for now, mining would have to suffice.

Admiral Morland sat in the command seat of his DawnRunner fleet over Stygia, working on his fifth Pepper Coffee of the day. He watched the planet as its surface, or what passed for a Gas Giants surface moved lazily past.

"You know, this planet would be great with just a Hotel Station or something over it. Something with a good view. Those greens and blues and faint whisps of white... its like neptune, only warmer."

"Bigger too," the Sensors adjutant replied. "Results still coming from the probe, sir. Hydrogen, small amounts of nitrogen, lots of Oxygen... and... hello..."

"Hello? The manner in which you say that displays surprise and intrigue."

"That's about right. Sir, the probe has just entered a layer where there seems to be... well, its the layer where it should be hitting metallic hydrogen, and it appears to have been replaced by what would appear to be... something else. It reads as titanium, sir, but nowhere near as dense as it should be."

"Huh."

"And its not acting right. Its as though its titanium with a mind of its own-- lost the probe. Last records show... sir, the probe was punched dead."

"Double huh!"

"Shall I send in more probes?"

"No... we have the data we need. Planet's weird, wacky metal signatures, blah blah blah. Let the High Command deal with it."

Some time later, the sensors adjutant returned to Admiral Morland, an expression of confusion on his face as he ahemmed himself into the Admiral's attention.

"Sorry to bother you sir," the adjutant said, grinning sheepishly, "but I've been going over those sensor readings a bit more... and that titanium stuff is freakier than I thought."

"I thought I told you to leave that stuff for the High Command to wade through."

"No offense sir, but Sensor Adjutants aren't picked for letting shit get by. The day I let something suspicious get through me is the day we let a nuke bean us right in the face."

"Point taken. So! Why the spooked look?"

"Protomatter, sir."

"Black stuff. Mist. Goes boom when blasters hit it. So?"

"That wacky metal is showing a LOT of signs resembling Protomatter. As though its a REALLY dense version of the stuff. And when I looked at the way the probe went out of commission, I noticed that it was the metal itself that did it."

"I sense that I should start feeling varying amounts of dread."

"That stuff is alive, sir. Whatever it is, it doesn't like us noticing it."

"Well shit. Ah well, get a report on my desk in the morning. I'll put my little 'Seal of Oh-Shit' on it and see that it gets an express route to High Command. Beyond that, further action is really not mine to decide, unless whatever it is decides to come up for a visit."

"Hurm," a shadow-cloaked figure mused, the outline of his lupine muzzel and glint of amber eyes illuminated by the holoprojection befor him.

"So, have you found my little suprise?" the hunam opposite him asked, eyes on the same projection, but the sight within somewhat different for him; 'fog of war' in the game they now played.

"What? No, not that," he replied with an amused huff, "One of my ship-selves, well, see for yourself."

The game paused and disapeared with a wave of the canid's hands, replaced instead with a stellar plot; the system was labled Red/Baker-Alpha-Charlie-Kilo-Echo-Romeo-Dash-One-Four-Four - a system known to Godular, as 'Thorn'.

"Ah, yes; "The gross baker's system"," his companion mused, leaning forward needlessly to look, "Although I don't recall them in the survey." Boxed highlights formed around dozens of blue sensor contacts plotted throughout the system with an unspoken command.

"They weren't; but then, the fly-by was a few weeks ago - probally just missed their arrival," another wave of furred hand highlighting a green contact at system's proverbial edge - nearly 6 light hours from the star at it's heart, "I just hope they're not the 'shoot first' type."

"So, it's true?"

"Yeah; like Uniphase would let me keep a bleeding-edge planet-cracker cannon just 'cause I helped feild test it."

The hunam chuckled, "Oh, Daggerfall, I'm sure you blew your entire paycheck for that one on military surplus after they repo'd their new toy."

The lupine, Daggerfall, barked a laugh, "Point. So, think I should try and fill 'er holds, or bugger off if they press it."

"Eh; you've got other ships and fairly respectible heat on that prospector - I say press it unless it turns out they've got heavies and seem lible to use 'em."

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

And so, the KCV Daggerfall - two kilometers of armed prospector, wraped within a hundreds-meter thick shell of alloyed slag - fired up her reactionless drives after a quiet hyperspace transition, and angled in-system - some 30 seconds after her initial arrival, all told.

About that time she decided it would be polite to make her presence and colours known, lighting off transponder and bringing sensors FTL and sublight alike into active scan mode.

Out in Cocytus' orbit, The 4th DawnRunner fleet drifted along in what could only be termed a lazy manner, taking scans of the planet and what appeared to be a small ice field, much like Sol's Kuiper belt.

Admiral Chang sat in his command chair, reading a book about tactics and philosophy. He'd read the damn thing about seven times now, but it never hurt to stay fresh.

"Sir! We've got a contact," his respective Sensors Adjutant blurted after noting a light beeping on her console. "About six million clicks out and closing. Energy signatures... not certain on life signs... chemical makeup... sir, it looks like a flying hunk of shrapnel. Lightly armed, two kilometers long, looks like a scout ship more than anything."

"A two kilometer long scout?"

"Looks like it works as a mining vessel too."

"Oh... surveyor?"

"That might be it. Its transmitting transponder signals identifying itself as a Prospector vessel out of Kanuckistani space."

Chang turned to the Comms adjutant. "Send a query to that vessel. Who sent ya, Purpose of Visit, Sure this system's a hellhole but its OUR hellhole, blah blah blah... Oh, and get the other DawnRunners on the horn, just let 'em know we have company."

Addressing the entire command center in general, he continued. "Keep an eye on that ship, if it shoots at any of our vessels, I want every damn ship in the fleet to turn that thing into a smoldering piece of molten scrap-metal. Sure, our ship might be more than twice their length and several orders of magnitude more powerful, even without our support fleet, but one thing about floating clumps of shrapnel is that they seem to be remarkably resilient."

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

And so a message went out to the incoming... amalgam.

To the KCV Daggerfall:

Welcome to Thorn! A little turd of a system for sure, but its our little turd and we're happy with it. We would like to inquire as to the purpose of your visit and the name of the individual commanding the vessel.

Feel free to drift about and look around, as we wouldn't exactly put a beacon reading along the lines of "Hi, come on in!" if we intended to slag every ship that popped up on sensors. Please remember, however, that any hostile actions taken against any of our vessels or installations will be met with EXTREME retribution.

But don't let that intimidate you! :D :D :D :D :D

We await your response

4th Godulan DawnRunner BattleFleet

((OC- mind if I jump in? =^^= ))
-------

About 6 light-years away, a small exploration flotilla was about to jump from another dead Star System. They were about 3 jumps spinward from their Territories, and still on the move for more Systems to colonize themselves.

A Congress Frigate led a small group of four vessels, it, the Senatoria led two Invader Class JumpShips, and the High-Mobile Mini-OmniCarrier Fortress. Together they carried the DropShips and transport for the 5/2nd-C Dragoon Trinary of Mechs, along with a compliment of 5/4th-D Dragoon Trinary, of 15 Angel Gods. Two Stars of Mobile Suits were also stationed on the Fortress providing mobile defense.

Added, the 172nd Goddess Archon Wing, rounded out the assets of the 4th Gaian Exporation Corps Fleet.

It was all this that jumped inSystem where all this activity was. It also would be their first interstellar contact since the Expansion began.

They appeared at the Nadir JumpPoint zone of the System, their gravity wake signature giving away their presence.

"More contacts, sir," the Sensors Adjutant announced later. "Four of 'em... Smallish vessels all around. One looks like a carrier, the other three seem to be frigate analogs. Moderately armed. They are not transmitting any identification signals, so its hard to confirm origin."

Chang shrugged. "Guess word's finally gotten out. Hope they're seeing our beacon at least. Comms, you know what to do."

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

To Unidentified Fleet on Approach Vector:

Welcome to Thorn! Please identify yourselves and detail reasons for visiting.

Feel free to look around, we apologize that we have no base as of yet where you can land and explore personally. We expect to have basic facilities up and running within the week.

Please remember however, that any hostile actions taken against any of our vessels will be met with EXTREME consequences. Have a nice day!

The Senatoria's Comm Officer is the first to hear it, with a second later. "I'm reading a transmission, and several contacts!"

Star Commodore Avri Tenkawa shot her head to the Comm Station. "Here? Sensors!"

After a few moments.. "Reading several large gravity signatures. We're outnumbered."

Avri though comments.. "But not under duress aparently." ..after hearing the transmission herself.

"What do we do? If we're inadvertantly reveal our territories..."

Avri looks at her XO. Captain Remshan. "The Excellency wasn't too worried about that, since it's a matter of time anyway.

..open a channel back please."

--

To unknown party transmitting to us. We acknowledge your transmission, and intend no harm. We are exploring this system for possible colonization, but not committed if this System is occupied.

We also however reserve the right to defend ourselves as well, to know our own stance.

Commodore Rvri Tenkawa, 4th Gaian Exploration Corps Fleet.

"Colonization, eh? Guess they got here a little late."

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

To Commodore Rvri Tenkawa,

Be advised, we sent probes into this system approximately three months ago and found no sign of claim beacons. As systems not host to one or more habitable planets are... unpopular to say the least, and as our needs are somewhat less picky than most, we decided this would be the perfect place for a Primeline Command and Diplomatic Hub.

We do intend to develop this system to the greatest extent of our abilities. We apologize if you had any plans for this system.

Rvri recieves the return transcript. "Guess this one's taken. Sounds like it's not a great choice anyway.

Save the fuel, and prepare for a new jump."

XO Remshan responds. It'll take about an hour to discharge from the previous Jump and be ready for the new one. Do we have a course?"

The commodore looks at her star charts. "Not sure. I'd hate to keep jumping into owned territory. We'll fix that.."

--

While the Fleet began to charge for the new jump, the commodore sent a new message.

--

If it is possible, we'd appreciate at least the known boundry limit of your territory, so help prevent further such incidents, such as this one.

We have prepared our own borders to send as proof of our own desire to prevent this.

--

The last part was met with strict objections of course...

Our 'Boundaries' if you would call them as such, technically extend no further than this star system. We have small holdings in Serpantol and Klington, for the most part.

But we also have a reach greater than most.

You will likely find us around red dwarf systems like this one. Systems with no truely endearing qualities. We're not expanding much at this moment, but truth be told, if it looks like a crappy system, and we haven't got our eye on it... chances are we will get there eventually.

-Admiral Vorian Chang, Commander, 4th Godulan DawnRunner BattleFleet

Commodore Rvri cocks an eye. "Interesting way to go about.."

"Getting close Commodore." A Jump-Tech informs, the deck plates beginning to hum from the superchargers being amplified.

The XO though is stoic. "If they find our Systems and the technology still being discovered on them.."

"Not if they're interested in simple Systems like this one. We might be able to keep them interested away from ours..."

--

*Coordinate map set sent via lasercomm feed...*

Then this might interest you. Our explorations have found a few similar systems to this one in this Parsec. Two are brown dwarf, and a third a white dwarf. Whether they meet your needs, we cannot be sure, but we offer this as a guesture of good will.

The coordinates are slanted away from the Gaian Star Republic, so try and keep the 'far' more habitable systems away from prying eyes for as long as possible.

Meanwhile, the Jump Drives on all four vessels are set to move to the next chosen coordinates.

Telemetry received. We will take your recommendations under advisement.

"But sir, we'd checked out these three systems already..."

"Crap, crap, and crap, you and I both know that. What, were you expecting me to say 'Eh, been there, wasn't impressed' to them? Hell, our next targets aren't for us to decide anyway. WE can take them under advisement, but it won't do anybody much good. Cassius himself said it wasn't so much that they had to be seen as crapholes, they had to have 'Tactical Attributes', and this system has them in spades. They showed us a brown dwarf with a dust ring, one with a single dinky planet, and a solar remnant with a couple blasted chunks of irradiated rock around it, we took the one with five planets and two debris rings."

"Which one IS next?"

"I'd heard something about Talbott. Another Red Dwarf system on the other side of the Galaxy. Nobody been there in ages. I hear it has a planet in what could be called a habitable zone, if you consider 50 below habitable. Two Asteroid belts kept stable by two superjupiters, too, and a third one further out."

"Sounds like shit."

"Exactly."

"They weren't impressed."

The commodore looks at her XO simply. "That wasn't my intent anyway. Let's move on."

As their Jump drives reached critical charge, Rvri had her mind on other issues. With 17 Systems already confirmed, but no new ones within the past two weeks of searching, it was uncertain if the Ascendant Signature would be found again.

..if so, Rvri would be glad. A near 30 light-year across territory was becoming a bit taxed to guard, though already the new shipyards found were being activated. They could field a new Fleet Group in under a year with the number of Yards discovered. But all this meant attention..

..and if not for the Ascendant Signature, the assets would probably be still hidden. Either way, she hoped the next few Jumps were fruitless.

..then they could go home and protect what they 'have' found.

"Jump ready, Commodore."

Rvri nods. "Let's move on."

---

The 4th Exploration Fleet marks it's departure with a second gravity wave.

The quiet humm of the various machinery pervaded throughout the enormous command center. A sphere, nearly two hundred feet in diameter, this was the center of all Myternian Sector activity in the UFGZ.

Men and woman paced back and forth from station to station, level to level, conveying reports and performing other various functions. Unexpectedly, the room began to flash. Blue light eminated from the dome of the CC. A rather obnoxious klaxon sounded, immediately sending everyone standing to the nearest workstations.

Admiral Benz viewed the central Holodisplay of the sector, noting a small system on the very outskirts. "Kaluza... Activity in such a barren system?" He rubbed his forehead, deep in thought. A Neo-Mekantan Zircon vessel had already discovered a Federal Barrier Zone system, and now another intrusion into the thought-to-be-hidden UFGZ space? Most disconcerting, the Admiral thought.

Behind him, Commodore L'Salle approached, a Holocube in hand. He silently saluted, the Admiral reciprocating, before handing the small red crystal to Benz.

"Admiral, the vessels appear to be of Godulan signature, from what limited contact we've had with the nation. All information we could discern is in that crystal."

Benz nodded his head in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Jessel." The Admiral inserted the cube into the Holomatrix, the display immediately changing to a diagram of the Kaluza system.

After a few minutes of silent ponder, Benz noticed the Commodore become somewhat twitchy. No doubt waiting for a course of action, or preparing to suggest one, the Admiral chuckled.

He finally turned to the Commodore. "Dispatch the 4th Menach Cruiser Battalion to investigate. I am placing you in command. Have a full report to me immediately. Understood?"

"Yes, sir." Jessel saluted, then pivoted on his toes to walk away from the Command Podium.

----------

The F.M.S.V. Inquisitor Folded into the Kaluza system, the Accusator, Honorable, Menach, Paladin, Sacred Covenant, Prosecutor, Holy Commandment, and Righteous Fury Folding in-formation behind.

Every ship in the small fleet immediately initiated scans, bringing Shielding systems online in case of threats. The Commodore silently observed the scene before him. "Most interesting," he muttered as he read over the sensor reports. "In what would the Godulans and the Kanuckistani be interested in this system... And these smaller vessels too."

"Sir," a Lieutenant called from behind, "The Godulans appear to have claimed the system as a future diplomatic base."

Intently studying the Holodisplay, Jessel uttured a trademark UFGZ Admiralty phrase: "Most interesting indeed."

The Commodore spun around, issueing various orders in a rapid-fire fashion. "Tactical, ready any and all weapons systems for possible combat with a large Kanuckistani vessel. Instruct all other cruisers to carry out the same. Science, deploy warning bouys thoughout the system, as well as sensor probes. Comm, send out a signal on all channels and translate into all known languages the following message:"

"Attention all vessels, this system is claimed by the United Federation of Germanische Zustande as a Buffer System, incorporated within the Myternian Sector Buffer Zone Central Command. All vessels are hereby warned that any ship travelling any farther out opposite the Galactic Core, will enter Federal Space, and any intrusion without approval will be considered an act of War. We wish for a conference of the leaders from all parties involved aboard the Inquisitor, or some other agreed location. This issue must be resolved. Federal Fleet out."

Jessel signaled to cut the transmission, and resumed shouting orders. "And Helm, coordinate with all other vessels. Set us on a direct course for the center of all Godulan activity. Comm, once again, send a message to all parties informing them of our peaceful intentions-- at this point in time."

"Understood, sir," came several replies.

One of a dozen or so transciver blisters embedded throughout the prospector's ablative shell came to life; a low-power comm laser-whisker directed at the source of the Godular, some 20 light-seconds away, as the Daggerfall herself continued her leasurly stroll in-system.


4th Godulan DawnRunner BattleFleet, I am a Ship-Avatar of the distributed sentience Daggerfall, an armed prospector and militia reserve vessel; my nominal purpose here mining.

I would request the locations of any burried instalations or otherwise non-aparent assets you may have in this system, to avoid accidentally "mining" them.



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

"Arrogant bastards, aren't they?" Daggerfall's companion mused shortly thereafter, upon hearing the GZ hail.


"Indeed," the lupine replied, "Trying to annex an inhabbited system from a forgine power... I think I'll put in a call to the Adventurer's Guild; if a fight breaks out, they'll probally want to play vigilanti."

The hunam chuckled, "True; and the High Gaurd?"

"Already asked them to watch my feed, but they'll only show up if I'm shot at first."

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


"F.M.S.V. Inquisitor," the reply began, "This is the KCV Daggerfall; your claim on this system is not recognised - if the Godulani do not want it in light of your agressive and illegal atempt to annex it, then we shall exercise claim by right of prior occupation.

And if you are so short sighted as to fire upon this, or any other, Kanuckistani vessel, then we shall -break- you.

There is nothing more for us to discuss.

Daggerfall out."

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

"Well, that was certaintly provokitive; I didn't know ya had it in you Dag."

"Eh," the wolf shrugged, "Those guys just piss me off for some reason."

His friend laughed, "From what I hear, they have that effect on alot of people."


OOC:
The KCV Daggerfall isn't exactly lightly armed by most standards, and carries a fairly respectible armament IMO, although a few hundred meters of alloyed slag 'armour' and the rather exotic nature of much Kanuckistani tech could easily acount for such an understatment.

There are also living beings aboard, although the conversation between Daggerfall and his friend is actually taking place on Earth.


And GZ, you can expect Forerunner probes to start popping up around your systems in the near future.

OOC: I only want to create more fodder for the Rebellion, when I finally get around to it. The commodore will "allow" the Godulans/Godulani to retain the system, as it is on the very edge of the until-now-secret UFGZ territory. And, it's only a buffer zone. This is why we have one. :D

Secondly, of the nine ships of mine in-system, 3 are Battlecruisers, 2 are Heavy Cruisers, and the other four are regular Cruisers. The largest of the Battlecruisers is 4,800 feet long, or a little over a kilometer. The largest of the Heavy Cruisers is some 4,300, and the Cruisers are all 4,000 (Of the largest class of regular cruiser).

And Forerunner? As in from Halo? I admit, the general area of the UFGZ is now known, but there are many, many systems in a 14,000 light-year on edge cube in space.

More to come tomorrow.

OOC: Please realize we do not have many ships this size. I understand just how large those ships are.

Also, Edit^^^ 4,800 feet is close to 1.46 kilometers. Not exactly a little over. And if fighting breaks out, the UFGZ can have another 15 Cruiser battalions dispatched immediately. <<<^^^ Aimed primarily at Kanuckistan.

And Forerunner? As in from Halo? I admit, the general area of the UFGZ is now known, but there are many, many systems in a 14,000 light-year on edge cube in space.


OOC:
Forerunner, as in a vangaurd or harbinger; it's a type of probe originally designed to be launched FTL by displacer platform and scout ahead befor military ships jump in, relaying information back via entanglment-based relays.

A basic Forerunner is extreamly cheap, with just a basic sensor package, battery, and relay node; similar probes are used for most astrological surveys, with more advanced, and pricier, Forerunners doing followup on anything interesting, unless someone feels like sending an actual ship in.

So, it's quite feasible for me to start maping even such a large volume of space, especially if I narrow the initial search to systems capible of supporting inhabbitible worlds.

OOC: I would feel it necessary to note that the DawnRunners are each 4.4km of pretty much pure firepower, escorted by five 1km battleships and about 20 total cruisers and support carriers. To say nothing of Torpedo Boats.

There are three of these fleets in system. And each are capable of making a Probability Jump to come to each other's aid within seconds (Probability Drives specialize in short-distance jumps). Also, given time, about four more of the fleets will be arriving to take up positions around the system.

To say nothing of the defensive satellites we've set up. About 500 total so far. Hey, its our future PrimeLine headquarters, we're not just gonna put up a neon sign and post a small cat at the door with a collar that reads "KITTEN OF DEATH! STAY AWAY!" :p

------------------------First off--------------------------------------

To Daggerfall Prospecting Vessel,

We have no knowledge of any "Un-apparent Assets" in this system, as our deep planetary scans found no evidence of existing artificial structures above or below ground. Our deep scans can penetrate some one hundred kilometers through planetary crust before losing resolution. If they are hidden below this point, my first question would be 'Why?'

Also, the entire reason we chose this system is that it was completely uninhabited before our arrival. No sign of claim beacons, no signs saying "Next Rest Area, 15pc", or anything of the like for that matter.

Speaking of which, though. Would you happen to have any telemetry for other... Craphole Systems? Your vessel appears well-traveled, so I'm curious as to whether you might have gathered any information on unwanted systems that we might have missed. Space is big. Its easy to overlook something.

Admiral Chang, 4th Godulan DawnRunner BattleFleet

Further OOC: When I said 'And it was inhabited' in my first post, I prolly should have said 'And it was >now< inhabited'. Sorry if this led to any mixup.

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

"More contacts, sir," the Sensors Adjutant noted again. "Nine... heavily armed. Sir, Germanische Zustande vessels."

"Comms from the new contacts," the Comms adjutant chimed in, "They say they claim this system as a buffer zone."

Chang raised an eyebrow. "A bit late, aren't they now? And what the hell are they on about anyway? Open comms..."

To Germanische Zustande Vessels,

Being oddly belligerent for Allies, aren't you? Look up in your records, however prodigal we may be, we are members of the organization you founded.

We found no discernable claims to this system before our arrival. As such, we find we must dispute your 'claim' to this system. Be advised, however, that we intend no harm upon your stellar nation, and that we do not intend to expand beyond the confines of this system, save in areas you will likely have no qualms with.

Admiral Chang, 4th Godulan DawnRunner BattleFleet.

L'Salle intently studied the Kanuckistani message, having already heard the Godulan's message. The ensign which had prepared the preliminary reports had neglected to include the status of the nation of Godular within the USF, and Jessel had honestly forgotten of their membership also. Such failures could not happen again.

But the Kanuckistani message perplexed him. They were too quick to provoke action. If only the Kanuckistani would see the errors of the ESUS. Once our peoples were allies against the Shivans, the Commodore mused. If a scuffle broke out, the UFGZ would have to be sure it did not fire first. There would be hell to pay if a Battleplate suddenly appeared.

Not that Jessel was worried the refitted Reagan would be unable to defeat a Battleplate, it was the knowledge that Kanuckistan had at least eight of them.

"Comm," the Commodore faced the Commander at his left. "Direct a communication at the lead Godulan vessel."

He awaited a nod from the man, beginning upon confirmation of the channel. "This is Commodore L'Salle, commander of the 4th Menach Cruiser Battalion. I apologize for our errors, I was not informed of your status as an Ally of the UFGZ. And my own aging memory," he chuckled, "failed me of that knowledge. However, as most nations of the Universe know, and to the perpetual confoundation of our enemies, we have attempted to maintain the secrecy of the locations of our worlds at all costs. Due to this primary concern, we tend not to place transponders in our systems. We would be happy to provide you with Holorecordings of our first indication of your presence in this system, as well as our constant monitoring of the afore mentioned. We would still, however, wish to hold a conference between myself and the commander of your fleets. Thank you, L'Salle out."

The Commander dutifully ended the transmission when the Commodore finished his last sentence. He kept his eyes fixated on Jessel, expecting another message to the Kanuckistani. The Commodore did not disappoint.

"Commander, send another message to the Kanuckistani. I believe they need an attitude-readjustment."

Letting out a brief snort, the Comm operator opened another channel. "Go ahead, sir."

Jessel nodded, then faced the Bridge holodisplay. "Kanuckistani Vessel, this system is within our Buffer Zone, Myternian Sector." The Commodore's voice became hard; he had nothing personal against the Kanuckistani. However, the UFGZ was only defending its space. This "Prospector" vessel, or its people, had no right to intervene. "Any claims on this system by any nation other than Godular will be ignored immediately. The UFGZ does not recognize Kanuckistan's claim to this system. Also, the Dagerfall, or any other Kanuckistani vessel, shall refrain from rendering such a poignant insult against UFGZ forces again. Please also refrain from slanderous comments, as our defense of this system is perfectly legal. Good day."

The Commodore sank into his gravchair. Only a matter of time before a fight breaks out...

Hey, Kanuckistan, BUMP. My grandmother was an illegal Kanuck... or is it Canuck? Well, whatever...

"Uh, don't I think you understood, Admiral," the reply to the Godulan Admiral began, "I was requesting the locations of any of your instalations or assets which might not be readily aparent - asteroid bases and their ilk, mainly - lest they be mistaken for inert rocks in the course of our mining operations here. Rather unlikly, but there's no need to run such easily avoidible risks, no matter how small.

As for "Craphole Systems," as you put it, I'm afraid I buy my nav data from survey companies; I'd only be undercutting them by giving it to you."

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


"Inquisitor, Kanuckistan has no interest in claim to this system - I do. In light of both it's moderate mineral wealth and the pigheaded arrogance displayed by yourselves in this matter; if your posturing should drive Godular from here, than I shall remain to deny it to you.

I am in no mood to suffer bullies this day."

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


"Oh, god!" the hunam laughed, "If that doesn't rile them up...!"

"Yeah," Daggerfall's reply decidly more sober.

"What? Oh, you're still worried about loosing yer flagship."

The lupine nodded, "Aye; I'm rather attached her."

"Tell ya what; if they start shooting, take out atleast one of theirs and I'll pull in a few favors - see if I can't fix you up with something a mite nicer."

The wolf fixed him with a courious look, and he grined.

The Commodore felt the anger rising within his chest, beginning in some much more primitive part of his Soul. No, Jessel fought back, This is the reaction they want from us-- from me. I shall not allow it.

Not really wanting to betray his anger to his crew, L'Salle opted to open a channel directly to the Daggerfall.

"Attention Prospector Daggerfall, the Godulans are allies of the Federation, and will likely be granted territory rights to this system by the Council. Your vessel, however, appearing to operate independant of your 'High Guard', will not be allowed to stay, under Federal Law, until formal treatises can be drawn up between the three parties. Until then, your vessel will refrain from any and all mining operations."

The Commodore took a breather, regaining his somewhat enraged composure. His monologue soon began again. "Furthermore, the UFGZ is the Belligerent Nation of this region of space. Anything entering within our territory is subject to our laws, and our justice. If the Kanuckistani have any such concept, or honor, maybe you will alter your actions drastically. Inquisitor out."

Jessel ended the transmission, and somewhere along the way to his office, he noticed everyone staring at him. Halting mid-stride, L'Salle pivoted, and rather bluntly shouted, "Get back to your stations, dammit!"

-----------

The Commodore had just spent the last two hours reviewing all information in the Archives on the Kanuckistani. Their tactics, history, scuffles with the Federation, their one time alliance; the list went on. He had just reviewed the most recent transmissions, when a very large problem jumped to the forefront of his thought processes.

He jumped to his feet, cursing as he gouged a large chunk out of his knee. "Damnable desk," he repeated over and over as he stood straight and walked out onto the Main Bridge. He assumed his position at the Command Platform, flourishing his hands, placing them on the control panel before him. He keyed in his authorization code, submitting to a host of tests afterward.

The Holodisplay in the center of the bridge sprang to life. Light cohered, forming the image of a Terpitz-class Dreadnought. His ship, the Adjudicator. Hands flew accross the panel, striking commands with the swiftness and precision of a machine. Jessel relayed the final commands to Tactical, choosing to do so by voice.

Slowly he turned. For some reason, the Captain at Tactical looked up at the exact same time as L'Salle. "Tac, relay orders to the Adjudicator as well as the Battlefleet of Auzeg, that they are to report immediately to the Kaluza system. I shall then assume command aboard the Adjudicator. Understood?"

The bridge was silent. Most were wondering why the Commodore would call in a full Battlefleet. That was some 500 ships, simply to solve some border debate?

"Aye, sir," came the obviously perplexed reply.

----------

No more than eight minutes after the orders were relayed, the Battlefleet of Auzeg folded into the Kaluza/Thorn system. Five hundred ships suddenly glistened in the light of the distant sun. The distinct blue-and-white hulls and elongated, ax-like prows marked the ships as distinctly Zustandan.

The Cruiser Battalion was expediently integrated into the FleetCom system, aligning all the ships into a tight formation. By now, the Commodore had already Folded to the Adjudicator, and sat in his familiar command chair.

Leaning back, observing the fleet through a Holodisplay of the actual view, the Commodore bore a strange smile on his face.

"We shall wait," he stated, confidently, imperiously. He let out a long, slow laugh.

The Fleet moved on.

ooc: Kanuck, what's a Hunam? What is a Lupine?

The Terpitz Class Dreadnoughts are not exactly of definite length yet... I don't know how long I want to make them.

I have one class of Dreadnoughts which are a mile long, another class two miles; but I can't decide the length for the Terpitz class.

2.6 miles = 4.18 km,
3.0 miles = 4.82 km

I don't know which to choose, so the length stat isn't finite yet, alrighty?

Secondly, the Battlefleet of Auzeg was built and is maintained by the Federal World of Auzeg. The Federation itself did not expend any money or resources on the construction. The UFGZ has a very complicated Social/Political/Military structure, which is primarily what allows us to have built and to maintain two Bismarck Class vessels.

As you know, the Bismarcks are 20 miles long.

20 miles = 32.18 km

The Bismarcks, the Fleet of the Chancellory, and the Grand Fleet of the Admiralty are about the only Federally-Built ships/fleets. Even then, there was much support from the Federal Worlds and Colonies.

By the way, I claimed to control an area of space equal to a cube with edges 14,000 lys.

14,000 x 14,000 x 14,000 = Two trillion, seven-hundred fourty four billion cubic lightyears.

*EDIT*

That is roughly 2.4% of the area of the universe. So, the universe having about 100 billion starsystems in it, and my space being 2.4%, I'll claim 2.4 billion starsystems

That's one heck of alot of solar systems. Even though it'd probably be somewhere near 2 billion or 1.8. And, though we claim and monitor a large majority of this territory through nigh-undetectable sensors, and our own high-powered ship-and-planetary based sensors, we only inhabit or actively use about 200 systems. Shall I calculate probablility?

You have roughly a 1 in *TO BE CALCULATED*

Anyway, whatever... I'm just being obstructionist and slightly godmoddy.

OOC:
Hunam = homo sapains; the intentional misspelling is something of a persistant inside joke
Lupine = wolf, or wolf-like

And, uh....


Belligerent.

bel·lig·er·ent (b-ljr-nt)
adj.

1. Inclined or eager to fight; hostile or aggressive.
2. Of, pertaining to, or engaged in warfare.

n.

One that is hostile or aggressive, especially one that is engaged in war.


It sounds like you've just basicly declared yourselves to be the local ruffians.


And unless you plan of shooting first, uh, your naval officers must have really low self-confidence if they need a battle fleet to deal with a lone, if rather assertive, prospector.

IC:

"Inquisitor. The Godulans may be your allies, but unless they are also your puppets, you have no legal say here. This is not your space; you have no jurisdiction here. We will not be swayed by your petty bullying and baseless legal claims."


And with that, a trio of probes were launched, trajectories ballisticly carrying them towards promising candidate asteroids well removed from Godulan activity.




Only time would tell if the 'mighty' Germanische Zustande would, in their arrogance, let a lone prospector's refusal to bow down goad them into starting a war which could readily kill millions.

Chang sighed to himself as he heard the intensifying comms chatter.

"Comms, get me on again... this is getting out of hand."

GENTLEMEN! PLEASE!

Interstellar dick-waving aside, there is no damn reason for people to start scuffling over who gets what.

GZ considered this part of a buffer zone, wouldn't normally be an issue. They took an initially hostile stand against both of us, not knowing that Godular has a standing, though not-well-publicized position in the USF. After being reminded of this, they are more willing to allow us to keep the system to ourselves, as having a friendly power in a buffer zone is a tactical boon if anything.

Kanuckistan is here on a mining mission, thinking that the system was uninhabited up until its entry in-system. We gave them permission to go about their business as we have nothing of significance up and running as of yet. Though I should add that return visits would be unadvisable, as we will likely begin restricting access to all non-allied/non-trade traffic soon.

Being that we were the ones with the first recognizable claim beacons in system, Godular must assert its ownership claim until such time as the matter is ironed out with our ally. By this token, we insist that the Kanuckistani vessel be allowed to complete its mission and depart in peace. And we must ALSO insist that comms cease between the two nationalities so as to prevent further provocation. I WILL NOT HAVE PEOPLE FIGHTING ON MY DOORSTEP!

After the prospector leaves, Germanische Zustande Representatives will meet with our Representatives and hammer out details of... whatever... on our own time.

DOES.
THIS.
ACCOMMODATE?

ooc:

Belligerent nation, in a historical and territorial sense, usually refers to the nation in command of or patroller of a certain area.

Example:

16-19th century Britain was considered a Belligerent Nation, referring primarily to the fact it had dominion over the seas. They subjected other nations to their laws, patrolled the seas, etc. I refer mainly to this aspect of the term. Essentially we are stating that it is our space, subject to our laws, as well as anything within the territory, including the Godulans and Kanuckistani. We actually aren't worried about the Godulans anymore.

"Sounds fine, Admiral Chang," the message began, broadcast openly, "Although in the future, I'd sugest your people take a closer look at prospective allies befor signing up with them."

And with that, internal IDD nodes rolled, reorienting the vessel to face the nearest probed rock, befor again shifting to kill relative velocity; power then shifted to her SLDS drives, propelling her smoothly and inertialessly beyond the aparent speed of light. The journrey had scarcly began befor power was killed, her drive feild collapsed, and she lay a thousand kilometers off a mountan of mostly nickle-iron a dozen times her length, where the probe has indicated sizible deposits of silver-composite minerals.

The probe returned, and gravitics powered in preperation of a resonance mapping to the subatomic scale.

((I feel like adding some to the 4th Fleet...))
------

Another gravity well signature leaps the jittered 4th Gaian Fleet into another System.

Rvri breathes a heavy sigh. "I feel old for some reason."

Rvri then pegs her Techs. "Tell us what we've got..."

"One moment...

...reading a Type-VI Green star."

Rvri shrugs.. "It's a start..."

The Communique passed hands, the Commodore flipping the Holosheet so the message was right side up.

"Commodore, you are hereby ordered by the Diplomatic Council of the Federation to demand a 15% share of any ore and/or materials mined by the Kanuckistani for use of our System in which to mine. These are final terms and shall not be negotiated. If the Kanuckistani do not accept, make them understand that they are subject to our laws within our space.

Signed,
Councillor Derben"

Jessel sighed. At least it was an attempt at diplomacy. The Commodore sank into his command chair. He opened a channel himself to the Godulans.

Clearing his throat, L'Salle began. "To Admiral Chang, of the DawnRunner fleets, the UFGZ demands that the Kancukistani Mining Vessel pay 15% of whatever ores and materials it mines to the Federation as a toll for mining within a Federally Controlled system. Please relay this message. Commodore L'Salle out."

Jessel knew perfectly well he had also broadcast the message to the Kanuckistani. He turned to address the Commander at Tactical. "I want at least fourteen Battlecruisers towing that thing. Keep at least 1/2 AU out from it. Measure the mass of EVERYTHING it mines. We want an accurate total of our dues. Make it so."

The Commander nodded, already working on distributing the orders.

Chang read the latest message from the Germanische Zustande vessels. Are they TRYING to be provocative? he thought to himself as he mulled his next action. Relay the message to the Kanuckistanis and risk escalating a caustic situation to the breaking point, or not relay the message, sour relations with their ally, AND STILL risk escalating a caustic situation to the breaking point.

He called the other two Godulan Commanders to a secured channel conference and described the situation.

"Bureaucrats," Morland hissed derisively. "Fees and percentages everywhere."

"Narrow-minded, for certain," Malcom replied. "But perhaps we can use that to our advantage."

"How do you mean?" Chang asked.

"We keep an eye on how much the Kanuckistani vessel acquires on its mission here. Then WE give the Germanische Zustande twenty percent of its haul from our own acquisitions. Fifteen percent to replace the fee imposed upon the Kanuckistanis, and an extra five percent to... assist the Germanisch Zustande in expediting whatever paperwork is required to give us sole control of this system and leave us the hell alone."

"Cassius won't like that," Morland noted. "He's just as much 'bottom line' as the people we're working to thwart."

"But he'd surely appreciate the fact that if we take any other course of action," Malcom replied, "we risk this system turning into a battlefield and losing everything in one shot."

"Bottom line," came Chang's assessment.

"Bottom line," agreed Malcolm.

"Bottom line," conceded Morland.

"Hopefully the Germanische Zustande vessels will understand the value of... paperwork," Chang continued. "After all, if the paperwork says the Kanuckistanis handed over the material, who would the bureaucrats be to disagree?"

"Get it down in writing"

"Make it official."

"fifteen percent from the 'kanuckistanis'... five percent and a few quick conditions and we get both of them off our backs."

"Agreed."

"Do it."

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

Response to Germanische Zustande Vessels:

WE will pay that percentage. We will also add on an additional five percent in order to... expedite whatever channels are required to allow us permanent control of the system, if you know what we mean.

The High Command need not know that the percentage came from us.

Jessel read the message from the Godulans. He was outraged. "HAVE THEY NO HONOR?" he shouted in the middle of the bridge. His rage at the Kanuckistani extended to the Godulans now. But they were allies. He had to convince them of the necessity of the Kanuckistani payment.

"COMM! GET ME THE GODULANS. COPY THE MESSAGE TO THE KANUCKISTANI ALSO. I AM MAD AS HELL, SO HURRY IT UP, Lieutenant!"

The Commander worked faster than he had before in his life. "Yes sir," he replied meekly.

"The Kanuckistani have broken our laws in our own space! They have no right to impose their belligerent, arrogant, superior attitudes upon us in our own system! They have broken our laws, they have offended us deeply! And now we see that you, yourselfs, the Godulans, have no honor either! You would undercut superiors, hide the truth; this is evil! Lawlessness! Although three of the Houses of the UFGZ have voted in favor of your lease of this system and all its contents indefinately, the fourth may no longer be so inclined after this report! Our laws demand payment from the Kanuckistani! Not the Godulans. You have done no wrong, and you do not need to pay! We will not be pushed around by lawless, forceful Kanuckistani vessels and citizens! We shall uphold justice, no matter what. If our fifteen percent toll is not paid by the Daggerfall, we shall claim it by force. Is this clear?"

The Commodore struggled to breathe, hunched over panting. That was one hulluva rant, Jessel thought.

Once more, he turned to Tactical. With his most dire tone of voice, he commanded the officer there, "Get me High Command. I want a Bismarck class out here Now!"

"........... 3 planets, one planetoid belt that seems too large to be normal.

...um.. normal assortment of cometary debris."

Commadore Rvri keeps listening to the dull report.

"...the solar winds are.. um... unremarkable.

..scans through show the second planet is marginally habitable."

Rvri cocks an eye. "Recommendation?" Her XO just replies... "...fifty-fifty on checking it out, or just passing it by."

Rvri looks at the XO. "Thanks for the opinion.

..well.. *looking out at the dull green starlight* ..might as well check it out, then we can go home.

..set course."

With that, the 4th Fleet begins to slowly move inSystem. It takes three days to draw close enough...

Chang sighed. He had actually hoped they would take the sum to avoid aggravating the other ship even further.

To the Kanuckistani Vessel:

Germanische Zustande demands a fine consisting of no less than fifteen percent of the material mined on your mission. Non-compliance will result in severe repurcussions from the Germanische Zustande fleet.

We tried to pay the fee in your stead, knowing that you had no knowledge of prior claims beforehand, but they would have none of it.

Respond as you will. We hereby lift the system comms lockout between the two of you. We wash our hands of this.

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

To the Germanische Zustande Vessels:

So you will not accept our offer? That is fine. We will not press you. Demands relayed.

Jessel understood the dilemma Chang faced. The Commodore was not comfortable placing his ally in such a precarious position between Kanuckistan and the Federation. However, orders and the Law came first. L'Salle would try to draft an apology letter later, assuming the Godulans were still allies then.

To the Godulan Admiralty:

Thank you very much. May the Lord be with you, and all involved. God have mercy on our souls.

The UFGZ Monitor Fleet

OOC:
Hehehe; you're probally not going to like the Daggerfall's perfered method of mining rich rocks.

It probes a rock, then drops a fabber/miner package onto the surface of those it likes - the package uses the asteroid, suplimented by material from the mothership, to build a couple reactors, a type of hyperdrive designed for such operations, and necessary related hardware. It's then nudged towards the edge of the system by the Daggerfall's gravitics and independently FTLs to a mobile refinery, where it's analised and bought from the prospector, then slagged wholesale.


IC:

The Daggerfall had landed several smallcraft upon the rocky body's surface by this point; some drilling for future structures into it's surface while others began refining, smelting, and fabricating - others shuttling down needed materials found lacking within the asteroid's mass, or deposited far from the site of construction.

"Inquisitor; you demand honor and justice, and yet you bully your own allies, try to claim unoccupied systems after others set up residence, and now threaten to commit what will no doubt be an act of war - to endanger the lives of millions - for a handfull of rocks and to sooth your wounded egos. You are no better than belligerent ruffians and bullies. You may have "honor," but if it is what you display this day, then it is not worthy of being called such.

However, if you must have your handfull of rocks..."


A different object exited the Daggerfall's bays now; spare drives jurryrigged to an unusual, egg-shaped object the size of a small house, which scans would find vaugly resembling a bomb of some kind. Slowly, ponderously, it reoriented and began thrusting towards the second rock probed, even while the probe still there began burrowing into the asteroid's surface - this one posessing respectible minerial wealth, but nothing that would fetch a particularly high price from the Smelters.


By the time it took to reach it's destination, the unusual nature of the Daggerfall's 'mining' operation was aparent, but as the 'egg' disapeared into the second asteroid, it would soon be overshadowed; an active-mining-operations beacon had been acticated several minutes befor, warning all away from that very rock.


Once all were confirmed clear. sensors would flare with the sudden spike of a massive detonation, and then the second asteroid would vanish for one, two, three seconds, befor it's shattered, half-vaporised remains apeared amoungst the fading afterglow of expanding plasma.

For the 'egg', you see, had been a Planet-Cracker - an oversized mining charge designed for shattering moons and planetoids into managible chunks; it had been on one of it's lowest settings, too, but that rock was no planetoid, and what shattered remnants remained was little more than two thirds of what had been there - still plenty to cover '15%' of what Daggerfall intended to remove this trip.

It had, afterall been a mining charge, and so the invitation was broadcast to the GZ Commodore to pick up his government's 'toll';

"Fetch"

Bumpify!

A Congress Frigate led a small group of four vessels, it, the Senatoria led two Invader Class JumpShips, and the High-Mobile Mini-OmniCarrier Fortress. Together they carried the DropShips and transport for the 5/2nd-C Dragoon Trinary of Mechs, along with a compliment of 5/4th-D Dragoon Trinary, of 15 Angel Gods. Two Stars of Mobile Suits were also stationed on the Fortress providing mobile defense.

Added, the 172nd Goddess Archon Wing, rounded out the assets of the 4th Gaian Exporation Corps Fleet.



This was what reached the second world node at 2339 Hrs, White Diamond System Local Time.

Almost as soon as they passsed within the planet's two dead moons, the vessels undocked two DropShips each, eight in total. They began to burn towards the planet, a dull blue-gray world with dark seas and bland looking continents, of which there was three major, and one broken up archapellego amid them, comprising of many large islands.

Rvri watched with a strange, motherly worry, as the DropShips of the Cluster spread out to explore for three days, the continents.

She made a calm prayer to the goddess that all would be well..

--

((OC- I quoted my forces to myself for future posts. ))

Okay... so there appear to be two lines going here...

One, GZ and Kanuckistan are metaphorically staring at each other with nasty glares and evil intentions while the Godulans are standing in the middle scratching their heads and sighing in exasperation...

Two... Gaian Ascendancy is exploring planets... FURTHER... IN... GZ SPACE... (considering you didn't start in GZ space, and you left before their forces arrived, you're wandering around forbidden space without a clue as to what might befall you... fireworks might be expected...)

..."Point taken. So! Why the spooked look?"

"Protomatter, sir."

"Black stuff. Mist. Goes boom when blasters hit it. So?"

"That wacky metal is showing a LOT of signs resembling Protomatter. As though its a REALLY dense version of the stuff. And when I looked at the way the probe went out of commission, I noticed that it was the metal itself that did it."

"I sense that I should start feeling varying amounts of dread."

"That stuff is alive, sir. Whatever it is, it doesn't like us noticing it."...
As the 5th and 6th battlefleets dropped back into normal space Vice Admiral C' arbaris opened a broadband channel: We have been kept abrest of the activities occouring within this system. At the request of the only actual justifiable occupying race Psicorps has insisted on the intradiction force being sent to protect this planet and surrounding area from damage that may be incoured during a space-based fight. We have no interst in claiming this system or care who mines it but we will protect the planet from fighting and mining. "It" is the last remanent of an ancient and noble race. The Admiral turned from the monitor towards the Psi-General. "I don't want to fight for someone I have never met or heard of. This had better be worth it!" The PG just turned and walked away. "Damn I hate their arrogance!" C' arbaris said to the command deck in general.

OOC: Actually, I was going to use the 'Wacky Metal' as a lead-in to an eventual secondary RP about a superweapon gone insane. A "Resisteel Titan"

Plus, that was simply a conversation between officers on one ship. Not even the other DawnRunners know about the awkward situation on Stygia, much less the Kanuckistanis or the Germanische Zustande. Consider that conversation "Secret".

((To be blunt, 10+ posts after I said I'd post some more, to post this info seems a bit too much like hindsight. So much for adding flavor to a topic.

If you wish me to stop posting, please do so...))

It'd probably be better to start up a new topic after GZ notices that they have some other people roving their buffer zone systems.

OOC: I could help! By also roaming around aimlessly! Weeeeee!
Seriously though, you guys mind if I join and stir things up?

OOC: Ain't seen hide nor hair of Kanuckistan or Germanische Zustande. Their little snarling contest was just getting good too. Beyond Gaian Ascendancy's foray further into Germanische Zustande space, which will likely draw a lot of ire and gunfire... that's pretty much the big plot thing right now, with the Godulan fleets leaning more and more towards just pulling an "ALL RIGHT! IF YOU TWO CAN'T BEHAVE, YOU CAN DURN WELL PLAY OUTSIDE! GIT! GIT OUT OF THE SYSTEM! OUT! YOU BROKE MY DURN ASTEROID! OUT!" and such...

OOC: Well, the ESUS was recently disturbed, you must take into account. So, anyway, can I join?

((OC- This all wouldn't be an attempt to stir up a hornet's nest, since I had no idea my fleet was in GZ space, and 'GZ' does not seem to be the one that brought this up, added that the 4th Gaian Fleet is only engaged in peaceful exploration.

My BT style units can do the Star Trek thing too ya know, even without matter transporters. =--=

..if there's a conflict, that's up to him to start, thank you verymuch. ))

OOC: If it breaks out in conflict, I'll help you, Gaian.

((OC- Kewl, my eternal thanks. The worry comes from mainly that despite my growing assets, the Fleet is out of position to assist the 4th Fleet.

My four vessels and their Tourman assets are important to moi. =^^= ))

OOC: You in any alliances?

((OC - Individual nation speaking wise, nay. So far our nation stands alone amid the stars. =^^= We would welcome such however with honorable nations. ))

Well, GA, the main thing to consider is that you started from outside the GZ buffer zone, then continued on in what I would assume to be the same general direction. GZ said that most of those systems were empty, and they only showed up after you moved out.

So basically, you're wandering around surveying various systems completely oblivious to the fact that GZ might think you're scouting for an invasion or something. Call it a secondary plot thing.

I just want GZ and Kanuckistan to pop back on so they can snarl at each other some more before JJR pops in.

I just want GZ and Kanuckistan to pop back on so they can snarl at each other some more before JJR pops in.


OOC:
I'm here, I just can't exactly do much besides watch until GZ responds.

((Aye.. I will wait and see what GZ says too. Still, if you would kindly please, TG me next time indicating you're going to do something like place me near another's territory like this.

..not to mention TG the owners as well, since I don't know what GZ's thought are concerning all this.

I can see what you're trying to do Godular, and it's admirable. However, again saying, it's 'his' territory to indicate I'm in, not yours to do so. It just sorta puts me off. Can't explain why, it just does. (Show's my own flaws of my own, that's for sure.. =^^= )

..kay, this'll be my last rant post. ))

I wasn't exactly expecting Thorn to be "placed" in GZ's buffer zone my own self (no TGs here either!). I only realized that you might want to be wary of GZ vessels after reading that you were scanning several systems after you left Thorn and GZ came in.

I apologize. Now is not a good time to post for NS. School and parents and other responsibilities. Functions, representations, etc. Blah blah blah. I'll deal with this in a while... Maybe Saturday or Sunday. Eh, big math competition on Saturday. That's out. Maybe Sunday. Sorry about that guys.

By the way, Gaian, I don't like treehuggers. If you're a treehugger, I will anihilate your fleets for trespassing. If you aren't we'll send you on a direct course out of our buffer. We do NOT appreciate uninvited guests. Now, if you want to have a conference with the UFGZ at Normandeicht, we can send coordinates...

My isolationist policy is such an evil thing... It's saved my butt, however, no one can see the wonderous beauty of Atheos Prime...

ooc: can I jump in or is it too late? I kinda sorta have relations with the Gaian Ascendancy. (we are in the same region)

OOC: Thread's hit a bit of a slow spot, and I'm working on a Kelvin RP and the planning of a Klington Retaking. Better to wait until the Kanuckistan/GZ tensions get back on track afore any other nations make an appearance...

Be it known though that the Godulan forces are seriously considering an immediate closing of the system. Anybody else comes in saying "This is OUR system!" or trying to be provocative, it'll likely be met with the threat of a full salvo from Chang's DawnRunner. Mainly because the Godulans are just feeling flustered at the moment.

Heh. I've got half a mind to pull in the two Bismarcks. The Reagan and the Federal Honor. THAT would be fun.

Heh. I've got half a mind to pull in the two Bismarcks. The Reagan and the Federal Honor. THAT would be fun.

OOC:
Wow, all that for a single prospector in someone else's star system.

Do your naval officers draw their sidearms to deal with flys, too?

:p

ooc:

I'm not worried about the fly. I'm worried about the army of armed anti-insect-killing activists behind it. Dost thou catcheth mine drift?

Lt. Cmd. Verstummel had just taken over the Science station after the shift change. The Commodore was in his quarters catching a few hours of sleep, and Captain Rescht was taking full advantage of his absence.

Rescht had propped his feet up on the command panel, had the boatswain deliver him beverage after beverage. He was treating himself like a king. A very detatched king. So far, an hour after the fact, the captain hadn't noticed the Kanuckistani message.

Fahn had been sure that the ship's holorecorders had been monitoring Rescht's every move. While monitoring his own station, he had made sure that he was doing his every duty, so as to be blameless when he brought the charges.

No one on the bridge liked the Captain. Sure, he was a good soldier, but was an aggrandizing SOB. His latest actions didn't improve his repoir with the crew either. Sadly, it seemed his career was doomed, and Fahn wasn't doing anything to help the sagging record maintain some firmity.

Being the second highest officer on the bridge helped what Fahn was about to do greatly. Chirps sounded as his hands moved across the Science panels, Those piano lessons really helped, he mused while the commands were entered. A soft, sweet voice echoed throughout the cavernous bridge shortly after Fahn had completed the inquiry.

"Captain Rescht," the ship's AI called. Immediatly the Captain sat straight up; a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. "Yes, you know who I am. I have been watching you for the past... Oh... hour and a few nanoseconds. Your conduct is unbecoming of a Federal Officer, and I therefore relieve you of your command. Get off my bridge, you lazy bum. Rest assured, Julia will be notified."

Damn. I always knew the AIs gossipped, Rescht admonished himself. "Athena, You've always hated me. I suppose I'll go back to my own critical AI now," he chuckled.

Rescht silently walked off the bridge, his magnetism attracting all eyes. The bridge doors hissed shut behind him, all the stares returning to their duties.

"I suppose, Lieutenant Fahn, that the Bridge is yours. Shall I notify the Commodore?"

Fahn smiled when her floating avatar formed above the bridge. "No, I'll tell him myself when he wakes. But you could compose a report..."

"Aye," she acknowledged.

OOC: Computer class is over. I'll post the dealing with Kanuckistan tonight, after I do my homework.

Verstummel silently slipped into the Command Chair. A rather spartan contraption, it did seem to conform to his back quite well. Must be those new smart-metals that R&D's been messing around with, the Lieutenant thought, nearly asleep; such was the comfort of the seat.

Fahn snorted at the thought of slacking. Hadn't he just backstabbed the acting commander for the exact same thing? Managing to push himself to the edge of the seat, the Lieutenant was able to concentrate much more easily. Skilled in the way of the command-pad, Fahn easily called up the latest holographic maps of the system. On another holopanel, he re-read the Kanuckistani "Fetch," message.

"Tactical, pull in the Bismarcks. We are going to war." As the words rolled off his tongue, Fahn realized that he was being suckered into this war. The Kanuckistani would have the benefit of non-aggression, but the Federation that of the Judicial and Instigated high ground. "Athena, wake the Commodore, also." The world glazed over. Everything became hazy. Verstummel was still aware of his surroundings, but it seemed his brain was shutting down those areas to make room for his thoughts.

In the background, various persons were shouting orders, relaying battleformations to the Fleet, updating stellar maps; all of this dismissed by Fahn's subconscious. The repurcussions of his actions would affect the entireity of the Federation, possibly for decades to come. However, one thought silenced all second-guessing in the Lieutenant's mind.

Justice shall be upheld. By the Ancestors, so be it.

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

The Reagan and the Federal Honor appeared aft of the Battlefleet in a single blinding flash of white light. Massive, imposing vessels, they represented the awe and might of the Law; of Order. Brilliant light reflected upon the mesmerizing White-and-blue hull of the ships; The Adjudicator could be clearly seen, albeit somewhat distorted.

Gracefully sweeping toward the Kanuckistani Prospector, the Fleet manuevered to bring most weapons to bear. Every single ship was ready to project a combined field to disrupt every single string in an area of space much larger than the Prospector.

As the ships neared, the grace and beauty vanished from the Federal vessels. Suddenly, like raging goddesses raining fire upon the iniquity of her denizens, the long-range cannon bolts blazed forth toward the Kanuckistani mining ship.

"This is the Federal Battlefleet; Battleship Reagan transmitting. You have violated our laws and instigated War. You shall be brought to Justice. The free reign of your people throughout the Galaxy ends here."

Suddenly, five DawnRunner fleets materialized over Stygia, causing something of a stir among the three DawnRunner admirals already in system and already stressed out by the standing situation.

The five DawnRunners immediately fanned out through the system, essentially ignoring all of the other entities, and focusing primarily on the asteroid belt. A single comms message went out:

CLEAR THE WAY! CLEAR THE WAY FOR THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW!

Chang was first to react.

"Oh SHIT! The Archonal! I thought that thing's arrival was still weeks away!"

One second, there was nothing over Stygia, the next second, there was the Long Arm of the Law. The magnificent matte-black colossus looked like a thirty kilometer long six-edged arrowhead, and came with a pair of the brand spanking new Widowmakers, exact duplicates save being only one-third their charge's size, and their support fleets.

The Long Arm rested over Stygia for only a few seconds, then materialized in a section of the Asteroid field not occupied by the other DawnRunners. A second message went out on all channels.

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

Greetings, I am Adjutant General Achaedus. Charged with keeping the peace and overseeing all developmental actions taken in this system.

Let it be known that we will tolerate no bickering within the confines of this system. Thorn is to be a DIPLOMATIC HUB, not a boxing ring. We would appreciate it if all standing conflicts were taken elsewhere, so that we might commence further establishment of mining stations and construction sites unhindered by potential crossfire.

Admiral Chang, you are hereby relieved of your duty as external contact consul. You are to take your ships closer in-system for further debriefing.

Adjutant General Achaedus out.

ooc: Bumpzors. Completed post, by the way. Will post a reply later.

OOC:
Are you just firing string-disruptors?

No. Too far a range. We're firing PPCs, particle cannons, long-range ani-matter torpedoes, probably fired one Fold String Disruptor torpedoe. Basic stuff. Nothing fancy-- yet.

OOC: Y'all HAVE to have noticed the bigass fleet that just moved in... including the new 30km supership that's to be the permanent headquarters of the system... at least until the planetesimals are fully developed.

OOC:
I'm going to assume GZ shoots just befor the Godulan reinforcments show up.

By the way, GZ, thanks for the tactical blunder. ;)

IC:
Daggerfall muttered as his companion watched the feed relayed from his ship-self, elsewhere going through the motions of battle readiness for what good it would do; a mass of angry red sensor contacts crawling omminously across the plot.

But there was something.. wrong, about their aproach. Something nagging at the edge of his conciousness. .Something that...


"They're not under FTLi." His companion giving voice to his sudden realization. But there was little time to act; prehaps too little. If only...


Franticly, reactors redlined and a dozen systems were hastily reconfigured; a thousand warrenties voided in the space of a heartbeat, even as power spikes registered throughout the now-enemy fleet.

Overkill Incarnate converged upon the frantic starship, ranges closed, automated alarm-protocals sounded inaudibly, and the KCV Daggerfall vanushed in the nova-bright flash of a nuclear event as the asteroid so close behind her was rent asunder.



...



And instantly apeared amoungst the Federal battlefleet, deeply scarred but largly intact; ECM howling for all it was worth, their transcivers litterily melting from the load, as her magizines were simply flushed - missiles, not launched, but dumped into space en-mass, lancing forth into the immeasuribly target-right enviroment that surrounded them - some thousand warheads all told; mostly anti-fighter formation bombs and intermediate laser-heads, sprinkled liberily with dedicated ECM. And 6 Anti-Capital Formation missiles.

And then she was gone, bare seconds after she arrived; an imprecise, improperly calibrated emergency jump that drained her systems dry - in the process reducing her sheilds, displacers, three reactors - two conversion and one fusion -, numbers #1 and #3 neutronium fuel containment, fully half her power grid, and countless secondary systems to so much slag.

It was all-in-all rather miraculous that she didn't hit the Long Arm of the Law when she apeared less than a hundred meters from the massive vessel - rather somewhat closer than intended - all but adrift on a slowly divergent vector.


The missiles, however, for all their fury, were only a sideshow. A distraction. For two very familiar egg-like objects had been left in the prospectors wake.


And like a binary supernova, the two planet-crackers detonated an instant later.


OOC:
Between the ECM, the missiles, the stupidly short time frame involved, and the risk of hitting your own ships, I'm assuming that you can't take out the Daggerfall befor she buggers out, GZ. Sharp gunners can still maul her if you'd like. Take the missiles and 'crackers as you'd like, but remember that the 'crackers aren't 'real' planet-crackers, but used to break up moons and planetoids; serious power, but not stupidly high.

I'd apreciate it if atleast one of the 'crackers actually detonates rather than dying to counter-missile fire.

ooc: Yes, Godular, we noticed. However, did YOU notice my post was before your ships arrived, technically?

NOW I will respond in terms of your vessels. And I really hate you. Your ship is 4 kilometers longer than mine. But I have two! Bwahahahaha!!!

And Kanuckistan, I'm trading no damage to your ship for only extremely heavy missile damage to a number of Frigates and Destroyers. Hope that's alright...

IC:

Fahn watched the Holoscreen. Hundreds of energy bolts drove towards the Prospector. Half expecting the enemy vessel to be destroyed from the QSD Torpedo, the Lieutenant didn't pay much attention to the battle. I wonder why the Kanuckistani ship isn't returning fire...

It dawned on him. This was a battle they knew they couldn't win. Fahn turned, staring at the Science Level of the bridge. Straining his vocal chords to the limit, he shouted in desparation. "Fire an Erasure wave! I want that ship u--" A loud whirring sound broke through his sentence. The Lt. Cmd's knees buckled as something struck the Adjudicator.

A shrill, shaken voice from Science screamed, "They're in the fleet! They jumped in the fleet!"

"Thousands of missiles, sir! The Commodore is reporting that the Reagan is docking with several damaged Destroyers and Cruisers..." boomed a deep voice.

Fahn regained his stance, calling up fleet statistics on the main holodisplay in the center of the bridge. He stared at several red silhouettes, information splaying across the display. Several waves were eminating from a Frigate, it was powering up it's SD array. Damit! It'll hit the Fleet! Those idi--

"Sir, we're receiving a distress signal... It's coming from a Heavy Cruiser... it apparently moved in front of a majority of the Missiles. All six shielding systems failed. It's point-defese was able to disrupt or erase only a small number of the missiles it did not intercept. Sir, the whole side of the ship is only a shell."

Communications this time.

The same booming voice from earlier gave another report. This one very interesting. "Sir, the Kanuckistani vessel has jumped out of the fleet... And was intercepted by the Godulans... I'm also reading a large energy build-up..."

Fahn knew something else had to go wrong. It wasn't bad enough the High Council would have his head, but now his entire Line would have its honor taken for decades to come.

A rather cool-headed report came from Communications again. "Sir, the Godulans are inquiring as to whether we need repairs or aid... And also warning us that any and all UFGZ military vessels are banned from this system for one standard-year..."

"Athena, how is the ship holding up," Verstummel asked.

A holodisplay to his right came alive with the image of a woman. She turned to face the Lt. Cmd. "Oh, a large scar along the port primary armor. A slight destabilization in the AIQSM, but nothing that can't be corrected. We'll pull through."

"Good," Fahn smiled. "I'd like you to get Captain Resch back here. Have him deal with the damaged vessels. I'm going to the Reagan. We have to go deal with the Godulans. Maybe we can work something out."

"Alrighty, Lieutenant Commander," the AI's materialization smirked.

OOC: You may have two, but this thing came with enough backup to stun a yak. Five new DawnRunner fleets, and a pair of 10km long Widowmaker Siege Vessels with THEIR backup. And as this is to be a new home for the Godulans, it'll fall under the jurisdiction of the HomeGuard. Which means there will be more to come in very short order, including Godulan Red Rain torpedoes.

Achaedus cursed his crappy timing as the situation unfolded. "Signal the DemonWing, grab that Prospector vessel and boot it. Send the FiendRender to 'Usher' our other friends out of the system. Remember to check for casualties."

"Aye sir!"

The order went out, and the first of the two Widowmakers moved over the drifting Kanuckistani prospector, firing grappling tethers as soon as it was in range. The DemonWing pulled the prospector in close to one of its heavy weapons wings, then vanished from the system.

And reappeared approximately two hundred AU distant. The Tethers were released, and the Prospector drifted away, none the worse for wear considering its circumstances.

A single message went to the Prospector:

Leave. Repair your systems and depart Thorn. We will not HAVE this. Both you and the Germanische Zustande have worn out their welcome in Thorn. Entry into Thorn either by Kanuckistani or UFGZ non-diplomatic vessels is hereby forbidden for a term of no less than one year. Violation of this condition, or any conflicts initiated within Thorn after the banning period has passed will be met with extreme consequences. Do you understand this?

_________________________________________________________________

At the same time, the second Widowmaker moved towards the UFGZ fleet. Transmitting the following message:

That. Is. IT. Allies or not, you AND Kanuckistan have both worn out whatever welcome we extended initially. From this moment on, all non-diplomatic Kanuckistani and UFGZ vessels are hereby forbidden entry into the system of Thorn for a period of three-hundred and sixty-five days, after which the restriction will be limited, but further incidents will be met with more forcible removal. If you wish to continue the conflict with Kanuckistan, you can DAMN WELL DO IT ELSEWHERE.

Now, if you require assistance before departure, we will help in whatever means necessary to mend your wounded and repair your vessels, which is more of a courtesy than the Kanuckistan Prospector is receiving strictly BECAUSE you are our allies. Do NOT test our friendship further.

ooc:
And Kanuckistan, I'm trading no damage to your ship for only extremely heavy missile damage to a number of Frigates and Destroyers. Hope that's alright...


OOC:
Reread my post; the Daggerfall was mauled by your opening salvos befor it managed to jump. You have to option to nail it some more when it's amoungst your fleet. Then the emergency jump fried half it's systems.

My ship was royally screwed in that maneuver; it's half-slag and all but adrift now! And that jump caught you with your pants down with some pretty serious anti-capital level firepower.

Don't be a miser in taking losses; that sucker punch deserves some real damage, and you can easily afford such.

What was the range that you opened fire at, anyway?



Entry into Thorn either by Kanuckistani or UFGZ non-diplomatic vessels is hereby forbidden for a term of no less than one year. Violation of this condition, or any conflicts initiated within Thorn after the banning period has passed will be met with extreme consequences. Do you understand this?


OOC:
You do realise that this is a civilian vessel with absoloutly no connection to the Kanuckistani government whatsoever?

That's like kicking a tourist out of your country and telling him that his nationality is now banned. With all the complications such would involve.

OOC: Want I should take him out back? :D

Actually, they consider it like deporting a tourist for getting into a firefight. Godular just takes the issue somewhat further by saying that both sides of the firefight are no longer welcome within its borders, save in the case of Diplomatic staff who might be able to get the restriction removed IF THEY PROMISE TO PLAY FORKING NICE.

Their take on it is (with Godulan Law): The Kanuckistani vessel is, by legal definition, a representative of its nation of origin. As the UFGZ vessels are representatives of Germanische Zustande. Thereby, any conflicts between the two of them will be considered "cross-fire" and both sides will be effectively kicked the hell out until further notice.

Its the "NOT ON MY DAMN DOORSTEP!" rule.

ooc: Bump. Alrighty, I finished the post. I'll do another one in a moment. Here are my final plans for this thread.

1. Repair heavily damaged ships.
2. Conference with Godulans.
3. Hunt for Red Prospector.
4. Report to the High Council.
5. Decisions as to what actions to take in reference to the Godulan Presence in the Thorn/Kaluza system.

As for 5, we'll approve their presence, the whole, "Having an ally there is a GOOD thing. Now we have to mend relations..."

As for 3, I want to destroy that dam-ed Kanuckistani ship. Maybe start a short war. "Justice must be done upon that vessel!"

Actually, they consider it like deporting a tourist for getting into a firefight. Godular just takes the issue somewhat further by saying that both sides of the firefight are no longer welcome within its borders, save in the case of Diplomatic staff who might be able to get the restriction removed IF THEY PROMISE TO PLAY FORKING NICE.

Their take on it is (with Godulan Law): The Kanuckistani vessel is, by legal definition, a representative of its nation of origin. As the UFGZ vessels are representatives of Germanische Zustande. Thereby, any conflicts between the two of them will be considered "cross-fire" and both sides will be effectively kicked the hell out until further notice.

Its the "NOT ON MY DAMN DOORSTEP!" rule.

OOC:
More like a verbal argument with someone trying to extrot him in your space, for doing what you already said he could, who then opened fire without decent provocation. He simply defended himself - and, as it was your space and his presence and activities were authorised, that should have been your job.

However, I was mainly reffering to the relay of the warning; you're not going through offical channels, so you've no way to know when or even if my government will get the message.

Of course, given the damage they've taken, you don't even know if they heard you.




OOC: You may have two, but this thing came with enough backup to stun a yak. Five new DawnRunner fleets, and a pair of 10km long Widowmaker Siege Vessels with THEIR backup. And as this is to be a new home for the Godulans, it'll fall under the jurisdiction of the HomeGuard. Which means there will be more to come in very short order, including Godulan Red Rain torpedoes.

Achaedus cursed his crappy timing as the situation unfolded. "Signal the DemonWing, grab that Prospector vessel and boot it. Send the FiendRender to 'Usher' our other friends out of the system. Remember to check for casualties."

"Aye sir!"

The order went out, and the first of the two Widowmakers moved over the drifting Kanuckistani prospector, firing grappling tethers as soon as it was in range. The DemonWing pulled the prospector in close to one of its heavy weapons wings, then vanished from the system.

And reappeared approximately two hundred AU distant. The Tethers were released, and the Prospector drifted away, none the worse for wear considering its circumstances.

A single message went to the Prospector:

Leave. Repair your systems and depart Thorn. We will not HAVE this. Both you and the Germanische Zustande have worn out their welcome in Thorn. Entry into Thorn either by Kanuckistani or UFGZ non-diplomatic vessels is hereby forbidden for a term of no less than one year. Violation of this condition, or any conflicts initiated within Thorn after the banning period has passed will be met with extreme consequences. Do you understand this?




The KCV Daggerfall was adrift, aparently inert save for some fluxuating power readings; the alloyed slag of it's armour deeply pitted and horrendously scarred, atmosphere and what apeared to be hydrogen slush leaking from hunderds meters deep - the intact two transciver arrays on what little remained of her outter hull seemingly dead; the power trunk they fed from a shattered, molten mess, far below.

As so she drifted; seemingly blind, deaf, and mute. Helpless.

Scanning deeply, a dozen lifesigns and the power emmissions of countless minor systems and drones were aparent; repairs aparently underway as her ASPEW feilds came back online, blocking FTL and teleporters within a few kilometers, amoung other things.

But then power failed in near her damaged reactors, in what could have been a fuel system; a weak, automated alarm sounded, it's radio-frequency repeater an urgent whisper from deep within the wounded ship's bouls.

"...ncy Shelters. Repeat. Warning: Neutronium Superfluid Containment Failure Iminent. Neutronium Explosive Decay Iminent. Neutron Radiation Pulse Iminent. All Personel to Emergency Shelters. Repeat. Warning: Neutronium Superfluid...."

And the patterns of drone power and life signs changed, moving with aparent haste to sheilded areas as heavy bulkheads sealed.


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

Half a galaxy away...

"Commodore Davidson." Something abour his face told her something was wrong.

"Admiral." Her reflection in the screen showing as much.

"There's been an incident. Bring your ship up to combat alert and rendezvous at the coordinates I'm sending you. Details are attached."

The channel died.

OOC: Would the Power Failure mean the shield's down again? The Godulans are pissed, but they won't let the personnel die if they can help it. The widowmaker hasn't released the tethers yet, so they should be close enough to read the warning signal.

"No response sir. I think their coms are dead. Although I am detecting a very weak signal being transmitted from within the ship."

"Lets hear it," Commodore Jace, commanding officer of the Demonwing, replied.

The weak "Core Breach Imminent"-esque message played over and over on the comms speakers, and it quickly became apparent that in all likelihood, the prospector was gonna blow.

"Cut tethers and see if we can get transporter locks on all personnel aboard that vessel. Soon as that thing looks like its gonna pop, I want everybody on that ship on this ship."

OOC:
Kanuckistan issues an offical statment. (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8356646#post8356646)


OOC: Would the Power Failure mean the shield's down again? The Godulans are pissed, but they won't let the personnel die if they can help it. The widowmaker hasn't released the tethers yet, so they should be close enough to read the warning signal.


OOC:
Her sheild generators are little more than half-fused heaps.


And then she was gone, bare seconds after she arrived; an imprecise, improperly calibrated emergency jump that drained her systems dry - in the process reducing her sheilds, displacers, three reactors - two conversion and one fusion -, numbers #1 and #3 neutronium fuel containment, fully half her power grid, and countless secondary systems to so much slag.


However...


Scanning deeply, a dozen lifesigns and the power emmissions of countless minor systems and drones were aparent; repairs aparently underway as her ASPEW feilds came back online, blocking FTL and teleporters within a few kilometers, amoung other things.


...ASPEW's back up.

It's a localised power failure; neutronium fuel containment's already thrashed, and the last bits keeping fuel in one of the tanks from decaying was accidently fried when they brought ASPEW back online.

However, it's not that dangerous, so long as you can get to a shelter to protect yourself from the neutron radiation pulse and aren't in the same armoured frame; the explosion'll do alot of damage itself, but should be more or less contained, thanks to internal armour and failure points designed to vent the blast into space.

bump