NationStates Jolt Archive

The Traveler floated upon a sea of illusions, stretching as far as he could see. The mists of uncertainty clouded his perceptions, making the distant shores invisible to his vision. The lone traveler floated upon a simple raft composed of insights and dreams.

He felt drawn towards an unseen destination and willed himself to drift in that direction. The mists gave way to his passage and closed silently behind him. He could hear subtle noises somewhere in the mist, most likely his indecisions trying to distract him from the calling. He tried to ignore them and concentrated on pushing forward. The raft faltered slightly and then continued.

The mists began to take shape. He could see a vision within their vaporous arms. The image showed a lonely old man being turned upon by his friends. The treachery was so blatant the traveler could feel the emotions. The three men wearing masks and a fourth, only a skeleton tried to attack the elderly gentleman. The scene faded away as the old man was trying to fight off his assassins.

The traveler floated onward for what seemed an eternity before another vision faded into view. This time there was a great space battle. Aboard the gigantic flagship of the enemy there say four thrones. The three masked men occupied three of the seats while the fourth only held a skeleton, its dried withered skull staring blankly at the images upon the display screen. The fleet was closing in upon several worlds of the lonely old man. The fires of revenge burned within the eye holes of the masks, its green flames making eerie shadows dance across the bridge.

The traveler continued his journey through the mists as the vision faded. He felt troubled by what he was seeing. Treachery. Vengeance. Hatred. Death. These were traits used to describe enemies, not friends. Yet, the vision clearly shown they were friends of the lonely old man. With friends like these…

The mists opened up their arms for a third time and showed their secrets. A peaceful planet floated in the darkness illuminated by its star, glittering like a living jewel. Suddenly there was an unearthly light. It began to surround the planet, its moons, and even the star. Off in the distance there were other points of light that signified the planet’s siblings. The light continued to grow; fully encasing the planet and spreading out to connect each other faster than the eye could follow. Everything was bathed in the strange light. The planets and sun began to fade away into non-existence. Finally as the last wisps of light faded away there was nothing left but empty space. The mists flooded back into view.

The traveler was confused by the last vision. He was wondering what it meant when he felt the raft bump against something. He looked through the obscuring vapor and he could perceive the shore. He carefully stepped from his raft and the mists swept away, showing him a ghastly scene. Bodies lay everywhere.

He wandered through this grim scene looking for any survivors. It looked as if everyone simply dropped where they were moments before. There was people in the streets, fallen while walking across the roads. There were motor vehicles still running where they coasted to a stop. He suddenly felt himself move at a great speed and found a palace before him. The guards were lying silently by the gates staring up at the sky with empty eyes. He crossed over them and entered the building. Within he found a kitchen, the water pots still waiting to come to a boil. The cook and her staff lay about the floor. A timer dinged, waiting for someone to tend to the contents of the oven. He suddenly felt himself whisked upwards through the ceiling. He focused his eyes and he could see a room with a large table. Around the table were the slumped bodies of richly dressed people. He approached the table and began to feel they were familiar but could not remember why. He felt the familiar tug as he was pulled through a wall into a quiet room. It was lit by candles and a lone individual sat in the center of the room. He approached the figure and could see the back of a richly decorated white robe. He walked around the figure. The pillows propped the body up so it remained sitting instead of slumping to the ground. The white hair covered the face but the traveler recognized it without a doubt. Suddenly the mists rushed back and the traveler found himself on his raft again.

The traveler had seen what he came here to see. He willed himself back to consciousness. He stood up, stretching his aching limbs. He stumbled over to the nearby washbasin and dipped the waiting cloth. He wiped the sweat off his brow and looked into the mirror. He pulled his white hair out of his face and took a drink of cool wine.

He called an emergency meeting of his advisors. He had some things to do…

Earth, Imperial Palace:


Deep within the Palace, six beings hovered around a conference table. The room was completely inaccessible and shielded from any form of eavesdropping. The doors to the room were actually bricked in several years ago. There was no physical way into the room.

Several floors below in their own rooms lay the bodies of those who were meeting within the chamber, unconscious and safeguarded. Within the Royal Chambers, the body of the Emperor also lay in a similar state.

“N’Kalnt, what is the state of the Avatar Program?”

“Your Highness, the program is ready to initiate. We have been working on the Avatar program for years and we have the key components installed upon all vessels. All we need is your confirmation and it will begin. The Reactive Shielding primary purpose is for the Avatar Program. The defensive application is just a convenient secondary application. Instead of using the Holo-Projectors and the Replicators to construct the reactionary armor, it will be used in its primary purpose, constructing a replica of the ship. These Avatars are not exact copies, but basically drones. There is no crew space on the Avatars, only the full complement of weapons. The general dimensions of the ships would be an average of 10% of the original. The systems would be run by either remote control through the Space Minus Transmitter or by an AI downloaded to the Avatar. Power would be supplied through its own reactors and drive unit. The weapons would be powered through a transfer through the Space Minus Transmitter. The main difference between the Avatars and normal drones is the installation of the Dimensional Aperture tying the Avatar to the Mothership. The result would be the easy transfer of Proteus Fighters and the frigates and other fleet craft stored on the carriers access from the Mother lying in an Uplifted state directly into Real Space as if they were being launched by the Avatar. The Drives in the Avatars would be rigged with a failsafe to prevent capture. The drives would overpower the singularities and the ship would be destroyed hopefully taking the enemy along with it.”

“Excellent, N’Kalnt. I want the Devastator and Vortex prototypes released and places aboard all the Deity Carriers, as well as the Dreadnaughts. Also, how many Avatars could a ship operate without detrimental effects?”

N’Kalnt seemed startled by the order. He hesitated a few moments before answering.

“Yes Sire. They will be released ASAP. The tests show the operation of the Avatar by AI would not affect the Mother in any way, especially if we use a copy of the AI instead of the original. We could probably run three or four Avatars of each ship. Possibly five if the need was great.”

“Make the standard order to only run one at a time. We don’t want our full capacity to be known, until it is too late for anyone to react.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Ry’Jann, what is the status of the Transcendence Project?”

Another entity flowed forward and “spoke”.

“My Emperor, all is ready. We have achieved a total psionic population. The genetic manipulations we have been undertaking on the entire populace have turned out as planned. All we need to do is for you to send the Psychic Command and everyone will make an evolutionary jump and leave their bodies behind. The humanoid stock will be at the evolutionary stages we were at so many thousands of years ago. We have the support network set up to guide them through the change over comfortably. Soon the 6 million Ta’Nar will be joined by over 3 billion Childer.”

“G’Tahr, what about Project Exodus?”

“We are nearly ready. Sol, Bryce, Gliese, Arneb, Hind, Herschel, Nihal, Algol, Blackstone, Mount Port, Deorn, Twin Forks, Soligan, Umbalinni, Glerden Deep, Rivenport, Dol-Kalūm, Bromberg, Shangalla, Ril Garrisūne, Free Port, Jherigon, Vanden Port, Calimbari, Na-Volden, Tolkston, Doma-Glani, Zondena, Dreen-Kahluun, Ily-Kolven, Arabizhew, Kala-Keihm, Lyorn, Nix, Hiveworld, and N’Glok are ready. We share Prospero with Cam III so we can not move it. Threshold and The Pit cannot be Uplifted due to the wormhole devices present within them. The Pit is safely hidden deep within The Void so it will never be found. Construction of the Void Station to act as our trade station is nearly completed. All we have to do is move it into intergalactic space and tie a Gatestation to its location.”

“The Sentries on the edge of each system have been modified to emit their own Uplift Field, effectively linking with the ones planted within the solar system objects. They will link together and the entire system will Uplift to our new haven."

Nhur-Galladu spoke.

“That will limit the systems the Four can reach. They will not attempt Threshold, or Prospero. Not even those consumed by hatred would risk 30 pulsars or pulling in several other nations residing in the prospero system. Both are too dangerous to attack. The Pit cannot be found because it is buried somewhere between nameless galactic super-clusters out there somewhere. The trading post would be the most likely target if they could get their warships out to it, again in intergalactic space. That leaves Earth. I want all Sol assets prepared for emergency Uplift in the case of an attack. When it comes it will most likely be from three nations which are each larger than us. We will hold our position here, hoping they won’t be stupid enough to attack Earth itself. Out assets elsewhere within the system will have to be carefully guarded.”

“Yes your Highness. I will arrange it as you ordered.”

“T’Reen, how goes the weapons division?”

“Research into the Dimensional Weaponry is continuing as planned. We have Cutter Beams installed in every ship above Frigate Class. The Quantum Class or weapons have been particularly successful. The ROQ Shields we released were extremely popular with those who were allied with us. As a matter of fact, we pulled in 400 trillion in sales. The Grav Torps have been modified so it will continue to loop back through the target ship, increasing the damage as the singularity it projects passes through the vessel. All vessels above Frigate Class have SGE’s installed. They have also been modified so they can very quickly be brought up to block enemy fire. We have yet to discover anything that can pass through a black hole other than us. The gravity well will eat anything shot at it keeping our ships safe behind it. The Reflective Shielding is also been a positive project. They are installed in 91% of the fleet and by the end of the month the rest will done. Dimensional Bubbles, Leashes, and Anchors proved themselves worthy in the ESUS Civil War. As you know, we were able to stop the entire battle field with the DA alone. We are researching additional weaponry.”

“Excellent! Let’s hope we will not have to use them. If we do, we will make sure there is nothing left to fire back. S’Aal, be sure to contact all nations we know. I want them to be aware there will be changes coming and it may be dangerous to associate with us until things settle down. I do not want them to get hurt if the shit hits the fan. Now, everyone has work to do.”


OOC:

Disclaimer

Please note: All technologies and ideas are copyrited by The Balrogga Empire. Data in this post is considered to be Extremely Secret in nature and cannot be used by anyone, other than myself.

Message sent to all nations who have had contact with Balrogga:

This is a warning sent out to all nations who have had contact with the Balrogga Empire.

Usually it is not wise to take stock in premonitions. They show what might occur in the future and are usually only to be used as a guideline to govern your actions. Lately many of our citizens skilled in Precognition have had visions. These visions all have the same events within them but are from the Seers point of view. So far we have had over 230,000 of these Visions, far outstripping the use of precaution associated with a single premonition.

The Vision shows great change within the Empire, and betrayal of us by some of our closest allies. Even our great Emperor has had one of these Visions.

It is because of the turmoil predicted by the Vision, backed up by actual events happening as we write this message; we felt it prudent to warn all those we know of this so none would get caught up in the upcoming changes. We would not want to cause harm in any of your nations.

Because of this, we ask all those who have Embassies to consider removing them until this time has passed. We will not be insulted in any manner. You are allowed to keep your Embassy if you wish but we cannot be held accountable to anything that might happen to it. We are concerned for the safety of your staff.

We sincerely hope you understand our precautions and wish you to remain outside any possible conflict so you would not get hurt. We do not know the outcome of the events that are to pass but when they are done, we will welcome you back with open arms.

Nhur-Galladu

OOC: May as well post my leaving.

"Jenkins, hurry up man, we're moving out!"

Ambassador Horatio Burns glanced again at the padd in his palm, and read the message for what seemed like the hundreth time. It was, in fact, only the thirtieth, but it seemed so much more. The last six hours had been a blur to the staff of the Snake Eater embassay in the Balroggan Empire. It seemed as if the Empire was throwing them out on their hinds, and then slamming the doors behind them. Well, that was the general view back at the Adminstrium. The order had come through from Lord President Barbarossa to leave Balroggan terroitory immediatley, as a matter of prudence. It wasn't so much a slur on the Empire, but more politically safe. The upcoming election looked to be a hard fought one, and if anything happened to citizens of Snake Eaters on other worlds during the election campaigns, Barbarossa was under no pretense as to what would happen. The situation would be spun against him, no matter what he did. So, pulling out, if only for a brief time, was the wisest course of action.

"Coming sir!"

Jenkins was running down the corridor, when his foot hit a wet patch left over from the cleaning of the marble floor. His leg slid out from under him, and he crashed to the floor. Burns cursed under his breath, and ran to help the poor man,"You alright?"

"I think my ankle is twisted... I can't stand"

"C'mon, we've got to leave, now. Final transport is in five minutes"

He ducked down, and looped the younger man's arm round his shoulders, helping him hobble towards the door. They emerged into the brilliant sunlight and the beautiful embassay gardens. They looked more like a field hospital than anything else at the moment. Dropships were arrayed all over the place, some taking equipment, some taking precious documents and other such things, but for the most part they carried people. The entire embassay was being evacuated. In less than three hours, the Coldstream Guards had secured the embassay buildings, and were evacuating everyone. Lieutenant Perino over looked the scene, wondering why this was needed. The Empire had never given any signs of anything before this, the announcement was one of complete and overwhelming surprise. All around the perimeter were armed guards, carrying the standard Snake Eater rifle. Enough pulse ammunition to take down many men. A precaution, nothing more. Rules dictated them. Don't fire until fired upon.

Burns was helped into the last ship, and he strapped himself in. Looking out the viewports, he watched as the embassay was totally evacuated, and then saw the inky blackness of space engulf the tiny craft. Up ahead, the Orca class transport sat in orbit, guarded by the Defiant class S.E.N Iliad. As the launch bay doors closed behind the dropship, the matter-antimatter engines of the ship pulled it effortlessly out of orbit. After five minutes, the co-axial warp drive kicked in, and the craft slid from the view of the Balroggan's into the Immaterium...


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

"Order the military to Bikini Black-Special," said Lord President Barbarossa to his Defence Secrectary, Roman Maschio.

"Yes, sir. How long before they stand down?"

"Indefinate. Keep them there. We don't know what's happening, and I'm not about to take chances during an election campaign. Also, send a message to the Balroggan's"


++++++++++++BEGIN TRANSMISSION+++++++++++++++++++++
To: Nhur-Galladu , Emperor of the Balroggan Empire
From: Jacius Barbarossa, Lord President of the Snake Empire
Re: Withdrawal of SE embassay personnel
Thought: Many are the peoples who drift on the tide

Sir,

Having recieved your broadcast message, I must inform you that I have withdrawn all staff at the Snake Embassay. This is not a slur upon your nation, but, as I am sure you are aware, I am currently at the start of an election campaign which I hope to win. In order to achieve this, I cannot place men at potential risk, due to the 'dirty tricks' the Opposition may use to undermine my chances. I pray you understand, and my people will return as soon as the situation clears itself up.

At the same time, given that you have stated that this latest turn of events may have hostile consequences towards your nation, I feel it right to inform you that the Snake Eater military has been placed at Security Level Bikini Black-Special, and will remain so until further notice. We would come to your aid if it is required.

Yours in friendship,

Jacius Barbarossa
++++++++++++++++++END TRANSMISSION++++++++++++++++++++
OOC: Bikini Black-Special = lowest bar one security stage.

TAG

OOC: Is this open?

Otagia would like to respectfully decline the offer to remove our embassy. As they are devoid of non-Avatar lifeforms, it is in no real danger.

OOC:

Basiclly some shit might hit the fan and I don't want any other nations associated with me to get hurt. I sent the message out to anyone who has had some sort of contact with me in the past.

This would be open to any who might fall in that category.

I am not sure where this is going, I am just being prepaired and warning friends so thay don't get hurt.

Again, since I am warning you, if you pull out there will be no ill feelings. That was the intention of the warning, to keep you safe from what might fall upon me.

OOC: until next time.

IC:

"Leeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaavvvvveeeeeee."

The command was repeated all over the mini Hive that was Warhaven's embassy. Since Warhaven's Sliver hive was renowned to be particularly nice and polite, they had very little trouble with other nations, with curiosity being the main theme of relations. This suited them just fine, since they too, felt curiosity for anything that required legs to move.

The Overlord in charge of the embassy turned to the Wizard next t him.

"After we're all gone, move thissss to Mirroden for deconsssstrution."

"Why are we moving though?" the wizard asked.

"Lady Gypsy told us that a Time of turmoil comes to the Balroggan empire in the guise of a friend. We leave not only to protect ourselves, but to reassure the Empire that we will not turn upon them." The Overlord hissed. He doubted this man's ability, since all wizards were reputed to have some precognitive ability. This wasn't the case of course, but what could anyone do?

With a great movement of air, the Slivers took to the air, and vanished into thin air, gone through a portal opened by the Ancestor spirits. The Space wizard concentrated, and since he was a third rate wizard, he required great effort to move a structure that far, teleported with the structure, to Riptide. The Warhaven embassy was gone without a trace, save for the Magickal energies left from the occurance.