NationStates Jolt Archive

(Thus it began (forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=454033&page=6))

Garnyn Delerän wasn't sure what had prompted the strange message he had recently received. It might be genuine, a hoax intended to cause trouble, or even a trap, set by the Galactic Empire. What ever the source, though, it might well be too important to ignore. The rest of the Federation, Garnyn had decided, should be informed immediately.

His blue cloak swirling about his heels, the King hurried to a commonications room located in one tower of the Royal Palace. A communications officer by the name of Darek Gryndol scurried behind him - the man who had brought the message. Until a decision was reached, no other Kendaryn would hear about it.

Reaching the chamber, he dismissed the others who worked there and, with Gryndol's assistance, sent a heavily encrypted message to his allies in the G.F.F.A.

Honored allies,
I have received a most unusual message, which I feel we would be well advised to discuss. Please contact me by secure channels as soon as is reasonable.
-Garnyn Delerän, King of Kendari

The transmissions sent, he sat back to await reply... and to finish breakfast.

OOC: Tag for up comeing post

Praetor Rei was on the G.F.F.A Mobile Capital Ship currently in Seaquest space awaiting its new home. She was reading a progress report on the G.F.F.A Capitals construction. She was about to wright a letter to the Sea Quest goverment asking for the design of her office. The one she whould use whenever the time came she wasnt Praetor even when she is she would use it more then the Praetors Chammbers.

"My lady... it seems we have a message from Garnyn Delerän the King of Kendari. It seems he has a most urgent message he wishs to speak with fellow members over." a aid said as she bowed her head.

" I am a Praetor here not a Lady of Neo Zeta. You need not bow i am human like you nothing more."

The aid nods

Rei reads the message over and yawns. It had been a long night. Reading over reports about the Yevon upriseing in Neo Zeta and now the Abh Empire. And not to mention a blockade being put up by two member nations agianst a nation that attacked a allience ship. That on top of trying to get the capital finnished.

" Send a message back that we will open a channel once the other members get word of this." She said then wishpered to the aid " Untell then i will take a quick nap wake me when the others are conntacting them."

The aid giggles as she heads out to the communcation room.

An reply was sent back, stating that Neo Zeta would be informed when the other members were ready.

((Thinly disguised BUMP for additional viewing.))

OOC: Bump will post a link of the G.F.F.A fourm and talk to members on msn to get them in here.

"That last meeting was awful... Everyone left. What? Yeah, it was the Chronosians, they had a pretty elaborate setup, but the meeting just kinda died. Uh huh, yeah, well... I just sneaked out of there, everyone froze or something, I dunno... Yeah, yeah, bye."

*Click*

ES Diplomacy Corp Headquarters.
"That meeting was wierd... At least I got this nice drink out of it." With a sigh, Asuke sat down in a chair at her desk, once again monitoring the spaceways and intermittently wandering around Headquaters hallways, waiting for another assignment. {Well, space is big, something's bound to come up.}

"Asuke!" A large man looking near his late 50's walked up to her desk. Commander Setaki Irilis was his name, but most people just usually called him "Sir."

{Yep...} "Uweh? Ummm, sorry sir, I mean yes, Commander?"

Setaki could only force a weak smile. {Recruits these days...} "We've just received another transmission. It pertains to the G.F.F.A. Due to your recent activities and subsequent familiarity with this organization, you've been placed in the staff of the new G.F.F.A. branch set up in the Alliances wing. Your new job starts right now."

He handed her a few Datapads, and continued, "We've just received a transmission telling us about some strange transmissions."

There was a short, though awkward pause as Asuke looked over the documents. It was only after a short second that she realized the Commander had stopped speaking. "Huh, yes?"

"Well, there's nothing else in the message. Your job is to respond to, and handle this."

"Yes, sir."

Later that day...


-Reply from ES Diplomacy Headquaters:

We've received you message. But we're somewhat unsure what you want, but here's a reply as you've requested. Awaiting additional information.

-End Message.

OOC: Tag.

The Kendari message was relayed to the Technomage Galen (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y131/Kvess/Character%20Pics/058fd800.jpg). Included in a side message that was attached, he was ordered to act as the SeaQuestian representative. Thus, he sent, through various channels only available to a Technomage to use, a response.

SeaQuest will be there.

The message was short and to the point. There was nothing to give away its meaning if it was intercepted.

OOC: Bump

OOC: I am in. IC post soon.

Transmission

We will be there, if this message is as interesting as you say, I'm sure we will need to be there...

OOC: I like yours Mini Miehm. Short and to the point.
IC:
Starenell will send our heir Tancred K'Tan

A diplomatic aide in No Endorse read the message, and forewarded it to his supervisor. The supervisor returned it, with a request for an analyzation of the message, as well as a write-up of its possible importance, et cetera. Following this, it was transferred to hard copy, and sent via mail to the department Military Intelligence, regardless of the supposed oxymoron status of so many of them, it was done in No Endorse. They confirmed that this was the original version, and destroyed the hard copy. Then after some paperwork was filed, it was finally sent to Minister Talon. Total time required: 10 hours.

Talon blinked a little as he read the message. The time on this message is strange... well, the times on all of my recent messages have been strange. I'm going to sort this system out and make it work much faster.

He jabbed the button to connect him with his seceretary. "Hey, Matt Hunter is our man working with the GFFA right now, yes? Tell him to contact the king of Kendari. They supposedly have an interesting message."

initializing link... please wait... negotiating firewall... connection established!

TO: The King of Kendari
FROM: Matt Hunter, No Endorse
SUBJ: Reply to transmission
We shall be there. If this is as interesting as I suspect it may be, then we will not want to miss out.

The Godulans themselves had been recieving word of strange rumblings within the juggernaut that was the Empire, and was in fact preparing a potential list of contingency plans in the event that an opportunity opened up for the Godulans to make a fast strike at the Imperials in the event they should turn against each other.

So it came as some small vindication of their own plans when Ptolemy recieved Kendari's message, sent it to Thorn, whereupon it was sent to Skye, who read it and grinned.

"Relay a message back to the Kendaryn Monarch. Tell him I will send somebody to assist in the discussion of this message and what to do about the nature of the information within."

"Who are we going to send?"

"Xenith, of course. He has been asking for some more legwork since his escapade in the mountains. Besides, if that annoying fool Lamia is there, Xenith might... be of some amusement?"

A simple transmission was sent from Jurai.

We shall attend this meeting. Our spies have noted an interesting little problem within the ranks of the Empire and we believe this is relevant.

Praetor Rei was awoke by her Aid with the others responding. She yawned and streched out. She fixed her hair a little then went right to her desk and dismissed the aid. She opened a secure channel to where the transmission was being sent.

I am ready as soon as the others are.

To those who had said they were coming, Gryndol sent the coordinates for Kanell system, along with a short list of dangerous areas that should be avoided. Kyanges required a somewhat more complicated reply.

Many members are sending representatives to a meeting here for discussion of the situation. You would also be welcome to visit in person, or can attend remotely if you prefer.

The coordinates and danger zones were also sent.

Meanwhile, Delerän ordered the started preparations for the meeting, and then paid a visit to Terdak räl Kerthion. The Yamiri are a secretive lot, but Garnyn had come to know their ambassador fairly well.

“Greetings, your Majesty. What brings you to my chambers this morning?”

“A mystery, my friend. I’ve received a rather strange message concerning the Galactic Empire, and I’m holding a meeting of the Federation to discuss it. I’d like to be sure that nobody is listening in uninvited…”

“Ah, I see. I would be happy to assist you in this matter. It will be interesting to meet the representatives of this alliance.”

OOC: The part about being able to attend remotely or in person goes for the Praetor, as well, though with somewhat different wording.

With this, Asuke replied.

"We'll be there."

Elven Jedi Master Armas Elendil was chosen to attend the meeting once the coordinates were recieved. He stepped aboard a shuttle and made the jump to hyperspace.

Task Fleet Attitude, newest of the Battle Groups, was detatched to bring the Admiral Yanakov to the meeting, and would arrive in a few days at the destination.

Matt Hunter's craft sped through hyperspace. This was an alliance meeting, and it was quite prudent to be there on time, especially after the... 'Chaos' of last time. Heh... 'Chaos'! Terribe pun...

Matt was much more comfortable on this craft. That other one had been designed by some tiny company, utilizing psychological manipulation to the maximum in its design. This one, his usual one, was much more spacious on the inside. Plus it had a few little... 'perks'...

The ship jumped into the Kanell system after several hours of recieving the message, a black shape against black space. The hyperdrive was still warm from its long trip, the main drive array warming up for the remaining trip to the planet. Matt was lying in the engineering section, flat on his back on a large piece of equipment. Matt loved the feeling of lying on top of the cowling over the drives, the warmth radiating outwards, and the minute vibrations on the edge of sensation here. It was almost like being part of the ship.

One of the crew poked his head in. "We're here sir."

"Send a hailing. Something simple, respectful."

The delegation from No Endorse has come as fast as we could. Where would you like us?

Kanell system - the political and military heart of Kendari. In most respects, it looks ordinary enough. Two planets float within the readily inahabitable range. Kendari itself, the world that gives the kingdom its name, is a touch on the cool side, with three major continents and a great deal of forest. Arferdal has a more eccentric orbit, leading to scorching hot summers and icy, frozen winters; a dry, desert-like planet, it holds several military training centers. There are two belts of asteroids, and three gas giants, the innermost bearing an impressive set of rings. Here and there, scattered throughout the system, are shipyards, mining outposts, trading centers, and other space stations. Most noteworthy are the set of Guardian class battle-stations that orbit near the planets, each armed with six great Type V turrets and an impressive array of lesser weapons. For obvious reasons, this is the most heavily defended system in Kendari. Also of note are the two great Gates that connect Kanell to the Salmath and Tenrak systems, each protected by a pair of Guardians.

The Royal Palace is located in the largest city in (the planet) Kendari, not far from the planet's equator. One of the Guardian stations sent the No Endorse ship directions to an appropriately sized landing pad near the palace. As the craft approached, Matt and his crew would see a structure that looked, in many ways, like something out of a fairy tale. Graceful towers soared above a structure of gleaming white stone, surrounded by a sparkling, and clearly decorative, moat. A few signs still showed that the Palace was prepared for combat, however... Here and there, great turrets waited, and arrays of shield generators hummed quietly, ready to activate at a moment's notice.

The shuttle carrying the esteemed Jedi Master popped out of hyperspace over Kendari space.

This is the Jedi Master Elendil, requesting clearance for landing.

You are expected, Master Elendil. Please take the following course:
(directions transmitted)

You are expected, Master Elendil. Please take the following course:
(directions transmitted)
"Thank you." The Master answered and he directed his pilot to follow the recommended course.

With a flash, a small vessel carrying Asuke onboard arrived as promised. The ship held position until cleared to continue, broadcasting a wide-band announcement across the spacewaves.

{Oh yeah, we're here.} She thought to herself.

Matt had moved into the cockpit, guiding the craft down for landing. Dang... I wish I had one of those stations...

He winced as the Kyanges message was sent on all wavelegnths. "AYE! Who turned the volume up so far? Grr... incompetent half-deaf crewmen... Well, at least now I know that at least the Eshirians are here..."

Who else? Probably most of the major players. I wonder if this is about that message Talon forewarded me?

He slowly moved in, guiding his craft down to the landing pad. He left his craft and looked around. Wow. There's a sight you don't see everyday... that palace could probably resist something that would destroy the planet beneath it...

Matt had moved into the cockpit, guiding the craft down for landing. Dang... I wish I had one of those stations...

He winced as the Kyanges message was sent on all wavelegnths. "AYE! Who turned the volume up so far? Grr... incompetent half-deaf crewmen... Well, at least now I know that at least the Eshirians are here..."

Who else? Probably most of the major players. I wonder if this is about that message Talon forewarded me?

(OOC: I don't think I intended for the message to be, uh, loud... But... Lol, keep your post just for the humor value, heh.)

ooc: The crew is deaf. Turned the volume waay up. I didn't think you'd have a loud message heh.

At the edge of the Kanell system a small scout/escort frigate reverted to realspace. On board, the aging High Prefect Nom Anor watched the planet Kendari grow in the viewport. Surprisingly vibrant for an infidel world... he thought to himself, admiring the green forests as they grew visible. Perhaps not all is lost in this galaxy.

As the frigate neared the planet, it sent off the following message to Kendari officials ground side: "This is the Radank Claw, carrying High Prefect Nom Anor to the meeting on this world. We request permission to land and deliver the High Prefect."

The shuttle descended onto the planet itself and then landed. The Master walked out, glancing at the palace with aloof amusement. "Very elven, if I say so myself."

Permission an directions were promptly sent to the delgations from Kyanges and Talaax. Meanwhile, at the appointed landing pads, Royal Guards in midnight-blue and gold armor waited to lead the visitors to the chamber that had been prepared for the meeting. With the trouble at the first meeting in mind, all robots had been kept clear of the area the Talaaxian (Is that the correct word?) visitors would be passing through.

The shuttle descended onto the planet itself and then landed. The Master walked out, glancing at the palace with aloof amusement. "Very elven, if I say so myself."
"I am sure the designers would have been delighted to hear that." the guard replied, with a grin visible through the visor of her helmet. "I understand they were heavily influenced by stories of such cultures..."

OOC: Talaaxian or Yuuzhan Vong, they're interchangable in this case.

IC: The vessel touched down at the designated location without incident. Nom Anor, with a personal bodyguard of two hand-picked warriors exited the vessel and glanced around. His two guards, both experienced infiltrators, did not seem in the least bit disturbed by the technology around them. Both had spent years living with the infidels of the galaxy and were sufficiently experienced with the abominations that they no longer bothered them. After giving his surroundings only a cursor glance, Nom Anor followed his guide to the meeting area without a word.

On arrival he looked around at the other delegations, taking particular notice of the Jedi Master. All too familiar with Jedi dress - and powers - Nom Anor could spot most Jedi fairly easily. In as cordial a voice as possible and trying to hide his disgust, he greeted the Jedi Master. "Coredian I presume? And a Jedi by the look of it. A Master even..."

"Alright, we have the go ahead." Asuke announced.

The pilot, who also noted that the message was announced aloud already only nodded, and replied, "Yes ma'am."

The small cruiser surged forward, and was nearly at the landing pad within a few seconds. With a smooth approach, the small ship glided in, and oriented itself while its landing gear deployed and quickly touched down.

A small hatch on the front of the vessel hissed, and slid open, revealing a small ramp which descended as Asuke approached it. EsSov Honor Guards flanked Asuke as she walked quietly onto the platform. {Wow, actual guards...for me...} She thought to herself.

She stopped and glanced around.

(OOC: Asuke has only been an official Sovereignty Rep twice before, and while she's quickly getting a hang of it, she's never really had guards before. Hence the little thought she had, just in case you might have been wondering.)

"I am sure the designers would have been delighted to hear that." the guard replied, with a grin visible through the visor of her helmet. "I understand they were heavily influenced by stories of such cultures..."
"I am glad to see my people influence yours." Armas simply nodded with a small smile.

On arrival he looked around at the other delegations, taking particular notice of the Jedi Master. All too familiar with Jedi dress - and powers - Nom Anor could spot most Jedi fairly easily. In as cordial a voice as possible and trying to hide his disgust, he greeted the Jedi Master. "Coredian I presume? And a Jedi by the look of it. A Master even..."
http://www.elemmiire.com/epilo/my%20men/hugo-elrond.jpg
OOC: Gotta love the Elves! :D

"And I presume you are Nom Anor of the Yuuzhan Vong." Elendil replied calmly. "A rather intruging person, I say."

"I see my reputation has preceeded me once more... There were once days when I could blend with your peoples as easily as I breathe. Of course in those days I wouldn't have been alive longer than a few seconds if I'd come this close to you..." Nom Anor responded, smiling as his worry about confronting a Jedi began to bleed away.

"Indeed. Much have changed, and yet, much remains the same." Elendil answered.

{Oooh, it looks like the Vong can handle themselves this time.} Asuke thought privately.

She strode near the two figures talking, but kept her distance. {Hmmm, and a Jedi Master as well. My my, things are flowing along pretty well! This whole Alliance is really pulling itself together.}

The two ESSov Guards that followed her also made silent observations, and loosened their grip on their rifles. The whole atmosphere was somewhat relaxing. {Beautiful architecture, lush vegetation. Almost like home...} Thought one of the guards.

Asuke waited for the right moment to say "Hello." to both Nom and Elendil, while she continued to take in the feel of the area.

Permission an directions were promptly sent to the delgations from Kyanges and Talaax. Meanwhile, at the appointed landing pads, Royal Guards in midnight-blue and gold armor waited to lead the visitors to the chamber that had been prepared for the meeting. With the trouble at the first meeting in mind, all robots had been kept clear of the area the Talaaxian (Is that the correct word?) visitors would be passing through.

Matt follows the guards. He always worked alone, no No Endorsian guards could ever keep track of him. It made him self sufficient, and meant fewer people who could report back to his superiors...

"This is a beautiful palace. It also appears to have the shield power of several battlefleets... Everything is woven together quite nicely. I'd love to know the name of the architect."

"It's good to know the Jedi haven't changed at all! Still speaking so cryptically... I would continue to reminisce about years gone by, but I do believe I should greet the other delegates. It wouldn't be polite to let one guest monopolize all my time, even one so ...prestigious... as yourself." Nom Anor said, then turned and walked away while scanning the other delegates.

After a few seconds he spotted the young diplomat Asuke. He strolled over casually and offered a greeting. "Ah, you're the one from ... what is it?.... .... Kyanges! Yes that's it... Heh... Please forgive me, but I find it hard to differentiate between minor nations."

OOC: No offense, just creating friction as YV tend to do.

(No Endorse)
"Yes... although it's been quite a while since an attacking fleet has managed to strike at the palace itself, things weren't always so peaceful around here, and we like to be prepared, just in case. I'm afraid I don't know who the architect was; the original structure was built centuries ago, though we're always making improvements to keep up with changing needs and technologies. However, I'm sure the information is available. I'd be happy to have a file prepared for you."

(All)
The group now reached the intricately carved double door of the meeting chamber, where King Delerän was waiting. As at the first meeting, he wore deep blue garb with gold trim, and a silver belt and crown set with blue crystals. He carrried the same black and gold staff, as well.

"Greetings, honored visitors. It's a pleasure to have you here. Please, allow me to introduce you to Terdak räl Kerthion, the Yamiri representative in my court. Terdak has kindly agreed to make sure that no uninvited ears listen in on our discussion."

The Yamiri Ambassador could be a startling sight to those not used to interacting with unusual species. Tall and slender, the six-limbed, three eyed being was covered from head to toe in blue-green scales. He wore a complex set of belts, and a lot of what looked like jewelry. He carried a black staff similar to the King's, though without the gold wire and red gem, and bore two strange Yamiri blasters. Despite his odd appearance, his smile was friendly as he stepped forward.

"It is an honor to meet you." he said, bowing - in impressive gesture, from one of his build.

The Jedi Master simply bowed his head in return greeting.

Tancred ran in, asked directions and ran towards the rest of the group. "Sorry I'm late." He bowed back to the Yamiri.

OOC: Sorry about the late post. Lost the link to the thread for a little bit.

IC: A small black probe (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y131/Kvess/Armada%20Stuff/tmprobe.jpg) darted into the Kendari system a few minutes in front of Galen's stealth ship. The black-on-black arrow shaped ship didn't have any of its active stealth systems activated at the moment and was readily dectectable. Though, a weird side-effect of the stealthed engines caused a refractive field around the ship that bent sensor scans away from the ship preventing any scans of the interior.

The Pinnace class (http://www.b5tech.com/miscracesgroups/technomage/technomageship.jpg) scout ship smoothly slid into an orbit around the planet. A few swift scans and she descended into the atmosphere to land a little while later outside of the meeting hall.

The Technomage ships are fantastic craft, as powerful as they are mysterious. Galen's mysterious and quiet arrival demonstrated this.

Few minutes after landing

Galen (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y131/Kvess/Character%20Pics/058fd800.jpg) slid into the meeting chamber. His black cloak gliding silently along the floor.

"I apologize for being late," he said, "I was forced to take several detours through Hyperspace on my way here."

-snip-

"That would be lovely, if it wouldn't be too much trouble." Matt looked over at the imposing figure as he made his introcuction.

"It is an honor to meet you sir. I am curious as how you are keeping uninvited ears out, but that can wait for another time."

ooc: meh, terrible post

A single Godulan Mako Star Destroyer materialized at the edge of the system, and the voice of a rather sheepish captain was transmitted to traffic control.

Sorry we're late. Xenith forgot the appointment. Would you be so kind as to point us where we should park?

Nom Anor gave the Yamiri ambassador nothing more than a quick glance. "And a pleasure to meet you..." He said in obviously faked sincerity. "When will the meeting begin?"

The black Technomage probe flitted about the system. It seemed to move with almost a sentient intelligence. The single black lens-like structure on the front watched the other ships as the entered into the system. All of its data would be uploaded into Galen's ship's computer when he retrieved it on his way out.

Meanwhile, Galen waited in the meeting room to be acknowleged. He had moved to a position in the shadows. His nature, as a Technomage, was secretive and mysterious. Perfect for clandestine meetings.

OOC: Last post for the night.

Rei watched via holo transmission the meeting room. She sat calmly reading over what intel she had on this matter which was very limited. She was very intrested in what the message held. But she had a idea the source of it.

Task Fleet Famine entered the system with no real fuss, not spectacular portals, no flashy translations, just suddenly appearing in the system, and sending a transmission to the system control:

This is Terran Dominion Task Fleet 2, Famine. We request clearance to enter the planetary orbitals and send the Admiral down to the surface for the meeting. We apologise if we are late...

"It's good to know the Jedi haven't changed at all! Still speaking so cryptically... I would continue to reminisce about years gone by, but I do believe I should greet the other delegates. It wouldn't be polite to let one guest monopolize all my time, even one so ...prestigious... as yourself." Nom Anor said, then turned and walked away while scanning the other delegates.

After a few seconds he spotted the young diplomat Asuke. He strolled over casually and offered a greeting. "Ah, you're the one from ... what is it?.... .... Kyanges! Yes that's it... Heh... Please forgive me, but I find it hard to differentiate between minor nations."

OOC: No offense, just creating friction as YV tend to do.


(OOC: Oh, np, I've gotten the handel on how your people are supposed to be like by now.)

IC:

Asuke only offered a weak smile. "Ah, yes... minor..." Her voice trailed off as she spoke. She paused for a moment, then continued saying, "Yes...Kyang is the old name of our people, before the Second Ascension centuries ago..."

Asuke felt a little awkward. She didn't want to be giving boring hisory lectures to a person who probably wasn't half interested anyway. "Anyway, the Eshirian Sovereignty is my nation's official title."

She studied Nom for an instant, then asked, "Mmm, 'Vong', are you? I'm sorry, I haven't paid much attention to other lesser nations as well." (OOC: Lol, take that! Heh, ^_^.)

IC Continued:

Asuke then listened in, to King Delerän's greetings, and repsectfully returned his bow.

OOC: Sorry about the late post. Lost the link to the thread for a little bit.

IC: A small black probe (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y131/Kvess/Armada%20Stuff/tmprobe.jpg) darted into the Kendari system a few minutes in front of Galen's stealth ship. The black-on-black arrow shaped ship didn't have any of its active stealth systems activated at the moment and was readily dectectable. Though, a weird side-effect of the stealthed engines caused a refractive field around the ship that bent sensor scans away from the ship preventing any scans of the interior.

The Pinnace class (http://www.b5tech.com/miscracesgroups/technomage/technomageship.jpg) scout ship smoothly slid into an orbit around the planet. A few swift scans and she descended into the atmosphere to land a little while later outside of the meeting hall.

The Technomage ships are fantastic craft, as powerful as they are mysterious. Galen's mysterious and quiet arrival demonstrated this.

Few minutes after landing

Galen (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y131/Kvess/Character%20Pics/058fd800.jpg) slid into the meeting chamber. His black cloak gliding silently along the floor.

"I apologize for being late," he said, "I was forced to take several detours through Hyperspace on my way here."

OOC: Ehh, standing out on a limb here. Still waiting to be acknowledged.

For a second Nom Anor looked deeply insulted, but that look was quickly replaced by a beaming smile. He broke out laughing and heartily slapped Asuke on the back. "Ha! You have heart after all! And honour and dignity to boot! You'll make an excellent ally in the future, I'm sure."

Matt was leaning against the wall, smirking at the conversation between Nom Anor and Asuke.

They deserve each other very much. Both think they're better than everyone else. Heh, if only they knew that none of us here are worth a hunk of lard compared to the real forces at work in the universe...

He almost jumped out of his shoes when Galen slid in though. He'd been leaning beside the door, and to see it open like that startled him quite a bit, wiping his grin right off. He quickly regained composure.

"Hello. Were you detained by pirates too? We had to slip past a pair of Interdictors. Fortunately, we called in a squad of Aardvark Cruisers... they were... mopping up as we left."

For a second Nom Anor looked deeply insulted, but that look was quickly replaced by a beaming smile. He broke out laughing and heartily slapped Asuke on the back. "Ha! You have heart after all! And honour and dignity to boot! You'll make an excellent ally in the future, I'm sure."

(OOC: Anime style!)

IC:

Asuke almost fell over from Nom's slap. "Wha!!!" Her face was one of complete surprise, eyes wide and all. However, her eyes narrowed down, and she instantly regained her composure. "Yes, I'm sure we will." She muttered to herself.

To Nom, she only gave a smile, and hovered her arm near his shoulder, "Yes, I believe you will be as well!" She gave a typical slight bow of respect, and glanced around to see the NE representative.

She instantly recognized Matt leaning against the wall, speaking to Galen. Her eyes lit up, though she only casually walked over to him. She hadn't tried to read his mind, and missed his thoughts entirely, and instead offered a warm greeting, "Hello, Matthew." she said with a smile.

(OOC: Her tone is casual as well, just so you don't read too much into the above.)

Deciding to join the party, Master Armas noted the Kyanges delegate with some amusement. "And you must be Asuke. The Patriarch mentioned you in passing..."

Deciding to join the party, Master Armas noted the Kyanges delegate with some amusement. "And you must be Asuke. The Patriarch mentioned you in passing..."

Looking away from Matt for a moment, Asuke took one glance at whoever was speaking to her. Upon realizing that it was non other than Jedi Master Armas which she had observed with some interest earlier, she turned around completely to face him. In a somewhat more formal tone than she had just used with Matt, she replied, "Asuke, Asuke Ilian. And you are Jedi Master...Armas?" She asked.

The two ESSov Guards were still behind her and had endured all of her antics. Though their faces couldn't be seen from behind their masks, it was obvious that they nonetheless tried to keep them straight.

"Armas Elendil." The elf nodded. "A pleasure to meet you."

Tancred walked over to Nom Anor. "Hello, you would be Nom Anor of Talaax, correct?"

Nom Anor turned to face Tancred, his plaeryn bol tensing and preparing to spit it's deadly venom if needed. In all his years of espionage and power, Nom Anor had never liked being singled out individually by a stranger. More than once it had nearly cost him his life. "I am..."

OOC: Oh fun. Stupid eye-poison thingy. You killed whats-her name!
IC: "I am Tancred K'Tan of Starenell, heir to the throne there. It is good to see that we have allies such as the Yuuzhan Vong."

"Armas Elendil." The elf nodded. "A pleasure to meet you."

"A pleasure it is." Asuke replied, and offered a handshake.

"A pleasure it is." Asuke replied, and offered a handshake.
Armas took it. "Indeed." And then he noticed a slight movement in Nom Anor's eye. Elves rarely missed much.

Nom Anor relaxed quite a bit. His plaeryn bol calmed down and went dormant again. "Ah, yes. We are glad to have the people of Starenell as our allies."

Tancred noted the relaxation, but not that of the plaeryn bol. "All allies are a blessing, and a curse. But in this case, with the GFFA, the curse is latecoming."

"Indeed it is." Nom Anor responded. "By the way, what do you know of this signal? I have no information regarding the subject of this meeting."

"All I know is that it involves the Galactic Empire" Tancred grimaced at his lack of information.

OOC: And Task Fleet Famine sits around with its thumb up its collective butt... Waiting for clearance...

Galen watched everything with interest. He noted which seemed most likely to be able to be of a race that could produce someone who could join the Technomages (OOC: Hmm, interesting idea. A Technomage Jedi).

OOC: Sorry for the first post, but I got to shut down for a bit.

Armas took it. "Indeed." And then he noticed a slight movement in Nom Anor's eye. Elves rarely missed much.

Asuke took note of what Armas saw. {Ewww... In the eye...}
She returned her attention to Armas, "I haven't really had much experience with a real Jedi before. Please, just what gives you your power? I've only read things about this 'Force'..."


(OOC: Trying to make this semi-realistic. Though Jedi are almost an NS FT convention, my people have technically come out of self-assigned iso for only 50 years or so. Add that to the fact I have never RPed my race encountering Jedi before, and you get one seriously out of touch people, who though still powerful, are just... Out of touch?)

"Some people call it chakra and some people call it magic." Elendil answered. "But the Force is an energy field, produced by life and life produces it. It is what gives us our strength and our will to serve and protect."

OOC:
Chakra is a subsect of the Force, used more exclusvely by the Shinobi suborder and the Masaki Clan. It allows for more versality, especially in the Clan's elemental powers.

Matt kept to the walls, observing the Eshirian delegate closely, but invisibly. He wanted to know the inner motives of a nation on his doorstep. THE nation on his doorstep, and quite a bit bigger and more powerful than he would have preferred.

She's a mess... completly insane, but who isn't. At least she's less likely to kill someone than that Vong.

((OOC: My apologies for the delay.))

Seaquest:
"Don't worry, we know that delays can't always be avoided. You're not the last to arrive." Garnyn replied to Galen.

NE:
"No trouble at all. I'll get right on it."
The guard strode off down one of the hallways.

As they had a bit of time before everyone arrived, Terdak answered Matt's question at once.
"It is difficult to describe exactly... I can feel the presence of other minds, and to a certain extent, the general shape of their thoughts. Thus, no spy can remain hidden, and those with the ability to listen from afar cannot do so undetected. Electronic listeners are harder for me to spot, but the security measures of this room should suffice to prevent that variety of spying."

Godular:
-"The meeting has not yet begun, so no harm done. Please follow this course:"-
With the message came directions to a landing pad near the palace, where another Guard waited to lead Xenith to the meeting chamber.

Talaax: "Soon. There are still a few representatives arriving."

Seaquest: In one of the Guardian stations, a technician kept the darting probe on a viewscreen.

MM: -"Permission granted. Please follow the following course: [directions]"-
One station kept a wary eye on the Task Force, as it was larger than might be expected for the transport of a delegation, but no comment was made.

~~~~
Terdak's gaze rested on Tancred and Nom Anor for a moment, then slid aside as the Talaaxian delegate relaxed.

OOC: I think that's everything. If I missed anything, let me know.

Transmission:

Understood.

"Mr. Venizelos, please send us in, we preobably don't have much time before the meeting starts."

"Understood, I'll get us there in time."

Famine detatched itself from the rest of the Task Fleet, and left them sitting out near the limit, they didn't really need all of this firepower, but the Delegate was also the Fleets Commander, and that meant that his fleet wen where he went. It would wait out at the limit, on call if necessary, but they didn't really expect to need them...

"Some people call it chakra and some people call it magic." Elendil answered. "But the Force is an energy field, produced by life and life produces it. It is what gives us our strength and our will to serve and protect."

OOC:
Chakra is a subsect of the Force, used more exclusvely by the Shinobi suborder and the Masaki Clan. It allows for more versality, especially in the Clan's elemental powers.

Asuke listened intently to the Elves' explanation. "Fascinating." She said with a raised eyebrow. Her gaze lowered for a moment as she considered the possibility of combining this Chakra, Force, or whatever with her own natural Psionic abilities. She looked back up to the Elendil. "It's almost embarrassing to admit, but Eshirians have nothing like that. Psionic powers are our forte."

Her eyes drifted back to Matt every so often. She wasn't sure why, but she felt drawn to him. Whether or not that was a good thing or not was still in question, though Asuke knew she had to figure out soon. Something about him just wasn't quite right...

Galen nodded his acknowledgement of the Kendari's response and continued to listen to the discussion about the Force. He had heard little things about it, but with listening to this one conversation, he was learning more than any other Technomage knew about the Force.

To avoid looking like he was eavesdropping, Galen kept part of his attention on the Force discussion and used the rest to continue studying the other representatives.

Meanwhile...

The small probe acted with such purpose and control, that one could mistake it for a piloted craft. No one in the greater SeaQuestian empire, truely knows what a Technomage or their technology is capable of. Only a Technomage knows, and they aren't going to spill the beans.

When the Famine reached orbit, a single dropship arced away towards the planet, bearing Earl White Haven and his Personal Armsman to the talks.

Godular:
-"The meeting has not yet begun, so no harm done. Please follow this course:"-
With the message came directions to a landing pad near the palace, where another Guard waited to lead Xenith to the meeting chamber

Oh goody! Be there in--

The Mako swooped down onto the indicated landing pad. Hovering just long enough to teleport the Phage of Power directly in front of the guard before it came to a full landing.

Zero seconds.

Xenith, a tall, lanky fellow with close-cropped hair, penetrating eyes, a devious smirk, and a black business suit under a black trench coat, gave the guard a peremptory glance and a wave of his hand.

"Lead on," he said, his voice surprisingly deep for his bulk. He quirked his neck slightly, revealing a small collar around his neck with some strange gem that glowed with an intriguing inner light.

And so it was that Xenith finally made his way to the meeting chamber...

"VICTORY IS OURS!" he screamed as he burst into the room, "Don't know where, don't know when, but we've won. Period. Things will be blown up with liberal amounts of malice, forethought, and ammunition. Our enemies will be crushed and driven before us, and we shall hear the lamentations of their women or female biological units or whateverthehellthey'recalled. Oh, and I'm Xenith Steele by the way. The Coredians know of me, the rest of you most likely neither know nor care. Where's the booze?"

A lesser Coredian would have sweatdropped upon Xenith's entrance, but Elendil, being an elf, simply scowled sharply.

At the sound of a commotion and shouting, Nom Anor again tensed and reflexively readied his plaeryn bol. He turned around to see a man barging into the room and began preparing the venom spitting implant to do it's job. Just as it began to open, revealing his left eye to not be an eye at all, the man finished his little speech and announced himself as a Godulan delegate. Quickly, the plaeryn bol was relaxed and coaxed into it's dormant state once again.

"Next time, I believe it would be prudent of you not to enter a diplomatic conference in such a way. Not only does it make you and your nation look bad, but you could easily have been killed." he said, a stern glare on his face.

"Welcome to try, bitch." He said without turning to regard the Yuuzhan Vong representative. He square-danced his way over to an open seat and flopped down, happily bringing out a metal flask and taking a swig.

Admiral Earl White Haven walked in as the Vong and the Godulan were having their by play, and he immediately turned to his Armsman and had him call the ship to send Braids down to the surface, she'd likely feel right at home here...

Galen raised his left eye-brow at the Godular representative's antics. This was the first time he had seen anyone act like that. Even though he was one of the few Technomages that dabbled in the outside world, he hadn't seen that many sides to human behavior. Sighing, he returned to his observations.

Asuke only held a stunned expression, which slowly turned to one of disbelief. {That guy is...just...Crazy!} She thought privately.

Her expression calmed while she slowly, nervously, approached the man.

"Steele?"

The sound of thousands of souls screaming in mortal terror accompanied his tectonically slow turn to Asuke, intertwining his fingers and adopting a strangely mischievous grin.

"Mmmmmmmmmmyes?"

OOC: You guys think the Vong cause trouble, just wait till Braids starts talking...

IC:

Beside the Admiral a black portal appeared, seeming almost as ink suspended in the air, and though the portal stepped Braids (http://cards.mtgnews.com/Cards/OD/Braids__Cabal_Minion.html), Cabal Minion and Dementia Summoner. Around her head buzzed a thin black cloud, her Dementia Space, filled with all the nightmares and horrors and Demons of her mind, she appeared talking to herself, "Now boys, be good, don't look at the ambassadors that way, it's not respectful... Oh, Hammy, how are you doing?"

Hamish Alexander, 13th Earl of White Haven, looked pained, perhaps this wasn't such a good idea after all, "Just fine Braids," He knew better than to ask, but he did it anyway, "Who were you talking to just a moment ago?"

Braids looked surprised, as though it should have been opbvious who she addressed, "My pets of course... " She stopped and turned to the Vong ambassador, "Were you aware that there's something wrong with your eye?"

Hamish blanched, this was likely to end poorly...

Elendil calmly counted the seconds before Nom Anor would lose his temper. Yuuzhan Vong are quite easily provoked...

"I take it you brought your own?" Garnyn asked, with some amusement, as Xenith drank from his flask.

"I believe that all who are coming have now arrived, so let's get started. Some of us are old enemies of the Galactic Empire; others are members of it. We all know, however, that anything happening there has the potential to affect the rest of us. I recently received this message..."

He tapped a button on his computer, bringing up a copy of the message on each delegation's screen

Encoded Message
To: Emperor Kendari
From: Anonymous party

Dear sir,
At this time the Galactic Empire is at a weak point. With the death of Palpatine a gap has appeared in the once proud fabric of the Empire. It is teh belief of many powerful Imperial Officers and allied nations that wish to take control from a woman. The nations in question have wished to impart upon you the opertunity to join them in this effort of a coup de'ta, and in return you are offered independance from serfdom forever, and will be given economic immunity and freedom to trade without taxes in all parts of the Empire; as well as this you are given 5 other planets of your choosing, not including the planet of Curoscant in your choices. If you wish to join in this effort, then simple submit a series of three, 3 second long beeps back in a transmission to these coordinates: A-7c/32

Message End
Line Cut...
Anonymous Line Destroyed...

"Naturally, we did everything we could to trace the message, but we could find nothing about who sent it. I don't know if it's genuine, or a trap set by the Empire, or just somebody trying to stir up trouble, or something else I didn't think of. Whoever sent it, though, it does indicate a certain amount of instability in the Empire. The question, of course, is: What do we do about it? Also, does anyone have any information that might be relevant?"

Meanwhile, Terdak continued to keep a wary eye or three on potential trouble.

"I take it you brought your own?" Garnyn asked, with some amusement, as Xenith drank from his flask.

"I believe that all who are coming have now arrived, so let's get started. Some of us are old enemies of the Galactic Empire; others are members of it. We all know, however, that anything happening there has the potential to affect the rest of us. I recently received this message..."

He tapped a button on his computer, bringing up a copy of the message on each delegation's screen


"Naturally, we did everything we could to trace the message, but we could find nothing about who sent it. I don't know if it's genuine, or a trap set by the Empire, or just somebody trying to stir up trouble, or something else I didn't think of. Whoever sent it, though, it does indicate a certain amount of instability in the Empire. The question, of course, is: What do we do about it? Also, does anyone have any information that might be relevant?"

Meanwhile, Terdak continued to keep a wary eye or three on potential trouble.

"Our ONI has some suspicions, But nothing we would be willing to present as eviudence."

Elendil cleared his throat and pulled out a datapad, tuning into the holonet. "Several hours ago, we intercepted this news alert (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=457122) from the Empire-controlled channels of the Holonet." He smiled thinly. "Sometimes one must simply watch HNN more often."

The sound of thousands of souls screaming in mortal terror accompanied his tectonically slow turn to Asuke, intertwining his fingers and adopting a strangely mischievous grin.

"Mmmmmmmmmmyes?"

Asuke winced, but said calmly. "Never heard of you." A most uncomfortable eternity passed as Asuke paused. {Awkward...} She thought. "Sorry..."

And with that, Asuke quickly moved off and listened in to the strange message discussion.

Elendil cleared his throat and pulled out a datapad, tuning into the holonet. "Several hours ago, we intercepted this news alert (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=457122) from the Empire-controlled channels of the Holonet." He smiled thinly. "Sometimes one must simply watch HNN more often."

"Is that all there was to it, or a condensed version? We knew Thrashia was planning something, but this seems rather excessive, even for someone so rash..."

Asuke winced, but said calmly. "Never heard of you." A most uncomfortable eternity passed as Asuke paused. {Awkward...} She thought. "Sorry..."

"I said you wouldn't. But you'll sure as hell remember NOW, won't you?"

He turned to look at the woman who had just entered the room and quirked a slight eyebrow for a moment. "Hmm!"

Without a second thought, he turned to regard the group at large. "We'd been hearing rumblings for a while. Seems like there was widespread dissent the moment old Palpy kicked the bucket, and not a moment too soon I might add, and his bed toy took over. Apprentice to he-who-liked-shit-BIG or not, I'd bet Nom Anor's left testicle that there are other leaders out there that think they should have been the ones given control, rather than that Dark Side slut."

Hmm... He's kinda cute, insane, but cute... Maybe later...

Earl White Haven knew that look, either Steele was really going to enjoy his night, or hate it so muchg it wasn't even funny... "Braids..."

"What, I didn't say anything this time..."

"Make sure it stays that way, look, but don't touch..."

"So, then... not a trap. One war at a time should be quite enough even for the Empire. And if someone's trying to cause trouble, it looks like they've already managed to do so."

"This is a most unusual message." (OOC: Aha! Ha! There is is! The title!) IC:

"I can't speak for eveyone else here, but the Sovereignty won't truely be affected by these developments. Hardly anyone has anything against us in our deserted corner of the Aphotic Galaxy, and we have only limited ties to any alliance or the members in them. The G.F.F.A. included. We have pledged our support for the G.F.F.A., though I don't think the Sovereignty will have much to fear from this, or any resulting conflict. We'll be ready, don't get me wrong, but we'll only watch for now."

Xenith suddenly quirked his neck slightly, as if to listen in on something. After a few seconds, his eyes went wide and he tapped the side of his ear.

"Confirm that traffic, Commander!"

Another pause, then he continued. "What of the vessel in system? He's staying? That should help them a bit... what're you asking ME for? General Lear commands the StarNavy! Geh..."

He shook his head slightly and turned to the others.

"Fleet movements in imperial space, looks like an attack on Thrashia. Information confirmed by secondary sources."

Asuke only put up a light smile. "Huh, well there's our call I guess. The Sovereignty will defend its ally."

Through her PsiCommu, she sent a message back to Sapherion Prime. She only recieved a simple reply. {We know...}

"Hmm, well, I guess that it's time for this meeting to end, for me at least, Braids, are you coming?"

"Not quite yet, I'll meet you back on Famine later..."

"Ugh... I don't want to know, just make sure you're there before the fighting starts..."

Braids sauntered over towards Steele as Earl White Haven headed back towards the ship.

"I can't speak for eveyone else here, but the Sovereignty won't truely be affected by these developments. Hardly anyone has anything against us in our deserted corner of the Aphotic Galaxy, and we have only limited ties to any alliance or the members in them. The G.F.F.A. included. We have pledged our support for the G.F.F.A., though I don't think the Sovereignty will have much to fear from this, or any resulting conflict. We'll be ready, don't get me wrong, but we'll only watch for now."

Matt was quite interested in the conversation now. Anything including gore, blood, and death was something he loved. The look on a man's face as his life was slowly being crushed out of him. The high-pitched wails of a screaming bird as you slowly twisted its neck too far. He was truely one of death incarnate, uncaring about the total cost as long as the ultimate goal was acheived.

However, he also knew that No Endorse wanted something out of it. He would do nothing unless there was a plus.

"I'm going to have to agree with the honorable delagate from the Eshirian Soverignty. No Endorse is surrounded by millions of lightyears of void on all sides, save for one, which is a border with them. If the entire Galactic Empire decided to dissapear, the only impact on us would be a lack of alliance dues."

Nom Anor refused to allow himself to be provoked, even though he knew that he could kill the man with nothing more than a twitch of his eye. Murdering an allied diplomat wouldn't go over well, however, so he restrained himself and paid attention to the proceedings. "This war is not the GFFA's war, even if Thrashia is part of the alliance. Thrashia started this conspiracy and war, now they should live with it's consequences. One should never plan any operation if they are not prepared to deal with it's failure."

"Besides, this could be a trap. Yes, Thrashia is part of the GFFA and is under attack, but is it not possible that this is just an elaborate ploy designed to drag the Empire's newest and possibly most powerful rival into a war in which it will be destroyed? The Empire has made no secret of it's distrust for new alliances. Perhaps now that it is confronted with an alliance that may just be able to tip the galactic balance of power against the Empire, it has decided to lay a trap for this new rival and destroy it before it can truly reach it's full potential. We all know how devious the Empire has been in the past, this scenario is not so far fetched." Nom Anor paused to take several breaths before continuing. "So, it is my recommendation to remain neutral in this conflict. There are too many uncertainties."

Nom Anor refused to allow himself to be provoked, even though he knew that he could kill the man with nothing more than a twitch of his eye. Murdering an allied diplomat wouldn't go over well, however, so he restrained himself and paid attention to the proceedings. "This war is not the GFFA's war, even if Thrashia is part of the alliance. Thrashia started this conspiracy and war, now they should live with it's consequences. One should never plan any operation if they are not prepared to deal with it's failure."

"Besides, this could be a trap. Yes, Thrashia is part of the GFFA and is under attack, but is it not possible that this is just an elaborate ploy designed to drag the Empire's newest and possibly most powerful rival into a war in which it will be destroyed? The Empire has made no secret of it's distrust for new alliances. Perhaps now that it is confronted with an alliance that may just be able to tip the galactic balance of power against the Empire, it has decided to lay a trap for this new rival and destroy it before it can truly reach it's full potential. We all know how devious the Empire has been in the past, this scenario is not so far fetched." Nom Anor paused to take several breaths before continuing. "So, it is my recommendation to remain neutral in this conflict. There are too many uncertainties."

"Hah, you are nowhere near their most powerful rival, the AoN could destroy you all without even calling in the General fleet, Godular and Coreworlds would survive, but that is about it." Braids eyes flashed inky black, and her Dementia Space seemed to thicken.

"Whoa, hold on there, you lot. Thrashia may be a member of the alliance, but have we ever stopped to consider their motives in getting into a conflict with the Imperials? For all we know we're just putting THEM into power. Dunno about you doinks, but I'd prefer to see that blight upon the universe dissolved entirely."

He turned at Braids approach and his grin suddenly turned feral. "Hot one hot one hot one..."

"Whoa, hold on there, you lot. Thrashia may be a member of the alliance, but have we ever stopped to consider their motives in getting into a conflict with the Imperials? For all we know we're just putting THEM into power. Dunno about you doinks, but I'd prefer to see that blight upon the universe dissolved entirely."

He turned at Braids approach and his grin suddenly turned feral. "Hot one hot one hot one..."

"Down Boy, maybe later..." She too grinned like a feral animal, he'd do...

She turned back to the assembelage, looking suddenly serious, "From what I know, and I know alot, Thrashia intends to build something along the lines of the old republic, with a true Senate."

" At this point we are at a cross roads. If Thrashia really wants our aid and we do not give it to him and he is beat the GE will make just say we were behind the whole thing and attack us next. If this is a trap then the war comes early. Maybe its best for us to conntact AoN and have a joint operation to atleats get rid of that Sith. I would rather a evil man rule the Empire then a Sith. They are much more reasonable." Rei said

"Involve ourselves in this conflict now. If this is indeed a trap set up by the Thrashians, then by using this as an excuse to pull our military forces into the heart of GE territory will put us at a stronger position to respond to any trap that may or may not be set up by them."

(OOC: I'm not really sure about what I'm talking about. We are trying to avoid having the curtains being pulled over us by Thrashia right? And we're not even sure if that's what he's even tying to do?)

"For the love of whatever higher level deity you may happen to believe in and I may have eaten, y'all are looking at this all wrong. If they're genuinely threatened, we kick the GE's ass. If its a trap, we kick everybody's ass. Y'all GOTTA have worked on some form of contingency plans or something! I can tell you right now that me and mine are ready at a moments notice to shut down the empire just like that."

Xenith snapped his fingers for illustration.

"The key to winning wars is to know who has the likeliest chance of going against you, figuring out their weaknesses, and capitolizing on it before the thought of opening hostilities even becomes a twinkle in some warlord's eye! Its called a freaking situation plan, people. I say we look at Thrashia's motives because while this hot lady next to me may say they are planning this coup for the most heavenly of purposes, I frankly don't think they have the balls to go all the way towards that goal. Neither do I think they're entirely defenseless either. Thrashia could wound the imperials. They'd know they were in a fight for damn sure. I say we just prevent the Thrashians from getting wiped out entirely, then swarm in, hootin' and hollerin' like hell's angels at a strip club, and take the joint the frig over. Who'd stop us? The limping imperials? The powergrubbing yet crippled Thrashians? I. Think. Not.

"We OWN this situation, people. You only need to pay freaking attention."

" The Problem is The Empire is going for a death blow. At this moment a small Neo Zetan fleet is waiting to see what happens. We have yet to commite our forces to battle. However this is a key chance. If we can insure the Death Star is destroyed then The Empire loses a key weapon and a key defence for their capital. However i feel this can be done with out commiting our forces. I would like to know if any of you already have a plan for dealing with the Empires Greatist Battlestation?"

"Oh no! Its the death star! He'p me! He'p me! Oh I do decleah I am feeling a mite light-headed! I may faint! Gasp. Horror. Eek. Squeal."

Xenith gave a sardonic smirk at the Zetan's comment.

"Its a joke. The Death Star is a big fat joke. Have you listened to nothing I've said? You capitalize on the enemy's weaknesses before going into battle. We've been working on defenses and weapons against the imperials' 'vaunted terror machines' since before YOU were nothing more than your father going on a drunken night out. Quit bitching about being unable to beat that crap and FIND ways to beat it. Yeesh."

Rei would rather be dealing with Hutts then this arrogent race.

" You know Hutts are much more reasonable then your race seems to be in diplomacy."

"Be as it may, Steele does have a point." Elendil added. "The Death Star is designed for sheer terror. Without firing a shot, it has just defeated you, my friend. It can be defeated, and it will."

Xenith shrugged and smirked again.

"You know what? You're right! That doesn't change the fact that you're STILL not listening. Its as though you're just thinking 'Waa! He's yelling at me! Waa!' and not actually paying attention to what I'm telling you. It makes me sad in the pants.

"It seems as though you can't get your brain around the fact that the Death Star is NOT invincible. You see it, you think 'its the Death Star, we're doomed'. WE see it, we think 'its big, its bad, how do we blow it up?' Outlook is everything. Don't see the enemy as a threat, see them as a target!"

" When did i ever say it can not be beat?? We are only stateing the fact it wont be a cake walk unless you have your own super weapon to deal with it. I just wanted to see if anyoen here had any ideas on how to deal with it. And i have yet to hear how you plan to destroy it."

"Because I do not NEED to tell you what our weapons are. Do you WANT me to start bragging about tech? I hear that led to some other arguments at the last meeting."

A peremptory middle finger was presented to the Abh delegation, though Xenith did not turn to face them directly.

"Nonetheless, if you took the time to read recent history, you'd know that anyone who has tried to use superlasers on us in the past has ended up getting their own flagships crippled instead. We came up with our weapons LONG ago. We eat Eclipses for breakfast. Death Star? That might just fit the bill for din-din."

" I already knew of that however the Empire knows this most likely as well. But i am sure you have taken steps to protect the worlds in The Death Stars current path. The only thing you need to worry about is if the Empire has created a counter to it."

Deep down Rei almost wished they had she wouldnt miss this race one bit. She had deep hate for cocky races and in the end they always get beat by thoses who they felt were below them. Rome, France,Germany and The Empire all learned that lession.

OOC: Your very good at upsetting my people lol.

" I already knew of that however the Empire knows this most likely as well. But i am sure you have taken steps to protect the worlds in The Death Stars current path. The only thing you need to worry about is if the Empire has created a counter to it."

"Oh, I can tell you right now that the Empire knows of it. I can also tell you right now that nobody has done more research in how to defeat our weapons than us. It is the prudent thing to do! Again, binky, SITUATION PLANS. You're really new at this aren't you?"

" No i have had to deal with men whos egos are fare bigger then what they pack in their pants befor. Your so defensive almost like a child who was beat by their parents. I can however tell you are new at dealing with women."

She said in a none sarcastic tone.

" We will leave the Death Star to your forces, since your tech unlike your manhood is real."

"Oh ho!" Xenith said, taking on a blatantly faked look of shock. "She tries throwing barbs at me! Ah ha! I see that I have struck a nerve!"

He leaned forward slightly, his grin enormously wide now. "How IS it that you got to be an Admiral? I know it wasn't because of your tactical skill, you slut. YAR YAR HUMP HUMP!"

Rei Laughs " You indeed are a arrogent man i do not know if i should respect that or pitty it."

"DAMN RIGHT I'M ARROGANT! But what about you, whore-bag? I commented on your lack of foresight, and you come back with a jab at my trouser titan! After my nuts as usual! But I forgive you. I'm a generous man."

Rei only laughs and some what blushs " You indeed are a intresting one. But there will be a time and place for us to exchange insults. Let us get back on track?"

"Oh! You went there and couldn't take the heat, huh? Coward. See, this all gets me to thinking. You are 'An Admiral!' You are 'The Praetor!' You are the very symbol of the alliance's leadership. Yet you meet my constructive criticism, however indelicately phrased, and respond with a personal attack about my manhood. You should be better than that. Me, I don't give a flying crap. I don't have to. YOU however have the weight of worlds on your shoulders, AND YOU CRACKED. Tsk! Tsk indeed!

"Now I want you to think on that. As everything I said will improve you for the better. You think me an abrasive and spiteful little man with an ego the size of a medium sized nebula, that just proves to me that you STILL didn't listen."

"Yes, let's. Insulting each other, entertaining though it may be, doesn't accomplish much. Now, I'm all in favor of striking. So we have to beat the Death Star... so what? Look on the bright side: It'll be quite a blow to those who depend on people thinking of it as invincible when we destroy the thing."

Abruptly, Terdak held up a finger.
"Quiet!"

He closed his eyes for a moment, clearly concentrating, then lowered his hand.

"Just a scan from some fool trying to practice. I told him to keep his mind out of the Palace."

Rei knows the man is right and ends her attacks there.

" Yes but we need to do it befor its near anyworld. If destroyed near a world they still win do to the effects it will have on the world. Unless we have the correct counter messures to the fallout already in place."

OOC: It would take to long to state what happens when you destroy a Battlestation the size of the Death Star near a world so here is a link to what happened to Endore. http://science.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=death-star.htm&url=http://www.theforce.net/swtc/holocaust.html

Rei knows the man is right and ends her attacks there.

" Yes but we need to do it befor its near anyworld. If destroyed near a world they still win do to the effects it will have on the world. Unless we have the correct counter messures to the fallout already in place."

OOC: It would take to long to state what happens when you destroy a Battlestation the size of the Death Star near a world so here is a link to what happened to Endore. http://science.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=death-star.htm&url=http://www.theforce.net/swtc/holocaust.html
Elendil snorted. "Cowardly fool. Any world with a proper planetary shield generator will be able to survive that. And if Thrashia doesn't have one, I'll eat my cloak."

"Planetary shields!" Xenith blurted, and then continued "They're yummy. They'd stop a goodly portion of the shrapnel. The rest could be picked up later."

" Shields fall you have to plan for every outcome. If that shield falls and the Death Star gets close then it goses boom then we have a mess to deal with. If that Imperial Fleet takes the shield down that is. We must be ready for anything at this point. We cant afford to screw up."

"Yeah, we have a plan for that: Stop the Death Star from getting anywhere near the planet. The Death Star can fire from multiple Astronomical Units distant, and I'd bet Nom Anor's RIGHT testicle that they wouldn't dare get closer."

Galen chose this moment to speak up.

"Perhaps the Death Star could be lured into a dead system. Then a Vong Dovin Basil could be used to pull some moon or planet into the thing. Problem solved."

OOC: Last post for the night.

"Although that is possible, it's a rather naive plan for dealing with the Death Star. The Imperials are not stupid and won't just be led blindly into any system of our choosing." Nom Anor spoke up, in response to the SeaQuestian delegate. "Besides, dovin basals could be used to destroy such a station in a much easier way. Just plant one or two large ones on it's surface - much easier said than done I'm sure - and order them to project shielding singularities towards the surface. They would rather literally eat it. Nothing left."

"As much as it pains me to say it, the Coredians and Godulans are correct. If we cannot plan around the Death Star or treat the Death Star as what it is - a tool and nothing more - then we are already defeated. IF we go to war with the Empire, we shouldn't worry about the Death Star as if it's destruction will make or break any campaign against the Empire. It's destruction would certainly help, psychologically if not militarily, but it isn't a corner stone of victory. The real power of the Empire lies not in the Death Star, but in it's fleets. Destroy or negate those, and you will win."

"We could actually be of some help in destroying or isolating Imperial fleets. We still have a weapon left over from our invasion of the galaxy that would be most helpful. The Coredians would likely recognize it and it's potential. It is a grutchin-dovin basal hybrid that is attracted by subspace communications, particularily holonet communications. Once released, likely in the hundreds of thousands, they will seek out and devour holonet relay statiosn and satellites wherever they can be found in the target area. They would essentially render subspace communications within the Empire useless." Once Nom Anor finished speaking, he took a drink of water to hydrate his parched throat. Lengthy speech was getting very hard now. 92 was an age not meant for the Yuuzhan Vong.

Galen nodded at the wisdom of Nom Anor's speach.

"To successfully attack the Imperial Fleet," he said, "we will need information on the weaknesses of their ships. But that is in the long run. In the short term, high speed hit-and-run attacks may prove to be quite useful, especially for those of us hailing from nations whose fleets don't number that much right now."

Braids looked at Steele again... He's even crazier than I thought... What a guy..., out loud, she said, "Down boy, stop harrassing the natives, they may all be small in stature, but there are still quite a few of them..."

Steele made a raspberry. "Its either I hoot and holler all the time, or I go around and slap everybody in the face after each sentence, just to make sure they remember it."

Steele made a raspberry. "Its either I hoot and holler all the time, or I go around and slap everybody in the face after each sentence, just to make sure they remember it."

"Neither, play nice, or don't play at all, I could get my pets to make sure you play nice... But that wouldn't be much fun... I'd much rather have you behaving, like a good little boy, since cleaning up after my pets can be so very messy... And you'd honestly make a very good boy toy, so don't make me hurt you..."

Galen nodded at the wisdom of Nom Anor's speach.

"To successfully attack the Imperial Fleet," he said, "we will need information on the weaknesses of their ships. But that is in the long run. In the short term, high speed hit-and-run attacks may prove to be quite useful, especially for those of us hailing from nations whose fleets don't number that much right now."
Matt turned. He wanted to appear friendly still, even though he was declaring neutrality.

"You want scematics? It's done. Well, at least for their most common ships. Newer indegenous projects we don't have. However, we can tell you where every bolt is in a Tie-Defender if need be.

Main thing to do against their phallic destroyers if they still have those gaudy bridges is take out the sensors. That'll cut down on their main scopes quite a bit, and give you an easier time against their weak emplacements.

Also, keep in mind that almost all of their vaunted 'Star Destroyers' are built on the idea of a battlecarrier. They have too many small weapons in comparason to their size, plus an ungodly large target... I mean hangar.. There's something stupid when a mile long ship has sixty weapons of the same class, and they're the largest on the beast. It's pathetic really. Why not something that can actually hurt an enemy?"

"Neither, play nice, or don't play at all, I could get my pets to make sure you play nice... But that wouldn't be much fun... I'd much rather have you behaving, like a good little boy, since cleaning up after my pets can be so very messy... And you'd honestly make a very good boy toy, so don't make me hurt you..."

"BOY? Lady I'm older than your family tree. Besides, as you may or may not have noticed, not only did I not START the name-calling, but it is long since over. May we please return to the subject at hand?"

"BOY? Lady I'm older than your family tree. Besides, as you may or may not have noticed, not only did I not START the name-calling, but it is long since over. May we please return to the subject at hand?"

"I highly doubt that, you're cute, but not really worth it, good bye. While having you bet the Vongs nuts right out fromunder him was fun, you begin to bore me." A black void, identical to the one she entered through appears, and she steps through. The void puddles to the ground, leaving a short lived stain, before disappearing completely.

"Picky picky picky. The relationship was doomed to failure anyway. All sex, no depth."

"Picky picky picky. The relationship was doomed to failure anyway. All sex, no depth."

Right behind Steele, courtesy of the moment when se had summoned it, sat an gnat, nothing really impressive, but enough to hear what he said.... And enough to get a little revenge... Still behind his back, massive blackletters formed, seeming almost like Ink suspended in the air...

I HEARD THAT!!!

Xenith turned at the frenzied buzzing and noted the message. Then, with a grin, a strange high-pitched warble issued from him. The gnat vanished, as did the ink.

Directly in front of Braids the gnat reappeared and continued writing:

OXOXOX I <3 U 2 LETS SCREW

"Charming" Matt smirked.

Suddenly, his pager started going insane. He slapped it out and listened to the message. "I have just been informed that No Endorse is apparently going to side with the GFFA. Something about political pressure from the Eshirians, evil regime, and a play for some systems in the Empire. They want to rebuild one of the old intergalactic highways, and you need both ends to make one work.

All we're asking for us sending our fleets is that small cluster that is closest to us. You know, that group where the inter-galactic hyper-route from No Endorse encounters Imperial space. They're already en route, so we can hammer out stuff later."

Damn that bitch Halsey. I was about to try to press for more. But if that is her wish...

He was about to sulk back into the shadows when his pager went crazy again. "I must leave immediatly. Something has come up."

Glancing at Asuke, he moved towards the door, smirking at the giant letters that kept appearing.

At last his time has come. The pathetic rule of Clan Talon will come to an abrupt end, and we shall once again be the masters of our own households.

Asuke jumped at the sight of the massive words, but quickly turned her attention elsewhere, with only a sweat drop as any hint as to her reaction.

Clearing her throat, Asuke spoke. "Sooo, We all know we've got a plan for the Death Star, their star destroyers are pretty much a joke to some here, and that-"

Asuke eyes were fixed on the large letters. "-Uh...th...that we're all in agreement that if there is something amiss, we're sure to be able to handle it. Is that it so far?"

"As long as y'all have situation plans to deal with either eventuality, I don't see why we shouldn't be able to pummel everybody into a bloody lump of slag."

"Well, the heat would probably be too intense for blood to remain in any recognizable state, but aside from that..."

"Meh, our weapons don't actually cause any form of thermal issues. They mostly just rip things apart rather than melt them."

Matt turned. He wanted to appear friendly still, even though he was declaring neutrality.

"You want scematics? It's done. Well, at least for their most common ships. Newer indegenous projects we don't have. However, we can tell you where every bolt is in a Tie-Defender if need be.

Main thing to do against their phallic destroyers if they still have those gaudy bridges is take out the sensors. That'll cut down on their main scopes quite a bit, and give you an easier time against their weak emplacements.

Also, keep in mind that almost all of their vaunted 'Star Destroyers' are built on the idea of a battlecarrier. They have too many small weapons in comparason to their size, plus an ungodly large target... I mean hangar.. There's something stupid when a mile long ship has sixty weapons of the same class, and they're the largest on the beast. It's pathetic really. Why not something that can actually hurt an enemy?"

Galen responded, "Knowing the enemy is only half the battle. We need to be prepared for anything they throw at us."

He turned to the group as a whole and asked, "How do you expect to defeat such a powerful opponent such as the Galactic Empire if you can't stop fighting amoungst yourselves?"

"Economics," Xenith replied without pause.

"We have a weapon that can shut down their commerce in a hearbeat. We're not ready to use it yet. Haven't really had cause to, but rest assured we can pull it off."

"Economic warfare can cause damage to the civilian infrastructure. I thought the whole point was to take out the Galactic Empire's military infrastructure," responded Galen.

Matt hesitated as he crossed the threshold.

"Are you trying to fight a war or a P-R campaign?

Make the civilians WANT to not fight you. Show them that it is in their advantage to have us as friends. Support for the Throne will start to wane.

I must go. I wish you all a safe trip home and a productive meeting."



He walked quickly to his ship and grabbed the command seat, setting a course for Sanctuary. There were so many things to do...

"Ah. To become as ruthless as the enemy we fight. Quite the strategy." Elendil commented.

"Economic warfare can cause damage to the civilian infrastructure. I thought the whole point was to take out the Galactic Empire's military infrastructure," responded Galen.

"Draw conclusions, dude. Where do you think that the Military would place most of its resources? Defending backwater planets from some possible invasion from afar, or keeping station over the major centers of imperial commerce? Isolating their worlds in the manner we have planned will not only shatter their commerce, but leave significant portions of imperial military strength up the creek.

"Nothing we do comes without an ultimatum tagged onto it. We'll lock them down, and they'll get the message that the only thing they need to do to end the isolation is to submit to allied authority. Chances are that alone will cause enough dissention and rioting that by the time we actually bother to shut it down on our own, the military presence in the system would be largely crippled."

As Matt passed through the door, Xenith piped up his voice to resonate through the room and the corridor beyond:

"WAR IS AS MUCH A PROPAGANDA CAMPAIGN AS IT IS A COMBAT THEATRE."

Then continued in his 'inside voice' for the rest of the delegates:

"Indeed it is important to win the support of the populace. But you know what's more important? To REMOVE the support of the populace from their own military. Make it in their best interest to surrender, and note the alternatives, I have no doubt they'll fall over themselves to sign the treaties."

OOC: Mind if I jump in?

IC:

Balieygates sauntered in, with her Acolyte retainer. She didn't quite know what to expect from the assembled delegates, but she knew that it would be a helluva time.

She sat down, and assumed a space. Then, she opened, saying, "Sorry I'm late, but business in the Workers' State delayed me."

She then said, "I was just overhearing the idea of Economic Warfare. I believe the only way to perform any sort of war against the Empire is a hard war, a March to the Sea, if you will, where we destroy, confiscate, and otherwise eliminate the enemy's ability to produce the necessary tools of war. A hard war makes for a shorter war, and and easier peace for us to dictate on the enemy nations. Therefore, I agree with whoever suggested a hard war."

"You WANT to charge them headlong? What kind of tactician are you? Look, if we lock down the enemy's economic centers, not only are we stopping their production cold without firing a shot, but we'll also be destroying the enemy's ability to mobilize.

"You speak of engaging them directly, I speak of picking them apart piece by piece. A direct assault would cost far more in financial and humanitarian concerns. Total war like you describe is not intended to remove their capacity to fight as much as it is to cripple their WILL to fight. If we can remove their fighting spirit while making ourselves out to be something other than a bunch of merciless marauders plundering our way through their territory, so be it! Better that than a glorified rampage."

Baileygates was slightly offended, saying, "I didn't mean to say it that way. I certainly don't mean a headlong charge, by any stretch of the imagination. We can work our way around in a planet-hopping campaign, or flank them at their weakest point, the delivery does not matter, but the effect does. I want this war to be conducted with some element of strength. Otherwise, they will be convinced they are not beaten, and they will continue to resist."

She then composed herself, and said, "Still, if you insist on no excess blood being shed, we can accomodate this plan. The war conducted by Marshal Torusumi in conjunction with the Abh and Gaians, who recently helped suppress the Yevonese, illustrates that we can take worlds and conduct a Hard War without excess civil casualties. Perhaps surgical strikes against important targets, a campaign of propaganda and other methods to win "hearts and minds," and hard strikes against military forces and guerillas-who will be bloodied as much as possible-will persuade the civil population to give up."

Nom Anor spoke up again. "The Godulan is correct. Although a direct strategy may sometimes seem rather tempting and even very profitable, one often finds that an indirect path to victory is a more sure enterprise. The GFFA cannot combat the Galactic Empire in direct combat. That is not to say that we cannot beat them, but a direct invasion is out of the question."

After a pause of several seconds, he continued. "I find it amusing that the same people who advocated employing the so-called "Alpha Red" against my people not so long ago would shy away from indirect attacks on a civilian population. It is a rather hypocritical outlook, if you ask me. If we go to war with the Empire, ALL Imperial citizens will be our enemies, not simply the few dressed in uniform and conveniently arrayed before us. Break the will of the people and the Empire will fall."

Nom Anor spoke up again. "The Godulan is correct. Although a direct strategy may sometimes seem rather tempting and even very profitable, one often finds that an indirect path to victory is a more sure enterprise. The GFFA cannot combat the Galactic Empire in direct combat. That is not to say that we cannot beat them, but a direct invasion is out of the question."

After a pause of several seconds, he continued. "I find it amusing that the same people who advocated employing the so-called "Alpha Red" against my people not so long ago would shy away from indirect attacks on a civilian population. It is a rather hypocritical outlook, if you ask me. If we go to war with the Empire, ALL Imperial citizens will be our enemies, not simply the few dressed in uniform and conveniently arrayed before us. Break the will of the people and the Empire will fall."

Baileygates then said, "Which was the point of my original plan, though with less killing on the parts of civilians. Break the will of the enemy, and make war so horrible he will not fight, borrowing from General Sherman. He was a man from our distant past, who knew what he was doing."

She then said, "I am not aware of this "Alpha Red." The Workers State was not involved in that operation, so do not be eager to paint us as hypocrites. After all, I just arrived."

Getting up, she then said, stretching out, "May I propose then, if direct combat is out of the question, perhaps raids? We can hire pirate crews with Letters of Marque to pillage GE convoys for us. It wouldn't be us, but the pirates who would be doing it. And let's not forget the use of psychological weapons. Propaganda, spies to form cells of dissident persons to make raids and raise hell through sabotage and assasination might do the trick."

"Why the hell would we need pirates and marauders when we have the capacity to bring their commerce to a stone-cold standstill with little to no expenditure of human resources? While I do believe that the idea of posting insurgent cells on targeted worlds is a nice touch, the pirates? Unnecessary.

"We've had lots of time to study imperial records, and this 'Alpha Red' is known to us. I should hope after that exposure so long ago you've developed an immunization for it."

"My species was never fully exposed to the Alpha Red virus, therefore there is no immunization for it. If any stocks still existed, which we have it on good authority that there are none in existence, they would be able to wipe the Yuuzhan Vong from existence within a matter of months." Nom Anor looked to Baileygates and responded to his comments. "My comment was not directed at you, for the most part. I apologize for any confusion. However, any direct strike as you recommend would be a hopeless endeavour. The GFFA does not have the strength to mount such a campaign. I believe a combination of the Godulan weapon which promises to shut down commerce and our own grutchin-basals would be enough to cripple the Imperial fleet. We would not have to commit even a full fleet and yet we would cripple the entire Imperial fleet. Why attack when you can achieve victory without doing so?"

"Why the hell would we need pirates and marauders when we have the capacity to bring their commerce to a stone-cold standstill with little to no expenditure of human resources? While I do believe that the idea of posting insurgent cells on targeted worlds is a nice touch, the pirates? Unnecessary.

"We've had lots of time to study imperial records, and this 'Alpha Red' is known to us. I should hope after that exposure so long ago you've developed an immunization for it."

Baileygates then said, "Well, we have not seen this weapon in action, so I am weary of this "wonder weapon." Do you have any exact specifications?"

OOC: Baileygates is a woman.

"Its an Inhibitor Field Destabilizer. It removes precise controls of an FTLi field, such as access corridors and the like, and maintains field strength in the event the primary generator is cut off. I will not venture beyond that definition other than to say that it basically turns the Empire's greatest defense mechanism against it."

"Its an Inhibitor Field Destabilizer. It removes precise controls of an FTLi field, such as access corridors and the like, and maintains field strength in the event the primary generator is cut off. I will not venture beyond that definition other than to say that it basically turns the Empire's greatest defense mechanism against it."

Baileygates then said, frowning, "You propose to deploy these weapons-if there are more than one- on a wide scale, over the borders of the GE, and attack their ability to use Warp travel, both gate-based and ship-based? Ambitious. But what if the weapon fails?"

"It will not. You were not here earlier so I can not fault you for remaining ignorant of when I was railing on at the others about having contingencies planned. In this case, the contingency is redundancy."

"It will not. You were not here earlier so I can not fault you for remaining ignorant of when I was railing on at the others about having contingencies planned. In this case, the contingency is redundancy. Besides, our means of FTL enables us to penetrate into the enemy field as far as we like. We might not be able to depart, but we can get in just fine. So considering our plan of a widespread and simultaneous emplacement of these devices is really not ambitious at all."

Baileygates then said, "Oh. Well, in that case, I think your plan would be an excellent one. The only theing I have with this is that this is a one-way ticket, the way this plan is rigged, for many ships designated. But, I am sure you know what you're doing."

She then said, "Still, we would need to find a way to take advantage of the total warp shutdown...again, the insurgent cells would be a nice idea, they would be able to raise hell until we get there, and the reaction time would be slowed to a crawl, if not nil, without warp drives."

Galen said, "The only way to defeat an enemy such as the Galactic Empire Navy is to make them respect you. If we attack civilian instalations, that will allow the Galactic Empire's command staff to label us as monsters. The only thing you would be doing would be increasing their moral," he paused for breath, "we must demoralize the enemy. And, with an enemy such as this, the only way to do this is through decisive military victories. If we must, we shall keep this war going as long as possible. We must make their civilian populations want to end the war, if to do nothing else but to end the blood shed. What is needed here is to make this a war of morale.

"And, speaking of shipping, pirates and all that other stuff. You forgot one nasty little trick, Q-ships.

"As for this anti-Imperial F.T.L.i. device, is it based on disrupting the gravity wells that the said Imperial device generates?"

Galen said, "The only way to defeat an enemy such as the Galactic Empire Navy is to make them respect you. If we attack civilian instalations, that will allow the Galactic Empire's command staff to label us as monsters. The only thing you would be doing would be increasing their moral," he paused for breath, "we must demoralize the enemy. And, with an enemy such as this, the only way to do this is through decisive military victories. If we must, we shall keep this war going as long as possible. We must make their civilian populations want to end the war, if to do nothing else but to end the blood shed. What is needed here is to make this a war of morale."

"My my my aren't we naive today. Make the imperials respect us? THAT'S a laugh. I don't want them to respect me, I want them to FEAR me. With these devices, that me and the Vong are prepared to disperse at the earliest command, we can stop the Empire cold. We can lock them down and let them ROT. And perhaps you didn't think of this potential tidbit: If none of the systems we have locked down surrender, we can just pick them off, one by one. We would have that luxury. Why the hell would we need decisive victories when we can just pick the enemy apart at our leisure?"

"And, speaking of shipping, pirates and all that other stuff. You forgot one nasty little trick, Q-ships."

"I still fail to see the necessity of attacking shipping if the main portion of the attack plan is shutting it down at the source."

"As for this anti-Imperial F.T.L.i. device, is it based on disrupting the gravity wells that the said Imperial device generates?"

"The Planetary FTLi fields employed by the empire around selected worlds such as Bilbringi and Coruscant are decidedly more powerful. They block multiple forms of Faster Than Light travel over a radius of several light years. However, Godulan Probability drives can breach any FTLinhibition field due to their operational mechanics, though we wouldn't be able to leave once we enter unless the field is lowered. However, if necessary, it would be possible to utilize our Heighliners to ferry in larger fleets than what the Triad Consortium could muster alone. In this manner, we could launch strikes on locked down systems without actually having to turn the field off first."

"My my my aren't we naive today. Make the imperials respect us? THAT'S a laugh. I don't want them to respect me, I want them to FEAR me. With these devices, that me and the Vong are prepared to disperse at the earliest command, we can stop the Empire cold. We can lock them down and let them ROT. And perhaps you didn't think of this potential tidbit: If none of the systems we have locked down surrender, we can just pick them off, one by one. We would have that luxury. Why the hell would we need decisive victories when we can just pick the enemy apart at our leisure?"
*Snip*

"We must not stoop to their level," replied Galen, "we must hold ourselves on a higher plane of morality."

"Morality is for the weak and cowardly. The strong do what must be done regardless of the "moral consequences". In war, especially, morality is a tool the weak use in an attempt to gain a meager superiority over the strong. Morality has no place in war." Nom Anor said contemptuously.

Baileygates thought of the words being flung around, and said, "Say what you will of morality, but it is a powerful propaganda tool. If we hold the moral ground, it will cast us in the right and increase support for our cause, same for if they can get the moral ground."

She then frowned and said, "And the idea of just letting them rot, as you seem to describe it, once we suspend warp operations in their areas is foolish. We must strike hard, then, and make war horrible for their militaries. We must work on destroying their armies once we cut off their supply lines. Regulars, irregulars, and covert ops, Q-ships, privateers and all. Even with isolation, some sense of decisive action is still needed.

We must take advantage of the inevitable chaos that the distruption of their warp systems will create, not nibble at it like a child picking at his greens and his mother crying for him to clean his plate. That is my view. We need to cover all of our bases. Redundancy is good, not just of wonder weapons, but of the mundane as well."

"We must not stoop to their level," replied Galen, "we must hold ourselves on a higher plane of morality."

"Wait wait wait... so you're encouraging us to throw away thousands, possibly millions of our soldiers' lives in battles that could otherwise be completely avoided? That's not moral superiority, that's sheer stupidity. And once again I have to remind another of you guys to freaking LISTEN.

"I told you exactly how to maintain 'Moral Superiority' and that is by issuing each of the locked-down systems an ultimatum: Surrender peacefully and acquiesce to the provided terms, and the destabilizer will be powered down. Do not surrender, and rot in isolation. We do not wish to cause undue harm to the civilians, so please do not make us have to hold you here permanently.

"If we offer them the way out, and inform them under no uncertain terms that they can stop the lockdown at any time by surrendering, they will submit. Offering the ultimatum places the ball in their court. It will be their fault if any undue suffering occurs."

"Morality is for the weak and cowardly. The strong do what must be done regardless of the "moral consequences". In war, especially, morality is a tool the weak use in an attempt to gain a meager superiority over the strong. Morality has no place in war."

"And I should hope that you would appreciate the concept of attempting to win a wary without actually having to commit military resources to high-risk endeavours. 'Thag Club Head' only works as long as you have enough Thag, after all, and you seem like a tactically conscientious fellow."

"Say what you will of morality, but it is a powerful propaganda tool. If we hold the moral ground, it will cast us in the right and increase support for our cause, same for if they can get the moral ground."

Consider Xenith's bit about the ultimatum as a response to this as well

She then frowned and said, "And the idea of just letting them rot, as you seem to describe it, once we suspend warp operations in their areas is foolish.

"Dumb broad. Pay attention to the plan, would you? Isolation of key systems is not the only layer to our plan. By isolating these systems we lock down not only their economic strength but the majority of their MILITARY strength, and in that time we can romp about the remainder of Imperial space, taking over necessary worlds, establishing footholds, Probability Nexi, supply lines and all the other important aspects of conducting that kind of warfare."

We must strike hard, then, and make war horrible for their militaries. We must work on destroying their armies once we cut off their supply lines. Regulars, irregulars, and covert ops, Q-ships, privateers and all. Even with isolation, some sense of decisive action is still needed.

"I'll tell you what will make the war horrible for their military. Being completely helpless and unable to do anything but watch as we overrun the rest of their territory and surround them on all sides, with the knowledge that whenever WE want, we could completely destroy them one primary system at a time. I don't care WHAT else happens, that knowledge alone will shatter their morale more than any blaster bolt."

Asuke watched as Xenith continued to make fools out of the rest of the delegates. {Best keep my mouth closed. This guy's got an answer for everything. *Sigh*, how annoying... Even if he is mostly right...}

Asuke only let out a gentle sigh, and crossed her arms. She looked down to the ground, and then closed her eyes. {I wonder how long this talk is going to last...}

The two ESSov Honor Guards simply stood watch over Asuke while she continued to think.

(OOC: This isn't meant to be responded to, though if you want to, that's fine. Just don't want my character to disappear. Yes, yes, maybe if I make her talk more, that won't happen, but I just don't want her to endure a response to everything she says. Even if she agrees with what you say. "I Agree." just isn't something that she would normally say anyway.)

Baileygates then grew cold, frowning before saying, "I do apologize for misunderstanding your plan. Having said that, sir, if you can think of a grand plan, then I am sure you can think of a better insult than 'dumb broad.' Don't think I haven't heard that one before."

She then sat back and sighed, "A little paitence would be nice...but I digress."

"How 'bout Ho-Bag?" Xenith replied with a grin, not missing a beat.

"But I digress myself. It would behoove you to probe more thoroughly into a plan you are not fully briefed on before making sweeping judgements about morality or other existential properties. Had you but asked whether the lock-down was the sole component, you would have been told otherwise. You assumed it was, this is your mistake, as it is also your mistake for not attempting to seek enlightenment of peripheral details."

"How 'bout Ho-Bag?" Xenith replied with a grin, not missing a beat.

"But I digress myself. It would behoove you to probe more thoroughly into a plan you are not fully briefed on before making sweeping judgements about morality or other existential properties. Had you but asked whether the lock-down was the sole component, you would have been told otherwise. You assumed it was, this is your mistake, as it is also your mistake for not attempting to seek enlightenment of peripheral details."

Baileygates chuckled a little, saying, "My assistants have been called that, not me though. First time for everything."

She then said, her expression defrosting a little, though remaining cautious: "So, am I to understand, key systems will be locked down along with military and civil resources, and given an ultimatum, while other systems not locked down will be taken by force?"

"Wait wait wait... so you're encouraging us to throw away thousands, possibly millions of our soldiers' lives in battles that could otherwise be completely avoided? That's not moral superiority, that's sheer stupidity. And once again I have to remind another of you guys to freaking LISTEN.

"I told you exactly how to maintain 'Moral Superiority' and that is by issuing each of the locked-down systems an ultimatum: Surrender peacefully and acquiesce to the provided terms, and the destabilizer will be powered down. Do not surrender, and rot in isolation. We do not wish to cause undue harm to the civilians, so please do not make us have to hold you here permanently.

"If we offer them the way out, and inform them under no uncertain terms that they can stop the lockdown at any time by surrendering, they will submit. Offering the ultimatum places the ball in their court. It will be their fault if any undue suffering occurs."
*Snip*

"Who said anything about wasting soldier's lives?" Galen responded, "when androids are much more efficient, and they are much easier to put back together if damaged.

"Perhaps we should just 'accidently' lose a Third Space Gate, have them find it, and see how powerful they are when they are being enslaved by the vast psychic powers of the Third Space aliens, or eaten by them. A situation not unlike what almost happened when we found our first Third Space Gate."

"So, am I to understand, key systems will be locked down along with military and civil resources, and given an ultimatum, while other systems not locked down will be taken by force?"

"The FTLi fields only go up in high alert, so the first step is to instigate that eventuality, either through threats or the military equivalent of a kick to the crotch... maybe a Red Rain strike on Bilbringi...

"Then we send in the Destabilizers to lock everything down, immediately follow it with the ultimatum, and if they do not initially relent, we take over everything else, let them stew, and ask again maybe once or twice a month. We'll even use the destabilizers as relay stations to send them the ultimatum along with news of our progress as we take over the territory."

"Who said anything about wasting soldier's lives?" Galen responded, "when androids are much more efficient, and they are much easier to put back together if damaged."

"Androids cost money to make. Clones cost money to make. They cost resources, they require food and fuel, yadda yadda yadda. In the end you'll be mourning their loss just as much as you would any human soldier. You'll be wasting SOMETHING by going into battle with them, binky, don't tell me you won't. Our plan allows us to shatter the empire with little to no direct conflict. It will be on THEIR shoulders to surrender, and we can force the issue without having to clash fleets with fleets and armies with armies. Why are you so dead set against this?"

"Perhaps we should just 'accidently' lose a Third Space Gate, have them find it, and see how powerful they are when they are being enslaved by the vast psychic powers of the Third Space aliens, or eaten by them. A situation not unlike what almost happened when we found our first Third Space Gate."

"What in the bloody blue blazes are you talking about? First you're blathering on about maintaining moral superiority, and then you toss out a suggestion that would mean the wholesale slaughter and subjugation of vast stretches of the Galaxy to some crack hallucination of an external race? Are you comparing the motives behind our plan to this? If you are I really want to hurt you..."

*Snip*
"What in the bloody blue blazes are you talking about? First you're blathering on about maintaining moral superiority, and then you toss out a suggestion that would mean the wholesale slaughter and subjugation of vast stretches of the Galaxy to some crack hallucination of an external race? Are you comparing the motives behind our plan to this? If you are I really want to hurt you..."

Galen snorted, "Of course, they would not be studying the Gate in any areas with high civilian populations. Even they must maintain a level of secrecy if they want to keep something that big under-wraps. This means, we will not only have a Third Space Gate in their territory that we can attack through, but also a foot-hold on whatever they had in the area around it on their end. The Third Space aliens sow chaos through any minions they gather through mental suggestions during the dream state. When SeaQuestian personnel found our first Third Space Gate as it was drifiting through Hyperspace, and managed to activate it, while, lets just say, that after losses on both sides, we managed to come up with a truce with the Third Space aliens, known as Octavians. The Clone Labs were quite busy downloading several neural copies into pre-made back-up bodies a long time after that. Just imagine the enemies surprise when we activate the Gate and come pouring out of it to mop up the left-overs. The Octavians would just soften them up for us.

"As for drone fighters, they may not be tactful, but it is quite easy to make up for their flaws with shear numbers. That is why the Legion class super carrier was designed to carry so many and also have the capacity to make more from the debris left after a battle."

Galen snorted, "Of course, they would not be studying the Gate in any areas with high civilian populations. Even they must maintain a level of secrecy if they want to keep something that big under-wraps.

"You don't know that. For all you know they may just consider it another stargate and, worst case, activate it on Coruscant."

This means, we will not only have a Third Space Gate in their territory that we can attack through, but also a foot-hold on whatever they had in the area around it on their end. The Third Space aliens sow chaos through any minions they gather through mental suggestions during the dream state. When SeaQuestian personnel found our first Third Space Gate as it was drifiting through Hyperspace, and managed to activate it, while, lets just say, that after losses on both sides, we managed to come up with a truce with the Third Space aliens, known as Octavians. The Clone Labs were quite busy downloading several neural copies into pre-made back-up bodies a long time after that. Just imagine the enemies surprise when we activate the Gate and come pouring out of it to mop up the left-overs. The Octavians would just soften them up for us."

"I DON'T BLOODY CARE. Think TACTICALLY for a moment, Galen. Why in the blazes are you so dead set on a plan that involves hurling ourselves into their greatest collection of military might? If these vaunted Octavians had trouble with you, they'll be massacred by the Imperial Defense Force, and you have no damn clue how much power the IDF can bring into play. But let me sum it up for you: In. Excess. Of. Eleven. Thousand. Star. Destroyers. Of various types! Add TO that, the forces they are capable of mustering for offensive operations, the Death Star, whatever planetary defense forces they have for each of the key systems in their control, the Galaxy Gun, so on and so forth, and if you open this shit up with something so blatantly foolhardy as calling on a third party race that will essentially get MURDERED by defending Imperials, you will understand why a direct attack would only doom us all.

"We have the power to control the entire situation and remove the bulk of Imperial Defenses. I find myself at a loss to understand why you are so opposed to this."

"The Godulan is right. A head on attack on the Empire is tantamount to suicide. It's naive and illogical. Stop for a moment and think about what you are proposing to do. You are proposing we send our forces directly into the largest and most powerful fleet in the galaxy without making any provisions for disabling or disrupting their ability to respond to said attack." Nom Anor said, staring down the table at Galen.

"I agree. If it was so easy to throw our military at the Empire the way you proposed, we would have restored the Republic by now." Master Elendil spoke. "I somehow wonder if you truly know the scope of the enemy we're fighting. If you did know your enemy, you won't need fear the results of a hundred battles, have you forgotten that?"

"And bringing in third-party beasts from hell or whereever your Octavians come from is just opening another huge can of worms." He added. "A Pandora's Box situation."

"You don't know that. For all you know they may just consider it another stargate and, worst case, activate it on Coruscant."



"I DON'T BLOODY CARE. Think TACTICALLY for a moment, Galen. Why in the blazes are you so dead set on a plan that involves hurling ourselves into their greatest collection of military might? If these vaunted Octavians had trouble with you, they'll be massacred by the Imperial Defense Force, and you have no damn clue how much power the IDF can bring into play. But let me sum it up for you: In. Excess. Of. Eleven. Thousand. Star. Destroyers. Of various types! Add TO that, the forces they are capable of mustering for offensive operations, the Death Star, whatever planetary defense forces they have for each of the key systems in their control, the Galaxy Gun, so on and so forth, and if you open this shit up with something so blatantly foolhardy as calling on a third party race that will essentially get MURDERED by defending Imperials, you will understand why a direct attack would only doom us all.

"We have the power to control the entire situation and remove the bulk of Imperial Defenses. I find myself at a loss to understand why you are so opposed to this."


Galen sighed, "A Third Space Gate, like a Hyperspace Jump Gate, is much to large to fit on a planet's surface. They are ten kilometers from top to bottom, and all that is equipment just to open the rift to Third Space at its top. There is no way something that large can be confused for a Stargate."

He holds out his left hand and, through the 'magic' of the Technomage, projects an holographic image (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y131/Kvess/Armada%20Stuff/3dgate.jpg) of a Third Space Gate floating over his hand. At this scale, each centimer was equal to one kilometer.

"As for the rest of your concerns, our encounter with the Octavians was an encounter between two old races at around the same tech level.

"If you don't like that plan, we can always bombard their planets from light-years away with missiles with the ability to travel through Hyperspace. Missiles like the Harpy class anti-planet munitions."

"I agree. If it was so easy to throw our military at the Empire the way you proposed, we would have restored the Republic by now." Master Elendil spoke. "I somehow wonder if you truly know the scope of the enemy we're fighting. If you did know your enemy, you won't need fear the results of a hundred battles, have you forgotten that?"

"And bringing in third-party beasts from hell or whereever your Octavians come from is just opening another huge can of worms." He added. "A Pandora's Box situation."

"As they say, 'there is nothing to fear but fear itself'," Galen said, "Everything has a weakness or fatal flaw, it is just a matter of finding it. In the case of the G.E., it would seem that weakness is pride."

Galen sighed, "A Third Space Gate, like a Hyperspace Jump Gate, is much to large to fit on a planet's surface. They are ten kilometers from top to bottom, and all that is equipment just to open the rift to Third Space at its top. There is no way something that large can be confused for a Stargate."

He holds out his left hand and, through the 'magic' of the Technomage, projects an holographic image (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y131/Kvess/Armada%20Stuff/3dgate.jpg) of a Third Space Gate floating over his hand. At this scale, each centimer was equal to one kilometer.

"THANK YOU SIR FOR GIVING US IRRELEVANT INFORMATION. I honestly don't CARE. That tidbit does not preclude the Imperials from activating it in a heavily populated system. A heavily DEFENDED system. A system that would most definitely NOT be easy pickings for these Octavians you seem to want to push on us as some terrible destroyer of galaxies."

"As for the rest of your concerns, our encounter with the Octavians was an encounter between two old races at around the same tech level."

"Irrelevant even to your own point."

"If you don't like that plan, we can always bombard their planets from light-years away with missiles with the ability to travel through Hyperspace. Missiles like the Harpy class anti-planet munitions."

Xenith began banging his head on the table before him, snarling and growling. After about ten repetitions he smoothed his hair back and grinned at Galen. "I should THINK that after we have spent so much time talking about using their own FASTER THAN LIGHT INHIBITOR FIELDS AGAINST THEM, that you would have caught the fundamental flaw in that plan before you even thought to suggest it."

"As they say, 'there is nothing to fear but fear itself'," Galen said, "Everything has a weakness or fatal flaw, it is just a matter of finding it. In the case of the G.E., it would seem that weakness is pride."

"Damn dude. Thanks for telling us shit that we had talked about an hour ago."

"If you don't like that plan, we can always bombard their planets from light-years away with missiles with the ability to travel through Hyperspace. Missiles like the Harpy class anti-planet munitions."
"If ships are blocked from going through hyperspace by FTLi, what makes you think hyperspace missiles would work any better?" Elendil pointed out. He too was getting tired of the stupidity of this man. "I wonder about the education systems of your nation."

OOC: Ok, fights over, I'm back...

IC:

Behind Xenith appeared the ink-hole that should by now be associated with Braids, now a single massive Protoss emerged from the hole, followed by Braids herself, the Terran Dominion had returned once the battle was over to add their own input to the meeting. They stood behind Steele, wondering how long it would take him to notice their arrival...

"THANK YOU SIR FOR GIVING US IRRELEVANT INFORMATION. I honestly don't CARE. That tidbit does not preclude the Imperials from activating it in a heavily populated system. A heavily DEFENDED system. A system that would most definitely NOT be easy pickings for these Octavians you seem to want to push on us as some terrible destroyer of galaxies."



"Irrelevant even to your own point."



Xenith began banging his head on the table before him, snarling and growling. After about ten repetitions he smoothed his hair back and grinned at Galen. "I should THINK that after we have spent so much time talking about using their own FASTER THAN LIGHT INHIBITOR FIELDS AGAINST THEM, that you would have caught the fundamental flaw in that plan before you even thought to suggest it."



"Damn dude. Thanks for telling us shit that we had talked about an hour ago."


Galen shrugged before responding, "I'm just offering suggestions. I study tactics as a hobby, just trying to get your opinions on some of the ones I've thought up."

He was patently ignoring the Godular representative's attitude.

"If ships are blocked from going through hyperspace by FTLi, what makes you think hyperspace missiles would work any better?" Elendil pointed out. He too was getting tired of the stupidity of this man. "I wonder about the education systems of your nation."

Galen replied, closing his hand and dismissing the holographic image, "If you look at it from a technical engineering stand-point, a ship is not travelling at faster-than-light speeds. That is physically impossible, in this dimension at least. As for this FTLi, if it is simply gravity wells that it uses, a ship with a Hyperspace Jump Drive should be useful as gravity and mass of Real Space objects only show up as currents and eddies in Hyperspace."

"Oh goody! Hot lady is back!" Xenith commented without turning, then continued on.

Galen shrugged before responding, "I'm just offering suggestions. I study tactics as a hobby, just trying to get your opinions on some of the ones I've thought up."

"Here's a critique of your studies: See Spot Run is not a tactical analysis. You blathered on about maintaining the moral high ground, and your 'tactical' suggestions are nothing but pointless destruction! Please, sit down and be silent before you make yourself into an even bigger hypocrite."

"If you look at it from a technical engineering stand-point, a ship is not travelling at faster-than-light speeds. That is physically impossible, in this dimension at least. As for this FTLi, if it is simply gravity wells that it uses, a ship with a Hyperspace Jump Drive should be useful as gravity and mass of Real Space objects only show up as currents and eddies in Hyperspace."

"LET me point something out to you, binky. The Imperial Planetary FTLi fields are overlapping types of FTL disruption that spread out to a distance of no less than three light years in radius. I speak of gravity wells, dimensional anchors, and even several of the more exotic forms of travel. The Imperials meant these things to block out EVERYTHING that might present a hazard to them. You WILL get kicked from Hyperspace."

OOC: This is true. Unified Sith wanted to make certain that people would be FORCED into having to deal with all the defenses of the system's entrance corridors. All-Encompassing FTLi, he called 'em. Not just gravity wells.

"Oh goody! Hot lady is back!" Xenith commented without turning, then continued on.



"Here's a critique of your studies: See Spot Run is not a tactical analysis. You blathered on about maintaining the moral high ground, and your 'tactical' suggestions are nothing but pointless destruction! Please, sit down and be silent before you make yourself into an even bigger hypocrite."

Galen replied, "What is war but destruction?

"And you, who knows nothing about me, thinks you can call me a hypocrite? Sir, I am a Technomage. While we do not fight in wars with others, we do come up with tactics that can be used."

"LET me point something out to you, binky. The Imperial Planetary FTLi fields are overlapping types of FTL disruption that spread out to a distance of no less than three light years in radius. I speak of gravity wells, dimensional anchors, and even several of the more exotic forms of travel. The Imperials meant these things to block out EVERYTHING that might present a hazard to them. You WILL get kicked from Hyperspace."[quote]

"Sounds more like we won't be able to open Jump Gates back to Real Space inside of the FTLi field."

[quote]OOC: This is true. Unified Sith wanted to make certain that people would be FORCED into having to deal with all the defenses of the system's entrance corridors. All-Encompassing FTLi, he called 'em. Not just gravity wells.

OOC: Ahh, that clears a bunch up. I was wondering what kind of FTLi was being used.

Galen replied, "What is war but destruction?

"And you, who knows nothing about me, thinks you can call me a hypocrite? Sir, I am a Technomage. While we do not fight in wars with others, we do come up with tactics that can be used."


"Sounds more like we won't be able to open Jump Gates back to Real Space inside of the FTLi field."



OOC: Ahh, that clears a bunch up. I was wondering what kind of FTLi was being used.

"War is destruction yes, but he who destroys with the most style and efficiency is the victor, from what I hear your plans lack finnesse, and rely on firepoewr that we do not have, we can not meet them head on and win, we may have managed to destroy 75 of their Star Destroyers, but we lost one of our SuperDreadnoughts doing it, and hundreds of gunships, at that rate of exchange we can kill 625 Star Destroyers before our fleets are spent completely, and tht is but a tithe of a tithe of a tithe of their total force. Currently we are planning a strike that will break the back of their Clone Armies, and eliminate the Death Star as a weapon, wheras you sit and quibble about who is or is not right? I am a Templar, warrior, Captain, and Psion of the Protoss. Tell me, what battles have you won that we should bow to your wisdom?"

Galen replied, "What is war but destruction?"

"No. No it is not. Destruction is but one facet to the panopoly that is war. War is POLITICS. There are many kinds of war, and not all of them involve beating your enemies into submission. It is conflict, yes, but death is not always a part of it."

"And you, who knows nothing about me, thinks you can call me a hypocrite?"

"You ARE a hypocrite, and I told you why. And while I may not know MUCH about you, Galen, your speech thus far has provided enough information FOR me to call you a hypocrite."

"Sir, I am a Technomage. While we do not fight in wars with others, we do come up with tactics that can be used."

"You could be a web-footed pan-galactic party clown! I don't care! But maybe you should THINK before you open that mouth of yours, eh? Maybe take what other people have said for the past eon into account? Surely you have a memory that spans more than thirty seconds."

"War is destruction yes, but he who destroys with the most style and efficiency is the victor, from what I hear your plans lack finnesse, and rely on firepoewr that we do not have, we can not meet them head on and win, we may have managed to destroy 75 of their Star Destroyers, but we lost one of our SuperDreadnoughts doing it, and hundreds of gunships, at that rate of exchange we can kill 625 Star Destroyers before our fleets are spent completely, and tht is but a tithe of a tithe of a tithe of their total force. Currently we are planning a strike that will break the back of their Clone Armies, and eliminate the Death Star as a weapon, wheras you sit and quibble about who is or is not right? I am a Templar, warrior, Captain, and Psion of the Protoss. Tell me, what battles have you won that we should bow to your wisdom?"

"Technomages do not fight in physical warfare," replied Galen, "we come up with tactics for those that do. We prefer psychological warfare. Its quite easy to manipulate the uninformed using advanced technology to imitate magick.

As for fire power, the beam weapons on the SeaQuestian Sharlin class war-cruiser has an estimated lower limit of 265 Terawatts."

(OOC: *cough*,no "k" *cough*.)

IC:

Asuke spoke up for a moment. "Now now, we won't get anywhere if we keep on bickering like this. But I must say that I don't believe that the Imperial forces will be as 'uninformed' as you seem to think. Whether or not their technology is as powerful as you believe yours is, they're not definitely not fools."

Asuke thought for moment, the asked, "Of course, I could be wrong about your meaning. You're just outlining your job description or something? And please tell me, how does one who does not even fight 'Physical warfare' develop tactics for those who do? Seems a little...odd, if you know what I mean."

(OOC: *cough*,no "k" *cough*.)

IC:

Asuke spoke up for a moment. "Now now, we won't get anywhere if we keep on bickering like this. But I must say that I don't believe that the Imperial forces will be as 'uninformed' as you seem to think. Whether or not their technology is as powerful as you believe yours is, they're not definitely not fools."

Asuke thought for moment, the asked, "Of course, I could be wrong about your meaning. You're just outlining your job description or something? And please tell me, how does one who does not even fight 'Physical warfare' develop tactics for those who do? Seems a little...odd, if you know what I mean."

"Technomages have access to a vast store of knowledge," replied Galen, "information not even intelligence services have access to, though don't tell anyone this. Using this information, we are able to form general battle plans for naval use. It is up to the units in the field to fill in the specific details unique to every situation. We just build the multi-purpose blueprints that can apply to multiple different battles.

"As to your answer your question about how we can plan without actually doing physical combat ourselves, I put it to you this way, the brawn belongs on the battlefield. Me, while I may know a few tricks, I am a Brain, and not a Muscle. Its as simple as that."

"Technomages have access to a vast store of knowledge," replied Galen, "information not even intelligence services have access to, though don't tell anyone this. Using this information, we are able to form general battle plans for naval use. It is up to the units in the field to fill in the specific details unique to every situation. We just

"As to your answer your question about how we can plan without actually doing physical combat ourselves, I put it to you this way, the brawn belongs on the battlefield. Me, while I may know a few tricks, I am a Brain, and not a Muscle. Its as simple as that."

(OOC: Before I respond, is that meant to be finished? Or is it just an error?)

IC:

Asuke gave an unconvinced look, though she kept her tone calm and steady. "I don't know about you, but to me, usually when the brains manages the general plan, and leaves the brawn to figure the rest out for itself, you've got a serious problem."

Asuke laughed a bit, and muttered quietly, "He's describing a situation like a general who only stares at a map, and doesn't go out into the field. Huh, these guys..."

"Technomages have access to a vast store of knowledge," replied Galen, "information not even intelligence services have access to, though don't tell anyone this. Using this information, we are able to form general battle plans for naval use. It is up to the units in the field to fill in the specific details unique to every situation. We just build the multi-purpose blueprints that can apply to multiple different battles."

"Fat lot of good it did ya. For 'having access' to such a large amount of information, you're sure shooting blanks a lot."

"As to your answer your question about how we can plan without actually doing physical combat ourselves, I put it to you this way, the brawn belongs on the battlefield. Me, while I may know a few tricks, I am a Brain, and not a Muscle. Its as simple as that."

Xenith snorted derisively. "Typical. A guy who never set foot in a battlezone deciding the fate of those who do. For some reason I am NOT surprised."

"Fat lot of good it did ya. For 'having access' to such a large amount of information, you're sure shooting blanks a lot."



Xenith snorted derisively. "Typical. A guy who never set foot in a battlezone deciding the fate of those who do. For some reason I am NOT surprised."

Asuke leaned over to Xenith, and whispered, "Took that thought right out of my mind..."

"I'd be surprised if I didn't," he replied in a similar tone without turning.

(OOC: Before I respond, is that meant to be finished? Or is it just an error?)

IC:

Asuke gave an unconvinced look, though she kept her tone calm and steady. "I don't know about you, but to me, usually when the brains manages the general plan, and leaves the brawn to figure the rest out for itself, you've got a serious problem."

Asuke laughed a bit, and muttered quietly, "He's describing a situation like a general who only stares at a map, and doesn't go out into the field. Huh, these guys..."

"Ship Captains reach their positions due to intelligence, fortitude, perseverance, and other factors. Naval Command feels that they are best suited for making field decisions as they know the uniques of the current situation," Galen replied, "and I never said Technomages have never set foot in a combat zone before. I am stationed aboard the I.S.S. John Sheridan, a ship so new she hasn't seen action yet. That is not to say she won't with this Shadow War and the conflict with the Galactic Empire our allies our involved in."

OOC: Last post for the night.

"Fat lot of good it did ya. For 'having access' to such a large amount of information, you're sure shooting blanks a lot."



Xenith snorted derisively. "Typical. A guy who never set foot in a battlezone deciding the fate of those who do. For some reason I am NOT surprised."

"Indeed Mr. Steele, it would seem he is what our Terran allies refer to as an "Armchair General". Generally the kind of man I would not trust to, as our allies so adroidtly put it, "Lead a platoon of marines to a whorehouse on sunday." He turned to look at Galen, "You would be best served with your conjurers tricks, lewt those who have fought battles decide how to win them."

"Indeed Mr. Steele, it would seem he is what our Terran allies refer to as an "Armchair General". Generally the kind of man I would not trust to, as our allies so adroidtly put it, "Lead a platoon of marines to a whorehouse on sunday." He turned to look at Galen, "You would be best served with your conjurers tricks, lewt those who have fought battles decide how to win them."

Galen asked, "Did you not hear I word I just said?"

OOC: Read end of last post carefully.

Galen asked, "Did you not hear I word I just said?"

OOC: Read end of last post carefully.

"I heard, and care not, one who has not fought before cannot devise strategy and tactics properly, have you ever personally fought? Have you been in the stink and the blood and the smoke, when your friends and allies are around you, dropping faster than you can throw men into the breach? Well, I have, I was in the vanguard when Aiur was swarmed under, I led the forces of the Templar against the parasitic Zerg and their warped Overmind, I fought against Sara Kerrigan, the Queen of Blades when she betrayed us on Korhal, and I held the gateway when the last ragged remnants of my people fled to Shakuras and safety, you may have talents that others lack, but you know nothing of battle... I am Fenix, last of the Praetors of Aiur, and you do not impress me."

OOC: By the way, that last bit is probably one of the most harsh things you will ever get from Fenix, he is a consumate badass, and he isgenuinely not at all impressed by the Technomagery...

"Needless to say, my dear Galen, you are quite unfit to dictate tactics when you have never seen war." Elendil said. "No plan survives first contact with the enemy, after all."

Xenith grinned and took a swig from his metal flask, then burped rather loudly in Galen's general direction.

"Nooblet."

Nom Anor looked around at the other delegates and spoke. "If we are all finished criticizing the SeaQuestian delegate, perhaps we should get back on topic? We obviously have strategies for dealing with the might of the Empire, but will the GFFA get involved at all? If not, then this entire discussion is pointless."

Nom Anor looked around at the other delegates and spoke. "If we are all finished criticizing the SeaQuestian delegate, perhaps we should get back on topic? We obviously have strategies for dealing with the might of the Empire, but will the GFFA get involved at all? If not, then this entire discussion is pointless."

"We are already involved, wether you like it or not, one of our members was attacked, that is a declaration of war my friend. There is no way to avoid the coming storm."

"Needless to say, my dear Galen, you are quite unfit to dictate tactics when you have never seen war." Elendil said. "No plan survives first contact with the enemy, after all."

"While I may not have set foot on a battle field," Galen replied, "I never said I never have been aboard a ship that has entered combat. For example, I was aboard the the I.S.S. Turilac during the Telepath War, a time when Psy Corps was controlled by some corrupt characters and tried to take control of all psychic individuals."

Xenith grinned and took a swig from his metal flask, then burped rather loudly in Galen's general direction.

"Nooblet."

Galen said, "I wouldn't incur the wrath of a Technomage if I were you. The results would be 'unpleasent' to say the least."

"We are already involved, wether you like it or not, one of our members was attacked, that is a declaration of war my friend. There is no way to avoid the coming storm."

"As I seem to recall," Galen replied, "the decision for all members of this Alliance to join the war was never made. I believe, from what Field Marshall Gun Grave has told me, that it was listed as optional."

"While I may not have set foot on a battle field," Galen replied, "I never said I never have been aboard a ship that has entered combat. For example, I was aboard the the I.S.S. Turilac during the Telepath War, a time when Psy Corps was controlled by some corrupt characters and tried to take control of all psychic individuals."
"And you were involved in combat against these corrupt ones, yes?" Elendil asked.

"As I seem to recall," Galen replied, "the decision for all members of this Alliance to join the war was never made. I believe, from what Field Marshall Gun Grave has told me, that it was listed as optional."

"We have been attacked, we are at war, it matters not if you voted on it. Galen, threats are foolish, especially against High Templar... We can be so direct about these things... Like this." Where once had stood Fenix and Braids, now stood Fenix and Braids, and Fenix and Braids, and Fenix and Braids, and Fenix and Braids... "See Technomage, I have power too, I can do many things just like you, so, let us be calm, and stay civil, shall we?" The other three apparitions disappeared, leaving Fenix and Braids seperated, one at the far left of the row, one at the far right.

"And you were involved in combat against these corrupt ones, yes?" Elendil asked.

"The ship I was on during that conflict did see action, yes," replied Galen, "In fact, she managed to last until around near the end of the Telepath War, when she was destroyed by fire from three Psy Corps cruisers. I lost several good friends that day."

He sighed as he remembered that eventful day.

"The ship I was on during that conflict did see action, yes," replied Galen, "In fact, she managed to last until around near the end of the Telepath War, when she was destoryed by fire from three Psy Corps cruisers."

"That is not seeing action, you never personally engaged the enemy, that is combat, not being on a vessel in a fight. If it were, all of our civilians would be battle hardended Veterans."

"That is not seeing action, you never personally engaged the enemy, that is combat, not being on a vessel in a fight. If it were, all of our civilians would be battle hardended Veterans."

Galen replied coldly, "The ship was a frigate. Her tactical officer was killed in a hull breach early in the battle and I was the one who took over the weapons console. I personally fired the shot that destroyed one of the cruisers right before we had to abandon ship. They learned that day that making a Technomage angry was not the smartest thing they had ever done. The reason they didn't destroy our escape pods, was because they had recieved so much damage that they had to withdraw. They withrew right into an opening Jump Gate, and were both destroyed instantly by the vortex.

But enough of my war stories, that is not why we are here."

Galen replied coldly, "The ship was a frigate. Her tactical officer was killed in a hull breach early in the battle and I was the one who took over the weapons console. I personally fired the shot that destroyed one of the cruisers right before we had to abandon ship. They learned that day that making a Technomage angry was not the smartest thing they had ever down. The reason they didn't destroy our escape pods, was because they had recieved so much damage that they had to withdraw. They withrew right into an opening Jump Gate, and were both destroyed instantly by the vortex.

But enough of my war stories, that is not why we are here."

"So, you enaged in one action, and fired one shot, conbgratulation rookie, engage in about 300 more and I may consider being polite in shooting down your plans. We are here to enage in a tactical and strategic planning, a non-combatant has no place in that sort of discussion."

Baileygates, hearing the unyielding chorus of bickering and smacktalking, said, somewhat frustratingly, "Children, while we bicker and criticize people's lack of military skill, the forces we seek to contain may be moving, and taking advantage of our inaction. Now, can we stop acting like mokeys fighting over bananas, decide on a plan, and decide when to enact it? If we're gonna be a 'team of rivals,' let's act like a team."

Baileygates, hearing the unyielding chorus of bickering and smacktalking, said, somewhat frustratingly, "Children, while we bicker and criticize people's lack of military skill, the forces we seek to contain may be moving, and taking advantage of our inaction. Now, can we stop acting like mokeys fighting over bananas, decide on a plan, and decide when to enact it? If we're gonna be a 'team of rivals,' let's act like a team."

"They will be moving nowhere but Kamino if they are, because that is where the first blow will fall, we strike at their cloning industry, and the Death Star, we have deployed all of our remaining, undamaged Task Fleets, and the planet, and Death Star, will both fall."

"They will be moving nowhere but Kamino if they are, because that is where the first blow will fall, we strike at their cloning industry, and the Death Star, we have deployed all of our remaining, undamaged Task Fleets, and the planet, and Death Star, will both fall."
Only a small part of the cloning industry. Elendil showed no signs of what he thought. "I see, and what do you propose to do with the Death Star?"

"So, you enaged in one action, and fired one shot, conbgratulation rookie, engage in about 300 more and I may consider being polite in shooting down your plans. We are here to enage in a tactical and strategic planning, a non-combatant has no place in that sort of discussion."

"You weren't there," Galen responded, "You know not how many times my ship was in battles during the Telepath War, nor how many were destroyed by my hand. For example, ever played chicken with a cruiser when flying a frigate?"

"They will be moving nowhere but Kamino if they are, because that is where the first blow will fall, we strike at their cloning industry, and the Death Star, we have deployed all of our remaining, undamaged Task Fleets, and the planet, and Death Star, will both fall."

"A Parasite class breaching missile could be useful with the Death Star," Galen said, "It would cut its way inside, exposing that deck to the vacuum of space, and release its drone. The drone would then cut its way to the core, exposing even more areas to vacuum, and plant the fusion explosives it carries on the Hypermatter reactor and then detonate them."

OOC: Last post for the night.

"You weren't there," Galen responded, "You know not how many times my ship was in battles during the Telepath War, nor how many were destroyed by my hand. For example, ever played chicken with a cruiser when flying a frigate?"
"Yes, and I kept its crew distracted long enough for an interceptor to disable it. However, all this arguing over who has more military experience isn't accomplishing much. The question isn't what we've done, it's what we're going to do. If a suggestion is good, we'll use it, of course. If it's bad, let's just have a quick explanation of why and drop the subject."

OOC: Sorry for the delay in responding, this final final exam is a killer.

Galen said, "I wouldn't incur the wrath of a Technomage if I were you. The results would be 'unpleasent' to say the least."

Xenith snickered silently to himself. As a matter of fact, so much was he caught in a fit of giggling that he missed a goodly portion of the conversation immediately following.

At one point, he even stopped for a moment, looked at Galen again, and thumped the table a couple times in an attempt to keep from bursting out in full-throated laughter.

After a while, he managed to regain his composure, and caught the more recent tidbits:

"Destroying the Death Star is a priority, yes. But it is not under any form of time constraints. The station will most likely be in orbit over Kamino, and as such, easily victimized by the LockDown."

As he finished his sentence, he looked at Galen and grinned, this time with a somewhat more menacing air. Lightning quick, he made a sound that could only be written as 'Vzt'. Galen would feel nothing more than the strange sensation of something sharp zipping by his ear.

((OOC: Anything actually dangerous, that Terdak might possibly notice?
Gotta love Finals, eh? I had two of the things today, and a couple more coming up.))

OOC: People might notice the tiniest flicker of magical energy as Xenith's 'Sharp Note' zips by Galen's ear. It was basically in response to Galen's threat about provoking a Technomage.

That 'Vzt' was basically a single note of Xenith's Song of Blades. He didn't put much force into the note, so it basically lasted just long enough to cause the sensation that something sharp just went by Galen's ear.

Terdak's very keen and quite unusual senses detected the tiny flicker of magic, but he did not respond. It was swift enough that even he would have been hard pressed to intervene, and it didn't seem likely to do more than startle Galen a bit. The technomage was beginning to annoy him a bit, as well, and the Yamiri representative had no objection to startlement...

Still, the situation might escalate. Terdak readied his will to step in, should any actual attacks be loosed, and gave Garnyn a slight mental prod.

Elendil's elven senses detected the faint magic being used and recalled the report from Naruto on Xenith's Spellsinger ability.

OOC: Sorry for the delay in responding, this final final exam is a killer.



Xenith snickered silently to himself. As a matter of fact, so much was he caught in a fit of giggling that he missed a goodly portion of the conversation immediately following.

At one point, he even stopped for a moment, looked at Galen again, and thumped the table a couple times in an attempt to keep from bursting out in full-throated laughter.

After a while, he managed to regain his composure, and caught the more recent tidbits:

"Destroying the Death Star is a priority, yes. But it is not under any form of time constraints. The station will most likely be in orbit over Kamino, and as such, easily victimized by the LockDown."

As he finished his sentence, he looked at Galen and grinned, this time with a somewhat more menacing air. Lightning quick, he made a sound that could only be written as 'Vzt'. Galen would feel nothing more than the strange sensation of something sharp zipping by his ear.

Galen made a small flicking motion with his left hand. If anyone looked very closely, they would have seen a small silvery flicker as the tiny, bio-degradable needle embedded itself in Xenith's neck. He wouldn't feel anything for a few seconds, but the dosage was enough to dredge up his fears and project them before his eyes only for the next five minutes.

OOC: In other words, you just got hit with a hallucegin(sp?).

Xenith took the tiny needle out of his neck and looked at it, noting that the tip had snapped off in his flesh. He chuckled slightly to himself and gave Galen a look of pure glee. He hummed a few notes to himself then spat a small crystal onto the table.

He took the pellet into both hands and flicked it across the table to Galen.

"I believe this is your poison, you can have it back. My blood's seen enough toxins as it is. One more wouldn't have been much difference.."

Galen made a small flicking motion with his left hand. If anyone looked very closely, they would have seen a small silvery flicker as the tiny, bio-degradable needle embedded itself in Xenith's neck. He wouldn't feel anything for a few seconds, but the dosage was enough to dredge up his fears and project them before his eyes only for the next five minutes.

OOC: In other words, you just got hit with a hallucegin(sp?).
OOC: Not so fast. Did I not say Terdak was ready for trouble?

IC: The tiny dart was very fast, but not swift enough to escape the Yamiri representative's notice when he was already watching. The slightest touch of telekinetic power stopped it in mid-air.

"Now, now... let's have none of that, shall we?"

The needle floated back and dropped to the table top before Galen.

OOC: Awww... I liked my response tho...

OOC: Sorry. So did I, actually. I'd let it stand, but Terdak was watching for escalation, so it wouldn't make sense IC. Don't delete it, of course.

OOC: FUCK!!!!!!

IC:

"It appears we have a problem... Agents in place have jusdt notified us that Kamino, Pentavo, and Coruscant were just reinforced by 1,000 Chronosian ship, each, and that Remiel has siezed command of the Galactic Empire... Our meager fleet no longer has any hope of crushing Kamino, or any other system so long as Imperium ships picket them..."

Elendil raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Oh my. Nightshade won't just relinquish power that easily...This changes things, especially with Daniel confirming the fact that Remiel is now Emperor of Chronosia..."

"Doesn't change much at all, really," Xenith said, taking another swig from his flask.

"Just means that the Lockdown will not only eliminate the majority of the Imperial Defense Force, but a substantial portion of the Chronosian war machine. Intelligence tells me of the same fleet movements, but I wouldn't be too worried. Defensive maneuvers means that they've definitely got the inhibitors up, and we can provoke them into it if otherwise. It also means we have a considerable amount of preparation time, for as long as they are setting up garrisons, they are NOT mustering for an attack.

"We stand ready, just waiting on y'all."

Galen said, "The debris from battles in the Shadow War have provided the Empire with plenty of examples of Shadow tech. Enough that several Shadow-ized classes are being created. These classes, the Hyperishadow class cruiser for example, are even equipped with Shadow Death Rays fully able to fire at the highest power as demonstrated by the Shadow Battle Crabs. And the arrival of the Vorlons, specifically the forced fusion of one of their ships with the I.S.S. Titans, has given us access to Vorlon tech and allowed us to build Vorlon-ized ship classes, like the Hyperivorlon class cruiser.

"Perhaps we can use some of this tech against the Galactic Empire."

"What, if anything at all, does that have to do with what was just announced? Are you even listening to the discussion anymore?" Nom Anor said, glaring at Galen, before responding to the news of the Chronosian "coup". "I am in agreement with Xenith, the commitment of Chronosian forces to systems that would be locked down in the event of any attack is irrelevant. Even preferable. As he said, it negates much of the Chronosian fleet."

Baileygates then said, after a bathroom break, "I agree, the addition of Chronosian forces adds little risk to the plan. Though the Chronosians may try and intervene should the plan occur, we would trap a good portion of them with the Imperials, and any relief parties sent will be dealt with easily. As for the Death Star....if isolated, it will not be a threat. We can attack it at our leisure."

She then said, "I am ready, personally. Are you?"

"What, if anything at all, does that have to do with what was just announced? Are you even listening to the discussion anymore?" Nom Anor said, glaring at Galen, before responding to the news of the Chronosian "coup". "I am in agreement with Xenith, the commitment of Chronosian forces to systems that would be locked down in the event of any attack is irrelevant. Even preferable. As he said, it negates much of the Chronosian fleet."

Galen inquired, "Have you ever seen a Shadow ship in combat? As one of the 'First One' races, the Shadows have had billions of years to develop tech that can inspire fear into their enemies. The Shadows are devoted to spreading chaos, disorder, and fear throughout the universe. They truely believe in the concept of pruing the weak races so that the strong races can survive. A Shadow controlled universe would mean pure anarchy, everyone out for themselves.

"By harnessing the powers of the Shadows, we can use them to our own advantage."

Baileygates then said, after a bathroom break, "I agree, the addition of Chronosian forces adds little risk to the plan. Though the Chronosians may try and intervene should the plan occur, we would trap a good portion of them with the Imperials, and any relief parties sent will be dealt with easily. As for the Death Star....if isolated, it will not be a threat. We can attack it at our leisure."

She then said, "I am ready, personally. Are you?"

"The Death Star is a threat to every nation's security," agreed Galen, "therefore it must be taken out. I would gladly take my own ship into that battle."

"The Death Star is a threat to every nation's security," agreed Galen, "therefore it must be taken out. I would gladly take my own ship into that battle."

Baileygates then said, putting a finger up as if to say, "hold on"- "But ay, there's the rub. How to kill the Death Star once isolated? I am sure they actually covered up the tiny exhaust ports, so no movie miracle can occur. Your Shadow-based weapons and concentrated and heavy fire, presumably from Yamato Cannons, Eshirian Siege Cannons, and our Super Warp Cannons and Demolisher Guns will be able to do damage, but it would take a lot to wear away at it."

A holographic transmission was sent to the meeting through standard diplomatic channels from No Endorse. It was headed by a short message to be given to the whole group.

This is a transmission from the Galactic Inferno of No Endorse. We are aware that our delegate has left for home. He should no longer be considered a representative of our government. He is a filthy traitor, and will be dealt with in due time. Please patch this transmission through to the meeting room on a two-way transmitter, so a diplomat can be 'present' without the inherent dangers of sending one.

We apologize for any inconvenience, but we are currently suffering a few minor problems.

===========================================

In a bunker on Haven, Dr. Elizabeth Firenza of the department of Weapons Development and Research waited patiently. The next string for diplomatic relations that could be found and confirmed loyal, she slightly resented having to leave her comfortable cubicle for this.

Ugh! People! And they think my designs unleash hell. People are more dangerous than anything I can make, and quite a bit more aggrevating too. She brushed her long brown hair out of her eyes, hoping that the other end would respond. She polished her glasses as the signal negotiated the reciever's communications grid. All she could do was wait.

Baileygates then said, putting a finger up as if to say, "hold on"- "But ay, there's the rub. How to kill the Death Star once isolated? I am sure they actually covered up the tiny exhaust ports, so no movie miracle can occur. Your Shadow-based weapons and concentrated and heavy fire, presumably from Yamato Cannons, Eshirian Siege Cannons, and our Super Warp Cannons and Demolisher Guns will be able to do damage, but it would take a lot to wear away at it."

"A couple dozen of Abh's Victory class heavy destroyers all firing their main guns at the same time would put one hell of a strain on the Death Star's shields. Hopefully, enough strain for a ship armed with Parasite class breaching missiles to get close enough to launch them," suggested Galen.

"A couple dozen of Abh's Victory class heavy destroyers all firing their main guns at the same time would put one hell of a strain on the Death Star's shields. Hopefully, enough strain for a ship armed with Parasite class breaching missiles to get close enough to launch them," suggested Galen.

Baileygates then said, "Well, we would have to plan how to keep station defenses busy while we concentrate fire. And, we would have to make the Parasite strike go quickly, there iwll be a limited opportunity under the circumstances you propose."

Baileygates then said, "Well, we would have to plan how to keep station defenses busy while we concentrate fire. And, we would have to make the Parasite strike go quickly, there iwll be a limited opportunity under the circumstances you propose."

Galen answered, "That's where the ten million Wasp class drone fighters carried by each Legion class super carrier comes in. Around five or ten Legions should be able to provide enough drones to keep the Death Star's defense weapons busy.

"As for the Parasite class breaching missiles, standard procedure is to launch a swarm of them. Some will be carrying the drones that will burrow to the Hypermatter reactor to plant fusion explosives while the rest are decoys. Around fifty Centurian class gunboats should do the trick.

"I also recommend that, to minimize loss of life, long range remote control systems and droid units should be used for the bulk of the mission."

"And I am certain a few of our 'hotshot' Jedi pilots would love a chance to strike at the superlaser itself." The Headmaster smiled thinly. "Even if the Death Star somehow manages to survive everything else, it will be in for months of repair."

"And I am certain a few of our 'hotshot' Jedi pilots would love a chance to strike at the superlaser itself." The Headmaster smiled thinly. "Even if the Death Star somehow manages to survive everything else, it will be in for months of repair."

"If what I have heard about the reflexes of a Jedi is true," Galen said, "then perhaps we could put some in the remote piloting chairs of some of the drone fighters."

OOC: Last post for the night.

"I agree with the strike on the Death Star's superlaser. It would remove the station's primary weapon and allow us to lay siege as necessary. However, at the same time, the mere presence of any Godulan vessels in the vicinity would remove it from play for the most part, and we also have a particular trump for breaking through those annoyingly strong shields as well.

"The Death Star's superlaser utilizes a rather large array of focusing lenses in order to generate the amount of firepower it does without overloading. They are easy enough to spot if one takes the time to look, and I could point the damn things out if necessary. Now, the Coredians and several others of you lot might know of our rather specialized Tachyon Torpedos. While they might not pack the firepower to conduct a full scale barrage on the Death Star with much hope of an effect, a single precision strike upon the focusing lenses of the Death Star would be enough to render the weapon inoperable, allowing the shutdown of the VoidShields and the activation of whatever supers the rest of the fleet might bring to bear. If an Archonal Command Ship is present, we could even get the chance to utilize a Plasmatic Pulse Disintegrator in a combat situation."

"I agree with the strike on the Death Star's superlaser. It would remove the station's primary weapon and allow us to lay siege as necessary. However, at the same time, the mere presence of any Godulan vessels in the vicinity would remove it from play for the most part, and we also have a particular trump for breaking through those annoyingly strong shields as well.

"The Death Star's superlaser utilizes a rather large array of focusing lenses in order to generate the amount of firepower it does without overloading. They are easy enough to spot if one takes the time to look, and I could point the damn things out if necessary. Now, the Coredians and several others of you lot might know of our rather specialized Tachyon Torpedos. While they might not pack the firepower to conduct a full scale barrage on the Death Star with much hope of an effect, a single precision strike upon the focusing lenses of the Death Star would be enough to render the weapon inoperable, allowing the shutdown of the VoidShields and the activation of whatever supers the rest of the fleet might bring to bear. If an Archonal Command Ship is present, we could even get the chance to utilize a Plasmatic Pulse Disintegrator in a combat situation."

Smiling, Baileygates simply said, "The best news I've heard all day."