NationStates Jolt Archive

James Talon felt old. He was fifty three standard Terra years old, although Terra was naught but a myth to his knowledge. To be exact he was also six months and eleven days, and he sure felt every single one of them as he surveyed the city. Sanctuary Center was a sprawling metropolis. The center of the one time Merchant Empire, this proud city, majestic in its own right, betrayed a bare glimmer of what prestige it once held.

My planet. It has all been under my rule for almost twenty years, the youngest Prime Minister in centuries. I saw the first of the side-farjumpers, the first of a blooming relationship between us and the Eshirian Sovereignty.

How long has it really been? How long since my dear Catherine’s life was snatched away from her? How long since the War of Wrath left Aurora a miniscule spec compared to its one time glory? When will this eternal waltz of diplomacy end? The attempted secession of clan Laski. The attempted annexation of clan Talon by clan Kathii.

And now the great Emperor has died and his empire is fracturing. Talon thought back to when he heard the news, his words to Jennifer. "Another great leader... one of the greatest in fact, is dead. Leadership is a game that is played with your head a Guillotine. We keep pulling strings, not knowing which one will drop the blade. Maybe it's age? How about disease? It could be death in war, or assassination. Every day we wake we pluck a string, unable to look up and see which is tied to our fates."

James Talon, Prime Minister of the Galactic Inferno of No Endorse, the icon of dashing bravery, a deep eyed representation of the will of the Inferno, laid his head down on his arms. Tears started to run, moistening a stack of papers.

“I will miss this place and the people.”

He shoved the whole stack of papers off his desk and reached for a clean sheet. He grabbed a pen and began to write.

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

Jennifer Halsey walked into Talon’s office. “The Laski are gett... James! What’s wrong?” “The weight of it all Jen. I’m resigning. I’ve told you many times that the game was breaking me down. I’ve had an incredibly successful rule, and aside from the constant Laski attempts to overthrow me, held peace for a long time as far as we’re concerned. I want to leave on this note.”

“When you’re gone, don’t forget me. It’ll be boring without you here!” She said it in a joking tone, but something beneath suggested some seriousness.

“I won’t. You were there when Catherine and the kids were killed in that damnable uprising. I’ll never forget that.” The pen kept scratching. It was as if an inner muse had inspired him in his resignation statement. However, it suddenly stopped. Talon grabbed the sheet of paper, crumpling it viciously and tossing it into the trash.

“Don’t worry Jen, we’ll get out while we can.”

She smiled a little and left, relieved that it might be reaching an end soon. However, James's idle terminal started beeping crazily. He re-activated it curiously, and stared at the message in shock. WAR!?! He felt a sharp pain in his chest and reached for the button to his secretary, trying desperately to press the button…

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

::catchy news station music::
This is Sanctuary News Network, your source for all news in the Inferno.

“Hi, I’m Lynda Harpie, and this is S.N.N. Top story today, Prime Minister James Talon has announced his resignation to Parliament after his recent heart attack, causing tremendous upheaval. Clan Laski is rallying their supporters to attempt to propel into office. However, it appears that Clans Sedin and Kathii are looking to put another Talon into office, hoping for another long stint of peace.

James gave a very few eloquent words in front of Parliament, and has not spoken to a single member of the press since. He has withdrawn to his home in the mountains, and the area has been politely but firmly declared off-limits by the military. His doctor would not release an official statement, but said, quote, ‘He’s doing fine.’ Minister Talon has undergone all of the traditional ceremonies for a departing leader. An election for a new Prime Minister will occur in two weeks.

In other news, Force or Farce? An in-depth look at the Sons of Laski, a self proclaimed freedom-fighting group. And, to nuke or not to nuke? The Galactic Empire’s war against the Galactic Federation. Lastly, Flab is Fab? A fashion designer focuses on the more rotund population. She believes that there can never be too much of a good thing, celebrating size.

But first, the local weather…“

=================================
Secret IC:
Matt Hunter threw down the remote with glee. “What did I tell you? Almost immediately afterwards! He’s a wreck! He’s been ruling for too long, the death of the Emperor has killed his morale more than he’d care to admit, and the shock of war was almost too much for him. He’s resigning without appointing a successor.”

The three others in the small pool room nodded, smoke wafting upwards. One spoke up, his face unseen in the poor lighting. “Then it must be so. Our clan will support the Laskis in this Endeavour. If you gain this power, return us to the old path.”

“It shall be done, Dransk Clan Leader Rendol.”

One of the others drew a large energy weapon from his coat and placed it on the table in front of him. Only the lower half of his face was visible in the bad lighting. It was twisted into an unholy grin, terrible scar marks covering nigh all of what was visible. “ The order (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9975127&postcount=217) is complete. The supplies are in our hands.” The other shuddered a little, and spoke quickly. “Then do the deed. That cruise must be taken out. Those clan leaders are too smart and powerful to be allowed to live.”

The smiling gun-wielder began to laugh a little. However, this tiny laugh grew in volume until it was a demonic hysteric, disturbing to everyone. Matt put his hand on the man’s shoulder, calming him down some. “Get a hold man; you’ll have your chance.”

“You do not know the feeling of chaos! The exhilaration of bathing in the blood of those you have conquered! They thought they could contain me to that military research platform, those damn Talons who made me will get all they asked for and more.” The man withdrew a knife and slit his palm. He then grabbed the butt of his blaster. “By the blood on my stock, I shall return in a fortnight. Time shall tell who lives, the mousey or the kitty, and who was really who.” His insane laughter flowed behind him as he left the room, slamming the door behind himself.

Matt looked about. The leader of Clan Dransk spoke up, stepping into the light. “I object to including Bane on this, he is a depraved lunatic who loves nothing but death. He is a masochistic-“

“I understand your concerns,” Matt cut in abruptly. “However, he is the only man with the means and the motive to commit such acts as we are about to.” He turned to the only remaining person in the room. “And you. Will you be in place on time?”

“All extremely loyalist forces that can be have been sent to aid in the Thrashia crisis. Almost all of those extremely loyal to us are going to be on system guard here, or in port.”

“Thank you Admiral Vaer. The Laskis have had equipment in place for years, and the people have been in place for several weeks.” Matt bowed to the other two. “Well sirs, it is time for us to dissolve this circle. May the Gods look kindly on our souls. I shall contact the GE.”

Vaer nodded. “The Gods shall have their way. This circle is broken until such time as we meet again. Go quickly and strike.”

The light flickered as the three left the smoky pool-room. It had begun.

ooc: Ah yes, the civil war every nation has to go through. Anyone who wants to participate just join in as long as you're either: GE, GFFA, an ally/nation I've interacted with, or if you TG me. Doubly invited if you're in the 2nd galactic civil war. linky (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=457795)

If you're confused about some of the events Talon mentions, don't be upset. I'm gonna flesh them out in my factbook soon. If this post sucks, please don't hurt me! EDIT: that newscast is to everyone

(OOC: Tying in some other RPs, just so I don't end up having certain character in 50 places at once...)

IC:

As the lunch meeting with New Dornalian President Robert continued, Eshirian President Ki'menoshi sat eating her meal, speaking to Robert while she ate.

"...so that's how you establish galactic peace."

At that moment, a knock was heard on the door. "Come in."

An aid walked in, and whispered a few things into her ear.

"He what?!" Ki quickly set down her utensil, "Excuse me." she said, and announced, "HoloMonitor: News feed." With a flicker, a holographic display activated, and tuned in to the latest feed.

Ki sat stunned. {Great... Power shake up on the Frontier... Perfect timing too...}



-Official Databurst to the GIoNE:

On behalf of the Eshirian Sovereignty, I would like to express my sadness that your great leader, James Talon has had to endure this terrible trial on the last day of his term in office.

There is only one matter which concerns me. The absence of a designated successor begs the question. Are our borders still safe?

-End Transmission.

Along the ES/NE border, all outposts and vessels were placed on higher alert status in response to the loss of leadership within NE space. As stable as things may have looked, there were always fissures, and old wounds waiting to be opened. The last thing the Sovereignty would be caught doing is snoozing as the galaxy came crashing down around them...

-Official Databurst to the GIoNE:

On behalf of the Eshirian Sovereignty, I would like to express my sadness that your great leader, James Talon has had to endure this terrible trial on the last day of his term in office.

There is only one matter which concerns me. The absence of a designated successor begs the question. Are our borders still safe?

-End Transmission.
ooc: no problems.

-Reply Databurst to the ES:
This is James Talon. I am technicly still Prime Minister until my sucessor is elected by the Parlaiment. I was forced to resign because of my failing health, and I sincerely apologize to your people that it had to happen in such a bad time.

I did not appoint a successor, this is true. He or she will be elected in a closed Parliament session. No MP shall be allowed to leave until a new Prime Minister is chosen. The Military shall remain under Jennifer Halsey's watchful eye, I promise that she will keep your borders safe. I'd trust her with my life. Attatched is a computer code you can use to reach her at any time, do not hesitate to contact her. She can get in touch with me at any time.

My sucessor could be one of multiple people. The Laskis and their allies are gathering behind an ambassador by the name of Matt Hunter. There is no clear sucessor for me in my party. However, several high-ranking Sedin and Kathii are well-placed to be catapulted to the top. They are all good men who have risen through merit instead of family.

Again, my apologies. I will continue to do what I can, and I'll be watching.
-James Talon.
End Transmission

(OOC: So when does the shooting begin? ^_^ .)

IC:

-Official Databurst to the GIoNE:

Though I have not met you personally, it is my belief that I can trust you. However, please take note, that forces along my border will be placed on a higher alert status in response to your weakened state.

Rarely does a national leader suffer without unwittingly dragging all those around him or her into suffering as well.

I understand that these "Laskis" have long held deep rooted grievances against your rule, often resorting to irrational, and radical measures in order to have their way. As such, I am offering the support of ES military assets in your territory to help guard against any foul play that these "Laskis" undoubtedly have planned.

-End Transmission.

-snip-
ooc: If you insist... I'll have to break out the dreaded HTTP error codes... Hope this is used right.
IC:
-Reply Transmission to the ES:
That is greatly appreciated, although I sincerely doubt that there will be much trouble. Jennifer Halsey will take care of them, and I assure you that there will be no trouble. In recent years they have completly restricted themselves to political maneuvering within Parliament. They are not the majority, but if they can get all of the non-alligned clans on their side and we can't unite, they can will the election legally, something they'd rather have.

I seriously doubt-
-Transmission Interrupted
-Error 503: Service Unavailable
-Signal Lost

That's strange thought Talon. His computer had just shut down at his mountain home. He flipped the power switch a few times, but nothing happened. Wierd... He slapped a backup battery into the side of the terminal, trying to see if that would activate it. However, the terminal wouldn't boot. I wonder what type of thing could do that?

Overhead, an unholy sonic scream reverberated, followed by an earth-shattering impact. "SWEET FORGEMASTER!" Grabbing a pair of binoculars, he rushed outside to see what was going on.

It was an impressive sight, to be sure. Drop-pods came screaming out of the sky, slamming to the ground outside his home's defensive perimeter. One landed near enough for him to see the markings. The Axe, Sword, and Shield of Clan Laski was clear as day. "Oh fuck..."



All throughout Sanctuary, communications started to shut down, causing alarm throughout the Galactic Inferno. High in orbit, the fleet loyal to Clan Laski was solidifying its control of the system. Already they had destroyed a pair of Victory Star Destroyers that had attempted to stop this forcible takeover. Their smashed hulls were being dragged to the single captured shipyard for takeover and repair.

The loyalist forces in the area numbered a mere twenty Hornet class Frigates, a single Star Destroyer with its complement, and the entire local Gunship wing, and all were jumping to Haven to rendevous with hopefully friendly fleets. Several ships were immobile, their crews fighting viciously over what side they were to support, the invaders or the government.

A damaged battlefleet roared into the Aurora system. This was all that could escape from the Imperial invasion of Thrashia, but it quickly regrouped with what little could be spared from the system. Somehow, this Laski hotspot had been held down by the Eclipse SD NES Midnight and her escourting fleet.

Admiral Stryde didn't like the news he recieved as he entered the system though. The planet seethed with rebellion, and was only barely under control. Sanctuary was completly under control of the rebels, and Avalon was being sieged. The sole location the loyalists held power was Haven, and their control of that system was complete.

The entire fleet moved to the Aurora gate, and jumped to Haven via Tanis station. A single frigate hung back, initiating Tanis shutdown procedures and sent it off towards the Eshirian border.

The massive vessels moved back into realspace over Haven and settled in for repairs.

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

Tanis station approached the Eshirian border, several Hornet class frigates, a Strike cruiser, a Flurry class carrier, and a single Aardvark escourting. As it neared, its commander sent a databurst to the Eshirian government.
This is Commander Tex Sedin of Hyperspace Redirect Station Tanis and its accompanying escourt fleet. We request asylum in this time of unrest. Those damn Laskis could be listening in to what we know, so we will tell you more when we arrive.

A damaged battlefleet roared into the Aurora system. This was all that could escape from the Imperial invasion of Thrashia, but it quickly regrouped with what little could be spared from the system. Somehow, this Laski hotspot had been held down by the Eclipse SD NES Midnight and her escourting fleet.

Admiral Stryde didn't like the news he recieved as he entered the system though. The planet seethed with rebellion, and was only barely under control. Sanctuary was completly under control of the rebels, and Avalon was being sieged. The sole location the loyalists held power was Haven, and their control of that system was complete.

The entire fleet moved to the Aurora gate, and jumped to Haven via Tanis station. A single frigate hung back, initiating Tanis shutdown procedures and sent it off towards the Eshirian border.

The massive vessels moved back into realspace over Haven and settled in for repairs.

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

Tanis station approached the Eshirian border, several Hornet class frigates, a Strike cruiser, a Flurry class carrier, and a single Aardvark escourting. As it neared, its commander sent a databurst to the Eshirian government.

In a quick reply, the following databurst was returned to the straggling NE forces. Not from the government, but rather from a military outpost, through which all messages from other military ships were routed through first.

Just what the heck's going on over there? We've got reports of lost systems, rouge ships, and something about an uprising on practically all your worlds. We were promised that nothing would happen during this transition of power...

In any case, Commander Tex, you and your forces will have to go through checkpoint Tau 3-2 at the following coordinates for security checks, and an immediate redirect to this outpost.

The coordinates were sent, and the outpost dispatched two Shade Cruisers as escort.

Expect two Shade Cruisers to throw out the welcome mat. Follow them your destinations.


While the outpost sent its messages, Ki continued to monitor her HoloMonitor. "I'm going to need a vacation to the PsiBar after all this..." She muttered only half jokingly.

-Official Databurst to Loyalist Forces in NE:

This is Prime Sovereign Ki'menoshi. As Supreme Commander of all Eshirian Forces, and as per our treaties, I am dispatching ES forces to assist to assist your efforts to quell this rebellion.

-End Transmission.


Along the ES/NE border, three Preamesus BCs, 5 Arc Destroyers, and 10 Shade Cruisers made their way into NE space, jumping to the Aurora System, where Loyalist forces seemed to have the upper hand. The Laski's end would begin there...

(OOC: Bump for NE.)

Just what the heck's going on over there? We've got reports of lost systems, rouge ships, and something about an uprising on practically all your worlds. We were promised that nothing would happen during this transition of power...

In any case, Commander Tex, you and your forces will have to go through checkpoint Tau 3-2 at the following coordinates for security checks, and an immediate redirect to this outpost.

Expect two Shade Cruisers to throw out the welcome mat. Follow them your destinations.


"Confirmed. You don't want to hear my news, let's put it that way. Also, it may take a while, this station wasn't made to be moved fast."

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

As they jumped into space, a cruiser and several frigates charged strait at them, firing everything they had immediatly. Dozens of smaller civilian craft wove around trying to get at the dreaded enemies.

The lead ship, a newer model Aardvark class cruiser, opened up a direct channel with the Eshirian vessels.
Pathetic abominations before the Gods, you are desecrating Inferno space. Surrender now, or your death is imminent.

As the Laski forces charged, a pair of damaged Hornet class frigates sidejumped beside Eshirians and sent them every ounce of telemetry they could, 100% adjusted for the proximity to the Great Drift. They had only sent a few words apon re-entering normal space, wasting no more bandwidth than necessary.
Here's your aim, friends. Make it count.

Alarms sounded, and cries rang out from the Tactical Station. "Incoming!!"

Commander Rin'l onboard the ESV Ost'a gripped the sides of his chair and instinctively cried out, "Shields up! Hard to port!"

In quick response, and with cold efficiency, the Eshirian vessels activated their Regen PPADs, broke formation, and began to bank to avoid the oncoming fire.

As the vessels maneuvered, Tactical shouted out once more,

"Incoming transmission! We've got telemetry from friendlies!"

"Patch it in!"

Through the ship's psi link, Rin'l instantly knew what should be done. The lights across the entire ship began to flicker and dim down as the reassuring hum of the the ship began to fade, replaced slowly by a growing drone of generators overloading.

"Fire one!"

Under the Ost'a, a bright light shined, soon turning into a blinding flash. In rapid succession, the ship's two axial MP cannons had fired. The other vessels immediately followed suit, unleashing their barrage...

Good luck. smirked the captain. This was Inferno territory, nothing could shoot accurately in here if it wasn't used to the locally distorted space. "Helm, fire emergency thrusters and spin us out of these blunderer's way."

The Aardvark fired off its emergency thrusters, spinning out of the way of several of the shells. However, two battlecarrier shots impacted against the ship's flank shields, lowering them sufficiently to allow other fire to pierce.

DAMN! There's too many of them! "STATUS REPORT!"

"Port shields are damaged, we'll need some time to bring them back!"

"Roll us!" Screamed the captain, gripping a handle. "Those Xenos don't stand a chance in the Drift against us!"

The words had barely left his mouth when more shells impacted at the stern of the ship. The main drive system was completly disabled, and parts of the main reactor could be seen floating out behind the vessel. They had been lucky, the reactor had merely been vented, not detonated.

"I said roll us!"

"We're working on it sir, they're too accurate though! How in blazes can they compensate for the-"

A sensor's officer called up from his post. "Target identified. Hornet class frigate. Looks like it's feeding telemetry against these guys. So long as he's in action, we're toast!"

"Main battery, concentrate on that frigate. Without it, they're blind!"

More shots impacted as the beam-cannons stopped concentrating on the Eshirian vessels and scanned towards the frigate. However, it was too late. Several shots disabled the dorsal, ventral, and port maneuvering clusters, while another impacted on the aft port torpedo tubes, detonating violently. The craft was now dead in the water.

Across the vessel, surviving crews grabbed what weaponry they could, knowing that boarding might be imminent.

"YEAAH!" Cheers rose up from all Eshirian crews. Save their commanders that is... {Ugh, green recruits...} Rin'l thought with a look of sadness. {This is what you get for having the Home Guard some out and fight...} Shaking his head, he only sighed, and continued to issue orders.
The ship was still under heavy attack by the remaining Laksi ships, however, thanks to its PPAD shielding, the crew didn't feel a thing. The mood became calmer as the crews began to realize for now, the Laksis were simply no match for the superior Eshirian vessels. For now...

"Tac-" Rin'l began when the Tactical station already began to speak.

"Commander, they're completely disabled! 60% accuracy. That telemetry really saved us, sir."

Rin'l breathed a sigh of relief, and finished his command. "Tac, send an offer to the Hornets next to us. Their vessels look ready to die."

"Standard assist message sent sir."

Rin’l nodded approvingly, and continued, "Wrap PPADs around it for the time being, and form the Shades, Alpha three.”

“Yes, sir, forming Shades.”

Half of the Shade cruisers cloaked, and began to descend into the atmosphere of Aurora while the Ost’a, its sister ships, and the Arc Destroyers plotted course towards the NES Midnight.

The remaining Shades plotted a course to the disabled vessel, issueing a cryptic databurst. Shade crews were always rumored to be a bit crazy...

Laksi fools. Your fight is hopless, your vessel is lost, and your day is done. Lower your weapons, and surrender your ship. Resistance and failure to comply will result in dire consequences.

After the message, the transporter computers on all Shades began to operate. Plotting coordinates between the inside of the ship...and space...


ESV Ost'a:
{So… This is what the Inferno is like. Tsu’s report on the strange space here just doesn’t do it justice. Yep. This place is F’ed up!}

“Commander!” Rin’l jumped from his thoughts.
“Sci?”
“Commander, we’ve uploaded the modified targeting perameters sir. We shouldn’t have trouble targeting anything out here any more.”

Rin’l smiled. {Back on our feet again. Gotta love Aien [Ship’s AI.] Now…}

ooc: The midnight jumped out with the rest of the fleet to Haven. Sorry if that's not very clear... I was tired when I posted that.

IC:
Laksi fools. Your fight is hopless, your vessel is lost, and your day is done. Lower your weapons, and surrender your ship. Resistance and failure to comply will result in dire consequences.
The crew bristled at that insulting communication. They would never surrender to such an enemy, and the few still active weapons were trained on the enemy craft, pumping out as much sheer volume as possible. The shield systems, while significantly weakened, still held strong enough to prevent any teleportation, but who knew how long that would last.

The captain of the vessel screamed at his bridge crew, trying to get some semblance of fighting capability from the damaged craft. "Jump-drives, I want us ten clicks aft YESTERDAY!"

"Can't sir, no power!"

"So? Find it! We're still firing, yes? Re-divert and get us out of here."

"The drive is not functional"

"DOES IT LOOK LIKE I CARE?! JUST GET US OUT OF HERE!"

"We can't sir! We're sitting ducks!" The captain slammed his fists down on the handhold. "Then we fight! Keep those shields up so they don't try to teleport inside us or something. I want them to know that we will never surrender to abominations before the GODS! Send them a transmission!"

"Comm is out sir..."

Just great...

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

The Hornet class frigates were quite thankful for the shield. One of them continued to transmit telemetry, while the other started a completly different broadcast.
Thanks for the save. You don't want to hang here, we're the only friendly forces left in the system, unless you want to count those empty hulks over there. Everything else has jumped to Haven, but don't follow them just yet.

You've probably recallibrated your weapons for local distortions. However, everywhere in the Inferno is slightly different, depending on its proximity to the Drift. We're sending you a cute little program now that'll give you everything you need to know.

And cute it was. A little female AI with an annyoingly perky personality would be there to make sure everything was just perfect. And after that, it would seem like normal combat in normal space to the Eshirian forces, no matter where they were in No Endorse.

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

As the Shade cruisers entered the atmosphere of Aurora, they would find little resistance. This world had been decimated twenty years ago, and was still getting back on its feet. The majority of the resistance they would encounter would be civilians in modified leasurecraft buzzing around them.

This world was mostly occupied by clan Laski and its allies, but all of the space forces were elsewhere. So unless these cruisers wanted to give the small army detatchments present the honor of being bombed, they would have little to do.

ooc2: the No Endorse army is more of an oxymoron than... well more of an oxymoron than a lot of things that are oxymorons. Attacking them would be degrading to the attackers, let's put it like that.

And please don't jump to Haven yet. De-activating Tanis does some mean things to people trying to jump from Aurora to Haven

(OOC: Ok.)

IC:

The crews aboard the Shades laughed at the frantic attempts their victims made to fight back and break free. {Pathetic.} Thought a random crew member. However, pathetic or not, physics was physics, and the ships shuddered under the fierce counter fire. PPAD walls were shattered almost as fast as they could be brought up.

The commander on the lead ship was beginning to be annoyed...

"These fools..." He cursed sharply, then quickly followed, "Fire Sieges!"

While the Shades dealt swift retribution for their opponents foolishness, the Ost'a received the NE program. "Program's clean, sir." announced the Com officer. With a flicker, Aien's avatar activated along side the new program.
Rin'l smiled. {Ha. Another girl...} "Hello...?"

"Sir, Shades have entered the atmosphere." interrupted the Tac Officer. "They're proceeding to wipe out the resistance there. Though, there doesn't seem to be much at all..."

Rin'l nodded, and turned back to the new avatar. "*Clears throat.* Hello?"

An Aardvark class cruiser is one of the most heavily armored ships of its class. If fact, on several occasions, it has been called a six-hundred-meter slab of lead. However, under the bombardment from the enemy siege cannons, it was battered down into complete disability.

The main hull's integrity still held in many areas, but the ship now showed what was meant by being such a slab. Every weapons point had been shorn clean off, every feature not part of the main hull rendered down to atomic dust and blasted into non-existance. Shields were destroyed, armor was shoved every which-way.

Loosing was inevitable. The captain hated it more than anything, but he still had a responsibility to every single man still alive on the ship.

A single fighter was left onboard. Due to the intense damage the ship had taken, it had to shoot its way through the tube that led to space. Breaking free, it transmitted a surrender code.

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

Down on the surface, several army guarrisons were assembling for practice. They hadn't done any in a while, and they wanted to make sure their guns still worked at all.They remembered all to well that time they went into battle and half of their 'new' guns were lemons... not a pretty sight.

There was no widespread military action on this planet. It was Laski through and through, but the entire Laski force was off attacking Sanctuary.

Several of the men waved at the approaching craft, thinking they were friendly naval vessels back on leave. So naive...

The Eshirian cruisers tore into the practicing soldiers. It was definatly not a good day for them to have only brought targeting energy cells, and not even the armor could be brought to bear on the enemy cruisers fast enough.

It was a complete slaughter. Hundreds died within the first few minutes, and many more went scampering into their barraks for more supplies.

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

The AI was unused to Eshirian systems, and appeared upside-down. "Oh, hi there. Hang on a sec..." She immediatly switched right-side up. "Soooooooooo... what was it they wanted me to tell you? Hmm... Oh ya, the targeting stuff."

She dissapeared and re-appeared much smaller, sitting behind a desk, and began spitting out a rapid-fire statement. "That great big drift thing messes with space-time all over this end of the outer rim. As such, you need to run a filtering proram over your main aiming system that adjusts your scopes and aiming for the distortion. Energy weapons could use a bit of adjusting as well to keep them focused."

The AI paused and stopped organizing papers on her 'desk,' a representation of the compiling that she was doing. "Have I lost anyone?"

The Shade Commander smirked. {Oooh yeah, winna!} he thought with some satisfaction. A databurst went out to the fighter:

Uh, yeah, we told you... The message's tone was almost like that of a child who just won some pointless contest. Once again reinforcing for the crews of the task force that Shade crews must be certifiably insane...

"Beam those guys outta there. Standard POW treatment, suspended transport, the works. We'll hold them until we find some loyalists who want these scum."

"Aye, transport engaged."

As the transport finished, a tractor beam locked onto the decimated vessel, and dragged the hulk along, ready to pass it on to the first loyalist willing to accept it.

The remaining Shades within Aurora began organized strafing runs against all positions. The crews of the vessels were still struggling to regain their breath after their roars of laughter when they saw the troops waiving at them, following their initial approach. Insane...


"Shades report total annihilation, sir." informed the Tac with pride. His sudden announcement broke the silence that followed the new AI's question.

Commander Rin'l only stared at the avatar. "Uh yeah, I do." he replied. The rest of the bridge crew only gave exaggerated nods in agreement.

"They're clueless." The crew looked over at Aien who had just spoke. "Yeah, they're most definitely clueless." Aien was a fifth generation ship AI, part of the new class of AI programs that bore her namesake. She was undoubtedly the most advanced ever created, and according to reviews across the fleet, equipped with the best looking avatar so far.

Aien, walked over next to the avatar of her new computer-mate, and faced Rin'l. "What she's saying is that this space is distorting our targeting, and we need to adjust them."

Almost in unison, the crew responded, "Ooooh."

Aien shook her head...

The AI was a little surprised, and decided to talk to this other AI through the computer system for a bit. <oh dear. Well... at least they have a decent grasp of why that signal saved quite a few of them. Right Aien?>

"You are aware that the No Endorse Army is almost not an official fighting force, yes? They're mostly privatly funded now... the government is just too lazy to revoke their status 'cause of all the dead-wood.

Oh well... screws up targeting and if you use energy beams, it can knock them out of focus. That's why we usually use beam-cannons, lets you stream energy and adjust the frequency, easier callibration. Darn tough on a turbolaser when you have to fire a burst and then wait."

The avatar resumed shuffling papers. Suddenly a huge filing cabinet appeared next to her. "Aight, here's that program. A little bit large, but it covers all of No Endorse and some of the surrounding areas. OH! Icompletlyforgottointroducemyself! I'm Susan."

Not waiting for an answer, she 'turned' back to Aien's avatar. "Here's all the data. I trust you can tell what to do with it, aye? I can make an installer, but it'll be faster if you can make one yourself. I have to convert to your codes, you're already there. I'll look it over when you're done. After that... well, my original is still back on that frigate, so I guess you guys have another AI."

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

Down on the planet, the Laski Army forces had been decimated. However, there was still a significant ammount of heavy materiel in civilian hands. As well as the planetary defense weapons. A good quarter of the weapons could not function due to age or damage done twenty years ago and never repaired, and many of the others had been destroyed. However, everything that could began to combat the enemy Shades.

Huge planetary defense beam cannons and ion streamers tore at the enemy. A single missile battery was somehow brough online. It launched four huge missiles before one misfired and destroyed the facility.

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

The fighter pilot rolled his eyes. "Like you filthy half-breeds could have touched us without those turncoat frigates feeding you targeting data. You wretched creatures, your first shots were so wild you looked drunk! Gods! I haven't seen such juvenile shooting since I watched an Army tra-"

He was about to continue bashing the Eshirians, but he got teleported immediatly thereafter, and got to speak to them face-to-face. The smile got wiped right off his face as he realized he was right next to the Aardvark cruiser's captain and not in his fighter.

Ah drat...

ooc: The Laskis are quite racist/xenophobic, if you haven't noticed. Nothing personal meant, just keepin IC

(OOC: I'll respond tomorrow. No more "IC" posts for tonight.

I had a funny idea, there could be a thread only about these two avatar companions, Aien, and Susan... One serious, and the other annoying, both traveling onboard the Ost'a, pride of the Home Guard Fleet, and now the only ship in all ES space to have two AIs with the same programming freedoms. Continually getting into trouble as Susan pays attention to things she shouldn't, and Aien who tries to keep her in check. It's original! It's Brilliant!

It's...really weird that two guys would have a RP as two girls... O_o.

Nvm, ummm, lol, forget I said that...)

ooc: sounds interesting! Let's discuss it on the regional board! I can see it now... Susan: "ooo... what does this do?" ::engages jump drive::

By the way, can you bring those ships you've rescued back into existance via este thread?

(OOC: Heh, just like the Japanese speak things in Megatokyo.)

IC:

<Well, yeah, at least it looks like some of them do.> Aien laughed, and switched back to the room's speakers. With a simple motion, she set her hand on the files, and in a flash they were gone. "Installed, Commander, targeting algorithms modified."

"Good." replied Rin'l. "Have the rest of the fleet make the same modifica-"

"Done."

"Um, alright, good. Form up the rest of the fleet, and..." Rin'l continued his commands while Aien resumed her talk with the new AI.

"So, welcome to the Ost'a. I'll give you a grand tour. You want the fast version or the old walk around?"

Aurora Surface:

Cheers were abound as the Shades wiped out the last of the pitiful Laksi resistance. But suddenly, a PPAD shattered, and a ship began trailing smoke before finally slamming into the surface below.

"What was that?!" Shouted the lead commander.

"Those damn Civies brought up some guns! Ions, and big missiles sir!"

"Huh, so they want to get medieval with us eh? Hahaha, damn Civies, charge'em!"

"Aye, sir!"

Another Shade was hit, and lost with almost half the crew before they could beam out. The surviving Shades made a charge at breakneck speed, unleashing everything short of their siege cannons. At such close ranges, a full blast would do more harm than good...

With the Prisoners:
The Eshirian Guards only smiled, and gave a small wave. "Bye-bye." One of hem said before hitting a very large red button. In an instant, every prisoner disappeared...


(OOC: No, I did not just slaughter them. They're simply in suspended transport, like I said I would put them in. About those other ships, they're on their way to another star system, not to the Sovereignty, or here. They will be transported here later though. Do you want them in this thread now?)

A massive Ajudicator class dreadnought and seven Aardvark class cruisers jumped into the system, completly exhausted. They had just made it home from the war over Thrashia, and the crews were all in various stages of sleep deprivation. The only sentients completly unaffected were the AIs and the dreadnought NES Godsend, now a union of man and machine. The massive four kilometer craft powered slowly along, glinting in the harsh light of the system's star. This was the pinnacle of No Endorse military ingenuity

They detected the system defenses activating, and their sensors showed the Eshirian vessels attacking the planet. Fortunatly, the two frigates that had been in the system told them the story before any unfortunate mix-ups happened. Even still, this system held nothing for the forces.

"NES Godsend and her support fleet to attacking Eshirian forces. Disengage from Aurora immediatly. They haven't begun to activate even a fraction of their system defense mechanisms, your losses will be staggering if you continue. This system is worthless to us, poorly placed strategicly and completly cut off from the rest of the nation. There are no friendlies on this planet as far as we can discern. We will deal with her last. Killing army personel is not warfare, it is wholesale murder, and I guarentee you that the National Guard will have revenge. Cease your attack at once!"

The ship's predictions were true. Soon multiple planetary beam-cannons began to activate, slinging about energy as if through a fire hose. The system's national guard was ironicly much better trained than the army, and would defend the planet to the death.

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

Susan was about to ask which tour was more fun when the Godsend and her fleet entered the system. "AYE! Incoming ships! 'Saight, friendlies. Woah... neurolink? Daaaaaaaaang... and on an Ajudicator?

Hey Aien, see that behemoth over there? The captain used the emergency neuro-link equipment. Completly irreversible, but now he is the ship instead of just its commander."

ooc: 'Nationa Guard' is a designation for troops that do nothing but guard the homeland. Much better trained than the Army.
Also, you can bring those ships in whenever you want. Just do it sometime it seems reasonable.

Oz Ecrivez (Ec-CrrrrE-Vay is the pronunciation) sat in his office alone. He was the Ambassador from Zactarn Prime to No Endorse. He quit his job 1/4th of the way through and became Vice Chairman and Chief Minister of Agriculture. He has done alot and ALOT of public speaking and was well known to the No Endorse public. He had started his own faction, The Individu Esclaves. They sought out for a Dictatorship led by Oz Ecrivez with a realtionship with non-human nations and for complete Emmigration and revoke of all rights of non humans. They sought out to make any non-Humans found slaves. He had huge civillian support as for people who didn't know whether to support the Rebels or Current Government. People who choose not to go to extremes with the rebels or the Government should join the Individu Esclaves. It's head base is in Sanctuary. It has a small planet on edge of The Great Drift. It is very very hostile but habitable. A very very strong ship is needed to get to the planet. The base is for research. They will use it for various things. The Habited planet is unknown to all but Zactarn Prime.



Support:
22,301 citizens
Zactarn Prime is backing him as well

19 civ frigates for food came in toward the planet of Sanctuary. Troops were nestled in the frigates and a Corellian Corvette was with it. The ships approched the defending blockade.

"STATUS REPORT!"

"The enemy has disabled the main deflector, bringing backups online in three... two... one... ENGAGED!"

"Excellent. Pilot, bring us about seven mark love. NO! MARK NINE! We're going to hit those bastards where it hurts!"

The huge Ajudicator class dreadnought screamed through the void over Avalon, the world of high peaks and deep blue skies. Dozens of capitol ships exchanged blows, high ships designed for war on a galactic scale. Suddenly, though, several Aardvark cruisers broke off from the main combat, and headed strait for the dreadnought.

"INCOMING CRUISERS! TAKE EVASIVE ACTION!"

The pilot slammed his fist on the collision alarm and punched in several commands. "Confirmed sensors. Holding course three... two... one... MARK!" The huge craft spun on its tail and charged strait at the Aardvarks. Collision seemed inevitable, but suddenly they appeared a kilometer above the craft.

Heh. Foolish turncoats. "OPEN FIRE AT WILL!" The main ventral turret stirred, pointing its barrels at the enemy craft. Huge streams of energy lashed at the three cruisers, who returned fire with gusto. However, one of the cruisers exploded in a burst to rival a nova. Men and equipment were strewn into the void to float forever, a silent testament to the horrors of space warfare.

At the sight of their comrade's complete destruction, the cruisers jumped away, signaling for reinforcements for the area. But the dreadnought was two steps ahead. Several tac-jumps later, it was behind the enemy fleet, gouging deeply into their formation. It was tough to take out any No Endorse ships, but if anything was capable, an Ajudicator was.

A cruiser's maneuvering engine shorn off, a frigate engulfed in flame, fighters and bombers reduced to brief puffs of debris. And still the monsterous ship lived on, reducing all comers to slag. Several other large craft joined it, cutting deep into the enemy's flank, decimating everything.

But all was not as it seemed. The enemy lines looked to be dissolving away, pulling back towards Avalon. "This is Dreadnought NES Retribution. Press the advantage!"

The captain grinned at his cunning, destroying the enemy fleet. I'm gonna get a chest full of medals. Maybe even my own battlefleet! No more task-forcing for me!

He was still grinning when the sensor officer started screaming "GODS! THEY'RE BEHIND US! BEHIND US! BRING US AROUND! THREE DREADS AND AT LEAST A DOZEN CRUISERS! GET US AROUND!"

Everything in the system immediatly changed its target to the Retribution, the only dreadnought in their fleet. It took about two milliseconds to figure this out, wiping the captain's grin right off. "EVASIVE ACTION! Cruisers Otana and Lancelot, come about and get our flanks! Destroyer Fist, pull your group back and re-deploy to sector three-seven! Destroyer group Tau, head towards the planet and start orbital bombardment. Aim for major population centers!"

The Retribution was rocked by the repeated bombardment, its shields failing and woven armor tearing. "PREPARE TO JUMP OUT!"

"Inhibiter in place sir, we can't move!"

"We're dead... It was an honor to command you men. Let's give them hell!" The ship charged into the enemy formation, ramming several frigates and an unlucky pickett ship. It caused the group to scatter, but it could not overcome the combined power of three of its bretheren. The dreadnought exploded in a flash of light and energy, a new but brief star in the dark backdrop of space. And without its main combatant, the entire fleet rolled right up. To the survivors, a signal was sent. The intro to ACDC's 'Hell's Bells' was played LOUD to accompany the message, a psycological trick learned from allies and enemies.

This is No Endorse Task Force Alpha One. What do you have to say for yourselves? We just get back from fighting Imperials, and we go strait to you fools? If every Laski shield is not powered down in the next ten seconds, every single one of you shall become space dust in the most painful way imaginable, starting with that destroyer fleet trying to penetrate the planetary shields. By the way, stop shooting or I will personally tear your throats our with a WARBLADE!

And without a fuss, the rest of the Laski fleet powered down its defenses. No one wanted to be spaced, and everyone knew what happens to those condemmed to the warblade.

And so, for a short time at least, part of the Avalon system is held and safe. The only question is: at what price? Dozens of gutted hulls floated about. Many more ships were severely damaged, life support in varying degrees of functionality. Thousands had died this day, for their belief of freedom or lack of which. And if the two sides both had their way, many more would.

19 civ frigates for food came in toward the planet of Sanctuary. Troops were nestled in the frigates and a Corellian Corvette was with it. The ships approched the defending blockade.
System control picked up the ships' signals as soon as they began their approach. The civilian ships were ignored by the Laski fleet brooding over the planet. It was worried about larger problems, like the Loyalist fleet over Haven.

System control sent out a transmission and locked a few small weapons on the craft as per standard procedure. The weapons weren't enough to faze ships like these, but were enough of a deterrant to allow larger weapons to be brought online in event of an attack.

"Frigates and escourting corvette, please state your cargo and destination and await landing clearance. Failure to do so will result in being disabled and boarded."

ooc: Sanctuary Center is the main city

"We have food."

"We have food."

The clerk at system control paused. "Umm... okay. What type, from what nation or company, and where are you going? No need to be alarmed, this is just standard security procedure."

His finger hovered over a keyboard, ready to call in a small squad of ion ships if necessary. They could cause no physical damage except for their single axial blaster, but could disable almost anything.

A massive Ajudicator class dreadnought and seven Aardvark class cruisers jumped into the system, completly exhausted. They had just made it home from the war over Thrashia, and the crews were all in various stages of sleep deprivation. The only sentients completly unaffected were the AIs and the dreadnought NES Godsend, now a union of man and machine. The massive four kilometer craft powered slowly along, glinting in the harsh light of the system's star. This was the pinnacle of No Endorse military ingenuity

They detected the system defenses activating, and their sensors showed the Eshirian vessels attacking the planet. Fortunatly, the two frigates that had been in the system told them the story before any unfortunate mix-ups happened. Even still, this system held nothing for the forces.

"NES Godsend and her support fleet to attacking Eshirian forces. Disengage from Aurora immediatly. They haven't begun to activate even a fraction of their system defense mechanisms, your losses will be staggering if you continue. This system is worthless to us, poorly placed strategicly and completly cut off from the rest of the nation. There are no friendlies on this planet as far as we can discern. We will deal with her last. Killing army personel is not warfare, it is wholesale murder, and I guarentee you that the National Guard will have revenge. Cease your attack at once!"

The ship's predictions were true. Soon multiple planetary beam-cannons began to activate, slinging about energy as if through a fire hose. The system's national guard was ironicly much better trained than the army, and would defend the planet to the death.

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

Susan was about to ask which tour was more fun when the Godsend and her fleet entered the system. "AYE! Incoming ships! 'Saight, friendlies. Woah... neurolink? Daaaaaaaaang... and on an Ajudicator?

Hey Aien, see that behemoth over there? The captain used the emergency neuro-link equipment. Completly irreversible, but now he is the ship instead of just its commander."

ooc: 'Nationa Guard' is a designation for troops that do nothing but guard the homeland. Much better trained than the Army.
Also, you can bring those ships in whenever you want. Just do it sometime it seems reasonable.

The Shades received the transmission, and the crews only laughed. They were Shade crews. Murderous attacks were practically condoned in their doctrine, and even their ships reflected that mentality. Their non reflective jet black ships were a stark contrast to the brighter light tan and black scheme adorning regular ESSF vessels. Victory was sacrosanct, and the commander lauded the "weakness" of the rest of the Eshirian Fleet. Still, the chain of command was holy, and insubordination, a mortal sin. Sometimes the fanaticism of the Shade Corp was a favorable quality...

With a curse, and a slam of his fist, the lead commander ordered a tactical retreat. "We'll fight them going that way then!" waving his arm opposite to the planet in the main HoloMon.

"Sir, you can't b-"

"You heard me! THAT way!!"

"Yes sir!" The young lieutenant bowed down, keeping his head down as he retreated to his station.

The Shades slowly rippled out of view, and then vanished from the surface.

As the force retreated, they left behind a parting gift. A single device was dropped from the cargo bay of the last retreating Shade. It fell to the surface, and let itself be buried by the ground around it. A fine mist was released into the atmosphere...

A random crewmen watched with sadness as the edges of Aurora came into view from his window. He flipped up his finger at the porthole....

Aien looked along the length of the impressive ship. She began to run scans, and found the ship a virtual fortress. Images of an anvil dropping on top of ants floated into her mind as she studied her readings.

"Hmmm, not bad." She said with a detached tone, still examining her findings. {This is what you get from a race with no experience with PsiCommus I guess.}

"He is the ship eh? That's too bad. Unless your masters consider it an honor or something."

ooc: wrong system Kyang

ooc: wrong system Kyang

(OOC: Lol, that's right. Edited.)

The clerk at system control paused. "Umm... okay. What type, from what nation or company, and where are you going? No need to be alarmed, this is just standard security procedure."

His finger hovered over a keyboard, ready to call in a small squad of ion ships if necessary. They could cause no physical damage except for their single axial blaster, but could disable almost anything.
"We are from Zactarn Prime. Your ally. We carry rare meats only found in our galaxy. The Nuphontic Galaxy."

ooc: apologies for the lack of postage. Ice storm too the power out, then I got sick.

Zactarn Prime? They're in the GE! Best cozy up to them since they're so many Laski in the area.

"Zactarn Prime vessels, landing clearance granted. Please proceed to the landing areas at Sanctuary Center for a standard customs inspection. If you have anything to declare, please do so at Customs Station Alpha, you can find it by its transponder signal. A list of what must be declared is being tightbeamed to you now. Meats are not present, so unless you are carrying anything else, go right ahead."

The few weapons the station control held sway over changed their targets, locking on the next civilian vessels entering the system. System control was a boring job, but it had to be done. Otherwise, there would be quite a few accidents, and that would be a horrendous mess.

-Snip Kyanges's last post-

Susan thought about answering over the main speakers. However, a few cycles showed that the explanation would be much easier through the computer.

<It is more of a tragic honor. Human emotions are infuriating, but I'll try to sum it up as best as possible. The captain quite likely saved the ship and that entire fleet you see there by doing so. However, he'll never be able to be seperated from the ship. He'll have to live in the void forever, never being able to visit those he loves. His family and friends will of course have privledges to go visit whenever they want within reason, but it won't be the same. At some point he'll be forced to leave his body behind, and completly enter the ship. Eventually they'll re-insert the ship's AI so he'll have a companion. If I were him, I'd much rather be free. Too bad they don't do that for AIs anymore.>



The impassive Ajudicator-class dreadnought lay unmoving in the void. It noted the withdrawl of the Shade cruisers with the cool calculating air of a machine. A transmission was sent to all Eshirian vessels in No Endorse.

"So nice of you to join us. I assume you know the situation of late. We must make it to Haven and discuss this with Jennifer Halsey. Unfortionatly Tanis station is offline, we should make for the Eshirian border or the void, preferably the border. Although there will surely be an enemy task force there looking for Tanis, and probably setting up a temporary station to bring the link back up and allow for a direct attack on Haven from two angles."

::bumpage::

The ships hit the ground. Troops instantly ran out and started scattering through out the city. They where to kill any Laski they found. Citizens, troops, all. They ran around setting up outposts to stake out positions. Others went out door to door slaughtering Laskis. There were 35 in all.

Susan thought about answering over the main speakers. However, a few cycles showed that the explanation would be much easier through the computer.

<It is more of a tragic honor. Human emotions are infuriating, but I'll try to sum it up as best as possible. The captain quite likely saved the ship and that entire fleet you see there by doing so. However, he'll never be able to be seperated from the ship. He'll have to live in the void forever, never being able to visit those he loves. His family and friends will of course have privledges to go visit whenever they want within reason, but it won't be the same. At some point he'll be forced to leave his body behind, and completly enter the ship. Eventually they'll re-insert the ship's AI so he'll have a companion. If I were him, I'd much rather be free. Too bad they don't do that for AIs anymore.>



The impassive Ajudicator-class dreadnought lay unmoving in the void. It noted the withdrawl of the Shade cruisers with the cool calculating air of a machine. A transmission was sent to all Eshirian vessels in No Endorse.

"So nice of you to join us. I assume you know the situation of late. We must make it to Haven and discuss this with Jennifer Halsey. Unfortionatly Tanis station is offline, we should make for the Eshirian border or the void, preferably the border. Although there will surely be an enemy task force there looking for Tanis, and probably setting up a temporary station to bring the link back up and allow for a direct attack on Haven from two angles."


<Almost like making a machine spirit or something...> Aien glanced around and noticed that the situation was calming down across the ship. Bio sensors indicated a marked decrease in Adilen (Adrenaline.) levels in all bodies, and massively decreased breathing rates. <Things seemed handled here. What do you say we start that little trip around the ship?>


-Reply Transmission:

Then the border it is. We'll give you coordinates, and some orientation to Eshirian outposts. Some of your ships from the Thrashian conflict will be there waiting for you. Sorry, but we had to drag them out of the fight...

-End Transmission.

The ships hit the ground. Troops instantly ran out and started scattering through out the city. They where to kill any Laski they found. Citizens, troops, all. They ran around setting up outposts to stake out positions. Others went out door to door slaughtering Laskis. There were 35 in all.
The landing area security forces were taken by surprise and reeled backwards. They were just ordinary rent-a-cops, no real training or combat experience, and a dozen were killed quickly.

However, the marine detachment that had been guarding the administration areas of Sanctuary Center was quick to react. A senate was being convened, the first for several months. They were discussing the Galactic Empire (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=459474), and weren’t keen on having others screw this up.

It was assumed that there was a very large enemy force in the area, and some one hundred men and were mobilised in an hour. They ruthlessly and efficiently sealed off the area captured by enemy forces, content in the knowledge that reinforcements would come in five hours from that point.

Unknownst to them, though, the crew of a single gunship on shore leave was trapped inside the containment area. It would not be long until the enemy found them. Hopefully they would not be held hostage.

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

<That works. I'll be right over.> Susan extended her consciousness out from her localised memory bank, feeling towards Aien's location. This was an unfamiliar ship, and despite her scan of the weapons system, she was relatively blind as she moved about.

===================================
-Reply Transmission:

Then the border it is. We'll give you coordinates, and some orientation to Eshirian outposts. Some of your ships from the Thrashian conflict will be there waiting for you. Sorry, but we had to drag them out of the fight...

-End Transmission.

"Excellent." The ship recieved all coordinates and prepared its fleet for a jump. It had folded the other two frigates into its command, and they would be accompanying them. "You would probably be wise to accompany us. The enemy will come soon in numbers, and they will not be happy at this damage."

ooc: bumpitty for replies. Will post some more war in a bit (hopefully better than my recent crap >_>)

ooc: bumpitty for replies. Will post some more war in a bit (hopefully better than my last >_>)

(OOC: Sorry, had a lot to do with RL for a while, so I only finished up other simpler RPs instead of this one. I haven't lost sight of this one though. By the way, check the Uberasia Forums.)

The Eshirian vessels then made their jump back to Eshirian space to tend to their battered allies.

On the planet's surface, the fine mist continued to spread. If all went well, the defenders on the surface wouldn't even matter...

The ships tore into reality, hyperspace energies rippling off their forms. They scanned around, looking for their friends that had been dragged out of the Thrashian conflict. They had though them dead, new hope was kindled for their survival.

The dreadnought plotted the fastest course for Haven and the protection of its huge shipyards. They would be ready as soon as it was possible to leave.

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

Down on the surface of Aurora, a squad wandered along a damaged street, surveying damage and looking for survivors. However, one of them caught sight of a mist spreading through the air.

A hand motion, and gas masks were immediatly donned. It was clear that these were marines, not average army grunties. A radio signal, and the planet locked down for a gas attack. The marines continued cautiously foreward, unsure of what this gas might do.

The huge bunkers designed to protect the civilian population on this sparsely populated world had been damaged twenty years before, but they had been the first to be repaired. Alarms blared and the people rushed into these safe havens.

Too bad for them the Eshirians had blown a small hole in one close to the gas attack, hidden to those inside. While at least two thousand people huddled inside its cavernous interior, the mist started to infiltrate through the air ducts.

ooc: run wild, this mist makes me curious

ooc: Linkity (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10271702&postcount=251)

IC:
Usually when a cruise liner doesn't check in, it hits the newsnets but doesn't generate too big a stirr. It's a big galaxy, it could just be a damaged communications array. A few rescue parties will be sent out, and in a few days they'll be found.

But during a state of war, it is a big deal. And the flurry of finger-pointing only causes the situation to escalate. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The situation in No Endorse, compounded by much more than seemed logical. Vying clans, clans split by ideology, and men trying desperatly to claw their wicked ways to the top tore the country apart.

It was into this situation that Lynda Harpie, anchorwoman for Sanctuary News Network was thrown. But she never let that show on the air. Once the camera rolled, she was one with the film. She was above it all, a third party commentator. And it was time to begin.

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

This is SNN, your source for news anywhere in the Universe!

"Hello and welcome back to SNN, I'm Lynda Harpie. Violence within the Inferno has escalated as multiple factions continue their conflicts across the nation. Currently, both major sides are gearing up for a major space battle to take place at the midpoint between Haven and Sanctuary. Both sides, in a joint meeting, agreed that this was necessary to save lives.

In other news, a Caranda Cruise liner has dissapeared on its maiden voyage. It was carrying many high-ranking clan officials and some foreigners, including several Drow. No Endorse is sending its sympathy to their government and undertaking a bilateral effort to find them. While the effort is not coordinated very well and extremely divided and understaffed, it is better than nothing.

Also, several Eshirian vessels were spotted over the Laski-held planet of Aurora. Could they be the saviours of the current government? We were unable to reach either their or the Kaymirilian governments for comments due to communications difficulties.


Coming up, how to save for the war! Fashion tips, eating habits, and spending information on how to best aid your side. And is it the war to end all wars? The GE versus the GFFA in the climax of our century! But first the weather.

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

Lynda collapsed as the camera turned off. Why can't it just be as easy as it used to be? Oh for the days when the Balroggan Star Wraiths were our only boogeymen.

(OOC: Hey NE, do you mind if I officially put this on either "pause" or "Marked for slow development, keep to the right lane." for the time being? Unless you want to finish this soon or something. With the big GE siege going on right now, I wasn't sure if you want to be ambitious and try to tie the two story lines together.)

IC:

The mist was nothing like what it seemed. Instead of a simple chemical compound, it was, in fact, a cloud of nanomachines, each independently equipped with a rudimentary AI. However, it's greatest strength was that, working in concert with a cloud of companions, the Nanobots would link up to form a greater collective consciousness, intelligent in every sense of the word.

As a portion of the mist made its way into the open compound, the machines identified the frightened crowd as mere civilians, and moved off. Outside, the mist reacted much differently towards the Marines. Their gas masks would serve as only a speed bump in the set of events that were set in motion. The first probes to settle on the Marines immediately set forth ripping them to shreds, tearing whatever armor they has, and the gas masks apart at the molecular level. The mist continued to expand as it set about creating a growing number of probes from the surrounding materials of the planet itself.

Jiral d' Kestal was experiencing a very large headache.

The Jaluk and Jalil Meldriss, nobles of the Northernmost province of Kaymiril had sent their youngest daughter, Myronia Meldriss, on the cruise that had vanished. Her servant, A'Vashael harl-Meldriss, had gone with her.

Now, the Jalil d' Meldriss was making serious threats, if her daughter was not recovered soon.

"If you please, madam...all is being done that can be to assure your daughter's safe return. However, your presence here, demanding such things of me, shows not only disrespect to the Houses Kestal and Maril, it prevents me from doing my job, and assisting the crews that are searching. If you will, return to your home, and we will have your daughter back with you as soon as she has been found."

Unsatisfied, the Jalil and Jaluk d' Meldriss left.

Jeril d' Kestal slumped over his desk. The Valsharess was in either Snake Eaters or Gronde at the moment, and his father, Teril d' Kestal, was temporarily running the nation. Teril had the power to start a major war now...especially since it was dubious that the already unstable No Endorse was highly unlikely to allow Kaymirilian ships into their space to attempt to locate a single lost noble and her servant.

He activated his communication device, calling his father, who had also heard the news.

"I am drafting a letter, ussta dalharuk. It will reach them before dawn tomorrow," was L' Kestal's response to his son.
________________________________________________________________

To: The No Endorsian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Concerning:The Downed Cruiser.

Dear Sir or Madam,

This letter reaches you with wishes for your health.
As you are aware, a cruiser with one of our nobles aboard it disappeared recently.
We are aware of your nation's current political situation, and therefore we propose this:

A Kaymirilian contigent of 15 peace-keeping craft will enter your space, and will search for this cruiser and all aboard near the location it was last heard from, and at the next stop on the scheduled on its tour.

These ships will search only in these areas, and should they find any sign of the ship and its passengers, they will report to No Endorsian search teams, before moving in to rescue the passengers. They will take foreign passengers home, and deliver natives to a point specified by a No Endorsian representative.


Wun gre'as'anto lu' bwael afya,

Teril d' Kestal,

Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Steward of Kaymiril.

The message was sent through space, hopefully to reach good ends for all sides concerned.

The message was first recieved by the massive communications arrays at Haven, current seat of government for the legitimate government of No Endorse. John Archer, on deck at the time, drafted his reply immediatly and sent it by hyperwave. Hopefully it could avert disaster.
TO: Teril d' Kestal, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Steward of Kaymiril, The Immortal Realm of Kaymiril
FROM: John Archer, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Galactic Inferno of No Endorse
RE: Cruiser

It does indeed reach in good health, but not in good mind or soul. Instability in No Endorse has reached new heights. I cannot assure your craft of their safety at all, and can reasonably well state that they will be attacked on their way.

We cannot spare forces to watch over your craft. The enemy, however, is more than likely capable of sparing quite a few forces. I apologize for this, I know how hard it is to loose citizens, friends, and even family in a fight you're not even involved in. I hope you find who you are searching for in good health and spirit.

I will not forbid your entry, our borders are now and always will be open to your people. I can only warn you. Bring some escourts.

Let the Fire light the way,
John Archer, Minister of Foreign Affairs, No Endorse

Not two seconds later, the message was recieved at Sanctuary, old seat of government and center of the Laski rebellion. A reply was also sent back by hyperwave.
TO: Teril d' Kestal, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Steward of Kaymiril, The Immortal Realm of Kaymiril
FROM: High Admiral Vaer, Commander of the Free Navy, The Galactic Inferno of No Endorse
RE: Cruiser

Call back your forces immediatly. This is not a suggestion, it is a statement of intent. Any incursion into sovereign Inferno space that we have fought so hard to free will be met with anhiliation. Again, call back your craft before we are forced to return them for you. Your citizens shall be returned in time, they are not welcome within our borders either.

Fools, thought the admiral, bringing up a retasking form. They tell us where they are headed and their stregnth.

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

Ten Aardvark class cruisers, ten Hornet frigates, and a single trio of phoenix gunships jumped towards the last known location of the cruise liner, above an ice world. If it was not there, they would then turn about, heading for the jungle planet next in its schedule. The gunships hung way out in front, sweeping with their sensors to find any trace of the craft.

They finally reached the distant ice system, and found nothing. But it was then that they sensed the distress beacon. They were very far from the liner's next stop, and they would never be able to beat the Kaymirilian ships there.

~Snip~

Teril d' Kestal recieved both messages.

What would the Valsharess do?

He knew very well what she would do. The Laskis were a dissident clan, deserving of defeat, she had said so herself.

The loss of young d' Meldriss provided a reason to go in...but they would send three BattleCraft for each PeaceKeeping vessel.


To:Foreign Minister of The Galactic Inferno of No Endorse, John Archer.
Re:Cruiser.

We thank you for your willingness to cooperate, and your advice. Our vessels will be arriving shortly.

Teril d' Kestal,
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Steward of Kaymiril

He then sent off a second message to the Laski Admiral.


ToHigh Admiral Vaer
ReCruiser.

Your threat is noted. We will be proceeding. Any attempt to attack our ships will be met with immediate and crushing retribution.

Teril d' Kestal,
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Steward of Kaymiril

Before he sent off the messages, he sent the command to Grand Admiral Streea d' Darith.

All it said was: Send them with escorts.

He then sent the messages off to their respective recipients.
___________________________________________________________

Fifteen PeaceKeeping vessels streaked away from Tresk'ri, joined swiftly by forty-five BattleCraft, three to each.

The BattleCraft looked a little bulkier than their lightly-armed brethren, but when all the sliding weapon ports were open, each would bristle with weapons. Each carried a double complement of Silver Class mages as well, manipulators of Space itself. Individually, there was only so much they could do.

In large groups, however...so much fashka could be channeled that it was possible to turn a speck of dust into a black hole.

On the PeaceKeepers, healers prepared for the casualties that would invariably be recieved.

The craft accelerated until sensitive members of the crew could feel the strain, and then the Kaymirilian Faster-than-Light system kicked in, taking them toward the jungle world.

The No Endorse fleet screamed into the very edge of the system. They were wary of debris in the area, having passed the image of the ship being destroyed not too long ago.

Fighters deployed in a standerd picket, and the fleet held station at the edge of the system, the sinlge gunship trio heading towards some of the cruise liner debris.

The Kaymirilian fleet whirled into Normal Space.

The PeaceKeepers were colored blue, but the BattleCraft were Marilian Scarlet.

No Endorse craft, state your side and intent.

Two of the PeaceKeepers, escorted by three BattleCraft, started making their way down.

A reply was sent immediatly, and the fleet began moving towards the large Kaymirilian force.

State yourself. We are in soverign Inferno space, our buisness here is our own. That cruise liner is a No Endorse ship, registered to Caranda Cruise Lines out of Haven. Back off, this is an internal matter. We will send you your civilians in time.

You are violating soverign space. While we do have a right-of-passage agreement, this is a disaster zone under emergency conditions and regulations. And as their might be survivors and this is within the Inferno, right of salvage does not apply.

This is your final warning. Back off or face severe retributions.

Another hyperwave was sent to Sanctuary, calling for reinforcements. A dreadnought and its escourting group began preparations to leave. But it could not leave orbit for several hours, far too long.

Captain Haldros of the Dro d' Thalack read the message impassively.

"Laski, then. Shields go up on a moment's notice, but let them fire first."

The crew scrambled to respond to his orders, as did the crews of the other ships.


Laski vessels, if you do not allow us to gather our citizens and other citizens of foreign nations, you will be committing an act of war.
Aside from that, according to our databanks, none of your ships is capable of handling survivors of the crash. Our ships are.

At that moment, one of the descending craft let a small Maelthra class shuttle shoot out of it, heading toward the clearest beacon on the planet.

Haldros tensed, waiting.

You are commiting an act of war by invading No Endorse and refusing to follow the commands of the Inferno Navy. We have warned you sufficiently. There are two ways we are allowed to end this. Fleet on fleet or leader on leader. We choose Fleet.

Your lives are now forfiet, servants of the unclean one. Say hello to the Forgemaster for us!

The entire No Endorse fleet opened up on the Kaymirilian fleet, sending huge beams of energy into the void. Fighters screamed and wheeled about, rapidly closing the distance, ready to engage everything.

The gunship trio that had been hanging near the planet began attacking the Maelthra class craft, unloading heavy ordinance against it. They were determined to keep the soil of No Endorse clean against the impure invaders.

And in the skies far above, the contingent of Aardvarks set loose a barrage of nova torpedos. Fierce implosion weapons, demons of every fleet to ever stand against No Endorse. All to the almost symphonic backdrop of huge beam cannons, conducting their sacred dance of death about the heavens.

The Maelthra-class only had marginal sheilds, and exploded brilliantly.

The Kaymirilian shields snapped up, each ship using a team (5) of Silver Class Mages to reinforce them.

Haldros nodded at his tactical officer.

Smooth scarlet-tinted metal glided back from weapons ports on that one, and the other BattleCraft took their cues.

"Fire." One word. One word to bring war.

A signal went back to Kaymiril, signifying that the battle had been joined.

Several teams of Silver Class worked to twist space to deflect the torpedos back at the ships that had fired them. It was an enormous task...draining to the mages.

Some few got through, exploding brilliantly against the sheilds.

Huge amounts of firepower started crossing the void of space back at the Inferno vessels.

They had chosen fleet to fleet. Wiser for them, as Haldros was one of the most elite warriors in Kaymiril...he had been considered for Sarnor Zotreth before having been chosen to go for a term in Snake Eaters, on their ship Hydra, under Captain Gorbac.

Now he led this task force.

The PeaceKeepers put up their sheilds...it was all they really had...and they pulled back.

Meanwhile, the smallest fifteen BattleCraft moved away, ever increasing in speed, as though retreating. Then, just as they disappeared from sensor range, they launched forward again. With a whirling movement, as they caught up with the rest of the fleet, they disappeared, only to reappear on the other side of the Laski forces, and commence their assault on the exposed flanks of their opponents.

One of them exploded just before making the transition, having taken too much damage beforehand, but the other fourteen spat multi-hued death at their enemies.

The thirty remaining out in front, the larger, more powerful (but less heavily sheilded) vessels, spat torpedos and carefully aligned lasers at their opponents.

This was only for distraction. While all this was going on, their tacticians watched and calculated, seeking the weakpoints in the No Endorsian sheilds.

The three BattleCraft that had been escorting the PeaceKeepers that had launched the shuttle started firing on the gunships.

Haldros took in what was happening around him impassively. "And thus let it begin."
______________________________________________________________________

Teril d' Kestal received the message, and nodded, sending off a message to the Valsharess, explaining the situation, and asking for instructions.

Until those instructions arrived, he could do nothing else.

(OOC: Hey NE, do you mind if I officially put this on either "pause" or "Marked for slow development, keep to the right lane." for the time being? Unless you want to finish this soon or something. With the big GE siege going on right now, I wasn't sure if you want to be ambitious and try to tie the two story lines together.)

IC:

The mist was nothing like what it seemed. Instead of a simple chemical compound, it was, in fact, a cloud of nanomachines, each independently equipped with a rudimentary AI. However, it's greatest strength was that, working in concert with a cloud of companions, the Nanobots would link up to form a greater collective consciousness, intelligent in every sense of the word.

As a portion of the mist made its way into the open compound, the machines identified the frightened crowd as mere civilians, and moved off. Outside, the mist reacted much differently towards the Marines. Their gas masks would serve as only a speed bump in the set of events that were set in motion. The first probes to settle on the Marines immediately set forth ripping them to shreds, tearing whatever armor they has, and the gas masks apart at the molecular level. The mist continued to expand as it set about creating a growing number of probes from the surrounding materials of the planet itself.

ooc: I prefer to think of it as.... well, it is ambitious, neh?
IC:
The marines howled in agony, their hollow screams echoing in the damaged area. The squad was quickly killed from suffocation, the nanites clouded breathing passages and plugged masks.

However, one had a video feed running. The command center, or what was left of it, saw it all, and had no idea what to make of the phenomena. They sent a small scout repulsor to the area, hoping to find out specificly what went wrong.

One of the high command thought that it could be nanites. But with nothing effective to use against them, there was a mass scramble to get some engineers. Anything to defeat this new threat. Ideas poured forth, but all would take far too much time, except one.

They put wide-angle lenses onto handheld beam cannons, hoping that the lack of intensity would not be a problem. Wide angle, and possibly effective. But it would be almost inpossible to implement before it was too late.

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

IC High above the Jungle world, locked in struggle against the Kaymirilian forces:

Nova torpedos kept their locks, straining against the curved space-time to hold their courses. No Endorse was no stranger to distorted space, and these weapons were an epitome of such construction.

The Kaymirilian tac-jump had thrown a few commanders off, but it was an eventuality well planned for in the construction of the Aardvark cruiser. Massive torpedo broadsides unleashed hordes of torpedos at their opponets. However, even this fearsome volley could not stop several cruisers and frigates from being destroyed. So the No Endorse vessels decided to fight on their own terms.

The fleet dispersed from its tight formation, seemingly in disarray, and dissapeared. Less than a second later, all of the ships re-appeared far from their original positions. The Aardvarks were charging at the larger battlecraft wide-open, slamming their heavily armored prows into them at top speed. Apon contact, volleys of torpedos were fired at point blank, and the massive beam-cannons continued their deadly song. Frigates screamed at the smaller craft, concentrating in a swarm at one at a time.

Down closer to the planet, the swarms of fighters and the single gunship trio continued their attacks apon the orbiting ships. They would fall individually, but their numbers would cause great damage all the same.



The commander of the fleet watched the proceedings from his personal cruiser. Now, let's see how you react to this. Ramming at relativistic speeds.

The Laski fleet had one teeny tiny problem...their fleet was smaller.

The Kaymirilians had 43 battleships left, although a few had failing sheilds.

Haldros waited as their enemies disappeared, letting the Silver-class calculate where they were likely to turn up.

Just after the enemy ships reappeared, torpedoes shot out from the Kaymirilian ships, as bays opened to release fighters.

In front of the larger ships, the Silver Class bent space, causing the Aardvarks to go up and over their ships. The crew would feel nothing...they were slipping through a point in space that had been widened into a corridor...but they were also forced to slow. It was a strenuous spell, and at least one mage collapsed, exhausted or dead, at the end of it.

But the weapons had already been brought to bear on the points they would be coming out, and streams of torpedoes careened toward the afts of the craft. The shot should be good enough to exploit the weakness the Kaymirilian test-pilot had found when Kaymiril had been considering purchasing some.

The fighters were little streamlined craft, designed for speed and manuverability. Their primary purpose was to take a shot and then breeze on by, out of their opponents' targeting abilities.

They tangled with the No Endorse fighters, and those that could went for the ships.

The PeaceKeepers had retreated around the planet, letting the BattleCraft do their work unhindered.

"Good," thought Haldros as a mid-sized BattleCraft exploded.

They'd lost five ships thus far...down to forty of the original complement. However, the enemy was at less than twenty.

"Two on one, move."

Each craft took a partner, while the other, extra craft went down to attack the gunships.

The Kaymirilian ships shot toward their opponents, doling out punishment on their targets and other targets alike.

A few shields buckled, but between swift-working engineers and industrious mages, most were put back up, and most of the damage done was subliminal.

The Kaymirilians weren't about to give up this fight.

____________________________________________________________

***The other side of the planet***

The middle-aged Gray-Class mage nodded to her companion. They were both highly trained healers.

"Launch the shuttles, Captain."

A few dozen Maelthra class shuttles rushed out of their PeaceKeepers, heading toward areas they read human and humanoid life signs. Hopefully their noble would be among the ones discovered, but if not, it was an even better reason to go to war.

War. Such a useless thing.

As the cruisers went around the Battlecraft, they rotated themselves, unleashing the physical manifestation of hell through their beam cannons and massive flank torpedo batteries. The captains understood the situation immediatly. They had missed their runs, and now the enemy had a clear shot up their engines.

And it was not too long until several voleys of incoming torpedos made that startlingly clear. PDGs and the huge ion stream behind the craft destroyed quite a few incoming torpedos, but several still impacted on the weak aft shields. Ion drives were damaged, engine shields drained, and a pair of Aardvarks suffered almost complete loss of power in their main drives.

Then... only a single paralyzed craft remained, the feedback having overloaded all of its systems. The rest of the group tac-jumped to the right, rotating quickly into broadside position. Continuing to fire their powerful weapons, they began to concentrate on one Battlectraft at a time.

Not too far off, the cloud of No Endorse fighters began engaging the Kaymirilian fighters. Unleashing guided rockets and powerful beam weapons, they used their tac-jump abilities to the maximum. Even though there was an extremely high risk of colliding with another fighter in the cloud, they continued to jump, a confusing mass of pure chaos.

The Gunships had far less success. Two were quickly destroyed, the third extremely damaged. Finally, it had no other choice. It plotted the most powerful type of jump it could do, and jumped strait through one of the enemy peacekeepers.

Simultaneously, the formation of frigates disengaged the enemy battlecraft, steamrolling their way through the fighter clouds. Only four remained of the once ten-strong formation, but they were still a threat against strike craft.



And in his own personal cruiser, the Laski commander was starting to get worried. The ramming had failed, due to some underhanded enemy trick. His cruisers were mostly damaged with a few destroyed, but over half of his frigates were lost, with his fighters going down fast.

A swarm of ships surrounded the great docks of Haven, last citadel of the No Endorse government forces. Hundreds of cruisers, thousands of frigates, and scores of dreadnoughts moved throughout the void. Half of the might of this nation floated above the blue-green orb.

And amidst this mass of chaos, the NES Daybreak floated serenely. A dilapidated Eclipse-class star destroyer dragged out of mothballs. It was quickly being repaired, craft crawling all over it. But it would not be anywhere near one-hundred percent. The axial laser had been removed, but there was no worry about that.

Jennifer Halsey walked the bridge of the craft. For the old days, when this was my command. Now the entire fleet is mine again. Retirement! HA! Officers stood and saluted, a few visibly nervous. There was no crew for this ship two weeks ago, they'd had to draft many more soldiers and crash-train them. Only a bare few bridge crew remained from its one-time complement.

"CAPTAIN! What is our status?"

"Close enough Miss Halsey. We could fight in this condition ma'am. Shields at sixty five and climbing. Hull at seventy and climbing, but much slower. Weapons at one-hundred and twenty without that axial, we're having the powerfeeds examined for stress-"

"Thank you, that will be all." She rode a turbolift to the command center, pondering the might she could now wield. But that was not so important as another matter. James Talon, the previous leader of No Endorse had not been heard of since the uprising. James… I’ll find you. And finish this war you started all those years ago. Hold fast.

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

Deep in the Sanctuary system, a similar buildup was occurring, two massive fleets were convening. One had the ensign of No Endorse high upon its massive hulls, the other holding the shield of the Laski. One to repel invaders, one to settle house matters. The fleets coalesced, two distinct shapes. The fleet for use against Haven was far larger, but it was no match for the enemy it would face. The fleet to be sent against the Kaymirilians, however, was nothing short of overkill. One-hundred vessels in all, ranging from mere frigates to a pair of powerful dreadnoughts, this fleet was ready to take on anything short of a full-scale warfleet.

Men moved with purpose, destiny, and power. The time was now. Play for glory, strike for wrath, and die to drench the dozen suns with blood. The main fleet continued to gather, ships being constantly repaired and brought out of mothballs. This fleet was not the most pretty, but the power it held was only rivaled by the great ships of song.

Never before in recorded No Endorse history had so many ships been gathered together in two places. And quite possibly, never again.

The fleet bound for the Kaymirilian Incursion jumped away into the void.

*The Fighters*

The Jusron class fighters buzzed through the enemy like a storm, even if they did insist on pulling "teleportation" tricks.

The difference between Kaymirilian and No Endorsian troops was that many Kaymirilians knew how to teleport, and all soldiers knew the basic principle behind it.

Not so for the No Endorsians. Not so for most other nations. Yes, while several fighters exploded as enemy fighters jumped through them, for the most part, they were able to weave and dodge lithely, nimbly, accurately. And they weren't bogged down with any extra equipment. They had an atmosphere and some gravity for their own comfort, and had sheilds and weapons. They were sleek craft, designed to switch direction without warning and to move with blinding speed. This particular fleet didn't have the heavier, harder-hitting Xar'zith class...Haldros didn't like them, and Streea almost always allowed her commanders to put together their own fighter contigents.

The fighters were falling...but they didn't risk destroying friendly forces.

Then the frigates started coming through.

Some Kaymirilian fighters were invariably caught in the fire, but most managed to dodge the bigger ships, due to their ability to manuver.

The ships that had been sitting, idle, moved to engage the frigates...two of the smaller ships and one mid-sized one, all spitting volley after deadly volley at the enemy ships.

The Silver-Class in them wove a tight space-time distortion around their ships, to prevent enemy forces from attempting to jump through them. It would displace them, shooting them out and away.

*The PeaceKeepers*

As the final gunship smashed through one of the fifteen PeaceKeepers, it exploded brilliantly, taking the two beside it with it. The others darted away, before sending Maelthra shuttles to rescue what survivors there might be. The first was completely destroyed, but there might be suvivors on the other two. If they could get to them soon enough.

*The Fleet*

"Thrityh," was Haldros's terse response as the enemy onslaught continued.

Attack.

More frenzied bursts lashed out from the Kaymirilian fleet in an ancient rage, and ancient bloodlust that the citizens of Kaymiril had all-but put behind them.

Within their beings, the soldiers and marines could feel the desire to kill stirring in them again, and they would work as their ancestors had...swiftly, surely, and without mercy.

Haldros ordered specific ships to attack enemy ships, while he and a smaller Kaymirilian ship wheeled around.

"That ship. That's the leader. And we will take it out."

The two ships barreled toward the Laski Commander, seeking vengeance for the fallen PeaceKeepers, for their needlessly slain comrades...seeking blood.

__________________________________________________________________
Kaymiril
__________________________________________________________________

Teril d' Kestal had not expected the Valsharess to respond so quickly. Within only several hours of having sent the message, he'd received his reply.

He gave orders to begin arranging the fleet. As soon as the taskforce sent to rescue the civilians from the planet returned, Kaymiril would go to war against the Laski faction of No Endorse.

__________________________________________________________________
Above Tresk'ri

Grand Admiral Streea was overseeing the gathering of the fleet they were to be sending.

Likely five thousand ships, total. It unsettled her slightly...it would leave only two thousand to defend Kaymirilian interests and space.

She redirected some of the forces. They would enter No Endorse with three thousand, leaving the bulk of the fleet in Kaymiril. If things got worse, then reinforcements could always be called.

Aside from that...three thousand was probably overkill, here and now.

The Laski commander saw the two ships barreling towards him, less than three hundred meters apart. Damn, can't split! "HELM! Perpendicular to their line of travel, and drop a volley of singularities between them!"

"Aye Captain!" The ship turned slightly slower than normal, the battle damage showing its effects. Finally, a volley of nova torpedos roared out of the ship's flank, screaming for the area between the ships. Many were destroyed, but if even one got there, it would cause sheer havok.

The cruisers formed into a bullet formation, arcing far 'above' the Kaymirilian vessels. They fired their final salvos of nova torpedos at the two approaching craft, straining their beam cannons to the max. It was down to the wire. Far outnumbered and outgunned, the commander had a choice. Stay and die for glory, or retreat and regroup.

But oh for the love of the chase! "Alright troops, it's been a pleasure. We're outnumbered at least three to one, have enemy craft double or tripple our size, and they're warping space-time. But they are not TERRAN! And because of that, we shall fight! One more for the Forge!" A chorus of 'aye's and cheers was heard over the intercom. The men are weary, anything will lighten their spirits.

But they fought on. Frigates continued their long haul through the fighter swarms. Many were destroyed, but one still tried to jump through a nearby enemy ship, ripping itself apart in the attempt. The cruisers, now relying soley on their beam cannons, formed into a tight bullet formation, carrening strait for the two craft that had been threatening the command ship. Several fell, but they pressed onwards, dumping all available energy into the main weapons.

The fighter swarms had been decimated, the last few survivors floating in space disabled. Four cruisers was all that remained, in a headlong assault against two far larger enemies. And they intended to seal at least two enemies before their passing.

But the Kaymirilian ships had only lost twelve BattleCraft, as far as the fight went. There were still three that hung lifeless. This made the odds better than eight to one, and the Kaymirilians still had fighters.

The Nova torpedos shot toward the command ship and its partner, and they peeled off their courses, letting the Nova head toward the ships that fired them, before launching salvos to detonate the enemy missles.

The remaining ships had moved to surround the cruisers, and were launching volley after volley at them.

None that offered further resistance would be allowed to leave this field of battle alive.

One of the cruisers was vaporized instantly, not even enough time for its crews to scream in terror over the radio. However, the other three peeled off, dodging several massive volleys. The ships recognized their dire states and the inevitability of death.


The command cruiser selected a larger battlecraft and rammed it, completly destroying the cruiser as it transmitted a message of its identity. But the remaining two cruisers could not. Their main drives had been destroyed in the fighting, and without their commander, they were broken. They attempted a ramming formation on emergency thrusters, but ended up colliding. Both were eventually destroyed by enemy fire, having not placed a single coordinated shot on the enemy.

The BattleCraft crumpled inward as its forward shields failed, and its entire front half was blown away as the cruiser exploded from the damage. The possibility of survivors was too slim to risk other lives...besides, those that could were starting to escape via the four-man pods installed in the ship.

Haldros contacted the PeaceKeepers, to see how they were doing. Most of the civilians had been found and were being taken aboard for medical treatment or identification, depending on their state.

The two Drow were found, but would be kept with the rest until they returned to Kaymiril.

The surviving soldiers of the crippled vessels had been rescued and brought onto other ships.

Several Silver Class mages had burned out or died during the battle...but Haldros felt that the overall losses were acceptable.

When their mission objective was complete, the Kaymirilian TaskForce started their journey back into Kaymirilian space. They would compile a report later, when the status and identities of the survivors had been determined.

News of the defeat reached the ears of the Laski High command. And a transmission from one of the disabled ships showed the battle in its entirety, all the way up to the point of being boarded and the surrender.

They were not happy, but their hundred ship fleet was far too late. Nothing could be found of the enemy besides wreckage, and the planet was clean of humans.

The following day, war was declared on Kaymiril, for what good it did them.

The Kaymirilian fleet was already on the move.

Teril d' Kestal had been attempting to come up with a reason to attack the Laskis that would be acceptable to his people. Now he had one.

"Citizens of Kaymiril, we went in to No Endorsian space with the consent of its rightful ruler, John Archer. We were threatened by the rebellious Laski Clan, and attacked while on a mission of peace. Many ships were lost, but all the civilians that had survived their time on the planet were rescued, and, due to concerns of their safety, are being kept in absolute comfort here, until such time as they are received back into their own nations, whether they be citizens of No Endorse, citizens of Kaymiril, or citizens of any other country.
"Now the Laskis have declared war upon us. We will help the rightful No Endorse Ruling Clan against a common enemy. And the stars will run with blood."

Hign Admiral Vaer could hardly contain his glee. "Petty fools! They'll die under our onslaught! Nothing short of a Death Star could even begin to threaten our fleet! Secretary! Get me a clear link to Kaymiril!"

All Laski alligned craft had been brought back to Sanctuary. The forces that were going to siege Avalon again stregnthened the already enormous swarm, craft of all shapes and sizes buzzed through the void. Even a single Paemesus class battlecarrier floated there, a rare sight indeed. Giant space docks revved up their reactors, preparing for an onslaught the likes of which the Gods had only dreamed of.

In every man and woman's mind, a single phrase reverberated. Kill the Drow and the traitors

TO: Teril d' Kestal, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Steward of Kaymiril, The Immortal Realm of Kaymiril
FROM: High Admiral Vaer, Commander of the Free Navy, The Galactic Inferno of No Endorse
Subj: Speech

I'd like to congradulate you on the sucess of your speech before the people of Kaymiril. From what the cameras showed, it was amazingly sucessful. I really liked the part about the 'rightful ruling clan.' Very moving. Even if John Archer is technicly only Minister of Foreign Affairs.

However, I'd like to warn you that any... rash... actions on your part will result in severe reprocussions, especially against your own homeworld and any of your citizens that happen to be in space we control.

As of now, there is a one-thousand credit reward to anyone who brings in the severed head of a Xeno. I can easily have that edict reversed and re-open the borders for a short time, allowing this filth to leave. All it requires is for your... cooperation... and the return of any and all No Endorse citizens you have in your possession.

Otherwise, the stars shall indeed run with blood. But it will not be ours that will be mourned in song.

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

John Archer read a transcript of the speech and the Laski response. As acting Prime Minister, he had an important decision to make. But he made it all the same.

TO: Teril d' Kestal, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Steward of Kaymiril, The Immortal Realm of Kaymiril; High Admiral Vaer, self-proclaimed "Commander of the Free Navy," Rebelling Provinces of No Endorse
FROM: John Archer, Acting Prime Minister, The Galactic Inferno of No Endorse
Subj: Speech and Laski response

I cannot deter you from your path Teril. This is your decision and I fully respect that. We shall gladly link arms with you in this endeavour. You should use the distortion charts attatched to this message to optimize your weapons in the... odd Space/Time of No Endorse. Do not share these, and please destroy them after use. They are a high priority state secret, and their general knowledge would greatly damage our natural defenses.

Vaer, you have three hours to reverse your edict. If you do not, you and all of your followers shall be held in contempt of Government, and condemned to ceremonial execution as required by the decree of 299. Your natural defenses are gone, as you can readily see, and you shall be hopelessly outnumbered. Pray that you do not survive the storm, the aftermath will be far worse than even the servants of Nurgle dream of.

Neither of the two sides could crack the other alone. But with Drow involvement... things were sure to get interesting.

Back on that backwater planet of a battlefield... You know, the one with the mist...?

The mist finished off the last of the Marine patrol, then slowly moved towards its next target. The massive planetary defenses were becoming quite annoying...


Outpost Tau-322
A ripple, and a bang. The Eshirian fleet, with its crippled companions flashed into existence around the small outpost station. <OP-Tau-322, this is Task force Scirroco. Requesting permission to drop off the baggage.>

The station was prepped to handle the new arrivals with food, and drink, and most importantly, repair the damaged NE vessels. <TSK Scirroco, OP-Tau-322, confirmed. Drop it off at gate 23.> came a half joking reply from the station.

The docking ports were opened, and defenses lowered. An invitation if there was any to the NE vessels to come aboard.

<NE vessels, the welcome mat is out, feel free to dock at ports, 23-30. Tows are being deployed to any ship too damaged to make it on their own. Welcome to the Eshirian Sovereignty.>


With Aien...
Aien materialized in her HoloAvatar in one of the many corridors that wound throughout the ship. <Well, here we are in...corridor-34. This leads to the crew areas of the ship. There won't be many people around I'm afraid. We are at battlestations after all...> Aien glanced around. <Well, engineering is off limits for now...how about we just go this way, and I'll explain things of interest on the way. Things you'll need to know anyway now that you're a part of the 'crew'.>


With President Ki...
"Excuse me..." ND president Robert was still in her company as they traveled on the Presidential transit line. Negotiations were going well, despite the many interruptions from the on going Laski rebellion...

And aid came to her side and handed her a DataUnit, with the latest from ACE-Recon. The information was quickly loaded directly into her mind.


---ACE-Recon TacUpdate-223434---
------Laski Conflict.-------
The latest xeno force to intervene in this conflict are the enigmatic Kaymirilians. Their latest fleet deployment is only a fraction of their estimated total fleet numbers, though their technology and cunning in battle appear to be on par with, if not above our own, leading most in the High Command to grow weary of yet another powerful xeno force litterally on our doorstep.

Barely anything is known for certain about these Kaymirilians, and thus the ACESC advises approaching them with the utmost respect, and caution. It should be noted however, that their intervention into this regional conflict comes at a time which the Sovereignty could benefit the most. With our current defense forces stretched to the limit, a wide and sweeping action against the Laski on their part could not have come at a better time. Though their true intentions cannot yet be ascertained, only time will tell whether or not they are truely a force of good that will recede when this conflict is over.

The Laski forces have also proven extremely resilient. Perhaps more so than originally anticipated. Task Force Scirroco deployed to end the uprising have proven inadequate at handling the wide ranging aftermath of the Second Galactic Civil War, and Laski Conflict at once.

The ACESC recommends the immediate strengthening of our border defenses and addtional forces to be merged with Task Force Scirroco, upgrading it to a Minimal Fleet, in order to assure that it is the Sovereignty which ends this conflict, leaving it in a better position to deal with the new Kaymirilian faction should they ultimately prove hostile. Contact with the Federals of NE in order to better respond to the Kaymirilians should also be prioritized.

---End Report.---


Ki sat quietly for a moment as she considered her options. There weren't many. The Kaymirilians were an unknown... Through her PsiCommu, Ki issued a simple order. <High Command, proceed with ACESC recommendation.>


A few hours later, a secure Wide Band Databurst was issued to Federal forces of No endorse.

<Mr. Talon. What can you tell us about these 'Kaymirilians...>



(OOC: This is more of a direct "Link to brain" kind of PsiCommu connection...)

On Aurora:
The majestic planetary defenses were a tribute to the longivity of the universe. Some had stood in their places for a thousand years, their technology constantly updated for new threats. Apon their vast sides, hundreds of ships had been painted. Inside their huge interiors, many a craft nameplate had been salvaged and placed in a ceremonial position.

Some mens' entire family histories were tied to the same defense structure for as far back as they could trace. They were as much a part of the society as the roads, the homes, the kitchens, the schools.

But no ammount of history could ward off the oncoming tide. Hundreds upon hundreds of massive turrets pointed their lances to the sky, and beneath plaetary shielding, they reconed themselves nigh invincible, a fallacy in sight of all that had transpired. As Euripides once said, "Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad."

And mad they were. So mad that even as news spread of the oncoming storm, they did nothing. Several nearby turrets fired into the cloud but lost interest. They were in massive structures! What fear should they have of some corrosive gas that would merely dilute itself. Only the barest few truely resisted, and they fought with the intensity to make up for a thousandfold their number.

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

Onboard the Battlecarrier:
<Copy.> Another, foreign avatar appeared beside Aien. This one carried a road map, peering around at her surroundings. Susan had scanned about and 'stumbled' apon a set of fire escape plans. At least it gave her a decent idea of the general layout of the ship, even if the computersystem was a thousand times more complex. I've got to switch to their code at some point. This compatability is a pain in the ROM.

<Excellent. Just wondering while we're paused for a milisec, is there a good map of the computer systems, or should I just tag behind you for a while? Cause this system is as confusing as all get-out.>

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

Outpost Tau-322
The No Endorse fleet pulled into the designated gates. In reply to the humerous transmission, several of the captains took on the manners of repulsorjet captains. "Hey Eshirians, where do we declare that dreadnought?"

The air was one of relief. They'd have a brief stop here, then strait onto Haven and the war at hand.

The normal shore-leave jokes were thrown around, despite no one knowing if there would even be such. A captain inquired about that to the NES Godsend, but got no response, quite different from what he had been expecting.

Finally, a small shuttle departed from the dreadnought, heading for an open shuttle bay. The envoy onboard exited almost as soon as it touched down, looking for someone officious and deck-officer appearing.

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

In the deepest dungeon of Sanctuary:
James Talon felt a nudge inter his mind. He tried to push it out, but the effort jolted him wide awake. "Wha? Who's there? Gods-damned Laski, can't you even leave my sleep in peace?!"

However, his mind finally encompassed what was happening, a telepathic message. Who is this? And why are you trying to enter my brain? If its information you want, I'll sooner die.

Feeble and nourishment-starved hands grabbed at the walls of the damp prison cell he sat in, making long runs in the slime that covered parts of the walls. Finding no aid there, he grabbed a sharp piece of the ceramic sink that had chipped off. So help me Gods, I shall fight any incursion with the power the Ancients have passed down to the death.

Jeril d' Kestal was with his father when the Laski message came in.

The old Minister of Foreign Affairs looked at his third son and nodded, at which time the young man stood, leaving his father's presence.


Half an hour later, the three thousand ships began moving. There were five ships to a flight, a BattleCraft of each size, and two cruisers that just barely out-sized the small BattleCraft (1,500 m; 1,000 m; 750 m; and 757m, respectively). Each bore a full complement of fighters (700 total) and shuttle sized attack-craft (12 total).

The six hundred flights began picking up speed as they moved toward No Endorsian space, finally breaking past the light-barrier with a distinctive twirling movement.

They were headed straight for Haven. They would receive their assignments, and move out...but for now, they made an impressive display.

Grand Admiral Streea sat in her chair, contemplating this move.

The young Valsharess was far more daring than her mother had ever been...the former Valsharess had defended her nation hesitantly, many years before. Now her daughter was violently interfering with another nation's internal affairs.

What will Kaymiril be during Aris's reign, I wonder?

The old Admiral wouldn't be around to see the Qu'essan be crowned Valsharess, though. She was several hundred years old, and could feel that her time approached.

She would still fight, though, until she was killed or until the fight ended.

On Aurora:
The sheer intensity of the defensive fire did indeed make its presence felt, as millions of the nanites were burned away. The cloud was a cloud, not some hyper maneuverable Pirai fighter, and it continued to be whittled down. In response, the rapidly degenerating AI made a final bid for survival, flattening itself out along the ground, and then seeping into the earth itself.

Despite the best efforts of the defense crews, they would find it difficult to fight what would happen next. Unless of course, they found a way to detect the nanites...


Onboard the Battlecarrier:
Aien giggled at the computer humor.
<Well, if you don't mind being shut down for a moment. It should be pretty quick to 'translate' your code. That should help you.> Aien paused to run a check on the security protocols for new AIs. There wasn't much. This situation rarely, if ever presented itself. Nonetheless, protocol was protocol.
<About that 'map'... I can't give you a straight 'map' yet. There's still a few more security checks running on you right now if you've noticed. Speaking of which, have you?>


Outpost Tau-322
The dock master lightheartedly replied, <Well, ah, that would be at station 3. Right after the strip search.>

The small shuttle was greeted with medical personnel, and small contingent of ES Marines. Behind them were one man, and one women. Typical of all Eshirians, they were both quite attractive, though their uniforms ensured that their faces and hands would be all that was, revealed. Everything, barring their body forms. The women's especially...

The other emergency teams stood by as the two greeted the small envoy. "Hello," spoke the man, "I'm Mich Rein, Human/Eshirian rank 3 ambassador. And this..." The women spoke up, "Hello, I'm Liena Arie, Eshirian, rank two. Welcome to the Sovereignty."


In the deepest dungeon of Sanctuary:
<My goodness... Please, peace, I am only Ki'menoshi, Eshirian President... Peace, troubled soul...>

Ki was somewhat disturbed at the state of the already frail man. How can they treat their own in such ways... Humans... She hoped that now she had introduced herself, the man would find some shred of sanity within him to reply.

Haven
When the Drow fleet entered Haven, they would meet a sight few would ever witness. For long at least. A proper No Endorse Deep Strike fleet was being formed, at the very least a thousand massive shapes all prepared to fight until the last breath.

The ring above the planet continued its constant flurry of activity, an extensive network of everything imaginable. Even in its ancient state, it was as alive as it had been in two and a half thousand years.

Swarms of ships, all bearing the flame of No Endorse and the spiral of the Navy, heaved through the deep. Defensive installations rotated their equipment into optimum positions. And the entire planet waited with baited breath.

All except a small strike group, far from the rest. Using recently purchased ships of an atypical design, they would try to prevent damage to space docks and production facilities. But when they were even less than a hundredth of the power each side would wield, they stood little chance.

==============================
On Aurora:
Many felt smug at having destroyed the 'airborne menace.' A few even opened up their blast doors to go examine the area they had won their 'victory.' The madder one gets... the harder one falls.

Now only the bare fewest manned their posts, concentrating intently on their screens. Even as their friends deserted their stations, they concentrated all the more intently, gaining almost 'tunnel-vision.'

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
<You mean those things that keep prodding me? I thought that was just task programs wandering about doing their stuff and bumping into my programming. I've been hopping about to get out of their way... I'll hold still for a sec. Shuttin down.> Her hologram flickered out, the program reducing its processes to minimum.

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
A woman stepped forewards and extended her hand, looking quite sleep-deprived in the process. "Commander Sandra Farsee of No Endorse Task Force Alpha. Yeah, temporary post, but it sticks until we get home. I assume you've already met Admiral Stryde, or what's left of him." She pointed out the hangar door at the Dreadnought.

"...It's darn good to see you guys. Seems like we've been running from one end of the universe to the other recently. One quick request, would you please send some representatives to the docks and outline shore leave procedures, if any? These guys really want out right now, and they're all in as good a condition as I am. I don't think you want them running everywhere. I apologize for my bluntness, but we've had some... problems."

==============================
In the deepest cell of Sanctuary:
It took a second for recognition to set in, but it set in with a vengence. Talon staggered to his bedmat, dropping the ceramic shard and sitting down.

Ki! You have no idea how good it is to hear from you, even in this... odd... way. This place is Hell personified! I'm going to break if they leave me here much longer! Get me out of here if at all possible!

A small slot in the door clanged open, and some watery gruel was pushed in. He drank it hungrily, and returned the tray, hoping for more. They go out of their way to feed me this crap. I don't know what I could possibly do to help you, but what do you need?

Haven
When the Drow fleet entered Haven, they would meet a sight few would ever witness. For long at least. A proper No Endorse Deep Strike fleet was being formed, at the very least a thousand massive shapes all prepared to fight until the last breath.

The ring above the planet continued its constant flurry of activity, an extensive network of everything imaginable. Even in its ancient state, it was as alive as it had been in two and a half thousand years.

Swarms of ships, all bearing the flame of No Endorse and the spiral of the Navy, heaved through the deep. Defensive installations rotated their equipment into optimum positions. And the entire planet waited with baited breath.

All except a small strike group, far from the rest. Using recently purchased ships of an atypical design, they would try to prevent damage to space docks and production facilities. But when they were even less than a hundredth of the power each side would wield, they stood little chance.

The Drow crew aboard the ships noted the activity, and within a minute after it had entered the system the Flag Ship, Vharcan d' Maril, emitted a wide-band message for all to hear.

No Endorsian Fleet, this is Grand Admiral Streea, commanding the Kaymirilian Fleet. We are here to help nullify the Laski threat, and will accept what assignments are given to us.

On Aurora:
From beneath the massive structures, the mist slowly began to eat away at whatever armor defended its bottom. The best way to win a fight, according to ancient Eshirian strategist, Siun Tze, was to avoid it entirely. The Eshirian plan to take the planet would never succeed through brute force alone. The Planetary defenses were simply too strong. Now, they were simply another Goliath taken down by the smallest of all possible warriors: the nanites.

All around the platforms, the mist continued to spread, slowly enveloping any personnel directly exposed to it, ripping them apart as it went. The mist moved slowly however, and anyone close enough to its edges running fast enough had a chance to get away. Though the nanites would envelop them soon enough, adding their matter to the fog of machines...

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
Aien smiled, and hurried the checks along. Real simple programming... she thought as the final checks went through without a hitch. Converting...

Within a few seconds, the conversion was complete, and Aien slowly reinitialized Susan, however, giving her an Eshirian file name of Suisien. She'd still be called "Susan", but at least now the main computer wouldn't tag her as a threat by name alone.

As Susan flicked on, Aien watched carefully, as her programming was updated, and the proper security clearances were attached to her file.

<Alright, how do you feel? Your program's been translated and you should be running a lot soother now.>

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
"Yes I have..." replied Liena, referring to the admiral. "It's nice to meet you as well, and again, welcome."

"The docks have all been prepped, and PsiCommus should be downloading the necessary information about procedures and such directly into your personnel's minds. Only once each person has given their consent of course. Representatives are also already standing by for those who prefer a real person."

"We have the HoloSuites already ready. We know how to handle a battle weary bunch. Believe me..."

Liena studied Sandra for a moment. "I'm sorry, you look exhausted! We have a little something that should help you feel better right away."

==============================
In the deepest cell of Sanctuary:
Ki was thankful that Talon was not completely lost. Perhaps there was hope in this conflict yet. <It's a small matter really. Though I felt that you would be the best person to help. We've had a small problem with a race that call themselves...Kaymirilians... We honestly have no idea about who, or what, they are...>

System control went bezerk. Thousands of ships showed up all along the threat display, commonly known as the 'Big Board.' Where had they come from? What the heck were they? However, their transmission easily cleared everything up. It was relayed to the aged Eclipse-class command ship, NES Daybreak, and a reply was sent back quite rapidly.

Greetings friends and allies, your arrival is quite timely. We are in the early stages of preparing to retake the nation. Already we have sent a detatchment to Avalon, and they report no enemy activity.

We can talk like this, but I'd honestly prefer to meet face to face. Would you like to come to the Daybreak? Or would you prefer I come to you?
-Jennifer Halsey, Ministress of the Military, Acting Comander-in-Chief

The massive ship broke formation somewhat, edging towards the Kaymirilian fleet.

==============================
On Aurora:
The cloud would discover something quite helpful to its spread beneath the surface. A vast network of reinforced bunkers and tunnels connected all of the weapons together, with marginal armor on their undersides. So long as they could eat through the heavily reinforced walls of the tunnels in just one spot, they would have free run of the place.

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
<So this is what it's like to be Eshirian. Feels a little different, like I can even feel being a computer and all.> She ran a quick diagnostic. <Everything checks aight. Security clearances and all manner of stuff. Looks good! Interesting name though.>

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
Sandy wanted little but a shower and a bed, but she kept this as far from her face as possible. "A good shower would be nice. I'd also like to meet with someone about what should be done in our little scrap over in the Inferno, but that can wait. But what did you have in mind?"

Throughout the No Endorse craft, dozens agreed to the various terms alotted. While most went for the easy mental approval, a few still wanted to see people. It went through almost without a hitch. Many chose shore-leave, mostly collapsing as soon as they got their lodgings.

==============================
In the deepest cell of Sanctuary:
Well, you'd be best served getting in contact with that pair of starship captains... uhh... Sandra Farsee and Nikola Perez I think. They were the detatchment that actually went and negotiated the stuff with them. Or try to find John Archer, Minister of Foreign stuff.

He law down on the damp bedpad, trying to remember everything he could. Let's see... Kaymiril Kaymiril Kaymiril... Drow? That's it! They're Drow! Elves I think. They use magic in conjunction with technology. Recent to the space game, I didn't know they had much to cause trouble with.

What in blazes is going on out there if Kaymiril is messing in this galaxy? Did the Laski hit them or something?

System control went bezerk. Thousands of ships showed up all along the threat display, commonly known as the 'Big Board.' Where had they come from? What the heck were they? However, their transmission easily cleared everything up. It was relayed to the aged Eclipse-class command ship, NES Daybreak, and a reply was sent back quite rapidly.



The massive ship broke formation somewhat, edging towards the Kaymirilian fleet.

Streea nodded, seeing the message, and sent back her reply.

Please, name the place you wish to meet, and I will be glad to go to you.

On Aurora:
The mist continued to grind through the structure's soft bottom, and eventually broke through. Once inside, it paused a moment to begin self repair. The cloud extended to all edges of the surrounding corridor, and began to deconstruct anything it found, living or nonliving, using the new matter to replace the massive amounts of nanites lost to the immense power of the planetary defenses.

Slowly but surely, the mist renegated, then began to grow larger. However, it was still confined...

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
Aien laughed. <Well, it's not really Eshirian... and not quite Human either. I just sorta 'Eshirianified' your name.> Aien laughed again, <Or butchered it, whichever one you think.>

<Alright, well, this way...> Aien began to stroll down the corridor. She stopped in front of a small conduit embedded into the wall. There was small display where lights and various readings were presented. At the top, there was a small diagram of the ship's corridors, and various other symbols which appeared to be shaped rather like the station Aien had passed at.

<Here's something that the Bios uses almost all the time. It's one of the most critical systems on the ship. The PsiCommu it's called, and it's pretty much what keeps this ship running smoothly. All outward thoughts, and feelings can be routed through this conduit, where it is sent off to whoever the sender wants. It's kind of an advanced com system. People can send all manner of messages through this system, from information to something like telepathic SMS. There are some other things that this thing can do, but they're outlined in one of the crew training files. You should be able to find it pretty quickly now.>

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
"Well, there's this little pill we can give you that'll restore your brain's chemical balance back to that of a rested one. You'll feel fine within a few minutes. Of course, nothing beats a hot shower, and some real rest, but at least you won't keel over on your way to them!" Liena laughed a bit, but then grew serious. "I'm sorry though, because we don't actually have a real hot shower...with water anyway. We have something that kind of lifts the dirt with a tight mix of energy and heat... Sounds kind of strange to you I can imagine, but believe me, it does the job." Liena shifted uncomfortably for a brief moment, then suggested, "Maybe the HoloSuite can fill in for the water...?"

==============================
In the deepest cell of Sanctuary:
<Aha, odd story. We don't know much. There was some sort of firefight in some region of your space. Laski forces against the Kaymirilians. Quick battle, and after a short time, the Kaymirilians retreated for reasons unknown. But deep space scans indicate a massive force build-up on both sides. My analysts say the fight's just beginning, but we'd like to be the one who ends this fight if you can understand.> Ki paused to let what she said sink in, then continued, <I'll try to find this Sandra and Nikola...>

On Aurora:
The mist would find no one to stand against it as it filtered through. The tunnels were empty now, the enemy believed to be beaten. These structures connected every defensive structure in the main city, and several other clusters nearby. Like a web beneath the earth, they could access everywhere on the main continent.

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
<Got one. Sweet! You should see what the humans need on their ships, it's inane! They still use intercoms in some of the lesser ships in No Endorse> Susan continued to explore the ship, the computer system far more open after the translation. She'd gotten the general idea, but it was still a pain to keep track of everything. A frigate AI wasn't technicly designed for capitol ships, but the function was so similar that she was learning to adapt.

<Quite a roomy system here by the way, nice and open. In my old ship... well, the computers were not as spacious, and niether were any of the passageways. Kinda 'low clearance' all around, but she got the job done decently.>

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
Sandra smirked a little. "I'm sure it's better than what we have on that ship over there. Looks huge, but the corridors and rooms are smaller than seems sane. I'd like some of that. Also, do you have the capability to do a quick once-over of our ships and give some of our crews medical attention? Some of the ships got chewed up out there."

==============================
In the deepest cell of Sanctuary:
They're friendly then. The Laskis must have done something to one of their citizens, something they'll sorely regret. Find those two captains or John for info, and please try to get me out of here!

Talon felt a small tremor of fear shoot through him. He didn't want to be left alone, but he didn't want to hold her up either. It was almost childish he knew, but he'd soon be left all alone once again.

==============================
Over Haven:
The response to the Drow message was rapid. We have a good briefing room on the Daybreak. Please come on over, a shuttle will guide your craft in to where it needs to go.

A small shuttle launched, heading towards the Drow fleet, pausing halfway.

Streea went alone in her shuttle, piloting her own craft.

She was old, yes, but she'd learned how to fly this...and if this was a trap, better one dead than many.

She wasn't really worried. She was a very rare class of warrior...and a very rare class of mage.

She was one of only a few dozen remaining Warmancers. Hers was the art of killing an opponent at a glance.

She was a military persona, not a political one. But she would handle this as deftly as she could.

She approached the No Endorsian shuttle, waiting to be led.

The shuttle dipped around as she neared, and headed up to an extremely small hangar on the top of the ship. Entering, it moved far to the side to allow the Kaymirilian vessel in.

It sent a transmission as it entered, making sure she was in tow. "Watch the cieling, it's kinda low in here for a hangar. Little custom mod made in the Daybreak and Midnight, you probably won't see one of these on any other Eclipse. Pain to find on a ship this scale, even with a beacon."

Jennifer Halsey stood at the door to the hangar, watching and waiting for the shuttle to land.

The sleek Kaymirilian craft slid into the hangar and landed without a bump.

The "door" spiraled open, and out stepped a single Drow female. Her long hair hung down in a heavy braid that reached to her waist, and while she looked young by human standards, the weight of age showed in her eyes, if not in her posture.

"Gre'as'anto lu' verve dro, Minister Halsey. I am Grand Admiral Streea, in command of the Kaymirilian Legion."

On Aurora:
Slowly, the mist's higher AI came back online. Nanites were sufficiently replenished, and the advance was on again. In rapid succession, the mist began to infiltrate all open ducts, and vent shafts, filtering its way through security systems, cameras, turrets, everything, all in a bid to knock out all main defenses in one swift stroke.

Part of the mists separated, and remained behind, slowly growing, and expanding. Almost immediately, there were two separate condenses working to subvert what would have been one of the toughest planetary defenses from a class .8 civilization the Sovereignty had ever encountered.

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
<Glad you like it.> Aien replied with some satisfaction. <Alright,> she said as she began to walk again. <Let's move to the Mess shall we? The task force has just been moved out of general quarters. I'm sure there's a few people who'll show up down there who'd love to meet you.>


==============================
Outpost Tau-322
"Well, Liena replied, "yes, yes we do. Like I said, everything's been taken care of. Med crews are moving from room to room giving help where needed, and all patients in need of more serious medical care have already been diverted to the med lab."

Liena's eyes grew slightly wider as a sudden thought came to her. "Oh, yes, in fact, if you look out through that port..." Liena pointed towards a massive observation window nearby. "...You'll see that your ships are already being taken care of."

Sure enough, massive arms were already using an offshoot of rep-tube technology, and detailed scans of the simpler NE vessels to instantly manufacture replacement parts and install them with quantum computer precision.

==============================
In the deepest cell of Sanctuary:
<That's good to hear...> Ki could feel his uneasiness to her impending absence through the PsiCommu. Another little trick that the way the PsiCommu's worked provided. <Don't worry, I will do what's necessary to get you out of there. It's a bit informal, and I apologize in advance, but, be careful, sit tight. Help will arrive soon enough. I'm afraid I must go.>

The PsiCommu link was severed, though as a gift, Ki sent her feeling's of reassurance as the link fizzled out. Emotion transfer...Another small capability the PsiCommu provided... Hopefully, Talon would find it helpful.

(OOC: Bump. For NE.)

(ooc: Yeah, I'm slow this weekend. Read the Uberasia message board for why.)

Onboard the NES Daybreak:
"Greetings Admiral Streea, I hope that your trip here was good and uneventful. Unfortionatly for both of us, that will change in a big way. Before we hop into things, I want to thank you for sending your forces to aid in this. Your sons and daughters will be remembered in song.

Now, please follow me." She turned and headed out of the hangar, looking back to make sure that Streea was following. "This ship is no match for the Midnight, her sister ship, and that makes me very uneasy in attacking Sanctuary. If you're going to enter the battle yourself, I recommend you not ride in the largest ship in your fleet." She motioned to a large open doorway. "Here's the briefing room. After you."

==============================
On Aurora:
Cameras had spotted the mist by this point, and a Condition Black had been declared. Defenses had been over-run, and it was time to show this menace what No Endorse could do. Massive blowers activated, pulling the nanites out of the tunnels viciously. In select corridors that had been overly infested, power cable vents were opened, covering everything with molten hot mass.

Marines and even regular army conscripts rushed through the hallways, grenading and then covering everything with blaster fire. They had finally figured out how to widen the focusing lenses on their guns, and used them like shotguns. Automatic sentry turrets swept the clouds wherever detected. Giant blast doors were closed and the interiors saturated with reaction mass. At several points, fire-throwers swept about, spewing fuel and fire all about.

This was war. And the nanites would discover what it truely took to invade the weakest of the No Endorse worlds. The sleepy nervous system of the planet jolted awake. No longer did the men celebrate their 'victory.' No one would stop until it was confirmed that the mist was gone completly.

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
<Let's go! That would be awesome! Never really met an Eshirian, sides the bridge crew and you.> Susan began moving in that direction, but the computer system was still puzzling, despite being translated. She stalled at a strange junction, unsure of where to go.

<Umm... Marco? Marco?>

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
Sandy was quite impressed. The repair work was going fast, and already several large holes had been patched in a frigate. "I've got to get one of these... Anyhow, is there anything else you'd like to know now, or could you go ahead and show me to my room?"

==============================
In the deepest cell of Sanctuary:
Talon felt the wave of reassurance, but misinterpreted it as his own emotion. It melded with his troubled brain, calming it drasticly. It will be okay. They won't end me, help is coming. The war is starting, Kaymiril and the Soverignty are coming to aid. The sun will rise red, and the songwriters shall remember this war in our favor.

Just then the door clanged open, and a sadistic voice floated to him. "Rise and shine dear, it's time for your daily excercise. We've got nerve induction on deck today! I know how you just love it!" Somehow, he still clutched to that gimmer of hope, and replied vigorously.

"Oh goody mommy. After that, I want to play on the torture rack. Can it Please? It feels so good! I LOOOOOOOOOVE it! After that, I'll see what I can do to kick your scrawny little rear six ways to sunday." It's going to be a long day.

On Aurora:
At last, a challenge worthy of one of the Shade Corps favorite weapons. By this point, NE was reclassified as a Level .80000001 civilization, and the nanites reconfigured accordingly. The mist immediately set a plan of action in motion.

The nanites which were sucked out merely floated back to the surface, growing larger, and then attacking the massive defenses from the outside, thinning itself to lower casualties, then thickening only once the mist came into physical contact with the offending structure. The molten hot masses covering the nanities in the power lines was well received, and only assisted the nanites in disrupting the power cables. Molten mass on the mist was like trying to melt air with lava. It wasn't going to work well.

The Soldiers charging with their newly modified weapons and flame throwers would find far greater success. Billions of nanites were once again burned away, though again, it was like shooting air. The mist was expanding and reconfiguring matter all around it at an exponential rate, and wasn't slowing down anytime soon. Still, to avoid being destroyed completely, the nanite hoard began to chew away at the ceilings and walls, hoping to cause a cave in wherever soldiers were found. The mist by this point had expanded so greatly, it was supplanting the regular atmosphere in some places.

Blast doors did little to halt the clouds as they simply ate them away, albeit slowly. As much as the Laskis wanted to teach the Nanites, and in turn, Eshirians a lesson, they would have to learn a few things themselves.

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
<Polo? That's what it is right?> Aien asked as she continued down the corridor towards a lift. <Well, this way.> Aien reached out a hand. <I know it's odd to be walking when we can just appear in the Mess, but, this is still the best way to get a feel for an environment. As they walked into the lift, Aien continued to explain various bits of info, such as waste treatment, basic power generation, and the like.

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
A PsiCommu was quick to activate, and loaded the information into her mind. In this case, the process was done slowly, so as not to overload her tired mind. "No, that's it for now." Liena replied.

Ki had still yet to find them as Talon had asked...

==============================
In the deepest cell of Sanctuary:
(OOC: That's it, one sub plot ended. The thought of an old guy acting like that is just too funny for words. Well, maybe except, Lol.)

Onboard the NES Daybreak:
"Greetings Admiral Streea, I hope that your trip here was good and uneventful. Unfortionatly for both of us, that will change in a big way. Before we hop into things, I want to thank you for sending your forces to aid in this. Your sons and daughters will be remembered in song.

Now, please follow me." She turned and headed out of the hangar, looking back to make sure that Streea was following. "This ship is no match for the Midnight, her sister ship, and that makes me very uneasy in attacking Sanctuary. If you're going to enter the battle yourself, I recommend you not ride in the largest ship in your fleet." She motioned to a large open doorway. "Here's the briefing room. After you."
Streea proceeded the No Endorsian diplomat into the conference room.

"The point of the journey to here was not for it to be a pleasant or unpleasant journey. The real journey begins as soon as we head out there to fight."

She turned, waiting for Hasley to enter as well.

"We are not as familiar with the situation as you are. As Kaymirilian tactical advisor and commander of this fleet, I am giving command into your hands for the duration of this war. You may give that command to whomsoever you see fit."

Onboard the NES Daybreak:
"I wouldn't know what to do with Kaymirilian ships," Halsey responded, stepping into the red-lit room, "if you'll excuse my saying so. I will show you everything we have on the tactical situation, but I would like you to remain in command of your own fleets. I will take overall command to try to prevent any unfortionate accidents, but these things still happen in war."

The area around them did not pause for any of their conversation. Officers hurried to and fro, digital readouts pinpointed starships, and multiple conversations were held by hypernet. In one corner, a conflict was being monitored, with a large group gathering around a single terminal. All in all quite chaotic.

"There are very few targets right now. Well, there really were only two, Sanctuary and Aurora. That group over in the corner is watching us hit one of their recon pickets now." She called out to the cluster, causing more than a few to jump. "HEY Guys! Throw it on main!"

A hologram of the action instantly materialized in the center of the room. A dozen ships skipped between hyperspace and realspace, firing wildly at where they predicted the enemy would come from next. Thus far few hits had been made, but one torpedo hit stove a frigate in two. All of a sudden, a large dreadnought entered the screen, and everything was torn into realspace. Muted cheers rose from the corner, lowering to whispers as it systematicly destroyed every Laski ship nearby.

"That's the type of warfare we're going to engage in. So long as both sides can hop, no one will hit anyone easily, but a hit will be catastrophic at those speeds. Once we lock them in though, or vice versa, it becomes a matter of brute force. Much slower, and more of a slug fest than anything. Was this anything like you encountered?"

==============================
On Aurora:
The nanites were in for several more surprises in the onslaught. The blowers were shielded with a form-fitting design, and they could throw all they wanted against the blades but it would not budge. Additional shields formed over the nanite clouds, trapping them in impenetrable fields of energy. The molten masses ebbed from the tunnels, systems shifting to far deeper and more protected power lines, but occasionally some would spew out at dense areas.

Shield bubbles appeared around the areas that the nanites were the thickest. They would then contract down to nothing. It left a large empty space yes, but nothing within the contracting sphere could retain its physical shape. Shield barriers raced along the corridors, overlapping and colliding with great force. Ventilation shafts also revved up their shield arrays and blowers, forcing the clouds against walls of energy.

Amongst all of this, marines swept areas clear with whatever was handy. They were making progress, forcing the mist into a more and more concentrated area.

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
<So it's not only a No Endorse game. Wonder who he was...> She followed the other hologram through the ship, absorbing everything said and transmitted. <I'll never get over how big this place is. Hey! Is that the mess that you mentioned?>

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
Sandy Farsee continued to her room, passing out on the bed almost immediatly. All across the station, the story was much the same, aside from several small groups who headed to find a bar. They had no idea whether the Soverignty even had bars in the traditional sense, but alcohol was more than worth seeking out.

Back on the ships, several crewmen had revealed their stashes, and already strains of drunken song could be heard from at least one Frigate. It would be quite a 'night.'

ooc: Kyanges, could you check the RMB?

(I was under the impression that several of the blowers were throwing nanites out. A reread shows this to be an error on my part. Also, what of the nanites trying to cause cave ins?

-Already replied.)

IC:

On Aurora:
It was on this note that the mist split into several separate consciousness, and then set forth breaking back out the way they came in. They left a few surprises however. Areas thinned out until there was only one nanite per square foot of room, giving the impression that the air was clear.

To add to the illusion, thicker clouds of mist allowed themselves to be pushed back, leaving the thinned out concentration behind, making it seem as if the area had just been cleared successfully. Several nanites hitched a ride on top of armor suits and skin laying dormant.

The nanites caught in shield bubbles proceeded to self destruct. leaving behind a curious collection of raw metal on the bottom of the bubbles, then vaporizing as the shields contracted into nothingness.

The shields were annoyingly effective, and so, the nanites enacted a strange plan. Several figures began appearing in the mist... Hidden from view until fully formed, exact copies of Laski infantry began clearing out the mist as well. Perfect in every outward way, they wouldn't hold up against closer inspection, but for now, there was no way the Laski's would know...

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
<So it's not only a No Endorse game. Wonder who he was...> She followed the other hologram through the ship, absorbing everything said and transmitted. <I'll never get over how big this place is. Hey! Is that the mess that you mentioned?>

Aien replied, <No, sorry, I just scanned your files. I am still the dominant AI on this ship remember?> Aien giggled a bit, then walked into the now open lift. <Ha, no. This is just a turbo lift I'm afraid. We'll be taking this to the Mess.>

As the lift began to move the two, Aien began to explain the lift and its functions. Upon arrival, Aien motioned for Susan to follow her in. She looked and scouted around for a certain person she had asked to come... For the moment, Aien let Susan explore at her own leisure.

(OOC: You're free to run around!)

IC:

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
In Sandy's room, a small HoloMon appeared, with Liena's face smiling bright and chipper. For privacy, the view was one way. Liena had no idea what state Sandy was it. "Here's that little something!" She announced, and on the wall near the door in Sandy's room, a small packet containing several candy like objects appeared.

The small group was lead by several small drones hovering about, as the PsiCommus (PCs.) went into standby for maintenance. At the destination, a large sign proclaimed, 'PsiBar." The next move, was up to the the groups...

==============================
With President Ki
Got to find those two... Ki thought as she stepped outside her transit, leading the two representatives from New Dornalia towards the Grand Assembly. With her PC, she sent out a request for all known NE personnel inside Sovereignty space. The search wouldn't be long.

Onboard the NES Daybreak:
"I wouldn't know what to do with Kaymirilian ships," Halsey responded, stepping into the red-lit room, "if you'll excuse my saying so. I will show you everything we have on the tactical situation, but I would like you to remain in command of your own fleets. I will take overall command to try to prevent any unfortionate accidents, but these things still happen in war."

The area around them did not pause for any of their conversation. Officers hurried to and fro, digital readouts pinpointed starships, and multiple conversations were held by hypernet. In one corner, a conflict was being monitored, with a large group gathering around a single terminal. All in all quite chaotic.

"There are very few targets right now. Well, there really were only two, Sanctuary and Aurora. That group over in the corner is watching us hit one of their recon pickets now." She called out to the cluster, causing more than a few to jump. "HEY Guys! Throw it on main!"

A hologram of the action instantly materialized in the center of the room. A dozen ships skipped between hyperspace and realspace, firing wildly at where they predicted the enemy would come from next. Thus far few hits had been made, but one torpedo hit stove a frigate in two. All of a sudden, a large dreadnought entered the screen, and everything was torn into realspace. Muted cheers rose from the corner, lowering to whispers as it systematicly destroyed every Laski ship nearby.

"That's the type of warfare we're going to engage in. So long as both sides can hop, no one will hit anyone easily, but a hit will be catastrophic at those speeds. Once we lock them in though, or vice versa, it becomes a matter of brute force. Much slower, and more of a slug fest than anything. Was this anything like you encountered?"

"Some ways...we lack your jumping technology. I know only of the previous battle from Commander Haldros's report."

The Admiral watched the match with keen interest, taking in every detail.

"Ruthless, brutal...the galaxy might have a different opinion of Kaymiril by the time this is done."

Onboard the Daybreak:
"The universe will have a different opinion of all of us probably, and it won't be good. A wise man once said that violence is the last resort of the incompetant. Wonder what made him say that? He must have had to live through times far tougher and more diplomatic than we have.

That battle there was surprisingly short, we were lucky to have a dreadnought on the spoke ready to ship. Normally they could last for hours or even days, ships skipping of each others inhibitors until someone either runs out of power, makes a solid hit, or burns out.

We don't have much on the fight against you, I was hoping you could give us an insight into what types of tactics they're using."

A courier ran up to her, carrying a small fleet dispatch order. She flipped a page and signed two places. "There we are, we're sending an advanced fleet to go the long way around and hit them from behind. It'll take a while for them to pull it off."

==============================
On Aurora:
Huge blowers continued to blast the areas. People went through low-powered shield walls, not strong enough to pierce the body armor but enough to destroy anything on the outside.

It was disconcerting at first to see figures appearing in areas the shields were sweeping clean, but the situation was quickly assessed. They did not have radio callsigns, lacked the transmitter embedded in every No Endorse military man and woman, and altogether did not match life-signs very well. They were deemed to be fakes, and treated as such.

The few cave-ins did little to halt the advancing troops. The main conflict area had been covered by a shield dome by now, and the corridor-clearing shield walls dragged through the cave-ins, allowing easy access to every area of the complex. The shields continued to keep the area locked down, with walls occasionally steamrolling through the infected area.

Marines continued to advance as rapidly as possible. They would occasionally fire their fire-throwers on their armor in incredibly short bursts, searing the paint off but also destroying anything hiding on the surface. They continued to fight their way back and forth, destroying every cloud they saw.

In some areas deemed 'clear,' the atmosphere was replaced and the entire area scorched until nothing could have survived, then it was used as a staging area to help the advancing lockdown groups. The longer that the mist stayed, the more forces were brought to bear, and the smaller area it would be constricted to.

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
<Cheater! Ah well, you should see them play it. It's cute. Not that I've ever been down on a planet while they've played it, but there are videos, and the visual scopes on those ships are really good.>

Her hologram dissapeared, reapearing as a decent full-scale imitation of an Eshirian female in a naval uniform, carrying a tray. The rank badge was missing, and it was ever so slightly artificial, but it would still fool at first and even second glance. <Wonder how long it'll take them to notice?>

She 'wandered' over to a nearby table, 'sitting' down at an empty place near some other crew. She began 'eating,' nodding to the crew nearby. "Hi! How's it going?"

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
Sandy groped around blindly for a light switch. Finally finding something that resembled one and worked like one, she staggered over to the pills. "Thanks" she said groggily, popping them into her mouth an drinking a glass of water. "These things taste pretty good. I'll be up in a few hours, don't hesitate if something even half-way important comes up though." She promptly went back to the bed and literally fell back asleep.

Elsewhere in the station, groups congregated about the PsiBar. "What is that?" "Idunno, is there something strong and alcoholic there?" "We'll never know if we don't go in." "Aight, no use talking, more walk. TALLY-HO CRIMSON GODSEND! Let's show these other pilot wanna-bes how to pack em away!" They headed inside, a little unsure of the place. It was nothing like a No Endorse bar, but they didn't care. Anything with the name bar should have firewater, right? Or at the very least SOMETHING alcoholic.

On Aurora:
The mist simply continued its retreat. Escaping back from the way it came in, then absorbing itself into the soil. If the Laskis wanted to kill it so badly, they'd have to take the entire planet along with it.

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
Aein continued to scout around, resorting to internal sensors to track him down. The man was the resident genius onboard the ship, and always made it a game to be found...

At the other table, a few of the other crew members glanced back at Susan.

"I'm get'n no vibes. She ain't a bio." One of them said to another loudly. Eshirians were naturally in tune with the life that surrounded them. Not to extent of the infamous Force, but well tuned nonetheless. Another was more polite. "Hey, just fine! You a new AI we got to replace Aien?"

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
The moment the group entered, they would stumble upon one of the worst looking "bars" in their terms. There was not a single alcoholic beverage to be found. Instead, people could be seen crowding around tables, seemingly entranced by a device that sat in front of them. Everything else however, resembled something more conventional. The lighting was dim, and light patterns flashed about. Dancing, laughing and happy faces were abound. Few bothered to even glance at the new comers, and even fewer could be seen drinking anything...

==============================
With President Ki...
As expected, the search was quick...


(OOC: Just to lighten the load on both of us, I'm just going to assume that both were found, talked to, and left alone. This should cut down on some of the tedious RPing we've been doing for the last few posts.)

-snip-
ooc: Sandra is in the Soverignty, Nikola is at Haven, but aight. They'd hook you up anyways.
IC:

On Aurora:
Dirt was no problem. The shield bubbles continued their deadly moves, coralling the mist and preventing it from entering the soil wherever possible. Where not possible, it would sweep through the soil on low power, just enough to damage and disable nanites, but not cause too much damage to the soil.

The tunnels were now almost completly clear, but areas of the main continent were starting to look like a warzone. The entire continent had been locked down, nothing could leave. The systematic destruction was carried out with religious fanaticism. Woe be unto he who decided to invade this planet.

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
Susan winked at the slightly rude crewman. "I certainly know I'm not pickin up good vibrations, but who's counting here?"

Replying to the one that seemed friendlier, she decided to hang onto the form for a while. "I'm not a replacement, I'm just a new recruit. I got sent over as a copy of my original self during that brief scuffle in No Endorse. Some triangulation masks and focus regulators to help your aim and beam integrity in the Inferno, we've got some wierd space. I was a frigate AI before this, this place is pretty roomy compared."

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
The severe lack of alcohol baffled many, but it really couldn't be helped. What were they going to do? Badger some poor station official?

No, they decided to just treat it as a party, sending a few people back to try to raid their respective ships' stores. The harsh liquid that was brought back was shared with whoever wanted some. Even if it was worthless to try to get very drunk, due to low supplies, you could still have more than enough fun to justify coming out here.

Several pilots started a complicated card game, consisting of two decks, one of eighty five cards, and another of thirty. A small crowd gathered around, and bets were cast startlingly quickly. It soon became clear, however, who was the master at the game, and fewer and fewer decided to challenge him.

Other games began to spring up, using simpler decks and more relaxed rules and bets. Some of the crew even got up and started dancing with the locals. When you got down to it, naval personel were very much alike, regardless of affiliation. Even if those in No Endorse liked to burn their throats out.

Onboard the Daybreak:
"The universe will have a different opinion of all of us probably, and it won't be good. A wise man once said that violence is the last resort of the incompetant. Wonder what made him say that? He must have had to live through times far tougher and more diplomatic than we have.

"That battle there was surprisingly short, we were lucky to have a dreadnought on the spoke ready to ship. Normally they could last for hours or even days, ships skipping of each others inhibitors until someone either runs out of power, makes a solid hit, or burns out.

"We don't have much on the fight against you, I was hoping you could give us an insight into what types of tactics they're using."

A courier ran up to her, carrying a small fleet dispatch order. She flipped a page and signed two places. "There we are, we're sending an advanced fleet to go the long way around and hit them from behind. It'll take a while for them to pull it off."
Streea watched the battle unfolding.

"Their tactics don't seem to be too different...they tried to jump through ships at times, tried ramming...it's like they're fighting a desperate battle...and the closer and closer your side comes to victory, the more andm ore desperate they will become...like a wild beast being hunted. You can expect a very bloody war."

She looked over at Halsey. "But I have the feeling you knew that already."

On Aurora:
(OOC: I really don't see how you could destroy the nanites with low powered shields and not harm the soil. The nanites are made of tougher stuff than the soil... Right? O_o)

IC:

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
The first nameless crew member only nodded, and went back to his meal.

The second introduced himself, and offered a hand. "Name's Frank. Human. No endorse huh? Interestin... No other Eshirian vessel has more than one AI. I'm bettin that you'll be transferred somewhere else soon enough."

As Frank spoke, Aien returned with her quarry. An average looking man, disregarding the thick goggles over his unruly hair, and long lab coat. He was the epitome of the stereotypical mad genius.

"Susan," Aien began, "This is Alviert Einven. Human, and I must admit... one of the most intelligent Humans I've ever met. He's the chief scientist on this ship. Alviert walked over. "Hello!...Susan? A foreign AI hmmm? Tell me, just what are your operational parameters concerning integration onto a Xeno platform?"

Aien quickly jumped in, "Ahaha...ummm...Why don't we just stick with names and intros for now sir?"

"Nonsense! This is a computer program let me remind you, I'm sure it can answer easily enough."

Aien only glanced nervously at Susan. <You'll have to excuse him... He's a little... odd...>

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
As the crew member began to mix in, outside, the ships were finally being finished off. All systems had been completed, and the final hull panels were being set in place. A few additions were made, courtesy of the Eshirians. Stronger Structural integrity field generators were set in place, along with 1st generation PPAD generators. Weapons were fine tuned, and the ships took on slightly Eshirian qualities. Overall, the ships were still the same, but they would be far more useful than before.

A call went out station wide over the PsiCommus. All No Endorse personnel were notified of the completed repairs. And all Eshirian Personnel were gathered to send them off.

Onboard the NES Daybreak:
"In No Endorse, you fight every war as if it will be the last one fought. But if they are jumping through ships, we could have a problem. That is a last ditch move, only to be approved by either me, a Warsage, or a Lord-Protector. It would appear that they want to make their mark on No Endorse any way they can. We must be extremely careful out there, Sanctuary possesses an inhibitor supressor, so they'll mostly have free supra-light travel. We can make local disturbances, but they won't be much."

Another small battle popped up on the main screen, and the crowd in the corner shifted to another terminal. This time, it was the Laski who had numerical superiority, but the government ships held their own, repulsing wave after wave of enemy ships.

"They're not putting their best and brightest as captains it seems. Either that, or they're keeping them in reserve for defense. Of course those aren't very good commanders we have out there right now either, just some bum explorers." It was hard to believe that these were not skilled, as the ships continued to move in a blurred swarm, ships pausing only as they were destroyed. But the fight was slightly slower than the previous one, ships making small errors, but not exploiting their opponet's errors fully.

==============================
On Aurora:
ooc: I was thinkin scale. Low powered shields would probably only break chemical bonds, not destroy materials physicly. Dirt is dirt, there'll still be a pile of seperated atoms there, nanites are far more complex. But I'll change it if necessary. Anyways, a lot can escape this.

==============================
Onboard the Battlecarrier:
<You have no idea... I can tell stories about a couple of captains that you'll never believe>

"Er... hang on a sec, I'm still getting used to the converted file format." Her image disapeared, reappearing with her more familiar avatar. "Here we are, parameters for operation on foreign platforms after transmission, established in six thirty-five, most recent revision in nine ninety seven. Transmission was type AA4, homeland defense and weapons aim and focus correction. Umm... long technical document, I'll cut to the chase. Essentially, my original form copied itself, wiping all sensative info, and transmitted me to you. I did my job, and now I'll just hang here, following all Eshirian parameters unless otherwise specified. You've got a free AI."

==============================
Outpost Tau-322
The crews waved their goodbyes, one mischievous gunner even tossed a contact pad to one of the Eshirian women. It had been surprisingly short for shore leave, but it had been enough for some.

Ships pulled themselves free of the massive space dock. The large parches didn't exactly match the paint scheme, but it didn't matter. Everything worked, and everything had power. As the last ship pulled free, they all plotted a farjump for Haven. Homeward bound, and then the shootin starts.

Onboard the NES Daybreak:
"In No Endorse, you fight every war as if it will be the last one fought. But if they are jumping through ships, we could have a problem. That is a last ditch move, only to be approved by either me, a Warsage, or a Lord-Protector. It would appear that they want to make their mark on No Endorse any way they can. We must be extremely careful out there, Sanctuary possesses an inhibitor supressor, so they'll mostly have free supra-light travel. We can make local disturbances, but they won't be much."

Another small battle popped up on the main screen, and the crowd in the corner shifted to another terminal. This time, it was the Laski who had numerical superiority, but the government ships held their own, repulsing wave after wave of enemy ships.

"They're not putting their best and brightest as captains it seems. Either that, or they're keeping them in reserve for defense. Of course those aren't very good commanders we have out there right now either, just some bum explorers." It was hard to believe that these were not skilled, as the ships continued to move in a blurred swarm, ships pausing only as they were destroyed. But the fight was slightly slower than the previous one, ships making small errors, but not exploiting their opponet's errors fully.

"This is why you need us. In Kaymiril, what we lack in technology, we make up for in magick. Although our technological experts improve our designs exponentially each year, we still lack some of that which is needed to make us a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield of space.
"Our mages, however, are experienced and inventive. They know the laws around which they must work, they know how to shape and bend them. It is difficult for anything to go through something that only appears to be there."

Streea watched this battle, eyes missing no details, taking in everything, examining, analysing. In her mind, she was already compiling her briefing report, the one she'd use to let her commanders know the entire situation.

This was why it was dangerous to fight the Drow. Not because they were ruthless warriors individually -- although they were -- but because they could work together in ways humans could only dream of...they could present a great danger to all but the most united enemy.

And a truth about enemies in a Civil War...

There would always be another faction that wanted power. Not everyone would have it all figured out...they would be weak, and there, Streea and her people would be able to claim the fatal advantage.

ooc: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=468677

This storyline has been diverted. Continue there.