NationStates Jolt Archive

[Asherton, ISK]

It had been five months since the ISK had been formed following the signing of the ISK-Tiburonese Treaty, and six weeks since the Imperial Court (along with new arrivals) returned to the Imperium. The Imperator Pro Tempore was expected to hand the title of Imperator back to Imperatrix Sara at a party to be attended by members of the former Underground, Imperial Party representatives and Communist party representatives (there was talk of a coalition between the two), as well as the Imperatrix's new family (her husband and two children).

The Halladis, in a gesture of good faith (and in agreement to construct new vessels in exchange for the production rights for their own navy), provided their former allies in the ISK with an old New Havenic fleet that had been sold to them long ago. Halladi officers now trained raw cadets in the art of space warfare, something that the Imperium was out of shape with, and matters were made worse by the weapons limiters, which were required by treaty (and did not go over well with the Halladi crews).

"Hey, I have something on sensors! Incoming FTL signatures!" An Imperial Cadet yelled out.

"There isn't a sensor drill scheduled for this time?" The Halladi commander of the Island-class Mothership, temporarily renamed the 'Imperatrix Sara', yelled back. "Check again."

"FTL signatures are dying down, but we have a lot of unknown ships approaching at a high rate of speed. They're charging weapons!"

"Battle stations! Shields to maximum!"

"Today is a good day for someone else to die." Amir-Al Yusef Ali-Basr said as he stood on the command deck of his ship, the Sword of the Prophet. He drew his scimitar and pointed it through the viewport at the Asherton Defensive Fleet. "Press the attack! Kill every kaffar and take their ships! Jihad!"

"Jihad!" The cry went out from every Corsair ship as laser turrets and proton torpedoes extended and fired. A comm-sequence went out to the Havenites. "In the name of Allah the Most Merciful, drop your weapons and accept that the righteous have come to defeat you."

Yusef turned to his Sharif. "Launch the Ghuraabim!" The 'mouths' of the ships opened, and large fighters took off from within.

OOC:

For referance purposes, here is the fleet which I have lended to New Haven.

1 Island-class Mothership
4 Stovetop carriers
8 Shark Mk.II Cruisers
10 Remora Mk.II Utility Cruisers
8 Franklin-class Ortillery Cruisers
30 Newman-class Static Barrier Cruisers
30 Wasp Mk.II Ion Cannon Frigates
30 Porcupine Mk.II Anti-Fighter Frigates
30 Hedgehog-class Bombardment Frigates

192 Sparrow Fighters

"We don't have enough combat pilots trained to launch the fighters, we'll have to rely on the ships," the Halladi commander said, ignoring the hail. "All batteries, commence fire! Bring the Phased Cannon Array to bear!"

"Commander, the PDA was rendered inoperational to conform to the treaty," a Halladi lieutenant replied.

"Damn the treaty! Damn it to Hell! Continue cycling the guns!" Kinetic impactors, rated to 500 kilotons of impact force, screamed towards their targets as the anti-fighter frigates began firing flak clouds at the incoming fighters.

"Shields are taking damage, we've lost three frigates to torpedo fire... wait, the battle formations are falling apart! The frigates are fleeing!"

"Get them back! Cowards!"

"The infidels are retreating, Most Honoured Sword of the Prophet!" A pilot shouted through his comm. The Amir-Al nodded in response, watching as his fleet drove all before him.

"Transfer to The Scimitar!" He directed, directing the battle with his cane. The fighters and attack-ships slowed, transferring engine power and shieldpower to the lasers. Then each of the Corsair ships chose a fleeing frigate, and fired all their supercharged lasers at that frigate.

Just as this happened, the Haveners fired their own defences. Two fighters were taken out before the others realised what was happening and rose their shields once more.

"The frigates have suffered too much shield damage, but they are still running... wait, FTL signatures! The frigates have fled the field!" The Imperial Cadet called out.

"Damn them!" The Halladi Commander yelled out. "We can't do shit against them and we cannot fight without the frigates covering us from those fighters! Spool up the FTL drive, take us 15 AUs out until we can rally our forces! Notify the ISK of this incident immediately."

"Message sent, FTL drives spooled up!"

"Jump!"

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

"Incoming message from the Fleet," an Imperial Militia Officer, who was serving as a temporary Fleet Command Communications Officer, called out. "They have been attacked by pirates and... I don't believe it, the frigates ran off! The rest of the fleet was ordered to hyperspace to prevent being totally overrun."

"Arm subsystem defenses and begin broadcasting on all FTL and system frequencies. Tell anyone who will listen that we are under attack by pirate forces, that they have forced our fleet to retreat and that our worlds are under a direct threat and to please assist."

"Transmission sent, asteroid moon outposts reporting that they are spooling up their weapons."

"Excellent."

"Commander, their fleet has abandoned them!"

The Amir-Al considered this reality for a long and dangerous moment. "There must still be defences. Left wing, target anything remaining in orbit above the Infidel's planet. Right wing. Enter their atmosphere and strafe their farmland and outer communities. Destroy their capacity to resist." Then he sat in his command-chair and stared into space. "Kill everything you can find."

~~

The Corsairs flew into the starry sky above Asherton, then split into two wings. The left wing peeled off, and all fighters and frigates began targetting the asteroids, firing in unison as each target presented itself. Other pirates might have complained about what seemed to them to be a pointless and onerous task.

But the Corsairs of Wabu-Dhati took pride in their work, and knew that destroying everything in orbit, including seemingly useless asteroids, was perfect for reputation building.

~~

The right wing flew through the atmosphere and soon reached the biosphere of Asherton, then fanned out to destroy soft-targets and teleport anything that looked valuable. According to their source, the cities of New Haven were shielded. Without the whole fleet, it wouldn't do to attack them.

If this attack went well enough, however, the Amir-Al might send a message back to New Mecca calling the entire fleet to aid in ravaging the planet's surface.

The Outer Defense Grid, the asteroids and their firing stations, felt the full brunt of the initial attack. However, their shield units protected them from severe damage as their torpedoes and missiles armed for immediate use, as well as their rail guns spooling up to attack.

"All batteries, lock onto high priority targets and fire!" The asteroids targetted the left wing and fired at the largest vessels and carriers as they approached, engaging at maximum range.

The city-shields of Asherton's major cities and installations held perfectly, fed from the fusion reactors below the cities that powered everything planetside. Meanwhile, the old Phased Cannon Array assemblies were being teleported aboard the enemy ships. While the assemblies had been effectively rendered useless by the Tibuornese before they left, they still held clues that could lead to similar technological development for the enemy.

Meanwhile, ground-based defenses kicked into high-gear as rail guns and missiles began to engage the ships as they entered the atmosphere. The yields were dialed down greatly to prevent biosphere damage, but would still ensure damage on impact.

"Imperatrix, its not safe for you here any longer," The Praetorian Prefect told her in her chambers in the Asherton City Citadel. "We must flee back to the alpha site as soon as possible."

"Take my children there," The Imperatrix replied. "I'm not leaving my people again."

"As you wish, Imperatrix," The Praetorian Prefect said as he saluted and left the room.

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

Meanwhile, at the L3 point of the Asherton-Gas Giant subsystem, the colony moon of Stanley had ramped up its defenses. Being much less rural than Asherton and currently out of LOS, it stood the best chance for its people to survive relatively intact.

Several months before Volariformation...

'...While our people suffer needlessly, the government stews on the best course of action to take. Many hardliners in our corrupt government feel that it is not Auman's concern. That the Aumanii people should not get involved in the affairs of others. News Flash Overdork Rosiro, New Havenics make up a visible minority in "your" nation, the more you ignore us and our former homeland, the more you alienate us and...'

Dirk Armaude turned off the TV and sighed heavily. Overlord Rosiro was angry, but he hid it well.

'We've been hearing alot of editorials like that on the Multicultural channel. Ever since they started playing that transmission...' said Armaude.

Rosiro rubbed his temples.

'We can't just go flying into every insurgency, piracy operation or unjust war in the galaxy. It's against the principles of the nation.'

General Falkenhayn, who was leaning against the doorframe of the viewing chamber, cleared his throat before speaking.

'There is talk of revolt, in the army, the fleet...Some are saying if we don't send help, they'll take what they need and go themselves. I think it would be wise for us to send a token force, at the very least. Enough to break up the situation out there and ease tensions here at home. May'be just send an Expeditionary Unit or something...'

'Fine!' snapped the Overlord. 'God damned foreigners anyway. Why is it we opened up immigration again?'

'Auman's always been multicultural. Always been an immigration nation.' quipped Armaude. The Overlord just glared.


---------


The Aumanii Expeditionary Force snapped into existence at the rim of the Asherton system. Led by an Aumanii Hellespontos Class Superdreadnaught and escorted by several cruisers, frigates and an aircraft carrier, the ships immediately took up defensive formations.

It became obvious to who ever was looking that there were many subgroups to the Expedition. Frigates travelled in groups of two. Two groups of frigates formed around a cruiser, which answered to the AuSD Switchback who in turn protected the carrier. There were two cruisers and as a matter of simple mathematics, there were eight frigates. A flotilla of troopships was awaiting orders to move in if needed, outside of the system...safely, it was hoped.

The Switchback immediately began to aggressively scan the system, making their presence known.

'This is Fleet Colonel Turkho. Pirate forces, let it be known, that if you do not flee, we will find you and you will be left wanting.'

Recon drones flew ahead of the fleet to lengthen the reach of their scans. Combat Air/Space Patrols followed closely, whilst determining their perimiter. Ship guns were armed and the fleet began inching its way towards Asherton's capital world.

The Corsairs suddenly withdrew from the planet's surface, on orders from the Amir. They had plundered enough of what they wanted, and the plan had been changed owing to the immense justification now offered to calling in the rest of the fleet. Until now.

"...who is this sending a transmission?" The Amir demanded, reading the transmissions. "Ensign!"

"Most merciful one, it appears to be the Aumanii!"

"...inform the Aumanii that these worlds have been claimed for us, and that if they open fire they are in breach of our alliance. Pull the ships back for combat, too. We shall destroy these Kaffirim as we destroyed the others, if we need to."

The New Havenites were granted a reprieve as their attackers pulled back to match this new challenge.

Turkho scoffed. Gesturing as best he could, being strapped tightly into his command throne, the Fleet Colonel shot back a response.

'If you value our alliance so much, Corsair, then you'd be best to leave these poor people alone and be on your way. We don't want a fight, but we'll do our best to prevent a slaughter...What sort of satisfaction do you get from fighting these people anyway? They're weapons are pathetic...talk about kicking a guy when he's down, eh? My advice, Mister, go home before this gets ugly.'

'We've got firing solutions, Fleet Colonel!' shouted the ship's gunnery officer, this message was copied on Turkho's message to The Amir in a bid to show that the Aumanii weren't kidding around.

Electronic warfare craft which flew in support of the advancing fighters began work on scrambling sensors and communications, to what level of success was uncertain as the Aumanii have never had a chance to test their skill on the Wabu-Dhati yet.

The Amir frowned as he checked the communications. While he could have stayed and fought the Aumanii, there was no real purpose in doing so. He sent one last transmission to the Aumanii.

Our master shall hear of how you breached our alliance. He sent, before ordering the fleet to jump into FTL. Then he sent a new transmission. All ships. On the chance they follow us, we will route through Roanian space. The Kaffirs will not dare to track us through there.

The Corsair engines hummed. Within each bay, jannisaries and mamelukes worked through the tools they had found. "Sahib, these goods will be of no value to us without repair."

The overseer tilted his head forward to consider. "...we have wasted our time, then. Perhaps at Home they will have the resources needed to fix these."

'The Corsairs are turning tail, Fleet Colonel.'

Turkho unbuckled himself and breathed a sigh of relief. He crossed his legs at the ankle, the way a man should! And slid back slightly in his seat.

'Well, that was almost a bloodbath...' said Turkho, the bridge crew were uncertain to whom he was referring, the Corsairs...or them. The Aumanii Expeditionary Force was ill equipped to fight the Corsairs. A formation like this is meant to fight with support from a friendly nation. Turkho basically assumed he would lose half his fleet if push came to shove, good thing it didn't.

'Inform Asherton that we're taking up tactical positions in orbit...their Defense fleet can stop hiding now.' said Turkho. The battlegroup approached Asherton, smaller groups of ships breaking off and taking position elsewhere, in case the Corsairs came back...meanwhile, AuSD Switchback begun its lazy orbit over the planet.

'This is Aumanii Fleet Colonel to who ever is listening, local authorities are appreciated. We'd like to speak to who ever is in charge...sorry for the broadband communication, faithful listeners, but we don't exactly know the proper channels here...'

Switchback's powerful radio array commandeered civilian radio signals, it was assumed that everyone who was listening to their ghetto blaster at the time heard this...hopefully.

"Imperatrix, incoming message from the Aumanii Fleet," an officer called out. "They're telling us that they are taking up tactical positions and providing cover. The pirates are retreating."

"Set Condition 2SQ throughout the fleet," the Imperatrix ordered. "Stand down and recall the fleet. Have the cadets disembark and send a message to the Halladi crews that they did what they could. Damn the treaty, damn it to Hell."

"The Aumanii are requesting to speak to whoever is in charge."

"Aumanii Vessels, this is Imperatrix Sara I," The Imperatrix started. "Thanks for the help, we were seriously beginning to doubt that anyone would come."

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

(Twelve Hours Later - to get it out of the way, even though comms will still be RPed out)

Thousands of cadets, officers and enlisted personnel alike, gathered at the Port Arthur Aerospace Military Base on Asherton, all standing to attention wearing their swords but not their sidearms. The Imperatrix stood before them at a podium, her expression as firm as stone.

"Cadets of the Imperial Navy, I am absolutely disgusted by your performance in combat," The Imperatrix began. "You failed the Imperial Fleet, you failed the Imperium, and above all: You have failed me." As the Imperatrix spoke, militiamen began assembling machineguns and began taking positions throughout the crowd of cadets, their firearms drawn and ready to fire.

"For fleeing without orders and for leaving our only sovereign worlds open to attack, I hereby punish this entire unit with the age-old punishment of decimation! You have been seperated into units of ten, and you shall kill the third person from the left. If you refuse to do so, all ten people in the unit shall be put to death. If you all attempt to flee, you will all be shot and the survivors disemboweled. You have your orders!" The sounds of many hundreds of swords leaving their scabbards could be heard as cadets prepared to kill their comrades. In the furor, men lost their heads, their arms, their legs, were disemboweled violently and several groups shot for refusing to perform the decimation.

The Imperatrix watched as the crowd hacked into itself, the ground stained red with the blood of cadets. Before a minute had elapsed, those chosen for decimation, as well as the cowards who failed to perform the decimation, were dismembered, each of the chosen cadets in a multitude of pieces.

"The rest of you, for fulfilling your duty today, will have the mentions of cowardice in your records removed. However, let it be known that any of you standing before me today that again flee from battle without orders to do so will meet an end worse than that you gave to your comrades. Much worse. That is all."

The Imperatrix left the podium, leaving the cadets to dispose of the dead and to clean their blood-soaked armor. The militia personnel that had set up machine guns and entered the crowd packed their gear and left only shovels for the cadets to bury their dismembered dead. It was a turning point for the Imperial Navy, for the story of this incident would be told to new cadets for a very long time.

Turkho spoke briefly with the Imperatrix. She sounded relieved over the phone, and sincerely greatfu, which surprised the Fleet Colonel, as most politicians these days could barely muster an ounce of civility. Turkho was invited to the capital city to speak with his military equivalent, about what he had no clue. The Aumanii Expedition, under the command of Executive Officer Houtan coordinated the New Havenic ships, forming them into a proper...Aumanii...defensive perimeter about Asherton. Several Frigates were despatched to form alongside the local fleet and lend them support in the event of the return of the enemy.

'Damn bloody amateurs, Colonel.' said Houtan. The Colonel was putting on his dress blacks, tucking his slacks into neatly shined jackboots. 'Not our place to judge, Houtan.' responded Turkho, as he stood up and began struggling to put on a long cape. The Colonel's chest gleamed with medals and ribbons. He straightened his tunic. Satisfied, he left his quarters and headed for the catapult, where his transport awaited. Houtan said his good byes and made his way to the bridge.

----

The Colonel stepped off his transport in Asherton's capital. The city was a far cry from his hometown, Ciris Aphalon, but still fairly bustling...he was greeted by, whom ever was sent to greet him.

OOC:

I'm trying to get that thread out so we can get along with business, it sucked, I know.

The Imperial Heir Alaric Newman, a seven year old child augmented to fulfill his obligations early if the Imperatrix had been killed or detained, met the Aumanii Colonel. He was dressed in Imperial Dress Armor and shook the Colonel's hand.

"Comrade Colonel, I am Alaric Newman, the Imperial Heir of New Haven," Newman said. "Do not be concerned for my age, I am more than qualified to talk with you on behalf of the ISK." He snapped his fingers, signalling aides to haul in a negotiation table and two chairs from his transport. "We have much to discuss."

OOC: I have been given permission to RP the arrival of my new ships for the new fleet.

Meanwhile, in orbit, the first Halladi-built 20th generation New Havenic warships emerged from hyperspace and immediately broadcasted their IFF codes. "Attention New Haven Fleet Command, this is Captain Aziz of the Halladi Space Navy delivering the first batch of warships. These are fine vessels, if you don't mind me saying."

"Not at all, Captain Aziz," NHFC replied. "Maintain your orbit and prepare to receive crews."

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3 Executioner-class Heavy Cruisers
6 Invincible-class Light Cruisers
18 H.P. Lovecraft-class Destroyers
54 Monitor-class Frigates
150 H-class Corvettes

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