NationStates Jolt Archive

Arenumberg scout vessel, AISC Tyvaríon

Captain Elrohir stumbled as Tyvaríon lurched from foldspace. Cursing, he jogged out of his quarters and towards the bridge. Irritated, he hastily returned the salutes of his crew as he plopped down at his station, staring at the blank screens of the sensor displays.

"What the devil is going on here? What was that jolt when we folded space? And why the hell don't we have visuals?"

A nav officer stood, saluting again.

"Sir, we've entered some sort of energy field, it's messing with our sensor feeds, as well as most everything else, including our shields and fold-drive. We're working on fixing it, but the damn sensors insist as registering exterior temperature as both absolute zero and six thousand degrees centigrade. The fix should be up momentaril- ah there we go... Oh shit..."

The crew of Tyvaríon was transfixed, staring into the void beyond their ship...

Staring into the mouth of hell.

The flames of the Warp poured through space around the tiny vessel, carressing its hull with their flames. Voices whispered to the crew within, brushing their minds with images of lunacy and damnation.

The nav officer stood, shuddering with pain and pleasure, and pulled his side arm. Turning, he began firing shots at random about the bridge, plasma blasts burning through crew members at random. His mouth opened and closed, words pouring forth disjointedly.

And the weak shall be cast out of His divine flame, and plunged into damnation, fit only to feed His children. The weak shall be sought out, and they shall feel His lash upon their backs wherever they are found. And the weak shall be known by their stature, their heretical claims of Prophecy, and you shall call them Eldar.

The nav officer let loose one final scream, before his body was wrent asunder, massive wings bursting from his back as his torso grew, shards of bone protruding through his skin. His skull was engorged, his once fine features mutilated by the form emerging below. The massive claws of the Daemon that had subsumed him burst forth, skewering the captain against the wall.

Congratulations, Captain Elrohir, your vessel shall be the first claimed in the name of the Changer of the Ways, may He burn eternal in the Warp. And now, go and meet Him in all His glory...

With a snap of massive talons, the captain was disembowelled, his guts splashed across the room like macabre bunting. Sitting in the now vacant pilots chair, the Daemon carressed the controls, activating the comms and hailing the nearest Khurganate vessel.

Greetings, Tzaanlord. I bring you and your Tribe a worthy gift, the names and runes of new worlds, ripe for the plunder. Let the scourging commence...

Suliminae Imperial Fleet Base, Raakina System.

The Planet Suliminae hung in space, Green And Blue, A Gem amongst the stars, like many of the worlds in the Imperial Republic. Its people lived with an extra star in their skies, Suliminae Imperial Fleet Base, a Behemoth of Engineering. The Station itself served as fleet command, and, in some situations, such as the current one, it served as a dock for nearly 3 quarters of the fleet, the rest, as it was, were berthed in the nearby Dockyards.

Aboard Suliminae Imperial Fleet Base.

The Command Centre aboard this gigantic station was fairly quiet, given the time of day, but consoles still continued to hum away, as the few on duty officers coped with the monotomy of another day of checking numbers and routing supplies.

"Weve Lost Communication contact with Imperial Scout Core Vessel.. Tyvaríon, Sir, No Response, could be a glitch our side, we do have other half the fleet stuck in our belly, Sir.." Said an Officer, who was manning his rather large and continously scrolling station.

"Yes, Run a Diagnostic and give me a report, They could be scouting some Anomaly themselves aswell, Lets not get too worked up over it, carry on." Replied the Officer in Charge, shrugging slightly.

"Aye Sir.." Responded the other officer, who turnt his face back to his console and resumed work, blissfully unaware of the true cause of the Tyvaríon's silence.

Looking through his Warp Eye into the Materium, Tzaanlord Helion grinned, baring long fangs like those of a serpent. Reaching through the Warp, he carressed the minds of his subjects, his Children.

The fools are unaware of our approach. These elves know nothing of our approach, of the fate of their worlds when we arrive. Grey Wardens, Umbral Blades, prepare for war. As the Astartes of the Changer, you shall bring terror to the weaklings. Shrivers, as the Chosen of the Great Mutator, you shall accompany me as I lead the attack.

A great chorus of psychic responses answered the Warmaster, hundreds of thousands of mouths crying out their fealty to Change. His grinned widened, a laugh billowing forth from his toothless beak. Bringing his will to bear, he seized the Khurganate armada with the power of his mind, and pulled...


With a blast of Warp flames, the massive fleet ascended from the depths of the Immaterium, a hundred massive forms billowing clouds of smallcraft into the black, daemons and fighters joining in teeming flocks, descending upon Suliminae like a swarm of locust, their torpedoes screaming forth to sacrifice themselves in order to blast a hole in their defenses. Lance batteries set the heavens alight, while cannons and plasma guns billowed their consecrated loads towards their prey.

Meanwhile, the Astartes and Tzaangard Legions waited in their cells, prayers to their God the only sound as they prepared to fight and die.

It was a massacre in the making.

The Behemoth Form of the station was lit up like a million stars as its unshielded form was smashed by the sudden arrival of a huge and unknown enemy fleet. Pylon and metal crushed and broken into Debris, Ships stuck in port, destroyed as their crews slept. By the time any ships ripped themselves from their moors, The massacre was almost complete.

The Station had been reduced to a smouldering hulk in space, as its gravity failed, fires raged, and enemy fire pounded its form, it gave up, and began to loose cohesion, huge blocks of debris it became, hung in space as some grim memorial.

By now, the Dockyards nearby had been reduced to twisted frames floating in the deathbed of space. Here, though, the battle had been fiercer, Ships had launched and many crews had prepared their ships for valiant defense, but one by one, they fell. 90% of the fleet had been destroyed, reduced to nothing.

The Few ships remaining, had fled, Making Blind Jumps, it would take some time for the remaining ships to gain their bearing, to communicate and to regroup. Surprise was still on the enemy's side.

And below, The Tranquil worlds of Suliminaé and Ataque lay waiting, they would be first, And This massacre would be complete.. At least, for now.

Os iusti meditabitur sapientiam
Et lingua eius loquetur indicium

Across the planets below, buildings burst in otherworldly flame. Rushing from the flaming wrecks of the buildings came the Astartes, living gods of war. Scattered plasma blasts splashed off their blessed armor, explosive bolts deftly catching their attackers, lifting the elves off their feet and tearing them apart from within.

Beatus vir qui suffert tentationem
Quoniqm cum probates fuerit accipient coronam vitae

Fltting between branches, Screamers bellowed praises to the Changer of the Ways as they tore prey from the branches at random, and hurled them shreiking into the abyss. Horrors and Firewyrms skittered across the bark, ably climbing the massive vegetation, their tracks blossoming with bizarre growths, giving rise to swarms of tiny insectile daemons that swarmed through the streets, latching onto elven flesh and growing bloated on their blood.

Kyrie, ignis divine, eleison

The trees were aflame with the fires of God, the outlying forest-cities engulfed in smoke and fire. Those trees that had not succumbed to the heat were warped, their skins shifting and writhing with the will of God, great tendrils sprouting to pluck more prey from the walkways.

O quam sancta, quam serena
quam benigma, quam amoena
O castitatis lilium

Amongst all this strode the Tzaangard, mightly force pikes cutting a swath through all before them, bolts shrieking through the air all around them. In the center of the phalanx strode a massive Dragon of Chaos, its two heads billowing fire as its rider stared out across the burning forests. Helion himself had come to this world, and with him came rebirth in the name of his God.

The Elves of this realm have long lived lives devoid of disease, and aging, for the most part, No Sickness.. No .. change, As such. Now, on both worlds in this system, change had come, Death on such a enormous scale. The Stout Defenders in each planets Legion.. were not so stout, millions of people began to flee, piling onto any available ship, and desperately folding out of the system whilst still in the atmosphere, causing further pain to these now defiled worlds.

Elven Steel, Chaotic Plasma, both entwined as the defenders resolved to preserving their lands fought with the little artillery, mobile armor and air cover they had, They had to delay the advance, everyone who could be saved, had to be saved - As Power Blade cut enemy, and plasma pierced ancient armour, The world itself kept changing, and line after line of defenders fell.

Only the Capitals of each world were left to conquer, to slaughter, the last defenders stood ready, as more people fled - They would die, and the core systems would be open, But they would fight aslong as it enabled others to escape this monstrosity that had come to their worlds, changing the fabric of the realm.

As the Enemy reached the cities in unison, defenders fought invader in tight quartered streets, whilst few Elves attempted to ambush enemy armour, But ultimately, it was all in vain.

At the end of the day, over 250 Million elven bodies laid torn, dead, defiled. And the world itself was unrecognizable as the Haven to Life it had once been.

Now, The Core Systems lead open for conquest, And Only The Capital World itself could offer any real resistance... Resistance that was being arranged this very moment...

Vale Of Than'Isator, Deep Below The City Of Tel'Quessir, The Planet Morwinyon, Capital Of The Imperial Elven Republic Of Arenumberg.

This Sacred Vale had remained hidden, deep underground for many centuries, it was now the meeting place for the most highest authority, The Council Members that could be summoned, and a few high ranking military men.

They had come to convene around the ancient Well Of Thal'Quildoréi, Unbeknownst to most of the Elven Race, this fountain consituted the Life Force of Morwinyon, Indeed the entire nation, and it served to keep the Elves themselves alive, they didnt know it, but no matter where they were, they were kept alive by this fountain whos waters trickled like the ebb and flow of time.

It had come into being when the last of the practicers of any form of ancient magic had cast it down, once and for all, to provide a longer better life for all. Now it was subject to hot debate.

A Rich Voice came from the current ... Steward, of the Nation, a Lord Tytheron, He was one of the few remaining "immortals", Wielder of former Arcane, who gave up his power, and was ultimately tied to the wells powers, allowing him to live longer than any of his brethren ever could - and even now, His Light Blessed Face still held a young visage, brilliant green eyes and golden hair to boot..

"Ladies And Gentlemen, Please, Settle Down.. you know why we are here, and it is dire, I fear that we may of lost all hope already... Lady Ythera, Is there absolutely any hope - aside from what has been proposed?" He Said.

A Rather Elegant Lady Stood, Blonde Haired, Like nearly all of her brethren, she glowed with the light from the fountain, that continued to trickle behind them.

"Lord? Aside from going public, before the refugees, and ordering a mass evacuation, Which, I do recommend, I see no alternative." She Responded.

Tytheron Sighed.

"Ythera.. regardless of what we decide here.. I wish for you to arrange to take the action to order a mass flight.. Do not give that order, but make it as easy as possible for us to save as many as possible, if it comes to that.. As for the pr-..." He Said, Before he was interrupted.

Another Man Stood, Admiral Relath Was one of the few Admirals that hadnt just been obliterrated at Suliminae, but he didnt appear happy about anything at the moment.

"I see absolutely no reason in returning to this.. ancient folly we have no power over anymore! Its absurd, and how exactly is it going to save any other world apart from this? We MUST order the full evacuation, and if we will hold this world, it will be arms.. not what has been proposed!" He Cried.

Everyone Else was Silent, And Tytheron sighed once more.

"I See no other option.. but very well, Relath, I respect most of your arguement, we cannot save the other worlds, indeed.. Very Well, Ythera, take with you some water from the Well Of Thal'Quildoréi, Go with Relath, and order immeadiate evacuation of all worlds, make blind jumps, anything, I will take anyone who wishes to stand for Morwinya, and use the powers we should not of forsaken, and stand here for this.. Chaos, to try and defeat. Are there any objections?" Tytheron Said, Only Ythera nodded in agreement with Tytheron, and Relath sat. No-one else present said a word.

It was decided.

Tytheron would release the arcane powers in the Well Of Thal'Quildoréi, and he would use those powers when all else was lost - Chaos would not take Morwinya from his people. Or so he hoped.

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

Mass Hysteria gripped the Republic as people fled once they heard the news, not everyone would make it, the new enemy would probably kill many more hundreds of millions that would be trapped, The Last Legions would fight, But only on Morwinya would the final stand make any difference, as the few naval behemoths and defence platforms prepared in orbit of the Homeworld, and Tytheron released a power he wasnt sure he could even use anymore. He only hoped that Chaos would not know of it untill they were committed fully to battle.

-=Koratu.

All was not well within the colony citadel. The Congress had convened at a late hour, and the congressites were in a sour mood.

"Let the elves scream about whatever comes!" said congressite Carbrey, a tall but middle-aged man with paunch. He hunched in his chair grumpily. "Whoever they are, they should have no quarrel with us."

"You haven't listened to a word of this report, have you?" bellowed congressite Gavrel. "This is something completely alien, and they have no respect for common war law! We have reports of them savaging civilians!"

"Things get embellished in times of war," said Carbrey sourly.

"Then we owe a response to them as allies... as friends," retorted Gavrel.

Congressite Carbrey hrumphed. "Nations don't have friends."

"Sentients do," said Carbrey. "At the least, this is definitely something worth alerting the Navy about."

"Go ahead then," grunted Gavrel. "Let me go back to my house in peace."

"Suit yourself," shot back Carbrey. "Meeting adjourned."

Within the hour, a desperate plea had been forwarded to the Fleet.


origin: koratu.council:hh.an.gov
destin: second.fleetcommand:hh.an.gov
ref:(/!\) Emegency
stamp: termination
message body:

Dispatching for immediate deployment of forces to Koratu. Unknown enemy force in Arenumbergian region, no diplomatic dispatch no forwarded messages. Numerous civilian intentional homicide suspected.

|body

osondról: Elithirion.diplomacy:ar.backup.com.ir
paérolorál: any.receiver.an:hh.an.gov
reference line: Evacuation
PRIORITY ONE.
message body:

To Any Receiving Arizona Novanian communication outlet,
This is Elithirion Diplomatic Core,
Varanar, Koratu, cannot use primary communications,
flooded, mass invasion, evacuation in progress,
civilians slaughtered, casualties currentl at 90% fleet loss,
nearly 300 million dead, recommend Koratu Evacuation,
recommend fleet deployment at Koratu - do not enter the republic,
aid refugees.

Vál-caséa-larlan.

|body

The messages arrived hot on the other's heels, and after initial confusion over data corruption and syntax in the Arenumbergian message, it was quickly realized that things had taken a horrendous turn for the worse in the Koratu colony.

-=Moci System, A.N.S.S. Kerith Ravine,Bridge

Admiral Hyce stood at attention, sternly overlooking the bridge. It was the usual flurry of activity, amplified, now that the Second Fleet was rallying. He liked to give the impression of being a bulwark amidst a storm, though he was uncomfortably aware that his subordinates sometimes joked about him being a stick in the mud instead.

"Sir," said some breathless lieutenant as he rushed up to the Admiral, "we've got ten percent of the fleet with us right now, and more en route,"

"That is not enough! This could be everything the enemy has, being thrown against the Arenumbergians. Strip ships from local patrols if you have to, give mandatory protocols, I'll accept nothing less than half strength before we make the jump. I'll not lose everything on account of inadequate numbers."

"Aye sir," said the lieutenant before rushing off.

A few hours later, however, not even that had been gathered.

"What is the holdup?" asked Admiral Hyce angrily of the ship's digisent.

Artemis's avatar materialized momentarily. "The short of it is that Second Fleet has just gotten too large to mobilize quickly..."

"Yes yes," said Admiral Hyce. "How much strength do we have?"

"We are around thirty percent strength, and most of that is Hughies scavenged from local patrols. Koratu could be attacked at any time, though."

Hyce sat for a few moments in thought, then said, "Then mobilize what we have. Tell anyone else responding late to jump to our out of system coordinates, and move in from there."

"Will do," replied Artemis, dematerializing.

The fleet, some hundreds strong and many hundreds weak, rushed from the embrace of Moci's gravity and made the jump.

The System of Koratu.. Once the de facto trade line into the Imperial Republic, had quickly descended into a cacophony of ships streaming away from the colonies, and indeed, even more blinks of ships jumping in and making their way out through another jump, and even via Arizona Nova, it would seem.

There were pre-set reandeavous points, but many fleeing would not know of them untill their ships finally caught up with the sheer weight being put on the communications network nationwide.

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

Admiral Relath had finally rallied what was left of the Swan Navy - as it continued to be called. He had 34 ships, all that was left. Consequently survivors, they were of the larger variety. They hung some distance away from the republic, shimmering forms - thanks to the constant pulsing effect of their cloaking systems - hovering eerily, as they powered up, disappeared completely - and jumped to Koratu.

-----------

The Fleet, as it was, carefully positioned itself, these were ships of the line, and if any one was to enter this system, it would be from a certain point, and if they did come, Relath knew all would of been lost in the republic by then, and these ships would have to hold the line for the current stream of refugees.

Of course, The Arizona Novanian Fleet dumping itself in their mist wasnt the best of timing, but, undetected, they continued to arrange themselves even amongst the Novanian fleet.

Relath was stood upon the bridge of the Caerlíon, the only Dreadnaught that had lumbered away safely and jumped - Relath, like many of his brethren, had the characteristic young face and golden hair - and of course, piercing blue eyes with their characteristic hued glow - something that had become more noticable, since, he beleived, Tytheron had just unleashed the Well's powers - he could even feel it himself, no matter how much he tried to forsake it.

He nodded slightly at one of the officers, who sent the order to the fleet to decloak.

"Oh, and make sure you transmit the correct IFF, I dont want them shooting us..."

Relath chuckled slightly, odd, for the situation, but he liked making an entrance where any other species was concerned.

Koratu traffic control, this is Rupil traffic control. Repeat: Koratu traffic control, this is Rupil traffic control. Do you copy?
We have detected major insterstellar activity in the Koratu system. Are you under attack and require assistance? Warships are standing by, requesting permission to open two-way jumpgate.

Onboard the Tfasset Rupil, Rear Admiral Ptostk continuted to look over the shoulder of his communications officer.

"Nothing? Keep sending the message until you get a reply, from anybody. And tell Admiral Rosstek to move his ships to position forty to await clearance."

"Sir, do we have a set of coordinates for the Koratu system?"

"Yes, but I don't know if the opening position is safe. When you get a response, ask for a jump location."

"Sir, Rosstek is on line three for you."

"Patch him through- Hello? Admiral Rosstek?"

"Yes. I am moving to position forty, as ordered. I would like to request a fuel ship to await our return. Also, there may be traffic incoming from Koratu through my jumpgate. Keep system patrol posted as to my status."

"I read you as having three Theophile, five Dekata, and eight Thollan class. But there are eleven destroyers moving to position forty also. Is that correct? Will you want multiple gates or a single large one as planned?"

"Those are all mine. Give me two gates, eight kilometers apart. When can I expect them?"

"Whenever we get a reply from Koratu."

Necron activity throughout the galaxy was less extensive than it often seemed. In truth there were very few necron ships, but their colossal faster than light speeds could deliver them to where they were needed very quickly. Entire planets were lined with living metal dedicated to computing and processing intelligence gleaned from all detectable signals. And so, after a time, rumours of… chaos, in Arenumburg were detected, and a ship was dispatched to investigate.

Over a mile in length, almost solid and composed of a sapient metal that could think for itself, a Shroud class scout cruiser, its name, in English, the Dead Air dropped into the outer reaches of the system holding the world of Morwinya. It was a stealthy ship, almost undetectable to many races, and it was predicted that the elves of Arenumburg would be too busy to pay it any heed. It watched, with its passive sensors – active sensors would give away its location – for whatever ships and forces were in the system, and it took note of communications traffic, seeking information on where refugees fleeing Arenumburg were going.

The fleet cruised into the Koratu system at full speed. Immediately squadrons of Hughies broke off from the main group and began patrols, while the deep core of the fleet continued torward the colony.

On the bridge, High Admiral Hyce began to prepare the next part of his routine - walking around, inspecting the various departments of the bridge to make sure everything was in order - when Artemis materialized, looking frazzled.

"Sir, the noise in this system is unbearable," she said. "Messages are getting fired off left and right. It's complete chaos."

"Are there any messages for us?" asked Admiral Hyce.

"None that I can tell. Let me see..." said the digi-sent, deep in thought. Admiral Hyce was taken aback. There was a lot of data flying around if it caused Artemis to have to sort it all out.

"Alright," said Artemis a few seconds later. "There is only one message we are probably interested in. It's not actually from Arenumberg, though - it's from Rupil and it's been looping for a while now."

Admiral Hyce blinked. "Rupil? Who... oh, yes, I remember. They're also in the ESUS. Patch it through then."

Artemis played the message, and Admiral Hyce asked, "It's been looping for a while, you said?"

"Yes."

Admiral Hyce turned away toward the bridge's promenade window, in which a view of the planet was slowly growing. "Nobody must be home then. How does it look sensor wise?"

"Just as bad as communications," lamented Artemis. "There are dozens of ships gunning it away from the colony and jumping."

Admiral Hyce shook his head. "When we get home, make sure that along with better rally protocols, we set up a halfways decent manner of evacuation that doesn't leave every other civilized power in three-hundred parsecs completely confused as to whats going on. Please patch a message back through to Rupil, and give them clearance."

Artemis nodded, said, "Aye sir," and her avatar began to fade, then came back again, and said "Sir, We have multiple decloaks in the midst of the fleet!"

Admiral Hyce started. "What?"

"Wait... receiving message... oh. It's the Arenumbergian fleet... or whats left of it."

"How many?" asked Hyce grimly.

"Far less than a hundred remain sir."

Admiral Hyce's face hardened. "You relay a message back to our central command then, and tell them that we need more than this if we're going to even limp home! Nevermind how big the unknown fleet is, that's one hell of a lopsided kill ratio... and whats out there is probably less than thirty percent of the Arenumbergian fleet!"

Artemis nodded. "Understood sir," and faded out.

Admiral Hyce turned back to the promenade. It was going to be a hell of a fight.

In five core systems, and various other outer-systems, Necron ‘Lament’ class ‘frigates’ flashed into relativistic space in a hundred light seconds from any inhabited colonies. Perhaps it was the same one just visiting each one in turn, as they quickly deposited signal beacons in each system not presently occupied by chaos. These beacons sent a single holographic and two-dimensional video message, recorded by a tall, dark haired elf, to any that were inclined to receive it.

It was quite a loquacious offer of asylum to any who were fleeing the war zone. It also urged calm however, in order not to be jammed by local authorities, the signal was phrased so that there was little objectionable in its content. It mentioned a location in deep space that one could go to if one was interested, where the necron battleship Athra and a small flotilla, waited about half a light minute away, watching, in case any unwanted guests appeared to prey on any who took up the offer. It was the first phase of an operation that would last as long as the war would. Soon, however, the Dead Air predicted, there would be those trapped on the worlds of Arenumberg who wanted to leave but couldn’t get places on ships.

Then they would move to the next phase.

The footfalls of the heavily armoured Tzaangard was the only sound in the capitol building, a full company of the blessed warriors acting as a ceremonial guard to the Hand of Change. The Sorcerer's power armor glimmered in the changing light as he pushed open the doors to the council chambers. His grin widened as he saw the elven leaders huddled in the chamber, seeking refuge in this last bastion of Order.

"Ah, my gracious hosts. I'm so glad that I've been able to meet you, as you've provided an excess of refresments for your honored guests. Better than the finest amasec, more luxurious than the freshest groxen are the souls of your people. My Lord has fed well today, and I have you to thank. However, I am not one to pass judgement before you. After all, with all your gifts to me, I can hardly be called impartial, yes? Therefore, let me propose a jury of your peers. Tzaangard! Tzeenphaos'Dhur!"

With that command, the Tzaangard turned, letting a quartet of the massive soldiers enter, bearing a cage between them. Raging in the center, a pair of massive firewyrms thrashed against the walls of their prison, gouts of flame splashing ineffectively against the armor of the Tzaangard. The four set down the cage with a slam, and rejoined the formation, standing silently at attention.

"See before you your jury, frail ones! These are your countrymen, and with the wisdom of the Changer behind them, they shall decide your punishment for the crimes of your nation against its people, for its arrogance and infidelity. Let these elves, blessed by God, deliver swift justice!"

With a gesture of Helion's mailed fist, the cage door opened slowly. Confused by their newfound freedom, the pair of freshly spawned Firewyrms emerged cautiously from their cage. Emerging from the side of one of the beasts, a weeping elf head peered about the room, its gaze finally falling upon the remaining elves. With a sob, the massive spawn turned towards the cowering figures, firey drool gouging a hole in the floor.

Bowing jestingly to the terrified councilmen, Helion concentrated for a moment, and he and his bodyguard vanished into the Warp, leaving the Firewyrms to feast.

__________________

Far above the planet, Helion once again sat at the throne of the Glory of Tzeentch, in the center of his massive fleet. He let his mind touch those of the Tzaanlords surrounding him, issuing commands and barking mental orders. In minutes, the fleet vanished again from the Materium, leaving the system a barren waste, filled with floating scrap and fluttering daemons. The fleet moved quickly once again, dropping from the Warp once more, this time at the capital of Arenumberg.

Change! Change and Burn!

"Admiral Rosstek, this is traffic control. You are cleared for jump. The gates will be activating immediately. Happy hunting."

"Thank you, traffic control. I can see the torpedo on my sensor screen... Gate is active and stable. We will proceed with scheduled jump into Koratu… Attention all vessels. Jumpgates are now open. Proceed as planned, keep ‘burners at 35 percent power until fighting commences. Lieutenant Thkliss, take us through to the other side.”

The 27 craft moved forward to the glowing white energy balls, and their engines flared to push them over the horizon, all slipping through the large gates near-simultaneously. After a few brief moments, the ships were expelled violently from the gates which had appeared in the Koratu system. It was the work of a moment to spot the hundred of refugee craft streaming from the system, hoping to find a way out. And a pair of giant glowing ones had just appeared a mere quarter million miles away from the planet’s surface.

“All ships, launch fighters. I want those civilians to be separated according to size, if anything is suspicious about a ship, don’t let them approach. I don’t want anything bad getting back through to Rupil. The jumpgates will be open for another three hours, so everybody stay close and keep targeting sensors powered up.”


This is Admiral Rosstek of the Technocracy. We have arrived to cover the retreat of civilian craft. Any civilian refugees who wish to escape to Rupil must make their intentions known or they will not be admitted. The ESUS will protect its own.

A vast “Jackal” class ‘destroyer’ coasted into orbit over the ravaged planet. It was shaped in the manner of a crescent moon, a shape that helped it gain a slight edge in faster than light travel, but also one that pleased the necrontyr sense of aesthetics. Its sensors began the task of flicking over the planet, currently what was in necrontyr, termed a Vactaerenatha. ‘Change,’ the chaos worshipped by the deviant Vactatirino – warp-worshippers, in the past, quite a virulent insult – ravaged the land and perverted all beneath the ship. Nevertheless, it was interested.

It sought remaining refuges of normal life, of order. Of, in other words, the world’s original inhabitants, communications systems remained open, listening, though it would madden a mortal to process the kind of message that usually came from warp-diseased worlds, the mind of the Jackal was not mortal, it was an intelligence descended in direct lineage from the ancient Machine Secession, it could almost be called an avatar of the material realm, and the corruption of Chaos was as alien to it as it was to the scientific method itself. So, it listened, and searched, for signs of true life remaining.

Before the Core Worlds had become to host their new ravagers - The Message from the strange Dark Haired Elf had indeed, managed to convince a scattering of desperate ships to follow its instructions - as ships "flitted" from the convoy in a blaze of light, jumping to the co-ordinates provided - But many more ships continued their course.

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

The Khurganate fleet had indeed, passed through the coreworlds on their way to the Capital System, not yet turning for Koratu, where many ships had jumped - But indeed, ravaging every world and innocent that could not escape in time - Many ships and peoples escaped, but not much is known of the survivors left behind.

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

In Koratu, Relath watched as Rupil's Ships joined the Arizonan Formation, which indeed, had not even contacted them yet - He would leave it for now, and let battle speak for him, However, he turned to the centre of the bridge where a single white pedestal stood.

Hovering above it was pure white light, that, eventually coalesced into a female elf form - This ship was a newer one and indeed, taking note from other civilizations, had received a fully personalised Digisent - Elura.

"Elura, The Novanian Navy is full of Digisents, Correct? Any chance you could confer with one in the Novanian Fleet - At least inform them of the situation, when you receive your updates, of course." Relath said to the Form of light in front of him.

Elura moved slightly, and nodded.

"Yes Admiral, I Will contact the apparent flagship of the fleet, And attempt to confer with its digisent, with approval - It will be interesting to share data with another foreign system." She said.

"I suspect so, Keep me informed."

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

In Koratu, Some ships received the Rupil hail, making their intentions known, they would travel through the gates and then make jumps to other locations once in safe territory - Either to rally points, or maybe to other beginnings.

------------------------------------------
In The Capital System...

The Chaos Fleet had a free run through the system, and its inhabited worlds, as the last ships escaped into foldspace. That is, untill they reached orbit of Morwinya.

Only a Dozen Imperial Ships hung in space above the world, but indeed, Many Hundreds of orbital platforms stood ready to defend the capital world.

And Indeed, they were ready to fire, and something was waiting, hidden behind the planet, a ship big enough to give the chaos fleet pause, but it could not be risked, it would be needed to save Tytheron should it come to the most dire of circumstances...

The Arizona Novanian fleet had not been fully idle. Parked in a far orbit of the colony, the ships had been busy making last minute preparations, bracing for the clash and the fall of the hammerstroke of this new threat. All the while more vessels continued to come in, flying from Rally Point Alpha on the system's edge like bats out of Hell.

After a while Artemis resolved merely to keep her avatar in place rather than fading in and out whenever something important happened. Soon she was essentially following Admiral Hyce around, checking off updates toward him.

"Rupil's vessels have arrived in-system Admiral - transmit IFF codes?"

"Yes," he replied, "Along with a short greeting. 'We thank you for the assistance your are rendering to your mutual allies in this dark time, Rupil. Such noble acts will not be lost on the Empire or the Republic.'"

"Excellent sir. I believe the recording is of high enough quality that we can send it voice as opposed to text-only; I'll attach your usual signature and have it sent off." responded Artemis.

"Good. Hm - I am being hailed by the Arenumbergians."

Admiral Hyce gave her an inquisitive look. "Not that you're not entitled to a personal message once in a while, but this is about to become a warzone. What is it?"

"Ah," Artemis said, smiling. "Its one of their digisents - they wish an intelligence exchange. Unfortuneatly," she stood in thought for a moment, "there is nothing new to give them really."

"Alright..." said Admiral Hyce.

"Sir," said Artemis, her voice suddenly concerned, "Something has just dropped into orbit around Koratu... or was it already there? My readings are odd..."

"Is it part of the enemy force?"

"It doesn't appear to be firing anything, and it's alone."

"No codes?"

"Nothing."

Admiral Hyce ground his teeth. "Fire a message all points in their general direction 'politely' asking them to give some sort of indication as to intention. This place is about to get hot, and it would be tragic if they got a broadside just because they didn't transmit a friendly-fire code when they came in, especially if they're carrying refugees."

"Sending message #308 now, short-cast and all channels."

Kanuckistani Adventurers' Guild Base Sanity Station, Interstellar Space, Somewhere Near Arenumberg;



"Sir, Kay-Cee-Vee Heliopause checking in... they report ready for jump. That's everyone on the list, Sir."

Captain Mars Millennium Starcruiser, KAGV Joe's Diner, acknowledged the comm rating as the bridge doors closed, not quite catching his wolven tail in the process. His amber eyes gazing around the spacious room, taking in the ship's current state, befor moving to take up his command chair.

"Is our probe ready?" he queried, and this time the sensor officer responded.

"Aye, sir; self-tests came back green, and her telemetry looks good. Sanity Station's Displacer Command reports they have your coordinates locked in and can deploy as soon as you give the word."

Mars nodded, "Send the word, then."


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


Koratu System;


One hundred forty million kilometers above the system's sun, a coffee-can appeared; it's simple shell studded with the widgets and masts of jurry-rigged sensors and comms.

It took but a moment befor transponders lit up, followed by a powerful thirty second burst from disposable high-gain FTL sensors - they'd burn out thereafter, leaving only basic arrays, but by then the simple probe's mission would be complete.


Twenty seconds after it's arrival, the desired jump location had been identified, then verified as safe and clear; with enough time still on it's sensors to cover the jump, KanuckAdvenGuild:Forerunner/Recon:ID#"Superdreadnaught" began transmitting; 'Inbound Jump Warning: Evacuation Convoy and Escort. Three-Zero-Zero-Thousand Kilometers above Koratu Planet Northern Pole. ETA Seven Seconds. ETA Six Seconds. ETA...'

Again, the transmission was surprisingly powerful, but like the sensors, the comm would burn out moments after the fleet arrived, and likewise utilised an offboard power source.



On cue, thirty-nine vessels simply... appeared - a formation spread over a sphere two thousand kilometers across, spilling drones, utterly dominated by the multi-kilometer bulk of a half-dozen armed Kanuckistani mega-freighters. Transponders already lit, ship- and drone-board sensors swept the system as the force angled towards the planet, and shuttle crews ran through final pre-launch check-lists.


"This is Captain Star of the Kanuckistani Adventurers' Guild Vessel Joe's Diner," the transmission began; an all-languages-and-formats broadcast, more powerful transmitters aimed at the planet, "I am in command of an armed evacuation convoy with carriage for many millions of refugees," - exact numbers were still being figured -, "Our transports are readying shuttles for planetfall to urban centers, and stand ready to receive any non-FTL vessel under one hundred meters size that requests such, provided they follow flight control instructions."



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

OOC:

And a ship list;


14x Paramilitary(Most KAG)
1 cruiser
1 escort carrier w/ 32 fighters <- KAGV Joe's Diner
4 destroyers
8 Corvette w/ 16 fighters

25x Civilian
17 Assorted Freighters
6 Megafreighters
2 Medical Cruisers

Aboard the TSP Wanderer VI

Captain Glustien paced the small bridge of the Science Vessel, as with many of the Science Vessels that were under the employ of the TSDC for short term contracts, this one was commanded by TSDC certified personnel. There was still the large contingent of actual scientists aboard, but they were all busy conducting research and experimentation, stellar cartography and the like.

For the last several week that monotony had been unbroken, and once again the Torontonian Space Program proved that there was no worse assignment than being placed in charge of a Science Vessel, especially for a TSDC Captain. The endless tests and cycles had been going on for what seemed like an eternatity, and the Captain was counting the days until the contract expired and he was recalled back to the Military. However, this day was different, he wasn’t sure why, but for some reason it felt different, as if he was going to do something with a purpose, he didn’t know what, but he felt it.

He was settling into another shift of command when one of the lower officers piped up when an alarm went off at his Console, he was the Ensign in charge of Communications. Monitoring the Communications traffic wasn’t a terribly exciting job, but it was easy, which made it one of the more popular assignments among the younger recruits.

“Captain! I’ve picked up a large amount of Traffic coming from a undesignated source several lightyears away, its going to take a moment to location, but from the amount of information here, it would appear that there is a large number of signals. It would appear that there is a sort of mass evacuation going on, if I were to venture a guess” The Ensign reported

“What makes you think that?” Glustien queried

“Well, first of all, long range sensors have picked up numerous FTL activations, as well as some sort of energy disturbance all being localized to a specific region. Its location is being run against the Database sir, we should have the results when its ready…” the Ensign replyed

“Alright, I’ll inform Headquarters that we’ve got some weird findings out here” The Captain stated

Punching in the codes and verification required to send update reports back to Command, he fired off a message detailing their findings, and his recommendations. They were as such:

We have found a large energy disturbance in a region of space, along with what appears to be mass evacuation readings, more investigation would be required. As well, I recommend that some sort of reconnaissance be taken out to determine the cause of the disturbances, as well as possibly determining whether or not an evacuation is taking place.

As the message was fired off, the Communications Ensign called for his attention

“Sir! We’ve just got confirmation of the location, it would appear to be Arenumberg space, as well, we’ve got confirmed reports of evacuation transmissions as well as hundreds of FTL activations. There is something big going on over there, world endingly big.”

“Isn’t Arenumberg an Ally in the ESUS?” the Captain replied, speaking in awe of the hallowed Organization

“Yessir” The Ensign responded

“Well then, we have an obligation to go help them! We’ll wait for reinforcements to arrive, and then jump into the fray. We can use this ships advanced sensor array to capture what is going on and possibly use this information to help in later encounters!” The Captain ordered

“But sir! This ship isn’t designed for combat, and what about the Civilians? The Scientists? Wouldn’t we be recklessly endangering their lives?” The ships Internal Analyst cried out

“Possibly, but think about the big picture, when the Capital System was on the verge of being crushed by Temporal Weapons and overwhelming military superiority, who came to our aide? The ESUS. When intergalactic trade started to lag who picked up the slack? ESUS nations, and when Torontonias first leaped into space, who paid attention to them? That’s right, the ESUS. Now has come for us to do something in return, and we’re going to come back with information that can be used as tactical evidence for the forces involved.” The Captain stated

At that moment, the Command console beeped, a messaged from Headquarters had returned, and its contents were music to his ears:

Mission to investigate disturbing reports and anomalous energy readings…Approved. A detachment of two Legionnaire Destroyers are en route, as well, a Bandit and one Centurion will fold directly to the coordinates you specify once you arrive and have verification of reinforcements. Meet up with any ESUS forces already present and attain a sitrep. As well, respect any established command network on your arrival, do not attempt to take control of the situation unless you are the first present. As well, you have been temporarily issued the rank of Acting Sub-Commander for the purpose of commanding a task force, to be known as Torontonian Task Force B for the duration of this mission

As he finished reading the message, he saw the two Legionnaire Destroyers, the TSDC Hyperion and the TSDC Agatha fold in beside the Science Vessel. Although almost equal in size, the Destroyers were much more suited for combat, where as the Science Vessel was suited for reconnaissance. Sending out a message detailing the HQ Command, he also attached the coordinates for the jump, as well as a brief Hello message to create a friendly atmosphere. As well, he made it clear that he was in command of this operation, even if his vessel didn’t entirely agree with him.

Moments later, a brief feeling of Timelessness washed over the ships as they folded in unison to the Koratu Sector

In the Koratu Sector

Folding into the besieged sector, there was immediate chaos. As the two destroyers arrived, their large bulk displaced many evacuation paths of Civilian transports, having not sent any advanced message of their arrival, both ships were forced into evasive maneuvers in order to avoid collisions. On the bridge of the Wanderer VI Captain Glustien cursed to himself

“Ensign, you said there were some strange energy readings, you never told me we were going into a blasted warzone! There are ships flying everywhere, in every direction! Sensors are flooded with hits! Its like a massive blackout, we can’t tell friend from foe in this mass of signatures! And the communications lines! They’re practically overloading from the amount of traffic flowing through them, and our escorts are experiencing the same thing!” He barked to the crewman.

“Filtering Comm Traffic to accept only recognized military signatures and unknown signals. It should stop all the emergency transmissions from flooding the systems. Sensors report using the same technique to be effective, only recognizing non-civilian tags.” The Ensign reported

“Very well” The Captain replied “Any ESUS forces present?”

“Yessir, readings indicate a large Arizona Novian fleet to be present on the other side of the system, with them appears to be what is left of the Arenumbergian defense fleet as well as a few Rupilian ships. They appear to be preparing for some form of assault, using strength in numbers”

“Interesting indeed, sent the coordinates of the system to the other ships, make sure they are forewarned of the chaos, we don’t need any civilians getting blown up from trigger happy gunners. As well, tell the escorts to activate hull detachment systems, you never know when the enemy will strike.” The Captain ordered, before sending off a message to the Novian fleet

To: Arizona Novian Fleet
From: Torontonian Task Force B
Subject: Sitrep/Assistance

This is Sub-Commander Glustien of the TSP Wanderer VI, we have been dispatched to gather information on the disturbances located in this region. Clearly something terrible has happened here. We request an up-to-date report on the situation and offer our assistance to any sort of evacuation or military effort underway. We hope our arrival is not disrupting any operation currently underway. We have reinforcements en route, we also request further orders from the Current ESUS Commanding force

Hoping it didn’t sound too soft, he sent the message off and awaited a response, monitoring the situation and calculating strategies as he waited. As well, he opened up secure channels to the Captains of both ships to issue further orders if the situation demanded it.

OOC: Small Ship list: Torontonian Science Vessel, Two Legionnaire Destroyers present, and Two Bandit Light Attack Ship as well as one Centurion Heavy Destroyer en route

In the corridors of the Jackal, the heavy ring of metal boots on metal decking cut through the air. Ranks of figures marched from the whickering light of a bile green portal. If one could listen to the silent, ultra-fast dialogue of the ship’s sub-sapient constructs, one would hear:

Platoon Zero-Two now boarding

Each ‘platoon’ was thirty two of the statuesque constructs, made up of two sixteen strong ‘troops,’ in turn made up of two eight-soldier ‘sections,’ which broke down into four-construct ‘teams’

Of course, all the terms were in the language of the necrontyr, rather than English,

They were no necrons though. Each one of the ‘soldiers’ boarding the ship was human. Or at least, they contained human brains, encased in bodies that would never age, with the facilities of the incomprehensible science of the Star Gods at their disposal.

While necrons existed in the millions, there were scant numbers of these soldiers in existence, and they were not as invulnerable as the necrons. When they were destroyed, re-housing their minds was a complex process, and they could not self-repair in the manner of necrons.

The pariahs, as they were called, were not as commonly deployed as necrons for that reason, as well as their comparative rarity. Indeed, this was their first ‘deployment’ since they had become sapient once more, in the manner of the necrons.

Metal bodies flexing in imitation of musculature, they snapped into ranks, and began, team by team, to disappear with resounding pops.

---

There was when it came down to it, little for them to find, though their very presence was inimical to the chaos that pervaded the ravished world, they found precious few survivors, most of the true-life traces were sent to investigate turned out to be false leads, and in some places, they were even attacked by animate, desecrated trees, which were quickly cut down. Nonetheless, they did find a scant few survivors, grotesquely mutated, of course, elves with scales, atrophied bodies, perversely rotting flesh and more bizarre things besides. Others were possessed by strange, fickle warp creatures, some of which fled their mutilated hosts at the sight of the pariahs, and others which were destroyed, transfixed on beams of emerald energies. All those mutilated elves that were encountered were taken in. Reversing such mutations was a time consuming process, but ultimately, not a great challenge.

It was not a profitable mission, in truth, but it was nevertheless, better than simply abandoning what was left of the population to the hell of their invaders’ design.

Admiral Hyce continued his vigil on the bridge. Every once in a while he would order an active long-range scan at full-spectrum. He wished the hammer-stroke would fall; war was Hell, but in this case he would rather be suffering in Hell than waiting in Purgatory.

"Artemis, do you have any updates?" he warily asked of the digisent.

"Kanuckistani and Torontonian forces have arrived in system, sir - both are transmitting messages."

"Alright, patch them through."

Listening to the Kanuckistani message, he nodded, then smiled thoughtfully. "Artemis," he asked, "You see any triangles out there?"

Artemis gave him a funny look. "Triangles?"

Admiral Hyce shook his head. "Kanuckistani Battleplates. Huge, mean, and triangular. I still remember academy - always schooling us about the 'significant' vessels to know about from foreign fleets, and they always started talking about Battleplates... when they weren't making pronouncements of doom about some black fleet of Facehuggerians jumping out of hyperspace and beating us into pus. Those were the days."

Artemis chuckled. "Here is the message from Torontonias," and she played that as well.

Once she had finished, Admiral Hyce just blinked, looking searchingly at Artemis. "ESUS commanding force? Uh... do we even have a protocol for that?"

Artemis looked little more confident than he did. "No, not that I know of... we all just showed up, really," she replied.

"Hm. Well, relay this back to them," he said, and cleared his throat:

"Greetings - this is High Admiral Hyce, Second Fleet, Arizona Nova. Nothing terrible has happened here, per se. Not yet anyway. We are expecting at any time a full-scale attack by unknown forces - thus, your guess is as good as ours as to intelligence. We have a bogey flitting around Koratu right now that hasn't returned our hail, but doesn't appear to be attacking the planet - you can try getting a word out of them if you want. You may assist the Arenumbergians currently evacuating the planet as they see fit, but as we also have a colony planetside, we plan on taking a stand against whatever this is attacking, along with the remains of the Arenumbergian naval forces.
As for commanding ESUS forces... I honestly have no idea. We all just showed up. I'm not ready to crown myself or anyone else commander in the name of ESUS, so at this point I'd say its merely a matter of making sure alliance commanders stay coordinated. We might want to set up a communique between commanders in that case. Current ESUS forces in system look to be Kanuckistan (though it's Adventurer's Guild so I don't know how jurisdiction lies), Rupil, Arenumberg, ourselves, and you fellows."

Acting Sub-Commander Glustien listened to the response from the Arizona Novian fleet, apparently they weren’t coordinating the attack at all, they had apparently just showed up as with the rest of the ESUS forces. As well, he noticed that shortly after they had jumped in, the Kanuck’s had as well, or at least one of their quasi-military groups.

“Alright, it appears we’ll all just be working together on this one people” he announced to his bridge crew before sending back a response to the Arizona Novian Command Ship.

Alright High Admiral Hyce, we will maintain our current position and attempt to hail this unknown ship. As well, we will be running full spreads of scans and monitoring the Communications channels for anything suspicious, and will report any results to all ESUS forces. As well, we will be receiving reinforcements momentarily to bolster the military power here. If you need anything specific, don’t hesitate to contact us, Captain Glustien out

“Alright, Ensign start running full scans of the area, and repeat the scans every ten minutes, I want up-to-date information, I won’t be putting a dedicated Science Vessel to waste!” The Captain ordered

At that moment, the three other ships jumped into formation with the rest of the Torontonian fleet, taking up positions, they began the waiting game that the other forces had been suffering there…

"Sir," said Artemis, her voice suddenly concerned, "Something has just dropped into orbit around Koratu... or was it already there? My readings are odd..."

"Is it part of the enemy force?"

"It doesn't appear to be firing anything, and it's alone."

"No codes?"

"Nothing."

Admiral Hyce ground his teeth. "Fire a message all points in their general direction 'politely' asking them to give some sort of indication as to intention. This place is about to get hot, and it would be tragic if they got a broadside just because they didn't transmit a friendly-fire code when they came in, especially if they're carrying refugees."

"Sending message #308 now, short-cast and all channels."

OOC: Assuming this is about me, the naming of the planet the Jackal's over was a mistake. It's not over Koratu. It's above the planet that the chaos forces just left. That'd be the one with hundreds of millions of dead, and warped, alarmingly amourous trees - Raakina system (it'd be over Suliminae at the moment, and then moving on to the other planet), I'm told. I had the name wrong. The only thing I have in the Koratu system is a probe about the size of a hatchback, out a few light hours.

I'm also told that the Core Worlds of Arenumberg are also dead from one reason or another, so the pariahs (one ship per planet, or system, though I'll be running short of pariahs pretty quick, there's only about a thousand or so of them...) will be headed out there next, to look for more 'survivors' among the chaos there. All will apparently be insane wrecks there too though. Fortunately, the benefit of ripping off one of the most uber races in 40k, is that one does know what one's doing when dealing with chaos invasions.

With Little or No Response to the Kanuckistani in the way of words for quite some time - Eventually, What was left of Traffic Control sent a small burst transmission of approval, Land and retreive as many as possible.

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

Meanwhile...

The "Other" Edge of Koratu, now, as it was, had cleared up considerably with practically nothing there, as most ships had began to approach the other side, to jump.

Rather quickly it became a huge flash of brilliant white light - and then, it was rather full.

The Huge Sphere formation of ships had to be the most quiet in the system, at the current time. They were of course mostly civilian ships, Large Freighters to small jump capable runabouts - With one ship at its forefront, a Governmental Liner.

The Liner Ithshara, Civilian Refugee Fleet Prime.

The Liner was for the most part full, only the bridge, as such, devoid of people, except, of course, 2 Pilots, A Communications Officer and Lady Ythera.

"Transmit order to fleet to move forward, get that... Fleet of Ships inbetween us and anything that follows.." Ythera said - She glanced out of one of the long windows on the bridge and sighed slightly as the mass of ships began to move forward, She glanced downwards at a small vial full of water and clutched it harder, it glowed slightly in response.

"Order Transmitted My Lady.. Most of the Civilian ships who were in this system are still transmitting .. its chaos.. trying to filter it out so we dont get an overload.." The Comms Officer Said, as he tapped away furiously attempting to do just that.

"Very Well, Do your best to get me a Visual Transmitt - The last thing we need is broadside from half of an ESUS Taskforce." Ythera said, standing and tidying herself up somewhat, in preparation.

"Aye ... You have a secure transmission, Provide they pick it up, They should, this is a governmental code afterall." The Comms Officer said, turning back and resuming his duties.

Ythera looked directly forward and began to speak.

"This is the Governmental Liner Ithshara, Co-ordinating This Civilian Fleet - I am Lady Ythera, And I have further news. As of 5 standard minutes ago, All stations in the capital system have stopped transmitting, or can no longer do so effectively, And so we can only fear the worst. At this current time I can only beleive that what is left of the government will be killed. For Now, I will assume temporary Stewardship of the Imperial Republic."

Ythera sighed, inside, she deeply hoped that those wretched things that had ripped the nation apart never landed on Morwinyon's lush grasslands, Never assailed the walls of Tel'Quessir, But she did know if they had, yet. And also, she deeply wished for Tytheron to survive.

"Admiral Relath, You are hereby promoted to Grand Admiral Of The Imperial Republic, forthwith. All ESUS Forces are humbly requested to send full tactical information to The Grand Admiral - This is, what is left of our nation, as far as I know - And even if we could not save anything else, we will save what we have, And So I request of you, to respect the nation you are in, and its Military heirarchy. Thank you."

Ythera sat.. and watched as the huge civilian fleet finally coasted over the ESUS Forces. She hoped she hadnt ruffled too many feathers.

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

Admiral.. Well Grand Admiral Relath was mildly shocked to say the least, There had to be at least 2 other people left in the navy he thought would get that job, when it came to it..

"Elura, Redistribute Rankings to the Captains Of The Urion And Dalaandra, Give them Admiral and Rear Admiral status respectively, then reconstruct our heirarchy from there, I assume you have the required information to judge correctly." Relath said, still slightly shocked.

"Yes Grand Admiral, I am updating my records and informing as needed, Also performing a full system sweep.." Elura responded.

"As Always, Keep Me Informed Elura." Relath said, taking a seat and sighing considerably.

"Of Course, Grand Admiral." Elura said, and then, she was gone into the myriad world of the ships systems again.

Mars frowned, eyes upon the virtual holotank superimposed upon his vision; he'd finally settled upon a set of filters, but the massive amount of information they excluded to simply render the plot usible was nevertheless concerning. Other matters, however, took precidence.

"How long until the inner drone shell is deployed?"


Gazes were exchanged between the lieutenants at sensors and EW, and presumably unsaid words exchanged on a private channel, befor the senior of the two spoke up a moment later, "Drones are mostly in place, sir, and sensor integration complete - we're having some issues integrating info-warfare systems, but they should be resolved momentarily."


The Captain took a second to consider this, then gave a subtle nod, "Alright; deploy the outer shell when you've finished, then, but deploy the sensor pickets immediately - if hostiles come in with some measure of stealth, I want enough warning to blanket us in EW befor we can be engaged."


The lieutenants had just saluted, when the comm section spoke up; local STC had cleared their rescue mission - Mars found it reassuring to know someone was still in control down there, and ordered a request to local authorities for evac coordination.


The fleet, meanwhile, had entered orbit on the planet amidst a line of inbound native STL smallcraft, the transport ships descending into low orbit to speed planetfall and return as their own shuttles made for spaceports and urban centers, while warships took up a loose formation above - hordes of drones meanwhile spread amongst and around, fleetly evading civilian traffic, while smaller groups composed exclusively of sensor drones broke off, departing for way-points spread throughout the surrounding lighthours of space.

"Sir!" yelled Artemis, "We have a major FTL disruption on the other side of the planet."

"Pull up sensors," said Admiral Hyce.

A holographic representation of the colony appeared above the central dais. Indeed, a spherical "blob" of vessels appeared on the other side of the planet.

"Order 1st through 15th scions into attack formation," said Admiral Hyce, his voice calm and steely.

"One moment," interrupted Artemis again. "Incoming message - it's Arenumberg."

Admiral Hyce cursed audibly. "Patch it through," he growled.

After listening he said again, "Wonderful. Now whatever is chasing them is sure to know exactly where to go. Send them the tactical data... you might as well send a blank .txt file, but whatever! And get them out of the system, before they're annihalated in the crossfire."

Artemis nodded, grimly. "Yes sir, right away."

-=F.D.S.F. Ragor, Flaming Souls

While Anikar sat within the conference room, her mind was yet stretching, even into the far-flung reaches of the Second Fleet at Koratu. She had been nested in some of the systems of the flagship for a while now, listening in as things unfolded. At the news of the various turnovers and promotions, she was unpleasantly surprised. For such an upheaval to have taken place, an absurd amount of sentients must have been snuffed out, in short order. It was a disturbing prospect. She wondered just how far this collapse would go, or if the nation could ever rise again after such a fatal blow.

Veiled by a twisting morass of hellfire, the Khurganate fleet moved quickly and silently towards its prey. Guided by the hand of their God, gun crews moved with righteous zeal, weapons swivelling towards their targets, massive shells and beams of energy slashing towards their marks. A quintet of cruisers let fly with their nova cannons, massive shells detonating like miniature suns in the midst of the Elven fortifications.

With a few dozen escort ships, the Firewyrm carriers broke off from the main fleet, diving below the solar plane, moving to attack their prey from below. Hundreds of thousands of fighters and bombers waited within, a nest of demons awaiting the summons that would call them forth.

Aboard his flagship, Helion smiled. The fleet was exactly where it should be, his forces acting as one mind. The Astartes and Tzaangard had set aside their differences for the moment, prepared to wage war once again, ready to teleport into battle on the surface of the planet below, and on the defense orbitals surrounding it.

All went as planned, and soon, this world would be his...