NationStates Jolt Archive

10 YOR, System AX-12-B6, Ilë Sornë Space.
Scoutship I.S.R.V Calé

The Scoutship Calé drifted silently through the quiet idyllic system of AX-12-B6, as it was numbered. It was one of many systems being scanned and catalogued for possible colonization by the newly formed superstate of Ilë Sornë. The system if found, would have to be perfect, it was afterall, to become the seat of power for the nation.

The Calé, so far, had catalogued numerous systems, AX-12-B6 had already been slated for colonisation by the former republic of Arenumberg, and so far had come out on top of other systems that the Calé had explored.

The Calé slowly but surely turned away from the Planets and Star of AX-12-B6, and disappeared in a flick of light.

--------------
Commission For Homeworld Security

The Commission For Homeworld Security, had for now, had a fairly easy job of sifting through the odd report from occasional scoutships. The room that housed its meetings was fairly devoid of people, at the current time, But soon it would be filled.

Incoming Transmission...

From:ISRV-SS-Calé.is.stl
To:CFHS.bc.is.hltl
Subject:Prime Site Report.

Please See Attached Report.

Cpt Taelthan, Scoutship Calé

atch:AX-12-B6.report.cd

Within a few hours, The Commission had assembled and analyzed the report, and slowly but surely, Their seal of approval was placed upon it, and it was forwarded to the current government offices of The Republic of Ilë Sornë.

-=New Constantinople, temporary capital of Ilë Sornë

"The Great Federal Experiment" was what the newsfeeds had been calling the New Republic. It wasn't untruthful; it was great, it was federal, and it was experimental. What annoyed Jerrold Tobias, one of the "new generation" at the beating heart of the Republic's new bureacracy, was that it was everywhere. The media was very keen on scrutinizing and poking at the rather abrupt change of order, while the old and new governments were blasting the news inward as they would as well. It was almost as if, in the former Arizona Novanian half, they were afraid that if anyone missed the news the whole thing would collapse in on itself. He had been absorbed into a major subcommittee at the temporary capital, working in the makeshift halls of government on the sprawling, shining spires of New Constantinople, on the flagship new project of the young government - the settling of a new planet as the capital of Ilë Sornë. After the signing of the Second Treaty of Unification, much discussion had arose over the capital. Koratu had been suggested first, as it was historically the most sensible; the very meeting place and co-dominion of old Arizona Nova and Arenumberg before the Calamities. This had been rejected, however, by the former Arenumbergians - that world, along with all they had possessed before the coming of the Khurganate, was lost; to return would be painful, a constant reminder of what was lost. The issue was resolved in the decision to just use New Constantinople and simply locate a suitable, new capital later on.

As Jerrold sat in his office, lazily reflecting on things, his computer sounded the little ping that signified a new message. Rolling over to it, he opened it up and realized that this was the big one. He immediately began calling up contact lists to forward this too, all the while musing to himself just how long the message would just roll along before it finally hit someone in a position to do something.

-=Iron Yards, New Constantinople

Wind its way the message did, finally, to the Admirality. While Arch-Chancellor Anariel and Chancellor Ythera were the heads-of-state, the Admirals still moved the navy, and had some initiative of their own. Thus High Admiral Colombe Absalom began the deployment of the colony ships, under the protection of the ISRV Fist of the Empress. In the military, not too much had changed - prefixes, of course. There were certainly more elves, though. Soon the massive, slightly improvised colony vessels, filled with the hopeful, desperate, or adventuresome, equipment and pre-fab buildings, pulled away from the moorings and into formation with the escort fleet, and into hyperspace.

-=Kelwynd, AX-12-B6

The deep gong of the first Perimeter proximity alarm intruded into Antti Salathiel's sleep. After the colony ship had heaved into hyperspace, he had settled himself on one of the common bunks - he had been working right up until the ship had took off, essentially, saving up for this trip.

He got up and stretched, giving a yawn. The heavier sleepers were still snoozing away while the light ones had probably been jostled back to wakefulness the moment the vessel edged back into realspace; thus now was probably the perfect time to get to the lockers and collect the pass-luggage. Finding the locker, he put in the passcode the agent had sent to him this morning with that nice message wishing him the best of luck on the new world. The government really was doing what it could to make it seem like this colonization effort would be as easy as a day-to-night hop back on... well, back on the homeworld.

He dispelled those bad memories, though. He wasn't a man to dwell much on the past, it had never suited him. He headed over to the observation promenade to see if he could get a glimpse of the new planet.

He wasn't disappointed. Though by the time he had gotten there, of course, it was already fairly crowded, but the shades had been drawn back and the ship was positioned so that Kelwynd, as they were calling it, filled the window like a huge gem. He had to hand it to the elves - they seemed to have great proficiency in tracking down the prime real estate.

The Last Perimeter alarm sounded - definitely the most urgent of them, a loud reminder it was time to buckle up for re-entry. The crowd gradually dispersed, until only Antti remained, staring up at the blue orb filling the window, until the heat shades began to slowly encircle that beautiful sight once more.

-=Bridge, ISRV Fist of the Empress

High Admiral Colombe Absalom was also engaged in subtle contemplation of the planet, although at a greater distance and with far estranged thoughts.

"Report active scans," he addressed to no one in particular, and with an imperious yet cautious edge to his voice.

"Nothing on the scope on the standard arrays, gravitic and temporal sensors also clear," returned some ensign.

Absalom quietly acknowledged this. An attack now, as the lumbering colony ships began their descent, would be the worst, even with the fleet backing them up. He was reminded sharply of the Nobuseri, whose unorthodox tactics of jumping right into the atmosphere to fight would wreak havoc on such an operation, and the Central Facehuggerians, who tended just to kill everything.

"Sir, the first ship has just reported a successful landing," piped up some other ensign.

"Excellent," replied Absalom coolly. "The marines are with them, incognito?"

"Yes sir, they have reported back normal situation as well."

"Good. The Republic may yet succeed," he said softly, more to himself than anyone.

The whole process, Whilst complicated, a strain on supplies and altogether somewhat a mostly Arizonan directed affair, thanks to their fleet - Was still expected to be completed quickly, For time wasting was not something Aelthen would accept.

In a blink of light, his small shuttle pierced the void between the ether and realspace, slowing to a leisurely speed. The small shuttle was new, shining white and ochre red, with its bright green windows glinting in the light.

The shuttle closed with the Arizonan fleet that was disgorging its numerous colonists and other such things upon the surface of the planet. The site that was picked for first construction was a large canyon in the southern hemisphere, the idea was to build the city around the river passing through the canyon, with bridges spanning the river itself, and the distance between the rockfaces, whilst the city itself was built into, on, and around the canyon and riverbed.

Aelthen deftly tapped a few buttons on his main console and opened up communications to the fleet in orbit.

"Hail, I am Commissioner Aelthen, Representing Arenumbergian interests in this process - Which I expect to proceed quickly and without incident. I request permission to dock and a meeting with the Admiral at earliest convenience, Thank you."

Aelthen knew he would be granted access, and deftly turnt his craft towards the bulk of the Fleet.

"Incoming message sir," quoth the ensign, "Uh, you may just want to read this," he said a little uncertainly.

High Admiral Absalom strode over to the console, his movements fluid and controlled, almost more elven in that sense than human. As he read it, a little frown crossed his face, but he let give no other emotion than that.

"Arenumberg's interests? It seems someone isn't quite aware of certain terms in the Great Treaty. No matter. We come in the name of Ilë Sornë. In time he will see this," he said passively.

"Wire him back," he said with a flourish, "that he has his permission to board this Ilë Sornë vessel, in his Ilë Sornë vessel. We will speak in the Officer's Lounge, and attach directions to the message. That will be all."

On the planet, construction was already beginning in earnest. The pre-fab shelters for Stage One (modified, on insistence of the elven Assemblymen, to be more environmentally friendly) were already unpacking. Considered a new marvel in modern engineering, each building had a subsent AI core, which oversaw the unpacking process, and inside it a combination of nanites and industrial robots were rapidly setting the dormitories in order, unpacking furniture and bringing plants and other perishables out of storage. If one was to peal off the roof from a great height, it would appear he had turned over a rock upon an ant's nest, as the swarms of automatons went about their business.

Aelthen's shuttle gracefully swooped into the docking bay of the Admiral's ship, Like a Swan Descending into water. Aelthen powered down his ship and disembarked.

He swiftly made his way towards the Bridge - Assuming the Admiral would of course, wish to speak with him in his own "Ready" room, Or something of the sort, He hadnt checked the specifications of the vessel, and had only skimmed on the few data files about this, Absalom.

After some lengthy travel time he found himself at the bridge, Entering cautiously, He made his presence known to the Admiral.

"Sorry to Interrupt, But, Shall we?"

-------------------
Meanwhile...

AX-B4 Yasale Outpost, Undisclosed Location.

The Outpost was not exactly large, but the size of the Saphillion made it seem even smaller. The Saphillion was a ship belonging to the Váer-Caiër, Or, "Red Helm" - The Heavily Classified Organisation dedicated to the Security of the Elven nation, And were still dedicated to that purpose alone, even in the wake of the Ile Sorne .. "revolution".

The Saphillion was filling up with the last personell, mostly research staff, assigned to it. It was after this, to jump to the new Homesystem. Something the Arizonan's, and indeed, Most of the Arenumbergian side were not yet aware of, Aelthen was of course, Thus his mission to oversee.. "Arenumbergian" interests.

The Saphillion slowly moved away from the Yasale Outpost and began to power away through realspace - in a flick of light it was gone - Taken through space to its destination..

Kelwynd.

-=Maintenance Deck, ISRV Theodore Roosevelt, Kelwynd

Iason Halvar skirted along the maintenance accessways on the lower decks of the colony ship. Breathing heavily as he negotiated the labrynthine engine superstructure, he cursed to himself. He was late for his meeting, evading the federal agents after him. He knew things - and they definitely felt he couldn't be trusted anymore to hold them in. Not that this was altogether an unfair approximation; he was making a rendesvous to pass on some evidence and receive excellent compensation.

He finally arrived at the trade-off point agreed on by his contact, and was rewarded shortly. He appeared, all stooped and straggly-bearded. For a second Iason had doubts about it, thinking that this character couldn't possibly be the one he was looking for, but the old man waved him over, and pulled a significant wad of cash out of his pocket.

"Here is our goods," he said, in a scratchy, dry voice. "Do you have mine?"

"Yeah," said Iason a little unsurely, looking around. "So you'll get this out then?"

The old man reached for the evidence, but seemed to overreach and instead grabbed Iason's hand.

"Eh, what are you doing?" he asked, a little annoyed, but looking up from the hand he realized with horror that the man's face - and whole body, was shifting. His grip clamped down hard, and it was cold and steely. It reshifted until it turned into a far younger man, smartly dressed in a black business suit and tie, and dark sunglasses. He looked directly into Iason's eyes, expressionless.

"Now, Mr. Halvar, you will learn the high price of betraying your country," he said slowly and demurely, his grip steadily tightening - and changing. It changed color, turning into a gray blob, and then Iason's hand began to burn with cold fire, and he tried to open his mouth to scream but the man's other hand sprang lightning fast to his mouth, and then began to repeat the process of his other hand and spread over Iason's head. His last sight before he blacked out was the smirk on the stranger's face.

-=ISRV Fist of the Empress

Absalom put on the greatest face and front of civility as Aelthen appeared on the bridge. He had received little civilian briefing so far on the reactions to the unification on the former Arenumbergian side of the divide, and suspected he would soon be able to teach quite a bit himself.

"Greetings, Commissioner Aelthen. I am High Admiral Colombe Absalom. The exact nature of your concerns was not made clear in the message. If you would like to come with me into the Officer's Lounge, we can discuss this at length, yes?"

Aelthen blinked at the Admiral. "I am well aware of who you are, Thank you. Please, after you."

The two walked down off the bridge and towards the lounge. Absalom was full of indignation, but concealed it well beneath his pale, placid face.

"Alright sir," he began as they came to the lounge. "What is the exact nature of your concerns?"

"Hm, Well, lets see..." replied Aelthen. "This... entire operation, an Arizonan Naval affair, the majority of colonists, Arizonan... shall I continue?"

"Arizonan? I see no Arizonan ships," said Absalom with a wave of his hand. "This is the ISRV Fist of the Empress. We remain under the jurisdiction of our august republic."

"Regardless, I am not here to discuss this, I am here to provide further input during the overall colonisation process, And to inform you of that fact, as well as to expect the Saphillion, a Váer-Caiër vessel, soon. I assume you know of the organisation."

"Red Helms? It does not get more 'Arenumbergian' than that. Just keep in mind, my good Commissioner, that you operate here for Ilë Sornë, as do we all. It would be a shame if the most petty of biological differences and crinkles in acids would be the catalyst for the downfall of so great a thing as our Republic."

"I am aware of the importance of Kelwynd, I am also aware that it is an elven design and is something to be proud of, and I am aware of my duty in public. Please do your best to comply with any requests from the Saphillion - That is all that is requested, for now."

"Duly noted," replied Admiral Absalom.

-=1.62 KM Northeast of Canyon Site

The Saphilion meanwhile cut its way through Kelwynd's atmosphere like a knife, it's red, gold, and black colors, the old Arenumbergian standards, glinted resplendent in the sunlight. Few in the colony could miss its landing, and those few who knew the significance of its colors merely grimaced with the knowledge of what was coming and continued in their work.

The Váer-Caiër represented an odd quandary to the government of Ilë Sornë. Dimly perceived by the government on the former Arizonan end to be stringent adherents to the old order, it appeared the elven members of the government were beholden to them. Cracking down on them, though, would be "Arizona Nova" formally annexing "Arenumberg" once and for all - and of course, putting them down would be easier said than done. Váer-Caiër were special forces under the old regime, and now operated as a self-sufficient para-military unit. Thus, for the moment, their presence was grudgingly accepted; they weren't doing outright illegal actions - yet, to the best knowledge of the central government.

Admiral Absalom sat within the passenger seat of the Highlander transport, his chin perched pensively in his hand as he stared off at the horizon at the rapidly approaching Saphilion. The Highlander wasn't the most luxurious transport, but anything bigger or more grandiose was ferrying around construction materials. It was fast, and that was what he needed. As he closed on the landing site, the disembarking elves became clear to see, clad in their brilliant red armor, some toting their massive tower shields.

The Highlander braked to a halt, and Absalom lithely jumped out the seat. Looking around, one of the elves who appeared the most decorated waved him over. Nodding, Admiral Absalom walked over to him, hoping for the best, yet prepared for the worst.

OOC: Damn your Ninja Edits!

Centurion Caelin waited patiently for the Novanian Admiral to weave through his attaché, behind him, the humming of the Saphillion died down as it shut down its drive systems.

Caelin was tall, obviously, and was yet another of the green eyed, ochre clad, blonde haired Váer-Caiër, He was wearing full armour, of course, this was a formal affair.

The Centurion nodded as Absalom finally came within reach.

"Hail, Admiral, It is a pleasure to be gifted with your presence. The Váer-Caiër appreciates your dedication to the Republic and your protection of this fledgling colony which is no doubt, our future."

The Centurion motioned slightly to the ship behind him, and spoke again.

"The Saphillion has, shall I say, necessary cargo aboard, There is a RPD-X01 Shield Generator, designed specifically for Kelwynd's planetary defense, this comes fresh from the Váer-Caiër's own personal Research Outpost's."

Caelin smiled, but did not pause long enough for Absalom to speak.

"The Saphillion will also be deploying personell, including me, In temperate territory near the south pole to begin construction on a research facility that will be crucial for future development of technologies and other such things for the Republic - But, most importantly of all, There is something the Váer-Caiër have developed and have been... advised, by the Assembly, to gift to you here. The "Absalom-ASD-04", Arenumbergian Shield Technology specifically adapted for your vessels energy systems - You must understand, whilst we are developing the next generation of shield generators which are compatible for our own ships, and that of the Republic's next line, Current Arizona Novanian vessels are incompatible, for a small sacrifice in efficiency, and after much hard work - We have come up with this compromise for now."

The Centurion Paused, but only for a moment.

"We can fit it at your earliest convenience, and should it prove effective, production and refit can begin en masse, Your name will be even more prevalent amongst the stars, in that case, Admiral."

Caelin stopped, finally, now the Admiral could absorb and respond.

-=Crime Scene on Maintenance Deck of ISRV Theodore Roosevelt, Kelwynd

HD Cleon took in the bizarre scene before him. The body, identified as that of Iason Halvar, who the IS Feds were already after on a few counts of "embezzlement," was splayed out before him. He was dead - he was really dead. Looking at the man's face, the eyes were gone - black holes in his face - and apparently someone had shone a light inside, and there was nothing in there. His skull had literally been hollowed out. Whether it was that which killed him was a matter of debate - he had what looked to be radiation burns up and down his right arm... his hand, as well, was completely gone. The bizarre thing was that the stump was all closed up surgically as if he had been missing the hand for years - none of the descriptions in the federal wanted ads had included that. Forensics was going to have a hell of a time with this one. No other witnesses either... just some poor engineer coming up here for diagnostics and finding the body here.

He looked around. The discovery had caused a whole lot of excitement initially, but it had cooled off quickly enough; security guards were now just mulling around, careful not to look the body in the eye - or where the eyes should have been, anyway. Cleon hoped that this wasn't a serial on the loose - the guards were too skittish to deal with something like that.

Unbeknownst to HD Cleon, two decks up, the killer was quietly observing the crime scene. Although in human shape, his color had changed to blend in with the intricate piping and manifolds, and his insides were too cold to register on a thermal scan.

Silly organics, he thought. Came too quickly to make a decent job of it, but if they ever even guess at what killed that fool, I'll be surprised.

He ran over the information he had taken from the fool, Halvar, before destroying the container for it. He had doubts about him from the day he was recruited. He knew it was only a matter of time until the human would have betrayed their secrets; he was hasty, quick to action, but when pressed one of the first rats to flee a sinking ship. It was he that had nearly Opened the Tomb during the Wrath. Such suicidal incompetence was unacceptable in and of itself, but then he fled the facility and then tried to sell his story? It warranted no less than death.

He turned, quickly melting into the shadow's of the ship's bowels.

-=The Saphillion

Absalom cocked an eyebrow as the commander revealed his gift. This response was unexpected, at best; VC were supposed to be militant nationalists. Gifting shield generators to the colonial force was one of the last things Absalom expected, especially ones bearing his name.

Thats just it though... don't think like a human, he reminded himself. The elven thought process was altogether different; what a human thought of as long term was short-term for them.

"My thanks," he said, bowing to Centurion Caelin. "It is a mighty gift indeed." He paused. The Centurion had cleverly snuck in his plans for the south pole... or near south pole as it were, in the gift.

"Your base, though," he said, his voice lower in tone, "You will be developing technology for the Republic of Ilë Sornë, yes? It is, after all, an important distinction..."

Caelin smiled, he appreciated Absalom's tenacity, he was obviously a curious man, somewhat suspicious of the Helm's motives, As many were.

"Of Course, The Váer-Caiër are as interested, and indeed, prepared to invest much, in the success of the greater whole, Our Facility here will be a staging post for a sizeable garrison, aswell, to assist in the defense of Kelwynd."

Caelin shuffled slightly and continued.

"But Indeed, The Prime interests of this facility, which we hope to become one of the largest under our management, Will be developing technology for the entire Republic, The Váer-Caiër have long term plans that weigh heavily on the prosperity and power of the Republic, and thus we will be, as I have mentioned, from forthwith, Investing heavily within its progress."

Absalom turned over the Centurion's words in his mind. Another point for the devious cleverness of elves, in wordsmithing as anything.

"Excellent, excellent," he finally said. "The power and ferocity of the Váer-Caiër are indeed reknowned. I am sure that your service to the Republic will be fruitful, for everyone involved.

He paused, and turned to face the Highlander vehicle, and the unseen colony ship in the distance.

"To think! Someday great spires shall rise from that canyon, and the world will be blanketed in leaves and trees, shining steel, and gems - the crown jewel of this union of elves and men. It gives me hope, Centurion Caelin - hope for all reasoning life in this galaxy."