NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC:
Finally got my account reactivated. For those of you who remember me, feel free to come in. For those who dont, you're invited in :)

This thread is a comeback thread for me. The storyline is a rebellion breaking out ...

IC:

**Rebel Confederation**
Secret Underground Bunker on DeltaII

"Gentlemen, today we embark on a new journey! I present to you the founding of the Rebel Confederation!" General Bel Graham's eyes burned with the same passion he had 5 years ago when a group of di-satisfied military soldiers got together with several civillian communities to start small protests against the government .

However the government did not heed them and they decided they needed to resort to means which would get their attention. Thus today they had gathered their financial backers and decided to form an organization which they belonged to.

A secret encrypted beam message was sent to all empires :

"This is General Bel Graham of the newly formed Rebel Confederation. Today we seek to bring about new change and instill a Democratic government for our empire and we welcome all to be a part of it. We would like to seek for any possible aid, be it military or financial. Thank you and have a good day. "

Meanwhile as the meeting continued, detailed plans were drawn up on how they would form a new government once the Imperialistic Ruling was thrown out into exile...

**Mationbuds Imperial Empire**
Imperial Summer Palace, Maten National City

Emperor Darth Matter slowly descended down the stairs, flanked by two of his most trusted aides cum bodyguards, codenamed Flyer and Bater. Flyer was incharge of day to day security operations while Bater was incharge of coordinating security at major events like the Founding Day celebrations et cetera. However both still had the main role of protecting the Emperor from his adverseries and foes.

As the Emperor entered the Grand Hall, the Imperial Grand Moffs aided by 2 Moffs from each Imperial controlled Sector rose and hailed the Emperor. The Emperor wasnt someone to show anything less than utmost respect to. There were several occasions where this had been shown to be true. Victims were seen being carried out to be disposed of.

"Grand Moffs, Moffs and Admirals. Today I have summoned you because of a very imminent threat which has formed. Today Imperial data interceptors intercepted a havily encrypted message which was beamed on white spectrum frequencies. It appears that a Rebel Confederation has formed. Their leader is Bel Graham." Emperor Darth Matter's voice echoed throughout the magnificent hall.

"I would implement a state of Yellow Alert to this threat. Oversee that my orders are caried out as I demand. Understood ?"

Throughout the whole hall, a resounding "Yes, my lord!" was heard...

---2 days later---

As the Emperor's order was relayed through military channels, every sector's military and naval strength was significantly increased. Even the most farout sector of Beridium Outpost was strengthened from 2 VictoryII Star Destroyers, a Imperial MkII Star Destroyer and 2 Garrisons to a new record high of 4 Imperial MkIV Star Destroyers, 6 VictoryIII Star Destroyers and 6 Garrisons.

This new military build-up indicated the Emperor's strong will against the rebellion. The rebels would be hunted down and put to ... rest.

IC :

Beridum Sector

Just 3 days after the security beefing of the Beridium Sector, the rebels launched their first attack on the sector's headquarters.

2 Corellian Corvettes escorted by 5 Gamma Class Gunships emerged out of hyperspace, surrounding a Victorious Class Escort Carrier. The corvettes immediately moved into positions and opened fire on the Military orbital station with their full complement of Turbolaser Batteries.

Each corvette also launched a volley of 5 Proton Torpedoes at the station's central command area. The Gamma class gunships began spreading out and opened fire on the lone Golan Orbital Defense Station. The Escort carrier launched 2 squadrons of X-Wings to form fighter screens while a squadron of B-Wing heavy bombers flew out towards the Ground Base on the planet itself.

The Imperials were caught by surpirse. Not for long. Their intense military training kicked in and they immeiately manned battle stations. The Golan Defense Platform's automated weapon targeting stations began returning fire with a continuous bursts of Turbolaser , Heavy Turbolaser and Ion Cannon shots. It was accompanied by Proton Torpedoes and Concussion Missiles fired from its numerous missile decks.

The planet's 6 Defender Class Defense Platforms began their work. They moved into position and aided by firing volley after volley of Thor anti-ship missiles and Zeus Class anti-shield missiles . The effect was devastating. 2 Gamme Class gunships were obliterated after their shields got knocked out. The remainding two gunships managed to knock out one of the Defender Platforms before having to retreat due to low shield integrity.

The Corellian Corvettes were not doing well either. The VictoryIII Star Destroyers armed with newly implemented weapons moved into place. They fired bursts from their Pulse Cannons and Ion Cannons which rendered the first corvette's shields inoperable .

The corvette was then brutally destroyed as the Thor missiles mercilessly sliced through the ship's weak hull and detonated, blowing the ship into 2 parts. The ship was then blown into space dust by the Turbolaser and Phaser shots fired from the Victorys.

The remainding corvette was met by the Imperial MkIV Star Destroyers. Seeing its fate of its fellow comrades. It chose to retreat instead of dying. The escort carrier withdrew its fighter screens and bomber squadron.

The outcome of the battle was simple, the rebels had lost heavily but the Imperials didnt come out unscathed. One of the Garrison bases was heavily hit due to a shield malfunction and had lost close to 100 stormtroopers in a bloodbath as Concussion Bombs fell all around them...

tag

Somewhere in Space

The CNS Hamptonshire was one of the twelve Air Hippo class battlecruisers sent to explore the Universe, meet people, and blow things up. They weren't part of the normal fleets of the Cassiopeian Navy, and in good reason too. These were commissioned right after an incident in the nation of Mationbuds, where there seemed to be an invasion heading its way and a small Cassiopeian corvette was stuck. Obviously the Cassiopeian Government didn't want the same thing to happen again, thus, this.

Admiral Duke Leopold was the head of this quite nice ship. He was a stoic man, calculating. He would never let emotion get the best of him; unless something was about to blow up. Then, you know, he'd be like oh crapz. He was dressed in the standard white uniform of the Admiralty, and a hat. A white hat.

The bridge looked rather nice too... a giant plasma screen TV, random chairs and consoles. Beeping lights. Men in grey uniforms running to and fro taking care of things. Indeed, the middle aged looking Admiral was quite content.

"Sir..." The communications officier stated. "Incoming message."

Leopold raised his brow. "Put it on display."

This is General Bel Graham of the newly formed Rebel Confederation. Today we seek to bring about new change and instill a Democratic government for our empire and we welcome all to be a part of it. We would like to seek for any possible aid, be it military or financial. Thank you and have a good day.

"Oh dear..." The officer stated. "It seems to come from Mationbuds. You know one of them doom dagger users? It seems they seem to have a little problem... suggestions?"

Leopold gave a ponderous look. "Well... it'd be rather rude not to go and check the situation." He paused. "Ensigns, set course towards the planet where that message came from. Maybe we could gain a new ally in the process, or if anything we could show off our shiny technology hm?"

The CNS Hamptonshire set its course towards Delta II via its fancy Go Faster device. And then, it arrived! Aren't plot devices fun?

Orbit over Delta II

The ship slowly approached the planet on impulse speed. It looked out of place in the vast imperial network probably, it being small and not a giant triangle of doom. Nevertheless there it was in all its Cassiopeian glory, just... floating there and flying and whatnot.

Leopold looked at the view via the screen, what a nice planet he thought. "Open a line, I'm going to send a transmission."

The officer did so. "It's open Admiral."

Leopold nodded. "Very well." He said. "This is Admiral Duke Leopold of the Cassiopeian battecruiser, CNS Hamptonshire. We picked up a message from some so called Rebel Confederation but we notice that you are in Mationbudsian territory. Therefore, what is exactly the situation, and can you send a delegate towards our ship?"

The officer nodded. "Message went through, now we wait."

Leopold rested on his big comfy chair. "Quite. I just hope nothing blows up while we wait..."

Oh and, I refuse to end a post with "..." and stuff, so there. I ended with a period. Pwned.

OOC: welcome back. I trust that you are still a member of the triparty allaince?

OOC: welcome back. I trust that you are still a member of the triparty allaince?

OOC:

Yups I am indeed still a member of the Tri Party Alliance :)

OOC:
LOL hi TCG :)

IC:

DeltaII - Rebel Communications Bunker

Liuetenant Commander Sammy Williams was a young man of 25, fresh out of Rebel Academy. Dressed smartly in the standard Rebel battle BDU and a neatly cropped hair, he looked around as rebel technicians scrambled around, trying to manage the communications center effeciently.

That was when a message came in.

"Sir, incomming transmission detected. Originating from the CNS Hamptonshire. " a young ensign reported.

"Forward it to Central Command." Sammy barked.

"Aye aye sir!" the ensign acknolwedged before proceeding to do as he was told.

Central Command Headquarters

"Sir, incomming transmission forwarded from Communications Bunker." Lieutenant Colonel Wilhar reported from his station .

"Open it!" General Bel Graham barked.

"Yes sir!"

This is Admiral Duke Leopold of the Cassiopeian battecruiser, CNS Hamptonshire. We picked up a message from some so called Rebel Confederation but we notice that you are in Mationbudsian territory. Therefore, what is exactly the situation, and can you send a delegate towards our ship?

"Open a channel to them, heavy encrypt."

"Yessir!"

Reply Transmission:
This is General Graham as you know. Indeed we are in Mationbudsian space, because we have no territory to call home ... yet. The current situation is grim. We just lost a minor skirmish against Imperial forces at Beridium, nevertheless we will continue out struggle to kick out the Imperialists from the galaxy! Of course we will send a representative immediately. Out.

---2 hours later---

A rebel shuttlecraft took off from the mountainous regions of the planet and shot skywards on full speed. They were alongside CNS Hamptonshire shortly.

Rebel Mission Commander and Representative Burke hailed the CNS Hamptonshire.

"This is Commander Burke, also the representative. I believe I was asked to discuss about... the terms on which you would be aiding us, I believe?"

IC :

Imperial Miranda Sector - Naval Command

Moff Vorlon who was currently the officer in charge of the starbase paced along the central command quarters uneasily. A report had come in that a Cassiopeiarian ship has dropped by the near-abandoned DeltaII sector. That was indeed disturbing news as the interceptor has traced the transmission's origin to the same area.

Nevertheless , the Cassiopeian Empire was a fomidable empire and not one to be threaded with lightly. A war between the two mighty empires could last forever. Thus he decided to take things slowly.

An Imperial MkIV Star Destroyer commanded by Commodore Frankhurt and 2 escort VictoryIII Star Destroyers were dispatched to meet with the Cassiopeian ship...

OOC:
Will continue after you've replied :) Wanna make things realistic as the distance between Naval Command and DeltaII is rather... far.

CNS Hamptonshire

"You're cleared to land."

Two marines saw the shuttle enter one of the pods of the battlecruiser. They saw the... thing. To be honest they thought it was the ugliest thing in the world, now of course they wouldn't say that but, it was true. Even worse that apparently it was a ghetto version of the Lambda class Imperial shuttle. Nevertheless, they stood there looking imposing in thei 2142 esque uniforms, with E-11 knockoffs in hand.

The two Marines looked at Burke. "Follow me." They said in unison.

The two Marines led the poor sod out of the hanger and into one of the many halls of the ship. It was a busy scene. Ensigns, officers, and navymen of all types were walking around taking care of business, like that Bachman Turner Overdrive song... I liked them.

Some of the navyfolk were nice enough to greet the Marines and Burke, others were too busy to say anything. Either the engine needed maintainince or their officer was demanding their presence. Either way there was a great deal of discipline inside the ship. It couldn't certainly match Imperial discipline but, it was bloody close enough. Especially since that last incident, ick.

The three men approached one of the many lifters of doom and got... well they didn't get lifted but they were taken to the Bridge.

The two Marines left Burke there and continued on their way to who knows what.

The Bridge was a nice looking place, as was told. Consoles beeping and fancy lights here and there, the giant plasma screen television displaying what was out there in space, like stars and that random Rebel planet. Officers joking around with each other on when a Star Destroyer would appear, or as the Cassiopeian term was, doom daggers.

And the Admiral? He just... sat there. Until Burke entered the room.

"Hello there." The Admiral stated. "I hope the ride was... pleasent." He said this in a wry matter, as only Leopold could. "Welcome aboard the CNS Hamptonshire, a fine ship hm? Anyway I believe we let you in here to talk to me about your situation. The fact that I'm doing this might get us in trouble with your Government. From the records it seems that our Government had a run in with them before. Luckily they were able to escape."

He paused. "I hope that luck is with us. Now then... Burke? What's the situation?"

IC :

CNS Hamptonshire - DeltaII Sector

Commander and Diplomat Burke slowly followed the two marines leading him. He was flanked by his two aides and escorted by another 4 Rebel Troopers. He stared in amazement at the operation of a starship. He hadnt been in one other than shuttles and a ol rusty Corellian Frigate which was no match to this.

As they entered the bridge, the Troopers snapped into attention a respectful 5 metres behind the Commander. The commander stepped forward and shook Admiral Leopold's hands warmly.

"I understand that this may land you in deep trouble indeed. We will do all in our power to prevent you from facing the wrath of the Empire. Indeed your ship is a magnificent ship and it is my aim to command one one day. Now back to business. Our current situation as General Bel Graham stressed, is grim. We just lost a vital Corvette and 2 Gunships. We need reinforcements to back-up our rebellion . Ships! Arms! Supplies! Ammunition! Theres a whole list."

"But the most serious need now is a lack of ships. We have plenty of eager recruits but nothing they can use against the Empire. Thus I would like to request for aid from the mighty Cassiopeian Empire."

----------Several Lightyears Away------------

The Imperial warships emerged out of hyperspace and activated their cloaking devices before re-entering hyperspace at warp 9. They were pushing their engines to 3/4 their operating power. There was no rush, just as Moff Vorlon said.

Task Force Commodore Frankhurt sat on the command chair as the Imperial Taskforce emerged out of hyperspace with a slight shudder. They dropped to impulse engines as they raced towards the rebellious planet...

CNS Hamptonshire

Leopold gave a weak smile. "We're a Commonwealth, not an Empire." He said with an amused look on his face. "We only have seven planets. From what Government records tell me, your Empire owns... much more then that. Saying that, I have two questions. One, why should me and the Cassiopeian Government in general pledge support to your cause. Two."

He paused. "Is there anything you need from this ship at this moment? We're only one ship but, we can do alot of things."

"Sir." The electronics officer chimed in. "I just saw three small... dots on radar. Wait, they're gone. Still, you guys should hurry up, I have a bad feeling about this..."

Leopold sighed. "Ships, I can't give. Supplies, I have plenty. Ammunition and arms, easy. But, I need a reason."

IC :

Commander Burke wearily replied "Please, pardon me for my error. Firstly the Cassiopeian Government should support our cause because we would establish more friendly relations to the Commonwealth."

He continued "Secondly yes we do. If you would, an added ship to our starfleet will greatly boost our firepower and morale. We as one should work together to overthrow the opressive Imperial government and form our own glorious confederation with close ties to the Commonwealth. Agree?"

---Meanwhile---

The MIN Warbird, one of the new top of the line Imperial MkIV Star Destroyers moved alongside the CNS Hamptonshire and activated its Interdictor Fields. It sent a transmission :

"This is the MIN Warbird. You are trepassing Imperial territory and are suspected of habouring and communicating with Rebel Insurgents. Turn them over at once and surrender all data on them. And stand by for boarding. All shields and weapons are to be powered down. Only vital life support systems are to be online. You have 2 minutes to comply. Commodore Frankhurt out."

The commodore then signaled the 2 escort Star Destroyers to take up positions surrounding the CNS Hamptonshire and trained its weapons on the ship, awaiting their commodore's orders...

CNS Hamptonshire

Red alert was sounded throughout the ship. Indeed, every Navymen and whatnot went to their positions, expecting the worst. Leopold however was amused by the situation. He decided to answer the hail.

"Excuse me a moment." He said to Burke. He then turned to the large screen where he could see the three large Star Destroyers. He was really amused by the display of power. From what Government records told him, and his past experiences being a Fleet Admiral, they were all bark and no bite. Still, better safe then sorry. Nevertheless...

Leopold grinned. "No sir." He said with an innocent voice. "The transmission stated that it came from the Confederation of Free States. My maps don't tell me that this belongs to the Mationbuds Empire. In fact it seems that this is an act of imperialism. Now then, you have one entire minute to leave their territory or we'll fire." He paused. "We are not shutting down our ship, we are not powering down our weapons for a foreign aggressor."

He turned to his armament officer. "Activate all weaponry, get ready for a fight."

The electronics officer turned to him. "You're either a genius or you're bloody mad." He paused. "Rerouting all available power to the engines."

Leopold sat back on his chair and turned to Burke. "Let's see what happens now, oh and, sit down. I have a feeling you'll need to in a minute or two."

IC :

Commodore Frankhurt stared in amazement at the daringness of this Cassiopeian Captain.

He replied back in the same tone:

"You have been warned. You are in Imperial territory and are infringing on our sovereignity and will be utterly destroyed. Out."

He then turned to face his men.

"Battlestations, shields to full strength and power up the damned guns."

"Aye sir!" a resounding shout echoed throughout the interior of the bridge.

The VictoryIII Star Destroyers received their orders and immediately raised shields to 100%. They opened fire with blasts from their Ion Cannons with volleys of Zeus Class anti-shield missiles. Both were designed to knock out shields.

Satisfied that the vessel's shields had been sufficiently weakened. They started by firing rounds from their Turbolaser Batteries accompanied by several volleys of Proton Torpedoes and Concussion Missiles.

The massive hulk of the Imperial Star Destroyer executed a 90 degrees turn to face the CNS Hamptonshire. Its powerful Disruptor and Pulse Cannons opened fire with a thud sound as the guns fired, reloaded and fired non-stop. The blasts were designed also to render shields of a vessel inoperable.

Its front and aft turbolaser and phaser batteries started firing several shots at key areas including engineering compartments, shield generators, communications masts and the bridge.

Together the Star Destroyers launched several squadrons of TIE Intereptors and TIE Defenders to act as fighter screens while executing bombing runs on weak spots of the enemy battleship...

North Star
The swirling vortex of hyperspace changed colours, moving all around the North Star as the exploration ship held it's position, scanning local systems for interesting things. The ship was one of many in the Minbari fleets - After the reformations, White Stars lost most of their place in combat, replaced by the better-armed and armoured Sinclair frigates, delegating White Stars to exploration and fast frigate duties. They still packed a punch for a ship their size, just outmoded.

"Shai." the sensor officer said, adding, "There is a firefight going on in one of the near systems, probes sending back a Cassiopeian battlecruiser engaged against three Star Destroyers."

The Shai snorted at the star destroyer remark. He said, "Set course, dephase from hyperspace once we're in system, we'll help the Cassiopeians out. Red alert."

"Aye." the officer said, and the bridge took a darker tone as the red alert went through the ship. Men rushed to their battle stations, guns activated, and all that jazz, although the shields and ablative armour were not activated, as doing so in hyperspace was generally deemed to be Not A Good Thing. The ship's gravitic engine got moving, pushing the ship at a relative rate of 2 LY/minute, although in terms of hyperspace, it wasn't moving that fast at all.

As the system in question wasn't that far away, in eighteen minutes, the 36 LY had been crossed and the North Star phased into realspace, probably giving the 3 Star Destroyers and the Cassiopeian battlecruiser a heart attack.

The battle bridge activated, giving the Shai a full 3-D view of all the ships involved, and he said, "Minbari North Star to Cassiopeian vessel, we are here to assist."

The shields and ablative armour activated, causing a brief humming and thumping noise on the hull as the armour placed itself. The White Star maneuvered for position, it's guns activated and ready for a fight..

CNS Hamtponshire

Leopold grinned. "Fire."

Unfortunately for the enemy the CNS Hamptonshire was quite prepared for this to happen. As the missiles flew in towards the ship the point defense cannons fired. Continuous green beams came out of the battlecruiser, aiming its death light at the missiles, almost shooting down all of them. Granted, some got through.

The Admiral held tight to his chair. "Oof." He said. "Well, come on, fly!" He shouted in a rare moment of excitement.

The CNS Hamptonshire flew majestically over the three Star Destroyers, once in a while turbolaser shots causing damage to the shields but nothing major. Meanwhile the ship's point defense lasers shot at the fighters from behind, its green beams hoping to take care of those pesty flies as the Admiral called them. Leopold coughed. "Not smart of them sending fighters towards a capitol ship." He looked at the screen, it seems they wouldn't relent.

After the battlecruiser got a considerable distance away from the Star Destroyers, it was time for its retaliation. Leopold looked at the screen. "Launch all fighters, leave the bombers behind. We don't want to make their mistake."

It was thus that all fifty CF-7s were launched and they headed towards the TIEs. It'd be quite the crazy battle. It wasn't over yet though.

Leopold gave the order. "Fire missiles." And of all a sudden fifty hypervelocity thermonuclear missiles flew from inside the ship and towards one of the Victory Class Star Destroyers. It was a grand display, they looked like the missiles from Robotech, spinning and whatnot and heading right toward its target. There would be more good news.

"Sir." The communications officer said. "Minbari! They wanna know what the hell is going on." He paused. "I'll patch you through."

"Well." The Admiral said. "Glad to see some allies in the area. Apparently some Confederation is under threat from the Mationbuds Empire. I'll tell you more later but right now, just fire at the darned things."

IC :

Commodore Frankhurt radioed base for reinforcements, which were promised shortly.

Meanwhile he ordered another 30 TIE Interceptors and 10 of the highly elite TIE Defenders to join their brothers in engaging the enemy starfighters and hunt down the bombers like a pack of wolves.

Frankhurt smiled, he knew the enemy battleship couldnt accelerate to warp speed/jump to hyperspace due to the Interdiction field his Star Destroyer generated.

Giving orders through the tactical command center, the Victory Star Destroyers tracked every individual incomming enemy missile and fired beams of superheated laser from its PointDefense Guns and QuadPhaser Batteries. The thermonuclear missiles were easily shot down and exploded harmlessly. Their radiation splashing uselessly against the shields of the Star Destroyers. Of course several missiles got through the PD Guns causing minor shield damage, nothing more than that.

At his command, the Star Destroyer shot forward at full speed, firing its Disruptor, Phaser and Turbolaser batteries all at once, the firepower was so large that few would have survived. It was backed by 200 Zeus Anti-Shield Missiles and 150 Thor Class Anti-ship missiles. The more common ordanance of Proton Torpedoes and Concussion missiles were fired in the hundreds.

10 of the newly implemented NovaII Torpedoes were fired. Upon impact, they exploded into black holes that would slowly consume the enemy battleship up...

Meanwhile the backup was dispatched from Imperial Naval Command. An ExecutorII Class Prototype Super Star Destroyer was slowly on the way...

North Star
The Shai grinned. Those Cassiopeians, always direct and to the point.

"Weapons, lock onto the third Star Destroyer, and open fire, full salvo. Keep us well out of range of their guns, and hyper a message back to..Throughpoint that we may need reinforcements soon." the Shai said, as the ship began a gut-wrenching maneuver to point the main quantum gun at the Star Destroyer.

As four Nial fighters dropped out of the bays of North Star, running point defense escort for their mother ship, neutron pulse guns began firing at the Star Destroyer ahead of them, mostly ranging shots but most would probably connect anyway. The main gun required a few seconds of charging, but it's effects were absolutely lethal - Equal to if not greater than the output of it's larger cousin, the Sharlin's main gun, ships smaller than the North Star would probably be cut in half, and ships such as the Star Destroyer would be hard pressed to avoid a hull penetration, but the disadvantage was a several minute recharge time after the first shot.

Fusion pulse guns locked onto the Mationbuds fighters, plastering their general area with enough firepower to vaporize TIE fighters in a single shot. The Nial heavy fighters were vastly outnumbered, so they stuck with the mother ship rather than a likely demise at the hands of Imperial swarm tactics..

(OOC: Welcome back, Mationbuds. :) )

Espada-class Battlestar CINS Polarian
Battle Group 67 (BG-67)

The Polarian and her escorts had been operating nearby, performing routine combat drills and exercises in deep space as commonly ordered by command. Her group was running only at half strength with four ships, two of which being the Polarian and her colossal sister... Well, Colossus. Their smaller escorts were the Indomitable-class Gunstars CINS Dawes and CINS Harrison, and all four were in formation awaiting the order for the exercises to cease. They had been praciticing anti-fighter drills, having deployed drones which were used as the opposing force for the unit. Their task complete, BG-67 was to begin the long trek back to their home port of call.

Plans were changed, however, when Ensign Julia Stiles perked up at her console, noticing a blob on the upper corner of her sensors screen. She wiped the blob of jelly from her donut off the monitor, and saw strange readings numerous light years away. Zooming in on them, what could be identified as three Star Destroyers and two other, unknown ships were clearly visible. (except for the unknown ships, of course)

"Admiral!", she called out. "I think you should have a look at this, sir."

Rear Admiral Anthony Hawkins approached the young sensors operator, and watched the sensors readout with intrigue. It was then that the message came in.

"Admiral, incoming priority message.", a comms officer shouted aloud. He played the message, and the Admiral listened attentively.

"This is General Bel Graham of the newly formed Rebel Confederation. Today we seek to bring about new change and instill a Democratic government for our empire and we welcome all to be a part of it. We would like to seek for any possible aid, be it military or financial. Thank you and have a good day. "

"Source?", the Admiral asked.
"The same location of the Star Destroyers.", replied the comms officer.

The Admiral smiled to himself.

"Contact the Admiralty. Inform them we're sending out a scouting squadron and request further orders."
"Aye, sir."

He turned to the flight operations manager, as the CIC switched to dimmer lighting while the central situational display hologram flickered to life.

"Prepare a flight of Switchblades for an immediate short-range FTL jump to that location. Ensure they stay in contact with us."
"Aye, sir."

***********************
Twenty Minutes Later
Site of Standoff

Twelve nimble Switchblade fighters appeared in a series of flashes, and took up formation. A long distance ahead of them were the ships invovled in the standoff. Beams and missiles could be seen streaking about the ships.

"Cobra Flight, Lead. Maintain wedge formation and approach cautiously."
"Copy that, Lead."
"Sir, sensors indicate shots fired!"

The pilots finally did notice the brilliant display of firepower, and immediately called back to their home ship.

"Polarian, Cobra Lead. We have confirmed conflict in the area. Suggested action?"

Their muffled response came through the communications system.

"Make contact with the rebels, and assist them if possible. We'll be there soon, hopefully with reinforcements close behind."

The Switchblades broke off and sped towards the site of battle, hoping they could offer some assistance.

"Attention rebel forces, this is Lieutenant Shawkins of the CINS Polarian. We recieved your message. Need some help?"

CNS Hamptonshire

"Sir sir!" The electronics officer shouted. "Missiles, by the hundreds. Any ideas?"

Leopold had a stoic look on his face. He wasn't out of this game yet. "Focus all of our weaponry on the missiles, forget the fighters or the ships. Just the missiles. Oh and, keep moving." He paused. "Transfer all available energy on making the cannons more accurate."

The turbolasers headed steadily to the battlecruiser, but luckily for the ship it was able to get out of range from most of them seeing that the ship was a fast one and well, turbolasers can go only in one direction: straight. The missiles were another problem of course, but, that would be solved too. Another missile load was replicated, the ship shook I mean the darned things are huge! Meanwhile the point defense cannons were letting out beams left and right, trying to shoot every missile in the world. Not only that but another fifty missiles were launched right towards the insane enemy salvo.

If Leopold was correct, he would be able to shoot down every or most missiles with said salvo via some sort of chain reaction. Also, those Nova torpedoes would explode too.

Meanwhile the fighters were having a bit of a problem.

"This is Hamp Flight Leader." The head of the fifty fighters said. "Everybody, let's take care of those darned... globe thingers with the panels!"

All at once the fifty fighters locked on a TIE and launched a proton torpedo, which would hopefully shoot fifty down. After that was over the large flight was divided into squads of five, hoping to shoot down some random TIEs. This is the story of Hamp Leader. "All right guys." He said. "It seems the Minbari are giving cover fire, be careful, now head out!"

His four other fighters headed towards the TIE group... now things would blow up.

"Admiral, a message." The communications officer said. "They're asking for the rebels. I'll patch you through."

Leopold spoke. "I have one of the rebels with me. We're in a bit of a bind as you can see." He said in his trademark wry humour. "So, can you help us?"

"Copy that, we'll assist where possible."

The twelve Switchblades entered the fray, joining with Cassiopean fighters in attempts to destroy the oncoming hordes of TIEs and keep the pressure off of the Cassiopean battlecruiser. Their autocannons roared as red tracers were thrown into the black abyss at the TIEs.

"Polarian, this is Cobra Lead. This is quite the furball here, we need assistance."
"The Admiralty has already given us the okay... We'll be there in about twenty minutes. We sent two more squadrons of Switchblades a while ago, they should be arriving around now. Until then, just hold on."
"Copy that, Polarian."

Two more squadrons of Switchblades appeared out of FTL a few minutes later, and began closing with the battle. The capital ships and escorts would be arriving soon enough.

OOC:

Yups I am indeed still a member of the Tri Party Alliance :)

OOC: just so you know I might change the name of Tri party Aliance to GFFFA(Galatic Federation of Free Floating Assholes)

"Interesting political morass we've stumbled upon in this sector," mused Praefectus-Imperator Verres, as he watched intelligence charts and reports flick in and out on the holoscreen of his command ship, the NAR Tridentiger a thousand motes of data from the Lumen drones his fleet had released and spread throughout the sector that combined to give him and his companion a rough understanding of what was going on.

"A most interesting technological tree," the slender woman beside him said half to herself, watching a playback of the battle between the rebel ships and the Empire's planetary defenses. "They possess laser capability, but crude; mine Kindred's understanding of such arcana was beyond even such, when they did begin to implement it."

"Does it matter? They have it, and in great quantities, not to mention all these other more conventional weapons of war. No indication of magnetic acceleration weapons, though."

The woman smiled teasingly up at him, brushing a strand of hair back from her large lavender eyes and pointed ears. "Mine Admiral dost wish to give a demonstration, I ween."

"Don't be ridiculous, Laevinia. With that transmission we intercepted previously, and the battles beginning to spring up, there's obviously something afoot here that might be best left unmeddled. Nevertheless, we're getting involved." He keyed commands on the holoconsole, linking to every capital ship in his spread-out fleet, and called his closest three battlegroups to support the Tridentiger and her command escort as they approached the scene of the Hamptonshire.

<Neo-Roman Republican Navy to unidentified aggressors: each identify and report situation. We are prepared to provide possible armed support. We have sufficient firepower to eliminate all participants and will do so if deemed necessary>

"Interesting political morass we've stumbled upon in this sector," mused Praefectus-Imperator Verres, as he watched intelligence charts and reports flick in and out on the holoscreen of his command ship, the NAR Tridentiger a thousand motes of data from the Lumen drones his fleet had released and spread throughout the sector that combined to give him and his companion a rough understanding of what was going on.

"A most interesting technological tree," the slender woman beside him said half to herself, watching a playback of the battle between the rebel ships and the Empire's planetary defenses. "They possess laser capability, but crude; mine Kindred's understanding of such arcana was beyond even such, when they did begin to implement it."

"Does it matter? They have it, and in great quantities, not to mention all these other more conventional weapons of war. No indication of magnetic acceleration weapons, though."

The woman smiled teasingly up at him, brushing a strand of hair back from her large lavender eyes and pointed ears. "Mine Admiral dost wish to give a demonstration, I ween."

"Don't be ridiculous, Laevinia. With that transmission we intercepted previously, and the battles beginning to spring up, there's obviously something afoot here that might be best left unmeddled. Nevertheless, we're getting involved." He keyed commands on the holoconsole, linking to every capital ship in his spread-out fleet, and called his closest three battlegroups to support the Tridentiger and her command escort as they approached the scene of the Hamptonshire.

<Neo-Roman Republican Navy to unidentified aggressors: each identify and report situation. We are prepared to provide possible armed support. We have sufficient firepower to eliminate all participants and will do so if deemed necessary>

OOC:

OOPs , seems like I'm vastly outnumbered.

IC:

Imperial Commodore Frankhurt stared blankly at the tactical display as the Neo-Roman Republican Navy ship(s) emerged out of hyperspace. Perhaps it was time to gain some allies.

He transmitted a message to them:

"This is Imperial Navy Commodore Frankhurt. We are currently in the process of putting down an armed rebellion but we are obstructed by other parties. If possible we wish to discuss an alliance between our nations. Out."

North Star
The Shai grinned. Those Cassiopeians, always direct and to the point.

"Weapons, lock onto the third Star Destroyer, and open fire, full salvo. Keep us well out of range of their guns, and hyper a message back to..Throughpoint that we may need reinforcements soon." the Shai said, as the ship began a gut-wrenching maneuver to point the main quantum gun at the Star Destroyer.

As four Nial fighters dropped out of the bays of North Star, running point defense escort for their mother ship, neutron pulse guns began firing at the Star Destroyer ahead of them, mostly ranging shots but most would probably connect anyway. The main gun required a few seconds of charging, but it's effects were absolutely lethal - Equal to if not greater than the output of it's larger cousin, the Sharlin's main gun, ships smaller than the North Star would probably be cut in half, and ships such as the Star Destroyer would be hard pressed to avoid a hull penetration, but the disadvantage was a several minute recharge time after the first shot.

Fusion pulse guns locked onto the Mationbuds fighters, plastering their general area with enough firepower to vaporize TIE fighters in a single shot. The Nial heavy fighters were vastly outnumbered, so they stuck with the mother ship rather than a likely demise at the hands of Imperial swarm tactics..


IC :

The massive star destroyer rocked under the increasing amount if shots directed at her. However her newly installed shields were able to hold out the enemy shots... for now. It returned fire with blasts from its Phaser and Disruptor Cannons while it kept its Turbolasers trained at the CNS Hamptonshire.

The Imperial fighter pilots were highly trained and several squadrons broke off pursiut to engage the enemy Nial fighters. Several TIE Interceptors managed to fire off several Cancer class anti-craft missile which were specifically designed to penetrate through a fighter's armor and shields and detonate, causing devestating effect.

Several TIE Interceptors spiraled out of control and exploded into massive balls of ionized gas as they were nailed by the Nial fighters.

However luck was on the Imperials side as the TIE Defenders outgunned the Nial fighters in terms of speed, armor, shield and weaponary. The only thing it lacked at was maneouravability.

They engaged the enemy fighters, firing from their powerful Shadow Guns which fired small bombs which exploded into tiny but powerful blackholes which lasted long enough to destroy an entire fighter each.

They also utilized the standard Quad Ion Cannons , Laser Cannons , Proton Torpedoes, Concussion Missiles and Cancer Missiles...

CNS Hamptonshire

"Sir sir!" The electronics officer shouted. "Missiles, by the hundreds. Any ideas?"

Leopold had a stoic look on his face. He wasn't out of this game yet. "Focus all of our weaponry on the missiles, forget the fighters or the ships. Just the missiles. Oh and, keep moving." He paused. "Transfer all available energy on making the cannons more accurate."

The turbolasers headed steadily to the battlecruiser, but luckily for the ship it was able to get out of range from most of them seeing that the ship was a fast one and well, turbolasers can go only in one direction: straight. The missiles were another problem of course, but, that would be solved too. Another missile load was replicated, the ship shook I mean the darned things are huge! Meanwhile the point defense cannons were letting out beams left and right, trying to shoot every missile in the world. Not only that but another fifty missiles were launched right towards the insane enemy salvo.

If Leopold was correct, he would be able to shoot down every or most missiles with said salvo via some sort of chain reaction. Also, those Nova torpedoes would explode too.

Meanwhile the fighters were having a bit of a problem.

"This is Hamp Flight Leader." The head of the fifty fighters said. "Everybody, let's take care of those darned... globe thingers with the panels!"

All at once the fifty fighters locked on a TIE and launched a proton torpedo, which would hopefully shoot fifty down. After that was over the large flight was divided into squads of five, hoping to shoot down some random TIEs. This is the story of Hamp Leader. "All right guys." He said. "It seems the Minbari are giving cover fire, be careful, now head out!"

His four other fighters headed towards the TIE group... now things would blow up.

"Admiral, a message." The communications officer said. "They're asking for the rebels. I'll patch you through."

Leopold spoke. "I have one of the rebels with me. We're in a bit of a bind as you can see." He said in his trademark wry humour. "So, can you help us?"


IC:

Several missiles were shot down but this was the newer version, it was faster and had a 'smarter' targeting computer which allowed it to change its course continuously, thus managing to 'dodge' majority of the enemy laser beams.

The missiles got through by the hundreds as they appraoched the final few hundred metres seperating them away from destiny. Meanwhile the Nova Torpedoes were not as dumb as the enemy anticipated. Instead after receiving commands from missile control , 4 of the Torpedoes prematurely exploded and sucked in the thermonuclear missiles threathening the operation's sucess . The remainder 6 closed in ...

Meanwhile the unlucky TIE Fighter was shot down. Its brothers responded by executing the same maneouver. They broke up into groups of 8 and each group targeted an individiual enemy fighter... The battle was intense.

(OOC: Welcome back, Mationbuds. :) )

Espada-class Battlestar CINS Polarian
Battle Group 67 (BG-67)

The Polarian and her escorts had been operating nearby, performing routine combat drills and exercises in deep space as commonly ordered by command. Her group was running only at half strength with four ships, two of which being the Polarian and her colossal sister... Well, Colossus. Their smaller escorts were the Indomitable-class Gunstars CINS Dawes and CINS Harrison, and all four were in formation awaiting the order for the exercises to cease. They had been praciticing anti-fighter drills, having deployed drones which were used as the opposing force for the unit. Their task complete, BG-67 was to begin the long trek back to their home port of call.

Plans were changed, however, when Ensign Julia Stiles perked up at her console, noticing a blob on the upper corner of her sensors screen. She wiped the blob of jelly from her donut off the monitor, and saw strange readings numerous light years away. Zooming in on them, what could be identified as three Star Destroyers and two other, unknown ships were clearly visible. (except for the unknown ships, of course)

"Admiral!", she called out. "I think you should have a look at this, sir."

Rear Admiral Anthony Hawkins approached the young sensors operator, and watched the sensors readout with intrigue. It was then that the message came in.

"Admiral, incoming priority message.", a comms officer shouted aloud. He played the message, and the Admiral listened attentively.



"Source?", the Admiral asked.
"The same location of the Star Destroyers.", replied the comms officer.

The Admiral smiled to himself.

"Contact the Admiralty. Inform them we're sending out a scouting squadron and request further orders."
"Aye, sir."

He turned to the flight operations manager, as the CIC switched to dimmer lighting while the central situational display hologram flickered to life.

"Prepare a flight of Switchblades for an immediate short-range FTL jump to that location. Ensure they stay in contact with us."
"Aye, sir."

***********************
Twenty Minutes Later
Site of Standoff

Twelve nimble Switchblade fighters appeared in a series of flashes, and took up formation. A long distance ahead of them were the ships invovled in the standoff. Beams and missiles could be seen streaking about the ships.

"Cobra Flight, Lead. Maintain wedge formation and approach cautiously."
"Copy that, Lead."
"Sir, sensors indicate shots fired!"

The pilots finally did notice the brilliant display of firepower, and immediately called back to their home ship.

"Polarian, Cobra Lead. We have confirmed conflict in the area. Suggested action?"

Their muffled response came through the communications system.

"Make contact with the rebels, and assist them if possible. We'll be there soon, hopefully with reinforcements close behind."

The Switchblades broke off and sped towards the site of battle, hoping they could offer some assistance.

"Attention rebel forces, this is Lieutenant Shawkins of the CINS Polarian. We recieved your message. Need some help?"

OOC:

Thanks Cravan :)

IC:

Rebel General Bel Graham stood watching the battle above unfold, he was smiling at the work of his hands. That was when the transmission came in.

"Play it ensign!"

"Yes sir!"

Attention rebel forces, this is Lieutenant Shawkins of the CINS [/i]Polarian[i]. We recieved your message. Need some help?

After several moments of careful thought, he replied.

This is General Bel Graham. Of course aid would be most welcome. Currently we are in need of arms and supplies. If you could provide them it'd be excellent. Out.

---Meanwhile---

As the battle above raged on, the reinforcement promised by Imperial Naval Command finally arrived. The huge 20 kilometere long ExecutorII Prototype Star Destroyer emerged out of hyperspace. The front of the ship was attached to a crude contraception, its purpose still unknown.

The ship had gone through tests with very promising results. This would be the first actual battle it is being put through. As it came out of hyperspace, Lord Darth Bane paced the bridge of the Super Star Destroyer. He had received his orders from the Emperor himself. The planet was not to be spared. Although it wouldnt be totally destroyed, the Emperor wanted it to be reduced to rubble.

And it was Darth Bane's job to ensure it was carried out. Giving a mere nod to the Tactical Weapons officer, it passed down the chain of command. The SSD's massive array of Turbolaser batteries powered up simultaneously and opened fire on the planet down below with a continuous thudding sound as round after round was fired.

Thousands of Anti-Matter Missiles were fired to complement the massive firework display being put up. 10 Squadrons of TIE-II Heavy Bombers were launched, escorted by 4 Squadrons of TIE Defenders.

They conducted straffing and bombing runs on known rebel emplacements...

OOC: just so you know I might change the name of Tri party Aliance to GFFFA(Galatic Federation of Free Floating Assholes)

OOC:

LOL. Btw can ya get the TPA to enter this thread and help me out? I'm being outnumbered lol

a warfleet exited the warp the commander admaril constine snapped comme the tcg
to our brothers in arms of tcg the imperium has come to aid you


12 batlle ships 5 strike crusers and 15 gunboats and 2 troop ships could be seen

OOC:

Hmm ships appearing in one post... fine...

1t Fleet stats:
-1 Tyrant Class SSD
-10 Imperial MkIV Star Destroyers
-20 VictoryIII Star Destroyers
-10 Mon CalamariII Star Cruisers
-5 Interdictor Cruisers
-Other destroyers, frigates, gunships etc...

IC:

The sleek body of the Tyrant Class Super Star Destroyer emerged out of hyperspace as the 1st Imperial Fleet emerged out of hyperspace as the other ships of the 1st Fleet slowly emerged out of hyperspace...

This had escalated into a full scale war. Nothing must be left alive...

"Imperial fleet has responded, domine," a commtech relayed to Verres over the ship's band. "We are still waiting for a response from these others."

"We are not to get involved until we have responses from everyone," Verres ordered, leaning over the holoconsole as he watched the battle unfold on the holoscreen. "Tactical, what's the status of Battlegroups Gorgon and Charybdis?"

"Both battlegroups deploying in defensive formation Epsilon a hundred klicks off both our flanks, with the minimum gunship escort picket. All remaining fighters are on ready alert and are prepared for immediate launch on your order."

"Bring up the deceres-class destroyers from each battlegroup and deploy them in ready formation Tau around the command battlegroup. I don't want to give them any clear idea about how many ships we have, but a display of adequate force should discourage them from trying anything funny."

"It will be as you order, domine."

OOC:

Hmm ships appearing in one post... fine...

1t Fleet stats:
-1 Tyrant Class SSD
-1 Death Star
-10 Imperial MkIV Star Destroyers
-20 VictoryIII Star Destroyers
-10 Mon CalamariII Star Cruisers
-5 Interdictor Cruisers
-Other destroyers, frigates, gunships etc...

IC:

The sleek body of the Tyrant Class Super Star Destroyer emerged out of hyperspace as the 1st Imperial Fleet emerged out of hyperspace. The Death Star was next to appear before the other ships of the 1st Fleet slowly emerged out of hyperspace...

This had escalated into a full scale war. Nothing must be left alive...
OOC: No death stars. I'll accept the rest, but if you insist on the death star, I'll ignore you.

Hanzu Habitat

The rock - for that was what it was, not considering the comparatively minor 'Adjustments' it had undergone in order to make it livable - tumbled through space, perfectly synchronised with the movement of the medium-sized gas giant it was orbiting, apparently unaware of everything that was going on around it.

Originally, it'd been a mere captured asteroid, carbonaceous, with a handful of frozen - but, after millenia, very much dead - bacteria on it, and very, very little of interest.

Of course, this had changed. A handful of years ago, a group of (Sort of - the Hypocisy was virtually devoid of 'Purebred' ethnicities) 'Traditionalist' Han had stumbled upon the rock, and - liking its carbon content and its relative proximity to the local sun, as well as said sun's relative proximity to absolutely nothing whatsoever -, they'd eventually decided to make it their new home, partly because their search for a usable planet had been somewhat less than successful, and partly because usable planets tended to attract unwanted visitors they couldn't possibly hope to deal with, given their lack in numbers.

By now, the rock - christened Hanzu, after the ethnicity its mongrel-population most closely associated with - had been transformed into a fairly reasonable place to live at, or rather in, if one disregarded the claustrophobia associated with its nonetheless limited living space.

Of course, it was 'Primitivist' (Though the actual inhabitants preferred to call it 'Traditionalist'), lacking a proper mind, and featuring a permanent popualtion consisting almost exclusively of humans with a comparatively minor degree of augmentation, but one could do without a mind, and (Sapient) machines weren't a necessity, either, so it still worked out as a fairly nifty place. Spacedy-rural, perhaps.

A few actual rice fields, classical chinese architecture featuring an elegance the Hypocisy was otherwise virtually devoid of, polite (If reclusive, and numbering less than nine thousand) people...

Of course, none of this mattered to the three people that were, at this very moment, discussing a rather... Peculiar matter in their secluded room - oddly devoid of HighSoph countermeasures, but they weren't really needed in this place. Which was, of course, one of the reasons for them to be here in the first place.

"This is General Bel Graham of the newly formed Rebel Confederation. Today we seek to bring about new change and instill a Democratic government for our empire and we welcome all to be a part of it. We would like to seek for any possible aid, be it military or financial. Thank you and have a good day."

"The message was received four days ago, though it took us two days to decrypt it - I'm not entirely certain as of the reason to send it in encrypted form, but there you have it."

The woman talking appeared to be in her early thirties, of comparatively 'Pure' chinese ancestry, rather fond of the habitat's traditional clothing (Somewhat perversely, every rice farmer could afford a middle-class living standard, but nobody seemed to mind this historically rather inaccurate depiction), and seemed almost disconnected from the events around her - above-average augmentation afforded her the abilities she needed in her profession, and right now, she was coordinating with a handful of ships, minds, and individuals spread over the better part of the galaxy.

"Slightly over a day ago, an engagement between apparent rebel forces and loyalists could be observed in the Beridum sector. The rebels lost one corvette and two gunships - loyalists came out nearly unscathed."

Images flickered through minds, the results of analysing intercepted emission spectra and encrypted MilSpec communications.

"I didn't know we'd tagged Mationbuds," one of the two men - decidedly non-chinese, and oddly tall for an Angstian, measuring almost 180 cm - said, surprised.

"We didn't. The Interstellar Exploration Unit Technocrat was playing around with its active FTL sensors. A prototype, hence the poor quality of the information we've received - we know the outcome of the engagement, but not how it progressed to arive at said outcome."

"Ah."

"One day later, a variety of entities entered Mationbuds space. Judging by the information available to us - again via the Technocrat - they amount to Minbari, who are acting uncharacteristically aggressive, and a few more entities, which are less easily identified - they're showing the non-specific emission/ reflection parameters. characteristic for majority of entities in known space."

"In other words, it's a clusterfuck."

"This seems to be an appropriate - if mildly simplifying and rather rude - term."

"Thank you, Miss Chao. Now... Suggestions?" The vaguely-but-not-quite caucasian male was no longer addressing Miss Chao alone, but also the second man, who seemed to be a bog-average local, albeit with less 'Original' Han-DNA than Miss Chao. She was, however, still the first to respond.

"It can be said with certainty that as far as space dominance goes, the 'Rebellion' is inferior to the loyalists, lacking not only in materiél, but also resorting to more-or-less suicidal strategy and tactics, though these may be the result of momentary excitement. It is arguable whether a - likely short-term - intervention by foreign entities will change this to any great extend."

"However, it is unlikely that the loyalist faction can use space superiority as well as it could - I doubt they're willing to glass their own planets in order to eliminate the rebellion. Long-term unrest and urban warfare/ terrorism are a likely outcome, though the presence of robotic armies and mass-produced, vat-grown humans should make this a nuisance, rather than a serious threat."

"This is true. And it doesn't change the projected outcome."

"Not unless we intervene..."

"But in what form?" Miss Chao looked oddly at her fellow pseudo-Han. "We've diplomatic relations with Mationbuds, and as much as a system change is desirable, we can't possibly start shooting them."

"Supplies, of course. Supplies and intelligence. Sub-milspec weaponry can be exported easily. Sure, they'll know the weapons were Hypocrisy-manufactured - but with our wide variety of manufacturers and markets, this would be nowhere near 'Supporting a Rebellion'. No more so than, lets say, the twentieth century CIA finding FARC forces in Colombia using M 16 assault rifles would suggest Colt supporting a communist insurgency."

"True. But that alone wont cause the rebels to succeed, absurdly overpoered as our infantry-scale weaponry may be."

"Nothing will, if our predictions are to be trusted. The idea is to cause a compromise - the rebels get a degree of representation, civil rights increase a bit, but the Sith stay in power. To my knowledge, 'Sith'-ness is about power, not cruelty - a compromise might be possible. And all the rebellion has to do for this is to achive a stalemate, to be so much of a pain in the ass a compromise is more efficient than total warfare."

"This would, of course, mean we need to act via the political arm, too."

"This is correct. If everything was to happen exactly as I am imagining it, we'd be the one bringing loyalists and rebels on one table, offering the compromise, and getting the two to shake hands. We might even go so far as to support both sides beforehand, to greater or lesser extends."

"It's tempting." This was no longer Miss Chao talking, it was the caucasian-in-denial. "But we'd need to know more about the rebellion, see whether it's worth risking something over. A democratic regime that supports clone-slavery and discriminates against machines isn't exactly better than a dictatorship doing the same thing."

Miss Chao glanced briefly at her companion - Mr. Shi -, trying to hide a smirk. He wasn't strictly opposed to machine-citizenship... But he could do without them being anywhere close by.

At least, without them being anywhere close by in significant numbers.

Finally, Miss Chao responded. "This could be arranged. Transportation is available?"

"Certainly. We even have the necessary shuttlecraft fitting the local technology base, and you're baseline enough to get through without being recogniceably foreign."

A smile. "We'll be on our way, then."

OOC: For the sake of being fair, I'll come in on MB's side. Only for the cause of being fair, I swear! =P Welcome back, MB, I am Telros. Good to see you again.

IC: A fair distance away from the battle, there was a loud crack and a battle group of ten ships appeared out of nothingness. The flash drives, glowing white with energy, cooled down and closed the rift of blinding light behind them, the brute force tearing the fabric of the universe dissipating like sand in the wind. In this mighty force was a single Dragon-class battlecruiser (http://files.turbosquid.com/Preview/Content_on_12_14_2003_23_15_13/pic1.jpg30106d40-2363-467f-a646-f705c3d428de.jpgLarge.jpg), two Warlock-class destroyers (http://www.shipschematics.net/b5/images/earthforce/destroyer_warlock.jpg), three Rodger Young-class cruisers (http://www.vfxhq.com/1997/stills/starship/mini/fleet1.gif), and four Valley Forge-class corvettes (http://ca.geocities.com/arnabisthebest/tv/starshiptroopers.jpg). In command of this force, led by Commander Potentis. A well-renowned man in the Federation military, he had fought in the previous Bug War, onboard the Satan's Shadow, the battlecruiser he now cruised the lanes of space with. The ship had been with him for all of his military career, even through the devastating, idiotic First Battle for Klendathu, where it had nearly been ripped in half. The former captain had been lost and he had been promoted. And after years of service, he had been promoted again. Now, he was here, investigating a strange message coming from the nation of Mationbuds. Being a member of the Galactic Empire, the Federation felt a duty to at least aid other members within that alliance, and so SICON had sent a battlegroup to investigate. Turning to his second-in-command, his rough voice sounded throughout the bridge. "Report! I want a full-scan of the region and the origin of that signal. This rebellion is to be put down, if the Mationbuds Empire so requests it."

Lieutenant Sedo nodded and turned to his station, fingers moving over the keys with precision. "Alright. Battle group status, optimal. All A.I. signals showing loud and clear. All systems are go. Commencing system-wide scan....." A klaxon interrupted him and the main screen flashed on, showing the different ships in varying colors. Mationbuds was in blue, Cassiopeia in red, Whyatica in green, Legio in green, Cravan in yellow, Sephiroth in black, and his own ships in white. Sedo quickly moved over to his combat console, viewing the scene in normal view. "Sir, we have a Situation Tango, I repeat Situation Tango. Mationbuds is currently under heavy attack by four different factions, ship designs unknown, not matching any known schematics. I am tracking multiple missile firings, exchanges of laser fire and torpedoes. It's hell out there, sir. I don't know if we may be enough to take them out. We came here to make sure the rebellion was firmly put down, not start a war!"

Commander Potentis waved a hand. "Be that as it may, we have a duty to aid Mationbuds. And so, we must-" Again, the klaxon interrupted, and the screen refreshed itself, showing the addition of more Mationbuds and Cravan forces.

"Sir, this is becoming a full-scale battle! Involvement is almost essential action by now, sir! We pull out now or we will never pull out! Orders?!" Potentis closed his eyes and sighed.

"We fight. The battlegroup is to go Alpha Alert and all squadrons are to be mustered. Get me open channels to SICON HQ and Mationbuds. We are entering this fight and with full force. Have the M.I. troopers ready themselves for anti-boarders, just in case."

"Working on it, sir." The bridge crew sighed and then settled into a combat mode. Warning sirens blared throughout the ship, startling everyone. Of course, many had been at the viewports, gazing at the ferocious battle, as dull thumps and the flashes of light had piqued their curiosity. With the alarm going off, everyone ran to their posts as the Commander's voice sounded across the intercom.

"This is the Captain speaking. We are going to Alpha Alert, all personnel are to report to their stations and await further orders. All fighter squadrons are to be deployed ASAP. This is not a drill, I repeat, this is not a drill. All Mobile Infantry squads are to prepare for boarding action. Report to the armories on decks 34 and 56." There was a mass of bodies everywhere as they ran to their posts. Engineering frantically readied the repair teams and pumped power into the engines, while the M.I. Troopers ran to the armories, suiting up and getting their weapons. Pilots rushed to the hangars and powered up their fighters, spilling out into space, flying around the fleet as it readied itself for battle. Six squadrons deployed from the Satan's Shadow, four each from the destroyers, two each from the cruisers and corvettes, twenty-eight in all, numbering around three hundred and thirty-six fighters. Eighteen of the squadrons were to be used for fleet defence, anti-missile and torpedo duty, and fighter defense. The remaining ten would be used for offensive purposes. Potentis stood in front of his chair, chewing on a pipe. “Have the fleet organize themselves like this.” He pointed at the configuration he had on the screen and Sedo sent it to the rest of the fleet. The ships shifted and formed into a strange shape. The battlecruiser was in the center, flanked by the destroyers, while on each side, which were flanked by two corvettes. The three cruisers formed a triangle, one in front of the battlecruiser, while two behind. This formation would maximize firepower in all directions and provide protection for the battlecruiser. Sedo turned to face the Commander.

“Sir, SICON is on the horn. Sky Marshal Vaire is busy with negotiations with the Thrashian Empire about the Galactic Empire.” He nodded.

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Turning to face the screen, he saw five men and women at a circle table staring at him, SICON High Command. “Sirs and Madams, I have arrived in the system the signal came from and have found Mationbuds under attack. I am proceeding to render aid, and I request reinforcements.” The council nodded as one.

“Very well. Good luck, Commander Potentis. We have already heard about this and are in agreement with your intentions. See to the best of your ability that the Mationbuds get the best help....and come out on top. SICON HQ out.” The screen flickered and the flag of the Federation appeared. Sighing in relief, he turned to Sedo. “When will they arrive?”

Sedo read the message. “They should be ready in twenty minutes.” The Commander hid a frown, by then this battle would be done and over with. “Sir, the channel to the Mationbudians is open.”

Potentis nodded for him to open it and began to speak.

Mationbudian Force, this is the Terran Federation. We seek to aid you in your quest to crush this rebellion. You seem to be imperiled and require aid. Battlegroup Sefari is at your service. We shall aid you. For the Galactic Empire! Which foe is giving you the most trouble and we shall engage them. Reinforcements are on the way. The ablative armor activated, the ships becoming slightly shining in the light of the stars in that system.

(OOC thread, for the RP, so I don't spam this thread) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=12373005#post12373005)

OOC:

Hmm ships appearing in one post... fine...

1t Fleet stats:
-1 Tyrant Class SSD
-1 Death Star
-10 Imperial MkIV Star Destroyers
-20 VictoryIII Star Destroyers
-10 Mon CalamariII Star Cruisers
-5 Interdictor Cruisers
-Other destroyers, frigates, gunships etc...

IC:

The sleek body of the Tyrant Class Super Star Destroyer emerged out of hyperspace as the 1st Imperial Fleet emerged out of hyperspace. The Death Star was next to appear before the other ships of the 1st Fleet slowly emerged out of hyperspace...

This had escalated into a full scale war. Nothing must be left alive...

OOC: what happened to not wanking? and GAE is out of the allaince for wanking, so you better watch yourself.

A fleet of twenty ships, consisting of four heavy Command-Carriers, five Battlestars, nine ovoid-shaped Vio-Ravens and two Apollo-class medical ships jump out of hyperspace and take up a position near the fight.

"We've arrived, sir," Lieutenant Archer said, "Looks like a full blown conflict now..."

"Well now, I'd say the maniacs bombarding the planet with antimatter would constitute bad guys in this situation. Launch vipers and send four of the Vio-Ravens in to deal with the smaller Star Destroyers and their fighters. The rest of the fleet will take on that rather large Star Destroyer."

Four Vio-Ravens break off from the fleet and head into the main battle as all nine capital ships launch their respective viper squadrons, which also fly into the fray. As the main fleet heads in to attack the SSD, pulsar cannons blazing and shields coming online at full.

"This is Admiral Jack Maxwell of the DSS Pegasus in command of First Fleet. We have been authorized by the Dominion of the Emerald Flame to provide assistance to the rebels. We're going after the ship bombarding the planet, feel free to direct us if you have a better target."

prepare virus bombbs said the captian i want a full scorched eaeth assault readyif the enemy gets te uper hand

OOC: That sentence makes no sense in context whatsoever....

Hanzu Habitat

The rock - for that was what it was, not considering the comparatively minor 'Adjustments' it had undergone in order to make it livable - tumbled through space, perfectly synchronised with the movement of the medium-sized gas giant it was orbiting, apparently unaware of everything that was going on around it.

Originally, it'd been a mere captured asteroid, carbonaceous, with a handful of frozen - but, after millenia, very much dead - bacteria on it, and very, very little of interest.

Of course, this had changed. A handful of years ago, a group of (Sort of - the Hypocisy was virtually devoid of 'Purebred' ethnicities) 'Traditionalist' Han had stumbled upon the rock, and - liking its carbon content and its relative proximity to the local sun, as well as said sun's relative proximity to absolutely nothing whatsoever -, they'd eventually decided to make it their new home, partly because their search for a usable planet had been somewhat less than successful, and partly because usable planets tended to attract unwanted visitors they couldn't possibly hope to deal with, given their lack in numbers.

By now, the rock - christened Hanzu, after the ethnicity its mongrel-population most closely associated with - had been transformed into a fairly reasonable place to live at, or rather in, if one disregarded the claustrophobia associated with its nonetheless limited living space.

Of course, it was 'Primitivist' (Though the actual inhabitants preferred to call it 'Traditionalist'), lacking a proper mind, and featuring a permanent popualtion consisting almost exclusively of humans with a comparatively minor degree of augmentation, but one could do without a mind, and (Sapient) machines weren't a necessity, either, so it still worked out as a fairly nifty place. Spacedy-rural, perhaps.

A few actual rice fields, classical chinese architecture featuring an elegance the Hypocisy was otherwise virtually devoid of, polite (If reclusive, and numbering less than nine thousand) people...

Of course, none of this mattered to the three people that were, at this very moment, discussing a rather... Peculiar matter in their secluded room - oddly devoid of HighSoph countermeasures, but they weren't really needed in this place. Which was, of course, one of the reasons for them to be here in the first place.

"This is General Bel Graham of the newly formed Rebel Confederation. Today we seek to bring about new change and instill a Democratic government for our empire and we welcome all to be a part of it. We would like to seek for any possible aid, be it military or financial. Thank you and have a good day."

"The message was received four days ago, though it took us two days to decrypt it - I'm not entirely certain as of the reason to send it in encrypted form, but there you have it."

The woman talking appeared to be in her early thirties, of comparatively 'Pure' chinese ancestry, rather fond of the habitat's traditional clothing (Somewhat perversely, every rice farmer could afford a middle-class living standard, but nobody seemed to mind this historically rather inaccurate depiction), and seemed almost disconnected from the events around her - above-average augmentation afforded her the abilities she needed in her profession, and right now, she was coordinating with a handful of ships, minds, and individuals spread over the better part of the galaxy.

"Slightly over a day ago, an engagement between apparent rebel forces and loyalists could be observed in the Beridum sector. The rebels lost one corvette and two gunships - loyalists came out nearly unscathed."

Images flickered through minds, the results of analysing intercepted emission spectra and encrypted MilSpec communications.

"I didn't know we'd tagged Mationbuds," one of the two men - decidedly non-chinese, and oddly tall for an Angstian, measuring almost 180 cm - said, surprised.

"We didn't. The Interstellar Exploration Unit Technocrat was playing around with its active FTL sensors. A prototype, hence the poor quality of the information we've received - we know the outcome of the engagement, but not how it progressed to arive at said outcome."

"Ah."

"One day later, a variety of entities entered Mationbuds space. Judging by the information available to us - again via the Technocrat - they amount to Minbari, who are acting uncharacteristically aggressive, and a few more entities, which are less easily identified - they're showing the non-specific emission/ reflection parameters. characteristic for majority of entities in known space."

"In other words, it's a clusterfuck."

"This seems to be an appropriate - if mildly simplifying and rather rude - term."

"Thank you, Miss Chao. Now... Suggestions?" The vaguely-but-not-quite caucasian male was no longer addressing Miss Chao alone, but also the second man, who seemed to be a bog-average local, albeit with less 'Original' Han-DNA than Miss Chao. She was, however, still the first to respond.

"It can be said with certainty that as far as space dominance goes, the 'Rebellion' is inferior to the loyalists, lacking not only in materiél, but also resorting to more-or-less suicidal strategy and tactics, though these may be the result of momentary excitement. It is arguable whether a - likely short-term - intervention by foreign entities will change this to any great extend."

"However, it is unlikely that the loyalist faction can use space superiority as well as it could - I doubt they're willing to glass their own planets in order to eliminate the rebellion. Long-term unrest and urban warfare/ terrorism are a likely outcome, though the presence of robotic armies and mass-produced, vat-grown humans should make this a nuisance, rather than a serious threat."

"This is true. And it doesn't change the projected outcome."

"Not unless we intervene..."

"But in what form?" Miss Chao looked oddly at her fellow pseudo-Han. "We've diplomatic relations with Mationbuds, and as much as a system change is desirable, we can't possibly start shooting them."

"Supplies, of course. Supplies and intelligence. Sub-milspec weaponry can be exported easily. Sure, they'll know the weapons were Hypocrisy-manufactured - but with our wide variety of manufacturers and markets, this would be nowhere near 'Supporting a Rebellion'. No more so than, lets say, the twentieth century CIA finding FARC forces in Colombia using M 16 assault rifles would suggest Colt supporting a communist insurgency."

"True. But that alone wont cause the rebels to succeed, absurdly overpoered as our infantry-scale weaponry may be."

"Nothing will, if our predictions are to be trusted. The idea is to cause a compromise - the rebels get a degree of representation, civil rights increase a bit, but the Sith stay in power. To my knowledge, 'Sith'-ness is about power, not cruelty - a compromise might be possible. And all the rebellion has to do for this is to achive a stalemate, to be so much of a pain in the ass a compromise is more efficient than total warfare."

"This would, of course, mean we need to act via the political arm, too."

"This is correct. If everything was to happen exactly as I am imagining it, we'd be the one bringing loyalists and rebels on one table, offering the compromise, and getting the two to shake hands. We might even go so far as to support both sides beforehand, to greater or lesser extends."

"It's tempting." This was no longer Miss Chao talking, it was the caucasian-in-denial. "But we'd need to know more about the rebellion, see whether it's worth risking something over. A democratic regime that supports clone-slavery and discriminates against machines isn't exactly better than a dictatorship doing the same thing."

Miss Chao glanced briefly at her companion - Mr. Shi -, trying to hide a smirk. He wasn't strictly opposed to machine-citizenship... But he could do without them being anywhere close by.

At least, without them being anywhere close by in significant numbers.

Finally, Miss Chao responded. "This could be arranged. Transportation is available?"

"Certainly. We even have the necessary shuttlecraft fitting the local technology base, and you're baseline enough to get through without being recogniceably foreign."

A smile. "We'll be on our way, then."


OOC:
Fair enough, I wont take in additional weapons supplies to be counted as an empire against me. Btw I replied to the Isnt It Shiny thread ya made :)

IC:

The Imperial Super Star Destroyer recorded the hyprocrisy ships entering Imperial space and hailed them.

"This is Lord Bane. Viceroy of the Empire and Supreme Commander of the Imperial Navy. Might we inquire what you are doing in a conflict zone? Especially since our diplomatic ties have been strengthened."

OOC: what happened to not wanking? and GAE is out of the allaince for wanking, so you better watch yourself.

OOC:

Firstly it has been known that I HAD these ships before I temporarily left NS. Since the time I left, my empire has grown. It will also bring about newer and increased number of warships...

OOC:

Ok this is getting out of hand. I am hereby limiting this to a maximum 3 on 3 engagement. Rebel forces excluded.

So far it is obvious that those helping the rebels have far more than 3. On my side we have 2. So unless we get this problem fixed and who's against who. I'm temporarily only replying to :

-Neutral (no limit)
*Leigo
*Der Angst

-Enemy: (3 max)
*TCG
*Whyatica
*Emerald Flame

-My side: (3 max)
*Me
*Telros

-Ignored list: (until things are cleared up)
*Seph

OOC: For the sake of being fair, I'll come in on MB's side. Only for the cause of being fair, I swear! =P Welcome back, MB, I am Telros. Good to see you again.

IC: A fair distance away from the battle, there was a loud crack and a battle group of ten ships appeared out of nothingness. The flash drives, glowing white with energy, cooled down and closed the rift of blinding light behind them, the brute force tearing the fabric of the universe dissipating like sand in the wind. In this mighty force was a single Dragon-class battlecruiser (http://files.turbosquid.com/Preview/Content_on_12_14_2003_23_15_13/pic1.jpg30106d40-2363-467f-a646-f705c3d428de.jpgLarge.jpg), two Warlock-class destroyers (http://www.shipschematics.net/b5/images/earthforce/destroyer_warlock.jpg), three Rodger Young-class cruisers (http://www.vfxhq.com/1997/stills/starship/mini/fleet1.gif), and four Valley Forge-class corvettes (http://ca.geocities.com/arnabisthebest/tv/starshiptroopers.jpg). In command of this force, led by Commander Potentis. A well-renowned man in the Federation military, he had fought in the previous Bug War, onboard the Satan's Shadow, the battlecruiser he now cruised the lanes of space with. The ship had been with him for all of his military career, even through the devastating, idiotic First Battle for Klendathu, where it had nearly been ripped in half. The former captain had been lost and he had been promoted. And after years of service, he had been promoted again. Now, he was here, investigating a strange message coming from the nation of Mationbuds. Being a member of the Galactic Empire, the Federation felt a duty to at least aid other members within that alliance, and so SICON had sent a battlegroup to investigate. Turning to his second-in-command, his rough voice sounded throughout the bridge. "Report! I want a full-scan of the region and the origin of that signal. This rebellion is to be put down, if the Mationbuds Empire so requests it."

Lieutenant Sedo nodded and turned to his station, fingers moving over the keys with precision. "Alright. Battle group status, optimal. All A.I. signals showing loud and clear. All systems are go. Commencing system-wide scan....." A klaxon interrupted him and the main screen flashed on, showing the different ships in varying colors. Mationbuds was in blue, Cassiopeia in red, Whyatica in green, Legio in green, Cravan in yellow, Sephiroth in black, and his own ships in white. Sedo quickly moved over to his combat console, viewing the scene in normal view. "Sir, we have a Situation Tango, I repeat Situation Tango. Mationbuds is currently under heavy attack by four different factions, ship designs unknown, not matching any known schematics. I am tracking multiple missile firings, exchanges of laser fire and torpedoes. It's hell out there, sir. I don't know if we may be enough to take them out. We came here to make sure the rebellion was firmly put down, not start a war!"

Commander Potentis waved a hand. "Be that as it may, we have a duty to aid Mationbuds. And so, we must-" Again, the klaxon interrupted, and the screen refreshed itself, showing the addition of more Mationbuds and Cravan forces.

"Sir, this is becoming a full-scale battle! Involvement is almost essential action by now, sir! We pull out now or we will never pull out! Orders?!" Potentis closed his eyes and sighed.

"We fight. The battlegroup is to go Alpha Alert and all squadrons are to be mustered. Get me open channels to SICON HQ and Mationbuds. We are entering this fight and with full force. Have the M.I. troopers ready themselves for anti-boarders, just in case."

"Working on it, sir." The bridge crew sighed and then settled into a combat mode. Warning sirens blared throughout the ship, startling everyone. Of course, many had been at the viewports, gazing at the ferocious battle, as dull thumps and the flashes of light had piqued their curiosity. With the alarm going off, everyone ran to their posts as the Commander's voice sounded across the intercom.

"This is the Captain speaking. We are going to Alpha Alert, all personnel are to report to their stations and await further orders. All fighter squadrons are to be deployed ASAP. This is not a drill, I repeat, this is not a drill. All Mobile Infantry squads are to prepare for boarding action. Report to the armories on decks 34 and 56." There was a mass of bodies everywhere as they ran to their posts. Engineering frantically readied the repair teams and pumped power into the engines, while the M.I. Troopers ran to the armories, suiting up and getting their weapons. Pilots rushed to the hangars and powered up their fighters, spilling out into space, flying around the fleet as it readied itself for battle. Six squadrons deployed from the Satan's Shadow, four each from the destroyers, two each from the cruisers and corvettes, twenty-eight in all, numbering around three hundred and thirty-six fighters. Eighteen of the squadrons were to be used for fleet defence, anti-missile and torpedo duty, and fighter defense. The remaining ten would be used for offensive purposes. Potentis stood in front of his chair, chewing on a pipe. “Have the fleet organize themselves like this.” He pointed at the configuration he had on the screen and Sedo sent it to the rest of the fleet. The ships shifted and formed into a strange shape. The battlecruiser was in the center, flanked by the destroyers, while on each side, which were flanked by two corvettes. The three cruisers formed a triangle, one in front of the battlecruiser, while two behind. This formation would maximize firepower in all directions and provide protection for the battlecruiser. Sedo turned to face the Commander.

“Sir, SICON is on the horn. Sky Marshal Vaire is busy with negotiations with the Thrashian Empire about the Galactic Empire.” He nodded.

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Turning to face the screen, he saw five men and women at a circle table staring at him, SICON High Command. “Sirs and Madams, I have arrived in the system the signal came from and have found Mationbuds under attack. I am proceeding to render aid, and I request reinforcements.” The council nodded as one.

“Very well. Good luck, Commander Potentis. We have already heard about this and are in agreement with your intentions. See to the best of your ability that the Mationbuds get the best help....and come out on top. SICON HQ out.” The screen flickered and the flag of the Federation appeared. Sighing in relief, he turned to Sedo. “When will they arrive?”

Sedo read the message. “They should be ready in twenty minutes.” The Commander hid a frown, by then this battle would be done and over with. “Sir, the channel to the Mationbudians is open.”

Potentis nodded for him to open it and began to speak.

The ablative armor activated, the ships becoming slightly shining in the light of the stars in that system.



OOC:
Fair enough, I accept.
Btw to 1010102: Should the TPA fail to respond militarily to this situation. The Galactic Empire will consider withdrawing its membership from the TPA. period.

IC:

The Imperial warships moved into position to protect the allied fleet from incomming fire.

A message was replied:

Terran federation vessel. This is the MIN Tyrant. I am Emperor Darth Matter, Emperor of the Galactic Empire. We thank you for pledging your aid.

A fleet of twenty ships, consisting of four heavy Command-Carriers, five Battlestars, nine ovoid-shaped Vio-Ravens and two Apollo-class medical ships jump out of hyperspace and take up a position near the fight.

"We've arrived, sir," Lieutenant Archer said, "Looks like a full blown conflict now..."

"Well now, I'd say the maniacs bombarding the planet with antimatter would constitute bad guys in this situation. Launch vipers and send four of the Vio-Ravens in to deal with the smaller Star Destroyers and their fighters. The rest of the fleet will take on that rather large Star Destroyer."

Four Vio-Ravens break off from the fleet and head into the main battle as all nine capital ships launch their respective viper squadrons, which also fly into the fray. As the main fleet heads in to attack the SSD, pulsar cannons blazing and shields coming online at full.



IC:

It WAS time to show who's boss. This was Imperial space and no one was gonna mess with the Imperial Navy. The next weapon which was going to be used, no shield except a planetary shield can withstand. Even so a planetary shield could only withstand a shot or two before collapsing.

As the enemy fleet emerged from hyperspace, the Emperor noded and placed his palm on the Superweapons Control Verification terminal . Immediately the order was given as the superlaser was charged up. It took barely 5 minutes to charge with 75% of the ships power powering the Superlaser(s). As soon as the green indicator blinked, the superlaser fired a green beam of destruction energy at the enemy's flagship where the transmission had originated from...

No one would survive. 100 Nova Torpedoes were fired by the Tyrant Super Star Destroyer as it headed towards the new arrivals... The ExecutorII SSD trailing a few gigametres behind. As the Executor approached, its main Heavy Phaser and Heavy Disruptor cannons opened fire along with an unstopping hail of Ion Cannon fire to knock out shields.

The nova torpedoes would explode, striking different targets with huge black holes which would cause enough damage to destroy a ship in its while or at least partially. Several were directed to clear up any survivors from the ship unlucky enough to be fired on by the superlaser...

OOC:

This time I dont see how you can escape. FYI, interdiction fields are all over the place. There is no escape from the Empire should you choose to engage the beast.

OOC: Incidentally, MB, if you don't consider yourself to be part of the GE anymore, just disregard this entirely. Oh, and seriously, dude. The GE as a whole has one Death Star. Claiming one in a fleet for yourself - well, let me put it this way. The entire, multi-trillion population of the Galactic Empire in the movies constructed one Death Star. You're a multi-billion population. So you could construct, perhaps, a thousandth of a Death Star. It's one of those things that's simply wankerrific - kinda like bringing in the Sun Crusher, or a World Devastator, or a Galaxy Gun simply because you feel like it. They're accepted when they help the storyline, but this isn't going to be one of those times.

"And yet, they cannot even control the unrest in their own systems?"

"Indeed, Soul-Lord."

"I would rather that you call me Tyrant. It is, after all, my lawful title. And none besides yourself, and your Brothers yet understand the power that has been gifted to me."

"Indeed... Tyrant."

Two men stood talking on the balcony, one in dark-blue robes, the second in a grandiose suit-of-state, suitable for diplomatic meetings, and aweing the populace. It had been mere weeks since they had joined the Galactic Empire, and the Tyrant's.. transformation had transformed his mind, his body, and, most importantly, his intent.

"Crush them."

"My lord?"

"The rebels. For, even if they are not the finest province of the Empire, they are still Imperial. To let them fall would be unseemly."

"..indeed, my lord. Your will shall be done."

A flicker of.. something in Tyrant Golheas's eyes - cunning, perhaps, or cruelty, or merely amusement showed - and then it was gone.

"I think, perhaps, a Dreadnought would be sufficient. And the First Servant-Legion."

"Indeed, Tyrant."

In orbit, a fleet of ships, twisted and misshapen, their forms scarred by the experiences that had been forced upon them, no longer flying buttresses, and glittering, beautiful shapes, but ships that conveyed pain with their very forms.

A viewscreen flickered to life, and the admiral looked for orders. Like almost every other admiral, bar Boriial, who was, admittedly, fighting a war, he had been subverted or replaced by a loyal cultist.

"I serve, Soul-Sovereign."

The cultist standing next to Golheas barked out an incomprehensiable order - and the admiral fell silent.

"I am Brother Eska. You may have heard of me. He is the Soul-Lord, a possesser of part of the Soul. The Soul-Sovereign is not yet born. Understand this."

"I understand. I apologize for my gall, Soul-Lord."

"Tyrant", Golheas snapped.

"Of course, milord. What are your orders?"

"Take the Undying Servitude, and the Eye of the Unworthy, as well as many frigates, carriers, cruisers, and destroyers you deem necessary. You are to take the First Servant-Legion, and, with them, you shall offer you aid unto those who term themselves the Mationbuds. Should you fail.. no thread is needful."

The man saluted, and the ships were prepared - the First Servant-Legion loaded onto them, within an hour. The 'jump itself would take little time. Now they were a member of the Galactic Empire, travel between its various member-states could be expedited easily.

From the glorious Tyrant Golheas, Soul-Lord and Over-King, ruler of the Kingdom of the Sovereign

It has come to my attention that you are plagued by rebellion. As a member of the Galactic Empire, your fall would bring about rumours of weakness, and whispers of rebellion. This will not be allowed to come to pass. I have dispatched a fleet, as well as the First Servant-Legion, so that you may successfully fend off those who trespass against your will.

They will be arriving within a short time, so that your ineptitude in the management of your servants may not besmirch the reputation of the Galactic Empire.

The message was sent, and power flowed through his body, eating away at muscles, at bone, at fat, at his mind itself. It corroded the mere physical part of his body, but it gave the essence of his being power - such power! The black flames flickered from his hands once more, whirling through his room, consuming and devastating, the life, the reality of their nature torn from the bed, the cupboard, the atoms from which they were made. He trembled, and sat down. With each passing day he grew stronger, and with each passing day he found greater and greater risk.

In this, perhaps, the next line of the prophecy that the Order had shown him would come to pass. And then the blood of the Guide-Wife could be spilled, and the corrosion would cease...

OOC:

I am still part of the GE and I acknowledge your ... comments.

IC:

The Imperial Outpost received the transmission and replied

Indeed, we are plagued by a rebellion. However we are still standing firm and as we speak the rebels are being bombarded from orbit by a Super Star Destroyer. Nonetheless Emperor Matter sends his regards. Out.

oocness: See also here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12375058&postcount=14) before reading. Sorry for missunderstandings I might've caused.

Transit

The ship was about as bogstandard-civilian as a ship could possibly be - mostly, it was an amalgamation of mass, mildly disorderly, but still flying.

Transporting sheer mass wasn't something the Hypocrisy did a lot - being perfectly capable of recombining atomic nuclei more-or-less at will (If at a rather significant energy expense, depending on what one wanted, and what was put in), and with a reasonably widespread manufacturing base, bulk transports were, while not strictly unextant, or unnecessary within the Hypocrisy, nonetheless something that happened rather little, when compared to the majority of other nations out there.

As such, the ship - exactly this kind of rare bulk transport - was something of a relic, and at this particular time, merely half-filled, not to mention lacking a mind (Or any other inhabitants), both of which made it more-or-less ideal for the purpose of Miss Chao & Mr. Shi - namely, cutting the journey short.

The disadvantage was, of course, that it was also a very boring ship (Indeed, it was nothing more than an automated piece of material, equal to a shopping cart in role), having an entertainment value pretty close to zero, and consisting mostly of empty hallways (Most of which were too small for humans to fit into, although the ship's remote drones were buzzing through them all the time), which were, coincidentally, devoid of atmosphere - its two passengers had brought their own along, but this didn't change the fact that they had to wear a skinsuit + oxygen bottle (Well, Miss Chao could do without the latter) to walk around outside their own transport (A gobbled-together thing that'd been acquired on some seedy ship-market on some backwater planet, quite devoid of anything 'Angstian' if one disregarded its two passengers and their shinies).

As such, Chen Shi eventually yawned, in-between trying to extract the meaning of life from Confucius' writings. "How long, Ning?"

"Miss Chao, please. And... Three hours until departure. From there, with that hyperdrive-thing... call that another two. How's Confucius?"

"Much more boring that I'd remembered him."

"Pity."

"Still no additional responses, domine."

Verres began to grind his teeth. "This is getting tiresome. We're in plain sight, how long do they plan on ignoring us?"

Laevinia smiled in mild amusement, which did nothing to improve Verres' mood; Elves seemed unable to smile without making it look condescending. "It wouldst seem they art a mite distracted, Admiral," she said humorously in her melodic archaically accented Latin. "Doing what humans doth do best, 'twould seem."

Verres gave her an irked look, but was unable to deny her point. Looking back at the holoscreen, the Neo-Roman admiral began thinking out loud. "Those Imperial cruisers said that they were in the midst of putting down a rebellion, which verifies with the transmission we intercepted four days ago. Yet I see no likely rebels in this engagement...rebel supporters, opportunistic powers hoping to exploit the chaos of rebellion, or merely preemptive paranoia on someone's part? Impossible to say until we have data."

Laevinia looked sternly up at him. The slender five-foot Elf in her simple yet elegant saffron gown made quite a contrast with the grizzled towering six-foot-five admiral, bulked out even more by his ceremonial battle armor. "I wouldst not advise another Gratiae Cluster, Admiral."

"No, no, that wasn't what I was thinking at all," Verres lied, recalling the sudden cooperation he'd inspired in a similar situation by firing on the command cruiser of a fleet captain who had been doing his best to ignore Verres' presence. He might have been convincing if Laevinia had not been, like most of her race, a telepath; Verres knew it well, but it was a game the two of them played. "I doubt it would do much to grab their attention anyway. Situation is too chaotic to begin with. Commtech!"

"Quid, domine?"

"Repeat our transmission on all bands. So help me if I hear them give me the excuse that we sent it on a wrong wavelength."

"Still no additional responses, domine."

Verres began to grind his teeth. "This is getting tiresome. We're in plain sight, how long do they plan on ignoring us?"

Laevinia smiled in mild amusement, which did nothing to improve Verres' mood; Elves seemed unable to smile without making it look condescending. "It wouldst seem they art a mite distracted, Admiral," she said humorously in her melodic archaically accented Latin. "Doing what humans doth do best, 'twould seem."

Verres gave her an irked look, but was unable to deny her point. Looking back at the holoscreen, the Neo-Roman admiral began thinking out loud. "Those Imperial cruisers said that they were in the midst of putting down a rebellion, which verifies with the transmission we intercepted four days ago. Yet I see no likely rebels in this engagement...rebel supporters, opportunistic powers hoping to exploit the chaos of rebellion, or merely preemptive paranoia on someone's part? Impossible to say until we have data."

Laevinia looked sternly up at him. The slender five-foot Elf in her simple yet elegant saffron gown made quite a contrast with the grizzled towering six-foot-five admiral, bulked out even more by his ceremonial battle armor. "I wouldst not advise another Gratiae Cluster, Admiral."

"No, no, that wasn't what I was thinking at all," Verres lied, recalling the sudden cooperation he'd inspired in a similar situation by firing on the command cruiser of a fleet captain who had been doing his best to ignore Verres' presence. He might have been convincing if Laevinia had not been, like most of her race, a telepath; Verres knew it well, but it was a game the two of them played. "I doubt it would do much to grab their attention anyway. Situation is too chaotic to begin with. Commtech!"

"Quid, domine?"

"Repeat our transmission on all bands. So help me if I hear them give me the excuse that we sent it on a wrong wavelength."

IC :

"Lord Bane, incomming transmission sir!"

"Open it!"

"Yes my lord."

The Captain of the ship himself got down to business as he keyed in the acess codes.

The message was played out. Lord Bane ordered a transmission to be sent back .

I am Lord Bane, Imperial Viceroy and Supreme Commander of the Imperial Navy and Armed Forces. We are in the midst of quelling a rebellion. State your intentions.

"Three... Two... One... Out."

The gobbled together and barely interstellar-capable... Well, 'Shuttle' was probably a better description than 'Ship'... something exited its FTL-transit mode (Bogstandard, if reasonably fast, hyperdrive), leaving it well outside the local system's defensive perimeters - largely because they didn't have valid IFFs and didn't particularly desire to be shot down because of it.

"Now lets see whether the rebellion still holds this territory..."

Ning - that is, Miss Chao - had gone through the available information hours ago. Rebel strongholds versus movements of the imperial forces, local defensive measures (The information was sketchy at best, but it was still better than nothing), news broadcasts and government propaganda (From both sides, no less), encrypted transmissions... Technically, they should be safe where they were (As in, only the rebels, if anyone, would shoot that them), but space warfare tended to be quick, and besides, there could always be a patrolling corvette or so about, trying to gether intel and stumbling upon them.

Hopefully, this wouldn't be the case.

"ETA?"

"About three hours, give or take a few minutes. Interception by local forces within a fraction of that time. Broadcasting notice of arrival... Well, since point-zero-zero-five seconds post-STL."

"You or our 'Ship'?"

"The shuttle, of course. Just because I'm I'm a bipedal EW package rivalling that of a corvette doesn't mean I have to do unnecessary work."

"Point. Still can't understand you like being like... that."

"It has its nice sides, Chen. Anyway... Well, lets see who catches us first."

The ship/ shuttle was consistently broadcasting its message. Essentially, it was a permission-to-approach request plus some rough details regarding their intentions - they were a smallish picket, something one could probably find on every minor spaceport in the empire (As mentioned before, it was not of Hypocrisy manuafacture, but bought abroad, from a seedy trader who'd demanded an absurd sum of money - of course, money hadn't been an issue), and something one would most typically associate with smugglers or personal transports, desiring to do some business - surely the rebellion wouldn't mind their potential services? Guns and butter and all that...

Not that they'd necessarily be trusted, of course - Miss Chao positively expected a rather thorough search of the shuttle, if not more -, but their cargo, vessel, and general look fitted the story.

Miss Chao's augments didn't, but they were subtle enough - from the outside, she was about as meatbaggy as one could possibly be, and none of her internal 'Rewirings' went beyond the micrometer scale in the first place.

Why they did it this way, rather than announcing themselves as a potential ally? Why, that's simple - much less risk associated with loyalist corvettes trying to shoot them down, or spies taking potshots at them after landing.

Such things were much better explained in private, after a little time of acclimatisation...

"Three... Two... One... Out."

The gobbled together and barely interstellar-capable... Well, 'Shuttle' was probably a better description than 'Ship'... something exited its FTL-transit mode (Bogstandard, if reasonably fast, hyperdrive), leaving it well outside the local system's defensive perimeters - largely because they didn't have valid IFFs and didn't particularly desire to be shot down because of it.

"Now lets see whether the rebellion still holds this territory..."

Ning - that is, Miss Chao - had gone through the available information hours ago. Rebel strongholds versus movements of the imperial forces, local defensive measures (The information was sketchy at best, but it was still better than nothing), news broadcasts and government propaganda (From both sides, no less), encrypted transmissions... Technically, they should be safe where they were (As in, only the rebels, if anyone, would shoot that them), but space warfare tended to be quick, and besides, there could always be a patrolling corvette or so about, trying to gether intel and stumbling upon them.

Hopefully, this wouldn't be the case.

"ETA?"

"About three hours, give or take a few minutes. Interception by local forces within a fraction of that time. Broadcasting notice of arrival... Well, since point-zero-zero-five seconds post-STL."

"You or our 'Ship'?"

"The shuttle, of course. Just because I'm I'm a bipedal EW package rivalling that of a corvette doesn't mean I have to do unnecessary work."

"Point. Still can't understand you like being like... that."

"It has its nice sides, Chen. Anyway... Well, lets see who catches us first."

The ship/ shuttle was consistently broadcasting its message. Essentially, it was a permission-to-approach request plus some rough details regarding their intentions - they were a smallish picket, something one could probably find on every minor spaceport in the empire (As mentioned before, it was not of Hypocrisy manuafacture, but bought abroad, from a seedy trader who'd demanded an absurd sum of money - of course, money hadn't been an issue), and something one would most typically associate with smugglers or personal transports, desiring to do some business - surely the rebellion wouldn't mind their potential services? Guns and butter and all that...

Not that they'd necessarily be trusted, of course - Miss Chao positively expected a rather thorough search of the shuttle, if not more -, but their cargo, vessel, and general look fitted the story.

Miss Chao's augments didn't, but they were subtle enough - from the outside, she was about as meatbaggy as one could possibly be, and none of her internal 'Rewirings' went beyond the micrometer scale in the first place.

Why they did it this way, rather than announcing themselves as a potential ally? Why, that's simple - much less risk associated with loyalist corvettes trying to shoot them down, or spies taking potshots at them after landing.

Such things were much better explained in private, after a little time of acclimatisation...

IC :

The Tyrant Class Super Star Destroyer's CIC picked up the sensor feeds from the millions of sensor probes around Imperial space. All looked in order except for a suspicious looking... shuttle with incorrect IFF codes.

The officer on the deck, Vice-Admiral Johansson rerouted an Interdictor Cruiser and an Imperial Frigate to interdict and search the shuttle.

The Interdictor was first to arrive, it activated its FTLi Fields just as the shuttle emerged from hyperspace. Seconds later, the Frigate came out of hyperspace and moved towards the shuttle.

It activated its tractor beams to hold onto the shuttle tightly. The Interdictor Cruiser's captain hailed the Shuttle

"This is the MIN Patrol Ship 0726. You are hereby in Imperial space with incorrect IFF codes. Prepare for boarding. Any resistance will mean immediate death. Out."

Two Lambada Class shuttles were launched from the belly of the cruiser. The Lambadas moved towards the now stationary shuttle (held by the Frigate's tractor beams) and moved alongside it...

"That was quick," Miss Chao observed, still trying to balance herself after the tractor beams had cut their velocity short, sucking a few gigatons of KE elsewhere - hadn't (Shoddy) inertial compensation be a part of the shuttle, she'd by now be little more than a soup of proteins in the middle of a smallish debris field.

"Happens when you don't have real-time feed, I suppose..."

"Indeed. Well, we can't do much. Lets see what happens next."

"Wonder which side they are on..."

"We'll know in a minute, I'm sure."

Chen made an exasperated gesture only he really understood, then sighed. "Well, your job."

"On it..."

And then she was lost in her work.

"Ahhh, yes. We thought that someone would come by to check us out. Ummm... Well, you're welcome. We're only innocent traders, nothing else. But feel free."

The ship/ shuttle did, indeed, not really move at all (Other than with the frigate, that is), owing to being just that - a ship/ shuttle, tiny (Relatively), insignificant... Prey to the larger fish out there.

Miss Chao eventually got up. "Well, I figure our 'Guests' will come through the lock in a moment..."

"I know." Chen yawned.

"... I thought you could get up."

"No."

Miss Chao sighed. "Ah well. Not my fault when they shoot you for disrespect. You're backed up?"

"Goes against my philosophy."

"Sucks to be you, then." Another sigh. "Ah well."

And then she - they - waited for their guests to dock & enter, a nifty little medallion, subtly filled with something dangerously close to Clarketech on a chain around her neck, equally subtly accentuating her chest (The gift of being a female...).

Hopefully it'd go over well... Miss Chao wasn't very fond of using force to get her way. It was so... Inelegant.

"That was quick," Miss Chao observed, still trying to balance herself after the tractor beams had cut their velocity short, sucking a few gigatons of KE elsewhere - hadn't (Shoddy) inertial compensation be a part of the shuttle, she'd by now be little more than a soup of proteins in the middle of a smallish debris field.

"Happens when you don't have real-time feed, I suppose..."

"Indeed. Well, we can't do much. Lets see what happens next."

"Wonder which side they are on..."

"We'll know in a minute, I'm sure."

Chen made an exasperated gesture only he really understood, then sighed. "Well, your job."

"On it..."

And then she was lost in her work.

"Ahhh, yes. We thought that someone would come by to check us out. Ummm... Well, you're welcome. We're only innocent traders, nothing else. But feel free."

The ship/ shuttle did, indeed, not really move at all (Other than with the frigate, that is), owing to being just that - a ship/ shuttle, tiny (Relatively), insignificant... Prey to the larger fish out there.

Miss Chao eventually got up. "Well, I figure our 'Guests' will come through the lock in a moment..."

"I know." Chen yawned.

"... I thought you could get up."

"No."

Miss Chao sighed. "Ah well. Not my fault when they shoot you for disrespect. You're backed up?"

"Goes against my philosophy."

"Sucks to be you, then." Another sigh. "Ah well."

And then she - they - waited for their guests to dock & enter, a nifty little medallion, subtly filled with something dangerously close to Clarketech on a chain around her neck, equally subtly accentuating her chest (The gift of being a female...).

Hopefully it'd go over well... Miss Chao wasn't very fond of using force to get her way. It was so... Inelegant.



IC :

As the shuttles docked with the ... shuttle/ship, Imperial stormtroopers and Inspection officers came aboard. The stormtroopers snapped to attention as the chief inspector of the boarding party walked up to the humanoid that was sitting down, instead of standing. That was an obvious sign of disrespect which wouldnt be tolerated lightly.

He raised his blaster, set the setting to a rating slightly less than stun and fired at him. The blast would send him reeling from pain but he wouldnt suffer any permanent damage and he wont be stunned.

Then he walked towards the woman and spoke.

"Are you ready for inspection? Open up all cargo bays NOW!"

The bridge of the Pegasus rocked as the Superlaser impacted with the ships shields and caused damage throughout the ship even with the active shields. Power conduits ruptured and sparked as steam shot up through one of the ruptured cooling ducts in the bridge floor. The ship was barely holding together after the surge of energy hit it.

Admiral Maxwell stood up and walked to the console in the center of the bridge and flipped up the shield on it and input a code into it. "Get me all ships in the fleet on wireless."
"Fleet's on wireless, sir," Lieutenant Archer said.
"Attention all capital ships, you are now authorized to activate your antimatter weapons. I repeat, Defcon one is now in effect." Admiral Maxwell set the handset down and moved back to his chair as all nine capital ships engaged their antimatter weapons, the equivalent of nuclear weapons in this case.
"Lt. Archer, Get the rest of the Vio-Ravens in here now...No sense in holding back our numbers if they're not going to."

"Aye, sir" Archer said as he sent a message to the point where the rest of the fleet was waiting outside the system.


The fleet launched a salvo of combat wasps, whose submunitions when released, detonated a good portion of the nova torpedoes before they impacted with any major ships. A few got through and tore apart a Battlestar before it could be saved.

As if on cue all ships began to fire salvos of antimatter combat wasps and antimatter torpedoes in addition to the pulsar cannons and standard tachyon torpedoes. The antimatter warheads detonated against the shields and released a massive amount of heat and gamma radiation as nuclear blasts appeared all over the forward shields.


OOC: Yeah...I'm frakked...I get that but It's gonna be a hell of a fight at least.

"Imperial forces have responded a second time, domine."

"How helpful of them," Verres rumbled with a straight face. Beside him, Laevinia curled her lips in a small smile. "Commtech, reply."

This is Neo-Roman Republican Exploration Fleet Tertia, investigating Senatorial political and economical interests in this sector. I am Praefectus-Imperator Marcus Germanicus Verres, Commanding Admiral and vested military and civil representative of the Senate. I have the full authority and backing of my Republic to respond to this situation as I see fit. I am awaiting transmissions from all parties involved here to explain the situation.

"Come to think of it, commtech, broadcast that on all bands. But make sure it's obvious that it was a reply to the Empire."

IC :

The massive star destroyer rocked under the increasing amount if shots directed at her. However her newly installed shields were able to hold out the enemy shots... for now. It returned fire with blasts from its Phaser and Disruptor Cannons while it kept its Turbolasers trained at the CNS Hamptonshire.

The Imperial fighter pilots were highly trained and several squadrons broke off pursiut to engage the enemy Nial fighters. Several TIE Interceptors managed to fire off several Cancer class anti-craft missile which were specifically designed to penetrate through a fighter's armor and shields and detonate, causing devestating effect.

Several TIE Interceptors spiraled out of control and exploded into massive balls of ionized gas as they were nailed by the Nial fighters.

However luck was on the Imperials side as the TIE Defenders outgunned the Nial fighters in terms of speed, armor, shield and weaponary. The only thing it lacked at was maneouravability.

They engaged the enemy fighters, firing from their powerful Shadow Guns which fired small bombs which exploded into tiny but powerful blackholes which lasted long enough to destroy an entire fighter each.

They also utilized the standard Quad Ion Cannons , Laser Cannons , Proton Torpedoes, Concussion Missiles and Cancer Missiles...

North Star
Streaks of green disruptor fire shot past the monitor, as it did a physics-bending maneuver to avoid the bulk of the enemy fire, while the remaining ones splattered against the shields, stressing local areas of shielding while leaving the whole in good shape. The smaller cannons continued to track strike craft, saturating areas where TIE interceptors were detected. Seeing as the TIEs had no shielding, it was highly unlikely they would survive a single near-miss from the capital cannons. What the Nial fighters lacked in terms of maneuverability compared to the TIE interceptor, it was so much more heavily armoured, armed, and had far better acceleration than the smaller fighters.

Also, they were covered by the anti-strikecraft turrets of their mothership, so if the situation went from bad to worse for the Nials, they could be pulled back into the hangars and protected by the heavier guns of the North Star

Battle Bridge
"Shai. An Imperial fleet has entered the system..." the sensor officer said, although the Shai already realized this, seeing as the sensors added the newcomers to the projection.

"Let's get those reinforcements hurried, and we'll try to save the Cassiopeian ship. Bring us into a range where our PD can cover each other, fire the main gun at our original target." he yelled, as a near-miss shot shook the ship a little.

The North Star made a wide turn and flip, zig-zagging in the z axis to avoid counter-fire, while potshots from fusion pulse cannons plastered area of the Star Destroyer. It continued to accelerate, pushing itself in the direction of the Cassiopeian battlecruiser, where they could directly help each other rather than fight in smaller, isolated sectors.

Reinforcements had been contacted, some 900 light-years away at Zaal Station - at the maximum rate of 3 LY per minute, it would be over five hours until reinforcements could help the North Star and CNS Hamptonshire.

Terran federation vessel. This is the MIN Tyrant. I am Emperor Darth Matter, Emperor of the Galactic Empire. We thank you for pledging your aid.

Potentis nodded. “Acknowledged, Emperor Matter, we are moving to assist. Good luck in crushing this rebellion”. Keying off the comm, he turned to face the main screen. The fleets of Mationbuds, Emerald Flame, TCG, and Whyatica blared with vivid colors, blue, green, yellow, and red respectively. His own fleet was white. He sat there, deciding who to attack first, when Sedo called out.

“Sir, we have detected antimatter weapons being used. Emerald Flame is engaging the Mationbuds fleet with antimatter weapons!” The Commander narrowed his eyes. Antimatter was a powerful weapon they had in their arsenal, though only one weapon had it. Though, usually only that was needed, especially in combination with the nuclear weapons.

“Alright, take off the locks on our antimatter bomb caches and have them ready for use. If need be, we will fight fire with fire.”

“Yes sir.” A beeping noise sounded from the Lieutenant's console. “Sir, incoming message. It's from the Legioans, sir.”

Potentis frowned. What did they want? “What kind of transmission is it?”

Sedo checked the readings. “General band, sir. They want everyone to know it seems.” The Commander shrugged. Sedo played it.

This is Neo-Roman Republican Exploration Fleet Tertia, investigating Senatorial political and economical interests in this sector. I am Praefectus-Imperator Marcus Germanicus Verres, Commanding Admiral and vested military and civil representative of the Senate. I have the full authority and backing of my Republic to respond to this situation as I see fit. I am awaiting transmissions from all parties involved here to explain the situation. Potentis rubbed his eyes.

“Open a channel.” Sedo clicked it open.

I am Commander Potentis, commander of this battlegroup, from the Terran Federation. Now, I am here to aid the Galactic Empire in it's quest to quell this rebellion. We are allies and I am bound by duty to aid them. If you wish to investigating political and economic interest here, I advise waiting until this is over. But, you make your own decisions, up to you. If you wish to start negotiations with us, we would be glad to open them after this little skirmish. I await your reply.

The Commander then turned back to the battle. The Emerald Flame fleet was the biggest danger and it would have to go. "All ships, prepare for combat. We are engaging the Emerald Flame fleet." The alarm went off and the bridge lights turned a deep red. The fleet shot forward, the ships arming themselves. "Alright, here are the firing orders. We have twelve ships to hit, and we need to hit them quick. So, the two corvettes and the destroyer on the left flank will target one ship, firing their railguns and lasers, and use their missiles spam the living crap out of them. If the enemy fighters start to try and take them out, activate their secondary function. The two corvettes and destroyer will do the same. The three cruisers will link up with me and aim at that flagship, letting off a salvo. Have the offensive squadrons move forward, once the enemy is disoriented and his fighters in disarray, have them move in and drop their payloads on the enemy ships. Once we have done all that, I want all ships to take evasive action but end up in this formation. The corvettes and their destroyers will form two flanking groups, which are to attack the sides of the fleet, then the remainder will do their best to smash through the middle. If the flagship isn't dead by then, I want that to be your target." All ships acknowledged the order and readied themselves.

"On my mark." The ships moved into position, the computers locking onto the enemy ships, as they blasted towards them. The tense air was so thick, you could cut it with a knife, as everyone prepared for battle....and the possibility if not coming back.

"MARK!" The corvettes and destroyers on both flanks let loose. Their combined eight railgun batteries sent a hail of thundering metal blazing across the space between them to smash into the enemy fleet. Their laser batteries opened up as well, sending large blades of energy cascading into the fleet, causing more mayhem. From each of their holds, a virtual storm of missiles erupted. Each flank sent around 120 missiles at the enemy. If any combat wasps tried to intercept them, they exploded and sent a hail of cluster missiles into the fighter formation, doing extensive damage. If any got through, they would target the enemies weak points, their weapons batteries, their engines and any other vital point that is common to starships. Once they had accomplished, they banked to the left and right, as their flank dictated, avoiding the enemy fire as best they could and moving towards the enemies flank, to start the plan. The Satan's Shadow along with it's cruiser escorts, fired it's considerable armaments at the enemy flagship, already heavily wounded. Fourteen railgun batteries blasted their shells at the Emerald Flame flagship, followed by a river of lasers, and a horde of missiles. The battlecruiser was designed to unload its weapons into space and it did just that. It unloaded 200 missiles alone, and with the respective 40 missiles each from the cruisers, it added up to 320 missiles aimed at the flagship. The same protocol which applied to the other missiles, applied to them as well. After they fired the cruisers and battlecruiser began to take evasive action, while speeding like an arrow towards the middle of the enemy fleet. The ten offensive squadrons, meanwhile, had blasted forward, while the chaos of their attacks, as well as Mationbuds, wrecked havoc amongst the fleet, racing to unload their thermonuclear payloads. Each squadron unloaded around a nuke per fighter, equaling to about two hundred and forty bombs. Each squadron dropped their twenty four bombs on an enemy ship, before wheeling around to head for the flanks, to regroup and come around for another pass. One would notice they were doing their best to not hit the medical ships.

OOC: I am basically wouldn't know what type of ships you have, so you can say which ones get the damage, however much gets through anyways, EF. My ships haven't dodged damage, I will post that next post, when you have replied, just to let you know. I am just trying to post what they are doing. A bit of overkill maybe, eh? My missiles are not as strong as MB's, but they are fast, still pack a punch in numbers, hence the spamming, and they can break into clusters which are good for fighters. But they only do that when the fighters are close enough to be hit by them.

"Thou simply really, really wishest to fire upon something, does thou not?" Laevinia laughed gaily. The sound of her merriment was like the tinkling of silver bells.

"I just don't like sitting here," Verres replied gruffly. "Though I cannot think of another alternative, short of picking a side at random and joining in. And that is absolutely unacceptable doctrine. We'll bring the whole fleet up to ready alert, ground forces included. If nothing else comes of it, it will be a suitable drill to warm them up after tesseract transit."

A commtech relayed the order throughout the Battlegroup and its flanking battlegroups Gorgon and Charybdis. The capital ships of the three battlegroups carried three legions of Republican Marines between them, a total of eighteen thousand fighting men. Troop bays on the Tridentiger and her sister cruiser-carriers of the Mars and Hades classes boiled with activity as the soldiers donned their battle armor and took up their weapons, dispatching themselves by century to boarding craft.

"If we are drawn into this conflict, I will be personally sure that we carry the utmost wrath of Father Jupiter to any who oppose us. Semper victoria Romae."

The bridge of the Pegasus rocked as the Superlaser impacted with the ships shields and caused damage throughout the ship even with the active shields. Power conduits ruptured and sparked as steam shot up through one of the ruptured cooling ducts in the bridge floor. The ship was barely holding together after the surge of energy hit it.

Admiral Maxwell stood up and walked to the console in the center of the bridge and flipped up the shield on it and input a code into it. "Get me all ships in the fleet on wireless."
"Fleet's on wireless, sir," Lieutenant Archer said.
"Attention all capital ships, you are now authorized to activate your antimatter weapons. I repeat, Defcon one is now in effect." Admiral Maxwell set the handset down and moved back to his chair as all nine capital ships engaged their antimatter weapons, the equivalent of nuclear weapons in this case.
"Lt. Archer, Get the rest of the Vio-Ravens in here now...No sense in holding back our numbers if they're not going to."

"Aye, sir" Archer said as he sent a message to the point where the rest of the fleet was waiting outside the system.


The fleet launched a salvo of combat wasps, whose submunitions when released, detonated a good portion of the nova torpedoes before they impacted with any major ships. A few got through and tore apart a Battlestar before it could be saved.

As if on cue all ships began to fire salvos of antimatter combat wasps and antimatter torpedoes in addition to the pulsar cannons and standard tachyon torpedoes. The antimatter warheads detonated against the shields and released a massive amount of heat and gamma radiation as nuclear blasts appeared all over the forward shields.


OOC: Yeah...I'm frakked...I get that but It's gonna be a hell of a fight at least.

IC :

Bridge of the MIN Tyrant

"Sir, incomming anti-matter warheads!" a young ensign urgently said.

"This fleet is not one to be pushed around! Release antimatter torpedoes and Nova Torpedoes!"

"Yes sir!"

The Admiral looked at the Emperor who faintly nodded his head to indicate his approval.

Several hundred Nova Torpedoes and Anti-Matter Torpedoes were fired from the Missile Pods and impacted head on with the incomming enemy torpedoes. Several torpedoes managed to get through but were intercepted head on by Unmanned Dummy Crafts which measured 2m in length and their sole purpose was to intercept incomming enemy missiles/torpedoes.

However a small number did get through and the Tyrant's powerful shields comparable to that of a Planetary shield held firm. Several unfortunate TIE Interceptors were destroyed as a result. A escorting Cruiser reported engine malfunction after its engine compartment was hit twice by antimatter warheads.

Meanwhile the battle continued.

The Emperor spoke.

"Order in the 2nd Fleet and recharge the superlaser. Fire when ready! "

"Yes my lord."

The superlaser was quickly charged up and it fired again, towards the enemy flagship. This time there would be no escape.

50 Unmanned Missile Carriers were fired from the side of the SSD. These shielded carriers would head towards the target at warp speed and emerge several hundred metres away and unleash a whole volley of Nova Torpedoes, Anti Matter Missiles, Concussion Missiles, Proton Torpedoes and Zeus Missiles.

Once this had been accomplished it would crash itself into the target and explode into black hole...

North Star
Streaks of green disruptor fire shot past the monitor, as it did a physics-bending maneuver to avoid the bulk of the enemy fire, while the remaining ones splattered against the shields, stressing local areas of shielding while leaving the whole in good shape. The smaller cannons continued to track strike craft, saturating areas where TIE interceptors were detected. Seeing as the TIEs had no shielding, it was highly unlikely they would survive a single near-miss from the capital cannons. What the Nial fighters lacked in terms of maneuverability compared to the TIE interceptor, it was so much more heavily armoured, armed, and had far better acceleration than the smaller fighters.

Also, they were covered by the anti-strikecraft turrets of their mothership, so if the situation went from bad to worse for the Nials, they could be pulled back into the hangars and protected by the heavier guns of the North Star

Battle Bridge
"Shai. An Imperial fleet has entered the system..." the sensor officer said, although the Shai already realized this, seeing as the sensors added the newcomers to the projection.

"Let's get those reinforcements hurried, and we'll try to save the Cassiopeian ship. Bring us into a range where our PD can cover each other, fire the main gun at our original target." he yelled, as a near-miss shot shook the ship a little.

The North Star made a wide turn and flip, zig-zagging in the z axis to avoid counter-fire, while potshots from fusion pulse cannons plastered area of the Star Destroyer. It continued to accelerate, pushing itself in the direction of the Cassiopeian battlecruiser, where they could directly help each other rather than fight in smaller, isolated sectors.

Reinforcements had been contacted, some 900 light-years away at Zaal Station - at the maximum rate of 3 LY per minute, it would be over five hours until reinforcements could help the North Star and CNS Hamptonshire.


OOC:

You didnt reply to my TIE Defenders. And please edit. TIE Interceptors ARE shielded. TIE Fighters are not.

Told him so... Ning thought, while copying Chen's mindstate into some spare resources inside her own brain as the officer fired his weapon, just to dump said mindstate immediately - both, because she was seeing that the shot was less-than-lethal, and because said copy of Chen demanded being dumped immediately.

Some people...

Well, at least the 'Real' Chen hadn't noticed. It'd spare her some trouble (Chiefly in the form of hour-long discourses on the gift of death, and human limits).

"Of course, of course. At your service. Oh, and no reason to shout..." She smiled at the officer (Not that it was a sincere smile, but still), and motioned for him to follow her. "Rather more than a routine inspection, I believe. Any trouble in the area that we should know of?"

The (Small, like the entire 'Ship') cargo bay was, in fact, surprisingly full, containing a bewildering variety of products - infinite repeaters from ZMI, living-metal dildos of necron manufacture, Angstian handheld CREWs, some nanocircuitry, Sun Tzu's The Art of War (Horribly outdated, but some people still liked it, despite the still-usable bits being nothing more than common sense), skinsuits, light PA, pornography of thirteen different flavours (Mostly non-mainstream), low-end matter compilers, a kitten (Who was meowing and tried to climb up the chief inspector's legs), some networked battlecomputers, a lot of blasters, heatrays, envirosuits, some other crap, and a perfect replica of the Mona Lisa.

"Anything objectionable, Sir? Oh, and please don't mind Garfield - he's snuggly like that."

OOC:

You didnt reply to my TIE Defenders. And please edit. TIE Interceptors ARE shielded. TIE Fighters are not.

(And I still want you to edit your post, it's not that hard. >_<)

It was hardly a fleet of note. So many ships had been committed to other campaigns that the Kingdom had been drained dry - two of the four mighty Dreadnoughts had been taken, and four thousand of the five thousand ships the Kingdom possessed.

Thus, a mere hundred ships - buzzing flies next to the mammoth Dreadnoughts, and yet each the match of most nations' capital ships, and a single Dreadnought, were sent. It would have to be enough. But, no doubt, the Empire could easily hold its own in a naval battle. It was on the ground, where rebels could run to ground, that they would require help.

The Servant-Legion - a legion of the horrific beasts known only as the Servants of the Sovereign, creatures of blood and death, forged from the dying screams of the innocent, from the tortured souls of the pure, had been sent. They were Golheas's private pride and joy. For they could find anyone - they could go anywhere. Rare was the wall that could bar them, the disguise that could fool them.

Each was bound to a single member of the Order, a handler, who controlled the Servants, and made them hunt as they would. There was little doubt that they could root out the rebellion, slaughter those who opposed Imperial rule.

A single ship coalesced out of darkness, its massive frame ghosting through space, silent, its twisted, horrific shape gliding along easily. The Dreadnought Bloodied Path had arrived. Behind it, smaller shapes formed into light-reflecting objects, surrounding the Dreadnought - insignificant in comparison to it, but useful, nonetheless.

Linking.. Mationbuds communication link established. Message sent.
I, Servant-Admiral Astiar, greet you in the glory and power of the Sovereign. Let his light illumine us, and let his might strengthen our arms, so that we may win the day over the pitiable rebels.

My ship, the Bloodied Path, and her fleet have come to aid you. I see that the men of Telros have come to aid you, alongside us. This is well. I have with me the First Servant-Legion, a number of.. well, they were once men. Let it suffice to say that they are most adept in hunting, and even moreso at killing. Should you wish to root out this rebellion in short order, we can no doubt give you your desire.
Message terminated.

"Soul-Servant, there is a fleet engaging the Telrosian forces. Should we move to engagement range?"

The man cringed as Astiar looked at him. Few men from the Order could be spared, yet, and most were merely former naval officers, who had been.. convinced to serve the new fleet, and its new purpose.

He raised his hand lazily, and gestured. "Indeed. Leave seventy ships back as fire support, and to serve as reserves, should we be outmaneuvered. The Bloodied Path, and thirty frigates will be more than adequate to do what is required. Prepare the arrays of masers, and the point-defense laser units. I do not feel it necessary to use any weapon that may allow our enemies to understand better the workings of our Dreadnoughts. Oh, and perhaps the hypervelocity railguns."

"The shields, Soul-Servant?"

"I think not. The shields of our Dreadnought would merely drain our offensive capacity. We have been girded in armor by the Sovereign, and we shall not affront our lord by showing distaste for his most glorious gift."

Astiar smiled. "Engage."

The ship increased its speed, plunging into the combat before them, arrays of masers, the laser point-defense cannons, and railguns, firing antimatter slugs at magnificent speeds into the fray.

Linking.. Telrosian communication link established. Message sent.
I am Servant-Admiral Astiar, unworthy servant of the Sovereign, and loyal servant of the Empire. I greet you in the name of the Sovereign, and in the name of the Emperor, our lord most glorious. Your fidelity to the Empire speaks well of you. Let us grow to know the worth of one another's mettle by slaying the pitiful foes that stand before us.
Message terminated.

OOC: And then they paused, as a lone tumbleweed drifted past through the depths of space....

The fleet deploys more combat wasps, which intercept the missiles, causing them to break up into their sub-munitions as their shields are impacted by railgun and laser battery fire. The Pegasus shuttered under the impacts as the hull began to breach in several sections, shields failing and atmosphere venting out into the void. As the nukes impacted with the ships secondary emerald colored barriers of energy formed around the ships, absorbing the explosions and secondary radiation and sending them upward in a flash of light.

"What the hell was that?" Admiral Maxwell queried.

A dark figure with green eyes steps onto the bridge. "I've taken the liberty of having my followers place barriers up around the fleet. At the Emerald Emperor's request of course. He is pleased with your handling of this situation and wishes to inform you that he will be here soon along with the rest of the fleet he is rallying."

"Thank you for stepping in Flame Weaver Matrix." The Admiral said.

The Vio-Ravens flanking the Pegasus cast their distortion fields outward in front of the Command-Carrier and space tears open, forming a wormhole. The wormhole remains open for several seconds while the green energy blast from the Superlaser flows into the wormhole interstice and exits somewhere else in the cosmos. Seconds later, forty more interstices open around the fleet and forty more Vio-Ravens take up positions around the fleet.

"Admiral, This is Captain Condra aboard Mindori. We're just the first ships to get here. Word has gone out through the Flame Weavers in the fleet to at least 325 ships from the Emperor himself and they'll be meeting at the point we just swallowed in from. Estimated time to arrival three hours."

"Thank you Captain, place your Tac-Com programs into primary and our AI will send you formation guidance. Maxwell out."

After a few short datavises and the Vio-Ravens gliding into position around the fleet the fleet begins attacking once again. A barrage of 25 combat wasps a piece from all 57 combat capable ships, an astounding 1425 combat wasps with varying fusion tipped warheads and antimatter warheads all head for the flagship Satan's Shadow. The nine capital ships begin firing their pulsar cannons on the Satan's Shadow as well.

OOC: Sorry...School stuff got hectic and I got pinned down as it were

OOC: All problems have been cleared up, so here we go......

IC: Commander Potentis watched as his tactic did the damage on the enemy fleet.....but not to the extent that he would have liked. "What the hell happened to those nukes?! We unloaded plenty of them!" The bridge crew frantically scanned the enemy fleet.

"Sir, there would appear to be some sort of energy shield that is being projected around them. That is what blocked the nuclear missiles." Potentis clenched a hand. So, they could generate a shield to cover their fleet. Well, he could only hope to pound the sucker to hell and back.

"Alright, have all ships return back to us. We are going to need to stick together for this battle. That shield needs to go and I will need all the firepower I can get. Call back the offensive squadrons as well."

"Yes sir." The message was sent and the two flanking groups stopped the outbound vectors and began to head back to the fleet. The squadrons jerked away from the enemy fleet and headed back to the Federation fleet. The Commander gritted his teeth. He needed those reinforcements, but they were still seven minutes away.

"Sir, we are receiving a message from the Starfederation." He waved for him to put it through.

I am Servant-Admiral Astiar, unworthy servant of the Sovereign, and loyal servant of the Empire. I greet you in the name of the Sovereign, and in the name of the Emperor, our lord most glorious. Your fidelity to the Empire speaks well of you. Let us grow to know the worth of one another's mettle by slaying the pitiful foes that stand before us.

Potentis smiled viciously as he saw the thirty frigates and the dreadnaught headed into the fray, blasting at the Emerald Flame forces. He didn't know what happened to them, but he liked it.

Greetings Servant-Admiral Astiar, I am Commander Potentis. I am glad for the assist and thank you for the complements. Send my regards to your Sovereign by blasting away these fools. I'll leave some for you. His good mood vanished when the FTL sensors blared.

"Sir, forty new enemy ships have just warped in! They are launching fighters at us! I am counting 1425 fighters, and sensors are detecting fusion and antimatter war-heads on them!" The Commander narrowed his eyes. "Alright, have the offensive squadrons hit them from behind and have both flanking groups move to engage the fighters. If we blow up one, their antimatter charge will go as well and destroy even more. That should set off a chain reaction, destroying a good amount of them. Have the cruisers flanking the ship move to intercept and keep the squadrons around the ship Some will get through and I don't want to rely on just our point defense systems."

The ten offensive squadrons roared forward and once they were in range, they divided up into five groups of two, launching their cluster missiles, and firing their twin rapidfire laser cannons, doing their best to destroy all they could. The four corvettes and the two destroyers shifted again and started heading towards the incoming combat wasps. They launched another wave of missiles, 240 again, this time straight at the incoming fighters, as well as firing their railguns and laser batteries. They were programmed to instantly turn into cluster missiles and just detonate everywhere it could in the enemy fighter line. The two cruisers moved forward until they were in front of the Satan's Shadow and unloaded their own laser and missile batteries, firing 80 missiles into the fray. Finally, Satan's Shadow unloaded it's own 200 missiles, but held it's laser fire, as the cruisers were in the way.

"Sir, incoming enemy fire, heading straight for us!" The Commander clenched his armrests. "Brace for impact!" The pulsar blasts came flying in and most struck the cruisers. Fiery explosions lit up over the hell, sending pieces of ablative armor flying into space and rocking the ships they slammed into. One missile battery exploded on a cruiser and did even more damage. The remainder of the blasts slashed through the little space between the cruisers and the battlecruiser. The ship rocked as the enemy fire lanced all over the ship. Potentis quickly sat up when it was over.

"Report!"

"Sir, the frontal ablative armor is down to 80%, reading hull breaches in sections A, and C, sealing them off now. A single laser battery is damaged. That is all for now. The cruisers are hurt worse. Their frontal ablative armor is down to 72%, their port to 94%. The left cruiser has lost a missile battery and the armor in that section is down to 64%." Potentis growled and watched the screen. They had to stop these combat wasps, if they had any chance of getting a chance to fight back. Their reinforcements would come soon, but they would need to bide their time until then, holding off the enemy.

Astiar scowled. One of the four Servant-Admirals, he was inferior to the highest of them all - Sashiar. The man's talent in using the power of the Sovereign was second to none, and his intellect, although Astiar disliked to admit it, was probably superior to his.

Greetings, Servant-Admiral. I call to you from the far battlefield of Terror Incognitia. The battle is going well, it seems. However, we have only just engaged, and the Incognitian fleet is somewhat larger than anticipated. Thus, I am requisitioning the Bloodied Path. I know she cannot arrive in time to reinforce us in battle, unless it should take weeks, but the probability of a counter-attack is high, and we require the fabricator facilities aboard your ship in order to enforce our occupation more heavily. I advise that you leave once the current threat has been dealt with.

Astiar's hand rose to his head, and, feeling along the lines of power, the 'sense' of himself Sashiar had left behind, he replied. Such a message, with such speed, would probably be beyond him. He was an admiral - not an acolyte. However, it was a challenge. Using the ansible would lower Sashiar's opinion of him, and that could be irritating in future.

I understand, First-Admiral Sashiar. For the glory of the Sovereign, it will be done.

The Bloodied Path, like the three other Dreadnoughts the Kingdom possessed, was mammoth. Indeed, it was the largest of the four. It dwarfed every other ship there - dwarfed Star Destroyers, dwarfed their larger brethren, the Super Star Destroyers. Which was, of course, why only four existed. Astiar questioned the decision of sending it to aid Mationbuds - it was probably needed at home more urgently, or on the frontlines, but, or the moment, it was here. Almost a thousand times larger than the frigates which had taken up formation around it, it was an impressive sight.

"I believe the shield is of arcane origin, Servant-Admiral."

"Hmm?"

Astiar looked at the Soul-Servant in consternation. One of the three Scions of the Sovereign that served on his bridge, the man was most skilled at the manipulation of arcane power, and was probably one the most powerful in the Kingdom.

"I am unsure of the power's origin, however, if you should wish it, I will attempt to break it myself."

"No, Soul-Servant. We have superiority of firepower. However, you shall be among the first to board the ship. I wish for you to take some of those who have generated the field alive. Once we have interrogated them, their lives shall serve most excellently to sate the hunger of the Sovereign. Should they discover our nature before we are able to capture them, they may destroy themselves rather than submit to capture."

With that, the bombardment began anew. A shield such as the enemy had generated could not stand long against the equivalent of five hundred capital ships - the Bloodied Path began to skim foward, preparing to match shields against the one around the fleet. The frigates would most likely be incinerated, should they try such a thing, however, the sheer mass of the Bloodied Path meant that it was more likely to destroy the enemy shields than it was to be destroyed - much moreso, in fact.

"Release the first batch of tacmissiles."

It was then that the impressiveness of the Bloodied Path was revealed. The invisible lasers and masers were not impressive - nor was its sheer mass. However, one could hardly argue with ten thousand missiles, each one of them filled to the brim with antimatter.

Once combat was ended, the fabricator section on the Bloodied Path would be working nigh-constantly to replenish its supplies, but, for now, that was not an issue. As the ten thousandth missile skimmed out, the ports from which they had came shuddered closed, and the ship continued on its inexorable path to the enemy shield...

Wormholes began to open up around the edge of the shield, intercepting a small fraction of the antimatter missiles. Some connected with the edge of the interstices and detonated, causing a chain reaction. The resulting reaction created a wave of nuclear detestation which collided with the shield, causing it to shatter under the stress.

"We cannot sustain the shield against this enemy. There are simply not enough gauntlets to keep giving our willpower form on this level. We will be able to create separate shield bubbles for the capital ships as long as our charge holds out," Flame Weaver Matrix stated, as he holds his hand over the emerald gem in his obsidian gauntlet. Eight individual bubbles rise up around the eight remaining capital ships just above their standard shields, leaving the other 49 Vio-Ravens to cope with their own untouched shields.

"Admiral, We're also suffering from increased radiation levels as well. Vio-Ravens report that radiation levels have increased beyond safe levels from that last assault. Another wave of antimatter like that and we wont have anything left beyond the capital ships," Lieutenant Archer said, "And we have a very large ship bearing down on us on what appears to be a collision course."

The Admiral's neural nanonics datavised a series of orders into the fleet command computer and from there the most urgent "Evasive Maneuvers" order goes out to all 59 ships in the fleet. All the ships begin to fan out, giving the Bloodied Path a wide birth with the exception of the Pegasus which pointed directly up into the path of the dreadnought as its rectangular bow began to open, revealing a small point of light.

"Entropic cannon is at 95% charge. We've only got one chance at this," Commander Peterson said.

"Fire the cannon," Admiral Maxwell said, "At least they'll know we were here."

The Entropic cannon in the center fires as well as all the pulsar cannon batteries in the forward section of the ship. The blasts impact with the forward hull of the dreadnought and the Entropic shot hits in the middle of them, causing the hull plating to deteriorate in an area the size of a shuttle craft and breach. The Pegasus breaks off and joins the rest of the fleet in its new formation.

"Well that was effective," Archer said, "Next maybe we can throw rocks at them."