NationStates Jolt Archive

"My Lord," Grand Admiral Petriov spoke, "We have recieved word that the Emperor's Death Star has destroyed the Federal Union's capital World."

"This is excellent news you bring me, Petriov," The Sith Master spoke. Burning red eyes looked past the Grand Admiral and deeply into the Warp, seeking the future. "However it is not over yet. They have reestablished themselves elsewhere, my minions throughout the Warp speak to me." He stood and lowered the black hood from his head, and his eyes grew wide and wild, his pale skin and shaven head giving him an evil luciferian appearance. "War is coming!" He hissed. "A war which will define the Wanderjarian Sector as well as the Galactic Empire! I can see this!" Suddenly, his face returned to a cold glare, his perpetually young face relaxed slightly. "We shall fight, and billions shall die. Perhaps these billions shall not be ours, perhaps they shall be of Wanderjarian blood. It is no matter. We are stronger than they, and when they come, we shall in the end emerge victorious. With the combined powers of the Sith and the divinity of the Chaos Gods, we cannot be defeated."

"Yes...m..my lord," The concerned Grand Admiral stammered. "I agree totally. Shall I have the fleets assemble themselves?"

"No. Let them come to us," The Sith began to cackle deeply, "They shall come to us."


********************************************************


"Falcon-6, this is Flight Command, are you picking up anything?" The Command and Control Center asked.

"Negatory on that Command, as usual, theres nothing here." Captain Jurias replied. The Tie Fighter squadron flew in an echelon right pattern, across the Skies of Cadia, one of the Wanderjarian frontier worlds. Beneath them, the torn and battered landscape was still, pock marks from artillery craters, old trenches and ruined buildings remained from the many wars fought to maintain control over this heavily contested world. This planet was seemingly under perpetual siege from outside forces, however as long as it had been under the control of the Wanderjarians, and the Galactic Empire, they had been at relative peace. The Cadian Guards Divisions had replenished to full strength, and repairs began on the extensive infrastructural damage suffered by centuries of warfare and slaughter.

Captain Jurias took his squadron back to their hanger bays several hundred kilometers to their south. It was the location of the largest airbase on the world, housing the Command and Control station and the key operators for the Imperial Navy in that planet. Once back at the base, they landed and relogged their ships in with the crew chiefs, leaving them in their care.


"Jurias you bastard!" Called out a pilot from across the room.

"What do you want Ciaphas?" Jurias replied with a slight grin.

Running over to the Captain, Ciaphas put his arm around the other Pilots neck and replied with an astonished tone, "Why, only to see my bestest and most excellent friend, as well as my amazingly, though not as much as I, talented wingman." Laughing, they both continued to the Officer's lounge. Once inside, Jurias couldn't help but note how excellently it was adorned after they began to recieve support from the Galactic Empire. Once Cadia had been placed under Wanderjarian control, they no longer dealt with plascrete grey buildings and barely if at all functional lighting. They had decent rations and not louse infested grool which the hounds would refuse to swallow.

He took a seat on a rather comfortable black leather couch, alongside his mate Ciaphas though maintaining an appropriate spacing between them, and extended his legs out onto the table before them, resting his feet. The holoscreen played various Wanderjarian shows, such as gladatorial fighting between famous contestants from across the Empire, to other programs which covered all spectrums of entertainment.

"Its almost strange," Ciaphas spoke, resting his head on his palm while watching the holoscreen.

"What is?" Asked Jurias, curiously. "What could possibly be strange in a place like this?"

"I can't remember the last time I knew peace. As long as I've been alive I've been at war, and so have you. We grew up together man. We've been fighting since we could stand and walk well enough to resist! But now, with the Empire protecting us, we're no longer under siege. It's just a strange feeling to me. Now, I never want to see another daemon again," he added with a shudder, "but I'd like to see some kind of action."

Jurias nodded, running a hand through his cropped close shaven head, and laying back into the couch. "I understand. We lead these Combat Air Patrols across the planet with our squadrons, but we never turn up anything. Why? Because theres nothing here anymore. I'm frankly bored man. A sick part of me almost wishes for another invasion. It just doesn't feel right, not being at war. The bombs aren't falling, the adrenaline isn't pumping anymore." Ciaphas just nodded again. What Jurias failed to know is that his wish would soon come true....and how he would regret it when it came, would haunt him forever.



******************************



In high orbit over Cadia rested a massive imperial battlefleet, specifically designed as an early warning system against the dark forces which lurked beyond the Gate. The gate, as the only stable area of normal space which leads into the Eye of Terror, another Wanderjarian controlled region, which makes it a focal point for attacks by daemonic forces from beyond the warp. However, while Lord Baker champions the armies of Chaos, the daemons do not attack the Wanderjarians, but rather wait patiently, as reluctant but stalwart allies against all foes of the Empire.

This battlefleet was specifically designed to repel an attack, should the daemons change their views on the Wanderjarian sector. Six Titan Class Battle barges hung in various areas of the planet, on permanent guard against enemy forces. They were each surrounded by dozens of Imperial III Star Destroyers, Emperor Class Battleships, Gothic Class Cruisers, and innumerable Sword Class gunships.

Grand Admiral Wilhelm, commander of Battlefleet Cadia, rested within his majestic quarters aboard the Titan Flagship Emperor’s Judgment. He lay upon a bed with silk sheets and feather mattress, always grinning when he realized just how good a life he had.

“It pays to be an Admiral,” He whispered, stretching, as he rose from the mattress. Standing, he walked over to his dresser within was his navy blue officer’s uniform, with uncountable campaign ribbons, medals, and other honors adorning his chest. He pulled it out of the dresser and donned the jacket, then his Navy Officer’s dress slacks, then finished with his sheathed ceremonial chainsword which rested at his side. He moved over to a mirror to check if everything was immaculate, and after smoothing out apparently wrinkled areas, he exited his room.


Once outside two Imperial Marines stepped to attention, one both left and right of the door, and he gave a sloppy return salute has he made an about face to his left and walked down the long corridors to the Command Bridge. The ship, while vast, never ceased to amaze him with its small cramped corridors. A ship that size one would think, would have halls as grand and wide as a cathedral, yet these lacked that vastness. The Bridge however, was a massive area, filled with computer systems, Officers, and other naval personnel, which expanded across a several hundred meter long plane, while above them was a long walkway which the Admiral was seated. After taking his seat, and calling over his First Mate, he began to relax.

“Good Morning Grand Admiral,” First Mate Quentus said. “Situation report?”

“Yes Quentus, that would be grand.”

‘All appears normal sir, no new activity and the warp appears to be relatively stable, which is the best its been in centuries!” The Grand Admiral chuckled slightly at the last statement.

“So true, so very, very true,” Replied Wilhelm, sitting back in his command chair. “Very well then, I suppose we shall have a nice period of relative stability then.”

“It would appear sir. It would appear that way indeed.”


***********************************************************




Colonel Rolland walked slowly through the ruinous area of what had been the Cadian Starport. Regimental Commander in the Cadian Shock Troops, he was observing the terrain of which would be his military district. The Star-Port was functional, albeit barely, but trade ships managed to land safely and unload their materials, which was all that he was asked to do. The First Cadian Division, the so called, “Gate Keepers”, were assigned an Area of Operation within this region, and his Regiment, which called itself the “Key-masters”, were the guard force defending the Star Port. Nobody seemed to believe that somehow there was no more enemy to fight off. He himself did not believe it. Every shadow seemed to hide a daemonic entity which could reignite another bloody and horrific war which would tear the world apart again. Trenches were dug around the perimeter, and manned by his regiment of twenty thousand Guardsmen. An Armored Battalion was positioned in tank dug outs throughout the trenches and an Artillery battalion, with several hundred Basilisk Cannons, were positioned within the star port and were able to reach an area covering almost a hundred miles in any direction.

His Cadian soldiers were all battle hardened veterans, and one could see that in the way they took their duties in the trenches. All of them seemed alert at all times. When they weren’t on watch they were cleaning their las-guns, checking equipment, ensuring everything was ready for combat at all times. They were an excellent group of fighting men.

His tour of the Star-Port was merely an orientation to his new sector of command, and one which he knew was vital. He needed to know every nook and cranny of this facility in order to utilize it for a future siege should it come to that. If he didn’t know his own facility, how could he expect his troopers to fight and win it? That was a question which drove him. The answer? He could not.

And so, as he investigated the ruins for specific areas for ambushes, machine gun nests, snipers, and other possible needs, he took notes, memorizing everything. When, not if, war returned to Cadia, he and his men would be more than amply ready.

Necropolis, Imperial Capital
Amazonia, Dominion Space

"I'm bored..."

The Emperor, for being a 60+ year old man, was still spry and powerful-he was a Sith Lord, after all, incredibally powerful. His whole body flowed with the coursing power of the Dark Side-and Droma knew it. He knew his own power...and he also knew how it would eventually take him apart.

The man before him on the ground was shaking in agony. He was a Federation Movement sympathizer-the rogue band that was moving about, representing the interests of the old leadership, or the former republic that was now but a shamed memory. Now, fear had risen-fear, strength, power, passion, victory...the Dominion was now the power, and this man before Droma was nothing more than a bug between his sole and the ground. One that needed to be squashed...

Without saying a word, the Emperor turned back to the man on the ground, raising his hands back towards him. With a grimace-one of enjoyment-Droma flashed off a wave of electric energy towards the man. The lightning arced, striking the victim's face as he twisted in pain and fear, on fire from the inside and an electric node on the outside, burning in the passion of the Sith-the fear, the anger. The man was feeling Droma's rage-a pivotal in the man's life, to come to a head.

With each passing moment, the Emperor's anger drove deeper, the energy lancing from his fingertips more ingrained with hate, stronger, the man on the floor writhing with deeper agony. It ended slowly-the man stopped twitching, energy coursing over his body. The body was still, the smell of burnt flesh, seared medium-well, wafting across the room, an acrid smell. The man could have simply been shot by the Sovereign Guard, spread out all across the dark, stormy district of the planet-city-but Droma prefered this way. Let the man meet the powerful before he fell to him.

As he disposed of the man down an incineration shute, Droma smiled-his teeth an ugly shade of light yellow. He was being angered of peace...he wanted to do something drastic.

At this point, one of his younger apprentices, Lord Sion, walked into the room. Sion was a walking enigma, much like his rival Nihilis-he was a broken man, quite literally. His flesh was broken, cracked, a dark, ugly shade of gray. His bones were broken and reformed, his muscles a sinewy mesh. How he had become this was unknown to everyone but him-but he was no lack of a warrior. Rather, he was powerful, strong, full of anger-a dark kernel growing in his heart. He was powerful-and Droma liked him. He wasn't Droma's favorite-Ragnos, the dark one, was-but he was up there.

"Reports from the Outliers, my Lord," Sion reported. "We crushed the federal uprising on Dosamus without incident."

"Are you bored by peace, Sion?" Droma inquired.

Sion was not heistant at all: "Naturally. We are not a peaceful kind, my Lord...and I quest for more. The other apprentices are looking as well...it is only a matter of time before another sparks."

"Why not make a push, though?"

"My Lord, we are stretched with various tasks. Better to concentrate our frontal forces and wait for others to become involved and to piggyback."

Sion's words made sense, but Droma didn't want to wait forever: "Very well, I will take your advice...but I will not wait long. Our forces are idle knocking down rebel after rebel, federalists and democrats...we need some meat, or they will grow stagnant."

Near The Cadia System

The C'an D'istan Battlefleet drifted lazily through space, on a course unknown. It had been three years since they got sucked into a nebular portal and got tossed out in this place; three years of constant drifting, conserving rations, and raiding small stations for supplies.

On board the Flagship, the Admiral R'ashshanii, Fleet Admiral Ryx stood at the helm, observing the computer screens and displays in front of him. Ryx was a brute of a Scimiar, standing at 8'2" and 588lbs, he was a creature you didn't want to fight. His thick plate uniform added an extra 280lbs to his body, and combined with his ceremonial sash and half insect-half lizard appearance, he was a menacing being.

"Well, what is it, Therrion?" asked the Admiral looking at a series of blips on the display. The Therrion Sentinel looked up and checked a readout. Therrions were a different breed of Scimiar mainly utilized in special operations roles. Clad in dark red and black battleplate, they resembled an Ancient mix of a Roman Gladiator and a Muslim Knight with the sash and the plate.

"Unknown..." it hissed, setting the readout onto his station. "Advise, Admiral." It's voice hissed as he spoke in a cold tone.

The Admiral looked at the display once more and chose his course of action. "We shall hold this position for now, but put the forces on high alert." Ryx ordered, grabbing a moniter and pulling it towards him.

"Yes, Admiral." said the Therrion, going on Com and reporting the order to the fleet. Pulling the mic to his face, he began. "Attention, all ships! Hold position. All Boarding and Ground Combat forces man your stations and prepare for further orders. I repeat, man your stations."

All around the fleet, troops emerged from their activities and prepared for battle. The Wretches emerged from their warrens and loped over to their required stations while the normal Scimiar Forces manned their gun stations and armories. In the cargo bays, the Brumak Handlers moved the 8 meter tall living tanks to thier equipping cranes and chained and latched the armaments to their arms and back.

The Fleet started to slow from a drift to a halt, then moved into a defensive formation with the gunboats, corvettes and missile schooners forming a perimeter around the majority of the fleet. A few Frigates and Surveillance Craft circled the fleet, keeping an eye out for any activity that the scanners wouldn't pick up. The C'an D'istan were here, and there presence would be known.

OOC: Well, kewl and the gang are all in the Cadian system...

reminder, all things I mention that are native to me (ships, people, planets, locales, species, whatever) can be found in my factbook in my sig.

IC:

The Harvester
Rim, Dominion Space

11th Front Armada

A small shuttle lifted off from the Harvester, engines blasting it away from a landing platform. Immediately, four Nemesis fighters moved into a flanking formation around the shuttle, a defensive grid-never mind that the Rim was inside the Shroud, the only entrance to the massive Dominion nebula-home by a massively guarded chokepoint. It was still precautions. Measures still to be taken.

Inside was a precious cargo indeed-the Sith Lord Naga Sadow, brash Sith Knight Athon Onasi, Sangheili cyborg and military strength Crypt, 87th Division commander Tannith Bly, and several other leaders. A Kuram was giving the briefing, mentioning over the "Cadian" system, where apparently two forces had gathered and were currently holding position. The light, flightly voice of the smart but weak Kuram was annoying Bly, who spent the entire time sending back and forth messages with his subordinates of the 87th, the ground task force that would be with the 11th Armada-Sadow's personal.

Sadow himself was a walking icon. Highly regarded as the 3rd-strongest Dominion force user behind Droma and Ragnos, he was powerful, but volatile, often breaking out into violence. It was for this reason that he liked Onasi-once, a promising young light sider with the Federation, Onasi's own brother's move to leave with the Seperatists Federation supporters frove Onasi to turn to the Dark Side, and to embrace his hate-something Sadow revelled in. It was perfect, and Sadow liked his "Apprentice."

The shuttle moved into Sadow's personal flagship-the ADV Venerable, one of the Dominion's stash of the massive flagships, bristling with weapons and support ships. Sadow got out first-and a flanking of Shock Troopers and Elites gathered around to escort him off. Milan Jocastu, acting grand admiral for the journey, greeted him on one knee.

"Rise, Admiral," Sadow said. "How our preparations?"

"Coming along well, Lord Sadow," Jocastu said as the two passed three Lekgolo loading ammo and supplies into an AHT-9 Heavy tank, a massive juggernaut of an assault vehicle. "The fleet is ready to depart on your command."

"Then we shall," Sadow replied, dropping his hood from his black robe. "To the bridge, we will continue from up there."

Onasi and Sadow left Jocastu, the Grand Admiral saluting and walking to the most direct route to the bridge. Sadow went up to a Letukan-the brawny, larger cousins of the more common Brumak (though they were reptomammals, not primates), addressing it quickly: "What's your company?"

The Letukan looked down from stashing Thrust Rifles into a storage dispenser: "3A2CX." The beast went back to what it was doing, dismissing Sadow.

The Sith Lord was slightly perturbed, using the Force to twist the Letukan's head back to staring at him: "I don't like your tone of voice, beast."

With that, Sadow fired an arcing red energy blast from his fingertips, smashing the Letukan's dense skull in and bringing dead silence from the entire small hanger bay.

"Carry on, and clean this up," Sadow said, indicating the corpse.

Within twenty minutes, the Venerable was guiding out the 11th Frontal Armada from the Harvester's local space, towards a hyperjump. It would have to stop at Menoon-the chokehold to the rest of the galaxy from the naturally isolated Shroud-before continuing on, but it would still be a fast journey.

A good thing-Sadow didn't like waiting.

OOC: TFU, if you would be so kind as to respond to the thread you asked for....

Federal alpha sector… first armada assembly point:

Fort Washington Floated n the shimmering endless darkness of space, its massive rough hulled grayish body made an impact on the local space, being the only visible thing for light years. Its massive body dwarfed the hundreds of shimmering grey ships that lay around it, the fleets had gathered for one reason, and one reason alone, the festering hate of the Colonials of the imperials had grown, it had grown in to a black demonic like cancer that consumed the populous. The entire fleet was made up of reserve and active forces. Alexi stood on board the death knight, his face stiff and completely set towards the Limitless darkness of space. He was standing at attention, wit ha stiff face, perfect uniform, he was awaiting a speech from the station. He smiled a bit as the reverberating strong voice came through the comns.

“Welcome to the new era my men, I apologize for the hasty attempt at a speech but alas we have more important things to do. As you know fleet command has order Colonial fleets 5- 10 In to a full scale invasion of the evil imperialist dog known as wanderjar , they will surely have an ally to his aid , but we must not let this deter us, because our festering hate towards the people of the GE and his pathetic puppets of vader shall win the day, proper tactics , usage of units and hearts and blood lusts of men shall win the day! We shall kill so many that even they’re chaos god khrone shall look at us with favor! Alas we must push forth for the colonies, And For our fallen brethren!”

Almost immediately following the speech the entire fleet began moving in unison, they’re massive grey bodies shimmering with darkness around them. The limitless darkness of space, alexi smiled again turning around in a military fashion with a smile after he yelled “At Ease!” with that the crew went back to they’re duties he then said in a tough deep voice. “Inform The fleet that we’re going to move out send drone ships to scout the area ahead before hand.” The helms officer nodded starting to tap on his console, the bridge turned from a light bluish white lit area to a dark gloomy bridge.

Suddenly the ship was filled with noises of energizing hyper warp engines the entire body of the Death knight all 25. Km loomed over the entire fleet; its massive grayish body ominously shimmered over as its engines engaged a massive crackling energy hole in space with massive arcs of lighting . it was converted to a massive orbs of energy that were then compressed in to a large beam and thrust in to the crackling energy vortex of the gate.

The fleet followed, all time was frozen in the head of the personnel and officers on the ship. As the fleet exited the massive crackling gates of energy appearing a reasonable distance from the massive system and immediately detected fleets of wanderjar, the fleet was multiple light years away hidden in a cluster of nebula. Alexi stood up with a smile his hands to his side as he peered at his officers sitting before him and other crew rushing around doing they’re duties. He said with a rough commanding voice, he gave another smile. Starting to say “Well, we’re here, its time for us to move, I want a fleet of 320 ships to engage in an all out offensive against this system, make sure it looks like we’re all they have understand? The officers nodded with a smile leaning back on they’re chairs. He then said with another sigh as he moved his hands to his chin, make sure the ships travel slow… make sure those probes get they’re first, I also want a token force of 40 ships to scout out the nearest supply routes , and hit them .

The officers nodded with a smile standing up starting to send communications to they’re respective fleets and ships, a mass of 320 federal war ships began hyper warping out from they’re hidden positions, they rushed back in to crackling gates of energy. The rest of the massive fleet floated in side of the nebula waiting for drone reports and fleet reports. It would not be long before they were discovered due to energy spike they assumed so they had to move quickly. The 320 ships we’re clustered in a loose formation as drones moved ahead of they’re slow hyper warping bodies, it would take several hours for the ship s to reach them, so the drones could do the work. That time had passed, the drones were already in poison scanning and looking as the fleet of 320 ships in a massive 3D assault Wedge moved ominously in unison towards the system, reality stabilizers, and FTLI , weapons, shields all activated. The UCS Demeter was the lead ship; her engines pushed her along with her massive batteries at the ready. As soon as they came back to normal space and matter they began to launch waves of anti proton missiles. Waves of bluish white streaks of flame left they’re missile tubes filling the darkness of space with high yield deadly colorful fire. Commander Braxton sat in the Demeter’s chair looking out towards the darkness of space, as he was fed intelligence from the drones launched hours earlier, his blond hair shimmered gently in the dull reddish light of the bridge. As he ordered waves of missiles fired out again. Fighters we’re at the read, consumed in red light as they sat in they’re launch tubes, awaiting to be unleashed against they’re foes. Drone interceptors ready as well sitting behind every other fighter.

"Tiberium is the wave of the future! I have seen our destiny and how it is my fate to lead mankind to that destiny! GDI will not stop me; the Scrin will not stop me. Together, Commander, we shall see GDI crumble before us, and the Scrin will learn that mankind will not fall under their arrogance. Indeed, we shall triumph...and bring in a new dawn of Tiberium. We shall achieve ascension!

-Kane to the Nod Commander just after they entered the Scrin tower


Space almost seemed to crackle as the fate of several nations and fleets collided at this one spot in time. As the fleets rushed to battle, weapons activated and send colliding into foes, the fate of yet another nation became intertwined. That of a sinister and faithful Brotherhood....

The Brotherhood of Nod.

A fleet of five warships pierced the dull blankness of space with their vibrant and eye-catching black and red hulls, smooth textures, and sleek designs. Around the ships, a single wing of ninety-six reverse U-shaped fightercraft patrolled the space around the fleet, keeping them protected and providing an early warning and defense system. The fleet was made up of two Scorpion-class Destroyers, the BNS Infestation and Unity, and three Lazarus-class Cruisers, the BNS Chained, Inquisitor, and Blade.

Under the command of Inquisitor (Nod rank for Captain) Fajhad Korman, they were tasked with extending Nod's borders and patrolling the outer portion of their nation. However, as of recently, Nod DSFTLD's (Deep Space Faster Than Light Drones) has come across something as they scanned the space far outside the Brotherhood's borders. A single planet in the Cadian system appeared to have had the same thing happen to it as what happened to Earth in 1995; a meteorite of Tiberium had crashed on the planet, and begun to infest the planet with Tiberium. Seeing how much of the planet had been covered by the precious crystal, it must have happened several decades ago. Kane, realizing a vast new deposit was at their fingertips as well as an expansion point that could be taken for Nod, ordered Inquisitor Korman to secure the planet and set up a base to begin harvesting operations, as well as setting the stage for colonization. Once he had built up enough of an infrastructure, he was to contact Kane, who would send a massive fleet of troops, buildings and workers, to finish the colonization process.

So it was that Korman stood on the bridge of his ship, the BNS Infestation. He found the name ironic; Tiberium was basically an infestation, it took over entire worlds with their native occupants barely able to slow its advance. It took over everyone and everything, converting it into more of itself. He stood in his black uniform, crisp and clean with a red border; various war and campaign medals strewn across his left breast. The scorpion tail in the center of a star insignia was on his right shoulder, showing his rank as Inquisitor. Watching over the fleet, he watched as it orbited the planet, as the occasional flight of Stinger Interceptors flew past the viewport. Glancing down, he could see status reports and live feed of construction and Tiberium harvesting efforts. Several buildings were being assembled by drones; a Hand of Nod building, a War Factory and several Tiberium silos. Buildings were also being set up for the first city, where the soldiers and workers could live. As soon as that was set up, underground efforts would be taken to prepare underground facilities for the growth of the population.


So Korman stood, proud of the speed and efficiency that his people were working at. His good mood, however, was about to be ruined. His console beeped and a deep and smooth voice spoke quietly, so only he could hear. "Inquisitor Korman, I must speak with you." Korman was surprised; Archangel was usually too busy overseeing several secret projects and the construction efforts of the fleet and the key worlds, as well as force deployment. To have him here was both a shock and an honor.

"Of course, Archangel." Tapping a key, a sound barrier field was set up, preventing any sound from leaving or entering the bubble. "Alright, what do you need to speak to me about?"

The A.I. took no time getting down to business. "Deep Space probes have detected a threat to our expansion here; a war seems to be brewing in this nation." A screen came up, displaying the arrival of Canadistan and Federal Union ships in Wanderjarian space, as well as the buildup of Amazonian Beasts on the border between them and Wanderjar. Then another screen appeared, showing the Federal ships blasting for Cadia, and drones, which had been deployed several hours before as noted by Archangel on the status report, were flitting around collecting information. Suddenly, the Federal fleet began to unload missiles and torpedoes at the Cadian fleet. Korman's face tightened. A full-blown war was going to happen here; with the battle unfolding between Wanderjar and Federal forces, Canadistan fleets already in system and the Dominion building up on the border, the stage was set for a massive conflict...one that threatened this outpost. Korman spoke.

"Archangel...get me Kane."

"Already done, Inquisitor." The screen flickered and the awe-inspiring visage of Kane appeared. He sat in his chair,gazing at a folder, one hand stroking his goatee in deep thought. Noticing the screen, he put down the folder. Smiling, he spoke.

"Ah, Inquisitor Korman. I see you have finally reported about the colonization efforts. Are you ready for the next phase?"

Korman clenched a hand. "I am afraid not. Archangel, if you send the data you showed me." The A.I., looking like the Angel of Death, nodded. Kane glanced down at his command screen and his smile faded, replaced by deep thought and concentration. "As you can see, my lord, we have a developing situation that threatens our expansion. My fleet alone will not be able to stop a determined push by any of these factions."

Kane nodded. "Hm. Indeed. Very well. I will prepare a task force to be sent to reinforce your position. Do what you must to hold onto that planet; it is vital to our operations. I have a mission for you, Korman. I am sending you one of our Ajay-class Stealth Cruisers, the Shifter. Use it to slip past the Federal fleet and make contact with the Wanderjar leaders on that planet. Offer them aid in fighting off these invaders, and we may have leverage to force them to give us this planet as payment."

Korman nodded. "I understand." He clasped a hand across his chest. "For the glory of the Brotherhood."

Kane followed suit. "For the Brotherhood, Inquisitor. Do not fail me." The screen winked out. Korman turned to the A.I.

"Archangel, when will the taskforce and the Shifter arrive?"

"Approximately forty minutes for the task force and five minutes for the Shifter."

The Inquisitor grimaced. They would have to move carefully until the taskforce arrived. "Have all ships take up defense positions around the planet. Deploy all wings of Stinger interceptors and Firestorm bombers. I want this planet covered. Warn the ground commander of the situation. Notify me when the Shifter arrives."

"It will be done, Inquisitor"

*****************************

Eight minutes later....

As the Federal fleet moved ever closer to Cadia, a silent, small, and hidden ship coasted towards the planet. Hidden from sensors by the Lazarus shield, the BNS Shifter, was moving towards a fate of destiny with the Wanderjarians. Led by Commander John Kustov, they were on a dire mission, sent by Kane and by Inquisitor Korman. Kustove glanced at his display. Explosions caused by the missiles and torpedoes were filling the screen, screwing with sensors. "Archangel. How long until we are within safe distance of the planet and behind Wanderjar defenses?"

"I estimate about four minutes."

"Make it three."

"As you command." The Shifter sped up, causing only a slight anomaly, nothing that would be noticeable on sensors, and continued towards the planet, ignoring the hot conflict going on behind them.