NationStates Jolt Archive

This thread is invite only. Those invited to join in are, Coreworlds, New Doralian, Huntaer, Unified Sith, Chronosia, Balrogga, Godular, Telros, The Humankind Abh, The Wick and Evil Woody Thoughts. All others please MSN me if you wish to be included, but you must have a good reason to show up at this time. Thank you, and on with the show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwqtMg5U2sc

“Their enemies will divide them. Their colonies broken in the fiery chasm of space. Their shining days renounced by a multitude of dark sacrifices. Yet still they will remain always together.”- The Sacred Scrolls

A young woman, walked into the Admiral’s office. Her flesh was smooth, young, unblemished, and smooth. No scar lined her face, as she walked into the Admiral’s office, no wounds or blood, as if she had never been apart of the horrific events, not Twelve hours past. She entered, wearing her green enlisted BDU. Her hand quickly shot up, her yellowish tinted skin, her eyes slightly slanted, in the way that some from Troy, a city settled by Aeralon looked.

As she entered, she noticed, her Admiral, Helena Cain, standing at her desk. It must have been curious to her, as it had been to so many. This woman, the commander of the Colonial fleet, seemed to have an aversion to chairs. Was it an injury or was it personal preference? Did she actually have a stick up her ass? Only time would tell, as the young woman waited for her Admiral to notice her.

Cain shifted through the papers, letting Reika wait for a moment. Her hand reached down, and closed a folder, as Cain shifted her gaze up to the Sargent before her. Cain just stared at the beautiful young Coredian that stood before her. She was a sight to be seen, even Cain had to admit that. Cain shifted her eyes back down. “At ease Sargent.” she said to the woman who appeared to be Nineteen years old.

“Sergeant Shelly Able” lowered her hand, and placed her arms behind her back, as she stood up straight. “Reporting as ordered Sir.” the young woman said to her Admiral. Her face was that of the strictest discipline, a true testament to her order and her training.

Cain glanced up once more, “Sargent, would you care for a drink? Some Ambrosia, Whiskey, Scotch, Saki?” she asked the enlisted woman in front of her.

“Ambrosia Sir, thank you sir.” Reika replied to the Admiral. Cain walked across the room, and grabbed two glasses. The glass was made from the finest crystal. It was heavy, but solid. As Cain handed the drink to the young woman, Reika looked up and noticed, inside the glass was the emblem of the Twelve Colonies, somehow interweaved inside the crystal. Reika slowly took a sip.

Cain looked into the Sergeant’s eyes, for a moment, and stood about three feet away from the young Sargent. “Tell me Sergeant.” Helena asked Reika, “What planet are you from?” she asked her.

“Sir.” Reika replied, ‘I must admit, I was born and raised on Konoha, sir.” Reika responded to Admiral Cain, quickly and clearly.

Admiral Cain looked at her, staring into the windows of the soul. She then slowly turned away from the sargent and took a few steps away from her. As she walked away, Cain just looked at the flag of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. “You are either exceptionally brave, or foolish Sargent.” she replied to Reika. “Admitting such things, could easily be seen as an act of espionage.” she replied.

Cain slowly turned around, looking at the Coredian in her midst. Cain had to admit though, this girl, this Coredian, seemed to have what the others did not have. Was it her time in the colonies that gave her the spine she had now? Was it living amongst the Colonials that gave her honor and respect, or was it something more? Could it be, that despite the actions of the Coredian Empress, that the Coredians were actually honorable?

Cain turned her gaze down to her drink, as she swirled the green liquor in her crystal glass. Reika turned and took another gulp of her drink, finishing about half of the glass in front of her before Cain could even reply.

Cain took her glass and placed it down on the black topped, oak table. “Why did you come to the Colonies then Sergeant?” she asked.

“Sir.” Reika responded. “It was my mission originally to come to the Colonies, to see how the Colonials lived, and how they witnessed the galaxy as a whole, sir.” Reika replied. “I was ordered to come to Caprica, and just mingle with the locals. However after a while, it became known to me, just how frakked our, I mean the Colonial situation is sir. Coredia has frakked over the Colonies in an act of pure ignorance. They thought you were a Imperial Collaborator, and I know that is not the case. They in a fit of rage, dishonored Coredia, and wounded the Colonies. Sir, I joined the Fleet to correct that mistake.” Reika responded. She watched the Admiral, as her eyes widened. She could feel a slight bit of nervousness, as she revealed the information to Cain.

Cain could not help but to feel somewhat impressed at this young woman. She was honest and direct. She took on problems head on, and she did not waiver or seem to hesitate. She was a true embodiment of what a Colonial Soldier should be like, Reika seemed to be an actual Razor. Cain with her left hand reached down, and grabbed a remote control. She turned to the TV and pressed Play. “Watch this.” Cain ordered the enlisted woman. Reika turned to the television on the wall. At first, the military seal of the Twelve Colonies appeared, then the press conference of Katrina Masaki played on the video (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=551605).

After the Video played, Cain shut off the Television. “Tell me Sergeant, What in the hell is going on in Coredia? Your nation attacked Caprica, is responsible for the Attack on Kobol, and maybe even had a hand in the attack against our ship, which over three thousand of your crew mates died, and now they seek forgiveness. What is their game?” she asked Reika.

"We frakked up, sir, and we want to correct that. You may not believe it, sir and I won't blame you if you didn't, but Coredians have a saying: 'Those who turn their back on their friends are lower than dirt'. We turned our back on you in your civil war and it hurt us as a nation, as a people, perhaps more than the galaxy realizes." Reika explained honestly, silently thanking her father for that very lesson. "We see it as our duty to end the animosity between us. Our honor demands nothing less than restoring what was lost, even if it means we must sacrifice everything."

Destiny (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNp3hZaicw)

Admiral Cain watched the young woman as she spoke, watching for signs of lying or deceit. Small changes in eye movement, watching for her hands to grasp together, or her arms to cross, as if she was somehow trying to defend herself. She looked at her pupil dilation, a usual telling sign of lying or fear. She looked at her skin, aside from being attractive, she looked to see if the soldier before her began to perspire slightly. None of these things occurred.

She waited, til this young woman finished her very short statement, and finished her drink. “Thank you Sergeant.” Cain replied to her statements. “You are to report to the commissioning Ceremony, in two hours. Afterwards I have a special mission for you.” Cain said. She walked over to a table in the middle of the room. The table had black metal legs, with a thick glass table top. Over the top of it was papers and pictures scattered. “Come here.” Cain ordered the Sergeant.

Reika walked over to the table, as her head began to feel a rush over it. She felt slightly dizzy, and a warm glow, from the heavy drink that she had, in such a short amount of time. As she made it to the table, she placed both of her hands on the to help support herself.

Cain opened a folder and handed Reika a set of pictures. “This is your planet Konoha, the area of your deployment.” Cain ordered. The pictures were of massive devastation, nuclear mushroom clouds filling the surface of the planet, on one. As she turned to the next, Reika could see clearly the shape of a cylon raider squadron, operating about forty miles from the jedi temple.

“This planet and the others under cylon occupation are my primary concern. I want to hit the frakking toasters hard, but in a way that will minimize civilian and military assets of your nation.” Cain replied, as she glanced back up to Reika. “I need to know everything you know about the defenses and the lay of the land.” Cain told the Sergeant. “I need to know their patrols, and their abilities and reaction times. If all goes well, not a single Coredian will be harmed, and the toasters will be forced off your planets.” Cain said as she stared at Reika glaring through her instead of at her.

If all goes well, not a single Coredian will be harmed, and the toasters will be forced off your planets.” Cain said as she stared at Reika glaring through her instead of at her.

Reika chest began to feel heavy, as her head began to race through the possibilities. “Will I help to save Coredia, or will I become a Judas?” she asked herself, as she really wished she had another drink. Reika turned her head down and looked at the pictures again, the once beautiful forest of Konoha, nothing more than burnt nuclear ash. The once fabled mountain of the Hokages, blown away, the faces laid broken on the ground below.

“Do you have a problem Sergeant?” Cain asked her. “I thought you just made it clear, that you would be willing to do anything to make the situation right? That you were here out of some sort of honor bound rite of your people. Do you not desire to remove the cylons from your planets, or would you rather wait til they are done getting what they want and make the rest of your planets look like Konoha?” Cain stated more than asking, the young girl.

She sighed. "I cannot give you Coredia's defense secrets, for it would compromise Coredian security and I am loyal to Coredia first and to you second, sir. However...I have heard of a anti-Cylon group created by one of Coredia's finest Shinobi Masters, Uzumaki Naruto. You may have heard of him. Coordinating all anti-Cylon efforts with him will allow us both to achieve our goals."

Cain just watched the Sergent in silence. “What you think is going to happen, when we jump Raptors to your planets? If one, is unlucky enough to be captured or shot down, what do you think will happen to our relations that you seem so dead set to protect.” Cain replied.

She then turned her gaze down to the pictures. “You do know that normally I would shoot any military personnel for what you just said.” Cain said sounding angrier. “That is collaboration. If we are at war with Coredia, please be assured that you would be floating home to Konoha right now.

Cain walked over to Reika, and placed her hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Let me tell you this, and I will not say it again. If or when I ever decide to attack your planets, please understand, It will be sudden, and quick. By the time your pilots reach their planes, their bases will be destroyed. By the time your scanners know what has occured, The Colonial Fleet would have blown your cities to hell. I want you to know this, not as a threat, but as a reassurance. I am more interested in the cylons on your planets at the moment, than your nation.” Cain told her.

Reika nodded, “Sir I understand sir.”

Cain slowly took her hand off Reika’s shoulder. “You know we both have one thing in common. We are both direct. For that I respect you. I want to tell you this, the cylons were created by the colonies. The Colonies want to fix our problem. Now if you will not help us know how to avoid your military, then show me where we can land, before your military has a chance to intercept our vessels.” Cain stated to her.

Reika felt a slight sigh of relief, at Cain’s comparison of her to the Admiral. She cracked a small smile. “Sir, I can do that.”

Cain looked down at the papers. “Good report to Leonis Station, after the meeting, and begin to train a team to blend in with the Coredians. Dismissed.”

Reika quickly saluted, and turned around and walked out.

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

Two Hours Later.

Travis Masaki sat quietly in the officer’s lounge on Leonis. The mood was somber, where normally people would be laughing and joking, where bets over triad would be placed, and men and women would haggle each other the room was somber. No one really spoke, except to order a drink. The only conversation came from the television. Travis watched the flat screen television.

This is Caprica 5 News Network, hello I am Persephone Lazart.” a twenty three year old Asain looking woman appeared on the screen. “We are about to go live to the commissioning ceremony of the newest ship in the Colonial fleet.” the woman said as she began to shuffle papers on the desk. “Currently live, at Leonis Shipyard, we have Gaius Halson.” As she spoke, the screen split in two, and a older man with black, and gray hair appeared. “Gaius, tell me, what is the mood of the room.”

The man looked into the camera holding a microphone. “Thank you Persephone, as you can imagine the mood here in the wake of the Ares bombing is quiet somber. What normally would be a happy day for the Colonial Fleet, and for Picon, which this vessel is supposed to represent in the new Warstar fleet, instead is overshadowed by the tragedy of today.”

“Have you had a chance to talk to the men and women of the Colonial Fleet, while you are on Leonis?” Persophie asked.

“Yes I have, and they are deeply saddened by the loss. One person, unnamed, stated that in this speech, Cain may or may not reveal the main suspect in this case, and if they have the call, they are ready to go to war.” Gaius stated.

“Is there any word of whom the military is blaming for the events?” Persephone stated.

“Yes, it is unofficial, but many in the fleet believe the Coredians once again have struck out against the colonies. If this is true, then I can only imagine what the Admiralty will issue today.” Gaius replied.

He picked up his left hand and held it to his ear. “I have just received Word that Admiral Cain is ready to begin her speech. We now go live to Admiral Cain, at Leonis Shipyard.

The Camera cut out to a picture of the Colonial Flag waiving in the air. Soon, the camera revealed Admiral Cain, standing at a woodian podium. The podium adorned the seal of the Colonies, as she cleared her throat. She placed her hands down, and turned to the camera.

“My fellow citizens, enlisted, and officers of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. Today was supposed to be a great day for the colonies. Our allies, the Ta’Nar, Avatars, Ascendancy, along with many others from the NPC fleets, and even some from Earth itself have been working tirelessly to rebuild the colonies. Our cities, once ashes have been fully restored, and our people, who were sick and dying, now are healthy and well. Our allies and friends, have invested a lot to the security and stability of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. Truly we were blessed by the lords.

She then paused for a moment. “If it was not for these people, then the new ship here in the docks would not be a reality, instead still a dream. But even now, in this new age for the Colonies, our enemies seek to destroy not only myself, and the fleet, but the Colonies at large. If I did what my gut told me, if I were the last colonial or if I did not have the weight of the survival of the Colonies on my shoulders, I want to let you all know that I would stop at nothing to destroy this enemy utterly. But I have to think about you, the men and women of the Colonies. In order to assure the survival of the Colonies, I have decided to temper my feelings.

Cain waited for a moment then continued. “This new Warstar, which I will name the Isis, will represent this resolve. May this ship, which I will take as my flag, until the Ares is fully repaired will stand as a testament to the strength and resolve of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. Let her bulkheads, and planes, show our strength. Let her armor and guns show our pride and anger against the enemies of the Colonies.

Cain slightly lowered her head, as this press conference broadcast across the galaxy.

“Ladies and Gentlemen of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, we will not stop until all that persecute and attempt to attack the Colonies are laid to waste. Empress Katrina and the Jedi council, have been responsible for much of the horror that has been laid against the Colonies. They have bombed Caprica, and gained the scorn of their allies the Evil Woody Thoughts. Even now the Woodians still have taken in any colonial that wished to avoid the war. “

“Earth, ever their ally, has even felt the repercussions of their fall, as they have been trying everything in their power to save the Jedi from their fall into darkness. So I will provide the litmus. Empress Katrina, if the Jedi are truly the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, then come to Caprica and stand trial for your crimes."

“I am going to give Coredia 72 hours, to send notification of Empress Katrina’s arrest and extradition to the Colonies, or else she will have to face the consequences. They will have exactly one week, to have her in Colonial custody, where she will be given a fair and impartial civilian trial, or else choose the dark path, and lead her nation to ruin and death.” Cain ordered in the camera.

“I want to reassure the people of Coredia, that our quarrel is not with them. We support you, as you have been enslaved under the rule of the fallen Jedi order. Your senate has slowly had it’s power stripped away, until they are little more than a puppet body. If Katrina does this, then no harm will befall you, and the Colonies will support your nation in every way to regain it’s democracy, and re-empower your senate. If she does not though, then she has chosen the path of war. I pray to the gods, that the Empress does not put her own ego above that of the good of her nation. That is all.” she said.

Travis picked up the remote and shut off the TV.

NDBC News

"New Dornalia's Number One Independent News Source!"

Admiral Cain Issues Ultimatum to the Coredians--"72 hours."

Caprica, Twelve Colonies--

Reports have come in that the present military government in the Twelve Colonies has issued an ultimatum against the Imperial Republic of Coreworlds. Admiral Helena Cain, over all major broadcast news agencies, reportedly gave the Coredians 72 hours to extradite Katrina Masaki to face war crimes or risk war. The Commissariat of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued a statement on the situation.

However, this did come as somewhat sudden to many Dornalians. Democratic Party spokesman Reginald Dalladier today declared, "This is what I was worried about. . .doesn't anyone know the Twelve Colonies are going to be a lot of trouble?" referring to the recent vote to ratify the Articles of Colonization. The Council for Coredia, one of the many groups collectively known as the Masaki Ouendan, issued a statement that "we regret the present turn of events. . ." Premier MacIntyre has said simply, "I have no comment on this time but this: Admiral Cain had better know what she's doing with this war crimes trial of hers. It's well-intentioned, but she might get more than she bargained for."

We will keep you updated on the events as they occur.

Konoha

Imperius walked down the massive Midichlorian farms which the Cylons have created upon Konoha. Along side her was a small armed force of Enforcer Droids and of course, Simon and a Six model were walking along side with her. As a part of their recent treaty agreed amungst the Cylon and Imperius counterparts, the Cylons would show Imperius what they've worked on if Imperius would show them some of her designs.

"Impressive, a most interesting form of experimentation." Impreius took a long look at the massive rows upon rows of bodies held upon metallic beds. "However, wouldn't it be more efficient to place them inside stasis chambers? The materials here could be used for more significant items, such as the creation of more bay ships, or infirmary beds for your other organic models. To have this many rows of potentially useful resources just seems wasteful... Not to mention that the chambers can be unpleasant for the occupants to be in. It can provide perfect control."

The lot continued their way down the corridors and came across a special chamber. In front of them, was a hand print scanner which required three Imperius looked at Simon and Six, who walked forward with their ID cards. Imperius pressed her hand against one as Simon and Six pressed theirs at the same time. The door hissed open and they proceeded inside the red chamber. Inside were other Imperius models working along side with her Enforcer Droids as well as Centurions and Guardians. One of the Imperius models was wearing goggles as it was handling what appeared to be a certain type of acid. She gently poured it onto a metallic box which immediately began to disintegrate. She looked up from her experiment and smiled as the group of three approached her. "Ah, greetings brothers and sisters. Welcome to my laboratory. My name is Dr. Mengele."

The leading Imperius model raised her eyebrows in curriosity, "'Mengele'?"

"An infamous doctor I read about in the intergalactic database who was on earth a few hundred years ago. It seemed to be most fitting for the projects which I am experimenting with."

"Ah."

"Please, follow me." Dr. Mengele lead the group of Cylons down the corridors while she carried a tray of the acid which she was just experimenting with. They came across a row of stasis chambers, which had captured Empire scientists within them as well as several "missing" Coredian civilians. She walked up to what appeared to be a lengthy tube which extended on the top of the stasis chambers, where a smaller tube was then extending out from the main pipe. She then placed the tubes into a giant gar, which rotated around the pipe as the larger tube sucked up the acid from the beacons. The acid glowed green as it flowed upwards inside the tube.

Dr. Mengele walked to a station where she pressed several buttons which several monitors fell from the ceiling. She looked up at the monitors and took off her goggles. "These monitors here represent the neural pathways of each of the 50 victims... I mean, volunteers here. Here, we have experimented with several known causes of fear. Specifically, the fear of being eaten alive, which acid does best."

"Where do you find these people to experiment on?" Imperius asked.

"The Cylons randomly arrested them for some trumped charge or another. I'm sure Simon can come up with something."

Imperius pressed another set of buttons and the smaller tubes which were hovering above the victim's bodies began to drop the acid. Some of the captives immediately screamed in agony, while others tended to bite their tongue and attempted to accept the pain.

"As you can see, it's not effective on all patients. However... As you can see here, patient 35 has proven to be most resilient to the amount of pain he's receiving. We believe he was either a former Coredian military leader or an Huntarian Empire leader, who are trained to resist pain. But it doesn't matter. Increase the amount of dosage just right..." Patient 35's tube begin to drip much more rapidly than the others. He continued to struggle and started to show signs of heavy breathing and worry. Unfortunately for him, his tube's pressure was too great for the amount of pressure being produced and it exploded leaving heavy amounts of acid pouring on top of him. The man then screamed with pain.

Dr. Mengele giggled, "Oops."

Imperius smiled, "Dr. Mengele, if I didn't know any better I'd say you enjoy your work too much. Maybe I should assign you to other matters, such as the Omega Experiment?"

"I preform best when I do these kind of experiments. Omega is too bland for me. Please, follow me." The doctor led them to another series of chambers, this time, their subjects were enclosed completely inside glass casings. "As you can see here, our subjects are now in enclosed chambers with barely enough air to breath. Now, as you can see, they don't seem to want to panic due to the fact that they'll be wasting air to prolong their chance of escaping alive. Now, insert a foreign object into the enclosed space... Like say, an insect..." Moments later, thousands upon thousands of fire ant-like beings crawled into the enclosed chambers. Soon, the room was filled with horrific screams of agony and fear as the tiny insects crawled over the captive's bodies. Mengele called up the Neurological Monitors again. "As you can see, the trauma caused by being surrounded by insects, which are in general quite harmless to the average being, vastly increased compared to the other control group. Now, if you'll follow me one more time..."

They were led to another room, this time, it appeared to be a viewing port of sorts. Below them, was a small room no bigger than 100 yards across. It had black and yellow squares aligning the area. "Computer, load Dr. Mengele test performance four."

"Program complete. Please enter when ready." The room suddenly turned into a massive field, which resembled that to the area which was outside of the massive Cylon farms. An alarm sounded as a group of 4 men entered the area, unaware that they were actually being observed.

"This is what we call in the Empire a "holodeck" program. It creates a simulated world which is virtually indistinguishable from our own other than the fact that we can control what's going around in it." A door opened inside the room and four men appeared, carrying weapons. "Now, like the demonstration the Empire preformed for the others when our model's AI came on line, we have yet another control group. One who survived both trauma's of those previous tests. These four souls are allowed to believe that they have escaped the facility when in fact, they haven't. We mocked up a corridor to appear to be the exit of our facility. Now, let's see what happens when we combine the two known fears together in one scenario."

The experiment group franticly ran down the field, hardly believing their own eyes that they managed to escape. The Cylon group monitoring their progress of escape watched carefully as they began to feel more at ease as they proceeded without sign of being pursued. They eased down their weapons and began to casually stroll away. That was their first big mistake. Within a few seconds, a loud buzzing noise can be heard.

"What the fuck is that?"

"Beats me. Sounds like... Insects almost. Swarms upon swarms of them."

"... I don't see anything."

"Maybe it's those damn toaster implants."

"Remind me to get the doctor to have those removed. I'm sure that he can find... ARGH!" The buzzing noise grew loud suddenly as the ground bursted open as thousands of what appeared to be tiny insects crawled out and onto the man. The other three lifted their weapons and began to fire directly at the droids, which was almost as useless as trying to stop a train with a potato gun.

In the viewing room, Imperius had a wicked grin on her face as she watched the other three men franticly attempt to run away from the tiny droids. When the swarm of droid-like-insects (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a172/Huntaer/Piranah6.jpg) left the man's body, all which remained was a smoldering ruins of a radiation poisoned and eaten body. One of the three men screamed at the top of his lungs like a little girl as the bugs caught up to him after seeing what they did do to his comrade. He could feel the burning acid of the droids as they sped it onto his skin so that they can burrow within his body.

He attempted to throw them off in a panic, and started to scratch the bumps which the droids made as they crawled on the inside of his skin. Slowly, the rest of the swarm caught up with the third man and swarmed over his body as he fainted from fright and the smell of his flesh burning from the acid. The other two men looked at each other, lifted their pistols and fired simultaneously rather than dying at the hands of the insect droids.

Dr. Mengele pushed a button to call in a pair of Enforcer Droids, who wielded a pair of flame throwers, to walk into the Holodeck area. The remaining man who was still covered with the droids was still alive, and was still useful for further tests. The two droids shot at the area around the man's body, and the insect droids moved away accordingly. It would appear that like the real insects they mimic, they seemed to be afraid of fire.

"The most effective way to get rid of these insect droids is by shooting fire in their direction, other than wasting endless amounts of bullets and lasers into their swarm. This way, we can collect the remaining subject, who is suffering from severe psychological trauma which will most likely can't even be healed by the most skilled physician. Or Jedi. I'm calling this small droid the Piranha. They are relatively weak individually and won't cause much fear or damage, but when they attack in swarms, shit happens as you can see on the Neurological Monitors. It would appear that vast amounts of tiny insects make most of the subjects frightened to the extreme, especially while they are burrowing within their skin and then being eaten alive from the inside. If they even do manage to survive, as the final test subject has, they would have experienced psychological trauma which would be devastating for even a Jedi Master to be able to cure. It would appear that we have found out what makes their fear tick. No pun intended. Any comments from my Cylon brothers?"

Travis was not happy. Not happy at all. He wanted to do something to help his mom, but he was too far from Coredia to do anything. Still...there was something. The Force. But where would he find somewhere private to use it?

Hmm...perhaps his bunk. He could pretend he was asleep. Yeah, that's the ticket. Sighing, he retired to said bunk, pulled over the covers and closed his eyes. Then, he reached out into the Force. Dad?

Kiddo? You've heard it too?

Yeah. What are you going to do?

We're debating that right now. But I want you to know that no matter what happens, we love you. Ok? That, and don't do anything stupid. You're on a mission, after all.

But... Travis began to protest, but was cut off.

Don't make me make it an order, son.

Travis sighed. Yes, sir...

Don't worry, kiddo. We'll get out of this, or else we aren't Masakis!

Travis had to smile. Yeah...

Well, may the Force be with you. Good luck, son. Click. Beep...beep...beep...

Damn. Out of Force minutes. Travis grumbled silently and fell asleep.

=====

Reika sighed as she prepared to go to Leonis. She wondered how she was going to train a team of Colonial yuk yuks to pass for Coredian. Maybe she'll do the reverse of her training with Hera, but she figured it would take longer because of the fact that they're not Force-sensitive. Ah well, orders were orders.

Secretly, though, she will contact Naruto or one of the ACLU to coordinate the anti-Cylon effort. Maybe once she gets close...maybe.

=====

Katrina Masaki was clearly conflicted when the speech from the Admiral came out. Her first impulse was to blow her off and tell the Colonials to 'bring it on'. A mere month before, she would most likely have done it, but the changes that happened to her nation and herself...she was more mellow now. Calmer, even. As an Empress should be.

For hours, the Council deliberated on this new relevation. Tsunade, King Sarinon and surprisingly, Harry Blayden took the side of wanting nothing to do with this Admiral who slaughtered her own people. Elendil, Curtis and Lowbacca took the side of doing whatever is necessary for peace to reign, and were prepared to hire tons of lawyers for her. Newly minted Master Tilton, me, Rydo and Katrina herself were on the sidelines, meditating or just watching the heated debates.

Though the impulse was still strong, Katrina and I had a deep, vibrant discussion on the merits. I did note one thing. "Whatever we choose, we have to take our people into account. We must do what is right, even if it ends up being unpopular."

After that, Katrina fell silent. I could tell she was having an internal debate with herself. Then after a long while, she lifted her head. "Fellow Councilors. I have made my decision. For the sake of the people of Coredia, I will go. We cannot afford another war. Not now. Not here. We must have peace with the Colonials."

"Katrina..." My heart broke.

"You're right, Daniel." Katrina smiled. "Let's do this...for the sake of our people."

Then her voice suddenly developed an echo. Suddenly, I realized she was calling upon the powers of the throne. "By the powers vested within me by the Coredian Throne, I declare the resignation of Emperor Daniel Masaki to be null and void effective immediately. I invoke my right as Empress to deliver my person to the hands of the Colonials. The Senate and the Supreme Court shall be informed immediately."

"W-What?!" I screeched as my freedom was taken away. Nooooooo! "Katrina, no way!"

She rounded on me. "Someone needs to take care of the throne while I'm gone. Besides, you shall not run away again, you slacker! Daniel Alexander Masaki, you will return to your rightful place as Emperor, is that clear?!"

I gulped. She was in a frightening mood and she invoked my full name! I'm doomed! What's worse, the rest of the Council was having a grand ole time! I managed a squeak. "Yes, ma'am!"

Master Elendil stopped smiling long enough to issue a second edict. "Until the outcome of this Trial is decided, the revokation of Lord Masaki's resignation shall be deemed a Class S secret. No one will reveal this on pain of high treason charges. All records of this meeting shall be sealed from now until the end of time until as such time we are prepared to unveil it."

The rest of the Council nodded in assent. Well, except for the three who were originally against this, but they were outvoted anyway.

=====

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Empress of the Coredians!" An announcer announced before a press conference.

"My people! It is to my great sorrow that I must inform you that I shall willingly give myself into Colonial Custody! Do not despair, for together, we prove our innocence once and for all! This is to ensure peace reigns between our two nations! I was not kidding when I said the Colonial's enemies are our enemies. This will be the proof that we are sincere. Now I shall prepare my defense. May the Force be with you!" Katrina said to a startled press room.

You could hear a pin drop in that room. Before the first shouts, Katrina already left to prepare her lawyer army and defense statements...

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Empress of the Coredians!" An announcer announced before a press conference.

"My people! It is to my great sorrow that I must inform you that I shall willingly give myself into Colonial Custody! Do not despair, for together, we prove our innocence once and for all! This is to ensure peace reigns between our two nations! I was not kidding when I said the Colonial's enemies are our enemies. This will be the proof that we are sincere. Now I shall prepare my defense. May the Force be with you!" Katrina said to a startled press room.

You could hear a pin drop in that room. Before the first shouts, Katrina already left to prepare her lawyer army and defense statements...

Immediately, news of Katrina's submission to Law reached the Woodian wire services. Of course, the story of Katrina's upcoming war crimes trials immediately was picked up by the Holonet news stories, whereupon the headlines weren't anything like grumbling about ultimatums. Rather, headlines such as "KATRINA MASAKI SUBMITS TO RULE OF LAW" abounded.

Such headlines immediately resulted in Mass Head Explosions, figuratively speaking, for long had Woodians thought that the reach of nepotism in Coredia kept any nobility, much less royals, above any charge whatsoever, including treason, eating newborn babies on live television, rape, armed robbery, et cetera. In other words, Woodians had always thought that the royalty was assumed to be above the law, that Coredia was a nation of men, not of laws (which might help to explain why they were collectively so suspicious of monarchy). That a Masaki would stand trial for anything, much less the War Crimes of Caprica and whatever else Colonial prosecutors had, was utterly incomprehensible.

Not that Woodians complained about it; they were just confused by it. However, the act of submission to justice worked wonders for Woodian sentiment regarding the Jedi Order's invocation of surkai in regards to the Bailey Kipper Incident. It was not every day that the Empress announced that she would stand trial, in a foreign nation under foreign law, away from undue Coredian Nepotism influence, no less, after all, and such announcement provided darn good evidence that Coredia was serious about righting its wrongs of late. Jedi Knight Keith Allaire had been correct in his interview with Rainn Thoreide last night, after all; when the Council said it wanted to restore its previous good relations with other nations, it meant it, and not just as a cover-your-ass move. Empress Masaki was just a little high up to be the "fall guy" otherwise. Still, a few independent judicial observers to make sure that Katrina Masaki did not attempt to bribe the judge and/or jury might be in order.

Speaking of Jedi Knight Keith Allaire, he was busy finishing his search of the second-to-last consulate on his list for singularity weapons forbidden by the Embassy Agreement. While he had not found any yet, nor had he found any spies since searching the main Embassy Compound itself, that did not mean he could rest on his laurels. Nevertheless, he sensed the confusion, and the feeling of "OMG teh Jedi Council are not a bunch of conniving pricks after all?!" in the Force, and made a point to check the news between this consulate search and the last one to be done. Master Whitfield would be pleased that the Jedi Order was on the path to its Redemption, but there was the small matter of finding him while he was withdrawn from everything...

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

Meanwhile, twelve thousand nautical miles away, near the Pass of Amur Vale, elevation 5,400 meters...

Jedi Master-in-Exile Jacob Whitfield meditated, using the Force to keep himself warm atop his perch in the otherwise blinding, harsh, wind-driven snowstorm. Meditated, more specifically, on the Jedi Council's Fall, and...

...Redemption?

The Exiled Councilmember's eyebrow raised. No, the Order had not Exiled him; he had Exiled himself, with the parting Forcemessage to the Council of, May the Light return to you. He explored this new feeling of his. He found that the Council now sought to make its peace, to settle its wrongs, through sensing the collective emotions of the Woodian populace throughout the planet, even though he was nearly a hundred nautical miles from the nearest town.

The Force revealed to the Jedi Master that the Council had gulped and accepted full responsibility for the consequences of releasing Bailey Kipper. That the Coredians had vowed to rebuild the colonies from the destruction they had wrought upon them. That...Katrina Masaki had committed to extraditing herself to stand trial for related war crimes?

Oh, yes, that was an interesting one. Had the Council indeed returned to the Light? He searched his feelings, and found that Master Armas Elendil was the only one who had initially noticed his Forcemessage. However, when he had brought it to the attention of the Council...

Master Whitfield searched for Elendil's presence in the Force, and left him with an ever-so-fleeting question, its imprint on the fellow Councilmember's mind soft and faint. More like a mental ping, than a question, really. Returned to the Light, the Council has?

Elendil was intruged in an Elvish sort of way that Whitfield decided to answer now, even though it was a mental ping. He pinged back. Yes.

The Kython forces were abuzz with the news as Admiral Cain broadcast her ultimatum to the Universe, particularly the small part of it where the Coredians would receive it. The two Admirals met aboard The Kali. Admiral P’Ain watched as his counterpart, Admiral Miz’Rhii entered the meeting room and took her seat.

“I heard the broadcast. What do we do about it”?

“The first thing is to withdraw all construction teams that are not necessary to their ships and then prepare for any possible insurrection, be it by Coredian sympathizers or just radicals wanting to take a pot shot at the Empress.”

“You think there might be some Colonials that would do that?”

“No, not right away. They view Cain as their Savior. They will trust her and their Courts to try Kat and pronounce her guilty. If for some insane reason they find her innocent, there will be riots. There will be civil uprising. There will be such a backlash it may tear the 12 Colonies apart.”

“We must be prepared for that eventuality.”

“In the colonial frame of mind, Kat is already guilty. The evidence is damning from the singularity bombing itself. What I fear most is threats from extra-colonial factions, other nations trying to take advantage of the situation to provoke a war, other nations with a grudge against either the Colonies or Coredians. Even bounty hunters would not want to pass this opportunity to take her head in for pay. I remember seeing a list of bounties issued from Tenetia. If I remember correctly High Council members were valued at a hundred billion credits each.”

Admiral Miz’Rhii paused a moment to think. “I see what you mean. With her being not only Daniel’s wife but also the Empress, her price would be even higher. That alone is good enough reason to step up security.”

“If something is to happen to her, let’s hope it does outside Colonial Territory. Granted we are not responsible for her security. If something were to happen to her it would fall on Cain’s shoulders. We are here to rebuild and secure the Colonies against any who might try to take advantage of her while she is knocked down from the attacks. I believe this falls within our duty to assist the Colonies. We should request a meeting with Admiral Cain at her first opportunity.”

“I will do it right after our meeting.”

“Agreed, until we get further guidance from her, we should just keep our patrols at high awareness and limit the projects the Swarm is working on. They are almost finished anyway.”




Message sent to Admiral Cain:

Attention Admiral Cain.

I formally request a meeting with you to discuss security measures that need to be taken. Admiral P’Ain and I will both attend.

Admiral Miz’Rhii
Shiva Command Carrier

Darian had been aboard his battleship, the Starlight as all of this went down. He had been trying to contact Command to inform them of his progress and to get his new orders concerning the new situation. After the attack on the Ares, and the business about this fake Vader, something was obviously up. He wasn't sure and he wanted to have the Matriarch's wisdom on it. However, his signals had fallen silent and no reply had come back, only some kind of strange static. He had sent probes back into the dimension but only some garbled data which had revealed little. He turned from his console, and he had a look of confusion on his face. He decided to try and commune with the rest of his race back at home.

He washed over those who had left the home dimension, who were just as confused as he, and he knew the Reclaimed territories had been destroyed by the Federation. So, when he moved his mind to the only other place, he expected to be met by those at home and to find out what was going on. All he got was a constant scream which nearly destroyed his mind and threw him from his chair to slam into the wall. He clutched at his head as he felt the massive wave of pain and despair. Then, it abruptly cut off. The entire mass of life he sensed vanished, as if they all died. And along with them, his sense of his energistic powers. His eyes widened as he heard a panicked call from his crew.

"Sir! The entire fleet is disabled. All but the Xel'athi ships are experiencing power failures and the Phase Cores are going critical!"

He clutched his head and knew what to do, what he had to do. Those cores would no longer send them along phase space; they did not have a dimension to traverse any longer. "Have all ships eject the cores, and shut the ships down. Then reboot them after a period of two cycles. Meanwhile, I must go meet Admiral Cain and discuss our....situation."

"Done. You know why our cores are failing and our ships are being disabled?"

"Yes. Our home dimension is no longer existing. We cannot go back to the home we have made over the centuries." He then cut the connection, as he didn't want to see the despair and grief over the loss of their home and the populations there. Soon enough, an Archlord-class fighter rocketed from the Starbird, which had shut down as it ejected the core. Seconds later small explosions could be seen as the cores finally blew. A channel was opened to Cain:

"Admiral Cain, I know you are busy, but I must speak with you. A large problem has come up with my ships, as the explosions should so, and I need to speak with you about it. The explosions were nothing serious; simply the FTL cores of my fleet were melting down and I had to eject them to save the crews. However, the cause behind them needs to be known, and in private quarters. Know that we need to discuss the future of my squadron; you have much to gain in our talk.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Admiral Darian.

This was expected.

Indeed. Domiel's voice met the others in the system halfway. We are fairly certain that Katrina will be found guilty, but there might be some possibility of punishment being commuted if we argue properly.

You sound like we will be called on to argue on their behalf.

Do you expect otherwise?

Silence reigned for entire milliseconds.

Even though we are no longer on the friendliest terms with them, we seek to look out for them like some form of protective shield. Whether we seek to discredit the Imperials or otherwise, it still requires us to defend the Coredians on many points.

The other minds in the area acceded to the presented information, then cast their minds' eye to Konoha, a world blighted by the presence of such atrocious beings as the Cylons. Things would need to be done at some point, but the first thing came first.

A message went out, addressed to Admiral Cain:

We would like to speak with you regarding what we expect to be the forthcoming trial. If you would accept us at your earliest convenience.

~Domiel

Elendil was intruged in an Elvish sort of way that Whitfield decided to answer now, even though it was a mental ping. He pinged back. Yes.

Then send someone to claim me, you must. Though Master Whitfield's reply was short, and just as much a 'ping' as his initial inquiry, it belied his expectation that the onus was on the Coredians to negotiate with Evil Woody Thoughts to have the Jedi Restrictions relaxed enough so that it was possible to find him, and that a Woodian Jedi was the easy way out. And then, of course, there was the matter of actually finding him, for he was avoiding the obvious places on White Diamond...

Blow up the Outside World (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jdVvq3u4U4)

Warstar Isis
Two Hours after the Speech.

The two admirals stood together over the planning table on the Isis. The table below was full of scaled models, as Battlestars and Coredian capitol ships filled the table. “Helena.” Samantha Hallen responded, “Once our boots are on the target, painting the targets will be simple.” she responded.

“We will move the BSG 21-87 here.” she responded, as the enlisted men to the side began to push their models, towards a makeshift representation of Issus.” Here, sir, with such numbers and force, it would appear to the Coredians that we are going to go straight for their heart. It is after all a classic Colonial maneuver. We will drop decoys, and begin to launch our vipers here and here, mostly at their orbital defenses. When the ships come within firing range, we will mark phase two, which the remainder Battlestar groups will begin jump preparations and begin the bombardment of all of their planets. If all goes well sir, while their fleets are distracted, we can cause heavy casualties to their super and infrastructure, causing their ability to wage war to be drastically reduced.” The younger Admiral said, her face beaming with confidence.

Admiral Cain held up her hand to her neck. “It is a bold plan Samantha.” she replied. “How many battlestars will we need for this operation to begin?” she asked.

“Sir, it will take all of them. Every viper every raptor, everything we have. But if all goes well, then the war should take no more than an estimated three years, after this assault to end in our victory.” Hallen responded.

“What of their allies?” Cain asked. “Earth, Woodian, even the Abh might intervene as we saw at Jurai.” Cain responded.

“Sir, we have contingencies planed for the thirteenth colony assuming they enter under Coredia’s side. Here at Issus, and at Konoha is the concentration of their ships, or should be once the battle begins. Once they arrive, we can send word to the Chronosians, and the Ta’Nar can take care of the Abh and thirteenth tribe with ease, as we move to our objective.” Hallen responded to the Admiral’s question.

Cain turned her gaze to the board, “It is risky, but you have approval. Begin preparations, and if we do not hear from Coredian in seventy hours, begin this plan.” she ordered.

Hallen turned to her Admiral, “Sir.” she responded.

“Yes, is there something else?” Cain asked.

“Why did you send them notification. It would have been far simplier to just jump in and attack.” she asked.

“Simple, we now have the moral high road. We gave them an out, and no sane empress, especially Katrina, would ever take us up on that offer. We have been slighted, and we will have public perception on our side. We also have offered more power to their senate, which should divide their government. With such divisions, it will make the war go a lot easier, and strain Coredia’s alliances more.”

“Sir, I understand.” Hallen responded, “But still I would prefer to shoot first in this situation.”

The phone began to buzz. Cain smiled, “Victory comes from more than guns, it comes from resolve.” she replied to Admiral Hallen as she picked up the phone. “This is the Admiral.”

“I understand that everyone wants to speak to me, Set them up appointments, starting with the Ta’Nar, then the Ascendancy. Give them no more than one hour time slot.” she responded. “Yes I understand that reporters from the Colonies and abroad want an interview. Defer them to the Quorom, they enjoy the press, so let them have it.” Cain ordered.

“A press conference from Coredia.” Cain said surprised it would take Empress Katrina this long to tell her to frak off. “Thank you.” she said.

“Looks like we have stirred up the ant hill.” Cain said, as she walked over to the television. She turned it on, to watch Katrina Massaki’s press conference. Then the bombshell hit. Katrina called her bluff.

Cain and Hallen could not believe their ears. The Empress was submitting.

“What now sir?” was all Admiral Hallen could ask.

“Continue with the plan until she is in Colonial hands. Admiral, I want you to take the Zeus, along with the Orion, the Gorgan, and the Persphonie, and jump to the Coredian boarder. Once there, meet with Empress Katrina and bring her to Caprica. Under no circumstances is she to be mishandled. Do you understand?” Cain replied.

Hallen saluted, “Sir yes sir.”

“You are dismissed.” Cain ordered. She turned and pressed a button on the phone, Send in the Ta’Nar first.” she ordered.

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

Leonis

Reika, soon landed on the planet. It was colder than Caprica, or Picon, much colder, as this part of the planet was in the dead of winter. Snow covered the ground, as she made her way to the base. Once inside, she made her way through to a barracks. Inside were fifty marines, each of them without a name, or badge on their shoulders. Personally selected, and loyal to a fault, they now did not exist. Each of them saluted Sergeant Reika.

While Reika met with her new platoon, Travis laid awake in bed, until the speakers began to blare out. “Gold squadron, report to the briefing room, Gold squadron, gold squardon, report to the briefing room.”

As the speaker’s cried out, Travis’ curtain was pulled back. “Wake up jarhead.” his wingman said. “Get your ass out of bed.” she said as she tossed his helmet to him.

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

Six and Simon, watched the newest Imperius experiment. The weapon system seemed effective. It was psychologically traumatic enough, as the poor Coredian bum that was picked up seemed horrified at the swarm. They were tough to kill, and above all else, they were easy to deploy.

“Tell me, what are the effects of the individual insect attacks on the human body?” Simon turned and asked Menegle. “What kind of weapons delivery can we use with these. Are they compatible with neuro-toxins, or do they only rely on their jaws.” Simon asked the good Doctor.

Six just watched, as they cowered from the fire. “It would seem that they are not as effective as I would wish.” Six replied. “They cower from fire, and what abilities do they have against the Jedi here?” she asked. “Have they been field tested yet against some of the force sensitive’s we have on the midiclorian farms, and what have those results been.” she asked Imperius, and Menegle

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

Four Hours Later on the Coredian Boarder, three battlestars and a warstar jumped into position.

Admiral Hallen turned to her crew, “Draidus Contacts.” she ordered.

“None so far sir.”

“Good.” Hallen responded. “Send the message to Issus.”

Empress Katrina, this is the Warstar Zeus. Under the authority of Admiral Helena Cain, and the Quorom of Twelve, We are ordered to bring you to Caprica, to stand trial. According to Colonial Law, the Charges filed against you are, 1st degree murder of over one million Capricans. Terrorism, Acts of War against the Territory known as Kobol. Acts of Terrorism against the Warstar Ares. Collaboration with the enemy during time of war. Please be advised, as per her conference that she is to be delivered to her boarder at these coordinates within the next 66 hours. Zeus out.

OOC: Just to show I'm around and paying attention.

IC:

There's no point in telling you to go to hell because they've already thrown you out of there. Someone like you deserves Abh hell.
From Kevin and Kushatoria a drama written by Lejiste

"Just this once will I give you the right to refuse. Because although it is necessary to protect the lives of our people, what I am asking you to construct is so detestable."

"That won't be necessary, Your Imperial Majesty as long as you would graciously avoid leaving my name to posterity."

"Very well. I shall take the dishonor upon myself."
A conversation between the 11th Emperor Dougnaa and an anonymous man.

It had taken some time for the news of the upcoming trial of Empress Katrina to reach the pointed ears of the Abriels as most of televised casts were monitored by Imperial officials then sent to the Empire's claims. No doubt this was one of those announcements that would not be censored though it did make it all the way to the Emperor first. In the final days of his reign, Emperor Debeusec found himself on a peculiar point. Most of his time as Emperor had been marked by peace and stronger ties with allies of the Abh.

Now the last of his time on the Jade Throne was marked by war with the ESUS and now the falling out with the Coredians. Perhaps more poignant was the recent treatment of an Imperial citizen by a Colonial faction that had been taken over by a military dictator. In all of his recollection, the aging Abreil could not recall a time that the Wrath of Emperor Dougnaa had ever been invoked. What Debeusec saw before him was not the Abh Empire he had been striving to create.

Always the logistical one, even for an Abh, Deubesec knew the line of succession behind him and he knew the mind of Imperial Admiral Gaf'ton and those that followed him. By his estimation, once Gaf'ton took the Jade Throne, the list of allies would grow even shorter. Still, what was done was done and Debeusec could do nothing to alter the course that the universe travelled. He hardly blinked when the news was delivered to him about the trial of Katrina Masaki.

"What are your plans Majesty?"

Debeusec leaned back in his throne and closed his eyes quietly. "Nothing for the moment. The Coredians did in fact bomb one of their cities, that is something that must be resolved between them in the Colonial dictator."

Gaf'ton nodded his approval as he stood a few feet away on the opposite side of the little moat that surrounded the throne. "I agree. This is not our affair and we should not waste our resources in trying to extract the Coredian. It would be a needless loss of lives and have repercussions that would be inconvenient to us. Other matters draw our attention."

"I am surprised. From a military perspective I figured you would at least want to pay back any military friendships we had with them."

Gaf'ton snorted his digust. "Whatever debts we owed the Coredians, were paid at Jurai. Friendship is irrelevant considering how quickly they are to forget their allies and seek the comfort of enemies."

"Indeed. I trust everything is in order then and the Colonials are pleased with their new alliance?"

In a rare display of emotion, Gaf'ton gave a slight smile. "Of course. We can provide enough power for them to be secure in their existance. Even their great fear of the Cylons can be sated by our company."

Debeusec nodded then waved his hand, dismissing the Imperial Admiral. It was basically the exact response he had expected from the one eyed Abriel though it did not matter to him. Alone now, the Emperor reflected on all that was and had been. His own daughter had risked her military career to save as many Coredians as possible though she did not receive much of a thanks for her effort. Still he would not be shamed into letting his own daughter help against all council when he had the power to give one last gift before all ties were dissolved.

The Emperor quickly placed two calls. One was to the Imperial world of Aptic while another call was placed in waiting to the Coredians. All files concerning the events surrounding the Colonials and the Coredian involvement was sent to Aptic while the call to Coredia was routed to be received by the same person on Aptic.

After that, it was all out of Debeusec's hands.

Somewhere in Los Angeles County, California, Earth SSR, Workers State of New Dornalia

The news of the rendition sent a shockwave throughout New Dornalia. Well, at least the organizations that made up the Masaki Ouendan. It was a shock to them, that the Masaki Clan that had done so much for the Revolution, was now going to make a sacrifice to please some poltroon in a monkey suit and a big ship. Still, they would go on.

Though not without the typical Ouendan overrreaction though.

In Los Angeles, the giant statue Jacob Masaki had built to keep the fangirls busy whilst his brother was in the Burn and Cold Injury Ward of UCLA Medical was about to be surrounded by a huge horde of fangirls.

Young teenagers, older middleaged women, fat fujoshis, thin scrawny fangirls in Hot Topic clothing and the whole gamut, all in Shinsengumi coats and trucks with loudspeakers on them, brandishing hachimaki headbands on their foreheads and samurai-style banners on their backs bearing the characters for "Masaki Ganbaru!" badly translated Japanese for, "Good Luck, Masaki!" or "Try Your Best, Masaki!" holding icons with their objects of devotion and marching and moving in perfect military order down to the Statue, which was by now moved to a spot somewhere in town where no one could get hurt. Hopefully. At least LAPD ordered them to leave the weapons at home.

Surrounding the statue, one of the trucks parked and one of the fangirls, a tall, somewhat nerdy looking one, bespectacled, scrawny, with an emotionless face (http://surbrook.devermore.net/adaptationsanime/bl/yukio.html)and an outfit that resembled an odd mix of "preacher" and "Imperial Japanese Army," let loose on a loudspeaker. This was "Sister Jane," one of the Masaki Ouendan's biggest movers. Were it not for the times, she would have been a good Latin American dictator.

"Alright! Sisters! As you all know, there has been something terrible in our midst. The Masakis are to render themselves to the Mercy of Admiral Cain!"

The crowd gasped collectively, and shouted as such, "SAY IT AIN'T SO!"

Sister Jane then spoke into the mike, her voice quivering with the emotion of the moment, "It's true....IT'S TRUE, SISTERS! Our very own Katrina-sama has been forced to render herself to the mercies of a marionette!"

Again, the crowd said, "SAY IT AIN'T SO! SAY IT, SISTER JANE!"

Sister Jane shouted back, "BUT IT IS! OH, BUT IT IS! I wish it were not so, but it is! Oh, Lord have mercy, but it is!" She then swooned, and a couple of aids picked her up and put a coat around her, James Brown-style, before helping her back up. The crowd was appropriately moved; such antics would normally be third-rate shlockfests in the hands of a lesser speaker, but Sister Jane had a way of making you listen and feeling her pain. Word was she was a latent Force sense, but it wasn't known.

The crowd began weeping, and sobs and lamentations could be heard all over. Tearing of clothing, gnashing of teeth...the usual.

And one woman grabbed a megaphone and said, tears in her eyes: "What do we do, Sister Jane!?"

Sister Jane flashed a look of strength in her eyes as she stood up proudly, removing the cape and looking at the crowd. Jane stood tall in front of them, quivering with emotion but unwilling to fall once more. She then said, quietly and calmly, "I'll tell you what to do, my sisters. I'll tell you what to do. Don't you worry."

She then gradually began to increase her voice as she spoke with increasing ferocity.

"You all have the strength. You all have the devotion. You all know and care and support Daniel-sama and Katrina-sama, because you know they're good people. They're strong people. They'll get through this! I KNOW!"

The crowd cheered at the last part.

"But they can't do it alone! Not without your support! We need to show Katrina-sama and the family that we are behind them. One. Hundred. Percent!"

More cheers. More cries of joy. And, a loud shout of, "Preach it, sister!"

"Katrina-sama may be in the hands of some poltroon, but that doesn't mean she has power over her! NO! So tonight, when you go home, I want you to write letters. Donate to their legal fund! Do some research! Write character briefs! Anything but violence--because we all remember the Beverly Center Incident and how that was!"

Triumphant, she finished with, "Because we are the Will of the People Incarnate! Dry those tears, for we soldier on! For like in the old song, 'We are Strong, and NO ONE CAN TELL US WE ARE WRONG!' SING IT, SISTERS!"

And with that, an impromptu chorus of Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield" was heard from the crowd, along with a thunderous roar of clapping and cheers of "BANZAI! BANZAI! BANZAI!!!!!!!!!"

Warstar Isis
High Orbit of Caprica
Colonial Home System
1355 Hours

He moved through the corridors of the Warstar with the fluid movements of a man used to the crowded and often hectic environment of a warship. He did not get in the way of the crew men using the corridors nor did he trip over knee knockers. It was apparent that this man was accustomed to Navy life even if his uniform was not proof enough of his career path. He wore the Green over gray class A uniform of the Mackensee Military Assistance Corporation.

He walked up to the marine sentry outside of Admiral Cain's ready room. He stood there as the sentry came to attention and asked about his business.

"Major Capella, Mackensee Military Assistance Corporation, to see Admiral Cain for a meeting at 1400 hours." He told the Marine sentry.

Empress Katrina, this is the Warstar Zeus. Under the authority of Admiral Helena Cain, and the Quorom of Twelve, We are ordered to bring you to Caprica, to stand trial. According to Colonial Law, the Charges filed against you are, 1st degree murder of over one million Capricans. Terrorism, Acts of War against the Territory known as Kobol. Acts of Terrorism against the Warstar Ares. Collaboration with the enemy during time of war. Please be advised, as per her conference that she is to be delivered to her boarder at these coordinates within the next 66 hours. Zeus out.

24 hours later...

Katrina Masaki used the time alotted to her to gather three of the best lawyers money can buy as well as what evidence, including the investigation of the black hole incident, they could gather to prove Katrina's innocence. Of course, they will remain in contact with the Holonet so they could help with the defense, but as of now, it didn't look good.

But the Empress had a determined look on her face and she would not change her mind, not even to have her sobbing handmaidens take her place. It was her mission to prove Coredia's innocence and if she must die for it, then so be it.

In time, she was taken to the Warstar Zeus by a shuttle, unarmed of course.

"Warstar Zeus, this is Shuttle Tiberium. We have the package and request docking access."

Then send someone to claim me, you must. Though Master Whitfield's reply was short, and just as much a 'ping' as his initial inquiry, it belied his expectation that the onus was on the Coredians to negotiate with Evil Woody Thoughts to have the Jedi Restrictions relaxed enough so that it was possible to find him, and that a Woodian Jedi was the easy way out. And then, of course, there was the matter of actually finding him, for he was avoiding the obvious places on White Diamond...
I shall. Master Elendil replied. Of course, there was the question of getting rid of the pesky Jedi Restrictions and sending someone suitable to claim the Master. Well, no time like the present to begin...

Blue Eagle Airlines Flight 6780, in transit to the Twelve Colonies of Kobol

Chartered by "Sister Jane" herself, the Blue Eagle flight moved swiftly to the Twelve Colonies with a large gaggle of angry Masaki fangirls. In her infinite wisdom and lack of common sense, Jane had elected to send a whole gaggle of fangirls to the Twelve Colonies as a sort of Protection Detail to help with the Colonial authorities that existed. As she said in her office and her adjutants were moved to agree with, "Those poltroons cannot be trusted with protecting the person of Katrina-sama. We must show our devotion and make the sacrifice, if necessary, with our sweat and blood to defend our heroine! RISE UP!"

It was that statement that sent her staff organizing the flight to the Twelve Colonies. They left the more conspicious blades and guns at home; Caprican gun laws were quite strict. However, they hit upon another idea to get some weapons through. The Ouendan fangirls claimed they were a "girls' softball team" playing against a Jesuit team. Thus, a good quantity of sports equipment made it onto the plane....

Having said that, Jane could be heard agitating her charges. They were singing, staging Takarazuka plays (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takarazuka_Revue) based on fanciful versions of tales involving the Masaki Family, and mixing it all with a good deal of violent agitation.

It was going to be quite a ride.

The Kali:


“Admiral, I got word back from Cain’s staff. They are issuing us the first appointment.”

“Good, contact Admiral P’Ain and let him know the time. I will meet him aboard The Shiva so we can attend the meeting using the same shuttle. It will make things much more efficient.”

“Yes Sir, relaying message.”




Later:


The Stiletto Shuttle streaked through space, closing upon The Shiva. Aboard the sleek craft, Admiral Miz’Rhii piloted the small craft into the main hanger to pick up Admiral P’Ain for their meeting aboard Cain’s new flagship. A couple minutes later, the two were streaking toward The Isis, the newest Warstar in the Colonial fleet.





OOC:


You can RP them arriving if you wish when it is their turn to meet with Cain.

Another thing, we should state what time we are doing our actions seeing as we currently have posts covering events right after the speech and posts happening three days after. It would help prevent confusion os what was happening when.

The waiting game was growing old, as Hallen walked up and down the CIC. It was not so much the wait, as the complete waste of time that was bothering her. “I could have taken over their entire nation in this time, and instead I have to sit on the border.” she thought to herself

It might have been nicer if Colonial ships had windows, something to do, but the enclosed aspect of the colonial warships, had a way of growing dreary. She walked around from station to station, making sure her ship was ready for anything.

Draidus Contact, Mark 129, by 013 by 1042.” a voice stated, as the alarms began to ping.

The Admiral turned, “What is it?” she asked.

“Looks like a coredian shuttle sir.”

As she spoke, the message was received by the warstar.

Hallen turned and placed her hands on the table. “My gods.” she exclaimed, “What in the hell is it going to take for this war to begin.” she said to herself. Slowly she looked back at Draidus.

“Set Condition one, and launch the alert vipers.” She ordered.

Silence filled the CIC. “Sir.” the XO replied.

“To escort her in. I do not trust this situation, and I want that shuttle covered with vipers. Instruct the pilots that if they make any suspicious moves to shoot first and ask questions later.” Hallen ordered.

No one really knew how to respond but the alarms went off. Vipers launched from the four flight pods, as the shuttle soon found itself covered in Vipers.

“Shuttle Tiberium, This is the Zeus. You will land in the dorsal port flight deck, and will follow the ball. Any deviation from your course, and you will be fired upon.”

(To not hold anyone up each meeting will be seperate but assume this is the greeting. This is the only meet and greet, so assume this is for you.)

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Warstar Isis
14:00

A marine guard, slowly walked up to the man. He was average build, wearing a black marine’s suit. Slowly he approached the man, “Sir the Admiral will see you now!”

As the man walked in, the room was not like her normal quarters on the Ares. No items adorned the walls. Only a bed and a table, which seemed more reminiscent of a guest quarters than an Admirals. As the man walked in, Admiral Cain stood at the table, papers and books stacked across the table. She held her hand, pressing it against her forehead.

“Sir your 14:00.” the marine stated.

She glanced up, “Thank you that will be all.” she replied, as she waived him off with her hand, like she was dismissing a fly.

She then looked up to the man, “So what may I do for you?” Admiral Cain asked.

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Caprica City:

Customs was a boring job, searching bags, making sure that no one tried to smuggle in any thing illegal. Most of the time, the man found nothing interesting but the occasional bottle of ambrosia.

He had no idea how interesting his day was about to get, when moments later, a girls softball team came up. Their accents were odd, their clothing strange, and above all else, their singing of some sort of strange 80's song. It seemed like they were out of a musical.

As they approached, The man stood ready. “Welcome to Caprica.” the man responded, wearing a blue uniform with a badge. “Passports please, along with a photo id.” he asked the women.

“Greetings Admiral”

Cain looked up and saw two of her counterparts from the Ta’Nar fleets stationed long ago in the Colonies. They have had many meetings before to coordinate reconstruction, weekly when Cain was available.

“Hello P’Ain, hello Miz’Rhii. What can I do for you?”

Cain stood from where she was leaning, looking at some maps on her desk. Her chair sat in the corner with the jacket of her uniform draped over the back, the closest she will use it.

Miz’Rhii spoke first.

“We have come to meet with you for two reasons. The first is we heard your transmission and decided we better coordinate the security measures you wished to have in place. We have retracted all Kythons who are not actively engaged in reconstruction projects that are still ongoing and reassembled The Kali’s fleet and are prepared to use all resources we have available to secure the Colonies.”

Cain looked at the two Admirals standing before her. She had worked with them for some time now and knew they were honest. They were as true a representation of the Ta’Nar as Ba’El was.

“I think we can defend our own territory on our own.”

“Normally I would agree with you.” interrupted P’Ain, “The trial is going to bring a massive headache to you and your defense team. There will be multiple nations arranging to witness the event. The paparazzi alone will torment your soldiers. Then you have to consider the Coredians, the Abh, the Dornalians, The Imperials, and other nations that have no political interest in the trial other than trying to find a way to use it to their own benefit. If the Empress was assassinated, think of the war that would erupt. There will be bounty hunters who would like to make a claim on her hundred billion credit price. There will be others that would like to see a war provoked. There are nations that just like to see other suffer. If Kat were injured, who would take the blame?”

Miz’Rhii spoke next. “The second thing we were instructed to ask your permission to allow the Warlord to attend the Trial. Nhur-Galladu wishes to come here and meet with you, tour the Colonies, and to attend the trial if possible. He would of course bring more reinforcements but they will remain within T-Space to act as reinforcements if someone were idiot enough to attack or otherwise cause you problems.”

“I see,” Said Cain, “how many reinforcements did he offer to bring?”

“All of them…” Pain spoke as a matter of fact.

"It is rather what my Company can do for you Admiral. I am Major Capella of the Mackensee Military Assistance Company, and we are here to assist the colonies. Our company specializes in providing all aspects of security and martial affairs to our employers. We are based out of the Boxtop system in the Farstar's Confederacy, but we are a private organization with no ties to that government. You should know that our company was founded over sixty years ago when the Systems of the Confederacy were still coming into their own, when there did not exist a large Federal Navy but rather only system militias. We began as traders, who then sought to protect ourselves when no one else would. Eventually we began taking on contracts to protect other trade lanes with our converted merchantmen. From that we grew into what we are today, a corporation capable of marshaling entire squadrons of capital ships, and brigades of ground troops. We routinely perform convoy protection, installation security, deep system raids, system invasion, and system protection missions. Each and every one of our prior contracts is available for review however there will be some details that are of course classified." The major said finishing his overview of the MMAC."

"Some recent events that incurred in this system, couple with the casualties sustained by your forces have suggested that this could be a place to invest our services. We have experience dealing with many of the nations and races that currently are at odds with your policies. My company does not care what polices you declare so long as they are not piratical or genocidal in nature. Its is also all over the Media that Katrina Masaki is submitting herself to your judicial system, however I would suggest that this is something to be distrusted. Jedi are a tricky sort, a sort we have experience in retaining in our custody. We make use of our own force-users who could ensure that she or any of her compatriots would do anything to escape justice."

"So Admiral, How may I be of Service to you?"

As they approached, The man stood ready. “Welcome to Caprica.” the man responded, wearing a blue uniform with a badge. “Passports please, along with a photo id.” he asked the women.

The girls looked at one another, and handed over their IDs and passports.

The poor dude from customs would have to contend with a flood of gray-green New Dornalian Passports, with six different languages on them all reading "Workers State of New Dornalia" along with no less than a flood of Driver's Licenses.

Fortunately for the Caprican, the Driver's Licenses had the proper Dornalian Government stamps on them, ensuring the Thirteenth Colony's diverse array of photo IDs was just bureaucracy, not a symbol of disunity. Just as well, since many bore the names of places he wouldn't normally recognize, such as the "State of California" which was on most of them.

He also would have to deal with the flood of sports equipment in their luggage. Bats, balls, gloves, etc. And lots of sound equipment. Fortunately, Sister Jane, who was at the head of the line, presented the Customs Man with a manifest documenting all of the goods.

Two Godulan avatars stepped into the room when beckoned to do so by the colonial marine. The first was easily recognizable as Domiel, while the second was unfamiliar to Cain.

"Greetings Admiral, we appreciate your agreement to see us at such a harried time. Please allow us to introduce our recent new arrival to the generalized proceedings," he bowed and gestured slightly to the other avatar, who also bowed slightly in acknowledgement. "This is Sealtiel, a compatriot who will be serving under our guidance for the near future."

"A pleasure," added the other avatar.

"We have a need to discuss several points of concern in relation to the upcoming trial to be brought against Katrina Masaki," Domiel continued, "first and foremost the nature of the trial itself, as we are uncertain of Colonial Judicial Procedure, and also whether we might be able to suggest or request something along the lines of a 'change of venue'..."

Reality itself schizmed above the Colonial world of Geminon; revealing the mighty vessel that served as Remiel De Drakan's personal flagship. An immense armored and heavily armed vessel, it served as the very core of Chronosian military command, the guiding light that ushered in the maddening fugue state that came with such beautifully Chronosian devotion.

Remiel had chosen this world, above all others, for its significance. Here the Chronosians had liberated the Colonies from the whimsical notion of false gods, here they had stated that there would be freedom of religion, all the while rebuilding for them, all the while with whispers of their own divinities grandeur on their lips. Now Remiel came, and in a flicker of warp-fire, had been teleported to the planetary surface. He came without weapons, without armor, his body was enclosed in a loose robe or tunic, a bright red fabric that seemed to ripple off of his magnificent, post-human, physique like water over rocks.

He strode into the main temple complex, eliciting gasps from mystified parisioners and priests, as he fell to his knees before the altar, laiden with offerings, and closed his eyes. His lips twitched into a bemused grin, his head bowed, hair falling about his flawless features. His lips began to move, as though whispering, intoning some secret incant to the Gods. Which Gods, it couldn't be truly said, but none gathered could doubt his pious devotion.

High above, the first signals were sent out, announcing the presence of the Emperor of Chronosia, the Warmaster of the Galactic Empire, in Colonial space. Two seperate messages carried this news to both government and military, but Remiel counted on only three people being truly concerned with his presence.

In time, he would have words with all of those whom he considered friend and ally.

Caprican News Network
Caprica City, Caprica

The events of the last twenty four to forty eight hours, would go down in the history books as the most chaotic and important time in Colonial History since the exodus of Kobol. The room was backed, as people stood in their cubicles, trying to gather the latest updates, updates that the galaxy wanted to know, and updates that would secure higher profits for their network.

On the stage, a stage hand turned to the anchor. “We go live in five, four, three, two, one, We are on the air.” he said, as a radiant woman, with dark brown hair and tan skin appeared on televisions, and the holo-net around the galaxy.

“Hi, I am Sarah Bostenzo, Caprican News Network. Our top story of the hour, our sources inside the military have confirmed, that Katrina Masaki, Empress of the Coreworlds has just surrendered herself to Admiral Hallen on board the Warstar Zeus.” she said, as a picture of the Empress, shouting appeared next to the anchor woman, a still picture from her angry conversation with Admiral Cain, before the battle of Jurai.

“Although there is no word on her current state, as well as her treatment, our sources inside the Ministry have cited that the Empress will be given the full rights and treatment of any human while she is incarcerated at the Colonies.” she then continued to say. “Orders have been issued from the Admiralty, to begin full security procedures around the Empress.” she then told the camera.

The camera then switches angles, as Sarah turns her head. A small caption of the Colonial Flag, and the Flag of Earth (New Doralian) appeared in a box with a question mark inside of it.

“In further news, The Quorum has just passed a resolution, allowing the ratification of the thirteenth colony of Kobol, Earth to join our colonies under the Articles of colonization. While the military could not be reached for comment.

Representative Tom Zarek has stated, that today this move and landmark achievement would be a large step forward to reclaiming the democracy that we all once enjoyed. That united, under the articles, and still separated on the planets, the Colonies would soon begin to rebuild and move forward in ways that were never possible before.

He then continued, with a personal message to Earth from Saggitarion. “We thank you for your wisdom, and your friendship, and your sister hood. We on Saggitarion will never forget your kindness that your people have shown us, and we look forward to working with you in the years to come.”

The camera began to pan out again, “Economic Boom.” was written in the upper right Corner, with a chart with a red line skyrocketing. “In further news, the Economy today has reached a record high. The Stock market rose by Nine hundred points in the first thirty minutes after the announcement of the ratification. With the Cubit joining the Credit on earth, the value of the cubit has just reached a record high. With Earth’s stocks on the Colonial Market now, the day has seen one of the highest trading days in history.”

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Warstar Isis
(Wick)

Admiral Cain looked up at the mercenary, her eyes focused on him. Mercenaries, disloyal to anyone but the highest bidder, who were only concerned about thier own. Her gut reaction was revulsion. But this was not a normal circumstance.

Cain walked around the table, and looked at this man from the farstars. The same nation that took in the cowards of the Reminant, who could not stomach war, those who had refused her pardon. Those who had stolen forty seven battlestars from the Colonial Fleet, and the experimental ship. Well the experimental ship could stay lost for all she cared, she thought it was a huge mistake for Adar to incorporate cylon technologies into a battlestar.

Cain thought about he purposal for a moment. “The security of the Empress, will be Colonial Jurisdiction, and Colonial alone.” Cain replied, to the man. “What if she was to be killed before she is found guilty, then it would be a huge international incident.” Cain replied. “But you do have your uses. I will hire you, but I want you and your men to search the crowds, looking for any threat to the operation, and the trial. You will be authorized to eliminate any potential threat, that the colonial forces will not be able to adapt to easily. Since you are not Colonial, I can not be held responsible. How much would this service cost the Thirteen Colonies of Kobol.” she asked him.

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Warstar Isis
(Balrogga)

Cain placed her hands on the table. Had this been anyone else, any other nation, she would have slapped the idea down quicker than a pimp hitting his whores. But it was the Ta’Nar, so far the greatest ally that the Colonies have had. They went to considerable expense to rebuild the colonies, and even put their relationship with the Empire on the line, with Atrox’s now very public exodus of Courescant. And here they were again, asking to be of service.

Cain turned to the Admirals. “Your troops can not be allowed on the surface, and do not take offense to this. It is colonial law, under peace time actions. However I do concede the need for your vessels in orbit.” she replied.

She turned and looked at them. “If she is found guilty, I am certain the GFFA will send in a force to rescue her. They are probably going to rely on her jedi mind tricks to fool the judges into declaring Coredia Innocent. So I ask you for some force inhibitors for the court, as well as using your connections to root out any communications or intelligence from other nations who may be planning a rescue operation. Your reinforcements may stay in T-space, and may come to normal space if they so desire. Will that be all?” she asked the Ta’Nar.

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Warstar Isis
(Godular)

The two Avatars walked in. Cain busy from all the meetings of the day looked up. “And how may I help you Domiel?’ she asked him.

She waited for a moment, then heard his purposal. “Which side are the Godulans on?” Cain asked herself. She then looked down. “This is not a military tribunal.” She told the Avatars. “Technically I do not have the right to impose you as a council for the defense, but then again it would look better if you were. I will pull some strings, and try to get you on the defense council. But do not try to impede the proceedings, or try to free her. I am very much aware of your strange relationship with Coredia.” Cain responded.

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Caprica Customs,
(ND)

On the television in the background, the news report played. The man, grabbed the list and only half listened to the news report. “Soft ball bats, gloves, soft balls...” He then placed the list down, ‘I need you all to open your bags.” he ordered them.

The fangirls complied, as he turned and searched the bags. The inventory was precise, not even the smallest detail was over looked. It seemed a sure thing, as he took out his stamp to approve their passports, until he heard on the news of the ratification. He stopped shocked of the revelation. After the news report ended, he looked at Sister Jane. “I guess these stamps are no longer needed. Welcome to Caprica.” he said.

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Battlestar Rhea,
In Orbit of Geminion
(Chronosia)


Commander Pices stood at the center of the CIC. She was tired, as well as half of the pilots on her ship. The mercury class battlestar, had stood at condition two for over a day, holding position over Geminion for any possible enemy to appear. The storage lockers and ammuntion holds were locked down, unless two or more authorized people entered at the same time. New regulations were given to prevent the Ares style attack from ever happening again. On top of retraining her crew, they had to stand watch, and launch countless man hours on the vipers to patrol the skies of Geminion.

The room was abuzz with civilian t raffic requesting to be issued a patrol to go between Geminion and the other colonies. Commander Pices sighed. It was such a tedious task babysitting the civilians, but orders were still orders.

“Draidus Contact.” was yelled out across the CIC.

Without thinking, as per her orders, Commander Pices looked up, “What is it?” she asked.

“Unknown at the moment, dimensional style disruption.” the officer replied.

“Set Condition one, and launch the vipers.” Commander Pices ordered. As her order was spoken, the alarms went off.

“Set Condition one, set condition one this is not a drill. All viper pilots report to your plane. This is not a drill.”

As the alarms rang, vipers began to launch out of the tubes. One hundred and eighty vipers screamed out of the duel flight pods, as the guns, locked on and acquired their target. Once the rift was completed, there stood before the massive viper squadron, Remiel’s flag ship.

“Target acquired, delta bravo, nine five. Form up in wall formation. Rhea actual this is gold one, request orders.” the lead viper pilot said, as the viper squadrons buzzed the Chronosian flag ship.

AS the vipers buzzed the ship, each one flipped one hundred and eighty degrees, and proceeded into a wall formation. Their computers had the lock, and each pilot had their hands on the trigger.

Commander Pices looked down and sighed, “Why in the frak can’t the Empire ever knock according to actual procedures.” she said in anger. “Get me Remiel’s flag ship, and tell the vipers weapons hold.” She ordered.

“Contact established Commander.”

Commander Pices reached down and grabbed the phone. “This is the Battlestar Rhea, to the Chronosian Vessel. Why in the hell can you people not show up on the border and be escorted in. Had weapons been fired, you would be responsible for it by disregarding the most simple procedures..” she said to the ship.

Moments later, the message was received that Remiel himself was on board, and wished to visit Geminion. The message would soon reach the ears of the quorom and the Admiralty itself.

All throughout the talking by Cain and Remiel and the other players of the Colonial stage, Katrina Masaki was poked and prodded, strip-searched and given a full medical physical to ensure that she wasn't carrying biological weapons or even a single hairpin that would have been of use to escape. Whatever else can be said about Colonials, they were quite thorough. Then she was given an ugly orange jumpsuit that would have burned her eyes if she wasn't used to seeing the orange-and-black jumpsuits worn by Uzumaki Naruto. And then she was brigged, surrounded only by the legal experts she hired and the Colonial bodyguards. She was quite unhappy about the violations, but at least it wasn't as bad as she thought, as they were respectful of her, probably because she was human and not Cylon.

All through this time, Katrina was running her mind through ways she could fight the charges. She could challenge witnesses. Challenge the fact that the Coredians deliberately did any of the sort, when it was clear (to the Coredians, at least) that it was a massive clusterfuck and that we're really really sorry and promise never to do such things again. She could probably even appeal to the human side of the trial. And of course, blame. blame, blame the Imperials and Chronosians. Blame them to the hilt. Pin all the crimes at their feet. And hope that there's evidence to support that fact. Which, as she saw it, was a pretty long shot.

Still, there was one thing that had her puzzled and concerned. Before she landed on the Zeus, she sensed something faint, yet unmistakable. There was a slight Chaos taint about. And when she landed and the Force was cut off, forcing her to switch to inner chakra senses, she could still feel it. In the brig, she grimaced slightly at that. There it was, proof, in her eyes, at least, that Remiel had his fingers dipped into the Colonial pie. She wondered if she could use that in the trial...

Caprica Customs,
(ND)

On the television in the background, the news report played. The man, grabbed the list and only half listened to the news report. “Soft ball bats, gloves, soft balls...” He then placed the list down, ‘I need you all to open your bags.” he ordered them.

The fangirls complied, as he turned and searched the bags. The inventory was precise, not even the smallest detail was over looked. It seemed a sure thing, as he took out his stamp to approve their passports, until he heard on the news of the ratification. He stopped shocked of the revelation. After the news report ended, he looked at Sister Jane. “I guess these stamps are no longer needed. Welcome to Caprica.” he said.

The others nodded, and moved out through the gates and into a waiting bus from St. Luke's Relief Mission downtown....there, they would go on and play their softball game. Or so the papers, including a letter from the Mission, said. Which they would, in due time. In the meantime, they would rent some hotel rooms nearby, and a few large trucks to put that sound equipment on...

Warstar Isis
(Balrogga)

Cain placed her hands on the table. Had this been anyone else, any other nation, she would have slapped the idea down quicker than a pimp hitting his whores. But it was the Ta’Nar, so far the greatest ally that the Colonies have had. They went to considerable expense to rebuild the colonies, and even put their relationship with the Empire on the line, with Atrox’s now very public exodus of Courescant. And here they were again, asking to be of service.

Cain turned to the Admirals. “Your troops can not be allowed on the surface, and do not take offense to this. It is colonial law, under peace time actions. However I do concede the need for your vessels in orbit.” she replied.

She turned and looked at them. “If she is found guilty, I am certain the GFFA will send in a force to rescue her. They are probably going to rely on her jedi mind tricks to fool the judges into declaring Coredia Innocent. So I ask you for some force inhibitors for the court, as well as using your connections to root out any communications or intelligence from other nations who may be planning a rescue operation. Your reinforcements may stay in T-space, and may come to normal space if they so desire. Will that be all?” she asked the Ta’Nar.





“Admiral, I fully understand your position. This is your system and it is governed by your laws. We are here under the condition we obey your laws. The Fallen Empire does not wish to anger our ally so we will not deploy any of our Kythons upon the surface. We will position our ships so we can patrol your space in the most efficient manner. Any further reinforcements will stay out of Real Space unless they are needed.”

“Nhur-Galladu will arrive within the hour and he will only bring The Serendipity into Real Space to avoid cluttering your space lanes. We will then deliver the requested equipment as well as some of our advanced sensor equipment so you can better monitor your territory. Call it a loan or a gift, whatever you wish. You will have all you requested.”

“We will coordinate all our actions with you through the Childer and Kython you were given the services of a while back, their communications cannot be intercepted by any known means. If you have any further requests or even questions, don’t hesitate to ask.”

OOC: I'mma need to talk to ya a bit, OG. I haven't actively come out and said anything about the Godulans expecting to assist in Katrina's defense during the trial, so there might need to be a bit of editing going on.

Learn well the lessons of Darth Sidious. The man had everything, the galaxy was his. He embodied power, ruled with an iron fist, but in the end was undone by a simple knife, from a simple man. Learn well this tale, for those without the force are far more dangerous than those with it. Their lives are not the whim of some tyrannical energy field, playing with people like pawns on a game board. They have their own will. Where they are blind they can act like no Jedi or Sith. They are the ones that are truly free, and to betray them will be your undoing.

-Darth Sunshine “Conversations with the Daughter.”

One week had passed, one week since Katrina Masaki found herself in the grip of Cain. One week since she volunteered herself to face her trials, and her tribulations. It was not a time of celebration, or remorse, it was a time of justice.

The news was telling tales of glory, or victory, as the Empress every eight hours was shuffled from battlestar to battlestar. The only company she had, was that of her guards, or the occasional enlisted man who brought her food and water. She moved from cell to cell, each with only a bed, a pillow, a sheet and a thin blanket. She was truly alone.

The seventh day came, and it was time for her shower. The guards came, as scheduled, and placed her in handcuffs. Leg shackled were placed around her ankles, and a neck collar with a pole, attacked around her neck. Normally these precautions were only used for cylons but with a Jedi, no precaution was over kill. Slowly she was escorted through the hall, a hallway normally bustling with people, now it stood empty, as part of the security. Many people wanted her dead, and the Admirality was not about to let that happen, until she was found guilty. She walked in long paths, taking a hundred turns, as to confuse her of the layout of the ship that she was on, a ship that she would never know the name of.

She finally came to the hallway, to her destination. “Prisoner Halt.” one of the Marines ordered, as the platoon of soldiers that escorted her stopped. Slowly one of the marines, walked up to the bulkhead door. He reached out and typed in his access code, then slid a key card through the lock. With a hiss, the door opened. Hell came to the colonies once more.

Thunder sounded, as fire erupted. Metal flew down the hall, as the marine flew backwards. Smoke, black and cankerous, filled the air, attempting to choke all those around it, permeating in the very core of all those around.

The explosion, released an invisible hand, knocking down all those in it’s wake. The Guards pushed by it’s hand slammed into the steel floor below. Moments went by, as confusion and daze filled the heads of those down the hallway. One of the marines, finally stood up, his face covered in blood. He ran over to the Empress, and began to feel her body, to see if any bones were broken. He placed his hands on her throat, to check for a pulse. He stood up, as chaos had come once more. “Get her the frak out of here now!” he ordered. The other marines began to wake up, some what dazed.

“I said move her out of here NOW!” he yelled at his platoon. One of the marines picked up the empress and ran down the hall. They ran as fast as they could, the other marines, held their rifles tight, as their eyes looked out for anyone who might come to kill her. Soon they reached the port flight deck. As he came, three raptors awaited the Empress for her scheduled departure.

The one with the Empress, looked around. Which one was she supposed to leave in? He could not tell, as blood poured down his face. He choose Raptor three. As she boarded, the platoon got in the other two raptors. Each began to lift off. Screaming out of the flight deck, the engines roared, as they raced out of the flight deck. In space, they seemed safe, as they approached the next battlestar, the Battlestar Gorgan, the ship that helped to maintain peace above the skies of Konoha. It seemed they were safe. Then the black of space light up as a fireball erupted. Raptor two was gone.

Katrina’s raptor, was close, too close, as part of the wing slammed into the raptor. The ship shook, as alarms screamed.

“Engine one is down, “Battlestar Gorgan, mayday mayday, atmospheric leakage, requesting combat landing.” the pilot radioed, as another marine ran over to the empress and placed a helmet on her head.

“Raptor three, this is Gorgan actual. Flight deck is cleared, combat landing is authorized. Bring in the eagle.” As the call ran out, the pilot turned his head. The glass cracked, he turned around. “Strap her in.” he ordered, as his one remaining engine pushed as hard as it could to the starboard flight deck of the Gorgan. The vessel quickly began to head to the runway on the ship.

“This is Gorgan, you have the ball. Bring her home.”

Then the ship shuttered, as the bow flight gear did not deploy. The ship nose dived on the runway, as it spun around. Men came out decked in space suits, along with vehicles, and began to tow the Empress’s raptor to the flight deck below. When the hunk of metal was brought below, they quickly grabbed Katrina and rushed her to the infirmary.

(Leaving any injuries up to CW)

Twelve hours later,

A reporter stood in front of the Minsitry of Defense. “Sarah.” the reporter said, as the wind was slightly blowing, and the Ministry was light up. Protestors stood on the news as their shouts could be heard over the reporters voice. “Death to the Masaki’s.” “Frak Coredia” and the worst of all one protestor held up a sign, “Skin the Kat.”

“The rumors have just been confirmed. An attempt on the Empresses life had occurred. Although all indications seem that the Empress is fine, suffering minor wounds, nine Colonials lost their lives to protect the Empress. This act is truly depraved.” the reporter said. “Nine of our boys and girls laid dead, by the act of one or more cowards.”

Battlestar Rhea; stand down. We come here at the will of the Emperor himself, The Galactic Warmaster who wishes merely to make pilgrimage to this most holy world. By Chronosian hands was it raised up from the ashes, and now it is blessed by his very footfalls. Even now he is upon the surface of your world, guided by the light of the Aethyr. You need not fear us. You need not shirk from the hands of your allies.

We have returned that we might do more good, and that his most glorious vision be recognised. Transmit word to the Admiralty, send forth your findings to the Quoram. The Emperor will wish words with them all. To reaffirm our ties.

The ship sat still, idle among the stars as Turel disengaged the comms. How swiftly they jumped the gun, these Colonials. So eager to be their own people, to seem strong in the face of world-shattering adversity. They had endured much, these lost humans, suffered through war and atrocity. It was only by the will of the Emperor that they would be shepharded through the dark. Only by Remiel's ministrations could they attain true vision.

Far below, Remiel rose from his kneeling pose, turning to face those who had already gathered. Raising his hands to embrace the air, to take in the glory of the edifice he now dwelt within.

"You are a people of most wonderful faith, most splendid devotion. You have kept true to your faith across the millenia, a tamed and wonderful mirror of our own excesses of faith. You have turned aside the falsehoods and heresies placed before you, shirked from the blasphemous mutterings of a singular god. You have remained true to your pantheon.

And the Gods are pleased by your devotion. I know, because I see as they see. I speak the words of the divine, that the faithful might be inspired and comforted. I have fought wars across the span of space to protect the divine word, the light that they offer forth. I stood with the Colonies that they might endure the tumult and the storm.

I say these words now, as I stand before you on pilgrimage, that you might know that we have not faltered. The Imperium stands with you, through trial and tribulation, till times ending."

Remiel stood at the top of the Temple of Aphrodite. Beneath her naked breasts, he stood, affirming his faith, preaching to the masses. The fires burned, as the incense of the temple and it’s golden doorframe adorned the back drop. His words resonated to the flock below, as they cheered him on.

Here, at the temple where a stray shell from a battlestar slammed into the holy site, was where the chronosians had worked the hardest. From their own sweat they rebuilt this holy place to the colonies. Their labor, their materials, this place was as much Chronosias as it was colonial. Then again the gods know no nationality, only the hearts and minds of men.

Remiel’s speech truly moved the masses. The crowds began to chant this new prophet of the daughter of Zeus, they chanted, “Remiel, Remiel, Remiel.” Euphoria was in the air, as the Charismatic and silver tongued emperor continued to speak.

Then Remiel turned to go inside, to enjoy the true prayers to the love goddess. He walked inside, and looked at the beautiful temple prostitutes. Their breasts exposed, their skin fair, their faces ever so lovely, these “priests” of Aphrodite prepared themselves for the prayers of the Warmaster of the Empire.

As Remiel entered, he sat at an alter. One woman, with dark hair, slowly walked over to him, grapes in one hand, and a goblet of wine in the other. “Your words, were very inspiring, the lords must truly be with you.” she asked as she leaned over closer to the warmaster.

As the warmaster drank, and ate, a simple voice carried over the crowd. “I was not aware that our relationship needed reaffirming.” the fair female voice replied.

As he turned, he saw a colonial woman, wearing her navy blue uniform. “It is good to see you again Remiel.” Admiral Hallen replied.

Learn well the lessons of Darth Sidious. The man had everything, the galaxy was his. He embodied power, ruled with an iron fist, but in the end was undone by a simple knife, from a simple man. Learn well this tale, for those without the force are far more dangerous than those with it. Their lives are not the whim of some tyrannical energy field, playing with people like pawns on a game board. They have their own will. Where they are blind they can act like no Jedi or Sith. They are the ones that are truly free, and to betray them will be your undoing.

-Darth Sunshine “Conversations with the Daughter.”

One week had passed, one week since Katrina Masaki found herself in the grip of Cain. One week since she volunteered herself to face her trials, and her tribulations. It was not a time of celebration, or remorse, it was a time of justice.

The news was telling tales of glory, or victory, as the Empress every eight hours was shuffled from battlestar to battlestar. The only company she had, was that of her guards, or the occasional enlisted man who brought her food and water. She moved from cell to cell, each with only a bed, a pillow, a sheet and a thin blanket. She was truly alone.

The seventh day came, and it was time for her shower. The guards came, as scheduled, and placed her in handcuffs. Leg shackled were placed around her ankles, and a neck collar with a pole, attacked around her neck. Normally these precautions were only used for cylons but with a Jedi, no precaution was over kill. Slowly she was escorted through the hall, a hallway normally bustling with people, now it stood empty, as part of the security. Many people wanted her dead, and the Admirality was not about to let that happen, until she was found guilty. She walked in long paths, taking a hundred turns, as to confuse her of the layout of the ship that she was on, a ship that she would never know the name of.

She finally came to the hallway, to her destination. “Prisoner Halt.” one of the Marines ordered, as the platoon of soldiers that escorted her stopped. Slowly one of the marines, walked up to the bulkhead door. He reached out and typed in his access code, then slid a key card through the lock. With a hiss, the door opened. Hell came to the colonies once more.

Thunder sounded, as fire erupted. Metal flew down the hall, as the marine flew backwards. Smoke, black and cankerous, filled the air, attempting to choke all those around it, permeating in the very core of all those around.

The explosion, released an invisible hand, knocking down all those in it’s wake. The Guards pushed by it’s hand slammed into the steel floor below. Moments went by, as confusion and daze filled the heads of those down the hallway. One of the marines, finally stood up, his face covered in blood. He ran over to the Empress, and began to feel her body, to see if any bones were broken. He placed his hands on her throat, to check for a pulse. He stood up, as chaos had come once more. “Get her the frak out of here now!” he ordered. The other marines began to wake up, some what dazed.

“I said move her out of here NOW!” he yelled at his platoon. One of the marines picked up the empress and ran down the hall. They ran as fast as they could, the other marines, held their rifles tight, as their eyes looked out for anyone who might come to kill her. Soon they reached the port flight deck. As he came, three raptors awaited the Empress for her scheduled departure.

The one with the Empress, looked around. Which one was she supposed to leave in? He could not tell, as blood poured down his face. He choose Raptor three. As she boarded, the platoon got in the other two raptors. Each began to lift off. Screaming out of the flight deck, the engines roared, as they raced out of the flight deck. In space, they seemed safe, as they approached the next battlestar, the Battlestar Gorgan, the ship that helped to maintain peace above the skies of Konoha. It seemed they were safe. Then the black of space light up as a fireball erupted. Raptor two was gone.

Katrina’s raptor, was close, too close, as part of the wing slammed into the raptor. The ship shook, as alarms screamed.

“Engine one is down, “Battlestar Gorgan, mayday mayday, atmospheric leakage, requesting combat landing.” the pilot radioed, as another marine ran over to the empress and placed a helmet on her head.

“Raptor three, this is Gorgan actual. Flight deck is cleared, combat landing is authorized. Bring in the eagle.” As the call ran out, the pilot turned his head. The glass cracked, he turned around. “Strap her in.” he ordered, as his one remaining engine pushed as hard as it could to the starboard flight deck of the Gorgan. The vessel quickly began to head to the runway on the ship.

“This is Gorgan, you have the ball. Bring her home.”

Then the ship shuttered, as the bow flight gear did not deploy. The ship nose dived on the runway, as it spun around. Men came out decked in space suits, along with vehicles, and began to tow the Empress’s raptor to the flight deck below. When the hunk of metal was brought below, they quickly grabbed Katrina and rushed her to the infirmary.

(Leaving any injuries up to CW)

Twelve hours later,

A reporter stood in front of the Minsitry of Defense. “Sarah.” the reporter said, as the wind was slightly blowing, and the Ministry was light up. Protestors stood on the news as their shouts could be heard over the reporters voice. “Death to the Masaki’s.” “Frak Coredia” and the worst of all one protestor held up a sign, “Skin the Kat.”

“The rumors have just been confirmed. An attempt on the Empresses life had occurred. Although all indications seem that the Empress is fine, suffering minor wounds, nine Colonials lost their lives to protect the Empress. This act is truly depraved.” the reporter said. “Nine of our boys and girls laid dead, by the act of one or more cowards.”
"What's happening?" Katrina asked as she was ushered to safety. Too bad she couldn't defend herself with the frakkin' inhibitors and chains in place. Of course, she suspected people who weren't happy with her being here, but it payed to be a little disoriented.

Katrina began to wonder if it was a good idea not to come, even if it meant war. Then she banished that thought. It's for the good of Coredia, whatever else may happen.

So she allowed herself to be shuttled from ship to ship, hoping that she'll last long enough for the trials. She wondered where her legal experts went, though.

Warstar Isis
(Godular)

The two Avatars walked in. Cain busy from all the meetings of the day looked up. “And how may I help you Domiel?’ she asked him.

She waited for a moment, then heard his purposal. “Which side are the Godulans on?” Cain asked herself. She then looked down. “This is not a military tribunal.” She told the Avatars. “Technically I do not have the right to impose you as a council for the defense, but then again it would look better if you were. I will pull some strings, and try to get you on the defense council. But do not try to impede the proceedings, or try to free her. I am very much aware of your strange relationship with Coredia.” Cain responded.

Domiel paused and turned to Sealtiel for a moment. Receiving a shrug in return, the Avatar turned back to Cain and nodded slightly. "We were asking about the organization of the trial and whether it would be held within a population center, but we suppose the notion of the Coredians asking for our assistance on the defense council was too obvious to be confined to the Godulans alone. Rest assured that our only concern in this situation is towards the truth and the facts. We would not wish to impede the conduct of the trial even for a moment, nor would anything be achieved by removing Katrina's august presence from the proceedings.

"But our primary concern at this point in time is the location of the trial. This trial is going to incite colonial passions into a furor, against Katrina and in favor of as well. We would prefer to limit the degree of this by proposing a possible change of venue, if at all possible, and if such is necessary, to someplace on Caprica that might be more secluded. Our first priority in this concern is the welfare of all involved, not just those individuals participating in this trial. As such, with the displacement of the proceedings from any major population center, it would be our hope that any possibility of rioting or generalized disobedience would be minimized, and in extension any civilian casualties."

The Serendipity had arrived days ago but no Kython ships had arrived with it, the behemoth simply faded into Real Space and after getting an assigned position, the ship had held in that location since. There were frequent shuttle moving between the Ta’Nar flagship and the command carriers of the two fleets which were here over the past months rebuilding the Twelve Colonies.

Admiral Cain had been told through her Childer she was welcome to approach the ship anytime she wish, the Warlord of Balrogga would not leave the ship in order to make security easier for the colonies. If he was not flitting about, they could concentrate on keeping the Coredian prisoner safe.




OOC:


Just making it known he is here and he is keeping out of the way.

The news of the attempted assasination had broken out by now. Katrina's life had been put in danger, and nine Colonials were dead. Dangerous enough.

But then there was Sister Jane and her "Girls' Softball Team." And they were about to get very hot and bothered about it all. The word had reached their small hotel rooms next to the Mission, and it was then Jane stood up and addressed her followers, gathering them together. She then began addressing them, wagging her finger at all of them with a sense of indignation.

"Alright team! I can feel it now! I can sense the real intent of Colonial Justice. Look at the news on the TV. Ain't I right?!"

They nodded.

"I think we need to get the word out, sisters. We need to ask a few questions. Someone wanted to kill Katrina-sama but they won't tell us who. They say they don't know who. Humph!"

They nodded again, as she began growing angrier now; "worked up" was a bad way to describe it, as it was an understatement to describe her quiet fury, necessarily muted for fear of people overhearing. Another said, "Tell us, sister!

"Well, I think I know very well whom it could be! Imperials! The Kython Cannibals who walk the streets freely, picking out wares to eat! The people that claim to have everything organized, but let. This. Happen!"

The others nodded, and naturally came to the same conclusion. Especially as some had lost relatives at Mirfak. As far as Dornalians were concerned, "Kython" and "cannibal" were the same, and among these Dornies, there was a perception Cain was a puppet that, though she didn't voice it, Jane hinted at.

She then said, with quivering voice and conviction, "Alright sisters. We have to get the Propaganda Trucks out. How we doing?"

One stepped up and said, "We have our tour bus. We can mount the sound equipment on that easily." Another said, "Also, there's a few rental places. We can rent some trucks and broadcast appropriately."

Jane nodded, and then said, "Then do so, Sisters. I think it's time we did our part."

Later that day, auto rental shops all over the city would be bombarded for orders to rent trucks....and the tour bus for a certain girls' softball team would begin tooling around the city streets. Speakers wired to it, the sounds of the Clash's "Guns of Brixton (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiQoq-wqZxg)", overlaid with a shrill cry, demanding an investigation of the assasination attempt and expressing outrage.

After the Godulans and Balroggans had gotten a turn to speak with Cain, it came to be Darians turn. Walking through the door, in his white robes, his eyes shone not so brightly as grief and doubt filled them. He seemed rather subdued than from before. The news of Remiel's coming had not even phased him; he had simply sighed and said it was merely another brick in the wall that had been built in their lives. No one had understood what they meant, with some Colonials getting angry at his comment, he had helped the Colonies after all, but Darian ignored them. He took a seat in front of Cain and took a breath before letting it out.

"First of all, I'd like to say that if you need any help with the investigation of the attack on the Empress, I am here, ready and willing to help, Admiral. In this situation, which could explode at any moment, its best to ensure this does not get out of hand." After he said this, he waited a few moments, and then looked down before looking up.

"I have come here for a specific purpose: to offer my services in the defense of the Colonies, and to bring all the forces under my command into Colonial service." He gazed at her stunned face, looking at the sad but calm Ascendant in front of her. When she inevitably asked him what he meant, and why he was doing this, a grim smile came onto his face.

"I have been trying to find out what has been going wrong with our drives, why they no longer work anymore. We have found our drives are no longer working, as you saw with the light show earlier. I found the answer when I consulted our mind link. The home dimension.....the five reclaimed systems. They are all gone; destroyed. The five systems were claimed in the Federation-ESUS war which is going on, when the Federation, a nation we have attacked for they attacked us, destroyed the suns in the five systems, annihilating everything. Then, some unknown calamity, some enemy, laid siege to our home. We tried to fight, but were being forced back on all fronts. In the end, to deny our enemy victory, we set off a weapon which annihilated the entire dimension, made it a place no one could exist in. All of our race that lived there, most of my finite people, died. There are only a few of us left, scattered throughout space, though the greatest concentration would be the seventy ships I have brought here."

"I am sure you can see now; we have no home left, and my people are a bare shade of themselves; we will most likely fade with time, but with the time we have left, I want to devote my people to something they can do. And that is to protect the Colonies. We simply ask for a place to stay and live, for the Xel'athi too, whose homeworld is now gone as well, and whose Queen is dead. In return, we will defend the Colonies to the last and do whatever you ask of us. For we have no other recourse now. I offer this freely, Admiral, to the person whom I trust and respect. And to the nation whom needs this the most."

OOC:

Just to state I do not have any Kythons upon the planet. They must be Godular Kythons you are talking about.

OOC:

Just to state I do not have any Kythons upon the planet. They must be Godular Kythons you are talking about.

OOC: That's to me, right? That's cool, I recognize that.

Then again, the Ouendan never had anything resembling common sense or the ability to tell Kython Strains apart, as far as they see it, you're all "Cannibals." ;)

"And a pleasure as always to see you again Admiral. Things, I trust, are well?" He sipped genially at his wine, smirking lightly as he rose. "I was just taking in the local culture as it were. As to the reaffirming of vows, well it never hurts for ones allies to express their steadfastness in the face of adversity, does it?" He chuckled lightly as he moved closer to her, taking in every aspect of her being, the strength and faith that radiated from her.

"I'm grateful that you were so swift in replying to my summons. It's important that I consolidate my contacts here among the Colonies. I do so love to catch up with old friends, and I imagine that Cain must be distracted, what with Katrina Masaki and all. Abhorrent isn't it, how he'd simply throw his wife to the dogs to save himself? Hoist by their own petard, as it were?" More laughter.

"This is the test that the gods have set before you, my friend. This is the moment that you have waited for, the Colonies hung between salvation and damnation, the sharks gathering about you. So much hinges upon the fulcrum of a single moment..."

Geminion
Temple of Aphrodite

The Admiral stood close to her patron. This man, this prophet of the gods, was the only one that saved her during her own trial. At great risk, and the loss of his own men, he selected her through his righteous wisdom, to be his voice in the colonies. He sent his own troops, and assaulted the prision, snatching her from the clutches of the corrupt Adar administration. Adar’s scape goat now laid free, second in command of the Colonial Fleet, while her opresser laid dead and buried.

With a carnal smile, Hallen reached over to grab a goblet of wine. She turned to the temple “priests.” “Leave us” she demanded.

“This is a holy place, you have no right.” one of the women objected.

Hallen turned and grinned, “I have a squadron of vipers in the air right now, I have every right, unless the gods will save you from their missiles.” she replied sternly, as she began to grow impatient at the tone that this whore spoke to her with.

Fear filled the room, as Hallen, the one who personally ordered the death of billions on asfaltum spoke. Was there any doubt that she would go through with it. The priests, shaking with fear turned and left Remiel and the Admiral in the room, sealing the doors behind them.

“That is better.” Admiral Hallen replied, as she took a sip of the wine. “It is true the lords are testing the colonies. She smiled at Remiel, “We all know Daniel is a coward, who runs instead of fighting. Do not worry though his cowardice will be accounted for. I have made sure of that.” she replied as she smiled to her dark lord. “Before the Trial begins, we will be shipping her to Coredia in a box. Helena will have no choice but to go to war, and the black crusade will continue, gods willing.” Hallen smirked to her Emperor, as she stood before him in confidence.

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

Battlestar Gorgan
In Orbit of Caprica

The ship was sealed shut, as if under martial law. This vessel, the hero of Konoha, which lead the charge to insure peace, a lasting peace stood ready. Her crew was diligent, but above all else they learned well the lessons of their previous commander, Commander Ford. This man who lost his life, in defiance of Admiral Cain, who refused to arrest Tsunade despite orders. A month passed, but slowly the crew learned why peace was so valuable. They learned well and in their grief adopted the spirit of their lost Commander. For the first time in Katrina’s visit to the colonies she was truly safe.

Hours had passed before the Empress was given a clean bill of health. Aside from a few minor cuts, and one hell of a headache, she was the picture of health. Several guards stood by, as she was released. The marines saluted her, as she stood up, and began to escort her to her cell.

Unlike the previous battlestars she had been on, her cell was quite different. A couch, and table sat in the room. Although her mattress was still the rock hard cot, that the military had, her conditions were vastly improved. On the table before her was a bottle of wine, and a steak, with an assortment of vegetables on her plate. Mashed potatoes, and even a desert, a type of cheese cake.

This ship, the Gorgan, part of the Virgon fleet technically, seemed to afford her not the meal and life style of a prisoner, but that of her position an Empress. As she entered the room, the marines saluted again, as the sealed the room once more.

Hours had passed, as Katrina sat once more alone. In solitude, with no one to talk to she stared at the walls, or tried to meditate. Unlike the warstar line, this Mercury Class Battlestar had yet to receive it’s retrofit of inhibitors, having only one small inhibitor in the prison.

With a small hiss, several people entered the room. Dressed in fine suits, she would recognize most of them as her legal team. Except one. One, who spoke with a thick Caprican accent walked with them, wearing sun glasses, and a expensive black suit. “Hello Empress.” the man replied. “I am William Chapman.” he replied. “I have been assigned to your defense, and to fimiliarize yourself and your team with Caprican law. I will tell you now, the evidence is really stacked against you. Not to mention half of Caprica would love to lynch you before you even get to trial. Tell me Empress, what exactly was your personal involvement in the Caprican Bombings, the Attack on Kobol, and the Terrorist attack on the Ares.” he plainly asked her.

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

Caprica City, Caprica

In preparation for the Trial of Katrina, the city was held under the iron grip of Cain. Martial Law was declared, as well as curfews were in place. After dark no one was allowed on the streets. Only the engines of marines, the roar of the vipers and raptors overhead stood out after dark, a solemn reminder of who was actually in command. As the fan girls, in their anger, their passion ran out to their newly acquired bus, and rental trucks, they could look up to the blue skies of Caprica and see the presence of Cain. It was everywhere, and in everything they did.

As the “Soft ball team” began to drive, blaring their annoying loud music, increaing the noise pollution of the city by 400%, they could see on every street corner a marine detachment. Tanks, hum V’s, anti aircraft artillery, missile batteries, and enough marines to invade a country on earth, sat waiting on the city streets, ever watchful for an insurgency or terrorism.

Their bus turned a corner, as a large television screen, similiar to that in Time Square, displayed nothing but the new requirements of the City. “Protesters will be confined to protesting areas. All access between 8th avenue, and Lampkin Street is hear by off limits. Anyone caught in this zone will be shot. Any rioters will be executed. The large black and white letters scrolled across the screen. In the end, it stated, “By order of the Admiral of the Colonial Fleet.”

Soon they finally drove to the designated protest area. Unlike their inital thoughts, not all were against Katrina. Some people, stood, on one side of the Street, with signs saying, “Free Katrina.” “Katrina is innocent” “Put Vader on Trial” On the other side of the street thought the majority of the people stood shouting at the ones on the right hand of the road. “Skin the Kat.” “Frak Coredia.” “Bomb Issus” As well as effigies of Katrina being hung by a noose adorned the walls. Surely the pro Masaki movement was out numbered but soon it would not be outgunned, as the fan girls showed up, blaring their eighties rock, and demanding the investigation. The Anti masaki movement shouted back, “Burn the witch.” they cried, as one guy picked up a rock and threw it at the tour bus.

(Well get to Telros Godular and Bal later on)

"As the Gods will it, and as their will shall be done. They speak to you, my dear Admiral, they whisper the necessity of our every deed. Even with the death of Asfaltum you did their will, fulfilled their most dire need. You have been so open to their love, to their attention, and yet would have been so wasted. I couldn't have allowed that to happen.

No matter the outcome, you must remember that this is less about a guilty verdict, and more about winning. The Masaki's shall have their sins laid bare, their crimes exposed for all to see. When all is said and done, Katrina Masaki will suffer and that is what shall bring her husband out.

He shall come to me, of his own free will, driven by his rage, and I shall make an example of him, that all might know my power. The truth of my divine mission shall be realised only when the dissenters are silenced. It pleases me that people here are so...Accepting." He chuckled lightly, turning has gaze back towards the main hall of the temple-proper. "We do what we must for the greater good of humankind, Admiral, we endeavor towards a brighter future. Better worlds..."

OOC: fluid-timing a bit for this small side-story / moment of levity... Domiel is not aware of the assassination attempts on Katrina during the meeting, but the Avatar detailed here has been made aware...

Panzuriel strode along the mostly-rebuilt streets of Caprica city, seeking out portions of the Godulan-Reconstructed buildings that might be showing any structural defects or instabilities. Considering the quality of Godulan engineering and architecture however, Panzuriel's patrol essentially boiled down to 'taking a walk around town'. He did not much mind the tedium, instead taking the opportunity to speak with the various citizens of the city about mundane issues, though today seemed to be saturated with current events.

Panzuriel was regaled with liberal amounts of opinion and editorial commentary about the upcoming trial, very nearly all of it focused on wanting to see Katrina Masaki hung/burned alive/shot/drawn and quartered/eviscerated/buried alive/mutilated/terminated/devastated/annihilated/eradicated/incinerated and various other forms of generalized unpleasantness. He could understand where they were coming from, considering the things that the Masakis had as much as admitted to, but it was still a disheartening sight to see people driven to such a state of bloodlust. He kept his peace, however, and simply excused himself with the fact that he was uncomfortable carrying a conversation on such a morbid basis.

Some strange and wholy un-Caprican music slowly rose to audibility, and Panzuriel found himself listening to the strange song as he began to walk towards the source of the musical interruption. As he got closer, a female voice began to shriek out various diatribes relating to the trial and the injustice of treating the Empress Katrina in such a shameful manner. Two sides of the same issue... both diametrically opposed and both so virulently distant from the bounds of common sense.

He eventually came upon a small crowd of wild cosplay-ish girls standing on top of a motorized vehicle with little flowers painted all over it, ranting and raving about the injustice of it all and demanding an investigation of the assassination attempt upon Katrina Masaki and various other shouted expressions of generalized outrage. As Panzuriel listened to the song, he found himself at something of a loss. Eventually managing to push his way through the crowd, he ignored the sudden turn of the fangirls to regard this person who showed every known sign of being a Godulan-Strain Kython, and announced his presence with the following comment:

"We do not understand what this song has to do with your protest."

Please Note

The assassination attempt was after a week of Kat's captivity. CW had about a week to surrender and the meetings were after the intiial announcements so we are catching up on some back time events that would have occurred already.

OOC: fluid-timing a bit for this small side-story / moment of levity... Domiel is not aware of the assassination attempts on Katrina during the meeting, but the Avatar detailed here has been made aware...

Some strange and wholy un-Caprican music slowly rose to audibility, and Panzuriel found himself listening to the strange song as he began to walk towards the source of the musical interruption. As he got closer, a female voice began to shriek out various diatribes relating to the trial and the injustice of treating the Empress Katrina in such a shameful manner. Two sides of the same issue... both diametrically opposed and both so virulently distant from the bounds of common sense.

He eventually came upon a small crowd of wild cosplay-ish girls standing on top of a motorized vehicle with little flowers painted all over it, ranting and raving about the injustice of it all and demanding an investigation of the assassination attempt upon Katrina Masaki and various other shouted expressions of generalized outrage. As Panzuriel listened to the song, he found himself at something of a loss. Eventually managing to push his way through the crowd, he ignored the sudden turn of the fangirls to regard this person who showed every known sign of being a Godulan-Strain Kython, and announced his presence with the following comment:

"We do not understand what this song has to do with your protest."

"You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you'll have to answer to
Oh-the guns of Brixton!"

--"Guns of Brixton," The Clash

Just as the aforementioned punk lyrics, blasting out of the stereo equipment of the "Softball Team's" tour bus, now relocated to the restricted zone with the others, were increased in volume to try and remind the anti-Masaki forces of their folly, the Godulan came up. Sister Jane took one look at him, and mumbled, "Cannibal."

She then got down from the bus, motioning for another fangirl to take over and continue the punkrock-fueled harangue.

To the Kython, Jane would have seemed a strange sight. Obstensibly dressed in a softball coaching jacket and a baseball cap, the jacket covered a khaki uniform, cut to resemble that of an Imperial Japanese Army officer. She stood in front of the Kython, and crossed her arms, glaring at him in a stern manner. The glasses she wore only seemed to focus her glare, and her pursed lips were those of a woman angered.

She then curtly uttered, "It has everything to do with this protest. It speaks of how those who attacked Katrina Masaki will get theirs. Its also a protest. The song speaks of how people will ask questions! They want the truth about why this was allowed to occur! And how they will. Not. Take. It!"

Another fangirl chimed in with, "Sing it, sister!"

Yet another replied with, "Not that the cannibal can understand! He's probably sizing us up for steaks!"

Panzuriel gave a slightly confused glance towards the girl who had just put forward the rather odd comment that he suspected was a racial slur. Apparently the Dornalians did not respond to kindly to our actions at Mirfak. Oh well. It was but a short glance, however, as he then turned his confusion towards the one known as 'Sister Jane'.

"But this does not follow. The Guns of Brixton speaks of police brutality, and we are confused as to why this song would appear in a protest stemming from a situation in which the only recognized casualties were Colonial Soldiers assigned to the protection of your 'Iconic Personage'. The meaning of this song clashes with the intended purpose of your protest, as it suggests that you are in fact supporting those that brought harm upon those soldiers tasked with protecting the Empress Katrina's life. Are we incorrect?"

Panzuriel gave a slightly confused glance towards the girl who had just put forward the rather odd comment that he suspected was a racial slur. Apparently the Dornalians did not respond to kindly to our actions at Mirfak. Oh well. It was but a short glance, however, as he then turned his confusion towards the one known as 'Sister Jane'.

"But this does not follow. The Guns of Brixton speaks of police brutality, and we are confused as to why this song would appear in a protest stemming from a situation in which the only recognized casualties were Colonial Soldiers assigned to the protection of your 'Iconic Personage'. The meaning of this song clashes with the intended purpose of your protest, as it suggests that you are in fact supporting those that brought harm upon those soldiers tasked with protecting the Empress Katrina's life. Are we incorrect?"

Sister Jane raised an eyebrow. The very notion that a song proclaiming resistance to police brutality would be used to justify pain upon the Colonials guarding Katrina? Sister Jane wouldn't take that. In fact, her brain and gift for gab--which was often faster than her brain--moved to produce a reply.

"Were you born in a barn, stable, or agricultural facility!? You are 'incorrect!' You have misinterpreted our point, and have used it as usual to justify your ends. Ain't that right, sisters!?" The others nodded, saying, "Preach to him, Sistah! Tell his ass!"

Raising a finger up, she then said, with fury and conviction, the others cheering her on, "In fact, lemme give you a rebuttal. I say, a rebuttal!"

The others went, "Rebut the Cannibal, sister! Civilize him!"

Sister Jane smiled and looked at her flock, saying, "In due time, sisters--due time!"

She then turned back to Paizuriel, and said, beaming proudly, "The meaning of the song does not mean just a resistance to heavy handed police brutality--but it also speaks of resistance to heavyhanded authority. In this context, we play said song you think does not make sense because we are in a land where a heavyhanded authority refuses to tell the truth, and we are intending to play it to remind people there is another way!"

"How has the Colonial authority failed to speak the truth? We are aware of the assassination attempts, are we not? We are aware that the Empress Katrina survived the attacks, when the Colonials could have easily ended it right then and there and nobody would be the wiser. This they have not done."

Panzuriel kept his hands in a position of prayer before him. Completely neutral, completely non-hostile. He doubted he would know what to do if somebody actually did start thumping him over the head with one of those softball bats.

"And pray tell, what is this 'other way' of which you speak?"

"How has the Colonial authority failed to speak the truth? We are aware of the assassination attempts, are we not? We are aware that the Empress Katrina survived the attacks, when the Colonials could have easily ended it right then and there and nobody would be the wiser. This they have not done."

Panzuriel kept his hands in a position of prayer before him. Completely neutral, completely non-hostile. He doubted he would know what to do if somebody actually did start thumping him over the head with one of those softball bats.

"And pray tell, what is this 'other way' of which you speak?"

Sister Jane was not one to be countered by a Kython. After all, she was never known for listening to anybody unless they listened to her first. And it seemed Panzuriel insisted upon rebutting Jane's points. This was going to be tough.

Jane snapped back at Panzuriel, "This other way is what we've been telling you! That people can and should ask questions about the incident and demand an investigation! That's what we've been saying! Through song!" Her finger was wagging wildly now, in an almost accusing manner.

She then continued, gesticulating in an increasingly frantic manner, "But also, we do not know who--I say WHO!--did those attacks! And there is no evidence the Colonial authorities have done any investigation. If they were really doing their jobs, then why aren't they spending as much energy investigating the threats on Katrina as they are on prosecuting her!?"

The others nodded, and glared at Panzuriel, daring him to answer.

Panzuriel gave a non-committal shrug, not changing his expression or showing any sign of relenting under the rather awkwardly withering stare of the fangirls. "Considering the trial has not yet begun, the Colonials have not yet dedicated any energy towards prosecuting the Empress Katrina, so using that concept as a baseline towards demanding an investigation of the terrorist attacks upon her during her transport to this system is something of a mischaracterization.

"In any event, the focus of our concern here is not towards the message that you wish to put forward, but the fact that you are employing a song criticizing police brutality and 'heavy handed authority', when we have seen that the Colonial Military, the Balroggans, The Telrosian Ascendants, and even a company of Farstars Mercenaries have all dedicated resources towards preventing the Empress Katrina's demise prior to the finding of whether she is innocent or guilty of any or all charges brought against her. As far as we can tell, the terrorist actions perpetrated thus far by elements however unknown have necessitated the military containment protocols enacted in the wake of the upcoming trial. Would you call them heavy handed if they did not exert so much effort towards the maintenance of your idol's welfare?

"But we are remiss, we only mean that we do not believe this song to be an effective support of your views."

Battlestar Gorgan
In Orbit of Caprica

The ship was sealed shut, as if under martial law. This vessel, the hero of Konoha, which lead the charge to insure peace, a lasting peace stood ready. Her crew was diligent, but above all else they learned well the lessons of their previous commander, Commander Ford. This man who lost his life, in defiance of Admiral Cain, who refused to arrest Tsunade despite orders. A month passed, but slowly the crew learned why peace was so valuable. They learned well and in their grief adopted the spirit of their lost Commander. For the first time in Katrina’s visit to the colonies she was truly safe.

Hours had passed before the Empress was given a clean bill of health. Aside from a few minor cuts, and one hell of a headache, she was the picture of health. Several guards stood by, as she was released. The marines saluted her, as she stood up, and began to escort her to her cell.

Unlike the previous battlestars she had been on, her cell was quite different. A couch, and table sat in the room. Although her mattress was still the rock hard cot, that the military had, her conditions were vastly improved. On the table before her was a bottle of wine, and a steak, with an assortment of vegetables on her plate. Mashed potatoes, and even a desert, a type of cheese cake.

This ship, the Gorgan, part of the Virgon fleet technically, seemed to afford her not the meal and life style of a prisoner, but that of her position an Empress. As she entered the room, the marines saluted again, as the sealed the room once more.

Hours had passed, as Katrina sat once more alone. In solitude, with no one to talk to she stared at the walls, or tried to meditate. Unlike the warstar line, this Mercury Class Battlestar had yet to receive it’s retrofit of inhibitors, having only one small inhibitor in the prison.

With a small hiss, several people entered the room. Dressed in fine suits, she would recognize most of them as her legal team. Except one. One, who spoke with a thick Caprican accent walked with them, wearing sun glasses, and a expensive black suit. “Hello Empress.” the man replied. “I am William Chapman.” he replied. “I have been assigned to your defense, and to fimiliarize yourself and your team with Caprican law. I will tell you now, the evidence is really stacked against you. Not to mention half of Caprica would love to lynch you before you even get to trial. Tell me Empress, what exactly was your personal involvement in the Caprican Bombings, the Attack on Kobol, and the Terrorist attack on the Ares.” he plainly asked her.
"Thank you for joining the defense, and I'm glad to see my own experts have survived the arrival." Katrina nodded, generating nervous smiles from her team. Then she got down to business.

"Well, with the attack on Kobol and the recent one on the Ares, I know for a fact that my nation has not had any involvement with them, although I know that the Godulans are involved in the investigation of Kobol. They did ask many questions of the Council as they investigated. On the bombing of Caprica, well, the embassy bombing itself is undergoing an intensive investigation. So far, we've had several possible leads, but as you know, I shouldn't comment on investigations until they've completed. On the nuclear bombings, I'm not sure of the circumstances surrounding that, aside from the fact that the Cylons did it, so I cannot comment on what I don't know."

Caprica City

The music blared, as the screeching voice of the Fan Girls pumped over the radio. Were they right, in a sense. After all there should be an investigation, but the way they presented it angered the population. Angry British punk music, helped to fuel the fire, as the Anti Katrina protesters began to shout louder.

“Go home, you cylon loving pussies.” one protester yelled, as the anger of the crowd began to build.

Who were these people, the thirteenth tribe, to come to the colonies after all these years, and attack the beloved Admiral. Did they not know what had happened, how Cain saved them from the clutches of Coredian and alien corruption. Were they so stupid as to think that Cain, would not find the traitors in her midst and strike them down with such a fury that a sith lord would want to take notes?

As Sister Jane picked up her microphone, and doing her James Brown speech, the crowd grew angrier. “What do you know?” one man yelled. “You know nothing of us, you frakking bitch.” another Caprican yelled.

“Oh it looks like Earth is too busy sucking the tit of the Masaki’s.” another Caprican screamed at the fan girls. “To actually see what they did.”

As the last person spoke, one Charismatic woman, stood in front of the crowd. “Remember Caprica.” she yelled, as she held her arms up in the air. “Remember Caprica. Slowly more and more people began to join in. “Remember Caprica, Remember Caprica, soon the crowd began to get whipped up in a fury. All began to chant. “Remember Caprica., as the unison voices of the crowd began to overtake the speakers on the bus. With a booming voice, as if the lords themselves began to scream it to the new comers, all sang out.

As they spoke, and chanted, the wind slowly began to pick up. It’s warm breeze began to blow over the crowd. It was euphoric, as it seemed the very presence of the lords was with the crowd. The slight wind soon began to gust. The fan girls began to look around, as their ball caps began to blow.

The chanting did not last long, as one of the fan girl’s hats revealed horror and disguist. One of the girls, had cat ears, her trench coat blowing to the side to reveal her tail. Silence soon followed. “What the frak was she?” one of the men asked. Another yelled out, “Oh lords, the thirteenth colony humps cats.”

As the last person spoke, the crowd erupted into laughter. Lettuce, tomatoes began to fly through the air at the fan girls. They flew through the air like artillery shells towards the new invaders, covering the stage and bus. One Caprican was especially vicious, as a full milk carton was flung. “Here is some milk, here kitty, kitty, kitty.”

The Grocery Wars has begun.

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Geminion

Admiral Hallen stood before her dark lord. She could only sneer, as his words spoke of truth and liberty. Liberty from the false theology of the force. Truth from the blasphemy of the cylons, and above all else proof of the favor of the lords. She slowly held her wine glass closer to her lips, as she took in it’s red essence, it’s sweet taste. “So say we all.” she said to Remiel, her dark voice carrying in the chamber dedicated to the love goddess. “So say we all.”

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The Warstar Gorgan
In Orbit of Caprica

Katrina Masaki sat close to William Chapman, no more than three feet away. He was so close to her, and how many Capricans would gladly give their right eye to be this close. Most to harm, some to kill, but he, he was different. His goal was simple yet daunting. William had to get her to be declared not guilty. Yet still, it seemed to be harder than he expected.

William reached up, and took off his glasses. He looked at her, his eyes as blue as the sky. “Empress.” he said, his tone of voice showing full respect. “I do not know what your lawyers have told you, although they seem to be quite silent at the moment.” Mr. Chapman replied, ‘But this is a trial. I am not sure you understand the gravity of the situation.” Mr. Chapman stated, with a slight sense of concern filling her voice. “You are facing death, Mrs. Masaki. Not only from the raging mob, but from the judicial system.”

He glanced at the floor, as he spoke sternly, “I know you have your secrets and your investigation, but I need all you know.” he said. “Right now the odds are against you. Although other colonies might be more sympathetic to you, Caprica is in a fever against you.”

He then glanced back to her, looking at her red hair. “You are charming Mrs. Masaki, and that is a good thing, but for all that charm, we still need more. I need to know your leads. No matter how far fetched. If you want to live.”

"So say we all." He grinned widely. "And soon all will see the light that we offer, my dear. Soon everyone will be enlightened, even your new brothers and sisters...The mewling pretenders to a Terran throne. The Dornalians are among the most well trained of the Masaki's meatshield lapdogs.

Amusing pets who seek to mislead and decieve you, to fill your ears with honeyed poison. It is through strong leaders like you and Cain, as well as....Liberal minds such as Delegate Baltar, that the Colonies ought to be kept safe from such...Aberrance."

Remiel chuckled lightly as he sipped again at his wine. "There is much work to be done here. The people have much to learn...But I think they've enjoyed their first lesson."

The Warstar Gorgan
In Orbit of Caprica

Katrina Masaki sat close to William Chapman, no more than three feet away. He was so close to her, and how many Capricans would gladly give their right eye to be this close. Most to harm, some to kill, but he, he was different. His goal was simple yet daunting. William had to get her to be declared not guilty. Yet still, it seemed to be harder than he expected.

William reached up, and took off his glasses. He looked at her, his eyes as blue as the sky. “Empress.” he said, his tone of voice showing full respect. “I do not know what your lawyers have told you, although they seem to be quite silent at the moment.” Mr. Chapman replied, ‘But this is a trial. I am not sure you understand the gravity of the situation.” Mr. Chapman stated, with a slight sense of concern filling her voice. “You are facing death, Mrs. Masaki. Not only from the raging mob, but from the judicial system.”

He glanced at the floor, as he spoke sternly, “I know you have your secrets and your investigation, but I need all you know.” he said. “Right now the odds are against you. Although other colonies might be more sympathetic to you, Caprica is in a fever against you.”

He then glanced back to her, looking at her red hair. “You are charming Mrs. Masaki, and that is a good thing, but for all that charm, we still need more. I need to know your leads. No matter how far fetched. If you want to live.”
Katrina smiled a bit. "I'm sorry, Mr. Chapman. Old habits die hard and secrecy is as old as they come. All right. I'll tell you what. The investigation has given us some interesting fruit. Just before I was 'summoned' by Admiral Cain, someone tried to bribe our very own Vector CEO Dr. Leingod for some reason. And then there was the mysterious murders and resignations that occurred to some of the investigators. Someone doesn't want us to investigate, that's for sure."

As the last person spoke, the crowd erupted into laughter. Lettuce, tomatoes began to fly through the air at the fan girls. They flew through the air like artillery shells towards the new invaders, covering the stage and bus. One Caprican was especially vicious, as a full milk carton was flung. “Here is some milk, here kitty, kitty, kitty.”

The Grocery Wars has begun.

The fangirls didn't flinch; they began heckling back, crying out "Fine method of arguing!" "Stop wasting food!" "Some freedom of speech we got!" among other things. Their motor vehicles, the rental trucks and the tour bus, moved to form that classic Ouendan manuever. Borrowed from the Hussites, Afrikaners and American Pioneers before them, several protesters "circled the wagons" and put their vehicles into a trianglular formation.

They were used to this sort of abuse from hecklers back in Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong, Hab Six, Fort Pulaski and the other cities in the Workers State they came from. Well, at least the verbal abuse and the throwing of veggies. And the racism.

Well, judging from the reaction of what happened next, not quite the racism. Or the humiliation, to a gentegata of being taunted with sour milk, flung at full force at one's person with the consequence of a goodly amount of spillage on said gentegata's personage.

She then stood for a moment, shocked at what occurred, processing what occurred and temporarily blacking out the hecklers.

She then took one look at said Caprican, and glared at him with ancient fury. She then pulled up her sleeves, calmly wiped herself off with a handkerchief, face and coat, and then put said soiled hanky into a little plastic baggy and put it into her pocket. She then made the Catholic sign of the cross, praying.

Then, with full fury, she cried out, "YOU PIECEASHIT! CALL ME A FUCKIN' KITTY AGAIN, YOU COCKSUCKER! CALL ME A FUCKIN' KITTY ONE MORE TIME!!! "

She then found a head of lettuce not yet destroyed, and chucked it square at the Caprican's head with full force. Others began doing the same, and before long, other items of food, such as hot dogs and trash, were hurled into the pack of hecklers. The others eyed the laager made, ready to hop in if things got nasty.

If the Fan girls believed they had dealt with racism, from Hong Hong, or LA, then they would truly learn some new lessons from the Colonies. Here humans had only lived with humans. Here, the radiation never turned people into strange mutated animals. Here, hate and suffering had forged a very passionate nation.


Then, with full fury, she cried out, "YOU PIECEASHIT! CALL ME A FUCKIN' KITTY AGAIN, YOU COCKSUCKER! CALL ME A FUCKIN' KITTY ONE MORE TIME!!! "

With that, as she taunted the crowd, one man yelled out, as if prompted, "Oooo, Are you going to LICK yourself clean? Go ahead Fluffy." Another laughed, until the food screamed at him. With his mouth open, the rotten lettuce slammed him in the face. The war was on. One elderly lady, watched this. She slowly reached in her purse and threw cat nip at the cat girl. “Here you go Mittens, have some kitty crack.” she yelled at the Fan girls.

As the war continued, the grocery stores and trash cans began to be emptied. Shop owners sales went through the roof as their wares were bought at an alarming rate. Tomatoes were soom upgraded to eggs. Lettuce to cantaloupe. The war was escalating.

Katrina smiled a bit. "I'm sorry, Mr. Chapman. Old habits die hard and secrecy is as old as they come. All right. I'll tell you what. The investigation has given us some interesting fruit. Just before I was 'summoned' by Admiral Cain, someone tried to bribe our very own Vector CEO Dr. Leingod for some reason. And then there was the mysterious murders and resignations that occurred to some of the investigators. Someone doesn't want us to investigate, that's for sure."

William shook his head for a moment. “Mrs. Masaki, or do you prefer Empress?” he asked earnestly, “If we want to save you from the airlock, we will need a lot more than this.” he replied. He looked at her lawyers standing near by, silent as a statue. “Whatever you are paying these legal advisors of yours, it is way too much. If this is the advice they gave you, then be glad that the judges put me in charge of your defense.” he replied.

William reached down and opened his briefcase, “Ok, so your nation can not complete a simple investigation due to outside or internal influence. That might be something we can use.” he said as he wrote it down. “It can help prove that the Masaki’s are not in control of their own nation, and in fact are impotent to it.” he replied.

He could feel Katrina’s anger. He gazed up at her, “Empress, I am not here to cater to your ego, or to be your friend. I am here to save your life. Nothing more.” he said sternly to her. “You need to be prepared, this is going to be ugly. Your secrets will come out. You can bet that the prosecution will be getting aid from the Empire and the Chronosians for evidence. The Eclipses sensors, Remiel’s first hand reports. He is already here did you know that?” he asked the Empress. “He is on the witness list. Remiel is expected to be a star witness against you. So I am going to need more from you than your crown in an absolute monarchy is impotent.”

William Chapman turned his gaze back to his papers. “Were you Empress during this time? Did the Jedi Council authorize the attack on Caprica. What was your husbands role in this catastrophe?”

With that, as she taunted the crowd, one man yelled out, as if prompted, "Oooo, Are you going to LICK yourself clean? Go ahead Fluffy." Another laughed, until the food screamed at him. With his mouth open, the rotten lettuce slammed him in the face. The war was on. One elderly lady, watched this. She slowly reached in her purse and threw cat nip at the cat girl. “Here you go Mittens, have some kitty crack.” she yelled at the Fan girls.

As the war continued, the grocery stores and trash cans began to be emptied. Shop owners sales went through the roof as their wares were bought at an alarming rate. Tomatoes were soom upgraded to eggs. Lettuce to cantaloupe. The war was escalating.

The fangirls also proceeded to empty the local stores and cans, eager to keep the war up. A stockpile began amassing behind the laager, as they fought back....

...and the catgirl fumed back first to the male heckler, "Go pick some lice outta your friend's back first, jerkoff!" She was going to fume to the lady, but the catnip threw her off. She then began coughing and somewhat delirious. She then angrily picked up the vial of catnip, and threw it at the crowd in a fit of rage....

William shook his head for a moment. “Mrs. Masaki, or do you prefer Empress?” he asked earnestly, “If we want to save you from the airlock, we will need a lot more than this.” he replied. He looked at her lawyers standing near by, silent as a statue. “Whatever you are paying these legal advisors of yours, it is way too much. If this is the advice they gave you, then be glad that the judges put me in charge of your defense.” he replied.
"Please. Call me Katrina. We'll be working for a good while, after all." Katrina said, then her legal experts looked a little sheepish at the comment.

William reached down and opened his briefcase, “Ok, so your nation can not complete a simple investigation due to outside or internal influence. That might be something we can use.” he said as he wrote it down. “It can help prove that the Masaki’s are not in control of their own nation, and in fact are impotent to it.” he replied.
Katrina suddenly looked fierce and wanted to defend her nation, but he cut her off...

He could feel Katrina’s anger. He gazed up at her, “Empress, I am not here to cater to your ego, or to be your friend. I am here to save your life. Nothing more.” he said sternly to her. “You need to be prepared, this is going to be ugly. Your secrets will come out. You can bet that the prosecution will be getting aid from the Empire and the Chronosians for evidence. The Eclipses sensors, Remiel’s first hand reports. He is already here did you know that?” he asked the Empress. “He is on the witness list. Remiel is expected to be a star witness against you. So I am going to need more from you than your crown in an absolute monarchy is impotent.”
Katrina's anger subsided as he had a point. She's going to fight as hard as she's ever fought in a courtroom before. The only difference is that she's the defendent this time. "All right."

William Chapman turned his gaze back to his papers. “Were you Empress during this time? Did the Jedi Council authorize the attack on Caprica. What was your husbands role in this catastrophe?”
"No, I wasn't at the time of the destruction of Caprica. I was appointed by my husband. However, my husband and I correspond many times on the Council's decisions and I have never heard mention of Caprica or singularity bombs anywhere. You must know something about my husband. He's a terrible liar. If he tries to hide something, I'm able to pry it out of him."

"In other words, if he knew about the bomb, I would have known about it and I would be lying to you now."

She then angrily picked up the vial of catnip, and threw it at the crowd in a fit of rage....

Whereupon it was caught in midair with a single deft move by Panzuriel, who stood in the midst of the fray, eerily unblemished save for an almost visible aura of outrage radiating from his body. In fact, a piece of lettuce that landed close to his feet seemed to shrink away from his body as if thrown by some torrid breeze. With a crackle of glass and a snarl, the Avatar absorbed the small object, disintegrating it and incorporating the remains into himself. The effect would have at least slowed the salvos of food flying back and forth, as the act of his absorption generated a large amount of light and a rather spectacular display of electricity arcing throughout the street.

STOP THROWING FOODSTUFFS AT EACH OTHER!

His entire body vibrated to create his newly amplified voice, which rang out across the city block with remarkable clarity.

STOP THROWING FOODSTUFFS AT EACH OTHER!

His entire body vibrated to create his newly amplified voice, which rang out across the city block with remarkable clarity.

The fangirls stopped what they were doing, and began to pay attention....

Caprica City, Caprica

The Crowd was restless. The music seemed to pump through the veins, the angry tone carried into each and every person, fan girl or raging mob. The seen nearly broke out into a riot, until the Godulan began to speak. Electricity burned through the air, as if he was the king of the lords himself, punishing the weak mortals below for their wickedness. His voice boomed, and his power was great, so much so that it shocked the crowd. The chants stopped, the throwing stopped. It was almost as if time had stood still, as the Avatar spoke up.

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Geminion

A full day had passed, as Hallen disembarked for her vessel the Zeus. She did not want to go, but her duties forced her too. If she did not go, she might arouse suspicion, after all Cain did not treat collaborators well, either to an ally and friend, or an enemy. Those who were not loyal to the United Colonies of Kobol, were treated the same. By the loving grace of the Admiralty she knew she would be floating home to Picon, if she did not leave.

But soon a new visitor came, another friend of Remiel. As Remiel ended his daily prayers and offerings to the lords of Kobol, or so the crowd though, another man appeared. “Good Day lord Remiel.” the man spoke with a thick Caprican accent. “You must excuse my tardiness, but it would seem that as of late Caprica as broken down from the beacon of civilization and the jewel of the thirteen colonies into a ravenous horde searching for blood.” The man walked over to Remiel, his hand held out to shake it. “It is truly a pleasure to see you again. What may we do for you?”

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On Board the Battlestar Gorgan

William Chapman could not truly believe all he was hearing. He listened to Katrina, hoping, praying to the lords for something to help her. As of yet she offered nothing. Katrina was her own worse enemy, as she seemed to be flinging herself into the gallows quicker than any colonial could hope for. He turned his gaze downward. “I see.” he stated.

He said, with his face downward, “Then we only have two options available to us. Either we can go to the jury, and tell them that you are not in control of your nation and show the impotence of Coredia’s absolute monarchy to it’s own nobility and black markets, or we will have to demonize Daniel Masaki.” he said.

He turned his gaze up to her. “He was the Emperor, not you. To be effective, we will need to separate you from him, separate you from Coredia. Let the people see the woman, not the nation. We will have to make you out to be a victim of him. That should hopefully sway some votes, maybe enough to push you over to being found not guilty.” he replied.

He reached into his briefcase, and pulled out a few papers. “Based on the evidence, I do not believe we have to worry about the Kobol attack, or even the Ares. Aside from some slight circumstantial evidence, the Godulans along with eye witness testimony should be able to get you off for that. However Caprica is the big stickler. Daniel admitted to the press that it was Coredia. Now I can use that, and say that he is further trying to damn you. You may not like it Katrina, but please bear in mind, I am trying to save your life, not his reputation.” Mr. Chapman stated to her.

"Of course. It is so very important for minds such as yourself to guide the people through tumult and calamity." He let himself chuckle. "So very good to see you again Gaius." He took his hand, shaking it lightly. "I simply enjoy treating with old friends. It's been some time since you left my service; returning home to...Popularity, it would seem.

Trusted enough to lead the people of Caprica, to speak for them. You speak of being a beacon of civilisation, and you're quite right. Caprica is a symbol, a symbol most unfairly besmirched by Coredian action.

I come simply to make sure that justice is served."

On Board the Battlestar Gorgan

William Chapman could not truly believe all he was hearing. He listened to Katrina, hoping, praying to the lords for something to help her. As of yet she offered nothing. Katrina was her own worse enemy, as she seemed to be flinging herself into the gallows quicker than any colonial could hope for. He turned his gaze downward. “I see.” he stated.

He said, with his face downward, “Then we only have two options available to us. Either we can go to the jury, and tell them that you are not in control of your nation and show the impotence of Coredia’s absolute monarchy to it’s own nobility and black markets, or we will have to demonize Daniel Masaki.” he said.

He turned his gaze up to her. “He was the Emperor, not you. To be effective, we will need to separate you from him, separate you from Coredia. Let the people see the woman, not the nation. We will have to make you out to be a victim of him. That should hopefully sway some votes, maybe enough to push you over to being found not guilty.” he replied.

He reached into his briefcase, and pulled out a few papers. “Based on the evidence, I do not believe we have to worry about the Kobol attack, or even the Ares. Aside from some slight circumstantial evidence, the Godulans along with eye witness testimony should be able to get you off for that. However Caprica is the big stickler. Daniel admitted to the press that it was Coredia. Now I can use that, and say that he is further trying to damn you. You may not like it Katrina, but please bear in mind, I am trying to save your life, not his reputation.” Mr. Chapman stated to her.
Katrina can't believe her ears. Demonize Daniel? Her husband, of all people? Just to save her life? No. Hell no, and her face said it all. "Do you really think that I would be willing to demonize my own husband just to save my life? You know nothing, Mr. Chapman, if you think our love can be belittled that way. I know, I know, it only helps the prosecution's case and it may be the best defense we have, but I cannot go with that."

Well, not unless I'm somehow able to speak with him. Katrina didn't say, but thought. Her legal advisors winced at her decision. They knew her in the courtroom and she definitely was an honorable woman. She can and have used dirty tricks, but in this instance...it looks like she'll have to start looking for a gravestone...

Panzuriel simmered with contained energy as he watched the two sides stop throwing things at each other as a result of the pure shock of his amplified voice. Silence reigned throughout the street as the whole thing turned into a twisted form of wild west standoff, Katrina Fangirl protesters on one side of the street, Colonial... anti-protesters on the other, and one very angry Godulan Avatar standing in the middle of the street, a little ring of nothing around him as he stood in the midst of so much wasted food. Even the rotten stuff could be used as fertilizer.

"WHAT are you people thinking?" he asked, his voice brought back down to only a slight degree of augmentation so he could be heard by both sides of the conflict. He looked back and forth between the fangirls and the colonials, indicating that he was mad with both sides for having a part in this travesty. "We are still working to rebuild these worlds after a full scale nuclear bombardment. Much food and supplies have been devoted to assisting in the recovery effort, and here you people are WASTING such things in order to fuel your hatred and spite against those who have a viewpoint different than your own."

He picked up a ruined piece of lettuce lying on the ground a few steps away and sighed. "What few things can still be grown on this world should be held as precious, not as simple ammunition for derisive onslaughts. Even those comestibles that are no longer safe for consumption have utility. This is truly shameful.

"Shameful, we say! You shame the memory of those who lost their lives in the tragedies that took the Colonies as a whole with these actions you have taken. Would they not wish you to live? To prosper? To seek justice against those who brought forth the tragedies that befell you? This is not justice. This is mob hatred. Justice will be done when the trial is underway, and the Empress Katrina is held to account for her actions and those of her people.

"Protest you may. Free speech is a wonderful gift that should not be squandered under any circumstance. All we ask is that you do it with some DIGNITY."

Katrina’s words were the death of her. William knew this, as he listened to her. She had passion, that was a given, and she had conviction. None of that would matter though, if she was dead.

“Katrina.” he said, with a solemn attitude. “I understand you love Daniel.” he replied to her. “He is the father of your children.” William said heavy hearted. “You would do anything to protect them, sacrifice yourself to whatever gods damn punishment you could think of to save them. I know, I was married once, I had a love. She was a beautiful woman to me. Her smile could light up a room, her hair looked like gold. Just being in the same room with her was intoxicating.” he said.

William looked into Katrina’s eyes, “The last thing she told me, before she died, was that she was pregnant. I was going to be a dad.” William said, as his eyes teared up slightly. “So I know where you are coming from. I do not want Daniel to suffer the same fate that was handed to me.” He stared in her eyes, as his voice carried a sincere tone, “If I could, I would do anything to bring her back. If I had to be dragged through Caprica City, and quartered I would. Daniel will not care, his love for you must be strong, as your love for him is. He would rather see you alive, than anything else.” William said. “The lords know I would.”

Katrina was taken aback as this lawyer spoke of his wife. She had to ask, but she dreaded the answer all the same. "What happened to her?"

Katrina was taken aback as this lawyer spoke of his wife. She had to ask, but she dreaded the answer all the same. "What happened to her?"

William gazed up at her. He did not hold back, nor side skirt the issue. "She was in the embassy as a refugee, when the civil war occured." he replied.

Her eyes widened in horror. "Oh...I'm so sorry. I see. I'll have to think about this. But...perhaps it would be possible lend me another option before I decide where to go for the trial. If I decide against our plan, a plea bargain would be possible, yes?"

While all this drama occurred in the Colonies, as many forces came together to collide at the crossroads of fate, another small force entered the arena, not knowing the dangers or the game being played. A Peregrine-class Light Cruiser phased in from Boson Space, utilizing the new technology given to them by the Dornalians. It's armor was heavily reinforced, to where shields were useless as they performed the same function. With ablative armor and their own natural, tough armor, they were tough to beat. With the new weapons and armor, the GDI ships essentially became fleets in their own right. In command of this ship was Command Jack Stevenson, the man who had surrendered the Second Fleet to the Balroggans at the battle of Jurai. He had been awarded his own command for his wisdom and bravery in doing what was needed to save the lives of the men and women of the Second Fleet. Vice-Admiral Rachel Kascadis was now Fleet Admiral of the Second Fleet, and although they no longer were in the same ship, they still held a good bond.

He had been sent, by the Director, to open relations with the Colonies. As leery as they were about the Galactic Empire, they had to try. To show them the GFFA was not an evil force, that it could help, to heal, to rebuild. And to aid the recovery effort, as late as it was. With the Home Reclamation Project almost finished, and the Home Defense Act completed, with colonies and bases all over the home system, the GDI were in a good position once more. No longer innocent, but capable of handling themselves. He sat in his command chair, gazing at the data coming in from the sophisticated GUARDIAN system, the sensor system they had made combining their technology with the sensor tech given to them from the Dornalians to make a sensor suite capable of detecting things on the EM spectrum, along with dimensional, temporal, and transphasic wavelengths. The picture came in, and showed a variety of ships, some it recognized, others it didn't. He quickly recognized the Godulan and Balroggan ships, the former from the Archives, the latter from personal experience. A sad smile came to his face; he should have known they'd be here before them. They were very concerned about life, as he learned from Nhur-Galladu.

"Commander." The soft, feminine voice of the EVA, Jessica, embedded in the ship's A.I. core. During their isolation, GDI had been able to focus on their projects, including the development of a full A.I. EVA was nice, but rather inflexible in battle. Jessica was the first, and was very independent. The only one she'd listen to was Jack, and so she had been assigned to him. He glanced at the pad next to him, and saw her flicker into being, the holographic projector showing her as if she was a real, flesh and blood teenager. Sometimes, it almost felt he had a wayward daughter whom understood battle and could think faster than he did. And was smarter too.

"Yes, Jessica?"

"We have come upon the border of Colonial Space as ordered. We sent a message before hand, detailing that we were coming to send an emissary and that we would appear at the red line. They were suspicious, of course, but they agreed to it."

Jack nodded. It was understandable, considering the conditions. "I see. Open a channel, tight-beam, to the Colonial frequency we were given. Everyone can see us, but I don't want to intrude on their comm traffic."

"Aye, aye sir." Not even a second later, there was a beep and Jack began to speak.

"Greetings to the Twelve Colonies from the Galactic Defense Initiative. We have come, as agreed, to your border. We are powered down and waiting instructions on how to proceed best into your space."

Battlestar Gorgan, in orbit of Caprica

William Chapman sighed. It seemed to him that Empress Katrina wanted to die. She wanted to throw herself to the wolves. Was it a guilty conscious? Did she really order the bombing, and she thought her death would somehow make up for it?

William reached across the table, and put on his sun glasses. “A plea bargin.” he replied, ‘Is always an option. I could talk to the prosecution and offer a guilty plea, in exchange for life in prision, but many others have issued extradition requests for your person. Other nations, that would not be so kind as to let you live the rest of your natural life in jail I am afraid.” he said with a heavy heart.

“If we do I would recommend we try to negotiate immunity to extradition. I do not know if the judges would agree with that, since it is interfering with foreign policy, but I could always make the case.


Caprica City,

As the Avatar spoke to the crowd, the store keepers slowly snuck to their windows. Grabbing a marker, they hastely wrote “No Refund” signs. The Crowd however did not even notice, as the Avatar boomed his voice and pleaded his case.

Guilt overwhelmed the mob, for the moment. They slowly turned to each other, then began to disperse. The battle was stopped but the Grocery war was war from over... There was always tomorrow.

The Red Line.

Many ships patroled this sector of space, in this turbulent time. As the beamed message came, to the Battlestar Nymph, it was almost a shock. The GFFA asked to send someone, and it was agreed upon, but they were expecting Earth, or the Coredians. The GDI, was an unusual turn of events. Commander Drake, turned to the coms officer. "Send them a reply."

"GDI vessel, this is the Battlestar Nymph. Proceed to the coordinates provided, and slowly begin to orbit Tauron. From there you will send a shuttle to this vessel. Battlestar Nymph out."

"Understood, Battlestar Nymph. We are moving to coordinates now."

The Light Cruiser shifted with agility not befitting its bulk and headed for Tauron, being careful to avoid civilian traffic and to not anger their Colonial hosts. With a sense of rough grace and determination, the ship moved into orbit, and after doing a series of calculated jet bursts, they were in orbit. Upon establishing a secure orbit, Jack left orders for Jessica to be in charge, and then headed for his drop pod. The GDI, whom did not use fighters as it was a waste of personnel, did not have any space craft of fighter size or kind. So, they used drop pods, instead. And for shuttles, they used maneuverable drop pods.

So it was that Jack stepped into his command pod and activated it, detaching from the ship and heading for the Nymph. He didn't bring his guards, usually brought along by GDI protocol, as Command did not want to anger them. They did not know how they were viewed by the Colonies, and they weren't taking any chances. He sent a signal, showing what he was, and asking for docking clearance. Upon receiving, he moved to dock and when it gave the all clear to open, he unbuckled himself, put on his blue Navy hat, and walked out of the door to the end of the ramp, and stopped, waiting patiently and respectfully for the escort to arrive.

Battlestar Gorgan, in orbit of Caprica

William Chapman sighed. It seemed to him that Empress Katrina wanted to die. She wanted to throw herself to the wolves. Was it a guilty conscious? Did she really order the bombing, and she thought her death would somehow make up for it?

William reached across the table, and put on his sun glasses. “A plea bargin.” he replied, ‘Is always an option. I could talk to the prosecution and offer a guilty plea, in exchange for life in prision, but many others have issued extradition requests for your person. Other nations, that would not be so kind as to let you live the rest of your natural life in jail I am afraid.” he said with a heavy heart.

“If we do I would recommend we try to negotiate immunity to extradition. I do not know if the judges would agree with that, since it is interfering with foreign policy, but I could always make the case.
"Perhaps. Sounds good." Katrina nodded. "Either way, our options seem limited...hmm...I believe that we mentioned that the Godulans are helping the defense?"

William Chapman’s facial expression said it all. “The Avatars?” he replied. “Empress Katrina, I did not recall saying anything about them being counsel, but I did mention that they were investigating and had uncovered evidence to cast a shadow of doubt on the Ares attack, as well as the Kobol attack.” he said.

He opened his briefcase, and pulled out a large stack of papers. “The Avatars, are quite wordy, but in the end, it could not be conclusively proven that Coredia or any other nation was involved in the attack on the Ares or Kobol. All that we know for certain is that black market star destroyers were made to look like you, and were used to attack Kobol. The Ares, could only be conclusively proven that a colonial did the sabotage. The mind control case... well there is no way to prove one way or the other through evidence if it occurred. All we know is he was a Colonial, and seemed to sympathize with you.

He then looked down at the papers. “Honestly I do not understand half their documents. They use excessive language and some sort of odd technobabble to present the case that exonerate yourself. If you would like I can have a guard summon an avatar to try to help explain things a little clearer, if that is possible for them.


In Orbit of Tauron.

The GDI, came onboard the Battlestar Nymph. He came, and received full honors, as a military contingent waited for the representative of the GFFA, to which due to some technicalities with the joining of Earth into the United Colonies of Kobol, the Colonies themselves now belonged. As one should treat an ally, the GDI had a warm reception. After all they were human. After a tour, they brought the men to the briefing room in the Mercury Class Battlestar.

“How may the Colonies be of assistance to the GDI?” the commander asked once they were inside the briefing room.

William Chapman’s facial expression said it all. “The Avatars?” he replied. “Empress Katrina, I did not recall saying anything about them being counsel, but I did mention that they were investigating and had uncovered evidence to cast a shadow of doubt on the Ares attack, as well as the Kobol attack.” he said.

He opened his briefcase, and pulled out a large stack of papers. “The Avatars, are quite wordy, but in the end, it could not be conclusively proven that Coredia or any other nation was involved in the attack on the Ares or Kobol. All that we know for certain is that black market star destroyers were made to look like you, and were used to attack Kobol. The Ares, could only be conclusively proven that a colonial did the sabotage. The mind control case... well there is no way to prove one way or the other through evidence if it occurred. All we know is he was a Colonial, and seemed to sympathize with you.

He then looked down at the papers. “Honestly I do not understand half their documents. They use excessive language and some sort of odd technobabble to present the case that exonerate yourself. If you would like I can have a guard summon an avatar to try to help explain things a little clearer, if that is possible for them."
Looking over the papers, Katrina would have to agree. While she could use context to understand some of it, she thought she'd need a Vector scientist to fully understand the whole paper stack of technobabble. "Yes. I would say that would be beneficial to us. Bring an Avatar in to explain this technobabble."

Looking over the papers, Katrina would have to agree. While she could use context to understand some of it, she thought she'd need a Vector scientist to fully understand the whole paper stack of technobabble. "Yes. I would say that would be beneficial to us. Bring an Avatar in to explain this technobabble."

Mr. Chapman stood up and knocked on the glass door. It slowly opened. "Sir." the marine replied.

William looked at him. "Get us a Avatar please. I am sure they would be more than happy to come here. Tell them that we need clarification of their findings, and that we would benefit from their knowledge. They should be here five minutes ago."

THe Guard looked at him strangely, "Yes sir. The guard walked over to the phone, and made the appropriate calls.

Despite the fact that the message was encrypted, sent from one ship to another, decrypted, encrypted differently, encrypted a second time, sent to three other ships which sent a further encrypted message to the planet below at the same time, whereupon the message was decrypted, scanned, decrypted two more times, transcribed onto paper, read, proofread, edited, signed in triplicate, lost, found, lost again, dug up by a guard dog, cursed at, tossed in a suitcase, dumped out of a suitcase, lost again, found in a donut box, squeaked at by a mouse, and finally grabbed by a passing courier who hadn't intended to take it but needed a bite to eat on the way out and the damn thing was stuck to the glazed... it only took approximately ten seconds for the message to reach the Godulans.

(The Godulans are still uncertain as to how so much stuff can happen in so little time. They do experiments on it daily, alongside their efforts to understand how turtles can dodge blaster bolts)

They took only a moment to read the message (and a moment more to wonder why there was a strange sugary substance on the back of the paper) before replying that they would accept the summons. Ilt'Kazzar, the very Avatar that had initially constructed the lions' share of the case arguing against Coredian participation in the Kobol assault and the Ares attack found himself being ferried back through a remarkably complicated rigamarole similar to the one detailed above, minus the glazing, plus a few chocolate sprinkles... and a kitten. But alas, the Godulan was not permitted to bring the month-old calico on the raptor. And so it was that after approximately one-hour of what Ilt'Kazzar dubbed 'swirling', he was escorted into the cell containing Katrina Masaki, Mr. Chapman, and Katrina's legal advisors.

"You asked for us and we have come," Ilt'Kazzar announced with a bow, "we shall provide whatever service you ask of us."

Jack was surprised at what he was greeted with. Instead of hostile looks and angry stares, there was a military escort, warm greetings and the calm and welcoming manner of the commander. He blinked; he wondered what was going on here, but pushed it away. He had a job here. Bowing low, he took of his hat and set it down. "Greetings, commander. I do not want to take up any more of your time than I have to. I am here on behalf of the GDI, to do two things. One is to open up relations, to clear up the confusion of recent events and ensure no more lives are lost. And second, we wish to give what aid we can to the Colonies. We now its belated and very late, but we still wish to give what we can."

He then stood up and waited for the response. The orders had been short but clear. He had to open up relations, so they could do some damage control on things like the Caprica Incident, and other things, as well as to get the influence of Chronosia and other nations as down as possible. Wherever Remiel was involved, it was never a good thing. Also, with resources being freed up with the control of Tiberium on Earth and other planets, their economy had grown a lot, and they had some money to spend. Not a lot, since much of it was for programs, but they had set a fund aside for the reconstruction of the Colonies. Now, he only had to wait to see if he was going to be able to use it or not.

Incense filled the air, the putrid smell that was only usually smelled within a Chaos temple. Then again these times were quite different, as Emperor Remiel stood for a second day, using his gift with tongues to sway the crowd.

Baltar watched in amazement, as the silver tongued Emperor spoke. Even Remiel’s most outspoken critics, seemed to be swayed by his words of wisdom, his piety to the gods. Remiel did not come preaching violence, nor even trying to overtly sway the crowds to chaos, but instead spoke plainly to the people around the temple.

As the sermon ended, Baltar walked back with Remiel. “You truly have a gift.” he spoke to the Emperor. “You seem to have the people under your sway.” he said to Remiel.

“Be careful Gaius.” the soft spoken Head Six replied. “This man, will try to steal the people from the one God. He will bring about a wrath that will destroy your colonies, and end the human race as you know it.” the woman warned Baltar.

Baltar turned his attention to her for a moment. “Ah, Yes.” Baltar replied, as he looked at Remiel. “You know that there is much discord with the Quorum, over the recent maneuvering of the Admiralty.” Baltar replied. He then placed his hand on Remiel’s shoulder. “I think it would do us a lot of good, if you could speak to the body, and reassure them of our continuing friendship. It would even seem that some group, who’s name translates to Fan girls, from earth are riled up about this entire situation. Surely a man with your talents would be able to help persuade the thirteenth colony of our sincerity and friendship not only with yourself, but with them as well.” Baltar asked the Emperor of Chronosia.

Warstar Isis
Admiral Cain’s quarters.

The Ascendant came in, and spoke to the Admiral with a dire warning, and his hand out in friendship. He, who had come to help restore and save the Colonies, not only from themselves, but from outsiders seemed to need that very help returned. What could Admiral Cain say, what could she do. She could not refuse him.

She looked down, at her planning table. “Good sir.” she replied, “You are always welcome here at the colonies, and as such you may stay as long as you like. I accept your offer. But I would like to know the details on this enemy of yours, as well as what chance there is that they will follow you here.” she replied.

Admiral Cain turned around, looking at the pictures of the Chronosian warship. She knew it was probably a matter of time before the Empire came as well. She slowly turned to Darian. “I would like for you to begin, by going to Kobol, and setting up a research station. We need to begin to learn your technologies, so we can mass produce them for the safety and security of the United Colonies of Kobol. Also it will keep your technologies out of the hands of the people you so fear and hate.” Cain told Darian.

She then offered him her hand. “Welcome to the Colonial fleet, Commander.” she replied.

Battlestar Gorgan,

The Godulan approached the room. Two guards stood in his way. “Identification sir.” the guards asked the Avatar. The Avatar looked puzzled at him, as Mr. Chapman walked out side. “He is with me.” the attorney of the Empress replied.

“Very well sir.” the guards replied.

As they walked in, the Avatar could see clearly that the Empress had a somewhat cushy lifestyle in this prison. Mr. Chapman turned to the Avatar. ‘Sir.” he replied. “I have asked you here to explain in much plainer terms, from the initial report what your findings were on the attack on the Warstar Ares, as well as the Battle of Kobol. We kind of understand that Coredia could not be directly linked to it because of the evidence, but is there anything else you can explain. Are there any indications of who was behind the attacks, and if so is there anyway possible that it could be tied into the attack on Caprica?”

Battlestar Nymph,
In Orbit of Tauron

The Commander listened to the member of the GDI. "It would appear then the first portion of your mission Commander has been a success. As to the second portion, what are you offering?" she asked.

Having been escorted under guard thus far, the query for identification confused the Avatar somewhat, as nobody had seen fit to provide him with any. He was about to inform the guards of that particular beauraucratic mishap when Katrina's lawyer emerged from the cell and cleared him through. He gave a mental shrug and entered the cell, then physically raised his eyebrows in a conscious display of surprise at Katrina's 'Living Conditions'.

"It is good to see that you are... comfortable, Empress Katrina."

He then turned to listen to Mr. Chapman's request, and nodded slightly. He brought out his left hand and held it before him, palm up. A small holo-display materialized from his hand and presented Katrina and Chapman with a somewhat comprehensive listing of information relating to the various investigations the Godulans conducted.

"Ah, yes... let us first proceed with the attack on Kobol, shall we? We made an effort to find manufacturing codes from the various pieces of debris that were made available to us, and also worked to look at the metallurgical content of the hull material. The small-arms that we pulled from the debris were found to have been smuggled into Imperial territory before being lost to Coredian tracking, perhaps via sale to a Hutt, who really gives no thought to selling to the highest bidder. In regards to metallurgy, we found that the ships themselves were not constructed according to Coredian specifications, as we have something of an agreement with them to provide alloys of our own design, highly superior to Imperial construction. Instead, the vessels were constructed more in line with Imperial Engineering. Which essentially presented us with the conclusion that the vessels involved in the attack on Kobol were, in point of fact, the equivalent of rent-a-wrecks with stolen weapons. Logic of course raises a question as to why, if the Coredians did indeed seek to harm Kobol, they would go to so much effort to fail. We suspect that this all might still seem quite complicated, and if it is please inform us so we can attempt to clarify further."

"As for the attack on the Ares, we had access to a security feed during the incident, and the largest portion of our position in regards to that issue is based on one major consideration. That consideration is that there was a Coredian spy present in that very room, and that she was in fact trying to stop the saboteur, alongside the Balroggan Atrox and some nutcase with a rather intriguing weapon. As our analysts would phrase it, 'bitch was old-school'. We determined the presence of the Coredian spy by the fact that in one instance there was a rather large explosion, and the in response, the individual known as 'Shelly Able' used a Katon Jutsu to protect herself and the others around her."

"In an additional note, we were informed by Atrox afterwards that he sensed some form of 'presence' within the saboteur's mind, as though somebody else was guiding her actions from afar. We are aware that the Colonials are a 'realistic' bunch, and do not tend to put much credence into the concept of 'possession', but we have some knowledge about somebody who could perpetrate such an action. See, one might say a Coredian had done it with a mind-trick, but a mind-trick is a one time lapse of judgement or a simple instruction. This individual was responding to others in an effort to make sure her plan succeeded, which is in direct contravention to the fundamental aspects of a mind-trick. This was direct 'possession', and we know of only one person who was capable of such a thing: Palpatine. Now, Palpatine is, as our analysts would put it, 'one dead motherfucker', being that his 'hate and rage are now fueling a force storm over the world of asfaltum, what a fucking douchebag'. However, at the time of the Ares incident, Palpatine's star pupil was in this very system. With the aid of Atrox's own experience, we determined that a very noticeable sign of attempting to possess another would have been a significant pause or preoccupation. We asked Admiral Cain as to whether she saw Darth Vader exhibit such a display, but we did not recieve an answer. The question did seem to perturb her greatly.

"We also have further lines of inquiry regarding the incident that we would like to go over later, if possible, and might prove useful to your casemaking.

"In regards to the Caprica attacks... we have no information beyond content-of-character. For all intents and purposes it does indeed look like the Coredian ambassador smuggled a singularity bomb on-planet and detonated it when it looked like Imperial troops were about to storm the building. The largest complication in this instance being that the ambassador tried to use a weapon of mass destruction as a self-termination method... in a highly populated area.

"Miss Katrina, is it standard diplomatic protocol to smuggle singularity bombs onto friendly planets? Should we investigate the Coredian embassy on Terivine?"

"Miss Katrina, is it standard diplomatic protocol to smuggle singularity bombs onto friendly planets? Should we investigate the Coredian embassy on Terivine?"
Katrina smiled a bit at the Godulan's comments about the investigations, then grew serious once more. "No, it is certainly not standard diplomatic protocol to smuggles such things onto friendly planets. Our investigation suspects insider involvment because of the fact that the bomb was never authorized for release, but it certainly still has a long way to go before we can prove it. That said, do investigate the embassy on Terivine, just in case. I certainly don't want a repeat happening."

She listened about 'Shelly Able' and quickly figured out it was probably Reika Uchiha. Only an Uchiha, with their powers over fire, would be able to control explosions in that manner using their Katon techniques. "I...will admit that the Council has sent this 'Shelly Able' into Colonial space to report back on the state of the Colonies and other matters. I would like to commend her for saving the Ares."

I just hope nothing happened to her. At least it sounds like the other two are safe. She didn't add.

"We will of course need to be made aware of everything that this investigation has turned up, and we can offer An'Karsus and Zaphkiel's services as inquisitors if necessary. Your 'investigation' needs to be concluded with quantifiable results very quickly or it will be of no use to you in the trial and you will be, as our analysts put it, 'up shit creek without a paddle'."

Ilt'Kazzar's holo-display flipped to a view of Katrina and Admiral Cain exchanging 'unpleasantries' from the talks at Terivine, and he gave Katrina an amused look. "We would also seek to conduct a secondary inquiry relating to the fact that if the Coredians had intended any act of sabotage, they would not have waited until Admiral Cain was no longer on board."

William Chapman stood by and listened to the Godulan’s and the Empress speak back and forth. Aside from the occasional chuckle from him, as he heard the “expert” testimony of th e Godulan analyst, over all many things still did not seem to add up.

He picked up a pen and began to jot down notes about everything the Avatar spoke about. The nutcase, old school bitch, Shelly Able, the saving of the Ares, the argument between Cain and Katrina, all of it.

He then listened to the banter back and forth. Slowly he took off his glasses. “Mr.Ilt'Kazzar, this is quite fascinating. However such conspiracy theories will be seen as grasping for straws. I understand that it can not be proven conclusively that Coredia was involved in the Attack on Kobol, but the fact that a coredian, and a crazy bitch with a old school gun, would be enough to get an indictment... then he paused for a moment.

“Unless we can find someone new to blame.” Mr. Chapman responded. He hurried through the evidence in his briefcase, including pictures of the Embassy before the attack. Star Destroyers began to land outside the complex, and troopers began to enter the compound. A few minutes later it imploded.

“Miss Katrina, I know you do not wish to hang your husbands reputation to save your life. If you do not wish to plea bargain, then perhaps an alternative defense might be warrented.” he responded. “We can not attack Cain, she is popular. Too popular...” Mr. Chapman replied. “Nor can we begin to attack Remiel. Reports suggest, he is also quite popular amongst the colonies, thus attacking Remiel or Cain might further enrage the situation. Instead what about the Empire.” he suggested.

“They would gain by attacking Kobol then saving the day. Also for framing Coredia. Although we have no real proof, we can come up with a good circumstantial case to at least maybe one judge.” he told her. “Although it will be a real gamble. If it suceeds, a judge may still issue an extradition warrant, if the Empire ever files one, thus your defense might damn you down the road. Another may be, if Remiel takes the stand, he might shoot down this defense, being the warmaster of the Empire. It is risky ma’am, either way, but if you plea bargain, I can guarantee that you will not be extradited at all, as a part of the plea agreement.”

"Mister Chapman, the presence of the Coredian Spy is necessary to prove that the Coredians were trying to stop the sabotage. Though it is circumstantial, we might be able to get further evidence if we are given permission by Katrina to make our inquiry in regards to motive.

"The Coredians hate Admiral Cain, Mister Chapman. Not the colonials. If they were to send agents to conduct any form of covert action, it would have been a measure to terminate the Admiral. In order to prove this, we would need any files relating to organizing such a action, and whether such a plan was approved or rejected by the Coredian Council. By proving that the Coredian animus is focused on Cain, we can remove an element of basis behind direct Coredian participation in the Ares Sabotage. Perhaps 'Shelly Able' was sent only to observe. If such can be proven, would the charge not shift to simple espionage? Does THAT carry a death sentence?

"You might have noticed, Mister Chapman, that our investigations have had a not-quite-subtle bent to it. The materials for the ships at Kobol were made from Imperial shipyards. The small-arms on them were Coredian weapons sold to anti-imperial insurgents and lost in Imperial territory. Lord Atrox, an individual the Colonials hold in high trust, indicated the presence of some controlling entity in the saboteur's actions. We just need Cain's answer to whether Vader looked like his mind was 'elsewhere'. Circumstantial, yes, but we have the necessary evidence.

"Our only issue is that we do not have any information regarding the Caprica singularity bombing. We would seek to get as many files as we can from the Coredians themselves, particularly in regards to their 'investigation', but it is the only weak point that we have seen.

"Is there any possibility we might be able to influence the nature of any potential plea bargain with the evidence? We really would like Cain to answer our question..."

"We will of course need to be made aware of everything that this investigation has turned up, and we can offer An'Karsus and Zaphkiel's services as inquisitors if necessary. Your 'investigation' needs to be concluded with quantifiable results very quickly or it will be of no use to you in the trial and you will be, as our analysts put it, 'up shit creek without a paddle'."

Ilt'Kazzar's holo-display flipped to a view of Katrina and Admiral Cain exchanging 'unpleasantries' from the talks at Terivine, and he gave Katrina an amused look. "We would also seek to conduct a secondary inquiry relating to the fact that if the Coredians had intended any act of sabotage, they would not have waited until Admiral Cain was no longer on board."
"Perhaps we can be of assistance. There is always another choice, as the Jedi like to say." The lead lawyer spoke up, having watched the exchange between Cain and Katrina. "It appears to us that there is a great deal of deception going on, a deception that is clouding Colonial and Coredian alike. Perhaps if we can prove this deception, we can get off on a dismissal and use Cain's pardon to our advantage."

"That, and attacking the Galactic Empire would be beneficial to our cause, here." The second lawyer said.

Katrina nodded. "It's a long shot, all things considered, but that sounds like our best chance."

She turned to the Avatar. "Given a situation where Admiral Cain was a Coredian target, it is not our nature to kill an entire ship for just one woman, even an important one. We would go after her alone. Swiftly and quietly. This attempt is...clumsy and inefficient at best and would only anger the Colonials, which we are desperately trying to avoid at this point."

She stiffened as she heard the Godulan essentially asking for the Council's transcript on the assassination mission. "Are you certain you'll need it?"

=====

Meanwhile, as Katrina and the lawyers haggled, a Vector Industries shuttle appeared out of hyperspace at the Red Line, requesting clearance to enter Colonial space. It was filled with numerous members of the varying clubs that supported the Masaki Clan and Coredia in general, the largest and most popular fan club in the nation being the MCFC (Masaki Clan Fan Club). They didn't carry anything dangerous, just cricket bats, soccer balls, baseball bats, yo-yos, frying pans (for cooking! Honest!) and other toys, as well as gardening equipment. They were here to support Katrina and the Coredians along with the Masaki Ouendan, and boy, were they ready for anything!

The packed shuttle included many clubs: members of Daniel Masaki's Graduation Class of 85 ABY, the Padawan Power Pack Club (of which Travis is a prominent member), Katrina Masaki's Gardening Club (the reason for the gardening equipment), The Jedi Host Club (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostess_club#Host_clubs) (for those not in the know, these are clubs with staff that cater to the members of the opposite sex [not in that way, gutter minds!]. A host club are male staff and female hosts, for example.), the Dragon Club (lead by Ryujin) and of course the MCFC, made up of the craziest, most fanatic fans in the nation, on par with the Masaki Ouendan.

All these fans were prepared to join their Ouendan fellows on Caprica. Woe be to anyone who stomps them!

"Hard evidence is critical. If we have any papers relating to a plan to terminate Admiral Cain, whether accepted or declined, it would go a long way towards saying that the Coredians were not behind the sabotage of the Ares, since the Saboteur waited until Cain was not on board in order to conduct... 'her' plan. Damning though it might be towards an espionage charge, our primary concern is with the truth.

"Speaking of angering the Colonials, however, there might be a chance to make a case that the attack on Kobol and the Ares were sufficiently questionable that perhaps they were intended from the beginning to implicate the Coredians. We have pondered the notion that no sane government would undertake such petty actions unless they directly intended to provoke the Colonies into a war. With the Coredians beset on all sides as it is, it would be unreasonable to think that they would actually intend to win themselves another bitter foe."

(sorry for the one lines, but I got 3 hours sleep last night.)

As the Masaki Fan girl reinforcements came, and wisely choose to stop at the red line, a purple hugh appeared. Out of t-space, an Balroggan frigate appeared.

The black ship, small, but with energy signatures that exceeded most, soon replied.

Coredian Vessels. Under the Authority of Admiral Cain of the Thirteen Colonies of Kobol, The Ta'Nar demand you stop your vessels, and prepare to be boarded, for a full search of your vessels. As the message ended, the Ta'Nar vessel began to move in, closer to the Coredian ships.

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

William Chapman listened to the banter between the Avatar and the Empress. "Katrina." He said beaming with confidence, "The Avatar is correct. Although it would be damning for an espoinage charge, it would get you and Coredia off the hook for killing over three thousand Colonials." Mr. Chapman replied.

He then looked into her eyes, "Ma'am. If you are not willing to help us prove that you were set up by your husband, nor are willing to allow us to show the galaxy how, and forgive my language, "Fraked" up Coredia's government is, may I re-affirm the plea bargain. With what we have, the government would lose 2 of the three charges against you in open trial. It would be a very big blow for them. Perhaps I can work out a deal. Besides, even if you are found not guilty, extradition would be possible, if the empire ever decides to do that. That, Empress is something we both do not want. If you decide to go forth with a plea, I will try to keep you here, in the exact conditions you are in, and hopefully you will be paroled." Mr. Chapman expressed.

"Yes," Ilt'Kazzar replied, nodding agreement with Chapman. "Extradition is out of the question. We would dare to say that even if Miss Katrina must remain here for the rest of her natural life, so long as she is not delivered into the grubbing hands of the Imperials, it would be a victory. If we can negotiate a deal such that Katrina does NOT spend the rest of her mortal span within the confines of a cell, while still preserving the non-extradition consideration, so much the better. To deliver Miss Katrina to the Imperials would be a fate... worse than death. They would work very hard to ensure exactly that."

(sorry for the one lines, but I got 3 hours sleep last night.)

As the Masaki Fan girl reinforcements came, and wisely choose to stop at the red line, a purple hugh appeared. Out of t-space, an Balroggan frigate appeared.

The black ship, small, but with energy signatures that exceeded most, soon replied.

Coredian Vessels. Under the Authority of Admiral Cain of the Thirteen Colonies of Kobol, The Ta'Nar demand you stop your vessels, and prepare to be boarded, for a full search of your vessels.

As the message ended, the Ta'Nar vessel began to move in, closer to the Coredian ships.
There was many mutterings about the 'traitors' aboard the ship. Balrogga, like Godular, has had many Coredians blogging about them. A lot of the blogs were rather...colorful. Then a stern-looking young man spoke up. "Let them search us. We have nothing that are threatening aboard this ship."

The mutterings ended quickly. It appears clear that this guy has become the impromptu leader of the whole mess of clubs and Masaki fans.

"Kyouya-sempai is right." "Yeah." "No problem."

"We shall allow you to board and search us."

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

William Chapman listened to the banter between the Avatar and the Empress. "Katrina." He said beaming with confidence, "The Avatar is correct. Although it would be damning for an espoinage charge, it would get you and Coredia off the hook for killing over three thousand Colonials." Mr. Chapman replied.

He then looked into her eyes, "Ma'am. If you are not willing to help us prove that you were set up by your husband, nor are willing to allow us to show the galaxy how, and forgive my language, "Fraked" up Coredia's government is, may I re-affirm the plea bargain. With what we have, the government would lose 2 of the three charges against you in open trial. It would be a very big blow for them. Perhaps I can work out a deal. Besides, even if you are found not guilty, extradition would be possible, if the empire ever decides to do that. That, Empress is something we both do not want. If you decide to go forth with a plea, I will try to keep you here, in the exact conditions you are in, and hopefully you will be paroled." Mr. Chapman expressed.
Battlestar Gorgon

Katrina sighed. Her own lawyer mind was churning, and she could see that a plea deal was the best choice under the circumstances. "Inform the Council...that...they are to reveal the transcripts of the (insert date) meetings, but keep the names secure. I...will take the plea deal."

=====

Leonis

Lt. Nathanel "Jarhead" Wilkins aka Travis Masaki, now stationed at Leonis, sighed a bit heavily. He was concerned about his mother, wondering if she was all right, especially with that latest attack. He didn't really want to be an orphan. He's seen too many of them already, either Colonial or Coredian. It was only his duty that kept him going. Duty to the Colonial Navy. Duty to the Jedi Order. Duty to his family.

At least his Mark IX Viper was a fine steed. Even finer than the StealthX, much as he hated to admit it due to Coredian pride. The new Griffin and Phoenix class ships were also interesting, being that one was a Raptor upgrade and the other was a troop transport. Still, the Viper was his baby and his baby it will stay.

He just wondered when his mission would end...

=====

Warstar Ares

Warrent Officer Kenneth Zeiss aka Kensuke Pellaeon has been playing Quartermaster for hours by now, ensuring that no one loots his station, as well as making sure that repairs for the ship were on schedule. It was a very good experience for him indeed, as he has long ago vowed to carry on his grandfather's naval tradition. Stationed as a Quartermaster, he had a good appreciation for what goes on inside a naval ship and that experience would be valuable to his career goals.

====

En Route to Konoha

Sergeant Shelly Able aka Reika Uchiha still wondered how she was able to escape certain death at being exposed before Admiral Cain. She played the scene over and over in her head as her Raptor sped on its way to Konoha. One thing stuck in her head.

"You remind me of myself." Cain had said.

Reika shook her head and smiled a bit. "Never thought of it that way."

But right now her mission was thus: she would have to evade her own people long enough to get on the ground. She did hope that she could get in contact with the ACLU, but if not, she would have to do this on her own (not that she was alone. She had a bunch of Colonial marines with her). Nevertheless, it did align with Coredia's own interests, so it was a mission she decided was OK.

"The Quoram." He chuckled lightly, shrugging out of Baltar's touch. "Of course I would be delighted to speak with them, to inform them of our intentions. We have done nothing but good for your people; informing them of the Coredian subversions, redeeming the dear Admiral Hallen.

Good men have died for these Twelve rocks that you hold so dear, these twelve worlds blessed with the footfalls of our lost brothers, our wayward siblings. There is so much we can teach you, so much we can learn from each other. That is why we need our relationship to continue, why I need you to help me Gaius.

Ours is a legacy that will change the Colonies, the Galaxy, the Universe. Ours is a friendship that transcends the arcs of Fate. Surely you must question why you were brought to me? Why we have thrived together? How you left a traitor and returned as a politician, an architect of Mankind's salvation, a friend of the beneficient Chronosians?"

He nodded. "That is very true, my first objective has been accomplished by my arrival here. Now, as for the second part, we know its very late. But we want to begin a relief effort for the Colonies as well, doing what we can to rebuild your nation, and restore the shattered lives of your citizens as best as possible. Building material, manpower, food, water, medical supplies, even hunting down pirates and these 'Cylons' who have done so much harm to you. I have been authorized to give you all that I can within that arena, unless it leads to war with a recognized nation. We will need to debate that and issue a declaration if that is needed. Aside from that, we are ready and willing to help. We suffered our own trouble and defeat in the past, we know what its like to rebuild on your own. We wish to keep you from that same fate."

*********
OOC: It's better to answer here for the Ascendants

IC: Darian smiled at the Admiral as she accepted. He felt more relief than he had since he had come to the Colonies. It had been a rough and devastating series of events ever since he came to help the Colonies. But he would never have refused them the help, even if he had known. The Colonies deserved to get the help they were getting. At her question, he frowned. "I am afraid I do not know much. From what I gather, they weren't human, and may not even have been organic. They came in such great numbers they make the Chronosian armies look like sprinkles on an ice cream. Our technology was superior, but it hardly mattered. We were forced from every stronghold, defense, and base with calculated ferocity. It was almost...mechanical how they hunted all of my people down. We destroyed the entire invasion force when we destroyed our home dimension, as by the time we activated the bomb, the enemy forces were everywhere in the dimension." He smiled grimly.

"We ensured that none left. That had to set back our enemy a lot As for coming after us, that will not happen like how they found us. They apparently tracked us through the phase drives we used, they could enter our dimension too apparently. With the dimension unstable and a place that destroys all that enters, and our drives unusable, we will not be tracked. They will have to find us the old-fashioned way, and there are other, larger empires, for them to attack and kill." Darian nodded at her mention of a research facility.

"That sounds like a good idea. All the technology at our disposal is now in your hands as well. We will do our best to see you use it well and responsibly. I....sense that the Colonies will need everything they can get in the near future." She extended her hand and he reached forward and took it.

"Thank you, Admiral. I will do my best to not disappoint you."

Katrina Save Yourself (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wK7S6RH1gk)

Mr. Chapman slowly reached for his papers. As he did, he did not look at the Empress in the eye. He did not like to lose, and he was very disappointed in the Empress. She did not seem to care about her life. Was she trying to become a martyr, or was she just masochistic? He could not help but to wonder, as he closed his briefcase.

“Empress.” the man said, as he stood up. “I will talk to the prosecution on your behalf. I do hope that you are making the right decision.” Mr. Chapman has told her. He never expected her to really take the plea bargain. From her file, he thought of her as a fighter, someone who would have gone to all extent to exonerate not only herself, but Coredia. He turned, and knocked on the cell door. A guard walked over, and opened it for him. “I will see you in court next week, Katrina. And do wear something besides the BDU of the Colonial Fleet, that might cause resentment amongst the judges.” he told her offering her one last word of advice.

Two Days Later:
Caprica City, Caprica.

William Chapman, walked into Rose’s Café, a small yet upperclass café in Caprica City. The room was full of natural light, as Greek style pillars adorned the room. Each table, was circular, as a white table cloth was draped over it. Fine China, with silverware, laid on each table. On each plate, a small decorative napkin sat, folded in an origami style fashion to look like a swan.

William walked over to a podium, where the hostess sat waiting. She was dressed to kill, in a red dress, her long brown hair, and emerald green eyes. As he walked over, she looked up at him, trying to hide the romance novel she was reading behind the small hidden wall.

“How may I help you.” the woman with a thick Caprican accent asked.

“Mr. Chapman, reservations for two.” he said.

The woman looked down and took out a magic marker, and crossed his name off. “Yes sir.” she said to him, “Your party is waiting for you.”

William smiled at her, “That is good, I hate waiting.” The woman ignored his statement, as she grabbed his menu, and lead him to the table. As he approached, an older man who was sitting at the table stood up.

“Will.” the man said with a smile, as he held out his hand. “A pleasure to see you.” the old Lawyer replied to him.

William took off his sunglasses, and shook his hand. “Daniel” William responded, “How have you been?” he asked the DA.

“I have been well, although quite busy with this case, as I imagine that you have been.” the District Attorney told the defense lawyer.

“Not at busy as you might imagine, Dan.” William replied. Daniel Smith’s face looked a little puzzled at the moment, as a waitress walked over.

“Good Morning.” she said. “Have you had a chance to look over the drink menu?” she asked him. Daniel turned his gaze to the waitress, “I would like a bloody mary.” he said. The waitress quickly wrote down the order. “And for you sir?” she asked William. “I would like a mimosa.”

She wrote down that drink and smiled, “I will be right back.” she said. She quickly walked off, to the bar to make the drinks.

William reached to the table, and put the napkin in his lap. “How is Sue, and the kids?” William asked.

“They are fine, Bobby is just finishing undergrad, and is going to go to Picon Law.” Dan replied.

“Really, that is great news.” William said to him. “Yeah it is, but it is going to cost and arm and a leg, The government does not pay us as much as you get for your council.” Dan said to William.

William laughed, “You could always come on our side of the isle.” he said jokingly.

“And go to the darkside never.” Dan said with a smile.

As he spoke, the waitress came back. “Have you had a chance to look and see what you would like to eat. We have on special a wonderful roast duck in almond sauce, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, with a side of red skinned potatoes. We also have a lobster bisque, with a shot of brandy, for an extra kick.

Daniel, an over weight older gentle man smiled, “The duck sounds fantastic.” he replied.

The waitress turned to William, “I would like your crab cake and lobster platter, with a side of garlic butter, please.” he said to her. The woman smiled at the pair, “And what would you like on your salads. “ Both said Caesar. She nodded, and turned away.

Daniel picked up his glass, and held it in a toast, “Here is to the trial of the century. Will, you do know after this, we will be famous.” he said with a smile.

William held up his glass and toasted. He slowly took a drink from his orange juice and champagne mix. “Well Dan.” William Chapman replied. “I have met with my client, and she has decided she wants to plea bargain.” he told the District Attorney.

Daniel began to laugh, “Will, you are such a funny man. You know that any such deal is impossible.” he said as Daniel took his napkin from his laugh and wiped the sides of his mouth.
William smiled at a moment, “Not as impossible as you would think.” William replied. As he reached for his briefcase. He pulled out several blue folded papers. “This is my motion to dismiss the charges of the attack on Kobol, and the Ares terrorism charged.”

Daniel looked down, and nearly choked on his bloody mary. “On what grounds.” Daniel asked William. William smiled, “New Evidence has emerged, that exonerated my client. The Avatars have discovered that the ships used on the Kobol attack were in fact not Coredian.” He told Daniel, “But instead some sort of black market ships, modified to appear to be Coredian by an unknown third party.” William responded.

“That does not exonerate the Empress.” Daniel replied. “No, but it does cause reasonable doubt. Without a chain to follow, thanks to the network of black market investment within the Empire, and Coredia, we can never truly know the origins or who is responsible for the attack. For all we know it could have been the cylons.” William told Daniel.

Daniel leaned back in his chair, “And as for the Ares attack, all we know is someone who had a long history in the Colonial Fleet, turned Coredian sympathizer, and sabotaged his own vessel, after releasing an highly dangerous prisoner on board his vessel. There is no evidence linking the Empress or Coredia into such an endeavor.” William responded.

Daniel leaned forward, “The coredian have a well established ability to use some mind trick to force a person to do something against their will.” Daniel said to William.

“Established how? Can we test it? Is there some method of evidence that we can show? The man is dead, and we do not have his testimony. And with Lord Atrox, off somewhere, and the other two in the colonial fleet, thus untouchable by the civilian judicial system, how can we call up evidence and cross examine the situation. All you have is a security feed of a shoot out between four enlisted men, and Atrox against the master at arms. After the civil war, it would not be hard to argue that he was sympathetic to the rebel’s cause.” William responded.

Daniel laughed, “We have a security feed from inside the Jedi Council, ordering the assassination of the Admiral of the Colonial Fleet. It clearly shows her intent to use a spy to mind control a person of importance, and have them sabatoge the ship, to kill the Admiral.” Daniel replied.

William was good, too good. Normally he would have been a lawyer that charged hundreds of thousands of cubits for a case, but since he was forced into this as a public defender, the Empress got one hell of a deal.

William reached into his briefcase and handed him another blue folder. “My motion to surpress the tape. There is no chain of custody, only that the empire somehow got the footage, a nation known to be at war with the Coredians. The implication would be that the Empire faked the footage, or even if they did not, without a clear chain of custody, we can not verify the accuracy of any such tape.” William responded.

Daniel’s face began to become red. “You know damn well she did what she did. Your own family was killed by the Coredians. How can you even begin to defend her.” Daniel asked getting clearly angry.

William sighed, “I know full well Dan.” he said, “But I am a lawyer and I was assigned to find her not guilty.” William responded, as their dinners arrived on the table.

“Look, we all know she is guilty, it is true.” William responded. “Hince why I talked her into a plea bargain. In exchange for a guilty verdict, to help stave off the cost of a prolonged trial, and to help keep Caprica from going into a riot, assuming she is found not guilty, all we ask for is twenty years in jail.” William told the District Attorney.

“There is no way in the lords green earth, that I would ever accept a deal where she sits in prision for twenty years.” Daniel responded.

William sighed, “It is our offer, she offers a guilty verdict, you win the case, the city can go back to business, and she serves her punishment.

“And the deaths of how many millions that the Caprica bombing did, or do you plan on blaming someone else for that.” Daniel responded, “Even though she admitted it on the holo-net.

William smiled, “Twenty years, take it or leave it.” He said to the DA.

The DA looked up and saw the protest lines. The men and women up in arms. “Life in prison, without the possibility of Parol, one life sentence for each person that singularity bomb killed.” Daniel said.

William looked down, “Fine, but if we accept this, then there is no way she can be extradited. No nation should take justice away from Caprica.” William replied.

Daniel, leaned forward. “Do you know how dangerous that is. You want us to begin to meddle in foreign policy.” he said.

William smiled, “No it is not foreign policy it is justice. Have you read our contract and treaty with the empire. Admiral Cain, is quite an intelligent woman. Let me re-direct you to her own treaty.

Extradition is allowed, only with permission of a judge from the host nation, after reviewing the evidence, and in accordance to the laws of the nation the suspect is hiding in. The decision to extradite a suspect is solely up to the discretions, based on the laws of the host nation of the judge in the host nation where the suspect his hiding. Political crimes, racial crimes, or misdemeanors are not subject to extradition. Only crimes that have been committed by force or fraud are acceptable to be accepted for extradition, after careful review by the host nation.

“This is clearly a judicial matter, and if you agree, not only to save the cost of the trial, but to insure true justice to Caprica, then the judges will be forced to accept this as well. It is clearly stated within the treaties.” William responded.

Daniel leaned back and thought about it. “You have yourself a deal, but she will not have the possibility of parole, and will remain in solitary confinement for the rest of her natural life.” he said trying to be vindictive, knowing that solitaire can drive people insane over long periods of time.

William smiled, “I would not have it any other way.”

As the waitress came by, William picked up the bill. “My treat he told Daniel, as he laid down a couple hundred cubits on the table. “See you next week in court.”

TBC.

Soon, Katrina was allowed to take a shower. She was surprised, though that, she still had access to the Force in said shower. So in the midst of lathering soap all over her, she reached out for her husband. Daniel?

Katrina?! You have access to the Force?

For a limited time. I've made a plea deal. Guilty in exchange for two of the charges dropped.

That isn't like you, Katrina. Whatever happened to the fighter I knew? That Haylee chose as her partner? I asked.

I know, I know...this isn't my best moment. But the other choice was to either demonize you for the sake of my own life, or to vilify Coredia itself.

I sighed, caressing her with the Force. Did you really think that our love is so weak that it cannot handle you demonizing me? Though it would hurt, I would know you still loved me. As for Coredia...the government needs a shake-up anyway. I really should get around to dealing with the corruption in the Senate. Besides, I know you too well not to let this trial go without a fight. Fight, Katrina. Fight the way I know you would fight. For Coredia's sake. For our sake...

Katrina teared up for a moment, then I could sense the liquid steel of her fighting self pour over her spine. You're right...you're right...For our sake, I will fight. Goodbye, my love. I will return. Take care of my plants, will ya?

I know you will...and I will. Cherry blossoms surrounded the mindscape as we embraced through the Force, then we cut each other off.

Katrina then squealed in shock as the shower began to turn cold. "Aayieee! Too cold! Too cold!"

She soon left the shower and headed back to a cell fit for an Empress to prepare her fight. In a week's time, the Colonials will learn the true nature of the Master of Vines, the Queen of Ivy, the Empress of the Coredians!

OOC: Ok, the actual trial is about to begin soon. Chronosia will be the cheif Prosecuter, Godular will be the lead Defense Council on behalf of Katrina. If anyone wants to play or send witnesses, or have some role in the trial please MSN me. IC post will begin tomorrow setting up the actual trial. I am even willing to allow some of the invite list to be judges, although they will be Capricans, and this trial is under Caprican not Colonial law. I reserve the right to deny anyone a position, for any reason.

2 judges spots are open.

Chronosia: Chief D.A
Godular: Lead Defense Council
Coreworlds: Katrina Masaki Defendant
Judge: New Dornalia
Judge: Orthodox Gnosticism
Judge: The Humankind Abh
Judge: Telros
Judge: Huntaer

Witness List for the Prosecution:

Kar August: Unified Sith (Character Witness)
Darth Vader via Holographic Transmission: Unified Sith
Admiral Piett: Unified Sith
Remiel De Drakan: Chronosia
Admiral Helena Cain: Orthodox Gnosticism
Lord Atrox/Ba'el: Balrogga

Defense Council's Witness List:

Daniel Masaki: Coreworlds
Master Blayden: Coreworlds
Katrina Masaki: Coreworlds
King Sarinon: Coreworlds
Godular Avatar: Material Witness: Godular
Carla Baileygates: New Dornalia (Character Witness)

OOC:

If you need him, Atrox would be somehow available to testify.

The air was warm, as a slight breeze blew down the crowded streets of Caprica City. The moon shone bright, in it’s full white glory, as if Diana herself was smiling down on the planet below. The streets were crowded, as thousands of people looked to the heavens, waiting for justice, waiting for vengeance. They waited for one person, Empress Katrina Masaki.

The surrounding blocks around the court house were sealed. Marines, dressed in black, stood by vigilantly, as tanks and mounted machine gun turrets lined the streets. As the crowds chanted, “Death to the Masaki, and remember Caprica.” the only noise that could be heard above them was the noise of hundreds of Vipers. The Vipers, and the marines, stood not only as security, but also as a solemn reminder. Admiral Helena Cain was in charge, and she would not tolerate any infractions.

The stars shone brightly over Caprica City, the darkness of the sky littered with the tiny pin points of light, not only stars, but the over one hundred Battlestars, Defender class and Gunstars. It seemed almost peaceful as all ships were grounded in the city, the sky was pure and clean, except for the Squadrons overhead.

Then fire came out of the sky, large bright balls of flame as several ships began to descend rapidly. The crowd looked to the sky and cheered, “Here she comes.” they yelled in excitement, as they anxiously awaited her execution. The sooner the trial was over the sooner she could be airlocked. The crowd wasted no time, grabbing their signs, and chanting again. “Death to the Masaki’s.”

On board the Raptor, as the flames died, Empress Katrina could clearly see the beautiful city that was Caprica City. It was small compared to other cities across the galaxy but it was still beautiful. Towers rose to the heavens, as the city itself was covered in green parks. The only destitute area that was left after the reconstruction was the large hole in the ground where the coredian Embassy once stood. Brown dirt filled the whole, as a true reminder of what happens to those who trust the Coredians. “You will be betrayed.”

Confidently the marines began to strap themselves and Katrina into her seat. She watched out the window, as the ground seemed to be rushing towards them. The marines said nothing, but she could tell there was fear, as the thrusters finally fired off at about 100 meters above the ground. The ship shook, and the G-forces send a large volume of blood to their heads, nearly causing a red out. Their bodies seemed to weight about seven times more than normal, until the ship had safely touched down. Quickly the twenty marines unbuckled her, as they exited the Raptor. Surrounding the Empress they ran for the safety of the court house. Only inside, would there be the illusion of safety.

Once inside, she was rushed, along with her counsel, to the Court room. It looked very similar to the supreme court, as there was a long table, up high with five older people. To her right, she could clearly see the prosecution, one of the best lawyers on Caprica, smiling at her, almost carnally. Katrina could also see, several force inhibitors, on indefinite loan from the grace of the Ta’Nar. Everything it would seem was set, as she sat down in her chair.

The middle judge in the panal, His Honorable Eric Steffon looked at her, as he put on his glasses. “May the Defense rise.” he said.

Slowly the lead council, Mr. William Chapman and Katrina Masaki all rose. “How do you wish to plead?”

“Your honors.” Mr. Chapman spoke up, “As per the plea bargain arrangement we had with the D.A. we wish to plead guilty.” He spoke in a clear and confident voice.

Oh hell no was she going to surrender! After a week of contemplating the short talk with Daniel, Katrina had a clear goal in mind. Fight. Win or lose, she will fight for her country. Although this went against everything her lawyer instincts were supposed to grant her and she realized full well that her life may be forfeit and her son may be orphaned, she'd be damned if she would not go down swinging!

She stood up, slamming her palm down on the table. "Belay that! I am switching my plea to Not Guilty! No way am I going down without a fight!"

The room suddenly gasped...

The audience began to talk, loudly as the face of William Chapman grew red. Did she have any frakking clue what he went through to get her this deal. Did she have any idea how sweet of an offer she had. Life in prison, without the possibility of Parole or extradition. And now she is throwing all of it away.

Mr. Chapman could not contain himself as he spoke outloud... “εσείς λίγη πόρνη” as his hands clinched into a fist in frustration.

BANG BANG BANG. The sound ot the judges stone hitting the desk rang out across the room. “Order” he yelled.

He then turned to the Empress. “Are you sure about this Katrina Masaki.” the Judge asked one last time.

"Never been more sure in my life, Your Honor." Katrina smiled.

William could do nothing but stare in disbelief. “Your honor, can we have a quick recess so I can speak to my client.”

The Judge looked at him. “Motion to recess is denied, Mr. Chapman. The court does not look kindly upon these kind of antics.”

Mr Chapman looked down, “Very well your honor, we wish to change our plea to not guilty.” he said visibly shaking with anger.

“The Prosecution may begin their opening statements.” the Central Judge ordered.

Remiel's fingers closed lightly around the slim stem of his glass, swirling the red liquid before raising it delicately to his lips, sighing softly as he tasted it. His ponderous form reclined in a chair, gazing at the individuals who sat before him; this Quoram of Twelve, now Thirteen. Rendered so by a most transparent deception. As though one could believe that the Dornalian's represented all that Old Terra had to offer, as if the Chronosians and Coredians did not once hail from that gleaming sphere. Still, let them have their moments of presumed glory, let them try and work against the system from within.

There was something in the futility of fools that he found most captivating.

"I must say that your Geminon is quite the gem. There is nothing more delightful and important in a culture than religious observation, I feel." He bowed his head to the Geminese representative, his hair fluttering about his face, hood thrown back. He dusted a hand across the arm of his robes. "I thought it best that we gather, speak as friends and allies. The Imperium has always striven to aid the Colonies, to affirm our bonds and to protect you from the ravages of the Galaxy.

Beyond the confines of these Colonies, there are wars as you have never known; conflicts which split the heavens and the firmament. Just as the flood once purified your people, so too does madness abound about the stars, testing us that we might be made stronger. For countless years, we have rode the ruddy waves of conflict to emerge triumphant, the best of humanity as we aspire to." He smiled, almost friendly in his musings. He had refilled his glass, raising it to those smirking lips once more.

"We helped you rebuild, to rise up in the aftermath of civil war and Cylon betrayal; we rescued a great war hero from an uncaring bureaucracy, a hero who almost slew my own brother in nuclear deluge, I might remind you. And now, now I come to court your most revered selves because, well, because you are the voice of the people. I can preach to them of our great deeds and true intent, of how I've come to dote upon you all But to truly know the people, I must know who the people have chosen to represent them, I must..." He paused, raising a quizzical brow at a nearby television screen which seemed to have enraptured all about it.

A throaty chuckle issued forth as he listened to Katrina Masaki's resoundant declaration, collapsing into a sibillant giggle as he heard the Defence Lawyer curse at her in the old tongue. He downed his drink in a single motion, leaning forward, to eye each one of them.

"So say we all." The words slid forth easily enough, a shining endorsement of Chapman's sentiment.

The Trial

The woman rose, shaking out her long blonde hair and raising a hand to her mouth, coughing lightly. She let her hands clasp before her, turning her pale green eyes to face the gathered crowd, her nose wrinkling with distaste as she beheld Katrina Masaki.

Shannon Straford had felt almost compelled to take this case, striving to represent the best interests of her home colony and to stand firm against these foreign despoilers. She had heard the words drifting out of Geminon, feeling almost personally moved by the plight of this Pilgrim-Emperor, who would speak for days simply for the sake of the people, for the simple message that he preached; honor the gods, honor humanity.

"We are a naive people." She fixed those about her with a steely gaze, letting her voice raise to fill the entire room. She let her hands unclasp, before folding them behind her back. "As worldly as we may think we are, we know so precious little of the worlds beyond our own. Even welcoming one of them as a lost brother seems an empty gesture when we cannot comprehend the galaxy, galaxies even, that surround us.

We might consider the Cylon threat to be a personal matter, a private affair, a sin even. Certainly they consider it as almost a vendetta between parent and child; but what do we have to do with the conflicts beyond our own world? We find conflicts that span not only between man and machine, but between humanity itself; just as we warred among ourselves. Before we created machines to fight for us. Before our machines fought us and emboldened us to unity.

There is no unity in the void.

There is no common tie. There is only war. There is only suffering. There are vendettas that span generations, that define entire cultures, just as ours has been defined by our own private sin. This is how we find the Masaki's.

Some could call it a religious debate. Some would categorize it as a war of politics, or a bitter ingrained blood feud. It is all of these things, and more. Can their squabbles with the Sith be called religious debate? Can their denouncement of the Empire be recognised as political struggle? Can we even define the Coredian rebels under Daniel Masaki as a political state? Surely at best they represent a government in exile, at worst a terrorist thorn in the side of countless.

The Masaki's have a way of manipulating those around them, of turning those they encounter against forces they deem as strange, unnatural, that they might demonize as evil. Can we call the Balroggans or the Chronosians evil? Have they harboured us any true ill will?

Can we trust the words of the Dornalians, our lost brothers, in their endorsements of the Masakis? Are they not bound by alliances? Can we trust the Godulans, who ejected the Coredians from one of their worlds?

The truth is, this trial is not about who is right or wrong, this is not about the troubles of the galaxy as they occur today and the players involved therein. No.

This is about Caprica.

About a culture so indentured with fear, hate and paranoia that they would hide weapons of unthinkable devestation among those they would call allies. Who did they truly hurt? Did they cut down the Empire in one fell swoop as it sought to bring order to the Colonies?

You must look at this woman here, and ask how the leader of a nation could endorse such a thing? A leader who only took office for the sake of her husbands reputation, to apologise for his sins and his failings. We are here because of the society that the Masaki mindset engenders, because of that terrible day when so many were taken from us. We might regard the nuclear fire of the Cylons as the true horror of those days.

But what of that shadow in the flames? What of that terrible nullifying void. We are a naive people, my friends. We are a people only beginning to find our feet in the galaxy. Let us not ask for forgiveness, let us not fear as we stride forth. Let us simply say this. Remember Caprica. Remember those faces lost to us forever. Remember these things, and judge this woman accordingly for her failings. For her sins, the sins of her family, and the sins that they sow as a nation."

She nodded slightly. Her face cold, her eyes flickering with what could have been the beginnings of tears, before she turned and sat.

Katrina had asked him to remain as a legal assistant to Chapman, to provide insight on various bits of submitted evidence and also necessary lines of inquiry throughout the trial. The request had initially struck Ilt'Kazzar as odd, since the Godulans had been under the impression that the Empress Masaki would accept the plea bargain. The reasoning for it had now fallen properly into place. He did not show his surprise when Katrina backed down from accepting the plea bargain, instead deciding to fight it out, potentially to her own detriment. He listened intently to the opening statement of the prosecutor, filing away every word and nuance for analysis and future reference.

As Shannon completed her remarkably potent opening statement, Ilt'Kazzar looked over to Chapman and immediately recognized the onset of a nervous breakdown. The Avatar really couldn't blame the unfortunate defense attourney for succumbing, but right now Katrina's best interests called for a reasoned voice, not one on the verge of breaking into greek curses the moment his mouth opens to speak. Such simply would not do. No sir.

Ilt'Kazzar's eyes went dull for a moment, as he withdrew into himself to confer amongst the Legion about what to do.

I daresay that Katrina's defense attourney is 'broken'.

Do not worry. Your participation cannot be incorporated as a counsel. You are a primary material witness. We shall send assistance.

Ilt'Kazzar's eyes came back into lucidity, and his crystalline body shifted ever so slightly into a new form. The subtlety of the change kept it from being readily noticed by many, and those who did sense the change could only wonder why his hair had become a slightly brighter hue and that his nose seemed slightly more angular than before.

He stood up to address the tribunal before him. "Your honors, we apologize for the difficulties introduced thus far, but we would like to make a request. If it would please the court, we would like to make the opening statement. Our esteemed colleague has been hit hard by this turn of events, barring a recess to recover himself, we would seek to speak on his and Katrina's behalf."

Murmurs throughout the courtroom. Judges conferring with themselves in frustrated tones. Distant reverberations of Dornalian fangirls screaming 'ANDROPHAGE!' A cameraman hiccupping. Chapman whispering greek curses to himself (though taking on a slightly more relieved tone in his utterances).

Their discussion finished, and the judge with the large rock leaned forward slightly to speak. "Mister..."

"Sealtiel, your honor."

"Are you aware of Caprican legal law to sufficiently defend your... 'client'?"

"We have a basic grasp, your Honor. We have made an effort to study Colonial legal precepts prior to the onset of this inquiry."

"Does Mr. Chapman concur with this motion?"

The lead defense counsel raised his hand dismissively and hissed out "Be my guest."

"Very well, Mr. Sealtiel. You have the floor. Pray that no more complications arise."

"If such complications arise, it will not be of our doing, your honor. Thank you, your Honors."

He walked to the center of the room and looked around a moment, sweeping his gaze across the audience, meeting each person's attention with his own inquisitive gaze. His hands were clasped together with fingers twining between each other and his index fingers held to his chin, presenting a thoughtful caricature as he began to pace a circle around the room, giving equal attention to the audience and the tribunal as he began to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, there is no denying that great tragedy has befallen the colonies. Great pain and misery have come to your people that will not be healed for many years to come and will never be forgotten.

"We feel your pain. Some years ago we lost a world of our own to one we thought to be above reproach, for a petty and misguided reason. As the enemy came to our doorstep, the Chronosians gave us assistance despite a history of war and hate. The Balroggans came to our aid, as our brothers in arms. And the Coredians came. They did not hide in a hole. They did not stab us in the back. They came to our aid heedless of the consequences. Chronosian, Balroggan, Godulan, and Coredian corpses litter the system to this day, and though it was insufficient to stop the tide, we have rebuilt, and we will not forget that service that was rendered unto us.

"Does this strike as the actions of terrorists and cowards? That they should come and fight beside the Chronosians, with whom they have had a mutual animus for as long as the Godulans have known either entity? That they should choose to ignore their squabbles to defend a friend from an oncoming scourge the likes of which neither had ever before seen? That they should fight tooth and nail beside their enemy, and suffer tremendous casualties beside their enemy, all in the aid of another?

"We would seek to present unto you the caricature of an honorable people beset by an enemy far greater in number and resources than they, doing what they can in the face of long odds and the looming threat of weapons such as the Death Star and the Galaxy Gun. A battle station that can vaporize an entire planet over the course of a few agonizing moments with a single concentrated blast of raw energy. A cannon that can send torpedos through hyperspace to flense entire worlds of any and all life from afar. Do these sound like the tools of an innocent?

"We have seen the things that the Imperials have done, to the Coredians and to others. Entire worlds removed from existence for no other reason than showing the slightest hints of defiance. Legions of good fighting men and women with their souls torn free and replaced by those of power-hungry madmen, all to serve the will of Emperor Palpatine. A star thrown under a cloak of darkness to prevent its rejuvenating light from reaching a habited world, in an attempt to send that world into a slow and lingering death.

"It is a great and wondrous universe out there, with many awe-inspiring things to behold. It is also ugly and full of dangers and trepidation. To go into all these things at such length would be folly, and as such we agree with our esteemed colleague that the politics of the rest of this galaxy are beyond the scope of this trial. In any scientific inquiry, one must eliminate external variables such that one can truly isolate that which one seeks to understand. In any scientific inquiry, one must remove the static and disruption in order to fully percieve the truth.

"That is what we would seek to do here. We Godulans are a people of science and reason, and our only wish is to understand the truth of what happened. We did not seek to elucidate the many things that have befallen the Coredians in order to inspire some semblance of pity. What little you had to give very likely evaporated in the wake of Cylon nuclear armageddon. We simply felt it necessary to introduce some measure of background information that one can employ in order to predict behavior. It is necessary to establish a baseline, after all. A control sampling, if you will, for a proper correlation of the data to be achieved.

"In light of this correlation, we see a people more likely to be victimized by terrorist attacks than to perpetrate them. An unprovoked attack on Kobol by Coredian forces is unprecedented. A terrorist sabotage on a non-hostile warship is unprecedented. News of the Caprica bombing came as much of a shock to the Masakis as it did to us. Contrary to apparent experience, an Ambassador incorporating a tactical singularity bomb into his personal belongings is in direct contravention of Coredian diplomatic protocol, and to deploy such a destructive weapon grievously violates one of the most fundamental precepts of international politics. That a Coredian ambassador should do exactly these things... is unprecedented.

"In the wake of this, we would seek to put forward a hypothesis. Yes, the Capricans and the Colonies have been harmed greatly. Such is undeniable. But culpability for these events does not fit when laid on the shoulders of Katrina Masaki and the Coredians as a whole. Perchance the Colonials have been misled. By who we cannot say. It is not our purpose. Ours is to show that the Empress Masaki and the Coredian Government are innocent of wrong doing.

"Let the evidence decide whether the Coredians truly warrant punishment for the tragedies that befell the Capricans and the Colonies as a whole. Let the evidence decide whether they are innocent or guilty. Let the evidence decide whether our Hypothesis shall be supported, or whether it is to be discarded in the wake of this inquiry."

He then bowed to the audience, and made one last statement before returning to his seat: "May the truth win out."

From his seat, Nhur-Galladu watched the trial. He did not have any personal guarding him, he trusted in the Colonial Government to provide all security needs. Having even a single soldier would show much dishonor to his guest, besides there was nobody on this planet who could actually touch him, not even the Godulan Avatars inhabiting the single body standing in for the Defense. No, he was safe from harm.

After their meeting shortly after he had arrived, he had promised Admiral Cain he would not cause any disrespect to his host and had kept his forces which had arrived deep within T-Space. If something stupid happened, the ships would come out and help defend the system but otherwise nobody would know they were there. Only the two fleets that were used to rebuild the Colonies were being used and then they were employed as outlying patrols to show any who cared to look that the Colonies were in charge here in their own territory.




T-Space:



A single ship arrived to join with the multitude of others holding position within that extra-dimensional space filled with violent energy arcs which could devastate a world within seconds. The shields easily held for they were designed for that purpose. The ship was unique even among the ships of the Ta’Nar. The dreadnaught was the personal ship of Ba’El, otherwise known to the galaxy as Darth Atrox. He had arrived to take part in the trial but he would only appear when it was needed. He did not want to attract Vader’s wrath upon these proceedings. Atrox rather hoped his former master would see reason and keep his aggression in check. The conviction of Kat was more important to the GE as a whole than petty revenge.

A throaty chuckle issued forth as he listened to Katrina Masaki's resoundant declaration, collapsing into a sibillant giggle as he heard the Defence Lawyer curse at her in the old tongue. He downed his drink in a single motion, leaning forward, to eye each one of them.

"So say we all." The words slid forth easily enough, a shining endorsement of Chapman's sentiment.

Kung, who was somewhat close to Remiel in proximity (and far away in friendship), simply nodded and said, "Duly noted" tersely and with hint of skepticism and defiance in her voice. She was quite skeptical of the man's statement, and rather repulsed by his frame. Not words she said out loud, of course.

She did however ask in a puzzled New England tone, "Tell me, Your Highness. Speeches aside, what do you wish to know?"

Sitting at the right hand of the central judge upon the Colonial dias, Captain Andrews set his jaw in grim composure. A firm facade born of a number of battles and age, the grey haired man had recently given up his commission when Caprica called for him to serve not in the military but as a judge in perhaps in one of the most important cases in their history. While he was a military man first and loved his ship and crew, he would always serve Caprica no matter the fashion she called upon him.

In the military, there was no shortage of need for superior officers to conduct military tribunals. However this would be his first civilian case. As both the prosecution and defense gave their opening addresses in eloquent tongues, Captain Andrews made minor notes on a pad of paper and pen as points were presented in opening arguments. He absently tugged at his Captain insignia making sure that all the bells and ribbons were in proper order and not to give the Colonial fleet in bad impression on galactic television.

With the last of the words being wrapped up, the Colonial Captain leaned forward in his chair. "Thank you Mister Sealtiel."

Grey eyes scanned the gathering for a moment then fell on the prosecution's desk. "The prosecution may call their first witness."

OOC: Due to Chron's decided lack of recent posting in a critical role, OG gave me permission to advance the plot an itty bit as the prosecutor.

Shannon smirked inwardly at Sealtiel's desire to let the truth win out. If that was how the Godulans viewed reality, she'd be surprised they had not already collapsed under the weight of their own idealism. While he was obviously well spoken, he admitted that he only had a basic grasp of colonial law. That bitch in the corner was gonna burn.

She stood up, shuffling some papers for good measure, before nodding to the tribunal judges. "Thank you, your honors. The prosecution wishes to call its first witness, Darth Atrox, to the stand."

Ten minutes prior:


The Abomination after getting clearance from Emerged from T-Space in orbit. A single shuttle left the ship and fell through the atmosphere leaving a trail of superheated gasses. The shuttle landed at a cleared location near the courthouse and the Sith Lord was escorted by a Colonial Honor guard into the courthouse.





Courtroom:



When he was called, Atrox strolled from where he was waiting and approached the witness stand. His black environmental suit making a well known appearance for everyone there. Lord Atrox stepped up to the Witness Box and took a seat. After taking the Oath, he turned to look at the Prosecutor.

Shannon clasped her hands in front of her as she strode towards the witness stand, her footsteps like thunderclaps ringing out amidst the silence. Somehow it seemed as though even the ventilation system had found it prudent to shut the hell up for this trial.

"Lord Atrox, would you be so kind as to tell us when you first arrived at the Colonies, and what business you were seeking to conduct at the time?"

"Certainly, I was asked by Admiral Cain to track down some infiltrators. It was right before the Cylons nuked the 12 Colonies."

Darth Atrox was clearly speaking and he remained calm.

Shannon nodded slightly in response to Atrox's question. "At what point after your arrival did you become aware of any Coredian presence in the Colonies?"

"When Master Sakir and several enforcers arrived at the Cylon headquarters and prevented be from capturing the Abh agent I had tracked to their location."

Atrox paused a moment for the muttering to die down in the back of the courtroom.

"The Abh agent is the same human male from the footage of the patrol where one of the soldiers was Force Thrown and his neck was broken."

"Can you please make your question more specific? I don't think an open or blanket question would help matters because they do not address details. What exactly are you asking?"

Atrox knew if the prosecutor was not specific about details, it would allow the Defense free reign.

OOC: Ok Godular, when you see this please contact me.

"Really? What were the Coredians and Cylons doing in the same room together?"

"I was there asking the Cylon for extradition rights to take the Abh prisoner. The seven of them were in the process of casting a vote when the Coredians showed up in time to speak to the final Cylon before her vote was cast. The message she was given made her angry and fearful at the same time. It was obvious the Coredian was using the presence of one she cared for as hostage to manipulate the vote in their favor. The Cylons were forced to not allow extradition and in a direct result, minutes later they set off the nukes. Somehow the Coredians teleported away to safety and I had to also call upon my own abilities several blocks away to escape the blast myself."