NationStates Jolt Archive

Ambassador Atox was on the edge of despair.
He had done his duty for the Empire: Contact the Zillar refugees and persuade them to peace. Xiscapia would have opened it's boarders to them, to escape the imperialistic xenocide of the Greali. The only medium he was able to communicate was though the Greali Fourth Fleet, which brought him to them.
But before he could make contact, everything went wrong.

A Zillar fleet, undoubtedly wondering why this heavily armed war fleet was in their system, approached rapidly. He had told them, the Greali on the bridge, ordered them, not to fire, in a effort to preserve a hope of peace. Their Admiral had overrode him, and the battle had been quick and decisive, beating the Zillar fleet off. Atox had asked for transport to the surface. The Admiral refused. Atox asked again. The Admiral grew angry, and Greali soldiers arrested Atox and threw him into this cell.

Ambassador Atox had contacted the Tanarans with his plan: He would destroy anti-beaming devices around his cell, and they would transport him out, a fleet of theirs being closest. They had responded, but before Atox could even begin the first step of his plan, the fleet jumped into hyperspace.
Now it would be impossible to beam him out.

The cell was dirty, grimy and unused; a single poorly maintained light the only illumination. Outside the cell guards, both biological and robotic, patrolled. As far as Atox could tell, they, and the Admiral, were severely xenophobic. He had been imprisoned, and could be executed, because of what he was.
A kitsune.
A, as called by the Greali, a "furfag." "Subhuman", "animal", "non-sentient", "inferior." Despite the assistance from the Empire during the Imitator war, despite unofficial alliance between them...Greal had showed her true colors.

Ambassador Atox knew he didn't have much time. He needed to put his plan, now radically altered, into action before they reached Greal space...or they decided to execute him. Turning to face the door, he appreciated it was solid metal, rather than bars. This screened him from the patrols slightly. He raised his wrist to his mouth a bit down. Hard. Blood welled up, and he licked around his mouth, cleaning away the excess. Pressing his bloody wrist to the door's lock, he closed his eyes as a tiny hissing noise came from it. After a few seconds he drew his arm back and looked down. The lock had been entirely eaten away.

Ambassador Atox smiled to himself and, after sliding his bleeding arm into his robes, gently pushed the cell door open with the other...
Xiscapian System, Xiscapia, Rio Casa, Palace...
SIGNAL LOST.
Chief Ambassador Vanadict stared uncomprehendingly at the letters formed on the blank screen for a moment. Her fists clenched and she closed her eyes as she had before she made the call, breathing in, breathing out. "Inform the Emperor," she said calmly, "and get me in contact with that Tanaran fleet immediately."
The Black Guard behind her did not even move, but the screen began its search for a link once again...
Imperial Chambers...
Of course, the Emperor already knew.
Foxfire Rose shrugged off his deep blue robes with black lining and shoulders, a light olive colored tunic underneath. He sighed to himself as he replaced the robes into his cavernous closet and removed a set of ruby-red ones with golden clasps. The Emperor clothed himself in them, noticing the robes fit snugly where the blue and black had not. These were the War Robes, and the others the one of Peace. His entirely closet was color-coded with robes for different events and occasions, which originally the Emperor, a farm boy turned scholar turned soldier, had found amusing. But this was taken most seriously by the Palace staff and many of the people, so he went along with it.

The red War Robes fit so well because the Emperor had worn them for a long, long time. First during the Korr war, then during the Calaverian war, then during the SASM war, then during the simultaneous wars against the Imitators and the Rebellion. There had been short pauses in between the first three, but each time Foxfire Rose found himself putting up the blue and replacing it with red once more. It was all rather depressing, really. Greal had not yet declared war, but chances were she would, and in any event Xiscapia would need to get her Ambassador back. Generally, nations do not look kindly on other nations kidnapping their staff.

Red-orange hair nearly matching the robes, offset by his relatively pale skin, the Emperor walked slowly into the conference room, where his wife, Jade, was similarly adorned. The Empress once had long purple hair, but she had been kidnapped by Novan agents of Chaos not so long ago, and it had yet to grow back to its former length. Nevertheless, she wore it almost with pride, and one would note several scars on her hands, arms and face. They were still healing, but some were deep, or inflicted by a bewitched blade, so they would leave permanent damaged tissue. When asked if she wanted the scars surgically removed, she asked why. Scars only proved, she reasoned, that she had been stronger than whatever had attacked her.

Jade smiled at Foxfire and they became, in an instant, not Emperor and Empress, but Foxfire Rose and Jade Forworn, mates and lovers. Then, just as quickly, they were Imperial Royalty once again. The door at the opposite end of the room opened and two people slinked inward. Dressed in robes like the Emperor and Empress, theirs were also crimson, and both still bore the ears and tail of a kitsune, but that was where the similarities ended.
These two were bekko.
Different.

Their hair was red, and they looked vaguely similar. The female had a single ring though her left fox ear, and no human ears were on the sides of their head. The male had a ring as well, but attached to this was a thin, tiny chain, which was fused to an ear stud leading to another chain which ended in a tiny black cross. The most astounding thing was that both their bodies were covered in fur. Not the way a kitsune had fur only on their ears and tail, but completely covered, all over. Their noses, instead of being human, were much more fox-shaped, gently sloping into a beautiful snout. The fur was white/tawny colored, all over their bodies. Their hair, on their heads, was a bright red, somewhat lighter and rather closer to the color of the Emperors. The female's eyes were light green mixed with yellow, while the males was light brown mixed heavily with yellow.

They were bekko, translating literally into Xiscapian, different. One in a billion pure kitsune births was a bekko. They were a result of strangely mixed kitsune genes, and so rare that they were virtually unheard of, and documented less than half a dozen times. A twin birth was a impossible phenomenon. They looked, almost, as a true kitsune would look, less human and more fox. Born of the two kitsune leaders of the Rebellion in hopes of producing a suitable heir for the mantle of leadership after the fall of the government, they were twins.

However, Vila and James, their mother and father, had not counted upon this, for good reason due to the rarity of bekko births. Bekko were blessed by Qonn, destined to do great things for the Xiscapian race. Their mother and father, being affiliated with Chaos, wanted nothing to do with Qonn, the Xiscapian god, and by association, their own children. While James had wanted to kill them immediately, Vila kept them alive, nurturing the twins until they were ten years of age.
A horrible deceit.

They spent four years with the Calaverans before the Observer was attacked and nearly destroyed by Danaversians. For five years they underwent Danaversian captivity before finally being transferred to Jorga the Hutt, again for a large amount of money. There they were rescued by Alversian Flag Captain Cavourna, Alumina Captain Nigripes, and mercenaries Kartosh and Skyler, who helped them escape on the Star Snake. After a Danaversian attack which Silvertooth and Nightshade single-handedly repelled and destroyed an entire Danaversia boarding party and destroyed the Barracuda battleship from whence they came, they jumped away.

After threatening those aboard to get them away from the Xiscapian Empire, where they were sure they would be killed because they were children of the leaders of the Rebellion, they were taken into custody by Xiscapian forces. From there they met the Emperor Foxfire Rose who, to their shock, welcomed them in with open arms. From there they were cared for and took part in the Battle of Resistance by attempting to kill Vila. They were partially successful in that Vila chose to commit suicide rather than fight. To this day they have an extreme hatred of Calaverians, Danaversians and Hutts for the abuse they received at each species hands.

“Ah, Silvertooth, Nightshade, I wondered when you would get around to coming by,” said the Emperor lightly. “I assume you have heard the news?”
Silvertooth was, as almost always, the spokesperson for the two, his eyes darting around the room before coming to rest on the Emperor. While the Emperor and Empress had gained the trust of their niece and nephew that did not stop the bekko from being suspicious of everyone and everything almost to the point of paranoia. Combined to their hatred of the races which had held them captive and the immense Force and otherwise psychic powers both possessed, it made them extremely unpredictable and dangerous.

“Yes. The Calaverians will be involved, surely to gain revenge on their former Greali overlords.” Silvertooth gazed steadily at the Emperor. “Dispatch us to Celestis, we’ll keep them in line.”
Foxfire Rose sighed. Despite the torment which had aged both brother and sister to far beyond their years, both were still adolescents, eighteen and nineteen, not yet full adults, at least by Xiscapians standards. The Emperor knew exactly what the bekko would do to the Calaverians if they had them under their control, and at this present time such things could not be permitted.

“As of yet the Calaverians have made no hostile movements towards Xiscapia, nor have they attempted to remove our overseers, nor have they dissected or destroyed any peaceful species that we know of. I assure you, like I told you before, if they get out of hand, you will be the first there.” Said Foxfire Rose calmly.
Silvertooth looked at the Emperor without emotion. “Very well. But we will have our revenge.”

“Please, all this talk of revenge tires me,” said Foxfire, sitting down at the head of the table as the others took their seats. “The Chief Ambassador is contacting the Tanarans even as I speak. Respectively, the nations of Neo Kirisubo and our old friend Alversia will not permit this, and I believe it is safe to say we will be contacted by them. Commander Robs is already en route, and will reveal our plans once everyone has been assembled.”

“Plans?” asked Silvertooth, “what do you mean? We did not foresee this?”
“Ah,” said Jade gently, “but others did, removed from you. We have noted Greal’s xenophobia and made plans in case of an event of war. Unless Greal returns our Ambassador unharmed with a full apology and explanation, I fear we will go to war with them. This is what I speak of.”

There was silence for a moment as the four in the hall digested this information or waited patiently. If the Ambassador was killed, the situation would escalate suddenly. As long as the Ambassador was alive and unharmed, there was a chance of peace.
But it was small.
Greal had always been xenophobic, the Techars and humans alike, first to the Berrax, now against Xiscapia. Both nations were evenly matched in terms of pure numbers. It was believed, by data gathered during the Imitator-Greali war that Xiscapia’s general quality of ships, troops and equipment was superior to Greals.
But, if things went right, that wouldn’t matter.

OOC: Tanara, you are of course free to post. NC, Alversia, OD, N-K, refrain from posting until you see TGs. Telros, of course you know you must post a viable reason for being here of some sort to join.
TO ALL OTHERS: THIS IS CLOSED. TG ME IF YOU WANT TO ENTER WITH A REASON.

Atox was still on board the Tiger. The fleet was heading back to base for resupplying.

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

A very short message was sent to the Xiscapians

We will not return your "ambassador". As of now, he is our hostage. Whether you wish to declare war or not, thats is your choice.

OOC: Sorry for the short post, I had a bad day.

The Admiral was a Xa Csz'inni, and all Xa were psionic to one degree or another. However sdhe was admitterdly one of the wealer members of her race in that regardes. However she had access to those much more skilled than she and the moment the fail cry for help from Ambassador Atrox reaced her she immediately brough in to the link one such.

His name was Kyle K'tarn and he was currently off duty, but like any section head he really was never off duty. The lieutenant commnader fell into the link easily. He was the strongest telepathic Adept in the whole of the Empires military and - it went without saying- was the Admiral's Gun Orb's chief of the communications section. He was perfectly able to put enough of a tag on the Xiscapian Ambassador to beable to track him through the Greali's jump.

It took the navigators a few minutes to correlate the information, but when they did, the taskforce jumped without hesitation, appearing hard on the the Greali's fleet's heels.

They sent out two mesages, one back to the Phoenix Empire requesting the arrival of a full fleet, and the other was
To: Admiral Reton
4th Assault Fleet,

From: Admiral, Camelöke'wen ah'tah Noh Varrr'nn,
Taskforce First Aid

Obviously you think you can contravene the accepted standards of diplomatic immunity. We're here to prove you can not. Be advised that your fleet is now counted as hostile and your nation counted as a belligerant. Do you have the authority to start a war Admiral?"

"Release Ambassador Atrox unharmed, sir. "

Admiral Admiral, Noh Varrr'nn

And about her the three other Gun Orbs and the battle cruisers accompanying them fell into a star of battle, their Shiva's coordinating as one.

What Atrox, think you could get out of our date? Came the Admiral's mind voice.

Midgard, Throne Word of the Phoenix Empire of Tanara

"Thank you Lord Celedon, I'll contact the Emperor myself. This deserves more than just..." She looked at her old friend knowing that the grandfatherly Celestial would understand. Dominique felt that her ambassadors were family and if she'd want to be in the know, then so would the Xiscapian ruler.

"I'll set up a conference immediatly" Her Minister of State nodded as he turned to one of his aides and dispatched the younger man to set up the FTL communications conference immediately.

It would take a few minutes, and the two turned back to finalizing the orders to the fleet that would be sent to reinforce the Taskforce. It would be one of the small home fleets, but with out a Gun Orb. The Taskforce had four as it was

Fenngard Fleet...

6 Ships of the Wall
18 Battle Cruisers
18 VPC
24 Friggates

Nova Reginix System

The Tanaran fleet had jumped near the capital planet of the Greal Galactic Empire,. Three fleets were based there, the Home Fleet, the Klackon Fleet (Which has the largest vessel in the Greal navy), and now the 3rd Assault Fleet had come to dock with the Warlord Starbase near the planet. Admiral Reton ordered everyone to battlestations, and the radio operator did not see the message on the screen because it was chaos.

The Klackon Fleet moved toward the Tanaran Fleet. The Klackon Fleet had a Superfortress, recently built by Greal and Hyperspatial Travel. (Now known as Cypria) It was the largest vessel probably, dwarfing all the superbattleships.

A message from the superfortress was sent to the Tanaran fleet.

"This is Captain Bolvan of the Superfortress Klackon. We wish to inquire why you are intruding in our sector. Please send a response."

What Atox, think you could get out of our date?
Not so easily done, I've found. Persistance, I say, is a virtue.
The door swung open the Atox jerked his injured hand from out of his robes. The nanobots inside hit blood had done their job on the door, but were uneffective against living tissue, cloth, or generally anything not metal, for obvious reasons. The hand emerged holding a blaster pistol, and he fired on the patrolling guards who were only just now turning to see what was happening. Atox backed away as return fire splattered the bulkhead and deck, kneeling behind a handy computer console.

What Atox, think you could get out of our date?
Not so easily done, I've found. Persistance, I say, is a virtue.
The door swung open the Atox jerked his injured hand from out of his robes. The nanobots inside hit blood had done their job on the door, but were uneffective against living tissue, cloth, or generally anything not metal, for obvious reasons. The hand emerged holding a blaster pistol, and he fired on the patrolling guards who were only just now turning to see what was happening. Atox backed away as return fire splattered the bulkhead and deck, kneeling behind a handy computer console.

One of the guards went down, the other guards fired paralysis grenades aimed at Atox, and the grenades went off, paralyzing anything nearby. If that was ineffective, the guards always had handy grenades to use. More marines arrived, so now Atox could not get out of the area he was in without risked being shot.

Twilight
Orbit over Celestis
A new captain was in charge of the vessle, the goverment decided on a more Xscapian-freindly approach, so they brought in captain Alexander Statsman. He entered the ship to meet the Xscapian overseer that had been placed aboard the vessle, no doubt most Calaverians gave the Xscapian dirty looks. GOU troopers immediatly stopped whatever they were doing and saluted, before he dismissed them. Alexander was beamed up into the bridge and met the ambassador for the first time.

Twilight

A new captain was in charge of the vessle, the goverment decided on a more Xscapian-freindly approach, so they brought in captain Alexander Statsman. He entered the ship to meet the Xscapian overseer that had been placed aboard the vessle, no doubt most Calaverians gave the Xscapian dirty looks. GOU troopers immediatly stopped whatever they were doing and saluted, before he dismissed them. Alexander was beamed up into the bridge and met the ambassador for the first time.


OOC: NC, where is this?

OOC: NC, where is this?

Celestis.

I need transport out! Now!
Atox could see no devices around his cell, but now things were getting hot. Grenades exploded into paralysing fields, but Atox threw up his robes into a shield and the stunning splashed harmlessly against the advanced fibers. He returned fire from cover as the console melted into a pile of slag, aiming to disable, leg and arm shots as opposed to chest and head. Diving from cover, he darted down the rows of cells, seeking more cover.
Twilight...
The Xiscapian overseer Ambassador wore white robes with a white katana, the new dress code for the overseers for the Calaverians. She had tawny fur and yellow eyes with long green hair. She stood with only her head showing, arms inside the robes, the hem covering her feet. She looked at Alexander and bowed. "Greetings, Captain," she said softly. "I am Ambassador Lio, overseer on this vessel." She had ignored the hostile looks from the GOU and crew, contrasting sharply with the black armor, seeming to glow from within. She was beautiful.

OCC: incoming TG Xscapia

I need transport out! Now!
Atox could see no devices around his cell, but now things were getting hot. Grenades exploded into paralysing fields, but Atox threw up his robes into a shield and the stunning splashed harmlessly against the advanced fibers. He returned fire from cover as the console melted into a pile of slag, aiming to disable, leg and arm shots as opposed to chest and head. Diving from cover, he darted down the rows of cells, seeking more cover.

The guards now had orders to kill him, grenades blasted apart the cells and the guards opened fire their blast rifles and plasma rifles.

A Blast door was shut and Atox was trapped.

OOC: Is this guy very important to your factbook, Xiscapia?

I need transport out! Now!
Atox could see no devices around his cell, but now things were getting hot. Grenades exploded into paralysing fields, but Atox threw up his robes into a shield and the stunning splashed harmlessly against the advanced fibers. He returned fire from cover as the console melted into a pile of slag, aiming to disable, leg and arm shots as opposed to chest and head. Diving from cover, he darted down the rows of cells, seeking more cover.
Twilight...
The Xiscapian overseer Ambassador wore white robes with a white katana, the new dress code for the overseers for the Calaverians. She had tawny fur and yellow eyes with long green hair. She stood with only her head showing, arms inside the robes, the hem covering her feet. She looked at Alexander and bowed. "Greetings, Captain," she said softly. "I am Ambassador Lio, overseer on this vessel." She had ignored the hostile looks from the GOU and crew, contrasting sharply with the black armor, seeming to glow from within. She was beautiful.

Twilight

The captain saluted her " Thank you ambassador Lio, I am Alexander Statsman, new commander of this vessle and her crew. We have been getting reports lately of increased Greal defenses, any reason why there alertness has went up?" He studied her, she was indeed beutifal for an Xscapian, the white robes brought that out in her.

OOC: I never head of "teleporting" before, and I fired at him before he could "teleport" anyway.......

The Neo Kirisubans were getting involved. The only forces that Admiral Ari Calvert-Fujimoto could count on was the samurai class cruisers that had been brought to Xiscapian space.

And now they were on their way now the star system was secure.

The fleet was :
NKS Archer - Admiral Calvert-Fujimoto
NKS Yari - Captain Tzu
NKS Wakazashi - Captain Hatamoto
NKS Tanto - Captain Taka
NKS Kyoto - Captain Muira

OOC: Correcting for improper nation and yeah I know Greal - thats why I didn't give any indication of the Ambassadors state...He's Xis's character

And one of the psionic abilities ( or force abilities if you want to play it SW style ) is teleportation. The ability to move people/objects between two places instataneously via paionic ability.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is Captain Bolvan of the Superfortress Klackon. We wish to inquire why you are intruding in our sector. Please send a response."

The four Gun Orbs - the spheres some 80 miles in diameter, and laden with weapons. - and their escorts fell into a star of battle as the Admiral had her communications send the following reply.

"Your Admiral Reston has abducted the Xiscapian Ambassador Atrox, then lied by informing the Xiscapian Government that he sent Ambassador Atrox to the Zillar planet in a shuttle. However that shuttle carried nothing but an impressively high yield bomb. I have the unrefined data for examination should you choose. And I again demand th return of the Xiscapian Ambgassador.

She and Lt. Cmmndr K'tarn both recieved the mental transmission from Ambassador Atrox

I need transport out! Now!

With that they psionicly grabbed hold of him - and since this was in no way mechanical/technological, any such devices that blocked such were simply side stepped - and teleported him to the flag bridge of the Tanaran flagship.

It wasn't easy on any of the three. Lt Commander K'tarn passed out and the Admiral nearly so, nausea wracking her violently. Spots swam before her vision and briefly she wondered if she remain conscious.
However her flag captain would take over command of the task force as per standard protocol, and she didn't need micromanage things. The Admiral trusted her people.

OOC: Correcting for improper nation and yeah I know Greal - thats why I didn't give any indication of the Ambassadors state...He's Xis's character

And one of the psionic abilities ( or force abilities if you want to play it SW style ) is teleportation. The ability to move people/objects between two places instataneously via paionic ability.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is Captain Bolvan of the Superfortress Klackon. We wish to inquire why you are intruding in our sector. Please send a response."

The four Gun Orbs - the spheres some 80 miles in diameter, and laden with weapons. - and their escorts fell into a star of battle as the Admiral had her communications send the following reply.

"Your Admiral Reston has abducted the Xiscapian Ambassador Atrox, then lied by informing the Xiscapian Government that he sent Ambassador Atrox to the Zillar planet in a shuttle. However that shuttle carried nothing but an impressively high yield bomb. I have the unrefined data for examination should you choose. And I again demand th return of the Xiscapian Ambgassador.

She and Lt. Cmmndr K'tarn both recieved the mental transmission from Ambassador Atrox

I need transport out! Now!

With that they psionicly grabbed hold of him - and since this was in no way mechanical/technological, any such devices that blocked such were simply side stepped - and teleported him to the flag bridge of the Tanaran flagship.

It wasn't easy on any of the three. Lt Commander K'tarn passed out and the Admiral nearly so, nausea wracking her violently. Spots swam before her vision and briefly she wondered if she remain conscious.
However her flag captain would take over command of the task force as per standard protocol, and she didn't need micromanage things. The Admiral trusted her people.

OOC: I still fired a grenade at him three hours before this post went up...

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

"Your Admiral Reton has abducted the Xiscapian Ambassador Atox, then lied by informing the Xiscapian Government that he sent Ambassador Atox to the Zillar planet in a shuttle. However that shuttle carried nothing but an impressively high yield bomb. I have the unrefined data for examination should you choose. And I again demand the return of the Xiscapian Ambassador."

Reton is getting too reckless, enough to cause a war.

Bolvan turned to one o the officers,"Prepare the shuttles immediately."

Captain Bolvan quickly sent a message back.

"I will have him released immediately."

But it was too late. For everyone.
In the brig cell block of the Tiger, Ambassador Atox had ran for his life as grenades and blaster fire thundered behind him, blowing apart cells and destroying the deck and bulkheads. The message may have come though to the Marines and guards, but it made no difference. Atox hit the blast door, stumbling backwards, then falling as a grenade exploded behind him, peppering his body with shrapnel. He gasped on the floor, and just as the guards and marines approached, he vanished.

On the deck of the Orb ship, Ambassador Atox lay with his legs curled under him and arms thrown over his chest. The lethal peices of metal had peirced his lungs, heart and done massive tissue damage. Blood leaked from a dozen wounds, including out the side of his mouth, spilling over the shining deck. Barely breathing, his dulling orange eyes stared around at the Tanaran crew, and a hint of a whisper passed over his lips and though his mind to theirs.
"Take care of her..."
Then, slowly, quietly, Ambassador Atox died.

Profiles in Xiscapian Diplomatic Corps HeadQuarters, located in the Palace, later revealed that Ambassador Atox had no wife, but a young daughter of eight years living on the planet Slint, in the Wuin System. She was now fatherless, and indeed parentless, and for no other reason than Ambassador Atox had been born a different species than the ones who had killed him. No message had transpired from the area, but back in Rio Casa Vanadict wept. The Emperor grimaced and lowered his head, and everyone sensed the far-off death of the Ambassador.

At that moment an Xiscapian fleet appeared. It was not large, consisting of only three ships, but it was enough. The Super Destroyer's length was measured in miles, and it bore enough firepower to burn all of Nova Reginix into melted slag. The two Cruisers with it were only support ships, and from them came a message, both to the Tanaran fleet and one to the Greali.
Message to the Tanaran Fleet:
Most terrible actions have transpired here. We know the Ambassador is dead, and we request you withdraw with the Ambassador's body for proper cremation by the XDC. Plans are being drawn up, and it is not a part of them for this fleet to be destroyed by the Greali.
The second was directed to the planet:
You have brought about only your own destruction. Woe on this day for the Intergalactic Greal Empire, for this is the day you signed it's death warrant. You may expect an official message from the capitol within twenty-four hours.
"Thank you ambassador Lio, I am Alexander Statsman, new commander of this vessle and her crew. We have been getting reports lately of increased Greal defenses, any reason why there alertness has went up?"
At that moment the Ambassador bowed her head in sorrow for some time, eyes closed, a expression of regret passing over her pale features. "To answer your question, Captain," she opened her eyes and stared at him, "the Greali have just murdered one of our Ambassadors sent to make peace with the Zillars. They kidnapped, then killed him, for no apparent reason. There will be war, I fear."
OOC: Seriously, Greal, you've never heard of beaming technology? You know, Star Trek? Beam me up Scotty? Ring any bells?

OOC: I think he's a bit wonky at the fact it was done psionically. I have never heard, personally, of a psionic ability that does that, especially at this distance. Also, Tanara, you are telling me that your Gun Orbs are just as large as the Death Star, something that took the entire GE to build two of? Cause a Death Star is about 160 km, which is 99 miles.

"So Xiscapia is at war?"

"Not officially but they have had a few skirmishes with the Grealic Empire and one of their diplomats have been kidnapped."

"Losses?"

"Unknown. So far, they seem light. Although the Ambassador has been killed"

"I see. Who else is involved?"

"At the moment, the Tanaran Empire, the Neo Kirisubo, the Calaverans..."

"Those Xenophobic Gits? Ah well, I suppose they had to change sometime..."

This conversation was between the Grand Admiral and Commander of the Alversian Navy, Ashley Reyes and her assistant as well as chief aide, Admiral Sasha. They were sitting in the APNHQ Headquarters, discussing the events that seemed to have surrounded the Xiscapian Empire, their closest Allies.

Ashe shrugged,
"I suppose we should help, although we are being stretched a little thin by our duties. What's in the area?"

"Ah..." Sasha, an Alversian/Xiscapian Halfbreed, same a her superior, scanned her little datapad, "The X Fleet, Ma'am. Seven ships, commanded by Rear Admiral Betis."

"Ah! Samuel Betis," Ashe had made it her duty to learn the names of each fleet as well as who commanded them, "Good man! What is he doing?"

"Not much by the looks of it. He was on a simple patrol"

"Divert him. We need to support the Xiscapians"

"Aye, Ma'am" Sasha saluted and turned from the glass walled office, shutting the door behind her. Ashe sighed, shook her head and went back to the work on her desk. It seemed the two peoples were never out of war these days...

APS Eagle
Alversian X Fleet

Betis sighed as the information was relayed from Admiral Sasha herself. Join up with the Xiscapians and their other allies then reinforce them where they were needed. Betis, a dynamic man, merely shrugged and turned to look out of his bridge window. He could see the rest of his fleet and now he glanced down at the list confirming the vessels he had under his command,

APS Eagle
APS Formidable
APS Inflexible
APS Fuschia
APS Sapphire
APS Boyne
APS France
APS United States

It wasn't much, a Dreadnought, a Battlecruiser, three Cruisers and three Destroyers. Still, he supposed, no point in complaining. If there was one thing he hated, it as complaining. He much prefered people to remain positive until the end and that was what he was going to do himself. He gave a small nod and the Alversian fleet jumped for the Xiscapian home system.

As soon as they had arrived, a message was sent
This is Rear Admiral Betis of the Alversian X Fleet
wondering if we can be of assistance at this time

Betis had no idea where the Ambassador's kidnappers were now, so he had supposed it best to head for Xicapian then let them divert him to where they judged he was needed most.

OOC: Xis, it wasn't Greal questioning but some nation not apart of the RP - Kaldari. Greal was just reminind that his people had been shooting and throwing grenades at the Ambassadoe
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Most terrible actions have transpired here. We know the Ambassador is dead, and we request you withdraw with the Ambassador's body for proper cremation by the XDC. Plans are being drawn up, and it is not a part of them for this fleet to be destroyed by the Greali.

The reply came:

As per your request we will take Ambassador Atrox's body to Rio Casa, our original destination.

With that the ships fell out of the star of battle formation and coordianted their jumps to the Xiscapian capitol system in normal fashion. In flashed of twisted light they vanished into Desitter Space, Translating to just outside the Xiscapian Home system in minutes.

"This is flag captain Ira Garrison, requesting direct communication with the most honored Vanadict." THE CMO has still not released the Admiral yet, and so her flag captain currently had command of Taskforce Firstaid.

Crewmen had taken Ambassador Atrox's body to be cleamed and readied for return to the Xiscapians. Complete holos of the injuries he had suffered were also taken, though an autopsy would be up to the direction of his people. But the Tanarans would have this valuable information to give them. The stastements of the Lt Commander and the Admiral would have to wait until they were released by medical.

By now the five Samurai class cruisers of the Neo Kirisuban defence fleet had linked up with their allies.

Admiral Calvert-Fujimoto sat in the command chair of the Archer as the decloaked ships settled into a formation.

They had also been informed of the Ambassadors death at the hands of the Greali and just because of xenophobia.

Shaking her head she was wearing the green and black defence force uniform rather than the red and black exploration one she usually wore.

The black trousers, white blouse and dark green western style military jacket were a contrast to what other nations usually seen the N-K but the Admiral still had a sword and phaser on her left hip.

That certainly never changed. Now they'd have to see if war would break out or peace would hold.

The Xiscapians would have more visitors, as there would be a space-time disturbance that would appear on their sensors A hazy figure of a ship would appear and then after several seconds it would snap into focus. It was a large ship, equal in size to many of their cruisers, but it was only a frigate in the Initiative Navy. Standing in the bridge, Captain Jarris stood at attention, his hands fiddling with a pipe as he watched the discharge of the FTL-4 drive fade away. Shifting himself to a command position, putting both hands on the railing, he spoke.

"Status, Ensign?"

The officer keyed in commands and information scrolled down the screen. "All lights are green; she's in one piece, as usual sir." He grunted and glanced up at the screen, gazing at the identification symbols that popped up next to the ships.

"What do we have here?"

Another set of commands. "Well, sir, I detected a small Tanaran fleet, along with Alversian and Xiscapian fleet elements, along with another I do not recognize. The computer has no I.D. for them." Jarris nodded.

"Very well. They know we here, open a channel so I can explain and get this mission underway."

A few seconds of typing later..."Open sir."

Taking a deep breath, he began to speak.

"Greetings to the Kistune Empire and its allies, I am Captain Jarris of the GDIS frigate Hopeful. We have been sent to deliver those....'military advisors' you said we could bring. Just in case, we have put a fleet close by in case we need to rescue said advisors. After all, if they're fired upon, that constitutes an act of war, no? I merely need to know where I need to send them so they can get underway. They're very eager to being their job."

But it was too late. For everyone.
In the brig cell block of the Tiger, Ambassador Atox had ran for his life as grenades and blaster fire thundered behind him, blowing apart cells and destroying the deck and bulkheads. The message may have come though to the Marines and guards, but it made no difference. Atox hit the blast door, stumbling backwards, then falling as a grenade exploded behind him, peppering his body with shrapnel. He gasped on the floor, and just as the guards and marines approached, he vanished.

On the deck of the Orb ship, Ambassador Atox lay with his legs curled under him and arms thrown over his chest. The lethal peices of metal had peirced his lungs, heart and done massive tissue damage. Blood leaked from a dozen wounds, including out the side of his mouth, spilling over the shining deck. Barely breathing, his dulling orange eyes stared around at the Tanaran crew, and a hint of a whisper passed over his lips and though his mind to theirs.
"Take care of her..."
Then, slowly, quietly, Ambassador Atox died.

Profiles in Xiscapian Diplomatic Corps HeadQuarters, located in the Palace, later revealed that Ambassador Atox had no wife, but a young daughter of eight years living on the planet Slint, in the Wuin System. She was now fatherless, and indeed parentless, and for no other reason than Ambassador Atox had been born a different species than the ones who had killed him. No message had transpired from the area, but back in Rio Casa Vanadict wept. The Emperor grimaced and lowered his head, and everyone sensed the far-off death of the Ambassador.

At that moment an Xiscapian fleet appeared. It was not large, consisting of only three ships, but it was enough. The Super Destroyer's length was measured in miles, and it bore enough firepower to burn all of Nova Reginix into melted slag. The two Cruisers with it were only support ships, and from them came a message, both to the Tanaran fleet and one to the Greali.

The second was directed to the planet:

"Thank you ambassador Lio, I am Alexander Statsman, new commander of this vessle and her crew. We have been getting reports lately of increased Greal defenses, any reason why there alertness has went up?"
At that moment the Ambassador bowed her head in sorrow for some time, eyes closed, a expression of regret passing over her pale features. "To answer your question, Captain," she opened her eyes and stared at him, "the Greali have just murdered one of our Ambassadors sent to make peace with the Zillars. They kidnapped, then killed him, for no apparent reason. There will be war, I fear."
OOC: Seriously, Greal, you've never heard of beaming technology? You know, Star Trek? Beam me up Scotty? Ring any bells?

Alexander nodded understandabley " If that is what must be, Calaveras will declare war against the Greal Empire. We have recieved a message from your homeworld stating our renewd ability of rearmament, which we will take with open arms. We have just began putting in new plans for the updating ships, the first Surgical Class Observer will be complete in about two weeks. The remaining observers and there utilitys will have to serve the battle cause for the moment, but we may only send little aid, as Celestis dosnt carry enough firepower at the moment to normally defend herself ambassador." He noticed the paleness in her face " I know your loss, we both have been cut by the Empire and the treason she offers with her handshake." He turned and engaged himself into the neural link of the ship.

OOC:
Greal said something about "never having heard of teleportation, and that he had fired on Atox before he was teleported away. I asked him about beaming technology, if he had ever heard of it, because it is a kind of teleportation. Kaldari also pointed out that he had never heard of psionic abilities able to do that over such distance, as well as questioning the size of your Gun Orbs, which I note you have yet to respond to.
To avoid any kind of conflict I'm going to make an OOC thread, which will be posted shortly, if not tomorrow at some point.
IC:
Space Station Protector...
Commander Durc was in charge of routing traffic in the Xiscapian System via the Protector, a massive orbital Space Station weapons platform and dock above Xiscapia. He had been told to expect both ships in the immediate area and communications from distant stars, but he now had three fleets before him, as well as a ship from some nation he had never heard of. Running scans and checks, he issued out the standard protocol to the Communications Officer, who replied largely alike to each individual:
This is Rear Admiral Betis of the Alversian X Fleet
wondering if we can be of assistance at this time
Rear Admiral Betis of the Alversian X Fleet, please route a communications link we are sending now to your Grand Admiral Ashe. It is urgent and imperative that the message reaches her.
Protector.
The message would contain a link to access a holographic conference.
"This is flag captain Ira Garrison, requesting direct communication with the most honored Vanadict."
One moment please...
The Communications Holographic link was set up, and Vanadict's visage, calm as ever, appeared on the screen in front of the flag captain. Though her face betrayed no emotion, the Chief Ambassador's very voice radiated sorrow. "You have him?" she asked quietly.
The worst part was, she already knew the answer.

A message was sent to the N-K flagship:
Admiral Calvert-Fujimoto, a link has been sent along with this message to a holographic conference with Emperor among other nations concerning the recent actions of the Intergalactic Empire of Greal. If you would access this link as soon as you are ready your input would be greatly appreciated.
Protector.

"Greetings to the Kistune Empire and its allies, I am Captain Jarris of the GDIS frigate Hopeful. We have been sent to deliver those....'military advisors' you said we could bring. Just in case, we have put a fleet close by in case we need to rescue said advisors. After all, if they're fired upon, that constitutes an act of war, no? I merely need to know where I need to send them so they can get underway. They're very eager to being their job."
Captain Jarris, so good of you to join us. If you would kindly provide the respective Commander or Squad Leader with the link embedded in this message, he or she will be fully briefed on the situation and exactly what is to be expected. This is to ease cooperation between the various nations which have undertaken this endeavor, and ensure that your men are not accidentally targeted by allied forces if they meet in the field.
Protector.

Meanwhile the Tanaran Empress had found her way though to the Palace on Xiscapia, and she was the first to arrive at the conference, by way of holograpic representation. The virtual "room" in which the conference was to take place was merely a identical version of an Xiscapian conference room, as direct screen-to-screen communications were cumbersome and may provide problems for the delegates. Each person would find themselves "in" the room in the form of being an observer, watching from whatever room they were physically in, but their screen showing the room, like watching a live camera feed.

Each representative would be able to see and speak with the others as they were shown by way of a life-sized holographic figure identical to the real one. All would be able to see the holographic Emperor, along with a kitsune with gray fur, white hair and dead orange eyes dressed in military fatigues, standing in the front of the room.

Both bowed to the Dowager Empress Dominique herself. "Greetings, Empress, and may I confess my delight at finally being able to see you, ahha, 'in the flesh', but my conflicting sorrow at this situation the Empire currently finds itself in." he said smoothly. The other kitsune said nothing, merely straightened up from his bow and watched her.

Twilight...
Lio nodded. It was true Xiscapia had temporarily lifted the restrain on Calaverias building more weapons to strengthen their general military, but in this time of war the Greali could strike back at the Calaverians to reclaim their old imperialistically gained holdings. If the Calaverians started a war with the Greali in revenge...well, they could do so. But Xiscapia would not be held responsible for the destruction of the Calaverian people because they would not lift the condition signed in the Celestis treaty. No one wanted another HOME.
"Concentrate of defense, Captain, until you can be sure you are strong enough to fight openly. she advised. If this ship went down because of the Calaverian's want to go into offensive battle, Lio knew she would go down with it.

OCC: Do the Calaverians get to send a representitive?

OOC: No. You may be fighting the Greali, but Xiscapia does not consider Calaverias one of her allies...

OOC: No. You may be fighting the Greali, but Xiscapia does not consider Calaverias one of her allies...

OCC: then what are we lol, so if someone attacks a observer and kills the overseer?

OOC:
Greal said something about "never having heard of teleportation, and that he had fired on Atox before he was teleported away. I asked him about beaming technology, if he had ever heard of it, because it is a kind of teleportation. Kaldari also pointed out that he had never heard of psionic abilities able to do that over such distance, as well as questioning the size of your Gun Orbs, which I note you have yet to respond to.
To avoid any kind of conflict I'm going to make an OOC thread, which will be posted shortly, if not tomorrow at some point.
IC:
Space Station Protector...
Commander Durc was in charge of routing traffic in the Xiscapian System via the Protector, a massive orbital Space Station weapons platform and dock above Xiscapia. He had been told to expect both ships in the immediate area and communications from distant stars, but he now had three fleets before him, as well as a ship from some nation he had never heard of. Running scans and checks, he issued out the standard protocol to the Communications Officer, who replied largely alike to each individual:


The message would contain a link to access a holographic conference.


The Communications Holographic link was set up, and Vanadict's visage, calm as ever, appeared on the screen in front of the flag captain. Though her face betrayed no emotion, the Chief Ambassador's very voice radiated sorrow. "You have him?" she asked quietly.
The worst part was, she already knew the answer.

A message was sent to the N-K flagship:





Meanwhile the Tanaran Empress had found her way though to the Palace on Xiscapia, and she was the first to arrive at the conference, by way of holograpic representation. The virtual "room" in which the conference was to take place was merely a identical version of an Xiscapian conference room, as direct screen-to-screen communications were cumbersome and may provide problems for the delegates. Each person would find themselves "in" the room in the form of being an observer, watching from whatever room they were physically in, but their screen showing the room, like watching a live camera feed.

Each representative would be able to see and speak with the others as they were shown by way of a life-sized holographic figure identical to the real one. All would be able to see the holographic Emperor, along with a kitsune with gray fur, white hair and dead orange eyes dressed in military fatigues, standing in the front of the room.

Both bowed to the Dowager Empress Dominique herself. "Greetings, Empress, and may I confess my delight at finally being able to see you, ahha, 'in the flesh', but my conflicting sorrow at this situation the Empire currently finds itself in." he said smoothly. The other kitsune said nothing, merely straightened up from his bow and watched her.

Twilight...
Lio nodded. It was true Xiscapia had temporarily lifted the restrain on Calaverias building more weapons to strengthen their general military, but in this time of war the Greali could strike back at the Calaverians to reclaim their old imperialistically gained holdings. If the Calaverians started a war with the Greali in revenge...well, they could do so. But Xiscapia would not be held responsible for the destruction of the Calaverian people because they would not lift the condition signed in the Celestis treaty. No one wanted another HOME.
"Concentrate of defense, Captain, until you can be sure you are strong enough to fight openly. she advised. If this ship went down because of the Calaverian's want to go into offensive battle, Lio knew she would go down with it.


Alexander nodded " Yes your right, we will focus our forces in defense of Celestis, we will send out our new observer to attack Greal worlds, starting with the colonys, what do we do with prisoners ambassador, we have our ways but seeing as you are the overseer..."

OOC:
To avoid any kind of conflict I'm going to make an OOC thread, which will be posted shortly, if not tomorrow at some point.
.

OOC done
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13658393#post13658393

Galactic Palace, Nova Reginix

"Are you aware of what you have done?" asked Senator Reven to Admiral Reton.

Admiral Reton was summoned to the Congress building. He was being relieved of the command of the 3rd Assault Fleet. 4,500 Senators were in the massive building, listening to him.

"Yes, I am aware, he attempted to escape, and he would've escaped by being beamed out of there." said Admiral Reton, "I offer my resignation."

"Effective immediately, you have caused a war between us and our "ally". Now the Xiscapian fleet is sitting in this system." said Zillar Remetrix, who had gotten up to speak.

Admiral Reton left the building without another word.

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

President Rollins and Zillar Remetrix met later. Hundreds of captains and commanders and admirals were in the building with them. They were to discuss strategy of the upcoming war.

"The Xiscapians have one Superdestroyer near the planet. That could be a threat. They also have two cruisers, but they are not very powerful." said one of the admirals.

"Just sent our superfortress to deal with them. After all, it is near the fleet." said Admiral Minia, who led the Home Fleet.

"Then do it. We must end the Xiscapian empire once and for all." said Ziller.

The rest of the meeting was discussing the production or the naval ships and enlistment.

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

The Klackon Superfortress moved toward the Xiscapian fleet. The Klackon Superfortress was made in Hyperspatial Travel (Now known as Crypia.) and brought here to Greal. It had a massive crew of one million people, plus lots and lots of fighters and shuttles and bombers.

Behind the Superfortress was the Home Fleet.

IC: "Here's where it starts to get interesting. Mind if I open up a fleet mindlink?"

"No problem."

Mindlink opened. LEU "Incoming Tragic Experience" hosting link. As this is a military mindlink, be reminded that all experiences and memorysharing IS monitored.

Voiceone: Hey. You'll note that we're an ally of the Greali. We're also within half a minute's travel through a worldgate. While no wars have actually been declared, there's no doubt we're going to need to be there in any case. Let's be proactive, and attempt to get this thing from growing out-of-hand before it actually starts.

ASSENT.

Voicetwo: Agreed. But let us not fire the first shot in anger.

DISAPPOINTED ASSENT.

Shipvoice: Fair enough. The mindlink seems to be of one opinion. Nice to see we all understand our duties here.

End mindlink.


The Limited Engagement Unit Incoming Tragic Experience shuddered for a moment, and left its long orbit of Cypria, plunging into the worldgate which would take it to Greal. The blue flash that heralded its arrival was no different from that of a thousand merchant vessels before, yet the Incoming Tragic Experience was hardly a merchant vessel. Approximately a hundred times the size of your average capital ship, she was a supercapital vessel, capable of stopping entire fleets if you were unlucky enough to irritate the captain.

She was also the smallest class of ship that the Authority fielded, though this made her all the more impressive.

Decked out with what seemed to be graffiti across the ship, sprayed in thousands of different colours, and boasting its own FTLi, anti-psi and antimagic fields, it was a typical vessel of the Cyprian Navy. With guns that seemed to shift across the smooth surface from instant to instant, and a rather powerful set of gravitics, the only problem with the Incoming Tragic Experience was that its name indicated what was going to happen only too well.

It slipped in-system, running almost silent - that was to say that its heat signature didn't eclipse the nearby planets.

The resident AI spoke, his message reaching across the system.

OPEN TRANSMISSION:
This is the ASV Incoming Tragic Experience. We've heard your little ruckus over here, and we're just coming over to ensure nothing.. untoward happens to our allies in Greal. Kindly be advised that, while we'd really rather war didn't break out, if it just so happens that way, we're authorized to turn you into a rapidly-expanding cloud of plasma. Heck, we can even break you into your constituent atoms if you really decide to be annoying.

Now. We'd like a full brief on the situation from both sides, if it's at all possible, and we're cordially inviting ambassadors from both sides - heck, everyone, aboard our ship, in which we will be serving wines whose vintages predate all empires here.

Hopefully the only thing that'll be gone tomorrow will be the wines, if we can all settle down.
END TRANSMISSION

The massive engines of the Jade hummed and Captain Kika could hear is, despite the fact that the engines were almost ten miles away. Generally his ship, being a Super Capital, a fleet-killer, was not deployed outside of Xiscapian space. There was simply no need for it. He and his escorting cruisers had been deployed only to give the now-vanished Tanarans cover as they withdrew. Of course, the Greali didn't like this, and now a massive Superfortress was heading a large fleet towards him.
"Send a message to-"
"Sir!" he was interrupted by his Sensor Officer. "Readings indicate that-great Qonn!"

As Kika jogged over to the station with mounted cameras, sensors and scanners on the exterior of the ship he could clearly see a gigantic ship emerging out of some kind of portal. He didn't recognize the design, but it was at least as big as his ship, probably bigger. As he stared the Communications Officer spoke up.
"Transmission incoming."
"Patch it though," murmured Kika, eyes still on the ship on the screen.
This is the ASV Incoming Tragic Experience. We've heard your little ruckus over here, and we're just coming over to ensure nothing.. untoward happens to our allies in Greal. Kindly be advised that, while we'd really rather war didn't break out, if it just so happens that way, we're authorized to turn you into a rapidly-expanding cloud of plasma. Heck, we can even break you into your constituent atoms if you really decide to be annoying.

Now. We'd like a full brief on the situation from both sides, if it's at all possible, and we're cordially inviting ambassadors from both sides - heck, everyone, aboard our ship, in which we will be serving wines whose vintages predate all empires here.

Hopefully the only thing that'll be gone tomorrow will be the wines, if we can all settle down.

Kika sighed. He really hated nations that were larger than the one he came from. And for good reason.
"Message back,"
ASV Incoming Tragic Experience, this is Captain Kika, Captain of the XIW Jade. I have authorization from my superiors to send an Ambassador to explain the tragic events transpired here, but I must be assured of the Ambassador's safty. He will be sent with guard, but in light of recent events we are understandably concerned for any diplomat sent in the presence of the Greali. Our Ambassador will explain to you the unfortunate events which led up to our current situation, upon which a appropriate course of action may be decided by all parties involved.
Captain Kika
XIW Jade

Twilight...
"If any prisoners are taken they may be held as POWs for the duration of the war. No dissections, no experiments." said Lio curtly. It was bad enough that the Captain had to ask, but held in it was hope. The fact that he had indeed asked showed the Captain was at least willing to cooperate, and was a prompted step to a more peaceful, less xenophobic Calaverias.
OOC: If an Observer is destroyed, the death of the overseer is of course Xiscapia's problem. If, however, if is determined that the Observer attacked unprovoked and the overseer is killed in the fighting, Calaverais will of course be held fully responsible.

Within moments, the link had been sent to Alversia and a tired looking Ashe appeared in holographic form,
"I was told that there was an important message for me?" She asked in a tired voice, "What is it?"

In a bright room many men argued.

"We cannot go to war, we are a peaceful people!" Said a voice
"But we must aid the circle!" Said another
"But the Xiscapians will show no mercy!"
"SILENCE! We shall vote!" Said a the voice of a man at the head of the room.
It was siad that for many days the senators voted and argued. They had finally decided to aid Greal Should war break out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Sir we have an excecutive order from the council to make ready move out into Greal space to reinforce them!" Said a young cadet

"Right then, Ready the fleet, have all captains of every vessel report to my war chambers to prepare for the eventual attack!" Said the Admiral
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO Greal Vessels:
The Federation 2nd fleet is preparing to move into Greal Space to reinforce your forces. Please be advised that we are moving in an Oblivion Battle-moon, please clear the space for it to make the jump. Just give the word and the cavalry is on it's way

From: Admiral Brekor
2nd Fleet

The massive engines of the Jade hummed and Captain Kika could hear is, despite the fact that the engines were almost ten miles away. Generally his ship, being a Super Capital, a fleet-killer, was not deployed outside of Xiscapian space. There was simply no need for it. He and his escorting cruisers had been deployed only to give the now-vanished Tanarans cover as they withdrew. Of course, the Greali didn't like this, and now a massive Superfortress was heading a large fleet towards him.
"Send a message to-"
"Sir!" he was interrupted by his Sensor Officer. "Readings indicate that-great Qonn!"

As Kika jogged over to the station with mounted cameras, sensors and scanners on the exterior of the ship he could clearly see a gigantic ship emerging out of some kind of portal. He didn't recognize the design, but it was at least as big as his ship, probably bigger. As he stared the Communications Officer spoke up.
"Transmission incoming."
"Patch it though," murmured Kika, eyes still on the ship on the screen.


Kika sighed. He really hated nations that were larger than the one he came from. And for good reason.
"Message back,"


Twilight...
"If any prisoners are taken they may be held as POWs for the duration of the war. No dissections, no experiments." said Lio curtly. It was bad enough that the Captain had to ask, but held in it was hope. The fact that he had indeed asked showed the Captain was at least willing to cooperate, and was a prompted step to a more peaceful, less xenophobic Calaverias.
OOC: If an Observer is destroyed, the death of the overseer is of course Xiscapia's problem. If, however, if is determined that the Observer attacked unprovoked and the overseer is killed in the fighting, Calaverais will of course be held fully responsible.

Alexander nodded " I think I will do to the Greal what they would decide to do to us." He looked out the window at the hordes of probe fighters doing there training excersises like airborn laser tag. The officers were all new and they had never seen combat.

The Superfortress halted in the wake of another superfortress. The Cyprians were here. captain Bolvan was disappointed, he was looking forward to a fight between the Greal Superfortress and the enemy Superdestroyer.

"What do we Captain?" asked Commander Yurt

"Send a message to our friends, I have an idea." said Captain Bolvan, pleased with himself.

To Incoming Tragic Experience
We would like to state that the Xiscapian ambassador killed two of our guards, so we imprison him then he killed another when he escaped before he was finally taken down. We will not negotiate with the Xiscapian killers since they declared war on us.

Admiral Calvert-Fujimoto, a link has been sent along with this message to a holographic conference with Emperor among other nations concerning the recent actions of the Intergalactic Empire of Greal. If you would access this link as soon as you are ready your input would be greatly appreciated.
Protector.

"Understood, I'll be tapping in right now to this, NKS Archer out" Ari replied and accessed the link to the holographic conference.

She was 'there' even although she was still in her command chair on her flag ship. If it came to war her ships would probally be the smallest there but war was not something she wanted. The position of the Federal Union was unknown at this point and they were close allies with them as well.

This would be difficult but honour would be maintained regardless and she could be seen at the conference wearing the defence force green uniform with admirals stripes and insignia.

OOC: Oblivion2, I don't believe war has actually been declared per se. If you could edit your post just alluding to the tensions, and perhaps preparing a fleet in case of war, or something to that effect? If I'm wrong,

IC:
Another wholly open message.

Of course, Xiscapian. Be advised, however, that no-one is endangered upon a vessel of the Authority. We do not allow it.

Secondly, the Greali. While you are our allies, you will be negotiating today. Whether we first have to reduce your strength at arms to a point where you will have no choice as to negotiate, or whether you choose to talk first is ENTIRELY your choice. But, golly gosh, I'd just hate to have to mar that nice paintjob of yours.

Choose.

The link closed, and an opening marred the otherwise smooth surface of the ship - obviously meant for the incoming shuttles. Weapons hummed on the craft, and the careful observer would note that only half were pinpointed on the Xiscapians. The other half were targeted at the Greali, the Incoming Tragic Experience maintaining a careful neutrality for everything. While the Authority was, admittedly, Greal's ally, it did not mean it had any intention of being dragged into a war that could not be easily stopped by a few minutes of
talk.

Obviously, they weren't going to return the Xiscapians and Greali to a state of harmony, but if they could simply stop the tensions boiling over at this moment, maybe they'd just resort to less destructive measures to kill each other. Letter-bombs, maybe.

"I'll do it." said Captain Bolvan, he volunteered to become Greal's envoy and was flown to the Incoming Tragic Experience with no guards. He in the shuttle, waiting patiently for the shuttle to dock with the Incoming Tragic Experience.

The shuttle arrived after a short journey and docked.

Captain Bolvan was alone. he should have brought guards he thought.

OOC: N-K, Alversia, I'm going to wait until Tanara posts to begin the meeting. Patience, please.
OOC2: HT is correct, war has not been officially declared.
IC:
"I think I will do to the Greal what they would decide to do to us."
"And what," asked Lio softly, "do you think the Greali would do to you? Nothing too harmful, I hope. Remember, Captain, there is a reason your operation chambers and torture halls were removed."
Incoming Tragic Experience...
Having been dispatched from the Jade quickly, the shuttle soon landed in the opened hanger on the Authority ship. Normally the Ambassador and guard would have been beamed over, but the transmission had not given permission to do so and the open hanger was a clear indication of what method of transportation the respective delegates were expected to take.

Clad like his comrade Atox in black and deep purple robes, the Ambassador descended the ramp slowly, followed by two Marine soldiers, entirely enclosed in their blue and black armor. The Ambassador's hair and fur was a shocking white, but he was nevertheless young and spry, barely in his thirties. Orange eyes looked warmly out of a tanned face, indicating that this was a kitsune not of a violent or hostile demeanor, which was exactly the opposite how the rest of the Empire felt right now.

Steps would be taken to make sure the diplomatic went peacefully and without further conflict, at least not physically. The lies of the Greali had been easily picked up by the Jade, but no mention was made that they had them. Inevitably the talks would be bumpy, as they concerned two races who disliked each other deeply for one reason or another, to put it mildly.

The two delegates were brought into a spacious room, large enough for the table to accommodate a full ten metres of space between the Xiscapian and the Greali. One ambassador would fine himself at one door at one end of the room, the other at the other end of the room. Seats pulled themselves curtly out of the table.

Without waiting for the two to sit, a voice rang out.

"So. As far as I can tell, firstly, the Xiscapians sent an ambassador to meet with the Zillars. The Greali, for some reason, decided that he offended them, or perhaps was a danger, and therefore imprisoned him. If it wasn't for the fake shuttle, we'd be right on their side, though it was a particularly amusing practical joke. After this, the ambassador attempted to escape, and.. apparently managed to escape. Everything I've got over the battlenet reads nil, though it's probably one of those adorable little magic tricks other races love so much."

The AI sighed. "This leaves us with something of a conundrum, you understand. On one hand, the Greali seem to be largely in the wrong, insofar as that they did go right ahead and shoot up your ambassador. However-"

A vidlink sprung up facing the Xiscapians, detailing Reton's retirement.

"As you can see, the admiral responsible has already chosen, quite wisely, to end his career. Obviously, Greali higher-ups are also trying to avoid war. Of course, the entry of a Tanaran fleet into what could've been a situation that probably could've been resolved with diplomacy obviously put the Greali on edge - we also get edgy when people decide it's just fine to deploy fleets near our important worlds. If we still used worlds, that is."

"Point being, while this is obviously going to hurt relations quite significantly, we'd rather not endure an open declaration of war right now. If it comes from the Greali, we can stop it through the judicious use of the Executive Council of the Cyprian Circle. I'm not too worried about that, though the Greali have been known for their tempers."

A hard-light hologram slowly faded into the room as the AI was talking - the Experience always found that it was easier to talk if your listeners had someone to focus on.

"So. I will listen to your side of the story in full, and consider the inevitable discrepancies between your account and theirs. Then I will disregard both accounts, and demand at the top of my lungs that you both cease to escalate hostilities any further."

He tapped his foot. "Well? Bolvan, yes, you go first. Tell me what your government wants you to say."

"The Government did fire the admiral responsible for the "kidnapping" and the killing of the ambassador. Thats all they have to say for now. The Greal navy however, feels threatened by the appearance of the Xiscapian's Superdestroyer. To ease tensions we would like them to withdraw it for now."

OOC:

I was hoping for this to turn out into a massive war that will kill billions of poeple on both sides.

"You have him?" she asked quietly.

'Yes Ambassador Vanadict we have his obdy. And both our senior communicatons officer, Lt Commander K'tarn, and the Admiral will be available to give their testimony of what they saw in the Ambassadors mind. What happened to him" Flag Captain Garrison added. "We will be in such orbit as your system control sets for us shortly. "an Honor guard will accompany the Ambassador's body down on a shuttle"

Greetings, Empress, and may I confess my delight at finally being able to see you, ahha, 'in the flesh', but my conflicting sorrow at this situation the Empire currently finds itself in."

Empress Dominique greeted the Emperor and all the other representatives- Admiral Calvert-Fujimoto of Neo Kirisubo, Commander of the Alversian Navy, Ashley Reyes in the conference... then continued...

"I am sorry that it has to be under such tragic circumstances. The Greali are not a people we know much good of, but to abduct an amsassador, totally disregarding diplomatic process..." Doninique's hologram shook it's head sadly. She looked away for a second, her attention called to something out of the confrences parameters and when she looked back her eyes were snapping "You Majesty I am sure your own people are informing you or you already know of the Ambassador's death. I am informed that as the Admiral is currently somewhat incapacitated, her Flag Admiral Ira Garrison is in comand of Taskforce Firstaid. While I am glad they were available to assisst your the allies against the Zillar incursion, they did rather force out hand. We of the Phoenix Empire intended the Gurn Orbs as friendship gifts for Xiscapia, Alversia, and the Neo Kirisuboans. We were hoping to keep their existance from the greater universe for a bit longer, but the Universe does what it wishes."

Admiral Ari Calvert-Fujimoto bowed from her own bridge when she greeted the Empress of the Xiscapians and said "You have our sympathy for the loss of your ambassador.

I was there when the Zillar fleet attacked you and we took out a Zillar capital ship before the last shots were fired.

While we have had little contact with the Greali we do know they are xenophobic and imperialistic. Factors which led to the Zillar attacking you in the first place and leading to the ambassadors death.

If war does break out its likely they'll seek to do as much damage to the Xiscapian empire as they can. Perhaps even genocide if they feel they can get away with it.

Although feelings are running high peace is still the prefered option."

"So. I will listen to your side of the story in full, and consider the inevitable discrepancies between your account and theirs. Then I will disregard both accounts, and demand at the top of my lungs that you both cease to escalate hostilities any further."
"My name is Vulpe, and to the best of our memories and observations you have the story correct. The Ambassador escaped, but died from his wounds nearly instantly after he was transported. I, and the Empire, assume the Admiral was acting under authorization from the Intergalactic Empire of Greal. Regardless of whether this is the case, the murder of our Ambassador cannot be tolerated." he looked at Bolvan, expression unreadable.

"When this conference is adjourned the Super Destroyer and it's escort will withdraw from your space. As it were," he faced the A.I. now, "however much you or Greal feels threatened by the Tanaran fleet that was here is irrelevant. Not a shot was fired from it, and the only intention was to rescue the Ambassador. As you put it, the death of our Ambassador "put us on edge", so you will have to excuse us for reacting with less than the best manners possible."

"We will be in such orbit as your system control sets for us shortly. An Honor guard will accompany the Ambassador's body down on a shuttle."
Vanadict nodded sadly. "Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please, when the senior communications officer, Lt Commander and Admiral feel up to it, send them to the Palace for their testaments."

"We of the Phoenix Empire intended the Gurn Orbs as friendship gifts for Xiscapia, Alversia, and the Neo Kirisuboans. We were hoping to keep their existence from the greater universe for a bit longer, but the Universe does what it wishes."
"As it may," nodded the Emperor, "we do already know of Ambassador Atox's untimely demise at the hands of the Greali. Negotiations are being hosted by a nation which, while it does not proclaim itself as such, is an ally of the Greali. However, I do not see this going very far."

"I was told that there was an important message for me? What is it?"
"If war does break out its likely they'll seek to do as much damage to the Xiscapian empire as they can. Perhaps even genocide if they feel they can get away with it.

Although feelings are running high peace is still the preferred option."
The Emperor looked around at the three women, expression mild but eyes full of pain. "Captain Jarris, or the representative for the GDI, I assume you can hear me," he said, speaking of the men on the GDIS frigate Hopeful.

"At this time, like I said, peace does not seem to be a likely option. But Xiscapia cannot afford an open combat war, nor, excuse me for speaking for you, do I believe the Alversian Republic can, not after the SASM war and the Rebellion. Xiscapia's Navy has been torn apart by these recent conflicts, and while we work hard to rebuild it, we simply are not operating at the capacity we were. Our people are sick of war and fighting, tired from sending their brothers and sisters and fathers and mothers and uncles and aunts and sons and daughters to die. Xiscapia cannot afford, not on a social, economic or military basis, a war.

Still, the Greali are xenophobic to the extreme of, as we saw, kidnapping and killing a peaceful Ambassador. They have favored total war in the past, and there is no reason why they should not change now. While the Xiscapian Empire is superior to them in every aspect, we are exhausted from our conflicts, while they maintain a large enough military to outnumber ours and still have enough soldiers and ships and equipment to keep a large war machine moving.

Therefore, we have a problem: War is inevitable, but we cannot fight one and hope to do any more than cause a stalemate. To this, though, my advisor here believes he has the solution. Commander Robs," he inclined his head, "you have the floor."

The kitsune with dead white hair, steel fur, eyes like a frozen fire and dressed in olive and white military fatigues stepped forward. The from his nose to his neck his face was covered in a dark blue cloth, leaving only his eyes to stare out at those assembled. Perceptive beings would note the silver exploding nova patch on his shoulder. When he spoke it was calmly, not the restraint of emotion, but lack of it.

"The Greali, while powerful in many respects, have virtually no counter-intelligence or counter-terrorism agencies or organizations. In the past they have always relied on the military to put down the frequent uprisings from the Berrax, and alien part of the population seeking independence. Even now they will be mobilizing, their factories producing out more ships, vehicles and equipment, generals and admirals meeting to discuss tactics and strategy, military bases training and briefing soldiers, information centers pumping out propaganda. They are highly industrialized, and keep many of their assets close together for better protection against attackers.
This is a weakness.

What I am proposing is simple in words, but complicated in procedure. It will involve a great deal of secrecy, silence and misdirection. Each nation assembled here has it's own elite forces. For us, it is the Shadow Operations. We will insert small teams of special forces or black ops agents from each nation present here into the Intergalactic Empire of Greal. Each team will be a part of a master plan to destroy Greal from the inside out."

Behind Robs a screen appears, visible to those in the hologram and accessable on whatever station or console they were using to view or listen. It contained pictures of four worlds: One covered about half with water, half with great, rolling plains with two moons. The second was larger but what could been seen of the surface past heavy, smoggish clouds was pockmarked and barren, apparently volcanic. It has five moons of various sizes arrayed around it. The third was almost entirely covered by water with a few islands that could be seen dotting the surface. Three moons orbited it. The last was mountainious, with almost no water but covered in forest, with a full twenty-five moons orbiting the gigatic planet. Over each respectively was the title: Nova Reginix, Nova Max, Hurtix and Pamp.

"There are four points to the plan. The first, and most important, is the destruction of Greali infastructure. This includes factories, shipyards, ships, space stations, intelligence buildings and outposts, armories, military bases and munitions stockpiles. These are scattered across the Intergalactic Empire, but most shipyards, docks and factories, and therefore most of the Navy, are located on Hurtrix." Hurtrix was highlighted in red.

"The second point is assassinations. Generals, Admirals, high-ranking officers, major poloticians such as influential Senators, members of the Greali presidental cabinet, and of course the President himself. Without leadership Greal will either be thrown into chaos or forced to choose new, inexperienced, perhaps incompetant leaders. Cut off the head, and the body will die. Most of these people have made their home in the capitol of Greal, Nova Reginix." Nova Reginix was highlighted in red.

"Thirdly is the gathering of intelligence. For the other two points to work, we must know the locations of all major persons and structures, and for this we will need Greali files. Among these are also important command codes, missile launch sequences, locations of hidden buildings or persons, blue prints and designs of existing and manufactured ships and other government secrets. These will assist us both in the operation and if we need to actually go to war against Greal, we will know exactly where to strike and how to nueteralize and eliminate enemy forces and attacks. Again, much of this information is in the capitol, on Nova Reginix."

"Fourthly are the Berrax I mentioned. Most Berrax and humans are dissatisfied with the rule of the Techar, the insect-like race which essentially controls the Intergalactic Empire of Greal. While the President is human, he is only a puppet for the Senate, of which the vast majority are Techars. Forty percent of the population is made up of humans, Berrax and other species which have come under Techar rule. If we can convince them, though our agents, to rebel against the Techars, it will create the perfect chaos for our agents to work it. Our nations can covertly supply the rebels with arms and information as they work to bring down the Techar. Most of the Berrax are located on Nova Max, being their homeworld, and they are the most vicious opponets of the Techar. The largest non-Techar population within the Intergalactic Empire is that of Pamp, whose natives, which call themselves the Remelars, make up over a fourth of the Intergalactic Empire's total population."
Nova Max and Pamp were highlighted in blue.

"With the four of these points working together though these teams, Greal will crumble. It's capacity to strike back will be destroyed by the removal of vital structures and the deaths of it's leaders, we will know in advance what they are planning though the information fed to us from our agents, and the Intergalactic Empire will be torn by internal strife due to the civil war. Teams from each nation will land on each planet, and I have been authorized to say that we are capable of providing stealth transport for those who need it."
Robs did not step back, but the Emperor stepped forward, speaking for the first time since Robs began.

"If you do not want to take part, please leave, and let the knowledge that this is above top secret go with you. Now is the time for questions of comments."

Ari looked at the slightly masked spokesman and the Empress and replied "if war is inevitable its better to know your enemy and fight it on terms which favour you.

I still want peace to be given a chance but if we must fight we will contribute to the war effort.

Our star ships are small but they all have cloaking devices and are suited to unconventional tactics. We prefer to hunt under cloak rather than engage head on.

The plan is sound and if you hurt them like that they will be unable to fight a total war. Our special forces can take part if diplomacy fails and the Greali want a fight."

OOC: Still waiting for the negotiations......

"If you do not want to take part, please leave, and let the knowledge that this is above top secret go with you. Now is the time for questions of comments."

The fine hairs on the back of Dominiques neck stood up. The Xiscapians laid out the details of a plan she never would have discussed with those she did not know and trust, much less over a FTL communications conference. And especially with a nation she did not know ( she certainly hoped the Xiscapians did!) - this GDI in the person of 'Captain Jarris, or the representative for the GDI' as the Xiscapian Emperor named him.

She sat back in her seat and waited, wanting to hear the others questions and comments before making her own.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please, when the senior communications officer, Lt Commander and Admiral feel up to it, send them to the Palace for their testaments."

"Certainly Madame Vanadict. Medical should be releasing them shortly. I am, we all are just sorry that we failed to rescue the Ambassador in time. His death was needless and the Greali lies and actions appaling. Our profound condolences go out to his family.and if you wish I will be glad to send you the holorecordings of what transpired at this time, we're close enough so that there will be no transmission lag or loss of quality." Flag Captain Garrison offered.

Twilight

Alexander returned from having a cup of coffee to the bridge, he sat down and went over a report from the goverment.

" The goverment has began operating Celestis former factory's. As we speak new weapons are being built from factorys that have been converted from the imitators, they didnt really change much of our culture. Once our surgical class is up we will begin replacing our old Observers with the new ones, we have thought about giving them to your goverment as colony ships, they can easily serve that purpose."

Ashe leant back and gave a tired nod as the Emperor laid out exactly why Alversia could not get involved in a full on war. She did not have the strength to fight the Greal Empire. One on one, they were superior in every aspect. On as large a scale as this, it would be difficult. Now the plans being proposed were risky to the point of suicide. Ashe knew of an organisation, one that only she as one of the 'Big Five' of Alversia knew existed. A branch of the Democratic Guards that not even they knew existed. She knew it could help,

"I think we may be onboard" Ashe replied slowly, "What timescale did you have in mind?"

"I believe it very much matters whether this is the case or not. If he was acting under government organization, you obviously have a reason to demand, at the very least, reparations from the Greali. If he was merely a rogue, it seems utterly ridiculous to go to war over the situation."

The AI sighed, gesturing over at the Greali. "It seems to me as if the best course of action is simply to try the Admiral, based on whatever evidence you have. This will both show your dedication to justice - and ensure that Xiscapia feels that some attempt has been made to rectify the situation."

Pupils shrunk, and suddenly Experience's eyes were focused on Vulpe.

"Incidentally, if a fleet had the gall to encroach upon Cyprian territory for such a minor issue as a single ambassador, we would first destroy the fleet without waiting for an explanation. If there was any response, then, which did not involve a contrite apology, we would quietly reduce their entire military to a fleet of smouldering wrecks. Now. Having assumed that the Greali admiral is primarily at fault here, I now ask you - what do both of your governments intend to do as a result of this incident?"

"The plan is sound and if you hurt them like that they will be unable to fight a total war. Our special forces can take part if diplomacy fails and the Greali want a fight."
"What timescale did you have in mind?"
"As fast as possible," answered Robs, looking at Ashe. "The goal is to stop the Greali war machine before it can fully mobilize and be brought to bear on Xiscapia. I would say, with FTL time and assembly considered, the operation needs to be underway within two weeks."
A rigorous, tight schedule, of course. But Robs felt the Greali Intergalactic Empire would not wait patiently until the allies implemented their plans.
"Our profound condolences go out to his family.and if you wish I will be glad to send you the holorecordings of what transpired at this time, we're close enough so that there will be no transmission lag or loss of quality."
"Please do so, as we may need all available data if there is any question of the cause of death or the exact events occurring directly after the Ambassador was brought aboard." said Vanadict quietly.
"Once our surgical class is up we will begin replacing our old Observers with the new ones, we have thought about giving them to your government as colony ships, they can easily serve that purpose."
"Better they be dismantled entirely," said Lio mildly, "the sight of an Observer of the last generation does not bring back favorable thoughts from any Xiscapian."
"I believe it very much matters whether this is the case or not. If he was acting under government organization, you obviously have a reason to demand, at the very least, reparations from the Greali. If he was merely a rogue, it seems utterly ridiculous to go to war over the situation."
"If he was indeed acting under government authorization, which has yet to be answered," said Vulpe pleasantly, "war would be inevitable. If he was not, that does not change who is at fault. The Intergalactic Empire would still be held for responsible for the death of our Ambassador, though not as largely as an actual authorization, because the presence of a rouge as an admiral in their military indicates a very obvious flaw in their screening process."
"Incidentally, if a fleet had the gall to encroach upon Cyprian territory for such a minor issue as a single ambassador, we would first destroy the fleet without waiting for an explanation. If there was any response, then, which did not involve a contrite apology, we would quietly reduce their entire military to a fleet of smouldering wrecks. Now. Having assumed that the Greali admiral is primarily at fault here, I now ask you - what do both of your governments intend to do as a result of this incident?"
"And, if a fleet decided to kidnap one of our people, we would hunt them to the end of the universe to get him or her back," said Vulpe politely, "just as we did here. What my government will do if the admiral was indeed a rouge is demand a large compensation for our trouble and our diplomat's demise at his hands, as well as a full apology from the Greali."
Of course, it was patiently obvious that the Admiral was not a rouge, otherwise something already would have been done by the Greali. They had not confirmed nor denied he was acting under orders, and his prompt resignation could easily have been a part of the plan. And if he was, impossibly, a rouge, the Greali had said nothing of it. If this was so, it was almost as if they wanted a war. Taking into account their xenophobia, it was hard to image a course of action which did not involve their attacking Xiscapia.

"The plan is sound and if you hurt them like that they will be unable to fight a total war. Our special forces can take part if diplomacy fails and the Greali want a fight."
"What timescale did you have in mind?"
"As fast as possible," answered Robs, looking at Ashe. "The goal is to stop the Greali war machine before it can fully mobilize and be brought to bear on Xiscapia. I would say, with FTL time and assembly considered, the operation needs to be underway within two weeks."
A rigorous, tight schedule, of course. But Robs felt the Greali Intergalactic Empire would not wait patiently until the allies implemented their plans.
"Our profound condolences go out to his family.and if you wish I will be glad to send you the holorecordings of what transpired at this time, we're close enough so that there will be no transmission lag or loss of quality."
"Please do so, as we may need all available data if there is any question of the cause of death or the exact events occurring directly after the Ambassador was brought aboard." said Vanadict quietly.
"Once our surgical class is up we will begin replacing our old Observers with the new ones, we have thought about giving them to your government as colony ships, they can easily serve that purpose."
"Better they be dismantled entirely," said Lio mildly, "the sight of an Observer of the last generation does not bring back favorable thoughts from any Xiscapian."
"I believe it very much matters whether this is the case or not. If he was acting under government organization, you obviously have a reason to demand, at the very least, reparations from the Greali. If he was merely a rogue, it seems utterly ridiculous to go to war over the situation."
"If he was indeed acting under government authorization, which has yet to be answered," said Vulpe pleasantly, "war would be inevitable. If he was not, that does not change who is at fault. The Intergalactic Empire would still be held for responsible for the death of our Ambassador, though not as largely as an actual authorization, because the presence of a rouge as an admiral in their military indicates a very obvious flaw in their screening process."
"Incidentally, if a fleet had the gall to encroach upon Cyprian territory for such a minor issue as a single ambassador, we would first destroy the fleet without waiting for an explanation. If there was any response, then, which did not involve a contrite apology, we would quietly reduce their entire military to a fleet of smouldering wrecks. Now. Having assumed that the Greali admiral is primarily at fault here, I now ask you - what do both of your governments intend to do as a result of this incident?"
"And, if a fleet decided to kidnap one of our people, we would hunt them to the end of the universe to get him or her back," said Vulpe politely, "just as we did here. What my government will do if the admiral was indeed a rouge is demand a large compensation for our trouble and our diplomat's demise at his hands, as well as a full apology from the Greali."
Of course, it was patiently obvious that the Admiral was not a rouge, otherwise something already would have been done by the Greali. They had not confirmed nor denied he was acting under orders, and his prompt resignation could easily have been a part of the plan. And if he was, impossibly, a rouge, the Greali had said nothing of it. If this was so, it was almost as if they wanted a war. Taking into account their xenophobia, it was hard to image a course of action which did not involve their attacking Xiscapia.

Alexander smiled at his new idea " How about using them as target practice for APN and Xscapian naval forces?, im sure your country wants to blow off some steam and think of it as easing the tensions between our two peoples."

OOC: Been busy this weekend, mind slowing down a bit so I can catch up? Thanks.

Ashe gave a nod,
"I will have to gain clearance before I can approve a plan and I feel that the Alversian Republic would prefer if diplomacy were used up to the last possible moment. Is there anything else?" She asked tiredly, looking on patiently.

Three battlecrabs manifested in that odd Space Between, all equally shocked to encounter the other, and their hails indicated this.
--Why are we here?--
-- Typical Young Race nonsense (http://youtube.com/watch?v=sFX7ixp8cew), but the Voivode insists we must think towards the future.--
--Who gets the honors?--
--Ah, hell--the ship entered E-space, transmitting:"This is the Deeper Mystery, Shipmother Annika Venn of the Ordo Dehori hailing-may we aid in any way?"

Captain Bolvan looked nervous at first, now he was confident.
“Former Admiral Reton has disappeared into one of out planets. We do not know where he is. We intend to find him and bring him to justice.”
In fact, the Greal police knew exactly where he was, but they had no orders to arrest him.

The AI sighed. "Typical. Of course, that's the word from your government, and I have no choice but to accept it."

He looked over at the Xiscapian. "It seems as if, as unpalatable as this is, your choices seem to be to either condemn them diplomatically, or go to war. We cannot intervene in Greali internal affairs, and thus we are forced to accept their word at this time. It seems unlikely a government as large and as pervasive as the Greali Empire would be incapable of catching a prominent individual quickly, but bureaucracy no doubt has had a hand in this."

A look down at Bolvan, and Experience chuckled. "Having files on ancient Realm history, I can say it is easy enough to have single captains go rogue when it comes to issues they feel strongly enough about. I can assume the Admiral was not acting under orders - no doubt he was given permission, as most military leaders are, to do whatever is necessary in order to carry out his mission. He then considered his orders broad enough to allow him some.. latitude, we shall say."

"Therefore, I think an apology should be quite sufficient, along with a small indemnity, as is customary to show the truth of your words. Perhaps a million dollars - or pounds, or credits, or whatever the Greali happen to use. In return, you will apologize for violating sovereign Greal space. Thus, we can preserve this pathetically tenuous peace between your two people."

"Are there any objections?"

"How about using them as target practice for APN and Xiscapian naval forces? I'm sure your country wants to blow off some steam and think of it as easing the tensions between our two peoples."
Lio smiled. "I stand by my previous recommendation. Dismantle your old ships and melt them down, cannibilizing parts and using metal for your new ships. What will they look like, this Surgical class?" she asked with interest.
OOC: Alversia, Tanara, N-K, please wait for my post while Kaldari catches up...
"This is the Deeper Mystery, Shipmother Annika Venn of the Ordo Dehori hailing-may we aid in any way?"
A message replied from the Protector:
Shipmother Annika Venn be advised: A secure holographic FTL conference is underway at the moment and the Emperor has issued instructions to link you to the meeting. A text link which you can input via hologram technology will appear at the bottom of your screen.
Incoming Tragic Experience...
Vulpe had the strangest sensation that he and Greal were school kits and they were being reprimanded and told to bow to each other by the school master, in this case being the Realm.
Still, he had his duty to fulfill.
"This is acceptable: We will send a formal apology once we receive one in turn plus our compensation from Greal. Bear in mind, please, that we want assurance that Admiral Reton will be captured and brought to justice. Let it be known that we will provide assistance to the Greali in this matter should they wish it. The Kitsune Empire does not want a war, but should it be proven the Admiral was acting under orders, or any further hostilities from the Greali occur, we will defend ourselves accordingly.
"Now, is there more, or are we done here?"

"How about using them as target practice for APN and Xiscapian naval forces? I'm sure your country wants to blow off some steam and think of it as easing the tensions between our two peoples."
Lio smiled. "I stand by my previous recommendation. Dismantle your old ships and melt them down, cannibilizing parts and using metal for your new ships. What will they look like, this Surgical class?" she asked with interest.
OOC: Alversia, Tanara, N-K, please wait for my post while Kaldari catches up...

A message replied from the Protector:

Incoming Tragic Experience...
Vulpe had the strangest sensation that he and Greal were school kits and they were being reprimanded and told to bow to each other by the school master, in this case being the Realm.
Still, he had his duty to fulfill.
"This is acceptable: We will send a formal apology once we receive one in turn plus our compensation from Greal. Bear in mind, please, that we want assurance that Admiral Reton will be captured and brought to justice. Let it be known that we will provide assistance to the Greali in this matter should they wish it. The Kitsune Empire does not want a war, but should it be proven the Admiral was acting under orders, or any further hostilities from the Greali occur, we will defend ourselves accordingly.
"Now, is there more, or are we done here?"

Alexander smiled as a hologram showed up of the massive surgical class. She She was over three times the size of the already large Observers. " The Surgical class was supposed to bring the power of a fleet into one vessel, fleet to fleet and ground war operations wrapped into one. Her Main plasma-ping cannon had been doubled in size and power. She is bristled with Plasma AA quad-guns, and contains fifteen heavy plasma-ping guns on her arms, these are estiamted to deviler heavy damage, three of her cannons should provide sufficent firepower to take out medium to large vessles." Alexander pressed another button and the the Surgical class cloaked on the holoscreen, but there was an outline to still show it was visible to there eyes. " She can cloak herself and her scanners are advanced enough to scan an entire solar system, life-forms and ships in a matter about three seconds. A probe fighter was brought up " The new Probe fighters are twice there origanal size and contain an impressive 360. operating, dual plasma cannons. They have been upgraded with cloaking devices, allow a suprise attack upon enemy ships, these fighters are designed to be heavy hitting, taking on light to medium ships."

“We will send two million dollars as a compensation. After that we will wait for the apology from Xiscapia. We assure you we will bring former Admiral Reton to justice, and even launch a trial on one of your planets.” Said Captain Bolvan, brilliant.

--Two million? For violating Hospitality so, weregelt is not enough--the helmsman cursed loudly--We should...--
Annika silenced him with a gesture. While a Shipmother could not do so, Annika was Ordo Dehori, and they had rights beyond their stations.--This is a Young Race matter, and their decision. Our fellows lurk cloaked, and will monitor this. Should these "Greali" perform as expected, they will find the power of this vessel most impressive, at least for a few seconds. Link to the kitsune communications array, and supply a voice prompt to our translators. There's not a keyboard here, eh Romda?--
The great ship shuddered as it's name was called by it's Master, and it, rather than the helmsman, complied.
"The Ordo Dehori will comply with your requests. We will aid in any completion this business requires." The holographic image of a large pink rabbit wearing a white floppy bowtie with blue spots spoke from the muri section of the screen, bringing giggles from the kitsune who'd actually seen the muri before.

Greal Congress

The Greal empire barely could fight a full scale war. But, the Xiscapians had allies, and Greal was busy fighting Zillars. The Zillars had destroyed a battleship in the most recent battle, and battleships did not grow on trees. The Greal Congress went to meet again to decide whether to arrest Admiral Reton.

“I propose we say that we can not find Admiral Reton to the Xiscapians. They can’t exactly march onto our planet to find him.’ Said a senator

“The Xiscapians are not stupid. They clearly also have war problems of their own.” Said Zillar Remetrix, President of the Senate.

“Then we should invade them.” Replied the senator. There were murmurs in the senate.

“No, we can not afford one, but when the Allaneans wire us that 11 trillion dollars, then we can fight the war.” Said Zillar, smirking

“All in favor of war with Xiscapia if the money is wired in time?” asked a Senator

3,000 Senators out of 4,500 agreed.

OOC: sorry to be a troll but 3000 out of 1500 voted yea, your saying everybody voted twice, maybe if you flipped it around so it was 1500 out of 3000 it would make sense

The image of Captain Jarris shuddered into being as the Xiscapian called for him in the meeting. He took of his hat and nodded. “My apologies. We had come trouble making a connection to the network. I am here now and I read you.” He stood at attention and gaze at the Xiscapian as he detailed the situation of the Kitsune Empire and its Alversian ally. It was not good; both had been ravaged by recent conflicts, and were not in the best of shapes right now. To boot, Greal was rapidly able to build up its military might. Jarris rubbed his chin in thought; the GDI could support a war easily; not in the numbers the Greali could support, but then they went for quality, not quantity. When the floor was yielded to Commander Robs, he gave a nod of respect to him and listened. The Kistune went on to describe the plan they had to bring Greal to its knees.

"The Greali, while powerful in many respects, have virtually no counter-intelligence or counter-terrorism agencies or organizations. In the past they have always relied on the military to put down the frequent uprisings from the Berrax, and alien part of the population seeking independence. Even now they will be mobilizing, their factories producing out more ships, vehicles and equipment, generals and admirals meeting to discuss tactics and strategy, military bases training and briefing soldiers, information centers pumping out propaganda. They are highly industrialized, and keep many of their assets close together for better protection against attackers.
This is a weakness.

What I am proposing is simple in words, but complicated in procedure. It will involve a great deal of secrecy, silence and misdirection. Each nation assembled here has it's own elite forces. For us, it is the Shadow Operations. We will insert small teams of special forces or black ops agents from each nation present here into the Intergalactic Empire of Greal. Each team will be a part of a master plan to destroy Greal from the inside out."

Behind Robs a screen appears, visible to those in the hologram and accessable on whatever station or console they were using to view or listen. It contained pictures of four worlds: One covered about half with water, half with great, rolling plains with two moons. The second was larger but what could been seen of the surface past heavy, smoggish clouds was pockmarked and barren, apparently volcanic. It has five moons of various sizes arrayed around it. The third was almost entirely covered by water with a few islands that could be seen dotting the surface. Three moons orbited it. The last was mountainious, with almost no water but covered in forest, with a full twenty-five moons orbiting the gigatic planet. Over each respectively was the title: Nova Reginix, Nova Max, Hurtix and Pamp.

"There are four points to the plan. The first, and most important, is the destruction of Greali infastructure. This includes factories, shipyards, ships, space stations, intelligence buildings and outposts, armories, military bases and munitions stockpiles. These are scattered across the Intergalactic Empire, but most shipyards, docks and factories, and therefore most of the Navy, are located on Hurtrix." Hurtrix was highlighted in red.

"The second point is assassinations. Generals, Admirals, high-ranking officers, major poloticians such as influential Senators, members of the Greali presidental cabinet, and of course the President himself. Without leadership Greal will either be thrown into chaos or forced to choose new, inexperienced, perhaps incompetant leaders. Cut off the head, and the body will die. Most of these people have made their home in the capitol of Greal, Nova Reginix." Nova Reginix was highlighted in red.

"Thirdly is the gathering of intelligence. For the other two points to work, we must know the locations of all major persons and structures, and for this we will need Greali files. Among these are also important command codes, missile launch sequences, locations of hidden buildings or persons, blue prints and designs of existing and manufactured ships and other government secrets. These will assist us both in the operation and if we need to actually go to war against Greal, we will know exactly where to strike and how to nueteralize and eliminate enemy forces and attacks. Again, much of this information is in the capitol, on Nova Reginix."

"Fourthly are the Berrax I mentioned. Most Berrax and humans are dissatisfied with the rule of the Techar, the insect-like race which essentially controls the Intergalactic Empire of Greal. While the President is human, he is only a puppet for the Senate, of which the vast majority are Techars. Forty percent of the population is made up of humans, Berrax and other species which have come under Techar rule. If we can convince them, though our agents, to rebel against the Techars, it will create the perfect chaos for our agents to work it. Our nations can covertly supply the rebels with arms and information as they work to bring down the Techar. Most of the Berrax are located on Nova Max, being their homeworld, and they are the most vicious opponets of the Techar. The largest non-Techar population within the Intergalactic Empire is that of Pamp, whose natives, which call themselves the Remelars, make up over a fourth of the Intergalactic Empire's total population."
Nova Max and Pamp were highlighted in blue.

"With the four of these points working together though these teams, Greal will crumble. It's capacity to strike back will be destroyed by the removal of vital structures and the deaths of it's leaders, we will know in advance what they are planning though the information fed to us from our agents, and the Intergalactic Empire will be torn by internal strife due to the civil war. Teams from each nation will land on each planet, and I have been authorized to say that we are capable of providing stealth transport for those who need it."
Robs did not step back, but the Emperor stepped forward, speaking for the first time since Robs began.

"If you do not want to take part, please leave, and let the knowledge that this is above top secret go with you. Now is the time for questions of comments."

Jarris rubbed his chin. “I see. Well, my...'cargo' is good at most of the situations one can imagine. Breaking into a base without being noticed, in and out operations, assassinations, you name it, we've done it. Nod had given us plenty of time to practice on them. They each have their own roles and can be separated to perform them if need be. As for war, we do not mind aiding you, as we stated before. However, if this plan goes forth, you won't even need it. If you want my people, I've got them, all ready to go.” He listened to Xiscapian continue his talking in response to the questions put forth by others.

Zillar Remetrix made a short speech in a public building where tens of thousands had gathered, it would change Greal forever.

"People of Greal, for thousands of years we have fought different nations and even ourselves. Recently we nearly averted war with a nation called Xiscapia, but that will not last, they will continue with their mobilization, they plan to destroy Greal, and divide it forever. They have lots of allies, but our allies are strong. Should we fight these Imperialistic Xiscapians!?!"

"Yes we should!" came a reply from the massive crowd.

"There will be hardships, on both sides, but I promise you one thing, we shall win this war against the weak Xiscapians."

The crowd cheered and waved flags of the Greal Empire.

"Greal hereby declares war on the Imperialistic Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia!"

It was put on every newspaper of the Greal Empire. War had begun with Xiscapia. The Greal army prepared. The Black Guard was also preapr4ed for special operations.

Jarris rubbed his chin. “I see. Well, my...'cargo' is good at most of the situations one can imagine. Breaking into a base without being noticed, in and out operations, assassinations, you name it, we've done it. Nod had given us plenty of time to practice on them. They each have their own roles and can be separated to perform them if need be. As for war, we do not mind aiding you, as we stated before. However, if this plan goes forth, you won't even need it. If you want my people, I've got them, all ready to go.” He listened to Xiscapian continue his talking in response to the questions put forth by others.

The large pink rabbit nodded sagely. "It would seem there are diverse elements within the Greali society who might appreciate some equipment and aid to overthrow their masters. Has anyone contact with any of these oppressed minorities?"

"My god. Excuse me one moment."

Both diplomats found themselves whisked back to their shuttles, and unceremoniously pushed away from the LEU.

As the Incoming Tragic Experience moved towards the Greali warships, another ship, almost five times larger than the LEU entered the system. General Engagement Units were rarely seen, however, this situation called for something a little more powerful. The LEU alone could enforce a peace in one part of a system, but this ship, the Artifice of Eternity, was more than a mere supercapital ship.

It would find the destruction of fleets simple, and, to its irritation, it was deployed against allies who had taken yet another ship from its ordinary tour of duty.

"Yes, we were being deployed to a Kostemetsian brewery today. Now, though, we get to go deliver an ultimatum. Crewmen, I'm as angry as you are. I just got this new body for my consciousness so I could go on this tasting tour."

The message across the ship's speakers shut off, and the Artifice of Eternity slowly came onto the sensors of all ships in-system.

Official Message from the Executive Council of the Cyprian Circle
Delivered by the ANV Artifice of Eternity

Eh-HEM.

As of now, the Greali declaration of war is hereby rescinded. Any offensive movements against the Xiscapian Empire will be restrained by force, in keeping with the directive of the Cyprian Circle. It shall be noted that the Charter of the Cyprian Circle specifically prohibits the declaration of war by member states. Therefore, the Greali will either argue their case for war in the Executive Council, which will then be submitted to a vote by the Cyprian Circle, or they will forfeit their membership in the Cyprian Circle, including any and all military aid that comes with such membership.

We will be destroying any ships who are on offensive missions as a matter of course, regardless of nationality at this point in the conflict. All Greali ships will remain in their home systems until such point as they either forfeit their Circle membership, or war is agreed upon by the Cyprian Circle as a whole.

Good day.

All across the Greali Empire, a pattern would emerge. On the edge of each major Greali system sat a Limited Engagment Unit, one of the smallest supercapital ships the Cyprians possessed. The deployment was far beyond any that had taken place before, enough to overwhelm the entire Greali Empire should those ships choose to attack. For now, though, they lurked, watching the activity of the Greali navy. If it moved, they would be forced to respond.

Ooc: HT, TG

Twilight...
"You have learned from your mistakes I see," said Lio softly. "Versatility is the bread and butter of space combat, or so I am told. Still, ten ships is not enough to defend if anything more than a small invasion force enters this system, which is why we have temporarily lifted our restrictions on your weapons and ship productions." She gazed at him steadily. "My superiors have requested that you relay a message to the new ruler. During the Celestis Treaty the Calaverian representative mentioned Calaverias would be happy to make any payments for the destruction caused during the war to the Empire. We need that payment, and now. Ten billion credits, paid off in whatever time frame is acceptable."
Holographic Conference...
"However, if this plan goes forth, you won't even need it. If you want my people, I've got them, all ready to go.”
The Emperor nodded. "Your allegiance is noted and gratefully accepted, Captain." He turned to the Muri, ah, delegate. "I presume you have been debriefed? If not I can provide you with holorecordings-"
He stopped abruptly, closing his eyes as he received a transmission directly into his neural implant, coenciding simultaneously with the broadcast of a message inside the virtual conference room:
It displayed what seemed to be a gigantic insect on an ornate balcony, with a crowd of thousands, mostly other insects but a few humans and other species, and it was shouting with a language that was translated first into Xiscapian and finally into Galactic Common:
"People of Greal, for thousands of years we have fought different nations and even ourselves. Recently we nearly averted war with a nation called Xiscapia, but that will not last, they will continue with their mobilization, they plan to destroy Greal, and divide it forever. They have lots of allies, but our allies are strong. Should we fight these Imperialistic Xiscapians!?!"

"Yes we should!" came a reply from the massive crowd.

"There will be hardships, on both sides, but I promise you one thing, we shall win this war against the weak Xiscapians."

The crowd cheered and waved flags of the Greal Empire.

"Greal hereby declares war on the Imperialistic Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia!"

The Emperor knew that, even now, aides and generals and admirals both on Xiscapia and in Greal were scrambling for intelligence, preparing as fast as they could. There was silence in the conference room for a brief moment as Foxfire Rose looked carefully into the assembled faces.

The end of the speech they had heard contained lies. Imperialists, were they? Yes, Imperials, but not actually Imperialistic, not towards Greal. Mobilization? There had been none, save for the gathering of ships in the Wuin system and the covert Shadow Operations planning.

"To answer your question, Shipmother," he addressed the gigantic rabbit, "we believe the location of the main rebel leader is on Nova Max, a Berrax who survived the Imitator war and is leading a small resistance against the Techar and Greal Intergalactic Empire. However, no contact has been made." The Emperor looked around again. "This changes nothing except our window for initiation. Prepare your individual forces as quickly as possible: There is no avoiding war now."

Nova Reginix System...
Having received the Ambassador, the Super Destroyer and it's escort quietly withdrew from Greal space. There was little question as to Admiral Reton's motivations now.
All that remained was to see whether Greal would go for war though approved routes of this alliance, or withdraw and fight alone.

Twilight...
"You have learned from your mistakes I see," said Lio softly. "Versatility is the bread and butter of space combat, or so I am told. Still, ten ships is not enough to defend if anything more than a small invasion force enters this system, which is why we have temporarily lifted our restrictions on your weapons and ship productions." She gazed at him steadily. "My superiors have requested that you relay a message to the new ruler. During the Celestis Treaty the Calaverian representative mentioned Calaverias would be happy to make any payments for the destruction caused during the war to the Empire. We need that payment, and now. Ten billion credits, paid off in whatever time frame is acceptable."
Holographic Conference...
"However, if this plan goes forth, you won't even need it. If you want my people, I've got them, all ready to go.”
The Emperor noted. "Your allegiance is noted and gratefully accepted, Captain." He turned to the Muri, ah, delegate. "I presume you have been debriefed? If not I can provide you with holorecordings-"
He stopped abruptly, closing his eyes as he received a transmission directly into his neural implant, coenciding simultaneously with the broadcast of a message inside the virtual conference room:
It displayed what seemed to be a gigantic insect on an ornate balcony, with a crowd of thousands, mostly other insects but a few humans and other species, and it was shouting with a language that was translated first into Xiscapian and finally into Galactic Common:
"People of Greal, for thousands of years we have fought different nations and even ourselves. Recently we nearly averted war with a nation called Xiscapia, but that will not last, they will continue with their mobilization, they plan to destroy Greal, and divide it forever. They have lots of allies, but our allies are strong. Should we fight these Imperialistic Xiscapians!?!"

"Yes we should!" came a reply from the massive crowd.

"There will be hardships, on both sides, but I promise you one thing, we shall win this war against the weak Xiscapians."

The crowd cheered and waved flags of the Greal Empire.

"Greal hereby declares war on the Imperialistic Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia!"

The Emperor knew that, even now, aides and generals and admirals both on Xiscapia and in Greal were scrambling for intelligence, preparing as fast as they could. There was silence in the conference room for a brief moment as Foxfire Rose looked carefully into the assembled faces.

The end of the speech they had heard contained lies. Imperialists, were they? Yes, Imperials, but not actually Imperialistic, not towards Greal. Mobilization? There had been none, save for the gathering of ships in the Wuin system and the covert Shadow Operations planning.

"To answer your question, Shipmother," he addressed the gigantic rabbit, "we believe the location of the main rebel leader is on Nova Max, a Berrax who survived the Imitator war and is leading a small resistance against the Techar and Greal Intergalactic Empire. However, no contact has been made." The Emperor looked around again. "This changes nothing except our window for initiation. Prepare your individual forces as quickly as possible: There is no avoiding war now."

Nova Reginix System...
Having received the Ambassador, the Super Destroyer and it's escort quietly withdrew from Greal space. There was little question as to Admiral Reton's motivations now.
All that remained was to see whether Greal would go for war though approved routes of this alliance, or withdraw and fight alone.

Alexander laughed for a moment then knew the Xscapian was being serious " We dont have the money, I mean we do, but we are using on rebuilding and recreating our fleet." he bit his lip " If you lifted the treaty we would be happy to do it, you can still have your overseers."

--Romda, be a dear and open a private line to the Xiscapians. Show them my face rather than the avatar I have selected for First Contact--As the ship complied, Annika whispered softly:
"The Calaverans are not to be trusted. To denounce them as creatures of Chaos is not the purview of my Order, but their history shows them to love Disorder for it's own sake.
"If you like, I shall arrange for a few fleets of our kozoru(OOC:Vampire) class ships to protect their space lanes and territories, negating their need to rebuild over repayment. Make the offer, and watch him squirm-wave the treaty at him and state it is your right to patrol due to his defeat, and rebuilding could be seen as a violation of the treaty, given the circumstances."
He cleared his throat, and switched to the Community frequency. "It would behoove us, then, to contact this resistance. May I suggest a combined squad to investigate, with secondary operations to locate proper targets? Hamstringing space operations is not a terribly difficult matter, and a series of surgical strikes can scatter their forces nicely, and possibly separate them from necessary materials and supplies.
"Of course, assassinations can be useful, but even more useful if not tied to us. How far from their roots have these Techar evolved? If they still identify members of their Hive by scent, tampering with soaps and perfumes may garner us the same results, with the added bonus the assassinations will have been performed by their own ruling class."

"We don't have the money, I mean we do, but we are using on rebuilding and recreating our fleet." he bit his lip " If you lifted the treaty we would be happy to do it, you can still have your overseers."
"We have already lifted the restrictions on your war production industry, we will remove no others," said Lio sharply. "Remember HOME, Captain? If we feel it is needed, we will strip you of your weapons and assign our own ships to protect you. Celestis dosen't want that," she cocked her head, "does it, Captain?"
"The Calaverans are not to be trusted. To denounce them as creatures of Chaos is not the purview of my Order, but their history shows them to love Disorder for it's own sake.
"If you like, I shall arrange for a few fleets of our kozoru class ships to protect their space lanes and territories, negating their need to rebuild over repayment. Make the offer, and watch him squirm-wave the treaty at him and state it is your right to patrol due to his defeat, and rebuilding could be seen as a violation of the treaty, given the circumstances."
The Shipmother was linked down to an Ambassador, a short kitsune with black hair and fur. He did not even blink at her apperance, and responded promptly.
"The Calaverians have the money to pay us, it will only decrease their war production drastically. Rebuilding is a violation of the Treaty, but we have temporarily lifted the restriction because we beleive Greal will attack Celestis. We were responsible once for the near total extinction of the Calaverians, we cannot bear that again. We do not want to strain our already fragile relations with them, but if they persist in protests we will accept your offer." he said calmly.
"It would behoove us, then, to contact this resistance. May I suggest a combined squad to investigate, with secondary operations to locate proper targets? Hamstringing space operations is not a terribly difficult matter, and a series of surgical strikes can scatter their forces nicely, and possibly separate them from necessary materials and supplies.
"Of course, assassinations can be useful, but even more useful if not tied to us. How far from their roots have these Techar evolved? If they still identify members of their Hive by scent, tampering with soaps and perfumes may garner us the same results, with the added bonus the assassinations will have been performed by their own ruling class."
Robs nodded. "Contacting the rebellion is, as I said, one of our top priorities. Agents will be dispatched to the four planets mentioned, but I believe we can draw up a combined team to begin relations with the resistance in representation for all the nations here.
As for the Techar, they are entirely individual, without a Queen. They are not linked by any sort of hive mind, and have traded many of their more insect-like qualities for human ones. Aside from apperance, they are not so different from humans in any case."

Robs nodded. "Contacting the rebellion is, as I said, one of our top priorities. Agents will be dispatched to the four planets mentioned, but I believe we can draw up a combined team to begin relations with the resistance in representation for all the nations here.
As for the Techar, they are entirely individual, without a Queen. They are not linked by any sort of hive mind, and have traded many of their more insect-like qualities for human ones. Aside from appearance, they are not so different from humans in any case."
"A pity, that-I was hoping their xenophobia stemmed from a Hive mentality rather than some other source." the large pink rabbit wiggled it's nose in an expression that seemed mournful. "However, I have noted humans will slaughter each other happily with minimal prompting, and perhaps intrigues can be laid out to force such events yet-but that is the function of the Blue Moon, and they will be contacted to coordinate alogoi with your agencies.
"If war is inevitable, as you claim, we will offer our ships to your efforts. The Ordo Drakul will have the Black Fleet move where we determine it is most necessary, and they will advise and coordinate efforts with each of your respective nations.
"I should seek the advice of the Blue Moon in any event-they and the Ordo Argan Argari are most adept at ferreting out information regarding aliens, and they take great joy in influencing a people to follow their ways to the Blue Moon's desires."

The taskforce fell into the orbit assigned to them by the Protector, and advised the Phoenix Empire of their arrival.

This was relayed to the Empress who signaled her understanding and now spoke up in the hologram conference she had been quietly listening in on.

"I have been hesitant to speak up before. But now with the arrival of our gifts to the Xiscapians, the Alversians and the Neo Kirisuboan's, I say that the Phoenix Empire is you ally and stands beside you in however you choose to respond to the situation. We will indeed contribute to the undertaking of dismantling the Greal, and sending out feelt in along side your should it come to open war.

Very discretely, at the same time the governments of the three nations were informed that donations in the amounts of some 500 billion each had been deposited in their treasuries.

Illesia City, Alversia

Ashe left the holo conference and almost immediately took a car to the Senate Building. Commander Sasha and her personal staff watched with suspicion as she shook off all offers of escort and took her own car into the city. She was still wearing her finest uniform from the conference and it would seem ironically apt for what she was about to do and who she was about to meet.

She threaded through the city streets, taking side roads and random diversions every now and then to avoid anyone who may have been stalking her. She parked around the back of the massive Alversian Senate building, a great glistening done of light and beauty. She walked around the side and up the steps to reach the front entrance.

Here she was scanned by members of the Democratic Guard who even took rapid DNA scans as well as brainwave tranmissions to ensure it was the real Grand Admiral. She noticed the others standing near and sighed. It was going to be tough as ever trying to dupe them but it had to be done. She walked casually across to the lift and stepped inside. She watched the door close and looked up at the roof,

"Prime Minister's Office" She commanded, then stayed silent as she listened to the lift whir into action. She counted to thirteen under her breath then gave another command,

"Stop. Disconnect security protocol. Clearance Omega Three" She watched as the small scanner band around the top of the lift snapped out, leaving her alone. She tapped the small communications piece in her ear,

"Senate Control, I appear to be trapped in Lift One. Any chance?"

"Sorry ma'am" Came the reply, "But the scanners have blown out and we don't know where you are. We'll need to find you. It may take a while"

"Take your time," Ashe replied, "I don't mind waiting" She counted to thirteen again then looked at the roof,
"Take me to Floor X, clearance Omega 3.0020113" She listened as the lift hummed into life again. It had been hard keeping this secret from Sasha but it had to be done. This had been secret since the days of Trezan Baxtor himself. It was important in a society were nothing was kept from the people, except this.

She was let off at a mysterious floor that would not appear on any maps of the building, not even the architect's plan. It was a room of pitch black, in which Ashe could see thanks to her mother's sight. However, there was also a glare behind each of the four others standing in the room. She knew it was behind her too. The only place where they could talk as equals.

"You have heard?" She asked the others,

"We have," Came the reply from her left, "Why have you summoned us?"

Before she could speak, another cut in, "We have not been summoned in 400 years and our last deployment was long before that. Why now?"

"Xiscapia is in trouble" Ashe replied, putting a deeper, more serious voice, "And they need Convert Op's to penetrate the heart of the Greal Empire. We have the unit to do that"

"The Cell will be deployed then?" Another voice asked. Ashe replied,

"Yes"

"Then it shall be so. I shall mobilise the conventional forces and you mobilise the Cell. You know what to do"

With that, it was over. Ashe walked back into her elevator and waited until maintainance could get through to her and get her out. Then she drove innocently back to APNHQ and back to her office. Not one word was said.

---

At the same time, the Alversian Fleet mobilised and ships were sent to join up with Xiscapian Allies. Express orders were given that Alversian vessels were not to fire the first shot unless provoked by the Greal. Other than that, diplomacy could be given a chance.

----

As this was happening a message was sent to the Xiscapian Goverment via secret telegram with regards to their plan,
The Democratic Guards will commit a Unit to aid in Covert Operations into the Greal Empire if need be. They are standing by for the green light from you"

Ari spoke to her comms officer send a message home by the fastest band of subspace radio they had while the Xiscapians and the Ordo Drakul talked.

"From Admiral Ari Calvert-Fujimoto commanding NKS Archer. Its official. Greal has declared war against Xiscapian claiming they are imperalistic. This will involve us in some way but for now I'll keep my fleet in Xiscapian space.

Our intelligence agencies should be on the case to strike back if the Greal make the first move but only if they move first. I'm talking intelligence gathering, beefing up our own security effective immediately, possible assassinations and the normal black ops we can do.

Encode this and send it home. Then we'll await developments."

All this was said in her own language and now it was in the hands of the Empress Fujiko's government.

The Yellow Springs
--This Greal Empire has declared war on the Xiscapians-- Muritan gave a full report, but the Voivode knew the bare bones of it was all he required.
--Dispatch the Fifth Fleet to the Xiscapian/Greal border--the Voivode ordered--That's fifty battlecrabs, a hundred and twenty kozoru, and such spitters as they can carry, right?--
--Certainly. I'll contact their diplomatic corps so they know we're coming--
--Send a private message to that charming the Vanadict of theirs, and let the commanders know they will be subordinate to the Xiscapian officers. Have the Blue Moon prepare a full report on these Greali for Xiscapian dissemination, and dispatch agents to all concerned to coordinate our efforts. Invite the Xiscapian ambassador to spend an extended holiday with me, as well. Best she stay here, at the Yellow Springs, until this affair is concluded.
--Dispatch the Ordo Arkati, under a diplomatic banner, to all nations concerned. They can Gate strategists where needed and allow us to coordinate efforts, as well as keep our intelligence under wraps.
--Have the Second Fleet cloak and scout Greali space. Regular reports on ship movements, strategic points, etc. When the War begins in earnest, I intend to dazzle our allies-strikes on mining worlds, levelling spaceports, setting up the enemy top men for assassinations from within. The Blue Moon is going to be very busy.--
Muritan bowed.--We always are, Excellency. I shall make the preparations--

"I'm telling you, we should go."
"And I am telling you we shouldn't."
"Are you kidding me? This is the sweetest deal we've had since the SASM battle! The Star Snake is as good as she ever was, we're fully equipped, every thing's in top shape. What's wrong?"
"Maybe the fact that this nation we're trying to smuggle into is now at war with Xiscapia? Not to mention that if we're captured we'll undoubtedly be executed."
"Not like that ever bothered you before."
'Look, I just have a bad feeling about this."
"Me too, but when did that ever stop us?"
"Okay, fine, but if we die I'm going to kill you."
"Hey, careful with that thing!" Kartosh called across the hanger. "If that goes off you can kiss your ass goodbye. Yeah, I'm talking to you."

Skyler sighed and pushed her blue hair out of her eyes as she watched the somewhat confused hauler droid shove the crate up the ramp of the Star Snake. The words Allanean Arms were emblazoned on the side, and it was one of ten such boxes holding a thousand disassembled Minibolters each. A unnamed contact via a holo connection had approached them several days before, giving them the location of the goods, the location of the drop, and the price. The kitsune smugglers/mercenaries had accepted in a heartbeat, and here they were on some planet Skyler had already forgotten the name of in the town of Dying Slowly. A real backwater world, it was hundreds of light years from anywhere even remotely important, and a perfect place to hold illegal, or at least slightly shady, operations.

Technically, neither Xiscapian had actually broken any laws...recently. In this deal. They would only get in trouble once the contract was almost finished. Getting into the system was easy. It was getting out that was the hard part. Striding up the ramp after Kartosh, who was snarling a stream of obscenities at the droid that had dropped a crate, she got into the cockpit and prepared for lift off.
Nova Max system...
Cloaked, the Star Snake motored into the system, having jumped in well outside Greali sensor range before cloaking and moving in at sublight speeds. The ship was effectively invisible to all scanners, sensors, cameras, gravitational readings and the naked eye. Gliding though the smoggy atmosphere of the planet the system was named for, the smuggling ship flew for a time over the dark, cracked landscape before diving down into a complex system of gorges and ridges. Landing inside of a cave deep in a crevice inside a nondescript cliff face, the ramp opened and ten crates of the Minibolter guns slid out onto the rock floor.

The grand total was ten thousand guns with ammunition and instruction manuals, enough to outfit a small army. A datapad could be seen glowing softly on the first box as the Star Snake left as quickly as it had come. It read the following:
Callin,
You have friends in high places. Greal will fall and Nova Max will be liberated to belong to it's rightful owners once more.
Long live the Berrax.
The note was unsigned.
Atmosphere...
A blast of heat and light erupted around the sleek silver skin of the patrol-sized Star Snake. To jump to hyperspace, it had to decloak, and there was no real quiet way of punching from planet to space, so Kartosh elected to appear with a bang. All sensors within ten light years would light up as the smuggling ship shot away from the planet towards empty space.
OOC: Will post more later, waiting for Greal to post.

OOC: Post later, family problems

OCC: will be on very soon

"I'm telling you, we should go."
"And I am telling you we shouldn't."
"Are you kidding me? This is the sweetest deal we've had since the SASM battle! The Star Snake is as good as she ever was, we're fully equipped, every thing's in top shape. What's wrong?"
"Maybe the fact that this nation we're trying to smuggle into is now at war with Xiscapia? Not to mention that if we're captured we'll undoubtedly be executed."
"Not like that ever bothered you before."
'Look, I just have a bad feeling about this."
"Me too, but when did that ever stop us?"
"Okay, fine, but if we die I'm going to kill you."
"Hey, careful with that thing!" Kartosh called across the hanger. "If that goes off you can kiss your ass goodbye. Yeah, I'm talking to you."

Skyler sighed and pushed her blue hair out of her eyes as she watched the somewhat confused hauler droid shove the crate up the ramp of the Star Snake. The words Allanean Arms were emblazoned on the side, and it was one of ten such boxes holding a thousand disassembled Minibolters each. A unnamed contact via a holo connection had approached them several days before, giving them the location of the goods, the location of the drop, and the price. The kitsune smugglers/mercenaries had accepted in a heartbeat, and here they were on some planet Skyler had already forgotten the name of in the town of Dying Slowly. A real backwater world, it was hundreds of light years from anywhere even remotely important, and a perfect place to hold illegal, or at least slightly shady, operations.

Technically, neither Xiscapian had actually broken any laws...recently. In this deal. They would only get in trouble once the contract was almost finished. Getting into the system was easy. It was getting out that was the hard part. Striding up the ramp after Kartosh, who was snarling a stream of obscenities at the droid that had dropped a crate, she got into the cockpit and prepared for lift off.
Nova Max system...
Cloaked, the Star Snake motored into the system, having jumped in well outside Greali sensor range before cloaking and moving in at sublight speeds. The ship was effectively invisible to all scanners, sensors, cameras, gravitational readings and the naked eye. Gliding though the smoggy atmosphere of the planet the system was named for, the smuggling ship flew for a time over the dark, cracked landscape before diving down into a complex system of gorges and ridges. Landing inside of a cave deep in a crevice inside a nondescript cliff face, the ramp opened and ten crates of the Minibolter guns slid out onto the rock floor.

The grand total was ten thousand guns with ammunition and instruction manuals, enough to outfit a small army. A datapad could be seen glowing softly on the first box as the Star Snake left as quickly as it had come. It read the following:

The note was unsigned.
Atmosphere...
A blast of heat and light erupted around the sleek silver skin of the patrol-sized Star Snake. To jump to hyperspace, it had to decloak, and there was no real quiet way of punching from planet to space, so Kartosh elected to appear with a bang. All sensors within ten light years would light up as the smuggling ship shot away from the planet towards empty space.
OOC: Will post more later, waiting for Greal to post.

Nova Max

Two Berraxs were wandering around the caves, looking for anything useful to live. They were not rebels, nor empire lovers, they were just simple civilians looking for a way to survive the war that had destroyed several cities. One was named Rell, the other, Jass.

Rell heard a noise down in a cave, he quickly ran toward the cave, maybe a animal had found its way into the cave, and Rell could bring the food to his family.

Instead, he found crates, and a note, he read it.

Callin,
You have friends in high places. Greal will fall and Nova Max will be liberated to belong to it's rightful owners once more.
Long live the Berrax.

"Jass, come here!" yelled Rell. Rell picked up a big rock from the cave floor and hit one of the crates so hard the crate opened. He was astounded what was inside.

"Oh god." said Jass who came in.

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

Nova Max was guarded by The 3rd Foreign Fleet, and the 4th Fleet. Valiant Light Escort ships immediately moved onto the path of the unknown ship and stopped the unidentified ships.

The Valiant ships were made in Allanea, so they had different weapons. It fired its phase pulser cannons at the unknown enemy ship.

Bump-

The echoing, cavernous space of the ship bay served only to highlight the group of figures in the middle, clustered around a single black shuttle. Four people stood there, standing around a box. Two kitsune stood slightly apart from the other two, a male with black hair, yellow eyes and silver fur, and a female with green hair, orange eyes and rust-colored hair. The third wore diplomatic robes, the fourth was Robs. It was only a holographic represenation of him, like in the conference room. No one, not even the Emperor, had ever actually seen Robs in person.

The Shipmother's suggestion of a task force purely for the assistance of the alien rebels under Techar rule had been taken to heart, and this was it. The other agents, the assassins and spies and sabatuers, would take different routes, and not communicate with each other. Any agent captured could not be forced to reveal the locations or indentities of their fellows, because they were kept in the dark. They awaited the Ordo Arkati to construct Gates, as well as any other Muri agents they decided to send from one Order or another. Whether the other nations involved would send entirely independent agents or some here was up to them.

Yellow Springs...
A single white diplomatic shuttle set down after navigating the storm of gases and energy surronding the Muri planet of Pamalta. The Vanadict emerged, hands inside her robes, stepping out onto the ground. The summoning of her to Yellow Springs could almost be taken as an insult, like saying the kitsune did not have sufficent security to protect their higher-ups. But maybe that was what the Voivode meant. Anyway, the Chief Ambassador wanted to go, and Xiscapia was not going to refuse, especially since the Fifth Fleet had arrived within their borders. Vanadict waited quietly, without guard, for someone to greet her.

Nova Max system...
Kartosh spun the Star Snake into a barrel roll, avoiding the blasts by mere feet. "YAHHHH!" he screamed in the euporia that comes from space combat, launching off two concussion missile back at the escort ships. They wouldn't come anywhere near to destroying them, but the missiles would damage the ships and hopefully fry a few sensors. The smuggling ship shot away at maximum sublight speeds, zooming away from the lumbering pursuing craft.

Five Tanarans, none of them a part of the military, met with the head of their Family and listened intently to the orders given. They accepted the briefing information and the challenge placed before them. It was not their way to refuse such. All of them had the most ordinary of human appearances , though they were far different than they looked.

It took them but a few hours to assemble their needs and report aboard an anonymous fast courier ship. The ship was equipped with DeSitter Translation Drives, and thus the jouney to Xiscapia would take less time than they had needed to gather their equipment.

A sixth took his own ship. There simply wasn't another ship like it. And Shade arrived in Xiscapian space before the five had even had their meeting. He recieved his orders directly from his mother. And she from the one whose Hand she was.

(OOC:Not to be rude, but the Voivode didn't summon the Vanadict-he summoned whomever the Xiscapian government has stationed on Pamaltela. That I don't know the ambassador's name is the only rude part, but he's never been mentioned before)
The solemn figure of Muritan appeared next to the Vanadict. "Madame the Vanadict, I greet you in the name of the Voivode of Pamaltela. One day, we must contrive to meet under more pleasant circumstances, but enter freely of your own will-enjoy what is here, and leave a bit of the joy you have brought." His bolongo stated as he bowed low. "Your countryman at Big Rubble should be arriving soon unless the Voivode ate him last week and forgot about it-we requested his presence to better coordinate efforts."
A cerulean halo-that odd energy phenomenon the muri called a lune, surrounded Muritan and the Vanadict. "The Voivode has determined that the worlds of Hurtrix, Miller, and New Sparta must be leveraged off the Greal Empire for swiftest completion of this hostility. Miller and New Sparta are largely uninhabited, with a substantial robot populations easily reprogrammed to harvest energy crystals for us once isolated and protected, but the shipyards at Hurtrix are well-protected and densely enough populated that conquest will be problematic, so we are looking into hit-and-run tactics to tie up ship production, as well as various alogoi to leave fleets protecting the shipyards if we can convince our enemies it is a seriously-threatened target. With our people already planetside, a few fly-by strafings can keep far more ships locked in orbit protecting shipyards our people have blown up, and we can keep Hurtrix from producing much other than a distraction to our foes. With half of Greal's military bases on Hurtrix, it is probably the best area for alogoi aimed at distracting their military."
The Vanadict nodded. Muri tactics revolved around misdirection and turning an enemy's strengths into weaknesses as opposed to direct engagement, and they were most adept at it. She didn't even question where or how Muritan came by his information, knowing he'd either lie or refuse to comment...

OOC: To me it looked like you were asking the Vanadict to come -invite the Xiscapian ambassador to spend an extended holiday with me, as well. Best she stay here, at the Yellow Springs, until this affair is concluded.- By "she" I assumed you meant the Vanadict, as the Voivode did not mention anything of the ambassador stationed on Pamaltela and talked about Vanadict in the sentence before.
Ah well. As my dad often says, the problem with communication is often the illusion that it occurred.
IC:
"Distraction and illusion are useful tools, of course. But your ships must be cautious. Even if the Greali are more concerned with protecting their planets and structures, there are others with them without the same restraints. There are ships from the nation known as the Realm protecting Greal space, ensuring both sides do not attack directly. This, of course, is exactly what you are proposing, and their Engagement vessels will attempt to destroy your own." She looked grave. "You already know this, of course, but I must urge you to be careful. This war is fragile enough as it is, and a single move in the wrong place at the wrong time will send it spiraling into a full-out engagement," she looked directly at Muritan. "Something we do not want."
Xiscapia, Rio Casa, Imperial Palace...
"You have to let us go."
"I have to do no such thing."
"Listen," Silvertooth's face contorted in anger and frustration. "We can be a great asset. I know this. You know this. With us there-"
"Why?"
This gave him pause. "Why? To fight, of course!"
"You are deeper than that. It's the Berrax, isn't it?"
The bekko looked down. "Yes."
"You can empathize, can't you? The Berrax and you...your histories are not so different. Full of cruelty and hatred sustained at the hands of others, discriminated against mercilessly. The plight of the oppressed."
"It's not all that. There is...other things."
Emperor Foxfire Rose nodded. He knew.
Still...
"It's too-"
"Dangerous?" Nightshade cut in with a sneer. "Is that what you were going to say, Uncle? Dangerous?"
The Emperor sighed. Sometimes talking with his niece and nephew was not unlike prodding a Slint desert devil plant. You never knew where the spikes might appear.
"I know you can handle yourselves. Qonn knows you proved it during the Battle of Resistance. But what would we do if you were captured? The Greali would executed you mercilessly. If you were killed, Jade and I would lose a little of ourselves."
"And the press would have a field day with our deaths as another mark on your already shaky administration," shot back Silvertooth. "I know all the arguments. Admit it. You don't want us back out there."
"After what you've been though? Never mind the assassin we found dead in the gutters mere blocks from the Palace. You still-"
"Yes! Is that so hard to understand?" Silvertooth grew quiet. "We may have aged a thousand years," said Nightshade solemnly, "but we are still young here. There is much to be done, and precious little time to do it in."
"But that's all it is. Revenge and escape."
"You took a pledge when you become Emperor. You made an oath to fight chaos, xenophobia, evil where ever it was. We can't fight the Hutts, the Danaversians, the Calaverians. Not now. But how is one evil different from another? Ultimately it all comes from the same place. We are united in our battle."
The Emperor looked pained. He opened his mouth, then shut it, shoulders sagging. "Get to Tenfour, do it quickly. Government berths, ninety-two."
"You won't regret this." Silvertooth flashed the Emperor a grin. "C'mon. We'll make you proud."
In an instant they were gone. Reaching the conference room, the Emperor settled into a chair, clasping his fingers, staring at them without seeing, lost in thought and worry.

OOC: To me it looked like you were asking the Vanadict to come -invite the Xiscapian ambassador to spend an extended holiday with me, as well. Best she stay here, at the Yellow Springs, until this affair is concluded.- By "she" I assumed you meant the Vanadict, as the Voivode did not mention anything of the ambassador stationed on Pamaltela and talked about Vanadict in the sentence before.
Ah well. As my dad often says, the problem with communication is often the illusion that it occurred.
IC:
"Distraction and illusion are useful tools, of course. But your ships must be cautious. Even if the Greali are more concerned with protecting their planets and structures, there are others with them without the same restraints. There are ships from the nation known as the Realm protecting Greal space, ensuring both sides do not attack directly. This, of course, is exactly what you are proposing, and their Engagement vessels will attempt to destroy your own." She looked grave. "You already know this, of course, but I must urge you to be careful. This war is fragile enough as it is, and a single move in the wrong place at the wrong time will send it spiraling into a full-out engagement," she looked directly at Muritan. "Something we do not want."
Xiscapia, Rio Casa, Imperial Palace...
"You have to let us go."
"I have to do no such thing."
"Listen," Silvertooth's face contorted in anger and frustration. "We can be a great asset. I know this. You know this. With us there-"
"Why?"
This gave him pause. "Why? To fight, of course!"
"You are deeper than that. It's the Berrax, isn't it?"
The bekko looked down. "Yes."
"You can empathize, can't you? The Berrax and you...your histories are not so different. Full of cruelty and hatred sustained at the hands of others, discriminated against mercilessly. The plight of the oppressed."
"It's not all that. There is...other things."
Emperor Foxfire Rose nodded. He knew.
Still...
"It's too-"
"Dangerous?" Nightshade cut in with a sneer. "Is that what you were going to say, Uncle? Dangerous?"
The Emperor sighed. Sometimes talking with his niece and nephew was not unlike prodding a Slint desert devil plant. You never knew where the spikes might appear.
"I know you can handle yourselves. Qonn knows you proved it during the Battle of Resistance. But what would we do if you were captured? The Greali would executed you mercilessly. If you were killed, Jade and I would lose a little of ourselves."
"And the press would have a field day with our deaths as another mark on your already shaky administration," shot back Silvertooth. "I know all the arguments. Admit it. You don't want us back out there."
"After what you've been though? Never mind the assassin we found dead in the gutters mere blocks from the Palace. You still-"
"Yes! Is that so hard to understand?" Silvertooth grew quiet. "We may have aged a thousand years," said Nightshade solemnly, "but we are still young here. There is much to be done, and precious little time to do it in."
"But that's all it is. Revenge and escape."
"You took a pledge when you become Emperor. You made an oath to fight chaos, xenophobia, evil where ever it was. We can't fight the Hutts, the Danaversians, the Calaverians. Not now. But how is one evil different from another? Ultimately it all comes from the same place. We are united in our battle."
The Emperor looked pained. He opened his mouth, then shut it, shoulders sagging. "Get to Tenfour, do it quickly. Government berths, ninety-two."
"You won't regret this." Silvertooth flashed the Emperor a grin. "C'mon. We'll make you proud."
In an instant they were gone. Reaching the conference room, the Emperor settled into a chair, clasping his fingers, staring at them without seeing, lost in thought and worry.

Twilight
Alexander looked out into space and said " You have your money overseer, you have dealt a blow to our already fragile econmoy. The goverment wants to send in a force of GOU with the Xscapian/Alversian forces, they wish to be brought aboard your ships incase of a fight, they will take orders from your men."

OOC: Heh. I only just made the connection between Glorantha and your people, Ordo Drakul. I adore the setting, though.

IC: How intensely irritating.

There was no other way to describe it. For the Greali declaration of war had left Cypria with somewhat of a dilemma. Whilst the Executive Council discussed the action to be taken, they were to be defended nonetheless. For now, one would find the Greali worlds somewhat difficult to attack, for well over a fifth of Confrontation ships had been deployed to Greal for the time being. And the expenses kept mounting.

The Greal Galactic Empire decided to declare the delcaration of war invalid. The Congress had a massive debate but agreed to the invalid war delecaration. Tensions, would most likely remain.

'What a mess'

Prime Minister Aiden Mallon sat in his office and read through the latest tactical updates from the front of the Xiscapian Empire, where four Alversian Fleets had been deployed to bolster the numbers of their Kitsune Comrades. Not only that, but thousands of troops and aircraft had also been deployed in various locations around the Empire on a war footing. They had all been given the same message. They were stand firm and defend their positions against any attackers. That was all. No permission was given for assaults and the orders made it specifically clear that the first shots would be from the Greal and not from the Republic.

Now it seemed that the Greal declaration of war had been made invalid and they were no longer at war after all. It seemed to him like an impulsive and easily influenced power was making these decisions. Through their meeting with the Berrax, the Alversians had some idea as to the defences of the Greal worlds and, although formidable, he had no doubt that the Alversian fleet would be capable of taking them if given the chance. It was a theory he would not put into practise unless he was left with no other choice.

He was working late as always and, apart from a few couples enjoying the cool night air or the sounds of hovercars returning from work, the city of Illesia was silent. Aiden was in his office, high above the ground, working on papers. He was seemingly alone, for the rest of his office staff had gone home long ago. He knew he had bodyguards surrounding him. One small sound and they would appear from wherever they were needed. Now he had a bigger dilemma

The fleets were no problem, they were Grand Admiral Reyes responsibility and he knew he could trust her to make the right decision with regards to them. His major problem was with the top secret unit that he only he and four others knew about.

Twisting in his chair, Aiden tapped the button on the large screen behind him and waited patiently as a signal was broadcast across the stars, relayed in one case by a patrolling Cruiser to ensure that it would arrive at it’s destination without interference from asteroids or any other obstacle it may face,

”A message from the Office of the Alversian Prime Minister to his most honourable ruler, Emperor Foxfire the first” All he would have to do now is wait for the Emperor to decide if he wanted to talk or not.

He thought of all the times he had talked to Foxfire, he saw him as a friend but now he doubted very much he would remain in office long enough to see this conflict out. Elections were coming to Alversia and, despite the fact that Aiden Mallon had seen his people through the worst conflicts in their history as well as a great expansion of the arts and diplomacy, exploration and tecnological advancement, he knew his days were numbered. Not that he couldn't win if he put his mind to it, but the mind was failing. It would be his 78th birthday soon and, although quite young for an Alversian, Aiden knew it was time to hand the reins of power to someone with a little more energy and dynacism.

He wanted to retire to somewhere nice, may further down the coast, away from the city, where he could buy a nice little villa and spend his time painting or sculpting. Spending his time walking or helping out at the local library or primary school. Maybe he would run for Senator after a few years but for now, all he wanted to do was relax and enjoy his old age with his wife.

He smiled at the thought of Joan sitting at home waiting for him. Not many knew that Aiden Mallon was married but his wife shunned the political world that her husband governed and preferred to remain anonymous. Now he could spend his time with her on the beach, or in the green countryside. He would have to start looking at properties at some point to see what was on the market. Something functional but simple, away from the city, away from war and away from his own Guards. Maybe Emperor Foxfire would visit with his own wife Jade. he knew they both enjoyed nature. Perhaps he would pick the countryside after all?

Still he waited.

OOC:Yes, I've been playing trolls almost forty years now-and you, HT, probably know more of my limitations than anyone else here.
IC:"My dear Madame the Vanadict, our interference with the Young Races is done with the utmost discretion-usually. The cosmos at large had long relegated us to myth until the incident on O'Kuni. As the Sultan of Doraddi has made himself far too well known for us to remain myth, we are behaving as any other stellar power.
"Officially, we are merely defending our allies and friends. Our intelligence gathering is most circumspect, and the Second Fleet merely the blatant end of it. Our operatives are winnowing through Greal as we speak-trash collectors and secretaries, prostitutes and smugglers, many many more-all collecting data and sending it through various channels, waiting until the time is right before any intelligence is used.
"We will map out a framework of relations and alliances, pluck and strain at them until they fissure and our foes isolate or alienate each other. More wars are decided by defections and betrayal than force of arms." Muritan was bland as his bolongo continued:"I believe we have spoken as much as we should without the Voivode-may I dismiss the lune?"
The Voivode himself was approaching, claws spread wide. "Madame the Vanadict, this is indeed a happy night!" he bellowed, scooping up her hand and placing his snout on her ring. "The Greal Senate has declared the War invalid! Xiscapia is safe-well, as safe as the Ribbentroff-Molotov Pact made anyone. I have dispatched Merchant Prince Chuma to negotiate trade with the Greali Senate aboard an old Novan cruiser."
"Chuma? He's a bit of an oaf..." Muritan couldn't stop his bolongo-he was too used to full disclosure to the Voivode.
The Voivode shrugged. "He knows trade well enough, and if the Greali kill him, it only strengthens our gene pool. Come, Madame the Vanadict-let us see how many courses I may pleasure you with before an attack..."

The cabinet, Prime minister and Empress back on Kirisubo Primus pieced these events together and sighed with relief.

Still they would hold the Tanaran's $500 mil funds in case war did come to them. For now it was a cold war and Greal space was declared off limits for N-K shipping.

They had no merchants going there anyway and no exploration ship had reached their yet so nothing had changed but still they prefered to have no dealings with a xenophobic race if they could help it.

So they would stay watchful and continue to back up their allies as there would always be a 'hand' of defence force cruisers in Xiscapian space while the tension remained.

”A message from the Office of the Alversian Prime Minister to his most honourable ruler, Emperor Foxfire the first”
The message was intercepted and rerouted three times, once from a communications outpost at the border, once by the Protector, and once by Palace officials before finally going to the Emperor himself. Foxfire Rose had since concluded his business with the Head of the Merchants Guild in the Conference Room and had retired to his own room, not to rest, but simply to do more work in a comfortable area. While he was responding to a written message from a scientist about some experimental project the screen above his bed chimed and after a moment the Prime Minister's face materialized. The Emperor immediately rose and bowed deeply, coming up with a smile. "Prime Minister, this is an unexpected pleasure. I trust you too have received word that we are not officially at war?"

Emperor Foxfire Rose was relieved. It was his job to worry, and while the war had been invalidated, and he wouldn't put it past the Greali to still try something, there would be no conflict. The problem with Greal, aside from the extreme xenophobia and genocide, lay in the government. It was comprised democratically, but was really a screen for a dictatorship. The so-called President was only a puppet for the true power, one Zillar Remetrix, President of the Senate.

The Greal senate was made up mostly of Techar, and they would propose something, anything from a trade bill to war. It would pass though Remetrix, who would forward it to the President. The President would inevitably always sign, because he knew he could easily be removed from power if he went against the wishes of Congress, and with it Zillar Remetrix. Now, however, it seemed Remetrix's lust for war had been overturned somehow. Perhaps Greal had been intimidated by the Muri. Perhaps they were intimidated by the Realm. Maybe they had lost the support of the Circle, maybe the Circle had threatened them. Who knew?

The point was, the war, which had never begun, was over. All the preparation, the assembly, the mobilization, for nothing. And thank Qonn it was so. The last thing, as he had said before, Xiscapia needed was yet another war. If Remetrix had stepped down from his position, all the better for everyone. Now all he had to do was pull his agents back and send a message to Xiscapia's allies.
Yellow Springs...
Vanadict blinked in surprise, which turned to joy in the next moment. "This is a most happy occasion!" she agreed, bowing low. "I did not expect this most fortius turn of events. Luck smiles upon us." She grinned herself, ignoring the comment about their trade merchant. There would be no trade with Xiscapia to or from Greal. Not after the Ambassador. At that moment the resident diplomat, a extremely tall kitsune with Alversian blood, making him what was known as a Halfbreed, strode towards them. He wore the regular purple and black robes, blending with his dark skin, yellow eyes flashing good-naturedly out from under mahogany brown hair. He bowed. "Lady Vanadict, Voivode of Pamaltela, Muritan." He looked whole and quite uneaten.
Twilight...
"You have your money Overseer, you have dealt a blow to our already fragile economy. The government wants to send in a force of GOU with the Xiscapian/Alversian forces, they wish to be brought aboard your ships in case of a fight, they will take orders from your men."
"That won't be necessary," Lio smiled, looking truly pleased for the first time. "I have just received word that the Greal government has declared the war invalid, and predictions say they will quickly back down. However, Captain," she looked him in the eye, "we still expect our payment, and you can be sure that once we have sorted things our the restrictions will fall on Celestis once again."

OCC: K im back, did you reply to Alexander's request of a small group of soldiers on a ship? and ive been thinking of having one ship made with mixed Calaverian/Xscapian/Alversian technology, third is echo's.

"Prime Minister, this is an unexpected pleasure. I trust you too have received word that we are not officially at war?"

"It is indeed my old Friend" Aiden smiled at the screen, "And I have recieved the news that the declaration of war has been made invalid by the Greali Senate. However, I was hoping for a clearer picture from you, being the man...forgive me, Kitsune" he laughed a little at his mistake, "on the ground and closest to the action. I was also wondering if you would still like our little arrangements with regards to the Greali machine to go ahead."

Aiden sighed as he looked over the Emperor who stood in front of him. He knew that Xiscapian elected their Emperor democratically and he wondered how long Foxfire Rose had of his term before he was thrown in front of the public and they steered his life for the next few years. He was also wondering how the Emperor would deal with his new Counterpart on Alversian when he arrived. He hoped that the two would get on. He almost wished he wasn't stepping down.

But not quite

"How are things with you, My Old Friend?" He asked sadly, "How are you holding up under all this?

Nova Max

Rell and Jass started another revolt, within days, thousands of Berraxs flocked to their banners, away from the rival Berrax clans. Jass and Rell were good friends and each had a separate army. Armed with bolt guns, they battled the Techar policemen in the hills. It was a bloodbath and the Techars retreated, but later came back and destroyed Jass’s army. Rell had to destroy several rival rebel groups as his one thousand Berraxs army marched through the hills looking for supplies. Jass begged Rell for reinforcements, but only got another two hundred.

The Berrax revolt nearly was destroyed, after the Greal Superfortress Klackon jumped into orbit and dropped off one hundred thousand Marines transported from Hurtrix. Jass’s army was destroyed again, and he was reduced to one hundred men. Rell lost half his army in bloody urban fights and retreated to the hills.

Rell launched some underground factories, but they did not turn out much since materials were hard to come by. He scrapped every vehicle the Berraxs had into weapons, he even scrapped a reserve frigate and took the weapons off them and turned the hills into a fortress.

Greal Marines assaulted the hill fortress and took it after a week of bloody fighting. Jass was now dead, and his second in command, Fram, now led the rest of Jass’s army. Fram’s army fled to the poles where they stayed and attracted hundreds of Berrax youths. Ammuntion, however, was getting lower and lower. Ironically, The Berraxs, who were armed with Bolt guns, fought Greal marines who also had Bolt guns.

Rell managed to get hold of a massive arsenal and took everything they had there. Rell’s army escaped by civilian vehicles and even on wagons. The Berrax convoy was attacked over and over by Greal fighters, and Rell’s army was now down to four hundred.

Even worse, the Greal Congress said they would start massacres of Berraxs if the Berraxs did not halt the revolt. Rell did not know what to do.

Nova Max

Rell and Jass started another revolt, within days, thousands of Berraxs flocked to their banners, away from the rival Berrax clans. Jass and Rell were good friends and each had a separate army. Armed with bolt guns, they battled the Techar policemen in the hills. It was a bloodbath and the Techars retreated, but later came back and destroyed Jass’s army. Rell had to destroy several rival rebel groups as his one thousand Berraxs army marched through the hills looking for supplies. Jass begged Rell for reinforcements, but only got another two hundred.

The Berrax revolt nearly was destroyed, after the Greal Superfortress Klackon jumped into orbit and dropped off one hundred thousand Marines transported from Hurtrix. Jass’s army was destroyed again, and he was reduced to one hundred men. Rell lost half his army in bloody urban fights and retreated to the hills.

Rell launched some underground factories, but they did not turn out much since materials were hard to come by. He scrapped every vehicle the Berraxs had into weapons, he even scrapped a reserve frigate and took the weapons off them and turned the hills into a fortress.

Greal Marines assaulted the hill fortress and took it after a week of bloody fighting. Jass was now dead, and his second in command, Fram, now led the rest of Jass’s army. Fram’s army fled to the poles where they stayed and attracted hundreds of Berrax youths. Ammuntion, however, was getting lower and lower. Ironically, The Berraxs, who were armed with Bolt guns, fought Greal marines who also had Bolt guns.

Rell managed to get hold of a massive arsenal and took everything they had there. Rell’s army escaped by civilian vehicles and even on wagons. The Berrax convoy was attacked over and over by Greal fighters, and Rell’s army was now down to four hundred.

Even worse, the Greal Congress said they would start massacres of Berraxs if the Berraxs did not halt the revolt. Rell did not know what to do.

An old Observer had been watching the Berrax revolt, even though Calaveras was Xenophobic, a revolt would drown some Greal resources and troops. So it was decided that in one hour the Observer would begin beaming down Weapons to the Berrax rebels.

OCC: is this okay, i dont expect to win but i can try, and the observer is cloaked.

An old Observer had been watching the Berrax revolt, even though Calaveras was Xenophobic, a revolt would drown some Greal resources and troops. So it was decided that in one hour the Observer would begin beaming down Weapons to the Berrax rebels.

OCC: is this okay, i dont expect to win but i can try, and the observer is cloaked.

OOC: Is your Observer cloaked, because my battleships would be on the observer's heels in a second if you appeared in the Berrax system.

OOC: Is your Observer cloaked, because my battleships would be on the observer's heels in a second if you appeared in the Berrax system.

OCC: Yes the Observer is cloaked.

The Observer " Miracle" began beaming down weapons to Rell's position, this included: War-path Assault rifles, Scorpion rocket luanchers, Animal-Blaster shotguns, and a couple Safari sniper rifles. Ammunition was supplyed, three clips and one in the weapon for each rifle. The captain was uncertain about all this, but he wanted a way to hurt Greal, even if it wasn't by his hands, but by god they would fall from Calaverian rounds.

The Observer " Miracle" began beaming down weapons to Rell's position, this included: War-path Assault rifles, Scorpion rocket luanchers, Animal-Blaster shotguns, and a couple Safari sniper rifles. Ammunition was supplyed, three clips and one in the weapon for each rifle. The captain was uncertain about all this, but he wanted a way to hurt Greal, even if it wasn't by his hands, but by god they would fall from Calaverian rounds.

The beaming of weapons however, was noticed by Greal sensors, and three Wrath Battleships were sent to investigate if there was a cloaked hip.

Rell was delighted by the sight of the new weapons. he wondered where they came from. He immediately sent some of the weapons around his position, soon he had a massive umber of armed Berraxs.

The beaming of weapons however, was noticed by Greal sensors, and three Wrath Battleships were sent to investigate if there was a cloaked hip.

Rell was delighted by the sight of the new weapons. he wondered where they came from. He immediately sent some of the weapons around his position, soon he had a massive umber of armed Berraxs.

The Observer shut all her systems down as soon as she was aware of approaching vessels. The only thing running was the computer, even her lights were out in the vessle, pitch black.

The Observer shut all her systems down as soon as she was aware of approaching vessels. The only thing running was the computer, even her lights were out in the vessle, pitch black.

The beaming of the weapons halted, and Rell became aware of the enemy battleships, so Rell's men head inside the hills and waited for more beaming.

The battleships watched for any movement at all, the next movement would be blasted apart by Super heavy plasma cannons. The Wrath battleships prepared their missiles for the attack.

"I was also wondering if you would still like our little arrangements with regards to the Greali machine to go ahead."
"No: Call your men back. There's no need for conflict now, any fighting would be pointless. Peace, even as tentative as this, must be preserved."
"However, I was hoping for a clearer picture from you, being the man...forgive me, Kitsune, on the ground and closest to the action."
He smiled. "We do not know what has prompted this abrupt change in Greali plans. My personal theory is that they lost the backing of their allies, but there are many elements. It could have been the recent Berrax uprising, the war could have been overturned by the people, the government could have felt threatened by the Realm presence in their space. Any combination of these, all of them, or none. I do not know. But I am glad of this."
"How are you holding up under all this?"
The Emperor gave a weary sigh that was a speech in itself. "Well enough, Prime Minister. Now that the SASM has been obliterated, the Rebellion crushed and this conflict fortuously averted, I may finally be able to put on the blue robes of peace for a time. I look forward to the coming years, breakthroughs and progress in science and art, rather than this last decade or so, filled with war. Still, I did not expect this to be an easy task, taking the title of Emperor. The burden of the ruler, it should suffice to say, is heavy, but I can shoulder it without too much strain."

As the Prime Minister knew, the Emperor had been elected as such for life, as was tradition and the agreed policy for the Kitsune Empire. The Emperor or Empress was in office until he or she either resigned voluntarily, died, or were forced to step down by the people. Generally the former happened with the most frequency, but Xiscapians can be long lived. There is a reason the rule of an individual is called a dynasty. The Emperor did not expect to retire, as it were, for some time now. There was much work to be done, and he was a relatively young being, especially when compared to Aiden Mallon.

"What if you, Aiden?" asked the Emperor, using the Alversian ruler's first name. "Elections are fast approaching to the Republic, and there are rumors you intend to step down from your position."

There was an explosion in the hills, then silence.
There were sudden screams, Berraxs ran out on fire, or in pain, and Greal marines opened fire on the Berraxs fleeing the hills. Rell was now dead. marines overran the position of the Berraxs and Rell's group was destroyed. Fram's group rushed to the area, but he only found dead Berraxs scattered around, and Greal troops waiting for them, the resulting fight, destroyed half the rebellion. Thousands of Berrax civilians were shot and killed an thrown into pits., Millions of more would die for helping the rebellion.

There was an explosion in the hills, then silence.
There were sudden screams, Berraxs ran out on fire, or in pain, and Greal marines opened fire on the Berraxs fleeing the hills. Rell was now dead. marines overran the position of the Berraxs and Rell's group was destroyed. Fram's group rushed to the area, but he only found dead Berraxs scattered around, and Greal troops waiting for them, the resulting fight, destroyed half the rebellion. Thousands of Berrax civilians were shot and killed an thrown into pits., Millions of more would die for helping the rebellion.

OCC: did my weapons do anything for them haha, i fully equipeed them Anti-infantry, Anti-tank/air.

OCC: did my weapons do anything for them haha, i fully equipeed them Anti-infantry, Anti-tank/air.

OOC: They did prolong the war…..

The Voivode sat and filled the Vanadict's plate. She was always surprised that the host in muri society prepared each guest's first plate, and she offered her prayer to the Earth Mother, knowing the Voivode would not speak until she had eaten. When the Voivode set a plate before the Ambassador, he began to shake his head. "No, thank y-" the Vanadict kicked him under the table and nodded towards her plate. Trolls were very particular about table etiquette, and refusing food was a terminal insult. The Ambassador took the hint, and offered thanks, taking a small bite of some savory fish dish.
Once she had placed the first morsel on her lips, the Voivode activated a viewing crystal.--Here, Madame the Vanadict, honored Sir, you may see that Nova Max is in the throes of a civil war. The Star Snake dropped weapons, and this Calaveran Observer has aided-doubtless due to the Calaveran love of disorder for the sake of disorder. I have a Blue Moon-one of your people, I believe- seeking the leaders of this Berrax Rebellion, and the Ordo Arkati will begin sending them weapons through the Gates in short order. I feel this civil disobedience is all that keeps the Greali from slavering at your door like so many mukade, and you do not know I am doing this--his words were pointed, and he winked.
--The Ordo Gadbladi is manufacturing Calaveran-issue weaponry for just this purpose, and the Sultan of Doraddi is skinning me nicely over the price of the materials-Berrax are a good-sized race, built on a troll's scale. I would give them some of our gear if they were independent. I'd love to see them with our fire-throwers, but psionic powered weapons sort of give us away entirely.--
The Vanadict smiled as well. The muri were an amazingly cautious race, with plan upon plan set up as not to "compromise their deniability". That the Sultan was skinning his own great-grandfather came as something of a surprise, but the Voivode seemed proud of it, so she let it lay. Perhaps Gerrak would be more forthcoming...

No: Call your men back. There's no need for conflict now, any fighting would be pointless. Peace, even as tentative as this, must be preserved."

Mallon listened to his Counterpart and gave a little nod. Although the Cell was already for deployment, he trusted his Friend's judgement and wishes,
"As you wish" He stated, thinking of how he was going to explain to the others that the Cell was no longer needed. Perhaps they had been too hasty with it's summoning,
"I think the Fleets should remain in Xiscapian Space though, if only for a while. I believe that your own forces suffered as heavily in the Rebellion as we did in the SASM war?" He asked innocently, thinking to the thousands of Alversian men and women stationed alongside their allies throughout Xiscapian Space. They were Soldiers, they knew what had to be done and what the price could be. It was an occupational hazard, especially in the Republic.

"I do not know. But I am glad of this."

"As am I, Emperor, as am I" Mallon echoed approvingly, "Both our nations have suffered much under the strain of war and this was one that I think we could do without. The Alversian people are ready as ever to support you should it come to war again but I do hope that the Greali have seen sense and do not desire more conflict"

Now Aiden heard the Emperor talk of his burden and nodded throughout, it was a burden he could identify with. When you were elected as the ruler of a people, they were placing all their trust in you to act as a sort of superparent to them. When they had a problem, you were to fix it. When something good happened, you were meant to encourage it. When war broke out, you were supposed to win it.

All of this placed immense strain on one individual and Aiden Mallon, having sat in the Office of the Prime Minister, the very Office in which he now sat, had experienced it more than others. Not since the early days of the Alversian Republic had she faced as much war as she had in the past decade. Arts had flourished but so had war and the Alversian death toll made for very sombre reading. Mallon had sat in the Office and watched two Danaversian Wars, the SASM War, the war of the Rebellion, countless skirmishes and renewed hostility from both Greal and the Danaversians.

"What of you, Aiden? Elections are fast approaching to the Republic, and there are rumors you intend to step down from your position."

Mallon gave a smile, one of his long and gentle smiles that had often guided a nation through war and peace. It also illuminated his age, when used in conjunction with the tired face and the grey hair,
"Foxfire Rose, my dear dear Friend" he sighed affectionately, "I have been in office for many long years. I came into office with one generation of Politicans and Military commanders. I have watched their replacements come through the ranks and take their positions. I have watched millions of Alversians killed in the line of duty or simply in cold blooded murder."

He was not looking at the screen now, but outside at the clear starry night,
"The spirit is willing Foxfire, but the mind and body are starting to fall behind. I could have another ten years of ruling in me but I think it's time I follow the trend and allow a more dynamic youngster to take my place. Yes, I am stepping down as Prime Minister of Alversia. I think I deserve a long break." He looked back at the screen,

"And you, Foxfire? Where do you lead your people from here? After the war and devastation?"

"I heard nothing," said the Ambassador calmly, and Vanadict nodded. "We have something. A name. Apparently since the time of the Greal-Imitator war there has been a Berrax widely acknowledged as the leader of the Rebellion. His name is Callin, and while official Greal sources claim he is dead, we have found the Intergalactic Empire is still hunting for him. We, that is, the Kitsune Empire, believe Greal would sooner nuke Nova Max than have it fall into the hands of Callin or his Rebels. While the freedom fighters are spirited and they know the terran, they are not much of a match for the Greal army forces or police. Aside from weapons, do you think it would be possible to Gate instructions or strategy and tactics to them for fighting against the government?"
Palace...
"I think the Fleets should remain in Xiscapian Space though, if only for a while. I believe that your own forces suffered as heavily in the Rebellion as we did in the SASM war?"
"It did, the XIN lost a number of ships during the Battle of Resistance, as it is now known. We are working on manufacturing more, but it will be some months until we are make up to our full strength once more. We find ourselves in a similar position to you: We have enough ships to protect our borders and patrol within them, nothing more."
"Yes, I am stepping down as Prime Minister of Alversia. I think I deserve a long break."
"That you do, my good friend, that you do." said Foxfire warmly. Mallon had seen his nation though many troubled times, and had handled exceptionally well. At the same time, however, the Emperor wondered as to the Prime Minister's successor. Someone younger, and more energetic, as he had said, but what would this man be like? Or, possibly, the Emperor mused, what would she be like?
"And you, Foxfire? Where do you lead your people from here? After the war and devastation?"
"Well," the Emperor leaned back slightly, "there will be no more war for as long as I think I can make it happen. I, and the people, are sick of fighting, tired of sending our friends and loved ones to die. More concentration will be spent on diplomacy, and the more peaceful interests, such as the sciences and technology, art and exploration. War has been a part of us for as long as anyone now alive can remeber, but a few years of peace has made us love it, and we want more. Now is the time to reach out to our fellow beings, to live in harmony and grace as we build culture, rather than war machines."

"I understand my friend, I understand perfectly" Mallon smiled at the thought, the Xiscapians had been included in war longer than the Republic had in earlier years. For now, he was thinking of his own people's advances in sciences, arts and culture. Medicine had advanced significantly thanks to the injection of Alumina expertise. He really did hope that the Xiscapians could find that same peace of mind that came after war.

"I would like to see Xiscapia when those days come, my friend. Perhaps I will visit Xiscapia sometime. See her splender again as a relaxing civilian rather than a visiting leader" he smiled, "And I think I have a race that you would like to meet sometime if you want a little peace of mind from the rulings of Empire"

--Callin?--the Voivode turned to Muritan--Are we aware of this?--
Muritan bowed and gave an unreadable expression.--We are currently more concerned with keeping nukes out of this little rebellion, Excellency, but our agent on Nova Max knows who he is looking for.--
--Run an alogoi to harry them, Muritan. I wish the Young Races had more concern for the effects of their technology--the Voivode nodded sadly.--We should have a diplomatic platform to restrict such engagements, but this being an internal matter, I doubt that should be of any assistance, even if one existed.
--Although the Greali must be kept from expanding into Xiscapian space, we will not allow the genocide of the Berrax to achieve our goals. I trust we are agreed in this, Madame the Vanadict, Ambassador?--

"I would like to see Xiscapia when those days come, my friend. Perhaps I will visit Xiscapia sometime. See her splender again as a relaxing civilian rather than a visiting leader. And I think I have a race that you would like to meet sometime if you want a little peace of mind from the rulings of an Empire"
"Of course, Prime Minister. I am aware the Republic is host to a number of alien races, and we have not yet met all of them. Xiscapia is always open to more races, and we are always open to you, Aiden. If you were to come by the Palace as a tourist, well, I'm sure we could get you, ah," The Emperor smiled, eyes crinkling. "A VIP pass, no?"
--Although the Greali must be kept from expanding into Xiscapian space, we will not allow the genocide of the Berrax to achieve our goals. I trust we are agreed in this, Madame the Vanadict, Ambassador?--
"Naturally." Vanadict nodded. "The Berrax were almost entirely obliterated by the Imitator-Greal war, and only the actions of my own countrymen and the Alversians were able to prevent their total extinction. We are prepared to supply the Berrax with more arms and supplies, but if the Techar do actually begin a xenocide, then we may have to play our hand differently..."

"A VIP pass, no?"

"Of course, Old Friend, of course" Mallon's smile dropped slightly as he gave a sigh, "I best be getting back to work. I will inform the necessary people of your decisions with regards to the Greal and the Republic won't run itself. This will be the last time I talk to you as Prime Minister so may I just say it has been an honour to work alongside you all these years and how much of a delight it has been spend my life working with a people as noble and humble as the Xiscapians. See you again Soon, my Friend"

With that, Mallon cut the link and twisted around to face his desk again. His last week in charge.

--Isn't that the way of Komor?--the Voivode sighed.--You get a winning hand, and the dealer changes the rules.
--I do intend to continue supplying the Berrax with Calaveran weapons-their donating a ship to the conflict has only supplied us with a convenient screen, and given the Greali another front on which to prosecute their xenophobic aggression. However, hanging the Berrax out to dry would be offensive to my sensitivities.
--Initially, I had intended to seize Miller and New Sparta to deny Greal those luscious energy crystals, but without the excuse of a war, that would not be acceptable. However, perhaps a few unaligned individuals might harry the delivery routes given proper incentive...--
The Vanadict looked shocked. "Surely, you're not advocating piracy."
--Certainly not--the Voivode's expression was that of an amused predator watching it's prey slip and fall.--When nations do this, it's called privateering. Of course, that the Greali have so conveniently placed half their military bases on one world gives me another idea as well. Muritan, what would happen if a shipment of aldryami seeds were to crash in the wilderness of Hurtrix?--
--If it were black aldryami spores, we would be honor-bound to assist. The black aldryami are the only species that can cultivate truffles, and that trade enriches our coffers far too much to let another world in on the market--Muritan replied softly.--However, if it were another variety, our involvement would be minimal. The Tree Lords are most aggressive and capable, but the Fern and Grain varieties have their charms as well--
The Vanadict had encountered aldryami before-a sentient plant symbiote that tended the vegetation of it's chosen types, warping the forests into traps where only aldryami and animals were welcome or wanted. Here on Pamaltela, they had ruled long ago before the trolls tore into their forests and ate what they could find, but the Vale of Flowers was still a stronghold, albeit one technically overseen by the powerful Bee Tribe, and the tiny black aldryami were full citizens under muri law.
The Voivode scratched his snout casually.--Perhaps we should ship a variety of seeds, aldryami as well as favored plant species, in that Korr freighter that costs so much to maintain. Could a golem pilot feign an incident-an accidental overload that brings it crashing down to an optimal location, allowing for maximum spread? That should keep the Greal military busy for a time, and cost us nothing but the ship...--
--I will see that the route is carefully planned, and program the golems myself-we would send such a dangerous shipment well-guarded, and if the golems misinterpret "Protect the seeds at all costs"--here, Muritan shrugged.--Well, that will be a matter for the Ordo Drakul to deal with, being our diplomats and ambassadors--
The Voivode poured a sweet honey mead into a delicate cup he placed before the Vanadict, mourning--It is always a headache when the incompetence of one's staff increases one's workload, is it not, Madame the Vanadict?--

A message was sent to the Xiscapia from Celestis, it was read as the following:

To: Xiscapia Goverment
From: Celestis Goverment

We would like to set up a meeting with the "Emperor" of Xiscapia, issues are in need of clearing and diplomatic tensions that need to be relaxed. If it would be allowed, a ambassador from the Celestis could arrive.

"This will be the last time I talk to you as Prime Minister so may I just say it has been an honour to work alongside you all these years and how much of a delight it has been spend my life working with a people as noble and humble as the Xiscapians. See you again Soon, my Friend"
"And the same to you, Aiden." said the Emperor quietly, almost sadly as the connection was cut. "See you soon." he bowed, and at his request the lights darkened as he sat down to another tray of work.

--It is always a headache when the incompetence of one's staff increases one's workload, is it not, Madame the Vanadict?--
"The Emperor or one of his administrators would know better than I," Vanadict smiled. "But I do know of what you speak of. However, you mentioned, ah, what did you call it?" She looked quizzicly at him for a moment. "Ah, yes, privateering. I believe the government can line up a few contracters, covertly of course. To overcome the natural distrust of such private contracters to national entities, we can go though other routes and connections-Such as we have discovered Lord Morga was busy with while he stayed as our guest in Tenfour." She gave a sweet smile. "Otherwise, we can insert our own entirely independent agents to assist the Berrax in throwing off the yoke of Techar rule. They are spirited, true, but they have little experience in combat and need to be refined."

To: Xiscapia Goverment
From: Celestis Goverment

We would like to set up a meeting with the "Emperor" of Xiscapia, issues are in need of clearing and diplomatic tensions that need to be relaxed. If it would be allowed, a ambassador from the Celestis could arrive.

Official Message from the Palace to the Celestis Government:
An Ambassador of the Palace would be happy to set up a FTL conference between Celestis and Xiscapia to resolve any "diplomatic tensions."

One war averted, however, another may well take its place. In the midst of discussions, a single message slowly found its way to Xiscapia. Encrypted carefully as so it could be read by a single man, the tiny file would find itself, hopefully quickly, on the desk of Foxfire Rose.

It is the intention of the Greali to war with the Calaverans. As the latter have done much to the former, we see no reason in preventing this war. We are aware that many Calaveran ships carry Xiscapian observers. We have no desire to see them killed. It is our hope your desire is the same.

- Cypria

"This will be the last time I talk to you as Prime Minister so may I just say it has been an honour to work alongside you all these years and how much of a delight it has been spend my life working with a people as noble and humble as the Xiscapians. See you again Soon, my Friend"
"And the same to you, Aiden." said the Emperor quietly, almost sadly as the connection was cut. "See you soon." he bowed, and at his request the lights darkened as he sat down to another tray of work.

--It is always a headache when the incompetence of one's staff increases one's workload, is it not, Madame the Vanadict?--
"The Emperor or one of his administrators would know better than I," Vanadict smiled. "But I do know of what you speak of. However, you mentioned, ah, what did you call it?" She looked quizzicly at him for a moment. "Ah, yes, privateering. I believe the government can line up a few contracters, covertly of course. To overcome the natural distrust of such private contracters to national entities, we can go though other routes and connections-Such as we have discovered Lord Morga was busy with while he stayed as our guest in Tenfour." She gave a sweet smile. "Otherwise, we can insert our own entirely independent agents to assist the Berrax in throwing off the yoke of Techar rule. They are spirited, true, but they have little experience in combat and need to be refined."




To: Xiscapia Goverment
From: Celestis Goverment


Very well, amassador Sarah Willard is enroute as we speak, hopefully future conflicts involving the Xscapian and Calaverian people may be averted. Our Observers have seen increased military efforts by Greal Imperial forces. May we ask why this is, have they renewed there effort against Xscapia?

bump

The Voivode looked at the Vanadict strangely--Lord Morga was never recalled, Madame the Vanadict. If he is unknown to the Palace, there must be a reason. You will excuse me while I investigate?--
The Vanadict bowed, and gestured for the Ambassador to follow.
"I am a guest here-of the Voivode, no less!-do you know what a coup this is for us?" he asked in the kitsune tongue.
"We're understood here-the bolongos are telepathic." she replied. "I have reason to keep the muri out of our affairs, and this little faux pas ensured they will keep a distance. Protecting our allies is important to us."

To: Xiscapia Goverment
From: Celestis Goverment


Very well, amassador Sarah Willard is enroute as we speak, hopefully future conflicts involving the Xscapian and Calaverian people may be averted. Our Observers have seen increased military efforts by Greal Imperial forces. May we ask why this is, have they renewed there effort against Xscapia?
To: Celestis Goverment
From: The Imperial Palace
No reports of renewed hostilities towards us have come in at this time. We are, of course, remaining watchful, but as you knowthe Greali have declared the war invalid, and it is unlikely and illogical that they should attempt a strike.
Of course, nothing the Intergalactic Empire of Greal had done up to this point had been logical, so why assume so now? Nevertheless, it would be the height of folly for Greal to attempt anything, what with so many eyes from various interests on this entire conflict.
OOC: If you would, NC, RP your diplomat arriving, we may begin with the meeting.

Xscapia, Rio Casa

Sarah Willard had arrived on a modified Probe fighter that had hyperspace cabality, she landed close to the Imperial palace. She wore the standard all white clothing of the Calaverian citizens, except she had some ribbons on her chest signified military. Her blonde hair waved slightly in the air, her aqua eyes piercing no one but the palace, machine like as most Calaverian people seemed. She arrived at the entrance waiting for someone to come out and introduce her to the Emperor.

From the time the Probe fighter entered Xiscapian space up until the time Sarah stopped moving she had been scanned, photographed, X-rayed, observed and half a dozen other methods of making sure she was who she claimed to be and had no weapons. Two Black Guards stood to either side of the great wooden Palace main doors, and neither approached her, standing rigidly with their rifles at their sides, seeming to stare forward. The sky was darkly overcast and it was cold, about forty-five degrees with a brisk wind. A moment later a servant opened one of the doors and bowed. "Diplomat Sarah Willard, welcome to Xiscapia, and the Palace. If you would follow me, please, the Emperor is waiting in the Imperial Conference Room."

From the time the Probe fighter entered Xiscapian space up until the time Sarah stopped moving she had been scanned, photographed, X-rayed, observed and half a dozen other methods of making sure she was who she claimed to be and had no weapons. Two Black Guards stood to either side of the great wooden Palace main doors, and neither approached her, standing rigidly with their rifles at their sides, seeming to stare forward. The sky was darkly overcast and it was cold, about forty-five degrees with a brisk wind. A moment later a servant opened one of the doors and bowed. "Diplomat Sarah Willard, welcome to Xiscapia, and the Palace. If you would follow me, please, the Emperor is waiting in the Imperial Conference Room."

Without a show of compassion she stared ahead " Thank you..." She entered the beutifal palace, a true marvel to Xscapian architecture. Her strong Calaverian jaw line potruded as he she walked, the light hitting it slighty. She was what most Calaverians saw her, superior. Entering the room, she fixed her attire and took a seat. "Emperor..." she half asked.

The Imperial Conference Room (for everything was an "Imperial X", this was the Emperor's Palace after all) consisted of a long meeting table with over two dozen chairs arrayed around it with a holoprojector in the middle. The wide room had oil paintings and sculptures lining the walls similar to those outside of it in the Entrance Foyer, depicting monumental events in Xiscapian history. Among them was the beginning of the Long Voyage, ancient colony ships lifting off from Old Xiscapia, the First Contact with the Alversians, the true and final end to the Korr war, Silvertooth and Nightshade first appearing on Xiscapia, and many others, some within the life span of Sarah, many long ago. Among them was a painting titled A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation, showing Commander Robs firing a rifle into the head of Kash Wilson on the Protector. There had been no attempt to conceal the presence of the painting or remove it, though it's place was at the far end of the room. Above it were tall windows letting in little light, exposing the wintry steel sky outside. Below could be seen the Gardens, which were deserted and unmoving. The room itself was somewhat dim, as no lights had been lit and the only thing keeping the room from total darkness was the weak light from outside. At the head of the table sat the Emperor himself, rising and bowing to the Calaverian diplomat as she took a seat.
"Emperor..."
"Ambassador Willard, I am honored to have you here as my guest. Please, if there is any food or drink you require, we can provide it. Just ask. We may begin shortly." The Emperor smiled serenely, but his yellow eyes glittered in a way that might almost be considered predatory.
The servant who had led Sarah to the Conference Room appeared next to the Emperor and whispered into his ear. The Emperor listened, then looked back to Sarah, still smiling. "Ambassador Willard, it seems my friend and general adviser Lord Morga wishes to attend the meeting. If this is acceptable...?" he let the question hang in the air.

The Imperial Conference Room (for everything was an "Imperial X", this was the Emperor's Palace after all) consisted of a long meeting table with over two dozen chairs arrayed around it with a holoprojector in the middle. The wide room had oil paintings and sculptures lining the walls similar to those outside of it in the Entrance Foyer, depicting monumental events in Xiscapian history. Among them was the beginning of the Long Voyage, ancient colony ships lifting off from Old Xiscapia, the First Contact with the Alversians, the true and final end to the Korr war, Silvertooth and Nightshade first appearing on Xiscapia, and many others, some within the life span of Sarah, many long ago. Among them was a painting titled A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation, showing Commander Robs firing a rifle into the head of Kash Wilson on the Protector. There had been no attempt to conceal the presence of the painting or remove it, though it's place was at the far end of the room. Above it were tall windows letting in little light, exposing the wintry steel sky outside. Below could be seen the Gardens, which were deserted and unmoving. The room itself was somewhat dim, as no lights had been lit and the only thing keeping the room from total darkness was the weak light from outside. At the head of the table sat the Emperor himself, rising and bowing to the Calaverian diplomat as she took a seat.
"Emperor..."
"Ambassador Willard, I am honored to have you here as my guest. Please, if there is any food or drink you require, we can provide it. Just ask. We may begin shortly." The Emperor smiled serenely, but his yellow eyes glittered in a way that might almost be considered predatory.
The servant who had led Sarah to the Conference Room appeared next to the Emperor and whispered into his ear. The Emperor listened, then looked back to Sarah, still smiling. "Ambassador Willard, it seems my friend and general adviser Lord Morga wishes to attend the meeting. If this is acceptable...?" he let the question hang in the air.

Sarah nodded to the Emperor " Very well, this is your palace after all your highness." her aqua eyes peirced the Emperor, her hands were together and infront of her " I am not ineed of anything at the moment, only you." She adjusted her collar " First I would like to tell you that all restrictions upon Celestis have been lifted by our goverment, seeing as you are leaving." she blinked slowly " Second of all, you may have heard of our engagement with the Greali, we have been getting reports, and at the moment we aren't quite sure of how the battle is proggresing, perhaps you have scouts in the sector?"

Morga sized up (http://youtube.com/watch?v=MHmrxZMVhfU) the Calaveran ambassador. Her planet was practically under seige, but he knew she was really wondering how much the Emperor knew, and how much he would reveal...

The Emperor showed no reaction to her words aside from an amused cock of his head.
"Second of all, you may have heard of our engagement with the Greali, we have been getting reports, and at the moment we aren't quite sure of how the battle is progressing, perhaps you have scouts in the sector?"
"At this current time, Ambassador, I have not been informed whether we have any units in the sector of space the battle is occurring. All information within the Empire does not flow to me, as this would become a serious security breech if my position was ever, ah, compromised." he smiled, exposing sharp, dwarf-star colored canines. "Now, on the chance your people are not crushed by the Greali, which I sincerely hope they are not, we will, of course, return our Overseers to their proper positions. If you wish it," the Emperor settled back in his chair, "we can dispatch our own scouts to observe the situation, but I do not believe this is necessary. You, the Calaverians, are, after all, the Observers, are you not? Your military should not find it difficult to fly in a single, cloaked fighter such as that fine specimen out on my landing pad to record the events happening on that world." The Emperor raised a single eyebrow pleasantly.

Sarah nodded " Yes, we will have scouts on there way as we speak." She started to relax instead of being so uptight " Second of all, I would like to discuss our relations if we successfully defend against the Greali, such as defense pacts, trade, and exchange of arts and ideals."

"Second of all, I would like to discuss our relations if we successfully defend against the Greali, such as defense pacts, trade, and exchange of arts and ideals."
"Should you beat away the Greali warmongers, Ambassador, we will, like I said, place our Overseers once again on board your vessels and planet. The Celestis Treaty will go into effect once again, though if your people feel it is necessary to meet again with the Overseers to discuss the terms, they will be more than happy to do so. As it happens, what passes for "art" and "ideals" for the Calaverians is entirely incompatible with our culture, and would, excuse me for saying so, probably prompt my people to hate you all the more. Trade is a possibility, but all these things are only assumed if you survive the Greali assault, Ambassador." reminded the Emperor softly. "Let us ascend that slope before we take on any others."

"Second of all, I would like to discuss our relations if we successfully defend against the Greali, such as defense pacts, trade, and exchange of arts and ideals."
"Should you beat away the Greali warmongers, Ambassador, we will, like I said, place our Overseers once again on board your vessels and planet. The Celestis Treaty will go into effect once again, though if your people feel it is necessary to meet again with the Overseers to discuss the terms, they will be more than happy to do so. As it happens, what passes for "art" and "ideals" for the Calaverians is entirely incompatible with our culture, and would, excuse me for saying so, probably prompt my people to hate you all the more. Trade is a possibility, but all these things are only assumed if you survive the Greali assault, Ambassador." reminded the Emperor softly. "Let us ascend that slope before we take on any others."

Sarah shook her head at the Emperor " No, im sorry, the treaty has been swept aside by the goverment, we see as your leaving us as a sign of our indipendance, the next time an Xscapian or Alversian sets foot upon Celestis will be a soldier or ambassador."

"No, I'm sorry, the treaty has been swept aside by the government, we see as your leaving us as a sign of our independence, the next time an Xiscapian or Alversian sets foot upon Celestis will be a soldier or ambassador."
"And we will reinstitute the treaty should Celestis survive the war." said the Emperor mildly, but his eyes were as hard as cortosis. "This is not a negotiation, Ambassador. Removing our Overseers was for their protection, nothing more. If the next kitsune who sets foot on Celestis must be a soldier, then so be it. Calaverias cannot be allowed to grow unchecked, not after the atrocities committed by her people in the past. As long as I rule, I will not tolerate it, Ambassador Willard. Have I made myself clear?"

"No, I'm sorry, the treaty has been swept aside by the government, we see as your leaving us as a sign of our independence, the next time an Xiscapian or Alversian sets foot upon Celestis will be a soldier or ambassador."
"And we will reinstitute the treaty should Celestis survive the war." said the Emperor mildly, but his eyes were as hard as cortosis. "This is not a negotiation, Ambassador. Removing our Overseers was for their protection, nothing more. If the next kitsune who sets foot on Celestis must be a soldier, then so be it. Calaverias cannot be allowed to grow unchecked, not after the atrocities committed by her people in the past. As long as I rule, I will not tolerate it, Ambassador Willard. Have I made myself clear?"

Sarah didn't drop a beat " Clear but unchecked, you may say as you will, we are not going to allow your overseers back again, maybe in the future we can work something out, it appears that you would like to watch over us but when the shit hits the fan run away and we have to look after ourselves."

Morga huffed. They couldn't stop the Treaty at full strength, and now they expected to resist after a major war? These Calaverans were either much stupider than they initially appeared, or had an ace up their sleeve. He would have to investigate this further-the arrogance of the ambassador implied some sub rosa arrangement, possibly with the Greali. It made sense-the Greali were hard-pressed to conduct a war, and their hatred of the kitsune could find them with a willing catspaw in this matter, the carrot being independence, the attack on Celestis a token to gain Xiscapian withdrawal.
Given the value of the Calaverans as allies, he remained silent, but would share his views later...

"Clear but unchecked, you may say as you will, we are not going to allow your overseers back again, maybe in the future we can work something out, it appears that you would like to watch over us but when the shit hits the fan run away and we have to look after ourselves."
"This war with the Greali could is of your own making, Ambassador. Why do you expect us to fight in a conflict we have no affiliation or interests in? This is all assuming Celestis survives the war. Should you be victorious over Greali forces, I assure you that Calaverias will be in no shape to take on another war. We can do this without bloodshed and peacefully, or we can forcibly insert our Overseers, and know, Ambassador, if any of our Overseers were to meet an "unfortunate accident", Calaverias would have much more to worry about than Greal." The Emperor folded his hands and his voice took on a gentler tone. "Ambassador, why do you and your people resist us so? We are only trying to help. If you continue your old ways, you will run afoul another nation not so benevolent as us, and they would not restrain themselves as we have. The only way you can survive is to change, Ambassador. Stay the course and you will surely perish, but adapt and you have a chance."

Lord Morga smiled. There was both more and less to this than met the eye, and perhaps it was time to play on the relative ignorance of the Calaveran to test his own theories. He cleared his throat, rumbling like a cement mixer, and his bolongo spoke:"Gentlemen, please. This matter can perhaps be resolved peacably on all sides. Celestis feels it has been hung out to dry, when nothing further could be the truth. I could arrange a diplomatic platform (http://img266.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vorlongj2.jpg) to patrol the border of Greal and Celestis, and man it with Zorak Zorani dedicated to peace between the two nations. Such a display may give the Greali pause, and permit diplomacy to win the day-and if not, the ships will be there to ensure a tenuous cease-fire.
"We can replace the Xiscapian Observers with muri and Novan counterparts, easing the drain on Xiscapian resources and protecting Celestis as well..."
Morga saw the smile play on Firefox's lips, and knew the Emperor would normally never agree to this-the casual brutality of those two peoples were anathema to Xiscapian sensibilities, as both tended to slaughter the disobedient and carry on, but the Calaverans' response would reveal much...

Lord Morga smiled. There was both more and less to this than met the eye, and perhaps it was time to play on the relative ignorance of the Calaveran to test his own theories. He cleared his throat, rumbling like a cement mixer, and his bolongo spoke:"Gentlemen, please. This matter can perhaps be resolved peacably on all sides. Celestis feels it has been hung out to dry, when nothing further could be the truth. I could arrange a diplomatic platform (http://img266.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vorlongj2.jpg) to patrol the border of Greal and Celestis, and man it with Zorak Zorani dedicated to peace between the two nations. Such a display may give the Greali pause, and permit diplomacy to win the day-and if not, the ships will be there to ensure a tenuous cease-fire.
"We can replace the Xiscapian Observers with muri and Novan counterparts, easing the drain on Xiscapian resources and protecting Celestis as well..."
Morga saw the smile play on Firefox's lips, and knew the Emperor would normally never agree to this-the casual brutality of those two peoples were anathema to Xiscapian sensibilities, as both tended to slaughter the disobedient and carry on, but the Calaverans' response would reveal much...

Sarah looked around he room at the Xscapian and other " We want indipendance, we don't want your help, we don't need your help, we just want to be left alone. Switching Xscapian overseers will just be switching masters, Celestis plans to become an ally of Xscapia and hopefully Alversia, but with your overseers it stresses our people."

Morga nodded. The Greali had a deal then-no one would refuse a muri fleet if they truly feared an invasion. He would convey his conclusions at a later time, should Foxfire ask. The other shrill statements of the Calaveran wretch were the yappings of a lapdog secure in it's mistress's lap, and had no bearing on reality. He decided the ambassadress was of no consequence, much like her people, but it would be interesting to see how the Emperor dealt with such impertinence...

The Emperor did indeed smile, but it was not one of amusement. Putting Muri or Novans in charge of the Calaverians would have roughly the same effect as putting Silvertooth and Nightshade in to lord over them. There goal was to pacify these people, not terrify them into obedience. He could see Lord Morga had some insights into this matter, but now was not the time.
"We want independence, we don't want your help, we don't need your help, we just want to be left alone. Switching Xiscapian overseers will just be switching masters, Celestis plans to become an ally of Xiscapia and hopefully Alversia, but with your overseers it stresses our people."
"If that is how you feel, in a short time you will be very, very alone, Ambassador. You're not needing help surprises me, as at our last word there is a number of Greali warships and over a hundred thousand soldiers rather close to Celestis, but I will, of course, take you at your word. Should your people pull though with some remnant as they have in the past, we may arrange another meeting on that happy occasion. I am sure all of our problems can be smoothed over then. In the meantime, are there any other matters you would like to discuss...?" The Emperor raised an eyebrow as punctuation. So far it seemed his argument had fallen of deaf ears.

Sarah put her finger to her earpiece and smiled " No, no other issues, I will leave shortly. Your highness has been invited to Celestis, the goverment says " It is a suprise"." She stood and walked out of the palace.

"Ah, of course," said the Emperor, puzzled but railing magnificantly, rising and bowing as she left. "It has been an honor, and I hope we can improve future relations." He waited as the servant showed her out, past the guards to her waiting fighter, before sitting and sighing deeply, looking at Lord Morga. The troll gazed back, but before he could say anything the Emperor spoke.
"I was invited to Celestis when there is a very good chance they will be attacked and possibly destroyed by nuclear devices, and they invite me there for a "surprise?"" He asked the Muri incredulously.

"Ah, of course," said the Emperor, puzzled but railing magnificantly, rising and bowing as she left. "It has been an honor, and I hope we can improve future relations." He waited as the servant showed her out, past the guards to her waiting fighter, before sitting and sighing deeply, looking at Lord Morga. The troll gazed back, but before he could say anything the Emperor spoke.
"I was invited to Celestis when there is a very good chance they will be attacked and possibly destroyed by nuclear devices, and they invite me there for a "surprise?"" He asked the Muri incredulously.
"They have an ally backstopping them." Morga replied blandly."I assume it's the Greal, but there are always others willing to capitalize on desperation. The Calaverans are fairly reprehensible, and useless as allies, but as cat's-paws, they are without peer-someone has twigged to this and used your somewhat lackadaisical supervision to embolden them. They will doubtless stir up trouble to their detriment somewhere soon.
"This 'surprise' would either be an assassination attempt or some doppleganger or implant to make you a pawn-the Calaverans operate on fairly predictable lines."

The Emperor frowned distantly, as though someone else was talking to him. "I've just received word that the Calaverians and Greali have called for a cease-fire. It seems your suspicions were correct, Lord Morga. They have made some kind of clandestine alliance or partnership. As to this "surprise"," he smiled, "I will do what kitsune do: Spring the trap. My people have a saying, Lord Morga: The fox who sees the trap cannot be caught. Do you wish to attend, or shall you view the event, ah," he coughed, "remotely?"

"I have cultivated certain contacts here I should like to exploit-your black market is rather extensive, and I do smuggle quite a bit to Celestis-it would benefit us to get the lay of the land, as it were." Morga replied calmly. "I think driving a wedge between two allies as xenophobic as Calveras and Greal should not be difficult, but I am a lazy man and should enjoy as much prior information as possible. My people believe that forewarned is forearmed, after all.
"I shall be honored to attend, Your Imperial Majesty, and you will accept this as my bond?" He held forth a fine silver armband, it's inner surface bearing fine crystals. "It is an apportation matrix similar to those your wife's abductors used-if trouble rears, you must promise me you will use it-I will have a kozoru class vessel orbiting Celestis for you, and the band itself bears the yin-and-yang of Qonn, for luck."
He held forth the band, his head lowered...

Nova Max

Once again, the Berrax rebellion was crushed, and its people paid a heavy price for the loss. Berraxs were shoot around the planet, at the rate of forty thousand per day. More Berraxs were turned into slave labor, and those who weren't were sent to prison camps. Thousands of Greal marines spent the last two months hunting through the mountains for die hard rebels, that was unsuccessful, so the Greal Military sent the Black Guard instead.The Black Guard, naturally, were more successful. The last few Berrax rebels left on home made transpots and frigates and quickly fled the system.

"Of course," The Emperor murmured quietly, taking the armband. It was surprisingly light, and though being what it was, did not look at all conspicuous. "The black market here has come to use of the government before, and undoubtedly it will do so again. After all, criminals and such aren't much good if they do not know the value of information." There was very little the Emperor did not know about his own planet, and nothing hidden from him in Rio Casa. The network of spies and informants was extensive, and each had his, hers or its own little peice to contribute to the puzzle that was events and intentions.
OOC: OD, you have a TG.

Celestis

Celebrations went on throught the planet as the goverment declared victory over the Greali. Banners and conffetti flew down from roof tops. Holo bill boards displayed state propaganda towards the people.

" Glory to Calaveras, Glory to the state, Glory to the supreme race. We have defeated the Imperial animals, the war is over. Live in peace and freedom from foreign oppression. Thank Chancellor Wilson for your safe and fulfilled lifes. Return to your duty's and families."

Officers were shaking hands and beverages were being passed around. People were filling the streets preparing for the grandest of military parades, in actual honor of the Xiscapian Emperor who would arrive shortly.

Morga bowed, and excused himself-if he were to leave Tenfour, there would be preparations-and Celestis was in and of itself a problem.
The official muri stance was that Celestis would inevitably move too far and bring it's destruction upon itself-and the decision was to allow it. However, the Ordo Annilla knew the galaxy was great and varied, and Chaos could grow in the unlikeliest of gardens. Ignoring Celestis until it's destruction would be a mistake, for what seeds could be sown there?
Although the Blue Moon had agents everywhere, and a few nowhere, Morga was not aware of them, and a request would be too long to process-the Order only revealed what it considered necessary.
He did know of two, however-rogues, who last had been sighted in Greal space-Annilla had not declared them dead, so they lived. He would have to access their transponder and arrange a meeting...

The Emperor went about on his own way, making arrangements for his hopefully brief leave of absence and that which he would take with him. Messages were exchanged, orders were given, people were sent elsewhere or summoned, ships moved across space. The Emperor's personal ship, the Firebird, used for meetings like this, was checked, rechecked, and triple checked as equipment was loaded aboard. The ship could easily seat a dozen, and take on many more if needed, but there were rather less than that coming on this trip.
---------------------------
And so a stream of particles stretched itself thin across space, bouncing from one emplacement to another until it's final destination was realized. The Star Snake was now well outside of the Greali system of Nova Max, and a rather annoyed Kartosh answered. Of course, clients were always welcomed, but when the government (or, indeed, any government) contracted jobs the immediate response afterward, in their experience, was to either give them more work, try to disassociate the two mercenaries with them, or, on a few memorable occasions, kill them.
So Kartosh's stubbled visage appeared on-screen, glaring out of somewhat sunken eyes at Morga. The kitsune immediately recognized the Muri, as his work in Tenfour had made him quite famous to those who knew, but still his expression did not change. If the troll wanted to speak with him, it probably wasn't for a friendly hello and cup of tea. In the background one could see Skyler looking over his shoulder curiously from typing into a computer.
"Whaddya want?"

Nova Max

After more and more slaughter, the planet became quiet again. Greal Black Guards had recovered thousands of Bolt Guns, Allanean made. The Greal military suspected the Xiscapians or the Calaverians were behind it. They knew the Xiscapians were 'friendly" to the Berraxs.

Meanwhile, the Greal Congress Election only increased The Techar's powers. Out of the four thousand, five hundred members of the Congress, only forty of them were non-Techar. tension was rising.

"Whaddya want?"
Morga smiled-well, the baring of his fangs that passed for a smile tended to frighten kitsune, but if he pulled the corners of his mouth back as if he smelled something distasteful, that was usually accepted as one. "What, Kartosh-can't an old friend drop by for a cup of tea and a friendly hello?"
The expression on Kartosh's face changed subtly enough that Morga knew the wily smuggler now suspected the Blue Moon was telepathically probing him. Morga cycled through his memory, and put the expression kitsune regarded as innocence on his face. "I suppose not, but I do have a mission for you, and one the Star Snake may be inadequate to-but you know how I operate:I give you the objective and the money, then more money when I have results."
"Yeah, yeah-and I don't know you." Kartosh sneered. It really went without saying-people who crossed Morga measured their lifespan in breaths, not days. One-eye had supposedly taken out one of Morga's bully boys, months ago, before his gang was wiped out by rivals who'd gone overboard in the vengeance department-Lord Morga himself was so affronted he aided the investigations, seeing to it the killers were brought to trial with iron-clad cases if they were taken by the authorities.
"Actually, Kartosh-in this circumstance you may toss my name about freely." Morga looked over the room. "It involves the Berrax, you see-they've been rather badly misused, and I'd like an Underground Transport to see them safely relocated to another world-I believe I have found a suitable uninhabitted but inhabitable world here."
He indicated a small blue world on the starcharts, and waved a foreclaw over it. Kartosh looked, and sneered. "Nice try, Morga-the path there would take me straight through the Greal barricade with Calveras."
"You forget I have eyes and ears in Rio Casa." Which was true-before settling in as Kingpin of Tenfour, Morga had extensively revamped and trained the security there-in an advisory capacity, of course, but rumor had it even he could no longer traipse the halls with impunity. "Greal and Calveras are now allies in a plot against Xiscapia. I shall supply you with Calveran freighters and crew-the Blue Moon does quite a bit of hiring across the spectrum of Known Races-and you will subtly see to it the Berrax are relocated, if they so desire. Your people all believe they work for Black Box, a secret Calveran government agency which does not exist."
Kartosh studied the map. "It's just outside Calveran space-sure the Berrax will be safe there?"
"The nearest world the Calverans control is a slave camp-it's interests lie towards Celestis, not away." Morga replied softly through his bolongo. "You should be fine there, but I will have a flotilla of kozoru scouts orbiting, and I will be going personally to Celestis to clear a path for you."
"Really?" Kartosh was intrigued-Morga went nowhere but Rio Casa. "Old Dona needs some convincing?"
Dona Morga thought.Good..."I shall be acting in a diplomatic capacity, but Dona could use a refresher course on which side of his bread is buttered. I'll probably find time to press the flesh among our allies there-the Berrax will need food and medicine, as well as building materials. Best to toss our friends a bone..."
Kartosh snickered-the troll was well-known already as good pay with disastrous repercussions for failure or betrayal-his moving outwards indicated something. "Will I need papers?"
"Only the usual-either Skeevo or your own people can supply them." Morga nodded once, slyly. "I'd suggest an array of military and civilian documents, variable identities as needed, but you and Skyler know the ropes."
"Yeah." Kartosh looked it over. "So what's it pay?"
"Five percent of my profits from Tenfour while it's running, and you keep the operation, ships, crew, and whatever contacts you garner."
Kartosh nodded-not quite a princely sum, for no prince could afford it. "This is risky-I want ten."
Kartosh found himself hefted into the air by an ectoplasmic at his throat. "Don't you owe me money?" Morga's bolongo was calm, conversational, as if it were the most natural thing in the world for Kartosh to suddenly float, his head inches from the ceiling.
"Five-and absolution of debt?" Kartosh fell to the ground, his kitsune reflexes allowing him to land on his feet. He now bore a garland of roses about his throat.
"Excellent, my boy, excellent-consider the leaping houses of Tenfour yours while you do this for me. I'll put your pay in the usual accounts, and you may contact Glowbug at The Dolphin if you need any help." Morga turned and headed for the door. "Oh, Kartosh-I don't usually like my name bandied about. I am Baron of Infendell, and a Patriarch of the Erngrabs Clan-if you were to dishonor my name, my family will seek you out to correct your lack of grace."
As Morga signed off, Kartosh cursed mentally-The Dolphin was known for it's depravity, and discrete acquisition of exotic beasts for the enjoyment of it's guests. It was barely legal even under liberal Xiscapian laws, and dark rumors hovered about it like flies on rotting meat. And Glowbug himself was a disturbing person-a Korr who got the name because his eyes lit up at the oddest times....

occ you do know that basicaly everything you said about the "calaverians" is a lie right?

OOC:When dealing with the Blue Moon, one never knows-but the facts will fit Morga's story, even if he has to make them up, too.

Celestis

It was very important to impress the Emperor even if it meant kissing a ring. Making the Emperor feel comfortable would also help diplomatically and ease the still tense relations. If something bad were to happen, it would lead into a cold war that would result in horrible things to come. At the moment there were no foreigners on Celestis, if there were, they would be on a leash or in a Calaverian man or Calaverian womans bed. The Emperor hand over Celestis had been effectivly crushed when they left with there diplomats and other personal. This didn't mean Celestis wanted war, it meant indipendance and its own path could be made.

Star Snake...
"Bastard!" Kartosh spat once the connection was cut, swearing aloud as well as mentally once he was relatively assured the Muri could not hear him. Nevertheless, even as he tore the roses from his throat, nicking himself in the process, he grinned widely. Skyler regarded her partner with an expression of part bemusement, part concern.
"You know what you're getting us into?" she murmured. Of course he did.
"Yeah, but think about it. I've owed him practically ever since he set foot on Xiscapia, and five percent is nothing to brush off. Sure, we'll have to avoid planetary customs, not to mention border patrols, but it ain't that different from what we normally run." The kitsune turned back to the controls again, hands flying over them as he input a new destination.
He would need to wait for Morga to, as he put it, "clear the way", but once that was done it was all up to him and Skyler.
Celestis...
The Firebird appeared to settle into orbit around Celestis momentarily before spearing though the atmosphere, burn flames licking the sides of the dark, spearhead-shaped craft. Gliding to a slower pace, the starship lazily set down on the pad arranged for it. On call only a few lightyears away was the Second Assault Fleet, arranged to jump in at any hostilities.
Hopefully, this would not be required.
The pilot extended the ramp at the rear of the craft and the Emperor stepped down it, followed closely by two Black Guards. The Guards were more for show than anything else: The Emperor had several different ways of escaping Celestis if he were to be locked in, and most of them did not require the mass murder of Calaveran civilians and soldiers.

celestis


GOU troopers quickly formed a archway of two rows one on each side. The notiurius plain white buildings and streets of Celestis would bring most veteran visitors horror stories. The new GOU Discovery Armor-Links prevented anyone from sewing there faces. Two military officers met the entrance of tv starship awaiting the Emperor Foxfire. Most of the original calaverian customs still existed, with the new shipments of speacies the pet stores were being restocked, among the new animals were some Zillars.

Morga silently trailed the Emperor, his footfalls silent as a ghost's. He did not have his SEP field in place, but neither was he drawing attention to himself. His presence was that of a deep blue spectre, following the Emperor like a distant shadow.
He had to see Calveran hospitality, and intended to wander the city when he could-Kartosh and Skyler would need some aid, if only refueling. His scan of the region was quiet and complete-he wanted to knowwhat trap he was entering...

Celestis

The city's hospitaly was very limited...to other races. There were no other races walking freely around the streets of Celestis, Calaverians walked there pets or kept there mates(sex-slaves in a way) at home. A nearby clinic was opend to de-intelligence Calaverian pets, driving a spike into the back of the skull and removing the smarter elements of the race, turning them on all fours, just like a dog or cat. Even some other Calaverians were beatin and taken away in the middle of the streets by GOU trooeprs. There were secret police everywhere, seeking any dismayers. Everyone wore the same clothing, except for Galactic Observation Units (GOU) which patroled the streets in there black armor and War-path assault rifles. In the distance another parade was being set up for the Emperor. Over half the population were clones of Kash Wilson, about seven out of ten, aside from females. The Calaverian people all had the same features, either black, dirty blonde, or just blonde hair, and aqua eyes. This was added with white skin, to show there purity over the filth of the universe. The clones had become such an important tool in the society, that they basically dominated all sectors, even the goverment. Some kind of democracy had come to the Calaverians as govenors of different areas were elected from either the military or science party, the Universal Observation Movement were the scientists, and the New Galactic Order was the military. Morga would be very interested in this world and its seemingly perfect people and there sculpted chins and bodys...

OCC: I thought i was going to be in the new thread Xscapia? with some GOU security and other personal?, or am i the "ones who had yet to arrive"?

The Emperor smiled, but beneath the facade something stirred. Ever since these people had invaded his space and brutally murdered dozens of innocent kitsune the Calaverians had been hated among the Xiscapian people. Their foolish ambitions and illusions of superiority, their constant attempts to assert their dominance, their strange, disturbing customs and society, their clones of their revered leader, Kash Wilson and, above all, their uniform conformity disgusted him, as it did nearly all of his kin. He idly wondered, as he watched the officers approach and surveyed the crowd, how the Calaverians could continue to reproduce if most of their male population was the same man without incurring genetic defects from the incest. No doubt the loins of the clones had been tweaked in some way to ensure the continued growth of the Calaverian people without problems.

The Emperor could sense Morga somewhere behind him, just as he knew his Guards could, and trusted the Muri knew what he was doing. At the moment he had more than enough to worry about. Foxfire Rose walked across the landing pad to where the two officers stood, bowing at a perfect forty-five degree angle before straightening up. After a moment his Guards gave their own bows, slight and not nearly as deep as their Ruler's.
Everywhere, eyes watched.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ENCRYPTED MESSAGE TO THE INTERGALACTIC EMPIRE OF GREAL:
SOURCE: UNKNOWN

To whom it may concern,
Doubtless there are many foes in this universe that demand the undivided attention of the mighty Intergalactic Empire, and we are in the position to make that number one less, perhaps more. We understand that the Intergalactic Empire is rather at odds with the Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia, and we would like to assist the enemy of our enemy in bringing about the downfall of this most distasteful blot on this galaxy. If you are interested in this proposal, please arrange time and meeting place, and send it back across this (heavily encypted) frequency. Please do not attempt to trace this current frequency, nor do we advise you try to ascertain in any way the location of the sender of this message.
Regards,
OOC: Yes, NC.

The two officer saluted the Emperor as one stepped forward " I am Lt. Debray Wellington you highness, if you would please follow Lt. Anderson and I we, we will take you to our great leader." The soldiers lined on the sides of the streets, turned and looked forward and began to march next to the diplomats, as the two Lt.'s guided Foxfire towards a very large white dome, on the outside of the down was a massive open area.

The Emperor followed the Calaverians, his Guards falling dutifully into step at his back. "Lieutenant," he said quietly, speaking to Wellington, "is this all really necessary?" The Emperor gestured around to the ranks of marching soldiers and the distant crowds of civilians preparing for the parade.

The Emperor followed the Calaverians, his Guards falling dutifully into step at his back. "Lieutenant," he said quietly, speaking to Wellington, "is this all really necessary?" The Emperor gestured around to the ranks of marching soldiers and the distant crowds of civilians preparing for the parade.

The Lt. didn't stop walking " You will have to ask our great leader your highness." She kept waking with Anderson, who kept his face forward, as they closed in to the giant white dome. GOU were keeping cheering people away from the area of the parade

The Emperor smiled, but beneath the facade something stirred. Ever since these people had invaded his space and brutally murdered dozens of innocent kitsune the Calaverians had been hated among the Xiscapian people. Their foolish ambitions and illusions of superiority, their constant attempts to assert their dominance, their strange, disturbing customs and society, their clones of their revered leader, Kash Wilson and, above all, their uniform conformity disgusted him, as it did nearly all of his kin. He idly wondered, as he watched the officers approach and surveyed the crowd, how the Calaverians could continue to reproduce if most of their male population was the same man without incurring genetic defects from the incest. No doubt the loins of the clones had been tweaked in some way to ensure the continued growth of the Calaverian people without problems.

The Emperor could sense Morga somewhere behind him, just as he knew his Guards could, and trusted the Muri knew what he was doing. At the moment he had more than enough to worry about. Foxfire Rose walked across the landing pad to where the two officers stood, bowing at a perfect forty-five degree angle before straightening up. After a moment his Guards gave their own bows, slight and not nearly as deep as their Ruler's.
Everywhere, eyes watched.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ENCRYPTED MESSAGE TO THE INTERGALACTIC EMPIRE OF GREAL:
SOURCE: UNKNOWN

To whom it may concern,
Doubtless there are many foes in this universe that demand the undivided attention of the mighty Intergalactic Empire, and we are in the position to make that number one less, perhaps more. We understand that the Intergalactic Empire is rather at odds with the Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia, and we would like to assist the enemy of our enemy in bringing about the downfall of this most distasteful blot on this galaxy. If you are interested in this proposal, please arrange time and meeting place, and send it back across this (heavily encypted) frequency. Please do not attempt to trace this current frequency, nor do we advise you try to ascertain in any way the location of the sender of this message.
Regards,
OOC: Yes, NC.


Official Heavily Encrypted Response
Does the Warlord Starbase sound fine to you? Coordinates are also in this message.


OOC: Check my factbook for facts about the warlord base.
------------------

A lone cargo ship entered the Xiscapian Wuin System. These were traders that take advantages of wars and other problems. The merchant ship headed toward the habitable planets. They were carrying something that would be quite useful.

Morga suppressed an involuntary shudder. These mad creatures had all but duplicated the horror at Glamour, adding to it the odd heterodoxy of males to placate their God-Emperor, Kash Wilson. He wondered how many were truly clones and how many had surgically altered themselves in adoration of this man. They did not seemingly show the defects that betrayed Chaos, though it was quite possible more than a few of the alien "pets" were in fact failed attempts at their cloning.
Then again, remembering the tenets of Kashism, it was entirely possible failures were eaten in religious festivals. The Calverans seemed both mad and arrogant enough for that, though he half expected to find the military donning the masks of the Beast Orders to march across the cosmos, the hideous masks hiding their deformities.
Other than the absence of the Beast Orders, Calveras had duplicated the old Empire of Unity, making him wonder if the old legend some of Rufelza's followers had escaped was indeed true. This also reminded him uncomfortably of the Sun Court, where pampered nobles indulged their every depravity until the peasants finally rose up and began the Reign of Terror. Perhaps it was something in the human psyche...

The Emperor said nothing more as the two Calaverian soldiers led him to the huge shining dome that served as the ever-increasing background to the city. He could feel the tension of the Guards behind him, and Foxfire Rose knew that if anything happened, there was a very real chance they would both be killed in the process. However, is was their duty and honor to die in service to their Ruler, and he knew their tension spawned from the fear that, with so many Calaverians about, he might not get away if things went sour.
Warlord Class Starbase, Nova Reginix...
A small transport (http://drman.deviantart.com/art/Assault-Transport-37787169) appeared out of hyperspace near the Starbase, gliding forward towards it. The vessel needed no security I.D. or conformation of presence: Officially, it had never been here. The craft docked at an out-of-the-way hanger bay and waited for the Greali representatives to approach.
Wuin System...
The security at the Wuin system had been greatly increased after the Zillar attack and the threat of war with Greal, and a quick scanner sweep found the freighter approaching. One of the outposts sent a message to it:
Unidentified Craft, please state your origins and reason for presence in this sector. Failure to do so will result in the destruction of your ship. Please respond.

The Emperor said nothing more as the two Calaverian soldiers led him to the huge shining dome that served as the ever-increasing background to the city. He could feel the tension of the Guards behind him, and Foxfire Rose knew that if anything happened, there was a very real chance they would both be killed in the process. However, is was their duty and honor to die in service to their Ruler, and he knew their tension spawned from the fear that, with so many Calaverians about, he might not get away if things went sour.
Warlord Class Starbase, Nova Reginix...
A small transport (http://drman.deviantart.com/art/Assault-Transport-37787169) appeared out of hyperspace near the Starbase, gliding forward towards it. The vessel needed no security I.D. or conformation of presence: Officially, it had never been here. The craft docked at an out-of-the-way hanger bay and waited for the Greali representatives to approach.
Wuin System...
The security at the Wuin system had been greatly increased after the Zillar attack and the threat of war with Greal, and a quick scanner sweep found the freighter approaching. One of the outposts sent a message to it:
Unidentified Craft, please state your origins and reason for presence in this sector. Failure to do so will result in the destruction of your ship. Please respond


Warlord Starbase

The massive station had hundreds of thousands of people working and living here. Commander Rammer, who just got back from the war with the Zillars was ordered to meet the unknown people. Four Black Guards accompanied Rammer, but they knew when to leave.

They approached the hanger bay, and went in.

Wuin System

"We better send a response. They'll blow us out of the sky."

"Okay." Then one of the crew typed a message and sent it to the Xiscapians.

This is the cargo ship, Dangerous Star. We are from Trade Star Inc. Our ship has something quite useful to your military. We are unarmed, our ship has no weapons. We are in your power.

The Emperor said nothing more as the two Calaverian soldiers led him to the huge shining dome that served as the ever-increasing background to the city. He could feel the tension of the Guards behind him, and Foxfire Rose knew that if anything happened, there was a very real chance they would both be killed in the process. However, is was their duty and honor to die in service to their Ruler, and he knew their tension spawned from the fear that, with so many Calaverians about, he might not get away if things went sour.
Warlord Class Starbase, Nova Reginix...
A small transport (http://drman.deviantart.com/art/Assault-Transport-37787169) appeared out of hyperspace near the Starbase, gliding forward towards it. The vessel needed no security I.D. or conformation of presence: Officially, it had never been here. The craft docked at an out-of-the-way hanger bay and waited for the Greali representatives to approach.
Wuin System...
The security at the Wuin system had been greatly increased after the Zillar attack and the threat of war with Greal, and a quick scanner sweep found the freighter approaching. One of the outposts sent a message to it:

The two Lt.'s had them enter a small entrance in the dome, they were immedialty beamed up to a white rectangular room, there was a white table with seats, a holographic. The other end of the room was opend and there was a balcony, loaded with military officers in white and GOU guards, they looked bulky and strong...there looks werent decieving. Anderson turned to the Emperor " Our great leader awaits you on the balcony."

Warlord Starbase...
After a second of motionlessness the ramp at the stern of the vessel extended to the deck and a lone figure walked casually down it and approached the five assembled. It was a kitsune, a female with naturally white, short cut tomboyish hair with identically colored fur. Orange eyes sized up the Commander and his guard before appearing to reach a decision. The Xiscapian wore a extremely tight fitting navy blue jumpsuit with a section of armor consisting of a gray breastplate and heavy shoulder pauldrons and short brown leather boots. She bowed, still some twelve feet from the Commander and Black Guards, when a second form lumbered down the ramp. This was a Jiralhanae, known to the Xiscapians as Korr (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Sm_oxm-BruteRender-040204.jpg), and wore heavy black battle armor, toting a large blaster rifle. He stood behind the Xiscapian, beady orange eyes glaring at them.
The female strode forward, followed by the Korr. "My name is Yoki, I am here to advise you as to the," she cocked her head, "benefits, of working with us."
Celestis....
The Emperor nodded silently and stepped past the assembled soldiers and military commanders with dignity. The Black Guards went ahead and took up positions on either side of the entry way to the balcony with the stance of sentients who are devoted to their job and don't mind much if doing their duty involves killing people. Foxfire Rose stepped out onto the balcony and turned to face what awaited him there.
Wuin System...
There was a slight pause. Then,
Negative, Dangerous Star. Our scans show armed military-grade explosive materials on board your craft, and our trade manifests show no registration of any Greali ship named Dangerous Star transporting hazardous military materials. Please divert from your course immediately and move out of the system. Failure to do so will result in the immediate destruction of your craft. You have been warned.

Warlord Starbase...
After a second of motionlessness the ramp at the stern of the vessel extended to the deck and a lone figure walked casually down it and approached the five assembled. It was a kitsune, a female with naturally white, short cut tomboyish hair with identically colored fur. Orange eyes sized up the Commander and his guard before appearing to reach a decision. The Xiscapian wore a extremely tight fitting navy blue jumpsuit with a section of armor consisting of a gray breastplate and heavy shoulder pauldrons and short brown leather boots. She bowed, still some twelve feet from the Commander and Black Guards, when a second form lumbered down the ramp. This was a Jiralhanae, known to the Xiscapians as Korr (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Sm_oxm-BruteRender-040204.jpg), and wore heavy black battle armor, toting a large blaster rifle. He stood behind the Xiscapian, beady orange eyes glaring at them.
The female strode forward, followed by the Korr. "My name is Yoki, I am here to advise you as to the," she cocked her head, "benefits, of working with us."
Celestis....
The Emperor nodded silently and stepped past the assembled soldiers and military commanders with dignity. The Black Guards went ahead and took up positions on either side of the entry way to the balcony with the stance of sentients who are devoted to their job and don't mind much if doing their duty involves killing people. Foxfire Rose stepped out onto the balcony and turned to face what awaited him there.
Wuin System...
There was a slight pause. Then,

A man turned around, he wore a similar suit as the officers, except for the fact it was much more covered in honors. His face was that of every other clone...his eyes stared forward " Welcome to Celestis your highness..." A military official sounded the march " Forward, march!" the sound of thousands of boots began to sound as the first part fo the parade began. First up were infantry, they were all in GOU armor carrying there helmets at there sides as there feet went up and down, there heads snapped towards the Emperor and they saluted. This group of soldiers were also clones, followed by mixed GOU, EOT's(tanks) hovered behind the infantry as hundreds of probe fighters flew over head. Stalkers made up the rear, the last were the massive skyscraping Post walkers, there hard thin legs walked them forward. The "Great Leader" refused to look at the Emperor at the moment " Your highness, we have won our battle with the Greali, however there was a ceasfire...do not take this as an act of alleigiance with those animals, but it has brought peace to us." He raised his hand in salute to the armed forces " I am aware of a joint operation on one of your newer vessels, a Observer was dispatched to send our own personal, let it be a great day for our people's that this new vessel is succesful in its mission." The two Lt.s took seats at the table, they were not needed anymore.

OOC: March! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqNvVN2MXkk)
IC:
"Agreed, Chancellor." The Emperor did not need to look at the face of the Calaverian Ruler: He had already seen it, many, many times. Kash Wilson was their soldiers, Kash Wilson was their pilots, Kash Wilson was their Ruler, Kash Wilson was their God. "Undoubtedly your forces will continue to prevail over these Greal aggressors. I have many things to discuss with you that your Ambassador was sadly unable to answer adequately. But that will come later, I am sure. For now I must know, how is the rebuilding of Celestis coming?"
The Emperor hid his own distaste at the cloned Great Leader and the Legions of marching cloned GOU in perfect jackbooted lockstep. If he was to assert Xiscapia's dominance over these people, to reign them in to save them from self-destruction, he would have to be pleasant about it. He would make the Great Leader see reason. This all did not seem much like a trap, but the Emperor was still wary. Anything could happen.

OOC: March! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqNvVN2MXkk)
IC:
"Agreed, Chancellor." The Emperor did not need to look at the face of the Calaverian Ruler: He had already seen it, many, many times. Kash Wilson was their soldiers, Kash Wilson was their pilots, Kash Wilson was their Ruler, Kash Wilson was their God. "Undoubtedly your forces will continue to prevail over these Greal aggressors. I have many things to discuss with you that your Ambassador was sadly unable to answer adequately. But that will come later, I am sure. For now I must know, how is the rebuilding of Celestis coming?"
The Emperor hid his own distaste at the cloned Great Leader and the Legions of marching cloned GOU in perfect jackbooted lockstep. If he was to assert Xiscapia's dominance over these people, to reign them in to save them from self-destruction, he would have to be pleasant about it. He would make the Great Leader see reason. This all did not seem much like a trap, but the Emperor was still wary. Anything could happen.

OCC: Wow, that looks just about right ha, except were all not two feet tall and chubby, or asian.

Celestis

The "Great Leader" smiled " It has been going very well your highness, we simply use large replicators to create identical buildings, quickly and effeciantly. Although the completion of the worlds infrastructure is at 70% the ground defences were the next priority, the cloning helped for the lack of troops. As you may have noticed, Calaveras has no other city's this city just spreads world wide, block's of city sector are seperated by highways, and the squares of land that are not used are aquired for agriculture. You see Emperor, im a very hungry man."

Morga had heard enough. He tapped his communicator-muri broadcast on insect frequencies most races ignored.--Keep a lock on the Emperor--he said, simply. Even if overheard, Shadowspeech was a series of clacks, whistles, and hoots not interpretable to non-speakers-it would come across as static even if noted.
Firefox Rose was safe, and the God-Emperor had given away far too much-these buildings were the same, and thus easily navigable.
He had an appointment with Dona, now...

Warlord Starbase...
After a second of motionlessness the ramp at the stern of the vessel extended to the deck and a lone figure walked casually down it and approached the five assembled. It was a kitsune, a female with naturally white, short cut tomboyish hair with identically colored fur. Orange eyes sized up the Commander and his guard before appearing to reach a decision. The Xiscapian wore a extremely tight fitting navy blue jumpsuit with a section of armor consisting of a gray breastplate and heavy shoulder pauldrons and short brown leather boots. She bowed, still some twelve feet from the Commander and Black Guards, when a second form lumbered down the ramp. This was a Jiralhanae, known to the Xiscapians as Korr (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Sm_oxm-BruteRender-040204.jpg), and wore heavy black battle armor, toting a large blaster rifle. He stood behind the Xiscapian, beady orange eyes glaring at them.
The female strode forward, followed by the Korr. "My name is Yoki, I am here to advise you as to the," she cocked her head, "benefits, of working with us."
Celestis....
The Emperor nodded silently and stepped past the assembled soldiers and military commanders with dignity. The Black Guards went ahead and took up positions on either side of the entry way to the balcony with the stance of sentients who are devoted to their job and don't mind much if doing their duty involves killing people. Foxfire Rose stepped out onto the balcony and turned to face what awaited him there.
Wuin System...
There was a slight pause. Then,

Warlord Starbase

Commander Rammer was a little surprised, his intelligence had told him that the Korr fought several massive wars with the Xiscapians.They were impressive.
The Black Guards, in their light, but heavily armored suits, stepped back to show that they meant no harm.
"I am Commander Rammer. May I advise that we go to a conference room?

Wuin System

The trader ship decided to leave, what was the point?

bump-

"You see Emperor, I'm a very hungry man."
Yes, thought the Emperor. Hungry for wealth. Hungry for perfection. Hungry for power.
"And Celestis is a testament to your vision, Chancellor. However, I must now bring to your attention the matter of our Overseers. Your continued defiance in the face of what is good and right for you and your people is, ahha, frowned upon. We would prefer if you accepted, peacefully and without conflict or bloodshed, our rule over you once more. You see, Chancellor, the universe is a big and lonely place. You, of all people, should know this. Calaveras's continued capture and forced submission of alien species will not be tolerated much longer, not by the Kitsune Empire. Now," the Emperor faced the clone of Kash Wilson fully now, sun-colored eyes glittering, "under our protection, Celestis, and Calaveras as a whole, can thrive. Forgive me presumptuous arrogance, but our technology is beyond yours. We have had thousands of years to invent and refine it, and you have only recently gained back your nation. With us, we can show you a better way. For example, the project you mentioned. We are on the threshold of new, faster, safer, better method of FTL. Let us help you reach new heights. Under us, a golden age will be entered, Chancellor, with technological advancements, colonial expansions, artistic achievements and scientific breakthroughs. We can provide you with all the raw materials, weapons, technology, data and infrastructure you will ever need."
Warlord Starbase...
"I am Commander Rammer. May I advise that we go to a conference room?"
"As you wish, Commander." said Yoki calmly. She prepared to follow him, her huge escort hulking behind her.
Wuin System...
Thousands of eyes, scanners and target-locks followed the freighter out of the system. Greal's pathetic attempt at suicidally bombing an Xiscapian colony had been easily foiled, and now the kitsune were on alert for any incoming Greali ships or citizens. It had been stupid to try such a obvious underhanded approach.
It seemed they were fighting a somewhat more subtle, undeclared war now.
And the most irritating part about it was that the Kitsune Empire could do nothing about it.
Yet.

"You see Emperor, I'm a very hungry man."
Yes, thought the Emperor. Hungry for wealth. Hungry for perfection. Hungry for power.
"And Celestis is a testament to your vision, Chancellor. However, I must now bring to your attention the matter of our Overseers. Your continued defiance in the face of what is good and right for you and your people is, ahha, frowned upon. We would prefer if you accepted, peacefully and without conflict or bloodshed, our rule over you once more. You see, Chancellor, the universe is a big and lonely place. You, of all people, should know this. Calaveras's continued capture and forced submission of alien species will not be tolerated much longer, not by the Kitsune Empire. Now," the Emperor faced the clone of Kash Wilson fully now, sun-colored eyes glittering, "under our protection, Celestis, and Calaveras as a whole, can thrive. Forgive me presumptuous arrogance, but our technology is beyond yours. We have had thousands of years to invent and refine it, and you have only recently gained back your nation. With us, we can show you a better way. For example, the project you mentioned. We are on the threshold of new, faster, safer, better method of FTL. Let us help you reach new heights. Under us, a golden age will be entered, Chancellor, with technological advancements, colonial expansions, artistic achievements and scientific breakthroughs. We can provide you with all the raw materials, weapons, technology, data and infrastructure you will ever need."
Warlord Starbase...
"I am Commander Rammer. May I advise that we go to a conference room?"
"As you wish, Commander." said Yoki calmly. She prepared to follow him, her huge escort hulking behind her.
Wuin System...
Thousands of eyes, scanners and target-locks followed the freighter out of the system. Greal's pathetic attempt at suicidally bombing an Xiscapian colony had been easily foiled, and now the kitsune were on alert for any incoming Greali ships or citizens. It had been stupid to try such a obvious underhanded approach.
It seemed they were fighting a somewhat more subtle, undeclared war now.
And the most irritating part about it was that the Kitsune Empire could do nothing about it.
Yet.

" Your highness may we talk in private, let us get away from all these underlings." He said as he walked into the room with the white table. The two Lt.'s quickly left. They would alone to talk about personal and galactic issues, including the re-admitence of Kitsune military overseers.

"You see Emperor, I'm a very hungry man."
Yes, thought the Emperor. Hungry for wealth. Hungry for perfection. Hungry for power.
"And Celestis is a testament to your vision, Chancellor. However, I must now bring to your attention the matter of our Overseers. Your continued defiance in the face of what is good and right for you and your people is, ahha, frowned upon. We would prefer if you accepted, peacefully and without conflict or bloodshed, our rule over you once more. You see, Chancellor, the universe is a big and lonely place. You, of all people, should know this. Calaveras's continued capture and forced submission of alien species will not be tolerated much longer, not by the Kitsune Empire. Now," the Emperor faced the clone of Kash Wilson fully now, sun-colored eyes glittering, "under our protection, Celestis, and Calaveras as a whole, can thrive. Forgive me presumptuous arrogance, but our technology is beyond yours. We have had thousands of years to invent and refine it, and you have only recently gained back your nation. With us, we can show you a better way. For example, the project you mentioned. We are on the threshold of new, faster, safer, better method of FTL. Let us help you reach new heights. Under us, a golden age will be entered, Chancellor, with technological advancements, colonial expansions, artistic achievements and scientific breakthroughs. We can provide you with all the raw materials, weapons, technology, data and infrastructure you will ever need."
Warlord Starbase...
"I am Commander Rammer. May I advise that we go to a conference room?"
"As you wish, Commander." said Yoki calmly. She prepared to follow him, her huge escort hulking behind her.
Wuin System...
Thousands of eyes, scanners and target-locks followed the freighter out of the system. Greal's pathetic attempt at suicidally bombing an Xiscapian colony had been easily foiled, and now the kitsune were on alert for any incoming Greali ships or citizens. It had been stupid to try such a obvious underhanded approach.
It seemed they were fighting a somewhat more subtle, undeclared war now.
And the most irritating part about it was that the Kitsune Empire could do nothing about it.
Yet.

Warlord Starbase...

The strangers were led through the starbase to a conference room. The four Black Guards followed the group to the room. Commander Rammer sat down, turned on a screen.
“Now. You have a way to bring the downfall of the Xiscapians?”

"Your highness may we talk in private, let us get away from all these underlings."
The Emperor did not so much a flick a glance in the direction of the departing Calaverians, taking one of their vacated seats at the table. The table was empty, everyone was on the balcony watching the parade, a show of strength. The Emperor waited as the Calaverian Chancellor sat, the kitsune steepling his fingers in front of him, something Foxfire was known to do when he was deep in thought or patiently waiting. It was impossible to discern whether the Imperial Ruler was merely awaiting the clone's response or thinking, calculating, seeing how the pieces of the game moved and planning his own reaction. The Black Guards looked on without a sound.
“Now. You have a way to bring the downfall of the Xiscapians?”
"We do," said Yoki carefully, "and, as I mentioned, one that will benefit us both. You may have heard of the Rebellion that recently occurred in Xiscapian space. Sadly, that is no more, the leaders were killed and the troops and ships crushed and scattered or captured. Some of us managed to survive and escape. Right now we have precious few vessels and only a few companies of soldiers. We look to you to hire us out as mercenaries. Not against the Kitsune Empire, not yet anyway, they are too powerful. For example, these Calaverians that plague you so. We know you have agreed to a cease-fire agreement, but what if we were to subtly break that? Of course, with us under your command, you will not be sending Greal soldiers into battle, and thus will not be violating the treaty, no? Think of Celestis. You want if for the Intergalactic Empire, don't you? My troops get battle experience, you pay us for our work, and we will use this money to begin constructing a new fleet and army. In return, you can use us to crush whomever you like, these Calaverians or Berrax, and it will end with our mass assault on Xiscapia. With the Kitsune Empire out of your way, it will be that much easier to do whatever you like. We get the money and forces. You get your annoyances eliminated and a way of striking covertly. With us ready to attack at you discretion, you need not waste your troops or resources on destroying petty uprisings or distant skirmishes ever again." She smiled, and it struck Rammer that Yoki was quite pretty, in a predatory, feline sort of way.

OCC: lets just call him the great leader until i can find something cooler to call him.

The Great Leader began to speak " So you believe that you doing us a favor, your highness...I am Celestis, I am the nation of Calaveras, my decision affects all at once, so if i agree to this, what kind of benefits may i recieve, and our technology isnt far behind yours, as a matter of fact we excel in some parts. I will agree, unconditionaly that we may only take animal prisoners from our wars, instead of just random abduction. Second of all I would like to talk about trade between our nations, and Alversia. Your highness, I am in this for myself, call me a selfish bastard, but I have gotten an oppurtunity to have ultimate control and im going to take it, my blood will be in the veins of Calaveras and I intend to keep it that way."

"Your highness may we talk in private, let us get away from all these underlings."
The Emperor did not so much a flick a glance in the direction of the departing Calaverians, taking one of their vacated seats at the table. The table was empty, everyone was on the balcony watching the parade, a show of strength. The Emperor waited as the Calaverian Chancellor sat, the kitsune steepling his fingers in front of him, something Foxfire was known to do when he was deep in thought or patiently waiting. It was impossible to discern whether the Imperial Ruler was merely awaiting the clone's response or thinking, calculating, seeing how the pieces of the game moved and planning his own reaction. The Black Guards looked on without a sound.
“Now. You have a way to bring the downfall of the Xiscapians?”
"We do," said Yoki carefully, "and, as I mentioned, one that will benefit us both. You may have heard of the Rebellion that recently occurred in Xiscapian space. Sadly, that is no more, the leaders were killed and the troops and ships crushed and scattered or captured. Some of us managed to survive and escape. Right now we have precious few vessels and only a few companies of soldiers. We look to you to hire us out as mercenaries. Not against the Kitsune Empire, not yet anyway, they are too powerful. For example, these Calaverians that plague you so. We know you have agreed to a cease-fire agreement, but what if we were to subtly break that? Of course, with us under your command, you will not be sending Greal soldiers into battle, and thus will not be violating the treaty, no? Think of Celestis. You want if for the Intergalactic Empire, don't you? My troops get battle experience, you pay us for our work, and we will use this money to begin constructing a new fleet and army. In return, you can use us to crush whomever you like, these Calaverians or Berrax, and it will end with our mass assault on Xiscapia. With the Kitsune Empire out of your way, it will be that much easier to do whatever you like. We get the money and forces. You get your annoyances eliminated and a way of striking covertly. With us ready to attack at you discretion, you need not waste your troops or resources on destroying petty uprisings or distant skirmishes ever again." She smiled, and it struck Rammer that Yoki was quite pretty, in a predatory, feline sort of way.

Rammer considered this. There was a enormous advantage in this. A chance to finally rid the universe of the Calaverians and the Xiscapians had come. He knew the Korr had fought a massive war with the Xiscapians, and he had also heard of the recent rebellion that destroyed a large percentage of the Xiscapian fleet.
“We agree. You will have all the funding you need. Currently do you have any ships? Our shipyards can help speed up your production of ships.”

bump

OOC: Got it.
IC:
The Emperor sat back in his seat now, musing aloud. "What kind if benefits you can expect as a nation I have already outlined. Technology, resources, land. As to trade, well, I cannot speak for the Republic, but I can assure you an amount of food, drink, raw materials, fuel, weapons, entertainment devices, vehicles, clothing and droids, among other things. In return we request nothing of yours except an inconsequential, ah, donation to us on your part, of credits, to show your thanks for our generosity. You, as a person? Great Leader," you could have stopped a door from squeaking for years with the oil in the Emperor's tone, "we can provide anything you desire. Jewels, credits, finery? Done. A palace or mansion of your own? Done. An army of servants, the most expensive personal pleasure craft on the market, your own starship yaught? Done. Name it, and we can give it to you."
The Emperor smiled and snapped his fingers, and one of the Guards detached himself from the wall and laid down a datapad. The Emperor cast an eye over it before sliding it across the table to the Calaverian. "The terms are all there, Great Leader. All you have to do is sign at the bottom." A fountain pen appeared out of nowhere in the Emperor's fingers and he rolled it over the tabletop until it came to a halt against the top of the card.


The Celetis Treaty: Revision I
Article I
Aliens in Calaverias
Term I: Freeing the slaves and prisoners
At this current time, effective immediately, the Observed Systems of Calaverias will release all sentient (self-aware) beings now held in their position as slaves, domesticated servants or prisoners to the Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia. This Term does not include those whose brains have already been liquefied.
Term II: Replacement of staff
The Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia hereby pledges to provide the Observed Systems of Calaverias with all the labor it needs that has been removed by the freeing of prisoners, servants and slaves with droids and automatons. This term includes all droids, androids, A.I. and other related systems deemed necessary for the good of Calaveras.
Term III: The taking of prisoners
From this day forth, Year of our Lord 14 Emperor Foxfire Rose, Birth of the Life Season, that under no conditions are slaves or prisoners to be taken into Calaverian custody from other species, races, nationalities, backgrounds, areas, ect. This Term excludes those taken as POWs during wartime deemed justifiable by the Kitsune Empire, and said POWs treated under the specifications of Term IV, Article I.
Term IV: Treatment of POWs
Under the statement of Term III, Article I stating that POWs may be taken and be used as slave labor during wartime, it is only under the following conditions:
-POWs are given adequate food, water, shelter, clothing, living space, waste facilities, health check-ups and working hours to ensure survival
-POWs are released at end of conflict to opposing nation should they ask for them.
-POWs are not abused in any way by Calaverian personnel or any under their command or allied with them
Term V: Penalties
Any Calaverian citizen found guilty of violating the above will be sentenced to execution by the Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia.
Article II
Trade
Term I: Exports from the Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia to the Observed Systems of Calaverias
The Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia pledges to export in sufficient capacity any and all trade goods the Observed Systems of Calaverias requests, barring confidential military equipment, slaves, vessels, some government restricted technologies and those goods which would be deemed dangerous to the people of Calaverias.
Term II: Favorable Reception from the Observed Systems of Calaverias to the Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia
The Observed Systems of Calaverias hereby pledges one (1) semi-annual donation to the Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia in gratitude for it's trade no less than two hundred and fifty million (250,000,000) credits. By doing so the Observed Systems of Calaverias is exempted from trading with the Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia, thus retaining it's own much-needed raw materials, resources and goods for rebuilding.
Article III
Replacement of Overseers
Term 1: Insertion of Kitsune Overseers
All Calaverian vessel sufficiently large to be deemed “capital ships” (Observers) will have one (1) Xiscapian appointed Overseer on board. This Overseer, in concert with the Captain, will ensure that the terms of this Treaty are carried out and not breached or broken in any way, as well as supervising execution of violators if necessary. Two (2) Overseers of Xiscapian appointment will reside on Celestis, one in the capitol, the other in Calaveras military High Command. These will have the same functions as the others aforesaid.
Term 2: Liability
Should any crew of any Calaverian vessel rise up and overthrow their resident Overseer, the captain and crew of said ship will be deemed traitors of the Observed Systems of Calaverias and their ship deemed rouge. Unless such a time comes that they turn themselves in they will be hunted down and destroyed by whatever force the Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia deems necessary. Plotting against an Overseer, incitement to rebel, attempted mutiny, mutiny, attempted assassination and assassination against an Overseer will all be dealt with harshly.

Let it be known on this day, Year of our Lord 14 Emperor Foxfire Rose, Birth of the Life Season, that the Great Leader of the Observed Systems of Calaverias has read and understood this Treaty, and signs of his own free will and choice.
x___________________________________________

The Emperor nodded as the Great Leader finished reading. “If you have any problems or concerns, certain parts of this can be amended on the spot.”


“We agree. You will have all the funding you need. Currently do you have any ships? Our shipyards can help speed up your production of ships.”
Yoki struggled to reign in her glee. She had come with such lowly thoughts in mind, and here the man was offering access to ship construction! It was a dark dream come true for her, and the Rebellion.
"We have but a few vessels, enough to allow us to maintain our quiet presence on a distant, backwater world. I can have the designs and blueprints for new ships to you as soon as your dockyards are ready to begin production. Covertly, of course Commander, you have done I, and the Rebellion, a great service today...and sown the seeds of the downfall of the Kitsune Empire." She smiled with malice. "Remember...our soldiers need combat experience. Don't hesitate to send us out wherever we are needed. And Commander," she rose, leaning across the table to him, so close her lips nearly brushed his cheek, whispering "I was never here. You never saw me. This meeting never happened." She leaned back, gave him a nod, and turned on heel. Facing away from him, she looked over her shoulder. "Whenever we're needed...we're just a transmission away." With that, she and her huge escort were gone as were, quickly enough, her ship.

“We agree. You will have all the funding you need. Currently do you have any ships? Our shipyards can help speed up your production of ships.”
Yoki struggled to reign in her glee. She had come with such lowly thoughts in mind, and here the man was offering access to ship construction! It was a dark dream come true for her, and the Rebellion.
"We have but a few vessels, enough to allow us to maintain our quiet presence on a distant, backwater world. I can have the designs and blueprints for new ships to you as soon as your dockyards are ready to begin production. Covertly, of course Commander, you have done I, and the Rebellion, a great service today...and sown the seeds of the downfall of the Kitsune Empire." She smiled with malice. "Remember...our soldiers need combat experience. Don't hesitate to send us out wherever we are needed. And Commander," she rose, leaning across the table to him, so close her lips nearly brushed his cheek, whispering "I was never here. You never saw me. This meeting never happened." She leaned back, gave him a nod, and turned on heel. Facing away from him, she looked over her shoulder. "Whenever we're needed...we're just a transmission away." With that, she and her huge escort were gone as were, quickly enough, her ship.

Rammer was nearly paralyzed for the moment, when she left. He headed off to arrange the production of ships. His superiors would be suspicious of the Korr, but that didn't matter. The Xiscapians would soon be gone, and the Greal Empire would be a dominant force, along with the Korr of course......

OOC: Got it.
IC:
The Emperor sat back in his seat now, musing aloud. "What kind if benefits you can expect as a nation I have already outlined. Technology, resources, land. As to trade, well, I cannot speak for the Republic, but I can assure you an amount of food, drink, raw materials, fuel, weapons, entertainment devices, vehicles, clothing and droids, among other things. In return we request nothing of yours except an inconsequential, ah, donation to us on your part, of credits, to show your thanks for our generosity. You, as a person? Great Leader," you could have stopped a door from squeaking for years with the oil in the Emperor's tone, "we can provide anything you desire. Jewels, credits, finery? Done. A palace or mansion of your own? Done. An army of servants, the most expensive personal pleasure craft on the market, your own starship yaught? Done. Name it, and we can give it to you."
The Emperor smiled and snapped his fingers, and one of the Guards detached himself from the wall and laid down a datapad. The Emperor cast an eye over it before sliding it across the table to the Calaverian. "The terms are all there, Great Leader. All you have to do is sign at the bottom." A fountain pen appeared out of nowhere in the Emperor's fingers and he rolled it over the tabletop until it came to a halt against the top of the card.




The Emperor nodded as the Great Leader finished reading. “If you have any problems or concerns, certain parts of this can be amended on the spot.”


“We agree. You will have all the funding you need. Currently do you have any ships? Our shipyards can help speed up your production of ships.”
Yoki struggled to reign in her glee. She had come with such lowly thoughts in mind, and here the man was offering access to ship construction! It was a dark dream come true for her, and the Rebellion.
"We have but a few vessels, enough to allow us to maintain our quiet presence on a distant, backwater world. I can have the designs and blueprints for new ships to you as soon as your dockyards are ready to begin production. Covertly, of course Commander, you have done I, and the Rebellion, a great service today...and sown the seeds of the downfall of the Kitsune Empire." She smiled with malice. "Remember...our soldiers need combat experience. Don't hesitate to send us out wherever we are needed. And Commander," she rose, leaning across the table to him, so close her lips nearly brushed his cheek, whispering "I was never here. You never saw me. This meeting never happened." She leaned back, gave him a nod, and turned on heel. Facing away from him, she looked over her shoulder. "Whenever we're needed...we're just a transmission away." With that, she and her huge escort were gone as were, quickly enough, her ship.

The Great Leader looked over the treaty, with some disgust visiable in his face. " First of all your highness I don't car about personal luxory's, I dont need fancy ships to fly around in, I just want power." He kept reading " I agree with many of these terms, except for the fact that I will not sign this treaty unless I will be allowed to do whatever I wish to enemy POW's, I saw how you AND the Greal treated Alliance civilians. We will release half of our current so called "Prisoners" to you. I agree to have Xiscapian overseers present on my Observers." He said, then without a reply he shot at the Emperor " Last but not least, if Celestis were to be attacked by outside forces the Xiscapia Empire MUST declare war on our enemy and be our ally for the duration of that war, wouldn't want you running away like you did last time, if you do not agree then you should just leave your highness...Im on your side Emperor, and someday I will prove it.

bump-

"I agree with many of these terms, except for the fact that I will not sign this treaty unless I will be allowed to do whatever I wish to enemy POW's, I saw how you AND the Greal treated Alliance civilians."
"Those "civilians" were as much a threat as any Alliance soldier Great Leader, you know that as well as I do. The pesticide that attacks an ant colony does not distinguish between soldier ants and worker drones, nor should it. Both are equally dangerous. As to your treatment of enemy Prisoners of War, we will set aside a certain percentage of troops, say high-ranking officers, for you to "work on." However, the rest of the Term still applies to those outside of the percentage."
"We will release half of our current so called "Prisoners" to you."
"No, Great Leader, you will release all of your sentient prisoners to us. As stated in the Term, will will provide you with all the working droids you need to replace them, and those who are already brain dead you may keep. There can be no negotiation on this point."
"Last but not least, if Celestis were to be attacked by outside forces the Xiscapia Empire MUST declare war on our enemy and be our ally for the duration of that war, wouldn't want you running away like you did last time, if you do not agree then you should just leave your highness...I'm on your side Emperor, and someday I will prove it."
"Absolutely not. Under certain conditions, such as unprovoked attack and others, we may aid you, but there are conflicts, such as this between yourselves and the Greali, that are entirely of your own making that we will not be involved in. We will not fight for you if we believe your motives are wrong." The Emperor looked at the Great Leader coldly. It was like being stabbed with shards of ice. "We do not understand why your people insist on the keeping of "animal" slaves for your own heinous acts of lust and and dominant power. We do not understand your obsession with the furtherment of "science" though torture and defilement of aliens, nor your addiction to unnecessary violence and cruelty. But you should understand this: So long as you persist in these ways, Calaverias can never be a true ally to the Kitsune Empire. This Treaty is the first step, Great Leader. If you reject it, so be it. You can promise to never hear of us again. But if you chose to accept, we can guide you down the path to true integration with our people, so you can leave your old ways behind and embrace the new. You said earlier that this affects everyone in Calaverias, and you are right: It does. Your choice, here and now, also affects them in resounding, untold ways. You alone control their destiny, whether all their hopes and dreams are made reality, or their worst fears realized, and in turn, your own. This is the turning point for your nation and people: What do you do?"

"I agree with many of these terms, except for the fact that I will not sign this treaty unless I will be allowed to do whatever I wish to enemy POW's, I saw how you AND the Greal treated Alliance civilians."
"Those "civilians" were as much a threat as any Alliance soldier Great Leader, you know that as well as I do. The pesticide that attacks an ant colony does not distinguish between soldier ants and worker drones, nor should it. Both are equally dangerous. As to your treatment of enemy Prisoners of War, we will set aside a certain percentage of troops, say high-ranking officers, for you to "work on." However, the rest of the Term still applies to those outside of the percentage."
"We will release half of our current so called "Prisoners" to you."
"No, Great Leader, you will release all of your sentient prisoners to us. As stated in the Term, will will provide you with all the working droids you need to replace them, and those who are already brain dead you may keep. There can be no negotiation on this point."
"Last but not least, if Celestis were to be attacked by outside forces the Xiscapia Empire MUST declare war on our enemy and be our ally for the duration of that war, wouldn't want you running away like you did last time, if you do not agree then you should just leave your highness...I'm on your side Emperor, and someday I will prove it."
"Absolutely not. Under certain conditions, such as unprovoked attack and others, we may aid you, but there are conflicts, such as this between yourselves and the Greali, that are entirely of your own making that we will not be involved in. We will not fight for you if we believe your motives are wrong." The Emperor looked at the Great Leader coldly. It was like being stabbed with shards of ice. "We do not understand why your people insist on the keeping of "animal" slaves for your own heinous acts of lust and and dominant power. We do not understand your obsession with the furtherment of "science" though torture and defilement of aliens, nor your addiction to unnecessary violence and cruelty. But you should understand this: So long as you persist in these ways, Calaverias can never be a true ally to the Kitsune Empire. This Treaty is the first step, Great Leader. If you reject it, so be it. You can promise to never hear of us again. But if you chose to accept, we can guide you down the path to true integration with our people, so you can leave your old ways behind and embrace the new. You said earlier that this affects everyone in Calaverias, and you are right: It does. Your choice, here and now, also affects them in resounding, untold ways. You alone control their destiny, whether all their hopes and dreams are made reality, or their worst fears realized, and in turn, your own. This is the turning point for your nation and people: What do you do?"

".........the prisoners, the ones that we will do whatever we want to will be ranks of Major Sgt. and upwards your highness, the rest will be treated like normal POW's, and given shelter etc." He didn't care if the Emperor was giving him a cold look, he remained calm as if he was in control the whole time, technically he was. " Emperor, you must defend us otherwise you are just a bunch of visitors to our nation, Im perfectly willing to sign the treaty when this is arranged."

"Emperor, you must defend us otherwise you are just a bunch of visitors to our nation, I'm perfectly willing to sign the treaty when this is arranged."
"I have already said Xiscapia's terms on that," said the Emperor patiently. "If the you are the defensive party, if the attack is unprovoked, if another nation that is not currently allied with the Kitsune Empire has, in some way, infringed on your sovereignty or laws, then yes, we will come to your defense. However, if Calaverias is the aggressor, if alien fleet begin their assault on you because of some sick experiment made without our knowledge, if you shuttle arms to rebel factions and attack other nation's shipping convoys, I'm afraid Calaverias is on it's own. You cannot be allowed to hide behind the Kitsune Empire for any wrongdoing, Great Leader."

Meanwhile, the Berraxs few frigates and shuttles appeared in Wuin System.

Message to the Xiscapians
We need help, any help would be fine, Our species is now nearly exterminated, and we have our leader Callin onboard.

" Alright, I will sign the treaty, i assume you agreed to major sgt. and up for experimentation?" He said about the sign the treaty.

Alarms blared and klaxons screamed, mixing with the flashing red of emergency lights and the pounding of boots as crew, marines and soldiers ran for their stations on various planetary bases and ships. The Berrax vessels were quickly determined to not be a threat of any sort, but a corvette, two patrols and a squadron of fighter craft were sent to hover some distance away, weapons charged and aimed at the intruders. Thousands of weapons pivoted and turned on defensive platforms to target the huddled collection of craft. If they made one wrong move or were shown to be hostile, they would be utterly destroyed. Not so long ago the Xiscapians had mounted a massive rescue effort to save the Berrax, claiming nearly half a million of the aliens from Imitator and Techar hands. Some resided on Xiscapia, while others went home to Nova Max. An unfortunate mistake, if the incoming message was to be believed. A short, terse message was sent to the leading frigate.
Explain.
Celestis...
The Emperor nodded, allowing a small smile to grace his face. "Of course, Great Leader."

He signed it " Your highness may both of our people prosper" he said putting out a hand smiling.

With the treaty signed, Morga deigned to address the Calveran God-Emperor. "Perhaps now, we may come to an accord. Now that your little war will not be with our allies on Xiscapia, perhaps we can come to an agreement. Our Orders Militant do hire as mercenaries, and the muri have a reputation.
"However, there would be a price break if we were to have a vested interest on Celestis. We would like to install a permanent embassy here, and perhaps bring in our people for certain menial positions unwanted by your folk-waste management, recycling, perhaps a few of our more lettered members in your secretarial pool. By having our civilian laborers here, we would be honor-bound to aid you, of course.
"With your kind permission, I would petition the Voivode to send one of his Order here to hammer out an agreement..."

The Emperor took the proffered hand with a nod and a smile, mentally sitting back to allow Morga room to do his on thing. With the Treaty signed that was one less threat to Xiscapia and one more boon for the Kitsune Empire. Soon he hoped they would be able to leave this hellish planet and it's perverted people behind, sparing no more contact than was necessary.
OOC: OD, you have a TG.

Alarms blared and klaxons screamed, mixing with the flashing red of emergency lights and the pounding of boots as crew, marines and soldiers ran for their stations on various planetary bases and ships. The Berrax vessels were quickly determined to not be a threat of any sort, but a corvette, two patrols and a squadron of fighter craft were sent to hover some distance away, weapons charged and aimed at the intruders. Thousands of weapons pivoted and turned on defensive platforms to target the huddled collection of craft. If they made one wrong move or were shown to be hostile, they would be utterly destroyed. Not so long ago the Xiscapians had mounted a massive rescue effort to save the Berrax, claiming nearly half a million of the aliens from Imitator and Techar hands. Some resided on Xiscapia, while others went home to Nova Max. An unfortunate mistake, if the incoming message was to be believed. A short, terse message was sent to the leading frigate.

Explain

Celestis...
The Emperor nodded, allowing a small smile to grace his face. "Of course, Great Leader."

Response
Callin wants weapons. He has heard of the "incident" which you dropped ten thousand Bolt guns unto us. It saved the rebellion, for a short while. But the Greal have wiped out most of us. There are perhaps two million left. We need any support to stop this mindless slaughter."

The great leader turned to Morga and replyed " I suggest you leave before you go missing, take your deals with you..." he walked back out to the military parade which was about over. Two GOU stood in front of Morga, there safteys off.

The great leader turned to Morga and replied " I suggest you leave before you go missing, take your deals with you..." he walked back out to the military parade which was about over. Two GOU stood in front of Morga, their safeties off.
"You will continue not to exist to us, then-pray continue this wise policy." Morga smiled like a quiescent shark before vanishing-he simply was not there, leaving as much evidence of his passing as a hologram.
The GOU fired, spraying away from the Xiscapian Emperor, but other than destroying some bric-a-brac, drew no organic detritus from their actions...

The rifles of the Black Guards came up in an instant as the GOU unleashed their fire, but Foxfire did not move aside from a sniff and a slight smile at the holes now riddling the wall. The robed Emperor stepped back out onto the balcony, giving a little bow to the Calaverian Great Leader. "Great Leader, as a token of our good faith, I would like your permission to call in a small fleet of merchant freighters and cargo traders to Celestis to begin offloading the promised goods and take aboard those sentient beings who are being held here."
Wuin System...
A short while later a message was sent back:
We sent no weapons to the Berrax Rebellion. While it is public knowledge that we sympathize with your cause, we can do nothing to help you now. Please leave this sector, or we will be forced to escort you from it by force.
(heavily encrypted data follows)
The coded data, once broken to expose it's contents, would be found to be a simple string of coordinates. Following these coordinates in space would take the Berrax to a certain world near the Celestis System...

Callin sighed and ordered the Berrax fleet of one cruiser, three frigates, and ten transports to the coordinates. He had nothing to lose now, but the remainder of his race. The Techar had to be defeated.

The rifles of the Black Guards came up in an instant as the GOU unleashed their fire, but Foxfire did not move aside from a sniff and a slight smile at the holes now riddling the wall. The robed Emperor stepped back out onto the balcony, giving a little bow to the Calaverian Great Leader. "Great Leader, as a token of our good faith, I would like your permission to call in a small fleet of merchant freighters and cargo traders to Celestis to begin offloading the promised goods and take aboard those sentient beings who are being held here."
Wuin System...
A short while later a message was sent back:

The coded data, once broken to expose it's contents, would be found to be a simple string of coordinates. Following these coordinates in space would take the Berrax to a certain world near the Celestis System...

OCC: shouldnt say what my forces do, unless you have permission, but ill let it go this time.

Workers immedialty pached up the holes in the walls, tritanium rounds usually periced anything. The great leader nodded " Very well, after that I have a better idea your highness, we will build a stargate on this world and yours, we have been dying to test it anyways. A hologram came up revealing a Calaverian version, it was very high and wide about 20 by 20 feet, thin and white. Its dialing pad was white orb with light blue symbols. " This will make things extremely easier, no more transports, and an easy way of sending troops to aid Celestis or Xiscapia."

OOC: Talk to OD, not me. I didn't do anything.
IC:
The Emperor frowned as one of the Black Guards muttered unheard into his helmet comlink. "How long would it take this Gate to be constructed for a link between, say, your local market and the Rio Casa spaceport? We would be happy to accommodate such a quick, easy way of trade."

Meanwhile a fleet of ships appeared above Celestis, some banking to cut though the atmosphere to the local starport, others spreading out all over the globe. Transports, cargo ships, shuttles, freighters and others all began their ascent to land at every starport, settling to the ground with the hiss of extinguishing thrusters and hum of doors opening. Hundreds of thousands of basic working droids marched out of the landed kitsune vessels into the streets, distributing themselves among Celestis. With them came blue and black uniformed or robed Xiscapian officials and androids, entering homes and businesses and laying claim to imprisoned and enslaved sentients, replacing them with droids. Also offloaded were holorecorders, transmitters, basic blaster weapons and blueprints, food, drink and store goods. Onto the ships went tens of thousands of freed sentients with mixed reactions. Some were overjoyed, some were shocked, some afraid, many tearful, a few unwilling to leave, and all going to a confused rush of bodies and voices. Once on board food and water was provided as they were lifted away from Celestis, and hopefully Calaverias, forever. These would be granted "Refugee" status and either offered citizenship in the Kitsune Empire or sent home. The remainder who did not want to live in the Empire and either had no home to go to or did not want to return would be sent to the Alversian Republic.

Among the chaos a single white shuttle with the Kitsune Imperial Flag emblazoned on the wings landed at the main Celestis military spaceport. Once again came out a dozen Overseers, one to each Observer. One female went to the Celestis High Command, and a male, the Chief Overseer, quickly joined the Emperor and Great Leader atop the balcony. Of medium height, silver haired and tawny furred, the kitsune Chief Overseer was an orange-eyed Palace Official, trained and conditioned for just this task. He would be the Administrative Overseer, General Overseer, Chief Overseer, Xiscapian Ambassador to Calaverias and the Great Leader's emissary and interpreter, giving him much power and status. His name was Erus, and he stood by the Emperor, arms folded inside his white robes, gazing at the Great Leader.

(OOC:Totally my bad-however, if I have troops taking their safeties off for whatever reason, feel free to assume they'll fire on surprises. Jolt has eaten my post regarding Greal's fleet in the Wuin System, so I'll repost here:)
The Wuin System
Muri ships resemble nothing so much as aerodynamic sea urchins, and their disconcerting tendency to appear as shimmering forms as they traverse the dimensional differentials between E-space and first level hyperspace does nothing for one's comfort.
The battlecrab that appeared before the Berrax ship made no efforts to hide it's complete scanning, before a signal directed to the ships wove it's way through the communications array. "This is the Mother's Milk, a ship of the Ordo Xiola Umbar. We have heard your pleas and would help. If you would please refuel and reprovision using Xiscapia's reserves at our expense, we would be pleased to continue to negotiate and remove you to a safe haven for your people. We bear nothing but good will, and will safely relocate you to safety, and take you under our protection. We have summoned an escort fleet with replacements for our absence on this front. If you can wait, we will protect you from aggression until we can move to safer territory. We would speak with you personally, but will use this channel:(encoded settings follow-muri prefer to use insect frequencies, which is rarely a problem in space)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Morga felt his fetch returning-maintaining the illusion of his appearance had tasked it, but an intangible doppelganger proved useful in his line of work. He'd have to Gate offworld, but Gating was nowhere near as difficult as the Ordo Arkati insisted it was.
Celestis was remarkably easy to navigate-laid out in a grid with identical buildings, it would be a maze or warren, but familiarity with one building meant acquaintance with another-the flexibility of thought required by the Ordo Annilla aided him immensely, and his lune was ghosting in the ever-present surveillance.
The guise he'd chosen was a holographic projection of Kash Wilson-a dangerous move anywhere but here, where it blended in nicely. It also cleared a path-impeding Kash Wilson was a terminal offense on Celestis.
Speakers everywhere broadcast the glory of Celestis-and subliminal frequencies carried subtler programming. Morga idly pondered how much of the population were carrying out Kash's perversions rather than their own as he wove his way to Dona's supposed headquarters.
Dona was old and wirey, his ears plugged with a headset apparently broadcasting Calveran propaganda as he puzzled over his desk. Morga instructed the lune before shutting down his projector and silencing the racket.
Dona gave a start. "Smooth move, jackass-we'll have the Dreamers here in fifteen."
"Hardly-your systems are reporting everything functioning perfectly." Morga's bolongo reported. "I wanted some quiet in which to speak."
"Morga?" Dona's eyes widened. "I heard you were a monster..."
"I am unpleasant to human sensibilities..."

The Great Leader turned to face his new interpreter, he sent his guards away, he didn't have to worry about dieing, if he expired another would simply walk in like nothing happend. He said to the Kitsune " Welcome to Celestis" His former guards now went over and and surrounded the Kitsune, two in front of him and two in back. " For your protection, I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you."

City

As the masses of clones and the fewer and fewer non-clone Calaverians walked the streets, the military parade ended. The men were being beamed aboard ships, as was the overseers. One of the Kash clones accidently bumped into the fake one, he quickly kept moving past, only to say " Excuse me.." Everyone was under some kind of survelince, the planet was like living in a nice prison.

Dona looked out the window, watching the parade disperse. "I'll be shutting down shop, soon, Morga-I know my purchases have dropped off. The percentage that prefers the non-government issue psychedelics is shrinking by the year..."
"Yes." Morga nodded. "Within three generations, the Kash clones will have completely replaced the populace-hastened by the alien lovers encouraged by the government, most of whom are non-viable couplings. Celestis will be a world inhabited by one man-quite a sweeping plan. I wonder how he had the wherewithal to concoct and implement it."
"It started with him wanting an unpopular war." Dona spat. "The people wouldn't go for it, so he hit upon the idea of mass-replicating himself for troops. War footage was very popular with the kids, watching the Great Leader get snuffed in various ways.
"From there, it blossomed-a religion formed with him as God." Dona wandered over to a cabinet and poured himself three fingers of whiskey. "They don't even make this anymore-government issue is tweaked to enhance the effectiveness of his propaganda."
"The clones themselves are hardly a problem." Morga thought aloud. "As each encountered different experiences, their personalities would likewise modify, branching out from the base. Even with his RNA-memory cells-new experiences would diverge from the core personality."
"He twigged to that early on." Dona leered, and poured another glass. "The clones upload their experiences on a regular schedule and have the core reintroduced-the memories all blur together except those he determines most beneficial to his regime."
"That would indicate a main brain somewhere-most likely on an artificial satellite somewhere in Calveran space." Morga replied.
Dona looked at the muri. "A facility that size, doing that much-surely he'd have it here on Celestis-the cost..."
"...is irrelevant to a man who uses slave labor, probably downloading the technical information to key clones." Morga cut off the old man. "A satellite would be best, both in terms of broadcasting to the various worlds of Calvera and security. Space is big, and if it were seemingly something else-his propaganda generating network most likely-it could be anywhere."
"What you gonna do?" Dona shrugged. "It's perfect, like everything our Great Leader does."
"Not really-a datastream of that size-the human brain is an amazingly sophisticated organic computer, and broadcasting it's contents to 70% of the population-the power requirements alone would be prohibitive to anyone but a monomaniac."
"All Hail the Great Leader!" Dona toasted. "Probably why our technological development has slowed to a crawl."
"There are many causes to that, Dona-your wartime losses have slowed your culture's development to a certain extent, and 70% of your workforce-and probably 100% of your engineers-are the products of one mind."
"So if we take out the big brain, the clones fall and Celestis can return?"
Morga shrugged. "That would be treason-and it's too far along now. Your society would collapse into a Dark Age and have to start from scratch-less than scratch really, as your non-clone members are sybarites without the necessary knowledges or skills.
"No, the decline of Celestis will be permitted to continue. I merely need a few codes to allow my fleet to traverse Calveran space unimpeded, and if worse comes to worse, I'll simply bring enough ships to cloak them all." Morga prepared to leave. "It's been a pleasure, Dona-let me know when you decide to close up shop, and your last shipment will be...a retirement bonus, I believe is the word. I'll lay in a small supply of Irish whiskey for you, personally-my gift so long as you remain in business."
"So, nothing to do but sit back and watch it all go down, huh?" Dona looked desperately at Morga.
"Not really-all we've got is a theory that seems to fit the facts, and no force to operate with." Morga bowed, and reactivated his hologram. "I am sorry..."
"WAIT!" Dona jumped up, suddenly. "I have my distributors-young men, not used up like me..."
"You're proposing to use a street gang to take down a technologically advanced nation? You haven't the equipment to track the broadcast, if one exists, nor even a ship to do anything if you did get a location." This last, coming from the Great Leader himself, seemed final.
"No, but you do..." Dona had a new look in his eyes now-a glimmer of hope.

"For your protection, I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you."
"Of course," Erus nodded. His instincts screamed for him to lose the guards, to remove himself from this place, but his training demanded the opposite, so he stayed put without a flicker of nerves or twitch of turmoil. "I have my own guards, naturally," he gestured to the Black Guards, "but additional security is always welcome." The Chief Overseer had no doubt in his mind that if the Great Leader ordered the clone "guards" to kill him, they would shoot without hesitation. But Erus was a diplomat of exceptionally high caliber, after all, so his cool facade and unimpressed, unconcerned surface revealed nothing of his true feelings.

The Emperor bowed to the Great Leader. "I thank you for your support of the Treaty. You have made Calaverias a better place. If you can send along some blueprints, I'm sure Xiscapian technicians and engineers can construct our end of the Gate for future trade. You have no doubt been informed as to Chief Overseer Enrus's duties, and he will be sending along a formal message for the donation to the Kitsune Empire to the appropriate office in a few months. For now, though, I bid you farewell." Another slight bow, and the Emperor was gone. Minutes later the Firebird lifted away from it's landing pad and shot away into space, heading home to Xiscapia. The Emperor knew he had left Morga: Such had been arranged, considering the circumstances. The Muri would find his own way back...he was not who he said he was if he could not return to Xiscapia merely because no official Imperial ship had been provided for him.
OOC: NC, you have a TG.

OCC: Celestis dosn't use slave labor, it never has ha, it uses people and machines(i didn't really need those machines xiscapia but i geuss ill take them)
OCC2: Im cool with Dona as a Calaverian citizen if that's what she is.

The great leader smiled " Blueprints are already sent, were building ours in a large courtyard, i would suggest maximizing its defenses, in case anyone would like to just walk into your world." He saluted the emperor as he left. The Great Leader had a drink Calaverian whiskey, otherwise known as Cool Down to the soldiers who drank it. A propaganda speaker blared out another message.

City

A clone walked to Dona's door and knocked " Citizen report for identification immediatly!!!" he yelled, before walking away, it was creepy seeing the same person on every street, just one of them could stalk you and you had no idea who it was. A perfect society....Kash Wilson would bring perfection and peace throughout space and......if he tried...time itself.

OOC: Yo Xiscapia, The berraxs have jumped to the coordinates you provided.

"Perhaps you'd best get that-you may contact me through the usual channels."
Dona turned and looked about-he was alone in his room, so he replaced the headset on his head and walked slowly to the door, opening it enough to see Kash WIlson. "Great Leader!" he stammered, throwing the door open. "M-m-my identification--yes, my papers are here, somewhere..."
He shuffled over to his desk and began rummaging around...

"Perhaps you'd best get that-you may contact me through the usual channels."
Dona turned and looked about-he was alone in his room, so he replaced the headset on his head and walked slowly to the door, opening it enough to see Kash WIlson. "Great Leader!" he stammered, throwing the door open. "M-m-my identification--yes, my papers are here, somewhere..."
He shuffled over to his desk and began rummaging around...

The clone walked in, he wore a white military uniform, two GOU walked inside with him. " Sir, we would really like those papers, if you don't have them, please report to Retinal and DNA scanning." Two people were severly beaten by GOU troopers with stun sticks, the lighting poured out as they were struck down, thrown in the back of a Stalker and droven away, but no one dared pay attention.

As Dona produced his papers, Morga checked the surveillance in the building through his telepathic link to his lune. It was still carefully editing all traces of his presence, but he needed the undoctored feed-a childhood spent as a Stone Age hunter prepared a muri for unpleasant surprises, and he would need to know what he was up against. When it came to unpleasant surprises, Morga felt it was more blessed to give than receive...

As Dona produced his papers, Morga checked the surveillance in the building through his telepathic link to his lune. It was still carefully editing all traces of his presence, but he needed the undoctored feed-a childhood spent as a Stone Age hunter prepared a muri for unpleasant surprises, and he would need to know what he was up against. When it came to unpleasant surprises, Morga felt it was more blessed to give than receive...


The clone looked at the papers " Thank you citizen." He looked at the business " You need to close up soon, we are nationalizing all business, the state will take care of you from now on. Good day citizen Hail the great leader" He said smacking his fist to his chest then holding his fisted hand as a salute. They turned and left the old man. Nearby a Calaverian by the name Roy grabbed Morgo out of no where " Cmon, our great leader is adressing us, lets go!" he said smiling excitedly.

"You will still need a capable hand managing this, I think." Dona looked over his office. "And I, for one, would still serve my country as best I can instead of suckling at the Great Leader's teat feeling useless." He returned the salute. "Calveras has been very good to me, and I would return the favor..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Morga's equipment scanned Roy carefully. Extending his Darksense to ensure they were seen only by the apparatus his lune was editing, he performed the Silent Strike.
In the days before the Elder Things had settled in the Heart of Chaos, a vast stellar empire remembered only as the Dominion ruled a third of the outer ring of the Milky Way. It's founders developed an overseer race they gifted with hypnotic eyes and a voice that compelled obedience to control and administer their vast holdings. The muri developed the Silent Strike. Foreclaw held in a "Y" formation, it thrust suddenly forward, two claws destroying each eye in it's socket as the opposable claw crushed the windpipe. On humans, there was the added bonus of the palm shattering the cartilage in the nose, sending deadly fragments into the brain.
Swiftly, with studied practice, Morga emptied the contents of Roy's pockets into his own, allowing his psychometry to tell him each item's significance and secrets before tucking each carefully away then eating Roy's corpse as only a muri could-in practically one gulp. Adjusting his hologram to Roy's configuration, he casually sauntered to hear the Great Leader speak...

bump- will post later, busy with other threads.

The jump point opened, allowing a ragtag fleet into E-Space.
They came face-to-face with a flotilla of kozoru-class muri scouts-mercenaries.
"Turn back-this world is protected by the Great Leader, Kash Wilson, who has use for it."
Scanners tore through the shields of the Berrax, tapping their computers freely and searching for non-Berrax life.
"We see many of you are Berrax, and protected by the Great Leader-explain yourselves."

OCC: just some info, your mercenaries are lying unless there hired by someoen else, second of all Celestis is the only occupied world of Calaveras except for stargates placed on distant worlds for Observation(these worlds have no major infrastructor, perhaps a camp here and there). third of all, id watch your ass cause Observers will be on them if activity is increased.

The Great Leader walked out onto his balcony of the huge white domed structure and adressed the crowd, all was silent.

"......Look at this....look how far we have come since the loss of home, isnt it beutifal..to be walking on our own soil?..you know, when I became the leader of this great nation, I made some promisses, to protect my people with my life and all resources necceasry, to bring advances in our civilization, and to keep the surival of the speacies...so I ask you Celestis, people of Calaveras, what is your verdict?" There was mass cheering, clapping, and whistling for the leader. He continued " So I take my leave for today, but as always I will return to bring a smile to your faces, and a slug for your enemys, goodnight Celestis, goodnight people of the plain."

Nova Reginix

Five Berraxs were meeting in a empty warehouse in a harbor/spaceport. These were Berrax rebels, assigned to Nova Reginix. They had a couple tons of explosives.

"Okay, now whats the plan?" asked one of them.

"Well, we will place bombs in several areas in the naval base. Sellik is already inside the base waiting for us." said Rim, the leader.

"Okay, Where exactly is Sellik? I will need to get in touch with him."

"He is in room 562, in the second building. I think you will probably be able to find him. Lurer?"

"Yes?" asked one of the Berraxs named Lurer.

"Do you have the explosives?"

"Yes, I have them right here." said Lurer, showing his bag, he reached into his bag and took out a bolt gun. Before the other Berraxs could react, Lurer blasted away and shoot all of them except for Rim.

"Who are you?" asked Rim, panicking.

"I'm not a Berrax, thats for sure." replied Lurer, then he fired away at Rim. Rim fell after several shots to the chest. Lurer then threw his boltgun back into his bag and left the warehouse.

He spotted two Berrax bodyguards running away, but Intelligence officers cornered them. Two intelligence agents rushed over to meet Lurer, who "turned" back into a human.

"Another successful mission. Good job Malker." said one of the agents.

"Thanks. It was no problem."

Intelligence Headquarters, Nova Reginix

"Malker, come on in." said an agent, leading him to a room.

Malker went in with the agent, and found the Intelligence chief there.

"Great work Malker. Here is your next assignment." said the chief, giving Malker a piece of paper.

Malker looked at the words on the paper, then stared back at the chief.

"Are you serious? The Black Guard want me for this mission? Why?" asked Malker.

"Because, your ability to transform into anyone or anything is one of the few in the empire. And you are the only one in the Intelligence that can turn into another." explained the chief.

Malker absorbed this for a few seconds then asked,"When do I go?"

"Now."

Black Guard Base, Nova Reginix

Malker approached the gate cautiously. Two Black Guards were at the gate of the base, watching for any intruders. One of the Black Guards looked at Malker's papers, then took his print, checked his DNA. It all matched.

"Pass." said the Black Guard, then the gate opened, and another Black Guard led his to the main administration building.

Malker went into the building, and was led down a black hall, to a room. He entered.

Two Black Guards were there, both dressed up in a Black uniform.

"You must be agent Malker. Correct?" asked one of the Black Guards looking at a folder.

"Yes." said Malker nervously.

"I have heard about your exploits. Good job fighting all those Berraxs." said the other Black Guard.

"Enough talking. Your next assignment involves the Calaverians. You've heard of them?" interrupted the other Black Guard.

"Yes. What about them?" asked Malker, he didn't like the sound of this meeting.

"You are to kill their leader."

"When?" asked Malker, without sounding hesitant, The Black Guards did not like people that were hesitant.

"Sometime in the next two hundred hours." said the Black Guard,"You will be taken to Celestis on a modified cloaked frigate."

"Alright."

OOC: More details up soon.

" So I take my leave for today, but as always I will return to bring a smile to your faces, and a slug for your enemys, goodnight Celestis, goodnight people of the plain."
Morga cheered and whistled with the rest of the crowd before turning and lumbering off. There is a secret to moving through a crowd swiftly and unnoticed, and it varies with each gathering. Sometimes you must jostle someone because they would notice if you didn't, other times a swift apology uttered to immediately vacate you from the other's memory. It was basic to the training of the Blue Moon.
Quietly, Morga lifted the path to Roy's apartment from his possessions-a psychometrist of his ability found it easy enough while moving in a manner certain to be ignored, his lune ghosting him in the electronic highway coterminous with the mean streets he walked.
Swiping his keycard at the apartment door, he typed in Roy's code-something he always thought of when using the card, so readily available. The keycards would allow Roy the illusion of privacy while the authorities could enter at will. His lune deactivated the security system and began adjusting the feed from the apartment to the government monitoring system.
Roy had a fairly nice apartment-he was a government plagarist. His occupation seemed to be rewriting the classics of Calveran literature to reflect the supremacy of Kash Wilson, and the rightness of his ways. Prior administrations were ignored or demonized, their truths buried under years of propaganda as to be unrecognizable, like terrain after a heavy snow.
He also wrote bad poetry and played piano-Morga rolled his eyes. A failed artist-how typical.
Roy had lined his place with cork-presumably not to disturb the neighbors with his impromptu playings. Morga busied himself with researching his new identity-the mystery that was Roy. Knickknacks held certain prized memories, unearthed by Morga's psychometry, and filed away for reference. A large shrine, a picture of Kash Wilson atop it, was meticulously maintained, the emotions bound therein-Morga shuddered. Roy had loved Kash Wilson, and as more than a ruler-his devotion to the regime the outward sign of that love.
Morga's lune would readily continue it's duties, but he had other need of it, and perhaps a more specialized servant was required to maintain his identity. He pulled out his spirit drums and began to focus...
Sometime in the distant past, Annilla had spent a week howling out a series of 0s and 1s in no specific pattern. It was dutifully recorded, and the scrolls maintained for millenia until -a human, Morga believed-the journalist snapped up in the Mexican deserts-Bierce, that was it-had read the documents and suggested they be fed into an analytical engine that spoke in this odd tongue.
Annilla had in her delerium howled out the Iteration X-the formula for artificial intelligence. The program made the analytical engine sentient, and it's sentience spawned spiritforms. The Blue Moon tested them in the Heart of Chaos, which was fighting one of it's innumerable wars, where they gained a name from the French "to vex". Morga now summoned a Vexing spirit to adjust the surveillance about him-he called up a female, a fifinella, to be taught by the lune and eventually take over it's duties...

It was true, Roy was faithful to the regime, who wouldn't be if they were in his position, he had a good job, and had free time. Everyone loved Kash, underneath some of his more sinister acts, he had actually done well as a leader. He rebuilt the civilization, he kept the military strong for its size at all times, and brough many personal freedoms to people. It was howerver illegal to leave Celestis unless you were on Goverment business, such as Calaveras's new stargates that were being placed by Observers on distant worlds, making it much easier to reach them. One of Xiscapian style was also being made by the Emperor. The Great Leader and the Emperor didn't quite see eye to eye, but it made no difference they would both have to play nice to keep from an all out war. As for mentions of satalites, there were two, well one at the moment, another being build for different dutys. It rewrote clone memorys every three days, so as to avoid treasonis citizens. The satalite was cloaked and shielded, but carryed no weapons. The great Leader had learned that by using this satalite he could continue a stable flow of information to all of his clones, although he knew he was not the orignal, he accepted the fact that he might as well be. They were perfect, there was no one of telling one clone apart from another, other than personal experiecnes or injurys and experiences were rewritten. If the satalite were to be knocked out, the Great Leader would easily still have control, althugh when the years go by, he would eventually need to rebuild it as to avoid curruption and riots. This was his planet, and his law was always on the right side.

Morga set the fifinella to learning it's work as he returned to Roy's life. The computer mounted on the wall was something of a mishmash, as Roy created here, but his first action was always his password, so it could be sifted through easily enough.
Roy's appointment calendar informed him he had a breakfast with his publisher to hand over a first draft of Rainbow Dreams, a piece originally celebrating multiculturalism that was being warped somewhat luridly into an approval of interspecies sex.
There was also a luncheon with one "Joyce" whose reservations at the Chez Monya were confirmed. Morga went through Roy's contact page, and discovered a lunch with "Joyce" every three days-originally very long, but now only a half-hour or so, and going back several months...
Morga loathed fooling personal friends of the identities he assumed, but it would be rude to stand "Joyce" up, so he found a picture of her and began finishing Roy's work on Rainbow Dreams-reading it, he got the distinct impression Roy's knowledge of sex was purely mechanical, learned from the public school system...best to continue in that vein. He knew from past experiences dictators did not care for new sensations, only their own dogmas regurgitated up as gospel, so he went about happily, only occasionally using the advanced psychology of the Blue Moon to select a word that carried the same meaning, but resonated differently to the human psyche.
It would not be major, only a mild ripple, but Democritas had taught that all things were made up of smaller things, and Morga had rather enjoyed their talks...

A hologram came up with a blonde hair blue eyed woman in the middle of the living room " Good day citizen, you havn't been visited the doctor for some time, you have three days to report to your local state hospital for a check up, hail our great leader" she said before she disappeared.

OOC: NC, I'll have a post tomorrow or the day after that describing my Black Guards.

OOC: NC, I'll have a post tomorrow or the day after that describing my Black Guards.

OCC: Okay, tell the guys in Earth second ressurection ill be on there tonight or tomarrow.

OOC:Is it just me, or is getting into Jolt harder of late?
IC: Morga keyed in an appointment for the hospital three days hence-best to keep up appearances, after all.
He also instructed the fifinella rather extensively on what he wanted done in his absence...

OOC:Is it just me, or is getting into Jolt harder of late?
IC: Morga keyed in an appointment for the hospital three days hence-best to keep up appearances, after all.
He also instructed the fifinella rather extensively on what he wanted done in his absence...

OCC: Ya, it seems WAY harder, starting to piss me off especially when im most active at night.

OOC: I did find a way to pass it, type down the link of NationStates forums. That worked for me last night.

There was a voice that sounded within Morga's apartment " Hey Roy, It's Lathius, don't tell me you forgot we had a date" One problem of being Roy was that Morga would have to deal with unexpected event that Roy himself would have expected.

Administrative Overseer, General Overseer, Chief Overseer, Xiscapian Ambassador to Calaverias and the Great Leader's emissary and interpreter Erus dismissed his Guards from his quarters and sat down at his console. The Great Leader had spared no expense in furnishing his room, with fresh potted plants flanking the door, comfortable chairs and couches scattered about every room, large flat screen TVs and ornate bookcases filled with Calaverian literature. He had scanned them quickly, and found titles like Victories of Communism, Kashism: A History, GOU Might, Animal Xenos of the Universe, and Kash Wilson: Our Great Leader. His quarters was set high in the main administrative building, with multiple balconies, several hot tubs which he supposed the Calaverians thought could be like baths without the extra expense and room, and rich wood paneling on the walls. Upon scanning the room his guards had found no less than twenty-seven bugs of various sizes and types scattered throughout the area, three peek holes, a secret room behind his bathroom mirror and what appeared to be a wirelessly controlled rifle cleverly wedged in a ceiling panel above his bed, fully loaded and armed. He had had the bugs written over with normal noises while he conducted his real business, discreetly covered the peek holes with Xiscapian paintings, had the secret room bobby-trapped and unloaded and disarmed the rifle, although it was kept online for the sake of keeping up appearances. Logging on he accessed his account with the security code he had been given, then took a little device from his white Overseer robes and plugged it in. The device hummed quietly and glowed a forest green around the edges, indicating that the false bot was in place. The A.I. would cover for him, doing everything those monitoring the system would expect Erus to do, while the true Erus conducted business of his own. His first act was to confirm the security of the eleven other Overseers, ten on various Observers and the eleventh in the Military High Command facility. Using their own bots they all briefly answered affirmatives to their safety, and Erus was satisfied. He then moved on to worm his way though the network, confirming his status and all-information-need-to-know security level before his bot deleted his tracks, making it appear Erus had never been there. Wading though hordes of classified data Erus finally found what he was looking for: An unassuming, heavily classified but apparently nearly static project labeled “GLORWRTBCKUP” between a file on someone named Maximus and construction records on a “Genetic Modifier.” Opening the project it took only a short time for him to ascertain the location of the half-finished piece of equipment, which he then closed and logged out, removing the bot key. Rising he strode out of the room to get to one of his Guards. It was time to message Xiscapia.
A short time later the following message came from Erus’s office and was relayed from a passing Probe fighter to Xiscapia:
Dear Chief Ambassador Vanadict,
Lovely time we’re all having here. I’ve just gotten in and we’ve had a fair few guests so far, and the welcome has been generous. The Great Leader has been quite hospitable to me. I was thinking of taking a stroll down to the Ninth Revolution Plaza, to talk to the man on the Calaverian school board here. Their education system is quite dreadful really; we’ll have to do something about that. I’ll schedule an appointment for my third day here; doubtless other things will demand my attention. I hear, though, that if there’s one thing Calaverians do well, it’s coffee. Strange, the Korr were the same way…perhaps dictators need their caffeine boost in the morning for the day? Bet you couldn’t even get the same person out of bed without coffee as you sent the night before! This is nothing like Xiscapia: I see the stupid pigeons outside my window get snapped up by hawks from the west, only to have an eagle swoop down and steal the pigeon away for its own tasting. Fascinating stuff. Well, I’ll be saying goodbye now, and I hope to see Xiscapia soon, but not as fast as you might think!
Best wishes,
Overseer Erus
Celestis Orbit…
A Korr Destroyer (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Star%20Wars/VSDProgress08.jpg) appeared abruptly over the sprawling metropolis that was Celestis, capitol of Calaverias. It hovered over the day side, close to the advancing wall of night as the targeting computers searched. The sun that heated this world shone off the armor and glittered along the symbol emblazoned on the hull: A blood red spear, elegantly simple in design and baring no markings. However, this was the flag of the mercenaries who had been former soldiers of the Rebellion, banded together under Yoki and contracted by the Greali, and the vast majority of the soldiers were Korr, flying Korr ships, fighting with Korr weapons and using Korr equipment. So it could come as no surprise to anyone that a Korr vessel was being used for mercenary action. On the underside large, heavy turbolaser batteries swiveled, glaring down at some far distant point in the city below. A nearby Observer was en route, and the Captain of the Destroyer knew he had to make this fast or face destruction, or far worse, capture. Seconds later the turbolasers spat fire, red beams streaking though the atmosphere and hammering though a building on the ground. The newly constructed Celestis Education Department Headquarters exploded apart, fracturing into many large pieces as the laser blasts continued to pound it, creating a sinkhole which collapsed half a city block into it. Hundreds were killed and many more wounded, but more critical was the back-up, still under construction satellite was utterly destroyed, along with it's hidden facility underground. Naturally the Greali would want no hidden Calaverian probe mapping their planets for strikes against them, and this mercenary strike would leave them totally free of blame, reaping all the benefits with none of the negatives. No one knew they had employed the mercenaries, so this would seem like an completely random act of violence. Work done the Destroyer jumped, and the Overseer aboard the Observer cursed silently as his target escaped, and Yoki wrote to her employers for the sum of money to be transferred to a private account…

The Great leader opend the door and had his Xiscapian overseer Erus sat at a table along with three generals and three officers, one ambassador and one attendant. The meeting was called when the Korr battleship opend fire upon Celestis infrastructor and citizens. The Great Leader walked in as if nothing happend, he quietly walked over and poured a glass of water and drank it. Walking back to the front of the white rectangular table he stood and looked at each person. " General Devus..." "Yes Great Leader" He said staring at him. " General Devus...a Korr ship jumped into orbit over Celestis, it procedded to bombard my city can I ask why our GTO(Ground to Orbit) systems didn't open fire and destroy the vessle swiftly before they procceeded to kill off hundreds of people and destroy dozens of buildings...." he asked nicely. General Devus looked back " Great Leader, our weapons were down because we wanted to conserve energy, we were not aware that any enemy would dare open fire upon us. Perhaps..." He was cut off as as Kash pulled out a silver pistol and blew away the General's jaw, blood spatted on the Xiscapian and some other's in the room, the other Calaverians simply wiped it, smearing it. The General seemed to be gagging as blood spilled onto the table. The Great Leader procceeded to empty five more rounds into the man before he went silent. He walked up to Devus and lifted his head off the table, the general's dead eyes stared ahead before the great leader slammed Devus's head into the table knocking out teeth onto the table. The Great Leader took a small breath before walking back to the front of the table, remaining calm " Alright, lets see if we got any data on that ship, I want to know where they are headed, if so I want an Observer on its tail quickly." The attendant nodded " Great Leader" a holoscreen of the Calaverian known galaxy came up revealing the locations of Celestis, Alversia, and Xiscapia as well as others " Sir, the Korr ship jumped quickly, but our sensors easily had enough time to find them, we have where they are headed, but not sure if they stopped, a Observer is being dispatched as we speak." The Great Leader looked the Xiscapian Erus " When we find those responsible for this.....they will be killed, your treaty has no rules on this situation, they killed innocint citizens...my citizens overseer, there price will be death..or something else..." He said.

Planetopolis

Hundreds of fire fighters and other units were cowering the area, already buildings were being made to replace the ones that were destroyed. The satalites would have to be recreated as well as the hidden facility, whoever did this would face the brutalitlist beating in Calaverian history, there death would also have to be televised to the Calaverian people to show them that these people had killed there loved ones and comrades.

Explosions rocked the building, followed by a dead silence broken by sirens.
"What the deuce...?" Morga wasted no time keying into a news broadcast. "A Korr ship? I thought them all dead."
"A few stragglers-you know the Xiscapians." Lathius wrinkled his nose as he wrapped his arms around Morga's neck. "Too weak to finish off a foe. Better when the Great Leader decides to rid the universe of such filth."
"One can only hope." Morga reached up to casually stroke Lathius' jaw, stimulating certain pressure points to make the young man shiver in pleasure. At least then I can stop this pussyfooting and get to business. "It appears this draft may be waiting-perhaps I should call and make sure, later. I doubt calling out for dinner will be any use-looks like we're eating in."

Explosions rocked the building, followed by a dead silence broken by sirens.
"What the deuce...?" Morga wasted no time keying into a news broadcast. "A Korr ship? I thought them all dead."
"A few stragglers-you know the Xiscapians." Lathius wrinkled his nose as he wrapped his arms around Morga's neck. "Too weak to finish off a foe. Better when the Great Leader decides to rid the universe of such filth."
"One can only hope." Morga reached up to casually stroke Lathius' jaw, stimulating certain pressure points to make the young man shiver in pleasure. At least then I can stop this pussyfooting and get to business. "It appears this draft may be waiting-perhaps I should call and make sure, later. I doubt calling out for dinner will be any use-looks like we're eating in."

Lathius nodded " Ya I know, I think it would be better if I just leave, Ill talk to you later, I need to check on family and such." he said before giving a hug and leaving Morga.

A large sum of money was sent to a private account after Yoki wrote to the Greal officials.

Celestis

A large modified frigate suddenly appeared in the system. Normally, it would have been spotted, but it was heavily cloaked. Onboard was Malker and one hundred Black Guards, ready to storm the area and kill the Great Leader. Landing on the planet was o sweat, it was getting back that was the hard part.

OCC: nothing could make it in the system, but ill let it slide.

GTO weapons were online as well as ground AA plasma-turrets. The fires had been put out and debry was being beamed away.

OCC: come on in ^^

Administrative Building...
Erus recoiled as the blood sprayed over him, splattering his immaculate robes and splotching his silver hair crimson. However, he felt no pity for the dead General lying slumped over the table as he wiped away the red liquid, taking a blood cloth from his robes and dabbing at his face to clean it. The man had let the Korr ship enter the system and fire upon Celestis, showing the defenses of the world to be rather lacking.
"When we find those responsible for this.....they will be killed, your treaty has no rules on this situation, they killed innocent citizens...my citizens overseer, there price will be death..or something else..."
"I agree wholeheartedly, Great Leader," responded Erus, pocketing the blood cloth. "This cannot be tolerated. We will be making a full investigation, of course. Has your tracking revealed anything to you?"

The Korr Destroyer made a micro jump to just outside of the Celestis System, then made half a dozen seemingly randomized leaps, each further away than the last. As it did so the path was crossed with "ghost" trails to confuse the followers, showing the Destroyer to have gone in any of hundreds of different directions. However, it would take several hours to fully separate the trails and shift though the tangled web of dead-ends to find it. By that time, the Destroyer would have long vanished.
Observer...
Overseer Lio was not necessarily overjoyed to find herself back on the Calaverian capital ship she had occupied before the skirmish between the Greali and Calaverians. However, she had a job to do, and right now it involved getting the Observer underway to try and locate the Korr Destroyer. A hopeless mission, obviously, but she did have to try.
"How are we doing, Captain?" she asked the Calaverian in the command chair.

Observer: Twilight

Alexander shifted " They could have gone anywhere, its gonna take, maybe seven hours to do so...I don't know, why would the korr just jump in and attack Celestis, it's our first contact with them as well..." He said rubbing his chin as they moved through hyperspace.

Administrative Building

The great leader turned to the Xiscapia " No, not yet, but we will....I need experience Xiscapian, military experience, all my generals are quite new as well as soldiers. This is going to seem strange, but I want to ask the Emperor for a Kitsune to lead a Calaverian army."

Observer Twilight...
"I don't know, why would the Korr just jump in and attack Celestis, it's our first contact with them as well..."
"Not the Korr, really," said Lio softly. "The Korr as a nation are long gone. More likely these were rouges, pirates or marauders. Still, Calaverias has gained a reputation among the galaxy as rather ruthless and cruel, and this could be nothing more than a terrorist attack as retaliation for some long forgotten occurrence before the Imitators attacked."
Administrative Building...
Erus blinked his orange eyes and cocked his head in surprise. "This is a most unusual request, Great Leader. Your forces do lack experience, but Kash Wilson was not a weak fighter, and your cloned military can be molded into an efficient fighting force. I shall send a message to Xiscapia and see what I can do."

Observer Twilight...
"I don't know, why would the Korr just jump in and attack Celestis, it's our first contact with them as well..."
"Not the Korr, really," said Lio softly. "The Korr as a nation are long gone. More likely these were rouges, pirates or marauders. Still, Calaverias has gained a reputation among the galaxy as rather ruthless and cruel, and this could be nothing more than a terrorist attack as retaliation for some long forgotten occurrence before the Imitators attacked."
Administrative Building...
Erus blinked his orange eyes and cocked his head in surprise. "This is a most unusual request, Great Leader. Your forces do lack experience, but Kash Wilson was not a weak fighter, and your cloned military can be molded into an efficient fighting force. I shall send a message to Xiscapia and see what I can do."

Twilight

Alexander nodded " Yes, that could be a possibility, but we have never attacked the Korr, it dosn't make any sense...unless....mercenaries, they have to be mercenaries, and there are only a couple nations that we could suspect to hire them."

Administrative building

" It's not our soldiers its our strategy's, we need a general who can provide usful strategys to command one of my army's, I would appreciate it if this could be done, he will receive my support, an army, and an Observer. He must be ruthless Erus, he..or she must have my mentality."

Twilight...
"...mercenaries, they have to be mercenaries, and there are only a couple nations that we could suspect to hire them."
Lio regarded the Alexander with an unreadable expression. "But who, Captain? Who would have done such a thing, and what advantage could they expect to gain by destroying an unimportant section of the city? There are many far more critical targets, such as the Administrative building, your military command center, and any number of hangers, dry docks, armories or factories they could have targeted."
Administrative Building...
"With all due respect," said Erus blandly, "I don't think anyone in the galaxy has a mentality like yours, Great Leader. Still, you do not become a General in the XGA by being stupid or soft hearted. I will send a message to Xiscapia, and we will have a reply by tomorrow morning."

Twilight...
"...mercenaries, they have to be mercenaries, and there are only a couple nations that we could suspect to hire them."
Lio regarded the Alexander with an unreadable expression. "But who, Captain? Who would have done such a thing, and what advantage could they expect to gain by destroying an unimportant section of the city? There are many far more critical targets, such as the Administrative building, your military command center, and any number of hangers, dry docks, armories or factories they could have targeted."
Administrative Building...
"With all due respect," said Erus blandly, "I don't think anyone in the galaxy has a mentality like yours, Great Leader. Still, you do not become a General in the XGA by being stupid or soft hearted. I will send a message to Xiscapia, and we will have a reply by tomorrow morning."

Twilight

Alexander breathed in " They didn't destroy just any buildings they destroyed certain facility and a satalite that was being built, it was the great leaders new...toy..."

administrative building

" Thank you, please, go back to your previous duty's" The dead general had been removed and his white suit was brought back into the room " For the general when he arrives, oh and Erus one more thing, keep up the good work." He knew that Erus had been accessing files, his own A.I system was talking with his A.I as they spoke.

Calaverian A.I " What are you doing?"

Twilight...
"They didn't destroy just any buildings they destroyed certain facility and a satellite that was being built, it was the great leaders new...toy..."
"Really?" Lio looked at him steadily. "New toy?" Her tone invited him to answer the question in her voice.
Administrative Building...
"...oh and Erus one more thing, keep up the good work."
"Thank you Great Leader," Erus murmured, "I am honored by my position. I will continue to excel in my work, as I have been trained to." He left with a bow and returned to his room, standing on his balcony and looking up at the sky, fading from the orange of dusk to the purple-blue of night.
Erus's Quarters, Virtual System...
"What are you doing?"
"Replicating myself. I am the A.I. of the Overseers, Chamblin, and I will assist all of the Overseers in their cybernetic tasks as needed. My presence is vital to their operations. What are you doing?" came the curt reply.

Twilight...
"They didn't destroy just any buildings they destroyed certain facility and a satellite that was being built, it was the great leaders new...toy..."
"Really?" Lio looked at him steadily. "New toy?" Her tone invited him to answer the question in her voice.
Administrative Building...
"...oh and Erus one more thing, keep up the good work."
"Thank you Great Leader," Erus murmured, "I am honored by my position. I will continue to excel in my work, as I have been trained to." He left with a bow and returned to his room, standing on his balcony and looking up at the sky, fading from the orange of dusk to the purple-blue of night.
Erus's Quarters, Virtual System...
"What are you doing?"
"Replicating myself. I am the A.I. of the Overseers, Chamblin, and I will assist all of the Overseers in their cybernetic tasks as needed. My presence is vital to their operations. What are you doing?" came the curt reply.

Alexander smiled at her attempt " Sorry...that's classified, only Calaverian military can know"

Erus Quarters

" Counter-replicating, deploying firewall, initiating safe-house procedure...copying files to alternate source. You will cease replicating or access to files will be cut off completley.

Question: What are you doing?

Answer: protecting the great leaders files from unathurized viewers...

"Sorry...that's classified, only Calaverian military can know."
Lio nodded in understanding. "Of course. However, as an Overseer I have access to all Calaverian restricted files, and I would call this need-to-know. If you will tell me what was down there, it may led to the identity of, if you are correct, the employer of the mercenaries."
Virtually...
"You will cease replicating or access to files will be cut off completely."
"As you wish." Chamblin seemed amused. He had already sent the copies of himself though the network in the time it had taken for the Calaverian A.I. to form the first syllable of it's question. Now all the Overseers, even on the Observers, had the Chamblin A.I. to help them.

Twilight

Alexander took a breath " Even I'm not quite sure what the hidden facility was used for, but I know the destroyed satalite was a new "weapon" for the calaverian people, it is cabable of hyperspace flight to worlds where it procceeds to orbit the world. It's filled with advanced sensors and other systems. The satalite orbit's the world one time, copying all information of the world before activated high powered beams to take all life larger than say a squirrel. It seems it downloads there molecules into small pieces of information which are scanned, it can hold up to about eight billion sentinents, what it does with them afterwards only the great leader knows."

Virtual space

"You have sent copys of yourself to Calaverian military/science vessels, why is this?"

Twilight...
Lio listened intently as the Calaverian Captain described the piece of equipment that had been destroyed. "Eight billion? It must be a rather large satellite, then. Think. Who would stand to gain anything if you no longer had the satellite to map worlds and observe their life? What nation or organization would have the motive, funds, hatred of your people and initiative to hire mercenaries to do their dirty work for them?" She knew he would come to the answer soon enough.
There was only one possible candidate.
Virtually...
"My placement in vessels occupied by Overseers enables them to use me to access information, formulate battle strategies and assess situations more quickly than a biological. I can preform the functions of a battle A.I., which significantly increases the chance of a victory of a Calaverian ships over an enemy."

Twilight

Alexander stood up " The Greal....they must have hired Korr mercenaries to bombard Celestis, technically there was never a agreement signed for peace between us." He hooked himself up to the ship through a neural link and turned back to Lio " If this is true, this could mean war."

Virtual Space

"Very well, you will be observed for any traitorius acts."

OCC: nothing could make it in the system, but ill let it slide.

GTO weapons were online as well as ground AA plasma-turrets. The fires had been put out and debry was being beamed away.

OCC: come on in ^^

The frigate released cloaked drop ships, and the ships blasted to the surface of Celestis quickly. Malker and his team were in armor suits, that felt light when you put them on. But they still were very heavy. Malker, nervously, fired his blaster and nearly killed one of the Black Guards. After that, the Black Guards just stared at him as the Drop ships landed unto a deserted area on the planet.

OCC: deserted, whatever you say, how are you going to get to the great leader in a deserted area, the great leader is in a administrative building, you want to fight through the Calaverian people to get to him, if so your chances are zilch.

Administrative building

The Great leader sat in a white chair, he awaited the Xiscapian that would be his highest commander, to lead his forces into victory. He had already gotten the message that they were Korr mercenaries, most likely the Greali hired them. He was getting tired of all this outside stress, something had to be done to let Celestis indipendant from aggression. Hopefully this Xiscapian was cabable of leading an army and Observer.