NationStates Jolt Archive

Space bent and then warped. Seemingly arriving from nowhere, Task Force Eternal Pain erupted into the Alpha Delgrasi system.
Leading the Task Force was the SRV Eternal Pain herself. Three thousand, two hundred and seventy eight meters long, one thousand six hundred and ninety at its highest point, it was one of only two Annihilator-Class battleships remaining in the Setulanite navy. Nobody knew how old it was-estimates ranged from two to four thousand years old. It had served in hundreds of battles and was one of the most powerful ships ever created by the people of Setulan. It had never been defeated in combat.
With it came the rest of the battlegroup. Eight Harm-Class cruisers, six Terror-Class cruisers (built off the same general structure, they were 2200 meters long and about six hundred high). Three other cruisers made up the rear guard, all equipped with the devestating nova cannon.
And swarming amongst the capitol ships were the escort squadrons. Six three ship squadrons, each consisting entirely of frigates (the same class as the Firestorm). Four four ship squadrons of a strange blend of frigate with prow-mounted weapons. And eight three-ship formations of small, fast torpedo ships.

Captain Torgandas watched the ships appear on the screen with a hint of satisfaction-and no small relief. After the excitement that had so recently ended, he was glad for the overwhelming power displayed. He keyed his vox.
"Eternal Pain,, this is Torgandas. Welcome." He then sent a message to Waterloo.

Waterloo, our task force has arrived. They'll be here soon. Torgandas out.

Ten minutes later-

Waterloo Station, Waterloo Station, this is Admiral Marcus Grant, commander of Task Force Eternal Pain. I have aboard one of our Republic's leaders, and would like to know how you want to play this, cus we certainly can't fit in the station.

Waterloo Orbital Space Station Command Room

Commander Romulus had spent the last thirty minutes bringing the Kardhesian flotilla back into dock and organizing a new schedule for patrols of Lancer-class cruisers to scour the system. The small exchange of unpleasantries which had erupted a while before had managed to totally derail a large portion of Romulus' commander's plans. For there were more pressing matters to be discussed.

Romulus was impressed by the fleet the Setulan's had arrived with. It was a good feeling to know that they were on his side and not an enemy, because that huge ship looked like it could take a lot of damage and still dish out more than you or thirty of your friends could throw at it.

"Message incoming from Captain Torgandas, sir," reported the communications ensign. "And a follow up message from an Admiral Marcus Grant, saying that an official representative of the Republic of Setulan is with them."

"Good," Romulus smiled with relief. "Then we can really get things going on the ball."

"Yea, about that sir, we won't be able to dock most of their ships. They're just too big," the hangar guidance manager ensign commented.

"Have them come into an orbital holding position parallel with the station. They're whole fleet can sit there and it will be easy for shuttles to enter...what dock number was it...ah, yes, docking bay A-10. Send them an uplink with the designated coordinates."

Suddenly Romulus' comm bead buzzed and Colonel Duprey's voice filtered through. "Commander, see to it that you invite Captain Torgandas along as well as the new arrivals."

"As you wish sir," replied Romulus.

Welcome Admiral Marcus Grant of Setulan. We are uploading to you a data package which will guide you to an orbital holding position that will let your fleet rest parallel to the station. Feel free to make a holding position there or anywhere near the station at your conveinance. Also, my superior would like you to bring Captain Torgandas with you in your shuttle party. Commander Romulus out.

Marcus Grant stood on the bridge of the Eternal Pain and felt...power.
Diminutive in size (he was 5'6", short for a Setulanite male), with a mellow voice and easy personality, Grant was easy to get along with, and had always been a running joke at the Naval Academy. That Grant, they would chuckle, he wouldn't even command a garbage skiff. The jokes would stop the moment the joker got a look at Grants eyes. A deep blue that could be jolly one second and colder than an ice storm the next.
Now most of the jokers were dead, killed serving the Emperor during the Great War, and he was Admiral of one of the two most powerful taskforces in the Setulanite Navy.
He called that a fair trade.
Blue eyes now jovial, he read the message given to him by Waterloo station.
"Helm, put Eternal Pain parallel with the planet. Comm, send orders to the fleet. All capitol ships to enter parallel orbit with planet. We will send the data package. However, I want half my escorts patrolling the system and half of them guarding the capitol ships. After what Torgandas told us, I don't want to take any chances that some maniac will bring a hostile fleet into the system when my pants are down."
"Aye aye, sir. And Captain Torgandas is awaiting your pleasure in the hanger bay."
"Awaiting my pleasure? Bah! Torgandas wouldn't wait on the pleasure of Maxellian himself!" Grant was smiling as he said this, and he turned to his XO.
"Steve, you have the con."
"Aye aye, sir. Good luck."

In the hanger bay, Grant embraced Torgandas tightly. Torgandas had been Grant's executive officer long years ago.
"Good to see you, old boy. Colonel Jules, always a pleasure. Are we ready to get going then?" Grant asked.
"Just about, sir. We are simply waiting on..."
"Not on me, I hope, Captain." Chief Executive Jonathan Tempes entered the hanger, guarded by ten Planetary Guardsmen from his fiefdom.
"Right onto the Bentnose and off we go, sir," said Admiral Grant. Grant had no problem calling Tempes 'sir'...for it had been Jonathan Tempes who had led Grant during the Great war, when he had been Admiral Superior of the Republican Navy. Tempes smiled and entered the Bentnose.

Two minutes later, the flight of Bentnoses (a bomber-turned-transport and two escorting fighters) entered hanger A-10. Landing softly, the craft powered down and the door opened.
First out were the ten Planetary Guardsmen, who formed up five to a side and presented their arms. Then came Captain Torgandas and Colonel Jules, followed by Admiral Grant. Finally came Tempes himself. He walked towards the greeting party with a smile and an outstretched hand.
"Greetings. I am Jonathan Tempes, Chief Executive of the fiefdom of Veto and member of the Council of Leaders of Setulan, and I am the honored to make your aquaintence."

OOC: Hey, sorry you've had to wait. I've got a family member that's severely sick right now and so I haven't had time to get online. If you will, have a bit more patience with me and I will reply soon.

ooc: thats totally ok. I hope they get better!

The hangar into which the Setulan shuttle entered was the largest on the station. Originally it was for Mobile Suits, but it had been decided that it could also be used for ceremonial purposes once the Lord Protector came to visit the system a few years from now. Colonel Duprey had decided there was no other option but to honor the Setulan's in this fashion for their willingness to achieve peace and trade with the Dominion.

Within the huge hangar stood two rows of Leo space-type Mobile Suits. In front of them was an entire company of Auto-Arms, their pilots holding their large calibre rifles up and at attention. Then in front of the Auto-Arms stood three companies: one of Fleet Mobile Suit Corp pilots, the second of Fleet Marines, and the last of fully armored and armed Protector's Own. Standing in front of this large congregation of soldiers stood Colonel Duprey, Commander Romulus, Commissar Kleist, and Lord General de Fonte.

Colonel Duprey stepped forward to meet their guests a they came down the gangway of the shuttle. He shook the hang of the dignitary that came forward.

"It's a pleasure to meet with you Mr.Tempes, I hope you and I can speak together for a mutually beneficial agreement between our nations," Duprey said. He turned to Captain Torgandas. "Captain, it is my pleasure to see you again. I must thank you for acting with such alacrity in the situation that happened, and for keeping your cool in such a situation. You have my thanks."

Colonel Duprey saluted Captain Torgandas. As one, the entire hangar bay welcoming group came to attention as well. The snap of boots coming together echoing around. Duprey put his hand down and looked over at the third officer who he did not know, standing by Colonel Jules. He bowed in respect. "And who might this be?"

Torgandas returned the salute.
"I am sorry that I could not help more, but we were but one small vessel, and your allies were rather...impressive? In their display." Tempes nodded as Torgandas spoke, and made a disgusted face.
"Imperialism in the stars can not lead to anything good, I feel. However, I digress. This is Force Admiral Grant, commanding officer of Task Force Eternal Pain, and master of that vessel." Grant nodded, smiling, and offered his hand. He also continued to size up the Khardesians. He knew nothing of their fleet per se, but the few observations he had made (primarily drawn from the control crew in Waterloo Station) had left him with a feeling they knew how to get things done.
Jules, forever impassive, observed the troops arrayed before them (he really couldn't care less about the politicians-that wasn't his job) with a highly critical eye. The marines and auto-arms he had seen before. The ones in the armor got a good looking, and he accepted them at face value-that is, they looked good, and he would assume they were until he was proved wrong. The mobile suits recieved one look and a nod of approval. Now that was a tank!
Tempes continued.
"I recieved the report from Captain Torgandas and must say that you acted with superb initiative in a trying time. And like you, I sincerley hope that our two peoples can reach an accord and create a lasting friendship." He looked behind Colonel Duprey. "If I may be so forward as to ask, who are the gentlemen with you?"