NationStates Jolt Archive

Sheikh Navarrone entered a modest, wood panelled room. He had a cup of coffee hooked tightly onto his index finger and an awkward smirk on his face. It was too early in the morning for him, but apparently the ambassadors and attendees kept tighter schedules than he had hoped for. 'Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first session of the Galactic Assembly. Please forgive our accomodations, it's only been a month since we had decided to get this show on the road...'

Navarrone lazily sipped at his drink as he looked over a cacophony of paperwork tucked haphazardly in his dossier. 'I see that this meeting is already brimming with topics and I'll allow Mr. Kessler to address the assembly first.' Sheikh had just now noticed another man looming over Kessler's shoulder.

"Thank you, Overlord." began the Jannarii foreign minister.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Galactic Assembly, I come to you today with a serious issue. On my planet, our civilization developed with a strong maritime tradition. The various nations that marked Jannath over the years traded with each other, fought each other, and made peace with each other. Over the countless centuries, nations were born and died. However, one thing was clear and understood regardless of the names and borders on the map." began Kessler.

"That thing was the idea that the sea was international territory. All nations relied on the sea as an artery for trade and movement of people and information. While fleets of ships occasionally fought each other on the seas of Jannath, not once did any nation claim ownership of them. It was understood that the seas were the property of all Jannarii regardless of nationality. It was also understood that any people that attacked those using the seas for peaceful purposes was attacking all Jannarii people. This was the law of the sea. Under the law of the sea, such people were branded pirates. Outlaws. Enemies of all mankind beyond the protection of any government. Hostis jannarii generis." he continued.

"It is my understanding that many of the representatives gathered here today come from civilizations with a similar maritime tradition in their history, and I am fairly sure that all people regard pirates the same way. Just as the seas of Jannath belonged to all Jannarii, interstellar space belongs to all people that make themselves at home in the Milky Way. Now that we have all moved on from sailing the seas to sailing the stars, we now have to deal with pirates on a much larger scale than ever before. I would argue that anybody that would threaten interplanetary space is as much an enemy of all life in the galaxy as the pirates on the seas of Jannath were an enemy of all Jannarii. An attack on Jannarii merchant ships in interstellar space is not just an attack on the Jannarii. It is an attack on the Aumanii. It is an attack on the Dersconi. It is an attack on the Coredians, the Havenics, and so on."

It is for this reason that I am here today. One week ago one of my nation's cruisers encountered a ship in interplanetary space. This ship was riddled with holes and filled with corpses. It was alone in space until we arrived, indicating that this was not the site of a battle between two nations. There were no debris other than those belonging to the wreck we came upon. Our ship sent a boarding party onto the ship to try to find survivors and found the aftermath of a massacre. Even the security robots were severely damaged and the ones still operating were malfunctioning. Now I don't know about how your navies do things, but in my navy we don't disable ships with our warships and then send a boarding party to kill all the survivors. However, pirates are known for this behaviour."

"Shortly after our boarding party arrived on the stricken vessel, the ship that attacked it returned to finish the job and was engaged by our cruiser. After a fierce battle in which the enemy ship attempted to ram our cruiser, the enemy ship was destroyed. A short time later, the owners of the stricken vessel showed up to recover their lost ship. They explained that the ship was lost to pirates and were able to recover video from the vessel that showed the attack."

Kessler then turned to face a large screen on the wall and pressed a button on a small remote. Immediately the video footage from the ship at the time of the battle began to play. The attacking ship was clearly a warship, and anyone familiar with the warships of the various nations could easily identify it as a Fedral light frigate. The video showed the Fedral frigate attacking the ship with a furious swarm of phasers and torpedoes with the ship unable to respond to any effect. Then the video feed turned to static.

"And there you have it. For those of you unfamiliar with that ship, it is a Manticore class light frigate belonging to the United Terran Fedration. Judging by the hull number printed on the hull, we have identified the frigate as the Defiant. All of our evidence has shown that the Fedral frigate attacked its victim for no reason, and the tactics used are well known to be the standard operating procedure for pirates. The United Terran Fedration is just as well known for unjustified acts of aggression and a complete lack of diplomatic tact. I shouldn't need to remind you of the way that the Fedrals acted at the ground breaking banquet for this building only a month ago."

It is with all of this on my mind that I must identify the United Terran Fedration as a nation of pirates and barbarians. They are a threat to galactic peace and prosperity, and in my opinion an enemy to every person in this room. If the Fedrals are willing to attack a completely defenseless ship belonging to a civilization with which they have had no contact before, how can we not expect them to attack us next? I call on each of you to stand up against this threat towards our liberty. I call on each one of you to not allow this type of event to happen again."

Kessler stood on the floor and glanced around at the gathered delegates for a few seconds.

"Thank you for your time. Overlord, I return the floor to you." he said before returning to his seat next to the Jannarii ambassador to Auman.

Cathal, along with the Space Marine Deron, had also come to this meeting as well, seeking to bring up an issue that was occurring close to their space. When they arrived, however, they did find that someone had already beaten them to the punch, in a way. The Jannarii foreign minister Kessler stood up and gave a very powerful and persuasive speech on the idea of international waters and the protection of trade from pirates. They were surprised when he brought up the event that one of their cruisers came across a heavily damaged ship, with most of its crew dead. Deron nodded; having dealt with strange pirates themselves, the Dominion knew what they were capable of. It was quite a shock when a video was shown from the owners of what happened to the ship. A Fedral light frigate pounded the poor ship, which struggled to fight back but failed. The video ended with Kessler informing them that they engaged it when it came back to destroy the hulk and it was swiftly destroyed.

The Janarii representative finished with a call to action to have the Fedrals declared a nation of pirates and barbarians and to not let this happen again. When he was finished, Cathal stood up and began to speak. "We agree with the words by Mr. Kessler and second the call to label them pirates and barbarians. However, we have two things to bring up. One, Mr. Kessler, you say we need to work on ensuring that this never happens again. A declaration will do little to stop that, so are you suggesting something more or more an of intent to put an end to this? And I would also like to show you this:"

He set down a holodevice and activated it, and it showed the speech by the UTF about the pirate attack on their freighters and their subsequent war declaration on the Red Talons. And then it shifted to sensor data on weapons fire and FTL signatures, which the Janarii representative would recognize as being Fedral. "From what we understand, they have already declared war, stating that the Red Talons have attacked them, being a participant in the recent pirate attacks on TEC shipping. Little evidence was given and we are not happy with how eager they are to go to war. We wish to put this up to support the Janarii's declaration. We are actual neighbors to the Fedrals, they are on our left border, and quite close to us. Too close for comfort, considering their tendencies to go on rampages. As such, we offer a warning to those here of trusting the Fedrals and suspicion is better than death in this case."

OOC: Damnit, now i wish i had signed up for this! :(

After the debacle that was the opening function of the GA, the Branch Office decided that a different delegate be posted full time to the Assembly grounds. A request had been placed to Home Office that a Taerren or Gaian trained in the diplomatic corps be assigned to the Branch Office. After a week the request was granted and one Kristen Shanden, a Gaian born within TRIAD territory, had been dispatched. It was hoped by the Branch Offices that a 'human' delegate would elicit more favorable responses from the more xenophobic members of the Assembly.

**********

Kristen listened to the Jannarii and Telros delegates deliver their announcements and declarations against the Federal Union. The Branch Offices had informed her about the Union's war declaration upon the Red Talons, but as yet there had been no further word on the situation.

Standing up when the Telros delegate gave up the floor, Kristen looked around the room, "Fellow delegates. I am of a like mind that piracy cannot be tolerated, and of late the Federal Union's actions have been less than rational. However, let me remind you that this Assembly was founded to attempt to avert interstellar wars, not to promote them. We must allow the Federal Union the opportunity to state their case, or else explain their actions and make reparations against any wronged parties."

Looking directly at the Jannarii minister, "If and when the Federal Union fails to explain itself, or offer sufficient evidence supporting their claims. Only then will TRIAD Enterprises see fit to support any talks of open warfare within this Assembly. If we resort to aggression without attempting peaceful resolutions, then this Assembly is not only a failure, but a farce."

OOC: Damnit, now i wish i had signed up for this! :(

OOC: Just come anyway. :) Thanks for posting/asking (sort of) first, though.

The new Ambassador to the Aumanii Nation Keitaro Kaneda decided to speak as well. "I would like to second the TRIAD delegation's statements. We, the Semi-Nomadic Empire, are members of the TEC as well, and we have begun an investigation into these matters ourselves. Unfortunately the Fedral Union had jumped the gun in their declaration of war, despite our delegations warning them many times not to do so until our investigation is complete. We would not, however, seek a course of action that would lead to war with the Fedrals, but we would like to ask for additional impartial investigatons into these matters so that we as the Galactic Assembly would be able to decide the proper course of action in these incidents."

OOC: By the way, TFU retconned that incident Bryn's talking about. Since he did so, I'm not certain you can bring that up before this assembly and someone's going to figure out that you 'faked' it.

Ambassador Dieter Kesselring watched the proceedings with half hearted interest. Reichskamphen had never been much interested in the affairs beyond Sol. And Dieter didn't see why they should take such an interest now. Still, the Greater Prussian Empire did have a new Emperor and the Consulate had seen fit to extend political feelers into previously uncharted diplomatic waters. Kesselring sat behind the Dersconi delegation, not actively participating for now, but blending with the Dersconi contingent. As the Crown Prince of Derscon was the Arch Chancellor of Greater Prussia, it only seemed fit that the rest of the Empire should take interest.

Kandajr Kazankrov didn't mind the demotion. Well, it was technically a demotion, though he kept the same pay and didn't travel as much. He was formerly the Chief Diplomat for the Amaranthine Imperium, but since the creation of the Galactic Assembly in Auman, Mr. Kazankrov volunteered to be the permanent GA representative, as well as ambassador to the Aumanii, what with the history he had with the people there.

The aide to his right was deep in meditation. Apparently, the TEC security office (headed and managed by Dersconi officials) was busy furiously putting together a memo on the situation - both TFU and the recent piratical assaults. Unfortunately, they were not done, which slightly irritated Kazankrov - he did not like being unprepared, especially as a freelance journalist.

As such, he did not stand up to comment on Ambassador Kessler's speech, as he had nothing to present. Yet. According to his friends inside the TEC security division, though, it was going to be one hell of a report.

OOC: Core, it would be almost impossible to prove it did not exist. Orinon and Bryn Shander - the only nations with survivors after the incident - both understand that it was a UTF ship that attacked. Rob cannot prove otherwise.

"It's a pity. Such a tragedy, isn't it? After all, we exist to mediate such situations as these. Would it not be simpler to ask the Fedral representatives to speak for their case, and to either offer a reasonable explanation for their actions, or perhaps offer an apology? While their behaviour at first light seems barbaric, surely we must wait for a proper reply before judging them, no?"

James inclined his head towards Kessler, and sat down.

Andrew Fisik listened intently to the statements made by Kessler, watching with interest as the footage played. As the other delegates began its questions and demands he ordered one of his aids to contact the Ministry of Exploration and get them to have a survey ship ready. He allowed the Travellian delegate to speak before he stood.

“Mister Kessler,” he stated in a measured tone. “Surely you do not expect us to deprive an entire government of its status as a nation based off two recordings you have shown a room full of diplomats. We are not criminal investigators and the evidence as presented to us could very well be forged.” He paused a moment, as the aide returned and whispered in his ear. “I also find it interesting you are trying to rush this choice, demanding a vote here and now based off only what you’ve shown. I request, no demand that the Galactic Assembly does not rush to deny a nation its sovereignty until a full investigation has been conducted.

Mister Kessler, for the record could you state when and were the alleged pirate attack occurred, as well as when the following incident. We will send an investigation team to study the events as seen through the light-lag from the system, and request every nation here do the same.”

(ooc: Light-Lag is unbias and can have as many witnesses as people who want to turn up. Rob will be found not guilty and dropped of all charges, because you decided to try and frame him and he never actually commited the crime he will be found not guilty. You’ll then leave eachother alone as much as possible IC to prevent anything happening.)

Isahil sat listening to the others. He had an idea of what the UTF could be like, and he figured there must have been a reason behind the incident. there usually was. Then he got a call on his comm. he held a hand to his head as he visibly paled over the next few moments. finally explaiming. "you cant be serious..." He paused, ignoring the others in the room and around him as he forwarded data into the assembly's display system. He then stood. his expression was distant as he looked out across the assembly, raising a hand for the others attention.

"I have just recieved word, that United Terran Federation warships have attacked the merchant station Haven, located above the milky way. What i am about to show you is video feed taken by a fleeing trade ship that remained to document the event...."

The image that played was a view from one of the stations docks. presumably one of the stations hull camera's. The UTF ships warping in, very apparently in hostile formation. After a few minutes cargo ships begin to exit the stations docks with increasing frequency. The camera itself begining to move away looking back at the station as the last of the ships exits the station. Not oments later the UTF ships open fire. all 200 of them in full barrage. the stations shields lighting up as it began to return fire with the 6 deck guns that had angles, as well as a few hundred pont defense guns and launch small fighters. The fighters being cut down before ever getting into decent atatck range of the UTF ships. The stations armaments keyed towords defending it against pirate attacks not warfleets. Then, as the shields began to fail sporaticly, a flash from one of the lower middle sections, followed by another flash. The station suddenly taking intense fire as the shields went offline. UTF ships continuing to fire on anything exiting the station. The camera zooming in on the station, showing it begin to break up from internal explosions, escape pods, or what looked to be, trickling out from the station only to be cut down almost instantly by UTF point defense fire. The stations guns continuing to fire untill a bright blue-white flash followed by a pulse wave signified that the stations main power core had gone. the lower two thirds of the station flying apart into dust, the remaining section breaking up and drifting lazily up into space before the fire finally dwindles from the UTF ships, at which point the feed ends.

"That was recorded approximately three hours ago... We havent gotten word on casualties yet. Stations compliment was 10,000 enlisted crew, 6000 marines assigned for station security, and roughly 400,000 men women and children, including diplomatic and trade representatives...." he paused, gathering his composure before clenching his fists. "we consider this nothing less than an act of genocide..... Such an attack is viewed by my people as nothing less than an act of outright war...." He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in, at the same time he got an update. "It appears, that Federation vessels exited the system with approximately 300 survivors. There location and condition are unknown at this time..." He sat back deep in thought.

Navarrone's mind blanked out the carnage for a moment. He quickly considered the cost in foreign lives, Aumanii lives. Undoubtedly, since the announcement of the station's existence to Vascilian businessmen, there were some of his own citizens involved in the catastrophe.

'Mr. Fisik, I sincerely hope President Zimmerman has an explanation for the intentional destruction of escape pods? Furthermore, the assault on a civilian trade station is an outright act of malice towards international sensibilities. We have evidence of unsolicited assaults against neutral nations. We have, right here in front of us, proof of a hateful attack against civilians from the nation of Red Talons. Has the President and his cabinet even considered that the nature of Haven would indicate the presence of foreigners? I know for a fact that there are, or were perhaps, Aumanii citizens on board during the attack!?'

The Overlord's blood was boiling by this point. What angered Navarrone most is that the cowardly UTF delegate hadn't even bothered to show up for this meeting, which told him one thing...

'The little bastard is hiding from us!' Spat Navarrone, gesturing forcefully toward an empty seat.

Cathal stood up again after all the representatives spoke again. He needed to set some things into order about the Dominion's view. "Look, I said nothing of going to war, I merely asked the Janarii foreign minister if that was what he was hinting at or not. If the Fedrals, or the TEC representative wish to present evidence otherwise, then they should go right ahead. From what we know of the Fedrals and this tape, as well as the conviction of the people stating it, it looks to be pretty damn true. If its a forgery, designed to cause trouble and is proven, we will rescind the status given to the Fedral government. However..." He glanced at the RT representative. "In light of the attack on the Haven station and the loss of life therein, we will be declaring economic sanctions on TFU in protest of the loss of life and the sudden war on its own TEC ally. While they may not have killed that ship, they have killed many innocent people in Red Talons, including foreign dignitaries as well."


"Now, if this is proved to be a forgery, I recommend all willing GA members pooling their intelligence resources together to try and find out who did this and bring them to justice, as they are either the pirates or covering up for them. That way, justice can be served and we can move on to the next issue for the GA to discuss and work on."

'Very well...' Navarrone turned some pages in his dossier. 'I would like to put forward the next subject of discussion.' Navarrone cleared his troat and looked around the room to see if the others were finished.

ikari sat watching as bickering went on over who killed who, h was amused by what was going on. he sat quietly waiting for navarrone to speak

"Actually, Overlord, I have something to add." began Kessler, standing up. "Though this is not on the agenda because we have all just learned of it, I will be hijacking these proceedings to address this issue. Although we cannot bring back the four hundred and sixteen thousand lives lost when the Fedrals destroyed Haven, we can rebuild the station. As you're aware, Haven was a neutral hub for trade, travel, and diplomacy. The loss of this station is a direct blow to the very principals behind the Galactic Assembly. Though I have no idea how much the station will cost to replace, I am willing to contribute ten trillion gold pieces to the reconstruction of Haven."

"kessler, i agree with this plan, infact the new haven should be far bigger and better, there where NERV citizens on that station and i believe that we should agree to build a super-station in havens place, a huge trade hub the like that the galaxy has never seen, NERV will build the new station for the galactic assembly, with the most hi-tec, the most up to date equipment, the best living quarters, huge hidden anti-terrorists systems, it will be marvelous, does any one else agree with me?"

"The station did not belong to the Galactic Assembly, Mr. Ikari." replied Kessler. "It belonged to the Red Talons alone, and when it is rebuilt it will again belong only to the Red Talons."

"true, but this will not either, it would replace the previous haven and it would be owned by the red talons, i am merely suggesting that NERV builds the station, it would free up the red talons so they can deal with the terrorists, we would be donating it to them for they're loss"

"That is entirely up to the Red Talons, but I suspect that they would prefer to rebuild it themselves and not have to deal with foreign craftsmanship, technology, and systems." reasoned Kessler.

true it is up to the red talons, but im just offering, nerv could just create the basic frame and shape, the red talons could install there own equipment

"On the contrary Mr. Ikari, it should be the Huntarian Empire who designs the new station," a new voice sounded throughout the forum. Recently promoted Grand Admiral Khal stepped out of the shadows and into the light followed by three other figures, two females and a droid. "The Empire has been building and designing far more efficient stations for the longest time. We will be willing to design the station and build the initial skeleton. With our Forge Worlds and massive Shipyards, the time and cost in materials would be greatly reduced for the Red Talons. There will be a small nominal fee of course."

It was HK-59's turn to speak for his master, "statement: Returning to more prudent matters, it was made clear from my most current master that the vast majority of the Huntarian Leaders have desired to see nothing short of utter destruction of the Fedrals ever since their betrayal to the Galactic Empire. As for myself, I enjoy a good ethnic meatbag slaughter."

The Dominion representative stood up, his eyes blazing with hatred. He pointed at Grand Admiral Khal. "How DARE you come to this body after what your nation has done? The Huntaerian Empire, under that psychopath Vorman, took the Coredian world of Issus and when an alliance of nations took it back, he had the planet bombarded from orbit. And that is only one of your many crimes. How you can come into this body is beyond any form of reason or logic. You have killed so many, under the Empire, and under Vorman, and you still try to act civilized? Disgusting."

“Is it not time for atonement?” the woman (http://www.wallpaperez.net/wallpaper/games/Hellgate-London-Female-Templar-1021.jpg) to the left hand side of the Admiral stated, as she remained three feet behind the admiral. Her body was covered from head to toe in armor, and her arms were loose by her side.

“If you hadn’t noticed, the Issus incident had nothing to do with the Huntarian Empire. Our fleets were the victim of an singularity attack by the Farstars Republic, after being torn asunder by the kython forces. It grieves us deeply that such life was lost, in what was to be a simple invasion.”

“However let’s not let the past get the best of us shall we?” the armored woman said. “This is a hall for peace is it not? Or do those words run hallow here?”

Her helmet turned and looked around the room. “For our part in the concessions, we offer generously to rebuild your station lost in the Fedral’s attacks. Unlike the Huntarian Empire, the Fedrals lack all restraint. They are truly the greatest threat to galactic peace. With their constant military build ups, their projects to destroy whole planets such as the Nova bomb project, the Fedrals have put themselves to be in a position to become the next Coruscant. None of us desire to see a new forced centralized government, especially after we just were freed from one do we?”

“All the Emperor wishes is to remove this threat before it becomes too great. We can do it alone, but it is Emperor Vorman’s desire to have diplomatic and multilateral aid in this endeavor.” she said to the group.

“Would you not, if you could go back in time prevent Palpitine from rising? How many lives would have been saved had someone the courage to remove him before he grew to be a threat. Vorman does not wish for history to repeat itself, in this arena.”

Cathal looked at the new woman and narrowed his eyes. "You can never atone for what you have done. The Lord of Death has eaten souls, killed billions, and cares little for peace or diplomacy. He only does so since the Fedrals are a people he does not like. I will not push this point further for fear of conflict, but I would advise you stop broadcasting your lies of Vorman and the Empire. He gladly aided the Empire when it was useful and then discarded when it had become weak. And I don't need to remind many of those here that he will obviously look the same way at us. As tools, not people."

He took a deep breath and then spoke again. "However, as much as it kills me to say it, you do bring up a point. The Fedrals are growing to be more and more of a problem. First, the Haven Massacre. Now, they have mobilized on Romandeos and Coredian Empire's borders, expelled diplomats and have even made demands of their own alliance. They are a wild card and need to be contained somehow. I care not which. But they are my neighbor and I will not have an unstable force constantly threatening the Dominion."

Kristen listened to the banter, the accusations... The chatter. Without standing, her soft voice projected across the room, addressing the Huntaer, NERV, and Jannarii delegates. "Delegates, it seems you need to be reminded, once again, that the Haven station was the sole property of the Red Talons government. Many of us here lost personnel in it's destruction, however that does not entitle us in any way to participation in reconstruction of the station."

Turning to face the Nerv delegate next, "Have you considered the possibility that given the war they now face, the Red Talons' leadership may decide not to rebuild Haven?"

Next the group from Huntaer, "If and when the Red Talons choose to construct a new trade station, it is they, not this polity who will choose who will perform the construction. I suggest that if you wish to take part in that undertaking, you stop pandering to this Assembly, and start tendering your 'bids' directly to the Red Talons government."

A last look at the Jannarii, then Kristen was silent again.

Dimi smiled, leaning back in his seat with something resembling amusement. All the backwards and forwards, the convoluted politics of the galaxy. This was exactly the reason they had come to this sort of an organisation; to see it all in its full tide. To experience the flow and thrust of the galactic Involved.

"I see no reason why our body should not graciously offer charity and support to the people of Red Talons. If that gains us a vested interest in it's future operation..." He shrugged. "It's fair play. Many of us have suffered as a result of this little fiasco. Is fiasco a good enough word?

We haven't personally, but our hearts certainly do go out to the people affected, and we feel that anything that can be done should be done." He smiled politely. "I am, of course, thoroughly against any military intervention in this issue. That's best left to the directly involved parties rather than some removed body politic.

Issus and it's repercussions are similarly none of our concern, are they not?"

Next the group from Huntaer, "If and when the Red Talons choose to construct a new trade station, it is they, not this polity who will choose who will perform the construction. I suggest that if you wish to take part in that undertaking, you stop pandering to this Assembly, and start tendering your 'bids' directly to the Red Talons government."

A last look at the Jannarii, then Kristen was silent again.

OOC:
I hardly ever go by Huntaer ICly. It's usually the Huntarian Empire, or just plain Huntarians.

IC:
The Grand Admiral bowed, "of course, we recognize that you will be the ones to decide ultimately, we're just offering our services for the general construction."

Cathal looked at the new woman and narrowed his eyes. "You can never atone for what you have done. The Lord of Death has eaten souls, killed billions, and cares little for peace or diplomacy. He only does so since the Fedrals are a people he does not like. I will not push this point further for fear of conflict, but I would advise you stop broadcasting your lies of Vorman and the Empire. He gladly aided the Empire when it was useful and then discarded when it had become weak. And I don't need to remind many of those here that he will obviously look the same way at us. As tools, not people."

Khal looked at the Dominion representative with an raised eyebrow, "considering how we've been invited offered our gracious services to you, I'm beginning to wonder if it was even worth coming over here considering how you don't find it equally disgusting that the leader of a nation failed to protect his own people from such an attack. Our point was to prove that Daniel was a weak leader, and should be removed from office. The only way to prove this was to attack him from the inside out because your people are so god damned blind to the truth. And may I also remind you that he blindly attacked an ally of the Empire while we were on a HUMANITARIAN MISSION to save the people of Tenetia. HE opened fired on US trying to save people. We merely responded in his attacks on a ally. Don't go blaming us for his foolish decisions... Representative."


He took a deep breath and then spoke again. "However, as much as it kills me to say it, you do bring up a point. The Fedrals are growing to be more and more of a problem. First, the Haven Massacre. Now, they have mobilized on Romandeos and Coredian Empire's borders, expelled diplomats and have even made demands of their own alliance. They are a wild card and need to be contained somehow. I care not which. But they are my neighbor and I will not have an unstable force constantly threatening the Dominion."

Khal nodded, "what we bring to the table could greatly help all of you in this mission. As the Telrosians have no doubt witnessed, we contain massive shield stations to protect our fleet, as well as Axial Platforms and other Battle Stations. We highly suggest that you utilize them to your benefits."


Issus and it's repercussions are similarly none of our concern, are they not?"

Khal turned to look at the representative, "of course not. We're united in our hatred for the Fedrals. We can guarantee that we will not attack anyone on this mission so long as no one else attacks us." He glanced up at the Coredian diplomats, "our extension goes to even the Coredian diplomats."

The Imperium of New Haven's foreign minister, Imperial Princess Naomi Newman, addressed the floor. "The Imperium is severely displeased with the destruction of the Haven station, as an Imperial citizen perished in the massacre without an opportunity to defend himself or his honor in battle. This is a matter of serious contention within the Imperium and there are elements within my nation pushing for armed conflict over the matter. Imperator Newman himself had to personally intervene in the discussion and has ordered the deployment of the 441st Imperial Special Investigations Militia Battalion to the scene in order to ascertain the facts. Of course, seeing as it is plainly obvious who has conducted this massacre, it is in the ultimate belief of the Imperator that this gesture is ultimately empty and that further action is required." She took a drink of water from the goblet in front of her before continuing.

"As far as the other civilians that perished in the disaster, we condemn their senseless deaths as well. Any party that wantonly slaughters civilians en mass in this fashion are nothing more than mindless animals which must be put down by the edge of a sword before they claim more lives. All of this petty bickering is meaningless if we do not act immediately to end this once and for all."

"We're of the opinion that if anyone wants to do violence against the guilty party, then that's there individual right. No reason to drag this political agency into the fray as a vulgar little recruitment tool." He leans forward on his elbows, as though he's bored, or perhaps thinking.

"The way we see it is that any power big and scary enough to tool around the galaxy with a functioning military and strict codes of honor, well they wouldn't need to demean themselves by drumming up the outlandish levels of support that such a gathering as this could produce." Divi shrugged gently, running one of his hands up and through his hair, ruffling it with precious little concern.

"All this 'petty bickering' is all the good that might come of such a gathering of nations, rather than having it perverted to some carnal little thieves den, crawling with potential mercenaries.

We ought to remain aloof, civilised, ahead of the curve that lures other less able nations to such atrocious little violences."

The armor clad woman nodded, as the representative of Myenya spoke about what the organization was truly intended for. She looked at the Telrosian representative and began her next installment of the speech.

“You are most correct; such past actions should remain in the past. People on both sides have committed atrocities, and nothing said in these hallowed halls can change that. Issus is but a symptom of the larger situation, the unchecked violence that runs across our galaxy.”

She paused for a moment, as her helmet turned to the Coredian representatives. “The Huntarian Empire does not seek any military involvement concerning the rogue actions of the Fedrals. If we wished to engage in a military move, we would have done so already.” She spoke clearly.

“What Emperor Vorman desires most, is a lasting peace, one that can not or will not be broken. To that goal, all I ask, as Heir to the Imperial throne, is for solidarity in purpose. I will, as instructed by the Dark Lord, set up a meeting with the Fedrals at their capitol, with the goal in mind to prevent the current Fedral government from declaring war on a near by nation. All we ask for from this assembly is political support.”

She paused again for a moment, “In this time of crisis, can we not come together with one voice to tell the Fedrals, that although we will not tolerate such belligerent actions on their part we are still willing to meet with them face to face. Will you stand with the Huntarian Empire, to go and establish a lasting peace, one that will not be broken by their government? Or instead will you continue to bicker amongst yourself because of your prejudices against our nation?”

To whom it may concern, Myenya,

It has come to my attention from routine monitoring of news services that there is some discussion of the culpability of a nation in your area (Union of Federal Terrans or… something, it’s hard to recall their name, they keep changing it) in pirate activity, supposedly attacking another nation. I’m told this cannot be verified.

Because of our previous relations, and not wishing to see you affected by an unjust war, may I propose a simple method of truth-finding in this matter? Space and time are as you know, closely related. I assume you have the location and (Myenyan Referent) time of the relevant attacks.

With this information, It is my humble suggestion that you station a monitoring vessel in a position where it will be able to observe the attack. This may seem counter-intuitive to some cultures, but of course, electromagnetism travels at C. High power emissions such as starship engines are visible many years away from/after their emission¹.

While the first responder party employed some kind of cloaking emission that may interfere with your sensors, unless the initial pirates did likewise, you should be able to observe them with impunity. I happen to know – such things are quite trivial – that the Federal Terran drive system is rather unique, using mass lightening fields to reduce the inertial mass of a vessel and allow it to be moved by what are by any standard, small sub-light drives. It is also the belief of the Agency that there exists no Federal space vessel in the current time that does not use this drive system, other than some antique solar sail vessels².

Unless the original pirates used the same technology, their drive systems will be orders of magnitude more powerful than any Federal vessel. Or they will be completely invisible if they used a reaction-less drive.

Similarly, I have little doubt you could apply spectroscopy to the colors of energy weapon tracers used (similarly, all Federal weapons systems have a visible element) to further correlate with known Federal specifications.

Given that you are a neutral party in this matter, it is to be hoped that your analysis would be trusted should it turn out to exonerate the accused³. I have little doubt that it will prove interesting.

Yours in friendship,
Marciusmirraflexrelmata
The Celestial Intervention Agency of Gallifrey

OOC:

Obviously, I’m not sure if this stuff has hit the news broadcasts yet. If it hasn’t, you can assume Marcius’ letter is sent the moment it does.

¹ Yes, this is possible. See Atomic Rocket (http://www.projectrho.com/rocket/rocket3w.html#nostealth) – a terawatt torchship could be seen out to Alpha Centauri with modern equipment, in theory. Myenya’s stuff makes the Hubble look like a small child’s kaleidoscope. And I would assume, at most, a few months have passed IC since the piracy event and this.
² Confirmed with TFU via MSN. It’s amazing what the Time Lords see, isn’t it?
³ Having actually read the relevant thread, TFU wasn’t meant to be the pirates by either the original poster, nor TFU, so obviously it should exonerate them.

Khal looked at the Dominion representative with an raised eyebrow, "considering how we've been invited offered our gracious services to you, I'm beginning to wonder if it was even worth coming over here considering how you don't find it equally disgusting that the leader of a nation failed to protect his own people from such an attack. Our point was to prove that Daniel was a weak leader, and should be removed from office. The only way to prove this was to attack him from the inside out because your people are so god damned blind to the truth. And may I also remind you that he blindly attacked an ally of the Empire while we were on a HUMANITARIAN MISSION to save the people of Tenetia. HE opened fired on US trying to save people. We merely responded in his attacks on a ally. Don't go blaming us for his foolish decisions... Representative."
Keitaro glared at the admiral and his new sex doll. "People called our Emperor weak because he was not a man given to hatred, Admiral. And may I remind you that Tenetia and Coredia were at war and you, an ally of the Empire was at war with us as well! We gave the civilians every chance at leaving the war zone, but if they would not, they risked their lives! Our hearts bleed for the lives lost. Be glad the death toll wasn't higher than it was now!"

Khal nodded, "what we bring to the table could greatly help all of you in this mission. As the Telrosians have no doubt witnessed, we contain massive shield stations to protect our fleet, as well as Axial Platforms and other Battle Stations. We highly suggest that you utilize them to your benefits."
And of course, snare you in their web of deceit. Keitaro thought,

Khal turned to look at the representative, "of course not. We're united in our hatred for the Fedrals. We can guarantee that we will not attack anyone on this mission so long as no one else attacks us." He glanced up at the Coredian diplomats, "our extension goes to even the Coredian diplomats."
Yeah, like we'd ever dance with that devil... Keitaro thought to himself as he folded his arms.

Navarrone had almost heard enough from the Princess that the Myenyans decided to send. His blatantly arrogant mannerism made him want to kick the douche out of his ass. Of course, this was diplomacy and he brought this upon himself. Maybe in the future he'd deploy Mantooth's diplomatic platoon to these meetings. Sheikh turned his thoughts to the debate that was raging between the Huntarians and their detractors.

'Hey, look it here for a minute! I don't think our dietary requirements really factor into anything here. For example, I eat pussy, Imperator Newman eats with his hands, I for one don't give a shit if Vorman eats souls. This tabled discussion has nothing to do with what's on our breathe, or, in the case of the Imperator, what's smeared on his face.' Navarrone gave Newman a sly thumbs up.

'What we are here to discuss is the tragic calamity, the atrocity, that has befallen these four hundred thousand or so people on Haven station. From what I've heard of contributing funds to rebuild Haven seems like a noble endeavour. However, I am a pragmatist... the statistics I have on Red Talons suggests to me that they are pitifully weak compared to the Federals. I do not suggest military intervention on our parts, but I do believe that a healthy investment in their arms industry would be the most practical solution at this time. We've all lost citizens and their blood demands our vengeance.'

The helpful Gallifreyan message was recieved by the more central facets of the Myenyan Collective, to be scrutinized and pondered over by the brightest human minds and artificial Brains. The decision was made to relay the information to the Myenyan vessel currently tending to the needs of it's GA delegate, and allow it to makes its own informed decision.

Upon recieving the data, the Brain contemplated it for a second, and made the prudent decision to disseminate it freely to all nearby ships, as well as any other addresses that it help for currently attending delegations and delegation nations.

Divi was recieving continual updates through his own neural interface, and simply sat back; folding his hands and smirking lightly. He closed his eyes, and let the babble of the Assembly wash over him like waves.

Navarrone had almost heard enough from the Princess that the Myenyans decided to send. His blatantly arrogant mannerism made him want to kick the douche out of his ass. Of course, this was diplomacy and he brought this upon himself. Maybe in the future he'd deploy Mantooth's diplomatic platoon to these meetings. Sheikh turned his thoughts to the debate that was raging between the Huntarians and their detractors.

'Hey, look it here for a minute! I don't think our dietary requirements really factor into anything here. For example, I eat pussy, Imperator Newman eats with his hands, I for one don't give a shit if Vorman eats souls. This tabled discussion has nothing to do with what's on our breathe, or, in the case of the Imperator, what's smeared on his face.' Navarrone gave Newman a sly thumbs up.

"Sarcastic Query: Isn't eating another meatbag privates cannibalism? I think like your style!"


'What we are here to discuss is the tragic calamity, the atrocity, that has befallen these four hundred thousand or so people on Haven station. From what I've heard of contributing funds to rebuild Haven seems like a noble endeavour. However, I am a pragmatist... the statistics I have on Red Talons suggests to me that they are pitifully weak compared to the Federals. I do not suggest military intervention on our parts, but I do believe that a healthy investment in their arms industry would be the most practical solution at this time. We've all lost citizens and their blood demands our vengeance.'

HK noted the lack of military arms from the Red Talons, "statement: may I remind the forum that the Empire has storefronts open to the general public, including their own enemies? If the Red Talons wished, they could easily go to them and purchase new weapons on loan and can repay the Empire when they have the money necessary to pay back. Hell, even the Coredian Vector Industries has bought some products in the past have they not?"

A signal from an automated Drone was sent in to the direction of every attendee to the conference, a steam of data in all known forms of communications and data compression formats where sent.

The data stream contained the view of Red talons configured ships, life signs, hull analysis by sensors and the intelligence of that station being perceived as a base. The time stamp of the images where well before the station attack, images of freighters being destroyed and other attacks along TEC and Federation trade routes.

Tactical analysis of the vessels tactics matched previous red talons tactics in the data base and this was shown. The orders to capture the station and not destroy it was also sent in an image and audio recording. All black box info was sent over as well.

The Statement attached to it was.

“Whilst we are sorry for the destruction of that station , our intention was to capture it and not kill civilians, some thing went wrong, nonetheless it was a retaliatory strike to capture and lead enemy ships in to the area, all civilians once the station was captured would have been evacuated, we offered diplomatic talks but they refused. Albeit they where under threat but they had a chance to freeze us and say "we want to evacuate non military personnel." And we would have let them, nonetheless the admiral did overstep his bounds. Every one of your nations has made mistakes in their history some times they are accidental or deliberate, this was the former.”

Ambassador Kazankrov focused with removed amusement on the GA proceedings. Derscon was taking up its usual stance - a removed observer of the burning galaxy. However, he was somewhat startled when his Homach aide sent him a mental "ping" to alert him. The aide remained in meditation, and Kazankrov appeared to remain focused on the proceedings, but were managing amused yet frantic diologue via their psionic abilities.

What do you have?

Master Kazankrov, it seems the Fedrals have beamed data in an attempt to justify their actions.

And yet they couldn't send a delegate? I'll have to talk to Navarrone afterwards and get him to ban this shit unless an official delegation is present in SOME form or another.

Perhaps, but the data the Fedrals have sent consists of intelligence reports and scans indicating a Red Talons attack on The Fedral Union.

Let me see. The Homach pulled out a small datapad which then began to show the Fedral data and communications. The datapad had no actual transfer capability - it was, in effect, a "monitor" for the cyborg psionic mentat that was the Homach. Ambassador Kazankrov hid a smirk and suppressed chuckle behind closed steepled fingers.

Oh for fuck's sake. "We accidentally'd the entire station! We didn't mean to actively target it and then open fire, killing all of the civilians inside. It's not our fault our intelligence was too shit to determine that it was a civilian commerce station." Oh yes, that will go over just FINE in this chamber. The Homach allowed a small smile to escape.

Oh quite. I don't suppose the Fedrals will exist beyond the galactic year.

An old man with a gimp leg fumbled his way to a seat in the Galactic Assembly, the effort of such a move showing in the thick beads of sweat that rolled down his round face. War had been his domain, and war had caused his suffering; a near escape with death aboard a pirate craft had nearly destroyed his leg. Now, advanced in years, he had put on weight, lost his hair. To move was a struggle fought by a feeble power against the overwhelming enemy of age and disability. As he sat down, he heard the Fedral attempt to explain away the merciless attack on the civilians of the Haven station.

As he listened, his muscles tensed. His hair stood on end. The red mist descended over his eyes, and he was forced by instinct to forcefully deliver his message to the Fedrals. As the drone finished the piss-poor explanation of events, the man, summoning all of his willpower, leapt out of his seat and lunged at the drone. Grabbing it, he threw it, and himself, at the floor. Exhausted, he got up, small droplets of blood coming from his hands where sharp edges had cut him. He limped towards the center of the delegation, where he began growling in his low, military voice.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am Lucien Treznor, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Star Republic of Fluffywuffy. It has been brought to the attention of the Star Republic of Fluffywuffy that there was an uncalled for, cowardly, pathetic massacre of a peaceful space station, referred to as 'Haven.' In this cowardly assault, the so-called 'Federation' intentionally targeted escape pods, leaving hundreds of thousands dead. Hundreds of thousands. Allow me to reemphasize: hundreds of thousands. I can't speak for you, but I have a hard time imagining the massive pile of dead, let alone imaging how one would go about carrying such a heavy burden. The blood of one innocent is enough to drown me, but these bastards have taken the lives of a hundred hundred hundreds.

Let us now listen to these cowards try to explain away their massacre of innocent civilians. And I quote, 'Whilst we are sorry for the destruction of that station , our intention was to capture it and not kill civilians, something went wrong.' I'd fucking say something went wrong. Which dumbass fucked this one up, eh? 'Oh, I'm sorry, Admiral, I accidentally targeted non-military targets. Those escape pods made me shit myself.' That's not fucking good enough. It's not good enough, dammit! Not good enough! And then let them use the weak sophistry of moral equivalence:'Every one of your nations has made mistakes in their history some times they are accidental or deliberate, this was the former. ' I can hear those bastards whining in their high halls,” he switched to a mocking tone, “'But, mom, they did it too!' Cowards! They dare not even show up in person!

Now, the Star Republic is a reasonable nation ruled by reasonable people. We understand what it means to have a slip-up of a galactic scale. We hope other nations can vouch for our reasonable approach to events. What we are now demanding is the only reasonable approach to this cowardly attack: we demand that the entire leadership, civilian and military, of the Federation immediately proceed with an honorable mass suicide to atone for the blood of the innocents. It is the only method that our priests and prophets have told us of to secure atonement for the death of the innocent.”

With his speech over with, Lucien hobbled on over to his seat, his face in agony with each step, clear signs of exhaustion present. But he made record time, his anger overpowering his pain.

'This is a lighthouse, your call.' Sheikh mumbled to himself. 'I, for one, don't believe a fucking thing these buttfucking idiots are saying. If they too afraid to send someone here, then clearly they're scared. And they'd only have a reason to be scared if they did something wrong.'

Navarrone lit a cigarette and scowled.

'Cowards.'

Kandajr Kazankrov stared in amazement Lucien Treznor's passionate, raging rant against The Fedral Union. He couldn't help but smile as he watched the gimp old man crush the drone and rage on against the Fedrals. After he was done, Kazankrov stood up from his chair and applauded the spectacle.

Kristen did not see any further point in remaining, standing and giving those assembled a half bow, "At this time TRIAD Enterprises sees little purpose in remaining at this meeting any further. Events have transpired which cannot be changed. This is not in question. What is now in question is what each nation represented here will now do about the current situation. Thus far I have heard many arguments both for and against the annihilation of the Federal Union. At this time TRIAD Enterprises has settled it's disputes with the Federal Union, and will not be taking part in any further conflict escalation."

Now her smile turned from polite to ironic, "I have been informed however that our markets will be offering the full access to our merchandise catalog at discounted rates to select clients. Those of you whom this offer applies to will be receiving seperate communiques to this effect. Good day gentlemen. Oh yes, should anyone wish to address anything specific with TRIAD, I will be available at our embassy here on the Assembly grounds."

With that, Kristen gave another half bow, then left the room.

Kandajr cocked an eyebrow at the TRIAD representative. "My dear Kristen, you do understand that the solution to the Fedral Question is not the only subject on the agenda, yes?" He motioned back to her seat. "Please, stay with us for the duration of the meeting."

Cathal gave a death glare at the Grand Admiral. "I would advise you stop speaking, Admiral. That humanitarian mission was bullshit and we BOTH know it. However, as I have said before, I am putting this behind me....for now. Do not think you can hide your peoples atrocities so easily." He turned to see the armor clad woman speak again to the assembly. His eyes narrowed as she spoke. Something was familiar about her but he wasn't sure....When she was done, he spoke again.

"While I must heartily disagree with the idea that Vorman wants peace, I will, if you choose to have a meeting with the Fedrals to stop this senseless war that has killed thousands, then you will have Dominion support. And I do agree that we must show them that there are consequences to their actions and they have to stand for them. Morality is not their plaything." He continued to sit and listen to the heated debate and was about to say something else when he received data from a Fedral source that "explained" their actions. Cathal could only sit and let his blood boil as he read the message. Deron restrained himself but smashed his fist into the wall, letting out a resounding echo throughout the chamber. The delegate from FluffyWuffy showed their mood about this when he attacked the drone and then made an impassioned speech on how pathetic this was and that the Fedral government should commit mass suicide.

Cathal spoke again, his voice deadly quiet. "I will not sanction the call for their mass suicide, as their deaths will not bring back over 400,000 lives lost in the Haven attack, nor the many more that will be lost if the war continues. However, if the Fedrals even THINK that this constitutes an explanation, they are fucking IDIOTS. All they can say for committing mass murder is 'I'm sorry, it was an accident!' We all saw the fucking video; they poured fire into that station like it was a fucking planet! And to call it a simple mistake! I...I...I am at a loss for words. I cannot conceive how they could have fucked this situation even further but they did it." He turned to the lady beside Khal.

"If you wish to try your plan, go ahead, but I doubt it will work if this is what they call answering our concerns. This is not an apology and it is certainly not even making a step towards the lives they destroyed. Not to mention those of us here who lost lives on that station. I reject this message; it is nothing but a farce!"

Isahil listened to the others speak. He recieved a mental telegram from fleet command. He sighed, shaking his head to himself for a bit, continuing to listen while he fired back and forth with fleet command.

Eventually he stood, waving his hands a bit to get the others attention. "our nation is more than willing to accept help rebuilding a station after this is over. As it stands, we are preparing our forces for anything that may come. I am being updated on the rescue efforts at the site. As for assistance with the war, we have survived for hundreds of years on our own. The federation may have an advantage in technology, but just because you have a gun, it doesn't mean that a sword is any less lethal. We have engaged Federal forces in the past, we have also encountered similar forms of their weapons technology. We are well enough equipped to succeed." He paused. "We do not intend to drag this council to war. but i do agree that the UTF is a loose cannon. Though i would also like to point out that there would be no honor in the lot of us barreling down on their heads. We seek an end to this war with as little bloodshed as possible."

He paused, shuffling a bit. "As it stands, our nation has rallied to the call of war and i cant begin to express how much they want blood... we are delaying our retaliation untill TEC investigations have concluded."

'Keitaro, Cathal, if you have such a problem with the Admiral and Mr. Vorman then why don't you do something about it? These words of yours are empty and the lives of those lost are meaningless to you if you don't have the guts to effect a change. If I were in your position, I wouldn't even be here right now. I'd be at the helm of an invasion force.'

Fisik was silent through the proceedings discussing the Terrans. He had no interest in the review and trial and his words earlier had been spoken to ensure the Assembly did not act uninformed out of haste. This was a different matter entirely, documented with the Terrans admitting and apologising for their actions. He watched the proceedings with little interest until the Overlord spoke again.

"Overlord," he said, chuckling slightly. "You may not be aware but the region in question has been in a near constant state for as long as anyone alive today can care to remember. I am sure Mister Cathal and Keitaro have both personally been affected by the war and are here to help prevents horrors that have occured in the conflict happening elsewere."