Let the Outside Slowly Die (Steel Butterfly Civil War II) [Archive]

Steel Butterfly

22-01-2004, 23:15

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The Aeisian Governor sat at his desk, busy filing reports on the planet. It was tax time, and the budget had to be determined for the next fiscal year. He looked up at his massive viewscreen, taking up the better half of a wall in his office.

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The Aeisis Panthers were an excellent sports frachise, yet they were always overshadowed but the more famous, more popular, and professional Steel Butterfly Monarchs, whos logo followed shortly on the screen.

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Football, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Golf, and other sports were all played internationally under the Aeisis Panthers name, a team which routinely finished runner up in almost every event almost every year.

"Sir," an aid said, entering the office. "We have reports of a massive ship touching down in the Diamond section."

"What do you make of it," the governor asked. "It's not pirates...is it?"

"We're not sure, sir."

"Well find out!"

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

"Gentlemen," Sir James Pierce told the Second Marines. "You now have ten hours before you depart from this base and enter into the history books. I need not remind you that failure is not an option, and completion of the mission is the only priority."

"Sir, yes sir!" the chorus rang out from the ranks. Captain Leon Williams instructed Commander Eric Vinzer to lead the men to the dropship, which was preparing to depart for the capital.

"Are you prepared?" Captain Williams asked Pierce. Pierce nodded in agreement. The speech had been prepared, the announcement scheduled. Now was the time...

The Captain smiled, his sad eyes hidden behind his glasses, and departed to the dropship. The ship lifted off, and headed out over the ocean to the Governor's Palace.

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Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

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Captain Leon Williams
Leader of the 2nd Marines

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Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

imported_Cspalla

23-01-2004, 00:46

Steve Emerson, Cspallan Consul to Aeisis, reclined in his office, shuffling paper as normal. His viewscreen was showing sports, and Steve reflected on how deeply set in Aeisis he was. He loved watching every Panthers game he could. Too bad the Monarchs always seemed to overshadow them.

An aide came in, interrupting his musing. "Sir, we are getting reports of a possible pirate attack planeside!"

"What?" Steve's jaw dropped. Then, however, something out the window caught his eye. What was that moving out there?

A Few Rich People

23-01-2004, 00:49

Tag

(OOC: Just to note I got a new plan for how a modern-plus nation finds its way into this, need a little more activity for it to make sense so please ignore my horrid little idea in the other topic)

23-01-2004, 01:13

Outside the Orion Sector - 1505 hours MST
Continued from here (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2632171#2632171).

The NSS Celestia and the rest of the Nanakaland fleet hyperspaced from Deep Space, where they had just narrowly escaped the clutches of the Deep Space Pirates. The trip to Deep Space was not a waste of time, however. Commander Johnson had, in Deep Space, devised a brilliant, improvised plan.

The commander had tricked the Deep Space Pirates because he knew he couldn't trust them. In the end, he turned up with three cloaking generators in the positive - just enough to equip the three Nanakaland capital ships. He then did a hyperspace with the fleet just outisde the Orion Sector.

The Nanakaland fleet was far enough that it was not detected by Steel Butterfly sensors. In fact, no one knew where the fleet currently was except those in the fleet. It would take a while to track the fleet. That gave the fleet enough time to sit and wait. During this waiting period, the cloaking generators would be installed and activated. In theory, if the Nanakaland fleet were to enter the Orion Sector cloaked without hyperspacing, it would be harder to detect....

http://www.actiontrip.com/reviews/pics/homeworldcataclysm4s.jpg
The NSS Celestia

[OOC: Not much new introduced in this post. Just a summary of my subplot from the last thread, a cleverly disguised TAG, and an RP post that isn't that important yet all in one post.]

Steel Butterfly

23-01-2004, 01:43

The dropship was quickly approaching the coastal palace of the governor when seemingly without warning the pilot slammed the ship into the water.

Engaging Underwater Support and Systems

For a few minutes the 2nd Marines traveled in the sea, before they exited the ship, stepping into the still-deep water near a massive cliff wall. Captain Williams raised five fingers and then pointed ahead, and four marines along with Commander Vinzer followed his order. The sixteen that were left, including Captain Williams, swam deeper into the depths to what seemed to be a pipe of sorts, guarded by a gate that was easily blasted open.

Eric Vinzer took his men, and in their ODIN suits, began to ascend the massive cliff wall. The Mk. II version of the ODIN Heavy Battle Armor was much more light weight, offered more protection, but most importantly was more mobile. In the past, troops would have to wear lighter armor to do these types of tasks. Eric smiled, thinking of how the Empire could have used this technology. Unfortunately, ODIN Armor was trademarked by Bivens Co., the only company who knew the plans.

Once inside the underwater pipes, the sixteen marines split up into four groups of four to trace each of the four main pipes. Captain Williams looked down at the viewscreen on his forearm and told each marine through a comm. link their orders. Eventually, they would reach the surface, as all the pipes ascended eventually.

Vinzer and his crew reached the top of the cliff and under the cover of darkness, and the new external temperature emitter on the ODIN Armor, climbed through the trees to the roof of the Governor's Palace. Once there, they entered a stairwell and decended towards the basement.

Captain Williams met up with the others in a large room filled with what appeared to be feces. However, the stench was not noticible to the marines, due to the air purifying unit installed in the Armor. Williams swam to the top of the room and placed a large mine on the "roof". He flipped open his forearm display and told everyone to stand back.

In the locker room, Commander Vinzer told everyone to stay away from the showers. No sooner had he told them to take cover did the floor of the showers give way as filthy water rushed through where the floor had been. Around the palace, the water pressure dropped, and those using sinks or other appliances would have noticed.

"Now Captain," Eric said laughing. "What was the point of the whole water entrance?"

"We didn't expect you to get in so easily," the Captain grumbled.

"Changing of the guard," Eric mused. "Besides, it's a holiday."

"Says a lot about palace security, doesn't it?" Captain Williams said.

"I hope they all think that way," Eric laughed.

The twenty soaked Marines quietly swept through the almost deserted Palace until they got to the center room. Surrounding it, Captain Williams entered the stolen code and opened the door.

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"Oh heavens!" the Governor proclaimed. "Is it really pirates?"

"The least of your worries," Commander Vinzer said as he and Captain Williams entered the room alone, shutting the door behind them.

"Well thank goodness you're here," the Govener said, gathering his things. "Where shall we be off to?"

Captain Williams' laugh sounded strange coming across the microphone and Eric could see the uneasyness in the Governor's eyes.

"Recording," Eric said, nodding for Leon to continue, and so he did.

Captain Williams grabbed the governor by the throat with one hand and with the other took off his helmet. He had left his sunglasses on, and his hair still looked perfectly slicked back, Eric noted. Leon Williams smiled, lifting the struggling Governor off the ground. Suddenly the Governor shrieked out in pain, as five small knives extending from each of the Captain's suit's fingers cut into his throat. The Captain wiggled him in the air for a few moments, letting him suffer, before a beam was shot from Vinzer's direction, blowing his head off and slattering blood and brains on the Captain's unmasked face.

"One would think you almost enjoyed it," Eric said sarcastically as the Captain washed the blood off his face in the sink. He broke the mirror with his fist before he took his glasses off though, and Eric did think to himself that he had never seen Leon without them. Then again, he had only known Leon for not even two days, as he met the man when he rescued him from that bastard colony.

Clean again, Captain Williams put his helmet back on and lead the others back to the water pipes, shooting a guard who was on watch. The basement floor was nearly completely flooded, as the water was quickly rising up the steps. Those who worked there would notice it soon...but by then the Marines would be long gone.

They swam through the basement, into the locker room, and through where the floor of the showers should have been. Through the pipes and out into the ocean, they got back on the ship. The entry room emptied itself of water and then disinfected and dried off the men in their Armor. The ODIN Armor was taken off, and the pilot decided to stay in the water for the remainder of the journey.

Commander Vinzer talked with the crew and congradulated them on a job well done as Captain Williams watched the recording again and again, seeming to relieve it each time. Eric was a bit worried, but then the Captain was of a different time, and perhaps killing this governor was not just some random act of agression, but an assential part of changing whatever future the Captain had come from.

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Captain Leon Williams
Leader of the 2nd Marines

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Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

23-01-2004, 01:51

then, he said gg no re.
`FoB

Steel Butterfly

23-01-2004, 01:56

then, he said gg no re.
`FoB

You have been reported, jackass. :evil:

Neo Earth

23-01-2004, 02:06

[Tagy]

This looks awesome!

Steel Butterfly

23-01-2004, 02:14

[OOC Cold to the Touch (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2598138#2598138)

Original Thread ]

Tappee

23-01-2004, 03:35

Henry sat impatiently in the Rec room. For every second that he sat here the more damage that NiMbus could do to his home. All he could don now was wait for Mr. Priece to give him the ok to call home.

Patience wasn’t Henry’s strong point.

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Henry Kobe

23-01-2004, 03:38

I'm entering this... I didn't do so earlier cuz of midterms... f*cken midterms... :evil:

In response to the threats issued by the nation of Steel Butterfly against its own citizens, and in order to promote justice, peace, freedom, and democracy worldwide, the Republic of Tiburon, in full compliance with Congressional Act 1028 : 3567, has decided to declare war with the government of Steel Butterfly.

23-01-2004, 03:56

The trip had been on a downward spiral since they first seen the Steel Butterfly ships. Nothing had been right. Maybe the tired pilots. Maybe the caffeine that kept them from passing out. Somrthing was deadly wrong.

Onboard the Omega 2
Jen Black looked at the other passengers in the area. She noticed some praying, some sleeping, some crying. Others loading guns, others unloading guns. Everyone tried to keep their calm. It was kind of hard when you realize there is more than likely a bloodbathed battle to ensue. Steel Butterfly considered them enemies.

Jen walked over to a guard, and passed through the entrance to another section. She walked to the bridge of the ship. "How is everything looking?" she asked.

A scruffy looking man turned around and looked at her. They had some sort of connection. "We are currently on the edge of needing supplies and the fighter pilots are getting awfully tired. Sorry daughter, it doesn't look good."

Jen looked back at him. A look of fear mixed with adrenaline kicked accross her face. At the same moment, an explosion could be heard in the background. Slightly deafining. Accross every screen in the control room, one word flased, ERROR.

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Jen Black
Omega 2 Supervisor

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Seth Black
Omega 2 Pilot

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Omega 2

Steel Butterfly

23-01-2004, 04:43

"War? With Tiburon? Are you kidding me?" The High General said, cocking one eyebrow up.

"It seems that way..." Nemerov replied. He was simply confused as of late. Perhaps a thoughout whoop-ass session of a lesser nations would give him back that vigor he once had.

"Should I...assemble a fleet...or what?" High General Shockey asked, almost laughing.

"Lets just wait an see. They just declared war on an empire nearing one trillion occupants who is vastly their superior technology wise...they know not what they're doing." Nemerov said, sitting back in his chair. He had gotten up to shake High General Shockey's hand and remained standing, although he could not remember why.

It was then, a few light years away, when the Governor's decapitated body was found by guards after the flooded basement and escape rout were realized. Soon after Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr, who had since returned from the Starship Inspection, was informed of what happened, and burst into the Emperor's Office.

"Someone assassinated the Governor of Aeisis!" he shouted, slamming the PADD down on the Emperor's desk.

"What?" Nemerov and Shockey both screamed. "Who did it? Tiburon? The Nanaks? "

"Someone is going to announce that it was them on the news!"

"Then trace their signal!" Nemerov raged, not spitting as he talked, his eyes ablaze with anger. Whoever did this was going to pay dearly.

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Emperor Alexander Nemerov
Star Empire of Steel Butterfly,
In the Orion Sector which includes:
Steel Isle, Steel Moon,
CTaNbHaR Eabo4Ka, XIII,
Aeisis, Bivens, Esthar VIII
Orion Sector Alliance Premier,
Order of the Seraphim

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High General James Shockey
High Commander of the Imperial Military

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Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr
Commander of the Imperial Fleet and Marines

Steel Butterfly

23-01-2004, 05:29

"You're standing up there with me, like it or not." Pierce said to the two men. Bivens and Demidov might not have seen eye to eye all the time, but they were both in agreement here, and yet Pierce wanted it the other way.

"Is that really good for the Company?"

"Honestly, David, to hell with the company," Pierce replied and although all three of them knew he didn't mean it, it got the point across. "You're sure they're all out?" he asked the pirate.

"Indeed, ve made sure ov it. I made sure ov it personally!" the pirate responded.

"Good," Pierce said, stepping onto a stage in front of many local supporters who have heard the news. Bivens and Demidov soon followed.

.:Intergalactic Broadcast:.
Channel Encoded

"Good day, ladies and gentlemen. As you may have heard, a governor was killed last night. I am hereby announcing that it was I, Sir James Pierce of Aeisis, who ordered the assault. But it is just one man killed. I'm surprised anyone honestly cares! For...thousands, perhaps millions have been viciously and needlessly slaughtered over the years for no reason at all by the very government of Steel Butterfly along with their partner NiMBUS Biotechnologies. But in the very bed which these two get rest, or lack thereof, a very sinister thing has been occuring over the last few years. People of the Empire, there is no difference between the two - they are one in the same. NiMBUS has achieved the monopoly of all monopolies. They have the Emperor by the seat of his pants and instead of letting go, they only pull harder. Soon, Nemerov's slacks will fall...and then what? Will NiMBUS rule us all? The answer my friends, is no, and yesterday we took a grand step towards reform by eliminating one who had been corrupted by wealth and power. "How many more must die?" I ask the Emperor, but surely his response will only be one of agression. Nemerov, I invite you to attempt and stop justice, for it cannot be accomplished. The planets of Bivens and Aeisis are no longer part of your wretched Empirel We will not be associated with those who have sold their soul to a company, we will not be threatened by those who shall forever more be powerless, and we will not stand idle as our neibors, our families, and our friends become part of a demonic experiment! Closing time, Nemerov...!"

Channel Terminated

Pierce screamed the last line as loud and as demanding as he could and then exited the stage with Bivens and Demidov close behind. Cheers could be heard for miles as they erupted across the two planets in rebellion. They had struck first...and Pierce hoped that it was at least a near-fatal blow, but he wouldn't get his hopes up. He had made this personal and Nemerov would treat it as such.

Minutes later James Pierce entered the room on the landed spaceship and tossed Henry a PADD. On it was a chip for the viewscreen, for him to call home. They needed as many allies as they could get.

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Back on Steel Butterfly, the Emperor watched in rage and horror as the speech was broadcast to every nation known to humanity. Refugee ships were coming from the two planets in rebellion, and he would find later that the refugees would all be dead, killed by the bastard vaccuum of space, which the pirates exposed them too during their escape. The ships would have to be destroyed before they crashed into the planet. Instead, all the refugees burned up in the atmosphere of the very planet they were so blindly loyal to.

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Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

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Dave Bivens
President/CEO of Bivens Co.

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Viktor Mikhailovich Demidov
Russian Mafia - Orion Pirates

Steel Butterfly

23-01-2004, 06:32

[bump]

Tappee

23-01-2004, 07:12

Jade was the last person to enter the room, as she did she closed the door behind her, and sealed the door. The room was filled with the most powerful people in Tappee government, she had called they all here for an emergency meeting.

Jade took her seat at the head of the table; sitting directly across from her was President Jon Anerton, to her right was foreign Minster Harold Armstrong, Finance Minister Sandy Cristow, to her left was General Robert William, and Admiral Emily Dodalla. As she sat down she passed out a number of files to every sitting in the room.

“I Trust there an important reason why you’ve asked us all here Jade” Asked the General.

Taking a deep breath she began to answer his question “I’ve just been contacted by Special agent Henry Kobe, he’s in Aeisis right now, and had a lot to tell me.” She could see a confused look come over Harold’s face.

“I’ve just received word that a rebellion has started in SB, originating on Aeisis” He took a quick look around the room. “Why how did he get from Tatania to Aeisis.”

General William interrupted him before he could continue “What did Kobe have to say about Tatania”

Jade wasn’t sure how to answer the mans question, she knew the real reason for his concern about Tatania. However she choose not to avoid the issue “NiMbus has been using Tatania as a testing ground for a new virus, they caused earth quake in an attempt to cover it up.”

A silence came across the room as the scope of the situation came into focus.

Jon was the first to break the silence “There were was over 300,000 people in Tatania, how many were they save.”

A grim look came over Jades face “Most were killed in the quake, the rest were either killed by virus, or by the NiMbus sweeper team.”

General Williams had lost all colour in his face “You didn’t answer Jon’s question. How many were they able to get out” His daughter had been in Tatania when the quake hit, he was hoping hope against hope that she had made it.

“Don’t worry Robert, Kobe was able to get Emily out, she with him Aeisis, but she the only survivor.” Jade knew that her answer had calmed his mind “NiMbus tried as hard as they could to make sure that no one made it out alive. But thanks to the SB rebels some did get”

Not since the nuclear attack by Iaceo had Tappee seen such a large loss of life. Jon would not allow such an act to go unpunished. “Very well, we have to move against NiMbus, Jade made do you think that course of action should be.”

There was not hesitation in her response “We use the situation in SB to our advantage, we aid the rebels in their fight against the SB government, and against NiMbus.”

“Taking down Nimbus will hurt the economy” blurted Sandy

“Yeah, they killed over 300,000 people. Not to mention that they used Tappee as a text ground for some twist experiment” Barked Williams

Harold spoke up “We can’t do that. Under section 56-7 of the constitution it is illegal for the government to support any group attempting to over throw it’s government.”

Admiral Dodalla quickly jumped in “However Harold, under the Terrorism Amendment it clearly states that any Government found harbouring Terrorist shall be held accountable for the terrorist actions. With the attack at Tatania NiMbus is now under law considered a terrorist organization.”

A smile came across Harold’s face “Very well”

Now it was Jon’s turn to speak, this would be his first real test “Ok this is what needs to be done. Emily I need to order the Avenger and the third battle group to Aeisis. Harold I want you to issue a statement to the press and the SB government that the fleet is there only to serve as peacekeepers to help avoid further blood shed. General William prepare the Rapid response Divison to be deployed to Aeisis.” He looked across the table at Jade he would need her help in the coming days “Jade I want you to keep Kobe with the Rebels, have serpent team join him there. Have him tell the rebel that we will do all that we can to aid them in their quest.”

“I’ll have my people there in eight hours” responded Admiral Dodalla.

“It will take about four days to have the Rapid Response together and deployed” answered General William, there was a fire in his words. “They will pay for what they have done.”

Jon sat back in his chair “Very well, let get the job done”

Every sat got up from their chairs and made their way except two. Letting out a sigh Jon looked over at Jade how had remained “Do you think that we can win this?”

She took a moment to answer his question “Ship to ship, they have more. Tech it’s close, but they are still ahead.” She could see shift about his chair uneasily “However, the rebels will play a huge factor in the equation. So far in would appear that some other countries might help them out. Such as LAO, an Nan, but at this point in time we aren’t sure what side they are on. Plus we have to wait an see how many in SB join up with the Rebels. To be honest it is too early to for me to make a call.” She stood from her seat and when to go back to back

As she made her way out the door he called to her “Jade wait one moment”

She turned, and answered his question before he could ask it “You want to know if this is the way that my father, your predecessor, would have handled it” she watched as he nodded in agreement “Then why don’t ask him” she said with a bit of smile on her face

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Jade Allenson
Commander Tappee intelligence
Lead Chair Tappee intelligence Tribunal

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Jon Anerton
Current President of Tappee

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Emily Dodalla
Admiral First Battle fleet

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General Robert William
Chair of Tappee's joint chiefs

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Sandy Cristow
Finance Minster

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Harold Armstrong
Forgien Affairs Minister

Sketch

23-01-2004, 07:37

taggage

Tappee

23-01-2004, 08:24

Henry turned on the view screen to find a familiar face on the other side. “Could to see you again Commander Allenson, it been awhile” Things had changed since he went on his last mission.

The woman on the other side of the view screen was Jade Allenson.. He had work with her before; she had been his instructor at the academy, and his C.O on his first field mission. Last he heard she was no longer an active agent, but he was glad it was her that he was now talking too.

Although she was only tens years his senior, what she lacked in age, she made up in experience. At the 20 she had seen more field experience then most agents twice her age. She had earned a reputation among the Tappee intelligence as being the best of the best. Her beauty only matched her cunning. He had always had great admiration for her.

“You look a little on the tired side, from what I hear you had some fun during visit to Tatania.” Henry could hear the sarcasm in her voice.

“Well you know I got to blow up some buildings, almost became some fiends dinner, and can’t forget the tour of Tatania’s great NiMbus building.” A bit if smile came across his face. “You know just another day of the job, that sort of thing”

Jade let out a bit of chuckle “That’s right Henry, it not just a job, it’s an adventure. However I’m afraid that your job isn’t done yet”

He knew this was coming “What do have in mind”

“We’re going to help the rebels bring down NiMbus. You are now the official intelligence liaison, I want you to work close with this Mr. Pierce. Tell that we will give him what ever support that we are willing to give. As we speak a battle fleet in on their way to Aeisis, as well we are mobilizing the Rapid Response division, they should be there in a few days.”

Henry was glad to see that it hadn’t taken long for things to be put in motion. “Very well Jade, is there any thing else.” He asked

Jade took a moment “Actually there is, I’ve authorized the deployment of Serpent, there coming in to help assist you”

“Serpent?” the news came as bit of a shock to him. Serpent team was about the last team that he would have expected to be sent in “I though that would be” he tried to come up with the right word “Occupied”

“You don’t know do you” responded Jade

Henry had no choice but to shake his head, he had no idea at she was getting.

“I’m sorry Henry, but I don’t have time to bring you up to speed on what has been going on at home. However I’m sure that Arnold will brief in the situation when he and the other arrive.”

The screen went black. He couldn’t help but wonder what had occurred during his time at Tatania, had they really been there for that long. He let out a bit of a sigh of relief, knowing that his old team was on their way to help him out. There was only one thing for him to do now, find Mr. Preice and give him the good new. From what he could tell Preice wanted to bring down NiMbus as much as he did.

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Jade Allenson
Commander Tappee intelligence
Lead Chair Tappee intelligence Tribunal

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Special Agent Henry Kobe
Tappee Intelligence

Clairmont

23-01-2004, 10:21

HMS Artemis
Orion Sector

The adjoined officers of the Destroyer division seated in the cramped briefing room of the Artemis. Captain Stark and his Exec were present as was his tactical officer. From the Artemis, Captain McHale was present along with her exec, tactical officer and the intelligence officer specifically assigned for her. Major Dixon was present, representing the marines. The news had come in as a somewhat of a supprise. They had known that the athmosphere in Steel Butterlfy was ready to explode, but they or ONI had never guessed that this Pierce fellow would begin the revolution with something as startling as this.

"So..its confirmed?" Captain McHale broke the silence.

"Yes Ma'am. Both the planets Bivens and Aesis are in open rebellion." The Intelligence officer responded.

"What is the Empire likely to do?"

"Nemerov is going to respond with force. Frankly, he has no other choice. If he does not underline and represent his authority to the Rebel parties, other planets might begin to falter as well. And seriously, Pierce ordered the killing of a planetary governor, Nemerov will want his scalp for that."
The ONI Lieutenant Gregory Paxton continued.

"I concur with Greg's analysis Ma'am. But there are two important questions. 1# How are WE proceeding from here? 2# What kind of force will Nemerov throw against Aesis and Bivens?" Captain Stark voiced out.

McHale rubbed her chin and thought about it. Their orders were the same. They could ofcourse change and most likely would when the news would reach Clairmont. She considered sending the Rapier back to deliver the news but decided against it. The news would get to the Sol system very soon, there was no need to cut her division's strength in half just to run a futile errand. But the decision what to do wasnt so easy as she thought. What if large-scale attacks on civilian targets began occurring? What if there were un-armed vessels screaming for help and with no-one else but her division there to help them. She would cross that bridge when she arrived to it.
The second notion of Stark's was also a difficult one. But she was ready to bet that the Sky Marshal would strike with heavy enough force to win.
She cleared her throat and spoke.

"We stay put and observe. Those were our orders. I am dead certain that we will receive new orders or atleast changes to the orders we allready have when the ONI and BuPlan gets these news but until then we will continue to observe only."

=============================================

Protector's Palace
Irmansul City
Clairmont Island

Protector Benjamin Alexander the third was a busy man. State meetings, cabinet meetings, sessions with the Admiralty... and the works. The job of a head of a state was tought but Benjamin did not complain. It was his job to quarantee the safety of his citizens and his nation and see to the critical decisions. It was the job his father and his father's father had worker with before him and he wouldnt be the Alexander to betray the heritage of his family line.

"So we need to cut the budget to our wet navy by still another 5% if we want to keep up with the other projects." Chancellor of the Exchequer Anton Billings was saying.

"It cuts us lower on that area than i would like Benjamin." Admiral Winston Jenkins answered in a low toned voice.

"I know, but i dont see what choice we have. We need to get the 1st Battlesquadron ready and in order to do that, the build-up budget for our navy up there needs to be upped. Not to mention all the new training programs and personnel requirements we face." The Protector answered.

"Besides, i think that the 1st and 2nd Carrier Groups along with the 3rd Defence Battlegroup are enough to watch our backs on the water. It should also be noted that our wet navy has come somewhat obsolete now. With the Home Fleet completed some time in the next 10 to 12 years, there will be little use for the ships on water anymore." The Protector yet continued. He considered himself as a modest student of military doctrine. His grand-father had been both a head of state and a General, it went with the line of Alexanders that each head of state would learn the workings of military and because of this, the Protector had allowed the down-sizing of the wet navy. He was right, there was little need for it but he also knew there were still several strategic situations when wet navy forces could be needed.

"You are right ofcourse. But...." Before the Admiral could finish his sentence, the door to the conference room exploded open and Prime Minister Eloise Descroix strode to the room.

"The governor of Planet Aesis in Steel Butterfly has been assassinated. Apparently the operation was ordered by a man named Sir James Pierce who declared that both the planets Aesis and Bivens are no longer part of the Star Empire, they are practically in a state of Civil War as of that event."

Tarasovka

23-01-2004, 13:41

Outskirts of the Orion Sector,
Special Convoy DS-17.

- DS-17, come in. Repeat, come in. This is Argus Pelling. DS-17, come in.

- Argus Pelling, we read you. Request use of station portals for transport into the Imperial Space. Repeat...

- DS-17, negative. Repeat, negative. The governor of Aesis has been murdered. Bivens and Aesis rebelled against the Empire. Imperial space is not secure, repeat - it is not secure. I order you to dock to station.

- Negative, Argus Pelling, we must get into the Imperial Space. It is a matter of national interests.

- DS-17, this is Colonel Heider, commander of the Argus Pelling Patrol Station, you have entered our Direct Influence Zone and are thus in our jurisdiction. I order you to dock to the station.

The leader of the convoy closed his transmission with Argus Pelling and opened a secure channel to TSC-1.

- Priority request, governor commslink.

- Received priority request, validating...

It took less than a second before the voice of the governor was heard.

- What is it?

- Sire, Argus Pelling orders us to dock and remain at the station. The Imperial Space is not secure.

There was a short moment of silence. The convoy leader would bet anything that the governor was surprised to hear them... no - still hear them.

- DS-17, change vectors to the given coordinates and proceed into this sector.

- But... Sire, this is -

- Do as I say, commander.

The commslink was shut down. The commander sighed and transmitted to squadron to change vectors. Suddenly, out of nowhere, appeared three massive(compared to the fighters, of course) Parkan Raiders. The locators did not see them approach.

- DS-17, we have orders to escort you to Argus Pelling. Set the coordinates to...

The 'threat' alarm in the ships of the DS-17 convoy broke out. They were targetted by the Parkans. Several combat drones came out of each of the Raiders.

- ...or we will have to use more persuasive measures.

The Commander of the DS-17 sighed. He tried to contact TSC-1 but the communications were jammed by one of the drones...
Reluctantly, he set the indicated course.

***

Argus Pelling Patrol Station,
Outskirts of the Orion Sector.

- Colonel, we have intercepted the convoy. Our pilots are leading the convoy to base...

- Good. I wonder what the hell is the Governor up to, again...

The major remained silent. Colonel Heider grinned and nodded, inviting the major to leave the office.

Canada-Germany

23-01-2004, 18:31

OOC: *cough* you gonna respond to that message my Prime Minister sent? lol (otherwise known as TaG)

23-01-2004, 22:34

Greg finally got to call out to his countrymen. "Calling any LAO ships, vessels, or citizens. This is Greg Ladel, former Orderian Foregn Affairs Minister. Any ships in the area, as being a leader, I now am in control. If anyone is out there, follow this broadcast. There is a war brewing... Only we can make the outcome...And destroy NiMBUS!" He sat and waited for a reply.

"This is Omega 2, LAO Colony Ship. We have lost our second thruster and are now approaching your position. The ship is going to have to make a crash landing A.S.A.P. We really nee-" An explosion went rampat in the background. "The situation is getting worse! We need help!"

Greg heard the reply. "Henry, where are you at? Peirce! Where are you at man? Mason, Mason, any one else around, I need your guys' help!" He ran out of the com room and looked for the others. This must be the LAO's first fleet. Engine trouble is almost a gimme. Maybe the end wasn't as near as suspected...

23-01-2004, 23:08

Outside the Orion Sector - 1530 hours MST
Commander Johnson had returned to the bridge. When he entered there, no one seemed too happy. The commander looked around the room. "What's going on?" the commander asked.

"We've just intercepted a message," replied Lieutenant Williams grimly. "A governor of Steel Butterfly's has been assassinated. It's major news all around the Orion Sector. All we had to do is listen in. If we don't get out of here quickly, we could be plunged into a massive interplanetary war."

"That explains why there were rumors of civil unrest," Comander Johnson said. "We've solved the mystery. However, the assassination just gets things more complicated. We need to contact the President. Hopefully our government will know what to do next." The commander paused. "Make sure that no ship in the fleet moves from this relative position until the cloaking devices are up and we recieve order from the Nanakaland government." There was silence. "Well, get moving!" Thomas Johnson shouted. Everyone was now active, each doing their job. They had a new mission....

http://www.actiontrip.com/reviews/pics/homeworldcataclysm4s.jpg
The NSS Celestia

24-01-2004, 00:01

Near the Deep Space Asteriod Field
As the Nanakan fleet hyperspaced out of there, some one other than the Deep Space Pirates were watching. You may be thinking who else could possibly have been monitoring the situation. The answer is in a large asteroid near the border of the Deep Space Asteroid Field. The asteroid has a perfectly clear view of the area outside the asteroid field and even has advanced sensors to detect ships inside the asteroid field.

However, if you look closely, you'll notice that the asteroid isn't really an asteroid at all. Fortunally, in space few people have enough time to study ultra-close images of a random asteroid to realize that it is generated by holographic emitters. The holographic emitters make a very manmade space outpost look like a very natural asteroid.

In the "asteroid," fifty people worked - in very favorable conditions. Every once and a while, a ship would come and rotate crews and bring fresh supplies. No one would ever notice because of the disturbance in ordinary sensors that asteroid fields produce. Encrypted communications made sure that the Empire of the Great System stayed in touch with what was going on in Deep Space. There were dozens of these outposts scattered throughout the vast, mainly uninhabited region of space, desguised as various objects in space.

The commander of GS Outpost 21-B - the Asteroid Outpost as it was called by the men - had noticed the whole thing. He even had intercepted communications and had pieced together everything the Nanakan fleet had done since they first in the Orion Sector. "I want that fleet anihilated," he said.

"But sir," replied Colonel Kaunor. "They attacked our longtime enemies. I think that they should be rewarded."

[OOC: The following reply contains some false information, but the commander doesn't know any better.]

"No," Commander Enefinua said. "They have traveled through space, opening hostilities with two civilizations we know of so far. Who knows what countless races they have destroyed or want to attack? We could be next on their hit list." Enefinua took a breath. "We should open up diplomatic relations with the government of Steel Butterfly. Together we could squash the ruthless Nanakan killers. Send five unarmed frigates loaded with gold to Steel Butterfly as a sign of peace."

And so communication was opened with the base. Later on, the frigates loaded with gold were sent to the Orion Sector as a token of peace. The Great System was prepared to fight Nanakaland and wanted Steel Butterfly to join in, too.

[OOC: And thus, Nanakaland's fleet unknowingly gets themselves caught in the upcomming war when they only wanted to stay neutral. How do you like that plot twist?]

24-01-2004, 02:05

The lone Space Fighter sifted in space. The ship had just exited hyperspace and was entering the area by Aesis. That was where he was headed. The last place he had heard from the Omega 2 was here. Himself being a 'Ghost' the government doesn't care if he lives or dies. The reason he was kicked into this was because he has a way with the unruly. And, even unknown to most of the crew on the Omega 2, there were many other operatives on the ship.

These weren't normal operatives, no. They weren't even citizens. These are literally the worst LAO has to offer. There were three of them. Each with their own persona and past. Most not pretty, some are considered a hazard to humanity.

Billy Coen had the ship on auto-pilot while he loaded his guns. This will be a very important mission. He was told, if he came back, that he would be paid 1 million dollars for doing this. A wry smirk went accross his face. $1,000,000. Enough to buy a nice house, car, and even quit his life he was leading.

On the Omega 2
The ship was going to crash. It came into the Aesis atmosphere at a severe angle. If it wasn't for the pilot's expertise, they would have flipped. "Jen, go take the fighter in the escape area!" yelled the pilot.
"Why? I can't just leave!"
"Go! Now!" Jen ran down the hall and got in the ship. She noticed another one close to her. The other one was designed to hold three people. As she started her's up, she realized that the other one was also filled.

Jen engaged the engine. The thrusters blared out. She entered the code on her computer to open the doors. The bay doors opened up. Jen engaged the thrust at full might. The Orderian ship blasted out of the bay. The three person ship followed close behind.

After escaping the ship, the pilots in both ships looked at the horror of the Omega 2. The ship crashed into the ocean, leaving no survivors as the ship exploded due to the impact and the ship. The fuel in the boosters flipped up into the expansion chamber and exploded.

Jen looked around her. The other fifty LAO ships began to stop at a hover above the water. A tragedy had occured. Among it all a voice can be heard on the com link system. "This is Captain John Nettel, I need the coordinates of Greg Ladel."

imported_Cspalla

24-01-2004, 02:17

"Closing time, Nemerov...!"

Robert Fyre watched the image flip off the screen across the office. Dear God, he thought. One the most powerful nations around, right off Cspalla's boarders, is on a state of rebellion?

He reached for a panel, typing in a code. The code was for the most direct line to Alexander Nemerov Cspalla had. They had to talk.

"Emperor Nemerov, this is Grand Overlord Fyre in Cspalla. I just saw that Pierce's little broadcast. Looks like you could stand to receive a little help."

24-01-2004, 02:34

"War? With Tiburon? Are you kidding me?" The High General said, cocking one eyebrow up.

"It seems that way..." Nemerov replied. He was simply confused as of late. Perhaps a thoughout whoop-ass session of a lesser nations would give him back that vigor he once had.

"Should I...assemble a fleet...or what?" High General Shockey asked, almost laughing.

"Lets just wait an see. They just declared war on an empire nearing one trillion occupants...

You have 1.7 billion occupants, Steel. With a b. As opposed to Tiburon's 2.1 billion. Plus the 2.1 billion from Altea, the 2.1 billion from the Forgotten Land, the 1 billion each from Dil Chatha Hai, Mecha United, Shining America United, and the 5 million from The World Nation.

...who is vastly their superior technology wise...they know not what they're doing."

Just because our nation's economy is weak now... doesn't mean that it wasn't always weak. And our nation's technology is far more advanced than yours. Tiburon is a nation set thousands of years into the future. Remember Libra and Barge from Gundam Wing? Think of the combined destructive force... multiplied by 100,000. Meet the Tiburon Space Force, Infantry Division 1 (of 42).

Nemerov said, sitting back in his chair. He had gotten up to shake High General Shockey's hand and remained standing, although he could not remember why.

The IC'll come later... just warning ya. :wink:

Canada-Germany

24-01-2004, 02:41

Just because our nation's economy is weak now... doesn't mean that it wasn't always weak. And our nation's technology is far more advanced than yours. Tiburon is a nation set thousands of years into the future. Remember Libra and Barge from Gundam Wing? Think of the combined destructive force... multiplied by 100,000. Meet the Tiburon Space Force, Infantry Division 1 (of 42).

OOC: How'd you pull that off without people jumping on you and saying "Godmod!1!11111!!!!111"?

24-01-2004, 02:46

OOC: Because I started as a nation set in the future, and I have four nations over 2 billion (the last one's a secret one...)... and it's more like ID 1 of 32... :oops:

Lunatic Retard Robots

24-01-2004, 03:02

The Men At Work, having hyperspaced back to the borders of the Orion sector, watch every radio transmission with the utmost interest. The gigantic sensors on the Men At Work easily pick up the resistances' intergalactic broadcast, especially with all five ships in data-sharing mode.

"This doesn't look very good. Open rebellion in steel butterfly, eh? And what else have they done?"
"Declared war on a bunch of nations, no doubt."
"Very bad. But its not too late to try to solve this. Have all the other ships wait here, we're going to try to negotiate this thing out. Set a hyperspace course for Aeisis."
"Right away."
"Ron, set a course for Steel Isle."
"Done."
"Ok, hyperspace out."

The two ships hyperspace to their destinations, the Ron Strykert arriving over Steel Isle several hours later, and the [i[Colin Hay[/i] arriving over Aeisis also several hours later.

Steel Butterfly

24-01-2004, 03:06

Steel Butterfly

24-01-2004, 03:07

You have 1.7 billion occupants, Steel. With a b. As opposed to Tiburon's 2.1 billion. Plus the 2.1 billion from Altea, the 2.1 billion from the Forgotten Land, the 1 billion each from Dil Chatha Hai, Mecha United, Shining America United, and the 5 million from The World Nation.

Just because our nation's economy is weak now... doesn't mean that it wasn't always weak. And our nation's technology is far more advanced than yours. Tiburon is a nation set thousands of years into the future. Remember Libra and Barge from Gundam Wing? Think of the combined destructive force... multiplied by 100,000. Meet the Tiburon Space Force, Infantry Division 1 (of 42).

The IC'll come later... just warning ya. :wink:

[OOC: Ok Tiburon, I don't mean to get into an argument, but I have some things that I need to clarify. First of all, that was an IC response, not an OOC one. My Emperor may not know all about you. Second, if you look at my region, the combined number of people in the Empire, and not the planet, is what Nemerov took into account. Third, there is no way your technology is "far more advanced", let alone more advanced at all. You obviously have not been keeping up with my story lines. If you want me to prove it, start a new thread - not here. My nation was in the future before I got on NS and many things have happened since.]

Steel Butterfly

24-01-2004, 04:14

"Emperor Nemerov, this is Grand Overlord Fyre in Cspalla. I just saw that Pierce's little broadcast. Looks like you could stand to receive a little help."

Nemerov just stared at the message in awe. It was really happening, wasn't it...he sent a reply, only asking for financial aide at this time.

http://207.44.246.95/43/101/upload/p1.gif
Emperor Alexander Nemerov
Star Empire of Steel Butterfly,
In the Orion Sector which includes:
Steel Isle, Steel Moon,
CTaNbHaR Eabo4Ka, XIII,
Aeisis, Bivens, Esthar VIII
Orion Sector Alliance Premier,
Order of the Seraphim

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

"God's speed, gentlemen..."

Alexei looked into the eyes of the speaker, General Michael Sherman. The man was calm, as if nothing was going wrong in the universe. The General stepped down, leading the way for James Pierce to regain the podium in the large room, filled with troops, all lined up in ranks. Alexei cursed himself for not listening to the General and hoped that he said nothing too important.

"Twelve minutes ago 50 Imperial Marines touched down on Aeisis, and were promptly massacred," Pierce said with an eerie smile of satisfaction on his face. "A sector-wide insurection is currently taking place, with our supporters rising up from their ranks and bringing us in valuable starships. Nemerov will most likely respond with force, and now that his Marines have been slaughtered, we are preparing for an invasion. The ships should be arriving before the Imperials do." He took a deep breath. This was going to be their first test, and he hoped it would not be their last. "Soon, we will intercept plans of the spot of Imperial invasion, and we will be ready." He smiled. "Experts expect 60% of you standing here will die in the first hour, and that 85% will be dead by the end of the battle. I intend to prove them wrong..."

Pierce continued for a few more minutes, and then allowed time for each unit to get to know each other. Alexei had been promoted from Lieutenant to Commander, as was now the second in command of the First Marines, led by Captain Dimitri Spencer.

"We will most likely be the second line of defense against the invaders!" the Captain said in a loud, commanding voice. "After our mobile infantry and the first phase of invaders wipe each other out, we will enter into the death bed and clean up what is left behind. Then we will prepare for the next phase of invaders. You have been chosen as a Marine for your excellence in combat. I do not intend to be dissappointed!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" the unit shouted in response, soluting their captain. Already Alexei had some level of respect for this man, although he did not know why. Captain Spencer seemed like a dependable soldier.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p338.jpg
General Michael Sherman
Commander of the Mobile Infantry

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Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

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Captain Dimitri Spencer
Leader of the 1st Marines

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Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

Steel Butterfly

24-01-2004, 04:32

"There is no job in the world that is on par with being a soldier in the Imperial Military!" High General Shockey said, addressing the tens of thousands of troops assembled before him. The 25,000 soldiers would soon depart for Aeisis, their mission: to take back the planet for the Empire and ground the resistance before it took off. "However, as with everything great in our lifes, nothing comes free. Today, we fight for everything we know, everything we believe, and everything we live by. These terrorists murdered a governor, as well as thousands of innocent people, all supporters of the Empire. One hour ago, they murdered our 50-man peacekeeping force sent it to bring order. Over the last few hours, they murdered starship captain after starship crew, stealing the starships for their own bastard cause - anarchy! Today, men, we restore order, for your families, your friends, but most importantly for yourselves, as each one of us is indeed the Empire itself!" Cheers rang out from the ranks as the High General soluted the departing soldiers and the left the podium, high above them all.

Captain DeAngelo White inspected his unit, the 106th Mobile Infantry. For ten years he had taught at the Orion Military Academy, but this new war brought him back to his true calling, battle. "Lieutenant Commander," he screamed at the top of his lungs. The sound brought life back into him and he loved the feeling. "Take these men to their stations on the departing ships!"

http://207.44.246.95/43/101/upload/p819.jpg
High General James Shockey
High Commander of the Imperial Military

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Captain DeAngelo White
106th Mobile Infantry

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

The ride had been uneventful as most of them had expected. The invasion point was to be a huge field in the country side of Aeisis, as to not destroy much of the cities, cities which in their minds would soon be theirs.

"You been in a battle before, sir?" Private Nero Applegate asked Lieutenant Lance Radney.

"Former Special Forces," Lance replied, emotionless. "I've been in many."

"So you've had friends who have fallen?" Applegate continued. Lance thought of Darren, of Captain Wommack, of Stiner, and especially of Vernetta, the love of his life who had been killed by NiMBUS's creations. However, that was not was Lance was told. No, Lance was told that the resistance had been making those horrid creatures, and he had sworn that he would destroy the resistance for this, at any cost.

"You could say that," Lance responded. "But I wouldn't worry much about it today, this should be over quickly. Besides, we're rather far back on the invasion order. Hell, by the time we get there, it may already be over."

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Lieutenant Lance Radney
81st Imperial Marines

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Private Nero Applegate
81st Imperial Marines

Steel Butterfly

24-01-2004, 04:43

The First and Second Marines shared a huge transport ship as they made their way to the enormous field where intelligence told them the Imperials would invade. Mobile Surface to Atmosphere guns (MSA's) were put in position to hopefully shoot down as many dropships as possible as they decended down onto the sunny field, which would soon be covered in blood and gore.

"You ready?" Eric asked, walking over towards Alexei who nodded in agreement. Alexei felt no fear as of now, but that may soon change, or it may not. After fighting off creatures and the undead, human enemies simply did not seem as frightening as they once were.

"We got 'em on radar!" someone shouted as the transport ship stopped, pointing to a screen which showed carriers just beyond high orbit.

"Ready the transportation," Alexei instructed Lieutenant Joseph Frost, the Vehicles Specialist of the 1st Marines. The Lieutenant nodded and ran off the ship, returning and telling Alexei and Captain Spencer that their position was to be taken now. Each unit went to their designated position in a timely manner.

In the skies...it appeared as if fire was raining down as the dropships decended through the atmosphere. Alexei looked up as the MSA's went off and smiled as they hit their first target.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

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Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

24-01-2004, 05:23

WARNING:CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN

On Aesis

The Orderian ships were given coordinates as where to land. It was a non-discreet location. The only person at the area was Greg Ladel. The ships landed on the soft ground, the dirt blowing around in the yard. Greg, wearing casual clothes, stood in front of the men. "Ladies and gentlemen, some of you remember my disappearence, some don't. What matters is the reason I disappeared. My transport crashed over an area where projects were going on. These projects were of NiMBUS's doing. The creatures they make are majorly subhuman. You might not be prepared for what is to ensue. For now, set up a camp and get rest. By the morning, our other leader shall arrive."

Greg was pleased to again be a leader. For too long had he sat on the side. Greg strolled over to a young women standing by a different looking ship. "You are from the Omega 2, aren't you?"

The girl looked at him. "Yeah, I escaped before it crashed. The name is Jen BLack. My dad was the pilot... These creatures, what are they?"

"You do not want to know. But, I guarantee, soon, you will see them. I had many freinds that I made along the way... Freindships like those can last an eternity... Well, you better get to sleep, there is a long day coming ahead."

"Okay, General Ladel, see you in the morning." The girl walked off and went into one of the tents. He looked at the 3 person ship and shuddered. He knew why the other leader was coming. It was to control them. The governments own secret weapon. Their own personal nightmare.

In Aesis' Orbit
Billy Coen was about to make his desent to the planet. He had contacted 'General Ladel' while he was getting to the planet. Billy had a long few days ahead of him. Especially with them. They are things that you would fear in a dream. A grade-A nightmare. He went over them in his head.

Fred Rampart...A convicted killer, senteneced to life in prison. Escaped by cannibalizing his inmates then the guards. After his escape, he went to kill another 17 victims. Considered a threat to society. He was added to a part of the government's extermination team.

Jack Kimbel...A psychopathic hunter. He thinks everything is another game. He has been known to hunt people down and skin them just like deer. When he was caught, there were 15 stuffed bodies lined up in his house. Considered a threat to society. He was added to a part of the government's extermination team.

Charles Thorton...A mob hitman that finally decided to have some more practice. He hunted down and brutally shot and cut up 10 mob bosses and mailed them to the police. When the mob came after him, he unloaded on them with a .50 caliber machine gun. Considered a threat to society. He was added to a part of the government's extermination team.

Billy shuddered another time before thinking of the mission. He looked in the back section of his ship. It was packed with assualt rifles and carbines. He only hoped they stood a chance.

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Billy Coen

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Fred Rampart

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Jack Kimbel

http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/144331/41.jpg
Charles Thorton

24-01-2004, 05:28

imported_Cspalla

24-01-2004, 05:29

The Government Council was gathered, even their guards kept from the meeting. Debate raged in the meeting chamber.

"This is entirely an internal Steel Butterfly affair, and we can't get involved." Arnold Wakeson, Cspalla's Chief Internal Affairs Officer, was as infuriatingly calm as ever.

"For now, sure," said High General Tinmar Ko'lan of the Cspallan Armed Forces, "But an Orion civil war won't stay there forever, and guess who happens to be right next door? Cspalla."

"Attack us? These rebels aren’t stupid." That was Megan Loray, Chief Science Officer.

"I don't know," said Melissa Bentor-Fyre, Chief Diplomatic Officer, "they do have heavy forces. Some of the other worlds could be hit. Good Intent isn’t all that far from Bivens. It could be beneficial to support them. Besides, SB's government is fairly corrupted."

The room fell silent. The Grand Overlord's voice was barely a whisper. "Melissa, are you suggesting we help oppose the legitimate government of our closest ally?"

"Can it really be called legitimate anymore? NiMBUS controls it almost totally if our reports are right."

Now Robert was angry with his wife. "I will NOT betray Steel Butterfly! Alexander Nemerov has lead it greatly for years, and will continue to do so. I spoke with him, and he said he wants financial aid. What can we give him?"

"We haven't touched the Reserve in years. We can spare as much as, oh, a trillion from there. But that leaves it smaller than I like" Chief Commerce Officer Richard Thompson referred to the National Reserve, a pool of money funded every year, kept for unusual expenses. It often added up to quite a bit.

"All right, a trillion. Get the transfer papers on my desk ASAP. Also, as of now the entire CAF is on Code 2 alert, and I want 3 fleets patrolling the border with Steel Butterfly at all times. If the rebels cross the boarder, they are beyond dead."

Celack

24-01-2004, 05:38

Kanosis sat his desk on this flagship. He had a convoy of over 300 supply ships meant for the rebels. He just had to find a way to give it to them. An aide rushed into Kanosis' office

“Sir! The governer on Aesis has been assinated by the rebels. Biven and Aesis are in open rebellion. This could very well be our chance. Orders?”

Kanosis stood up and looked out the wide window. He contemplated. He could be damning many not even born yet to eternal war. He fight create so many deaths. Was it worth it? Was it? However, orders are orders and it was his idea.

“Move the fleet to bivens. When we arrive try to contact the rebels and offer them our help and the supplies we have. Go now!”

~3 hours later~

“Sir we will be dropping out of hyperspace soon.”

“Prepare for battle for we do not know what waits for us. Good luck men. We may have just destroyed Celack”

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Admiral Fitzgerald Kanosis
Leader of the 3rd battle-group.

Tappee

24-01-2004, 10:50

Commander Jeffery’s looked out his window at the other Dropships that had taken up position around his.

http://www.freehomepages.com/gate3028/drop.bmp

They where the lat of the dropship that had to dock with the waiting transport, then they would be on their way. It had taken less time then expected to mobilize the RRD, they would be arriving at Aeisis in about 12 hours. The main battle fleet had left before them, and should be arriving shortly.

Jeffery’s could only hope that they received a warm welcome they arrived.

http://img.atpictures.com/samuel/tn_samuel14.jpg
Adam Jefferys
Field Commander Rapid Response division

The floor rumbled a bit as the Avenger and the rest of the fleet came out of hyperspace.

Captain Sam Phobos hated this part, every time they came out of hyperspace, all their sensors would go dead. For a brief moment in time, they where completely blind, it was for this reason that he had ordered the fleet to drop out just out side the Aeisis system. The last thing that he wanted was to jump right in the middle of a fire.

“Some one talk to me!” he had earned a reputation for being an impatient man.

“Sensors coming back online Sir” answer his Nav officer.

“Well” He barked

“Sir it would appear that there is a fight going on around the Planet of Aeisis” replied officer, he hit a some button on his consol “bring in up on main screen now.”

“This is going to complicate things” he said under his breath. From what he could see the Imperial fleet was launching a full assault against the planet “Have we been detected”

“I’m not sure” was the answer he got

Captain Phobo took a moment to look at his watch, it would be at least another 8 hour before the RRD got here, and he had no ground troop of his own. Admiral Doddalla was scheduled to arrive with RRD, so until then it was his call.

“Very well, bring all weapons systems online. Move to the fleet to full tactical alert. Helm set course to engage the imperial force. Attack pattern Delta Gamma 5 Omega 61. Let try to buy Aeisis as much time as we can.”

His goal was to try to prevent as much of the Imperial force from landing until the RRD could arrive and provide some ground support.

“Launch all fighter division, have the 1 through 5 fighter wings provide fighter cover, every one else concentrate on the enemy drop ships.”

In the background he could hear the alarms going off, and his crew running about their tasks.

“Tactical, target the closest enemy ship with main gun, once in range fire.” He glanced over to see if his order hand been heard “That should get their attention.

http://www.freehomepages.com/gate3028/pics/fleet5.bmp
Main Battle Fleet

http://img.atpictures.com/ed/tn_ed44.jpg
Captian Sam Phobos
Captian of the THSBS Avenger

24-01-2004, 14:44

24-01-2004, 16:05

The Orion Sector
The five unarmed frigates, loaded with gold, hyperspaced into the Orion Sector. They were on an automated course to the capital planet of Steel Butterfly. The frigates were unmanned, but as soon as they reached Steel Butterfy, they would transmit a message saying that Nanakaland was a threat to both Steel Butterfly and The Great System and that the Holy Emperor of The Great System wished to enter an alliance with Steel Butterfly. The frigates were half way there....

Lunatic Retard Robots

24-01-2004, 18:05

The Colin Hay, in orbit above Aeisis, monitors the sitution on the surface.

"It would be nice to get them to stop what they're doing down there, eh?"
"Yep. Why don't we contact them and ask them about their cause and such?"
"Good idea. Aeisis, this is the LRRSV Colin Hay, a neutral vessel of the Fleet of Lunatic Retard Robots. We would like to know about your cause and why you killed all those refugees."

Steel Butterfly

24-01-2004, 21:00

AUDIO TRANSMISSION
To: Orion Sector Pirates; From: The NSS Celestia

"This is Commander Johnson of the Nanakaland fleet," a voice said. "I was on a mission to investigate rumors of civil unrest in the Orion Sector when a Steel Butterfly fleet opened hostilities. We retreated into Deep Space and had another hostile experience. The fleet is currently in an undisclosed location nearby - but outside - the Orion Sector. We have just heard news of an assassination. That means that we have to come in the sector quickly. However, we would probably be attacked if we were to enter it the normal way again. We need a way to get back into the Orion Sector to finish our mission. Could you help us get back in? Of course you would get gold if you could help us."

END OF TRANSMISSION

.:Incoming Transmission from the NSS Celestia:.
Channel Open

"Frankly I think you can enter now without us. There is a war going on...an attack would be expected either way."

Channel Terminated

[OOC: LRR, If you're in orbit above Aeisis, you're probably going to be blow to hell by the invading fleet. I'd advise you to monitor the situation from some other location. I'll give you a post to decide.]

Celack

24-01-2004, 21:21

o.o.c. OOH an invasion flet at Aeisis? That's where Kanosis' battlegroup is. Lets rock and or roll biznatch!

Clairmont

24-01-2004, 22:57

HMS Artemis
Orion Sector
System Edge

Captain Julia McHale observed the main tactical plot of her command bridge with care. The large holo tank had tagged every contact in the system with a code number and details known of the target. Now, a literaly swarm of light codes and details filled the plot as the holo concentrated on the Imperial Fleet moving at Aesis and the ships at the vicinity of Aesis.

"They're going in hard now."

"Yes they are, quite intent on taking back Aesis it seems." McHale answered to her tactical officer.

"CiC estimates around 20 to 30 thousand ground troops atleast. Thats what they need to make a difference on the ground." The tactical officer reported again. McHale agreed, CiC was pretty much on the spot with that estimate.

"Any idea what that Battlegroup at Aesis is going to do?"

"None."

"Allright, lets insert Major Dixon's marines. As per the plan."

=============================================

Pinnace Hellbringer
On course towards planet Aesis

A single Thunderhawk-class pinnace departed Boatbay 1 of the HMS Artemis. It began its maximum acceleration to give it enough delta-vee to carry it with its momentum to Aesis at a reasonable time. The Impeller wedge accelerated the small-craft forward with 400 G's of acceleration, gaining more speed by nearly 4 kilometers per second.

Inside of the Pinnace had space to spare yet. Only 15 marines were tucked in on their seats. Major Dixon had found it unnecessary to send more than two squads on a recon mission. Marines knew their jobs, and they werent there to fight and a small force could stay hidden easier so it had been an easy enough decision. They werent suited in to their Battle Armor, this simply because Battle Armor required re-charge after relatively low period of time and this mission would most likely take several days. But, the un-powered suits had been taken along if heavy firepower would be needed, the Pinnace could charge them up.

Gunnery Sergeant Babcock was a sea of calmness. She checked her MK-100 Pulser Rifle with smooth precision and speed, making sure that the weapon would work flawlessly. She was the most Senior Marine in the compartment despite the fact that Lieutenant Waterson had command of the mission. The El-tee was a good officer and a good Marine but he also lacked the experience Babcock had, but on the other hand, the El-Tee had Major Dixon's trust or otherwise he would have been picked to command a mission as sensitive as this one.

"Coming to 15,260 KPS, cutting off Impeller." The Pilot reported from the cockpit. The Pinnace had achieved the speed that the mission planning had deemed to be the best velocity for the insertion operation. The Impeller of the craft cut off and the twin stressed gravity bands "above" and "below" the vessel disappeared. And so they were going ballistic.

Tappee

25-01-2004, 00:05

All the officer for RRD had assembled in the Hanger for Commander Jefferys briefing, they were still a few hours away from the Aeisis.

Commander Jefferys entered room and made his way to the podium. He took a moment to look over the crowd “My God I forgot how many there actually are” he said under his breath. There was at least 900 officers in the Room, the RRD was 100,000 strong. Collecting his thought he began.

“Approximately 15 min ago the main Battle fleet entered the Aeisis system to find it under attack by Imperial Forces. This means that when we get there we will be land in the middle of a hot zone.”

Chatter could be heard through out the crowd. They had hoped for more time to prepare, but time was not on their side.

“Now listen up people, this is our job, this is what we’ve been trained to do. I understand that some of you are scared, and may even be questioning why we are here.” He paused judging the response “We are here cause 300,000 of our brothers, our sisters, our friends, where murdered in cold blood. And are we going to let their death go unavenged”

“NO SIR!” yelled the crowd

“I can't hear you!” he yelled out

“NO SIR!” yelled the crowd louder then before.

“That right now our chance to return the gesture, let do it ten fold” Jefferys was happy, the troop were rallied, and ready to fight. Now he had no choice but to wait until they arrived in Aeisis. He could only hope that the Main battle fleet could but Aesis enough time until they arrived

25-01-2004, 00:39

.:Incoming Transmission from the NSS Celestia:.
Channel Open

"Frankly I think you can enter now without us. There is a war going on...an attack would be expected either way."

Channel Terminated

Outside the Orion Sector - 1545 MST
Outside the Orion Sector, the Nanakan fleet still was waiting. Perhaps they would get help perhaps they wouldn't. Then, the Celestia recieved a response (see above). They would have to go in this alone.

"Williams, open up a channel to all capital ships," Commander Johnson ordered. All capital ships. Not that great of wording considering that there were only three capital ships in the fleet - the Celestia being the largest. Still, Williams opened up an audio com-link.

"We have just recieved word from the Orion Sector Pirates," Johnson said into the com-link. "They will not help us get in. However, the situation has signifigantly worsened since were were last in the area. Steel Butterfly is being plunged into war. If we activate all cloaking devices now and enter the sector, they will not have time to run advanced sensors. We will then be in okay." He paused. "The problem is, there is now a war going on. The fleet is now on red alert. Men, arm the battlestations."

One looking from space at the fleet would have noticed a few things. First, they would have noticed the fighters and frigates docking in the three capital ships. Then, they would notice the capital ships vanishing. From then on, they wouldn't have noticed the fleet mobilizing and wouldn't have detected the Nanakan fleet entering the Orion Sector unless they had time to scan all borders of the Orion Sector with advanced sensors. Advanced sensors are not something you see at every celestial border.

If one were to look very closely, they would have noticed that the space where the invisible capital ships were was slightly distorted. The cloaking device simply took one image from one side of the ship and projected it on the other, so space bended like a lens in every area where there was a bump in one of the ships. However, unless there happend to be a fighter patrolling in the exact area, the fleet would probably go unnoticed.

The fleet did cross over into the Orion Sector after a while of being cloaked. It was hard to tell exactly when. After all, there was no sign saying "You are now entering the Orion Sector." Now that the Nanakan fleet entered the Orion Sector, a new dilema arised - they didn't plan on what they going to do now that they were in the area....

Steel Butterfly

25-01-2004, 05:18

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p87.jpg

Three Mobile Infantry units, the 5th, 8th, 27th, and two pirate units readied their weapons as they watched some of the dropships slip thought the MSA assault, followed by more, and then the guns stopped.

Alexei watched the landing from his position. The 1st Marines' job was to protect the bridge, and Alexei found that stupid as the Imperials could just as easily build another or just use a speeder to cross the rather long river. Either way, orders were orders, and they'd need all the organization they could muster in order to beat the oncoming onslaught.

The 2nd Marines, along with Eric Vinzer, were assigned to protect the northern most MSA facility. They had a river in front of them, and in front of the river sat the 5th MI unit. In the facility were the 7th and 8th Marines, and behind the MSA's were the 109th MI.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p88.jpg

The Imperial 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th Mobile Infantry units were the first to land. The 21st split into two and attacked the Rebel 5th and 8th, while the 22nd charged head on towards the Rebel 27th, meeting them in the middle. The 1st pirate unit advanced towards the tree grove, and picked off officers from the 23rd, as the Imperials tried to enter the grove, forcing them to stay out and fire polaron cannons into the grove, igniting it. The 2nd pirate unit split into two, attacking the advancing Imperial 24th from the sides and effectively killing the captain early on.

Alexei watched from the bridge as the 1st pirates were burned alive in the grove and he shut his eyes. They would most likely be next.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

Lunatic Retard Robots

25-01-2004, 05:25

The LRR ship in aeisis orbit high-tails it back to port. But perhaps a contingent of naval infantrymen will be sent to help restore order and punish the murderous rebels.

OCC: Which side would you say is the most liberal?

Steel Butterfly

25-01-2004, 05:43

[OOC: Neither is liberal...but I guess resisting a corporation sounds a bit liberal...even if another equally as powerful but not corrupt is assisting you. SB is a very right-thinking place.]

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p89.jpg

With the Imperial 21st split in half with their split attack on the Rebel 5th and 8th in the North, the Rebels capitalized, held their ground, and began to push the invaders back. In the southeast, the pirate's dual attack from the sides on the Imperial 24th appeared to be working, with the invaders caught in the crossfire and captain-less.

The combat between the Rebel 27th and the Imperial 22nd was now of the hand to hand kind, with knives, pistols, and fists flying every which way, trying to be effective against the extremely protective ODIN battle armor. A rebel threw an EMP grenade, disrupting all the suits within a small radius, and the other Rebels took their helmets off due to their visuals shutting down. Neither side appeared to have the upper hand.

"Steady..." Captain Spencer ordered, feeling the nerves of the Marines around him. The enhanced vision of the ODIN Armor showed the Rebels that the 23rd Imperial was now surrounding the burning grove with half to the north and half to the south. They would meet up in front of the grove, and engage the 2nd Marines.

"Charges are set," an ensign reported. They had rigged the bridge with explosives, in case they had to retreat, and they hoped that the enemy would be caught in the blast. Then again, they also hoped that it wouldn't come to that.

Lieutenant Joseph Frost brought up his weapon and looked through the scope. The vehicle specialist, Lt. Frost was also a skilled marksman, a sniper of the greatest ability. Alexei glanced at him. "Any officers?"

"Sir, no, sir," Frost whispered, and Alexei could barely hear him over the comm link between the two helmets. Alexei could not hear the Lieutenant's breath, and Frost appeared to be holding it. The polaron pulse exploded from Frost's gun, and the Lieutenant turned to Alexei and smiled, although it could not been seen through the helmet. "I saw one," he said at normal volume, apparently pround of himself. Alexei raised his Phase Rifle and sat ready. The order to attack would come at any moment.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p73.jpg
Captain Dimitri Spencer
Leader of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Lunatic Retard Robots

25-01-2004, 05:45

Steel Butterfly

25-01-2004, 06:12

[OOC: Definately the Resistance...and please edit your post. Don't quote that whole post...it's too big and takes up too much room.]

Lunatic Retard Robots

25-01-2004, 06:15

OCC: Oh, well then. We'll be watching this with great interest.

Steel Butterfly

25-01-2004, 06:26

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p90.jpg

The Imperial 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th touched down on the planet to find that everyone except the Imperial 23rd had died. The 25th attacked the Rebel 5th as the 26th and 27th skipped over the Rebel 8th and both attacked the Rebel 27th. The Imperial 28th advanced to the south and the 2nd pirate unit charged north to meet them, leaving the battle at the bridge between the Rebel 1st Marines and the Imperial 23rd MI to be a key point in Imperial advance.

Since the first energy pulses had flown past his head, Alexei had questioned his motives. Was this really the way? Could this really be pulled off? However a quick thought of NiMBUS got his blood flowing as he unloaded on two advancing invaders, splitting them in two with shots.

The first Rebel of the 1st Marines who died was blown up in a massive charge, killing three others around him. Joseph Frost quickly located the three launchers and shot them all cleanly through the right eye protector. Alexei starting running towards the front line but Captain Spencer grabbed his shoulder and held him back. "Chaos is brought on by lack of leadership," the captain said over the comm link. "They'll come, wait for them." Alexei nodded hesitantly and waited with his rifle raised.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p73.jpg
Captain Dimitri Spencer
Leader of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Tappee

25-01-2004, 09:04

OOC: what going on up in space, has my fleet engaged any the imperial unit yet.

Canada-Germany

25-01-2004, 10:23

"Still no responce?" Prime Minister Ipkiss asked.

"Still nothing sir."

"Damn it... and it looks like things have been getting worse..."

25-01-2004, 16:37

The Orion Sector - 1600 hours MST
The cloaked fleet wandered around the Orion Sector, looking for something of use. No one was near them, but even if someone was, they probably wouldn't notice the moving of the fleet. As long as all smaller ships remained in docking bays in the cloaked capital ships, the entire fleet was unseen. The fleet moved toward the planet of Steel Butterfly.

"Wait!" shouted the commander on a close range com-link to all the other ships. "If we go near planets, especially advanced ones, the chances increase of being caught by a system of sensors advanced enough to detect us. We have to wait in outerspace until we have a plan. However, this cloaking device won't last forever." Commander Johnson was right. They couldn't go any closer to any planets without risk of being detected. However, he didn't expect five frigates from Deep Space heading in his direction....

25-01-2004, 16:53

Above the Nanakaland Moon Colony - 1600 hours MST
Meanwhile, in the space station above the Nanakaland Moon Colony, there was another fleet under construction. The project was only known to the highest government officials and the workers on the project. Admiral Nelson Clark of the Nanakaland Navy was chosen to be admiral of the Nanakaland Space Force. There was another fleet being prepared for the admiral. A fleet twice as powerful, a fleet twice as large. The hope was that it would be able to support the other Nanakaland fleet in combat.

Three destroyers and two dreadnaughts were built to support the NSS Admiral Ship Empyreal (look it up at dictionary.com; definition 2). The Empyreal was the most powerful ship yet, escorted by dozens of frigates and hundreds of fighters. The only thing needed was some finishing touches and a place to hyperspace to....

http://homeworld.sierra.com/images/cataclysm/ships/ship_shaman.jpg
The NSS Admiral Class Empyreal

[OOC: I know that I'm borrowing ship designs off of the Homeworld series.]

Steel Butterfly

26-01-2004, 05:09

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p92.jpg

Death and explosions alerted the 1st Marines that the 23th Imperial MI had arrived and awakened the fight inside of them. From his post, Alexei saw the first ranks fall fast, but take out the enemy faster. The Captain was no where to be seen, but Alexei still heard his voice over the comm link, assuring him that the Spencer was still alive.

Alexei overheard a cry for help from one of the divisions in battle. The voice was haunting, begging for assistance that would not come. Alexei flipped open his forearm panel and restricted his comm link for only his unit. A shot flew right past his head and he hit the bridge fast. The shot had come from the wrong side!

"I can't be havin' an officer die on me," Frost said, rifle raised. Alexei looked to what the Lieutenant had shot at and saw a body lying on the bridge, its bloody head half blown off. Grabbing his rifle, he unloaded a clip of energy into multiple Imperials, as the attackers charged for the third time, only to be forced back by the Marines who were quickly dying off.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Steel Butterfly

26-01-2004, 05:40

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p93.jpg

The 27th Rebel MI was being attacked by both the 26th and 27th Imperial MI and they had already lost many from the Imperial 22nd who they had sucessfully fought off in what had become hand to hand combat. Leaders dead, the 27th was now fighting and living on emotions alone, and such things were getting them far.

"Arr!" Sean grunted, smashing his fist though an Imperial's helmet. He quickly brought up his pistol and unloaded in into the hole made by his hand. He noticed another Imperial without his helmet on, and promptly blasted his face as well. A blow from behind knocked him to the ground, but as he fell he spun around and shot at the Imperial who had hit him down, killing the man where he stood.

They were outnumbered almost 5-1 but the 27th remained fighting, destined to die for their cause, as those behind them cleaned up afterwards. Such is the destiny of those in the MI, the grunts who did the worst tasks and get the least rewards. The Mobile Infantry was as base level as you could get, yet the amount of pride the soldiers held made up for any shortcomings of the occupation.

Without even bothering to get to his feet, Sean took a dead man's rifle and fired at the Imperials. He could tell by how they carried themselves - professionally, more like an army than a mob...more like how he used to be. However, the chaos brought on by the Rebel 27th had kept them alive until now, and they intended to do much more in this war.

Sean heard over his comm link someone calling for backup, but he dismissed the depressing voice knowing that none would. The military was not about units but the army as a whole, and the cause was not about individuals, but every soldier out on the battlefield today combined into one catagory. The 27th MI was placed in front of the river as a speedbump, and Sean cursed himself and his leader for this, but fought on anyhow. What else could he do at this time anyway?

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry

Steel Butterfly

26-01-2004, 05:49

OOC: what going on up in space, has my fleet engaged any the imperial unit yet.

Captain Lusec Apakoh sat on the bridge of the SSF Apparition, knowing what the sensors said before they were reported to him. Tappee ships were quickly approaching, most likely attempting to disrupt the invasion. 5,000 men had already been landed, and another 20 grand were on the way.

"Your orders, sir?"

"The Sky Marshall told each Captain of the importance this mission held," Apakoh said. "Raise shields, ready weapons...on my mark, Tacticle."

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p77.jpg

One of the fleets shifted towards the oncoming Tappee's, with the SSF Illusion the frontrunner.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p126.jpg
Captain Lusec Apakoh
81st Imperial Marines

Tappee

26-01-2004, 06:48

The bridge was a flurry of activity; information was coming in from all over.

“Captain they know we are here.” Yelled the Avengers Tactical officer “They are reforming the fleet and preparing to engage”

Captain Phobo watched the view screen with admiration as the Imperial fleet repositioned itself in preparation for the coming battle. From the precise movements of the enemy fleet he could tell the he face facing an accomplished and skill opponent. Phobo looked forward to the coming engagement.

“Open com to all ships” Phobo waited for his COM officer to open the channel “All ships fire a missile barrage on my mark”

He was going to attempt use a missile attack break the enemy’s formation.

He waited until the timing was right “Fire”

Almost instantaneously every ship in the fleet began launching their missiles wave, after wave of missile started advancing toward the enemy fleet.

http://www.freehomepages.com/gate3028/pics/fleet5.bmp

http://img.atpictures.com/ed/tn_ed44.jpg
Captain Phobo

Clairmont

26-01-2004, 12:56

Pinnace Hellbringer
Inbound Planet Aesis Athmosphere

"Goddamn Lieutenant, we are supposed to go down there?" Private First Class Samantha Jones asked as she gazed at the planet Aesis, filling the entire forward viewport and the images of battle showing up on the cockpit camera screens.

"Yes Marine, thats what we are paid the big bucks for." The Lieutenant answered sardonically. "Entering athmosphere in 10 mikes, get your asses strapped in marines!."

They were close to the planet now. The pilot had been slowly deccelerating for the last 30 minutes so that they wouldnt hit the planet at some few thousand kilometers per second. They had been deccelerating with the Pinnace's attitude reaction thrusters only and it had been slow progress, but now the vessel was perfectly aligned for an athmospheric re-entry and the speed was low enough to survive it.

Gunnery Sergeant Babcock checked their marked operational area. It was pretty much what now was the combat zone in the landing area of the Imperial ground troops. The Pinnace would land a safe distance away from the hot zone and the marines would proceed from there. She checked her Mk-100 again, she had done it three times allready but they were going down on a zone where the combatants would most likely shoot first and ask questions later and even tough their mission was observation only, she wasnt willing to bet her life that no-one would see the squad of 15 and decide quickly that they were enemies. She doubted that anyone would much listen to their explanations of being mere observers.

But even before that, she had to give her life to the hands of the pilot to bring the pinnace down safely. She crossed her fingers in a silent prayer in hope that the small-craft under power wouldnt be shot down from the sky.

Steel Butterfly

26-01-2004, 16:51

“Fire”

Almost instantaneously every ship in the fleet began launching their missiles wave, after wave of missile started advancing toward the enemy fleet.

"Captain, incoming!"

"Evasive Manuvers, Lt," Apakoh ordered. "What do we have coming?"

"Missiles, sir."

"Any at us?"

"Negative," the Lt. replied, they were in the general back of the fleet, but still had to be careful.

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

The SSF Illusion fired at some of the missiles while their shields absorbed the others.

"Status?"

"Shields holding...technically at 99.7%"

"Good," the Captain said. "Fire on my mark,"

No sooner had he issued the command, than off the port bow a frigate exploded in a massive show of white light.

"Those things hurt our shields .3%!" the captain exclaimed. "How the hell did they blow up a frigate?"

"Sir...cause of explosion is not known..."

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

Captain Lusec Apakoh watched the explosion from the viewscreen of the SSF Apparition in shock and horror, realizing what had happened. At the time of explosion, the frigate was attempting to lauch five Raptor-class fighters. To do so, a small gap in the shields is created, enabling solid objects, like fighters, to pass through. At this same time, multiple missiles flew through the gap, and hitting specific targets, blew the ship to hell.

"Lieutenant, launch the fighters now!" Apakoh commanded.

"But sir, we're not close...and we have so many fighters..."

"JUST DO IT, DAMNIT!" the captain ordered, for he knew if he waited too long, he wouldn't get the chance.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p126.jpg
Captain Lusec Apakoh
81st Imperial Marines

Steel Butterfly

26-01-2004, 17:14

"Commander!"

...

"Commander!"

...

"COMMANDER!"

"Yes sir?" Alexei asked, snapping back into reality. Looking around him he saw that he'd just killed five men with a knife. Reaching down to pick up two of the enemy's rifles, Alexei ran over towards the captain.

"It's time," was the Captain's order, and Alexei knew exactly what he meant. They were to retreat, and then blow the hell out of the Imperial 23rd as they crossed the bridge. Alexei didn't like the tactic. It was more of a temporary solution than a permenant one. Bridges could be built, water could be crossed...

"Fall back!" Alexei shouted over the comm link and he saw many men turn and run, only to be shot in the back. "Continue fire!" he screamed. He couldn't believe how green these new recruits were.

The 1st Marines slowly retreated off of the bridge, but the 23rd, now joined by the 28th who had eliminated the pirates to the south, simply stood on the bridge shooting their weapons. It was pathetically simple, Alexei thought. With one push of a button, over a thousand invaders would die on that bridge, and it was up to Alexei to push the button.

The look of shock that must have been on the Imperial's faces would have been sickening. They had fallen for the trap, and a rather simple one at that. Each unit held 625 men when they first landed, and by the simple push of a button Alexei had killed two units himself. The idea was quite unsettling if one thought about it, but as a trained soldier Alexei tried not to.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p73.jpg
Captain Dimitri Spencer
Leader of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

26-01-2004, 17:53

The Orion Sector - 1610 hours MST
The five frigates from Deep Space were on a colision course with the invisible Nanakaland fleet. If the NSS Celestia didn't act soon, the frigates would get heavy damage on the three Nanakan capital ships. Commander Johnson had no choice. He had to uncloak the fleet. The command was given. Surprisingly, the frigates didn't alter their suicidal course even with the fleet materialized in front of them.

"Sh*t!" Commander Johnson exclaimed. "They must be on an automated course. Charge the EMP cannons!" The frigates were approaching the fleet. It was then that Commander Johnson realized that the automated convoy was heading toward the planet of Steel Butterfly. Someone was attempting to deal with the empire - and probably attempting to destroy Nanakaland's fleet....

Steel Butterfly

26-01-2004, 18:04

Sean grabbed the rifle aimed at him and pushed it to the side. The Imperial shot he other Imperial in the face and then paused for a moment...a moment which Sean used to his advantage by dropping down and kicking the Imperial's legs out from under him. On his feet again, Sean took a knife and stuck in through the gap under the chin where the helmet didn't potect if the soldier's head was looking up...and it was.

Pulling the knife out, Sean spun around and stuck it in the barrel of the gun behind him. Distracted, the soldier threw the gun while Sean attached an EMP grenade to his suit. Now Sean ran, dodging soldiers of both Rebel and Imperial orientation, diving into the air as the charge went off, disabling more of the ODIN suits in the area. However, most of the Rebels had already tossed out their helmets and weren't distracted in the least from the electric pulse. The Imperials on the other hand, always fighting by the book, were now completely disoriented inside their equally confused armor. The Rebels used this to their advantage and quickly had dispensed the enemy.

Sean stopped to think about it for a second and take a drink from his canteen. They had just taken out three units, and the second two of the three at the same time. He was amazed by their success, but then winced when he saw how many men they had left. The time to think was not long, due to the third wave of Imperial dropships that could be seen falling from the sky.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry

Clairmont

26-01-2004, 20:10

The Pinnace shot thru the athmosphere like a meteor with a speed of over six times the speed of sound. Speed was essential in the insertion, but the speed also made maneuvering a millimeter precise operation where a single mistake could bring the entire vessel crashing down at high speed in the middle of a town. But everything went smoothly as the cloud cover passed and the small-craft began deccelerating for landing.

The landing area was in the middle of nowhere, but naturally, the Pinnace couldnt be dropping to the middle of a city or anywhere where someone could spot it and notice that it most certainly wasnt an Imperial vessel.

The landing feet of the Pinnace touched the ground with gentle smoothness as the pilot maneuvered the vessel to a place where camo netting would have the most effect.

Marines poured out from the Pinnace and secured a perimeter with quick and precise maneuvering.

"Scope is clear El-tee." Gunnery Sergeant Babcock reported as she went thru the readings of her portable sensor suite attached to the back of her combat skinsuit.

The Lieutenant grunted in satisfaction and barked orders.
"Allright, Dyson Ferguson, help that vacuum-sucker secure the camo netting. Gunny, get our bearings and lay out a secure route to our Ops zone."

In 5 minutes, they were under way. 10 of the Marines left for the Ops zone and five stayed behind to guard their only means of extraction. Moving stealthily under whatever natural cover there was, the squad proceeded quickly towards the hot zone for their mission. They wore the newest BDU of the Clairmont Armed Forces, the Type-4. It was vacuum secure, held its own sensor suite, carried enviromental adjusting systems to provide heating, cooling, air circulation and even trauma handling systems. It was an expensive piece of hardware, but Gunnery Sergeant Babcock was gratefull for every aspect of the suit and the fact that they had gotten the dresses. The Camo pattern of the suits had been chosen to give the best concealment in the enviroment the Marines were going to in this mission.

Tappee

26-01-2004, 21:20

There was brief cheer on the bridge as one of the Imperial frigates blew up in a fiery explosion. However, Captain Phobo couldn’t join in on the crews celebration, he knew better then anyone that it was a lucky shoot, nothing more.

“Enemy fighters inbound” yelled out his TAC officer.

With the launch on of the fighter he could no longer launch another missile attack, the fighter would shoot them down long before they got to their target.

“Very launch our fighters have them move to intercept” he took a moment to consider his other options. “Have the all the Gunboats move in closer to the more larger craft to provide fire support.” With the fighter launched to larger slower craft would now be vulnerable to faster smaller craft, but the smaller and more manuverable Gunboats could provide protection.

Phobo took a moment to look over at the holo projector that was providing a 3D model for the battle. He flipped a switch that opens up a channel to all ship in the fleet. “All ship attack pattern Delta 3 Gamma 73”

Looking up at the main screen he could see a wave of fighter exit from the Avengers launch bays and rush headlong in to the enemy fighter. The meeting was immediately followed by burst of light as fighters on both sides where being destroyed. The symphony of battle was an impressive sight to see.

“How long until we are in range to fire the main gun” Phobo called out.

“3000 meters and closing fast” was the answer he got

“Good when we are in range fire the main gun. At the nearest enemy ship”

Phobo was taking about the Avengers main gun called the ‘ship killer’. The gun was a 2000-meter long rail gun, unlike all the other energy-based weapon on the Avenger, it fired a single solid round which was fired at an amazing speed. The round was an anti matter round which created a massive explosion. The only problem that in once the gun was fired that it would take nearly 45 min for the gun to cool off as well to charge back up, as well it could only be fire a maximum of five times before the entire gun would have to be replaced.

http://www.freehomepages.com/gate3028/pics/sky%20hunter.bmp
A squad of sky hunters

OOC: yes I know the Gun is uber, and i don't want to be accused of godmodding so thats why I place extereme limits on how fast it can be fired, as well as how many time it can be fired. Also the Avenger is the only ship that has one. However, if any feels that it is god modding I will edit the post accordingly.

Tappee

26-01-2004, 21:20

triple

Tappee

26-01-2004, 21:21

post

Steel Butterfly

27-01-2004, 04:01

[OOC: I don't mind the Uber cannon as long as you don't overuse it - and that you don't destroy Apakoh or the Apparition cause they need to survive the battle.]

The blasts of the MSA's signified the decension of the dropships. Every eight units that were deployed held 5000 men. So far, all 5000 had been dealt with, but as the Resistance was quite limited, the Imperials did assign 25,000 men to drop down onto the planet.

Steel Butterfly

27-01-2004, 04:01

Celack

27-01-2004, 05:43

O.O.C. F***ING FORUMS! I posted along good post but it got deleted and then I had to run to work so i couldn't repost it. I'm condesing it now.

i.c. Kanosis' fleet reverted from hyperspace near Aesis. The bridge of the flagship, the Ucélô, was a buzz with many reports. The canning officer tunred to Kanosis

"Admiral sir, there are multiple vessles engaged in battle around the planet. Orders?"

"How long until we identify who is rebel and who is imperial?"

"30 seconds for the first vessleafter that we will aquire new targets at a rate of about 1 per second."

"Good. Make sure when we get our first target we let loose a salvo on them. Then follow up with firing on the other ships. Split the battlegroup into tac groups and assign each a target. Keep the aces up our sleeve though, unless we need them."

o.o.c. That is a very condensed version of my previous post(Arrgh) my necxt post I will begin shooting steel. I'm giving your fleet time to react. My fleet size is such

35 frieghters
1 Heavy Dreadnought
5 Dreadnoughts
5 Heavy battleships
10 Battleships
15 anti-fighter/small ship frigates
12 cruisers.
14 destroyers.

Tappee

27-01-2004, 06:47

[OOC: I don't mind the Uber cannon as long as you don't overuse it - and that you don't destroy Apakoh or the Apparition cause they need to survive the battle.]

OOC: like i said I can only use it five time before it burns out. And you can decide hits or miss, standard RP rules.

IC:

Commander Jefferys entered in Commander room aboard the Ithica2. He was the last too enter the room.

“Sorry I’m late” he quietly said. “What’s the situation”

Admiral Dodalla look away from the HOLO display and addressed his question “Captain Phobo has engaged the imperial fleet above Aesis.” She pointed at the HOLO display “Unfortunately he not in a position to prevent their forces from landing, when you and your people land you might find more resistance then early planed”

“Don’t worry about us, what the game plan once we entered the system” No had expect this trip to be easy, he knew that his men were up to the task.”

Dodalla let out a bit of sigh “As soon as we drop out of hyperspace we intend to take up position in a high orbit and begin the drop, you and your dropships will have a fighter escort. All I need to know is where you want to be dropped off.”

Jefferys reached for the nearest consol, and typed in a few commands changing the view on the HOLO display “According to intelligence this is where the Imperials were planning to strike.” He paused for a moment to allow Dodalla to make some calculations “I’m going to break my people into three groups. First two group will land here” He point to the area the area of the map that he intended to land “The third group will land near the rebel position to provide reinforcements”

Dodalla took a second to think over his plan. “So, if you drop there your planning to catch the imperial forces in a cross fire with the rebel forces” she looked over at him as he nodded his head. “Not a bad plan, but if you engage them that close we will not be able to provide artillery from our destroyers to support for your units, if we do then we may hit our people.”

“I know, I’d rather to cut off their support line, then provide fire support. We can allow them to fall back and regroup” answer Jefferys

“Very well, its still another hour or so till we reach the systems, I’d suggest that you and your people gear up, cause as soon as we are in system we are going to drop you.”

Jefferys gave her a salute then when to get ready for the coming battle.

http://img.atpictures.com/michellep/tn_michelle129.jpg
Admiral Dodalla

http://img.atpictures.com/samuel/tn_samuel14.jpg
Commander Jefferys

Steel Butterfly

28-01-2004, 00:59

Phyrric

28-01-2004, 05:59

Tag because there are some hot commanders that need attention from a single leader, lol

IC: Send message to the government of Steel Butterfly as follows:

"As we have relations in the past and look forward to relations in the future, Phyrric is willing to assist financially to quash the rebels. We have enjoyed a great number of years in profit and wish to continue such relations. State what you need, funds will be examined and response wired."

OOC: Phyrric will stay out militarily due to the tech level, I do not wish to RP a space war.

Steel Butterfly

28-01-2004, 10:41

[OOC: Ok, if I don't respond to your posts in a timely fashion, just kindly remind me. I'm essentially fighting against about five people...and myself...so it's kinda hard. I'm also trying to focus on the person to person aspect of war...and it's damn hard. I'm sure each of you understand.]

Sean shrieked in pain as the knife stuck into his upper back. He thought that all the Imperials were currently dead, but then again, on the surface the two sides looked exactly the same. The blade had entered through a hole which a gunshot had made, yet Sean never knew of the gunshot hitting his armor. The pain radiated throughout his body, almost as if it was an itch that needed to be scratched. Scratching the "itch" was pulling the surprisingly long blade out, spinning around, and slicing its surprised owner's head off.

Hearing gunfire behind him, Sean turned and throwing the knife at the man, opened fire with his dual polaron pulse pistols effectively eliminating the man. It was then when all around him explosions went off from the dropships above. One had been shot down, a full 625 lost in one blast, and now the others were becoming more agressive from the air. Diving into a pile of already dead bodies, Sean hid until the explosions stopped and the gunshots began once more.

Climbing out, he barely avoided one from his own kind, but the Rebel wouldn't stop shooting. Bastard thinks I'm an Imperial! Sean realized, and pulled up his rifle and shot the man in the head. With thi, Sean was one of the first soldiers to truely see the horrors of civil war.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry

Steel Butterfly

28-01-2004, 10:45

"As we have relations in the past and look forward to relations in the future, Phyrric is willing to assist financially to quash the rebels. We have enjoyed a great number of years in profit and wish to continue such relations. State what you need, funds will be examined and response wired."

.:Incoming Transmission from Phyrric:.
Channel Open - Response Initiated

"As always, as much as you are willing to spare would be appreciated. We currently have the situation under control, yet we are unaware of the damages that these rebels have caused, are causing, and will cause in the near future. Those who assist the Empire will be thanked quite grandly."

Channel Terminated

http://207.44.246.95/43/101/upload/p1.gif
Emperor Alexander Nemerov
Star Empire of Steel Butterfly,
In the Orion Sector which includes:
Steel Isle, Steel Moon,
CTaNbHaR Eabo4Ka, XIII,
Aeisis, Bivens, Esthar VIII
Orion Sector Alliance Premier,
Order of the Seraphim

Clairmont

28-01-2004, 11:56

Observation Position
Two kilometers from main
landing zone and combat area

"Damn, and i thought that the Battle of Mandrake Ridge was a tough one for the soldiers of the time." Corporal Vincenti spoke silently as he gazed at the battle ragind between the Rebel and Imperial forces.

"You can say that again, but remember that General Chan was against four brigades with two heavy battalions of his own in fortified positions." The other Corporal at his side answered.

"I know. But look at that." Vincenti gestured at Corporal Tarver at his side to look at the long-range digital image feed that they were receiving. The younger Corporal took the cue and looked.

It was truly a fight with hate involved in it. The Rebels were outnumbered but they didnt let that slow them down. Kicking and bashing the Imperials in a close-range fight, the Rebels were fighting with every ounce of rage and energy they had.

"Wish we could do something...." Tarver said with an edge of sorrow in his voice, but Vincenti was quick to be the voice of sweet reason.

"And what would you want us to do? We have 10 men, no Battle Armor or heavy weapons, we got our Pulser Rifles only and that single sniper rifle that Sergeant Kinsley insisted on bringing along, we couldnt do jack shit to change the outcome of this battle Jack and you know it."

The other Corporal sighed.
"Yeah, i guess so."

Steel Butterfly

28-01-2004, 15:01

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p95.jpg

Left for the Imperials was the 28th to the south, reinforced by the 29th, 30th, 31st, and 32nd who just landed, along with the remains of the 33rd who had been shot from the air. The 28th crossed the river to the south, engaging the 38th Rebel MI as the 29th crossed the same river to the north, engaging the Rebel 4th Marines. The 30th and 31st attacked the now scattered Rebel 27th as the 32nd advanced for where the bridge once was. The 2nd Rebel Marines, and the 48th Rebel MI both retreated to protecting the MSA units nearby where they were positioned.

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

Alexei saw the invaders approaching and signalled to Captain Spencer. The Captain was gathering a report on casualties and simply told the men to hold their ground.

"We're next," were the words Lt. Frost spoke, yet Alexei did not know what to make of them. He heard the guns fire from behind, signalling that the enemy was approaching.

"EMP missiles!" Alexei ordered as he saw the glint of the sun off of the shiny armor approaching.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p73.jpg
Captain Dimitri Spencer
Leader of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

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

Sean looked on as the 30th and 31st Imperial MI's landing basically on top of them, crushing more hope and dreams then actual men. His mind seemed to be above his body, watching the battle from afar, seeing himself slay men who a month ago were his allies.

Surrounded, he saw a man blow himself up, and now Sean contemplated the same fate. Attaching a plasma grenade to his chest, he unloaded on the enemy with his polaron rifle.

But even after all of this, death still frightened him, and he took the grenade off and threw it towards a large mass of men. The plasma exploded, literally melting not the strong armor but the men inside.

"What a horrible way to die," Sean said, emotionless, as he broke a man's neck in his hands and shot another.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry

Steel Butterfly

28-01-2004, 15:51

.:Transmission from Imperial Palace, Steel Butterfly to Order of the Seraphim Headquarters:.
Channel Open

"I come to you today myself, not with a representative, because of the grave nature of the situation. These rebels, led by my former representative to this very order, have murdered the Governor of Aeisis, declared themselves in open rebellion, and now have slaughtered many troops as we try to do nothing more than maintain the Empire which we have known and loved for so long. As the great Terran leader Abraham Lincoln once said, "A house divided cannot stand." All we of the Empire are trying to do in maintain the very house in which we live. If nothing more, we must have the Order's support. Our sovereignty is being threatened by these bastard rebels, as well as our very lives. If the Order cannot defend one of its very members, than what is its purpose to begin with?"

Channel Maintained...

http://207.44.246.95/43/101/upload/p1.gif
Emperor Alexander Nemerov
Star Empire of Steel Butterfly,
In the Orion Sector which includes:
Steel Isle, Steel Moon,
CTaNbHaR Eabo4Ka, XIII,
Aeisis, Bivens, Esthar VIII
Orion Sector Alliance Premier,
Order of the Seraphim

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

.:Transmission from Sir James Pierce to the nations of the Order of the Seraphim:.
Channel Open

"It has come to my attention that Emperor Nemerov, the once strong leader that will be forever tainted in the history books due to his fall into corruption, willingly or unwillingly, has came before you all begging for assistance. It amazed me how an Empire so strong can come to regard us a threat, unless there was more at stake than sheer numbers. No, the Empire which at a time was the pinnicle of perfection has sence descended into the very hells of society. Truely run by NiMBUS Biotechnologies for whatever reason, this current regime has for too long murdered innocents or mutated them for their very desires. While some, including the Emperor, hide behind what NiMBUS has done for the Empire (OOC: Cured Cancer, AIDS, HIV, etc.) those enlightened to their true nature must look past their generositites and not be blinded from the horrors of the truth. We ask the Order, not for assistance, for this is our path which we have chosen, but for acceptance and forgiveness as to what we have done and what we will do the Empire of the Orion Sector. I promise you, we will not stop our fight until our objective has been reached. Please do not waste live needlessly by blocking our path towards victory."

Channel Maintained...

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

28-01-2004, 16:53

The Orion Sector - 1615 hours MST
"Fire the EMP cannon!" Commander Johnson shouted. The five enemy frigates were pushed back like seashells with the tide. The frigates continued their automated course toward Steel Butterfly's planet, but the EMP field gave the fleet enough time to move out of the way. The commander took a sigh of relief and then said, "I want a check on those ships' design. I want to find out what nation is trying to make a deal with Steel Butterfly."

"Yes sir," replied Lieutenant Williams. It was starting to become a routine. Lieutenant Williams typed into his computer. A huge list of nations showed on the screen.

"Narrow down the list to those nations with hyperspace capability."

"Yes sir." Williams kept typing. The list of nations shortened in half.

"Now narrow down the list to those nations that are neutral to Steel Butterfly and would want to improve relations."

"Yes sir." The list shrank to only five. Commander Johnson thought for a while.

"Narrow down the list to those nations that have enough gold or other resources that can fill five frigates," he said. Lieutenant Williams typed some more. Only one nation's name remained on the screen.

[code:1:e66f74922c]The Great System[/code:1:e66f74922c]

Someone must have followed them from Deep Space....

Steel Butterfly

28-01-2004, 16:57

28-01-2004, 19:21

[OOC: Just so you know Nanak, there is no way imaginable that you could get near the planet of Steel Butterfly. It is overly guarded and patrolled, especially now in a time of war. Also...I'm assuming that those 5 frigates were not 5 frigates of mine?]

[OOC: This was not near a planet. The fleet can't go near any patroled area or else the cloak might be spotted. Those were five automated frigates of The Great System which the fleet ran into. The five frigates are loaded with gold and still on the way to the planet of Steel Butterfly. Nanakaland has just traced the nation that the frigates were from.]

28-01-2004, 19:33

The Orion Sector - 1625 hours MST
"That was too easy," said Lieutenant Williams. "I don't think we should intercept the frigates."

"Why?" asked Commander Johnson. "We've got to stop that from reaching Steel Butterfly's planet. Ready the Nanakaland Space Marines. We're going to board the ships."

"I have a feeling that that's a trap," Lieutenant Williams replied. "If the Great System really thinks that we are a threat, why would they send unarmed, unescorted, unmanned frigates through space to Steel Butterfly? They're just asking for us to board the frigates."

"So you're saying that they could have an escort?" the commander asked skepticly.

"Put back on the cloaking devices, now!" Williams shouted. It was too late. The "unarmed" frigates shot laser beams at the Nanakan capital ships. The shields were dropping. "They've opened fire! That'd give away our location to Steel Butterfly, too!" The shields of the Celestia was already on 60% - the Nanakan fleet couldn't handle much more....

28-01-2004, 19:41

As the Celestia dropped in it's shields, the set up was done. The frigates jettisoned their weapons segments and the weapons self-destructed. The frigates then automated damage in themselves. The frigates looked damaged. Now it would look as if the Nanakaland fleet had striked when the Steel Butterfly fleet would come....

28-01-2004, 19:44

"Retreat!" Lieutenant Walters shouted. "It's a trap!" Lieutenant Williams looked at her.

"I told you," he said. "Prepare to hyperspace out of here to earth."

"I'm the one who's supposed to give the orders here," the irritated commander said. "Prepare for hyperspace at my command." They had to hurry. It was clear that their shields couldn't handle running into any more hostiles....

Steel Butterfly

28-01-2004, 20:03

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p104.jpg

Four more Imperial units touched down, making the total men deployed so far for the Empire over 15,000, and almost 5,000 dead. All rebel units moved up except for the 48th MI and the 2nd Marines who were guarding the closest MSA's and the 1st Marines who were guarding the land where the bridge once connected. The 27th Rebel MI, hopelessly slaughtered, moved the 38 remaining men into the burning woods for safety, without the Imperials noticing.

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

"HOLD THIS GROUND!" Captain Spencer screamed over the wail of the explosions. The Imperial 32nd was crossing the river where the bridge had once been, and although the 2nd Marines were picking them off as they crossed, the Imperials were slowly making their way to the other shore.

Alexei ducked his head as a laser of sorts flew past where his head had been, got up, and shot two Imperials dead. Joseph Frost shouted in what seemed like joy as he picked countless officers off with his sniper. He's enjoying it?

"TOSS 'EM IN!" Spencer ordered, as privates pushed large plasma explosives into the stream. As they hit the soldiers, the ball-shaped plasma bombs burst, covering the soldiers in liquid hot gel. Once more the suits didn't get a scratch on them, yet the soldiers inside melted away. The yellow liquid, which like oil was less dense than the water, floated down the stream. The Marines continuted to pick off those Imperials who never entered the water until there was none left. They reloaded, and waited for the next onslaught.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p73.jpg
Captain Dimitri Spencer
Leader of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Steel Butterfly

28-01-2004, 20:33

"INTO THE FIRE!" Sean screamed at the thirty or so men remaining in the 27th. Few questioned this command that at any other time would be seen as crazy. Sean ran without looking at the newly landed units touching down to his right, or the sun slowly setting behind his left shoulder. Thirty men forgotten among thousands, they safely reached the hell grove.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry

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

The 29th Imperial MI had finished off the Rebel 41st quickly and now moved on to the northern most MSA on the battlefield, guarded by the 2nd Marines to the front and the 201st MI to the rear.

"Captain, they're closing in," Commander Eric Vinzer reported. The 2nd Marines had yet to do anything other than fire MSA's, but death waited for nobody, and was determined to bring the battle towards them.

"Remain calm," Captain Leon Williams ordered. He had fought many battles over many time periods, yet the feeling of dread wasn't something a person could overcome.

"200 yards," Eric continued. "150...100...Captain, what are your orders? Captain?" But Leon Williams now had a hole through his mid section and was lying on the ground. Even though Eric knew of Leon abilities, and that one of those was regeneration, the normally fatal wound would put the Captain out of commission for at least the battle. "Listen up!" Acting Captain Eric Vinzer ordered. "They will never get to the compound, understand? Today is not their day....no....THIS DAY IS OUR'S!"

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p341.jpg
Captain Leon Williams
Leader of the 2nd Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

Steel Butterfly

28-01-2004, 21:01

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p105.jpg

The Imperials were nearing 19,000 men landed as yet another wave touched down on a field much to small to hold them all. This time there was no lingering, as each unit charged as soon as their feet felt the dirt. The Rebels replied with the same force, as both sides charged blindly towards the river, most likely knowing their doom awaited them there.

The water was beginning to show a distinct tint of red until it reached the plasma where it was bright yellow. This still hot semi-liquid stood as a barrier between the 36th Imperial and the south-most MSA.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p106.jpg

Now with over 22,000 deployed, the Imperials were relieved as they won the mini-battle at the river and crossed to the other side with little in front of them. More men slaughtered, more trees lit on fire, and the battle was in full force.

"We got another wa..." A soldier reported to Eric before having his head blown clean off. Eric could hear the static from the comm link connection gone bad and switched to another channel. The 2nd Marines' numbers were going down, yet not as fast as their opponent, as is the goal in warfare.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

Steel Butterfly

28-01-2004, 21:22

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p107.jpg

Without landing any new men, the Imperials decided to fight with who they had for the time being. What that meant to the Rebels was another full-scale assault across the river.

"They don't ever fucking stop!" Eric screamed to himself as yet another unit lashed out at the MSA compound. Already waist-high in bodies, the 2nd Marines continued to fight, and continued to die, for the compound.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

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

"CHARGE!" was the command from the Captain. It didn't sound like the Captain he knew from before, yet it was his voice none the less. Alexei looked at Frost who had already gotten up and began to run towards the incoming Imperial unit. It was a pathetic way to die, running to your own death, but Alexei didn't look at it that way...he tried to imagine another place, away from the battle, and as he shot the life out of beings just like him, all he could see was sunshine in his mind, although the sun had already set.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p73.jpg
Captain Dimitri Spencer
Leader of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Steel Butterfly

28-01-2004, 21:23

Seraphim Order Embassy

29-01-2004, 01:01

OOC: Ignore please what was written here since I wasn't even sure this got through the first time.

Seraphim Military

29-01-2004, 02:30

A shadow figure in a shadowy room. Pulsating with dim white light from another room in some convoluted tunnel system. Blinking. Strobe.

On, off. On, off.

Who supports Nemerov from within a raspy, low voice echoes.

"H-High Imperator," a man begins to say, stammering involuntarily, "according to the CSFBI, he has the support of NiMBUS, assorted other corporate powers, and most of the Imperial Military..."

The usurper will fail to gain the Order support, and so we must condemn Pierce and his faction, and offer support to the Empire.

"Yes, s-sir."

We must have an investigation of our own, Core Commander. Find both sides of this conflict. We will see in the end whom, if anyone, we shall assist.

"Sir."

Now leave me, the voice utters, sending shivers of spiders and cold. Yet the air in the cave is warm, moist, coating skin with oily residue.

The Core Commander hastens his exit. He does not want to see what is about to occur.

But as he leaves his ears pick up the wretched sound. The wailing, the death cry, the awful, sudden stop.

Shaking, sweaty, his heart still shuddering, his mind fights briefly to preserve his sanity, and wins... this time.

Seraphim Military

29-01-2004, 02:31

-dang-

Seraphim Military

29-01-2004, 02:33

-dang-

Seraphim Order Embassy

29-01-2004, 04:46

[Quantum Encryption - Emperor Nemerov]

Start

As always, your presence in the Order has been noted and appreciated. We hope that you can bring about a swift resolution to these rebels and that their heads may adore pikes.

End

Order of the Seraphim (http://s2.invisionfree.com/Order_ofthe_Seraphim/index.php?act=idx)

OOC: Took ages to log on. How I love lag.

Tappee

29-01-2004, 07:21

OOC: when would it be a good time for my ground forces to arrive, I'm not sure what you have in mind for the rebel and didn't want to mess it up.

IC:

“Brace for impact” yelled Captain Phobo, as a nearby gunboat gave off a brief flash of light then disappeared. The Avenger shook as pieces of the ill-fated ship slammed into the Avenger. “Shield status”

“Shield at 95% and holding” Answered his TAC Officer.

So far the battle for space had been a even match, neither side had gained an upper hand, both had taken some losses. Phobo could only hope the rebels on the ground were holding their own. Glancing at his watch he worried his ground forces might not arrive in time to help the rebel ground forces out.

Steel Butterfly

30-01-2004, 04:24

[OOC: Tappee: Whenever they want, the battle is drawing to a close on the ground. The Imperials aren't going to simply keep pouring troops into a failed plan. They will most likely retreat from space. Remember, they don't take the rebels as serious as they should...and will pay for it. However, until then...]

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p108.jpg

As the crippled 2nd Marines continue to guard the northern-most MSA unit from the attackers, the 1st Marines assist the 81st Rebel MI in the burning wood path. It is now that the Imperials sense their defeat and begin lauching the explosives towards the surface.

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

"Hold 'em off!" Eric ordered, firing as fast as he could and the oncoming attack. They were winning, Eric could tell it, and it gave the men even more fear of dying so close to victory.

"It's a rainstorm, Commander!" Captain Leon Williams said, now fully healed, pointing towards the sky. Bright, glowing charges rained down from above.

"I'm on it!" Eric screamed, giving command back to the resurected Captain and sprinted towards the MSA entrance. He slid through the door as an explosion went off right above him, and slammed the door behind him.

"THIS WILL NOT BE HOW IT ENDS!" Eric screamed, firing the MSA's at the incoming blasts, and as he did so, another Marine said the exact same words...

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p341.jpg
Captain Leon Williams
Leader of the 2nd Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

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

"THIS WILL NOT BE HOW IT ENDS!" Alexei screamed, bashing an Imperial's unmasked face in with the butt of his rifle. "NOT HERE! NOT NOW! NOT TODAY!"

The trees overlooking the path were ablaze from the fighting and time to time fell down upon those fighting underneath. However, for the first time in a long time there were more Rebels, and the Resistance took those statistics to their full advantage.

"Captain down!" Lt. Frost shouted over the comm link, and Alexei was about to order his takeover of the 1st Marines when he realized that Frost meant the Imperial Captain and not their own. Soon there were only stragglers, yet there were still live soldiers among the dead. Grabbing a blazing tree branch, Alexei and the other Marines began lighting the bodies, dead or alive.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

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

"THIS IS OUR TIME!" Lieutenant Sean Athens screamed, pulling out his sword, which was standard issue among soldiers. "OUTNUMBERED 200 TO 1, ALL I ASK IS THAT YOU MAKE THE MOST OF IT!" The 36 men who were hiding in the burning grove exited, and charged towards the full unit of Imperials towards the south. Sean hoped that the element of surprise would be of assistance, yet he also knew hope was not what won wars.

And with that, off in the southwest of the battlefield, a MSA unit and two Rebel MI groups were destroyed in a huge explosion which rocked the ground, indenting in it the ashes of those destroyed so easily.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry

Steel Butterfly

30-01-2004, 05:03

If you're interested: Steel Butterfly Imperial Q&A (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2666512#2666512)

Steel Butterfly

30-01-2004, 05:03

If you're interested: Steel Butterfly Imperial Q&A (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2666512#2666512)

Clairmont

30-01-2004, 13:00

"Holy crap Gunny!" The young private yelled from her observation position.

Gunnery Sergeant Iris Babcock had also seen the flash and now gazed at the screens filled with visual feed. A huge explosion had wiped out two of the Rebel MI groups and even a single MSI group.

"What the hell was that?" The private asked.

To be certain, Babcock wasnt sure, could have been a lot of things.

"Could have been a kinetic strike." Lieutenant Dixon said from behind the two Marines.

"Possibly sir."

"In any effect, we are going to get a closer look." The Lieutenant said and Babcock heard the private beside her inhale sharply.

"Sir, is that wise? The area is still filled with both Rebel and Imperial troops and we have strict orders to keep our existance here secret." Babcock answered with a carefull voice of reason.

Unlike many other officers who could have exploded from recieving this kind of words from a subordinate, Dixon simply replied without any tone of contempt or anger.

"I am aware of our orders Gunny, but the fact is that we've lost 3 observation drones and we cant fullfill our mission parameters if we dont see whats happening."

"Allright sir."

"We'll move out in five, we move in pairs with a good dispersion. We stay under cover."

In five minutes, the 10 marines were moving again. This time they were moving closer to the combat area.

Steel Butterfly

31-01-2004, 03:45

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p109.jpg

"We have orders to move on to the southern most MSA unit," Captain Spencer said as he stopped trying to put out the fires in the trees. "Lets get a move on."

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p73.jpg
Captain Dimitri Spencer
Leader of the 1st Marines

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

As the 2nd Marines marched half-heartedly down the bloody and war-torn fields, they kept their eyes forward, not focusing in on the death. Eric though, couldn't keep his eyes off of them. How many of these men, on both sides, had he known? How many would he have met in the future?

"This is no victory," he said to himself, and yet by military standards they had won, they outlasted the Imperial invasion...but at what cost?

As they came to the river, they looked to the other side and saw their own kind, something not expected in the least. Helping the Rebels over, Eric addressed them as Captain Williams tended to his wounds. "Report, soldier!"

"Lieutenant, sir," Sean Athens replied, wiping the dried spit and blood from the sides of his mouth. "Lieutenant Sean Athens, 27th Aeisisian Mobile Infantry."

"...and the rest of your company?" Eric replied, looking over the five men who they helped cross the river. One was clutching his shoulder as two others carried one who apparently had no legs.

"We're it," Sean said, looking at the ground. "...sir."

"Lieutenant?"

"I TOLD YOU!" Sean lashed out, letting a single tear run down his cheek. He did not feel sad, and no more followed, yet the sole tear told all of his true emotions. "The five of us," he continued, more calm this time.

And for some reason that was shocking to Eric. For a man who had seen half of his unit fall in only a day, the enormous percentage of the 27th MI that had died was staggering. What difference did it make - 68% or over 99% dead? Eric did not know, but as he looked into Sean's eyes, he almost felt as if what he just went though was nothing, and the 2nd Marines had defended their MSA unit from countless attacks and vicious onslaughts...

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry

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

What they had just done didn't sink in for Alexei just yet. They had repelled an Imperial invasion, something not done in centuries. They had effectively eliminated near 25,000 Imperial troops, and had the Imperials landed their last few units, they would have got them all....perhaps...

All Alexei knew was that war was hell, no matter if you are a trained soldier or a commoner with a rifle. He was amazed that no pirate units had survived, but then again they were mostly in space, and should be reaching the planet by now. The Imperials had expected the battle to go shorter, and the Rebels longer, but not even Alexei had expected it to be in a day.

Close to 80,000 soldiers died in one day...how many days would this war go on? How many more soldiers needed to die so that everyone would be saved from NiMBUS's tyranny? Alexei wasn't sure...but it wasn't his job to be sure. It was his job to kill...just as NiMBUS made it their job to kill. Alexei tried to justify his killing in his head, but right now his mind was tired, and he needed to rest soon. He knew though, that rest would not come for some time.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

Celack

31-01-2004, 03:49

"Sir we have limited identification on which ships are the the imperial ones and which one are rebels. So far we have over 10 enemy targets identified, no rebel ships, and several neutral who we assume are allies because they are engaging the imperial ship. We believe, due to the ship type, that they may be Tappese. Orders?"

"On my mark the dreadnoughts will fire their gauss cannon at a different target each. Have ours target the largest ship. The battleships, destroyers and cruisers attack the remaining bit with their turbolasers. After the first volley the dreadnoughts should also use their turbolasers. One final thing try to contact our friends the Tappese. Let's see if they reply.....MARK"

On each dreadnought the nose plates opened up and fired a shell from the gauss cannons. The shells moved at sublight speeds towards their targets. The Ucélô bow opened up reveling tow cannons which launched the two shells at the largest fleet that the imperials had. Flash of light filled the void between the fleet as the smaller ships in the Celackian battlegroup opened fire.

http://carnage.bungie.org/rogerwilco/images/dreadnought_01.jpg
The Ucélô and the other 5 dreadnoughts.

o.o.c. Tappee I hope you pick up the hail from my battlegroup. Steel, You might want to take notice of this large fleet firing at you.

Steel Butterfly

31-01-2004, 04:10

Captain Lusec Apakoh stood with his legs shoulder length apart and his hands crossed behind his back in the Captain's room on the SSF Apparition. The invasion had failed, he realized, and although it had nothing to do with him and no effect on his status either, each Imperial leader felt the pain of insult given to them by the victorious rebels.

He could hear those on the bridge rambling on about frigates being destroyed yet Apakoh didn't care. They couldn't touch the Apparition, which was very much one of the finest ships the Imperials had. Even in this war zone...he felt at ease...

"We lost them," he said on his viewscreen.

"I know, Captain," Sky Marshall Zephyr replied from some place far away from the battle.

"Why?"

"We under-estimated the opposition," General Drake Grey said as the screen split in two. "And we didn't expect the MSA's."

"What's happened to our intelligence? Even I, a young man, can remember it unmatched among nations...and now..." Apakoh asked, completely disregarding rank.

"Ever since..." Zephyr started, catching himself. "Captain, please, you are in the middle of a war zone, lets take action..."

"I'm leaving," Apakoh said. "I won't be leading my men to their death. We are quickly becoming outnumbered as more and more races take up arms against us, all bringing their fleets to Aeisis. We even have Orion Pirates on radar."

"YOU WILL NOT LEAVE UNTIL I TELL YOU TO, CAPTAIN!" Zephyr roared.

"Sir?"

"...retreat, Captain..."

Captain Apakoh was an odd sight entering from the dark room unto the highly lit bridge. He was calm, as others ran frantically around him from consol to consol, checking the fleet's every statistic.

.:Outgoing Transmission to the Invasion Fleets:.
Channel Secure

"I, Captain Lusec Apakoh, am hereby ordering all members of the Imperial invasion taskforce to retreat back into more protected space. Each ship will do so under sensor-less cloak, and in different directions. We will regroup at the following sectors. Make haste and God's speed."

Channel Terminated

The men and women on the bridge stopped and looked at the Captain in disbelief. This was their space...their home...and they were retreating. However the Captain's glare was enough to quiet their questions as they went about their duty.

To the outsiders, the fleet suddenly disappeared and quickly engaged their warp drives. Apakoh did not care if they somehow caught hold of them on sensors and followed, for they were going to even bigger fleets. Perhaps then they would get the win that they so deserved...

15 ships were lost, not including dropships. 2 destroyers, 9 frigates, and 4 gunships. It was the greatest single-battle loss in decades.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p61.jpg
Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr
Commander of the Imperial Fleet and Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p353.gif
General Drake Grey
Commander of the Imperial Mobile Infantry

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p126.jpg
Captain Lusec Apakoh
81st Imperial Marines

Celack

31-01-2004, 04:11

o.o.c. Not to sounds anxious or prideful but how ships did my fleet destroy?

Steel Butterfly

31-01-2004, 04:17

[OOC: Four, which is not bad considering the caliber of ships that were destroyed. 1 gunship and 3 frigates go down as Celack victories. Remember, Tappee had been fighting me all "day". However, unless one of your ships destroyed themselves or got caught the wrong way by a random energy beam, I doubt you have casualties, unlike Tappee who should have quite a few or at least the same amount.]

Celack

31-01-2004, 04:19

They wouldn't have had any casualties. now on to teh next pahse of the roleplay. Kanosis trying to contact the rebels on the surface and offer them supplies, like armored vehicles,weapons, medical supplies ETC.

Valinon

31-01-2004, 06:10

OOC: Damn it all, I lost this thread for awhile. Is it too late to enter now? Or is the action even on Steel Isle and Biven anymore?

Valinon

31-01-2004, 06:10

OOC: Damn it all, I lost this thread for awhile. Is it too late to enter now? Or is the action even on Steel Isle and Biven anymore?

Tappee

31-01-2004, 10:24

“Captain the Imperial fleet is repositioning it fleet” yelled out the Avengers TAC office.

“Bring it up on the HOLO” barked Phobo. Watching the fleet movement he soon realized what was happening. “The enemy fleet is withdrawing”

There was a brief silence as everyone bridge realized what his words actually meant.

“Sir, what are your orders? Set a pursuit course?” asked the TAC officer.

Phobo took a moment to consider his options “Negative, order the fleet to stand down, and create a defensive perimeter. Enough blood has been drawn for one day. Dodalla and the RRD should be arriving soon.”

The day had been theirs. However, the opponent had not been expecting their arrival, there would be many more battles until this was finished. His COM officer interrupted his thoughts.

“Sir we’ve just received a Hail from the Celack fleet”

Nodding in acknowledgement Phobo rose from his chair, and began walking to his ready room. “Very well put them through to my office.” Taking a seat his desk Phobo turned on his COM screen “Captain Phobo, of the THSBS Avenger, what can I do for you”

http://img.atpictures.com/ed/tn_ed44.jpg

Tappee

31-01-2004, 10:26

Clairmont

31-01-2004, 11:59

HMS Artemis
System Edge 45 Light-Minutes from Aesis
Orion Sector

Captain Julia McHale gazed at the holo tank in a state of mixed confusedness and understanding. Altough she understood the strategical reasons why the Imperial fleet was retreating, she couldnt still fully absorb it.

"Imperial fleet has left the area....." Her tactical officer reported to her, she could only nod in response.

"Orders Skipper?" Her first officer asked from beside her.

"Umm, we are going in." She responded finally.

"Ma'am?"

"We need to get a count for fleet losses, and we need to survey the situation more, we cant do that from here." She responded calmly.

"Aye ma'am."

"Astrogation, we need to get within atleast two light minutes of Aesis, calculate the least time course please."

The astrogator punched numbers to his console and turned back with a response.

"We should take heading one-five-five-zero-zero, maximum acceleration for four hours, turnover in four-point-one hours."

"Negative on maximum acceleration astro, remember that "merchants" dont run around with 500 G's of acceleration. Make it 250."

"Aye ma'am. In that case, we would have a turnover in eight-point-four hours."

"Acknowledged, comms notify the Rapier to stay put, astro, execute."

The astrogator executed the course order and as one, the twin stressed gravity bands of an Impeller wedge snapped to place on the HMS Artemis and it lurched forward at 250 Gee's of acceleration, heading for Aesis.

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

Planet Aesis

The five Marines crouched down low under the cover they had and gazed over the fields that had just a little time before been a field of death.

Gunnery Sergeant Iris Babcock had seen her share of fields of battle. Indeed, at the Battle of Rusarin Fields, she had watched silently over a field where tens of thousands of pulser darts had torn into bodies all around and the sight had been a field coloured with the blood of the victims of those pulser rounds. But there had been only two thousand men total at Rusarin Fields.... in here, eighty thousand men had died.

She sighed heavully and felt the hand of Lieutenant Dixon on her shoulder.

"I know gunny, its goddamn madness."

"Yeah, and this was just the opening battle of the civil war."

The Lieutenant fell silent and gazed at the same sight.

"These are the results of battle Gunny."

Babcock didnt answer, there was no answer in her mind right now.

"But those men died bravely in battle, and by god if i allow anyone who has gone thru that hell die on a field filled with dead bodies." The Lieutenant said suddenly.

"What do you mean sir?"

"We are going down there, to take a look if anyone is still alive and if they are, well we will help any Rebel wounded back to their camps and see to it that Imperial wounded will be treated properly."

"Sir, we have strict orders to remain under cover." Babcock heard herself say, it had to be said, for the record.

"I know, and the responsibility is fully mine. We are going there, i want Sergeant Vincenti's squad to remain here, in-case something happens to us."

There was no changing the Lieutenants determination, he was a soldier, and not only that, he was a Marine. He had the in-built feeling of obligation to help those who had wounded in a honourable battle. And that's what he was going to do.

The five marines marched to the field, dispersed widely and each pair of eyes checking the area for anything, yet living but wounded soldiers, Rebel or Imperial troops....

imported_Cspalla

31-01-2004, 18:19

Robert Fyre read the reports of the battle with a deep sense of shock. Steel Butterfly…lost? Against some band of rebels? It was impossible.

And if they can loose, Cspalla can too.

"What's our fleet readiness?"

Admiral Arkay Petrovich fielded that one. "Sir, We have the fourth, fifth, and sixth posed along the boarder, ready to enter Orion space on any mission. The seventh and eighth have been reinforced with sensor craft to fully assume patrols on the Steel Butterfly boarder. All planetary defense forces are on high deployment to compensate for the lack of fleet forces."

"What about the Command Ship?"

Arkay thought that would come up. For several years, a nearly all of the Cspallan Armed Forces expansion budget had been dedicated towards building a massive command ship. It was the biggest ship they ever built, and bristled with all kinds of weapons systems.

"Sir, its ready. They only have plasma for one city-buster cannon of the four, but outside of that, it can ship out within a few hours."

"Get it ready. I want you, Admiral Petrovich, to take it out to command the force. I have a feeling I'm going to be moving it in soon. "

Cspallan Command Curiser (http://s2.invisionfree.com/Really_Werid_Place/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=3)

Steel Butterfly

31-01-2004, 19:31

OOC: Damn it all, I lost this thread for awhile. Is it too late to enter now? Or is the action even on Steel Isle and Biven anymore?

[OOC: It is not too late to enter the war...but it's too late for the battle. Don't worry, another one will come soon. The action was never on Steel Isle or even Bivens for that matter though...Aeisis was the site of the first and current battle.]

Steel Butterfly

31-01-2004, 20:27

Steel Butterfly

31-01-2004, 20:28

"How many men were lost?" James Pierce asked General Michael Sherman, expecting a high number. Pierce straightened his tie and the cuffs of his sleeves.

"We only have estimates at this time, sir," the general replied. "But we're guessing over 50 K." Pierce winced at the last words. The number was quite unsettling. "...as a minimum..." Sherman finished.

"Such things are to be expected," Pierce mused, as much to himself as to the general. Yet he hadn't expected it, had he? No, he knew all along that it would happen, but the reality of the death toll hadn't hit him until now. Either way, it would not effect his plans.

"At times..." General Sherman replied. "The survivors are gathering at the southern most MSA unit on the battlefield as ordered." Now his tone was lighter, they had just won afterall.

"Good, set up a communications link," Pierce responded.

"Viewscreen, sir?"

"No," instructed Pierce. "Holographic representation, these people need physical leaders at a time like this, and while we see why we must lead from an office, men who have just seen over half of their co-patriots die will not. We must 'be' there, even if security, along with our cause, will not permit us."

"Sir..." Sherman began. "I'm not sure how long we can last. Both sides suffered rather equal losses. However, while the Imperials will have their units up and running once more by tomorrow, we do not share the same luxury. The pirates are more than willing..."

"Of course they're more than willing!" Pierce shot back. "Because they know something is in it for them! We cannot allow ourselves to become dependant on these criminals if we intend to be taken seriously by the galactic community. They are here to help us win this war, nothing more. Until they wish to become civilized again...nothing more..."

"I understand, sir." the general said, opening the door to the holoroom. "I'm glad you do as well..."

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p338.jpg
General Michael Sherman
Commander of the Mobile Infantry

Valinon

31-01-2004, 21:28

OOC: Thanks, Steel, I only have a small group in Steel Isle, I think, and a couple of intel and couriers in Bivens....or did.... What would be their status (the Biven ships).

Melnikov enters his cabin, holding the dispatches from the courier ship that had just came to the Steel Isle system. After taking a few moments to work through the encrypts, he begins to disect his new orders.
It was what he expected. The tour of the Amington and her accompanying "private security" ISSSF ships was to be extended indefinately, on the direct orders of His Majesty, Lord Supreme Commander Hanse, the Admiralty, and the United Guilds of Valinon. The secessionist movement and the recent battles Aeisis had His Majesty and the Diet worried.
He sighs at the other orders, he must have the freighters return to the nearest Valinor station as soon as possible. Which means he will have to detach a destroyer and a few fighters to escort them.
He curses, wishing that the small force he had was larger, but then sends a message to the commander of the ISSSF destroyer Deacon.

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

A few hours later, the four Valinor freighters, holds refilled with the goods of the Steel Empire, depart from orbit. They are followed by an ISSSF destroyer. The Inter-Solar System Security Force is a bizarre conglomeration of many ships, funded and armed by the corporate will of the United Guilds of Valinon. The fact that various corporations contribute various ships and various personnel means that the ISSSF has little, if any, standardization.
Their ships are a bizarre force, some designed recently, other retired Star Armada ships, and still a large portion are made in the yards over Prometheus Centauri and Proxima Centauri III, meaning that they reflect the ships of the now defeated Dominion of Outer Centauri.
So the force that escorts the freighters is a mismatched one. The Deacon, a destroyer manufactured by the Artemis Spaceworks, Incorporated, is screened by a squadron of Saishou class fast interceptors. Dubbed the Neo Zero this fighter was the base force of the Dominion, or rather the insurgency forces that helped Valinon claim victory over the Dominion.
Once they have cleared the requirements of the Atmospheric Guard, the Neo Zeroes come in close to the destroyer, using grapplers to attack themselves to the hulls of the destroyer and the freighters. Then the small convoy hyperspaces, leaving the Amington, a ISSSF frigate, and two destroyers in the orbital facilities of Steel Isle.

http://www.wolfsshipyard.mystarship.com/Drawings/Earth/Oracle.gif
The Deacon

http://claw.solsector.net/ships/dralthi.gif
Saishou-class interceptor, the "Neo Zero"

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

Lord Stanway prepares a message to Emperor Nemerov. He looks over it one last time before sending it.

Your Majesty,

The solemn greetings of His Majesty, Emperor Rowald Alderman I, go to you in this time of grave affairs for the Steel Empire. However, I come to you to make a proposition in the name of Emperor Rowald and the Imperial Diet of the Valinor.
We realize that it may come a time when you need assistance in this internal matter. The United Star Empire of Valinon is willing to stand by you to help you despel of these rebels and insurgents. If you wish it, a battle group of His Majesty's Star Armada will come to your aid as soon as you ask it.
Please bear in mind this is an offer made by a concerned friend of the interstellar community, and by it we mean no ill will. May God be with you at this time.

Sincerely,
Lord Holbrook Stanway,
His Majesty's Ambassador to the Star Empire of Steel Butterfly

Steel Butterfly

01-02-2004, 02:52

.:Incoming Transmission from Lord Stanway of Valinon:.
Channel Pre-Recorded

.:Message to Lord Stanway of Valinon:.
Channel Secure

"Perhaps one day the Empire will require the assistance of a nation in its internal struggles. However, my dear child, today is not that day. Your pity is not wanted here. These...murderers of thousands will soon be dealt with. It is only natural...the more criminals you have, the longer it takes to deal with them. Rest assured, that the Empire has always dealt with terrorists swiftly and now will be no different. Carry on, Lord Stanway, for this business is nearly over."

Channel Terminated

http://207.44.246.95/43/101/upload/p1.gif
Emperor Alexander Nemerov
Star Empire of Steel Butterfly,
In the Orion Sector which includes:
Steel Isle, Steel Moon,
CTaNbHaR Eabo4Ka, XIII,
Aeisis, Bivens, Esthar VIII
Orion Sector Alliance Premier,
Order of the Seraphim

Steel Butterfly

01-02-2004, 03:06

"An excellent response, indeed..."

Nemerov never looked up from his work anymore. He had gotten used to the voice and knew it would soon "become" the man who spoke, at least in holographic form. He stopped tapping his pen and began bouncing his leg as he sat.

"Why so silent, good Nemerov?"

"Just give it to me," Nemerov replied, his hand shaking as he signed a paper giving the military more money to fight the war.

"You already have it," the voice laughed.

"This is NOT the time for games!" Nemerov shot back, standing up. He sat back down again before standing once more and pounding his desk. "Where the hell is it?"

"Calm down, calm down, good man," the voice said, materializing into Dr. Ackerman. "It's behind that plant, there."

Nemerov looked where the doctor pointed and indeed there was a metal briefcase behind the small tree in his office. Nemerov ran over and opened the case on the floor. Relief would be soon.

http://207.44.246.95/43/101/upload/p1.gif
Emperor Alexander Nemerov
Star Empire of Steel Butterfly,
In the Orion Sector which includes:
Steel Isle, Steel Moon,
CTaNbHaR Eabo4Ka, XIII,
Aeisis, Bivens, Esthar VIII
Orion Sector Alliance Premier,
Order of the Seraphim

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p340.jpg
Dr. Robert Ackerman
CEO, President, and Lead Developer
NiMBUS Biotechnologies

Steel Butterfly

01-02-2004, 03:36

"E naxiena drnicdan tnejac," the horned man said as he entered the massive skyscraper on the planet of Bivens. The building was indeed the Bivens Co. Headquarters and the man, dressed in white and off-white robes had a bodyguard of seven men, each armed, surrounding him.

"Eh...excuse me?" the lady at the desk responded. "Can I help you?"

"E naxiena drnicdan tnejac," the man repeated. "E ys Luhcim Ngunmyh Jryfah, Kujanhun uv Drendaah." Still the lady seemed confused.

"E famlusa oui du Pejahc, Luhcim Ngunmyh Jryfah. E ys Tyja Pejahc, dra LAU uv drec lusbyho yht dra kujanhun uv drec bmyhad," Dave Bivens said, stepping through a door into the main entrance. He held out his hand and the horned man shook it. "Bmayca, drec fyo." Bivens led the men into what seemed to be a conference room and then addressed the secretary before joining them.

"Who are they?"

"Zabrak, from the planet of XIII," Dave told her. Rich beyond the imagination, Dave's father had sent him to study at XIII and learn the culture. Being that the Zabrak kept to themselves and the Empire let them as long as they paid their taxes, not many humans interacted with them.

"You mean they're in the Empire?" The secretary asked, surprised. Bivens nodded and then entered the room, locking the door behind him.

"Huf, fryd ryja oui lusa rana vun?" Bivens asked the man, obviously the leader, as he sat down.

"It is not often one finds a human who can understand our tounge, much less speak it with such flair," the man said. "I am impressed with your understanding, Mr. Bivens. It is a shame really. Most Zabrak know both English and Russian, yet humans rarely fully understand the language spoken to them at birth."

"Perhaps if you were more open about your ways, Consul Vhawen," Bivens said.

"Nonsense," Vhawen replied, shaking his head. "It is for you to be more open to our ways. We have always been here, Mr. Bivens, and rarely do humans care."

"Just how you like it, eh?" Bivens said, smiling as he took a sip of his frecgao ale. Zabraks liked their alcohol strong, and so did Bivens. "Drnicdanc means thrusters, does it not?"

"Yes," Vhawen frowned. "NiMBUS parts do not go well with our ships." It was long known that the Zabrak of XIII did not use Imperial ships or the Imperial Military for that matter. They had ships of their own, and although the humans learned much from their direct neibors, they insisted on creating their own vessels.

There were three species of humanoid life within the Empire. Humans, both Russian and English speaking, inhabited the planets of Steel Butterfly, Steel Moon, Steel Isle, Aeisis, Bivens, and Esthar VIII. However, the Zabrak solely inhabited the deserts of the planet known only as XIII, and a large population of Worthens, cat-like people, lived in their native forests of CTaNbHaR Eabo4Ka. However, while the Worthens were content with tribes, knives, and arrows, the Zabrak were just as much a technological equal to the humans in the sector.

"NiMBUS does not go well with many things," Bivens said, shaking his drink in the glass.

"Aqlabd dra Asbanun, dryd ec..." the Zabrak responded. It meant simply, "Except the Emperor, that is..."

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p357.jpg
Dave Bivens
President/CEO of Bivens Co.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p97.jpg
Consul Rkorlan Vhawen
Governor of XIII

01-02-2004, 03:58

OOC: Looks like I'll finally post ICly. Major setbacks for you.

IC: Orion Sector, X: 2192, Y: 9220, Z: 5465

The space battleship Albion and space fortresses Libra and Peacemillion, led by the Gundam pilots Nova Starfighter (pilot, Wing Gundam Zero V2 [not the Zero Custom]), Zechs Merquise (pilot, Tallgeese III), and Duo Maxwell (pilot, Deathscythe Hell Custom), respectively, streamed largely unnoticed surrounded by stealth Virgos and backed up by a main force of Virgos, Tauruses, Leos, RGM mobile suits, and the three Gundams.

Duo: "Hey, Nova. You think we can keep up our stealth techniques for much longer?"

Nova: "I dunno. Probably not, considering we're getting into more and more settled territory. The Empire's bound to keep up their defenses around these organized lands."

Zechs: "In that case, we might as well drop the Virgo stealth mode and enter fully-fledged attack mode. After all, the main force won't be far behind."

Space Battleship Albion
http://www.northarc.com/images/gundam/gundam0083.albion.jpg

Space Battleship Libra
http://www.angelfire.com/gundam/operationlibra/main_1.jpg

Space Battleship Peacemillion
http://www.0system.com/gundamw/gallery/mecha/non-ms/peacemillion/01.jpg

Tappee

01-02-2004, 03:59

“All hands to battle stations” yelled Admiral Dodalla as the fleet was preparing to make the drop from hyperspace. “TAC transfer control of weapon systems to manual control” she was expecting to drop into the middle of battle, the last thing she wanted was to be caught off guard as they enter the system, for a brief moment when they came out of hyperspace they would loose all sensors.

Dodalla glanced over at her NAV officer “Bring us out”

The ground rumbled a bit as they came out of hyperspace. There was an uneasy calm as the crew waited for sensor to come back online. Glancing at her watch Dodalla waited for their sensor to come back.

“Bring up the HOLO” she said when her watch hit zero.

“Ma’am according to sensors there are no Imperial ship in the system” yelled out the TAC officer.

Looking at the HOLO she could see that it was true. “Hail the Avenger” more then anything she wanted to know what had happened.

Within in moment an image appear in the main screen. It was Commander Roberson, the Avengers First officer.

“Commander, where is Captain Phobo. More importantly were is the Imperial fleet.” Asked Dodalla

It didn’t take him long to respond. “Captain Phobo received a hail from the Celack fleet, he’s talking to them as we speak. As for the Imperial fleet they withdrew shortly before you arrived.”

“What are our losses”

“We loss 12 ship. However, the rebels on the ground took quiet a betting, I’m sure that they could use some assistance.” Answered the Commander.

“Very well Commander, tell Captain Phobo that I wish to speak with him when he is finished.” With the she ended her transmission.

“TAC I want to you to coordinate with the Rebel command. I want MED teams sent down to the surface ASAP. Contact the MED labs on all our ships have them prepare to receive injured.” They had missed the battle, all they could do now was try to save as many as they could.

http://img.atpictures.com/michellep/tn_michelle129.jpg
Admiral Dodalla

Celack

01-02-2004, 04:05

01-02-2004, 04:11

The NSS Celestia - 1700 hours MST
"Our ships can't go undetected forever and our shields are at 60%," explained Lieutenant Williams. "We must hyperspace now."

"Go ahead," replied Commander Johnson. "Set coordinates to the Nanakaland Moon Colony. We don't have much time." A few moments later, the fleet entered hyperspace. "We'll be back... we'll be back with help. We came in neutral and we will come back ready to attack Steel Butterfly's empire!"

http://www.actiontrip.com/reviews/pics/homeworldcataclysm4s.jpg
The NSS Celestia

Tappee

01-02-2004, 04:14

“As I said my name is Sam Phobo. We are here because sometime ago a corporation called NiMbus destroyed a city in Tappee, to cover up it experiments there, just over 300,000 people died in the attack. The current SB government has been providing protection for NiMbus, and thus we hold them equally accountable. As we speak more an more Tappee military personal should be arriving in system to help aid the Rebels in their cause. When Admiral Dodalla arrives I will arrange a meeting with the two you”

little did the Phobo know the rest of the fleet had already arrived.

http://img.atpictures.com/ed/tn_ed44.jpg

Celack

01-02-2004, 04:21

"We are here for similar reasons then. Our spies have revealed the atrocities that NiMbUs has done and that the current government is not only coverning up the crimes and protecting NiMbUs but it is almost certainly run by NiMbUs itself. I would appreicate the meeting beacuase we can then ,plan stegiacally. I have one more thing to ask, do you have contact with the rebels on the surface? we wish to send them supplies."

Steel Butterfly

01-02-2004, 04:30

[OOC: Please be realistic with your Mechs. I am not a fan of them myself, but I'm trying to be more open minded as of late.]

"Lost?" Lieutenant Commander Kyle Bruno asked, shocked. "LOST?" he asked again, more angry this time. "WE DIDN'T FU CKING EVEN GO OUT!"

"I know, L.C.," Captain DeAngelo White replied. "But da brass say we not goin' out, and we do what da brass say."

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p127.gif
Captain DeAngelo White
106th Mobile Infantry

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p354.jpg
Lieutenant Commander Kyle Bruno
106th Mobile Infantry

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

Captain Lusec Apakoh stepped out of the shuttle onto Monarch Heights, the upper-level of the planet-city of Steel Butterfly. A slight rain was falling as the clouds covered up the mid-day sun. "The Emperor wished to speak with me," he told the guards as they welcomed him and brought him under shelter.

"Right this way," one said as they led him into a lavish waiting room and departed. Apakoh flipped up his eyepatch and looked in the mirror. His optical implant stared back at him, giving him a readout of the type of materal the mirror was made up of. Blinking, he could see right through the mirror and into the wall itself.

He had lost his eye in combat, yet through the implant, his effectiveness in battle had grown substantially. Constant readout were pouring onto the "screen" and he could see far beyond what any known species could. However, while realistic looking, the constant change of patterns in the eye itself, along with the Empire's fear and hatred of anything associated with AI, forced Apakoh to cover it up with his patch as the Emperor joined him in the room, making it nothing more than any other battle scar a soldier had.

"You have a report for me?" A much calmer Nemerov asked, extending his hand. Apakoh did not shake it.

"We were sent, unprepared and pathetically arrogant into battle, a battle which we lost many good men in," Apakoh snapped.

"Such is the nature of your job, Captain," Nemerov said, without the smile leaving his face. "Next time we'll be more ready. These terrorists will fall soon enough."

"With all respect, sir. These men are not terrorists,"

"And who are you to be the judge of that? Naturally my experts are wrong, yet you, a captain quite full of himself, is right," Nemerov said, jokingly. Apakoh scowled.

"It is not a question of right and wrong," Apakoh growled. "We lost, Emperor!"

"Then fight better next time!" Nemerov snapped back. "I fail to see how this becomes my fault!"

"You ordered us to our death!" Apakoh said. He couldn't believe Nemerov. This was not the Emperor he once knew. "And you seem perfectly ok with doing it time and again!"

"YOU ARE A SOLDIER!" Nemerov bellowed, his voice echoing through the room. "IT IS YOUR JOB TO DIE, FOOL!" He straightened his tie and walked towards the door. "And you're right. I'm the one who gives that order, and you follow it. It will do you well, Captain, to learn your role in this vast Empire."

Apakoh cursed the man as he exited the room.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p126.jpg
Captain Lusec Apakoh
81st Imperial Marines

http://207.44.246.95/43/101/upload/p1.gif
Emperor Alexander Nemerov
Star Empire of Steel Butterfly,
In the Orion Sector which includes:
Steel Isle, Steel Moon,
CTaNbHaR Eabo4Ka, XIII,
Aeisis, Bivens, Esthar VIII
Orion Sector Alliance Premier,
Order of the Seraphim

Celack

01-02-2004, 05:28

In the comm room on the indefatigable, one of the dreadnoughts, several men were trying to hail the rebels on the planets surface.

Tappee

01-02-2004, 05:43

Sirens could be heard in the background as the MED team lined up outside the airlock. They where waiting for the atmosphere to be created in the launch bay, the longer it took the more would die.

This would be the first of the ships to arrive, those that where aboard we their follow brothers, injured from the first battle fleet. All the MED labs for the main battle fleet were full, they were no sending the injured the 2nd Battle fleet and the RRD ship. They had yet to receive any of the injured from the ground. Just before this ship had arrived, another full of doctors and field medic had left for the surface. Half had stayed behind to help those in the fleet that had been hurt.

Lights above the door changed from Red to Green, and the door began to open. The Med team rush head long into the launch bay. Three shuttles of injured had arrived, the shuttle crews were quickly unloading the injured so that they could return for more.

There were those on the MED team that froze at the horror beside infront them. Men and women, the battle had been unbiased, all lay there dying. Some were missing limbs, others had been burned badly, blood and the dead where everywhere. This would only be the beginning of what they would see this day.

Steel Butterfly

01-02-2004, 06:00

"Please," Pierce said, exaggerating his exhale. "Lets talk about something other than this bastard war, shall we?"

"Bivens Co. gained ground today, surpassing Keccer Industries as 2nd on the Imperial 100 list," Bivens said via hologram. "It seems the markets have yet to be effected. NiMBUS is still first."

"That'll change," Pierce replied, realizing that he had just turned the conversation back to the war. General Sherman walked into the room and Bivens waved goodbye before fading away.

"The troops are ready," the General said, they're waiting.

"Five more minutes," Pierce responded, setting up the holographic controls.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p357.jpg
Dave Bivens
President/CEO of Bivens Co.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p338.jpg
General Michael Sherman
Commander of the Mobile Infantry

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

"Good to see you again," Eric said to Alexei as the two met up at the southern most MSA unit.

"You would have seen me either way," Alexei said back, emotionless.

"Better here, better now than in a pile off somewhere," Eric answered. "I'm glad you are alive."

"And what made us so special, Eric?" Alexei said as the two talked in private. "Why did we live when so many others died?"

"Come now, Alexei," Eric said, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We're both professionals here...there's no need to get cold feet. We've been killing for our whole careers."

"And that makes it right?" Alexei asked.

"Better that than death," Lt. Joseph Frost said as he walked towards the two. "We fight to live, and we kill to live. Ironic...isn't it...?"

"I'm not in the mood," Alexei muttered, turning away.

"That's obvious," Eric said, the sides of his mouth curling into a smile. Alexei had always been the upbeat one, with Eric sulking in the corner. How war had changed them...so quickly...

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

Steel Butterfly

01-02-2004, 06:33

FUCK INTERNET EXPLORER! AHHHH! I HAD ONE OF MY FUCKING BEST POSTS EVER WHEN A FUCKING POPUP CAME UP AND FUCKING FROZE MY FUCKING COMPUTER! I COPIED MY POST BUT FOR SOME REASON I CAN'T PASTE IT NOW! AHHHHHHHHH! :evil: FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!

Steel Butterfly

01-02-2004, 06:55

[ooc: A summary from the post, although I guarrentee you it won't be one tenth as good. :evil: ]

"I come to you tonight, heavy hearted, to congradulate you all on your victory. Do not let it be bittersweet, for each man died for a cause, and for a belief. Merely mortal, we cannot quite understand death until it appears before us, much like how we cannot truely appreciate life until it is taken from us. We must hold our memories and the time each and every one of has left firmly in our grasp. Do not let these men, who died far before their time, die in vain. No...let them recieve the honor they so deserve by fighting on and never looking back until this horrible war is merely an afterthought, a story in a text book that students study. Let them learn of the Aeisis Resistance and how it defied all odds, rose up against the Empire, and won! Let them learn about our new way of life, free from the horrors of NiMBUS and corruption," a few cheers rang out, followed by more and more until the room was so loud it felt like everyone was there...not merely 1/4 of them.

Alexei understood why Pierce could no be with them physically, yet for some reason he wished that the Resistance's leader was there, smiling and shaking his hand, for his words were sincere. Death could not be understood and neither could life. Such things simply had to be forgotten, for there exists no point in discussing them.

"The Empire says 'Only In Death Does Duty End' in it's motto," Pierce continued, quieting the soldiers. "However today we've seen many men take their duty beyond their fall and into eternity. Remember these men, and all who have fallen before you on this now sacred ground, for their guidance and the example that they set will forever be with you. This is not a time for mourning those lost, but for praising their ultimate sacrifice. Let us each have the strength to make such an offering if the situation arises, and the courage to fight through each obsticle, and every odd that comes against us. Make us worthwhile to fight for what is truely just and for who all who believe yet cannot be our here with us. Do not let sadness overcome you, for they would not have wanted it that way. Dance, sing, and rejoice, for it maybe your last time to do so."

So Alexei gave up his questions of right or wrong, and accepted the war for what it was, what it did, and what it will do. With this, he lost a part of himself. Such is the nature of war...

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

Tappee

01-02-2004, 07:16

ooc: i've had that happen a few time. I understand how upsetting it is. No matter how hard you try you can never write it the same. You get my TG. about my idea.

ic:
Emily looked up at the sky above; she had watched the battle for space from her window. The night sky had been filled with little flash of light, some big, some small. For she knew for every flash that some had to die, and there had been so many. She hated war and all that it’s ultimate cost, that is why she had rejected her heritage. Embracing science a medicine she had want to try and save as she could.

Sensing someone behind her she turned to find Henry standing there. Turning she looked back up at the sky. “Do you think that this is all worth it?” she asked.

Walking up behind her Henry put his arms around her trying to give her some comfort. “You, out of everyone should know what NiMbus is capable of. They have to be stopped, or how many more will die.”

Despite her personal feeling of war she knew that he was right. She had seen first hand what NiMbus was capable of. Her thoughts jumped to Alexei, three had been through so much in the past little while. “Alexei was out there do think that he made it.”

Henry though to himself for a moment “Alexei can take care of himself. We didn’t fight so hard to get out Tatania just to die know.” His words didn’t give her much comfort. “Anyways I’m going to see Mr Pierce. The 2nd battle fleet and the RRD have arrived and they want to help with the injured. I’ll ask him about Alexei” He could feel her relax a bit in his arms

“Thanks”

http://img.atpictures.com/odonnell/tn_chris10.jpg
Henry Kobe

http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/02.09/feature/3/amagi.jpg
Emily Williams

Steel Butterfly

01-02-2004, 07:33

[OOC: Ah...a new Henry Kobe pic! 8) And I replied to your TG.]

Tappee

01-02-2004, 07:56

Ooc: yeah the other one wasn’t working anymore.

Ic:
Admiral Dodalla took a moment away from her report to make a call. She waited patiently for the call to go through, and image appeared on her view screen. The person on the other side was none other then President Jon Anerton. Normally she would be reporting the Tribunal Chair, but she was unavailable.

“I am glad to see that you are ok” due the distance his voice was a bit out sync with the image. “How did things go”

She wasn’t surprised that he had asked about her first, and not the fleet, she all he was her little brother. “Me and RRD arrived shortly after the Imperial fleet retreated. We lost 12 ships another 7 are seriously damage. In addition we lost another 11 fighter squadrons. I want to have 3rd Carrier division, as well 5th battle moved here”

Anerton let out a bit sigh, he knew that there would be losses, he had only hoped for not so many so soon. “There still a lot of work to be done so I’m going order the transfer. I’ll just have to clear it was Jade, she away on business right now, but I don’t see it problem. Take care in the mean time Sis.” The screen went blank.

She sat back in her chair to collect her thoughts, but was soon startled by a knock on the door. “Come in” she yelled out.

One her subordinate stuck their head in the door. “Ma’am we’ve just received word from Captain Phobo. He say the Celack Admiral has request and audience with you. They would like to coordinate efforts with us.”

“Very well, prepare my person shuttle. Contact the Celack fleet tell them that I’m arriving shortly.”

http://img.atpictures.com/breckin/tn_breckin0276.jpg
President Jon Anerton

http://img.atpictures.com/michellep/tn_michelle129.jpg
Admiral Dodalla

02-02-2004, 00:03

OOC: :cry: No response!?

Canada-Germany

02-02-2004, 06:16

OOC: :cry: No response!?

OOC: that's ok man, I haven't gotten a responce yet either, and I posted a LOONG time ago, lol

Steel Butterfly

03-02-2004, 16:49

To: Sir James Pierce, Poli...al Head of the Resistance
From: Prime Minister Stanley Ipkiss of Canada-Germany

Sir Pierce, news of your political Struggle against the encroachment fo the Corp...tion of NiMBUS inside your pol..ical and governmental circles has reached us. Fu...er news, based h... on rumour, but half on varfiable fact, places NiMBUS as the creator of some sort of Supervirus which, some say, they have already used to infect s..e settlements. T.e S... sources tel.s us that NiMBUS has m... use of the Steel Butterfly military to "clean up" after i......

We w...d never w..t to be on the recieving end of such a virus and to that end, we would like to offer you monatary, political, m...., and if it comes to it, military support in the form of our Ena......

(Video of Several Naturally Enableds moving and fighting at horrific speeds, of an Enabled Stoping a single bullet in the air, of serveral Man Enableds protecting a tank from various Missiles and energy strikes.)

We are willing t. send an number of these men and w...n to help you should fighting be nessasary, though you would have to send a ship to pick them up for we lack the FTL technology to get them there.

In return for our efforts, other than the removal of such a dangerous threat to the stabability of the political forces in the universe, is that when the Steel Empire's markets need goods, or need to be rid of goods, that you would think of us.

.:Outgoing Message to Prime Minister Stanley Ipkiss of Canada-Germany:.
Channel Secure

"We are always interested in those supporting our cause, Mr. Ipkiss. Without fellow believers, we would be nothing. I cannot assure you any ecnonomic benefits, however, and I hope that this does not sway your decision against us."

Channel Terminated

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

Steel Butterfly

03-02-2004, 20:40

[OOC: Allies of the Resistance, feel free to land greeters on the planet to clean up/help out. Tappee, for you plan, you have to initiate it.]

A great celebration was going on around and in the compound as Eric and Alexei walk out the door. Joseph is seen dancing with a woman soldier, a rarity among the Empire but more and more common with the Resistance. Pierce once said that resistance goes beyond men alone, and although he meant men as humanity, Alexei know understood a bit more, if only on this small scale.

"Rejoicing in defeat?" Alexei asked himself.

"Rejoicing victory," Eric answered none the less. "Haven't you been listening?"

"I've been listening to gallant talks intended to keep our spirits high as we march towards our death," Alexei responded.

"Then run," Eric said, grinning. "Embrace death! Without a love of life, what meaning does death have, Alexei?"

"What meaning does life have?"

"What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing..." Alexei said, looking towards the ground. "Go...party...you'll know where to find me."

"No damnit, I won't!" Eric said, raising his voice. "Because months ago you'd be out there before I had a chance to get my boots on. There wouldn't be any women left for the rest of us!"

"I lost a lot, Eric..."

"F uck you, Alexei, so did the rest of us!" Eric said and then paused for a response. When none came, he continued. "What did you lose Alexei? A mission? People that in all honesty should have died anyhow? A normal life? Alexei I lost my whole squad! Sure you were sent to clean up a conspiracy...but I was betrayed by those who I have served my whole life!"

"And I'm supposed to feel sorry for you?" Alexei asked as Joseph Frost walked up behind him. Eric closed his eyes and decked Alexei, the man who had been his best friend since childhood, in the jaw with a right hook, knocking him onto his back. Joseph charged and tackled Eric to the ground. Sean Athens, the lietenant from the 27th MI, threw Joseph off Eric and elbowed him in the gut. Alexei got up and charged at Eric before soldiers from all over grabbed the four men and held them back.

"GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS, YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Eric screamed, struggling with his captors. "IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU!"

Alexei merely closed his eyes, not saying a word.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry

Steel Butterfly

04-02-2004, 02:57

"You two go back far don't you?"

"Yeah..." Alexei replied to Joseph Frost.

"You know now's not the time for this..."

"Thanks, Dad," Alexei sneered.

"Listen..." Frost explained. "I stood up for you cause we're both 1st Marines, not for your 'Oh my, what does life matter, we're all going to die anyway' little game. Cut it out man..."

"Lieutanant," Alexei began raising his voice, but Joseph put his hands up and walked to the other end of the rather large cell.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

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

"I...I'm sorry..." Eric said to Sean after they had sat staring at each other off and on for a half and hour.

"A 'thank you' is all I need," Sean replied, trying to force a smile.

"Then thanks," Eric said. "Cause you really didn't have to."

"I don't really have much to fight for these days, ya know," Sean explained. "Can't just sit back and take shit like that."

"I can't lash out like that again," Eric mumbled. "We're going to be punished..."

Outside, the party continued...

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry

Steel Butterfly

04-02-2004, 04:01

"Well what do we have here?" Captain Leon Williams asked, coming into view. Eric and Sean stared at him through the forcefield. Turning to Sean he said, "I don't believe we've met..."

"Lieutenant Sean Athens, 27th Mobile Infanty," Sean said with pride. Now there were only three men from the 27th still alive, and one was falling fast. Captain Williams understood.

"You know in an hour you and your co-patriots will be decorated for bravery?" Leon asked. Sean nodded, causing Leon to laugh for some reason.

"What are we in for?" Eric questioned.

"Commander, you know as well as I do that we cannot be a band of rebels with torches, pitchforks, empty bottles, and bellies full of the whiskey that was once in them," Leon explained. "Not against who we're fighting. Also, how would that make us look to others, eh? There are many out there against NiMBUS for many reasons...yet they are unsure if they should support us or not. After all...would they want rebels in their nation?"

"I suppose not..."

"Of course not! That's why we must be civilized. We must be the 'good guys' here, Commander. Fighting like that...it sends a bad message."

"Excuse me sir," Athens asked. "But how would anyone know of a little fist fight in a party?" Leon shook his head.

"You're missing the point, Lieutenant," Leon responded. "It sends a bad message to us, ourselves. We cannot become what it implies."

"You're avoiding my question," Eric said, half smiling. "What punishment will we recieve?"

"There is no time," Captain Williams said. "We need everyone we can get. We're moving out tomorrow after the reinforcements arrive."

"Doesn't not punishing us send a message equally as bad?" Sean asked. Captain Leon Williams's smile faded as he stared at them, disabling the forcefield.

"It wasn't my choice..."

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p341.jpg
Captain Leon Williams
Leader of the 2nd Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

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Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry

Celack

04-02-2004, 04:04

o.o.c. postmis here. Tappe I'lll post later. Must sleep now.

ic.
Kanosis stared across the room at the three assassin bots. Each one was pointing their plasma rifle arms at him. He smiled and brought his sword up in a salute. A dove forward over the remains of another droid and held it up as a shield. It started to melt under the barrage of plasma. Kanosis flung the body at the droids and knocked two of them over. He jumped and slashed the standing in half and spun around taking down another as it got up. He stood over the final one a got ready for the killing blow when the comm systems started working.

“Admiral sir, We are ready in the war room.”

“I'll be there in a minute. Computer end program.”

Several cleaner bots entered the room and took away the 20 odd bodies of the assassin bots. Kanosis sheathed his sword, put on his cloak and walked out of the room.

~20 minutes later~

Kanosis stared at a map of the orion system. 2 planets were high-lighted with a host of triangles around them. He started to restate the plan.

“So we have decided to go with Plan Fershï.”

“Yes” Replied the hologram of Miakal H. Barikanov. “Let's review the plan though. It involves sending all your cruisers, cloaked, to XIII to judge defenses. If they are lack the cruisers will uncloak and attack. However this is a distraction. They will send word to our fleet if they are going ahead and we, and possibly the Tappese fleet will attack Steel moon. Hopefully well overwhelm them. Correct?”

“Yes sir. If you'll excuse me i have to go and greet the Tappese admiral. Her shuttle lands shortly.”

Steel Butterfly

04-02-2004, 04:42

Captain Dimitri Spencer approached Alexei and Joseph's cell. Through the forcefield, Alexei could see Eric and Sean being led away by a man in sunglasses, relatively happy looking. Captain Spencer followed his gaze and then looked back.

"So you think you're going to get off free, eh?" Spencer snarled. Alexei and Joseph didn't respond, nor did they look at each other. "Command left punishment up to us. Their captain isn't punishing them it seems...what a nice guy. Unfortunately, I was already in a bad mood before I heard about how you two cannot control yourself and your emotions. Well, frankly I'm disgusted. The Marines have a certain level of pride, and it's apparent that you have no pride in what you do whatsoever. There are people out there cleaning up bodies...you two will join them. Finish the job, or don't come back. I expected better from two officers."

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

Alexei and Joseph were led past the party for everyone to see with their hands bound behind their back. The lights changed as they left the bonfires of the compound and entered back onto the battlefield, lit only by passing spotlights.

There was a chill in the air that Alexei hadn't noticed before with his ODIN suit on. Now, in only a shirt and pants, he shivered as he walked. The stench of death filled both of their noses, as they looked only at the ground, watching thier step.

Eventually the guard unbound them, gave them gloves that went up to their elbows, gave them knives, pointed to a hovertruck, and left. Joseph got right to work as Alexei stood still, thinking to himself.

It hadn't even been half a month. He remembered getting the mission. They were to find survivors in a possibly hostile area. He remembered the sound of the dropship as it neared the ground and he jumped off. It was a sound that had haunted his dreams since.

By now his girlfriend would think he had died, thanks to the PADD detailing his gallant death delivered to her. They were supposed to save families the shame of having their sons and daughters rise up against the Empire. Death was such an easy solution. Family was something Alexei cared about, however. He had long since forced the memories of his parents into the depths of his mind. Their deaths seemed so distant, as if in a dream. He wondered about his girlfriend's reaction to the letter of his death. Would she care? Did she even know what was going on? Of course not, he told himself. She worked for NiMBUS after all.

"Lets go!" shouted Joseph, dragging two bodies behind him and then loading them into the hover truck. A spotlight passed by, showing the anger in his eyes.

"I am going," Alexei replied, although the reply made little sense. Joseph stopped what he was doing and approached him.

"I don't care if you don't like me, and I don't give a shit if you don't like what we're doing...because neither do I," Joseph said. "But I'll be damned if I work and you sit there feeling sorry for yourself, when it's your fuc king fault we're here in the first place."

Alexei looked down at the ground once more, not saying a word. Joseph got closer to him, and pointing his finger in his face.

"Why don't you just leave?" Joseph Frost said, pointing off into the distance. "Go back to your family and friends! You obviously are too good for this!"

"My family was murdered..." Alexei said quietly.

"I...I didn't know," Joseph replied.

"My father was high up in the Russian Mafia. Mikhail Gustavovich Ivanov," Alexei said, feeling the sound of the name put a bad taste in his mouth. "My mother was a doctor, so with both of their incomes, my family was quite well off. However, my mother knew, and eventually she couldn't stand it anymore. All the killing, all the secrets...I was so young...six or seven. Emperor Nemerov went on his crusade against the mob, killing many and forcing the rest into exile. My father was too headstrong to flee, to proud to escape. He took it upon himself to eliminate the new Emperor. After all, at that time Nemerov was our third Emperor in two weeks. However, my mother knew of his plans, and he shot her dead, while she was holding me. I can't remember how my mother's face looked anymore. No matter how many pictures of her I see, all that comes to mind is her head, broken and splattered on the floor. My father didn't even get far enough to be on the nightly news, and was gunned down by the Imperial Guard, making me an orphan. All of my relatives died in Nemerov's purges, and I had nowhere to go."

Joseph just stood there, shocked and feeling quite foolish.

"So the Orion Military Academy took me in, gave me food, shelter, and a place to live. I also took my mothers form of my last name, Ivanova. A meaningless Russian tradition nowadays, it was a way to seperate myself from my father. With my family's money, I was able to stay after high school was finished, and study for the Military. It was there that I met Eric and Lance, who to this day are my best friends."

"Lance?" Joseph asked.

"He...he fights for the Imperials I'm told," Alexei responded before quickly changing the subject and continuing his story. "In the Orion Academy, I became quite good at flying and shooting. The military had given me everything, and I intended on giving everything I had back to it. I finished high enough in class rank to attend Special Forces training, and I jumped at the oppertunity. Going to Tappee, it was around my hundredth mission, all successful up until that point."

"You guys did a hell of a good job with what you were given at Tappee," Joseph said honestly.

"If you say so..." Alexei responded. "But the point is...all of those walking dead...the faces destorted beyond any trace of humanity...they all became my mother. Slowly, surely, all I could see was my mothers wretched face as I fell to the floor beside it. She was...so beautiful once. But everywhere I go now, I see death. All these bodies, they're all the same. I've been put through so much...we all have...and yet no one has to take responsibility for it. It's no one's fault. It has to be someone's fault...be it Dr. Ackerman of NiMBUS, Emperor Nemerov, or even our allied pirate leader, for the pirates are nothing more than the old mob, more militant than ever. Be it not for my quest for an answer, Joseph, I would have left long ago. But I have to...I just...have to..."

By now, what they had to do was done, and instead of moving them to another sector, the guards and Captain Spencer decided that they should rest up for tomorrow. As they got back the party was drawing to a close but the campfires were still burning. Alexei got to his bunk, stripped down, and got in the shower. There he stayed for hours, washing away the filth of the day.

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Captain Dimitri Spencer
Leader of the 1st Marines

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Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

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Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Canada-Germany

04-02-2004, 05:35

Steel Butterfly

04-02-2004, 05:43

"Guess who I ran into?" Dave Bivens asked James Pierce as he entered the lavish living room. Still, by Bivens's standards, it was nothing special.

"Who?" Pierce asked, taking his glasses off and looking up from his magazine.

"Consul Rkorlan Vhawen," Bivens replied.

"Governor of XIII?" Pierce raised an eyebrow. "How'd you understand the man?"

"I speak Zabrak, James," Bivens responded, taking a seat beside the resistance leader.

"It's not very wise to talk to Imperials, David, you know that," Pierce said, shaking his head. "Not wise at all."

"He came to me," Bivens continued. "A business offer...he's sympathetic to our cause...yet he isn't close to commitment. Public opinion on our chances of victory aren't high."

"I wonder about that myself at times," Pierce said, taking a sip of his drink. "However the Empire has yet to consider us any more than common terrorists."

"They will learn soon enough," Bivens said, pouring himself a drink and sitting back down.

"We can only hope, Dave, we can only hope..."

At that time, Viktor Demidov burst into the room. Pierce and Bivens both reached for their pistols until they saw who it was.

"Honestly, you must at least knock!" Bivens said, calming himself down.

"Aww...did I make you soil youself?" the Pirate said mockingly, and Bivens gripped his glass a bit tighter.

"No," he said back. "But a few more seconds and you would have had a nice sized hole in your head."

"You'd miss," Demidov laughed, bringing up a holographic schematic. On it was an area in open space, far away from any inhabited planet. An Imperial Fleet was gathered. Bivens and Pierce both noticed the ship classes right away.

"Intelligence ships," Pierce mused, scratching his chin. "What are they searching for?"

"Rebel fleets," Bivens began, although the question was not directed at him.

"Pirate fleets," Demidov finished. "Fleets dat are hidden away in de vast Orion Nebula, free from sensors."

"Perhaps they have a new technology that enables them to scan through the nebula..." Pierce questioned, seeing where the conversation was going.

"Either way," Demidov said. "I don't vant my fleets found, and you two cannot afford dem to be discovered either."

"So we attack," Bivens said. "The fleet isn't small...but it's not large enough."

"And we board this ship here," Pierce said, pointing at the holographic ship floating in the darkened room. "And steal the technology."

Demidov smiled as the three men lifted their glasses to victory.

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Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

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Dave Bivens
President/CEO of Bivens Co.

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Viktor Mikhailovich Demidov
Russian Mafia - Orion Pirates

Steel Butterfly

04-02-2004, 05:47

As Bivens and Demidov left, Pierce was alerted by his computer that he had a message waiting.

To: Sir James Pierce, Political Head of the Resistance
From: Prime Minister Stanley Ipkiss of Canada-Germany

Hopefully this will reach you without too much static. Our Senders seem to be getting better at their job.

Indeed, it does not. As we have heard, you have won a mighty battle against the pro-government forces, however, rumor has it that your own forces were somewhat depleted by the strike.

As such, we still offer you the help of our enableds. If you would send a FTL ship to A.S (Astroid Station) JumpPoint at these co-ordenence, you will find 200 and 85 Man and Naturally Enableds ready and waiting for you there.

.:Transmission to PM Stanley Ipkiss of Canada-Germany:.
Channel Secure

"Three small ships, each with cloaking ability will arrive shortly. It will be your decision to either divide your forces among each, or put them all on one vessel and use the others as decoys. We thank you for your assistance and wish you a safe journey."

Channel Terminated

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Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

Steel Butterfly

04-02-2004, 06:12

Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr entered the office of High General James Shockey. The general was busy doing paper work and didn't notice Zephyr come in.

"We must attack now!" Zephyr demanded.

"Patience, Sky Marshall," Shockey said, looking up from his notes. "These terrorists will fall soon enough."

"You and I both know these mrn are not terrorists!" Zephyr shouted to no response.

"What are you doing to combat them?" Shockey asked, still calm.

"Orders say we search for them like pirates," Zephyr said in disgust. "These are no pirates...no criminals could defeat an Imperial invasion! This is a new force...a strong force...a force which must be destroyed. Every man, every woman, and every child who learns of their victory will begin to question our power. Do you want that to happen?"

"We do what the Emperor tells us..."

"THE EMPEROR IS WRONG!" Zephyr screamed. "HE KNOWS NOT WHAT HE IS DOING!"

"Bite your tounge, Sky Marshall!" the High General ordered. "Thoughts like that make you no better than those we fight."

"Perhaps..." Zephyr began, but not willing to dig himself in deeper, just glared at his superior and quickly stormed out of the room, running into General Drake Grey as he left, knocking the General's coffee out of his hand and spilling it on his uniform.

"Sky Marshall?" General Grey exclaimed, dripping and hot. The Sky Marshall did not stop nor slow his pace. "To be so young and brash," Grey said to Shockey of the young Sky Marshall.

"You are not much older," Shockey replied, still angry about what Zephyr had said.

"Not in years..." Grey responded, implying that he was more mature.

"At times," Shockey said, cracking a smile and easing his mood. "At times, General."

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High General James Shockey
High Commander of the Imperial Military

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Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr
Commander of the Imperial Fleet and Marines

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General Drake Grey
Commander of the Imperial Mobile Infantry

Tappee

04-02-2004, 08:00

ooc: I hope this meet with your apporval, if not I can change it.

ic:
As Jade entered the office she glanced over at her receptionist “Good afternoon Tali” She had just gotten back from a business trip, and had came straight from the airport.

“Good afternoon ma’am” answered Tali from behind her desk “How was the trip?”

“Not bad, went better then expected” replied Jade as placed her coat on the coat rack.

“Oh Mrs Allenson there was packaged that was delivered for you while you were gone. It’s been cleared by security and is on your desk”

“Thanks Tali” Jade opened the door to her office and took a seat at her desk. Sure enough there was a brown envelope on her desk addressed to her, there was no return address. Grabbing a knife she opened it up, a CD slid in to her as she turned the package upside down.

She took a moment to look over the disk before she placed it in her computer. The Computer was what was know as stand alone. It had no connection to the outside world, so if the disk had a virus it wasn’t much of a concern. Placing the disk is the drive she waited for it to boot up.

An image appeared on the screen, it didn’t take her long to recognize the individual, she had read the dossier on NiMbus a number of time.

It was a video recording. “Allow me to introduce myself” said the man on the other side “My name is Dr. Ackerman C.E.O NiMbus.”

There was a bit of a smirk on the man face, whatever the man had to say Jade was sure that she would not like it.

The recording kept going “The reason why I sent this is because your government recent activities in the Orion sector have become a bit of an inconvenience to me and my associates. In truth I’m rather disappointed in you Mrs Allenson, NiMbus has done so much for you in the past, and this is how you repay us.”

“What” said out loud, it wasn’t if he could her, she was rather confused at his statement. However, as the recording continued she soon got her answer

The man took a deep breath “Remember when you Husband had his accident, it was us that brought him back.” His words caused her to loss her breath, she could see it in his eyes that he was telling the truth, NiMbus was one of the few companies that had the ability to do such a thing. “We didn’t ask for anything thing then, but we are now.” The expression of his face changed “I want a complete withdraw of all Tappee military force from the Orion Sector. To make sure that you listen to our demands we infected your husband with virus that could be activated at any time, unless he get the cure which only I have, then his days are numbered. Pull you forces out and once the rebellion has been crushed then you get the cure.” A bit of smile came across his face “Have a good day now.” The screen went blank the recording was over.

Jade felt nothing but uncontrollable anger, she lashed out at the nearest thing she could. Grabbing the monitor with all her might she threw it across the room “Damn it” she yelled out. There was a loud thud as monitor burst into pieces as it hit the wall. Getting to her feet she smashed her fist into her desk. “Who the hell does he think he is”. The mere though of Dr Ackerman caused more anger. Taking the chair she tossed it that across the room, causing another crash.

“Ma’am is everything ok.” Yelled a voice.

All the noise had caused security personal to come running to investigate. Three guards and Tali had opened the door. Jade could see the confused look in Tali face as she seen the condition of the room.

Jade took a moment to catch her breath. “Yes every, thing is fine. Tali cancel all my appointments, I’ve got some things to attend to”

Tali just nodded she wasn’t sure what to say; she knew better then deal with Jade when she was upset.

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Commander Jade Allenson
Lead Chair Tappee intelligence Tribunal

Canada-Germany

04-02-2004, 08:13

Astroid Station JumpPoint
Deep inside Sol System Astroid Belt

"So, those's are the ships, huh? Didn't command say that they were gonna be.. oh, I dunno, SMALL?"

The Resistance ships in question hung a few hundred kilometers away from the Astroid Station. That wasn't unusal for ships comming in to dock, however, the ships in question were MUCH to big to fit into any docking ports the station could provide.

In fact, each ship was bigger than the station itself.

"It's all in ratio my friend. To those in Steel Butterfly, the could indeed be small." was the reply.

"Damn, well, I don't wanna see what BIG looks like then."

-----------

A bullet shaped shuttle eased out of one of the Station Bays before firing it's main thrusters to put it on it's way to the awaiting ships. It's pilot opened a commline.

*Static*

"This is Pilot Asuka Soryu Langley of the Shuttle Vagrant, out of A.S JumpPoint, to the Steel Butterfly fleet. I'm carrying the first group of personel that's to be transfered over to your ships, Over."

Tappee

04-02-2004, 08:32

As Jade pulled up too in the drive way she sat back in her seat let out a deep sigh and tried to collect her thoughts. Her home was located on the coast, Jade just stared out at the sun setting out on the horizon, in the background she could hear the sound of the waves hitting the beach. Jade had always found great peace here, making sure that she was ready to deal with what was to come, she turned the car off and got out.

Walking to the backyard she paused just before she came around the corner. “MOMMY” yelled a little girl as she rounded the corner. The girl ran towards her then stop, and raised her arm. Jade reached down picking her daughter up.

“Mak, were out playing with daddy?” asked Jade, as she finished her words her husband walked around the corner.

Makenze Jade’s oldest child just nodded in agreement, she was just happy that her mom was home. And she showed by giving Jade a big hug “I missed you mommy”

Cal reached in a gave her a hug to “Me to” there was a smile on his face “your home early”

Jade let out a bit of sigh “yeah I got a call from the life insurance people, our policy is up for a renewal, and they want to run some test to make sure that we’re still healthy.”

Cal let out bit of chuckle and flexed his arm “I’m as fit as they come”

“I know, but they don’t” answered Jade.

Cal moved in a and gave her kiss on the check. “You look rather tiered, Jay is still asleep, so why don’t you go have a hot bath I’ll make dinner.”

“You sure” she really appreciated the gesture.

Cal took Mak into his arms “Yes I’m sure, now go before I change my mind”

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Tappee

04-02-2004, 09:11

Admiral Dodalla was making her way through the ship towards the launch bay when she was stopped.

“Admiral There is a priority 0 message for you”

“Did they say what they wanted” asked the Admiral. She was surprised that she would be getting a message at this time of the day, especially one this importance. With the upmost haste she turned and made her way back to the her ready room.

Sometime later she made her way on to the bridge, there most no emotion on her face, her crew had served with her long enough to know that there was something wrong.

“Com open up all channel, on all frequency’s” her voice was moniton.

“But Ma’am, that means that EVERYone can hear it” answered the COM officer.

“I’m well aware of that fact, now open the channel” Barked Dodalla.

The COM officer nodded to signal the channel was open, she didn’t want to be yelled at any more.

Dodalla took a deep breath then start. “Attention all Tappee military personal, at 5:45 am Tappee standard time the Tribunal removed military authority from President Anerton, and issued us new orders. We have been ordered to completely withdraw from the Orion sector.” She paused as a look of utter shock came across her crew face, she could imagine such reaction from everyone. “We are to stay in the sector for no more the 24 hours until all the injured have been attended, then fall back to neutral space.” She gave the COM officer a nodded to indicate that she was done.

An awkward silence fell over the crew “But why” asked someone of the bridge.

“We are soldiers, it not our job to understand” she more then anyone wanted answers. How many had died in the battle to aid the Rebels, just for them to pull out now. It was something that she just couldn’t understand.

“Ma’am shall I contact the Celack fleet and tell them that you are not coming.”

“No” She still had 24 hours, and a lot can happen in that time “I want to be enroute in 5 minutes” Dodalla had never missed a meeting, she wasn’t going to miss this one. They would want answer, she could only hope by the time she got there that she could give it to them.

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Clairmont

04-02-2004, 10:12

The Battlefield
Planet Aesis

The five marines proceeded silently and ever vigilant thru the battlefield, the cover of night helping them. It was mostly open terrain and if there was a firefight, there would be little place where to take cover, Dixon tought.

"Lieutenant, we've got a survivor here." The sound of Private Donaldson came thru the internal comm net. Dixon acknowledged and proceeded to the Private's location.

There were bodies encased in ODIN suit everywhere. Some had their helmets off, some didnt. Dixon arrived at the body Donaldson had reported as a survivor. He checked his thermal sensors and audio sensors and could detect more heat in the body than in a dead one, he also heard the sound of a beating heart, slowly but surely.

This particular soldier had his helmet still on. Dixon crouched next to the survivor and with the help of Donaldson they turned him to lie on his back. The soldier said nothing, clearly he was unconcious.

"Squad, regroup, survivor found." Dixon spoke to his radio with hushed voices and in a minute, the remaining three marines of his squad regrouped near the body.

The ODIN armor had taken severe punishment. Heavy burns all over the armor showed signs that this soldier had been caught near the explosions of those plasma explosives. The armor was unpenetrated but the heat must have given heavy burns to the wearer.

"Lieutenant, we need him out of this suit so i can see to the wounds."
The squad doctor said impatiently.

"Donaldson, Edwards , and Willis you continue your sweep for survivors."

With that, as the three marines departed to further seek survivors, the Lieutenant and the doctor began opening up the ODIN armor.

======================================

HMS Artemis
4 light minutes from Planet Aesis

"Coming into position Skipper." The Coaxswain reported.

"Acknowledged, prepare to cut drives as planned." Captain McHale replied.

They were coming little too close for her taste to the planet. They were deep inside the hyperlimit of the systems star now, and it would take a while before they could escape to hyper if they needed to run. Atleast the Rapier was still in safe position outside the hyperlimit.

"Cutting drives....now! .... we are in position skipper." The Coaxswain reported again. McHale simply nodded in reply. Now they needed to start really snooping around.

Steel Butterfly

05-02-2004, 00:16

"This is Pilot Asuka Soryu Langley of the Shuttle Vagrant, out of A.S JumpPoint, to the Steel Butterfly fleet. I'm carrying the first group of personel that's to be transfered over to your ships, Over."

.:Incoming Transmission:.
Channel Open

"Copy that Vagrant,. We await your arrival. Have you decided on a transport methond?"

Channel Sustained

Canada-Germany

05-02-2004, 01:30

"You have a shuttle bay I assume? Over."

Steel Butterfly

05-02-2004, 04:35

.:Incoming Transmission:.
Channel Open

"Naturally..."

Channel Sustained

Steel Butterfly

05-02-2004, 05:33

"Pedro!" Sean shouted as he and Eric entered the makeshift living room. Couches were pulled out, and in the other room the soldiers who wanted rest slept on blankets on the floor.

"Athens!" Pedro shouted back running up and giving the man a hug. The two were now the only two men of the gallant 27th Mobile Infantry still alive.

"Don't die on me now," Sean said back, smiling. "Everyone else we brought back seems to be."

"Don't worry...if I go before you...think of all I'd miss out on!" The two shared an awkward laugh at this remark. Death wasn't something to joke about...but then again...what else could you do?

Meanwhile, Eric had left the two friends and ventured off trying to find people he knew. With his eyes on the ground, he ran smack into another man, and both fell over.

"The hell you doing?" the man asked, picking himself up. He extended a hand to Eric, who took it reluctantly.

"I'm trying to find people I know," Eric replied, brushing himself off.

"Probably have better luck out there..." the man responded, shaking his head. "How was it?"

"How was what?" Eric asked. The question had puzzled him. Surely he wasn't talking about...

"The battle," the man said, his tone becoming more serious. "I did not have the honor of fighting in it..."

"What do you think?" Eric spit back, now confused. "Who are you?"

"Lieutenant Mark Andrews," the man replied. "Starfighter extraordinaire. 15th Fighter Squadron."

Now Eric understood. This man had come, probably to assist the Marines in their next mission. Eric looked around for those with similar uniforms. He hadn't noticed the difference before.

"Where is your captain?" Mark asked. "I have orders from Sky Marshall Mitchell." Eric pointed towards Captain Williams and also to Captain Spencer of the 1st Marines. Lieutenant Andrews thanked him and departed.

"Fighter pilots," Eric thought to himself. "Where are we off to now?"

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Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

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Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry

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Sergeant Pedro Ibanez
27th Mobile Infantry

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Lieutenant Mark Andrews
15th Fighter Squadron

Canada-Germany

05-02-2004, 06:41

.:Incoming Transmission:.
Channel Open

"Naturally..."

Channel Sustained

"Then we'll dock in there, just open'er up and we'll land, send out the personnell and equipment and scoot back out again fro the next batch. Should only take about 5 trips."

Tappee

05-02-2004, 07:03

Thud……thud, thud……..thud. The sound of fists hitting the punching bag echoed through out the empty gym.

Jon watched as a Jade took her frustrations out on the innocent punching bag. It had been only a few hours since she had over stepped her authority and recalled the fleet back to Tappee, Jon had come looking for answers.

From what he could tell she had been going at the bag for little while. “Care to spare” he asked.

Jade paused for a moment “Not in the mood” she was panting a bit.

“Don’t you think that it would be a bit more challenging to fight a target that moved”

She could see that he was not going to let up. “You think your ready for it”

“We’ll see” replied Jon with a bit of smile on his face.

The two moved to another part of the gym where they could be free from obstruction. Each took their position and got into their attack postures.

For a moment everything was calm, then all hell broke loose. Jon dropped to his knee and brought his other leg around in arc low to the ground in an attempt to knock Jade to her feet. Anticipating the move she jumped over his leg as it passed under her, spinning around she brought her leg up aiming for his head. He was able to bring his arm up just in time to block her kick.

The force of the kick caused him to take a step or two back, he took the opportunity to fall back and regroup. “Why didn’t you come to me about Cal” he said. “You didn’t think that I would find out. With the blood test and everything else it wasn’t hard to put the pieces together.”

Jade changed her posture to a more aggressive stance and came at Jon. He was amazed at the ferocity of her attack. She launched a series of quick punched followed by some well place kicks, she was on the complete offensive, he was hardly able to block the incoming attack little alone launch a counter attack.

“You wouldn’t understand” she barked out. Using an opening in his posture she drove her leg onto his chest.

Jon could feel his chest buckle under the might of the hit; all the air left his lungs. Stumbling back he fought for air. When she was sure that her opponent was subdued she continued, “I don’t know what its like to lose someone you love”

“Yes I do” he was had trouble getting the words out.

“No you don’t” she answered coldly”

He took a deep breath. “Yes I do, she married someone else”

His word took her back. A long time ago the two had been lover, but that all changed after they left the academy and went their separate ways. She had always knew that he still loved but had chosen to put it in the back of her mind and ignore it. She reached down a grabbed her towel. “I’ve had enough of this, that call was mine and I made it.”. she turned a made her why to the shower.

Jon placed his hand over his chest, he was sure that she had broken a rib or two. However, the pain he felt now was nothing compared to what was to come“I can only hope that one day that you’ll forgive me for what I must do” he said under his breath.

http://img.atpictures.com/amandap/tn_ap023.jpg
Jade Allenson

http://img.atpictures.com/breckin/tn_breckin0276.jpg
Jon Anerton

Tappee

05-02-2004, 07:40

Jon winced in pain as he sat at his desk. He reached over a hit his intercom “Jean, would you be so kind as to get me a beg of ice, and a field dressing”.

“Yes sir” answered the voice one other side.

Last he checked there was a large bruise forming in the centre of his chest. It wasn’t long until everything that he asked for was brought in.

“Is every Ok sir” asked Jean as she handed the ice. Jon just nodded “Will that be everything?”

Jon thought to himself for a moment “Actually there is. I need a secure line from my office to the planet Aesis. Both audio and visual”

“To Admiral Dodalla” asked Jean

“No” he paused thinking his response over “To Sir James Pierce, tell them that it’s extremely urgent that we talk.”

http://img.atpictures.com/breckin/tn_breckin0276.jpg
President Jon Anerton

Steel Butterfly

06-02-2004, 00:53

...but that Pierce was merely a reflection. Bivens learned this too late as his blade hit the mirror, shattering it, and giving away his position. Suddenly, he saw hundreds of Pierce's, all charging towards him, sword ready.

"Computer, disable background," Bivens said with a smirk on his face and swung as the background of mirrors faded into a dull grey room. Pierce was kneeling on the floor with his sword several feet away from him. The tip of Bivens's sword was inches away from Pierce's neck, and slowly Pierce's tie fell off, cut in two by the blade.

"Cheater," Pierce mumbled, and Bivens responded by laughing.

"A true warrior uses his surroundings as weapons and allies," Bivens said, sliding his sword back into it's holster at his hip. A sign of "class" in the Empire was the ability to sword fight, and often times leaders and businessmen were quite adept at it, since they were brought up on the activity. Rei Warheit, an Aural, was the best known swordsman in the Empire, and was also the only man ever to beat Emperor Alexander Nemerov in a match. Bivens was very skilled, however Pierce was most likely better.

Mr. Pierce, there in an incoming message for you...

"Rout it here," Pierce responded, wiping the sweat off his brow. A viewscreen appeared on the wall of the holoroom and at Pierce's command "Enlarge" it took up the whole wall.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p357.jpg
Dave Bivens
President/CEO of Bivens Co.

Steel Butterfly

06-02-2004, 01:36

damned double post

Steel Butterfly

06-02-2004, 01:37

The mission was simple in words. The newly restocked 1st and 2nd Marines were to assist various fighter squadrons in space while attempting to destroy an Imperial Intelligence Fleet and capture the main vessel in order to steal the advanced scanning technology on board. However, each person knew of the Empire's dominance in space, and with that realization, the task quickly became more than daunting.

"Marines, eh?" Ensign Jack Highwind of the 15th Fighter Squadron said, snickering. "Glad to know the old rough 'n' readies are guarding our asses as we go in."

"Don't blame them for not going Fleet," Ensign Katrina Brady of the same squadron said mockingly. "Not everyone has the nerves of steel needed to pilot a ship as fast as the ones we cruise on."

"Now, now, children," Lieutenant Mark Andrews laughed. "We were told to treat these men with the utmost respect. So, greenback, how you handle behind the stick?"

"Remind me to kick your ass after this is all over," Sean Athens sniped. "Or perhaps you'll just run...or fly...away in fear?"

The carriers were moving through space at sublight speeds to avoid detection, and beyond the occasional meetings, the soldiers had a few more hours of free time before they came within the battlezone.

Part of the aformentioned restocking was putting Lieutenant Sean Athens and Sergeant (now Lieutenant Junior Grade) Pedro Ibanez into the 2nd Marines. This would be their first Marine mission.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th M.I., 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p125.jpg
Lieutenant Mark Andrews
15th Fighter Squadron

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p116.jpg
Ensign Jack Highwind
15th Fighter Squadron

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p124.jpg
Ensign Katrina Brady
15th Fighter Squadron

Tappee

06-02-2004, 03:12

Jon watched as Mr Pierces image appeared on his screen.

“Good afternoon Mr Pierce, I’m President Jon Anerton, and I’ve contact you to talk about some urgent business” He glanced at his watched, he could only hold a secure connection of this type for a limited time. “However my time is limited so I’ll be brief. As you are aware under the authority of Intelligence Director Jade Allenson the Tappee military force sent to assist you in your cause has been recalled, you may not know the reason for the withdraw of course. I have reason to believe that NiMbus is holding the life of Mrs Allenson husband hostage, in exchange for the withdraw. The only thing that Jade puts above her duty is her family, a fact that NiMbus is using to their advantage.”

He took a deep breath, he couldn’t believe that he was about to do this. “With that being said if Mrs Allenson husband were to die unexpectedly, she would undoubtedly blame NiMbus.”

Taking a moment to judge Mr Pierce response to make sure that they we’re on the same page to what he was implying. “I would do it myself, but there is no way that I could pull it off with out her knowing, it would take outside forces to pull it off. Tell me Mr Pierce am I taking a big gamble talking to you today, or can we work something out?”

http://img.atpictures.com/breckin/tn_breckin0276.jpg
President Jon Anerton

Canada-Germany

06-02-2004, 09:28

It took 6 trips and an overloaded shuttle to finish the loading of the 3 Steel Butterfly ships.

By that time Asuka, the pilot of the Shuttle Vagrant, was ready to just kick the last personel off her shuttle into space.

"Bloody groundies, don't know how to handle space..." she muttered to herself as she took one last look at the S.B ship and burned for home.

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

Agent Christine Yip, Acting Captain of the 75 Naturally Enabled (N.E's) which made up A Company of the N.E Regiment, (Nicknamed the "Needies") was the last woman off the shuttle.

"Geez... they told us that we'd be getting on SMALL ships.."

The man behind her replied, "Funny you should say that..."

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

While two of the ships carried a compliment of 100 Man Enabled personel, A and B Company of the M.E Regiment, the third ship carried the core fighters of this expeditionary force, A company, N.E.R, the so called "Needies".

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

Colonel Tse of the N.E.R arrived on the bridge in his BDU's.

"Here to see the captain of this fine vessel." he announced to the guard.

OOC: can I have some names of the ships here? lol

Steel Butterfly

06-02-2004, 19:45

Steel Butterfly

06-02-2004, 19:45

[OOC: Don't get too into the personell of the three ships...they don't have named captains or anything :lol: The SSF (Steel Star Fleet) Missile, Torpedo, and Rocket are their names.]

"I take it you understand what you're suggesting of me," Pierce responded, unsure of what he should do next. It was not good for a leader to be unsure...ever... "However what if we are discovered? What if Tappee re-enters the war for the Empire, proclaiming to all that we are simply blood thirsty criminals? We cannot have that..."

"And we cannot have Tappee not involved," Bivens told Pierce, coming up from behind him. "A nation so devoted, so intent on NiMBUS's destruction...simply picking up and leaving..."

"Holding the life of another is not beyond NiMBUS..." Pierce stated, deep in thought. "We will send two marines in to do the job." Pierce finally said to both Jon and Dave. "They will arrive in star fighters, as they will secretly depart from the upcoming battle. The fighters are all outfitted with FTL travel, and can seat two in case one of the fighters is destroyed but both marines are still alive. If they are caught, they will be described as rogue and left to the mercy of your legal system. Be sure to give me more information whenever such information is available."

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p357.jpg
Dave Bivens
President/CEO of Bivens Co.

Celack

06-02-2004, 21:05

o.o.c. sorry tapee about not responding tro your psot earlier. Myu comp was down. I'll start now. I'm going to assume that your admiral's shuttle arrives.

i.c. Kanosis stood in the docking bay with an honour guard of soliders near him. He waited looking for the tapeesian shuttle to arrive. It landed in the dockian he strode up as the ramp lowered.

Steel Butterfly

07-02-2004, 04:11

[OOC: The following is also in this public announcement: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=121809 ]

.:Outgoing Transmission:.
Channel Open

Sir James Pierce's face appears on viewscreens across the galaxy. If a viewscreen is not being used to recieve the message, the jingle of ice in a glass is heard. Pierce puts down his brandy after taking a sip and looks sternly at the camera.

"Greeting, allies and enemies alike. It has been known to me that many nations share the resentment I have regarding the Steel-Orion Star Empire, along with the Emperor, Alexander Nemerov. You may ask why I interupted you for this transmission, so I shall get to the point right away."

Pierce took another drink and straightened his tie. Behind him stood no flag, but instead a bookcase.

"The Aeisis Resistance has already fought off the invaders from the Empire, who attempted to 'reclaim' our territory after we declared independance along with the planet of Bivens. I ask you all to contemplate the death toll - 80,000 in one battle."

Pierce paused for effect, finishing off the glass.

"It is with the utmost respect that I ask you all to in whatever way possible, assist us in our struggle. The corruption and disregard for life flaunted by both the Empire and NiMBUS Biotechnologies, now basically one in the same, is appaling and on the scale of genocide. Alone, we are merely rebels fighting for an ideal, although I am sure that more nations have a equal respect for life. Choose as you may, but the Empire has already stepped outside its borders in its dealings, murdering hundreds of thousands in the nation of Tappee. Who's to say your nation is not next? What's stopping NiMBUS from reaching out further for their horriffic experiments? I can only hope...we can only hope that others realize the level of danger involved. The Corporation must be stopped."

Channel Terminated

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

Steel Butterfly

07-02-2004, 06:32

"Further punishment?" Frost asked Alexei as the two were led into a lavish room, lit dimly by lights on the walls. The domed roof was painted as magestic angels fought metallic fiends.

"The Machina War," Pierce commented, catching their gaze. "An interesting interpretation, don't you think?"

"Angels, eh?" Frost said as Alexei nodded. "Who painted this?"

"No one knows," Pierce responded. "But it does make you think, does it not?" The Machina War was fought over a period of 25 years, back before Steel Butterfly was an empire. In the decades leading up to it, space travel had evolved from simply the thrill of the ride, and turned into a quest for exploration. Instead of weapon technology, the Human Federation put countless hours and Imperial Credits into extensive AI. Artificial Intelligence controlled most everything, and somewhere along the line, the "robots" became self-aware.

The Human Federation, now simply called The Federation, voted on recognizing the bots as a sentinent species, and gave them seats in the senate accordingly. Five years before the start of the Machina War, the bot's manufactured majority voted in an AI unit as Prime Minister of the Federation. Soon after, all humans were fired from major governmental and military positions. One year before the start of the Machina War, the extermination of non-artificial life began.

Throughout the 25 years, over two billion humans were killed, as they were driven from civilization and forced to become nomads, hiding themselves from the machines. However, 20 years into the war, a man came of age. This man, the son of the last human Prime Minister, became the commander of the human resistance, and decided to strike back against the Machina Federation with organized force. General James Foxx, the most honored and respected man in the history of Steel Butterfly civilization, erased all semblence of artificial intelligence in almost exactly five years.

"Is that James Foxx?" Alexei asked, pointing to the centermost and brightest angel.

"Indeed it is," Pierce replied. "I am a decendant of his...did you know that?" Alexei did not. "My mother was a Graav, and the Graav family is related to the Foxx family."

"So you're related to Emperor Kyou Graav as well?" Joseph asked, interested. Pierce nodded.

"Cousins," the leader informed the two.

"The Empire was far better off with Emperor Graav," Joseph said, shaking his head. "None of this would have happened."

"Do you liken yourself to him?" Alexei asked Pierce.

"To Emperor Graav?" Pierce asked.

"No," Alexei continued. "To James Foxx..."

After the war, the people of all three planets of the time voted to give James Foxx supreme control over the government. With a democracy, machines could always make more of themselves, gaining a majority once more. So the Empire was born, and James Foxx's first action was to ban all AI forever, a ban still in effect today.

"I was named after him," Pierce said, laughing, although Alexei seemed quite serious. "Other than that...no..." Pierce pointed to the painting again. "I'm not out there with my sword as he was," he said, frowning. "And no matter how much I'd wish to be, I cannot. We're fighting this war for a reason...not just to kill things...and be killed. We must think of life after the war..."

"And if we lose?" Joseph asked. Pierce laughed again.

"I don't think I'll have to worry about it much, eh?" he replied. "I'll be one of the first they kill." Joseph seemed shocked. "Besides, all of humanity would die out, be it we lose. I'd give NiMBUS five years."

"So in that way you are like Foxx?" Alexei asked. Pierce thought about it a second before responding.

"Perhaps," he answered. "Although you said it, not me....Now...onto business."

"Yes..." Frost said. "Why are we here?"

"It will be your choice to partake in this mission I am about to give you two. The decision falls squarely on your shoulders," Pierce began.

"The assault on the Imperial intelligence fleet?" Frost asked, interrupting.

"No," Pierce laughed nervously. "That is an order. It must be done. This, though...this is not something all are capable of. Intelligence Director Jade Allenson of Tappee has recently ordered all Tappee troops and ships to leave the Orion Sector immediately. If you did not know, Tappee ships kept the Imperials distracted while you fought on the ground three days ago. We have reason to believe that NiMBUS is holding the life of Mrs. Allenson's husband hostage, in exchange for the withdraw. The only thing that Jade puts above her duty is her family, a fact that we believe NiMBUS is using to their advantage. With that being said, a Tappee source tells me that if Mrs. Allenson's husband were to die unexpectedly, she would undoubtedly blame NiMBUS."

Alexei's right eyebrow rose a bit and his lips tightened. Assassination? Hadn't they already done that once?

"It is your job, if you accept it, to vanish into subspace when the battle starts and to fly your speeders to Tappee. Once there, you are to blend in with the population as much as possible, posing as Imperial Ambassadors and then meet up with President Jon Anerton in a diplomatic conference. He will then give you more information as to how you are to go about your mission," Pierce said. "There is not a high survival rate...but your goal is to try to frame NiMBUS. Such a thing must be done, for we need Tappee in this war. If you fall in battle..."

"Then let me fall, if I must fall. There's no reason to miss this chance," Alexei replied. Joseph stared at him. "Someone I am is waiting for my courage. The one I will become...not the one I have become...will catch me."

"Honestly, Alexei," Joseph said. "I don't know what you're talking about..."

"Frost," Alexei replied. "What left is there for me to do? All I've done is argue with myself about this war, and even life itself, but what it comes down to is...I'm not going to put what I have to waste." Alexei turned to Pierce. "There will be no mercy shown."

"I'm in too," Frost said, kicking himself inside for agreeing. "Although I'm not going into this a suicide mission. I fully expect to survive."

"And if we don't?"

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Frost snapped. Sensing the tension, Pierce jumped in, and the guards came in to escort the two men out.

"You'll leave tomorrow along with everyone else," he said as they left. "Remember, highest security!"

What was he thinking...leaving the fate of the resistance...and perhaps all of humanity...up to those two men?

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Tappee

07-02-2004, 09:03

Ooc: nice foreshadowing

Ic:
Admiral Dodalla step off the ramp, the stress of the past few hours could been in her face. Normally procedure would have dictated her to be wearing a dress uniform such a meeting, but due to the current situation she had choose to wear her combat uniform instead. She was immediately met as she step of the ramp. She extended her hand as a sign of good faith.

“Hello my Name Is Admiral Emily Dodalla.”

http://img.atpictures.com/michellep/tn_michelle129.jpg
Admiral Dodalla

Tappee

07-02-2004, 09:18

OOC: FYI I'm going away for the weekend so I might not be around till sunday

[OOC: The following is also in this public announcement: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=121809 ]

.:Outgoing Transmission:.
Channel Open

Sir James Pierce's face appears on viewscreens across the galaxy. If a viewscreen is not being used to recieve the message, the jingle of ice in a glass is heard. Pierce puts down his brandy after taking a sip and looks sternly at the camera.

"Greeting, allies and enemies alike. It has been known to me that many nations share the resentment I have regarding the Steel-Orion Star Empire, along with the Emperor, Alexander Nemerov. You may ask why I interupted you for this transmission, so I shall get to the point right away."

Pierce took another drink and straightened his tie. Behind him stood no flag, but instead a bookcase.

"The Aeisis Resistance has already fought off the invaders from the Empire, who attempted to 'reclaim' our territory after we declared independance along with the planet of Bivens. I ask you all to contemplate the death toll - 80,000 in one battle."

Pierce paused for effect, finishing off the glass.

"It is with the utmost respect that I ask you all to in whatever way possible, assist us in our struggle. The corruption and disregard for life flaunted by both the Empire and NiMBUS Biotechnologies, now basically one in the same, is appaling and on the scale of genocide. Alone, we are merely rebels fighting for an ideal, although I am sure that more nations have a equal respect for life. Choose as you may, but the Empire has already stepped outside its borders in its dealings, murdering hundreds of thousands in the nation of Tappee. Who's to say your nation is not next? What's stopping NiMBUS from reaching out further for their horriffic experiments? I can only hope...we can only hope that others realize the level of danger involved. The Corporation must be stopped."

Channel Terminated

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

Jon turned of the T.V. So far every thing was going according to plan. He could no longer play the military card, but could play the diplomatic one. He would call for a conference for all nation to discuses the Humanitarian Crisis in the Orion Sector. Inviting both side to come to Tappee in order settle their differences. In truth the conference was nothing more then a cover to sneak in rebel agents.

For the first time, he thought that it might just work. However God help them all if it failed.

http://img.atpictures.com/breckin/tn_breckin0276.jpg
Jon Anerton

Celack

08-02-2004, 02:51

Kanosis shook Dodalla's hand

"UI am admiral Fitzgerald Kanosis. If you would please come with me we have to discuss important matters."

Kanosis lead Dodalla down a hall to a turbolift. He swiped a card and typed in a password. The lift rode upwards to the war planning room.

Tappee

09-02-2004, 02:28

"Admiral what bring you to these parts, I'm sure that your not here to see the wild life" Said Dodalla with a bit of a smile on her face.

She had always found that a joke was the best way to ease a tense situation.

09-02-2004, 02:39

--- Double Post ---

09-02-2004, 02:40

Orion Sector
All was calm in this place in the Orion Sector. The chaos of the civil war did not seem to affect it. However, a probe soon hyperspaced the area.

"This is Admiral Nelson Clark of Nanakaland," a voice broadcasted through the transmitter. "As you can tell, I am remotely broadcasting this message through a probe. Be warned, Nanakaland has not forgotten this civil war and my soon return."

Canada-Germany

10-02-2004, 01:35

Note to the Captain of the SSF Rocket:

All personel and equipment have been transfered. Request permission to have allocated to us the largest un-interrupted Area possible that is the closest to the middle of the ship on the Rocket, Missile and Torpedo. We are ready to set out at your conveniance.

Colonel Tse.

Celack

10-02-2004, 01:55

"actually I'm quite interested about the wildlife on some of the planets in this system. I think our fleets should go together to watch them."
Kanosis replied with a smile. He was beginning to liek the admiral. He turned serious again and brought up a holographic map of teh orion system. He began to describe his plan.

Tappee

10-02-2004, 06:51

Admiral Dodalla listened to his plan with intrest. "It's a good plan. Unfortantly for reasons unknow to me, my government has recalled the fleet. They have ordered a complete withdraw of our forces out of the Orion sector."

Although she did not agree with the orders it was her duty to follow them.
"However, they never said to where to pull back too." She pointed to a region of neutral space. "I'm going to move my fleet here. If my government should change their mind we wouldn't be far out. Also so you and your fleet run into any trouble you can fall back to our position." Glanced over at Kanosis, and gave him a of a smirk "In neutral space they are fair game. I don't like leaving other behind to fight our battles but my hands are tied, at least if you run in to any trouble I can help. i pray that in time that my government will change their position on the war, and we can come help you out with your plan."

http://img.atpictures.com/michellep/tn_michelle129.jpg

Steel Butterfly

11-02-2004, 04:08

The lounge on the transport ship was quite a luxurious place. A small orchestra played a calming toon as the soldiers of the Fleet and the fighter pilots mingled with each other from table to table.

Eric, Sean, Joseph, and Pedro looked out of place in their Marine blacks, the standard wear under the ODIN suits minus pouches for ammo and rations. All of the others had dress uniforms on, and were well groomed. They acted as if there was not a care in the galaxy, much less a civil war being fought. Marching off to battle, they flirted amongst each other. Eric got drinks as Sean made some comment about the toughness of the Marines and Mobile Infantry compared to that of the Fleet.

Alexei sat at a table in the corner, alone. He stared into his tall glass, trying to drown his hopes and fears in the potent liquid. Tomorrow he would march off to a suicide mission, and he didn't feel the need to celebrate. Still, he though to himself, if the mission is a success, it will be a honorable way to go out.

Joseph was quiet as well at the table where the four of them sat. Gone was his cheerful attitude, and he hadn't touched his drink.

"Tomorrow is a huge day," Eric said, sipping at his drink. "That technology means a lot for both sides, and we're going to have it."

"I'll just be glad to get out of here," Sean mumbled, chugging his drink in one swallow.

"We're gonna slaughter 'em," Pedro said, raising his glass. "A toast...to victory!"

"Nice and cliche, man," Eric laughed, raising his as well. "To conquest!"

"To kickin' some Imperial ass!" Sean shouted, getting strange looks from those around him. He filled his glass back up and raised it. "We should do this before every battle! Hell...we should do this all the time!" The orchestra began to play a sad and haunting song, and the room quieted.

"And what if this time is your last?" Joseph said, speaking for the first time of the night. "What if no one, or worse, some of us come back?" The three men put their glasses down, the moment ruined. Eric and Pedro sat quietly, sipping at their drinks once more, however Sean seemed angry and remained standing.

"The f uck your problem?" he asked rather loudly. "You don't say a damn thing all night, and now you fuc king tell us we're going to die!" A smirk crossed his face. "You've been hanging around that Ivanova too long." Eric rose quickly and grabbed Sean by his collar, lifting him a few inches off the ground. More heads turned at the sudden commotion.

"Watch your mouth," Eric said calmly, although his actions said more. Sean was angry and confused.

"What the hell?" he shouted. "The man decks you, and you fuc king jump to his defense? It's like you love him or something!"

"I don't expect the same courtesy..." Eric said, picking Sean up and slamming him through the table. Joseph, as well as Sean, didn't blink, shocked by Eric's actions, but Pedro jumped to his friend's defense. However, Eric was ready and backhanded Pedro, sending him to his knees. Some soldiers of the Fleet jumped up to break up the fight, but Eric simply walked out the right entrance.

Sean picked himself up and stormed out of the lounge in the other direction, along with Pedro who was wiping his bloody mouth. Joseph, still calm and rather out of it, although not due to the alcohol which he didn't drink, put the tip on the counter and left in Eric's direction.

Alexei, unphased by what just happened, watched as the people around him slowly settled down. The orchestra began playing the calming song once more, and it now sounded somewhat energetic after the previous slow tune. A soldier in Fleet came up to him and sat across.

"You all alone here?" she asked. The beautiful girl was definately interested in the lonely soldier, but Alexei had no time nor energy for these types of things, and currently he didn't care either.

"There are many soldiers around," he responded, only glancing up for a second.

"You're Marine, right?" she asked. Alexei nodded. "I'm Dominique Hutchinson...er...Ensign Dominique Hutchinson." Alexei looked up; she was smiling.

"Commander Alexei Ivanova," he said, stressing his rank in hopes of her leaving, however it merely provided for more conversation.

"Oh, sorry, sir!" she said in a flirtatious voice. Alexei wanted to leave.

"I won't hold it against you," Alexei said sternly, however the Ensign thought this was a game he was playing. "I need to go to bed," he said. "Big day tomorrow..."

"Can I walk you to your room?" she asked, smiling a beaming smile. Alexei noted her beautiful looks, but the thought went no farther in his mind.

"I'd rather not be a burden," he replied. "It's quite far away..."

"It's no burden...really..."

"Perhaps tomorrow," he said, cutting her off. Alexei knew full well he wouldn't be there, or anywhere for that matter, tomorrow but he didn't care. Dominique looked disappointed.

"Promise?" she asked playfully in a baby voice. Alexei got up and walked away.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p341.jpg
Captain Leon Williams
Leader of the 2nd Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th Mobile Infantry
27th M.I., 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p117.jpg
Lieutenant J.G. Pedro Ibanez
27th Mobile Infantry
27th MI, 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p86.jpg
Ensign Dominique Hutchinson

11-02-2004, 04:25

Hey. Er... can I get a response running? (Page 7, last post) Unless I'm not in this. Then I'll have to leave.

Steel Butterfly

11-02-2004, 21:50

[OOC: I for one found it on page 6...but whatever.

You're gonna have to give me more to work with. What do you want? A task force to destroy? To be caught on scanners?]

Steel Butterfly

12-02-2004, 03:58

Lance Radney stared deep into the picture. It was a beautiful backdrop, the shining academy on a sunny day, and in the foreground were three boys...no...three men who had just graduated the most difficult school in the Empire.

How he missed those two others, but Eric had abandoned him and Vernetta in their time of need. Oh Vernetta, the glorious woman who was slain by monsters thanks to that bastard captain with the sunglasses and golden hair. Eric had run off with him, leaving Eric alone with a fallen lover in his arms. The military had rescued him, and told him all he needed to know. He would repay them for their debt.

"Oh put it away," he told himself, shifting his view to the other man to his right, one with longer hair and a rough face that wasn't shaved that morning. "Alexei," he thought, pondering the man. Alexei had finished very high in the tactical and physical exam, and was on his way to the clandestine group of special forces - the Imperial Guard. He wondered what such a high ranking officer in the Imperial Military was doing at a time like this. "Not sitting around while we lose battles!" Lance scoffed.

A Marine Lieutenant, Lance barely sniffed battle yet. He was aboard the SSF Apparition, commanded by Captain Lusec Apakoh, but his unit, the 81st Marines, was never deployed. He was one of the few thousand troops intended for the drop that were kept in the ships, and survived.

"Who are they?" Private Nero Applegate asked the Lieutenant, looking over Lance's shoulder.

"Ghosts from the past..." Lance replied, putting the picture in a drawer and closing it.

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Lieutenant Lance Radney
81st Imperial Marines

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Private Nero Applegate
81st Imperial Marines

Tappee

12-02-2004, 08:36

As Jon finished on the computer he sat back and reviewed the plan. There was no room for error, if one thing went wrong then they would all be finished.

His plan was simple in its design. Step on would be to create a situation in which members of the rebel resistance could be in Tappee, and not raise any suspicions. That part had been taken care of, Jon had called for an international conference to discuss the current humanitarian crisis in SB. To make it appear legitimate he had asked members of both sides to attend. To make sure that the peace was held he had arranged for an armed escort into Tappee for both parties, which brought him to step two.

The assassins had to Rebel diplomats, but were not arriving by the usual means, Mr Peirce had decide send them in covertly in small fighters. So to hide their entrance in to the system Jon had place a computer worm in to the detection grid, for a four hour period the sensor grid in that sector would be looped so that it would appear that there was no activity. They would enter in the same sector as the SB diplomats, so if by chance they were caught then it would appear to be SB forces not the Rebels. As an added precaution he had given them the ship codes, as well as the patrol routes, so that they could stay out sight of any Tappee ships. With all this they could move through the entire sector unseen. He had given them landing coordinates, they could follow the landing craft a break off just before the land zone.

Step three would be the location of the Conference, the conference would be held in a small costal town named Brathalum. Brathalum was on the few remaining small rural towns in Tappee, the rest of the country had been urbanized; it gave a great view of the ocean, and was surrounded in lush green forest, it was often used as a resort of visiting dignitaries. However, there was another reason why he had picked Brathalum, located 30 mile north of Brathalum up the coast was the intelligence academy, as well as it’s massive underground tunnel network. The tunnel system was a labyrinth of twist and turns that extended for a 100 miles with the academy as its centre, it could provide the ideal means for a person to move around the country side hidden, or to escape. In his last transmission had had sent the rebels a detailed map, as well all the access codes. The plan was for the Rebel agent to land at an abandoned airstrip near Brathalum, and uses the tunnel system to meet up with Jon at the conference.

At the tunnel entrance Jon had left them a number of items, one such item was means to eliminate the target. Using the blood analysis the he obtain, he had decide to use poison, the poison that he had chosen would make it appear that the target died of the flu, and would not show up in a post mortem test. The use of such thing would make it appear that the target died of complications of the virus that NiMbus had infected him with. Other items in the bag were ident cards, which identified the assassins as diplomats, so that they could move about Brathalum freely

Step four would the part that Jon had the biggest concern about, and that would be the actual assassination.

Jon knew that Jade would be attending the conference, and that Cal her husband would not attend. He hated such events, choosing to stay home with the kids instead, this would be the time that they would strike. Using the tunnel system the assassin could slip away from the conference and make their way to Jades home, once there all they would have to do is put a few drop of the poison on Cal’s skin and a couple hour he’ll be dead how they did that was up to them. Then after it done use the tunnel system to disappear either back to the conference or back their hidden ship.

Jon let out a sigh and placed his face in his hands. He knew that the landing, and the actually murder would be the hardest part.

‘Murder’ he thought to himself, normally it was such a strong word. As much as he tried to justify it to himself, deep down he knew what he was about to do was nothing more then murder.

Sending troop to go died in battle was something different they were casualties of war. He told himself that this was no different, that Cal’s death would serve a greater purpose. But no matter he told himself that it didn’t make the sick feeling in his stomach go away.

Cal wasn’t a soldier or a politician, he was a husband and father, more importantly he was Jade’s husband and father to her children. Jon knew that she would take his loss hard, he wondered how he would ever be able to look her in the face knowing that it was him, and him alone that took Cal away from her.

Taking a deep breath Jon put all his doubt and misgiving in the back of his mind. As much as he hated it, it was his job to make the tough decision, this was no different. He could only pray that all went to plan, if Jade found out what he was up too the fate of Two countries now lay on the brink of damnation.

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President Jon Anerton

Steel Butterfly

12-02-2004, 21:43

"General on deck!" a guard shouted and a whooshing sound was made as all the marines and fighter pilots stood at attention.

"Each of you have your co-ordinates!" Sky Marshall William Mitchell said in a commanding voice to those with him. "Some are to assist in fighter planes, some are to assist in taking over the enemy ship, some are to assist in both. Each of you already know your objectives and priorities."

The transport and carrier ships had been traveling for hours, and were now near the very edge of the Orion Sector. They already had the cloaked ships on expanded sensors, and were nearing enemy sensor range. Alexei and Frost, although they stood at attention, thought little of the Sky Marshall's words, but instead of those of Mr. Pierce.

"It will be your choice to partake in this mission I am about to give you two. The decision falls squarely on your shoulders," Pierce had said to them. "There is not a high survival rate..."

"I may not be as poetic as Sir Pierce with my pre-battle speaches," Sky Marshall Mitchell said, his words pulling Alexei and Joseph back into reality. "However I believe that there is no need for such a talk. You all are professionals, the best of the best. You all were chosen specifically for this mission...this mission of the highest priority. This may well be the most important thing you will ever do in your lives, if it isn't your last. However, we all have known the price of rebellion, we have shown the strength of rebellion...and now we must prove the victory of rebellion. Pilots, enter your star fighters! Marines, enter your gunships!"

Alexei and Joseph were the only two Marines in fighters, but the Sky Marshall had given the soldiers good reason for it. Both Alexei and Joseph were established fighter pilots.

"To victory?" Joseph asked Alexei as he put his helmet on.

"To death, Frost," Alexei replied grimly as he climbed into his Raptor-Class Deep Space Tactical Fighter. "...to death..."

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Sky Marshall William Mitchell
Commander of the Space Fleet and Marines

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Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

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Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Steel Butterfly

12-02-2004, 22:14

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"This is Raptor 1 to Raptor 5, do you read Raptor 5?"

"Roger that, Rapter 1," Alexei said to the leader of the fighter squad he had been assigned to.

"Status report, Raptor 5..."

"Listen, Lieutenant," Commander Alexei Ivanova replied. "I know you must love giving me orders, but I do know how to fly. I'm actually very adept at doing so."

After a long pause, Lieutenant Mark Andrews answered back. "Raptor 5 I still need a status report...for protocol."

"Everything's normal, Raptor 1," Alexei said checking his Trans Drive. The Trans Drive was Steel Butterfly's form of FTL travel. It essentially folded space, making the quickest route between two points not a line, but actually folding the metaphorical paper so that the two points touched. "All clear."

After a few more minutes Lieutenant Frost was heard over the comm link. "Entering enemy scanning range in 5...4...3...2...shutting down engines to one fourth, engaging fighter thrusters."

"Procede in flight plan Delta 813223 Q," Lieutenant Andrews ordered, doing the same. "Prepare to improvise in certain situations however,"

Alexei checked his quantum explosive that he and Pierce had hidden in his cargo compartment. The explosive would be detonated just as they engaged the Trans Drive, as to the effect that they were destroyed.

"Entering enemy fire range," Ensign Katrina Brady reported. That was their cue. Soon they would make the jump.

"We've been detected!" Ensign Jack Highwind said over the link.

"Roger that Raptor 3," Lt. Andrews said as he looked at his scanner. There we no enemy fighters in the area though, and that in itself was promising. Large ships had trouble hitting the Raptor-Class Tactical Fighter, as it was the newest ship in the Imperial line and had technology a bit more advanced. "Continue on Delta 813223 Q,"

"Evasive manuvers!" Lt. Frost screamed as a polaron beam just brushed his right side. Either of them actually being blow up would severly ruin their mission.

"Shields dropping!" Alexei shouted, convincingly. It was their sign. "Thrusters malfunctioning!" Looking out the viewscreen, Alexei could see incoming Imperial polaron beams. They would have to do this fast. Frost reported the same malfunctions.

"This is Raptor 1 to Raptor 4 and 5. My sensors show no signs of..." Lt. Andrews began, but it was already too late. Two massive blue explosions sent shockwaves to the other fighters in radiant blue light. The explosions rendered the fighter's sensors useless for a few seconds, masking Alexei and Joseph's ships's travel into subspace.

Being in this subspace was a strange experience in itself. In the real universe, their trip would take less than a second, but in subspace, they had a minute to travel as time was extended and stretched. Alexei hoped that they got the co-ordinates correct...

...and they were out...and in Tappee space.

"Scanning the planet," Frost reported. "Their scanners are in a loop. We have about a half an hour left. Lets get moving."

"Airstrip located," Alexei said, looking at the scanners. "Be careful...we don't need any crashes."

"Why?" Frost replied. "It's not like you want to live anyhow..."

Alexei shut off the comm link as the two entered the atmosphere of the planet, descending to Brathalum.

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Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

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Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

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Lieutenant Mark Andrews
15th Fighter Squadron

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Ensign Jack Highwind
15th Fighter Squadron

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Ensign Katrina Brady
15th Fighter Squadron

Steel Butterfly

12-02-2004, 22:35

"TWO DOWN!" Andrews screamed at the gunships through the comm link. "I REPEAT! TWO DOWN!"

He could see the fleet with his own eyes now out the front of the fighter, and with the touch of a button he magnified the image. There were only five ships other than the intelligence ship. The Rebel fleet of 25 gunships with Marines and 100 fighters dwarfed the Imperials. Andrews thought how dying on a day like this would almost be a pathetic way to go. As long as the Imperials didn't blow up their own ship, this battle would be over soon enough.

"This is the Isep to Raptor 1," a voice over the comm link said. "Remain on course, I repeat, remain on course."

"Roger that, Isep," Andrews responded. "Change flight pattern to Omega 238472 G," he instructed to the rest of his squad, now only eight ships."

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Lieutenant Mark Andrews
15th Fighter Squadron

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

"The ships are already in place, Captain," Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr said. "You have no been assigned to this mission, we need you elsewhere."

"Patrolling the moons for pirates who aren't there?" Captain Apakoh grumbled. "I have the ship of the line, and perhaps the greatest fleet in this bastard military...and you order me to sit back as an epic, and damn important battle unfolds? How much does this technology mean anyhow?"

"The Emperor in confident in the Space Fleet's ability to protect its own assets," Sky Marshall Zephyr said, not believing it for a second even though he was the supreme commander of the Fleet as well as the Imperial Space Marines. "He felt that Marines were not needed."

"And he knows more than you?"

"I follow orders," Sky Marshall Zephyr said sternly. "Just as you will..."

"The pirates aren't at their moon hideouts because they are fighting in this war!" Apakoh continued. "The Emperor still thinks we're fighting a war where two sides line up and take turns firing at each other! We haven't done such things for centuries upon centuries! This is not some epic clash among huge battleships! The Fleet will be up against fighters they cannot hit, marines who are trained in enemy ship capture, and pirates who don't give a damn how many they lose, as long as the outcome benefits them."

"Captain, stop it," Zephyr commanded. "I too agree with you, but this is the Emperor's war..."

"Then let him fight it!" Apakoh screamed. "We're the ones dying...or simply sitting around...at his orders. Sir, this is our war. If we fight it his way..."

"Captain, we will win either way," Zephyr said, and by the tone in his voice Apakoh knew it was time to stop.

"There's something not right with the Emperor, sir." Apakoh reported. "I had a meeting with him...and..."

"I know, Captain," Zephyr said, falling deep into though. "I know..."

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Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr
Commander of the Imperial Fleet and Marines

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Captain Lusec Apakoh
81st Imperial Marines

12-02-2004, 22:52

OOC-This should be Cspalla. I don't know why, but the forums keep logging me in as my puppet.

Admiral Arkay Petrovich reclined in his chair in the CSF Cslikhart's command bridge. The bridge of the ship was located in front of and below him. The center he stood in was for fleet command, a feature new for the new command ship. In the front of the massive room, a screen showed three full Cspallan fleets arrayed, ready to go to battle. As he watched, a last long-range sensor probe was deployed, allowing them detailed scans on what was going on throughout Steel Butterfly. That normally wasn't necessary, but the civil war had to be watched. Sensor ships darted around the outside of the force, a second layer of protection unless someone tried a strike against them. Fighter patrols also guarded against that. Looking out at the massive force, he had but one thought: they were ready.

"Sir, detecting combat!"

Arkay grabbed his workstation so it swung in front of hisw chair and called up the sensor reports. "This is it, people. I'm contacting Csilla for orders, and hopefully we can rock and roll."

>>Csilla<<
"Understood, Arkay. A I just want to speak with Emperor Nemerov. It would be better to do so before sending a massive fleet over his boarders. I'll have orders for you ASAP."

Robert Fyre shut his comm line and typed in another, again sending a message to Emperor Nemerov:

"Emperor Nemerov, this is Grand Overlord Fyre is Cspalla. We just saw the fleet engagement you have going on. You doubtless now of the contingency fleet I have along our border. They are ready to help you. This men and women would be honored to fight alongside their allies. Say the word and they will proceed at their maximum speed."

Steel Butterfly

12-02-2004, 23:52

Nemerov breathed a sigh of relief, as he instantly felt better. Getting up, he walked over to his viewscreen and opened the message.

"Emperor Nemerov, this is Grand Overlord Fyre is Cspalla. We just saw the fleet engagement you have going on. You doubtless now of the contingency fleet I have along our border. They are ready to help you. This men and women would be honored to fight alongside their allies. Say the word and they will proceed at their maximum speed."

Seeing that the line was still open, Nemerov booted it up so that direct communication would be possible in the place of a message.

.:Channel Link Between Imperial Capital and Cspalla:.
Channel Secure

"So they've engaged...have they?" Nemerov said. If the Cspallans had video capability, they would notice that Nemerov seemed detached. Either way, the man was obviously distracted by something, and did not act in the way that he normally did. "I've sent fleets to take care of it. We can..." he breathed in deep and the air seemed to shock him. "...take care of ourselves." he jumbled out real fast. "Still...thank you..." he continued. "...and if they get in your space...zap 'em!"

Nemerov laughed a little in a high-pitched voice that slowly grew deeper. His eyes rolled back in his head and he waved good-bye, turning off the monitor.

Channel Terminated

"That was too far..." Dr. Ackerman said, stepping from the shadows.

"But I needed to!" Nemerov said, bursting into tears. "The pain...it's growing..."

"I meant the message, you pathetic waste of oxygen!" the doctor roared.

"Oww..." Nemerov cried, as if he was a child...yet Nemerov rarely cried as a child...only now...

...only now...

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Emperor Alexander Nemerov
Star Empire of Steel Butterfly,
In the Orion Sector which includes:
Steel Isle, Steel Moon,
CTaNbHaR Eabo4Ka, XIII,
Aeisis, Bivens, Esthar VIII
Orion Sector Alliance Premier,
Order of the Seraphim

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Dr. Robert Ackerman
CEO, President, and Lead Developer
NiMBUS Biotechnologies

Canada-Germany

13-02-2004, 00:04

OOC: I'm gonna assume that the ships jumped into FTL soon after my message was sent, so, where ever they are arriving, they're arriving there now.

IC:

All the equipment was up and running; all the personell were ready.

"Ok, lets see where we've ended up." Yip muttered to herself.

Steel Butterfly

13-02-2004, 00:32

Clairmont

13-02-2004, 01:33

Planet Aesis
Orion Sector

"Sir, the patrol is back...they found no more survivors." The private spoke to Dixon.

For two days Dixon and his squad had been searching for survivors from the massacre at the fields only a little while back. They had found only nine, out of tens of thousands.

Some of the survivors had actually been in quite a good condition, with only a concussion and a few broken bones but nothing severe. Then there also had been two worse cases. Dixon still remembered when the squad Doctor had been forced to amputate the left arm of a surviving Imperial private, or that something which resembled the kids left arm.

But now, all of the survivors were stabilized and the Doc had ensured Dixon that they would live. It was supprising that the five Rebel survivors werent trying to beat the four Imperial survivors to death, he mused.

"Allright. We'll grab some sack time and then we'll move on closer to a rebel camp and leave the survivors there."

"But sir, how will we know that the Rebels will treat the Imperial survivors properly?" The private asked with a sense of hesitation in his voice.

"We dont, but we have little choice. There isnt exactly and Imperial stronghold on this planet where we could drop the survivors off to."

"Ofcourse sir."

"Yeah."

5 Hours later
Near a Rebel Stronghold

Dixon stood alongside Sergeant Vincenti with the survivors, only a few hundred meters from a Rebel encampment. Dixon had insisted to go alone to hand off the survivors to the Rebels, leaving the rest of his squad to positions where from they could observe what happens and retreat quickly if necessary. But Sergeant Vincenti had been as stubborn as usualy and had gotten along with Dixon.

Now they stood, their pulser rifles hanging at their sides, and the two soldiers hands away from the weapons. The survivors came behind them.

Dixon took a few more steps and judged that they were close enough now. He cranked up the audio amplification in his helmet and when he spoke, his words came out as loud as from a loudspeaker, but clearly as crystal.

"I am Lieutenant Dixon, i wish to speak to the Commander of this Base."
He yelled over to the direction of the encampment.

Then, he just waited for a reply.

OOC: I didnt recall reading any names of your bases near the battle area Steel so i just decided to bring my fellows to the nearest one.

Canada-Germany

13-02-2004, 01:53

OOC: I'm gonna assume that the ships jumped into FTL soon after my message was sent, so, where ever they are arriving, they're arriving there now.

[OOC: Well, as with SB tech, they arrived in the Empire mere moments after they left.]

OOC: Meh, they be fast people. :lol: actually no, lol, they set it all up before they sent the message to one of the captians.

Tappee

13-02-2004, 05:24

“Sir” yelled out the radar operator.

“Yes” answered his commander

“I’ve got two very small radar signatures on my screen, shall I order fighters to intercept?”

The commander took a moment to look over some paperwork. “Negative, their probably part of the SB delegation. Just leave them be” From what he had heard SB craft had a much lower radar signature then Tappee’s. He had orders direct from President Anerton to leave all SB craft alone, and that is what he was going to do.

Tappee

13-02-2004, 05:28

“Do you think that I’ve gained weight?” asked Jade out loud. The conference was starting soon, and she was trying on her dress.

“No” quickly answered a voice from another room. Cal stuck his head out from the bathroom. “Why would you ask that?”

Jade repositioned her self so she could get a better look at her self. “It’s just that this dress feels a little tighter then the last time that I wore.”

Cal gave her a bit of a smile “You probably shrunk it when you washed it” he said jokingly.

He soon caught a glare from his wife “Are you saying that I don’t know how to do laundry”

Cal reached out a put his arms around his wife. “You can do many things, you are the best intelligence agent this country has ever seen. But you no, you suck at doing laundry.” Gave her a bit of a kiss on the forehead. “What you would rather be fat, and good a laundry.”

Jade couldn’t help but chuckle; he always knew what to say to her. “Why aren’t you coming?”

Cal let out a sigh “You know this is not my type thing, beside I enjoy spending the time with the kids. Thing like this are of no concern to me anyways, they don’t affect me.”

“Every thing affect us is on way or another.” She had never told what was going on, she had felt it best that he didn’t know about the disease that had now infected him. Jade hoped that everything could be dealt without ever knowing that he was being held hostage. She knew her husband well, Cal would never allow himself to be used, he would chose death then to used as pawn in NiMbus’s game. So he would never know what had occurred. “Anyways I’m running late, the Limo is waiting outside”

Cal gave her another kiss. “Have fun tonight.”

“I will.” she answered. Truth be told she hate these things as much as he did, unlike him she couldn’t get out of it.

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Commander Jade Allenson
Lead chair Tappee Intelligence Tribunal

Steel Butterfly

14-02-2004, 01:19

"I am Lieutenant Dixon, i wish to speak to the Commander of this Base."
He yelled over to the direction of the encampment.

Then, he just waited for a reply.

General Michael Sherman looked up as guards quickly surrounded him for protection. However, the General pushed them aside and walked up to the man.

"I am the commander of this base, as well as much more," Sherman said, standing at ease with his feet shoulder width apart and his wrists crossed behind his back. "What is it you wish to discuss?"

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General Michael Sherman
Commander of the Mobile Infantry

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

"Change to attack pattern Omega 457691 V," Lt. Mark Andrews commanded to his squad across the comm link. "Procede to ship five on your sensors, target main engines and weapons," he continued. "Engage!"

The eight Raptor-Class Deep Space Tactical Fighters flew directly at the ship, the SSF Inquisition. The Inquisition, a Thor-Class Destroyer was an older ship, although it had been refitted with better shields, weapons, and technology. It was well known, however, at least among those in the Empire, that the Thor-Class's engines were very vulnerable. That was the reason it was replaced in the long run.

The fighters broke off and scatter in what appeared to be random places as they were shot at by the old warship. On his scanner, Andrews saw the intelligence ship slowly retreating. They would have to act fast.

"I can't get a lock!" Ensign Katrina Brady yelled over the comm link.

"Roger that, Raptor 2," Andrews replied, unable to do it either. "The intelligence ship may have anti lock-on technology. The sensors are off as well. I am placing an order to switch to manual."

"Switching,"

"Switching,"

"Roger that, switching,"

"Switching to manual,"

"Switching,"

"Switching, Raptor 1,"

"Switching,"

"Attack pattern ASD45," Andrews commanded, unloading his Polaron Pulse cannons unto the rear of the Inquisition. The shields flashed wildly, fighting off and aborbing the beams.

"Their shields are down to 93%" Ensign Jack Highwind reported.

"After one hit?" Katrina Brady asked, shocked.

"Two," Highwind replied. "Keep shooting,"

"Quantum torpedoes..."

The bluish light flashed as it came in contact with the shields, lighting them up all over the ship. Andrews switched quickly back to the Pulse-Cannons and fired off some more beams of light. The ship had yet to do much fighting back, and someone reported that their shields were at 71%.

"I'm caught!" Raptor 7 screamed over the comm link.

"Tractor beam?" someone asked.

"Gravometric field," the pilot replied, his voice shaking with nervousness. "I'm completely disabled.

"Raptor 9," Andrews said. "Target foward cannons, get Raptor 7 out of there!"

"Roger that, Raptor 1,"

Then the Imperial Star Ship opened up, firing cannon after cannon, and making Mark Andrews realize exactly what the refits had been: more firepower. This destroyer was now a huge gunship, and it had one of its prey caught. It was not about to let it get away.

The man and the ship, both fighters, both classified as Raptor 7, blew up in a display of light and pyrotechnics that in any other situation would have been considered amazing. The lights and flames quickly died out, not able to maintain themselves in the vast vaccuum of space, and all that was left of the ship was small bits of debris.

"Enemy shields at 37% and dropping," Highwind reported. Andrews smilied. They would have this one soon.

"I'm hit!" Raptor 8 screamed over the comm link. "Fuck! I'm burning up!" Andrews glanced at Raptor 8 and saw that it was far beyond salvation.

"Get to the back of the ship!" Andrews screamed, coming up with a plan on the fly.

"Shit, I'm not gonna make it...shit, shit, shit..." The almost-crazed pilot ranted on. "I have family, I have..." and he broke into tears, crying long and hard over the comm link, tensing everyone's already tense nerves.

"GET TO THE BACK OF THE SHIP!"

Raptor 8 darted back and forth until it reached the back, turning for a last time straight towards the Inquisition and speeding up. Shields on star ships weren't designed to withstand solid projectiles of that size, and the ship made a gaping hold in the aft shields. A few of the fighters fired into the hole, but Mark Andrews fired a Quantum Torpedo at the fighter itself, which was now dangerously close to the hull of the Inquisition.

The fighter collided with the engine protectors, damaging their outer hull, but not penetrating the thick metal. The torpedo, however, achieved just that, exploding the nacelles in a grand display of purple light. A chain reaction quickly moved up the ship, until at last a final blow erupted from its core, sending a circular wave quickly expanding from the spot of the grand explosion.

"Fuck Yeah!" Andrews screamed, letting out a war cry afterwards. Normally civilized, victory always brought out the animal in him.

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Lieutenant Mark Andrews
"Raptor 1"
15th Fighter Squadron

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Ensign Jack Highwind
"Raptor 3"
15th Fighter Squadron

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Ensign Katrina Brady
"Raptor 2"
15th Fighter Squadron

Steel Butterfly

14-02-2004, 04:32

Under the masks of sensor protection and military manipulation, Commander Alexei Ivanova and Lieutenant Joseph Frost landed easily on the airstrip outside of Brathalum, Tappee. They secured their weapons, phase pistols, in holsters underneath their trenchcoats, specifically designed by the Imperial Guard to jam sensors. The pistols would be hidden.

Alexei straightened his tie while looking at his reflection off of the fighter. He hadn't worn one since graduating from The Orion Military Academy with Eric and Lance. He remembed the dance that night, and the woman he shared it with. She left the academy and got a job with NiMBUS...how strange it was. Merely weeks ago he would wake up beside her, yet now that seems so long ago...and so far away...

Seeing that Joseph was finished attempting to make himself look presentable, Alexei walked to the tunnel entrance and opened the bag left where the orders said it would be hidden. Inside was the virus, identification cards, and a map of the tunnels. Alexei handed a card and the map to Joseph, who got busy entering the map into his PADD. Alexei held up the virus, glaring at it. "Bastard thing..." he thought to himself.

Soon Joseph was finished with the map, and Alexei uploaded it from him onto his own PADD. Reading the display, they continued to where the orders had said to go.

"Mikhail Johanovich Sevanov," Alexei said, reading the card and practicing his Russian accent under his breath. "Who are you?" he asked, turning to Joseph.

"Zachary Aetna," Joseph replied chuckling. "Would that be A-e-tna, or I-tna?" He asked.

"I think it's up to you," Alexei responded. "It is your last name after all..."

"I'll go with I-tna," Frost said, sounding out the words slowly. "A-e-tna sounds too much like A-e-sis." That was how Aeisis was pronounced after all.

"Whatever..." Alexei said, shrugging his shoulders and pulling at his tie. Pointing right, he said, "This way."

Mr. Pierce had never said anything about posing as diplomats, Alexei thought to himself, and even if he had, Alexei didn't remember. He felt old, tired, as if his days were drawing closer and closer to the end. Brushing the thought off, he reminded himself that this was a suicide mission, and that no amount of optimism by Frost could change that. They would, however, bring Tappee back into the war for the Resistance, and that was something that Mr. Pierce needed. After all, losing two men to gain a whole nation was an obviously necessary sacrifice.

"What do we do afterwards?" Frost asked. The orders were never clear on what they were to do after they had accomplished the mission. Perhaps those giving the orders thought it was certain death as well. The thought troubled Joseph, and although he asked, he doubted Alexei would give him a helpful answer.

"Hope it doesn't hurt, I guess," Alexei reponded, not even thinking of escape, much to the dismay of Joseph. "I'm not going to be a prisoner either way. I'll gladly die before I spend my life rotting behind bars, or ending up as part of some twisted torture experiment. No...I'll die...however possible..."

"You have anyone at all back home that you want me to say stuff to?" Frost asked, implying that he would live, even if Alexei was so intent on falling in battle.

"I told you, they're all dead..." Alexei said, looking down at the map. He was a few steps ahead of Frost, who ran up to catch him. "Soon I'll be with them..."

"So that's what it's all about, huh?" Frost asked, looking at how Alexei held the bottle of poison.

"Just one of many reasons," Alexei reponded, not looking him in the eye. Frost reached down and grabbed the poison.

"I think I should take this," he said, and Alexei shrugged. "Besides," he continued, pointing at what appeared to be a lift. "I think we go up from here..."

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Steel Butterfly

14-02-2004, 05:56

By now six of the eight ships had been destroyed, and another disabled, leaving only one ship left for the eighty-some fighters remaining. It was now time for the Marines to take over the intelligence ship.

The Rebel Transport Acetate, approached the side of the rather small intelligence ship, taking pictures and sending them back to Aeisis for records. The intelligence ship, the SSF Hanover, sat idle in space now, shields raised but engines down and weapons non-existant.

Resistance intelligence said that the ship was full of mostly scientists, with only guards for use as protection. However, there wasn't a marine on the mission who didn't believe that the "guards" were none less than agents of the Imperial Guard, some of the top soldiers in the Empire.

In dramatic fashion, the Acetate and the other transports blasted through the shields and latched on to the hull of the Hanover in various places. Sharp blades and cutting phasers sprung from the attached side, slicing through the hull as if it was cheese or some other easily cut substance. An airlock sprung into action, sealing the small pathway between the ships and the Hanover and making them safe for entrance. The doors sprung open, and the marines entered...

"Vinzer, I'm heading this way," Captain Leon Williams told his second in command as he went right down the hallway, alone.

"Secret mission, Captain?" Eric joked, but Leon was quite stern.

"Not now," he said, and departed.

So Commander Eric Vinzer led the second marines down the well lit hallway. On their way, they encountered no resistance whatsoever. Later on, Eric would learn that this was because fierce fighting was taking place at other places on the ship, the new technology was just effecting long-rage comm links.

Coming to a turbo lift, Eric ordered his lieutenant commander down to engineering and brought Lieutenant Sean Athens and Ensign Pedro Ibanez with him to the bridge. These were the only two known places where the new technology, which was about the size of an adult male's hand, would be able to connect to the ship. Even if there was a secret connection area, they would be able to find it from either the bridge or engineering.

The power door to the bridge was locked, so Commander Vinzer had Sean and Pedro blast it open. Screams were heard as the explosion went off, and the three Marines got ready for a firefight.

Fortunately, there were no more than scientists and people of the sort in this ship. Eric found it strange that the Empire would be so careless with its equipment. However, arrogance was the result of uncontested superiority over a long amount of time. A scientist, who appeared to be the main scientist, started shouting obscenities at them, so Eric pulled up his gun...

http://invisionfree.com:54/129/44/upload/p205.jpg

...and shot the man in the forehead. A second later, Eric realized the foolishness of his action as did Sean and Pedro, who looked at him strangely as they herded the scientists like cattle into a forcefielded area.

"We haven't heard from Engineering," Pedro commented, as the three men were searching the controls for clues.

"I can't contact them or the Captain," Eric said, frustrated. This tech must be effecting our technology.

"There!" Sean shouted, pointing to a map. Eric followed his finger to a seemingly random room on the 6th deck. "Like that's not fuc king expected..."

So the three men began to sprint though the halls, back past where they entered, until they got to the room...just as Captain Williams was leaving, technology in hand.

"Woah..." Sean said, shocked. "You knew it was there all along?"

"I had a good idea it was there," the Captain replied. "But I had to contact command."

"Should we round up the troops, sir?" Eric asked, but Leon shook his masked head.

"No," Captain Williams said, turning the technology pod off. "This ship is amazing....and it's one of a kind. We're taking it with us. Contact those in Engineering, and hurry...I don't want this thing off for long. I think it supplies extra power to the ship's shields...it may be our ticket for survival."

Eric nodded and tried to contact the Lieutenant Commander in Engineering, but sadly he had died in a firefight. Eric also found out that all of the Imperial Guards on board have been killed. Regardless, Eric commanded that those in Engineering get the engines up and running rather quickly. With that, Eric felt the ground shake, as the last of the defense ships exploded, most likely near by.

"We'll be out of here soon," Eric thought out loud. If only that was the case...

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p341.jpg
Captain Leon Williams
Leader of the 2nd Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th M.I., 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p117.jpg
Lieutenant J.G. Pedro Ibanez
27th MI, 2nd Marines

Clairmont

14-02-2004, 14:40

General Michael Sherman looked up as guards quickly surrounded him for protection. However, the General pushed them aside and walked up to the man.

"I am the commander of this base, as well as much more," Sherman said, standing at ease with his feet shoulder width apart and his wrists crossed behind his back. "What is it you wish to discuss?"

Dixon came to attention at the sight of Sherman's rank, and spoke crisply.
"Sir. I am here to release nine survivors we found from the battlefield to your custody. After two days of search, four Imperial and five Rebel survivors were found. There are two badly wounded and the rest are in slightly better condition. There is a single Imperial Lieutenant among them and a Rebel Corporal."
Dixon summarized his case quickly.

Steel Butterfly

14-02-2004, 18:58

Tappee

14-02-2004, 19:04

“So do think that this little conference of our is going to make any difference in SB” Jade and Jon had decided to share a limo and arrive at the Conference together. Jade was giving him a intelligence briefing on the current situation.

“Jon” he had responded to anything that she had said “JON!”

Her words caused him to snap back to reality. “Sorry” he said before turning his attention back to the passing scenery.

All Jade could do was sit back in her chair “Is something wrong, you seem rather distant tonight.”

Shaking his head Jon answered her question “No, not really, haven’t been sleeping well that’s all.” What was he going to say, the guilt of what he was about to do had been eating at him for days. However, thing had been put into motion that he now couldn’t stop.

“Your finding it hard, aren’t you?” asked Jade.

Her question caught him by surprised, for a moment he was worried that she knew what he was up too. But soon put the thought out his mind, if she did, then he would be dead. “What do mean?”

“My father found the transition hard to adjust to.” Her father had been Jon’s predecessor, and like Jon he had come to power in the middle of crisis. A smile came across her face “Don’t worry it will all come it time”

Jon was glad that at least had faith in his ability, for as long as the two of them had been friends they had always been there for each other. Seeing her smile made him feel good about himself, which only added to his guilt. “Thanks” No sooner had the words came out his mouth the Limo came to a stop “Well this would be our stop.”

Jon took a deep breath and stepped out of the limo, tonight would be the hardest personal struggle of his life, he hoped that he could keep it together.

As Jon and Jade entered they where approached by one of Jon’s aids “Sorry Mr President, but there is an urgent call for you, it Mr Sanders”

Jon turned to Jade “This might take some time, can you take care of things for awhile.”

Jade nodded sure “Take all the time you need, I can handle things”

“Thanks” Jon turned and made his way though the lobby and in to special privet room. Locking the door behind him Jon ensured his privacy. The call was fake; it was merely an excuse to get him away from the party for some time with out being missed.

Moving a false wall panel, the panel revealed a hidden walkway that few in Tappee knew about. Going through the wall into the walkway Jon made his way through a series of twist and turns until he came to a lift. Almost as if on cue the lift opened , and there was two men waiting

“Good afternoon Gentle Men, welcome to Brathlum”

http://img.atpictures.com/amandap/tn_ap023.jpg
Commander Jade Allenson
Lead chair Tappee Intelligence Tribunal

http://img.atpictures.com/breckin/tn_breckin0276.jpg
President Jon Anerton

Steel Butterfly

14-02-2004, 19:32

Alexei glared at the man, speachless, squinting his eyes in the dim light. Joseph buttoned his trenchcoat and stepped fowards.

"Ambassador Zachary Aetna," Joseph announced himself, making sure to pronounce his last name as "I-tna". "President Anerton, I presume." Joseph was impressed. He did sound more official that usual. Perhaps the the dangerous nature of the assignment was making him tense...he tried to relax.

Alexei looked at the President and noted to himself how young the man looked. Pulling his hair back into a neat ponytail, Alexei snapped his cuffs and messed with his tie some more. He didn't mind the suit or the trenchcoat, in fact he didn't mind formal attire at all. However, that bastard tie was still annoying him.

After checking the time on his watch, Alexei curled his upper lip and resumed glaring at the man who stood before him. Noticing this, Joseph tried to be a little more friendly, for it was his nature to do so.

"I take it you'll be serving a meal shortly?" Joseph Frost said, smiling. He was truely hungry.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Ambassador Mikhail Johanovich Sevanov
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Ambassador Zachary Aetna
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Clairmont

14-02-2004, 19:35

General Sherman frowned at the man, wiping the sweat off his brow.

"Thank you for returning my men," he said, pausing as to indicate that he wasn't finished. "...but leave the Imperials. They are not wanted here."

Dixon looked as if he was about to protest, so General Sherman went even further.

"Take them if you wish, but I will not have my docters waste time on men who intend to do us harm when they could be saving the lives of allies. We have never been shown any mercy by these bastards, and I will not be the one to begin," the General spit. "Let them rot, or heal them yourselves. I will have no part in this."

General Michael Sherman
Commander of the Mobile Infantry

Dixon felt a lump of anger rising up his throat. He understood the Generals disgust over the Imperials. He doubted that he could have avoided feeling that disgust if he had been in the Generals position.

"With all due respect, Sir. These men should not be blamed for the actions of their leaders. Those leaders gave them orders, these men followed those orders."

He observed the Generals face for a moment and continued.

"I've allready had all of their wounds bandaged and the most serious cases of injury have been dealt with. The Imperials arent in need of serious medical assistance anymore."

He seemed as he had finished but then yet felt the need to add something.

"Dont let this war make you the same as the very people you hate..."

Steel Butterfly

14-02-2004, 19:46

Tappee

14-02-2004, 20:24

Steel Butterfly

14-02-2004, 20:26

"Engineering to Brige...engines online..."

Captain Leon Williams and Commander Eric Vinzer smiled at each other.

"Commander, please take the helm," Williams said, and Eric followed the order by doing so.

"Incoming transmission," Lt.JG Pedro Ibanez reported.

"From who?" Leon asked, sitting in the Captain's seat. This ship truely was a marvel. He had attached the technology pad to the bridge, so that it would be in his sight at all times.

"Fighter, sir," Ibanez responded. "Raptor 1, a Lieutenant Mark Andrews..."

"Open a channel..."

Mark's face appeared on the huge viewscreen. He seemed tired and a bit sweaty even in the climate-controlled cockpit of the Raptor-Class Deep Space Tactical Fighter, but he was in good spirits.

"Greetings, Lieutenant," Captain Williams said, standing. "It truely was a mission well done,"

"Indeed, sir," Mark replied. "However, I fear that we are sitting ducks here. Could you please rout your ship's sensors through our fighters. Because of that tech, not much is working computer-wise on the Raptors."

"Sure thing, Lieutenant," Leon Williams replied, nodding to an officer at the science controls.

"Raising shields," Sean Athens said out of nowhere. "Red alert!"

"What?"

Out of nowhere, twenty Imperial Necromancer-Class Dreadnaughts dropped out of the sub-space fold and onto the battle field.

"This is Captain Damien Dawson of the 23rd Imperial Starfleet," a voice boomed over the comm.

"Block that out!" Leon commanded, but Ibanez was already struggling to do so.

"You are under direct orders to STAND DOWN," the voice continued, shorting out shortly afterwards.

"Get us out of here!" Captain Williams screamed. "ENGAGE!"

A hole opened in space as the Hanover jumped into the fold, arriving moments later deep within a huge Nebula that shielded them from every sensor system except their own. The Imperials soon followed the direct co-ordinates, as did the fighters afterwards. The stormy nebula was quite violent, and energy beams ripped into an Imperial Ship, tearing it to pieces. They had fallen into the trap.

Under the escort of roughly 70 remaining fighters, whose sensors worked due to their connection with the Hanover, the Hanover silently slipped out of the Nebula and once again entered the sub-space fold en route to Aeisis.

The Necromancers struggled inside the nebula, despritely trying to escape its violent stranglehold, as hords of pirate destroyers approached, ready to finish the deal.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p341.jpg
Captain Leon Williams
Leader of the 2nd Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p91.jpg
Lieutenant Sean Athens
27th M.I., 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p117.jpg
Lieutenant J.G. Pedro Ibanez
27th MI, 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p125.jpg
Lieutenant Mark Andrews
"Raptor 1"
15th Fighter Squadron

Steel Butterfly

14-02-2004, 20:28

damn double posts :x

Tappee

14-02-2004, 20:46

Jon put his game face on, year of training he was able to hide his emotions. “Dinner will be held after the reception” From the mans questions he could tell a lot about the mans character. It told him that he was more then ready to do what was being asked of him, he thought more about food then murder he was about to commit. So when the time came Jon knew that he would carrier out the task. However, the other man was a bit more of a conundrum to Jon, he seemed rather cold, and distant. Qualities that were usually associated with people in this line of work. “If you’ll both be so kind as to follow me.”

He began leading back to the conference, as did he went over the plan “Between now and dinner feel free to move about, try to maintain a low profile. After dinner slip out, and use the tunnel system to proceed to point Bravo and eliminate the target. The target has two children, they should all be asleep by the time you arrive. Eliminate the target by the agreed means, and do it quietly, the children ARE not to harmed in any way” Jon made sure to place emphasise on not hurting the children. “After your done make your way back to the conference, once your back make sure that people know your there, we want to establish an alibi. Once the conference is done make your way back to your ship and head home.”

He stopped and looked both men in the eye’s “Stick to the plan every thing should go according to plan. You both know the rules should be caught. I’m sure the lasting you rebels want is for Tappee to side with the Empire.”

http://img.atpictures.com/breckin/tn_breckin0276.jpg
President Jon Anerton.

Clairmont

14-02-2004, 20:51

"We already are the same," The General scoffed. "We slay our brothers, and don't think twice of it. However, as a father does, I have the right to cast out my sons and disown them. They serve no use to us...not even as hostages. Do what you want with them...they are not my responsibility."

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p338.jpg
General Michael Sherman
Commander of the Mobile Infantry

"Fine Sir, that is ofcourse your choice to make." Dixon conceded with hushed tones and motioned for the Rebel survivors to come forward and join their fellows. The Imperials remained behind Sergeant Vincenti.

Dixon saluted the general as per the custom, turned on his heels and walked away with Sergeant Vincenti by his side and the four Imperials with them.

Steel Butterfly

15-02-2004, 02:31

Waiting for dinner to be served, Joseph mingled with the other diplomats a bit, noticing that no Imperial Ambassador was present. Alexei stood in a corner, leaning against the wall and keeping to himself.

Lavish dishes were brought out a while later and placed at the table, where each diplomat had assigned seats. The Commander Allenson gave a short speach, and then everyone began to eat. Alexei and Joseph ate quickly but quietly, waiting for an appropriate time to depart the grand table.

Soon the time came, and Alexei, commenting to those around him on how full he was, left the table and walked towards the restroom. A few moments later, Joseph's PADD beeped, indicating that he had a message waiting. It was from Alexei. Joseph excused himself from the table to watch it.

.:PADD MESSAGE:.
Open? Yes - No

Yes....

"Lieutenant," Alexei's face said to him. "You are needed to stay at the dinner so that their minds do not wander. Please do not follow me, I can take care of this mission myself. Two people moving around would look too suspicious."

MESSAGE TERMINATED
Replay? Yes - No

No...
Shutting down...

Shocked and enraged, Joseph reached into his pocket and felt the smooth surface of the poison bottle. What the hell was Alexei doing? Turning to see if anyone was watching him, and realizing that they weren't, Joseph quickly walked down the hall. When he was out of sight, he sprinted to the tunnels and towards Point Bravo, where Alexei was supposed to be going.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Ambassador Mikhail Johanovich Sevanov
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Ambassador Zachary Aetna
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Celack

15-02-2004, 02:42

o.o.c. bleh. Been sick past few days. Could somebody give me recap. I will then post my bit.

Steel Butterfly

15-02-2004, 02:44

o.o.c. bleh. Been sick past few days. Could somebody give me recap. I will then post my bit.

:shock: It'd be kinda hard...

You couldn't have missed that many pages..

Celack

15-02-2004, 02:46

pages 10+11.

Celack

15-02-2004, 03:11

I think that the rebels are going tom kill someone in tappee and the imperials are trying to stop them. Meanwhile 5 cruisers should be arriving at XIII, cloacked soon for reconaisance purposes.

Steel Butterfly

15-02-2004, 03:24

[OOC: Before I forget, everyone should check out: Future RP Notice (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=123793) ]

Now...Alexei and Joseph, disguised as diplomats, are going to kill Tappee's intelligence director's husband, who was brought back to life by NiMBUS, in order to frame NiMBUS for his death, and bring Tappee back into the war.

Meanwhile the Rebels attacked a small Imperial Fleet on the edge of the Orion Sector inorder to steal brand new sensor technology that could scan easily through nebulas as well as jam about every type of sensor known to civilized society. When they got it, an Imperial Fleet jumped out of sub-space and followed the Rebels into a Nebula.

While the Rebels escaped because they Imperials's sensors were effected by the Nebula, the Orion Pirates prepared to shoot the Imperial ships in the Nebula, finishing the trap.

I think that's good enough.

Now, as for your cruisers, if you remember an earlier post in this thread, arriving at XIII may be difficult. For one - they're a different species. For another - they speak a different language, although some speak english as well.]

15-02-2004, 03:27

[OOC: I for one found it on page 6...but whatever.

You're gonna have to give me more to work with. What do you want? A task force to destroy? To be caught on scanners?]

Er... right. Sorry. I will do all of that... but later. I'm quite lazy. ^_~

Doesn't make for good RPin'... sorry... ^_^;

Celack

15-02-2004, 03:29

I mean in space around XIII. I know they speak a different language and my fleet arranged for a translator to be aboard each vessel. If you remeber my post I would say that the cruisers, if they are not outgunenned, will attack any defenses at XIII and send a message to teh main fleet which will then attack steel moon.

Steel Butterfly

15-02-2004, 03:38

[*getting sick of posting in OOC*

Anyhow...good luck with the translator...'tis an ancient language. A better idea would be to just contact the governor, he speaks english better than most english-speaking people. XIII is also rather Neutral in the War, I might add.]

Steel Butterfly

15-02-2004, 05:55

Leon Williams released his grip on the armrests of the captain's chair aboard the once-SSF Hanover. Had he been that nervous? It had taken less than a minute for them to leave the borders, enter the nebula, leave the nebula, and arrive in orbit at Aeisis.

It seemed that all the fighters had hailed the ship all at once, but Leon ordered Pedro Ibanez to block them all so that a message from Pierce would come. It came soon after, and with their new orders, Commander Eric Vinzer flew the Hanover into the atmosphere of Aeisis.

They had been sucessful in their mission, and once on solid ground had a small amout of short leave that they could use however they saw fit, granted they stayed on the planet.

The Hanover was to be stripped down and studied. Hopefully the technology on it could be put to good use on Rebel ships. The Imperials were definately at a loss.

* * *

"Commander..." Leon asked Eric as the two walked down the streets of a small tropical town. "What's wrong?" No answer followed his question, but instead Eric simply walked fowards, as if he did not hear it.

"Eric...?"

"Commander...?"

"COMMANDER!"

With that Eric jumped a bit, turned, and saluted Captain Williams. Leon laughed and told him to be at ease.

"Eric what's the matter with you?" Leon asked. "One would think you'd be happy for the Resistance..."

"I am happy for the resistance..." Eric replied, emotionless, drained. "I'm just...nevermind..."

So the two walked for a while longer, admiring the sights and sounds of the town. Children played in the streets, as if there was nothing wrong in the universe. The sight reminded Eric of the Fleet ship, as the figher pilots flirted with one another minutes before flying to their death. Perhaps he was being too dramatic...perhaps...

"Commander Alexei Ivanova didn't make it back, did he?" Eric asked. Leon stopped, turned to face Eric, and put his hand on the man's shoulder.

"He had another objective," Leon replied, seeing life spring back into Eric's face. "However..." he continued. "I wouldn't expect a much different outcome..."

Reserved once more, Eric sat against a house on the sidewalk with his head in his hands. Another mission? Same outcome? And what was that outcome? Death of course... "You're from the future!" Eric snapped. "Why didn't you do something!"

Leon's eyes got wide as he lifted a brow. "Eric, please..."

"NO!" Eric said, getting up and running away. "If he dies, it's your fault!"

Leon waited a few minutes and then joined Eric in sitting where he stopped running. "Eric..." he began. "I'm not some god...I can't change things that much...and even if I could...I'm not allowed...and I wouldn't..."

"And I'm being childish..." Eric said, throwing his hands in the air in a dramatic fashion. He sniffed...Am I crying? "Leon, how can you not feel responsible for all of this?" he said quietly, so others would not hear. "You created NiMBUS along with Dr. Ackerman...how can you not feel the guilt of every man and woman who've died...or worse...because of you?" Leon gave no response, but merely looked at the ground. "And how can you be from the future and two hundred some years old when Dr. Ackerman is from our time and looks only sixty something."

"I look thirty something," Leon replied, avoiding the first question. It was something he dealt with, and had forgotten, long ago. He did not want to relive the pain he caused himself...he didn't want to remember...

"Leon..." Eric began. "I lost one of my friends already...you saw it happen...you made it happen. You made me leave him there for the Imperials to 'rescue' while you wisked me off in your ship. Please Leon, tell me where Alexei is. I don't want to lose my other one..."

"And you know I can't..." Leon replied. "Eric I think this war is getting to you. Get some rest, it'll do you good."

"I can't sleep," Eric replied automatically.

"Why, you haven't even tried in days!" Leon exclaimed, laughing to break the solumn mood.

"Dreams only remind me of how wretched this place is..." Eric said, sounding less and less like himself with every word. "Is this what we're destined to become? Is this what the Empire's like in the future?"

"It depends on what part of the future..." Leon replied. The answer didn't please Eric one bit.

"And my future?" the commander asked, not expecting an answer.

"Eric you know I..."

"I know..." Eric replied. "You can't tell me..."

Feeling his eyes begin to strain for the first time, although they had been for days, Eric bit farewell to his captain and departed for the town's inn. Laying in bed, he drifted on and off between sleep and conciousness while staring at the painted ceiling. On it was clouds, birds, and waves. There was no trace of death, or war, or weapons. No, the painting was calm, relaxing...ideas that seemed almost unreal. Dozing off, Eric dreamt about The feel of sand between his toes as the water rushed up to greet him, running against his ankles and digging his feet deeper into the wet sand. How nice it would be to remain in the dream and never wake up...yet morning would come fast...and so would the realities of war...soon....

...soon...

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p341.jpg
Captain Leon Williams
Leader of the 2nd Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

Celack

15-02-2004, 17:03

o.o.c (sick of as well) Did you just land imperial shipsm on Aesis? My fleet is still there.

i.c. 5 cruisers slowly entered system A34F5. The planet hyung in space like a jewel. The locals called it XIII. Captain grothis called it a target.

Steel Butterfly

16-02-2004, 01:03

[OOC: blah...

Celack...what side are you on? If you're planning on invading a planet by yourself... :shock: Whatever...]

Celack

16-02-2004, 03:35

I'm rebel. I'm not [palnning to invade XIII> what defenses are there?

Tappee

16-02-2004, 05:22

OOC: If memory Serves me correctly there was at one time an OOC thread for the civil war. what here it is http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=112732&highlight=
why don't we all try to move our ooc comment to their, myself included. I'm sure that SB wouldn't mind.

ic:

“Damn it” she said out loud as she looked at her watch. Seeing the current time made her realize how far behind schedule she actually was.

In order to make up time she had chosen the use the tunnel system. She was having limited success at running in her dress, and high heels. Blister could he felt forming on her feet, but for the moment they would have to be ignored.

Coming around a corner she caught by surprise to find someone there, in her haste she was unable to come to stop in time and the two collided.

At the last possible moment she was able to regain her foot, an act which prevented her from falling. “Sorry” she said out loud she took a moment to look the man that she had ran into. “In a bit of hurry.”

He was a little taller then she was, dressed up in suite, and had his hair tied back, she found him somewhat attractive. “Are you lost” even though she was in a hurry she didn’t want to seem out of place. After all she knew the tunnel system better then anyone else in the country

http://www.xsiteclub.com/movies/ss/kg/5.jpg
Mysterious Woman

Canada-Germany

16-02-2004, 10:19

(OOC: sorry for this, but.. where would the 3 ships I'm on end up anyways?)

Steel Butterfly

16-02-2004, 16:23

[OOC: GOOD point Tappee, both of the most recent questions are answered there.]

Alexei took a step back and caught himself. Clumsy girl...seems attractive though...no...no time for that...

“Are you lost”

"No," Alexei replied, looking down at the map on his PADD. "However I too am in a hurry and need to be going."

"WAIT UP!"

Turning, Alexei saw Joseph rushing towards him. Damn him...

"Nice to meet you," Alexei said hastily to the girl as he turned and ran, not knowing why.

Joseph waited until he was past the pretty girl to pull out his phase pistol while he was running. Switching it to stun, he fired three shots at Alexei when the two rounded a corner, finally dropping him with the third. After walking up to him, Joseph put his nicely shined dress shoe on Alexei's neck and pointed his pistol, now on kill, at his partner's head.

"What...the..." Joseph began, breathing heavy. "...fuck...are...you...doing?"

"I was going to do the mission," Alexei said quietly, struggling with Joseph's foot on his neck. "There was no need to...arg...endanger us both!"

"You bastard," Frost yelled. "You don't have the serum!"

"Keep quiet..."

"You're not in the position to demand things," Joseph replied. "Now tell me...why are you acting like this? Why are you being such a jackass?"

"I..." Alexei began. "You wouldn't understand..."

"Then you better start making me understand if you ever want to see straight again..."

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Ambassador Mikhail Johanovich Sevanov
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Ambassador Zachary Aetna
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

16-02-2004, 16:30

After constant taunts from Steel Butterfly (in another RP thread), Nanakaland sent a Rhino Dreadnaught escorted by three destroyers, twenty assault frigates, ten boarding frigates, ten support frigates, and one hundred Nanakan Space Shuttles to attack the evil space empire and support the rebels.

http://well-of-souls.com/homeworld/hws/hw2/battlecruiser15.gif
The Rhino Dreadnaught, NSS Rampage

http://well-of-souls.com/homeworld/hws/somtaaw/destroyer1.gif
One of the Three Destroyers

http://well-of-souls.com/homeworld/hws/somtaaw/multibeam_frigate2.gif
An Assault Frigate

http://well-of-souls.com/homeworld/hws/hw2/marine_frigate3.gif
A Boarding Frigate

http://well-of-souls.com/homeworld/hws/hw2/assault_frigate10.gif
A Support Frigate

http://well-of-souls.com/homeworld/hws/hw2/scout01.gif
A Nanakan Space Shuttle

Steel Butterfly

16-02-2004, 16:42

"De Hanover iz on de planet," Viktor Mikhailovich Demidov reported as he stood in the doorway of Pierce's office. "My fleets 'ave destroyed de remaining Imperial vessels..."

"Good," Pierce replied, turning to face him. "However you failed to report two other losses to me, Mr. Demidov." Demidov raised an eyebrow as his face became more serious. "You lost badly at both Orion XVI and XIX..."

"But zoze were raids above moons," Demidov replied. "Dey were not Resistance losses..."

"You don't seem to understand something, Demidov," Pierce said in a calm but menacing voice as he shook his drink and ice in his glass. "You are part of this Resistance. Every loss you take, the Resistance takes as well."

"Are you questioning my loyalty?" Demidov asked, raising his voice slightly. "Because I'll 'ave you know..."

"YOU ARE WASTING SHIPS AND MEN ON RAIDS TO GET FILTHY MINERALS ON MOONS!" Pierce screamed, pointing at Demidov from across the room. "MINERALS THAT IF WE WIN THIS WAR, WILL BE OURS ANYHOW! HOWEVER WE WILL NOT WIN THIS WAR IF YOU CANNOT TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. IF YOU'RE GOING TO ATTACK MOON MINING COLONIES, AT LEAST SUCCEED!"

"Ve pirates fight like ve always fight!" Demidov replied, raising his voice some more, but not to the level of Pierce.

"And that's all you'll ever be then," Pierce responded in his calm voice once more. He took a drink. "Pirates...simple criminals..."

The insult hit Demidov hard as it showed in his face. "You vant me to start acting like de military? FINE! Ve shall act like de Imperials, and lose like de Imperials!"

"I'm not asking you," Pierce said. "I'm ordering you to simply become more organized. Do not be a simply band of theives! By god, Nemerov ruined many of your people's lives by casting them out into space. One would think that they would care about him more than moon minerals..."

"Perhaps you vere right, Mr Pierce," Demidov replied, turning to leave. "Ve'll see....ve'll see..."

Pierce smiled, victorious again.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p76.jpg
Viktor Mikhailovich Demidov
Russian Mafia - Orion Pirates

Steel Butterfly

16-02-2004, 16:42

"Foreigners come to our home, expecting help, shelter..." Consul Rkorlan Vhawen of XIII said over a secure channel to Dave Bivens. The Consul looked tired, and not at all well.

"Foreigners?" Bivens asked. "As in humans?"

"No..." Vhawen continued. "From outside the sector. I do not want my planet turned into an international hub! My people don't want..."

"Consul, I've told you time and again..." Bivens said. "Unless you are in the resistance, I cannot help you." The bargaining chip was almost perfect. It would be better if the Zabrak truely could not defend themselves. However, Bivens knew that was not the case.

"Tysh oui!" Vhawen yelled in his own tounge.

"Oui sicd ihtancdyht..." Bivens replied, being one of the only non-Zabrak to know the language. "...but it is not my choice." Lies...but what could he do? After all, the Zabrak were not immune from NiMBUS's grasp, as much as they liked to think they were.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p357.jpg
Dave Bivens
President/CEO of Bivens Co.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p97.jpg
Consul Rkorlan Vhawen
Governor of XIII

Steel Butterfly

16-02-2004, 16:57

"Don't worry, the Fleet can control their own assets..." Captain Lusec Apakoh mocked, back from his victories near the moon mining facilities.

"I sure hope that isn't me you're mocking," Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr replied, realizing that he had said such a thing. "Besides, what are you complaining of? You have two victories under your name already...perhaps a promotion is due?"

"The only two victories we have in this war!" Apakoh yelled. "No, I don't want a promotion! I don't want to sit behind a bastard desk all day! I kick five whole fleets of pirates around, destroying or capturing every last ship, while twenty of the Fleet's Necromancers couldn't handle a bunch of fighters and one Pirate fleet. That and they lost the technology! You wanna know how many Necromancers I used? Fifteen!"

"Captain, please, I know what you're going through," Zephyr responded. "I feel the same way...and I've told you that..."

"Do you?" Apakoh continued. "Do you really? Because frankly..."

"Quiet, both of you!" Nemerov said, entering the office. Shocked, he looked at who was talking. "Captain?!?! Under whose authority do you have the right to talk to a Sky Marshall that way?"

"Under whose authority do you have the right to send men to meaningless deaths to lose, while your best is guarding moons?" Apakoh snapped back.

"UNDER MY AUTHORITY!" Nemerov roared, enraged.

"Captain, dismissed..." Zephyr quickly said. Apakoh saluted and then left.

"I'LL HAVE THAT MAN'S HEAD!" Nemerov said, not letting it go.

"Why disrespectful, the Captain does have a point..." Zephyr said. "Sir, with all due respoect..."

"No, Sky Marshall, no no no!" Nemerov replied. "The day you become Emperor is the day you give the orders. I cannot simply think of the military, but of the Empire as a whole. You need to realize that! Good day!" And with that, the Emperor left.

Zephyr sat down at his desk and tried to look at the papers but he couldn't concentrate. Captain Apakoh was exactly right. How the hell had they lost twice to these rebels? They should be crushing them! Nemerov's excuse was bullshit also, and Zephyr could not get past that.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p61.jpg
Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr
Commander of the Imperial Fleet and Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p126.jpg
Captain Lusec Apakoh
81st Imperial Marines

http://207.44.246.95/43/101/upload/p1.gif
Emperor Alexander Nemerov
Star Empire of Steel Butterfly,
In the Orion Sector which includes:
Steel Isle, Steel Moon,
CTaNbHaR Eabo4Ka, XIII,
Aeisis, Bivens, Esthar VIII
Orion Sector Alliance Premier,
Order of the Seraphim

Steel Butterfly

16-02-2004, 17:37

"Come on Kat," Mark complained. "I'm really tired..."

"Oh you're no fun..." Katrina Brady replied, putting the pillow down and laying beside her boyfriend. "Honestly...'tired'?" But Mark was already asleep.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p125.jpg
Lieutenant Mark Andrews
"Raptor 1"
15th Fighter Squadron

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p124.jpg
Ensign Katrina Brady
"Raptor 2"
15th Fighter Squadron

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

Across the sector...

"So...what's the scoop?" Lt.Cmdr. Kyle Bruno asked his captain as the man entered the room.

"Da brass say we may attack Bivens," Captain DeAngelo White replied. "But day not sure..."

"They should just let us take care of it," Private Nero Applegate laughed, entering the station's pub with Lieutenant Lance Radney. "We just took care of pirates, outnumbered 8 to 1!"

"Honestly, Nero, I'd say it was 9 to 1," Lance replied. "We didn't lose one ship!"

"Yeah, but I heard Fleet lost big time in some Nebula," Bruno added, however the idea was quickly dismissed among the arrogant Imperial soldiers.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p292.gif
Lieutenant Lance Radney
81st Imperial Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p75.jpg
Private Nero Applegate
81st Imperial Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p127.gif
Captain DeAngelo White
106th Mobile Infantry

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p354.jpg
Lieutenant Commander Kyle Bruno
106th Mobile Infantry

imported_Cspalla

16-02-2004, 18:18

"Our analysts have finished with the recording of Nemerov's message, " said Lara Topane, Director of the Cspallan Intelligence Service, "And they say pretty much what we expected. Very unlike him, but no definitive sign as to what's causing it. He does seem to be in some sort of pain, especially at the end, just before the message flips off."

"Is that all?" Robert Fyre was worried. "There is obviously something wrong. Besides, Nemerov isn't this stupid. Damn it, our fleets could have stopped those rebels, and now they captured that advanced sensor technology! We have to do something, but what?"

"Well," Lara said, "We could contact someone else in Orion. One of the military leaders, maybe?"

"Like who? James Shockey is smart enough, but I doubt he'll do more than just echo the official Imperial position. Michael Zephyr might work…he's both bright and supposedly a fairly independent thinker. Lara, I want you to look in to that, but damn it, do it quietly!"

"Right away, sir."

imported_Cspalla

16-02-2004, 18:20

Steel Butterfly

16-02-2004, 18:53

Awake, Eric could hear a woman singing as the sun slowly rose over the mountains.

Quando sono sola
Sogno all’orizzonte
E mancan le parole,
Si lo so che non c’è luce
In una stanza quando manca il sole,
Se non ci sei tu con me, con me.

The language was foreign to him, but the voice was elegant, and the background music calming.

Su le finestre
Mostra a tutti il mio cuore
Che hai accesso,
Chiudi dentro me
La luce che
Hai incontrato per strada.

Getting out of bed and putting his pants on, he ventured out of the hotel room to find who was singing...

Time to say goodbye.
Paesi che non ho mai
Veduto e vissuto con te,
Adesso si li vivro.

The high note was angelically beautiful, and Eric could have sworn that she spoke in English. Pushing palm tree leaves out of his way, he followed the sound...

Con te partiro
Su navi per mari
Che, io lo so,
No, no, non esistono pio,
It’s time to say goodbye.

The sound seemed to be all around him, and even stranger, the townspeople didn't seem to notice it. They noticed him, however, but didn't say much or stare.

Quando sei lontana
Sogno all’orizzonte
E mancan le parole,
E io si lo so
Che sei con me, con me,
Tu mia luna tu sei qui con me,
Mio sole tu sei qui con me,
Con me, con me, con me.

A man's voice, equally as stunning, although Eric wanted more of the woman. He needed to hear that voice...

Time to say goodbye.
Paesi che non ho mai
Veduto e vissuto con te,
Adesso selive li vivro.
Con te partiro
Su navi per mari
Che, io lo so,
No, no, non esistono pio,

This time both voices joined, enshrined in glory, as Eric finally reached the top of a huge open theatre that extended downwards. Pushing his way through the crowds, Eric reached the front of the stage but still could not see who they were. Having to see whose voice that way, he made his way to the area behind the stage.

Io con te.

The music stopped as they held the last high note for what seemed like forever, and then began again as they stopped, and left the stage.

"Who are you?" Eric asked, standing in front of them backstage. The man, who's hair was so light brown it was almost blond, answered, laughing.

"Who are you?"

"Commander Eric Vinzer," Eric said.

"Dave Bivens," the man replied. "CEO of Bivens Inc., Consul of the Planet of Bivens,"

Eric's eyes widened in shock. It seemed that the woman was a bit taken back as well.

"Aria Luciano," she replied, smiling a perfect smile. Bivens put his arm around her.

"I wasn't planning on performing," he said. "But I heard her singing and I joined in...people just came to watch..." Bivens laughed. "I'm supposed to be keeping a low profile on this planet. Dangerous times, eh?"

"You don't know the half of it," Eric replied, coming back into reality. It wasn't something he wanted to do...but just like the girl...everything seemed too good to be true anymore.

"Ah, Commander..." Bivens replied. "I'm sure I do..."

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p357.jpg
Dave Bivens
Consul of the Planet of Bivens
President/CEO of Bivens Co.

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p161.jpg
Aria Luciano

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

Steel Butterfly

16-02-2004, 20:21

"Eric!" Leon called out, running along the beach towards him. Eric turned and shielded the sun from his eyes with his hand. Everything was so peaceful...

"Hey..." Eric replied. "Good to see you...ah...sorry about yesterday..."

"Don't worry about it," Leon said. He turned to Dave. "Mr. Bivens, nice to see you again..."

"I...I don't believe we've met," Bivens replied.

"Is that so?" Leon said, propping his chin up with his hand. It was not like Leon to mess up like that. Perhaps he had too much on his mind. "Well then...I'm Captain Leon Williams. Nice to meet you." He turned to Aria. "And you are?"

"Aria Luciano," Bivens replied for her. "She's a local singer, but she's way too good to only sing around here for the townspeople."

"Still," Leon said, smiling and eyeing her up from behind his dark glasses. "It's not a safe place out there anymore. You'd be best to stay..."

"Dave here is taking me to Bivens," she replied. "He said I'll be safer there."

"Perhaps," Leon said, thinking to himself. "Perhaps..."

"Is anyone else hungry?" Eric asked, and everyone agreed. Walking back into the town, they stopped at a local restaurant and sat down.

"So," Bivens began. "How's the war looking from the front lines?"

"Hell," Eric said. Bivens nodded.

"I'm not sure what Pierce is planning next," he said. Bivens in fact did know, he just couldn't say.

"Whatever it is, we're ready," Leon replied.

"You better be," Bivens laughed.

"Always are," responded Eric.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p357.jpg
Dave Bivens
President/CEO of Bivens Co.

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p341.jpg
Captain Leon Williams
Leader of the 2nd Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p332.jpg
Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the 2nd Marines

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p161.jpg
Aria Luciano

16-02-2004, 20:29

The Nanakaland fleet that hyperspaced into the sector also had a hidden goal. The NSS Rampage was also there to search for someone. Paul Christianson, a Nanakaland citizen, had left Nanakaland to become a construction worker in another nation. He was in the city that had the "earthquake." Intelligence reports pointed to Steel Butterfly as the answer to many questions. Paul's fate and the reality of the "earthquake" may be solved in the Orion Sector....

Steel Butterfly

16-02-2004, 21:11

"Gentlemen," James Pierce said, as General Michael Sherman and Captain Dimitri Spencer stood before him. A holographic map of space opened, and with his finger Pierce zoomed in a few times. Pointing to a uninhabited planet, Pierce said, "This is the planet of Gest. Many years ago, Elves used to inhabit this grassy place. You all know the Empire's stance on Elves, so the Empire set up a huge base to launce anti-Elf missions from. To this day, they have all but exterminated all Elf life on Gest." He paused to see their reaction. "Because the planet is generally unregulated due to the horrible acts of genocide committed there, NiMBUS chose it as a place to perform and create experiments. Destroying the base at Gest will set NiMBUS back at least ten years. Does everyone understand?"

"What role will the first marines play in this?" Captain Spencer asked. Pierce nodded to General Sherman to answer that.

"Once your XO and Vehicle Specialist complete their mission, you will be the first to land. Are you prepared?" Sherman asked.

"So when they get back, we invade, sir?" Spencer asked.

"No, Captain," Sherman replied. "When they complete their mission...if they get back..."

"I see..." Spencer responded.

"Captain, all of us knew the danger involved..." Pierce said.

"Of course, sir. They were...just two damn good marines..." Spencer said.

"And that's why they were chosen..." Pierce said. "When I hear a response I'll inform you both. Remember, keep your lips tight on this subject."

"Yes, sir" they both said at the same time, leaving the room. Pierce stared at the planet of Gest. The Imperial presence would be huge...this would be a long shot...but every shot not taken is missed...and they had to try...

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p338.jpg
General Michael Sherman
Commander of the Mobile Infantry

http://69.57.141.218/237/117/upload/p73.jpg
Captain Dimitri Spencer
Leader of the 1st Marines

imported_Cspalla

17-02-2004, 01:04

As far as any official records were concerned, Lisa Auckland was a simple reporter for the Dominion Daily Journal, a popular Cspallan newspaper. While she did write some public interest stories about life in Steel Butterfly, where she was stationed, her work was never front page. She also had a second job, that of an officer in the Cspallan Intelligence Service.

Her current assignment was one of the biggest she had ever had: she was to contact Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr and try to feel out his opinions on Emperor Nemerov. The current battles with both the rebels and the pirates made a requested interview with a military leader perfect. She picked up the modern version of the telephone and called a public line for Zephyr's office, figuring she would get some secretary or something.

"Hello. This is Lisa Auckland, reporter for Cspalla's Dominion Daily Journal. I was wondering if it would be possible to arrange an interview with Sky Marshall Zephyr."

Steel Butterfly

17-02-2004, 02:16

"Hello. This is Lisa Auckland, reporter for Cspalla's Dominion Daily Journal. I was wondering if it would be possible to arrange an interview with Sky Marshall Zephyr."

"I'm sorry," a pretty woman responded. "The Sky Marshall can not be reached at this time."

17-02-2004, 03:04

Hey. Guess who finally decides to post?

Before I do... what's going on? Sorry... hides and waits for a dozen RPers to attack me for oocness and not posting enoughness

Steel Butterfly

17-02-2004, 04:26

"You're not in the position to demand things," Joseph replied. "Now tell me...why are you acting like this? Why are you being such a jackass?"

"I..." Alexei began. "You wouldn't understand..."

"Then you better start making me understand if you ever want to see straight again..."

Alexei stood and brushed off his suit and trencoat. Frost kept his gun pointed at Alexei's head. "You might want to put that away," Alexei said. "If we get caught..."

"What do you care?" Frost snapped. "You want to die anyhow!"

"My family..."

"They're dead! Deal with it!"

"Exactly...I just want to be..."

"NO!" Frost said. "You cannot be with them, Alexei! Why can't you see this?" The two began walking towards point Bravo, the house of Mrs. Allenson.

"You don't believe in the afterlife?" Alexei asked. It wasn't that he did either...but...

"No Alexei, and neither should you," Frost replied. "It's an old Aural tale...and you see where it got them..."

"Frost," Alexei said, feeling his eyes begin to tear up. "I just...I just don't see a reason for living anymore. Everything has turned upside down so fast...everything has changed..."

"Then you have to adapt," Joseph said. "We're soldiers by nature. We were taught ot adapt."

"I don't want to adapt!" Alexei said, storming off. Joseph didn't bother running to catch up...he merely increased his pace so that eventually he would catch up with Alexei.

"Alexei what the hell is wrong?" Joseph asked honestly. This had to be settled now, even though he knew it wouldn't be.

"Nothing..." Alexei said, blowing off the question. But Frost wouldn't stop.

"Bullshit," Frost said, raising his gun again. "Tell me what's wrong!"

Alexei looked deep into the phase pistol's barrel. Frost saw no fear, almost a longing for its contents in the man's eyes.

"What do I have to live for, Joe?" Alexei asked. "The whole empire is going to hell. There's not going to be anything left!"

"Then that's exactly what you have to live for, Alexei!" Frost replied. "You're a survivor! You survived death itself in Tappee. Now you're just going to stop trying? Alexei if there's going to be nothing left, than you must help build something back up. We have a chance to win this thing...but not without Tappee's help...and Tappee doesn't come without the death of this man. I don't care if you care about me at all...or even yourself...but I will not let you be responsible for the deaths of millions back home! If you want out, tell me now," Frost said, cocking his weapon.

So Alexei thought about it. He thought about his parents, he thought about his ex-girlfriend, he thought about Eric and Lance, he thought about all those who died in Tappee, and by the time his thoughts came back to his parents, he realized that he could not let the memory of those he loved most drown in flames because of his actions. He was being selfish, stupid, and he wasn't ready to give it up yet...but...

"Put it away," Alexei said. "We have a job to do..."

Joseph Frost smiled...perhaps now it would be different...

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Ambassador Mikhail Johanovich Sevanov
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Ambassador Zachary Aetna
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

Canada-Germany

17-02-2004, 05:02

To: Mr. Pierce
From: SSF Rocket

We have arrived insector and are awaiting orders.

-Col. Wesley Tse

Tappee

17-02-2004, 08:22

“Something wrong” asked Jade, she had noticed that Jon kept glancing at his watch every so often.

Realizing what he was doing Jon tried to quickly cover up “Just worried about what going in Iaceo right now. Spring and team should have engaged Kao’s forces by now.”

Jade found that Jon had a valid point; the situation in Iaceo was always not far from her mind. “Spring is up to the task, I’m sure that he can handle it”

“We can’t forget who his father was” relied voice some where behind them. Jon and Jade turned to find a young woman behind them, from what they could tell she was about 24 years old. “Sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Jade couldn’t help give the woman a funny look “I’m sorry have me meet, Miss..”

The young woman extended her hand to Jade. “Hamilton, Barbra Hamilton, and no we haven’t meet.”

“That odd” answered Jade “I’m sure that we’ve meet before.”

“What can we do for Miss Hamilton” Jon was glad for the distraction, a was going to try to use as best he could.

Barbra thought to her self for a moment. “I’m currently in my last year of political science at the university of Tappee, and I’m writing a paper on Tappee’s new role in intergalactic politics. I was wondering if I could get your thoughts on the issue?”

The last thing Jade wanted to was talk politics with a university student “I’m sorry Miss Hamilton I wasn’t aware the students were on the guest list”

“Their not” answered Barbra “But my prof knows some people an was able to get me in.”

“I see” out of the corner her eye Jade noticed some friend and decided to use it as an excuse to get ride of Barbra. “If you’ll excuse us we have things to attend too.”

“I understand” relied Barbra as Jade turned away

“Henry, Emily. I’m glad to see that you were able to make it” Jade reached to shake Henry’s hand “I was starting to wonder”

Henry let out a bit of sigh “We came in with the rebel diplomats. I want to stay but had orders”

Jade realized that his comment was directed to her, so she tried to avoid it. “Emily you look well, where is your father?”

Taking a moment Emily looked around the room “I’m sure that he here somewhere. He doesn’t know we’re in yet.”

“I see him I’ll sent him your way” said Jon. “Why don’t you too go have some drinks relax have some fun, I think you’ve more then earned it.”

“Thank you sir” Henry gave Jon a salute; Jon at one time had been Henry superior officer, old habits die-hard. With that two couple went their separate ways

“I’m going to order an increase in security” said Jade out loud

“There no need for that” that was the last thing Jon wanted right now “She just a kid trying to the best she can”

“I know, but there was something about her. I can’t shake the feeling that I have meet her somewhere.”

“Ok where do think you know her from then.” Asked Jon

“Iaceo” responded Jade “Back from my first assignment”

“That mission was nearly 12 years ago. I think that you are just being paranoid”

Jade thought to her self for a moment, with everything that was going on maybe she was over reacting and seeing thing that were not really there. “Your right”

http://img.atpictures.com/amandap/tn_ap023.jpg
Jade Allenson
Lead Chair Tappee Intelligence Tribunal

http://img.atpictures.com/breckin/tn_breckin0276.jpg
President Jon Anerton

http://img.atpictures.com/odonnell/tn_chris10.jpg
Special Agent Henry Kobe

http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/02.09/feature/3/amagi.jpg
Emily Williams

http://www.xsiteclub.com/movies/ss/kg/5.jpg
Barbra Hamilton

Wombat News

17-02-2004, 19:20

"Oh, look, Cyril, rebel scum!"

"Now, Betty, you know they don't like being called that ... bloody johnny foreigners with their fancy ideas ... harrumph ... ought to be bloody well shot, the lot of them!!"

Wombat News Report (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2759795#2759795)

Steel Butterfly

18-02-2004, 16:26

To: Mr. Pierce
From: SSF Rocket

We have arrived insector and are awaiting orders.

-Col. Wesley Tse

.:Reply to the SSF Rocket, Col. Wesley Tse:.
Channel Secure

"Encrypted orders are being transmitted. Those on board will give you instructions on how to open them."

Channel Terminated

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p348.jpg
Sir James Pierce
Political Head of the Resistance

[OOC: Read the post about going to Gest]

Steel Butterfly

18-02-2004, 16:50

Alexei looked at Joseph as he spoke, "We're on schedule." The words barely reflected the turmoil within, yet Alexei didn't mind. They had reached point Bravo and were now on the lift moving upwards to the Allenson household.

Joseph patted his pocket, reassuring himself that the vial of poison was still there. He checked his PADD. "A little behind," he mumbled. Alexei thought nothing of it.

A slight "ding" let them know that the lift had ended, and they exited into what appeared to be a basement. Opening the only door slowly, they found themselves in some sort of dresser. Upon opening the two doors they entered into what looked like the real basement. "Full moon," Alexei said, as they both switched on the lights attached to their guns.

Making their way to the man's bedroom would be difficult, but no where near impossible. In the end, it proved almost easy to the two Marines, who stood above the man's bed, staring down as his shut eyes.

"For the Resistance?" Joseph asked no one in particular as he opened the vial, the liquid dangerously close to the man. Alexei closed his eyes and nodded as Joseph poured the poison onto the man. It quickly crept into his skin, and all traces of the liquid were gone within seconds.

Suddenly, the man's eyes flew upon as he gasped for air, but air nor words left or entered his mouth. Almost as suddenly as he came alive, the man laid his head down once more, this time...for the last time...

Jospeh stood shocked, still holding the empty vial above the dead man. Alexei put his hand on his partner's shoulder, and then the two left the house, making sure it appeared exactly how it was before, and entered into the tunnels without speaking as much as a word.

They arrived at the party almost exactly 15 minutes since they both left, and saw that dinner was nearly over and desert was being prepared. A quick glance from Jon asked a question that Alexei replied with a nod. Joseph was very quiet, somewhat disturbed by what he had done.

As a soldier, a marine to be specific, he had killed many a man. Why was now any different?

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p309.jpg
Ambassador Mikhail Johanovich Sevanov
Commander Alexei Ivanova
XO of the 1st Marines

http://207.44.246.95/129/44/upload/p360.jpg
Ambassador Zachary Aetna
Lieutenant Joseph Frost
Vehicle Specialist of the 1st Marines

NationStates Jolt Archive

Let the Outside Slowly Die (Steel Butterfly Civil War II)