[HH-STGOD] Main Story Thread

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-14 11:37pm

"And your freighter captain choosing to commit suicide rather than allow boarding is explained how? In addition to the fact that according to the Cherwell convention, the freighter was required to heave to for boarding? And Livestock? That's really very cute, considering that's exactly how Mesa refers to its victims." The Manticoran ambassador replied in an even tone.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-14 11:45pm

"You know as well as I do that the treaty does not give a navy the right to board ships in interstellar space at will. It never has and you know it." The ambassador was fuming "As you would know if you hadn't hidden behind your self righteous facade, Haven has a problem with it's ships going pirate. They never did clean up the mess cause when so many SS thugs went out and out pirate. Their glorious revolution might have freed them from their like but we've been plagued with them ever since. Not more than six months ago we found ship they had attacked and tortured the crew to death aboard. Any captain would take a quick death over that."

The ambassador looked like he was about ready to throttle the Manty.

"And surely even the Ballroom terrorists wouldn't object to genetically engineered beef cattle? According to her filed manifest that's what she was carrying. Given that everything that wasn't destroyed by weapons fire was seared clean when reactor plasma vented through hull I see no way we can prove the claims she was a slaver. So I'm forced to rely on what customs cerfitfied."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-15 12:00am

"Oh, rest assured, we will be investigating Haven's actions thoroughly, its just that there were some disturbing holes in the picture painted by your ambassador's ranting. Not to mentionthe fact that we have yet to see any documentation providing a reason for the 'Cattle transport's' presence in that system? Especially since carrying bottled fetuses, or even just genetic samples would be far simpler than devoting the effort to moving several thousand cows over interstellar distances?" The Manticoran calmly replied, adding, contemptuosly, "And next time, we'll let you fight the decade long war, and we'll bat clean-up afterwards if that's alright with you."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 12:11am

"The world in question is on the fringe of settled space. It's not exactly a technologically sophisticated world. Some half nuts eco fanatics as I recall. They want to go back to near neo barb level but ran into troubles with the local bugs." the ambassador sneered right back at the Manty "As to what she was doing, who knows, you destroyed her out of hand after all."

"As to your wars, how like you to forget your mess as soon as it doesn't bother you any longer." With that he spit on the Manticorian ambassador and stormed out.

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-15 12:20am

Upon reading the Ambassador to Phoenix's report, as well as the official letter of complaint sent by Phoenix, Queen Elisabeth remarked to her Prime Minister, "Oh, that's right, we never did replace the High Ridge government's ambassador to Phoenix, did we. It seems like he hit the essential points, even if he could hardly have been more rude. Send out a special assistant to replace him if the need to appease Phoenix arises, but keep him in place for the moment."

****

A diplomatic document was sent to the Andermani emperor, inviting him to take part in the concerted diplomatic/military effort being launched against Mesa.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 12:25am

[Andermani State House, New Potsdam]

The Manticorian Ambassador was escorted into one the stately buildings reception rooms. It was on the small side but tastefully decorated and furnished.

"You wished to meet with us?" asked the Deputy Foreign Minister

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-15 12:44am

"Quite simply, sir, Queen Elisabeth and her government feel that it is time for Mesa to be removed from the galaxy. Unfortunately, given the support they enjoy among certain portions of the Solarian League, acting alone against them is a recipe for disaster. We formally ask that you aid us in pressuring the League to handle their own business, and if that fails, ask that you provide whatever aid you can in exterminating the vermin."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 12:50am

"So in other words, you expect military action? You realize what a delicate prospect that is. The sheer size of the League makes any attack dangerous. You want us to commit to military action?" the Secretary asked, looking a little pale.

"You do realize that the presence of our own mercenaries complicates that. If it comes to it, they'll honor their contracts. This is a very touchy situation."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-15 12:56am

"We welcome any suggestion you have that results in the end of Mesa, peaceful or otherwise. If nothing else, please work with us diplomatically to detach them from the League. We are willing to delay to a certain extent, if that will let your mercenaries contracts expire, and we would be willing to grant blanket amnesties and surrenders with all of their equipment intact to them, but we can not stand by indefinitely and let the Mesan atrocities continue. It also does not speak well of your mercenaries that they would take contract with Mesa in the first place."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 01:11am

"They're serving the planetary government and follow all human rights treaties. Even Manticore officially recognises the Mesan government as legal so they're not serving illegally by our definition or yours. Were they to have done that then they would have been cut off. As long as they obey the modest rules, they're free to serve with whoever. We don't command them. "

The Secretary took a sip of his brandy and shrugged his shoulders eloquently.

"We will declare the Mesan government black list though we would still have to wait until the contract expires for those already there. They'll obey the rules regardless of any instructions from us. We're in no position to compel them to break their contracts. Loyalty is everything to mercenary."

"And if you intend to try those men you can forget about our support."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-15 01:21am

"Is there a clause in their contracts against suicide missions? Or surrender when faced with overwhelming odds? Can you at least give us a time frame, so that we know when we can move against Mesa without endangering your people? Bottom line, if we move against them without your help, and end up killing your cirtizens in their mercenary capacity, will you hold it against us, or will you accept that they knew the risks when they signed up? The only reason we have not revoked our recognition of the Mesan government is the fact that if we follow the proper forms, ending in a former declaration of war, we are less likely to have the League react adversely. Hell, even Torch has given them formal recognition by declaring war on them."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 01:28am

"The contracts are different. I'd have to look them up. But generally such contracts do not require suicidal missions. So no, that would not be an issue. As to your second point, the 43rd will have it's contract expire in a little over a year a half."

The ambassador took another gulp of brandy.

"That would very much depend on the circumstances. I can't make any promises so broad. But I must say again, that His Imperial Majesty would veiw very badly any attempt to try them for their service to a legitimate foreign government, even one as odious as Mesa."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-15 01:36am

"We would have no issue, as I have said, with granting them an amnesty, as long as they are not personally guilty of any atrocities. Given Andermani mercs reputations, that shouldn't be an issue. We are far more likely to live up to those standards than any revolutionaries instigated by Torch, as you know perfectly well will happen eventually, if the situation is left unresolved. However, it would be impossible to guarantee there would be no Andermani loss of life in the event of combat, and I would be a fool to think it was possible to do so."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 01:39am

"No amnesty nor anything of that nature. They're simply to be allowed to go and take their equipment and effects with them unless there is clear evidence they broke the rules of war. Is that clear?" The man sighed "And I assume from your answer you have no intention of waiting?"

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-15 01:46am

"Very well, they will be free to go. We are not quite that impatient, but Queen Elisabeth was understandably angered by recent Mesan actions against a member of the royal family.The original time frame we were looking at was within the next T-year, and Manticore would be willing to delay to allow your mercenaries contracts to expire, but we are not the only ones with an interest in eliminating Mesa, and we may not be able to convince others to hold back on the basis of sparing mercenaries harm."

Post by **NecronLord** » 2003-09-15 04:59am

League Assembly, Chicargo.

"And so, in conclusion, analysts have confirmed the information given to us by the Star Kingdom of Manticore. Therefore, I propose a motion to eject the Mesan system from the League." finished Representative Keely. Looking around she could see a large number of the inner worlds looking appropriately shocked, though it could not be told how surprised they were, they weren't likely to publicly object.

Unfortunately, Mesa was.

"We invoke the power of system veto," shouted the Mesan representative, who had lost all sense of calm several minutes ago, "and demand that action be taken against these Manticorian Slander Merchants. All trade in our system is perfectly legal."

She felt like banging her head on the platform, and if it weren't so terribly undignified she would consider doing so. Fortunately, this particular farcical veto system had its loopholes.

"It is my great pleasure to inform the Assembly that my 'esteemed collegue representatives' are personally wanted for various crimes related to the genetic slave trade," she said.

The chamber burst into uproar, as was expected. Thousands of voices raised, shouting fairly randomly, were cut short by the chairman activating the built in sonic dampeners, the voices cut to absoloute silence. Eventually, the assembled representatives took their seats again.

Representative Keely continued, "as such I have a warrant for their immediate arrest" she held up a sheet of paper - for added impact - "and have requested that the police ((I actually remember hearing something about a gendemarie, but that makes no sense to me, so I think I may have simply hallucinated it up.)) remove them into custody forthwith. Which should be happening about, now."

Sure enough, the represenatives were removed, without further incident, the shocked silence was profound, never in living memory had the Assembly actually witnissed such an event, but that was nothing in comparison to what happened next.

Keely went on to speak again - "Once again I propose a motion to eject the Mesan system from the League." she said, smiling. A few hours later, the voting was completed.

Although Mesa had many supporters, in the end no one had had the nerve to put their career on the line by vetoing the motion while half the press on Old Earth were watching them, and with an eighty percent favour, Mesa was banished from the Solarian League.

A few minutes later, messengers were sent to both The Republic of Haven and The Star Kingdom of Manticore, informing them that Mesa was no longer under the protection of the League's navy.

'Finally' thought Keely 'we are achieving something.'

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-15 08:03am

He threw the datapads on the table.
"Here is the evidence you wanted, ambassador" Ambassador Thretien spat.
"It includes detailed photographs of the ship, including the peculiarities unique to slaver ships, the ship's log with all relevant information, recordings of holds full of slaves, and several dead slaves, which unfortunately were spaced. I can assure you that there was no cattle to be found onboard. And as to what a freighter was doing in an unmarked system, away from any trade route, and fled from us..."
He sighed.
"Haven demands an offical investigation of the company owning the ship. We will not accept slave trading."

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-15 08:09am

As she read the news from the Solarian League, Eloise Pritchard felt a smile grow in her face.
"Send out immediate notes to Manticore, that under these circumstances, the Republic of Haven is willing to strike at Haven at the earliest convenience. And call Tom. Tell him to send the orders to Tourville. He should get ready."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 02:50pm

consequences wrote:"Very well, they will be free to go. We are not quite that impatient, but Queen Elisabeth was understandably angered by recent Mesan actions against a member of the royal family.The original time frame we were looking at was within the next T-year, and Manticore would be willing to delay to allow your mercenaries contracts to expire, but we are not the only ones with an interest in eliminating Mesa, and we may not be able to convince others to hold back on the basis of sparing mercenaries harm."

"Naturally, we would not hold you responsible for that. And they are professional soldiers, we're not expecting people to tiptoe around them. Should Haven strike there would be little sense to hold Manticore or the Alliance responsible. Though we do hope you would prevail on them to hold back, we would be grateful."

The Ambassador paused.

"I assume you and Haven have begun preposition? Established forward fleet bases and the like?"

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 02:58pm

Dahak wrote:He threw the datapads on the table.
"Here is the evidence you wanted, ambassador" Ambassador Thretien spat.
"It includes detailed photographs of the ship, including the peculiarities unique to slaver ships, the ship's log with all relevant information, recordings of holds full of slaves, and several dead slaves, which unfortunately were spaced. I can assure you that there was no cattle to be found onboard. And as to what a freighter was doing in an unmarked system, away from any trade route, and fled from us..."
He sighed.
"Haven demands an offical investigation of the company owning the ship. We will not accept slave trading."

"Just how stupid do you think I am? The ship is a gutted hulk and you know it. That so called evidence is dubious at best considering that the whole ships suffered when the plasma containment was breached. Bits of twisted metal don't mean much."

The ambassador motioned for the two guards to take up a position just behind his guest.

"We will investigate the company and the ship carefully. Slavery, be it genetic or otherwise is repellant. It has never been tolerated in our nation. But you will cease the seizure of our ships and the harassment. If you have evidence, bring it forward. But no more of this."

He motioned to the guards to show the Havenite ambassador out.

"Now leave, immediately."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 03:10pm

[Eagle Head Palace, New Potsdam]

"Damn Gustav, it's been barely a month since your little annoucment and already you're adding more yards to your program?!?" ask a stunned Naval Secretary

"Fredrick, you know we're still well behind the other major powers. I don't like the agressive stance Haven and Manticore have taken. Manticore's not interested in swallowing us up but I refuse to trust the bastard running Haven farther than I can throw them. " explained an impatient monarch, "And if they start another war we're likely to get dragged into it. I want to be ready."

"I know, but this isn't exactly cheap."

"We can afford it."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 03:18pm

[Asgard Embassy, Old Earth]

"We very much appreciate the sale of the ships and are looking forward to their deliverly. Naturally we have deposited half the money now, half on completetion."

The wire transfers had been made. An enormous sum of money had been routed through a series of banks before they finaly ended up in Navy slush fund account. It was a staggering amount of credits.

"We also would like to know when it would be possible to obtain the additional fifteen ships?"

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-15 04:37pm

Stormbringer wrote: "Just how stupid do you think I am? The ship is a gutted hulk and you know it. That so called evidence is dubious at best considering that the whole ships suffered when the plasma containment was breached. Bits of twisted metal don't mean much."

The ambassador motioned for the two guards to take up a position just behind his guest.

"We will investigate the company and the ship carefully. Slavery, be it genetic or otherwise is repellant. It has never been tolerated in our nation. But you will cease the seizure of our ships and the harassment. If you have evidence, bring it forward. But no more of this."

He motioned to the guards to show the Havenite ambassador out.

"Now leave, immediately."

"I will go, alright," he glowered, "but we will continue investigating ships in known pirates dens and out-of-the-way places. We protect our borders and that of our allies, and don't take piracy lightly. Unlike certain other governments. Should we come along any other slaver flying Phoenixian flag, you will regret it. I can guarantee you that."
He turned on his heel and stormed out of the office.

Post by **NecronLord** » 2003-09-15 04:59pm

Stormbringer wrote:[Asgard Embassy, Old Earth]

"We very much appreciate the sale of the ships and are looking forward to their deliverly. Naturally we have deposited half the money now, half on completetion."

The wire transfers had been made. An enormous sum of money had been routed through a series of banks before they finaly ended up in Navy slush fund account. It was a staggering amount of credits.

"We also would like to know when it would be possible to obtain the additional fifteen ships?"

"I am certain, Mr Ambassador, that the ships shall be ready in a very short time. You understand of course that even though they are effectively ready now, we still have some house clearing work to be done before they can be transferred." Rep Keely paused for a moment.

"Unfortunately, due to domestic concerns, the navy is likely to be commissioning some ships of its own that will use much of the available resourses, and I am sure you understand that they must take priority. That said, in a few months, we anticipate having a large number of ships without a place in the League's Navy."

What she neglected to mention, was that if things went according to plan, the navy would have so much liberated cash, they would have difficulty finding enough things to spend it on...

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 05:03pm

"Even with regards to mothballed ships?" the man asked, clearly rather stunned.