[HH-STGOD] Main Story Thread

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-15 05:07pm

"Tom, I think we need to increase the naval budget even more. I see difficult times ahead. And with Old Gustav cranking up his fleet, this Mesa affair and now that Phoenix problem..."
"I feel sure we can handle those right now. Currently we can feel quite safe."
"Nonetheless, I'll push another naval budget increase through. Which will enable us to build Bolthole 2, so to speak, in another corner of our realm, just to be on the safe side. We can afford it, now that the economy is on its feet again, and, thanks to Erewhon, we have a highly increased trade surplus."
"Well, you're the President," he chuckled.
"Yes, I am," she smiled. "And did you send the additional ships Tourville asked for?"
"Yes, the additional SD(P) squadron is on its way. He is now up to four. Which should be enough to deal with Phoenix and Mesa."
"What about our forward base in the Anderman/Silesia sector?"
"Thorn, as we called it now, is basically completed."
"Good. Well, I think we're finished here."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 05:18pm

[Pheonix Embassy, Chicago, Old Earth]

"We wish to see some as soon as possible. This is an urgent matter and we wish speak to some one as soon as possible."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-15 06:44pm

Stormbringer wrote:
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?"

"We have begun preparations, but are not intending to establish any fleet bases. It would be far to likely for such an act to provoke the League, and Mesa itself should be unable to muster enough resistance by itself to warrant the effort. We will attempt to council caution, but it is unlikely that Haven, or my monarch for that matter, will wish to delay action that long."

*****

"Unfortunately, given the timing of the League's decision, we are still unable to achieve the force levels we would want, especially as half of the reserve we built at Grendelsbane is undergoing signifigant refitting, and Haven is unlikely to wish to delay. I see no choice but to ask Grayson to cut loose a few squadrons of the wall for the operation, your majesty. We also should look at increasing new construction again, especially if Phonix enters on the Mesan side, as well as any League members they may be able to bribe." White Haven reported to the Queen

"Do it, and see about guaranteeing passage through League space to our forces."

A dispatch boat was sent immediately to Grayson, asking for their assistance. Within two days of its arrival, 24 SD(P), 8CLAC, and screen were underway for Manticore(give the transit time for news to reach Haven from Trevor's star, they should probably arrive at Manticore about the time orders from Haven start heading for their forces).

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 08:44pm

[Pheonix Embassy, Manticore]

This was a mission of paramount importance. The Vice President himself had come to try and iniate the discussions with the Queen and her government. He had sent a formal comunique but so far there had been no response.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 08:45pm

"We have begun preparations, but are not intending to establish any fleet bases. It would be far to likely for such an act to provoke the League, and Mesa itself should be unable to muster enough resistance by itself to warrant the effort. We will attempt to council caution, but it is unlikely that Haven, or my monarch for that matter, will wish to delay action that long."

"Thank you for your honesty. I regret that this means support for any action undertaken will have to be purely diplomatic."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-15 10:01pm

"Understood sir, we thank you for you understanding and assistance nonetheless"

****

"Yes Mr. Vice President, you indicated that this was extremely urgent to my staff?" Queen Elisabeth inquired to the Vice President of Phoenix as he was brought into her presence.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 10:07pm

consequences wrote:"Yes Mr. Vice President, you indicated that this was extremely urgent to my staff?" Queen Elisabeth inquired to the Vice President of Phoenix as he was brought into her presence.

"Yes, your majesty we do. In short, Your Majesty, Pheonix wishes to join the Alliance and at the first possible oppurtunity. We've been given reason to fear that Haven intends to use the recent incident as a pretext to launch an invasion. You know that Haven has had us on their list of potential acquisitions for a long time now. To make it simple, we need your help."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-15 10:22pm

(Stormbringer, you are a bastard)

"Mister Vice President, we understand your concerns, but we feel you may be misreading the Havenite government's intentions. We would of course be willing to enter into alliance with you, but the unfortunate truth is that for another half a year, Haven in all likelihood has the Alliance outmatched, and we would be unable to come riding to the rescue if they chose this time to renew old habits. After that time, we could certainly kick them out of your space, but that would still have horrific consequences to your nation. While Haven's methods in the recent incident are deplorable, and they are being overly zealous in the pursuit of justice, we have no fundamental disagreement with their overall policy towards Mesa, and are in fact preparing to permanently settle the issue ourselves."

***
A diplomatic mission has been sent to Torch, for consultation on the Mesa issue.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 10:37pm

(Thanks, I try.

)

"We understand that any support would be purely political at this point. We are sadly aware that few have the means to stand up to Haven directly. But it is our hope that an alliance would be enough to deter their ambitions for the present time. At least until it is possible to defuse tension over the current, regrettable incident."

The man took a deep breath.

"As for Mesa, our opposition to the slave trade is a matter of record. None in our government would shed any tears for Mesa if the scum that infest it were destroyed. The current incident is not characteristic of any change in our policy. We do not engage in the slave trade. Whatever the truth of the unfortunate incident is, Haven settled it in a matter that both destroyed any evidence and greviously violated our nation soveriegnty. The Alliance is vitale if we are to survive."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-15 10:46pm

"Very well, we will enter into a Full Alliance with Phoenix," Queen Elisabeth said, a slight smile the only hint of her heroic efforts to not giggle like a schoolgirl, or cackle maniacly, "We are aware that Haven will be taking action against Mesa soon, and have already dispatched forces to ensure that they do not exceed their mandate to end the genetic slave trade, although the effort is likely to be highly symbolic, to let them know that the galaxy is watching. We are also replacing our current ambassador to your nation, and apologise for his attitude, we have had a number of problems closer to home, and failed to thoroughly account for all of the High Ridge Government's appointees."

***
Meanwhile, the ambassador in question, upon returning to Manticore, was given a secret commendation, on the basis that he had to have done something right.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-15 10:49pm

"Excellent. Naturally formal papers will have to be drawn up but this news should go a long way towards smoothing the present crisis over and ensuring peace to come. Thank you."

Post by **NecronLord** » 2003-09-16 05:52am

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

She nodded. "That is correct Mr Ambassador, I cannot tell you the details, but there is likely to be a large scale naval review, covering even those ships, in the near future."

[Pheonix Embassy, Chicago, Old Earth]

"We wish to see some as soon as possible. This is an urgent matter and we wish speak to some one as soon as possible."

'Typical neobarb frontiersman, doesn't even know he's repeating himself.' thought the secretery. "I'm sure I can make an appointment with someone from the OFS review comittee." he said. "Just what is this urgent matter?"
___________________

Meanwhile, the subtley planeted cues were building media protest about the unfairness of the system veto in the constitution to a creschendo...

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-16 07:17am

The ambassador walked stiffly into the office of the Phoenixian home minister. He handed him a sheet of real paper, with an official seal.
"Before the Republic of Phoenix officially, and to our satisfaction, has resolved and researched the Phonixian partake in slave trading, the governments of Haven and its ally Erewhon has issued the following: All Phonixian ships entering, or leaving Havenite or Erewhonese territory must be searched. Refusing to do so will result in the eviction of the ship."

Without further words, he left the office.

***

Admiral Tourville's fleet was ready to strike. Now he only waited for the order.

***
Couriers were sent to Manticore, telling the Queen that the Republic was ready to strike at any time, but willing to wait for Manticore to get ready.

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-16 09:18pm

"In Political news today, in the first major vote taken after the seating of the San Martin representatives in the Commons and Lords, the progressive income tax has been reenacted, by an astounding majority in the House of Lords, an a much smaller but still solid majority in the Commons. The government announced that this measure was needed in response to chaotic events throughout human space, to maintain the security of all Manticoran subjects and allies. A San Martin peer has commented anonymously 'Well no shit amigo, Its called balance of power, and we may have the balance, but Haven's got the power right now.'"

*********

"Tell Haven that we are ready to act, as soon as we have firm permission, even unspoken, from the League to enter so deeply into their territory. Make certain that they are aware that we will not condone offensive action against Phoenix at this time. Send to the League again through all channels, seeking said permission" Elisabeth ordered.

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-17 09:05pm

"All right, so how are our secret naval projects working out?"

"Well, your Majesty," White Haven reported, "We have begun construction of the new major Shipyard facility, under cover of all of the other activity we have bustling everywhere. The new Pod design research has started, and Hemphill reports that initial concept testing seems promising. The energy torpedo LACs have entered production, for what that's worth. And now that we have confirmation of the Andermani Strap-on pod technology, we are working to integrate a similar idea into our ships. Given the number of refitted ships we have about to reenter service, we will be cutting loose several squadrons of Gryphons from Home fleet to participate in the Mesan campaign, but we are giving the GSN tactical command for this operation, since they are contributing much greater combat power."

Post by **NecronLord** » 2003-09-18 06:22am

The Admiral was preparing his next speech when the message came. His door chimed. “Open” he said, and the door slid aside, to reveal an aide.

“Mr Chairman,” the aide said, “we have received requests from Manticore to enter our territory.”
“They held off that long?” he thought, “Permission granted, of course.”

***

From: The desk of the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee, provisional.
To: Her Majesty the Queen of Manticore.

Under the circumstances we are willing to forego normal restrictions on military vessels entering our territory. We understand that the Sovereign system of Mesa is, while not a member of the league, inside our territory. As such, I am authorised to renounce territorial claims on space in a passage from our frontiers to the Mesan system while that system maintains its territorial claim. With no part of this passage being larger than one standard light year across.

Additionally, I have no doubt that you will be pleased to hear of some impending – changes – in the league’s frontier operations, most notably the reform of the Office of Frontier Security.

S. Valdez, Foreign Affairs committee.

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-18 08:36am

On couriers sent from Haven to Solarian League, and a copy to Manticore.

"The Republic of Haven kindly informs the Solarian League that operations to end the Mesan threat to galactic civilization will begin within the month. Thus we will have to enter Solarian League territory and request free passage to and from Mesa.

With best regards,
Eloise Pritchard
President of the Republic of Haven"

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-18 08:36am

From: Her majesty the Queen of Manticore
To: The desk of the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee, provisional.
We thank you for you understanding in this matter. We recommend that you send an official envoy to the new star nation of Torch, formnerly known as the Congo system, to arrange proper disposition of former Mesan slaves and properties after the coming conflict.

***
"Tell Haven we're ready to move now, and are sending ships through the Junction at the same time as this message will reach their forces at Erewhon."

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-18 08:55am

"Wonderful," Pritchard grimly smiled across the table. "Send the signal to Tourville. It is time. He will wait until the Manticoran and Grayson units have assembled in Erewhon, then it's time to strike. And he will downplay his fleet's abilities?"
"Yes, we will show our SD(P)s, which we already have admitted, but withhold any showing of our MDM, unless necessary. He'll shoot them at larger ranges than usual for us, but won't use the full capabilities. And we won't send our CLACs. No one knows about them. And for Mesa we don't need tham, anyway."
"Very well then, Tom," she looked him serious in the eyes,

***

A courier sped out of Haven, towards Trevor's Star, to bring the information to Manticore, and through the wormhole to Tourville.

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-18 09:14am

"We aren't using any new designs for this, we're going to fight this campaign entirely at the level we were at at the end of the last war, Admirals Brentworth and Sarnow have their orders, instruct them to transit now."

24 Harrington SD(P) , 8 Covington CLAC, 20 Gryphon SD, 6 Minotaur CLAC, 40 BC, and over 150 screening ships began tight transits of the Junction, much to the annoyance of the civilian queue. Three hours later they were all through.

Post by **NecronLord** » 2003-09-18 09:31am

Dahak wrote:On couriers sent from Haven to Solarian League, and a copy to Manticore.

"The Republic of Haven kindly informs the Solarian League that operations to end the Mesan threat to galactic civilization will begin within the month. Thus we will have to enter Solarian League territory and request free passage to and from Mesa.

With best regards,
Eloise Pritchard
President of the Republic of Haven"

The 'Admiral' quickly changes the letter he sent to Manticore as appropriate and sends it to Haven, then gets back to arranging an official envoy to the Star Nation of Torch...

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-18 09:35am

In the Erwhon system, they were greeted by 48 Sovereign of Space SD(P), 12 Curie class SD, 24 Sultan BC and 12 Mars BC and 200 screening units.

"Welcome to Erewhon," Admiral Tourville sent immediately.

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-18 07:41pm

"Its good to be here Admiral, be sure to try the seafood while you are out here" was Admiral Sarnow's immediate response.

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-19 07:11am

consequences wrote:"Its good to be here Admiral, be sure to try the seafood while you are out here" was Admiral Sarnow's immediate response.

"Greetings, Admiral," Tourville responded. "Would you mind a dinner before we leave for Mesa? Or is it urgent?" Tourville smiled.

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

"Dinner would be excellent, it will give us a chance to hash matters out informally before we get down to the nuts and bolts of the matter."
***

Over dinner, the conversation naturally turned to business. Admiral Brentworth led the conversation with, "It is our opinion that Alliance forces should be delegated to deal with Mesa's minor holdings. Since your fleet claims no CLACs among its number, we will be better able to handle the small fry without dispersing our main body strength too greatly, and our LAC force will be less useful against the Mesan wall of battle and battleship fleet. However, your fleet has the greater weight of metal, so we will follow your lead in apportioning forces to deal with the main Mesan strongholds"