STGOD2 Main Story thread

[Rye]

A lone heracles-class ship decloaks amid the destruction around the aquarian homeworld.

It's message is broadcast too loud due to a slight transmission error, but it's quickly rectified.

"This is captain Regis of the Aegis Heracles-class destroyer "Nimoy". All craft are hereby requested to cease and desist all aggressive action and return to your respective homeworlds. That is all."

...

"Oh wait, that's not all, we would like to also take a suit out on those goddamned spammers. They're giving Aegis a bad name goddamnit!"

[Thirdfain]

-: 2 AU above ecliptic, Maralsartel :-

"The is Chef-Admiral Andreson of the Commonwealth Navy. All vessels in system are ordered to stand down. Maralsartel, you are ordered to shut down your planetary shield, and prepare to accept landings of TSC troops."

"Failure to comply will result in military action. This is you last chance."

:TSC Operation Pyongyang expeditionary force:
Over Maralsartel:

1 Fleet Carrier (CNV Morrigan)
2 Artemis-class Dreadnoughts (CNV Uller, CNV Kali)
1 Athena-class Dreadnought (CNV Athena)
10 Adrastea-class heavy cruisers (CNVs Santander, Isis, Set, Baal, Kell, Liberty, Nymph, Centaur, Togo, Yamamoto)
25 Strike Frigates
75 Escort Frigates
10 Destroyers
5 Light Cruisers

[phongn]

The freighter Arachnon was a small, unassuming ship with lines like any other in the galaxy. Like so many other freighters, she bore no obvious registry, her shipmaster owing alliegance to the stars alone. Her cargo was not so common. Numerous rifles, missile launchers, grenades and more. All the things needed for a guerilla war. All of the weapons were older designs and untracable. BlasTech E-11 blaster carbines. PLX dual-purpose missile launchers. SupraGUN cryo-grenade, United Technologies thermal detonators.

Stuff that anyone was familiar with, stuff that had been in production for longer than anyone cared to remember. Stuff copied by a thousand firms on a million worlds for untold customers near and far.

So when the Kingdom became covertly arming numerous resistance, insurgency and criminal groups to distract numerous Major Powers trying to increase their hold on the galaxy, those arms were amongst their first choices. Intermediaries masked their originators. All the groups knew was that they were receiving brand-new (abliet somewhat archaic) weapons for their cause. So when certain other powers expanded their holdings over formerlly-indendant worlds, they found themselves fighting a small campaign to hold down the dissidents.

And sometimes, they found these weapons, and pointed fingers, but no-one really knew where they came from. Close competitors, perhaps? Disgruntled ex-Atlanteans? The HAB? Accusations flew but little came out of it.

[PROMETHEUS]

PRESS RELEASE

Hirsch Defense Systems is proud to announce the introduction of the MK XXVI HEV, or Hazardous Environment System. The standard hazard suit for workers across the galaxy for hundreds of years, the MK XXVI suit includes upgrades for operator safety such as a high-tolerance fusion generator, improved biological agent filtration, plus different variants custom-tailored to suit various species' individual biological needs. Packages are available for different environments, among them vacuum, high pressure, acidic and alkali environments, and high-radiation environments.

The HEV MK XXVI is not intended to function as combat armor. If combat armor is required, then you need look no further than the MK XXI Hirsch PCS, or Powered Combat Suit. The PCS includes standard NBC protection for up to twelve hours, and can be interfaced to most smart infantry weapons. Either a heads-up display or a neural link can be used to allow the wearer fine control of the suit's systems. The PCS utilizes a compact hardened fusion generator for providing power and the exoskeleton is covered in composite layers of shatter-resistant ceramics and dura-armor, with an optional energy shielding system. Total system weight is 40kg, and additional wearer capacity can be extended up to 80kg. It should be noted, however, that under full load the agility of the PCS is impaired.

Variants of the PCS are available, custom-tailored for different environments.

Hirsch Defense Systems can be contacted at 1 Hirsch Ctr, Littleton, New Altadena, Corporate Sector, or on the Galactic DataNet at hirsch-contact@hirsch.lttltn.nalta.corpsec .

[Sea Skimmer]

The Deep Core

Lion, her escorts close at hand, cruised past a dead molten world in a dead system, the remnants of a pervious conflict. But the force didn;t care about the planet or the system, its goal lay deeper. And for that objective everything revolved around the AGSS-55 Bellatrix, the most advanced space surveying and surveillance the HAB had yet fielded, it was also the best armed. A sister ship was working with a similar taskforce not far away. They would remap the largely lost hyperspace lanes into the deepest reaches of the core, and accompany there respective task forces in there exploration. While the hyperwarp impellor drives all vessels where fitted with where more forgiving then a hyperdrive in such matters as course, in the deep core less forgiving counted for little.

With one last emission controlled scan completed, Bellatrix folded her high gain antenna for safekeeping and then singled she was ready to jump to the next survey point. The ships left the dead system a half hour after they had arrived, and once more the void between dead worlds was emptied.

[Dahak]

Avalon Prime, Stuart Plaza

"I don't think we should do something," the Director of Economy said. "True, we signed a treaty with them. But to enter that stupid little fight..."
"Paul," Gladstone snapped. "This is there homeworld. To send those ships is the least we can do."
"Well," Fleet President Millers deep voice rumbled through the office. "The Fast Response Fleet could make it in roughly 14 jumps, 4 months subjective time, say from now on 10 hours to the Aquarian home system. It's strong enough to be more than just a small token of good will, and light enough to not hurt us too hard should it, which I doubt, get destroyed. And if they're too late, well, it makes for a nice training voyage."
"Do it, then," Gladston firmly approved.

***

Minutes later, the orders were sent to the Fast Response Fleet. Soon thereafter, the small fleet rose from their harbours deep in the atmosphere of Avalon Prime to reach the orbit and start their short jump sequence to the Aquarian home system.

[Darksider]

The emperor watched the newsfeeds from the aquarian homeworld

"Jesus, the aquarians are getting clobbered."

"Yes they are."

"put all border defenses on a state of full alert, and tell the shipyards to increase production to wartime levels. We need to be abel to defend ourselves."

[Kyle]

Declaration by UTR President Devley, to various news organazations in general press conference.

"The United Terran Republic would like to make it's stance in the recent Azegert, Aquarain conflict clear. The UTR will be taking no sides in this conflict. We can not support expansionist policies in any way. "

A reporter asked the president, "Mister President, you say the UTR will not support expansionist policies. In view of this, what is the UTRs stance towards the Three Sun Commonwealth."

"The UTR is not happy with the recent actions of the Commonwealth in the area to our galactic south, and we view with surprise and alarm the commonwealths claim to territory to there north. Considering the lawless nature of the region we understand the TSCs actions, but would be strongly opposed to any actions by the TSC to take any more territory."

He cleared his throat, "I am also here to announce the results of the UTRs Operation Renewal. Defense Guard forces have cleared the are south of the UTRs Second District has been quitly swept clean of most pirate forces. Outlaw forces were hunted down by Guard vessels, and major concentration were engaged by UTRN TF24 and TF25 under Vice Admiral Myles acting in support of the Guard. "

"In conjuction with this military operation the UTR state department has been working with several governments in the area. We have helped to negeotiate an agreement to create a Free Star Alliance, which will be a confederation of independent worlds located to our north. The UTR has already fromally recognized this government. We soon expect the Star Kingdom to follow suit as well as the Corporate Sector. First I'd like to acknowledge Ambassador Frent of the FSA ."

A small bookish looking man walked to the podium and shook the presidents hand. "Hello." he began, with an odd accent. Thanks to the actions of the Republic we, your neighbors to the south, have been granted an opportunity we would not have had without your help. We have a chance to join the galactic community as equals and not paupers to be conguered by other alrger star nations. Pesident Devly and I have jsut signed a mutual defense and free trade treaty between the FSA and UTR. Also in exchange for the UTRs help inc reaating our nation we have granted the UTR peermission to place UTRN forward bases in the Alliance."

President Devly stepped up tot he microphone in a smotth motion. "I have more to say about those forward bases, but I'd also like to inform the press on the results of Operation Leapfrog. This operation was launched by the UTRNs Third Fleet and involved the retaking of the Bajoran system as well as its wormhole. Immediatly following Task Force 32s seizure of the system TF32 moved through the wormhole and established a feet presence on the far side of the wormhole."

He pasued for a second and then continued his statement. " Defesne Guard forces formerly assigned to Operation Renewal have been transferred to Bajor and are preparing to launch Operation Justified Freedom, an antipiracy mission similar in scope to Operation Renewal. The State DEpartment is also attempting to establsih treaties with local governments and hope to build an Alliance similar to the FSA in the former UTR territory around the wormhole."

"Mister President," another reporter interrupted to ask a question. "What forces will we be locating in the FSA, and how will this affect our own strategic posture?

"Task Forces 24 and 25 will be the assigned to two forward bases to be cosntructed and maintaned by the FSA. I plan on asking the Assembly to approve increased military spending to allow the construction of a Fifth Fleet, to be based at Bajor and with most it's strength deployed to the FSA and beyond the wormhole. Hopefully I'll have mroe to tell you tomorrow. Good afternoon."

[phongn]

/cough puppet nation! /cough.

[PROMETHEUS]

Shortly after the United Terran Republic announced their move toward recognizing the Free Star Alliance, CEO Harold Elliot of the Corporate Sector announced that the Corporate Sector Board of Directors had likewise agreed to recognize the Free Star Alliance.

A free trade agreement with the FSA is currently being discussed by the Board of Directors, and their resolution will be out by tomorrow evening.

[OOC: Psst, Kyle, it's a bad idea to give any president of the UTR a name ]

[Darksider]

Emperor conner went over the briefing from his advisor.

"How long until the planetary defense network is online?"


"Roughly three months."

"Good."

"There are still a few holes in our defense, but they will be taken care of soon."

"Send out a message to all international arms corporations, we need hypershielding for our major planets, as well as our war fleet."

"I will send it immediatly m'lord."

as the advisor walked out, the emperor turned to him.

"And do it with some discretion involved."

[Thirdfain]

FROM: Senate of the Commonwealth (Desjardins)
TO: Free Star Alliance
SUBJ: Recognition of Sovereignty

-::-

The Three Suns Commonwealth is willing to recognise the sovereignty of the Free Star Alliance. Additionally, we are extending to you a simple free trade and antipirate treaty- Tariff-free shipping between our nation and the FSA, and joint protection and enforcement of the space lanes between our nations.

Additionally, due to the precarious nation of your newly formed nation state, and our interest in restoring stability in the territory of the old UTR, we are willing to sell TSC surplus planetary defense weaponry and spacecraft, to ensure that your ability to self-govern is not hindered by foreign forces.

-: ENDMESSAGE :-

[Dahak]

The Stuart Corporation welcomes the Free Star Alliance in the galaxy and coridally recognizes the sovereignity of the new polity.
Though what remains of sovereignity in light of the recent events remains to be seen.

[Darksider]

ATTN: All Interested corporations
From: KSN high command
RE: Hypershielding


The KSN requires large amounts of hypershield generators in order to update our fleets defenses. We also require generators large enough to protect entire planets fom FTL warheads.

Our own ships and planets are equiped with anti-FTL missile defenses. But due to the recent outbreak of violence, we believe in aquiring any advanced defense technology possible.

[Dahak]

ATTN: All Interested corporations
From: KSN high command
RE: Hypershielding


The KSN requires large amounts of hypershield generators in order to update our fleets defenses. We also require generators large enough to protect entire planets fom FTL warheads.

Our own ships and planets are equiped with anti-FTL missile defenses. But due to the recent outbreak of violence, we believe in aquiring any advanced defense technology possible.

The Stuart Corporation is willing to sell to the KSN. We can offer you 2 generators large enough.

[Darksider]

ATTN: All Interested corporations
From: KSN high command
RE: Hypershielding


The KSN requires large amounts of hypershield generators in order to update our fleets defenses. We also require generators large enough to protect entire planets fom FTL warheads.

Our own ships and planets are equiped with anti-FTL missile defenses. But due to the recent outbreak of violence, we believe in aquiring any advanced defense technology possible.

The Stuart Corporation is willing to sell to the KSN. We can offer you 2 generators large enough.

We will take the two planetary generators for twenty million credits each.

We also ask when you would be able to supply enough to outfit our other colonies and fleet units.

[Thirdfain]

FROM: DeVries/Takeda Corporation (New Okinawa)
TO: KSN high command
SUBJ: RE: Hypershielding

-::-

The DeVries/Takeda Corporation, manufacturers and innovaters in the field of subreality and corporeal military shields is willing and able to produce numerous planetary and ship-scale hypershield devices.

We can supply hypershielding for up to 30 capital warships, and 400 escorts, at this time. Furthur orders will require some time for our factories to produce new units.

While we have only three planetary-scale shield generators in stock at this time, we can assemble more on-sight. Labor can be provided from our own resources on New Okinawa, or we can utilize local contractors.

The DeVries/Takeda Corporation supplies not only the national militaries of the Three Suns Commonwealth and the Gorn Empire, but also dozens of smaller feifdoms in the southern Galaxy. Our devices are known for their reliability.

-:ENDMESSAGE:-

[PROMETHEUS]

ATTN: All Interested corporations
From: KSN high command
RE: Hypershielding

The KSN requires large amounts of hypershield generators in order to update our fleets defenses. We also require generators large enough to protect entire planets fom FTL warheads.

Hirsch Defense Systems currently has approximately 500 naval hypershield generators in stock. However, tests must be performed first on the warships to ensure that they are capable of utilizing the generators. Installation time, including inspection, is approximately 15 days per warship; however, we only have enough mobile facilities to refit 20 ships at any one time.

Estimated cost per generator is between 500,000 and 750,000 credits.

[Pablo Sanchez]

The Patriarch recognizes the Free Star Alliance only as what it is: a false-nation created by the UTR. He is unsurprised that the humans did not have the honesty to simply annex the planets but is amused by their decision to announce their effective siezure of a large swath of territory in the same message that they condemned expansionism. The Patriach considers the FSA a possession of the United Terran Republic and will treat it as such.

The Patriarch also announces his intention to meet this and other siezures by other powers by expansion along the Norma Spiral Arm. Operations to subdue and resettle the uncivilized tribes in this area are soon to become underway.

[phongn]

General Electric will enter the bidding process for equipping KSN mobile and static forces with new hypershielding. We are confident, with our millennia of experience, that we will be able to perform to your utmost satisfaction.

General Ambassador Phong Nguyen today issued an unusually strong criticism of the United Terran Republic's new treaties with the emergant Free Star Alliance. From the Crystal Palace: "While the Star Kingdom does not presume to interfere with the internal politics of the Republic, the Kingdom is not easily fooled by their policy ploy. The new Free Star Alliance has become a de facto annexation of the Republic, it will be treated as a annexation de jure by the Kingdom."

In other news, Chief Naval Officer Admiral Lord Calcite has announced a new policy of expansionism into former Star Kingdom Space. From HMSS Warlock: "It is time to reunite the Three Sectors of the Kingdom once more into a contiguous whole. But this policy move will not be done with haste, but with careful deliberation and pacing. We will begin surveying worlds for colonization within the month."

Kyle: That was the most blatantly twofaced piece of political maneuvering I've seen in the STGOD, well, ever. You are to be applauded, and your President must have balls of solid brass to go in front of the camera and say that.

[Raptor 597]

From: Dunlap Special Interest Office
To: All nations concerned

After our recent minor war with a small nation on our border the secruity ban has been lifted. We were deeply saddened to learn of the Azegart and Aquarian conflict. Our nation hopes not to have any role in the fighting. Our borders are always open to refugees should people feel the need to exot the horrors of war. We are also interested in purchasing any valuable technologies, so we will listen and deeply consider any offers thrown our way.

Thank you.

[SirNitram]

The Black Alliance did not go onto the news channels, issuing proclamations. Trask did not appear to speak of morality or ambiguity. Ships simply fanned out of the Alliance's space.

The colonization was going quickly. Prefabricated structures were Displaced directly to the surfaces of the selected planets, immediately setting to work the process of mining, processing, farming, and securing the new conquest. Several small groups lived there already; they were subjugated with orbital ion fire, their populations either surrendering or being forced into the massive pool of slave labour the Alliance drew off of.

It was brutal. It was immoral. It was outrageous.

In short, it was everything everyone else was doing, but the Black Alliance, as always, made no excuses. They held the stick.

[Kyle]

General Ambassador Phong Nguyen today issued an unusually strong criticism of the United Terran Republic's new treaties with the emergant Free Star Alliance. From the Crystal Palace: "While the Star Kingdom does not presume to interfere with the internal politics of the Republic, the Kingdom is not easily fooled by their policy ploy. The new Free Star Alliance has become a de facto annexation of the Republic, it will be treated as a annexation de jure by the Kingdom."

In other news, Chief Naval Officer Admiral Lord Calcite has announced a new policy of expansionism into former Star Kingdom Space. From HMSS Warlock: "It is time to reunite the Three Sectors of the Kingdom once more into a contiguous whole. But this policy move will not be done with haste, but with careful deliberation and pacing. We will begin surveying worlds for colonization within the month."

The Free Star Alliance is a free and soveriegn power with complete control over it's own internal policies. Chairman of the Stellar Quorom Xing Ferdinan said "I does not appreciate the aspersions cast on the dignity of his star nation. I formally requests that the Star Kingdom recognize the sovereignety of this nation. "

The UTR would also like to make a statement concerning the status of the FSA. "While the Alliance may be our creation it is not our creature. We consider the FSA to be stabilizing influence, a model tob e followed when dealing with the recivilization of devestated space. We feel a fraternal bond to help those who were once members of our nation before the Burn. "

"We feel that in the three hundred years since the War those worlds which we once claimed brotherhood with have changed, as have we, in light of these differences, and our shared histories that it is best to assume a policy of alliance instead of conquest."

"If other nations lack the moral strength to make a similar deicsion that is there issue, not ours. We protest the unfair slander labeled on us by those who lack the strength of character to act to help others instead of trampling them under."

Chairman Ferdinan had one last statement to make. "The Free Star Alliance would like to add that it appreaciates the assistance of the UTR in creating a free and fair nation. Without the assistance of our cousins in the UTR we would have continued to be prey for pirates and eventually conquered by other star nations with less strength of character then the UTR."

Kyle: That was the most blatantly twofaced piece of political maneuvering I've seen in the STGOD, well, ever. You are to be applauded, and your President must have balls of solid brass to go in front of the camera and say that.

Thanks. But you haven't seen anything yet.

[Pablo Sanchez]

The age-old Kzin plan of conquest was straightforward. Warships arrived in orbit of the chosen planet and assessed the level of inhabitation. Sometimes it was empty but liveable; these planets recieved a Kzinforming treatment to make them more welcoming to the cats, who preferred dry climates and plains. Over the years it would recieve infusions of wildlife to make a hunting lifestyle viable, Kzin settlers would arrive, and the whole sphere would be divided up among various VIPs and officers and whatnot.

Less wonderful planets would get the same treatment, but on behalf of human-youma serfs. There were general incentives for volunteering for colonization duties and it was actually fairly appealing. This was just a gesture for the Kzin. When they had a shortfall of colonists they simply skimmed as many as they needed off the top of other areas and forcibly imported them. They could do this in the first place but it was best to give the horse a carrot before he hauled the cart.

Inhabited planets were few and far between in former Boyd space. Typically these were informed that they were now under the rule of the Patriarch and if they had anything to say about it things would start exploding and they would be sent back to square one. One of the innovations of the conquest three centuries back was the geographical shakeup of these newly conquered peoples. The Kzin would shuffle newly incorporated populations from planet to planet, disperse them among already subdued peoples, and other wise do their level best to throw the dust of their old identity to the wind. Confused and dependent, after two to three generations in the Kzin system they would be lambs.

Life for subjects under the Patriarch wasn't bad, per se, unless you had a hard-on for abstract concepts like freedom. The Kzin were hard but very fair. Their serfs were safer from privation and crime than most "citizens," and apart from the people in the Star Kingdom and Terran Republic subject humans were some of the most prosperous in the galaxy. In a galactic dark age and period of economic recession this was as good as anyone could reasonably expect.

------

Oda Jinjirou was a yakuza, and perhaps 300 years ago he would have been offended to be seated at a table with the same company as he did now. He was a youma and had once lived under the jurisdiction of the SRDC and then the HIDE/Boyd Collective; and through the whole period he had been a yakuza. He sat at a table with a Chinese syndicate men, a Mongol gangster (the SRDC had boasted a large population of such), and a profusion of lesser organized crime types. To be fair it was exactly organized crime anymore, it was more like vast zaibatsu whose interests extended from legitimate services into the not so legal realms. About one-hundred fifty years ago the great syndicates had been merged by a powerful man, and now they held sway over huge areas of enterprise.

Jinjirou would have liked to exploit the monopolies they held in various goods and services, but the Kzin didn't like such things. Profit was allowed within reason, but dishonorable practices that were to the detriment of society at large were punished. Don't push a Kzin, you might fall into his belly.

The syndicates had their tentacles in many places, though seldom too overtly. The united policy was intended to keep the Kzin and others happy. In the Star Kingdom and Terran Republic the enterprises were either legitimate or relatively benign (racketeering, gambling, and dealing in controlled substances were all done, but on the down low, so to speak).

The Triad Head, as he called himself, had his own organization of shadowy Taoist magicians and spellcasters and whatnot. He offered three main things to the syndicates: protection (from other entities and "from themselves"), liason with the Kzin and others (for he was diplomatically important), and counsel (for he was exceedingly wise and prescient, such that Oda thought that perhaps the Triad Head was a sorceror himself).

The representative of the Triad Head looked down the table at Oda, "Tell us of the female Kzin."

Jinjirou stood, "She was captured by Black Alliance pirates, who then offered her to us for sale. We were going to pass her on to the Patriarchy, but another group of privateers freed her and we came up with nothing."

"It is a bad thing," the representative said, "a very bad thing. She is now flitting around, equipping Atlantean terrorists with weapons. This matter must be investigated."

Oda didn't bother to ask how the Triad knew about this. They (he?) just knew. A dangerous man, and no one even knew his name. The Secret Society of the White Lotus--that was the name of his organization. A bunch of magicians and shadowy assassin types. Jinjirou was glad he was on their side.

[Beowulf]

GNN Headline News

Today's top stories:
Aquarian Dollar falls 6% as a result of their failure to defend their newly annexed territory.

UTR credit rises 4% as a result of their recent news conference in which they recognized the creation of a new state, the Free Star Alliance, and in which they condemn the recent expansionistic policies of several star nations.

The Aquarians have left several of their newly annexed star systems.

The Kzin condemn the UTR, calling the FSA a puppet state.

The PRC has announced a fleet expansion, and reorganization, in which they will add approximately a seventh of their current strength, and reorganize into five fleets. They say this is to allow an increased presence in their security zone.

The KSN navy has opened bids to add hypershielding to their current fleet.

-----

PRC politburo meeting:

"How goes the war against the fishes?" asked the chairman.

"Surprisingly well. They have so far surrendured most of their newly annexed systems without a fight. We expect to begin combat operations within their nation proper within the next 72 hours," replied the Secretary of War.

"And the new fleet construction?"

"Weapons module construction is proceeding at full production. We expect to be able to begin construction of the next flight of Troys in the next 3 months, and begin on the Artemises 3 months after that."

"Very good."

The meeting continued on other matters.


[ooc] Alyrium, you should start writing responses to the 3 different battles soon, or I'm just going to assume you ran from all of them. [/ooc]