STGOD 4 Game Thread

[Straha]

"Unless you have anymore questions, I'll leave you with this package of information, if you need some time to deliberate, just send a message to the Infallible, it will remain in orbit for a while longer."

The Prince raised his hand.

"One of the reasons we have the Political Prince is to cut through the chaff of the Parliment. You have your sale. Consider us in your deep debt."

[Marcao]

Grand Empire Space
Gladsheim Prime

Veliam Munei could not help but smile as the Empress spoke, her words listened for a moment before he answered. “That would be excellent Empress, I look forward to working with your assistant and yes, I would enjoy to join you for lunch.” He waited for her to lead towards the adjacent room before following, her words answered after a moment’s consideration. “Sounds reasonable Empress.” He was inwardly thrilled at what was occurring aware that within days at the most, his nation and the grand empire would choose to walk a parallel path in galactic affairs. It was cause for celebration, but that would have to wait until after the alliance was on firm ground. His mind was already considering the language of the document; it had to be fiery yet dignified, elegant but strong.

[VNN] Veithan News Network

Myheri and Manasans purchase planetary shielding technology

The Myheri Republic and the Manasan star nation both local powers currently allied with the Empire have purchased planetary shielding technology. The planetary shields were sold to the nations by the Veithan based manufacturer Hecate Defense Technologies. The cost involved is significant and stocks of HDT soared by four and half percent as the news was made public. The fact that the nations were allowed to purchase the technology directly from the Empire implicates growing bonds between the nations, as the Empire considers planetary shielding technology “sensitive” and generally not available to most nations. Nonetheless, some analysts fully expected the move after the announcement that Zenith technologies was in the process of designing a custom made orbital weapons platform for both star nations. We approached a senior Veithan diplomat for comment in the planetary shield transaction and he had this to say. “The desire for the Myheri and Manasans to purchase planetary shields is not surprising, considering what occurred to Earth. In these trying times nations will take whatever steps they need to take in order to safeguard their people. The truth of the matter is that our nations are allied, and we do not feel that withholding the technology from the Manasans and Myheri was prudent or necessary. The future of these nations is important to us, and if they had not received the technology from us they could have gotten it somewhere else, from the Krell Combine for example. The fact that the Myheri and Manasan home worlds will be protected by Veithan shields is significant, a symbol of the growing bonds between our nations.”

Demand for Arcane goods plummets, Interviews with Arcane Citizens planned

In a steady trend that has not surprised many people; the demand for arcane goods within the Empire has steadily fallen since the arcane occupation of the former worlds of the Covenant of God. The occupation has been fraught with claims of brutality and abuse, and these claims along with those of rampant imperialism have taken its toll in the public opinion of the Empire as a whole. Demand for arcane goods has reached a ten year low, and several colony worlds within the Empire itself and the newly accessible Myheri and Manasan markets have made every attempt to pick up the slack. The arcane representatives to the Empire have complained bitterly that newscasts by VNN and USN are biased and have unfairly portrayed the actions of the arcane empire and its allies. The arcane representatives have requested that VNN interview various arcane citizens, soldiers and representatives so that “the whole story may be told”. VNN representatives have accepted the request and are currently working with the arcane government to arrange these interviews. Nonetheless, what effect these interviews may have is questionable in light of the latest news from USN and subsequent inquiries by VNN about the so called “genocide” of the Krynnor remnants have pushed the demand for arcane goods into a downward spiral that may be unrecoverable in the short term.

Manasan Government Palace modernized with a Veithan touch

The palace of Manasa, home to the King has existed for decades. It is the symbol of Manasan sovereignty, the location where the government generally meets to establish policy and the residence for the royal family. Its architecture and internal systems were all of Manasa build and the nation as a whole took great pride in that fact. The palace was damaged by infighting during the brief coup attempt by rogue military elements within the Manasan ground forces. During this time, several guards were killed as rogue elements penetrated the palace’s security and sought the King’s life. Although the intruders were dealt with by the Manasan royal guards and elements of their special forces, significant damage took place to the palace itself and the penetration of its security alarmed various members of the Manasan royal family. When the King was assassinated a few days after the incident, the crown prince hired Veithan security specialists to modernize and update the internal security system of the palace. The work was contracted to Taranis Technologies, a Veithan company. When approached by VNN, a Taranis technologies representative had this to say. “The work on the Manasan palace has been completed to the satisfaction of both my company and the Manasan royal family. We are confident that the systems in place will serve the Manasan palace well for decades to come.” The fact that the word “decades” was used seems to suggest that the Manasan Palace incorporates state of the art technologies. Since Taranis is one of the chief contractors for the Veithan government itself, it is not difficult to speculate that the new security systems in the Manasan palace are at least comparable to the security found in some Veithan installations.

[InnocentBystander]

"Unless you have anymore questions, I'll leave you with this package of information, if you need some time to deliberate, just send a message to the Infallible, it will remain in orbit for a while longer."

The Prince raised his hand.

"One of the reasons we have the Political Prince is to cut through the chaff of the Parliment. You have your sale. Consider us in your deep debt."

"An efficient system," replied Drealaan, "I must admit! Within a week the convoy will be in position at the edge of Baeloaren space; approach the coordinates I've provided on the data pad and send an encrypted transmission; it would be best if we kept the location of the equipment a secret; we don't want to tip off any pirates." he nodded to himself, shook the prince's hand and departed earth, once onboard the Infallible the Baeloaren taskforce engaged their FTL drives and returned to Baeloaren space. There was a lot of work that had to be done.

[consequences]

"Understood" comes the only reply as the ship makes its way to the rendezvous.

"We move quickly."

Two days later a diplomatic destroyer arrived at the way point. The destroyer was almost all engines, except for a habitation section, and enlarged life support section, and any extremely vital sections. Thus the Monacorans started to wait untill their new contacts showed up.

Within a day of the Monacoran arrival, the Combine ship reaches rendezvous. They send a transmission "Request permission to transfer the Voice and guard on an unarmed shuttle."

[consequences]

(Mainly for Nitram)
Combine Destroyer Breeze of Evening

Boredom sucks. Boredom really sucks when you are having to be constantly alert. Boredom sucks extremely when you are searching for an enemy about whom you have almost no useful information, who might be able to kill you instantly for a moment's lapsed attention. These thoughts ran through the mind of Commander Hino for the hundredth time this shift as the search continued for the mysterious invaders. She was just about to finally hand off the conn to her executive, it being 4 hours past the changeover mandated by regulations for operations outside of direct combat when Tracking reported:

"Maam, probes are detecting abnormal background readings on Hattori VII-E, it seems to be-shield raising and power spiking on the surface Skipper!"

"Helm get us out of here, all shields to threat bearing"

Even before those words were uttered, a race began, between the inhuman reflexes of the machines, previously constrained by the need for concealment, and the reactions of the crew of the now madly evading vessel.

A series of blasts rose from the moon's surface. Only one of the intial burst hit its mark, but that one shot was nearly enough, as the destroyer's reinforced shields buckled.

"Detonate all External Ordnance between us and the moon, and launch all decoys, I want all the cover we can get" the commander ordered as her ship rapidly approached safe transit distance.

The resulting mess helped, but not quite enough, a split second before the beleaguered vessel made the jump, another pair of hits were scored. The first nearly dropped the shields, the second punched right through them, tearing along the side of the ship as it flickered and vanished.

Even before Breeze of Evening got to the nearest repair dock, a full globular pattern of probes was in place around the moon, soon followed by a full blockade pattern, holding position outside of range.

[Bugsby]

Leego Diama had a lot to think about. Two days ago he had recieved a trasmission from Adar Krell on Echo, giving the details of the Rape or Terra and a full copy of the Monacoran contract that had the entire Krell Armada mobilized. Diama was shocked to learn that his immediate superior, Emir al-Shad, had been killed in the attack. He was more shocked to learn that, once his current mission was completed, he would take the job of Naval Commander. things were happneing so fast.

An approaching staffer shook him out of his thoughts. "Sir, we have a transmission from Monacora. First reported sighting of the mechanics, made out near Shi space."

"Shi space? Who are the Shi?"

"A new nation, sir. First contact made only a week ago, or so I believe."

"No shit. They just keep popping up, now, don't they?"

"I guess so. The mechanic world is nearly a day away. The Shi are organizing a blockade of it now."

"Excellent. Contact the other fleets. Have them converge on this mechanic world. In 36 hours there won't be a single machine left functioning on that world. How is the progress on refitting our missiles to EMP bursts?"

"70% complete, sir."

"Hm. Have the refitting stop, then. I could use 30% of our missiles with nuclear warheads. Contact the helm. Set a course for this mechanical world. We have a job to do."

-ooc- I am assuming that the Shi would tell their only ally, Monacora, about this, and that Monacora would then relay this on to me. If either of these assumptions are wrong, post OOC and this will be deleted.

[frigidmagi]

GALAXY WIDE NEWS!
The Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth

Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen to the first edition ever of the GWN! Tired of the VNN and the USN one sided reporting? Wondering what's going on that they don't what you to know? That's what we're here to find out! We swear to give you The Truth the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth and you won't even need a judge for us!

Editor in Chief
Alisha Mccain

RAPE OF TERRA
Actions in the aftermath

As we all know a machine fleet from parts unknown assualted Terra, leaving it ravished as nothing as ever done. All powers in known space have vowed revenge for this terrorist act on an interstellar scale. Already releif convoys from all corners of known space are flooding in.

But what is being done to find and punish the machine rapist who attacked the homeworld of all humanity? In response to that it as been agreed by the majority of powers to begin the building of a massive fleet
of senors probes to sweep the galaxy for traces of the machines. At the same time investagation are ongoing on the believed trail of the machines.

Occuipation Crimes in CoG alleged

Both VNN and USN have accused the occuipation forces of the CoG of crimes and brutality. These forces are made up of the Arcane Empire, the Nastarian Republic and the United Protectrates. All nations with written Constitutions, freedoms of speech and arms and free elections. Joining in this comdemnation has been the Hajr of the Ousters. The Hypocracy of this power is great considering that it launched several invasions against near defensless nations, without any proir threat to itself or even declaration of war. Unlike the allied invasion which was done only after acts of war from the now defunct government of the CoG.

To find the truth of this matter a news team as been sent to the Temple City of CoG to conduct interviews and reports. Also teams have been sent to the Hajr, to the Arcanes, Nastarian Republic and to Lastport of the UP to conduct interviews and sound out the governments involed.

More as the story develops.

United Protectrates Economic Boom.
Inflation falls.

Last night as at the last hour of trading at Stormport Trading Center, main stock exchange for the UP, Inflation rates fell at a staggering 20 3/4 points. This caused a frenzy on the floor and most traders are hopeful for when the next opening day after the Stormport weekend.

Inflation had risen as the Federal Government increased spending to match it's neighboors, before contact government spending had hit an all time low.

Currently while tax rates have risen, unemployment has fallen to record lows, as factories and shipyards brought themselves up to full gear. With the first outside trade hitting full stride most companies foresee a future with record earning.

Looking for a job in journalism? Want to report it straight?We got a job for you!

With the opening of the GWN, we are looking to set up offices in as many different powers and planets possible. We are also looking for fearless reporters willingly to report and find the truth.
Good pay, chance of promotion and you'll make a difference. Contact the datanet site below you for local details or place a call to offices already in place on Lastport, Stormport, Nashtar and Toril!

[Thirdfain]

<< The Hajr calls on the executives of so-called "Galaxy Wide" News to prove their allegations that the Hajr has ever made any public statements concerning the occupation of the CoG. We are neutral on the matter, and care little for your affairs. Never the less, your slander must be answered for. This being the case, we have hired your version of the Giudice, "Lawyers,"" to bring a suit against the Galaxy Wide News corporation for slander. Perhaps a settlement can be reached out of court- if you are so interested, contact the Cluster of Eketrina. >>

/ooc Boy, I'm gonna nail you to the WALL for that one. -innocent eyes- "Councillor, could you please quote the Hajr's public statement in which they attack the occupatioon of Ix'agal?" /ooc...

[Pablo Sanchez]

It was a long journey to the Ekaterina Cluster, located far on the edge of known space. But Basil's diplomatic cutter was one of the fastest vessels in the galaxy, and it would make relatively good time on the trip. The order of things in the Realm had changed massively now with the switch in leadership. Though the infighting had died down and order had been restored, the whole power structure had been replaced by supporters of Casimir's policies. This sort of thing happened every time a new king rose to power, but it was always a powerful change of direction. It was a good thing that it only happened once every few thousand years.

Basil considered what he had been instructed by the king to offer the Ousters, and also his own agenda. This was going to be an important meeting.

[Pablo Sanchez]

[ooc: The following document was distributed to Vampires and Dhampir of importance in the Navy and Government, and it was possible that some copies fell into the hands of spies]


Royal Decree

• As the destruction of the dastardly weakling Ysevelod and his government is now complete, the flagship dreadnought Ysevelod is hereby renamed the Casimir, and the entire class of vessels is redesignated as such.
• As per King Casimir's intentions to pursue a more aggressive foreign policy, funds are to be allocated to the expansion of the existing fleet. Due to the current precarious economic situation, the increase in funds will be minimal until subsequent announcements, and funded from the tax income of the personal demesne of the King. Design of a new carrier-type vessel and accompanying fighters will take place concurrently.
• Initial colonization efforts in the "Alpha" target are to proceed immediately. Shipments of the heavy machinery and necessary personnel are to be moved immediately.

From Temesvar
Dictate of King Casimir the Demon




From Temesvar and the other major worlds of the Realm, massive freighter vessels departed. The limit of the knowledge to be obtained by foreign intelligence officers was that they were part of the colonization drive, and were transporting prefabricated shelters and machinery. Their destination was a mystery.

[Straha]

"Understood" comes the only reply as the ship makes its way to the rendezvous.

"We move quickly."

Two days later a diplomatic destroyer arrived at the way point. The destroyer was almost all engines, except for a habitation section, and enlarged life support section, and any extremely vital sections. Thus the Monacorans started to wait untill their new contacts showed up.

Within a day of the Monacoran arrival, the Combine ship reaches rendezvous. They send a transmission "Request permission to transfer the Voice and guard on an unarmed shuttle."

"Permission granted, we move to dock now."

[consequences]

A message was sent ensuring that the standard protocol oif having the guards armed with sidearms and blades would not be taken amiss.(OOC: I'm presuming it won't be a problem given the gratuitous weaponry hefted by guards at other diplomatic meetings)

The shuttle was dispatched, and docked without theatrics. The first to sep out were a quartet of guards clad in black, with katanas and pstols at their sides, wearing mirrored sunglasses for no readily discernible reason, gliding effortlessly across the deck, each turning to cover a different sector of approach. These were followed by a short, red-haired girl, in a starkly utilitarian jumpsuit, with her hair cut very short. The only thing that stood out on her was the medallion of a finely detailed dragon, hanging from a chain around her neck. She was followed by another pair of guards, gliding one pace behind her at either shoulder.

Her lips quirked slightly as she glanced around "I greet you in the name of the Shi Combine, and its Emperor. Permission to come aboard?"

[Thirdfain]

Eketrina Cluster
Hudson System
Ouster Occupation Zone, Rimwards Edge of Known Space

<<We welcome you to Eketrina, Basil the Red-Handed. We have dispatched escorts to the Fortress, were you will be brought to meet the Speaker.>>

A half-dozen fighters formed up around the diplomatic craft, escorting it to the fortified center of the Hajr's Known Space operations. Basil was afforded a view of most of the Cluster- a view that would normally be quite impressive was made spectacular in these odd circumstances. A massive ammount of activity was blooming across the chaotic mess of hollow asteroids, half-consumed comets, and open space-docks. Thousands of firefly-like points of light darted about the sleek, acid-eaten form of half-built starships. Ranging from 400-meter frigates to a pair of massive, three-mile Cataphracts whose keels had just been laid. It was obvious a major military build-up was taking place.

Long strings of qeued-up freighters were moving about the Cluster, strings of pearls reaching across the black velvet of the sky towards the system's asteroid belts and Hudson's trading posts. Each one was serviced rapidly, unloaded, and sent on it's way for more.

Two smaller Clusters, held together tightly and festooned with jurry-rigged engines, sat just off from the main mess- perhaps, Basil reflected, colonists from wherever these Ousters came from. Transports travelled back and forth between Eketrina and these secondary distractions, doubtless laden with young men and women interested in joining the Hajr.

<< You are cleared for docking, Realm vessel. Welcome to Eketrina.>>

Ahead was a slowly-spinning grav-wheel, presumably prepared for his convenience. The conference was about to begin.

[Straha]

Her lips quirked slightly as she glanced around "I greet you in the name of the Shi Combine, and its Emperor. Permission to come aboard?"

Admiral Santiago saluted, and nodded.

"Permission granted. In the name of Monacora, it's people, the princes and the Parliment I greet you. Are we right in surmising that the Shi Combine is descended from Japan?"

[consequences]

Her lips quirked slightly as she glanced around "I greet you in the name of the Shi Combine, and its Emperor. Permission to come aboard?"

Admiral Santiago saluted, and nodded.

"Permission granted. In the name of Monacora, it's people, the princes and the Parliment I greet you. Are we right in surmising that the Shi Combine is descended from Japan?"

"A Japan, yes. Not necessarily yours however."

[Straha]

"A Japan, yes. Not necessarily yours however."

(OOC: Huh?)

"I think that it is best to tell you know, then, that Earth was attacked by over three hundred mechanical ships. Their origiin is unknown, but they were very deadly. They have killed approximatley two billion people on Earth, and the destruction promises to leave Earth relativley barren for the next few decades. "

[consequences]

"A Japan, yes. Not necessarily yours however."

(OOC: Huh?)

"I think that it is best to tell you know, then, that Earth was attacked by over three hundred mechanical ships. Their origiin is unknown, but they were very deadly. They have killed approximatley two billion people on Earth, and the destruction promises to leave Earth relativley barren for the next few decades. "

(OOC: yup, will explain later, had the urge to be weird)

"Shimatta. Our encounter with them has not been nearly so disastrous, but that is exactly the sort of catastrophe I feared. Their incursion into our space seems to be more oriented towards the long-term build up of their ability to kill us. Whatever aid my realm can reasonably provide you in recovering is yours, but the distance involved wil make any more than token support difficult."

[Straha]

"Shimatta. Our encounter with them has not been nearly so disastrous, but that is exactly the sort of catastrophe I feared. Their incursion into our space seems to be more oriented towards the long-term build up of their ability to kill us. Whatever aid my realm can reasonably provide you in recovering is yours, but the distance involved wil make any more than token support difficult."

"They have attacked you as well? Do you have any information on them? All we could gather was sparse data on their ships, and information about their ground forces. The difference will make no difference to us killing them though. We have a large coalition of nations looking to destroy these things, and we in particular have a grudge against them considering what they have done to Earth."

[consequences]

"They seem perfectly willing to turn people into technological zombies when it suits their needs. Unfortunately, all we've encountered so far has been a few of their construction units, and their victims, so we have next to no information on their military capabilities."

[Captain tycho]

"Lord Florent, the Mojh ships have retreated into hyperspace. Shall I order a trajectory check?" The young Guardsman let the question hang. Lord Florent, an old yet still virile military commander, knew that House Mojh was soundly beaten, and unlikely to attemp such a stunt again. He banged his metal cane against the deck. "No, Guardsman. House Mojh will face severe reprimands for this stunt from the Consulate; there is no need to make their losses even worse." Florent grinned slightly. "I suppose they'll get splashed with water and slapped on the hand, and then pardoned by His Grace, King Havvan the 32nd of his name." he said sardonically. The Guardsman almost looked offended for a moment, then laughed. "Yes, my liege, I suppose so. " Florent grunted. He hated one thing the most:kiss ass underlings.

[Straha]

"They seem perfectly willing to turn people into technological zombies when it suits their needs. Unfortunately, all we've encountered so far has been a few of their construction units, and their victims, so we have next to no information on their military capabilities."

"We will provide you with all the information we have if you will provide us with the location of the construction units. The sooner we know the sooner we kill them."

[SirNitram]

Even before Breeze of Evening got to the nearest repair dock, a full globular pattern of probes was in place around the moon, soon followed by a full blockade pattern, holding position outside of range.

The Secondary Programmer was vexed. It lacked the glands Organics needed for their filthy emotional states, but it was beginning to comprehend the idea of 'anger'. The insipid little monkeys wouldn't leave well enough alone.

The Doomed had been wonderful workers, accelerating work well, but the prospect of orbital fire was forcing the Programmer to admit to itself it could not establish a shipyard here. Still, potential existed. It had directed the Constructs underground, and the thousands upon thousands of Replicators now churned out military Constructs. Orbital bombardment would likely wipe out the shielding and surface-to-orbit guns, but they would have to go underground to wipe out the nest.

Doomed soldiers would be the shock troops, the first line of defense. The effect of having to fight miners in these tunnels would have a psychological effect on the Organics, perhaps even convince the stupider ones to try and capture some. The subdermal explosives would ensure the technology that was implanted in them would not fall into the wrong hands.

Beyond the Doomed, the true warriors of the Overseer would engage. In cramped corridors and caverns, Deathstrikes could lay down devastating kill zones, and Spider Drones could stalk at will.

It was ready, or so it thought.

[Pablo Sanchez]

Ahead was a slowly-spinning grav-wheel, presumably prepared for his convenience. The conference was about to begin.

Basil seated himself across the table from the Hajr representatives, "First, I should like to thank you for allowing and accomodating my presence here."

The Hajr representative nodded.

Basil continued, "Now to business. As you are no doubt aware, there has been a great change in the leadership of my nation. Our previous king, Ysevelod, has been replaced by Casimir. Ysevelod pursued a policy of defensive inactivity and concentration upon internal development. Casimir is inclined to be more active; we are now establishing colonies and upgrading our fleet. Concurrent with these changes must be a policy of diplomatic expansion.

"Previously, we had aligned ourselves with the Arcane Empire. However, their aggressive actions and genocidal policies have soured us on them and reminded us of our own dark history with them. It was long ago that we last warred, but the same people still rule us both; I saw with my own eyes many massacres and slew with my own hands many mages. It is for these reasons that we wish to distance ourselves from the Arcanists.

"I have observed the actions and behavior of your people with interest. I have expressed to Casimir my belief that you may represent the most effective counterbalance to the current trend of aggressiveness and destruction in Known Space. So I have come to negotiate an exchange of embassies and other details."

[Hotfoot]

Veithan Empire Space
Veitha III, Capitol

The Director eyed the gathered newshounds as the shuttle was finishing planetfall. This would complicate things slightly, but he knew it would be a very real possibility. The escort in had certainly been impressive, and he made notes to himself as to how the Veithans handled friendly heads of state. Perhaps the most amazing thing about the planet, however, was the wide open areas of forests and natural beauty. The massive population of the Consortium and the relatively few Terra-compatible worlds nearby meant that virtually all available space on the major worlds had been completely exploited.

“A pleasure to meet you, Mister Trea,” The Director did not want to waste time on introductions at the moment, not with the press watching. He would rather let them stew and speculate on matters for the time being. With that, he and his entourage made their way to their destination. Once on board the railway, the Director smiled briefly.

“Thank you for that, Mister Trea. As you might imagine, I don’t want to deal with being plastered all over the newscasts just yet, though I imagine I will give your people a press conference once my business here has reached a conclusion. My associate and I are both psi-gifted, so telepathic communication is welcomed. Ms. Diego you may recall was involved in our first contact with each other, and so is considerably more knowledgeable of your people and society than I,” The Directors questions were few, and if Mister Trea had any of his own, some would be answered, though one in particular the Director fell silent on, merely stating that he would have to wait until the Conference.

The Veithan scanning technology would pick up no weapons, explosives, or poisons on any of the Ravenlock party, and so would likely pass through without incident. Once at the meeting room, The Director glanced around at the room, eventually settling on the Director of Intelligence. For a brief moment, their eyes locked, both individuals taking the other in with a look of calm indifference. Then the Veithan President broke the silence.

“Thank you, President Duvol. My trip was most delightfully uneventful, and my arrival was quite spectacular. I’m sure you all at least know of my assistant, Miss Roberta Diego,” he paused, taking a slow breath before continuing. “I am Director Jon Cameron of the Ravenlock Consortium, and yes, we do have a great deal to discuss.”

[consequences]

Combine Space
"Okay men." admiral Takagira announced.

"Ahem!" came the sound of a throat clearing from the one woman at the command meeting.

"I'm sorry, men and uppity bitch who couldn't pilot fighters like she was supposed to." A brief ripple of laughter went around the room.

"We're looking at a fairly straightworward limited planetary assault scenario. The plan is to have the heavy hitters knock down the shield from long range . At that point, the Metal Sirens are going to blanket the area with an EMP and HARM bombardment. After that we are sending in a wave of drone shuttles, to attempt to provoke a response. After we localise the enemy, we are supposed to send in the real assault, which will rely on EMP and gratuitous use of explosives to clear a path. If all goes according to plan, the fly-boys aren't even going to have to get involved. But you know what they say about plans. We're trying to keep casualties to an absolute minimum, so we have a whole company of Grammaton Clerics to assist in the assault. Toki?" With that, he gestured to the Marine general, who addressed the ground contingent.

"Rules of engagement are as follows: If it moves, shoot it. If it looks human, hit it with an EMP to be sure. There may be uninfected survivors down there, but take no chances. Maintain unit cohesiveness, and stay in contact at all times. We don't want any Blue on Blue, and we sure as hell don't want these things taking over our own and sending them back at us. In addition to our normal equipment, everyone is going in there with an EMP charge on their back, set to go off either at the individuals discretion, or after life signs have ceased and there are no friendlies in the area of effect. Any questions?"

"Sure boss, what are we gonna do after lunch?" came the catcall from the back of the room.

"Well Captiain Kenji, your going to be cleaning your assault shuttle now. Any serious questions?" With that the general inclined his head at Takagira.

"Dismissed!"

_____________

Four hours later, the Combine fleet moved into combat range, with their entire Superdreadnought force in the lead. The four ships commenced bombarding the Machines' shield with their spinal cannons, as a wall of communications jamming was erected by the fleet, in an effort to keep the Machines from communicating the details of their doom.