[STGOD] Primary Story Thread

[Straha]

Defeat them? Unless you actually have someone physically blow up, before attack, the 150+ shields we have established at the front you won't beat them. And if you try to fly over the shield our anti-missle batteries will tear down the incoming missles.

Monacoran Representative, don't allow yourself to be baited. If there is a conflict he is going to call upon his NBA allies from within the ITA and there will be more infighting between ITA members. The Kokand Empire does not respect the sanctity of free trade the way we do. They want to see the ITA fall.

If they want to see the ITA fall then they can die waiting. Secondly I doubt the Asgard will take a belligerent stance, they seem reasonable and sane and not very likley to make an uncalled for first strike, as the Kokkand seem to be willing to do.

Also, might I make the suggestion of a bill to ban all trade made from ITA member nations if the Kokkand prove themselves to be more belligerent then they have made themselves out to be (no matter how hard that would be)

[Spyder]

As is only reasonable. We applaud the New Roman Empire's actions, and their vigilance.

We propose that a non-aggression pact be signed between the NBA, the Floaters, their allies, and the neutral powers. We will also withdraw our forces from North Africa if the Kokand Empire agrees to withdraw all its African-based military assets to behind the 5 degree latitude mark.

The Floaters would give their support to such an agreement. A non-agression pact would do us all a world of good.

We ask that our allies ignore the name-calling and bullying of the Kokand Empire. It is of no importance. Monacoran forces, we would appreciate it if you would pull back your line units form the area. They will, of course, be prepared to move back in, should the Kokanders commit acts of war.

The Minmatar support a non-agression pact or any pact that will bring an end to hostilities and allow the trade lanes to remain open.

[Sea Skimmer]

Imperial legions in North Africa have been ordered to stand down. However, shielded batteries in Italia and Graecia will not be deactivated and a flight of Lupi will remain in LEO.

Do what you will, before you moved your legions we had seen no threat and wished no war with you. Now we see we where wrong.

We propose that a non-aggression pact be signed between the NBA, the Floaters, their allies, and the neutral powers. We will also withdraw our forces from North Africa if the Kokand Empire agrees to withdraw all its African-based military assets to behind the 5 degree latitude mark.

Such a pact would be both pointless and shall never happen. Remember the failure of your old united nations. We will not limit the deployment areas of our forces. Until very recently you had no forces in Northern Africa, why should we lose so much to have them withdrawn?

[Sea Skimmer]

Deep space, 57 light years from Sol

"Standby to cut lines."
"Read."
"Cut down."
"Lines cut."
"Reeling in, break off three zero five mark two."
"Executing."

Frigate FS. 174 cut its two remaining connections to AEM. 92, missile ammunition ship Parrott, currently supporting Kokand Martian forces. Three other ships where still connected, cruising in perfect formation as missiles where passed from the ammunition ships holds into there magazines. As FS. 174 broke away another frigate hauled up behind the force, quickly linking up and once more beginning the process. AEM. 92 could replenish the stocks of ten frigates and four cruisers, or as she did now fill the reserve war magazines of the same ships. The process continued as several more ammunition ships arrived, these to fill the vast Black Forest capital ships each of which could swallow up tens of thousands of missiles.

All the while the rest of the fleet filled and unfilled held formation around the sublight force, interdictors active. Though some of these vessels where also busy, fueling and taking on general stores. Soon the process would be complete. Soon they could return to Sol.



Thaumasia plateau, Martian surface

Sam Stone maneuvered his airskiff above the construction site. A large atmospheric construction ship blocked part of his view; Stone maneuvered lower and to the left to see under it. Its banks of prominent expensive repulsers where a key part of it its mission. A array of huge winches where another. And from them now hung a massive chuck of durasteel armor. The winches held the weight, while four tractor beams aided the finnal precise emplacement. It was the finnal piece in the armor protecting a massive gun turret, which held a very heavy particle beam cannon. The piece was released, already crews where swarming to bond it to the supporting frame and lesser armor plates.

Stone swung his skiff around and rolled slightly, artificial gravity held him level. Now he saw the blast walls, one of the incomplete aspects of the project. The double reinforced ferrocrete walls provided much of the passive protection for the emplacement. They stretched deep into the ground and where divided by a vast array of shock dampening assemblies, providing cushioning the turret and its support structure in case of high yield near misses. While the below ground sections where completed, the above ground section was not. Swarms of works and machinery now build up the ferrocrete wall above ground, while a steady stream of trains unloaded rock to be bulldozed against it. The trains endlessly circled from other construction sites where excavations for subsurface installations were taking place.

He watched it all for a few minutes, taking in the pace of the construction. Doing it was his job, as arguably the greatest enjoining mind in the Kokand corps of engineering. Though he only ranked as a Brigadier, well below the garrisons three star General DeVera his mission made him more important. Bring the Mars base online ASAP. Now after considerable effort some two thirds of the systems where online. He flew further out from the turret, over flying the rings of anti missile and fighter defenses and shield generators, which combine to protect the main gun. Interspaced where bunkers and fighting positions to defeat and ground assault. There where even more missile firing complexes spread around, most now loaded and ready.

All and all it was to be a far more formidable system then the destroyed Roman batteries, which it had replaced. Those had proven as outdated as the starships of that once mighty star navy. Though the fleet bombardment had made the site of the original Roman facilities unusable.

"Attention all light craft in sector three Zulu, land and power down now, detonations incoming in three minutes." Stones eyes returned to the skiff controls. It was light and handy with a good view, but it lacked an active shielding system. The thin Martian atmosphere made for powerful EMP's, which such a minor piece of equipment wasn't fully protected against. But the time saved by the ADM's was more then worth it. Politics had been swept aside in favor of speed. Stone landed and shut down the main systems.

Then the blasts came, first a pair of small five-kiloton blasts. The tremors transmitted through the skiffs hull at so short a range and the plums of dirt and rock could easily be seen rising, though there was no flash or fireball. Then came the main event, a two hundred kiloton blast, shattering a hill of rock that was in the way of an arc of fire. From this blast came a flash as the fireball breached the surface. Stone started at it and the unusual formation of the cloud in the thin atmosphere, like everyone he had protective goggles as standard issue. "Looks like a success." He said to himself as he powered the skiff back up and sped to inspect the blast sites.

[Thirdfain]

UIp until recently, there were no WMDs in Africa. Do not call the pot black, good kettle.

[HemlockGrey]

Imperial scanners show powerful detonations on the Martian surface. We must question whether or not the Kokand Empire is preparing to test some new form of weaponry.

We request an explanation.

[Sea Skimmer]

UIp until recently, there were no WMDs in Africa. Do not call the pot black, good kettle.

Foolish floaters, Kokand has not used its WMD to obtain any form of concession nor has attempted to do so. Your ignorance shows once again. We would think while you improved your ability to exist in zero g you would do some work on memory.

[Thirdfain]

But of course, the Kokand ambassador is correct, as always. You are fully within your rights to deploy your weapons of mass destruction as you please within your territory.

[Sea Skimmer]

Imperial scanners show powerful detonations on the Martian surface. We must question whether or not the Kokand Empire is preparing to test some new form of weaponry.

We request an explanation.

Kokand is both surprised that The New Roman Empire lacks telescopes to see for its self what is being done and that the New Roman Empire considers kiloton range excavation blasts powerful. You might consult the Pan Slavic Republic, which you boarder about the history of a centuries old political organization called the Soviet Union; our copies of its history show over one hundred nuclear detonations for that task. We understand that a founding member of the NAU also conducted feasibility tests of such work.

[HemlockGrey]

Kokand is both surprised that The New Roman Empire lacks telescopes to see for its self what is being done and that the New Roman Empire considers kiloton range excavation blasts powerful. You might consult the Pan Slavic Republic, which you boarder about the history of a centuries old political organization called the Soviet Union; our copies of its history show over one hundred nuclear detonations for that task. We understand that a founding member of the NAU also conducted feasibility tests of such work.

Your childish insults aside, we merely wish confirmation that these actions are in no way military in nature; if you can cease your incessant habit of beating around bushes and give, for once, an honest answer.

[Pablo Sanchez]

Then the blasts came, first a pair of small five-kiloton blasts. The tremors transmitted through the skiffs hull at so short a range and the plums of dirt and rock could easily be seen rising, though there was no flash or fireball. Then came the main event, a two hundred kiloton blast, shattering a hill of rock that was in the way of an arc of fire. From this blast came a flash as the fireball breached the surface. Stone started at it and the unusual formation of the cloud in the thin atmosphere, like everyone he had protective goggles as standard issue. "Looks like a success." He said to himself as he powered the skiff back up and sped to inspect the blast sites.

SBC News
Ministry of the Interior Protests Kokand Construction Efforts
KE Detonates 210 kt Charges as part of Fortification Buildup

The Department of the Interior lodged a formal protest with the Kokand Empire today, in the wake of a 210 kt explosion in KE territory on Mars. This detonation was part of the on-going effort by the Kokand to secure defensive fortifications on their newly acquired Martian territories.

"This would be a non-issue if the Kokand Empire had informed us ahead of time of the detonation. Speaking on a planetary scale, 210 kilotons is a drop on the bucket. But this came without any warning, and for some moments theatre commanders were unaware of whether or not the Kokand were being attacked by Monacoran/Floater forces. If our men on the ground had been less level-headed, this could easily have developed into a major incident. This action was irresponsible and must not be repeated in the future," said the MoI represenative.

This diplomatic flap will probably only deepen the growing public dissilusionment with the Kokand Empire. Shortly after the victorious anti-Slavery operation, public sentiment for the KE ran high, with more than 60% of citizens expressing approval for the Empire, the highest such approval for any Monarchial nation since the fall of the Czar. But, during the recent tensions and aggressions revolving around the Kokand Empire, this percentage has fallen to scarcely 30%.

[Straha]

Such a pact would be both pointless and shall never happen. Remember the failure of your old united nations. We will not limit the deployment areas of our forces. Until very recently you had no forces in Northern Africa, why should we lose so much to have them withdrawn?

And up until recently we had no reason to deploy our forces to Africa, remember?

[Raxmei]

The convoy emerged from the Warp between Earth and Mars orbits, about a couple million miles above the ecliptic. After a moment to unload system ships the fleet split into two groups, each headed for Kokand territory on the two planets.

***


Some of the smaller atmosphere-capable freighters under fighter escort landed near a Kokand base in Africa. Structures made to Skaven specifications had already been built on site. The work consisted only of unloading, after which the ships took off once more. Many of the fighters stayed behind.

Also left behind was a division of mechanized infantry. The soldiers of the 43rd Skaven Expeditionary Force parked their vehicles and began unpacking their gear. Elsewhere, engineers from Clan Skryre unloaded their own equipment, much of it going to a hangar that strangely had a rail line going through it.

Similar scenes played out elsewhere on the continent and on Mars.

***

Trade Representative Grisat of Clan Skryre welcomed in the Kokand reporters. "Welcome, friends," he said in their language, "We have a thing most impressive to show you."

He led them to main area of the hangar, a huge chamber dominated in the center by two gigantic rings. Massive ramps ran from both ends of the hangar to meet within them. The inhuman forms of skaven engineers scurried like the rats they resembled at all ends of the chamber, monitoring and adjusting innumerable pieces of incomprehensible machinery.

"Until recently, this line connected Witwatersrand to New Windhoek. Now it runs to Witwatersrand, New Windhoek, New Malakal, and Thaumasia."

"But sir," exclaimed a reporter, "New Malakal is thousands of miles away, and Thaumasia is on Mars!"

"Indeed they are. But now they might as well be next door. These new warp gate that we have installed allow nearly instant transport between sites anywhere within the system. From here you can go to Mars, (location), even to ships in orbit. For example..."

At his word one of the gates sparked to life. Within it the air flickered, and the view changed. Looking through the ring, one would see not this hangar, but a similar one at a very different location. A truck entered the hangar and drove up the ramp towards the portal. Watchers saw it pass through, then nothing. As soon as they looked past the portal to the descending ramp, they saw the truck had left the building.

"A shipment of supplies has just arrived at Thaumasia. Any questions?"

[Sea Skimmer]

And up until recently we had no reason to deploy our forces to Africa, remember?

Kokand is currently speaking with the New Roman Empire

[Spyder]

Kokand is both surprised that The New Roman Empire lacks telescopes to see for its self what is being done and that the New Roman Empire considers kiloton range excavation blasts powerful. You might consult the Pan Slavic Republic, which you boarder about the history of a centuries old political organization called the Soviet Union; our copies of its history show over one hundred nuclear detonations for that task. We understand that a founding member of the NAU also conducted feasibility tests of such work.

With all due respect, I doubt that the Romans are interested in looking through their telescopes to see what happened on Mars more then a day prior to the current time frame. The Minmatar is suprised that the Kokand are not aware of the limitations on optical sensors that result from the speed of light. If the Kokand are interested in reopening their trade lanes we have many educational books on the subject.

[Sea Skimmer]

With all due respect, I doubt that the Romans are interested in looking through their telescopes to see what happened on Mars more then a day prior to the current time frame. The Minmatar is suprised that the Kokand are not aware of the limitations on optical sensors that result from the speed of light. If the Kokand are interested in reopening their trade lanes we have many educational books on the subject.

Have they no starships to place in a distance orbit of the world? Kokand can only recall the destruction of half their Starfleet in the slavery intervention. Perhaps we where mistaken and the rest of have fallen into disrepair. If that is the case then an end to the nations posturing and a peacetime readiness level would likely do wonders for their maintenance crews.

[Straha]

And up until recently we had no reason to deploy our forces to Africa, remember?

Kokand is currently speaking with the New Roman Empire

On open channels my good friend. Don't like having your hypocripsy shoved in your face? Deal with it.

[Thirdfain]

Once again, we ask that our allies ignore the childish bullying of the Kokand Empire. They are obviously enjoying their quips and oh, so clever statements. Allow them that, at least.

[Spyder]

With all due respect, I doubt that the Romans are interested in looking through their telescopes to see what happened on Mars more then a day prior to the current time frame. The Minmatar is suprised that the Kokand are not aware of the limitations on optical sensors that result from the speed of light. If the Kokand are interested in reopening their trade lanes we have many educational books on the subject.

Have they no starships to place in a distance orbit of the world? Kokand can only recall the destruction of half their Starfleet in the slavery intervention. Perhaps we where mistaken and the rest of have fallen into disrepair. If that is the case then an end to the nations posturing and a peacetime readiness level would likely do wonders for their maintenance crews.

Why the hell would they need... you know what; the Minmatar does not care. Have the books anyway, we'll have them shipped on the next Asgard freighter departing for Kokand territory.

[Sea Skimmer]

Why the hell would they need... you know what; the Minmatar does not care. Have the books anyway, we'll have them shipped on the next Asgard freighter departing for Kokand territory.

Save your books, our naval war school will instead ship you a few on the basics of planetary reconnaissance.

[Pablo Sanchez]

Save your books, our naval war school will instead ship you a few on the basics of planetary reconnaissance.

The PSR points out that:

• The New Roman Empire recently lost their Martian territories.
  The Roman fleet is badly depleted, and they wouldn't be able to spare ships to stare pointlessly at construction efforts.
  Having ships constantly in the area of Mars would be a diplomatic gaffe.
  The Kokand Empire's representative is being contrary for the sake of it, which endears them to no one.

[HemlockGrey]

Once again, we ask that our allies ignore the childish bullying of the Kokand Empire. They are obviously enjoying their quips and oh, so clever statements. Allow them that, at least.

Agreed.

[Spyder]

Why the hell would they need... you know what; the Minmatar does not care. Have the books anyway, we'll have them shipped on the next Asgard freighter departing for Kokand territory.

Save your books, our naval war school will instead ship you a few on the basics of planetary reconnaissance.

Oh, thank you. I see the first one is entitled 'Combat for Dummies'. The first chapter is titled 'How to spy on the Kokand Empire's Martian holdings using telescopes when you have no surviving forces within an astronomical unit of Mars'.

[Stormbringer]

We propose that a non-aggression pact be signed between the NBA, the Floaters, their allies, and the neutral powers.

The Asgard had such an agreement. Given the contempt Floaters seem to have for international law and treaties I doubt such scraps of paper would stop them from continuing their belligerence. We regard the Floaters and being untrustworthy and after their recent coup, unstable as well. We will not enter into such agreements with out solid concessions on the part of the Floaters. It was they who sparked the regrettable incident which resulted in the current animosity.

And we would like to thank the Minmatar for the excellent toilet paper they recently provided to the crew of one of our frieghters.

[Stormbringer]

Oh, thank you. I see the first one is entitled 'Combat for Dummies'. The first chapter is titled 'How to spy on the Kokand Empire's Martian holdings using telescopes when you have no surviving forces within an astronomical unit of Mars'.

Planetary and space-based telescopes have existed for generations, capable of observing Mars in a fair amount of detail. Simple observation would not require more than that. Surely advanced nations are capable of constructing such simple devices?