[STGOD 2] Story Thread

[Sea Skimmer]

The primary use would simply be to prevent them from re-entering our worlds so a single world tracking device would be sufficient.

How ever would like to acquire both. Could we arrange for some of your people to show our doctors and law enforcement personel how to utilize this technology?

A small team with suitable sample equipment could be dispatched within a week.

[Pablo Sanchez]

We would like to import improved automation as our economy is rather manpower intensive at this point and we would like to become competitive. Naturally we would exempt them from import tariffs.

In return we can promise you manufactured goods at cost and agricultural products. Unless there is something you would be more interested in?

Your terms are acceptable; merchants in the industry of constructing modern factories have been issued the appropriate export licenses. The Caliph hopes that this will be only the first transaction in our economic relationship.

[Sea Skimmer]

-Vanoc

Ed Tanner, human, yawned as he shifted positions in his chair. "Give me channel thirty," he ordered. A plasma screen TV flipped on showing one of Vanoc's countless local news channels. He flipped to another manually, looking for something decent to watch. "Find sports." The TV began switching from sports channel to sports channel. Tanner stood up to stretch, maybe I should just go to bed he thought.

Suddenly the window exploded, his hands flew up to cover his face just as the power died and the door was blown in as well. The flash bangs make the gesture useless, the blinding deafening blasts knocking him to the floor. Tanners next memory was pain, a large powered armor hand grasped him by the neck. The armored Special Forces soldier pulled him to his feet, still holding him that way so his helmet camera had a good look at his face. Once more alert his hands went for his neck. "Do not resist," commanded the soldier as he released his neck while taking him by the arm. An unarmored man had come up behind him and seized the other, the two where hand cuffed together. A black bag was pulled over his head. "Move him out."

Three unarmored me grabbed him and hauled him out into the hall, guarded by several armored an unarmored men; a plain uniformed team was already coming up to begin the analysis. Tanner was hauled up the stairs and onto the roof where large helicopter waited. He was half carried up the loading ramp and before it finished closing an injector pressured against his skin, sending downer directly into his blood stream. Tanner passed out within seconds. Across the city, another being this time a hobbit was in custody moments later.


"This is NSR news and we are back live. Reports of major military and police raids are steaming in from across the Federation." The reporter paused for a moment. "We go now live to National Guard vice chief Springer." A man appeared standing behind a podium.

"I'll be speaking briefly without questions," he said. "At three thirty standard time the National Guard with the support of Military forces conducted forty three raids on several planets and space installations and vessels. In excess of two hundred individuals from several star nations have been arrested for spying, smuggling and other crimes. An additional fourteen have been killed resisting arrest. Additional details will become valuable at a later time." He immediately walked off screen, ignoring a hail of questions.

[Brother-Captain Gaius]

Once again, the United Communist Sector commends the Federation of the Shadow for its swift and well-executed crackdown on society's undesirables.

In related news, the hunt for the renegade assassins is proceeding quickly. More information to follow later.

[Raxmei]

from USB Dept. of Trade
To Draconis Republic:
Subject: Co-Proserity Sphere membership

We are very pleased to note how your entry in the trading organization known as the Co-Prosperity Sphere has improved your economy. Therefore, we could greatly appreciate if you would nominate us for membership. As our most reliable and trusted trading partners, you surely realise how the entire sector could stand to benefit.

[Alyrium Denryle]

ATTN: All CPS Nations
FROM: DR Dept. of Commerce
RE: USB membership

We the Draconis Republic wish to nominate the USB for membership in the CPS. Doess anyone second the motion

[Brother-Captain Gaius]

The UCS will second that.

[Sea Skimmer]

- Federation Space

The freighter Red Hill sped through hyperspace. Her course angled out of Federation space and towards the Caliphate jump point. But she was only two days out; it would be some time until the ship could disappear along jump routes leading to over half the sector. An alarm blared on the bridge seconds before she was torn from hyperspace by an interdictor. Captain Chajka looked down as the sensor displays. "Please let them be pirates," Chajka said to him self. They'd only want the cargo. But there was no such luck, instead a Federation Star Navy cruiser with three frigates sat in his path. Several large shuttles and bombers already where closing in.

"Freighter Red Hill, this is FSN Kaleb. Power down your engines and main reactor. Enable you hatches for boarding."
"This is captain Chajka of the Red Hill, why have I been intercepted? I fully intend to bill the Federation government for any damage suffered by my hyperspace engines."
"FSN Kaleb to Red Hill, I say again power down your main reactor and Enable you hatches for boarding."
"Very well but I want an explanation."

A shuttle closed in on the port cargo hatch while several bombers patrolled to starboard, cutting dangerously close to the hull. A second shuttle maneuvered over the forward cargo hatch. Each held an MI platoon. They burst into the ship, sweeping its four hundred meter length and securing its forty-nine crewmen, thirty-six human, twelve Fel' Theth and one Scythian on the double. They where marched into an empty section of the forward cargo hold and handcuffed, covered by a dozen MI armed with 10mm SAW's.

An unarmored Scythian MI officer walked in as the last man was pushed into line.
"Would the captain step forward please." Chajka stepped forward, towering over the Scythian five eleven to five four. Though the power armor clad MI in turn where both taller and bulkier then him.
"I am captain Chajka of this ship, what is going on? Why has my ships been stopped with possibul damage and my crew forced into this hold in chains?"
"Mr. Chajka, are you aware that under the laws of the Federation of the Shadow a captain is responsible for his crew and cargo at all times?"
"Of course I'm aware of that. I have a consignment of Dawarven watches and smoked meets onboard and I was on schedule to Khwarezm until you yanked me out of hyperspace and engaged in this boarding."
"Indeed. And where were you and your usual crew bound after that?"
"To the Draconis Republic for shore leave."
"Interesting choice. Now we move on to what your really doing. We have obtained your course and real cargo and I currently find it hard not to order my men to kill you out of hand."
"But we've done nothing!" A MI troop stepped forward and shove Chajka back into the line.
"Bag and gag this scum," ordered the officer. Another MI squad moved in and did just that, gagging and shackling each being before covering their head.

The officer turned around to survey the cargo hold. Hundreds of large containers where stacked and secured in the one hundred by seventy five by twenty meter space. A manual search could take some time. But it wouldn't be necessary. He keyed his radio.
"Cairns, Mike, Xnine anything yet?"
"Yes sir," replied both the Scythian and Caleb to Saxton.
"The suits are opening a container now that might be a possibul."
He raced to the far end of the huge subdivided hold, just in time to find an MI trooper passing the limp body of a twelve-year-old human male out of hole torn in a containers side. He was placed on a gurney.

"What's the story, you found one?"
"We've got two more kids in that container, looks like some downer base product and other drugs pack in with them. The deceptive jammer's in there could beat almost anything sort of opening every box. I don't know how Mike noticed him."
"Not many Neodogs for the MI, customs makes do with chemical sniffers and the stock breeds. Why is he out, hysteria?"
"No sir, looked like they planned to keep them locked up for the whole trip so each one was sedated and intubated along with a couple other things. Basically a zero maintenance cargo, its going to be hours before any of them will wake up."
"Fucking savages, I want every container on this ship opened and checked. I'm going to speak with the Colonel about the crew an getting more men over hear."
"Right sir."

[Sea Skimmer]

Attention: All Star Nations
From: The Federation of the Shadow
Subject: Interstellar crime

Sixteen hours ago Federation naval forces boarded the freighter Red Hill within our space, acting on intelligence gather from recent raids on key figures in the criminal world within our territory. While many powers are aware of the problems of illicit smuggling even in the fact of minimal tariffs, this boarding turned up something not encountered in many long years. 194 children ages eight through fourteen where found aboard, crammed into cargo containers. They along with several hundred others had been reported as runways or missing long term on the world of Alterac in recent months. We now believe all have been kidnapped into the sector slave trade.

Interrogations of the largely Fel' Theth and human crew indicated that half the children where to be sold to a dealer in one of the vast markets of Samarkand within the Caliphate. The rest where to be taken the Vermithrax system within the Draconis Republic and another unknown dealer there. The crew has since been put to death.

To these and the police forces of all star nations the Federation makes a simple request, we will supply the data we have gathered and identities of all who we believe have been removed from our boarders. You will bring us the heads of the guilty and return the missing, or the Federation will do so for you.

[Darksider]

Attention: All Star Nations
From: The Federation of the Shadow
Subject: Interstellar crime

Sixteen hours ago Federation naval forces boarded the freighter Red Hill within our space, acting on intelligence gather from recent raids on key figures in the criminal world within our territory. While many powers are aware of the problems of illicit smuggling even in the fact of minimal tariffs, this boarding turned up something not encountered in many long years. 194 children ages eight through fourteen where found aboard, crammed into cargo containers. They along with several hundred others had been reported as runways or missing long term on the world of Alterac in recent months. We now believe all have been kidnapped into the sector slave trade.

Interrogations of the largely Fel' Theth and human crew indicated that half the children where to be sold to a dealer in one of the vast markets of Samarkand within the Caliphate. The rest where to be taken the Vermithrax system within the Draconis Republic and another unknown dealer there. The crew has since been put to death.

To these and the police forces of all star nations the Federation makes a simple request, we will supply the data we have gathered and identities of all who we believe have been removed from our boarders. You will bring us the heads of the guilty and return the missing, or the Federation will do so for you.

[encoded transmission #33559903]

ATTN: Federation of the Shadow
From: NKSE internal security
RE: Slave trading

If you find any evidence whatsoever that these slave convoys are traveling through our space, we reques that you immediatly inform us.

[Stravo]

To: ALL STAR POWERS
From: Genegineer Protectorate
Re: Security Measures


The Protectorate will initiate the following policy inititatives in response to the reckless action of the Federation of Shadow.

1) Protectorate citizens are forbidden to travel in Federation Space until further notice unless so ordered by the Conclave, and such sanctioned travel will be limited to a time frame that will not allow the implantaion of foreign, unliving, technology in the perfect bodies of Protectorate citizens.

2) All foreign visitors or traders in Genegineer space that intend to visit certain core worlds (list attached) will not be allowed onto the surface or orbital facilities for more than 48 standard hours wiithout first being exposed to a tracking virus, essentially an inert virus that will be sent to all interested powers that fear a biological threat for verification, that will allow their movements to be monitored in Protectorate space. The virus will eventually be consumed by the host's immune system after 2 weeks, after which if they are still in Protectorate space (on the specified worlds) must be reexposed to the virus.

3) Federation of Shadow citizens will be exposed to the virus when entering Protectorate Space at all times, no exceptions save for foreign dignataries but NOT the security personnel for said dignartaries.

4) Any attempt to implant unliving technology into a Protectorate citizen will be met with protests and possible sanctions by the Protectorate, any attempt to do so to a Genegineer will result in extreme measures being undertaken up to an including reciprocal actions to offending government's citizens in Protectorate space.

5) These measures will go into effect immediately and will continue so long as Federation offending policy continues.

6) Members of the Co prosperity sphere may apply for temporary immunity from these measures on a month per month basis or as such time that the Federation lifts its own measures.

[Pablo Sanchez]

To these and the police forces of all star nations the Federation makes a simple request, we will supply the data we have gathered and identities of all who we believe have been removed from our boarders. You will bring us the heads of the guilty and return the missing, or the Federation will do so for you.

As importing slaves into the Caliphate is illegal, we will devote all available police resources to locating the victims and the parties responsible.

[Brother-Captain Gaius]

To these and the police forces of all star nations the Federation makes a simple request, we will supply the data we have gathered and identities of all who we believe have been removed from our boarders. You will bring us the heads of the guilty and return the missing, or the Federation will do so for you.

We despise the capitalist evil known as slavery and are willing to assist in the destruction of these scum, however we do not take kindly to such ultimatums.

[Alyrium Denryle]

ATTN: All Star Nations
FROM: Draconis Republic
RE: Recent raids.

We are shocked and apalled that our citizens would participate in such heinouss actions*Skin flashed Black and red* We will lend our claws in any investigation and will be cracking down on his sick individualss.

We shall do whatever it takes, short of violating the rights of our citizenss.

However, we do not appreciate threats, and any violation of our sovereignty will not be tolerated.

[Alyrium Denryle]

Republic News

"In light of recent slave and drug trafficing, bioscanners are to be installed into every possible port of entry into Republic space. And into All spaceports. "

[Alyrium Denryle]

"So what are these new bioscanners for?" Said Calivoth Netrim while installing the bioscanners

" Slavers have been using our systems as a staging area for their illicit deals"

" Oh sweet mother void, I cant believe someone would trade in sentient cargo..."

"Neither can I, I hope these bioscanners work...slavers havent been tolerated here since before the days of the Republics"

[Stormbringer]

ATTN: All Star Nations
FROM: Draconis Republic
RE: Recent raids.

We are shocked and apalled that our citizens would participate in such heinouss actions*Skin flashed Black and red* We will lend our claws in any investigation and will be cracking down on his sick individualss.

We shall do whatever it takes, short of violating the rights of our citizenss.

However, we do not appreciate threats, and any violation of our sovereignty will not be tolerated.

To: Draconis Republic
From: Sota' Rhi Missionary Ministry
Re: Slaving

While we understand your civilizations preoccupation with civil rights, the fact is those laws often shelter criminals. Many are the criminals that you refuse to extradite and surely more are the criminals you refuse to deal with.

Your principles are all well and good. But if you refuse to act others must.

[Sea Skimmer]

We shall do whatever it takes, short of violating the rights of our citizenss.

Then you in fact will not do whatever it takes.

However, we do not appreciate threats, and any violation of our sovereignty will not be tolerated.

Consider it a warning then, because that it what it was.

[Alyrium Denryle]

ATTN: All Star Nations
FROM: Draconis Republic
RE: Recent raids.

We are shocked and apalled that our citizens would participate in such heinouss actions*Skin flashed Black and red* We will lend our claws in any investigation and will be cracking down on his sick individualss.

We shall do whatever it takes, short of violating the rights of our citizenss.

However, we do not appreciate threats, and any violation of our sovereignty will not be tolerated.

To: Draconis Republic
From: Sota' Rhi Missionary Ministry
Re: Slaving

While we understand your civilizations preoccupation with civil rights, the fact is those laws often shelter criminals. Many are the criminals that you refuse to extradite and surely more are the criminals you refuse to deal with.

Your principles are all well and good. But if you refuse to act others must.

When in the name of the universe did we ever say we would not extradite criminals for offenses they commit in other's territory?

We ARE dealing with criminals before they come in, and are making damn sure that we have proof before we arrest someone. If that makes us weak then we are weak, but we refuse to stand by and let the power our people give to us be abused. We will not permit authoritarian rule.

[Alyrium Denryle]

We shall do whatever it takes, short of violating the rights of our citizenss.

Then you in fact will not do whatever it takes.

However, we do not appreciate threats, and any violation of our sovereignty will not be tolerated.

Consider it a warning then, because that it what it was.

It seems that unlike our neighbors, our citizens have rights. And they valus them. The PEOPLE have spoken.

[Brother-Captain Gaius]

Comrade, you must understand that when you intrude into your citizens' places of residence and turn them upside down to find a criminal, you are helping the people. The people often do not know what they want, and it is the place of the government to make sure they get it. They do not want crime and disorder, but they do not have the capacity to understand the measures that must be undertaken to ensure such things do not gain a foothold.

[Sea Skimmer]

It seems that unlike our neighbors, our citizens have rights. And they valus them. The PEOPLE have spoken.

Your actions will speak louder then your words, and you citizens will live with the price of their actions.

[Alyrium Denryle]

Earths Benjamin Franklin one said " Those that would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither liberty, nor security" We have already put this issue to vote, the people have decided. Their rights are not to be infringed.

We have however gone through PROPER methods, and will be arresting leaders in this smuggling ring within the next few days.

[Alyrium Denryle]

It seems that unlike our neighbors, our citizens have rights. And they valus them. The PEOPLE have spoken.

Your actions will speak louder then your words, and you citizens will live with the price of their actions.

Any intrusion by your military or police into our territory to violate the rights of our citizens will be considered an act of war, and will be met with VERY deadly force.

[Sea Skimmer]

Comrade, you must understand that when you intrude into your citizens' places of residence and turn them upside down to find a criminal, you are helping the people. The people often do not know what they want, and it is the place of the government to make sure they get it. They do not want crime and disorder, but they do not have the capacity to understand the measures that must be undertaken to ensure such things do not gain a foothold.

It is strange human that the Federation finds that it has so much in common with a leftist predominately human nation. The Nerubian have had some interest in your star nation for some time, now we believe the Scythian population would as well. The Federation would like to propose a meeting between our diplomats to discuss matters of trade and alliance.