STGOD 4 Game Thread

[Straha]

"Captain, would you escort us to the meeting? Our business is rather pressing."

The Captain saluted, nodded.
"This way please sir."

Jogging a few berths down, he turned and waited with the diplomats staring anxiously. Suddenly a boarding ramp seemed to lower out of thin air, and the interior of a transport could be seen with soldiers inside. After everyone had entered the shuttle a middle aged man stepped forward from the soldiers.

"I am General Fedayn, I'm in charge of security on Earth for the next few weeks. We're on our way to the Parliment building right now, this the only way to take you directly there. If you'd please just stand still for a second we're just going to scan to make sure you're not bringing anything unwelcome here."
*****

Ten minutes later the ambassadors were lead into a room within the Parliment Building, inside was a long rectangular table paralell to the door (which had two armed guards at either end of it) and three people standing opposite the door. The middle person stood up, seemed to bow and offer his hand, and started to speak.

"I am the political Prince of Monacora, to my right is my fellow Prince who commands the military, and to my left is the Prime Minister, Francis Traebon. It is a pleasure to meet you, and I am sorry for any delay I may have caused you."

[Captain tycho]

Drone #34811-AVTS, on appoach to Planet LV-1112, local designation 'Pinnacle' by Nastharan Republic. Interface Component Beta on station. Cloak active, power reduced 34.2 percent. Passive sensor mode active. The tiny, copper colored drone sped through Pinnacle's atmosphere, invisible to just about every form of sensor. It sampled the atmosphere, dropped down millimeter long sampling drones to the soil, and monitored communication chatter. Atmosphere Data, unacceptable for colony emplacement. Soil readings suggest poor ore concentrations. Local inhabitantion: High. Unacceptable colony world. Filed into archive. After it's message, the drone caused a fatal meltdown inside it's reactor, then exploded in a shower of sparks.

Archivist Kl'uhsn made the R'hlloran equivalent of a grumble, a pulse of high density EM fields that washed over his nearby colleagues, alerting them to his stress. Another useless world. It seems most of the good ore rich worlds have been taken by the natives, would't it seem? he sent to everyone nearby, who replied with a variety of half-hearted pings. They turned back to work, leaving Kl'uhsn alone with his console. Making another grumble, he went back to work.

[InnocentBystander]

The air lock opened silently, all that could be seen ahead was a grey, well lit hallway with an elevator at the far end. As they headed down the corridor the elevator door opened, revealing a tall, slender, hairless man. He walked down the corridor with an air of purpose about him, "If you'll come with me, your presence is requested in the conference room on the upper deck." he was dressed in a dull grey jumpsuit with a short barcode printed on one side.

After a short elevator ride the Gladsheim representatives stepped off the elevator into what would be best described as an economic conference room, there were a half dozen chairs seated around a crescent shaped table, with a large podium in front, and a floor mounted hologram projector, which projected the Megaron Industries seal in the middle of the room, the words “Megaron, Bringing you the highest quality since the Old Republic” spun around the seal. As the three entered the room they were greeted by the eager face of Millze Koranga, a short, hairy fellow which bared a slight resemblance to Earth's apes. He wore a flashy orange suit and held a small remote control in his hand.

"Welcome, my friends,” he grinned, "take a seat!" he motioned for them to take a seat at the table. They stood perplexed for a minute; the chairs were all too small. Even so, they approached the chairs, as they did so the chairs altered their size and shape, fitting the size of the approacher exactly. As Koranga approached his chair the Arcanian representative appeared and took a seat at the far end of the table, away from the Gladsheim officers.

"Before we begin, I would like to introduce myself," Koranga began. "I am Millze Koranga, head of customer relations for Megaron Industries. We have prepared a brief introduction for you in the holosuite next-door," he pointed to the double doors to the right. "You are, of course, not obligated to stay through the entire presentation, but I would ask you to view the beginning of it. I will be glad to answer any of your questions after the presentation.

He stepped down from the podium and motioned for the representatives to follow him into the holosuite.

[Rogue 9]

Capt. Proudmoore blinked. He should have figured on this, but got carried away in the moment. After all he was to first citizen of the U.P to contact an outsider.

"We are from the United Protectrates, on an exploration and contact mission. We have no hostile intentions and wish only peaceful contact."
He replied.

"Acknowledged, Captain. Power down any weapons systems and submit to scanning, if you would. We are in a war footing at the moment, can't be too careful."

[frigidmagi]

"Of course Commadore." Capt Proudmoore answered.

"Drop sheilds, cut power to the railguns and missletubes. Let's not upset our host." Capt Roudmoore said ordered with a small smile.

"Aye aye Sir." Came the reply from the Bridge Crew.

[Rogue 9]

Several fighters flew in close. Scans revealed no hidden or powered up weapons. The ship was built for war; no doubt about that. But there was no immediately obvious treachery, and the design and power plant signatures did not match any known enemy power's... Or any allies or neutrals, for that matter. Apparently the ship's crew were exactly what they claimed to be.

"Thank you, Captain. Your cooperation is appreciated. What is your exact business? Are you here to make contact, or is your mission more of an astrological survey?"

[frigidmagi]

"Well Commadore, we're in the middle of an exploration cruise and while it was hoped we could make contact, hopfully with other Terran born cultures, no one was really willing to bet on it. I am authorized to initiate first contacts." Capt Proudmoore answered.

[Rogue 9]

Commodore Nellis grinned. "A bit late for that isn't it, Captain? Welcome to Joyous Gard. Will you wish to come aboard one of our ships, or meet on the planet?"

[frigidmagi]

With a grin of his own Captain Proudmoore answered.

"I suppose you could say that. Since you're giving me the choice Commodore, I'll take a planetside meeting if you don't mind."

[lazerus]

THe Super-Drednaught and 100 frigies withdraw to the system that is under attack by outsider forces. On the planet, what few ground troops that are left prepare for possible ground attack.

[Dahak]

Fast Destroyer Oenone

<<This seems to be a...sales presentation,>> the Captain observed dryly. <<Haven't seen such a thing in ages...>>
<<We won't buy a thing,>> an Advisor 'vised. <<But let's her them out, maybe we can get something useful out of this, after all.>>

"Glad to meet you, Mr. Koranga," the Captain said at the same time. "I'm Captain Althathtcha of Her Imperial Majesty's Fast Destroyer Oenone[/], representing the Grand Empire of Gladsheim. We do have some questions, but if you feel this presentation is essential..."
He followed him.

***

Gladsheim Prime, Imperial Plaza

<<A sales presentation? This is getting very weird,>> Grand Empress Elana 'vised as she observed the meeting unfold. <<I'd be more interested in a diplomatic meeting, but so far Captain Althathtcha handles it quite well.>>
<<Yes, Your Highness, he does.>> And they carried on observing it.

Meanwhile, in another part of Datanet...
<<I think it would be a good idea if we sent out ambassadors to the other powers. It would allow us to act more proactively, and we'D have someone on site, except of some operatives, Your Highness,>> her Foreign Affairs Councilor told Empress Elana.
<<It can't hurt to ask, I guess. Do so.>>

***

The request to open up embassies in the other major powers was sent out to the capitals.

[Thirdfain]

Belarus II
Secondary Industrial System, Jardanian Confederacy


As suddenly as it had began, it stopped- sensing the flotilla of incoming Jardanian capital ships, the Ouster cruiser raiding group pulled away from the planet, shields flaring as the orbital gun batteries fired volley after volley. The craft ran, their powerful engines putting distance between them and the withering fire being layed down by the Jardanian orbital fortresses. One of the Ouster warships had already succumbed, losing her shields and taking a missile to her primary torchdrive.

The Ouster raiding vessels prepared to activate their Kincaid drives and jump to safety- but then, another hit registered on the Jardanian sensors. The lead vessel of the Ouster flotilla's acceleration decreased suddenly.

The Ouster warships ceased trying to run. The other craft formed up around their stricken leader, focusing their point defense on it's defense as they limped out of the planet's gun range.

[lazerus]

++Flack mode on the alpha weapons just means spreading the beam out instead of focusing it, so it does a lot of damage to a fleet of ships instead of nuking a ground target++

The Jardanians arrived in-system and quickly assesed the situation.

"Oh no, they arn't trying that trick twice. Target the lead ship, fire the Alpha Weapon, flack mode."
The weapons officer swivled around in his chair.
"But sir, that weapons takes half an hour to charge and fire. If we fire it cold, we'll burn out half the capacitors on the ships and fry our power grid!"
"So be it."
"But sir......"
"Are you questioing orders?"
"......no sir."

A large blast sheild slid away on the underbelly of the Fist revealing the blue haze of an active, stable wormhole. There was a brilliant flash, and a uniimanably powerfull burst of energy raced towards the Outsider fleet. Their tight formation only serving to place them all inside the beams area of effect..........

[Captain tycho]

The Council of 13 floated in it's white-washed chamber, conferring silently.
We must find a suitable planet to settle. The planet below us will do for now, but we *must* find a permanent base of operations. The world must be out of the way, and rich in ore. Our drones have marked several worlds that are suitable. Thauglor? A vaguely humanoid face appeared in the center of the chamber. Yes, Kr'lagh? it asked. Please show us the locations that you believe are suitable. The face shimmered out, replaced by a map of the nearby sectors. 4 blinking red lights appeared, marking the planets, along with a brief text scroll giving general information. The council talked for a few more minutes, then decided. LVT-467 shall do nicely. Let's begin moving the fleet.

[Thirdfain]

Belarus II
Secondary Industrial System, Jardanian Confederacy

Alarms triggered again, across the system.
"Command! More vessels, incoming from the system's edge! Enemy ECM is strong, but it looks like six, maybe seven capital ships!"

The heavy units of the Ouster fleet had coasted in from outside sensor range, engines off, on a balistic course. Now, they were lighting off their Kincaid drives and diving in-system. Their target was clearly the group of Jardanian reinforcements. The Jardanian commander would have only seconds to react before he found his vessel under attack.

Meanwhile, the Ouster raiding squadron rocked as the beam swept across them. Since, in space, even a tight formation is thousands of kilometers across, the strike cruisers took only light damage. Some of the escorts, lightly shielded as they were, had already taken damage from the planet's gun batteries and succumbed to the waves of power. A dozen torpedo frigates broke appart, their poorly armored forms disintegrating as their shields failed.

[Alyrium Denryle]

<snip>

'Very well"

[Rogue 9]

Four ships emerged from hyperspace into the system.

The frigates Dawn Raider and Noonday pulled into escort positions around the carrier Sun Striker and civilian exploration vessel Nashtar Explorer.
Aboard the Dawn Raider

"Sir, I'm picking up four ships in system. One appears to be from the Arcane Empire, the other three are unknown. Only the Arcane Empire ship and two of the unknowns are warships, the other appears to be a civilian bulk cruiser or freighter of some kind. We're packing more firepower than anyone else in the system, sir."

Aboard the Nashtar Explorer

"Yeah, the system looks to be in much the same condition as it was on the last Survey run. We've got four ships orbiting one of the planets. We've never seen three of the designs before. Fascinating."

Aboard the Sun Striker

"Put all fighters and strikers on launch alert. First sign of trouble, I want a scramble. Launch a flight element from Renegade Wing now."

"Yes sir," said the CAG to the fleet captain. He gave the appropriate orders, and four Hornet fighters launched from Hangar Bay 1, taking up patrol around the capital formation.

"Hail the vessels, put me through." The comms officer nodded and touched a few controls. "Hailing unknown vessels, this is Captain Horton of the Nashtar Republic carrier Sun Striker. We are here to investigate unknown signals emanating from this system. Please respond."

[InnocentBystander]

The captain listened to the transmission in shock, a third response now, it was almost overwhelming. What was more surprising was the tactical readout that followed, four ships had jumped into the system and taken up a defensive posture. He certainly wasn’t interested in a military conflict; he pondered a moment; no, he would leave the station to its fait, the ship was too expensive to lose.
"Ah, another alien!" he responded,” I apologize for any problems our signals may have caused you, construction makes a lot of comm. chatter," that was a lie, but a good one, he continued. "If you please, bring your ships into orbit around the third planet, Megaron Industries requests your presence on the station, currently in orbit around Ursa Delta Prime 3.” he examined the tactical readout, there were now number of fighters patrolling the area around the alien taskforce. “I can assure you, your in no danger here, but if you’ll please send someone over to the station.” he stopped, could he assure them safety, who knows what the state of galactic politics was in, he certainly didn’t, but he had a job to do, even if that meant stretching the truth. “A docking port will be made available for you.”

Millze Koranga lead the four men into the holosuite, there were comfortable chairs already set aside. “Sit if you like.” Koranga suggested, little did they know it was a four hour presentation, the first twenty minutes was good, he thought; it didn’t matter, they could leave whenever they wanted to, he would be waiting to answer their questions, and perhaps put them down as new clients. The doors shut and the room turned pitch black. Suddenly there was a bright flash, and there was the image of Megaron Industry’s CEO. He spoke for several minutes on the potential benefits of trade, the need for strong economies and his overall desire to sell these aliens as much stuff as he could.

Ten minutes into the show, about halfway through the presentation on the Baeloaren Archology system, Koranga slipped out of the holosuite unnoticed. The doors shut silently; he heaved a sigh, they would tire soon and no doubt have many questions, he needed a drink. Before he had a chance to order one, the hologram projector in the middle of the room lit up and the face of the captain of the Megaron class destroyer appeared. “What now, captain?” Koranga inquired.
“More aliens and these guys mean business, a couple warships just dropped into the system, I’ve invited them to the station, but who knows what their plans are. My shields are down, and if they open fire, I’m leaving.” the captain smirked, “I hope your as good a diplomat as they say you are.” he cut the signal before Koranga could respond. Koranga brooded, he really needed that drink.

[Rogue 9]

Captain Horton weighed his options. He came to a decision quickly. "Get a shuttle ready, I'm going over there. Have four Marines meet me in hangar bay 2. Commander Landsman, you have the bridge."

Four fighters formed up on the shuttle as it left the hangar and flew towards the station. The Dawn Raider followed protectively.

[InnocentBystander]

The captain sat back in his chair, five small ships and a cruiser now approached the station. If they were going to attack, he thought, they would have sent more ships. The captain rubbed his eyes, he needed some rest. He pressed a small button on his chair, "Lieutenant!"
"Sir?" the voice replied.
"Get up here, take over for a while; I need a power nap." the lieutenant, ever punctual walked briskly to the bridge. He had been given another babysitting job and he didn't like it.

Baeloaren journalists, they say, make better intel. operatives than the Order Police. In less than one standard day a copy of the emergency senate meeting had been released to the public and a day later that Megaron Industries was trying to monopolize the market on intergalactic trade. Not surprisingly the news about Megaron Industries created the biggest public uproar. All over the commonwealth people began demanding an increase in security and more information as to what was to be done about Megaron Industries.

Not surprisingly only two days after the news of Megaron's treachery had reached the ears of the senate a host of laws were past requiring all dealings with aliens to be strictly regulated by the government. The senate also, in response to the alien transmission, commissioned Ignatius Shipping Incorporated to design a new class of warship to "Deal with any possible threat these aliens might represent to the Baeloaren Commonwealth and its citizens" and Commonwealth Shipyard set about the task of recommissioning 4 of the 7 decommissioned Classic class Heavy Cruisers.

[Dahak]

Fast Destroyer Oenone

Captain Althathtcha needed all his compusre to sit through this sales presentation. But he thought it was diplomatically the best solution if one wanted contact with them.
But then he was interrupted by the ship's sub-consensus. <<We are picking up 4 new ships, just entering this system. They seem to be military vessels, and approaching. We recommend defensive meassures.>>
<<Proceed,>> the Captain ordered.
The Admiralty on Gladsheim was interested in the new ships as well, and the sensor readouts were analyzed instanly.
TheOenone readied itself for a fast retreat, patterning cells charged, and readied the dublight drive, as well as defensive systems.

[Alyrium Denryle]

Aboard the Semmemon

Captain Eiden was apparantly in two places at once. It was standard on first contact misions to send a simulcrum over to the alien vessell. Minimized actual danger to the diplomats. This one was brand new and would act exactly how Alarik would, and could be overriden in times of need.

"Captain!"

"Yes?"

"Vessels from the Republic of Nashtar have arrived in system and we are picking up warships from this new contact"

"We can understand the republic acting like that... but methinks the aliens are a bit paranoid."

Back on the station

"Now now, are the warships really necessary. We are more or less alied with the Republic of Nashtar, and we have neutral diplomatic relations with the others. There is no reason to send warships. It only makes us nervous."

[Dahak]

Back on the station

"Now now, are the warships really necessary. We are more or less alied with the Republic of Nashtar, and we have neutral diplomatic relations with the others. There is no reason to send warships. It only makes us nervous."

"Well, esteemed colleague, it is their system, after all. I can understand a little precausion, especially given the current political instabilities. Better safe than sorry, as they say..." Captain Althathtcha told the Arcane representative.

[Alyrium Denryle]

"Our nations are not in conflict as of yet. I can understand the precautions yes... but still... Had any of us wanted to invade... we would have called in battlefleets."

[Dahak]

"Our nations are not in conflict as of yet. I can understand the precautions yes... but still... Had any of us wanted to invade... we would have called in battlefleets."

"Well, there seems to be a...shall we say tradition of backstabbing as of lately? We are new to this, but we are not stupid. And we certainly won't be surprised if something untoward should unfold."