STGOD 4 Game Thread

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Post by Marcao »

Ravenlock Space
VDS Yulai

The trip for the Yulai and her escorts was relatively uneventful something that the crew aboard the diplomatic vessel appreciated. The possibility of interception while slim was real enough to warrant an escort. The trip was a relatively long one due to the location of the Ravenlock nation, but it simply meant that the diplomats and security experts had more time to work on their game plan. It was believed by many that technologically Veithan security should be more than adequate to protect against the Dra`kol threat. Nonetheless, they would not be optimized for dealing with the Dra`kol, and the president had made it clear that until Veithan security was up to the task, tourism between both nations would not take place.

It was a decision that no one questioned, considering the state of affairs in the galaxy as a whole. The Dra`kol by virtue of their universal gift for telepathy were a clear danger to the Veithan nation. It was seldom, that a species possessed two capabilities that worried the empire thus. The security conference was not the sole purpose of this trip. There was another, one that would clarify whatever ties existed between the Ravenlock and Veithan nations. The genetic data that had been taken during the first meeting of the president and his Ravenlock counterpart had been analyzed, the information causing quite a stir among those with access to it. It certainly explained a few things…

The Veithan ships arrived at the edge of the system in question exactly as their agreement with the Ravenlock had dictated. The Vector was appropriate and the five vessels slowed for a moment, the captain of the Yulai utilizing her mind to open a channel in a prearranged frequency. All that was left to do now was wait, the passive sensors of the task force revealing a great deal of electronic signals in the system itself.

Manasan and Myheri Space


The Veithan registered ship flew along a predetermined vector, occasionally slowing long enough to displace its cargo to a specific location. The sensor platforms were remarkably stealthy constructs, sacrificing flexibility, armor and protection in order to excel at its two primary tasks. The platform was almost a shadow in space, its powerful sensor array was passive in nature and more than capable for its chosen task.

The sensor platforms were designed to pick up the disturbances which ships moving at faster than light speeds generated. The sensor system was extremely capable in this regard, able to tag a wide variety of signals and cross-reference them with its internal database. In this manner, it could identify a Veithan military signature from a civilian signature. The sensor net which the Veithan Empire was forming would initially cover only Veithan space, along with that of the Myheri and Manasan star nations. The primary pretense of establish such a network was that of helping track any large scale incursions of the mechanoids well ahead of their intended target area. There were however, other advantages that such a network could grant.

Other than their powerful and specialized sensor systems, the platforms were not terribly impressive. There was minimal armor and no shields, there were no weapon systems. Instead, the platforms utilized the vastness of space and the passive nature of its sensors for protection. The outer skin of the platforms was composed of holoskin, allowing the vessel to visually “cloak” itself into appearing as space around it. In conjunction with its passive sensors, each platform was extremely difficult to detect. The final layer of defense, was the power source itself. The anti-matter reactor provided ample power, and a ready means of self-destruction.

As the Veithan vessel accelerated away from its last drop point, the captain aboard the vessel smiled softly. His garden was nearly completely seeded, and once it was finished it would join others in completing the net.
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Post by Alyrium Denryle »

"Operation Bright Star, the liberation of the Roman slaves, took place nearly half a year before the totaly destruction of Imperator. Considering that Bright Star lasted for a matter of hours only and involved no planetary bombardment you're records are obviously deficient."
"Not so much my records but my reading of themt be honest, I have had little time to sort through and read several centuries of your history in the last few weeks.

Though, I have to ask, if such an attack required no planetary bombardment, how was it conducted. Even if you do not know the attackers forensic science would have been able to determine that. And as I remember the mechaoids bombarded Terra with conventional weapons.

As to the bomardment of Durandalia... I dont know how it could have been done more copletely or faster, thousands of fractional c missiles used nt as explosive bot projectile weapons, dealing terratons per shot is rather... nasty. Even the mechanoids rape of terra was slower. It could have been the mechanoids, but frankly I think you are using a scare tactic.
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Post by Stormbringer »

Alyrium Denryle wrote:"Not so much my records but my reading of themt be honest, I have had little time to sort through and read several centuries of your history in the last few weeks.

Though, I have to ask, if such an attack required no planetary bombardment, how was it conducted. Even if you do not know the attackers forensic science would have been able to determine that. And as I remember the mechaoids bombarded Terra with conventional weapons.

As to the bomardment of Durandalia... I dont know how it could have been done more copletely or faster, thousands of fractional c missiles used nt as explosive bot projectile weapons, dealing terratons per shot is rather... nasty. Even the mechanoids rape of terra was slower. It could have been the mechanoids, but frankly I think you are using a scare tactic.
"Well, if your history is insufficient perhaps you might listen to those that know it, directly." The chill on the admiral voice was quite clear to the listener. The Draconian representative had clearly irritated him greatly. "Bright Star was conducted by the simple expedient of smasing the Roman starfleet into ruin and demanding their capitulation. It was done, neat as you please. No orbital bombardments, much less the wholesale sterilization of planets."

"As for the Cleansing of Durandalia, that was a quick operation to be sure. The Lizards did manage to get off some distress calls before the end and our fleet was actually nearly intercepted their. An impeller wedge missle is still a relatively slow thing. On the other hand, Imperator was wiped out and in a much, faster and more complete manner. They barely had time for a cry out much less call for assistance."

"All that suggests to me is that the Machines were more capable at that time of raising a larger fleet. If what the Overseer has said is half true they're more occupied now than perhaps they were then. All the more reason to land our blows now."
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Post by Alyrium Denryle »

"I see. I apologize for my ignorance. "

The representative flashed an array of colors before speaking again.

"If we are to 'land blows now' as you say, then let us make these blows effective. Advance scouting, intelligence. Lets make sure we actually know where our enemies are before they lead us away from our primary objective. Any computer that can have a name is either sentient itself, or is controlled by a sentient being. No sentient being would reveal such information as base locations to an enemy that just attacked it. No non-sentient being is as paranoid as that computer. We shouldnt treat those coordinates as even half true. Or at least should be very very skeptical about them.

We can send sensor drones to the general areas of the locations given. At the very least they will be able to provide a sensor web that would allow us to detect enemy movements anywhere ner those locations. And if we get lucky, will be able to detect something major. We will deploy them immediatly."
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Post by Stormbringer »

"Frankly, I think we ought to have a care that prudent investigation doesn't become a sheild behind which cowards hide. As strange as it might be, this machine might simply be telling the truth. After all, if what it says is true the odds favor it by a great deal. This Programmer might talk simply for the sake of preserving it's own existance. After all, what truly self aware creature has not the desire to live? I would warn us all against the folly of talking our selves out of believing that action is necessary. Don't let prudence turn to cowardice."
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Post by Alyrium Denryle »

Stormbringer wrote:"Frankly, I think we ought to have a care that prudent investigation doesn't become a sheild behind which cowards hide. As strange as it might be, this machine might simply be telling the truth. After all, if what it says is true the odds favor it by a great deal. This Programmer might talk simply for the sake of preserving it's own existance. After all, what truly self aware creature has not the desire to live? I would warn us all against the folly of talking our selves out of believing that action is necessary. Don't let prudence turn to cowardice."
"BY no means is action not necessary, however, one must know where the enemy is before they can be shot" the representative said with what passed as a smile.
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Post by Stormbringer »

Alyrium Denryle wrote:"BY no means is action not necessary, however, one must know where the enemy is before they can be shot" the representative said with what passed as a smile.
"And many a coward has taken more than his time to find the enemy."
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Post by Alyrium Denryle »

Stormbringer wrote:
Alyrium Denryle wrote:"BY no means is action not necessary, however, one must know where the enemy is before they can be shot" the representative said with what passed as a smile.
"And many a coward has taken more than his time to find the enemy."
"Yu will find that neither myself, nor my people are cowardly. We fit into the prudent designation. Though, if you wish to suggest otherwise, I may be tempted to challenge you to a melee combat duel." he said with a sarcastic tone and a wry smile, obviousy said only half serious.
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Post by Stormbringer »

Alyrium Denryle wrote:"Yu will find that neither myself, nor my people are cowardly. We fit into the prudent designation. Though, if you wish to suggest otherwise, I may be tempted to challenge you to a melee combat duel." he said with a sarcastic tone and a wry smile, obviousy said only half serious.
"And I have diplomatic immunity and a loaded pulser. I would suggest you not try that." The Admiral replied, the tone some what less clear.
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Post by Alyrium Denryle »

Stormbringer wrote:
Alyrium Denryle wrote:"Yu will find that neither myself, nor my people are cowardly. We fit into the prudent designation. Though, if you wish to suggest otherwise, I may be tempted to challenge you to a melee combat duel." he said with a sarcastic tone and a wry smile, obviousy said only half serious.
"And I have diplomatic immunity and a loaded pulser. I would suggest you not try that." The Admiral replied, the tone some what less clear.
"Haha. but I am smaller than you are." the reresenttive said with a light chuckle.

"Worry not about my mettle. I have faced death many times"
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Post by Stormbringer »

"Ambassador, I seriously would suggest you not tempt me." Admiral Moncreif's smile, as well as his patience, were being nearly worn through.
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Post by Alyrium Denryle »

Stormbringer wrote:"Ambassador, I seriously would suggest you not tempt me." Admiral Moncreif's smile, as well as his patience, were being nearly worn through.
"I am attempting to be friendly Admirall, our opinions set us on the wrong foot. I merely attempt to get a laugh out of you"
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Post by Stormbringer »

Alyrium Denryle wrote:"I am attempting to be friendly Admirall, our opinions set us on the wrong foot. I merely attempt to get a laugh out of you"
"I see. Perhaps we both might have a bit to learn then."
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Post by Alyrium Denryle »

Stormbringer wrote:
Alyrium Denryle wrote:"I am attempting to be friendly Admirall, our opinions set us on the wrong foot. I merely attempt to get a laugh out of you"
"I see. Perhaps we both might have a bit to learn then."
"Oh most definently"
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Post by Thirdfain »

Kyne su Elysium had just stepped out of the building when his civilian phone rang. Cursing, he fished it from his pocket.

"Six Blind Mice, on the Red, Blue, and Yellow.."

Fuck.

His spotter's code words- incoming, and they would soon have him surrounded.

Kyne shoved his hands in his pockets. He was armed, but fighting a bunch of cops would be suicide. His only relief was that his technology was better than the local cops, and he had a small communications jammer that he could use to kill their comms at an opportune moment, allowing him to break out of the constricting ring of policemen- and a few other tricks besides in his pockets.

He knew they would be watching the roads. He might be able to make it through the alleys, as they would likely be less heavily patrolled, but if he camee across any police, he'd have to fight them- not a pleasant thought. the city sewers were unknown to him, so he wouldn't be able to use them- which left one good option.

Kyne ran to the nearest fire escape and began scaling the building with unnatural speed and agility. He was on the roof in a minute, and heading to the crowded city center where he could lose himself in the crowds and make it safely to extraction. He looked around frantically, scanning the skies for police aircraft as he moved.

6 blocks to safety.
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Post by Stormbringer »

"Son a bitch! They're making a break for it!"

The warehouse district was a warren of old and crumbling buildings snaking along the waterfront. Even as the cornade dropped the conspirators broke and ran for it.

Faced with the unenviable choice of who to nab, the young officer and his partner went for the group that had been slower to react. Who ever had tipped them off had been slow to warn the others and they didn't make much effort to flee before it was obvious that they were caught. They were simply knocked to the ground, cuffed and frisked. With his partner staying behind Officer Wu took off chasing after the other suspect. It was likely futile, at least for him.

He called for back up and kept chasing them. Unfortunately it was growing quite obvious that the perpetrator had gotten away clean.

"Oh well, we've still got them." said the young rookie as he came back to his bust. He didn't bother disguising his grin, this was sure to go over well.

One the men capture simply looked at him and said "You're making a big mistake."

Wu shivered at that, these werent' pleasant men at all. They would be behind bars though. Where they belonged.
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Post by Stormbringer »

[Asgard Imperial Palace, the East Study]

Daylight flooded in as the Emperor, the General in charge of the occupation of the PIR, and the First Lord of the Admiralty, were all meeting with the cheif of the Imperial Intel. Things were looking pretty good as far as they could tell. And the atmosphere here in the old wing of the Palace was one of relaxed ease.

"So Vincent, how are your operations going in the PIR? I want the whole story and nothing but." said the Emperor, knowing that the Intel Cheif often had the habit of slanting his reports to the Houses, though as far as he could tell never to him.

"I can say truthfully, Your Majesty, that they are going exceedingly well. Our contacts with various organizations has proven most fruitful."

"And you and General Casterbridge, have had no trouble bringing the troublemakers to heel?"

"Frankly, most haven't even gotten to that level. We've rounded up the trouble makers so far before they've actually managed to do much. Few, I fear have made contact but nothing too worrisome. Certainly nothing we can trace, despite it all. We might have more luck if we were allowed to use more forceful cohersion. But I understand the politics of that."

"Indeed, we've been over them about a dozen times. I simply can't give the media, especially the foreign jackals, the copy they want on us. Look at how badly the various occupations have fucked up. I won't have that be us. I don't want people hating us. Especially not people that may well wind up being my subjects." The Emeperor was being firm on this and letting an edge creep into his voice. "Now General, I'd like to hear your report."

"There's not much to report, Your Majesty. As you know we have plenty of infomers from before and they've given us notice of pretty much anything bigger than some petty vandalisms. Right now I'm not particularly worried."

"Good. I'm glad to hear things are going well. Provided the Alliance values our goodwill enough to forbare anything unseemly in the PIR I think we can safely say we've got things going well. So long as you gentlemen can keep things peaceful as they are now I think the diplomats and I can keep people from stirring the pot." Emperor Andreas Gustav was feeling mighty pleased. "Now, Karl about the fleet expansion and the other considerations."

"As you know, we've nationalized the major yards here. And the production figures haven't changed substantially. In the PIR we're looking at how long it'll take to convert NORINCO's major yards over to our designs, they're the only yards with warship experience over there at the momen, and my engineers say it'll take a couple months at least to get everything done. Some of it's just retooling machinery and the like but the slips need some work to accomodate our ships." The Lord-Admiral had forgotten the Emperor's title. As he had many times. But it was passed over quietly, ever since their midshipmen's cruise they had been close.

"That's good to hear. It seems we really are ready."

"BuOrds
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Post by Bugsby »

The Harleys returned to the rendesvous. While they were still at 80% fuel after the relatively short jumps they had made, Combine Command made the decision to keep the escorts in fully fueled. The next scouting expedition would be much longer. New orders were being relayed, based on the intel gathered by the Harleys and combined with the intel gathered from the machines. Every site that the Overseer had led them to had turned out to be a hit. However, most sites were nothing more than listening posts and forward outposts, worth nothing to the Overseer, and thus worht nothing to the Krell. The others could take care of the mechanoid towers. The Krell fleets had business with one thing only.... the main CPU itself. The Far Point conference dragged on endlessly, already into its third day. Talk was accomplishing nothing. The Krell were made for action. They acted.

New analysis of the dispersal of Overseer systems reported two major things. First, the Overseer's fleets were not nearly as large as some thought they could be. There were few, if any, military ships on the recently scouted border worlds. Either the ships were all clustered in the core systems, or they did not exist. In either case, the Combine had to fight, and sitting in the borders would lead to no battles.

Second, analysis had shown a somewhat cone-shaped pattern to the dispersal of Overseer territory, The base of the Cone had just been scouted. The tip, far in toward the Core, was perhaps two or three weeks away at FTL speeds. Analysists had targeted this area as the most likely point of origin for the Overseer, but it would be foolish to rush weeks ahead of the supply lines on a hunch. This would be done methodically, but quickly.

Plans were relayed to the Monacorans. The Krell would surge ahead, with the Monacorans encouraged to follow to keep up the supply lines. The Overseer systems totaled at 700. Krell analysists had broken this down into 7 rings of 100 worlds. The first ring, S1, the base of the cone, had just been scouted. 100 Harley scouts would proceed to each of the worlds on S3, while the main fleet would jump to a centrally located system in S2 to plan. Any other allied fleets would be encouraged to Mop up on S1 or S2 as the Combine led the charge inward, clearing systems as they went. The eventual goal was S7, the tip of the cone, the end of Overseer territory.

As soon as the refueling was finished, the Harleys formed up and lept towards S3. The rest of the Combine fleet took position behind, and jumped along the same trajectory, but would pull out of hyperspace thousands of lightyears before the Harleys, in S2. The Monacorans were left behind to coordinate the rest of the allied fleets.

At this rate, the Combine would clear most Overseer systems and reach S7 in a little under 3 weeks, assuming no heavy resistance was encountered. I there was resistance.... well, the Combine would come to that when it came. But there was no use sitting around doing nothing, afraid of what might be lurking ahead. Best to dive right in and come out fighting. That was the attitude that had earned the Krell their fierce reputation.

Soon. It would all be over soon. The Krell fleet hurtled through space.
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Post by Straha »

Alyrium Denryle wrote:
Stormbringer wrote:
Alyrium Denryle wrote:"I am attempting to be friendly Admirall, our opinions set us on the wrong foot. I merely attempt to get a laugh out of you"
"I see. Perhaps we both might have a bit to learn then."
"Oh most definently"
"Gentlemen, there will be no fighting in the war-room. Now, besides the Geckoes is there anyone against launching forays into suspected machinist space now?"
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Post by Stormbringer »

"I dare say that's what I've been trying to get this lump of boors to do."
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Post by Rogue 9 »

SirNitram wrote:
Rogue 9 wrote:
SirNitram wrote:The minefield the Asgards had cleared in their system loomed around the invading warships, active and waiting for a move that would activate their weaponry. The fleet of Destroyers formed up in defensive positions, as two of the Dreadnoughts vectored slowly free of the Ouster Wombs they been assembled in. It was clear which was the younger of the two vessels; it lacked some of it's weapons, and no shield glowed around it.

Dozens of railguns locked onto the invaders.

"Humanity's questions have been answered by the Master Programmer of the fallen tower. You are in violation of the Overseer's space. Power down your weaponry or face destruction of not only your fleet, but every homeworld you know."
"If we're to talk of violations of space, allow me to remind you that you violated Monacora's first. And I know of no fallen tower."
"A legitimate military move, required to preserve the Overseer. If you are here for battle, you will find the reprecussions most.. Unpleasant."
The professional soldier and leader of soldiers in Fisher bristled. He curled his upper lip into a sneer as he responded. "Destroying entire cities full of civilians is not a legitimate military move. Ever." Fisher slashed a hand across his throat, and the comms officer cut the transmission. "Comms, Conn. Fleetwide transmission. Weapons free, I repeat, weapons are free."

NRS Warrior

Commodore Kensington snapped out of his contemplation of the Machine fleet's formations and shot upright at the command. "Comms, Conn, signal Dauntless, Curie, and Oppenheimer to form up for attack pattern Mirror Echo 24. Helm, all ahead two thirds, come to heading 165 mark 30."

"Aye, sir." The massive battleship accelerated smoothly as its nose swung to the left and slightly "up," bringing the Warrior to a heading that would bring its port side batteries to bear on the half-completed Machine dreadnought and would take the ship itself slightly "above" the plane of the dreadnought's keel. Curie swung into position to the battleship's aft, the heavy cruiser matching course and speed with the larger battleship. Off to port, Dauntless and Oppenheimer were mirroring them on a course that would take them "above" the dreadnought while exposing their starboard batteries. This gave the maneuver it's name; the two sides mirrored each other while the heavy cruisers "echoed" the preceding battleships. Variation 24 called for the mirrored sides to be 120 degrees apart on a circle whose center was defined by the target, so as to avoid friendly-fire accidents resulting from direct crossfire.

"Hold fire until all port batteries are unmasked and wait for my command." Machine fire flashed against the shields as A-127s streamed off to the starboard, engaging some destroyer or another. "Guns, have the Number 2 battery to starboard soften up that destroyer for the fighters."

"Aye, Commodore." Railgun reports began pounding through the hull, but it was nothing compared to what was to come. "Conn, Guns, all port batteries are unmasked. Awaiting orders."

Commodore Kensington let that hang in the air for a beat as he watched the enemy dreadnought pull closer. Then he gave the command. "Port guns, fire on designated target. All other batteries, engage targets of opportunity and fire at will." The roar of the guns was enormous. Dauntless mirrored them off to the port side, and the accompanying cruisers followed soon behind.

In the meantime, the bowl formation of the escorts and remaining cruisers was moving and closing to enfold the enemy fleet. Fighters swarmed everywhere, their missiles inflicting death by a thousand pinpricks wherever they could. Towards the back of the fleet, one of the Warhammer missile cruisers unleashed half its missile battery at the massive planetary tower.
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Post by Stormbringer »

[Sol System, Earth Orbit, AINS Achilles]

The slender black mass of the Asgard heavy cruiser hung still above the glittering jewel of Earth. She had just coasted in to her assigned orbital pattern. Already her shuttles were being prepped for the drop.

"This is Navy Two, to Monacoran control. We have the Princess-Heir and her party aboard. We'd like to make the drop to the planet at your convenience."
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Post by Straha »

Stormbringer wrote:[Sol System, Earth Orbit, AINS Achilles]

The slender black mass of the Asgard heavy cruiser hung still above the glittering jewel of Earth. She had just coasted in to her assigned orbital pattern. Already her shuttles were being prepped for the drop.

"This is Navy Two, to Monacoran control. We have the Princess-Heir and her party aboard. We'd like to make the drop to the planet at your convenience."
"You are cleared to come down, co-ordinates for the Andorran Palace are already on board, send down any subsidiary shuttles to the Andorran Starport."

Andorran Palace, Shuttle port

Britney, daughter of the Political Prince, stepped foreward in her Military uniform, she was currently 'interning' with the military and was also here for symbollic reasoning. Behind her marched two flag bearers, one with the Monacoran national flag, the other the flag of the Monacoran Tenth. Behind them marched four lines of soldiers in ceremonial dress, and to either side of the enclosed landing area was a column of ceremonial guards, a single man thick. Around the top of the palace holo-cameras, manned by Army reporters were prepared to tape the historic event, and around the roof-tops more soldiers, some from the special forces, patrolled searching for anyone who was looking for a way to sabotage this event, even though the published itineraries were two hours later than the actual event. As the Princess to be shouted for the detachment to stop, and called them to attention they began the final minutes of their wait.[/b]
'After 9/11, it was "You're with us or your with the terrorists." Now its "You're with Straha or you support racism."' ' - The Romulan Republic

'You're a bully putting on an air of civility while saying that everything western and/or capitalistic must be bad, and a lot of other posters (loomer, Stas Bush, Gandalf) are also going along with it for their own personal reasons (Stas in particular is looking through rose colored glasses)' - Darth Yan
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Dahak
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Post by Dahak »

Straha wrote:
Alyrium Denryle wrote:
Stormbringer wrote: "I see. Perhaps we both might have a bit to learn then."
"Oh most definently"
"Gentlemen, there will be no fighting in the war-room. Now, besides the Geckoes is there anyone against launching forays into suspected machinist space now?"
"Gladsheim is not against this idea, yet we ourselves cannot help with too much shipping of our own."
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Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC
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Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
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Marcao
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Post by Marcao »

Veithan Space

The information which had been gathered from the fleet action against the Mechanoids in conjunction with the Monacoran, Ouster, Gladsheim and others was carefully analyzed. The old saying that knowledge was power had not changed since its inception. The capabilities of the mechanoids and new found allies as well as potential enemies were not something that could be overlooked. The capabilities of the mechanoids were hard to discern, considering the state of the vessels that had fought. Nonetheless, every hint to their tactics and capabilities would only add to the survivability of Veithan forces.

It was not the mechanoids however, that provided to be the most interesting and perhaps disturbing bits of information. The Veithan fleet had paid particular attention to the Ouster forces during the engagement, and their unusual and highly effective faster than light drives had raised many eyebrows. The Empire itself was already working on weapons that utilized similar principles; nonetheless the Ousters had proven their designs to being quite devastating. It was all a matter of speed. The so called “torpedoes” simply cover the distance between the firing ship and its target at remarkably fast speeds and in this manner, pushed point defense systems to their breaking point. They were large missile however, and the salvo density was sub par. Nonetheless, unlike current Veithan missiles that had to be jammed with ECCM equipment, stealth and a host of other penetration aids in order to survive long enough to reach their target. The Ousters simply made their missiles fast enough that penetration aids, at least the most common ones were superfluous.

The information gathered about these weapons was carefully analyzed, the faster than light signature was massive. Intelligence had already determined due to the sensor readouts of the Veithan ships that they could be easily tracked. The problem arose when the flight time was considered. The Ouster torpedoes reached their targets in seconds that was the problem. Over three dozen analysts were hard at work trying to scrounge up a means to stop the weapons; Other than utilizing FTL inhibitors, which was at the time both expensive and relatively unworkable. It was true that one would not need an FTL inhibitor of such strength as to prevent capital ships from escaping. Nonetheless, the proper implementation of such a system was still not the preferred choice.

The most likely theory in the attempt to keep the Ouster weapons in check was to optimize existing software to take into account the Ouster weapons. At the same time, granting the AI of Veithan warships the ability to fire the psy-emitters in the widest possible setting towards the incoming ordnance. It was an imperfect solution, but it should work as a stop gap measure until a more final and decisive approach was devised. It was all a matter of action and reaction. The Veithan Empire was aware of the threat that the Ousters represented. At the moment, there was no need to get directly involved in hostilities. However, Ouster expansion had concerned many people both within and without the government. In time, there may be a need to defend the Empire from the horde of locusts that the Ousters represented. If that time came, the Empire would be ready.

Veithan Space
Ashanti


Avery Cook was thankful to being back in Empire space. His time in Manasa had been fruitful, but there was nothing quite like being home. It was of course not his place of birth, but there were many times when he wished that was the case. Ashanti was perhaps the most liberal part of the Empire, located near the equator of the planet the high temperatures and low humidity of the area was stifling hot throughout the year. The fact that Ashanti itself was surrounded by water did little to alleviate this, although it had ushered in a certain mindset about what was proper and logical to wear; the answer of course was as little as possible. The people that resided within Ashanti wore adornments and jewelry meant to accentuate the beauty of the body rather than hide it.

This was a fact that Avery rather liked. Ashanti was surrounded in a culture of a healthy mind in a healthy body, and it was proudly displayed every minute of every day. The laws of the Veithan Empire in particular when dealing with morality were relatively lax, and Ashanti took these one step further. Prostitution was frowned upon, not because it was illegal but because it was charging for something that should be readily available, akin to charging for an air tax. Ashanti was the vacation spot of choice for those that could afford to be here, both in terms of physical shape and monetary capabilities. In his walk to his chosen hotel, he saw no less than three Veithan holo-stars and about a dozen athletes. He enjoyed recognizing the women far more than the men.

It was not unsurprising to learn that since Ashanti was a spot where everyone wanted to be, its defenses were among the best in the Empire. Only the best military units were able to be based in Ashanti, and competition for the few slots that opened every year was fierce. The city itself possessed a state of the art defense and security system, which blended seamlessly with the beauty of the populace and the city itself. It took him roughly eighteen minutes to walk to his hotel, its location being ideal. It was at the edge of one of Ashanti’s best known beaches, a resort that favored the wealthy. He sighed softly when he reached his room, a smile and a thought of thanks exchanged with his guide there, a redhead with ample attributes. He slid within the door and closed it behind him, his eyes sliding about his surroundings. Jon Cameron had made good on his promise, it was not surprising. The director of intelligence always delivered on his promises. He lay on the bed for a moment, considering his next move for roughly one hundred and thirteen seconds.

He stood from the bed, stripped down and stretched slightly. His years working for the Order had made sure that his body would blend in nicely with the locals. He glanced at his reflection approvingly for a moment, a thin smile appearing on his lips. He was going to enjoy his vacation here. He left his room and walked towards the first floor, once there he made his way towards the beach. He had joked with the director that it would take him seven minutes to pick up some companionship after he hit the beach. The director had looked at him seriously and then stated that it would take him four minutes and eighteen seconds. When Avery found himself being approached by a blonde woman with blue eyes, he glanced down at his watch one of the few luxuries he had allowed himself to keep.

Four minutes, eighteen seconds. Son of a bitch…

Gladsheim Space

Lieutenant Juan B. Posada did not like to lose, but it was something that he was slowly but surely getting accustomed to in the games between the Veithan Empire and the Grand Empire. His squad was among the best in the Empire for station/ship boarding actions but the Grand Empire forces were still killing him and his men far more often than he and his men killed them. It was not terribly surprising really, the Gladsheim populace lived in space stations for fuck’s sake, but it did little to ease the sting of defeat. His squad and others had been training alongside the forces of the Grand Empire now that relations had warmed significantly between both nations. During his first day, he had claimed parity with the Grand Empire in his chosen field; the Grand Empire soldiers had simply smiled and taken it in stride. After the first eight games had gone two wins and six losses however, any delusions he may have had were quickly displaced.

It was not simply Grand Empire equipment of course; it was also a matter of training and familiarity. At first, he had suspected that the Grand Empire datanet was feeding the opposing forces information about his squad’s location and movements. While that was certainly possible, he had been assured by his commander and the Grand Empire equivalents that they were not using any undue advantage for these exercises. At first he had been hesitant to believe them, although his perception changed when the training was moved to a Veithan station. In the Veithan station, his squad had managed to come close to catching up with the Grand Empire, but in ten games they had still managed to only win four of the ten. He was by now growing quite accustomed at seeing Grand Empire power armor dart about the corridors around his squad as if they owned the place. The designs of the Grand Empire were more compact than the Veithan equivalents, managing to go places where anything but scout armor could not follow. It was infuriating! But, he had to admit that he was learning a lot more from his defeats than from any victories back home.

He sighed softly, lying back down upon his bunk bed as he tried to get some sleep. Tomorrow would be dominated by another series of games, and he had a feeling it would be more of the same. Nonetheless, he had spent a great deal of time planning out imaginative counters to some of the Grand Empire’s favored tactics. If he was lucky, his squad would take his opponents by surprise and garner the first winning record for the Empire since their arrival. It was not as if the other squads were doing much better either. His neural implants alerted him to a new message that had arrived for him. His mind going through the usual motions in order to access the information; the letter was from the Grand Empire’s team second lieutenant. He arched a brow as he read on, a thin smile upon his lips. Well, there was nothing in the regs against a midnight rendezvous. He mentally composed a reply and sent it on its way, sliding from the bed and walking straight towards the small shower which was integral to the room. If all went well, he was about to boldly go where no Veithan had gone before. Well, as far as he knew anyway.
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