STGOD 4 Game Thread

Marcao · Post by **Marcao** » 2004-07-13 10:34pm

Pirate Base World

The Draconis Landing Zone continued to absorb everything the planetary defenders could throw at them, soaking fire like a sponge. Nonetheless, that would not last forever. Every time that an independent shield collapsed, the Draconis troops that were exposed to fire tended to die violently. The Draconis Landing Zone was a pocket of hell and the sole reason why anything survived at all was the powerful but ever weakening shields which protected the troops from the wrath of planetary guns.

Under normal circumstances the pirate VTOL aircraft compared poorly with the Draconis fighter/bombers. However, these were not normal circumstances. The planetary surface especially around cities was dotted with a wide array of ECM generators. The interference of this generators was quite thorough; the Draconis decision not to engage them still costing them dearly. The Draconis fighter/bombers were having great difficulty picking up the VTOL aircraft with their sensors against the interference projected throughout the battlefields. Their decision to stay high helped in their defense but made it extremely difficult for them to find any of the incoming pirate forces which were flying at barely tree top level. Draconis anti-air fire proved mostly ineffective. In order for their fighter/bombers to engage the pirate VTOL’s they would need to come down lower, where high powered optics would be able to better find their targets. Of course, this also meant coming within range of planetary air defense. As long as the planetary ECM remained unhindered, the Draconis air force would have a difficult time locating its prey without risk.

The pirate VTOL force finally arrived within firing distance of the Draconis landing zone. It was immediately met by Draconis point defense fire; the ECCM of the troop transports was adequate to pick up the thermal signatures of the VTOL aircraft at this range. Of the 128 vessels, thirty two were destroyed out right within sight of their targets, although of these thirty two destroyed twenty one managed to fire their ordnance unhindered. The rest of the aircraft fired their own ordnance and ducked beneath trees and away from LOS of the Draconis landing zone over two dozen more falling to Draconis guns, their missiles a mixture of homing and hyperkinetic missiles screaming towards the Draconis landing zone, battering already weakened shields and destroying those unfortunate Draconis soldiers and equipment that were exposed to fire. The landing zone was by now scarred and bleeding, smoke from seemingly hundreds of nearby fires rising up into the skies and making exact targeting by both sides more difficult. Unfortunately for the Draconis, the planetary forces did not have to contend with their own ECM.

The survivors of the now battered wing and change sped back towards the nearest resupply base in order to rearm and refuel. The survivors were now quite aware of their own mortality, new courses plotted in order to take advantage of every existing nook and cranny the planet had to offer them.

14th and 15th Artillery Brigade

Upon arriving to their secondary firing points, the 14th and 15th immediately engaged the coordinates where the landing zone was supposed to be with renewed passion. There was no movement after the first salvo or the second or the third. Their new position was reinforced, close enough to a civilian population center that orbital bombardment was unlikely and protected by nearby units from air and counter artillery fire. Or so they thought. Mobile and stationary radar sites located in the surrounding area and a handful on the cities themselves went active, tracking the skies of their world unhindered by planetary ECM. The Draconis fighter bombers were detected as they plummeted towards their targets, and engaged by anti-air lasers as well as hypersonic missiles. The 14th and 15th Brigades were embraced by a relatively potent array of anti-air batteries, whose presence had not been detected until the moment they had begun to fire. Nonetheless, the Draconis drones were quick to react to their presence, and while many were destroyed, their surviving siblings made sure that the pirate forces on the ground paid a heavy toll for their transgressions.

Several plasma bombs broke through pirate defenses and fell upon their targets, with devastating results. Explosions bloomed along side the 14th Brigade, wrapping it in a fiery embrace which claimed half the brigade. Over fifty 20cm artillery pieces were destroyed; their loss registered instantly in the hive information structure of the planetary defense forces. The remaining forces were spared only due to the constrained radius of the explosives, the surviving artillery pieces forced to move within the borders of the nearby city for succor from Draconis fire. The 15th was not so lucky, its anti-air systems were lighter than the 14th, considering their location further away from any city proper. The 15th was located in the edges of a forest, and while they made Draconis fighters pay a high price for their attack, the 15th seized to be. Its presence fading in its entirety from the planetary information network with resigned finality.

12th and 13th Artillery Brigades

These twin brigades had been forced to realign themselves originally in order to accurately engage the draconis landing zone. However, they did not come alone and had been accompanied by an entourage of anti-air vehicles. The Draconis attacks once more came down, and once more the hurdles that their forces had to overcome proved difficult. Draconis fighter/bombers were plucked from the sky even as their plasma bombs sundered their targets. When the smoke cleared, both brigades were maimed but not killed and Draconis fighter craft littered the planetary surface, burning wrecks which represented the toll which the Draconis had to pay for each transgression, death paid for by death.

Planetary Command Center

The maiming of the 12th and 13th Artillery Brigades as well as the destruction of the 15th and the bruising of the 14th was distressing news. These brigades would continue to fire upon their target area but it would take a bit of effort, the morale of the planetary forces was always in the balance. The news that Draconis forces were unloading tanks was met with a frown, that was totally expected and planetary forces were already moving in division strength to try and seal of the area. Many areas had also been mined, thousands of such devices scattered over strategic locations. No, the battle was only beginning. The Draconis drid controlled sensor arrays which were dropped from the fleet, were tracked and targeted on their descent towards the landing zone. By this point, dedicated anti-air elements were close enough to the target to engage. Anti-air lasers and particle beams seethed towards these devices; destroying a great deal before they managed to reach the landing sites. The battle went on…

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-07-13 11:59pm

OOC: Remember, ECM is a double edged sword for your own forces, so long as they stay within range of the ECM their accuracy will also be decreased. The price you pay.

With the sundering of the artillery, the relentless barrage of fire slackened and the shields held for the time being. Dozens of fighter/bombers were the cost, however,they were unmanned and no loss of life was extant.

The Submarines were the next logical target. Missiles launched from orbit and guided by hovering fighters took care of any surface ships, they were in the middle of the ocean away from the civilian population. Low Radiation Nuclear Weapons were used to ensure their destruction.

Fighters then swooped down and plunged a small sonar system into the water, moving at slow speeds they located the bubmarines then the woundwaves echoed back, and fired specal torpedoes. These torpedoes were encased in a bubble of air and sped toward their targets at hundreds of kilometers per hour.

Only a few sensor arrays would be needed to defeat ECM at close range, and like a turtle lays many eggs in the hope that a few survive, so did the draconis release so many small probes that enough of them would survive. And survive they did.

The effective range of the active sensors to cut through ECM increased to the outskirts of the cities proper.

The Draconis were becoing sick of the loss of their own life. Limited bombardment of arillery within the cities was authorized, but only with upmost accuracy.

Specally designed missiles were brought from the cargo holds. These missiles, controlled by remote, had a camera installed that sent back a secure feed to the pilots via laser com, bounced from the orbiting ships to tke care of that planetary curve problem. Vision could beat any ECM, and dozens of them were fired upon pirate artillery brigades 12, 13, and 14. They maneuvered to evade incomming fire, and struct their targets with uncanny accuracy due to the fact that the pilots could see what they needed to hit.

Marcao · Post by **Marcao** » 2004-07-15 12:51am

Pirate Base World

OOC: Actually, I do not believe that is how it works. Friendly ECM does not hinder friendly forces. As such, your assertion is flawed.

~~~

The planetary situation was contained for the moment but only barely thus. The Draconis ferocity at dealing with the Artillery brigades which had hounded their landing zone began to hint at what the future had in store. Nonetheless, any panic or doubts were kept firmly within the minds and hearts of the command staffs buried far beneath the planetary surface. It was these people that coordinated the planetary defense, ordering colonels and majors to do what had to be done. Once repositioned, the demi-brigades which were the 12th, 13th and 14th began to fire once more, their MLRS vehicles finally reloaded and adding their own fire into the mix. The Draconis landing zone once more was sought to be transplanted into hell.

The captains of the submarines which had unloaded their munitions upon the enemy were not fools. There were no surface ships to be found, the pirate wet navy was composed entirely of modern submersibles. A surface navy was deemed both unnecessary and too exposed to the vagaries of combat to be of actual use. It took time for the Draconis fleet to triangulate where the cruise missiles had been launched from, time for Draconis drones to be redirected to investigate this new threat. By this time, the pirate submarines had dived deep, releasing a series of decoy drones which would sound to sonar equipment like the real thing. These decoy drones moving at a speed of well over forty knots were heading towards deeper waters, exactly how a real submarine would behave.

The Draconis supercavitating torpedoes found their marks and easily “destroyed” them, the ocean holding its breath afterwards. The actual submarines settled at the bottom of the ocean and waited patiently, eventually slipping into the depths at such low speeds that detection was extremely unlikely. They had done their task, and now sought to rearm. The oceans now belonged to their siblings which were even now, maneuvering into position.

The surviving Draconis arrays activated, allowing a substantial increase for their active sensors to penetrate through the planetary interference. Of course, this simply meant that the electronic battlefield had become a bit more even. Until the Draconis had the foresight to defeat the ECM exposed all over the country side, the electronic warfare for both sides would be difficult, but for the Draconis most of all. The Draconis landing zone was a pocket of fire, the planetary surface scarred and burning in many places for kilometers around. Each small fire marked the grave of a Draconis fighter/bomber or a pirate VTOL, a pirate artillery piece or a massive Draconis landing ship. Thick smoke arched upwards from hundreds of small wounds in the planet, darkening the skies above and adding even more obstructions to an already cloudy day.

The Draconis missiles were an important step in the right direction, a clever means to minimize the problems which planetary ECM offered guided ordnance. Nonetheless, it was not without its faults. The laser coms in each missile had to deal with atmospheric refraction, and the clouds and hundreds of funeral pyres only added to the difficult situation. Many missiles remotely controlled stumbled against each other as vision was obscured by thick black clouds of smoke and signals were refracted beyond recognition. Others slammed into the cities for similar reasons, fireballs blossoming alongside high rises and supermarkets. Nonetheless, the Draconis missiles and their handlers were skilled, and many of the missiles found their marks. The 14th seized to be anything more than a ragged collection of vehicles, the command structure of the demi-brigade sundered and the unit withdrawing even deeper into the nearby city in a near panic. The 12th was crippled, less than twenty percent of the vehicles surviving the enemy fire. The 13th fared best of all, although it also took a dreadful pounding at the hands of the missiles.

Planetary Command Center

Twenty fours had passed since the beginning of the invasion, and the Draconis had finally broken through the pirate defenses. The local planetary forces had exhausted themselves in their attempt to delay what was believed by many to being the inevitable. The 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th artillery brigades were either destroyed or so battered down that they barely counted as actual units. The information available to the command center was very thorough, and suggested that if all the surviving batteries were to be gathered in one place they would form little over a single brigade in strength; Over five hundred and eighty two artillery pieces and MLRS vehicles had been destroyed, the bulk of the local artillery forces. Other forces were being moved to compensate, but that took time. The target city could no longer be denied to the enemy. Nonetheless, the defense forces had fought admirably.

Three entire armored divisions as well as an armored infantry division had been committed to keeping the enemy landing zone at bay. These forces were thrown into the fire, backed up by the cruise missiles of six additional cruise missile carrying submarine units, over one hundred VTOL aircraft, and various other forces. The divisions named 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th had fought well, bleeding the enemy landing zones after the submarine launched cruise missiles had cracked the Draconis landing zone at last. It was amazing what over eight hundred cruise missiles could accomplish, especially when many of those had been nuclear tipped. It had been with the destruction of the second wave of Draconis invaders that the tide had finally shifted. A moment of triumph changing to one of surprise as the Draconis appalled at losing over found hundred thousand troops and their precious equipment finally awoke from their reverie.

ECM weapons were finally employed in the proper numbers, their bursts disabling ECM generators located all around the landing zone and extending to the edges of the cities proper. Even as the ECM flayed pirate defenses and destroyed sensitive equipment, the Draconis third wave finally entered the fray en masse. Only twenty percent of the Draconis transports were destroyed before landing, too many radar sites and ECM generators had been destroyed by the ECM bombardment. The Draconis forces fresh and angered at what had occurred to the first two waves had fought with wild abandon, and had made short work of the Pirate divisions meant to contain them. Two of the six submarines were eventually hunted down and killed, with the pirate VTOL force suffering sixty percent loss ratios.

The defenses around the landing zone collapsed, pirate units retreating in a barely organized manner as they sought shelter in the nearby city. Some pirate forces in their haste to reach the city moved over pirate minefields, destroyed by their own weapons. Nonetheless, even as the forces retreated they made life for the Draconis difficult. The rear guard performed admirably, key bridges destroyed and minefields utilized to good effect. Nonetheless, the truth could no longer be denied. The Draconis had a stable foothold in the planet, and the pirate forces would not have sufficient forces to contain them for sometime. That had been fact eight hours ago. Pirate forces continued to flood in through a variety of means, chief among them being underground mag-rails but there were others. The Draconis had suffered over half a million casualties in securing a foothold to the planet. Now, they were to dance with the devil in the target city of their choice. The Draconis forces were within line of sight of their target, the city standing proudly although some parts of it burned where “precision” artillery strikes from the Draconis had scared streets and buildings.

The third phase would begin now. Orders were given out, and within the target city thousands checked their arms. Deep breaths taken, reassurance offered from one to another. When the Draconis came, they would be welcomed not with words, but fire; Hundreds of terrible smiles gracing pirate lips as they considered the battle that was to come.

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2004-07-15 04:16am

Amarr Prime

“Can we win?” The Emperor glared through the commlink to Grand Admiral Thurson

“No.”

“What shall we do?”

“What we have always done, my lord. We shall die to defend you.” The Admiral, the Champion of Amarr, stood fast. He could not hold back the forces of the United Protectorate, he knew that to be true. The blasphemers would win this battle, and crush all the Empire had built. This was certain. What remained to be determined was how much they would lose in the process.

Amarrian ships glimmered from ambient radiation in the void. The resplendent gold hue of the fleet was lost on the long-range scanners and other data systems that would be used to control the battle. The Amarr ships were a stark contrast to the invading vessels. While the Protectorate forces relied primarily on kinetic weaponry, the Amarr ships were almost exclusively energy based, and their defenses naturally followed to defend first and foremost against their primary weapon of choice. This was not going to be a long, drawn out affair, but rather something quick and brutal, for both sides.

The frigates clustered around the cruisers, which clustered around the flagship, the Spear of Destiny. Heavy scrambling was initiated, supported by the Crucifiers. Fighter Drones were launched from all available ships, orbital, and sub-orbital defense bases. A signal was given to a group of ships outside the current battle, encrypted tightbeam comms, routed through a complex satellite network. A surprise was coming, not to win the day, but to make the victory just that much more bitter for the invaders.

The Admiral addressed the fleet.

“Men, you know as well as I do that the situation is grim. The slaves revolt on the ground, massed, organized, raping and pillaging our homes. From above, a moral nation has decided to aid the plight of the soulless beasts of burden that are trying to throw off their yoke.”

“Make no mistake. They mean to destroy us, to destroy everything we have built, and to give it to the slaves! They want to break our peoples and return us to the dirt, so that we might serve them. We cannot allow this to come to pass without testing their mettle! They mean to enslave us, to bind us to their will? They must show us their quality! They must show us how they bleed! They must show us how they die! Let us see if they can stomach our two bloods, let by our hate!”

“Now! Fight for your families! Fight for your lands! Fight for your Emperor! FIGHT FOR AMARR!”

(OOC: to complete the look...
Amarr Imperial Fleet

1 Armageddon Class Battleship

2 Maller Class Heavy Cruisers
6 Omen Class Cruisers
2 Augoror Light Cruisers
2 Arbitrator Light Carriers

2 Malediction Class Elite Frigates
3 Crusader Class Elite Frigates
10 Punisher Class Heavy Frigates
5 Inquisitor Class Missile Frigates
5 Crucifier EW Frigates
10 Executioner Light frigates)

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-07-15 08:33pm

Hotfoot wrote:The frigates clustered around the cruisers, which clustered around the flagship, the Spear of Destiny. Heavy scrambling was initiated, supported by the Crucifiers. Fighter Drones were launched from all available ships, orbital, and sub-orbital defense bases. A signal was given to a group of ships outside the current battle, encrypted tightbeam comms, routed through a complex satellite network. A surprise was coming, not to win the day, but to make the victory just that much more bitter for the invaders.

Admiral Tzu nodded, it was what he had hoped for. He had studied Amarr and knew them well, they were brutal bastards who had built their systems on the broken backs of slaves. There was little the Amarr wouldn't stoop to. Tradition called for a short speech to the fleet, so Tzu gave one.

"Gentlemen and Ladies, we fight slavers, murders and rapist who cloak their action under a twisted idealogy and perverted regilion. Today, we smash that. You are members of one of the best Navies in the Galaxy, professals who know your duty. For Union, Liberty and God, let us begin." The Admiral nodded that would do. He turned to the job at hand.

"Admiral, Scrembling detected, it's better than what we thought, but nothing on the Krynor, shouldn't be to bad. However we are at 67% sensor ability." The report came from his crew.

"To the Captain, began jamming, deploy drone decoys. Relay to fleet." Admiral Tzu ordered. His orderly came up wearing a hardsuit and carrying a helmet. Most UP navy personnal went to battle wearing hard suits for protection against the dangers of battle. However Admiral Tzu wore only his nano harden uniform and a helmet. While it protected him against radition and provided oxygen, it would be no protection against fire or sharpel. Tzu was constantly repremanded for his display of audicity and disrespect for Murphy, but it had become a part of his legend and a part of 3rd fleet.

Through out the fleet jammers snapped up, dueling with Amarr sensors to disrupt, scramble or outright give Amarr the lie. Drones, almost half ton ones for the Rebecca Carriers and Kincad Dreadnoughts, deployed, their computers doing the best sensor imatation of their parent ships possible futher confusing the issue.

"Sir, scans show pre-plot for mirco jump are good. Shall we jump?"

"Negative, wait. They might have a interdictor field ready to go, we don't want to be scattered." Admiral Tzu replied.

"Sir about 40 cargo ships detected in Amarr orbit."

"Patch me through."

"Sir Comm is up" Reported the Comm officer.

"This is United Protectrates Navy, Admiral Tzu, 3rd fleet, to Cargo Ships in Amarr orbit and nearby. You are to leave the system or be counted hostile. We will destory any and every ship counted hostile. Out." Admiral Tzu spoke clearly, calmly and in a voice has cold has the void itself. He was not bluffing.

The fleet cruised forward reaching range quickly. Admiral Tzu waited until optimal range was reached. The fleet halted arraying itself.

"3 Salvos. Targets Alpha Beta Zero, Fighters lauch at will. Mark." He ordered.

Missles Pods and Tubes lobbed out their contents, the first salvo of 5,802 missles screamed forward, the second of 3,130 roared out .7 seconds later, the thrid a .7 seconds after that.

A fourth of those missles were electronic warfare missles. Their computers casting jamming waves and decoy signals to fool the point defense of the Amarr defenses. They raced forward lunging at their targets.

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2004-07-17 08:28pm

The missiles were expected, any naval commander worth his salt would open with an initial salvo. The sheer numbers, however, caused the Amarr Admiral to curse under his breath. He had heard of the power of the United Protectorates, but this was the first, and clearly last time he would see it.

Orders were given. Ships were moved into position. Overlapping fields of point defense would try to hold back as many of the missiles as possible, but the would get through. The initial salvo would cripple numerous ships, stations, and satellites. From all appearances, it looked like the Amarr fleet would try to weather the storm for as long as possible. Of the civilian ships, a few stood down, but many remained where they were. It was to be expected. Wealthy landowners controlled the helms of the ships, and they stood to face death or imprisonment if they lost. It was better to die dragging ones enemies to hell with you than to die a coward.

“Now.”

The utterance of one word became a catalyst that caused a reaction within every ship in the Amarr fleet. A micro-jump was made, leaving already launched fighters behind. Of the cargo ships that joined the fleet, two specially modified cargo ships mounting interdiction technology joined in the micro-jump, part of the last ditch Amarr plan. They would all die, but this would turn a total rout into a bloody victory for the United Protectorates.

The ships exited the jump at point blank range with the Protectorate fleet. Interdiction fields were ignited. The cargo ships would be made into priority targets almost undoubtedly, which would give the warships more time to inflict damage on the Protectorate ships.

Invisible lances of coherent light raged forth from the Amarr fleet, co-mingled with the Golden Imperium’s own missile barrages, a mere fraction of the salvos the Protectorate had brought to the fight, but considerable in itself. Escorts were primary targets for the Amarr fleet, and every kiloton of firepower was directed towards the lighter, more fragile aspects of the Protectorate fleet, with point defense fire and anti-ordnance missiles focusing on any fighters that threatened the fleet.

The remaining FTL-capable cargo ships made their way towards the cruiser scale ships at full burn, filled to beyond capacity with innocent lives and warheads. The living fire ships were more an attempt to demoralize than any real attempt to destroy ships. Screams of the condemned filled the open communication channels.

Meanwhile, at the abandoned rally point, the Protectorate missiles were finding their marks, obliterating the remaining defenses with relative ease without the point defense firepower of the main Amarr fleet there to assist. By the time the third salvo hit, the entire quadrant of the orbital defenses were effectively cleared.

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-07-18 05:04pm

Mark class Destorier exploded 2000 kms to the starboard side of Secessionist Bane. A David class cruiser stormed forward avenaging her little sister's death by slaughting the pair of Inquistor frigates that had done the deed. She staggered afterwards,damaged, her sister ships attmepting to screen her from the Omen that had swooped down, attracted by the smell of weakness.

The Amarr missles mostly hit and savaged the the drone decoys. Shedding their systems even has they continued to call attention to to themselves, a siren's call upon the sensors of the missles. However despite that, despite the myraid of other defenses the UP fleet had, some hits got through. The Moshie class battlecrusier Terror of Tyrants took 2 hits losing 3 of her forward guns. She stormed forward in fury with missles and remaining guns blazing, venting rage against a Maller class heavy crusier. A trio Punishers attempted to block her advance only clash with Luke and John class frigates covering the attack.

510 fighters had been launched by the UP. A 195 of them were Space Superiority fighters, fighters designed to kill the larger Cap and Ships of the line. Swarming through and around the Amarr formation they knife dueled the point defenses and ECM of the Amarr ships concenrating on the Crucifer Ew frigates and interdictor ships. The Interceptors fighters were designed to kill enemy fighters and shield the Space Superiority fighters. They were however quite capable of pulling down heavily damaged or crippled ships and did so. Mosty they used the EW equipment on their ships to shield the Space Superiority fighters and help duel with the defenses.

Aborad the Flag bridge of the Secessionist Bane, Admiral Tzu gave his orders. Encrpyted Orders went out.

"To Commodore Nickles, he is to take his Crusier Group and engage and destory incoming ships, they are to be considered hostile and dangerous. Commodores Hatchback and Nichovich are to shift over and flank the enemy to shild his advance. Ships in both Dreadnought groups are to form up on me and Union Forever, we are going to head into the enemy and destory that Battleship."

"Sir those Cargo ships have," A Comm officer began to protest, he was cut off by the Admiral however.

"I am aware of that. However it's clear that if I allow those ships into range it will result in more death. Should I kill more poeple in order to allow those poor souls 10 more minutes of terror? Send the order."

Commodore Nickles was a member of the House family, a cousin of the current House Lord Nickles. Like the majority of his family, he stood closer to 7ft than to 6 and was has dark has his uniform. He gave his orders in a calm, level voice. He could hear the screams of the poor souls that Amarr was attempting to use has human shields. He was not unmoved, but has far has he considered them, they were already dead.

His fifteen ships, lead by his Moshie class battle crusier, were on the flank of the fleet and thus found it easy to break away from the action. The fourty five ships shifting to cover them easyly beat off any others who objected. Missles were primed and perpared for volley fire.

Meanwhile 40 ships grouped togather smashed into the center of the Amarr fleet, hunting the Armageddon Class Battleship. The sheer firepower of the Dreadnought groups were able to swat away any smaller group of pertensious challengers has they steamrolled forward.

Murazor · Post by **Murazor** » 2004-07-19 08:43pm

frigidmagi wrote:"None."

"Then if it is posible, I would enormously enjoy the privilege of talking with you until the treaty is ready. Our nations have a great deal to learn of each other and my people has always been eager to learn what we do not know." said the Councilor.

Marcao · Post by **Marcao** » 2004-07-19 09:05pm

Pirate Fleet
Known Space

Thirty hours had passed since the fleet had been expulsed from its base of operations. During the last six hours, various members of the fleet had begun to open communications with trusted representatives of other pirate groups. The results were mixed, as could be easily discerned by listening to various conversations between pirate fleet representatives and their counter parts. Nonetheless, most were interested in what they had to say and some had decided to play along.

Voice 1: “Yes, I am well aware of the fact that your people do not owe us anything. Don’t look at it as a demand, it is not. Consider it an opportunity, we take nearly all the risk. You reap considerable rewards…”

Voice 2: “So what do you get out of it?”

Voice 1: “Isn’t it obvious? Anything that harms the Draconis is our gain. Furthermore, by making them believe that we are mightier than we are, we force them to stretches their forces thin or abandon the attempt. Either way, we benefit.”

Voice 2: “I see. I cannot promise anything, but I will make the pitch. I will get back to you in two hours.”

Voice 1: “I look forward to hearing from you again.”

And the pattern went on, the pirate plans were secretive at this stage, but the offer was enticing and already a handful of groups had accepted the terms. Others had refused, but that had been expected. All that was left now was for the information necessary for the plan to work to be made available. Already a myriad of information dealers and agents were being contacted. When the pirate fleet moved, it would do so with the latest intelligence…

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-07-21 03:30am

The main cities would be a major poiunt of contention. The massive army first set to work destroying the roadways and surface railroads using fighter launched bombs. Not those in the city proper, but the roadway that could be used to bring in troops.

Seisic sensors were set up around the permimeter, and wuld be able to detect underground troop movements, as they would be much deeper than surface movements.

In the staging area, the smaller lighter troops of the draconis republic switched on their saving grace. A nearly full cloaking device built into their light crystaline armor. It featured a small anti-grave device, just enough to offset the armor, it was a light bender, and thus was nearly invisible to anything that scanned in the visible, UV, IR or even Radio spectrums. ANd it blocked most heat. Seismics however, were still a problem and during rapid movement they could be caught on motion or even with the unaided eye at very close "knife at your throat range" if they were moving. Slight shimmering.

(I am dirt tired and have to get up in the morning, you will get more then)

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2004-07-21 02:26pm

Murazor wrote:Embassy District shuttle port, Nashtar

"Hopefully my stay will make it possible a greater... understanding? I fear that I am not completely familiar with the complexity of your language. A greater understanding among our nations, I mean. In answer to your question, my suit is a complete life-support unit. I won't need anything for as long as its energy reserves last and they will last for several of your days." The Ethereal said while doubtfully reaching out his own right arm for a handshake. "Handshake... Yes, I remember now. My species lacks greeting gestures that you would be able to imitate and I think that handshaking will suffice and it will be less uncomfortable for my human hosts. As soon as you are ready, I will be ready and eager to start our negotiations."

"Of course, Ambassador. We could arrange an airtight-sealed embassy building with the atmospheric composition of your choice should you wish it during your stay or if a more permanent ambassador should require it. In the meantime, though, let's get off this landing pad." The Zambaran's fur rippled as he signaled to the leader of the Embassy Marine honor guard to lead off. The party went towards the nearest conference building for the negotiations.

Murazor · Post by **Murazor** » 2004-07-22 08:28pm

Rogue 9 wrote:"Of course, Ambassador. We could arrange an airtight-sealed embassy building with the atmospheric composition of your choice should you wish it during your stay or if a more permanent ambassador should require it. In the meantime, though, let's get off this landing pad." The Zambaran's fur rippled as he signaled to the leader of the Embassy Marine honor guard to lead off. The party went towards the nearest conference building for the negotiations.

Dertorian followed the Zambaran and the honor guard off the spaceport and into the conference building.
"I hope that a permanent and friendly relationship among our nations will be created soon. After long years of isolation from the affairs outside our star cluster, we have awakened to find ourselves alone in the conflictive place that is Known Space. Your nation has a reputation of being both fair and honourable and for such qualities, we would be glad to earn your friendship"

Marcao · Post by **Marcao** » 2004-07-25 12:05am

Pirate Base World

The main cities of a civilized planet are always the hubs of activity containing within the highest concentration of population and as a direct result infrastructure. The cities would be absolutely crucial for the Draconis occupation of the world. Unsurprisingly, they were also among the most heavily defended structures both externally and internally. The Draconis forces had the enviable task of dealing with the enemy within the cities and around them while limiting the damage they did to the structures themselves. Without the usage of a strong EMP bombardment, the forces within the cities were relatively untouched and their equipment was all fully operational.

The destruction of the roadways was expected, although the Draconis had an enviable choice to make. If they wanted to destroy every roadway and surface railway capable of ferrying troops and equipment, they would have to decimate the transportation systems around the cities. In doing so, they would make it difficult if not impossible for the remaining civilians within the cities to be evacuated away from the cities themselves. Since the start of hostilities, civilian vehicles and others not so civilian had taken to the roads as they evacuated the cities. The evacuation had been successful for the most part, leaving behind only those too poor to leave the cities or unwilling for whatever reasons to go. Nonetheless, destroying the roads and railways proved to be difficult without incurring undue civilian casualties. It was done however, slowly but surely and within the span of a few hours, railways were gutted in dozens of places as well as most major roads. It would certainly prove to be an inconvenience to the pirate forces.

The seismic sensors managed to pick up a great deal of underground activity, but they were unable to accurately determine whether the movements were civilian or military in nature. That there was an extensive underground network was readily apparent, much more than that however was difficult to immediately ascertain. If the Draconis forces wanted to accurately determine the nature of the underground railway systems, they would have to put people on the ground and see if they could make their way down into the depths.

The pirate forces had no idea of the general capabilities of Draconis ground forces. They were however well aware of some of the technologies which powered armor tended to incorporate. Various powers utilized “chameleon fields” into their suits or adaptive camouflage in order to trick the visual sensors of their enemies. As such, new tactics had arisen. Thankfully, these options were still available to the defenders since the Draconis had made a series of tactical blunders early in the engagement.

The primary line of defense around the cities proper were intensive mine fields, which had been deployed through a variety of means. Some of the minefields had existed before the attack and were only now activated remotely, others had been scattered over the area through MLRS systems. These mines were up to galactic standard, mostly manufactured from a wide array of separate nations. After the minefields, armored vehicles such as two hundred ton MBT and smaller IFV’s had been positioned within the cities proper. These armored vehicles were backed by a large amount of infantry utilizing a mixture of powered and unpowered armor. The roofs of a myriad of buildings had been designated as sniper nests, heavy weapons were skillfully placed wherever they could be used to the fullest. In the end, all that was left was to wait for the Draconis to come and hope that their attacks were repulsed long enough for the cities to be reinforced. The Pirate Navy was talked about in hushed whispers, but no one in the ground dared to expect them to return at any time soon. Their world would be won or lost on the ground…

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2004-07-27 12:39am

Military Drydock #2, Orodan

Captain Benz looked out the shuttle’s windows at his stricken ship, held within the vast expanse of one of Orodan’s large drydocks. The rear port quarter of the Gladius was covered in busy workers wearing vacuum suits busily removing twisted and burned hull plating from the hole where the Machine destroyer had rammed his ship at Gamma 2197 during his desperate attempt to relieve the Dauntless. He closed his eyes and shuddered at the memory of the shaking of the deck beneath his feet at the moment of impact, and the shouted damage reports coming in from all over the ship.

The shuttle slowed and turned towards the massive wall of the drydock, making for one of the docking clamps and airlock sets built into the inside of the structure for the use of worker transports. Captain Benz released the safety restraints as the small shuttle was secured and went forward to the airlock. He ducked through the door seal into the gantry and walked briskly towards the far end.

He was met there by a burly man in the uniform of the Orodan dock workers. He was a grizzled man, with a robotic prosthetic leg. “Hello, Captain. I’m Roger Helming, shift foreman.”

Benz nodded. “Permission to come aboard, Foreman?”

“Yes sir, of course,” the man nodded, stepping aside to allow the captain of the Gladius more space to walk by. “The work is going well, considering,” he continued, falling into step behind the captain. “I’ve never seen a hole so big in one of the Claymore class before, sir. The old Liberty class, they’d have problems like this all the time after battles; that’s why they were retired, but something to do that to a Claymore’s armor will usually have a big enough warhead to destroy the ship outright.”

“Destroyers usually don’t have warheads in and of themselves, Mr. Helming; if they did, the Gladius would be scrap and I would probably be dead.”

“Aye, that’s so. As it stands, the armor is doing its job all too well now; we’re having difficulty removing the ruined pieces to make way for replacement.” The foreman slowed and took a corridor to the right. “And as for the hydraulic bracing… Well sir, see for yourself.” He stopped in front of a viewing window overlooking a workroom one deck below.

In that room sat three of the massive support struts used in the Republic’s large ship classes, but these three were twisted almost beyond recognition. Designed to brace the ship’s hull against impact and built with hydraulics to let them have some give to prevent snapping and allow them to move back into place, the struts had simply been overwhelmed. They had been smashed like soda cans, the hydraulics pressed to the stops and beyond, rupturing under the pressure. “All the bracing in that section needs to be replaced. It’s designed to brace against hull damage from missile and mass driver impacts. An entire destroyer hitting the hull at flank speed was simply too much.” The foreman looked sympathetically at the captain, who was now holding onto the railing in front of the window. “The work will take another five and a half to six months at least. I’m sorry, sir. I know what its like to lose a ship, even temporarily. I was executive officer on the Yorktown when it engaged the New Beijing taskforce over Holdfast, 25 years ago next week. I’m sure you know the story.”

Benz looked at the grizzled overseer anew, and not without some sense of wonderment. “You’re Commander Helming? The one who…”

“I was once, Captain,” he said. “I was the commander who saw through the conqueror’s ruse and guessed where the invasion fleet would strike; who convinced his captain to take his task force and wait, and who as a result got his ship blown nearly in half by two NBA battleships that were not expected to join the party. I lost my ship and a third of my crew on that day, and they give me a damned medal for it!”

Captain Benz looked at the outburst in silence, until that last. “That’s not why they gave you the Medal of Honor, commander. You were granted it because you saved Holdfast from being overrun. But for your actions, the world would have been taken, crushed, and added to the New Beijing Alliance. Today, they are prosperous and independent because of you.”

Holdfast was an independent world, colonized by humans who lived peaceably with the native Braakil race. It had been targeted for conquest 25 years prior by the NBA, just an inconsequential land grab in the eyes of that empire, but to the people of Holdfast, it was understandably something far more important. Their fledgling fleet didn’t stand a chance, and so they had appealed to the Republic for help. The Republic honored its longstanding policy of defending threatened independent worlds, and sent a fleet. Initial probing raids had been aimed towards a solar north approach, but one battlecruiser’s executive officer had felt something wrong with the raid pattern, and convinced his captain to keep his squadron closer to the planet. The idea had paid off, allowing the three battlecruisers and accompanying lighter ships to drive upon the NBA troop transports when they came in on the system’s planetary axis and prevent a concentrated landing, but at the cost of the Yorktown, which had fallen under the guns of two battleships that had not been expected to appear. Those ships were subsequently forced to retreat by the intervention of the Dauntless and Warrior, and the invasion fleet had retreated largely intact but in disarray, sparing Holdfast from conquest. The XO who predicted the real approach pattern was honored by both Nashtar and Holdfast. The incident was a large factor in the Republic Space Command’s decision to bring the Liberty class off of front line duty and the subsequent Congressional decision to decommission the entire class of battlecruisers.

“They’re prosperous and independent, but I still killed every crewman in sections 11 through 17 to make them so, sir. I still question whether it was worth it all; as I’m sure you must have when you saw that damned destroyer come bearing down on you.” The old veteran turned to the young captain at that. “It’s a question I fear I’ll never answer, sir.” He began to walk back towards the airlocks. “Now we’ll go over to your ship and take a look at the damage if you’d like. At least yours will move again, though it didn’t look good at first. The breached decks are mostly…”

Benz put a hand on the man’s shoulder. “Your question,” he said, “is one that you have to answer for yourself. But my answer is worded best in the fourth verse of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Regardless, you did not kill your men. The NBA fleet did, in an attempt to steal the land, lives, and livelihood of an independent people.” He shook his head sadly. “I’m sorry for your loss, but the people of Holdfast are infinitely the better for it. I find it makes it more bearable to remember what we fought for. If you had not done what you did, the people of Holdfast would have been attacked, conquered, and subjected to the brutal rule of Communism. Had I not done what I did, the Dauntless would have floundered.”

“The Dauntless picked up my escape pod that day…”

“Did she? Well, I’m glad she was there, and glad that she’ll serve again. What was it on her sensor replacement? Two months?”

“Aye, I think it was.”

“Well, Captain Corcoran will be very glad to get his ship back, as I’ll be glad to return to mine. Thank you for helping to do this for her. Now, let’s go see to the damage.” The two men continued on to the inspection shuttle.

Military Drydock #47, Orodan

Commander Coleman stared bleakly at the bow of his destroyer, the Antares – or at least where the bow used to be. The front end of his ship had been literally torn off by fire from a cruiser at Gamma 2197 towards the end of the battle. Everything forward of Section 5 and the torpedo launchers had torn free of the ship, and the workmen were removing most of Section 6 to expose undamaged plating to fit the new bow to. His ship would be in the repair dock for as long as the Gladius. It was a good thing that he’d nearly emptied the torpedo magazine in that desperate running battle; had his own warheads added to the explosion, his ship would likely have been torn to shreds. After the bow was cleaned up and the other battle damage repaired, the destroyer would actually be moved to a construction shipyard to have the bow rebuilt, rather than remaining in the repair yard.

Construction Shipyards #7 and #8, Orodan

The last two new capital ships to be added to the RSC were finally completed. The battleship Falchion and the heavy carrier Outbound were christened and launched side by side, moving off past the other shipyard berths currently working on cruisers and destroyers for a joint shakedown cruise. Outbound would join Fifth Fleet when it was pronounced fit for operations, and the Falchion was to be assigned to Fourth.

On board the Outbound, Captain Rraskinar settled down into the captain’s chair and took a moment to enjoy the new ship smell before turning his attention to directing his ship out of Orodan’s orbit. Newly promoted Rear Admiral Green would transfer his flag to the Outbound after the shakedown and take his place leading Fifth Fleet’s newly minted Third Carrier Battle Group. Really the new unit’s name was just a formality.
Every ship for the CBG had been with the fleet for quite some time; they just hadn’t had a third heavy carrier. Rraskinar looked out the forward viewscreen at the Journeyman and Scimitar, heading out of the system after their own shakedown cruises. He remembered that the Scimitar had been tasked to reinforce the garrison at Pinnacle in the absence of the Dauntless rather than staying with Second Fleet here at Orodan as originally planned. Sure enough, traffic control data relayed between the monolithic warships indicated that the Scimitar was bound for the Pinnacle corridor. His ship was already well clear of the battleship’s path, so the Zambaran merely watched as it broke off from the Journeyman and streaked out of sight. The Journeyman went the other way, and soon jumped out towards Nashtar, there to join the First Fleet garrison at the capital.

Rraskinar turned away from the viewscreen. “Helm, Conn. Come port to heading 163, all ahead two thirds. Engineering, I want a constant watch on the engine and reactor states. If there’s any sign of trouble, shut them down. Communications, signal the Falchion to follow as able.” A chorus of ayes answered him as the carrier surged forward. In three days they would begin flight operations, after they’d checked out all the essential systems on the ship itself. For now, the carrier ran on empty bays, which would not be filled until after the doors and atmospheric containment fields had been thoroughly tested. Before that happened, the guns would be fired on target drones and asteroids, the hyperdrive would be tested, sensors calibrated, and all the other miscellaneous tasks required to certify a warship ready for operations completed. The crew set to work. The next week would be very busy indeed.

Jaded Masses · Post by **Jaded Masses** » 2004-07-27 07:18pm

The Psilons had been very quiet in the past chaotic months, rumor had it that there was a rebellion in home-space, and the Empire was tied up dealing with it. But what ever was the cause of their silence, had been removed. Ready again to take up an involvement in galactic affairs, and honor its membership in the alliance, The Psilons sent out diplomatic convoys to other members, to let them know that Psilons were active again.

In Psilon space, people rejoiced as previous boundaries between the interstellar nations were taken down a notch. In their joy, military membership was sky high, and training centers were fit to burst, not to mention the the industrial boost as companies and more and more work, to keep up with the consuming nature of the military.

(((OOC: yeah, its been a few weeks since I returned, cut me some slack

. So what are is going on, and whats the alliance up to?))))

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2004-08-02 01:59am

Endgame's Beginning

Rumours had spread. As the Ouster war-fleets returned, one by one, to the mass of stone, steel, and clustered life that was Eketrina, the eyes of every intelligence agency worth it's salt, and many that weren't, turned towards the False World that had blossomed in high orbit of the border-world of Hudson. The strings of freighters linking the Hajr fortress to it's myriad colonies had grown, becoming a vast torrent. The activity around the central fortresses had doubled and then re-doubled. Massive new foundries and zero-g factories had sprouted, fed from almost three score systems. Local trade increased, and Hudson's quiet cities became racaous dens of free traders and floater nomads.

One thing accompanied the increase of activity here in the heart of the Hajr's invasion: across the rest of their vast territories, the mighty war fleets melted away. Only token patrol forces remained. Pirates, who had vacated the areas in search of greener pastures after the sheer brutality of Ouster justice had taken hold, had begun to slink back into the Diaspora's territory.

Across known space, rumours sprouted like weeds. The Void Barbarians have packed up, and are retreating back to the Rim. No, the White Floaters are preparing to defend us all against a new Machine menace. No! The Ousters are preparing to strike against New Beijing! or Trondheim! or Nashtar! No, no, you've got it wrong- they are hitting Earth herself! With the Vampires! with the Veithans! With a massive fleet of unstoppable ships like none seen before!

Some, drunk and sullen, mumbled that the Ousters would be coming for us next. Some of them would be right.

Intelligence operatives spoke to their masters. The truths and untruths they spoke were more flowery, and more proffesional, than the ones boasted about by besotted spacers in cheap dives, but they were hardly more accurate. Handlers sweated in dark rooms beneath imposing buildings, trying to figure out what the invaders were doing. Why a complete fleet resupply? Why now? Why leave their vast holdings largely unprotected?

It was nonsensical.

It ceased.

Lights dimmed. Thrusters died. The nuclear fires of a hundred foundries and workshops began to cool.

Above Eketrina, a great fleet hung, motionless and black amongst the stars. Vast 'tenders dotted the sky, each one fat with grey-armored figures, stuffed with the cargo needed to invade a dozen worlds. Sleek attack carriers stood in the middle of vast formations of escorts and cruisers, their hulls packed with nachtjagers and aesirschreks.
The brutally armed and armored Cataphracts, each one baring a name as arrogant as it's open gunports, rotated slowly. It was an awe-inspiring sight. Fuzzy telescope images from the assorted spies and agents shot across the com lines from Hudson to various national capitals. The cluster of faint lights their handlers saw was no match for the view the Speaker enjoyed as she sat in state in her private chambers, with their broad windows overlooking the assembly field. Around her hung the Council, their eyes fixed firmly on the display of deadly power.

Not one of them displayed emotion. Their faces were fixed, awestruck, on the fleet- as it broke apart, split, and then began to move.

Plumes of gridfire, kicked up by the sudden activation of Kincaid drives, turned the cold black and light into a chaos of sleeting radiation and twisted reality.

The fleet was gone from Eketrina.

Behind the Speaker's throne, in the shadows, a smile like razor blades glittered.

Bugsby · Post by **Bugsby** » 2004-08-02 10:18am

The shuttle was small and uncomfortable. Faran Tor could only count out three steps from one bulkhead to another as he paced back and forth, his mind whirling. He had so much to do, so much to think on. Business, pleasure, and politics were all crashing down on his head in a way that he had neve thought possible ten years ago. Back then he had been in business for himself. Back then he had kept a low profile. Back then he had been happy. But then Adar Krell had paid him a visit, and now he was stuck in a position of authority, and he had new problems all around.

His current destination was Ravenlock space. After the massive success of the Krell delegation at the Ravenlock trade fair, there was a call to set up a permanent diplomatic/negotiation post in Ravenlock space. Any minor official in his office could have done the job, but Faran had taken it upon himself. These Ravenlock were excellent businessmen, and Faran wanted to make sure that the Krell got what they deserved out of any negotiations that were sure to take place in setting up a Krell office. The Krell would have to pay to break into the market, and Faran wanted to make sure that price was as small as possible. According to the mission statement he filed with Adar, that was the most important reason for leaving. In actuality, it was the least important.

Higher on his personal list was a checkup on Yrt. He had been in the care of the Veithans for the last three months, and, according to the occasional reports he had seen, should be nearly done with his training. Through the close relations between Ravenlock and Veitha, Faran should be able to get a good idea of what was happening and when the Combine's top agent would be back in the field.

Another reason for this visit was political. In recent months, the Krell had been seen more and more as a tool of the Monacorans. The UPA was unwilling to even speak to the Combine offices since the destruction of the Arcanists. And the Ousters and Vampires didn't talk to anyone. Opening up stronger relations with a member of the Veithan bloc would help maintain the Combine's precious neutrality.

There were other things at hand here, too. Personal matters. To a certain extent, Faran just wanted to get away from Krell. His boss's dimentia had gotten worse, not better, as time passed. Some strange personal agenda of Adar's had kept interfering with Faran's own plans for business, and it was getting irritating. In many ways, this business trip was something of a vacation.

There had been only one reason to stay back, a reason so good that he still felt like turning the shuttle back around and heading to the Nexus. Trilla. In the months since the Rape, Trilla had become softer in many ways. She had always been cooly disapproving of Faran and his methods, but since that day when he had saved her life she had warmed to him significantly. They knew each other much better now, and had quickly become the best of friends, maybe even something more. And now... well, he didn't know exactly what was going on between them. There had just been one kiss, as Faran had left to board the shuttle back on the Nexus. And now he wouldn't see her in person for another month, maybe more. Well, if this assignment took too long, he might find some way to get her to come out and visit. But why would a scientist have any reason to come to Ravenlock space? Maybe to study the Ravenlock technology. That soulcatching thing seemed pretty-

A buzzer went off on the pilot console and Faran quickly slipped into the seat, refastening his crash webbing. He was coming up on Ravenlock space. His computer was in touch with the Ravenlock NavData system, and the onboard computer made the necessary recalculations for a pinpoint re-entry based on the latest planetary data. Seconds later, he reverted to realspace.

His was a lone shuttle, small enough that it wouldn't need a full escort, like Adar had wanted to give him. He was well inside the Ravenlock defensive grid, and began transmitting the IFF signal that the Ravenlock had told him to use. He wanted to appear as friendly as possible. He had heard the rumors of the insane Ravenlock admiral, and did not want to take any chances.

"This is Krell Officer Faran Tor requesting permission to land for trade negotiations." His personal concerns had to wait for now. He had a job to do.

Pablo Sanchez · Post by **Pablo Sanchez** » 2004-08-03 04:13pm

Eketarina Cluster
Vampire Embassy

"I think the time Basil referred to has arrived," Alexander Vasilievich told his lieutenants, dropping the note onto the table.

The various persons around the table assessed the little sheet of parchment with surprise. Because it was actual parchment, not the more common plastic sheeting or even paper, it was a writing surface made from animal hides. And very finely made at that.

It read,
"To Elanie su Madrighala,
In recognition of your flawless bloodline, superior skills, exceptional personal accomplishments, and nomination by important members of the nobility, you are hereby created Duchess of Constantina, with all rights, priviliges, and responsibilities therein.

King Casimir the Demon
Ruler of all Vampires"

Attached was another note, written in a flawless but much more personal script.
"The territory of Constantina is substantial, and my people--rather, your people--are already in place to administer it. You may visit it if you so choose, but it's value is primarily symbolic. You will be expected, eventually, to return to Temesvar for the ceremony. I trust you do not miss the significance of his granting you land and title.

Basil

p.s.
Upon your acceptance of the title the man who delivers these missives is placed at your disposal."

Alexander nodded to the assembled group. Most were dhampir, clothed in black body armor without any symbols of rank or allegience but the imprint of a red hand on the right shoulder. They were members of Basil's personal retinue, and were highly effective for it. None of them missed the unspoken message in the final postscript.

"I will deliver the message personally," Alexander said.

Marcao · Post by **Marcao** » 2004-08-03 05:29pm

Pirate Fleet
Known Space
72 hours after the invasion of New Tortuga

The time had come. The Pirate fleet understood that time could no longer be wasted; the projections indicated that by this time the enemy had achieved a solid foothold in the planet and had begun to spread. These projections had been based on data sent by a handful of stealth sensor platforms located at the edges of the system; these platforms had not been sought out thoroughly enough by the Draconis and had for over thirty eight hours supplied the pirate fleet with data about the battle in the planetary surface. It was unfortunate that the Draconis had caught on to the trick and had destroyed all the remaining communication platforms. The only surviving platforms were located far away from the planetary surface, and their presence served only to monitor the number of Draconis ships still within the system proper. It was an imperfect solution, but it was all that they had now. Nonetheless, the Pirate fleet would not take the fight back to the New Tortuga. It had…other plans.

It had taken well over thirty hour to convince a handful of allies and establish a loose level of coordination. The other pirate factions had their own interests to be served by participating indirectly in their actions. No pirate faction knew where another would strike, but the time was ripe for such actions and the forces of new tortuga would reap most of the credit and blame. The fact that Ouster warships had retreated from known space was well known by now, and their retreat opened up some interesting opportunities to those bold enough to seize them. In the darkness of space, pirate forces slid through the void quietly, quietly, hoping to go unnoticed. With the calm that had fallen over known space with the withdrawal of the Ousters to their home space, and through usage of patience and proper navigation, these forces positioned themselves successfully. It was fully expected that a move of this magnitude would only be possible once, but that would be enough and the end result would be very appealing.

Pirate Task Force “A”
Known Space between Draconis and Nashtar

A single dreadnought flanked by twin cruisers and surrounded by twenty five escorts hovered silently in the darkness. The array of firepower the task force possessed was significant, and against their targets civilian shipping they were simply overwhelming. The Draconis could not adequately escort all their convoys leading to other nations, it was doubtful that any nation could do so without a great deal of sacrifice. Human intelligence which had been available from a myriad of sources suggested that the Draconis had not increased the strength of their convoys since three days ago when a significant amount of their navy had smashed into New Tortuga. The pirate task force was here to repay that kindness, and force the Draconis to a painful decision. They could either spread their forces thin, or protect each and every convoy that left their boundaries or they could abandon the attempt all together and sacrifice convoys to the pirate forces.

The central piece of the puzzle was not the mighty warships, but the pair of aging and heavily modified freighters which housed the interdicting equipment. Interdictors were the only tool that allowed piracy to exist, and while their military applications were well established it was as pirate or ambush weapons that they excelled. The hyperspace signatures which manifested in the sensors of every pirate vessel were right on time, and on the proper vector to their final destination. Orders were carried out, and when the hyperspace signatures were in the proper position relative to the fleet, the pirate freighters activated their interdictors, space twisting upon itself and forcing the entire convoy without exception from the safety of hyperspace and into the harsh realities of real space.

The momentary elation as the Draconis convoy appeared in real space was short, already sensors indicating that there were six Draconis escorts present among the merchantmen of the Draconis. Under normal circumstances a channel would be opened and demands would be offered to the Draconis forces. These were not normal circumstances. The pirate fleet ECM slammed against the Draconis task force, followed milliseconds later by the first barrages of fire. The fire was concentrated on the Draconis escorts, the only ships capable of possessing strong enough ECCM and communication system to have a chance in hell of breaking through the pirate jamming and interference. Twenty five escorts against six were poor odds, adding two cruisers and a dreadnought to the mix turned it into a hopeless situation. The six Draconis escorts lasted less than three minutes, all destroyed outright fire poured into them until there could be no survivors. Any escape pods that were launched where promptly destroyed, no mercy was given.

The pirate forces suffered lightly in comparison, two escorts had their shields breached and suffered assorted damage but none were damaged heavily enough to be crippled, although repairs would not be feasible for sometime in the future. In his dreadnought, the pirate commander cursed bitterly at the damage but admitted that such things could not be helped. The Draconis took great pride in their so called “merchant cruisers” but they proved to be little use against seasoned pirates that had no interest in boarding the vessels. The civilian ships were destroyed one by one, until nothing was left but burning wrecks and scattered debris. When the pirate task force leapt into hyperspace, the entire conflict had barely lasted ten minutes. The debris of the battle left to drift where it lay…

Pirate Forces
Known Space

The strikes had gone as planned and all had been successful. Convoys leaving from Draconis space to Nashtar, United Protectorate, and even one of the first shipments leaving to the Ravenlock consortium had been intercepted and destroyed. All four engagements had lasted less than ten minutes for the most part, and all had been resounding successes. Nonetheless, eight escorts were now damaged, three of them significantly and everyone was aware that this would be the first and last time it would be this easy. The Draconis would be furious, but that had been expected. The other pirate factions that had been willing to participate had carried out their own raids, bringing up the total of lost convoys to the Draconis to seven. Some had been plumper than others, but nonetheless it was reason to celebrate.

It was the rumors that the Ousters had been hit by pirate forces that worried many of the commanders of the fleet. The Ousters were a force that the forces of New Tortuga had no desire to deal with, but it could no longer be helped. According to the grape vine, two distinct Ouster related convoys were savaged by unknown pirate forces. Already the pirate havens were abuzz with whispers as to whose forces were responsible for such actions. The fact that the Ousters fleet had left known space was well known, but what if this brought them back? It was possible that this action could bring undue Ouster attention to their activities but it was merely something to consider. At the moment, the forces of New Tortuga were concerned only with the Draconis and how to best hurt their adversaries. The Draconis would have to react…and when they did, their forces would be ready. Plans had already been made, pirate bases prepared for most eventualities. It was time to get back to their roots…

~~~

OOC: Current Pirate Force breakdown. The Forces of New Tortuga have split into four sub-task forces. These are composed as follow in order to cover more distance seperately and hit multiple targets.

Task Force "A"
1. Dreadnought
2. Cruisers
25. Escorts

Task Force "B"
1. Dreadnought
2. Cruisers
25. Escorts

Task Force "C"
2. Cruisers
25. Escorts

Task Force "D"
2. Cruisers
25. Escorts

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-08-03 07:44pm

The factories of the UP had been working nonstop for the battle that sure to come. The Ouster were moving and only God and their leaders knew to where.

Many were sure it was to Lastport...

New Ships with ready crews were added to the fleets. No matter what hell came to the door of the United Protectrates, it would not leave unscathed. It was the single largest batch of ships yet to leave the slips over Stormhold, Blueridge, Lastport and half a dozen other worlds...

30 Mark Class Destoriers
12 John Class Frigates
13 Luke Class Frigates
5 David class crusier
3 Aaron class crusiers
1 Moshie class crusier.

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-08-03 08:16pm

UP Space

Through the Pirate shipping raids, the largest convoy somehow managed to get through. This one carried 2000 Defense Sats to UP space, and it had arrived on schedule and cntacted the fleet responsible for customs.

Known Space

To combat the latest surge in pirate attacks. All ships destined from the republic to other empires were to take specific routes, these routes changed periodically, but were guarded by fleet detachemtns. This permitted he convoys to be guarded, while never actually having to spread forces thin.

And the Draconis had... Intelligence... of ther own. It would not be possible for the pirates to hid e for long

(And that is my last post before the hiatus)

admiral_danielsben · Post by **admiral_danielsben** » 2004-08-03 08:58pm

From: The President of the Union
To: fellow governments of the Alliance:

We have heard of recent attacks against vessels of fellow alliance members by pirates. Is there any way we may assist?

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-08-03 09:44pm

admiral_danielsben wrote:From: The President of the Union
To: fellow governments of the Alliance:

We have heard of recent attacks against vessels of fellow alliance members by pirates. Is there any way we may assist?

"The pirates are being delt with, however if you have ships to spare, we would not turn them away if you feel you can help with our patrols"

Marcao · Post by **Marcao** » 2004-08-03 11:53pm

Veithan Empire
Ashana System, Ashana III
Black Tower

The halls of the black tower were pristine, composed of a material that even now Veithan science was only truly beginning to replicate in sufficient numbers. The Black Tower was among the oldest constructs within the Empire, even if only a handful of people knew of its location. Jon Cameron, Director of Intelligence was one such person and he had come a long way in order to visit in person the mistress of the tower. His steps resonated through the hall, the two honor guards at his sides walking a step behind him to his right and left. Each guard was a prime of significant strength, and while individually they were not a match for him together they could very well give him a good run. The minds of the guards were ironclad, hinting at nothing at all as they escorted him to Lilandra’s private chambers.

It did not take long, the guards taking their place at the entrance which led to the quarters of what could be argued was the single most important citizen of the Empire. The doors slid open quietly, Jon Cameron walking within the familiar room before the doors closed behind him. The last time that he had been here, had been nine years ago and the room did not seem to have changed. It was relatively small and sparsely furnished, Lilandra herself awaiting his arrival in the center of the living room. She was easily six inches smaller than the director of intelligence, her hair falling down to her mid back, sapphire eyes watching the intruder upon her domain quietly. Her facial expression was neutral, although a small smile graced her lips a moment after her eyes caught his.

~Welcome Jon. To what do I owe this honor?~ the thoughts of Lilandra were carried to his mind firmly, the familiar vigor beneath her thoughts reminding him of older times. They had after all over thirty years of history. It was because of him that she was here…

~Do I need an excuse to visit?~ His thoughts were guarded and while there was no way that Lilandra could pierce the defenses of his mind, her facial expression flickered and immediately he understood that his deception subtle as it was inadequate to the task.

~No, you do not. However, it has been nine years since your last visit Jon. I do not think that you came here today out of the simple desire to do so.~

~Did you foresee it?~

~No I did not. But I expect that some of the situations over the last year have a part to play in this visit, sudden as it was.~

Jon Cameron sighed softly before rolling his shoulders. ~You have not changed much. Yes, my presence here was prompted by a presidential order. However, this did not mean that I have not wished to see you earlier.~

Lilandra paused for a moment and nodded her head. ~Yes, I know. Very well, perhaps we should be seated?~ Her steps carried her quietly to a nearby chair, her attention fixed fully upon his as Jon Cameron moved to another and sat down as well. ~This has to do with Magdalena does it not?~

Jon Cameron blinked for a moment, reminding himself that this is why Lilandra was here. A soft sigh escaping his lips as he nodded, Magdalena’s death had a great deal to do with his visit but was only part of the reason. ~The death of Magdalena is part of the reason why I am here, the President wants to make sure that you did…everything you could have in that matter.~

Lilandra sighed softly, her hands moving over her hair for a handful of seconds before her thoughts were shared with her guest. ~I am well aware of the history between the president and the former secretary of state, and as such, I sympathize. However, There was little I could have done about her death.~

Jon hesitated for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly aware slightly that there was a shift in Lilandra’s demeanor. ~Lilandra…~ His thoughts were soft, and he took it upon himself to probe lightly. Lilandra’s response was immediate, a wall slammed between her mind and his own with resounding finality. The director of intelligence winced inwardly, aware of the breach in protocol and yet believing that Lilandra was holding back something from him.

~That was rude Jon. I would suggest that you do not try such a thing again.~ Her tone was icy.

~Lilandra…I know you are holding something back. You work for the Empire damn it, if you knew something say so. Don’t make me have to go back to the president and let him fill in the blanks. Did you see the rape of terra happening ahead of time?~

Lilandra sighed softly and closed her eyes. ~You overestimate me Jon.~ Her voice was soft, laced with sadness and underlined with exhaustion. ~Every day I plug myself into the heart of the tower and attempt to divine the future for our people. It is a task that I was born for, no one else may do it. I do this willingly, even if it has at this point taken away all my hopes and dreams for a life outside these walls.~ Her eyes snapped open, sapphire orbs staring at those of the director of intelligence. Her mental defenses evaporated, all of them leaving her mind naked before his might. There could be no deception now. ~I did not see the rape of terra in the usual sense. I did not see the mechanoids coming, I could not have changed it. I did however, see Magdalena die. I did not do anything about this, because her death was necessary. Every path that the Empire took with her still alive led to ruination or worse. I kept quiet and let her die, because by doing so our people’s future would be altered. With Magdalena’s death, the Mechanoids have been defeated and various policies have come to pass. It is these policies that have allowed our navy to increase in size, it is these policies that have allowed the Veithan sphere to be born. It is these policies that have allowed the Accord to take root. I made a choice as I always have, the best choice for our people.~

The Director of Intelligence listened to every thought and without her mental defenses he verified each one. ~Thank you.~ His voice was soft, aware now more than ever of the sacrifices that Lilandra had made in order to serve her people. ~The president will not like it, but I believe he will understand.~

~He does not have to like it Jon, all he has to do is accept it.~ She had accepted her role as the eye of the tower, if she could sacrifice it all for her people, the president could sacrifice as well…

Marcao · Post by **Marcao** » 2004-08-04 12:52am

Veithan Empire
Veitha System, Veitha III
Government Headquarters

To: President Duvolle
From: Dpt. of Defense, Dpt. Of Interior, Dpt. Of Trade, Dpt. Of Intelligence
Subject: Status of the Empire

A1. Janus Project: The Janus project has reached one hundred percent completion within the Veithan Sphere itself. Granting us unparalleled access to faster than light information within that area of space, outside of Veithan controlled spaces the Janus project is slowly but surely taking hold. Currently we have a heavy presence in the following locations [details]

A2. Gemini Project: Project is on schedule for completion, although certain hurdles still remain to be overcome before we will be able to enter a mass production stage. It is believed that the Ravenlock technology in the field may be extremely advantageous to the project. [details]

A3. Thermopylae System: System has proven to be possible and effective in electronic simulations, prototype currently being built. Necessary components required to test the system are currently being purchased through third parties. If prototype proves to be successful in the field, the system will enter limited production as soon as possible in order to deal with potential hostilities. [details]

A4. Ameretat/Druj and 7th fleet: Information handed out to VNN and other newscasts are overestimations of the introduction of the seventh fleet. The fleet will be complete well in advance of what VNN and other newscasts believe. Currently, well over half of the fleet has been completed this has been possible due to the activation of several shipyards located in the Veithan Sphere but not Veithan space. [details]

A5. Capricorn: The planet of Capricorn continues on pace to become a fortress world. Currently, its defenses are on par to those located over Ashana III. The importance of Capricorn cannot be understated, it is central to our efforts in the far space region. So far the efforts of militarizing the area have been carried out by Zenith technologies and other affiliated companies. However, this is not sustainable. Projections indicate that within the next three to six months, more direct action will need to be taken in order to continue our expansion in this area of space. [details]

A6. PSU: The first PSU prototype has been built and is currently undergoing testing. Its primary weapon system does not follow the shazia edict, allowing it to mount far more firepower than previous generations of assault units. Its power source is also an anti-matter reactor, allowing its destruction to prove catastrophic to its adversaries. The preliminary data is as follows [details].

A7. Soul Catcher Report: The results of an overview of soul catcher technology by leading Veithan experts in the fields of cloning are available in this report. The benefits and possible disadvantages of soul catcher technology are readily made apparent, suggestions to be used during negotiations are outlined. [details]

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