STGOD 4 Game Thread

admiral_danielsben · Post by **admiral_danielsben** » 2004-09-04 06:38pm

From: The President of the Union
To: The Hajr

While we extend our sympathies for your loss on Hudson, we do not understand why you accuse the White Sun Confederation (like us, a member of the Alliance), when there seems to be little evidence (at present) of their involvement (we withold final judgement until the Veithans find out if they indeed were responsible). We are willing to provide you with medical aid to heal those who were hurt in the explosion, but we must warn you: any attack on the White Sun will most probably result in an all-out galactic war between the Hajr and its allies and the Alliance (including us).

The Union wishes to send a diplomatic team to negotiate with the Hajr in order to prevent an all-out war. Such an event would only come to sorrow, for all parties. Keep in mind that, if need be, we will fight, but would rather trade, and be amiable neighbtors. But we are bound to defend our allies, if they are attacked.

(OOC: have the Veithans determined who is responsible yet? I can't seem to tell that from the posts. Yes, I've slipped a bit in posting. I'll never be a very frequent appearance here, but the Union will, if need be, fight, although we would prefer to wage peace than war)

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2004-09-04 06:43pm

<< The Hajr points out that this war will only escalate if the powers of the Alliance allow it to. Your continued support of the criminal White Suns regime is proof that you are propelled by personal interests rather than basic humanity and love of your fellow primates.

When the Machines ravaged your worlds, the Hajr paid in blood to fight the menace when it could have run, or remained secure in it's fortresses. Now, when it is politically expedient, you ignore clear evidence and protect similar monsters, who have done nothing for you. If no other evidence is presented, we will be forced to reach conclusions we have no wish to reach about the nature of this "mutual defense" Alliance.>>

admiral_danielsben · Post by **admiral_danielsben** » 2004-09-04 07:06pm

Thirdfain wrote:<< The Hajr points out that this war will only escalate if the powers of the Alliance allow it to. Your continued support of the criminal White Suns regime is proof that you are propelled by personal interests rather than basic humanity and love of your fellow primates.

When the Machines ravaged your worlds, the Hajr paid in blood to fight the menace when it could have run, or remained secure in it's fortresses. Now, when it is politically expedient, you ignore clear evidence and protect similar monsters, who have done nothing for you. If no other evidence is presented, we will be forced to reach conclusions we have no wish to reach about the nature of this "mutual defense" Alliance.>>

We apologize for a misunderstanding... but the Union had nothing to do with the Machines. And we may also point out that other powers bled from their influence. If the White Sun were truly culpable, the first thing we would do would be to ask them to make reparations to you.

Our information about the White Sun, before we entered the alliance, came from the United Protecterates, a power which has been nothing but friendly to the Union and whose word we accept as being good. Incidentally, the Hajr have done ntohing for us either, and frankly, until recently we knew of you only in legends brought by travellers from other worlds.

We implore you, and the White Sun, to accept peace, not war.

(OOC: to be honest, if the white sun turned out to be guilty.... there could be a change of power in the Union. The Center party's coalition would fall to a new, isolationist bloc, which would probably pull out of the alliance and revert to isolationism. Effectively the end of the Union in STGOD... or at least temporarily. I'd play a new power then.

The Union has volatile politics, but at the moment is a steadfast member of the Alliance. If that were upset....)

speaker-to-trolls · Post by **speaker-to-trolls** » 2004-09-04 07:41pm

Senatorial Chamber
Itsilaar
Itsil
Itsil system
Eight days after the fall of Hudson

"Members of the senate, it is clear we now face a crisis. The Ousters are preparing to go to war with the White Sun Confederacy, an ally of our ally the United Protectorates. From what we know the Ousters ultimate goal is conquest of the galaxy and all its peoples, the United Protectorates and the alliance of powers it leads is the only obstacle that stands in their way, and as a relatively weak state alighned with the United Protectorates we are a natural targets, thus we must...."
"We must damned well distance ourselves from the damned United Protectorates that's what we must damned well do!" interrupted senator silver-tail, to murmurs of agreement from several others. "Senator Silver-Tail, isolation will not help us now, not now that..."
"Now that what?, what concern are we of the Ousters?, surely they can wipe themselves out in this war of theirs and we can return to regarding our own affairs without any damned outside interference". Red-eye glared "we are a weak nation by comparison, in war the weak are always preyed upon so the strong may plunder their resources in the greater conflict. This is not just about this war, senator, I admit, this is about securing the safety of the confederacy for ever".
"And how do you propose we do that?, I suppose more measures to better alow us to hide behind the United Protectorates' shield" Silver-Tail virtually spat the words. "More measures to protect our sovereighnty, I propose we apply for full membership of the United Protectorates' coalition. A community of nations will stand firm in the face of darkness better than any nation ever could alone." he paused "it is for the greater good". Silver-Tail snarled, then said quietly "pray that the stars are merciful, minister, for you will require lenient gods indeed to permit the selling of your nations soul".

speaker-to-trolls · Post by **speaker-to-trolls** » 2004-09-04 07:54pm

To: Lord Protector Joshua Matthews.
From: Ambassador Kitsek Red-Ear.
Subject: Alliance Status.

On behalf of my government I would like to request a meeting to discuss my government becoming an official member of the Alliance.

Bugsby · Post by **Bugsby** » 2004-09-04 10:24pm

To: Earth fleet

You are no longer needed in Monacoran space. Return to Sirius with all haste. Remain on high alert.

-Diama

Jaded Masses · Post by **Jaded Masses** » 2004-09-05 12:27am

To: concerned parties
From: Psilons

The Psilon government condemns the Hajr's war mongering, and stands ready to defend its ally, the White Suns Confederation against Hajr aggression, shoud it be discovered that the Confederation is not at fault. We hope that peaceful resolution can be procured, and that the truth of the tragic Hudson terrorist attack is also uncovered, and that those truly responsible can be brought to justice.

(hey! frigid, send be those plans!)

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2004-09-05 12:58am

Tortuga - High Orbit

The astro-techs unlocked the hatchway and stepped through into the central hub. The lights were dim as the structure was still running on backup systems. The new reactor core was still being installed in one of the lower decks. Various workers were still at work with their nanolathes, finishing the interrior structures and getting everything in place.

"We have a pressurized main chamber, living quarters and amenities. It won't be long before we can start taking on diplomats."

"Excellent, we're proceeding right on schedule."

Meanwhile, on the Phobos.

"There's a transport on my screen."

..."Starliner Phobos this is transport Lambda 59118, I've got Captian Santiago on board. Requesting permission to dock."

"59118 Lambda, permission granted. You're cleared to dock."

Bugsby · Post by **Bugsby** » 2004-09-05 01:17am

Yrt stepped uneasily through the halls of the Veithan complex. Over the last two months this place had become his home. It was not the environment that made him uneasy, it was his destination. He was going to meet Avery.

Avery Cook. An hour ago he had been told the man's name, a name to go with a face he would never forget, the face of a man who had beaten him. The only man to do so. Yrt was hardly cocky. He knew the risks in his job and tried only to do his best every time. He was always focused, always alert, and always on top of his game. Ego had nothing to do with it; to stay alive, you had to be good. But this Avery Cook had beaten him, months ago, on Manasa. Curiosity drove him now, curiosity to meet his old opponent. Their engagement had been ended rather abruptly, and now it was time to pay respect, hopefully as friends.

Yrt came to a door in the residential complex and signaled to enter. The door opened moments later, and Yrt went in. The room was large, but not opulent. With spartan furnishings, it was obviously the home of a warrior, one held in high regard by the Black Tower. Avery was at his ease on the other side of the room, playing a solitaire game that involved stacking discs according to various patterns, telekinetically of course. It struck Yrt as odd that this man would be playing a game when he entered, but then again, he really knew nothing about Avery. Over the past few months, Yrt had built up an image in his mind of a mna who was more than human. This glimpse of mortality was something of a pleasant surprise.

Avery noticed him the second he entered, of course, and turned to consider. <<Yrt Ztal, I assume. Come in. I was interested to learn that you wanted to find me. I have thought long on our encounter on Manasa and I was looking forward to meeting the man. Come, sit.>> Avery was friendly enough, but there was something guarded in his mental stance.

For a second, Yrt almost thought he could see Avery's mental signature blossom until it seemed to consume the room, then shrank down to normal levels. Yrt could hardly conceal his shock. The psychic potential of his opponent was far greater than he had remembered from Manasa. It was almost as though Avery had been augmented as well. But no, that couldn't be. Avery's mental signature now was of a normal strength. Still....

It was a very cautious Yrt that took a seat next to Avery on a hard wooden chair. <<I don't quite know where to begin. Well, begin at the beginning, I suppose. All I know about you is that you are the man I saw on Manasa. But what.... who are you?>>

Marcao · Post by **Marcao** » 2004-09-05 01:56am

White Sun Space
Home System
Seven days after the Hudson Incident

The Primes gathered.

It had taken a significant amount of time for the Veithans alongside the Ravenlock to be allowed the access that they required to those that they would scan from the White Sun. Information on the so called “Ethereals” was hard to come by at best, and the Veithans were aware that they were about to undergo an experience unlike any that had come before. Nonetheless, they remained firm in their commitment to the mission. Each man and woman was among the best at her task, and each was a prime the best talents that the Veithan Empire possessed. If it could be done, they would do it. The fact that Ravenlock human and Dra`kol telepaths were present was the icing on the cake. Their needs were met admirably by the White Sun escorts and delegates that watched them until the Ethereals were made available. No Veithan spoke, aware of the importance of the moment that was quickly approaching them.

The time arrived, words exchanged that the Ethereals had arrived and were ready to proceed. The Veithans moved alongside their Ravenlock brothers and sisters, nine of the most powerful minds in the Empire escorted along the alien architecture of the White Sun. The assembled telepaths were led within a massive chamber, more guards resting within as were those that would be scanned. The Veithans could feel the psychic energies of those before them, thoughts exchanged as the delegation moved as a unified whole. The Veithan leader, a woman with brown hair and honey colored eyes taking point and sharing her thoughts with those before her.

~I am Ylana, Prime of the Veithan Empire. I am here to speak clearly about the ground rules of this meeting. My people along with our Ravenlock brethren will scan your minds. It has been our experience that as long as you do not resist the scan, there should be no pain. However, we are as of now unaware of your physiology. As such, if there is pain please bring it up to our attention. If at anytime, I or any of mine feel that you are actively attempting to resist or deceive us. The meeting will come to an end and we will inform the galactic community as a whole that you were actively trying to hide things from us. In the current political climate, I am certain we both know what the results would be. ~

Ylana waited until the White Sun Ethereals understood what was at stake. There would be no tricks, no deceptions. She demanded total and unfettered access to the minds of those she and her people would scan. Nonetheless, this did not mean she would instantly be aware of every thought and memory they possessed. She had no intention of going that far back. When the Etherals nodded in agreement and exchanged thoughts with the Veithans to that effect, Ylana nodded. Turning her back to watch her people as her thoughts brushed against the minds of the other eight primes which made up her present command.

~Let us begin.~

The Veithans moved, each prime moving before an Ethereal alongside a Ravenlock representative. Under normal circumstances, a Prime would not even need physical contact to penetrate the mind of another. However, these were not normal circumstances. The Etherals by virtue of being what they were, and by virtue of having minds unlike any previously scanned by the primes in question would require a physical conduit to make this work. This would not be a brute force affair, as irreparable damage could be caused in such a case. Each Veithan prime standing in the hall was an expert surgeon, trained in the ways of brushing past mental defenses and leaving little in their wake. The Veithan primes reached out, touching their intended targets physically making the bridge, which would allow the Veithan mind as well as the Ravenlock to do what had to be done. A moment later, it began.

Ylana focused on the mind of the Ethereal gaining access was easy enough, but almost immediately after her mind had linked along with that of her chosen target, she began to feel and sense the differences within the mind. It was not resistance, not in the usual sense but an innate counter current as the mind of the Ethereal felt her intrusion and sub-consciously resisted it. She frowned slightly, pushing past the currents that sought to push her back within her own mind. Her strength was more than adequate to the task, and she found herself breaching the first layer of defense. She expected that there would be more to come, she was not concerned. She moved deeper within the mind of the Ethereal, piercing past mirror walls and a host of other nuances. The passive defenses of the Ethereal were significant, but she understood that they were innate, much like those of a Veithan. They existed because the naturally gifted tended to have them, they were marks of what had come before, defenses that existed for a reason. Ylana pressed onwards, aware that her task was not to admire the Ethereal’s mental defenses but to seek the truth.

Thirty minutes had passed, and Ylana was beginning to realize the truths of the minds of those she scanned. She had seen snippets of the memories of the Ethereal she scanned, she had seen him bark out orders, had heard his private thoughts as if they were her own. She had felt its frustration at some events and its elation at others. The Ethereal was concerned about the future of his people, that fear along with his belief of the innocence of his people had been what allowed him to swallow his pride and allow an outsider to inspect his mind, shattering even the most private of barriers. Ylana would have been convinced, if not for what she had learned. The Ethereal before him had an unusual ability, memories seemed to end abruptly, and others that should exist simply were not there. It had taken her minutes to understand what it meant, but it was a phenomenon that existed within all Ethereal minds.

It was as if they could take a memory and give it to someone else or was it to something else? She was not certain of the specifics, but she was certain of its existence. It complicated matters, for if the Ethereals had such a capability, it would mean that what she and the others were doing was all for nothing. How could they find the truth when it could be shuffled off elsewhere? She pushed deeper, sought harder, but to no avail. She had seen all that she needed to see, her mind withdrawing slowly but surely from the mind of the Ethereal. Forty five minutes after it had begun, it had ended; The Veithans withdrawing from the minds and making sure that their Ravenlock counter parts could withdraw as well before returning fully to her own mind. It was Ylana that spoke first.

~I thank all of you for taking this step and submitting to our intrusions. I know it was difficult and perhaps to some, a dishonor. However, rest assured that neither of us looked any deeper than we needed or looked any harder than was necessary. The experience of dealing with your minds has taught us much, and I will say this. We did not find deception among your minds, but at the same time we cannot say if we found truth. You know of what I speak. I will note all that I and mine have found in our report to our home world. When our report is finished, it will be made available to all to read. Until then, it has been an honor to have performed this task. Your people have our best wishes for your future.~

The Veithans nodded as one and moved, leaving the chamber alongside the Ravenlock telepaths and walking towards their own temporary quarters. The Primes exchanged thoughts both with themselves and the Ravenlock delegation, each well aware of what they had found. They all knew what the report would say, and knew that it would be of little aid to the current situation. The results were inconclusive. It would take months for a Veithan to be acquainted enough with an Ethereal mind to be able to penetrate its inherent defenses with the same level of confidence as a human or equivalent mind. While they had found no duplicity or memories that incriminated the Ethereals, they had all been made aware of their unusual capability. Once that was brought to light, those that were in the side of the Ousters would certainly not let the opportunity go to waste. Ylana sighed softly, the trip inside the mind of the Ethereal had been exhausting, but she did not have the luxury of rest. Once inside the Veithan quarters, she immediately got to work on her report. The home world had to be informed…

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-09-05 05:38pm

Veithan Space

Ambassador Warren haven't spelt much. He was constantly working trying to ensure the Veithans didn't slide over to the Hajr camp. Not that he would have any effect on the end decision he reflected bitterly. Again he handed a hand typed note to his counterpart, with a sigh.

Long laid plans were being activated.

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-09-05 08:31pm

Deep Space

A convey of ships hung in the void. United Protectrates Merchant Ships, carrying relief supplies and workers. It had been a subject of intense debate, many felt they were sending the Hajr potential hostages, but those had lost.

"Hajr government this is UPMS Rowabout, requesting permission to enter your void, we are carrying medical and relief supplies and personnel."

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2004-09-05 08:38pm

<<Authorization Denied. Your government's mobilization against the Hajr's swit justice marks you as unsafe. Turn back.>>

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2004-09-05 08:45pm

Earth - High Orbit
2 BH before hudson

The sublight drive on the Councilor's Chariot flared to life and accelerated the ship out of orbit. The ship's maneuvering thrusters altered its angle slightly, and the ship slid gracefully into warp.

The ship would arrive in Baeloaren space in a few days, to deliver Tacer Drealaan back to the homeworld.

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-09-05 08:49pm

Authorization Denied. Your government's mobilization against the Hajr's swit justice marks you as unsafe. Turn back

At least send someone to offload these supplies. Think of the good they could do for the civilans.

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2004-09-05 08:51pm

<< Vessels have been dispatched. Hold your position.>>

Eventually, teams of freighters made their way from the Bounty of the Stars, unloading the Protectorate's goods and shuttling them down to the planet below. The operation would take some time, hours if not longer.

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-09-05 08:57pm

<<Ouster Border>>

[Ouster Government, this is heavy freighter Sunspire. We are carrying medical suppplies and food aid donated by Kristari Agricultural Corp, and Monsantin Medical, requesting permission to land and render aid. We are also carrying medical personnell]

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2004-09-05 08:58pm

/ooc "Ouster" is a slang term. We are the Hajr or the Diaspora to you.

<< Permission Denied. No unfriendly vessels will be allowed to land on Hudson. You have been warned.>>

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-09-05 09:13pm

[Will you send vessels to unload our cargo? ANd get it to your people?]

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2004-09-05 09:14pm

<< We can not spare the craft. More equipment is uneccesary. Leave immediately.>>

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-09-05 09:20pm

The captains lower jaw just... dropped... he could not believe what he just heard...

The ship turned around, opened up its hold, and dumped the cargo, in insulated containers, into the void... the Hajr could pick it up when they realized that petty squabeling would only hurt their people further... if they even cared.

And just to be sure, it was well outside any risk of impacting planetside.

Marcao · Post by **Marcao** » 2004-09-05 11:28pm

Veithan Space
Mulaya System, Mulaya III
The Spire

The Spire was one of the most impressive constructs in the entire world of Mulaya III, climbing high into the skies within sight of the fourth largest city. It was every bit as modern as could be expected, and the area around the spire for kilometers employed a defense system that was subtle as it was thorough. The Spire had been chosen to be the chosen spot for the Ouster admiral to be scanned for a variety of reasons. First of all being that some of the best Primes in the Empire were trained in the Spire; There were other reasons naturally but none was as important as the first.

The Ouster admiral had been escorted to the Spire via a Veithan shuttle, the shuttle landing within the Spire itself before those within were dismounted and the Veithan guest was guided towards his final destination. The Spire like most Veithan structures employed an architecture that was chosen as much for aesthetic beauty as actual function. The silence within the halls was unsurprising, the sounds which dominated the corridors being those of movement as boots made contact with the marble like floor. The Veithans which passed the Ouster as they moved were polite to a fault, no stares offered and no comments made except for the occasional nod of the head as a group of Veithans moved passed.

It took a mere eleven and a half minutes for the Ouster admiral to arrive at his final destination, a room dominated by an artificial waterfall in the center and tastefully decorated. There were two comfortable seats, a Veithan female standing next to one seat and offering a soft smile as the Ouster arrived along with his escorts. The Veithan female spoke.

”Welcome Admiral, I am Selena Bellue. I am in charge of working with you in regards to your telepathic scan. Will you please join me?” Her left hand moved, motioning for him to be seated. The Veithan guards moved to the sides of the door and waited wordlessly. The Ouster admiral hesitated for only a moment before complying, moving with the easy grace which his people innately possessed. When the Ouster was seated, she smiled a bit more fully than before and spoke once more. “Thank you. I will lay down the ground rules for this meeting of ours. I will scan your mind, and the process should not be painful as long as you do not resist my efforts. If there is pain, bring it up to my attention and I will do what I can to ease it, if not cease all together. If I feel that you are actively attempting to hinder my efforts, the scan will stop and your efforts will be noted in my report.” The Ouster nodded, aware of what was expected of him. He had nothing to hide, and he was certain that once his mind was open to the Veithan…prime, she would know the truth as well as he did.

Selena hesitated for only a moment before proceeding, her mind widening pressing against that of the Ouster before her. She felt a moment of resistance but felt that the resistance was sub-conscious; every living being resisted the intrusion of another mind to some degree. This was no different, and since she could not feel outright deception or resistance she pressed on. The mind of the Ouster was different from others she had visited, but this would not the first Ouster mind she had touched. She kept that fact secret, buried well beneath her own defenses. Although her mind was linked to that of the Ouster, the roads which had been formed were not equal. She had access to his mind, while he did not have access to her own. She had started the contact, and since the Ouster could not resist him without breaking the rules she had set forth, she was firmly in control of this game. She pressed on, seeking what the admiral before her knew about the Hudson incident as well as other minor things.

It proved to be difficult for her to find that which she sought without taking into consideration the sort of man that the Admiral was. Due to this, she widened her search gently pushing a bit more deeply within the mind of the Ouster. She did not feel the need to go back to when the Ouster was a child, there was no need and doing so may cause great insult to the Ouster whose mind she had entwined with. Nonetheless, the character of the Ouster was of vital interest and thus she allowed herself to see the life of the Admiral from an adult age to play out. It was impossible to see it all, but she caught flashes of memory and sensations, the Ouster's pride washing over her as the memories of the Admiral’s early actions were replayed in her mind.

The Ouster had his flaws, and she saw them played out time and time again. But the Ouster had strength and more than his fair share of honor. He saw him grieving his dead, He saw him consider his orders after they had led him to victory but at a great cost. He had seen his actions and felt his feelings as he fought alongside the Unification against the Machines. He heard the words of the Speaker about those that lived within Known Space. It was the positioning of Ouster fleets during the tragedy of Hudson that was perhaps the most significant memory that she examined. The Ouster Fleets had gathered along the south, to protect the Etern should they be attacked.

The shock and outrage the Admiral felt at the attack in the White Sun was real, far too real for Selena to suspect that he had a part to play in it. She had been in the minds of serial murders and rapists as well as the minds of grieving fathers and mothers. No, she knew what was genuine from what was known and this felt like the former. Nonetheless, everything that she had seen did not prevent the obvious truth. Although the Admiral was certainly aware of a great deal of the activities and actions of his nation, he was not equivalent to a member of the speaker’s council. As such, it would not have been terribly difficult to exclude him from a plot, if it was an Ouster plot to begin with. Selena sighed softly, slowly but surely starting the process of retreat. Her mind crawling gently back towards her body, and leaving behind in the Ouster mind a soothing sensation that would spread through the body; Her own little way of apologizing for the length of her presence and the depth of her intrusion.

~We are done.~ Her thoughts were shared with that of the Ouster admiral, her sky blue eyes watching those of the Admiral opposite her. ~I have learned all that I can given the circumstances and all that I need to know. I have learned much from your memories about the events regarding Hudson, and some beyond. I will make my report immediately, so that no time is wasted as all nations yours along with my own seek the truth to this matter. I have been told that you are free to stay here as long as you wish, but knowing what I felt when I was within your mind. I know that you wish to return to your ship and your people as quickly as possible. I have made arrangements so that you may be taken with all due haste back to your people.~ She had managed to do this arrangements as she scanned his mind, talking with both her immediate superior in the Spire and planetary system control. ~I hope that this situation is resolved to the satisfaction of your people Lan su Hadriel. You are free to leave.~

Her eyes moved, thoughts exchanged with the guards that awaited patiently for her pleasure. Moments later, when the Ouster admiral was ready to depart they moved to his sides and walked with him out of the room and towards the shuttle bay. As the guards and Admiral Lan su Hadriel left, Selena sighed softly and turned. Her steps carrying him to the edges of the room, as she glanced past the glass-like windows to the Veithan city in the distance. She had learned much, but like her kindred in the White Sun she had not managed to snare the absolute truth. Her eyes closed for a moment as she sighed, her neural implants accessing a wireless channel as she began her report…

Veithan Space
Mulaya System, Mulaya III

The United Protectorate documents were received and immediately passed along, it did not take long for a reply to come. The UP request was considered, and eventually accepted. It was little enough and did not violate any Veithan obligations. The Veithan answer to the UP proposal was hand delievered to the UP compound in the ocean side within two hours of having been received.

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2004-09-06 12:17am

Bael
Capital Archology
7 AH After Hudson

Official Statement - Regarding the Hudson Trade Fortress Bombing
+Public Broadcast+

The image of High Senator Leenhau appeared, her visage was harsh and uncompromising. "One week ago the Hudson System’s primary Trade Fortress was knocked out of orbit and sent crashing into the planet’s capital city below. The Commonwealth is appalled by this action, and steps have been taken to protect its citizens from similar attacks. Already the Commonwealth is in talks with alien powers to determine the source of these attacks, and will commit what resources it has to aid the Hudson relief effort.”

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2004-09-06 02:36am

Lastport - United Protectorates

"I'm afraid I'll have to be leaving." Alex Dekhrynova said to one of the UP government officials. "It appears as though I have been reassigned. Our embassy will still remain open and my replacement is already on his way. This is goodbye for now."

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2004-09-06 09:48pm

Unity Station Opens

"We're all here in the New Tortuga system to commemorate the opening of the latest project designed to bring an open forum to the galactic powers. Unity Station, constructed by the Minmatar in high orbit over the wartorn planet of Tortuga, this new station is set to bring abouta new era in galactic relations."

"This is Dr David Braddock. On behalf of the crews that have been working day and night to make Unity Station a reality I am hereby inviting all galactic powers to send representation so that the benefits of open discussion between the nations may prevent such disasters as the one that befallen the planet below now and for generations to come. The Minmatar, after recently overcoming our own interal corruption is now pleased to present this gift to the galactic community. I personally look forward to seeing you all soon."