STGOD 2K5 Main Game

[White Haven]

Code: Select all

FROM: Rear Admiral Roderick Franklin, Commerce Defense Force

TO: Admiral Wallace Allanby, Deputy Commanding Officer, Sixth Cruise Squadron

RE: Galactic South-East Piracy

I have been receiving reports for some time of a disturbing level of piracy in the mid-outer south-east galactic quadrant. As they relate to areas far outside the zone I am able to patrol, I could not act on them directly, but I have conferred with Admiral Alwin, from ForOut, and Admiral Eldridge at OpInt on the matter, and they've come to some conclusions. Attached, you'll find the complete reports. They feel that a bandit kingdom of some kind must be operating in the aforementioned region, one of considerable size to produce the levels of raiding that are being reported. Therefore I formally request that an expedition be dispatched to ascertain the truth of these reports and to supress the elevated levels of piracy in the area. Admiral Alwin asked me to relay his cautions, as the reports are unconfirmed and he wishes to avoid provoking a major incident.

Message Ends.

"Always covering your ass, aren't you...little toad," Wallace Allanby mutters to himself as he finishes scrolling through the stilted, formal language of the missive. "But I suppose I still have to act on it."

"GRACE!" he shouts, disdaining the intercom set into his desk to simply shout out through the open door to his office. The PO serving as his aide and secretary has lasted longer than most: they typically end up requesting a transfer within days. Someone must have neglected to tell her that was an option. A datapad clatters down on the floor as the admiral calls for her, followed shortly by a heavier impact as she tries to stand up, push her chair backwards from her desk, and turn at the same time. She abandons the fallen chair and datapad to scramble to the office door, frantically smoothing her uniform out as she steps in, her face already starting to flush.

"Ah, there you are. Get Admiral Warlow on the line, tell her to expedite the First's refit. I want them spaced within the week. While you're at it, tell Elyssa to prep the First for departure when they clear the yards, I'll have formal orders for her soon." PO Caparelli nods quickly and turns to leave, but is pulled back by another sharp order, "And I want a report on my desk in an hour, need to know how long it would take to emplace a deep-range naval station in the deep south-east quadrant, a heavy one. Get going!" With that rough dismissal, the unfortunate aide flees, thinking to herself, Hazard pay. This has got to rate hazard p--

"Grace!" the admiral calls again, before she can get back to her desk, "Tell Brigadier McEddings to prep some of his forces, we might need them, and they could use the excercise. Can't have the Marines getting fat."

Four days later

As the last ship floats free of the docking slips over the Boneyards and performs a final fire-test, orders flash out from the flagship of the First Battle Squadron. Thirty-one gates to hyperspace open in a wash of EM radiation, the First Battle Squadron, the First Marine Expeditiary Force, and several military transport craft vanishing from local space.

32 hours later, in a deserted system to the north of the Aquarian Union

Eleven hyperspace gates appear out of the pristine void, disgorging the warships of the First Battle Squadron. Powerful active sensors lash the vacant system, but find exactly what there should be: not a lot. The remaining twenty ships gate down in the First's wake and go about the business of seeind the system with sensor platforms and setting up a temporary supply depot.

---

>Vice Admiral Elyssa Mandraki, CO, First Battle Squadron
-SCSS Warlock, Warspite-class battleship, Commodore Michelle Jackson
-SCSS Battleaxe, Warspite-class battleship, Rear Admiral Monica Winters
-SCSS Typhoon, Greylight-class battleship, Commodore Alan Morgen
-SCSS Honor, Majestic-class battlecruiser, Senior Captain Gregory Atlas <Flagship>
-SCSS Courage, Majestic-class battlecruiser, Senior Captain Jessica Aldridge
-SCSS Mjolnir, Godhand-class heavy cruiser, Captain Maria Thelassen
-SCSS Pendragon, Pegasus-class light cruiser, Captain Justin Hawkins
-SCSS Avalon, Pegasus-class light cruiser, Captain Marcus Illirus
-SCSS Pinnacle, North Star-class escort carrier, Commander Devon Warlow
-SCSS Snowfox, North Star-class escort carrier, Commander Trevor MacGregor
-SCSS Tranquility, North Star-class escort carrier, Commander Sarah Walters
-3x Dagger-class boarding craft, Major Arnold T. Pants

>First Marine Expeditiary Force, Colonel Andrew Carson
-5x Dirk-class landing craft (3xLSPA config, 2xLST config)
-5x Thunder-class surface gunships

-Seven assorted heavy transport craft, lightly-armed

[Marcao]

Galactic West
Unnamed System, Stuart Registry X775-3F

The twin Sabai task forces hovered in the void.

The system as a whole was totally unimpressive and relatively useless, it had been chosen as the meeting point for that very fact. The arrival of the Stuart forces had been anticipated for some time, although their strength was quickly noticed as the ships moved closer towards their Sabai counter parts. The Sabai commanding officer for this little expedition was not even an admiral, he was a commodore bound to get command of a capital ship in the fifth fleet once it was completed. His heavy cruiser seemed miniscule in comparison to the Battle Carrier which led the Stuart forces.

“They sent an awful lot of firepower.” The words of his first officer were dry, the sensors of the fleet already showing him all that he required about the strength of the Stuart force.

“The Stuarts have a reputation for being thorough and vicious; this sort of firepower is designed to end a conflict quickly.” Capital ships in pirate hands were rare, most such outfits tended to revolve around a cruiser or two with frigate support.

The Stuart hail was answered promptly. “This is Commodore Kevin Fers. The pleasure is mutual admiral, and with the amount of firepower at our disposal I have no doubt that we will accomplish our objectives.” It took a mere fifteen minutes for both forces to decide on a proper course of action. Two outfits would be targeted. The Sabai forces would act as the hammers attacking the pirate bases and forcing those that were on their toes to flee unto the awaiting anvil which was the Stuart forces.

Fifteen minutes after their meeting, both forces disappeared into the embrace of hyperspace. Their arrivals would be timed to coincide as much as possible, utilizing Sabai sabotage in one instance to mask their arrival while the other…would be handled a bit more bluntly.

[Beowulf]

Meanwhile in Aquarian Union space

Rpblksrpsk fleet resupply point Blfls:
The construction of the station was progressing. In a matter of months it would be complete, and the Rpblksrspk would have a permenant outpost outside of their own space.

Rpblksrspk star registry XM663:
Another pirate base, another slaughter of pirates. This time they had managed to scrap up a pair of cruisers in addition to a miscellanious bunch of small armed vessels.
--

Between Aquarian Union and Rpblksrspk space
The mapping expedition had begun. They would be attempting to chart a fast tunnel drive route between Aquarian Union and Rpblksrpsk space.

(OOC: bump)

[InnocentBystander]

(OOC: This yet another post hastily made from pager notes; sorry for mistakes!)
Fenris
Hall of the Singer

Singer of the Packs Alad'hak sat in his chamber, around him were the great Alpha's of the mighty Fenari Dens. War and time had changed the Fenari, there were only a few great packs now. After the great wars large packs began to assimilate smaller ones, eventually only five remained. United under the Singer of the Packs, they had achieved a practical peace within their territory.

Reverend Mother Clarissa Scharad passed through the great halls of the fenari Hall. She had now been the Blue Order's official liason to Fenris for the better part of two decades and was well respected among the Fenari packmasters. Den Defenders in their ceremonial armor marched alongside her as they entered the Council Chamber. Mother Jhor'Lahn bowed as she entered, and waited for the Singer to speak.

"Oh, most venerable Blue Matron, for what purpose do you show yourself
before us?" the Singer announced after some seconds.

"You do me great honor in recieving me, noble Singer. I come before you on a matter of great importance to my sisters, the ACIN and we believe, your people as well." She spoke with great veneration and piety, all who heard couldn't be drawn to her cause, though they knew it not.

"Speak your request, we shall meet it with open minds and kind hearts."
the Singer announce after a brief pause.

"Good king, we are seeking to restore order to the galaxy wherever we
can. Our newest project is to open new, safe, trade lanes into the
galactic east." Again she paused for effect.

"As always the methods of the Blue Sisters is wise and just! Where
would you establish such a path, and how does it concern our great
people?" one of the Alphas now spoke up.

"The refurbuishment of the Rigel-Rhea lane is our present goal." Again
she gave pause. "Of course," she continued, "we could not do such a thing without the blessing and support of our most honorable friends, the Fenari people." Again she paused a moment. The Singer contemplated...


Border Station Regulus
Edge of ACIN space

"Status?" The prospector boomed for the fourth time in the last hour.
"Mostly clean, course corrections minimal." The watchmen again
reported.
"Threats?"
"Norhing that could endanger the lane this millenium..."
"Don't be a smartass"
"You don't pay me enough..."
The prospector cursed, the watchment continued.

Code: Select all

Encrypted
Hyperchannel 90557

To: ACIN Hyperlane Comission; Blue Order Parish of Exploration
From: Prospector Alburg Jones
Subject: Field Report

Long range telescopes confirm path. Probes report few obstructions. Cearing time calculated at 1 to 2 weeks. Prospects within Fenari space are promising according to telescopes. Will continue to sweep local area to refine star-charts until new order. Will not enter Fenari Space without permission.

[InnocentBystander]

Vigora IV
Palace of the Protector

Reverend Mother Julliard whizzed down the corridor alongside her aids and the Protectorate Honor Guards towards the chamber of the Lady Protector. Behind them was a two-man news team from GNN Galactic New Services, who were being given exclusive first broadcasting rights for their continued, generous, contributions over the years.

The news team remainded outside, while Mother Julliard entered the Protector's chamber, to speak, for the first time, with the Lady Protector. She rolled into the room, and greeted the Lady Protector, "Good Day Lady Protector," announced her chair's voicebox, it was distinctly synthetic, but the humanity in the voice was without doubt.

Local Galactic Broadcast
Hyperspace Channel 133

[|] GNN – Galactic News Network [|]

"Mark Lars here, reporting live from the Palace of the Protector, on Vigora IV. We are just moments away from an important announcement to be made by the Reverend Mother, May Jullidard, of the Blue Order."

The doors opened and Mother Julliard entered the public announcement room, which was filled with local Vigoran news crews, and the GNN team. She moved next to the podium before she began.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Blue Order would like to announce it's request to the Galactic West in these trying times.

The Galaxy is an unsafe place, for safety we huddle around the great military works of our time. Therefore we are putting a request to the legitimate powers of the Galactic West. Join the Blue Order and the ACIN in the construction of new Trans-Galactic Hyperlane, one that shall extend from East to West. This new lane shall bring Order and Prosperity not only to the West, to be all corners of the Civilized Galaxy. The Cornerstone of this conduit shall be a great Trade Fortress the Blue Order recovered recently from pirates, the same who unjustly attacked our vessel and crippled myself. It is, perhaps, ironic that this hive of villany shall be used to combat that which it formerly harbored, but it matters little.

The Blue Order calls upon all Civilized Powers in the Galactic West to join us in building and supporting this new Hyperlane for the good of all people."

[consequences]

Gornath Confederacy
Patrarn System Outskirts

The Gornath Confederacy was a three system polity located to the Galactic North of the Shi Combine. As a minor power, it only rated a single destroyer as escort for the diplomatic courier, especially with it being very close to the Combine in galactic terms.

Being cautious, the Gornath had required the Shi ships to make rendezvous with their vessels outside the system boundaries, and were maintaining a high alert status. As such the tragedy that followed was perhaps understandable.

On board the Battlecruiser Tornak(named for a vicious predator found on the Gornath homeworld), a computer program quietly activated. Under the proper protocols, it began initiating the procedures for a surprise battle drill. On the astounded officers screens, the destroyer and courier in front of them morphed, as if dropping stealth revealing a pair of heavy cruisers beginning to launch an attack upon them.

Immediately, the battlecruisers shields sprung to full readiness, and its weapons locked onto the targets in front of it. For their part, the Shi crews rapidly shook off their shock, and the destroyer interposed itself between the courier and the cruiser as the diplomatic vessel turned to flee. Rapidly launching decoys, the destroyer mass jettisoned all of its ordnance, detonating it at the minimum safe distance in an effort to create a screen.

It was a valiant effort, and by all rights it should have worked, at least as far as allowing the courier's escape went. Unfortunately, as the Battlecruisers beams wore away the destroyer's shields, a main turret speared directly through the ship, by blind chance impaling the courier vessel as well.

Both ships vanished in sun-bright flashes of energy, but an instant afterwards, the destoyer's already launched Omega drone oriented itself and vanished into hyperspace, leaving sparse fields of expanding wreckage, and bewildered Gornath officers.

___________________________________________

To: Gornath Confederacy
From: Shi Combine
Re: Unprovoked attack

It is with grave concern that we note your attack upon our diplomatic party. Quite frankly, there is no excuse for the actions of your ship commander, as we find incompetence of that magnitude to be as detetestable as malicious intent, and we will require restitution to be made. To whit:

Cost of Wakizashi class Destroyer
Cost of Herald class diplomatic courier
Revival costs of crew
Estimated shipping losses due to reduced security resulting from loss of Destroyer

This will cover the purely material losses incurred. For repayment of the grievous insult rendered to the Shi Combine, we leave it to your discretion as to what recompense to offer. We do however, recommend that you make it good, as we are unsubtle, and quick to anger.

[Beowulf]

Proposed ERTC comission resolution:

It has come to the attention of the Rpblksrpsk that a single system polity calling itself "The Democratic People's Republic of Nowna" is currently supporting pirates in the area formerly known as the Aquarian Union. We therefore wish to remove this government from power, as it is detrimental to free trade across the eastern rim, and a threat to galatic stability, small though it is. Given the defensive capabilities of Nowna's military, we do not believe it necessary to involve any other nation's military in this objective.

(sensor logs attached, which show ships leaving said system and pirating transports, some of which are then intercepted and captured by Rpblksrpsk warships. Detailed sensor logs show the exact composition of the ships defending said system, and a report is included detailing the probable ground forces to be faced. Also included are interviews with the pirates from the captured ships.)

[Thirdfain]

FROM: Sabine Erfurter, Secretaire d'Etat de la Commonwealth Troix-Sols
TO: Comission of the Eastern Rim Trading Compact
SUBJ: Rpblksrpsk

-::-

The Three Suns Commonwealth has reviewed the case and evidence against the Democratic People's Republic of Nowna, and come to a conclusion. Their continued sponsorship of piracy is a clear and present danger to the stated goals of the Trading Compact. As such, it is our opinion that operations against the People's Republic of Nowna fall under the Second Precept of the charter of the ERTC; to whit;

2. All members will operate with co-operation in the stemming of piracy in all it's forms along the Eastern Rim trade route.

This being the case, we believe that it is the duty of the Trading Compact to ensure that this nest of brigandry and violence be shut down as soon as possible, for the benefit of the Compact, our trading parteners, and civilization itself.

The Commonwealth votes Aye to the proposal forewarded by the Rpblksrpsk .

-::-

[Vohu Manah]

Vigora IV
Palace of the Protector

Reverend Mother Julliard whizzed down the corridor alongside her aids and the Protectorate Honor Guards towards the chamber of the Lady Protector. Behind them was a two-man news team from GNN Galactic New Services, who were being given exclusive first broadcasting rights for their continued, generous, contributions over the years.

The news team remainded outside, while Mother Julliard entered the Protector's chamber, to speak, for the first time, with the Lady Protector. She rolled into the room, and greeted the Lady Protector, "Good Day Lady Protector," announced her chair's voicebox, it was distinctly synthetic, but the humanity in the voice was without doubt.

The rarely used throne room was the scene of the first diplomatic contact with a foreign power in the entire history of the Vigoran people. This fact did not escape any of those present, nor the First Lady Protector's Regimental Colonel who double-posted guards throughout the chamber. The Prime Minister stood silently to the left of the Lady Protector's seat, the Lady Protector's husband sitting to her right. He had only minutes prior to the Reverend Mother's arrival arrived and took his seat.

"Good day, Reverend Mother." responded the Lady Protector politely. She held back her instinct to scowl in the direction of the camera crew. The Lady Protector had no love of the media.

The Lady Protector continued, "Seeing as we have much to discuss I shall make the introductions brief," indicating with her left hand, "I believe you have been introduced to our Prime Minister, the Honorable Aji Saka." Lowering her hand and grasping the hand of the gentleman to her right, "This is my husband, the Honorable Enoch Nommo, Professor of History at the University of Aray."

[InnocentBystander]

The rarely used throne room was the scene of the first diplomatic contact with a foreign power in the entire history of the Vigoran people. This fact did not escape any of those present, nor the First Lady Protector's Regimental Colonel who double-posted guards throughout the chamber. The Prime Minister stood silently to the left of the Lady Protector's seat, the Lady Protector's husband sitting to her right. He had only minutes prior to the Reverend Mother's arrival arrived and took his seat.

"Good day, Reverend Mother." responded the Lady Protector politely. She held back her instinct to scowl in the direction of the camera crew. The Lady Protector had no love of the media.

The Lady Protector continued, "Seeing as we have much to discuss I shall make the introductions brief," indicating with her left hand, "I believe you have been introduced to our Prime Minister, the Honorable Aji Saka." Lowering her hand and grasping the hand of the gentleman to her right, "This is my husband, the Honorable Enoch Nommo, Professor of History at the University of Aray."

Vigora IV
Palace of the Protector

Reverend Mother Julliard drove up before the three dignitaries, she sat in the chair motionless, a statue depicting her orignal form, though there was little left from her orignal body, most of it had been replaced with synthetics or lab grown tissues, and much was now partially housed in the chair, a life support vehicle designed to work with the new organs to maintain her brain and skin until such time as things like muscles and nerves could be added.

"Greetings Lady Protector of Vigora, and to your honorable groom and Prime Minister. I am pleased to finally meet you, and must appologize for any inconvinence my... arrival may have brought. I am well aware of the costs of shipyard time and request that any costs associated with my arrival be sent directly to our Parish of Finances, that we may draw upon what sources we have to repay you in full." her voice was kind despite the unmistakebly synthetic tones made by the chair's voicebox.

"Now, I think I should turn to the business as hand. The ACIN is pleased to learn of prosperous, civilized nations in the west. The ACIN would be very interested in opening trade lanes between our territories. As it should be all too aparnt, Lady Protector, the galaxy is not such a safe place; it is our task to correct that. The exchange of goods and ideas has been hampered for generations now, and i think it is time to begin reversing this dark age of course." The chair made a slight humming noise as it ran some function critical to the preservation of the life of the Reverend Mother.

[Vohu Manah]

Vigora IV
Palace of the Protector

Reverend Mother Julliard drove up before the three dignitaries, she sat in the chair motionless, a statue depicting her orignal form, though there was little left from her orignal body, most of it had been replaced with synthetics or lab grown tissues, and much was now partially housed in the chair, a life support vehicle designed to work with the new organs to maintain her brain and skin until such time as things like muscles and nerves could be added.

"Greetings Lady Protector of Vigora, and to your honorable groom and Prime Minister. I am pleased to finally meet you, and must appologize for any inconvinence my... arrival may have brought. I am well aware of the costs of shipyard time and request that any costs associated with my arrival be sent directly to our Parish of Finances, that we may draw upon what sources we have to repay you in full." her voice was kind despite the unmistakebly synthetic tones made by the chair's voicebox.

"Now, I think I should turn to the business as hand. The ACIN is pleased to learn of prosperous, civilized nations in the west. The ACIN would be very interested in opening trade lanes between our territories. As it should be all too aparnt, Lady Protector, the galaxy is not such a safe place; it is our task to correct that. The exchange of goods and ideas has been hampered for generations now, and i think it is time to begin reversing this dark age of course." The chair made a slight humming noise as it ran some function critical to the preservation of the life of the Reverend Mother.

"I feel I can speak on behalf of our Lady Protector when I state that the United Vigoran Protectorate has no intention of burdening the ACIN with the unanticipated costs of hosting you," spoke the Prime Minister, "whatever those costs may be. Our shipyards would be idle regardless, and our military bored." His last line was a lie and everyone knew it. His point was no burden had been placed upon the UVP, he hoped he had made it sufficiently.

"I fully agree with the ACIN in regards for the need for an exchange of goods and ideas, as well as the need for a direct hyperspace lane to conduct said exchanges." The Lady Protector stopped to clear her throat, "And in doing so I am fully prepared to commit whatever resources are required to the task."

Enoch leaned over and whispered, "You've decided on the military reorganization?"

She replied in a hushed voice, "The decision will be finalized tomorrow."

Aji Saka took the opportunity to speak, "Are there any specific issues you would like to address on behalf of the ACIN, Reverend Mother?"

[White Haven]

SCSS Honor, Flag Bridge

"Ma'am..." Vice Admiral Mandraki's staff intelligence officer waits for the woman to focus her attention on him, then goes on, "The last of the recon elements have reported in. We're looking at multiple systems with higher-than-normal levels of naval forces occupying them, without any significant local infrastructure." The commander of the First Battle Squadron nods at the report, quickly drawing the proper conclusion and prompting the spook to continue with a single word, "Pirates."

With a curt nod, the young lieutenant commander elaborates, "Four probable nests in the surveyed area. In particular..." he turns to the nearby holotank and keys a command into it. The view zooms in to focus on a single system, "AU-05-054, it's been designated. We're reading the highest concentration of drive signatures here, by a long shot. Too far out to get a better idea...but it's crowded, ma'am."

"Time to make our presence felt," Elyssa replies sharply, murmuring into her lace-thin headset, "All senior staff, meet me on the flag bridge in one hour."

AU-05-054, Outer Fringes of Aquarian Union Space

Eleven ships explode out of hyperspace in a shower of light and collapsing points, three massive battleships screened by an assortment of cruisers and carriers. Unusually for Sixth assault deployments, they translate down to normal space well outside anything even approaching powered attack range of the inner system. Without precise recon data, the risk of a close-assault translation is too great. As one, the formation surges inwards, fighter screen fanning out to cover the First Battle Squadron's flanks.

As sensors start to draw in data from this new frame of realspace, consternation crackles over the battlegroup's commnet. No less than six battleships dominate the naval formation clustered closer in-system, escorted by many times that number of cruisers, destroyers, and carriers...far more of a force than the First is equipped to assault. As quickly as it had begun its inward drive, the formation reorganizes with the smooth crispness possible only from superbly-trained, cohesive crews. Headings swing ninety degrees to port, escorts skittering clear of the broadsides of the heavy battleships even as they present their own. As the fleet shakes down onto its new heading, a transmission spears out, in the clear.

Code: Select all

This is Vice Admiral Elyssa Mandraki, First Battle Squadron, Sixth Cruiser Squadron. Please identify yourselves.

[Dahak]

Stuart-Sabai Strike Force, Pirate System A

SCSSSNS Dragon's Breath and her companion ships appeared out of nowhere at the outer edge of the hunting ground designated Pirate System A with their advanced stealth systems fully active. No mere pirate would have been able to burn through their stealth at this ranges.
Scores of fighters launched and passive sensors looked out into the system.
<<Range to target base 35 light minutes,>> the navigational Consensus announced.
<<Scanning multiple targets,>> the sensor Consensus added. <<Calculating fire solutions for Hypermissiles complete.>>
Their grav torches lit up, a far cry from their normal full-power settings, and crept slowly inward. They were the anvil and it was time to wait for the hammer.

The Sabai emerged from their hyperspace travel in the usual style accompanied by that kind of transportation near the pirate base. The Sabai interdictor started its magic as soon as it dropped out of hyperspace.Commodore Fars' voice came through the com channels, demanding immediate surrender.
Of course, the pirates refused. The small Sabai task force opened fire and pressed on, subtly pushing the pirates into the waiting arms of the Stuart task force.
It was actually quite laughable.
They waited a bit longer, then the Battle Carrier launched a full volley of hypermissiles at the unsuspecting targets. The gravitonic warheads swept away most of the pirate ships with this first volley, only a small number of larger ships emerged as something still resembling a ship. The second volley of heavy capital-grade missiles did away with them.

"Congratulations, Commodore," Admiral LaSoya then sent to the Sabai task force. "That was at least something against the boredom. I look forward to our next objective. Maybe it puts up a bit more of a resistance."

As a mere afterthought, the fleet Consensus launched a third, final, volley of hypermissiles, directed at the small moon the pirates called home. When they were done, only a expanding cloud of dust and plasma remained.

[frigidmagi]

This being the case, we believe that it is the duty of the Trading Compact to ensure that this nest of brigandry and violence be shut down as soon as possible, for the benefit of the Compact, our trading parteners, and civilization itself.

The Commonwealth votes Aye to the proposal forewarded by the Rpblksrpsk .

Having also reviewed the finding and overlooking the region itself. The Knight's Templar vote yea.

Futhermore it is suggested that in the interest of stablizing the region that the members of the Trading Compact estblish bases within the area.

[Dahak]

Avalon System, Avalon Prime, Stuart Plaza

<<So I hear you have made progress, Kajal?>> CEO Gladstone asked the head scientist.
<<Yes,>> his avatar vigorously nodded. <<we have concluded our experiments with the Isha'Qal telepathic ability genes. It only took several thousand test subjects to run the tests. The first few suffered from severe problems and had to be terminated. But we now have a stable status and have concluded they are completely stable. The test subjects could communicate with the Isha'Qal present via telepathy. We could begin, after some more integration testing, start splicing them into the general gen base.>>
<<Very well,>> she smiled. <<When you have the results of the final testing, notify me. How many bodies do you plan to use in the test?>>
<<For suitable results I think we should start with no less than 100,000.>>
<<Good. And any news from Caladan?>> She mentioned the other long-term project currently running.
<<Yes, the biologists have identified several species that seem to have useful genetic traits we could build on. We could begin with the genetic scanning and resequencing within the next few months if we so desire.>>
<<Wonderful,>> she got up and turned around, <<if that is all?>>
<<Yes, it is.>>
With it, the surrounding dissolved into digital mist and the meeting was done.

[InnocentBystander]

"I fully agree with the ACIN in regards for the need for an exchange of goods and ideas, as well as the need for a direct hyperspace lane to conduct said exchanges." The Lady Protector stopped to clear her throat, "And in doing so I am fully prepared to commit whatever resources are required to the task."

Aji Saka took the opportunity to speak, "Are there any specific issues you would like to address on behalf of the ACIN, Reverend Mother?"

Vigora IV
Palace of the Protector

"It would, I believe, be in our best interests if Vigora and the ACIN were to exchange embassies, so that we might better communicate. In any case, I will make sure to foreward your cabinet any important information regarding the establishment of a trade lane. Obviously it will require some minor resources, scouts, probes, telescope time, this sort of thing." the chair made a click noise and went silent, "Unless you have anything further which you would like to bring up, I should like to find a conference room to make a public address before I return to the hospital."

[Vohu Manah]

Vigora IV
Palace of the Protector

"It would, I believe, be in our best interests if Vigora and the ACIN were to exchange embassies, so that we might better communicate. In any case, I will make sure to foreward your cabinet any important information regarding the establishment of a trade lane. Obviously it will require some minor resources, scouts, probes, telescope time, this sort of thing." the chair made a click noise and went silent, "Unless you have anything further which you would like to bring up, I should like to find a conference room to make a public address before I return to the hospital."

A snap of her fingers and a near-by Sergeant brings a clipboard to the Lady Protector. She quickly signs the document, and hands it over to the Prime Minister, who does the same. The Lady Protector stated, "I have just signed the authorization to form our embassy to the ACIN, and order facilities to be obtained to station your embassy here. I will provide a list of persons for your approval prior to their departure."

The Prime Minister returned the clipboard to the Sergeant, "I have verified the order, and signed the document to confirm the order's validity. An attachment will be added later noting the Parliament has granted me the authority to do so. I believe that concludes our business today."

The Lady Protector's husband rose, "Allow me to escort you to the conference room for your announcement, Reverend Mother."

"Oh, Reverend Mother," added the Lady Protector, "My offer stands. If you wish to remain in the palace for the remainder of your stay, you are free to. The arrangements have already been made."

[Beowulf]

Fleet Supply Base Blfls
"Large hypersignatures detected. Estimate 5 Heavies, 6 Light, unknown number Minor."

"Fleet to battlestations. FFRMs to level 2 alert. Begin deployment plan Alpha."

The fleet began to rearrange itself around the supply base. The battleships moved into an octahedron with the base at it's center. The quartet of battlecruisers formed up in a miniature wall between the likely emergence point and the station. The escorts carriers disgorged all 1200 of their fighters(600 light and 600 heavy) before retiring into the center of the battleship formation. The missile cruisers formed up into another wall behind the battlecruisers. The destroyers moved into a scattered ensphereing formation around everything. The fighters were moving into positions between the destroyers when:

AU-05-054, Outer Fringes of Aquarian Union Space

Eleven ships explode out of hyperspace in a shower of light and collapsing points, three massive battleships screened by an assortment of cruisers and carriers. Unusually for Sixth assault deployments, they translate down to normal space well outside anything even approaching powered attack range of the inner system. Without precise recon data, the risk of a close-assault translation is too great. As one, the formation surges inwards, fighter screen fanning out to cover the First Battle Squadron's flanks.

As sensors start to draw in data from this new frame of realspace, consternation crackles over the battlegroup's commnet. No less than six battleships dominate the naval formation clustered closer in-system, escorted by many times that number of cruisers, destroyers, and carriers...far more of a force than the First is equipped to assault. As quickly as it had begun its inward drive, the formation reorganizes with the smooth crispness possible only from superbly-trained, cohesive crews. Headings swing ninety degrees to port, escorts skittering clear of the broadsides of the heavy battleships even as they present their own. As the fleet shakes down onto its new heading, a transmission spears out, in the clear.

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This is Vice Admiral Elyssa Mandraki, First Battle Squadron, Sixth Cruiser Squadron. Please identify yourselves.

Interdiction fields snapped on as the bows of every ship finished reorienting towards the bogeys.

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Well... You're certain rather well armed and trained for pirates. Perhaps too well. And we haven't actually seen any ships with your sensor readings around here before... or anywhere else for that matter. So maybe I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. I'm Rsshk, Aquarian Expeditionary Fleet, Rpblksrspk. Stand down, and I may think about inviting you to dinner.

[ooc]Forces in system are TF2, TF3, TF4.1-4, and 6 FFRM[/ooc]

[White Haven]

The ships of the First make turnover and quickly kill their built-up velocity, settling into a sedate, distant orbit around the system's primary. Even as the main fleet slows, the fighter screen spreads outwards, recon fighters probing the void in an attempt to ensure that the transmission isn't a ruse to sneak a force into close range. A few minutes of furious consultation later, a second transmission radiates outwards from the group's battle-line, echoed by each heavy.

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Well, we hardly arrived expecting diplomacy, but I'd say it's fairly clear that you lot aren't pirates. I can't make any promises about not offending anyone, I'm a Squadron commander, not a foreign outreach officer, but I'd be amenable to dinner. That is...assuming you're human and we have compatible metabolisms.

[Beowulf]

The ships of the First make turnover and quickly kill their built-up velocity, settling into a sedate, distant orbit around the system's primary. Even as the main fleet slows, the fighter screen spreads outwards, recon fighters probing the void in an attempt to ensure that the transmission isn't a ruse to sneak a force into close range. A few minutes of furious consultation later, a second transmission radiates outwards from the group's battle-line, echoed by each heavy.

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Well, we hardly arrived expecting diplomacy, but I'd say it's fairly clear that you lot aren't pirates. I can't make any promises about not offending anyone, I'm a Squadron commander, not a foreign outreach officer, but I'd be amenable to dinner. That is...assuming you're human and we have compatible metabolisms.

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Human? No. But I fairly certain we can scrounge up something that's edible for you. Of course, if you don't recall your fighters, we might have a small problem.

[White Haven]

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Give me some credit for prudence. Neither one of us knows the other enough to trust, and a fighter screen in the outer system is no threat whatsoever to you. Now frankly, I'd like to meet and get things resolved quickly and efficiently, but I'll not risk my command to do so, so if you insist on that, I'll withdraw and send in the Foreign Outreach Office. I'm sure we'll have worked out where each of us sits around a circular table in five or so years.

[InnocentBystander]

A snap of her fingers and a near-by Sergeant brings a clipboard to the Lady Protector. She quickly signs the document, and hands it over to the Prime Minister, who does the same. The Lady Protector stated, "I have just signed the authorization to form our embassy to the ACIN, and order facilities to be obtained to station your embassy here. I will provide a list of persons for your approval prior to their departure."

The Prime Minister returned the clipboard to the Sergeant, "I have verified the order, and signed the document to confirm the order's validity. An attachment will be added later noting the Parliament has granted me the authority to do so. I believe that concludes our business today."

The Lady Protector's husband rose, "Allow me to escort you to the conference room for your announcement, Reverend Mother."

"Oh, Reverend Mother," added the Lady Protector, "My offer stands. If you wish to remain in the palace for the remainder of your stay, you are free to. The arrangements have already been made."

Vigora IV
Palace of the Protector

"You are very kind, Lady Protector. I shall accept your offer, perhaps my proximity will help cultivate a prosperous relationship between the Vigorans and the ACIN." she would have smiled, has her face any muscles. They went to the conference room where she announced the creation of the Trans-Galactic Hyperlane.

[Marcao]

Galactic West
F-897a System

The first target for the joint Stuart-Sabai task force had been thoroughly devastated primarily through the use of Stuart ordnance. The Stuart policies pertaining to piracy were harsh, and their usage of hyper missiles completely skewed the deck in their favor. The ordnance was expensive, enough so that most pirates simply could not afford them in any real quantity. The Stuarts however, were throwing them around like rain in a temperate world.

Their usage would have been difficult if not for excellent coordination between the Sabai interdictor and the attacking Stuart warships. The first conflict took mere minutes. This target was of little direct importance to the Sabai, and as such they did not protest at the treatment that the Stuart unleashed upon them. Admiral LaSoya opened a channel with the Sabai task force Commodore Fers promptly answered.

”That was not much of a challenge Admiral, your forces made sure of that.” His tone was neutral but there was no denying that a battle carrier was more than overkill for the situation. Still, the Stuarts liked to be thorough and he certainly appreciated that. “Our next objective is of particular interest to our forces. We will be boarding it, so we would appreciate if your forces refrain from targeting the base of operations directly. Any other targets of opportunity are yours to do with as you please.”

A moment later, a smaller but nonetheless capable was launched from Stuart ships into the twisting wrecks that had been minutes before a small but capable pirate force. The move displayed utter contempt; the likelihood that anyone was left alive in the drifting hulks that had once been ships had been slim. Those changes were reduced to zero once the third and final salvo arrived on target. Commodore Fers watched through the sensors of his ship as ships were reduced to super heated gases and their component molecules.

A moment later the joint task force disappeared into faster than light travel. The Stuart method was unusual but it had certain similarities to their displacement drives. The travel time to their next target was a mere seventy three minutes.

Galactic West
F-782c System

The arrival of the Sabai forces to the system was not picked up by the pirate early warning network. Such systems were a necessity for pirate forces, but they were seldom as potent or as capable as those afforded by legitimate galactic powers. Nonetheless, the early warning network system was suitable for its task and would have ordinarily afforded the pirates anywhere from seven to eleven minutes of warning time as it scoured various levels of subspace and hyperspace listening for the tell tale signs of an approaching force. In this case however, a portion of the system had been disabled through sabotage. The early warning components themselves were not touched, but the command centre in the pirate base itself had been infiltrated weeks in advance by a Sabai agent. This agent had taken great pains in making sure that the Sabai arrival in this day did not draw undue attention. And as such, as the Sabai force slid back into real space, the early warning system laid silent.

The Sabai force moved towards the pirate base at a reasonable pace, attempting the most efficient approach between velocity and stealth. They managed to close the distance by a significant margin before being detected by pirate passive sensors. The Commodore frowned, realizing that the sensor capability of the pirate forces had been underestimated by nearly twenty percent by Sabai intelligence. His orders were carried quickly by his ships. With stealth no longer a concern, the entire fleet accelerate to their flank speed and closed towards their target. The pirate base rippled with activity, the sudden shock of a hostile presence in system replaced by quick action. It was then, when the Stuart forces arrived.

The Stuart forces had been asked to arrive on the opposite side of the approaching Sabai forces, preventing the escape of pirate forces. Their arrival sealed the fate of the pirate forces in the system, and the base itself. Commodore Fers opened an unencrypted channel to the pirates and wasted no time in offering his choice.

“This is Commodore Fers of the Sabai. All pirate forces are to stand down and prepare to be boarded.”

The command was simple and brief. The Sabai forces continued on their approach, while the handful of ships near the pirate base mostly composed of escorts and two cruisers seemed to hesitate. The Sabai task force was twenty ships strong, spear headed by two heavy cruisers and launching a multitude of attack drones furthermore, two interdictor fields were reaching out and distorting space time cutting off the most obvious escape route. On the opposite side were the Stuart forces, and they were even more impressive, the massive battle carrier hovering in the void like the awaiting angel of death.

The Sabai laws for piracy were well known in the region as were the Stuarts. In the end, only a cruiser scale ship and four escorts broke off away from the base on a course that suggested they were attempting to flee. These were some of the most notorious ships which the pirates possessed, warranting their belief that they had to take their chances. The Sabai forces did not chase, leaving them to the Stuart corporation to do with as they pleased. The rest of the gathered forces, one cruiser and eight assorted frigates, including three elderly TSC designs powered down their weapons and opened channels with the Sabai forces.

Commodore Fers smiled at the way things had turned out, his forces coming within energy range of the surrendered pirate forces and giving the orders necessary to begin boarding procedures. He did not give the ships that had tried to flee much thought; the last thing he had seen had been the Stuart forces closing changing their vector to pursue. It had been all he needed to see.

[InnocentBystander]

Local Galactic Broadcast
Hyperspace Channel 133

[|] GNN – Galactic News Network [|]

In an unprescedented move today the Reverend Mother May Julliard of the Blue Order has announced that the ACIN and the United Vigoran Protectorate have begun work on a new Trans-Galactic Hyperlane to connect the backwater Galactic West with the more modern Eastern Rim. Mother Julliard is calling upon, "All Civilized Powers" in the Galactic West to join the ACIN in uniting the West in a grand way.

Experts predict that the new Hyperlane could increase trade for many small isolated system-states in the west substantially. Though there is still a debate as to how much of the work the ACIN will have to put in as far as patroling the trade lane, it's a lot of space to cover and could be a very tempting target for pirates. There is also the question of what sort of help or hinderances small system-states near the main line will offer, however the Blue Order assures that this lane will be designed to benefit as many "good citizens of the galaxy" as possible, and stands firm in it's belief that the entire lane will be kept safe by "The charity of Good People and Just States" in short order. No word yet on any "good people" or "Just States" to join their cause.

[Agent Fisher]

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To the ACIN
From the Sparata Confederacy

We pledged a number of our fleet combat vessels to help patrol the new hyper lane.