STGOD 2K5 Main Game

[Cabwi Desco]

Western Edge of the Perseus Arm, 2 AU from the star Feronia

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Unidentified vessels, this is the Sani Colonial Authority vessel [i]Maka-Diyos[/i], on deep-space patrol. We hope to initiate peaceful communication between our races. 

"Comms, get me that vessel"
"aye sir, we're locked in on channel."

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Maka-Diyos, This is the ANS Essen. We confirm contact and agree to peace. please wait for further transmission.

"Sensors, get me a full sensor scan on that vessel as well. Comms get me a wide band transmission to both vessels."
"Aye sir, ready when you are."

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Sani Colonial Authority Vessel, Elysian Star Union Vessel, I am prepared to offer your governmental representatives safe travel to Morevonia. You may either bring your representatives aboard or I can guide you back to Morevonia in you seperate ships we await your reply.

"well lets hope they decide to at least come with us."

[Vanas]

"Hm. Looks like they're talking, at least. Inform the captain of the Maka-Diyos to keep them talking, while we get in touch with the UG"

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ANS Essen, we're presently on patrol out here. We're hardly equipped with a diplomatic envoy. We're discussing options with our command ship, and the govenment. Give us a second. 
..
Wha~ What? That's not ri~ Oh hell, is this still on?

"Admiral, you can't be serious!"

"We don't exactly cart around ambassadors, captain. The UG has decided that until we can get a diplomatic team established, as you were the first to make contact, you can be our first (temporary) envoy to them. After all, you know the most about them."

"Sir?"

"It's only temporary. Consider it an honour to accept this post, the first interstellar ambassador we've had."

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ANS Essen, we've ah... come to an arrangement. Give us about 30 minuites to get our shuttle ready. Maka-Diyos out.

To in addition to the visual on the message, a small timer was added to indicate the exact period of time they were talking about, as the chances of the two timing systems being the same were... low to say the least.

[Rogue 9]

NRS Hlondath Raider, on patrol near Barrier

"Conn, Sensors. Unidentified hyperspace-bound contacts, bearing 247 mark 47, aspect change rapid on vertical but not horizontal. Coming straight at us and a little above. Sir, the returns are huge; there's at least one massive ship in there."

"Sensors, Conn, aye. Comms, report contacts to fleet command at Joyous Gard. Shields up, arm weapons. Helm, all ahead two thirds, come to bearing 247 mark 270, take us below their projected path," ordered Commander Greer to various stations in rapid succession.

"Sir, they're slowing, I think they're going to emerge."

"General quarters," ordered Greer. Sirens began to sound throughout the frigate as the massive Hub dropped into realspace.

Galactic

The Fleet dropped into realspace, split into the usual 2 battlegroups.

This is The Aglatarian Hub, we are a peaceful trading fleet, we are intresting in opening diplomatic relations with the Nashtar Republic and would like to negotiate with someone with authority.

"Hailing the Aglatarian Hub, this is the NRS Hlondath Raider. Please stand by." The lieutenant at Comms looked over at Commander Greer. "Sir?"

Greer kept his outward composure, but inwardly cursed. What timing... "Alert Fleet Command. There are some deployments that might have to change with firepower like that in the neighborhood. Put me through."

"Aye, sir."

"Aglatarian Hub, this is Commander Greer of the Hlondath Raider. We're contacting Nashtar now to request representatives and an approach vector for you. What is the nature of your business?"

[Cabwi Desco]

Perseus Arm

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ANS Essen, we've ah... come to an arrangement. Give us about 30 minuites to get our shuttle ready. Maka-Diyos out.

(ooc: I'm assuming 30 min has passed...)

"Well sir, It looks like the delegation from SCA will be coming aboard soon."

"Right, have the hangar control officer prep the main landing bay. I'll be there in a few minutes. send message to maka-diyos, we are prepared to accept your envoy presently."

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SCA vessel maka-diyos, we will be ready to accept your envoy presently, please make your way to our main landing bay. we'll guide you in with our tractors.

"Now all we have to do is wait for the Elysians to respond. Well I'll be in the main bay. Commander Tomlyn you have the bridge."

"Aye sir."

[Nephtys]

Somewhere in the scenic Perseus Arm...

It’s been some time, a few hours since the contact with the ANS Essen. A remarkably quick period if one thinks about it, as a white and blue painted behemoth transits in from tachyon drive. She is clearly a large and powerful vessel, gleaming black lettering along her hull reading EFS Aeolus. The graceful battlecruiser is followed by four other ships, keeping tight formation. They seem to be two Heavy and two Light Cruisers flanking the powerful ship’s sides… a communication channel opens to the Twelve Republics ship.

“Captain Marcus Sinclair here, authorized by the Elysian Star Union to open relations until the appointment of proper ambassadorial personell.” He says into the holographic recorders on the bridge, a hyperband signal being tightbeamed towards the Essen. “We’re ready to proceed… we’d prefer to stay on board our ship, until we reach your system.” He replies, the man’s head turning up, posture perfect. “Please direct us, and we’ll commence Tach-Drive transit immediately.” He says with a nod. The recorders click off, the message concluded.

The man quickly turns back, scratching his lightly trimmed beard… grey eyes on his Executive Officer. She was a fairly youngish-looking woman, amber eyed and with shortly cropped ruby hair. “Commander Hornblower, I’d like you to take command of the ship during my leave and tell Engineering to spin up the Tach-Drive.” His head cants back to his personal holographic command display. “Also maintain ready status. I’d prefer if we don’t share the fate of our diplomatic envoy to the Ulran.”

Lieutenant Commander Isis Hornblower gives a nod, reaching above her own station. Pulling down a matte-black microphone, she speaks into it clearly, hands crossing through air of her holographic display. As various icons light green, she nods curtly to the Captain… “We’re ready and set for transit.”

Marcus Sinclair rested back with a jovial shrug. “Well, Isis. This shouldn’t be too bad. At least they haven’t started shooting yet…”

[Cabwi Desco]

(ooc: it's Thirteen Republics, not Twelve btw.)

The Perseus Arm

As the sani colonial authority shuttle settled on the deck inside the main landing bay of the ANS Essen Captain Samuelson recieved a call over the PC array.

"Sir the elysian vessel will not be sending a representative aboard but they will follow us back to thriteen space."

"Understood commander, tell them that will be all right and we'll be jumping out as soon as we have the sani colonial authority delegation on deck. I'll call when we're ready."

"Aye sir. Tomlyn out."

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Elysian Vessel, we will be ready to jump out in a few moments please coordinate your nav with ours. sending  waypoint coordinates now...

"Sir it appears the Sani delegation is disembarking."

"Right." Slowly captain samuelson strode towards the Shuttle as three members of the delegation walked down the ramp one was dressed in what he hoped he interpreted as a captains uniform (and apparently the only dress uniform of the bunch) and extended his hand. "Captain of the Maka-Diyos I, hopefully, presume?"

[Thirdfain]

Osiris

-:RECORDSTART:-

Delacroix's office was packed. The new government buildings on Osiris had been built to manage the Osirian administrative zone back in the time before President Conner's postwar plans had built the Commonwealth into an empire in all but name. The facilities hadn't been meant to manage the vast nation, and the government hadn't tried to expand them. Certainly, bills had been placed, but they never seemed to make it into full fruition. There was an unspoken agreement in the Commonwealth's upper levels- Desjardins would always be the real capital, and the offices on Osiris were merely a temporary measure, until such time as the re-terraforming of the superlasered capital world could be complete.

President Delacroix was wondering as to the wisdom of that choice, now. Delacroix's cabinet, a contingent of Agency officials, and a whole bevy of naval officers were seated across the chamber. Even the cubby with it's low table and set of luxurious lounging pillows was occupied, a group of navy staff officers seated uncomfortably in the Osiran opulence.

Chef-Admiral Marcus von Nakamura, in full dress uniform, was speaking.
"Sir, these orders will be... expensive to carry out. Certainly, the facilities at Corneria Station are etpensive, but they are barely sufficient to service a single sororas of Dreadoughts, much less two! Ambrose Station and Fort Casull can't handle even that much. We'll need funding to expand the bases."

Delacroix cocked an eyebrow. "I understand the limitations, Marcus. You'll get your funding. Right now, such a redeployment is vital for our interests in the Eastern Rim." He smiled slightly. "We can't have the Provincal Fleet getting all the glory, hmmm?"

Chef-Admiral Venus Desmond, present as a bust-hologram hanging over the President's desk, responded. "The logistics of the entire transfer add a great deal of... complexity, Cityonne President. These bases are run by Provincal Fleet officers. Adding an entire second chain-of-command of Grand Fleet officers to my largest bases won't make administering the colonies any easier."

Delacroix's expression became annoyed. "I don't have time for this petty rivalry, Venus, and neither does the Commonwealth. Last time I checked, an Admiral supercedes a Sous-Admiral, regardless of their branch. Your base commanders will administer the Grand and Provincal fleet bases, and the Grand Fleet personelle will accept the leadership of those officers appointed over them, regardless of their branch." He cut off the two voices raised in protest from the two fleet commanders. "And Corneria Station will become seat of the 2nd Century, and Venus' men and women there will abide by the leadership of the Grand Fleet officers placed over them there."

The two Chef-Admirals nodded their assent.

The President smiled. "Good. I'm glad that's taken care of. Venus, the Graiai will be stopping at Ambrose Station for resupply on their way to the Aquarian Union- just notifying you before the official orders come in."

"Yes, Cityonne President."

He turned to the group of Agency officials. "Ladies, Gentlemen. Would you be so kind as to present the basics of your report to the assemblage?"

One of the neatly suited spymasters, wearing the badge of an Agency telepath, made a clipped bow. "Recent SIGINT in the Perseus arm has pointed to the existence of two sources of heavy FTL-com traffic, far greater than what would normally be found amidst the pirate states and struggling colonials. We've suspected the existence of coalesced states in the region for some time now, but we've chosen not to act due to our overextension in handling the Gorn situation. With that operation changing nature, we have been able to increase observation."

Her eyes swept the room.

"It is probable that the region will see greatly increased merchant traffic in the near future, and we believe it would be in the Commonwealth's best interest to take part in contact with these new powers."

Delacroix nodded. "Thank you, Brenna. Sabine, please dispatch some couriers to the region to speed the process." He stood. "That concludes this meeting. Ladies, gentlemen, thank you for your time."

The gaggle of advisors, officers, and ministers began to file out.

"Senator St. Juste, if I may have a moment?"

St. Juste, hero of the People's War and Delacroix's principle political rival, strode over to the desk. Her carved-ebon features were hard.

Delacroix waited quietly until the last had left.

"Jaquiline, I'd like to apologise. It seems you were correct about our obligations to the Quadruple Entente. I will take your counsel into greater account in the future."

He paused for a second, as if pained. St. Juste waited expectantly.

Delacroix bowed slightly over his paunch.

"I'm sorry."

-:ENDRECORD:-

[Nephtys]

Still in the Perseus Arm...

Isis Hornblower throws her head back, the young officer watching a display of numbers come in through her station. Features turning downwards and not particularly comforted by her superior's joke, she turns to him.

"Coordinates recieved, Captain. Drive warmed and ready. Your orders?" her voice softly crosses the bridge, to the standing Captain Sinclair. He reviews the display before giving a curt nod. "Signal the squadron. All hands, prepare for transit."

The great white starship lurches in space, an orange aura encircling it and her four companions... before they accelerate, becoming red-shifted blur.. then vanishing from sight.

[Ace Pace]

NRS Hlondath Raider, on patrol near Barrier

"Conn, Sensors. Unidentified hyperspace-bound contacts, bearing 247 mark 47, aspect change rapid on vertical but not horizontal. Coming straight at us and a little above. Sir, the returns are huge; there's at least one massive ship in there."

"Sensors, Conn, aye. Comms, report contacts to fleet command at Joyous Gard. Shields up, arm weapons. Helm, all ahead two thirds, come to bearing 247 mark 270, take us below their projected path," ordered Commander Greer to various stations in rapid succession.

"Sir, they're slowing, I think they're going to emerge."

"General quarters," ordered Greer. Sirens began to sound throughout the frigate as the massive Hub dropped into realspace.

Galactic

The Fleet dropped into realspace, split into the usual 2 battlegroups.

This is The Aglatarian Hub, we are a peaceful trading fleet, we are intresting in opening diplomatic relations with the Nashtar Republic and would like to negotiate with someone with authority.

"Hailing the Aglatarian Hub, this is the NRS Hlondath Raider. Please stand by." The lieutenant at Comms looked over at Commander Greer. "Sir?"

Greer kept his outward composure, but inwardly cursed. What timing... "Alert Fleet Command. There are some deployments that might have to change with firepower like that in the neighborhood. Put me through."

"Aye, sir."

"Aglatarian Hub, this is Commander Greer of the Hlondath Raider. We're contacting Nashtar now to request representatives and an approach vector for you. What is the nature of your business?"

Galactic

"Good, they seem to be friendly so far", Petrach leaned back and made some notes on a pad.

"Are you sure sir? They seem pretty cagey" Comm. Technician Sepher commented.

"Everybody is cagey when you drop a fleet on their doorsteps, transmit this message...

Commander Greer, we request escort to Nashtar and a refuelling convoy if aviable.

"Send a message to the Array, tell it to make flank speed for the Imperium and pick up our new ships"

"Aye Aye sir"

[SirNitram]

Bigger than some fleet bases, a Long Haul was a grand display of power by the Black Alliance, and currently, three hung in the night around an ancient, pre-Fall station in the ruined space of the Galactic West. The system was once called New Corellia, but now only ruined debris orbited it's star. No signs of the Beast and Zerg infestations that once threatened it remained.

Emblazoned on each hull, bigger than entire cities, were the emblems of three Grand Masters. One was that of Andrews, ruler of the increasingly powerful Corsair Republic, and the other two answered to lesser Masters; one, in fact, had been unable to muster a Fleet Tender to show his power, and had instead arrived in a converted Commonwealth megafreighter, a piddling little box compared to the majestic behemoths.

The meeting wasn't going well. Andrews sat at his chair at the head of a long table someone found in the old base, and listened to complaints. He finally cut off Grand Master Hawkings with a lift of two fingers; his Psykker bodyguard did the rest, robbing the man of the ability to move his tongue. "Enough. Enough and more than enough. Politics is riled in the Galaxy, and we are going to gain from it. The petty squabbles of you and your supporters do not move me; the Privateers Guild has sworn to cleave to my plan, and not even you three can exist without the Guild for long."

It was at this that Quintessa, a woman still bearing the long-obselete marks of a slavewoman, spoke up. "Commerce with the lesser nations of the West is a fine idea... But you expect us to simply accept your whims as if you were first among us! My worlds will not accept these terms; not a single pound of our goods will be exchanged." The other two murmured, or in Hawkings case, gurgled, their support.

"You're free to try that, of course." Andrews mused softly. "Of course, how long will your feeble collections of worlds last without trade with the Republic or loot from the Guild? Not long, not long at all. I will not play games of politics with you; you are my peers. I am the first among us for I am strongest. My troops stand ready to fight and win against any planetary force yet conceived. My ships inspire fear. My worlds are growing in prosperity, and my people rejoice on each Orbital. Make no mistake: the Alliance is dying and I stand above it's corpse, triumphant. I merely offered you three the chance to come out ahead."

The flurry of insults and accusations lasted only moments, with the Grand Masters and their retinues leaving in disgust. Soon, a megafreighter and Fleet Tender were pulling away from the station, starting back across the long, distorted Energy Grid towards smoother space and the Clouds.

Andrews was patient, and passed the time sitting in a room that had once been a tactical planning chamber, but was now his private study. A knock came at the door, and Grand Mistress Quintessa stepped in.

"I am ready to negotiate." She murmured.

[Vanas]

Aboard the ANS Essen
A few moments ago

The gravity onbard the alien ship was somewhat lower than the Sani were used to, but the atmosphere was a pretty decent match for their own. All in all, a good start.

"Right then. Let's make a good impression, shall we?"

He brushed off some imaginary dust from his deep blue uniform as the ramp lowered, revealing a number of crew members notably taller than them and a single man in the middle in a somewhat more impressive uniform striding towards them.
After a quick handshake, the captain finally managed to find his tounge.

"Captain Enil Ter'ao, requesting permission to come aboard, Captain."

[Cabwi Desco]

Aboard the ANS Essen, Perseus Arm

"Permission granted, Captain Enil Ter'ao. Welcome to the Essen. I hope we're not moving a little fast for you, but we're preparing to jump back to Thirteen space with the Elysians following us in. Now if you'll follow Commander Signet he'll guide you to your quarters. If you wish we can also have you vessel follow us in. but we are running on somewhat of a time frame."

"Commander Tomlyn,"

Her voice pinged back over the PC system "Sir?"

"Tell the elysians we're ready to jump out and relay the SCA vesel tell them they can follow us if they prefer, Samuelson out."

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Elysian Star Union vessel, we are ready to jump, please follow us out. Maka-Diyos, you can follow us out if that's your preference.

Rather quickly the vessels engaged their FTL drives and jumped out.

Admiral Tarkin has quite a day ahead of him I wager.

[Dahak]

Stuart Space, System X4544-B-3

The fleet appeared with the suddeness of their jump drives above the planet. The system was only a short distance from Avalon and in their controlled space, so for the outside universe it had been instantaneous.

As soon as they had settled into the here and now, the large ships fired their main weapons at the planets. Cities vanished as the powerful beams ripped at the planetary surface, melting rock and crust.

When the main cities, all expcet one, on the planet had been erradicated, the next phase began.
Hundreds of assault shuttles dropped down towards the planet and the sole surviving city. Heavy weaponry clearing a landing zone of any enemy opposition.

They landed and thousands of Stuartian Marines, their insectoid client race and other, scary looking constructs poured from them. Fire tore through them, destroying dozens of ships and thousands of biological creatures.
Dedicated ships powered up force fields and theatre shields, protecting the troops.

Then they advanced, slowly carving through the city.

After several hours of battle, it was secure.

***

<<The maneuvre is complete,>> Fleet consensus observed.
<<Yes, all within the planned parameters. Losses?>> Consensus asked.
<<We lost 31% of the first wave, considerably less in the later waves. Losses total in at about 91,000 biological and cybernetic units.>>
<<We are still behind the observed effectiveness of other galactic powers, but we are closing the gap.>>

The fleet got the remaining material off-planet and left.
The planet would now serve as a new mining operation, after it had been used in the menuvre. Over the last weeks, construction ships and crews had built several cities as realistic as possible, to serve as targets. Several million Stuartians were used as believable population.
All in all, it was a success. And after re-grow, all would be alive again.
The Stuart Corporation believed in very life excercises.

[Nieztchean Uber-Amoeba]

High Orbit over Colony 7

Silently, dozens of Shoomian vessels erupted out of Hyperspace, from tiny assault shuttles to the grand Solidarity, hovering within the centre of the fleet.

::Scanning Colony::

...

::Scan complete. Telemetry received. 100% of Nodes destroyed. 99.9% chance of total infestation by the Xenomorphs::

The cold, indifferent female voice did not do anything to soften the fact that Nua was not pleased. There was only one way to cleanse the impurity of the colony. Fire.

The ships' gravitic drives activated, and the fleet slipped towards the colony.

::Commencing Orbital Bombardment now. Planetdeath operation officially commencing. 30 minutes until complete planetdeath::

[Rogue 9]

Galactic

The Fleet dropped into realspace, split into the usual 2 battlegroups.

"Hailing the Aglatarian Hub, this is the NRS Hlondath Raider. Please stand by." The lieutenant at Comms looked over at Commander Greer. "Sir?"

Greer kept his outward composure, but inwardly cursed. What timing... "Alert Fleet Command. There are some deployments that might have to change with firepower like that in the neighborhood. Put me through."

"Aye, sir."

"Aglatarian Hub, this is Commander Greer of the Hlondath Raider. We're contacting Nashtar now to request representatives and an approach vector for you. What is the nature of your business?"

Galactic

"Good, they seem to be friendly so far", Petrach leaned back and made some notes on a pad.

"Are you sure sir? They seem pretty cagey" Comm. Technician Sepher commented.

"Everybody is cagey when you drop a fleet on their doorsteps, transmit this message...

Commander Greer, we request escort to Nashtar and a refuelling convoy if aviable.

Greer, microphone off, actually laughed aloud when he heard the transmission from the Hub. "An escort? They want an escort from us? Sensors, what was the analysis of their combat abilities again?"

The ensign seated at the main sensor display shook his head in disbelief. "Sir, that thing could give the Halcyon and Pillar of Autumn together a run for their money."

Greer allowed himself another morbid chuckle. "Right." He activated the voice pickup. "Acknowledged. We'll take you to Pinnacle first, it's the closest world with the facilities to even think about refueling your ship. Feeding you the coordinates," he said, waving to Comms to send the data as he spoke the last.

[Ace Pace]

Galactic

"Good, they seem to be friendly so far", Petrach leaned back and made some notes on a pad.

"Are you sure sir? They seem pretty cagey" Comm. Technician Sepher commented.

"Everybody is cagey when you drop a fleet on their doorsteps, transmit this message...

Commander Greer, we request escort to Nashtar and a refuelling convoy if aviable.

Greer, microphone off, actually laughed aloud when he heard the transmission from the Hub. "An escort? They want an escort from us? Sensors, what was the analysis of their combat abilities again?"

The ensign seated at the main sensor display shook his head in disbelief. "Sir, that thing could give the Halcyon and Pillar of Autumn together a run for their money."

Greer allowed himself another morbid chuckle. "Right." He activated the voice pickup. "Acknowledged. We'll take you to Pinnacle first, it's the closest world with the facilities to even think about refueling your ship. Feeding you the coordinates," he said, waving to Comms to send the data as he spoke the last.

Deep Space

The Array, escorted by 4 crusiers, 20 Corvettes, 5 Traders, split away from the main group, and jumped to hyperspace.

Galactic

Musing over sensor data, Petrach asked the Comm. Technician Sepeher, who was also an expert in displomatic negotiations from his focus.

"Don't you think its a little weird their not requesting we turn off our weapon systems before we go into their borders?"

"No, either they belive our good intentions, or they are convinced they can handle us if they need, the scant information we have in our Database suggests they could swat us aside if they needed too"

"Thank you, inform the research department to give me everything they have on the NR's navy"

"Meanwhile, jump to those coordinates he gave us, keep it simple, parade formation, no picket lines, no early exit from hyperspace, inform them we are jumping in 15 minutes"



The Galactic TF turns around to the new coordinates, and jumps to hyperspace"

[Vanas]

Dieu et Mon Driot, Perseus Arm

"The Essen has invited the Maka-Diyos to follow it, sir. They're requesting your decision."

"I think our sweep has covered everything. If they can follow the Essen, let them go. In the mean time, compare the scans we're getting of those large ships with the ones the listening post is getting. It's built for this sort of thing."

About 8,800 km away from the Dieu

"We've got a tenatative course laid in, the drives are ready... I think we're ready to go."
"Good. Just keep the shuttle's beacon ahead of us and we'll be fine."

As the Essen bolted off, the space infront of the Maka-Diyos seemed to tear, a circle of perfect darkness opening infront of the ship before rushing down the length of the vessel in the blink of an eye and vanishing, leaving no trace of it's, or the ship's passing.

[Cabwi Desco]

three hours later.
Thirteen Space

"Sir, we're coming out of hyperspace in five seconds"

"Understood navigation."

Samuelson watched as the stars came back to the main screen rather than a tunnel of white and was glad to be finally back home.

"Commander, go get our guests and bring them up to the bridge, I want them to see this."

"aye sir."

He continued to stare out the viewport at his home planet Drendarion. While not as splendid as Morevonia, it was a beautiful sight.

"Sir the Elysian vessel and the Maka-Diyos are waiting in the wings, what should I tell them?"

"how about welcome to the Thriteen Republics?"

"It will be done

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Elysian vessel, Maka-Diyos, Captain Samuelson welcomes you to the Thirteen Republics.

"Right, Navigation, set a course for Morevonia. We'll dock with the Borodin and send down shuttles to the surface. Inform our new friends of the plans and tell them to do the same, and not to worry, the Borodin has universal docking collars. After we set down they can bring their crews down, I'm sure they could use a little shore leave."

"Aye sir, transmitting"

Code: Select all

Elysian vessel, Maka-Diyos, we are approaching the main planet Morevonia, if you'll simply follow us in we'll dock with the space station in orbit, you may do the same, the station has universal docking collars. After we send down our shuttles, you may do the same, Essen out.

Samuelson turned to see the SCA delegation step onto the bridge.

"ah Captain Ter'ao, I see you've decided to join us."
he pointed to the planet on the viewscreen
"Splendid isn't it. Morevonia, population, 100 billion, main industries, shipbuilding and foodstuffs. Also home to the main government, the Admiralty Council under Grand High Admiral Desco, the most impressive admiral to ever serve the Thirteen."
he then gestured to the 13km warship orbiting the planet
"And that's his flagship, the ANS Triumph, pride of the Allied Nations Navy."

"now if you'll excuse me we will be docking with the Borodin soon"

It took less than 30 seconds from when he said soon for them to dock with the space station. It wouldnt take more than 30 minutes for them all to transfer down to the surface. and from then on it would be from Admiral Tarkins point of view, his arena if you will.

[Nephtys]

EFS Aeolus and her twin Apollo class cruisers Tartarus and Typhon flash into the system, blue-shifted light becoming the forms of three capable warships of the Elysian Deep Space Fleet. Following closely are the two Ganymede-class Light Cruisers, the paired ships Epiona and Amalthea. Aboard the gleaming white bridge of the Aeolus, Lieutenant Commander Hornblower watches the displays vigilantly. “Entering system. Read moderate spaceborne assets, some orbital facilities. All sensors are recording.” She reports, head snapping upwards.

Captain Sinclair watched the shape of the Maka-Diyos nearby, the ship arriving momentarily before. “Conn, bring us around and maintain formation. Follow contact Essen at two thousand klicks, three-fourths thrust.” His simple order is followed by a brief ‘aye’ in response. “Establish comm. Channels please with that other ship. I’d like to size up her commander before we go dirtside.” Sinclair steps off of his elevated command station, walking off to one side to view the large holoboard posted by the communication station. Not far behind him is the form of Isis Hornblower, looking over his shoulder with an almost childlike smile on her face. “Take a look at that. Letting us waltz into their home system and everything. I almost imagine they could be /sincere/ about opening peaceful relations. Imagine that.”

The smooth, gleaming hull of Aeolus presses closer towards the station Borodin. A communications beam lances out, invisible but to sensitive instruments for the Maka-Diyos. “And who might you be?” comes the voice of Captain Sinclair. “Just to save on some awkward moments later. Perhaps we can share a dialogue, exchange jokes... or something down on the surface.” He says, hanging the comm. up with an amused expression. Isis shakes her head sadly. Oh, her commanding officer.

Now decelerating and moving along the large station, Aeolus shifts in space, laterally maneuvering with her gravimetric displacers until a soft-link connection could be made. Tartarus and Typhon disengage thrust and spin about until they come to a relative stop to the station, with Epiona and Amalthea keeping along their flanks, forming a ‘V’ relative to the station, the battlecruiser at the tip. Isis relaxes, leaning forward along her panel with her well-fitted vacsuit cuffs propping her jaw up. “Have a good trip, Captain. I’ll be sure to keep the CIC warm for when you return.” She smiles contently, knowing that Sinclair can’t possibly see or hear her. She flips images on the projected hologram. “Comm, send a databurst back home on the Beta band. We’re going to be waiting a bit, most likely. Especially the Captain decides to use his brand of negotiation…” she relaxes on the console…

***

Sinclair walks along the flexiplas tubing of the docking tube, moving to the familiar airlock of his ship. Looking back briefly at his entourage, he gives a silent nod. “Well, we all know what to do. If they play ball, we get trade. If they don’t, we give plasma. So please, for the love of deus, don’t do anything that’d embarrass me or the fleet.” He adds, before turning to the hatch, opening it with a high-pitched hiss and whir. Head forward and chin up, the captain steps into the unknown…

[Cabwi Desco]

The Borodin

Captain Samuelson stood at the Airlock that was connected to the elysian vessel with a sure look on his face. At this point not much could go wrong. He heard the hiss of the airlock and found himself staring at a man in a sort of space suit. he started to mouth "you can breathe in here" when he suddenly seemed to take a deep breath of the air, though samuelson could barely tell, the elysian barely changed his body language.

"Captain Sinclair I presume?" he briefly questioned.

he got no denial so he introduced himself

"I am Captain Samuelson of the ANS Essen and this is the grand battlestation, Borodin. Welcome aboard."

He shifted his gaze for a moment.

"Well we, myself, you, and the SCA delegation will, be heading down to the surface in a shuttle in a few minutes. If you'll follow me."

And the three of them headed towards a shuttle in one of the hangar bays.

[Vanas]

Space Station Borodin

The sight of the immense station and the similary huge Triumph was somewhat less than reassuring for Captain Ter'ao. The Dreadnought, the largest ship the SCA had built, would probably fit into one of that thing's hangar bays. On the counter-side though, there didn't appear to be any volatile asteroid belts like the ones the decorated the Sani systems, so perhaps a large ship was more practical out here?

The security personell allowed him into the hangar bay where their host, Captain... Samuelson? (He'd have to get one of noncoms to check later, save him from looking a fool) was meeting with the other new arrival. Just as he entered, he got a message on his earpiece from a rather amused sounding comms officer.

Code: Select all

Captain, we got a message from the large ships a moment ago, would have told you sooner, but we weren't sure if the signal would get through this thing's armour. Message reads as follows: 
"And who might you be? Just to save on some awkward moments later. Perhaps we can share a dialogue, exchange jokes or something down on the surface"
Would have been nice if he'd have left a name, but it's probably safe to assume that's the commanding officer. I'd suggest you buy him a drink or something. Maka-Diyos out.

Just as the message ended, the space-suited captain arrived on the ship's deck and was greeted by Captain probably-Samuelson. The man looked to be a similar size to the Captain (i.e. significantly taller then himself), and when he opened the helmet, similar features. Heck, from what he'd got of their conversation, even similar names. The only acceptable answer was that they were both from the same species, one that had spread so far that factions were only just meeting... but that was the stuff of science-fiction. The Sani had only recently acheived interstellar flight, and here is a race so scattered that events like this can happen. Well, Fleet Command and the Government were going to get a report that they'd never forget in his first transmission. For now though, diplomacy.
As they walked to the shuttle bay, Capt. Ter'ao manoevered himself to be next to the new arrival.

"Captain... Sinclair, was it? My comms officer informs me you wanted to talk?

[Kyle]

"Senator Wellton, I'm afraid that I do not believe it is wise for you to present your proposed constitution before the Gorn. You know the issues we are facing as well as anyone here today, but this constitution appears to blatantly ignore one of the key issues; this document, I fear, would be a harsh insult to the Gorn Loyalists, and I would like to recommend to the Comission that it not be brought before the Gorn for review. Each day we are one step closer to making a compromise between the Gorn Loyalists and the Gorn Provisional Government that will work for both sides, we should not upset this process by insulting either party." she glanced casually around the room as the other emissaries scrambled to look over the new proposal. Mother Ramallo took another sip of her tea, perhaps today would be different?

Wellton responded after a few moments to gather his thoughts. "Mother Ramallo, while your advise is well meant I find it rather naive. If this summit has proven anything it is that both sides of the Gorn conflict consider themselves to be in the right and have taken diametrically opposing views."

He paused for a second to take a drink from his coffee. "If we are to be honest we must admit that neither side will be able to fully realize all of there stated goals. We must forge a compromise that both sides can work within. The Gorn Federation has been irrevocably changed by the recent actions and we must help them to create a new model of government that can function within this cultural and political framework. It is our duty as members of this commision to do just that."

And soon Wellton thought to himself. The members of this commision didin't understand Terran politics and how much influence Wellton had expended to get himself appointed to this Commision and to get Weeichman to go along with it. If he didn't have something to show for it soon Weeichman would probably replace him with a member of his own party. Probably Representative Smittin of the Camelot system. If that happened the Summit would be as good as over.

[Cabwi Desco]

The Borodin
before the elysian captain could respond samuelson realized they were already behind normal diplomatic schedule.
"Ah well if you could hold off this conversation till we're on the shuttle that would be most helpful, we're working on a bit of a timeframe here. And I think you'll find the shuttle a better place to speak than in this crowded corridor. also there is a fully stocked refrigeration unit on the shuttle. Now if you would just follow me."

[Nephtys]

A short while ago, aboard a Borodin Far Far Away...

“That’d be me.” Sinclair says solemnly, “I hope we can establish good relations, especially if you’re from the eastern edge of the galaxy. We’re… quite a bit from home now.” He says, rubber soled footsteps tapping along the floor plating as he walks, hands behind his back in examination of this space platform. Flanking him are two Elysian vac-troopers, in similar attire, and a pair of officers of indeterminate rank or position. None are visibly armed of course, befitting their diplomatic assignment.

He puts his gloved hands together, fingers interlocking behind the stately navy-blue vacsuit. His eyes pass back to the Sani captain, and he gives a slight nod. “I suppose our host is right. Let’s sit down… discuss this over whatever the locals use for tea?”

Hanging idly aboard the armored CIC of Aeolus, Isis watches the readings from the captain’s uniform. His fiber-op camera continues to function as does the audio pickup. All dull and unremarkable material so far, of course as expected from a diplomatic mission. She listens to the captain’s voice addressing Samuelson. “Interesting layout for this station.”

He turns his head up to observe crew walking about on their business “Fairly impressive piece of engineering… so it’s used as a transfer point between the planet below and space?” Sinclair’s eyes turn to one of his subordinates, a moderately athletic woman in her own vacsuit, who is working with a small datapad. She was most likely a technical expert of some sort, or an intelligence officer. Whatever the case, the small group of personnel from all three star nations continues on their walk to the atmospheric shuttle, their footsteps echoing through the corridor.

[Cabwi Desco]

The Borodin, Hangar Bay 5

As the nine members of their respective races stepped aboard the shuttle captain samuelson directed them to somewhere where they could sit.

"Now I'm afraid the drinks we have on board might be a little powerful to the tastes of outsiders, but I assure you they aren't toxic. But for now may I recommend the Silver Ale? I believe its the closest thing to what the UTR calls Tea that we have."

As he himself settled down with a stronger Bronze he looked to his left.

"Ah it looks as if we're taking off. The trip shouldn't be long. Oh and dont worry about speaking, all our diplomatic shuttles scram comm bugs, so feel free to say what you will, but first may I ask, what do you think of our people so far?"