STGOD 2K5 Main Game

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2005-06-01 12:24am

-::-

Delacroix's chamber was dark. Only his desk-lamp remained on, a globe of pale holographic light floating above the desk, created by technology he had had imported from the Corporate Sector. His silhouette, backlit by the scrolling figures and projections on the 'screen, seemed reduced and deflated.

Only one other person was in the room, at that late hour. St. Juste, Delacroix's greatest rival in the Senate and his ideological opposite, sat across from him, her face impassive. Ebon flesh glowing a pale blue under the cold illumination of the hololamp.

Delacroix's hands were clenched. In one, he held a crystal glass of whiskey, straight and harsh.

"So, it's this or subsumation. Or triple entente, and ensuing stasis."

Fire in the heavens. Vessel after vessel collapses under the fury, fusion bombs turning thousands of lives wrapped in megatons of metal into so much screaming radiation.

St. Juste nodded.

Delacroix lifted the glass to his lips. "And you think it will come to that? You think they'll deny us?"

Armored treads smashing remains into debris. Soldiers in Commonwealth whites marching in lockstep down the grand old avenues of Maralsartel, for the second time in a century. Impassive faces stare from behind the military police, as the conquerers raise their flag.

"Some of them," she said. "But we'll win."

Delacorix's eyes met hers. There was understanding.
"Then..." His throat moved, pulling the potent liquor down in a single smooth motion. "Then, we go."

-::-

Encyclopaedia Galactica, XXXIII Edition
"Eastern Rim Trade Compact"+"President Delacroix"
-147,390,000 hits
-best hit follows:

-::-

"...The Delacroix era and the early days of the Eastern Rim Trading Compact are notable for the speed, efficiency, and ruthless brutality of the campaigns they waged in the so-called Great Waste. The strategy enacted in the taming of the Aquarian Union was brutal in it's simplicity. The Nashtar, Rpblksrpsk, and Squadroné offensives had taken out the largest and most powerful pirate kingdoms, but had left the major port of Maralsartel completely untouched. It wasn't until almost a month after the Nashtar campaign ended that the Commonwealth Navy struck Maralsartel, it's docks swollen with the dregs of the local feifdoms, Aquarian-ethnics banding together in great numbers under the protection of the Maralsartel Principality, effecting repairs and moving in men and machines.

The Commonwealth attack came in underwhelming force- only a pair of battlecruiser squadrons and a single manipule of Dreadnoughts. Any larger force would have been noticed en route, and the attack relied on catching the remnants of the Aquarian independent fleets with their pants down. The Commonwealth losses were significant, but the attack an utter success. A week later, the Legions marched through the streets of Marasartel for the first time since the Thieve's War. A defeated populace watched as the last independent flag in the Aquarian Union was replaced by the Sword-And-Suns. The Commonwealth had returned, and repaid the Aquarian Union's betrayal by the Grand Alliance threefold. With the commencement of construction on a series of military bases along the Eastern Rim capable to service even capital ships, it was clear that this time, the Commonwealth intended on staying..."

-:ENDRECORD:-

Operation Loki
Losses
-Destroyed:
1 "Astraea" BC, CNS Swordsman
2 "Hesperia-IV" FFE, CNS Gdansk, CNS Volga

-Damaged:
1 "Astraea" BC, CNS Winged Victory
1 "Tisiphone" CLG, CNS Orleans
2 "Clymene" DDG, CNS Tomas Payne, CNS Wilhelm D'Oranj

Captain tycho · Post by **Captain tycho** » 2005-06-01 02:08am

It had been months of hard, ardurous mapping, and the loss of 8 scouting vessels, but after centuries or longer of disuse, the Auroran/Nasthar hyperspace route was opened for trade.

The Imperium may be xenophobic (at least the more radical churches and govermental groups), but it had a keen knack for trading. The Imperium was the home of numberless merchant houses, originally founded and controlled by the proto-Imperium socialist state, who branched off and became independent of the goverment.

It was these merchant houses who pushed viciously for the reopening of the spacelane, and despite the wishes of the goverment to remain semi-isolated, it caved. Money makes the world go round, even in the Imperium. Not to mention that half of the high lords were merchant princes by birth.

Message from Administratum Ministry of External Trade, to Nashtar:

Code: Select all

As you may have known, we have been working diligently to remap
the old hyperspace route that runs by our two great nations. We believe that a trade pact between us will strengthen both of us immensely, and in the future, the rest of the Rim. Additionally, security along the hyperlane must be kept strict, as there are many marauders in these parts who would wish to 'exploit' merchant convoys. We will be assigning half of the 1st Fleet Division to the hyperlane, and hope you will do the same once we sign this pact.

                 The Emperor Protects!
                 - Magistrate Alurden

Glimmervoid · Post by **Glimmervoid** » 2005-06-01 07:53am

Joven consensus open session. Time log 12.21

Master speaker: It has been proposed that we terminate our isolationist policies when our fleet has reached a level were it can defended our territory. Voice of moon 2 has our fleet reached this level.

Voice of moon 2: Yes master speaker our fleet number 15 capital ships, 30 cruiser types and 370 escorts. We believe this is sufficient to defended The World and The Eleven.

Voice of North: Are we certain that this is the best course of action.

Master of earth: I am not convinced that this will be enough.

Master of fire: We are more than ready if what Master of water says is true.

Master of water: Our sources are yet to guide my voice badly.

Voice of Moon 1: We have always be opposed to this policy, it should be removed whether we a ready or not.

Voices of Joined eleven: If we listened to The Voice of Moon 1 we would have been destroyed by X'sal.

Voice of fire: Our ships would have been able to defend those extra worlds with only marginally more losses that we suffered.

Joined voices of the Eleven: We wish to proceed with the termination.

Master Speaker: I call for the vote.

9 votes to terminate 2 against.

Master Speaker: It is decided we will send out a general hyperwave transition asking for first contact and exchange of ambassadors will all star nations.

All: We are One, We are all, We are few and so is our will.

End session.

To: All interested parties.
From: The Joven consensus.
Subject: Diplomatic ties.

We the Joven consensus would like to request an exchange of ambassadors with all star nations. Please send responses to the flowing quadrants {Long list of numbers}.

We are certain that such bonds would be beneficial to both us and you and we would hope you consider wisely and except our offer.

We are One, We are all, We are few and so is our will. The Joven Consensus.

Ace Pace · Post by **Ace Pace** » 2005-06-01 08:07am

The Galactic

"And that will be all" said Petrach, signing the treaty, which held the following agreements:

Code: Select all

1) The Aglatarian Hub will be granted most favoured nation status.
    The Republic of Nashtar will also be granted a 15% reduction in prices.

2) Both parties agree to the establishment of a multi-goverment space station on the newly discovered Auroran/Nasthar hyperspace route.


On the subject of defense:
Article 1:  The Republic of Nashtar is required to dispatch forces in the defense of the Aglatarian Hub upon request of the Hub's commander should it or its forces fall under hostile attack. 
The Aglatarian Huh is likewise required to aid in defense of the Republic in the event of invasion.

Article 2:  In cases where one party to this treaty has clear and recognized casus belli against a nation not party to this treaty, the other signatories shall be obliged to assist in operations in assistance of the aggrieved party.

With the treaty signed and the formatlities out of the way, Ambassador Bregorin left the ship.

Half an hour later, the Galactic and the rest of the fleet left, on route towards the The Auroran Imperium.

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2005-06-02 01:56pm

Glimmervoid wrote:To: All interested parties.
From: The Joven consensus.
Subject: Diplomatic ties.

We the Joven consensus would like to request an exchange of ambassadors with all star nations. Please send responses to the flowing quadrants {Long list of numbers}.

We are certain that such bonds would be beneficial to both us and you and we would hope you consider wisely and except our offer.

We are One, We are all, We are few and so is our will. The Joven Consensus.

From: Erad Nelhoun, Senior Vice President, Diplomatic Affairs
To: The Joven consensus
Subject: Diplomatic Ties

The Stuart Corporation welcomes you among the powers of this galaxy and would like to accept and exchange diplomatic officers.

Sincerely, Erad Nelhoun

Glimmervoid · Post by **Glimmervoid** » 2005-06-02 06:23pm

To: Stuart Corporation
From: Joven consensus
Subject: Diplomatic relation

We are pleased by your warm response. We hope this will be the start of a long and fruitful friendship.

Please send your diplomatic craft with a suitable escort to {Long list of numbers} were we will take over escort duties. The Joven consensus will then be pleased to form an honour guard from your ambassador and his staff on his way to The World.

We will await your intrusions for sending our ambassador.

We are One, We are all, We are few and so is our will. -The Joven Consensus.

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2005-06-04 09:57am

Stuart Corporation, Avalon System, Avalon Prime

After receiving the reply from the Joven Consensus, the battlecruiser Regnancy and its escorting 2 destroyers left their docking bay and swiftly rose through the atmosphere of the gas giant.
As soon as they cleared the lower orbit, they engaged their Kornienko drive and jump for the Joven Consensus space.

***

When the ships reappeared from their last jump at the given coordinates, the task force's communication sub-Consensus notified their presence using the primitive hypercom systems.

Hawkwings · Post by **Hawkwings** » 2005-06-04 12:32pm

Council Meeting #712, Day 3

Secretary's records. Audio only, voices have been masked to protect identities.

Voice 1: "So it is agreed then. We will initiate contact with nearby powers and gain more information on the current galactic situation."

Voice 2: "Yes. We will present this tonight at the Senate Assembly. They will surely agree with this decision."

Voice 3: "The orders have already been given, we will be ready to transmit whenever we are ready."

-----

Copy of sent broadband Hyper-transmission follows:

SOURCE: Telecom bouy 23A
CHANNEL: All

To all Civilizations:

The Tralcog Republic is seeking relations with local galactic powers. Please respond on any frequency to this location, and we will arrange a diplomatic meeting. We hope that relations will be peaceful and bring properity to all parties.

-The Tralcog Republic

-----

War Department, Orders to Tralcog Fleets.

1st Fleet: continue defense of home systems
2nd Fleet: continue patrolling local space
3rd Fleet: Take up sensor positions near Telecom Bouy 23A. Capital ships cloaked. Comm silence for two weeks unless new direct orders arrive.

Special Orders: First Fleet, make ready Invictus and suitable escorts for a diplomatic mission.

Vanas · Post by **Vanas** » 2005-06-04 02:10pm

22.154AU from the star Feronia, 100.742ly from Evan, Western Edge of the Perseus Arm (Rougly)

The battleship Nil Sine Numine holds it's position with respect to the local star, while various technitians test out their new toy. Atop the warship, a new, long-range hyperwave transmitter warms up. Anyone local may recognise a partially painted over Thirteen Republics logo on the transmitter, but that's a different story.
Eventually, the captain gives his go-ahead for transmission to begin.

To: All Receiving Organisations
From: The Sani Colonial Authority
Subject: Greetings and Salutations.

To any and all receiving Parties, this is the Sani Colonial Authority vessel Nil Sine Numine, broadcasting on behalf of our government. We would like to extend the offer of diplomatic relations and ambassadorial contact to any willing parties.
If you choose to accept, this vessel will be in system for a further two weeks, for initial negotiations and escort.
Galactic Standard Co-ordinates and Star Map follow.

[A series of extrememly dull numbers]

Captain En'lil, on behalf of Admiral Kun'lan.

---

Thesan Shipyards, Cautha System

Inside the lattice-like framework of one of the orbital shipyards, a new ship was finally complete. After many years of research into various alien technologies aquired, salvaged or just plain stolen from pirate ships, a few of these upgrades were finally ready to be put into practice. The Finis Coronat Opus, like most Sani ships is a sleek vessel, closely resembling the 100m longer 'Bastion' light cruiser.
With little fanfare, the ship cruised free of the latticework on it's manoeuvring thrusters, with a few dignitaries watching.
Shortly afterwards, the recording was given the highest classification rating deemed possible for a relatively harmless tape.

Glimmervoid · Post by **Glimmervoid** » 2005-06-04 04:31pm

Time log 15.20 “First contact with the Stuart Corporation”

The “Fury” a BS Mark P-21 pocket battle ship and two ES Mark R-2 frigates jumped out of hyperspace.

First commander Cal More on the 4/11 defence fleet griped his chair he hated hyperspace jumps. To his mind there was just some thing intrinsically wrong with some thing he could not understand. He growled and started giving order “activate the short rang transmitter and prepare to transmit massage”

The COM officer replied quickly “Com open on your mark”

The First commander was nerves this would be there first non aggressive contact with an alien species, a foul up now would mean the end of his career and most likely that off the current fleet administration. Trying to remain unpanicked he said “open com”.

“This is First Commander Cal More of the pocket battle ship Fury; it is my understanding that you are carrying and ambassador to The World. If you would like to transport them to my ship you may or they may enter our space aboard one of your own destroyers.”

Now come the tricky part, he thought to him self.

”I am afraid that you will not be allowed to bring any ship beyond escort size in to Joven space proper also we would like to talk about arrangements for transportation of our ambassador to your world.”

He waited with baited breath for a replay.

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2005-06-04 07:20pm

The task force's sensor sub-Consensus registered the arrival of the Joven ships. They were scanned and analysed and found to be no threat.

"Pocket Battleship Fury," a not-quite-human voice answered, "this is the Stuart Corporation Battlecruiser Regnancy. The destroyer Erebus will be transporting our representative. The remaining task force will wait here for Erebus return," the voice paused for a second. "We will transmit the coordinates for transportation of your ambassador to our space. And we require information about your life support necessities, so the diplomatic quarters can be adjusted accordingly."

The com fell silent.
One of the destroyers activated its powerful sublight grav drive and moved apart from the remaining ships until it stopped again, waiting.

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2005-06-07 02:54am

Sparata Prime
Confederate Parliament
Emergency Session
29:06:42 7/19/273AF - 29:14:06 7/19/273AF

Councilor Durgen surveyed the parliament chamber, ministers were still trickling in; hushed voices could be heard, why did the Council call an emergency session of the Parliament? Durgen glared at them, children, all of them! In his day such a thing would never have been alowed to get so… out of hand. But now, these children were becoming ministers, all of them following the new party, the Internationalists. Bah! How could they have let this happen? In the old days the Republicans would have quashed such a movement, but they had gotten comfortable, and before anyone could do anything the Internationalists owned almost every seat in Parliament. Now, it was time to clean up the mess. Durgen sighed softly.

The great doors shut, and the Parliament session began. “Councilor Durgen, if you would please be so kind, could you explain why you have called this emergency session?” the Prime Minister asked from his seat along the Grand Podium.
“Prime Minister, the council feels that the parliament has failed to act immediately on what is undoubtedly a critical issue." Durgen addressed the Parliament. "Confederate warships patrol the trade lanes, the trade lanes which were supposed to bring prosperity to Sparata. Instead taxpayer credits are wasted assisting… loafers! It is critical we break off our involvement with the outsiders, before we come too entagled in their affairs." Disquiet fell over the parliament chamber.
"Councilor Durgen this is preposterous, this subject is clearly non-critical, and thus does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Executive Council." The Prime Minister’s face turned red, as he called for the Ministers to quiet down.
“Nowhere in the Compendium of the Confederation, does it state that the Parliment may judge what is or is not a critical issue, the Council sees this issue as urgent; all urgent matters are to be dealt with by the Executive Council." Durgen replied, smugly. "And the Executive Council has recalled the fleet."

The next day the most important legal battle in Confederate history began. Did the Council, according to the Compendium of the Confederation, have absolute say in it’s own right to wield power, or did the Confederate Parliament have authority to overturn the Executive Council's claims of what is or is not a "critical issue".

The Sparatan Fleets returned to port; only time would tell if they would once again ply the trade lanes of the West.

ooc: Written with the consent of Agent Fisher

Vohu Manah · Post by **Vohu Manah** » 2005-06-08 12:28pm

OFFICE OF THE LADY PROTECTOR, VIGORA IV
Meeting between Lady Protector Armaiti II and Admiral Jakob Nagvar, 0948 hours, four days after the withdrawal of Sparata Confederacy forces from the Western Rim Trade route.

"As instructed, Lady Protector, the newly constructed ships have been placed in ready reserve." stated Admiral Nagvar.

"Thank you," began the Lady Protecter. She slid a piece of paper across the desk to the officer. "Those are the changes I want made to the fleet numbers. I also included the orders to continue rapid expansion of the escort-class vessels per the recommendation of the military leadership."

The officer began scanning the list, "What about the.."

"My personal battlegroup? I folded it into the First Fleet." she calmly stated, "If I don't need them this moment, they can be used for territorial defense."

The Admiral nodded his head and continued to scan the list. He expected most of the changes, except one. "And are you sure about this last order?"

"Yes, the Second Fleet is to begin patrolling the entire Western Rim Trade lane until the participants can meet and form a more reliable strategy. The First can provide support along the former patrol route."

"I can hear the commander of the Second now." Jakob sighed, "She'll complain that'll over-extend her, even with the new ships."

"Tell her to stuff it."

"Ma'am?"

"Inform her that this will probably be a temporary solution." Armaiti II continued, "I hope to arrange a meeting shortly to put into place a more permanent solution. And that I will not accept pirate forces taking over the lane after all we have done."

The officer stood and saluted, "It shall be done."

NEW FLEET NUMBERS

First Fleet: 3 Raktavija-class Fleet Battle Carriers, 8 Kamaitachi-class Battlecruisers, 40 Ferentina-class Escort Corvettes, and 16 Scathach-class Planetary Assault Corvettes
Second Fleet: 4 Raktavija-class Fleet Battle Carriers, 12 Kamaitachi-class Battlecruisers, 40 Ferentina-class Escort Corvettes, and 16 Scathach-class Planetary Assault Corvettes
Third - Fifth Fleets: 2 Raktavija-class Fleet Battle Carriers, 6 Kamaitachi-class Battlecruisers, 30 Ferentina-class Escort Corvettes, and 16 Scathach-class Planetary Assault Corvettes

Reserve forces are disbanded.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-08-08 11:08pm

[Present Day]

Random trade ship...

"This is the audio log of Captain Bates, independant trading vessel. I've just completed a run in sector four, thirty six which as we all know have been until recently a haven for pirate and raider activity. The local independant colonies have reported continual problems with raiders so naturally I was expecting trouble. Trouble I didn't find, wreckage however was available by the metric ton. Could somebody back in head office please explain to me how these small agrerian colonies managed to get their hands on orbital defense satellites? I didn't think anyone with that kind of equipment came out here. The colonists as usual were no help, just said that some people came, offered them some equipment in exchange for food and materials and then left, no positive ID on their ships, nothing. I'll say it now, if there's someone else assigned to my run you can damn well be sure I'll be making a formal complaint."

Interstellar News Network:

"In other news, trade officials are calling for an investigation into the origin of arms shipments that have showed up on a variety of independant colonial worlds, citing a potential threat to established shipping lanes they are putting forward a call for both the distribution and aquisition of small arms and small anti-ship weapons throughout the rim."

Trade Spokesman Conolley, "The current situation is alarming. We understand the colonists needs to defend themselves from the pirate and raiding parties but these are matters best left attended to by the local sector authorities."

News anchor: "The Independent Trade Authority has been criticised for not supplying sufficient protection for small traders dealing with remote communities, critics citing the declining escort counts for shipments which they claim the trade authority has little incentive to protect given the limited value being exchanged. We spoke to colonist Berek Yor from Tau Alpha Rho."

Berek Yor, "We haven't seen a single patrol passing through this system in over a year. Even if the ITA deems us worthy enough to spare a couple of escorts there's nothing stopping raiding parties from showing up after they leave and taking what they like. All our new benefactors have provided us with the opportunity to take our defense into our own hands, this business about our weapons posing a threat to their precious trade lanes is pure nonsense. Quite frankly I don't care if we never see another ITA shipment, we've received vastly better treatment in terms of trade and service from our new benefactors."

Tiger Ace · Post by **Tiger Ace** » 2005-08-09 03:43am

OOC: For those of us who forgot, how about adding in your first post a quick update about your situation?

Galactic transmission piggybacking on the news

Hurt by piracy? Need a low maintanence patrol force to help safeguard your borders? Input The-Hub into your galactic communication unit and talk with us, we offer low cost patrol units and increased trade.

Galactic

"So what is the status on our station?" Petrach was relaxed, buisness was booming, the fleet was growing, but other then that nothing was happening.

"The station framework is complete, along with the outer perimiter defenses, but we're having slowdowns in getting the interiors ready from the NRS, they'e been slow in letting the purchase pass."

"Very well, see if you can cut through the red tape"

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2005-08-09 02:28pm

Rogue 9 wrote:Office of the President, Nashtar

"I must say, it's about time the House got around to approving the budget, Senator."

"The Gorn situation provided, shall we say, a sudden imperative feel to completing the military budget, Madam President. Some in the Free Market party were objecting to the increased military expenditures on the usual grounds, but with our involvement in pressuring the Entente, that cleared up," responded Senator Zzarnor of Zambar.

"Thank you, Senator. The expenditure orders are already drawn up and will be relayed to the appropriate parties shortly," said President Harrison as she signed the budget bill.

OOC: Build orders issued

3 Dauntless class battleships
5 Launcelot class attack carriers
4 cruiser points to the SPARTAN program
20 Polaris class destroyers
10 Sunburst class escort carriers
25 Bandit class frigates
2 Shadow class frigates
9 escort points to ODST companies

Orodan Shipyard, Military Construction Dock 6

Construction vehicles of various sorts flitted across the surface of the battleship soon to be christened the NRS Courageous. Her hull, armor, interior, and engines complete, all that remained to do was the fire control sensors and the starboard long range scanning array. She would be launched within the week.

Looking out across the military district of the massive orbital facility, one could see the hulks of two other massive battlewagons, the Fearless and the Indomitable, in other shipbuilding structures near MCD 6. In the other direction the three massive carrier building docks and the truly gargantuan structures used to construct the Halcyon class lay empty, but surrounding the eight capital docks were over two score smaller yards, many of them with attack carriers and escorts nestled inside the construction cages. Most were nearing completion, with the first of the destroyers having been launched the week before. Soon, these ships would be divided among the naval fleets of the Republic.

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2005-08-09 04:23pm

Shi Combine

Business as usual. training conducted, ships built, covert insertions into pirate groups made, and often shortly thereafter, pirate groups suddenly dropping off of everyone's radar. Aside from a few exceptions anyway......
___________________________________________________

Tracking Station Alpha

Boredom was good. Boredom meant another day checked off the time on duty station, and a distinct lack of incursions. Bordeom also meant that the excellent computer facilities on standby could be utilised for some hellaciously complicated simulation games, which counted for training credit for all those attempting to transfer into the fighter contingents(which was everyone who hadn't already been transferred to Perimeter Tracking from one of the fighter groups).

So it was upsetting on every possible level when the outer sensor web was tripped, instantly sounding alarms throughout the station and kicking 27 people off the server.

Sensor operator Takanawa allowed no hint of his frustration to enter his report: "Troll detected inbound. Magnitude Alpha, Pattern..... Sigma"

Station commander Sugimura wasted no time with his reply, "Lock down the target area, and attempt to divert its course to the prepared site. Contact the nearest Auditor with the details"

"Already on it sir, Imperial Auditor Genko is en-route"

"Aw, crap."

"Sir?"

"Genko hates Pattern Sigmas."

____________________________________

Shi Combine
Apparantly peaceful colony world

The sphere rocketed through space, its occupant forever searching for new worlds to annihilate. Upon finding a likely target, it wasted no time in diverting course, crashing to a halt after tearing up a few hundred meters of landscape. To the marauder's annoyance, no armies or mighty heroes waited to challenge it as it emerged, just an unimpressive shortred-headed girl. Before he could say anything, the girl launched into a speech:

"Greetings, oh mighty savage warrior, scion of an unbowed triumphant race of undisputed masters. My people have sent me here, not to ask for mercy, as we know such does not exist within your heart, as a wholly unworthy emotion, but simply to ask that you take with you a remembrance of our people. For what gretaer honor could be served than to be destroyed by the most powerful, the most puissant, the most glorious fighters the universe has ever seen-"

The warrior's tail twitched impatiently, even as a fog seemed to descend over his senses.

"-We also ask that your grant us your name, so that when we are dispatched by you into the next life, we can state with pride the bringer of our doom, and take some small satisfaction of falling before a true slayer of worlds, and I can't keep this bullshit up anymore, anyone less stupid would have at least noticed they were breathing nothing but a cocktail of nerve gasses."

This last departure from the constant flattery had nearly alerted the Troll(for such he was), when the girl disappeared form in front of him, at the same moment he felt a stinging sensation in his back, and a strange feeling of emptiness in his chest. Turning, he found the girl standing behind him, right arm bloody to the elbow, and holding something red and pulsing.

Sighing internally, Imperial Auditor Genko crushed the heart she was holding and lunged forward, sweeping an arm aside, smashing a knee into a chin, bringing the leg down to attempt to shatter a kneecap and punching the male full force in the throat in one impossibly smooth series of motions, all to set up a clear shot for her mono-filament spinner to punch through the Troll's eye, and uncoil throughout his body. Astoundingly, all of this merely staggered the monster momentarily.

At this moment, what passed for the Troll's brain realised it had to get serious, and it began attempting to use energy blasts to remove the nuisance. Incredibly, the slip of a girl continually moved to counter, often contriving to make him blast himself. For further insult, she kept up a running monologue: "I really have to say I'm continually surprised at how stupid you people can get. Breathing nothing but a cloud of gas designed specifically to kill you, having your heart ripped out of your chest, incidentally going through your spine, and having you innards turned to jelly, and you haven't even noticed."

At last, the battered combatant spoke, dramatically intoning "Ultimate Dispersal Bea-" As an energy sphere coalesced an rapidly gained strength inhis hands.

"Fuck off and die, Sayajin scum" Genko rapidly spoke over his constipated grunting, launching a giant continuous blast before she finished saying 'Fu'. The beam carved through his chest instantly, and tracked up through his head, before wiggling enough to obliterate his entire remaining body.

The landscape faded away as the holoshroud's power was diverted to the beam, revealing the battered moon for what it was, along with the massive power generatoors that had helped feed the beam and maintain the illusion. Not paying attention, Genko, moved her hands in as series of spirals, and an odd energy pattern formed at the site of the Saiyajin's immolation, before being drawn into her.

Overhead, a cruiser moved into position, its guns carefully trained on her.

Sighing, she spoke into her communicator "Look, Saiyajins are moronic assholes, okay, can you pick me up already?"

"Ma'am, we're just following the procedure.", was the reply, with the malicious addition "That you, yourself, wrote ma'am."

Groaning in frustration, she sat down, and launched into a scripted dissertation to reassure her people that she was, in fact, still her.

Meanwhile, various backup forces stood down, and the tracking station got back to its competitive tournament.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-08-09 08:18pm

The Interstellar Trade Alliance, now better known as the
Independant Trade Authority

ITA "accredited" transports would sometimes have sufficient escort to ward off pirate attacks but the ITA's refusal to supply the colonies with weapons to defend their trade shipments once they've arrived meant that attacks from raiding parties were almost like clockwork.
"Our job is trade security, ongoing security for the thousands of independant colonial settlements out there is far beyond the scope of our duristiction and capacity." ITA officials would say, and many would agree.

However, recently the ITA has come under heavy criticism for this policy due to the fact that larger trade companies for the significant powers were privilaged to ongoing ITA colonial security throughout problem sectors before the ITA broke off from its government contracts and became independant. Critics note that small colonial trade represents only a very small margin for the ITA and trade escorts and defenses are scaled back accordingly. The modern ITA is indeed a very different beast from the concept originally conceived by the Minmatar.

The Benefactors

Poriatus six; a minor and insignificant settlement, a few jumps away from one of the Aglatarian Hub's trading posts, with a population of about 8,000. It was no different from a thousand other settlements throughout the galaxy. A small, independant collaboration of colonists and farmers just trying to make a home for themselves deep in unregulated space. Like many similar colonies in similar territories, plaqed with piracy and raiding. At least it was before the colony's latest aquisition. Poriatus six now has some rather sharp teeth.

The raiding vessel approached the colony as it had down countless times before. Simple mission, get in, take what they want, leave, shoot anyone that gets in the way. All was going well until the pilot noticed the threat indicator blinking. Before anyone could utter an explective a volley of low yield warheads fired from the 8,000 farmer colony's new orbital defense satellite detonated against the hull of the raider, destroying it and exposing the occupants of the small vessel to vacuum.

Not suprisingly a representative of the Aglatarian Hub arrived a day later, deeply interested in the events that had recently transpired. After meeting with the colonial governor the representative discovered that the colony had recently dealt with an independant non ITA accredited merchant trading simply under the title "Independant Merchant," local number 57681 as assigned by the colony's own database. The defense satellites are apparently part of a trade package, along with some never before seen medical supplies given in exchange for ongoing future business. Poriatus six had suddenly solved its raider problem and picked up a new indepedant trade partner offering vastly better deals then any ITA accredited dealers that had come before them.

"Indepedant trader my ass." The representative muttered as he boarded his shuttle.
"You suspect something bigger is behind this?" One of his associates asked.
"Indepedant traders don't install orbital defenses then train people to use them. These colonists haven't just picked up a trading partner, they've picked up a benefactor."
"Why would they go to such extremes for a colony like this?"
"That, I don't know." The representative sat back in his seat pondering why one of the galaxies big players would bother dealing with this kind of colony with so little to gain.

Nashtar Border System

A vessel from the Nashtari fleet was dispatched to investigate a disturbance detected among the outer territories. Sure enough reports from the beacon were accurate, pirate vessels had entered the system and were currently engaging an inbound trade freighter.

Several small pirate vessels darted around the larger ship, a vessel that the Captain of the Nashtari ship hadn’t seen before. It appeared to be a strange collaboration of almost-matching parts hewn together in an odd asymmetrical design.

Another 4 pirate vessels jumped into the system bringing the total engaging the freighter to eleven. The pirates seemed oblivious to the presence of the Nashtari ship, focusing their attacks on the freighter.

“Radiological alarm!” One of the Nashtari officers shouted.
“From the pirates?” Questioned the ship’s XO.
“No sir, from that freighter...”

An armour plate gracefully slid back on what was at first thought to be a trade freighter. A volley of five missiles launched from their silos. Each missile fanned out and arced away from the ship and then around towards their intended targets. Four direct hits later and four of the pirate vessels were down. One of the pirate vessels managed to evade the missile’s tracking at the last moment and suffered minor damage from a proximity detonation. The six remaining pirate vessels broke off and circled at range unsure of how to proceed, their leader’s command ability had just been exposed to vacuum.

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2005-08-10 02:25am

Maralsartel

Thunder rolled through the streets of Mare Esperium. The noise of a flashgun going off on full auto was like a dozen lightning bolts all striking at once, and the Milice assault team had two dozen of the things. For blocks around the besieged government building, Aquarians huddled in their soaking chambers. The Commonwealth occupation authority had decided to end the two-hour stalemate the resistance fighters had managed to create via the direct method. More than half of the rebels had been cut down already, and the rest were in full retreat. Seven hostages, two Commonwealth humans and the rest Aquarian quislings, lay in the lobby. Their red and yellow blood mingled, forming bizzare patterns where the treaded boots of the Milice had tracked it across the tiled floor. Obviously, the rebels hadn't been bluffing about slitting every hostage open like a caught fish.

Outside a cordon of Legionnaires and armored vehicles, a small crowd of brave citizens and raccous press watched the events unfold. The Three Suns Commonwealth, colonial power over the entire Eastern Rim and leading member of the powerful Eastern Rim Trading Compact, had occupied the planet months before. There was no hope of rescue- the rest of the anemic Aquarian Union had been divided up amongst the ERTC's members like a cake. Independence was a dream of the past, and the Commonwealth clearly intended on integrating the amphibious people into it's vast form. Already, a steady trickle of locals had signed up for the new government, taking positions as police. A Legion was in the process of being raised, and in a couple of years, the percentage of Citizens would be high enough that Maralsartel would be elevated to Provincial status and granted the right to elect representatives to Parliament.

That day was still in the future, however, and the people of Maralsartel had proven to be restive. The resistance was the most intense the Commonwealth had faced since it's invasion of the Asgard Star Empire. Every day saw a dozen new attacks, and the fact that half the cities on the planet were under water didn't help the occupation in the slightest. to make thigns worse, the rebels seemed to suffer no lack of proper supplies.

The weapons were foreign-made, that was certain. The Commonwealth's Agency had yet to track the source definitively. Until such time as a culprit could be found, or such times as the growing loyal population of Citizens outweighed the restive mass of newly-inducted Civilians, the Commonwealth would have to fight to hold on to the industrialised world. President Delacroix had authorized the deployment of another two of his dwindling supply of elite Peacekeeper Legions. It was doubtful that such a move wouldd stem the insurrection completely. The Commonwealth was on board for the long run.

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2005-08-10 09:56pm

Spyder wrote:Nashtar Border System

A vessel from the Nashtari fleet was dispatched to investigate a disturbance detected among the outer territories. Sure enough reports from the beacon were accurate, pirate vessels had entered the system and were currently engaging an inbound trade freighter.

Several small pirate vessels darted around the larger ship, a vessel that the Captain of the Nashtari ship hadn’t seen before. It appeared to be a strange collaboration of almost-matching parts hewn together in an odd asymmetrical design.

Another 4 pirate vessels jumped into the system bringing the total engaging the freighter to eleven. The pirates seemed oblivious to the presence of the Nashtari ship, focusing their attacks on the freighter.

“Radiological alarm!” One of the Nashtari officers shouted.
“From the pirates?” Questioned the ship’s XO.
“No sir, from that freighter...”

An armour plate gracefully slid back on what was at first thought to be a trade freighter. A volley of five missiles launched from their silos. Each missile fanned out and arced away from the ship and then around towards their intended targets. Four direct hits later and four of the pirate vessels were down. One of the pirate vessels managed to evade the missile’s tracking at the last moment and suffered minor damage from a proximity detonation. The six remaining pirate vessels broke off and circled at range unsure of how to proceed, their leader’s command ability had just been exposed to vacuum.

"Hard starboard, bring us to heading 063 mark 10!" Commander Greer stared in disbelief at the freighter, so suddenly displaying teeth. "Shields to full. Comms, contact that freighter and find out just what the hell is going on. Helm, set a pursuit course for the nearest raider, all batteries fire at will." The NRS Hlondath Raider came about towards the nearest circling corvette, the frigate's powerful railgun and missile batteries coming to life as she accelerated towards the nearest pirate. Shells leapt forth at thee quarters the speed of light as missiles bloomed from their firing tubes.

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2005-08-10 11:02pm

Corneria

-::-
Corneria Station: One of the greatest hubs of commerce in the galaxy. While it could not compare with Earth, or Five Fangs, it ranked in the top ten- and in the Eastern Rim, it was doubtless the most busy port of call. Great armadas of superfreighters came too and fro, and the berths in the massive orbiting trading stations were packed with megafreighters, flying a thousand flags.

The fortress itself was a standard Three Suns Commonwealth cylinder, seven miles long and one in diameter. For the last months, it had been busier than usual. The Provincal Fleet squadron had been reduced to a skeleton as it deployed to assist in the partition of the Aquarian Union, but it had been swiftly replaced. The innocuous pair of Astraea class Battlecruisers had been far smaller than the great freighters they had escorted.

The system's new stewards were quite different. A Commonwealth Dreadnought was an ugly vessel. The standard hull was an ovoid, half as wide at it's equator as it was long. Add the Grand Fleet's habit of painting the massive warships in brilliant white and kilometer-long nose art representing each vessel's divine namesake, and you wound up with a warship that looked vaguely like a fat woman in a wedding dress. The sight of the serried ranks of missile tubes and the broad batteries of particle beam cannon would prove rapidly sobering to anyone, however- each Commonwealth battlewagon was a puissant combat starship in it's own right.

The previous six months had seen constant work at the Commonwealth military base. Freighter after freighter of supplies had arrived, and the vast forms of new military docks had formed. Barracks, weapons hardpoints, great warehouses- all the infrastructure necessary for the long-term supply of a full two Manipules of the Grand Fleet had been put into place, under the silent guns of the vessels they would serve.

New flags hung from the Navy building on Corneria. Next to the sword-and-suns of the Commonwealth and the watchful eye of the Provincal Fleet hung a mon not seen in these parts since the People's War. The 2nd Century of the Grand Fleet of the Commonwealth, called the Aegis Fleet by it's proud officers, now made it's headquarters at the TSC's greatest fortress in the Colonies. Never before had an Admiral in the Wall of Battle hung his flag in the Eastern Rim. Now, Delacroix's dream of an expanded empire was necessitating changes. Hanging at the same height as the Provincal standard was the 2nd Century's stylised shield, emblazoned with three suns and a motto in Francez- <<L'epee Balance Juste Frappe Puissement.>>

A thousand eyes had seen the arrival and the construction. Hurried messages flowed back down the trade lanes to the masters of the countless spies who travelled through Corneria. The Commonwealth clearly intended to use these expensive warships. The question was where- and when.

-::-

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-08-11 02:18am

Rogue 9 wrote:
Spyder wrote:Nashtar Border System

...The six remaining pirate vessels broke off and circled at range unsure of how to proceed, their leader’s command ability had just been exposed to vacuum.
"Hard starboard, bring us to heading 063 mark 10!" Commander Greer stared in disbelief at the freighter, so suddenly displaying teeth. "Shields to full. Comms, contact that freighter and find out just what the hell is going on. Helm, set a pursuit course for the nearest raider, all batteries fire at will." The NRS Hlondath Raider came about towards the nearest circling corvette, the frigate's powerful railgun and missile batteries coming to life as she accelerated towards the nearest pirate. Shells leapt forth at thee quarters the speed of light as missiles bloomed from their firing tubes.

The unbreakable rule in space combat: hesitation is death. As the pirate vessels flailed in shock a series of flashes fired across the monitors as each vessel was picked off one by one. The first two from the storm of Nashtari shells, the next two from the Nashtari missile batters and the remaining two from two more missiles launched by the unidentified vessel impacting each craft as they attempted to flee. The salvage crews were going to enjoy this one.

"Tactical, all hostiles eliminated."
"Receiving a response from unidentified vessel, audio only."

"Nashtari vessel," Came a generic male voice over the speakers, "I wish to speak to your commanding officer. I am in posession of important information regarding pirate activity throughout this region. I am also in posession of incriminating evidence linking the Independant Trade Authority to recent raids."

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2005-08-11 03:50am

Putty System
Third Planet
Office of the Grandmaster

Great pillars of marble lined the corridor; great windows on either side displayed a great space station and construction yard, one of the few of its size outside of the great powers. Reverend Mother Elizabeth walked slowly down the great hall, beside her, P'luarch, third aid to the Grandmaster.

His voice was shrill, and matched his conniving face, "It is a great honor to meet with the Grandmaster." this was the third time he had said it now.
"The Grandmaster of Putty has done many good things for this region of space, the Order commends his work, and it is a great privilege to meet such a man." Mother Elizabeth finally responded, the small man nodded having gotten his point across, but saw no need to further the point, and had forgotten the other key points that he had planned on pointing out to his guest.

As they approached the office, the grand doors opened to the palatial office of the Grandmaster of Putty. It had a stream that lead to a small pond, a bridge and a short flight of stairs lead to the great desk, behind which stood an even more exotic chair. The old fellow at the desk looked up from some papers and motioned for her to approach. The old man hovered down the stairs to the bridge to greet his guest. This might normally be a surprise, as most people do not lack their bottom half.

"Grandmaster, I am honored to meet you. Your exploits are known far and wide and I praise you for granting me audience." she gave a slight bow.

Local Galactic Broadcast
Hyperspace Channel 133

[|] GNN – Galactic News Network [|]

More news from the Sparata Confederacy, as legal battles continue between the two major political parties, ACIN officials continue to press the issue of a Western Trade Agreement on the Sparatan's, but experts say that no progress is likely to be made until the Sparatan Confederacy can end its internal political problems. ACIN officials assure its partners and users of the new trade lanes that they have made sure that loss of Sparatan vessels has not had any negative impact on Lane security. Recent figures confirm that the western lane continues to be the safest means of travel through the Western Galatic Rim.

In related news, diplomats from the Blue Order are reported to have contacted the administration of the Putty Province, a fiefdom near Blue Pointe Station. The Encyclopedia Galactica notes that the Putty Province has been ruled by a Warlord known as the Grandmaster for at least a century. One of many tiny states that appeared after the great collapse, it is described as a small but wealthy commercial fiefdom of some dozen worlds. The proximity of the Putty Province to Blue Pointe Station may indicate that the ACIN is seeking better relations with the local power. Shifts in foreign policy over the past year have put the ACIN into contact with a multitude of tiny system states all along the new Western Galactic Hyperspace Lane, some of which now serve as waystations along the lane.

Tiger Ace · Post by **Tiger Ace** » 2005-08-11 07:12am

Galatic

“Sir, our investigator came back, the ITA situation, especially on Poriatus six, is worth investigating. Dirt colonies that lack anything significant suddenly sporting missile platforms that wouldn't look out of place on some of our heavy cargo ships, and apparently their in heavy use, raiders are everywhere, the entire region is lawless.”

The officer in charge of the affair, commander Wrain, mused, made some inquires on his data pad, and said,“Your saying that an area hundreds of light years across, dotted with settlements is getting mysterious help right when raiders come knocking? This bears investigation.... this is what we're going to do...

Set up a standard trade negotiation's team, paired with a nice initial offer, with minimum escort. Then set up after them a small combat team, say, a pair of Carilacs and a few escorts and have them shadow the team for backup.”

“Understood sir, what are the teams instructions?”

“Set up contact, make very generous offers, make it clear that whatever their benefactor is offering, we can double it and make it cheaper, if they ask for help in tracking down he raiders, delay and ask for more time”

“Okey, understood, the teams will leave by the days end”

After 16 hours of frantic preparation, the cargo ship Mule a heavy cargo ship suited for operation in dangerous areas, the Raiper and the Negotiator the two Carilac cruisers and a small cover of escorts, all shadowed by 192A and 192B, the electronic warfare gunboats.

In one smooth motion, the Mule with 5 corvettes in escort jumped, a few seconds later, the rest of the task force jumped on the way to Poriatus six.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-08-11 10:12am

OOC: Edited in accordance with Ace Pace's directions for his characters. Also tacked on a conversation at the end between Laremy and the colony to shed some light on their business relationship.

Poriatus Six: Independant and Heavily Armed Farming Community

"Sir, some people from the Hub are here to see you."
"Ah yes, send them in."

The negotiators for the colony and the Hub went into discussions. At first there are the pleasentries, the introductory handshake, the reflections of recent events (in particular Poriatus Six's recent trading activities) and finally down to business.

"Lets start off bluntly, we know you've been getting help from someone, protection against raiders, better trading conditions, etc. what we are willing is all that, at better quality and not being tied into an unknown party who might decide to run whenever they want, but having connections to one of the biggest trading fleets in the galaxy."

"Hmm, that's very interesting. So basically the Hub is willing to double what's on offer from the independant that installed the defense systems?"

"Not exactly, what we're willing to offer is what their offering, more besides and an entery into the greater galactic market, at far greater capacities and lower fees"

"Sorry to interrupt but I just have a quick question; when you say double, do you mean you'll be supplying twice the shipment or similar quantities at half the grain requirement? The later would be of more interest to us as we're interested in retaining as much buying power as possible with other trade companies that pass through..."

"Wait, wait, hold on, your saying that your paying in grain?" The trade representitive so far was not suprised at the colonists interest, but this threw him off, no one gave defense installations in return for grain.

Meanwhile, in High Orbit...

"Sir, long range sensors have just picked up a vessel entering the system.Unknown configuration."

The vessel was long and vaguely shaped like you'd think its design was to carry cargo, if there actually was any coherrant design to it. The assymetric vessel appeared to be an almost random collaboration of thrusters, different main hull parts and a conning tower added to one side almost as an afterthought.

"What the hell is that?" Some random crewmen queried.
"Some basterd who will be identified, open a hailing channel."
"Channel open sir."
"Attention unknown vessel. Identify yourself."

A few moments pass.

"Oh, 'ello." The reply comes over the speakers. "My name's Laremy, I run a trade ship. Nice to meet ya, and who might this be?"

"We're from the Aglatarian Hub." The Captain paused for a moment. "A trade ship you say. Laremy, you wouldn't happen to know anything about Poriatus Six's orbital defenses now would you?"

"Ohh, a thing or two. I helped install them. That's why I'm 'ere actually, the satellite's need restocking."

Odd looks and raised eyebrows were suddenly exchanged all over the bridge.

The Captain scratched his chin. "You're the person who's been installing defense stations all over??"

"Yeah, me and my crew 'ere. Why you ask? You after some?"

"No, what I want to know is why have you been setting up these arrangements with the fringe worlds. Why bother with these colonies? What's your angle?"

"Angle? Nah, nah, nah, there's no angle h-ere. I can show you if you like. Come on over, I'll show you what we're up to and have a chat. Who knows, maybe we could do business."

The Captain grimaced slightly, unknown to the person at the other end of the conversation but this was expected and contigencies were planned, but not for someone like this.

One shuttle ride and heavilly armed escort later...

As the airlock cycled the representative and his escort could see that the interrior of the vessel was just as twisted as the outside. Long narrow walkways, ducts and piping in all directions, miscellaneous heavy machinery in all places.

"'ello there." Spoke the man in the black false leather jacket with the familiar voice. "I'm Laremy pleased to meet you."

"It's a pleasure," the representative cautiously shook Laremy's hand, "Are you the only one here?"

"No, my crew's about, they're just a little busy. Probably won't run into them. Anyway, let me show you around."

After a brief tour of the facilities it became apparent that the vessel was some form of bulk frieghter. Laremy simply identified himself as working for an indepedant trading company based in the northern rim. It was the first time the group had encountered Laremy's accent before, they had a hard time placing it.

What was going to confuse them all later though was when what Laremy revieled to them what was in his hold.

"That's just...I don't get it."
"Get what?" Laremy spoke.
"Why would you trade missile defense systems for grain? Who came up with that?"
"What? You can't very well eat a missile now can you."
"That's just," the representative pauses, "well, where's the grain going? To other dirt colonies?"
"I dunno, somewhere that needs grain I'll bet."

This 'chitchat' was starting to raise more questions then it answered, and not all of them comforting.

A small device in Laremy's jacket pocket chimed. "Oh, excuse me." He draws a small black object, presses a button and holds it to his head.
"Oh 'ello Bryan. Just 'ere to restrock the sats, what can I do for ya?." He faces the hub representative, "It's the colony, lovely people." He then returns to his conversation. "They said what? Oh yeah," a short pause, "Oh yeah," another pause, "well I tell ya what Bryan, it sounds like a bloody good deal to me, see if they can help you get that production up. More of these deals 'll crop up in future if you lot can keep up the supply. Just try not to get tied into any exclusive, broad trading portfolio is the way to go." There is another pause. "Nah, nah, it doesn't effect our arrangement in the slightest. Keeping you lot happy and healthy is what I'm worried about." Laremy smiles gleefully as he listens to the reply. "Well if I look after ya then I can always come back later to flogg more merchandise then can't I?" He then laughs politely into the mouthpiece. "Haha, ok Bryan, take care."

He pockets the device then turns back to the hub representative. "Sorry about that. Always on call, you know how it goes."