STGOD 2K5 Main Game

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-09-03 07:45am

Barton briefly interrupted, "Sorry, just before we move on. You're saying that the incident was the result of a conspiracy of the planning team and crew members spread across seven starships?"

Ace Pace · Post by **Ace Pace** » 2005-09-03 07:59am

"No, you misunderstand, the chain of events was as follows: Commander Wrain gives the order to begin recruitment, planning staff orders to broadcast in all channels, captains recieve orders and hands them over to the communication staff with orders to follow to the letter(as has been the procedure throughout the past few months) and the acident happens.

Later on we uncovered the fact they communicated among themselves as they watched the results and decided to run away, we are not sure if this was organised or spontanius, but the result is the same, all ships involved in this event have dissapeared and scouts sent along their hyperspace vectors have found nothing."

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-09-03 08:55am

"I see." Barton thought for a moment, if the communication staff were responsible then this would call in to question their motives. "Did you mention that it is possible that only some of the crew were mutineers? These ships could still be carrying hostages and their plans beyond this point are unknown. A security risk now is a potential threat to both our operations. I'm sure the Office would agree in saying that the capture and interrogation of the mutineers and the discovery of any contacts, supporters and co-conspirators should be a priority. The resources of the Colonial Union are limited, but we'll do what we can to help."

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2005-09-03 01:11pm

Admiral Davis spoke up. "We can dispatch patrols to attempt to locate the missing ships if you wish," he said. "I can't guarantee anything, but our ability to find missing ships is not inconsiderable."

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2005-09-03 02:54pm

McBride took the moment to interject.

"M. Barton, you seem to be labouring under the incorrect assumption that you have any sort of authority in this region. An action such as this falls squarely under the jurisdiction of the ERTC and it's member powers."

He turned to the Aglatarian leader.

"M. Petrarch, your story seems far-fetched. I'd like an opportunity to dispatch investigators to the Hub- and, M. Barton, to the affected systems." He smiled thinly. "I trust none of this will present a problem?"

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-09-03 05:06pm

Curious... "Oh, I make no assumption of authority, only one of responsibility. I'm here at the will of the affected systems. If you wish to assist the Degule authorities in their investigation then feel free to contact them directly. I doubt there will be any problems, we are promoting co-operation after all.

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2005-09-03 05:51pm

"Co-operation? All very well, monsieur, but these criminals will be tried in ERTC courts, and any punishments handed down will come from the- ahrm, legitimate international authorities, not your Union."

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-09-04 12:05am

"I'm not neccessarily opposed to that. As long as the preceedings are fair then justice by one hand is the same as any other. I am curious though, why do you feel that this responsibility lies with the ERTC? These aren't war crimes, piracy or trade disputes we're discussing, this are manslaughter and negligence resulting in death charges filed internally within the Union. Provided that the Hub is willing to extradite, which Admiral Petrach just said a moment ago that he was, then traditionally issues like this are handled within the legal system within the sovereign entity of which the offense took place. I can cite precident on a number of cases where foreign nationals have been tried in various different court systems following extradition without the need for involvement from international courts."

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2005-09-04 12:18am

"This is an international dispute, dealing with interstellar communictions. The ERTC manages all interstellar commerce- digital and otherwise. This matter affected that commerce, and as such, it our problem."

McBride's lips curled into a sneer.

"Precedents are all well and good, Monsieur Barton, but you live beneath the pall of the Eastern Rim, and as long as it remains in the region, so does the Aglatarian Hub. We've invested a great deal in maintaining the commerce, in all forms. Interruptions in commerce between two states in the Rim reach their final arbitration not within your own legal systems, but with ours."

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-09-04 01:33am

Now this was just peculiar. The ERTC now managed 'all interstellar commerce?' A bold claim if ever there was one. The fact that criminal manslaughter would even count as a 'commerce issue' is questionable at best. Barton still had plenty of ammunition for an argument, ultimately however the his response would come down to his goal. He was on a mission for justice, and fighting this battle wouldn't get him any closer to acheiving it.

"Well, if that is the position of the ERTC then I leave this to the Hub. If the Hub wish to extradite the defendants to international ERTC courts then the Colonial Union will stand by their decision. We will however still accept their extradition if they choose to extradite to us, in which case we are willing to allow any interested parties to oversee the proceedings."

Barton turned to Petrach, "Either option is acceptable."

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2005-09-04 05:01pm

Pablo Sanchez wrote:"Where you have chosen main force it was my path to walk in shadows. But we aim at the same goal and we both possess certain resources that can in their combination achieve that end. Information, too, can be pooled," the Triad Head said. "An alliance must certainly lead to restoration. Apart, with our efforts separate or even wastefully opposed, there can be no such guarantee. What say you?"

"The path you propose for us to walk together is, to say the least, fraught with danger." Andrews commented, working on the meal before him as he thought. "After all, the ancient powers didn't acheive their heights out of luck, or happenstance. They're there still because they're cunning old todgers."

"Don't misunderstand me. Restoration, succession, revitalization.. These have been my goals for a long time. People baffle at the Privateer's Guild and their Honour Code.. I wonder how many realize I got it from old children's books? And I wonder if whoever wrote those old stories realized they might one day be used by real life pirates?" The speculation held for a moment, eliciting little response.

"In any case. An alliance of information and influence can accelerate our plans to set things right once again. I don't know if I should trust you.. Perhaps, I should even fear you. But I think it will be worthwhile to cooperate to this point, even if we someday oppose. I agree to the idea."

Pablo Sanchez · Post by **Pablo Sanchez** » 2005-09-04 05:37pm

SirNitram wrote:"In any case. An alliance of information and influence can accelerate our plans to set things right once again. I don't know if I should trust you.. Perhaps, I should even fear you. But I think it will be worthwhile to cooperate to this point, even if we someday oppose. I agree to the idea."

"There will be no opposition, Lord Andrews. When control is yours you may shape your world in whatever manner best pleases you, my only concern is that it continues to be, and that the souls and minds of its children are free. My men are in place already. We are aware that your plan demands much time spent in other pursuits, so we await your readiness; the information relevant to your part will be communicated to you by my representatives. If you must meet in personal conference with me again, you may contact me through them."

With that, the Triad Head stood. As he exited the diner, one of the young people in the smoking section lit a cigarette. The cloaked figure turned and snatched the cancer stick out of the man's mouth so quickly that Andrews couldn't even make out the shape of his briefly exposed hand, though it was thick and gnarled. He crushed the lit cigarette in one fist as if it wasn't even warm. The young man started to protest, but the Triad Head spoke first.

"Cigarettes would kill you if you let them, and even if you survive the weakness of your lungs and heart will jeopardize your survival. That was the last one that will ever touch your lips," he commanded. The man nodded weakly, and the Triad Head disappeared out the door.

What the Hell does that mean? Andrews thought.

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2005-09-05 02:52pm

McBride waved a hand dismissively.

"ERTC vessels carrying investigation teams will be arriving at the Union and the Hub shortly, someone will forwards you dates and locations. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other business to attend to."

The Enforcement official rose, and bowed stiffly. His amorph second did the same, gelatinous form subsiding for a second before straightening back up and sliding over the floor.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-09-06 07:13am

Odd, very odd, Barton thought to himself as he watched McBride leave. He didn't even wait for the hub to have their say, or the Nashtar's Admiral Davis to make an additional comment other then to offer assistance for finding the missing freighters.

"The promotion of cooperation between the colonial powers and the nations of the galaxy is something else I'd like to discuss while we're here. The reason why we've been able to assemble the infrastructure to build our union is solely because of the efforts of a number of private enterprises, and the generous work by the Aglatarian Hub. It's this level of co-operation that we've now become acustomed to ourselves and would like to pass on." Barton stated.

The man in the black jacket turned to Petrach. "As Governor Wellesley said; the Aglatarian Hub played an important role in the formation of the Colonial Union. While recent events have altered our business relationship, we're still keen to keep the channels open. Now that we're pooling resources, you'll find that trading with the Colonial Union is going to have the same benefits as trading with any other galactic power. Your pro bono work's about to pay off."

The man faced Davis, "Our goal is to improve quality of life. Not just for colonists, but for everyone. We do it by making sure that those on the edge are kept safe, healthy, fed and by giving them the tools they need so they can utilise the resources they have to their full potential. As they prosper their imports rise, their exports rise, their trading partners prosper with them. Everyone wins. All we need is a little support and we can quite litterally build better worlds one at a time. Was there anything else to add?" The man asked Barton.

"We're just looking to make friends." Barton said to Davis and Petrach. "People we can work with and support each other in times of need. We just want to make things better, for everyone."

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2005-09-06 04:03pm

"The security interests and independence of our neighbors is a concern of ours as well, and has been for a long time," responded Davis. "Should you ever find yourself in need of assistance, you know where to contact us." If Barton knew of Nashtar's history, then the meaning would be clear: The Republic Space Command had made a point of repelling any imperial bids in the sectors surrounding Nashtar for a long time, starting with it's defense of the now-prosperous independent world of Holdfast after it's first founding over a thousand years before. They were not always successful, but they always tried. "Other than that, I don't believe we have any further immediate business, though I'm sure the Ministry of State would gladly accept an embassy should your Union wish to send representatives."

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-09-06 04:24pm

"We'll send someone out. Thank you Admiral." Said Barton.

The man in the jacket passes a business card across the table. "And likewise admiral, if there's anything Nashtar need from us this is a frequency where you'll be able to contact me directly. While resources are limited at present I coordinate a number of assets that may prove useful if you're ever in a bind. The name's Jack by the way."

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2005-09-06 05:08pm

The small task force appeared at the edge of the system. It was the sixteenth system they had surveyed. They spread out and started scanning.
It was a rather uninteresting system for most nations. Located outside the waste that covered the innermost galaxy and some distance to the Hub and Nashtar, it was suitably located for the preposed fleet base. It lay in the middle of a nebula and had a very intriguing space around it, awash with colours. The inner system was a maze of trillions of asteroids of various sizes orbiting around their sun. The only planets were two gas giants with a score of moons around them.
<<Perfect,>> Datasphere concluded. <<It could function as our presence in this space. The innermost planet is considered as fleet base location, we must conduct a more detailed survey.>>
<<We concur,>> the task force's consensus agreed.

The battlecruiser Demonstration of Patience moved closer to the planet and then started its dive in the atmosphere.
"Really beautiful," the ship's nominal captain said as he watched out of the observation decks window and sipped his coffee. "I agree," the navigator answered, while her other mind and those joined in the consensus performed the maneuvre. "Reminds me of New Hope, actually. Though a bit too much orange for my taste, really."
The ship glided deeper, scanning and testing for several minutes.
<<Class 7A, no sentient life detected, high composition of organical compounds. It has been designated as the fleet base.>>

***

In the orbit of Caladan, giant construction ships lumbered back to life after they had fulfilled their purpose there and started moving out towards the newly to be constructed fleet base.

Agent Fisher · Post by **Agent Fisher** » 2005-09-07 02:13am

SCS CONFEDERACY'S PRIDE, BARTOW Class Frigate
Standing Orders: Protect trade convoys.
Current status: Engaging pirates in Blue Pointe Trade Lane Sector SIX-DECA-HELO

The Confederacy's Pride rocked under the guns of fifteen pirate corvettes and their ragtag fleet of gunships and fighters. The Pride was escorting a convoy of ships from Blue Pointe to Sabai. Currently, the Pride, two other Bartows and a trio of smaller Sparatan corvettes were protecting a quartet of convoy ships that got caught in a gravity well, unable to jump.

The Pride's MAC turrets rotated and fired, sending their projectiles streaking into one of the pirate ships. The rounds struck the forward section just as a another pair of rounds hit the stern. The ship buckled and started to break apart in the center. A pair of pirate fighter squadrons streaked in and pelted the pride with missile fire.

On the bridge, Captain Miller stood by his console, as the bridge rocked from the explosions.

"Sir, all Confed ships taking heavy fire!" Shouted Ensign Watson, from the sensor station.

"Only for the moment. Comms, get me Braca and the second element. Commander Braca, proceed as instructed. Second element, likewise."

******

Commander Braca was in the number one seat of his Warhog. His ECO was sitting behind him. Braca was the wing commander for the 523rd, known through out the fighter fleet as Braca's Boys. Though they were currently attached to the 29th Convoy Escort Group, they were one of the top twenty fighter wings. Bracas warhog, and seventyone others just like it, were hidden behind the bulk of the three Bartows.

"Yes sir. Red team, my left flank, blue team, arc right. On my signal, excute teired attack on all pirate corvettes. Confirm."

"Red team, confirmed."

"Blue teamed, confirmed."

Braca shoved the throttle all the way to the stops and the fighter shot forward. They came tearing in at the ships, using the MAC and missile fire from the Bartows as cover. The squadrons broke into sections as the twelve remaining corvettes continued to trade fire with the three SC Frigates. Braca's ECO counted down the numbers of a clock outloud, when he reached zero, he, and the rest of the 523rd, snapped their fighters up and shot above the corvettes. Within seconds, he had flipped over and was now diving relative to the corvettes. He and the five others in his flight shot straight in at the lead pirate corvette. The corvettes, having not predicted the move were slow to bring their guns to fire on the true threat. They were also slow to readjust their shields, which had been set facing the Pride and her sister ships.

"And...FIRE!" Said Braca into his flights comm channel. He tapped the brake, momentairly slowing him, tapped the firing stud twiced, released two pairs of anti-ship missiles from his wing pylons, and shoved the throttle to full again. Though the missile did have engines on them, these did not ignite, rather being carried by inerta to their target and due to Braca's brake tap, he was travelling faster than the bombs, allowing him to roll and streak past the corvette as the missile impacted and detonated. Eight of the corvettes were scratched from the strike. As the rest were trying to deal with the sudden attack from above, another three Bartows jumped in behind them and hit their backside with MAC and missile fire. With in less than a minute, the remaining corvettes became tombs and the remaining pirates ship turned tail and ran.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-09-09 06:21am

A new sensor contact chimed as a new vessel jumped into sensor range. A channel opened.

"Spartan fleet," a voice came over the com, "this is Captain Vacere, Colonial Union. We picked up the com chatter from the fight. I have engineers and medical personell on board. Do you require assistance?"

Ace Pace · Post by **Ace Pace** » 2005-09-09 07:01am

"Thank you everyone for your comment..." Petrach was annoyed, he was not used to being snubbed by anyone, far less a trade representative of the ERTC, "we WILL cooparate with the Colonial Union and we will hand over all the files relevent to this operation." At that, Petrach handed over a pair of datapads labled "Operation Market Glory".

"With that, Davis, do you have anything else to add, with no offense to our dear Nasthari allies, but the Hub and the Union do have some buisness to discuss."

Agent Fisher · Post by **Agent Fisher** » 2005-09-09 12:16pm

Captain Miller called out to Ensign Watson.

"Who the frell are they?"

"Unknown ship configuration, their Ident says their a ship from a 'Colonial Union.'"

"Where have I heard that before? Oh, yes, they're the frelling rednecks that got spammed jammed. Ha ha, yeah, thats who they are. Fighter Ops, have Braca take a squadron and buzz them. Weps, lock on to thier ship, but dont fire anything just scare them."

"Aye sir. Braca, take your squadron and buzz their ship."
******

"Yes sir."

Twelve Warhogs pulled away from their CAP and came screaming straight in at the Colonial ship.

******

"I guess we should at least talk to the rednecks. Open a channel."

"Colonial ship, this is SCS CONFEDERACY'S PRIDE. We do not require assitance. PRIDE out." He montioned for the comm station to cut the transmission. "Once Braca gets done having some fun with them, have them return and we will be leaving. And send the convoy ships with the rest of the fleet now. We will wait for Braca."

Five Bartows, the three corvettes, and convoy cargo ships cleared the gravity well and jumped while Braca was just reaching the Colonial ship.

White Haven · Post by **White Haven** » 2005-09-09 03:28pm

BFE-007, 6CS Naval Command Fortress

Discarded reports lie strewn across Admiral Allanby's desk, digital displays winking in the half-dimmed light of the flag offices night-cycle. The admiral himself, looking haggard and with notably more gray in his hair, sets one more down upon the haphazard pile and rubs at his eyes for a few seconds, before buzzing in his aide. The timid face peeks in the door to his office, expecting the customary outburst from the notoriously-hostile officer, but the expression that greets the PO is grave, the voice serious and level.

"Inform the Senior Admiral that Squadron Intelligence evaluates the chance of an outbreak of widespread hostility is now rated at 'probable,' due to recent reports of extranational activity, in particular the Black Alliance. Also, recall Hallmeyer's squadron from the Aquarian sector, and return all detached CDF elements to their primary duties. They're going to be on their own for a while. Hmm..." The older officer rubs his trimmed, gray beard, then nods once and continues, "And get a message to R&D and Shipbuilding, I need the new Dragoons in active service sooner than expected. Dismissed."

As his aide hurries off to compose the proper messages, the admiral leans back in his chair, his sigh thunderous in the silent office. War at last....and war on a scale the Sixth Cruiser's squadrons alone can't possibly control.

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2005-09-09 03:38pm

Ace Pace wrote:"Thank you everyone for your comment..." Petrach was annoyed, he was not used to being snubbed by anyone, far less a trade representative of the ERTC, "we WILL cooparate with the Colonial Union and we will hand over all the files relevent to this operation." At that, Petrach handed over a pair of datapads labled "Operation Market Glory".

"With that, Davis, do you have anything else to add, with no offense to our dear Nasthari allies, but the Hub and the Union do have some buisness to discuss."

"No, I do not believe so," responded the admiral. "If you wish it, I will take my leave." He stood and motioned to his Marine bodyguards, who formed up and followed him out of the room.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2005-09-10 04:04am

Agent Fisher wrote:Captain Miller called out to Ensign Watson.

"Who the frell are they?"

"Unknown ship configuration, their Ident says their a ship from a 'Colonial Union.'"

"Where have I heard that before? Oh, yes, they're the frelling rednecks that got spammed jammed. Ha ha, yeah, thats who they are. Fighter Ops, have Braca take a squadron and buzz them. Weps, lock on to thier ship, but dont fire anything just scare them."

"Aye sir. Braca, take your squadron and buzz their ship."
******

"Yes sir."

Twelve Warhogs pulled away from their CAP and came screaming straight in at the Colonial ship.

******

"I guess we should at least talk to the rednecks. Open a channel."

"Colonial ship, this is SCS CONFEDERACY'S PRIDE. We do not require assitance. PRIDE out." He montioned for the comm station to cut the transmission. "Once Braca gets done having some fun with them, have them return and we will be leaving. And send the convoy ships with the rest of the fleet now. We will wait for Braca."

Five Bartows, the three corvettes, and convoy cargo ships cleared the gravity well and jumped while Braca was just reaching the Colonial ship.

The Colonial Union vessel sits there as the fighters carry out their orders. A few moments of silence pass, and then a few more.

The channel opened.

"So, you guys are alright then?" The voice nonchalantly spoke.

Agent Fisher · Post by **Agent Fisher** » 2005-09-10 04:38am

Captain Miller started laughing hard. This little ship captain either had ice water running though his viens or he was stupid. Most likely the second one.

Miller turned to the fighter ops station. "Recall the Braca, once they are on board, make the jump. Comms, ignore their hail."

Thirty seconds later the Pride was gone, leaving the small Colonial ship all alone.