"This is the operations center. It's all state of the art," said Colonel Pavlov in a black BDU striding in front of Marxis through the rows of computers and information desks. He had the armband of the Black Watch on his right shoulder and a PPG pistol strapped to his belt. He walked with an air of confidence. Marxis liked confidence, and reminded himself to give a recommendation to Pavlov.
"When does it go online?" said Marxis.
"Tonight sir. We've got the entire fleet in orbit."
"Very good." Marxis paused. "The battleships can be remotely controlled."
"Yes sir. There's always an operator who can manually override--"
"That one," said Marxis pointing to one of the gargantuan battleships in the formation.
"Sir?"
"I want that one to go to battlestations."
"Sir, this is highly unorthodox--"
"That's an order son," said Marxis.
Pavlov nodded. "The Avenger sir." He picked up a red phone. "Captain Ewan, we're testing remote. Yes, this is straight from the top."
Marxis walked up to a computer terminal and cracked his knucles, and brought up the user interface. He brought up the menu. Right clicking battlestations, Marxis zoomed the main screen on the Avenger.
It's weapons ports were open, particle beam turrets at the ready and prepared to fire. Marxis punched a key, and the turrets swiveled a hundred and eighty degrees in two seconds.
"Excellent Major." This would be fun.
"Sir, that's the master arm, you don't want to--" The red phone rang and Pavlov picked it up. "Captain Ewan, yes we're arming the particle cannons. Authorization charlie-charlie-echo-five-zeta-niner. It's the man himself--"
Marxis' finger hovered over a red button.
"Sir, that's--"
Streaks of blue lanced out towards a nearby asteroid. It was shorn apart in a wave of brilliance. Marxis tapped another sequence of commands and the turrets corrected with minute adjustments to vaporize the remaining fragments.
Marxis smiled. This outpost, along with the tens of thousands of mercenaries Marxis had hired from all across the Earth Alliance and black market heavy weapons, should make Alshain think twice about trying to free the Yolu. The deadline for the Yolu elections was looming, and Marxis had no intent of allowing the Yolu people to dictate the defense policy of human civilization.
Brian
SE:IV B5 RP
Moderator: Thanas
Londo looked at the fleet of Shadow ships escorting a small ambassadorial ship. The idea of the Shadows sending an ambassador to M6 seemed crazy, but he had yet to find much sense in the actions of either race of First Ones. The worst part was, it looked like they planned on going through Centauri space to get to M6.
Well, he wasn't about to attack them. The Republic had had something of an unwritten agreement with the Shadows ever since the return of Defel. They weren't friends, but they weren't about to start shooting at each other, either. Neither side wanted another war like the last one with its horrible destruction to both Centauri and Shadow worlds. Besides, no doubt Marxis would have a field day if he ordered the attack on a diplomatic vessel and its escort.
What really troubled Londo was how blatant this made Dilgar/Shadow cooperation. The Dilgar open a jump gate and all of a sudden the Shadows go rushing to use it. Conincidence? Londo didn't think anyone else would believe so.
He had known that the Dilgar were in bed with the Shadows for some time now, but Londo also knew that the Dilgar were aware of the fact that the Centauri needed peace in their corner of the galaxy for the next several years at least and would be unwilling to raise a red flag over it.
Speaking of the Dilgar, their systems had gone dark in Londo's map. The Lorkan government had finally been destroyed, their last colony conquered by the Vorlons. And with them went Londo's eyes into the Dilagar Confederacy. For all he knew, they could've just completed building a hundred of those little boarding ships of theirs.
Londo decided to go and check on the progress of the new fleet of Kraken-class ships. The galaxy was looking much more dangerous than it had last month...
Well, he wasn't about to attack them. The Republic had had something of an unwritten agreement with the Shadows ever since the return of Defel. They weren't friends, but they weren't about to start shooting at each other, either. Neither side wanted another war like the last one with its horrible destruction to both Centauri and Shadow worlds. Besides, no doubt Marxis would have a field day if he ordered the attack on a diplomatic vessel and its escort.
What really troubled Londo was how blatant this made Dilgar/Shadow cooperation. The Dilgar open a jump gate and all of a sudden the Shadows go rushing to use it. Conincidence? Londo didn't think anyone else would believe so.
He had known that the Dilgar were in bed with the Shadows for some time now, but Londo also knew that the Dilgar were aware of the fact that the Centauri needed peace in their corner of the galaxy for the next several years at least and would be unwilling to raise a red flag over it.
Speaking of the Dilgar, their systems had gone dark in Londo's map. The Lorkan government had finally been destroyed, their last colony conquered by the Vorlons. And with them went Londo's eyes into the Dilagar Confederacy. For all he knew, they could've just completed building a hundred of those little boarding ships of theirs.
Londo decided to go and check on the progress of the new fleet of Kraken-class ships. The galaxy was looking much more dangerous than it had last month...
"I want to mow down a bunch of motherfuckers with absurdly large weapons and relative impunity - preferably in and around a skyscraper. Then I want to fight a grim battle against the unlikely duo of the Terminator and Robocop. The last level should involve (but not be limited to) multiple robo-Hitlers and a gorillasaurus rex."--Uraniun235 on his ideal FPS game
"The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the Force."--Darth Vader
"The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the Force."--Darth Vader
Stilgar stared at the wormhole, waiting for either Earthforce ships to intercept his vessel. It never happened. Likely Earthforce wasn't monitoring the Minbari frequencies and didn't hear the warning. Minbari pride, Minbari honor. They liked to deal with problems on their own, and wouldn't ask for help for something so small and inconsequential. The entire gambit had been based on this fact of Minbari culture that Stilgar had trouble accepting, but now he believed it. By now he should be in an Earthforce brig, but the Earthforce ships were treating his vessel like any other civilian trading vessel heading between Minbar and Earth. In other words, the Minbari could not bring themselves to admit one of their vessels had been stolen. Either that or for some reason Earthforce didn't give a shit.
The wormhole dilated for the sixteenth time this hour. Stilgar was about to turn away but then jerked forward as he saw the azure beast pierce the iris. The Sharlin emerged from the wormhole in the middle of the Earthforce formation, its armor glistening from Earthforce spotlights aimed at its fore.
"Their fucking gun ports are open!" said Warren.
"Go now!" barked Stilgar.
The vessel's reactionless thrusters propelled the Sus'te towards the Earth Alliance formation. With computerized algorithms, the Sus'te maneuvered with bare meters worth of clearance between the Yorktown, Missouri and Michigan.
Stilgar smiled and waited for the alien scum to open fire...
"The Marxis Corporation has learned that a Minbari vessel has recently entered Earth Alliance space. A battleship. We're waiting for more information, but apparently the battleship entered without warning or provocation. There may be a battle in progress as we speak."
"As well, six Minbari warships are reinforcing the Minbari fleet in the Canton system. Eighty Minbari ships, mostly battleships, have stayed in orbit of a colony there for several days now."
"This forward deployment of military assets is troublesome to the Corporate Sector. We urge the Minbari not to make aggressive moves, for we will respond with extreme prejudice should the vessels violate our territorial sovereignty."
Brian
The wormhole dilated for the sixteenth time this hour. Stilgar was about to turn away but then jerked forward as he saw the azure beast pierce the iris. The Sharlin emerged from the wormhole in the middle of the Earthforce formation, its armor glistening from Earthforce spotlights aimed at its fore.
"Their fucking gun ports are open!" said Warren.
"Go now!" barked Stilgar.
The vessel's reactionless thrusters propelled the Sus'te towards the Earth Alliance formation. With computerized algorithms, the Sus'te maneuvered with bare meters worth of clearance between the Yorktown, Missouri and Michigan.
Stilgar smiled and waited for the alien scum to open fire...
"The Marxis Corporation has learned that a Minbari vessel has recently entered Earth Alliance space. A battleship. We're waiting for more information, but apparently the battleship entered without warning or provocation. There may be a battle in progress as we speak."
"As well, six Minbari warships are reinforcing the Minbari fleet in the Canton system. Eighty Minbari ships, mostly battleships, have stayed in orbit of a colony there for several days now."
"This forward deployment of military assets is troublesome to the Corporate Sector. We urge the Minbari not to make aggressive moves, for we will respond with extreme prejudice should the vessels violate our territorial sovereignty."
Brian
"The package is on its way."
"Excellent." Marxis paused. "It's time for phase two."
His aide nodded and left the office. Marxis smiled. Now, it was time for mankind to finally rid itself of Minbari, Narn, the Vorlons, the Centauri and every other alien in the galaxy.
MarxisCorp Press Room
"And today, Black Watch has intercepted a communication from a Minbari ship headed towards Earth. Because of our expulsion from the Mesopotamia Project, we have no choice but to bring this information directly to the people. The Minbari are intent on attacking Earth with a weapon of mass destruction, no later than several days from now. Not only that, but the Minbari have secretly smuggled telepaths onto the Artemis class battleships in orbit of Earth. Earthforce is compromised. Therefore the Corporate Sector is immediately deploying its defense fleet to Earth. It will take nearly a month to reach Earth due to the Vorlon closure of certain hyperspace routes, but once there Earth will be protected from alien aggression, once and for all. As well, because of the current emergency, I am suspending Prime Minister Nunziata's powers. As we speak several members of the Corporate Sector Senate are being arrested for sedition.
Until they can be verified as unharmful, all undocumented illegal aliens in the Corporate Sector are being detained in internment camps. These camps will be able to keep track of aliens, and watch their movements until the current threat has passed. Aliens must posses their documentation at all times for random inspection, and should they not have their documentation on their body when asked by police or military, they risk detention and arrest.
Mankind will be protected from alien threats, and the Corporate Sector will ensure the ascendancy of humanity, unfettered by alien infiltration or expansion. We will be protected, and the forces that move against us are one by one being exposed. Once our fleet is in orbit of Earth, we will be prepared to find and try those responsible for crimes against humanity. Thank you."
"That's the idea," said Marxis. "Make sure all the Captains know their orders. They are not to fire on Earthforce ships unless fired at first."
"The Minbari have a very large fleet within striking distance."
"Good," said Marxis. "Let them come."
Brian
"Excellent." Marxis paused. "It's time for phase two."
His aide nodded and left the office. Marxis smiled. Now, it was time for mankind to finally rid itself of Minbari, Narn, the Vorlons, the Centauri and every other alien in the galaxy.
MarxisCorp Press Room
"And today, Black Watch has intercepted a communication from a Minbari ship headed towards Earth. Because of our expulsion from the Mesopotamia Project, we have no choice but to bring this information directly to the people. The Minbari are intent on attacking Earth with a weapon of mass destruction, no later than several days from now. Not only that, but the Minbari have secretly smuggled telepaths onto the Artemis class battleships in orbit of Earth. Earthforce is compromised. Therefore the Corporate Sector is immediately deploying its defense fleet to Earth. It will take nearly a month to reach Earth due to the Vorlon closure of certain hyperspace routes, but once there Earth will be protected from alien aggression, once and for all. As well, because of the current emergency, I am suspending Prime Minister Nunziata's powers. As we speak several members of the Corporate Sector Senate are being arrested for sedition.
Until they can be verified as unharmful, all undocumented illegal aliens in the Corporate Sector are being detained in internment camps. These camps will be able to keep track of aliens, and watch their movements until the current threat has passed. Aliens must posses their documentation at all times for random inspection, and should they not have their documentation on their body when asked by police or military, they risk detention and arrest.
Mankind will be protected from alien threats, and the Corporate Sector will ensure the ascendancy of humanity, unfettered by alien infiltration or expansion. We will be protected, and the forces that move against us are one by one being exposed. Once our fleet is in orbit of Earth, we will be prepared to find and try those responsible for crimes against humanity. Thank you."
"That's the idea," said Marxis. "Make sure all the Captains know their orders. They are not to fire on Earthforce ships unless fired at first."
"The Minbari have a very large fleet within striking distance."
"Good," said Marxis. "Let them come."
Brian
"Troubling, very troubling," Dmitri said, as he watched Marxis's press statement.
"Did you have to work at understatement, or was it a gift, Dmitri?" Londo asked, pacing the room.
"I apologize, Excellency," Dmitri muttered.
Londo waved a hand dismissively. "Don't. It is Marxis that is getting on my nerves. This looks dangerously like he intends to coup EarthGov."
Neither needed to fill in the blanks. Ever since Vir had seconded the EA ambassador's motion to censure the Corporate Sector, the Republic's primary ally--besides the Narn Remnant, which was hardly a superpower after the trashing they'd recieved from the Dilgar and Minbari--was the Earth Alliance. If EarthForce ceased to exist, or even worse, became part of the xenophobe's personal military, the future could be very dark indeed.
"There's no chance that we'll be Marxis's primary target, at least," Dmitri said.
Londo laughed humorlessly. "First they came for the Jews..."
"Sir?"
"Never mind, Dmitri," Londo said. "It's just part of a way of saying that if Marxis isn't stopped, he'll turn to us sooner or later. If he manages to absorb the Earth Alliance into his own empire with relatively few losses, he will almost certainly begin a crusade against all 'xenos.' Don't tell me you haven't seen the signs, Dmitri! Marxis has been itching for provokation to attack aliens--any aliens--for years now."
Dmitri nodded slowly, putting the pieces together in his mind. "But Londo, for Marxis everything hinges upon the Minbari launching an attack on Earth. Intelligence hasn't even picked up a whisper of the Minbari having any such plans. When the attack doesn't come, Marxis will look like a fool."
Londo shook his head. "Marxis is no fool, Dmitri. He wouldn't do this without being sure that he can somehow provoke the Minbari into attacking Earth, or having enough stolen Minbari ships under his command to fake the attack."
"Perhaps we could send contructor ships to Earth?" Dmitri asked. "Build some of our new Maximus class bases and give them to Alshain? That would strength his position."
The Maximus-class were stations larger than anything they'd ever made before and would dwarf even the Krakens. Bristling with weapons, they were designed to take much of the responsibility of guarding core planets away from the long obsolete Home Guard. Simulations had shown that one Maximus, even if its fighter bays were bare, could defeat two of Marxis's US-class warships with only minor damage.
Londo shook his head vehemently. "No, any non-humans going into EA territory, even with an invitation from Alshain himself, will only help Marxis. Besides, any mobile constructor ship we could build would take..." he paused, doing the math, "over eight years to build a single Maximus."
"Then what are we to do?" Dmitri asked forlonly.
"We're going to take steps to further fortify ourselves," Londo answered. "Beyond that...I'm not sure yet."
"Did you have to work at understatement, or was it a gift, Dmitri?" Londo asked, pacing the room.
"I apologize, Excellency," Dmitri muttered.
Londo waved a hand dismissively. "Don't. It is Marxis that is getting on my nerves. This looks dangerously like he intends to coup EarthGov."
Neither needed to fill in the blanks. Ever since Vir had seconded the EA ambassador's motion to censure the Corporate Sector, the Republic's primary ally--besides the Narn Remnant, which was hardly a superpower after the trashing they'd recieved from the Dilgar and Minbari--was the Earth Alliance. If EarthForce ceased to exist, or even worse, became part of the xenophobe's personal military, the future could be very dark indeed.
"There's no chance that we'll be Marxis's primary target, at least," Dmitri said.
Londo laughed humorlessly. "First they came for the Jews..."
"Sir?"
"Never mind, Dmitri," Londo said. "It's just part of a way of saying that if Marxis isn't stopped, he'll turn to us sooner or later. If he manages to absorb the Earth Alliance into his own empire with relatively few losses, he will almost certainly begin a crusade against all 'xenos.' Don't tell me you haven't seen the signs, Dmitri! Marxis has been itching for provokation to attack aliens--any aliens--for years now."
Dmitri nodded slowly, putting the pieces together in his mind. "But Londo, for Marxis everything hinges upon the Minbari launching an attack on Earth. Intelligence hasn't even picked up a whisper of the Minbari having any such plans. When the attack doesn't come, Marxis will look like a fool."
Londo shook his head. "Marxis is no fool, Dmitri. He wouldn't do this without being sure that he can somehow provoke the Minbari into attacking Earth, or having enough stolen Minbari ships under his command to fake the attack."
"Perhaps we could send contructor ships to Earth?" Dmitri asked. "Build some of our new Maximus class bases and give them to Alshain? That would strength his position."
The Maximus-class were stations larger than anything they'd ever made before and would dwarf even the Krakens. Bristling with weapons, they were designed to take much of the responsibility of guarding core planets away from the long obsolete Home Guard. Simulations had shown that one Maximus, even if its fighter bays were bare, could defeat two of Marxis's US-class warships with only minor damage.
Londo shook his head vehemently. "No, any non-humans going into EA territory, even with an invitation from Alshain himself, will only help Marxis. Besides, any mobile constructor ship we could build would take..." he paused, doing the math, "over eight years to build a single Maximus."
"Then what are we to do?" Dmitri asked forlonly.
"We're going to take steps to further fortify ourselves," Londo answered. "Beyond that...I'm not sure yet."
"I want to mow down a bunch of motherfuckers with absurdly large weapons and relative impunity - preferably in and around a skyscraper. Then I want to fight a grim battle against the unlikely duo of the Terminator and Robocop. The last level should involve (but not be limited to) multiple robo-Hitlers and a gorillasaurus rex."--Uraniun235 on his ideal FPS game
"The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the Force."--Darth Vader
"The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the Force."--Darth Vader
-
Arthur_Tuxedo
- Sith Acolyte
- Posts: 5637
- Joined: 2002-07-23 03:28am
- Location: San Francisco, California
Kullenbrach didn't know what Marxis was playing at, but he didn't think he liked it. The galaxy needed to be united against the Vorlons, and the Corporate Sector stirring up the pot was a huge distraction to that goal.
At least the new wave of remote miners was finished, so the construction of new ships could begin in earnest. Marxis' antics may be annoying, but Kullenbrach wasn't about to send his damaged fleet in there to stop him. No, he would do the practical thing and figure out how to turn this situation to his advantage. It was time for the Brakiri to expand their operations.
At least the new wave of remote miners was finished, so the construction of new ships could begin in earnest. Marxis' antics may be annoying, but Kullenbrach wasn't about to send his damaged fleet in there to stop him. No, he would do the practical thing and figure out how to turn this situation to his advantage. It was time for the Brakiri to expand their operations.
"I'm so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark." - Muhammad Ali
"Dating is not supposed to be easy. It's supposed to be a heart-pounding, stomach-wrenching, gut-churning exercise in pitting your fear of rejection and public humiliation against your desire to find a mate. Enjoy." - Darth Wong
"Dating is not supposed to be easy. It's supposed to be a heart-pounding, stomach-wrenching, gut-churning exercise in pitting your fear of rejection and public humiliation against your desire to find a mate. Enjoy." - Darth Wong
-
Uraniun235
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 13772
- Joined: 2002-09-12 12:47am
- Location: OREGON
- Contact:
Senate Resolution 785
Without any supporting evidence to the claims made by the Corporate Sector, Earth Alliance is forced to consider the allegations made by the Corporate Sector as lies intended to destabilize the Earth Alliance and pave the way for a Corporate usurpation of the democratically-elected Earth Senate.
This Senate hereby votes to denounce the Corporate Sector, and to explicitly forbid Corporate warships from entering Earth Alliance space.
VOTES IN FAVOR OF RESOLUTION: 371
VOTES IN OPPOSITION OF RESOLUTION: 4
SENATORS WHO HAVE DECLINED TO VOTE: 18
SENATORS ABSENT: 7
Without any supporting evidence to the claims made by the Corporate Sector, Earth Alliance is forced to consider the allegations made by the Corporate Sector as lies intended to destabilize the Earth Alliance and pave the way for a Corporate usurpation of the democratically-elected Earth Senate.
This Senate hereby votes to denounce the Corporate Sector, and to explicitly forbid Corporate warships from entering Earth Alliance space.
VOTES IN FAVOR OF RESOLUTION: 371
VOTES IN OPPOSITION OF RESOLUTION: 4
SENATORS WHO HAVE DECLINED TO VOTE: 18
SENATORS ABSENT: 7
"We've arrested all of Nunziata's Senators in the capitol," said Vera.
"Now if only we could arrest the senators in Earthdome," mused Marxis. "They want evidence? Give it to them."
"They'll know it's fake."
"It doesn't matter, not now."
We will wait several days for new intelligence to arrive. Until that time we will continue to marshall our forces to counter the alien takeover of the Earth Alliance."
Brian
"Now if only we could arrest the senators in Earthdome," mused Marxis. "They want evidence? Give it to them."
"They'll know it's fake."
"It doesn't matter, not now."
We will wait several days for new intelligence to arrive. Until that time we will continue to marshall our forces to counter the alien takeover of the Earth Alliance."
Brian
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Nephtys
- Sith Acolyte
- Posts: 6227
- Joined: 2005-04-02 10:54pm
- Location: South Cali... where life is cheap!
Delenn viewed her datacrystal in private, turning to Lennier in her chambers. "This is serious indeed. The Corporate Humans wish to start a conflict..." she says, thinking deeply. "and any move we can make to stop it will play into his hands..." she says.
Lennier merely nodded. "It would seem they used the theft of our worker caste surveyor to provoke a response. And now they believe the Iners zha's prescence at the Orion jumpgate is a prelude to attack.
"We must respond quickly..."
...
"The Minbari Federation has long since enjoyed favorable relations with our neighbors and trading partners, the Earth Alliance. Cultural exchanges have broken down many of the walls between our peoples. The claims made by the corporate sector are false, and are an attempt by their leadership to destabilize the government of the Earth Alliance."
Delenn said, addressing the security council.
"They have made use of stolen worker-caste exploratory ships, pirated illegally years ago to provoke our response. Attempting to run an Earth Alliance blockade, they believe the presence of our of our ships is an attack! This is proposterous. First they attempt to provoke the Vorlons by denying passage to one of their ships, then they attempt to provoke an incident between Minbar and Earth. Now, at last they move on the Earth Government itself. I ask all of you here.. when will it end?"
Lennier merely nodded. "It would seem they used the theft of our worker caste surveyor to provoke a response. And now they believe the Iners zha's prescence at the Orion jumpgate is a prelude to attack.
"We must respond quickly..."
...
"The Minbari Federation has long since enjoyed favorable relations with our neighbors and trading partners, the Earth Alliance. Cultural exchanges have broken down many of the walls between our peoples. The claims made by the corporate sector are false, and are an attempt by their leadership to destabilize the government of the Earth Alliance."
Delenn said, addressing the security council.
"They have made use of stolen worker-caste exploratory ships, pirated illegally years ago to provoke our response. Attempting to run an Earth Alliance blockade, they believe the presence of our of our ships is an attack! This is proposterous. First they attempt to provoke the Vorlons by denying passage to one of their ships, then they attempt to provoke an incident between Minbar and Earth. Now, at last they move on the Earth Government itself. I ask all of you here.. when will it end?"
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Uraniun235
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 13772
- Joined: 2002-09-12 12:47am
- Location: OREGON
- Contact:
Presidential Address
"My fellow citizens. You are no doubt aware of the accusations levelled by the Corporate Sector against the Minbari, and against your democratically-elected government. You are also no doubt aware, thanks to the tireless efforts of ISN, that a cabal of private citizens within the Corporate Sector has overthrown their own democratically-elected government.
It is quite obvious that the Corporate Sector will not accept any rational argument, or evidence contrary to their own statements, at this time. It is clear that they have committed to a course of action which I believe presents - in the first time in human history - an imminent threat of invasion. It is tragically ironic that we face this threat not from a foreign power, but from our own people.
We intend to redeploy Earthforce in a manner that would allow for a decisive counter-attack in the event of open warfare. We hope that this will sufficiently deter the Corporate Sector while our diplomats attempt to restore sanity to the military dictators of the Corporate Sector."
"My fellow citizens. You are no doubt aware of the accusations levelled by the Corporate Sector against the Minbari, and against your democratically-elected government. You are also no doubt aware, thanks to the tireless efforts of ISN, that a cabal of private citizens within the Corporate Sector has overthrown their own democratically-elected government.
It is quite obvious that the Corporate Sector will not accept any rational argument, or evidence contrary to their own statements, at this time. It is clear that they have committed to a course of action which I believe presents - in the first time in human history - an imminent threat of invasion. It is tragically ironic that we face this threat not from a foreign power, but from our own people.
We intend to redeploy Earthforce in a manner that would allow for a decisive counter-attack in the event of open warfare. We hope that this will sufficiently deter the Corporate Sector while our diplomats attempt to restore sanity to the military dictators of the Corporate Sector."
"Alshain's speech, fabricated by either liberal handlers or alien masters or a combination of both, again shows how strategically imcompetent the President and his people are. At a time when the alien threat has never been greater, he chooses to redeploy Earthforce to intercept Corporate vessels headed to Earth to reinforce Earthforce. Already we have sold hundreds of ships to the Earth Alliance and are contracturally obligated to share trade and military secrets with the Earth military industrial complex. We have done this to benefit mankind.
It would take millions on millions of troops to occupy any Earth Alliance world. We have neither the troop transports nor the inclination to attack human planets, nor a large conscript army beyond our own planetary militias. And we certainly do not intend to orbitally bombard human colonies like Vorlons. It is impossible not only practically but politically for us to invade any human world.
As for our arrest of certain seditious Senators, it is within my powers as President of the Corporate Sector to declare a state of emergency. The state of emergency will continue until we are satisfied that the alien threat is no longer in danger of overthrowing the Earth government. To this end we are introducing a Homeworld Security Advisory System to be applied to all human held colonies. We are now at severe risk of alien attack and are therefore in condition red. Conditions orange, yellow, blue and green represent lower levels of alien threat respectively. Until the condition level is downgraded by our security forces, martial law will continue to be in effect. Thank you."
"What are our agents saying?"
"Alshain's given Earthforce the authority to open fire on our vessels if we violate seven-eighty-five."
Marxis gritted his teeth. Time to tread delicately. "Keep all our battleships in a holding position."
Brian
It would take millions on millions of troops to occupy any Earth Alliance world. We have neither the troop transports nor the inclination to attack human planets, nor a large conscript army beyond our own planetary militias. And we certainly do not intend to orbitally bombard human colonies like Vorlons. It is impossible not only practically but politically for us to invade any human world.
As for our arrest of certain seditious Senators, it is within my powers as President of the Corporate Sector to declare a state of emergency. The state of emergency will continue until we are satisfied that the alien threat is no longer in danger of overthrowing the Earth government. To this end we are introducing a Homeworld Security Advisory System to be applied to all human held colonies. We are now at severe risk of alien attack and are therefore in condition red. Conditions orange, yellow, blue and green represent lower levels of alien threat respectively. Until the condition level is downgraded by our security forces, martial law will continue to be in effect. Thank you."
"What are our agents saying?"
"Alshain's given Earthforce the authority to open fire on our vessels if we violate seven-eighty-five."
Marxis gritted his teeth. Time to tread delicately. "Keep all our battleships in a holding position."
Brian
"In light of current events the Vorlon Empire has decided to offer the olive branch." Lyta turned to face the Brakiri ambassador.
Ambassador Kullenbrach, there has been, and will be, more than enough blood shed. The galaxy does not need more death. We propose an end to hostilities between our empires. Marxis' actions of late should show you clearly his attitudes towards all non humans. Our attack on your people was motivated by legitimate interests, even if the evidence turned out to be false.
We again offer recompense to the Brakiri Syndicate. We have looked at Brakiri history and society, and we are sure you would rather the rich trade that would come from us much more than you would the product of our guns. Choose peace Ambassador, it's what everyone here wants."
Lyta turned to address the Earth representative.
"If Earth explicitly requests, the Vorlon Empire will move to assist Earth against the Corporate Sector, but only under explicit conditions. We will not have Marxis lie about our involvement, as he has been for so long. We would also remind Earth that they are currently in possession of a vorlon ship capable of making or closing warp gates. We are in no rush to have it returned and woudl not be opposed to it being kept safe in Earth space, under Earth control, it's full abilities at Earth's discretion."
Ambassador Kullenbrach, there has been, and will be, more than enough blood shed. The galaxy does not need more death. We propose an end to hostilities between our empires. Marxis' actions of late should show you clearly his attitudes towards all non humans. Our attack on your people was motivated by legitimate interests, even if the evidence turned out to be false.
We again offer recompense to the Brakiri Syndicate. We have looked at Brakiri history and society, and we are sure you would rather the rich trade that would come from us much more than you would the product of our guns. Choose peace Ambassador, it's what everyone here wants."
Lyta turned to address the Earth representative.
"If Earth explicitly requests, the Vorlon Empire will move to assist Earth against the Corporate Sector, but only under explicit conditions. We will not have Marxis lie about our involvement, as he has been for so long. We would also remind Earth that they are currently in possession of a vorlon ship capable of making or closing warp gates. We are in no rush to have it returned and woudl not be opposed to it being kept safe in Earth space, under Earth control, it's full abilities at Earth's discretion."
Dragon Clan Veritech
At the same time as Lyta's offer to Earthdome... A MarxisCorp Transmission
"Of course the Vorlons, and their pets the Minbari will become involved in what is an internal human affair. That is what they want, to move in and take advantage. They were to do this inevitably, and we have just forced their hand. Every single jump gate, every single planet will be defended to the last breath by human forces should the Vorlon Minbari alliance attempt to invade human colonies. Of course the threat of protracted ground combat will not deter the Vorlons, who prefer to orbitally exterminate all life on a planet. They will find that we are more than prepared for a siege on any of our planets, whether or not they choose to obey the articles of war."
"Now that they have been exposed, it is unlikely that President Alshain will be caught alone long enough to be brought under their control."
Brian
"Of course the Vorlons, and their pets the Minbari will become involved in what is an internal human affair. That is what they want, to move in and take advantage. They were to do this inevitably, and we have just forced their hand. Every single jump gate, every single planet will be defended to the last breath by human forces should the Vorlon Minbari alliance attempt to invade human colonies. Of course the threat of protracted ground combat will not deter the Vorlons, who prefer to orbitally exterminate all life on a planet. They will find that we are more than prepared for a siege on any of our planets, whether or not they choose to obey the articles of war."
"Now that they have been exposed, it is unlikely that President Alshain will be caught alone long enough to be brought under their control."
Brian
ISN Special Report
"In an alarming development, sources to ISN and civilian merchant craft have confirmed the opening of a jump point from the Trembas to Tala system. How or why this jump point was opened is still unknown. With me to analyze the situation is Dr. Haderman from the Interstellar Institute of Strategic Studies. Dr. Haderman, welcome to the show."
"A pleasure to be here as always."
"Who could have opened the jump gate and why?"
"Well, Earthforce's presence in the Tala system is strong with at least two carrier battle groups deployed to protect the nearly one billion citizens settled in the system. Even so, hundreds of vessels pass through Tala in a day. The Earth Alliance is signatory to several space privacy treaties which forbid tracking of merchant vessels without due cause. Despite this, Earthforce probably does keep track of as many vessels as it can going through that region of space, because it is impossible to stealth a vessel through conventional means. A vessel cannot hide from telescopes."
"So a vessel equipped with a jump drive can't disappear?"
"No. However, this is the strange part. It should take a very large vessel and many years to open a permanent jump point. Either the jump point was created clandestinely with parts smuggled into the nebula, an effort which would take years or decades, or we are seeing the advent of a new technology, minaturized to open and close stable jump points at whim. Only large governments have the resources to fund such a theoretically possible but extremely challenging endeavour.
"What does this do to the tensions between the Earth Alliance and the Corporate Sector?"
"The Trembas Tala jump point provides a shortcut for Marxis' ships to Earth Alliance territory. I'm not a politician so I'll leave the rhetoric to them, but this much is certain. Marxis has a lot easier time moving his ships around now that there's a jump point from the heart of Corporate territory to the heart of the Earth Alliance, two jumps away from Sol."
Brian
"In an alarming development, sources to ISN and civilian merchant craft have confirmed the opening of a jump point from the Trembas to Tala system. How or why this jump point was opened is still unknown. With me to analyze the situation is Dr. Haderman from the Interstellar Institute of Strategic Studies. Dr. Haderman, welcome to the show."
"A pleasure to be here as always."
"Who could have opened the jump gate and why?"
"Well, Earthforce's presence in the Tala system is strong with at least two carrier battle groups deployed to protect the nearly one billion citizens settled in the system. Even so, hundreds of vessels pass through Tala in a day. The Earth Alliance is signatory to several space privacy treaties which forbid tracking of merchant vessels without due cause. Despite this, Earthforce probably does keep track of as many vessels as it can going through that region of space, because it is impossible to stealth a vessel through conventional means. A vessel cannot hide from telescopes."
"So a vessel equipped with a jump drive can't disappear?"
"No. However, this is the strange part. It should take a very large vessel and many years to open a permanent jump point. Either the jump point was created clandestinely with parts smuggled into the nebula, an effort which would take years or decades, or we are seeing the advent of a new technology, minaturized to open and close stable jump points at whim. Only large governments have the resources to fund such a theoretically possible but extremely challenging endeavour.
"What does this do to the tensions between the Earth Alliance and the Corporate Sector?"
"The Trembas Tala jump point provides a shortcut for Marxis' ships to Earth Alliance territory. I'm not a politician so I'll leave the rhetoric to them, but this much is certain. Marxis has a lot easier time moving his ships around now that there's a jump point from the heart of Corporate territory to the heart of the Earth Alliance, two jumps away from Sol."
Brian
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Arthur_Tuxedo
- Sith Acolyte
- Posts: 5637
- Joined: 2002-07-23 03:28am
- Location: San Francisco, California
What kind of an idiot did the Vorlons think he was? A peace treaty? Right, that would be really beneficial to the Brakiri when 300 Vorlon and Minbari warships gleefully drifted right past his defenses because they had friendly IFF tags. Kullenbrach decided to let the bastards eat static.
Kullenbrach also noticed that the Narn were now at a serious naval disadvantage compared to their neighbors. It would not do for Kullenbrach's actions in selling ships to indirectly cause a race to be wiped off the map. Kullenbrach contacted Krull to relay a message to the Narn.
* * *
Krull sent a private message to G'Kar.
"My friend,
We are prepared to offer you 10 Brakiri baseships for the price of 1 million minerals, 500,000 organics, and 1 million radioactives. A larger deal can be negotiated."
Kullenbrach also noticed that the Narn were now at a serious naval disadvantage compared to their neighbors. It would not do for Kullenbrach's actions in selling ships to indirectly cause a race to be wiped off the map. Kullenbrach contacted Krull to relay a message to the Narn.
* * *
Krull sent a private message to G'Kar.
"My friend,
We are prepared to offer you 10 Brakiri baseships for the price of 1 million minerals, 500,000 organics, and 1 million radioactives. A larger deal can be negotiated."
"I'm so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark." - Muhammad Ali
"Dating is not supposed to be easy. It's supposed to be a heart-pounding, stomach-wrenching, gut-churning exercise in pitting your fear of rejection and public humiliation against your desire to find a mate. Enjoy." - Darth Wong
"Dating is not supposed to be easy. It's supposed to be a heart-pounding, stomach-wrenching, gut-churning exercise in pitting your fear of rejection and public humiliation against your desire to find a mate. Enjoy." - Darth Wong
-
Uraniun235
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 13772
- Joined: 2002-09-12 12:47am
- Location: OREGON
- Contact:
Earth Alliance Official Comm-Net Transmission
Earthforce Intelligence has recently provided evidence* to substantiate the following alarming conclusions:
1) That the Corporate Sector has used a captured Minbari scout ship to pose as the Minbari and attempt to create undue strife and tension between humans and Minbari. This act is effectively an attempt to sabotage the diplomatic relations of two soveriegn powers.
2) That the Corporate Sector has developed and deployed jump drive technology, and that said technology was used in the recent creation of the Trembas-Tala jump point, without any consultation of Earth Alliance authorities.
3) That a freighter registered with the Corporate Sector is suspected to be headed for the Gorash jump point with the intent of closing it, creating a severe impediment to the long-standing trade agreements between the Minbari and the Earth Alliance, as well as creating an undue further disruption of the galactic jump gate network.
The Senate has, after great deliberation, decided to terminate effective immediately the alliance between the Earth Alliance and the Corporate Sector. The Corporate freighter bound for Gorash will be detained, the hijacked Minbari scout will be immediately destroyed, and all Corporate Sector ships are hereby barred from Earth Alliance space, with the exception of the Cooke system and the Mesopotamia Six diplomatic space station.
* Witnesses include a dockworker who testified to seeing the jump drive being installed, an official within the Corporate bureaucracy who was involved in training the crew of the hijacked Minbari vessel how to speak passable Minbari, and a Corporate Sector accountant who was able to provide financial reports. For further details contact your local Earth Alliance representative.
Earthforce Intelligence has recently provided evidence* to substantiate the following alarming conclusions:
1) That the Corporate Sector has used a captured Minbari scout ship to pose as the Minbari and attempt to create undue strife and tension between humans and Minbari. This act is effectively an attempt to sabotage the diplomatic relations of two soveriegn powers.
2) That the Corporate Sector has developed and deployed jump drive technology, and that said technology was used in the recent creation of the Trembas-Tala jump point, without any consultation of Earth Alliance authorities.
3) That a freighter registered with the Corporate Sector is suspected to be headed for the Gorash jump point with the intent of closing it, creating a severe impediment to the long-standing trade agreements between the Minbari and the Earth Alliance, as well as creating an undue further disruption of the galactic jump gate network.
The Senate has, after great deliberation, decided to terminate effective immediately the alliance between the Earth Alliance and the Corporate Sector. The Corporate freighter bound for Gorash will be detained, the hijacked Minbari scout will be immediately destroyed, and all Corporate Sector ships are hereby barred from Earth Alliance space, with the exception of the Cooke system and the Mesopotamia Six diplomatic space station.
* Witnesses include a dockworker who testified to seeing the jump drive being installed, an official within the Corporate bureaucracy who was involved in training the crew of the hijacked Minbari vessel how to speak passable Minbari, and a Corporate Sector accountant who was able to provide financial reports. For further details contact your local Earth Alliance representative.
"He's playing a dangerous game. What happened to Johnstone, Sawyer?"
"They were absent from the hearings," said Vera.
"Fucking traitors. I'll arrest the lot of them."
"He's calling your bluff."
"My bluff." Marxis paused. "He thinks I won't kill human beings."
"Are we?"
Marxis stared into the wall. "Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less."
"Alshain's release came before we could get word to our marines escorting the Vorlon battleship. Long range sensors think they disappeared in the Gamma Hyperspace Expanse."
"There were thousands of marines on those ships," said Marxis. "I can't believe Earthforce would open fire on human ships."
"It's not the same Earthforce you were in," said Vera. "Sensor logs are coming back in an hour. We'll find out then."
Brian
"They were absent from the hearings," said Vera.
"Fucking traitors. I'll arrest the lot of them."
"He's calling your bluff."
"My bluff." Marxis paused. "He thinks I won't kill human beings."
"Are we?"
Marxis stared into the wall. "Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less."
"Alshain's release came before we could get word to our marines escorting the Vorlon battleship. Long range sensors think they disappeared in the Gamma Hyperspace Expanse."
"There were thousands of marines on those ships," said Marxis. "I can't believe Earthforce would open fire on human ships."
"It's not the same Earthforce you were in," said Vera. "Sensor logs are coming back in an hour. We'll find out then."
Brian
-
Uraniun235
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 13772
- Joined: 2002-09-12 12:47am
- Location: OREGON
- Contact:
ISN Special Report
ISN has recently received word that a battle between Earthforce and Corporate starships has taken place.
Earthforce has declassified and released for public dissemination this verbal report from the commander of the EAS Gaia, one of the Terra class carriers:
ISN has recently received word that a battle between Earthforce and Corporate starships has taken place.
Earthforce has declassified and released for public dissemination this verbal report from the commander of the EAS Gaia, one of the Terra class carriers:
Earthforce has since confirmed that two of the three destroyed Artemis-class dreadnoughts were lost with all hands. The other destroyed starships were able to evacuate some survivors. Earthforce has contacted most of the families of the crews of those starships, and has confirmed for ISN that Admiral Greene perished aboard his flagship, the Terra.We had just come through the jumpgate, with the Corporates still riding our asses, when we recieved word about the Senate dissolution of the treaty. About half a minute later the Corporate starships opened up on us. The Terra went up first, and then three other dreadnoughts were destroyed through the course of the battle. We immediately began to return fire, and launched our Starfuries. We eventually saturated the Corporate defense grids and destroyed their battleships with concentrated missile barrages. The Vorlon starship we were escorting was also able to provide fire support.
"Fucking Stonewall, fucking should've never sent him on that mission," said Marxis swinging his arm picking up his mug and throwing it at the video screen.
"What do we say?"
"What can we say." Marxis waived his hand. "The Earthforce ships provoked us, ambushed us at the jump gate. Alshain's responsible for the deaths of thousands of marines."
Vera left Marxis alone. Marxis stood up and walked up to his bookcase. On it were his military medals and photographs he knew well. Marxis picked up one photograph. There was himself, and a young scrawny man both in Earthforce uniforms in front of a starfury. Greene dead, one of the old guard. And now the Corporate Sector and the Earth Alliance at war.
For the first time in his life, Marxis didn't know what to do.
"Fucking keep it moving, keep it moving!" screamed Stilgar.
"It's no good, they're faster than us."
Thank god they didn't have starfuries or they'd already be dead. What did he know about them? These were the older Iowa class models, bought from the Corporate Sector several years ago. Reliable, powerful, but slow. Yes, slow. He could use that.
"Accelerate, full speed now!"
"We're aimed right fucking at them!"
"Do it!" said Stilgar punching the console himself. The pirated Sus'te with its reactionless drive dove towards the Earthforce battleships. Beams streaked across their path, each representing enough firepower to vaporize them even with a grazing hit. But the sleek Minbari vessel dodged attempts to destroy it.
"We... you fucking did it," said Miller smiling as the console beeped indicating the battleships were outside effective firing range.
"Shut the fuck up," said Stilgar.
Gunther checked his PPG rifle attached to his body high square shield and slapped in a new clip. He was in a cramped breaching pod with thousands of other marines. He was trained to kill. He would kill, and kill many people, because he was an excellent killer and would not stop until the enemy was annihilated.
Gunther and the one hundred men in his breaching pod lurched.
Ten seconds.
Fifteen seconds.
Half a minute.
A crack.
The front of the dropship broke open. Gunther pointed his rifle forward and screamed. Everyone was screaming. They rushed through the opening, their metal shields held with one hand and their rifles attached to their shields heating the air with their PPG fire with the other. A bulkhead. Gunther dove for it as men around him fell.
He made it.
Gunther detached the rifle from his shield and tossed it. The riot shield was studded with inch-wide holes, indicating that the Earthforce troops too were using PPG's dialed at maximum power. Gunther aimed through the smoke and fired at a moving shadow. He aimed and fired at another shadow. And another. And another. And another.
Yet another explosion from down the corridor, another breaching pod connecting. Soon there would be thousands of men just like him, killers, and they would accomplish their mission and seize this ship.
Gunther smiled as he saw the PPG bolts from the Earthforce security forces blockading the corridor grow less intense then fade completely. A cheer erupted spontaneously from the men who had conquered. Gunther held his rifle above his head with both arms and roared.
But then, in a flash, Gunther, and all the conquerers were gone, judged by nothing human to be deserving of the void.
Brian
"What do we say?"
"What can we say." Marxis waived his hand. "The Earthforce ships provoked us, ambushed us at the jump gate. Alshain's responsible for the deaths of thousands of marines."
Vera left Marxis alone. Marxis stood up and walked up to his bookcase. On it were his military medals and photographs he knew well. Marxis picked up one photograph. There was himself, and a young scrawny man both in Earthforce uniforms in front of a starfury. Greene dead, one of the old guard. And now the Corporate Sector and the Earth Alliance at war.
For the first time in his life, Marxis didn't know what to do.
"Fucking keep it moving, keep it moving!" screamed Stilgar.
"It's no good, they're faster than us."
Thank god they didn't have starfuries or they'd already be dead. What did he know about them? These were the older Iowa class models, bought from the Corporate Sector several years ago. Reliable, powerful, but slow. Yes, slow. He could use that.
"Accelerate, full speed now!"
"We're aimed right fucking at them!"
"Do it!" said Stilgar punching the console himself. The pirated Sus'te with its reactionless drive dove towards the Earthforce battleships. Beams streaked across their path, each representing enough firepower to vaporize them even with a grazing hit. But the sleek Minbari vessel dodged attempts to destroy it.
"We... you fucking did it," said Miller smiling as the console beeped indicating the battleships were outside effective firing range.
"Shut the fuck up," said Stilgar.
Gunther checked his PPG rifle attached to his body high square shield and slapped in a new clip. He was in a cramped breaching pod with thousands of other marines. He was trained to kill. He would kill, and kill many people, because he was an excellent killer and would not stop until the enemy was annihilated.
Gunther and the one hundred men in his breaching pod lurched.
Ten seconds.
Fifteen seconds.
Half a minute.
A crack.
The front of the dropship broke open. Gunther pointed his rifle forward and screamed. Everyone was screaming. They rushed through the opening, their metal shields held with one hand and their rifles attached to their shields heating the air with their PPG fire with the other. A bulkhead. Gunther dove for it as men around him fell.
He made it.
Gunther detached the rifle from his shield and tossed it. The riot shield was studded with inch-wide holes, indicating that the Earthforce troops too were using PPG's dialed at maximum power. Gunther aimed through the smoke and fired at a moving shadow. He aimed and fired at another shadow. And another. And another. And another.
Yet another explosion from down the corridor, another breaching pod connecting. Soon there would be thousands of men just like him, killers, and they would accomplish their mission and seize this ship.
Gunther smiled as he saw the PPG bolts from the Earthforce security forces blockading the corridor grow less intense then fade completely. A cheer erupted spontaneously from the men who had conquered. Gunther held his rifle above his head with both arms and roared.
But then, in a flash, Gunther, and all the conquerers were gone, judged by nothing human to be deserving of the void.
Brian
MarxisCorp Press Release
"What little information we have comes through secondary sources. However we do have footage and sensor scans which indicate General Jackson Stonewall had reason to believe there was infiltration of the EAS Terra and attempted to arrest Admiral Greene for his own safety and the safety of the Earth Alliance. General Stonewall opened fire on the EAS Terra with light weapons and proceeded to launch breaching pods to capture the vessel."
"Unfortunately, it appears that the Terra was destroyed under orders by starfuries or the Vorlon baseship escorted by Earthforce. We have confirmation that at least one Artemis class Dreadnaught was destroyed by the Vorlons with the lost of nearly all hands after Corporate breaching pods had attached themselves to the dreadnaught and were in the process of arresting alien collaborators."
"The specialized Corporate troop transports were designed with minimal weaponry to capture the Vorlon baseship should it have attempted to escape or deviate from its flight path to harm human colonies. That Earthforce chose to destroy these vessels and the thousands of crewmen aboard these ships is an unfortuante tragedy of unprecendented historical significance. For the first time since mankind has reached the stars, human beings have killed other human beings. We can only hope President Alshain will come to his senses and order a diplomatic solution before more tragedies like this occur."
"President Alshain's personal vendetta against the Corporate Sector and the Vorlon vessel were responsible for the vast majority of the deaths in today's disaster. The men and women of Earthforce and the Corporate Navy died fighting in a needless battle today due to Alshain's collaboration with alien powers for his own personal benefit."
Brian
"What little information we have comes through secondary sources. However we do have footage and sensor scans which indicate General Jackson Stonewall had reason to believe there was infiltration of the EAS Terra and attempted to arrest Admiral Greene for his own safety and the safety of the Earth Alliance. General Stonewall opened fire on the EAS Terra with light weapons and proceeded to launch breaching pods to capture the vessel."
"Unfortunately, it appears that the Terra was destroyed under orders by starfuries or the Vorlon baseship escorted by Earthforce. We have confirmation that at least one Artemis class Dreadnaught was destroyed by the Vorlons with the lost of nearly all hands after Corporate breaching pods had attached themselves to the dreadnaught and were in the process of arresting alien collaborators."
"The specialized Corporate troop transports were designed with minimal weaponry to capture the Vorlon baseship should it have attempted to escape or deviate from its flight path to harm human colonies. That Earthforce chose to destroy these vessels and the thousands of crewmen aboard these ships is an unfortuante tragedy of unprecendented historical significance. For the first time since mankind has reached the stars, human beings have killed other human beings. We can only hope President Alshain will come to his senses and order a diplomatic solution before more tragedies like this occur."
"President Alshain's personal vendetta against the Corporate Sector and the Vorlon vessel were responsible for the vast majority of the deaths in today's disaster. The men and women of Earthforce and the Corporate Navy died fighting in a needless battle today due to Alshain's collaboration with alien powers for his own personal benefit."
Brian
-
Uraniun235
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 13772
- Joined: 2002-09-12 12:47am
- Location: OREGON
- Contact:
If Marxis's usurpation of the Corporate Sector's democratic government was troubling, the fact that he now stood on the brink of war with the Earth Alliance was nearly terrifying. At this point, Londo could do little more than hope that the extreme value Marxis placed on human life would cause him to back down.
The Kraken fleet. It had become something of a mantra for Londo. The completion of the Kraken fleet would restore the Centauri Republic to the status of galatic power and thus give them some measure of control over events, even if only by lending weight to Vir's words on M6.
At least one good thing had come of humanity's brinksmanship. There had been virtually no protest from the Centaurum to Londo's proposal to increase spending on defense and expand the military-industrial complex. The Centauri Republic would not be caught with its pants down should trouble come knocking, not if Londo could help it.
Dmitri entered. "The Dilgar have responded to our offer to purchase their colony in Shra-Bal," he said. "They refused our offer and instead said they would transfer control to us for ten of the Black Sabbaths."
Londo scowled and rolled his eyes. They'd been devestated by the Vorlon/Minbari alliance and yet they seemed to be looking for nothing except more weapons. "Turn that offer down," Londo said. "That colony is of minimal importance anyway. We inargueably have the stronger claim to the system."
Dmitri nodded. "Yes, sir. Oh, the Department of Colonization estimates that it will close the Llort home world off to further settlers in a few months. They'd like to know which world should be opened up to people seeking to leave the core worlds."
Londo thought for a moment. There were three prime worlds in the Republic which currently had the Centauri flag on them but little else. "Tell them they'll have my answer in the morning."
"Yes, Londo," Dmitri said.
The Kraken fleet. It had become something of a mantra for Londo. The completion of the Kraken fleet would restore the Centauri Republic to the status of galatic power and thus give them some measure of control over events, even if only by lending weight to Vir's words on M6.
At least one good thing had come of humanity's brinksmanship. There had been virtually no protest from the Centaurum to Londo's proposal to increase spending on defense and expand the military-industrial complex. The Centauri Republic would not be caught with its pants down should trouble come knocking, not if Londo could help it.
Dmitri entered. "The Dilgar have responded to our offer to purchase their colony in Shra-Bal," he said. "They refused our offer and instead said they would transfer control to us for ten of the Black Sabbaths."
Londo scowled and rolled his eyes. They'd been devestated by the Vorlon/Minbari alliance and yet they seemed to be looking for nothing except more weapons. "Turn that offer down," Londo said. "That colony is of minimal importance anyway. We inargueably have the stronger claim to the system."
Dmitri nodded. "Yes, sir. Oh, the Department of Colonization estimates that it will close the Llort home world off to further settlers in a few months. They'd like to know which world should be opened up to people seeking to leave the core worlds."
Londo thought for a moment. There were three prime worlds in the Republic which currently had the Centauri flag on them but little else. "Tell them they'll have my answer in the morning."
"Yes, Londo," Dmitri said.
"I want to mow down a bunch of motherfuckers with absurdly large weapons and relative impunity - preferably in and around a skyscraper. Then I want to fight a grim battle against the unlikely duo of the Terminator and Robocop. The last level should involve (but not be limited to) multiple robo-Hitlers and a gorillasaurus rex."--Uraniun235 on his ideal FPS game
"The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the Force."--Darth Vader
"The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the Force."--Darth Vader
"The Black Watch is here to see you sir."
"Send them in," said Marxis.
The Black Watch took their positions in front of Marxis' desk. All hand picked, they were true believers in the manifest destiny of mankind. These were his right hands, his left hands, his eyes and ears in the field, all Generals and Colonels with military experience from the Dilgar war. Their leader was Colonel Smith, a broad shouldered and grey haired man who reminded Marxis of his father.
"Mr. President."
"Colonel Smith, Drake..."
"Mr. President, we cannot allow the alien infiltration of EarthGov to continue. They are responsible for the murder of thousands of human beings. Alshain's replacing all our contacts in Earthforce with alien sympathizers, loyal only to him. We have an opportunity here, a small window of opportunity."
"I'm waiting for a full report on the incident in the Signet system. Until then--"
Smith turned to his colleagues, and they brought up a video screen which flickered and turned to the familiar strategic map of Corporate territory compared to the Earth Alliance. Marxis examined the familiar icons with a cool eye, knowing what Smith would say next.
"We've prepared Operation Purity based on the rising threat of alien terrorism in human territory, in particular the telepathic control of President Alshain and certain officials in the Earth Alliance by alien powers. Simply put, we can go in and arrest Alshain and his alien collaborators with an acceptable loss of manpower and equipment. We have the technology to--"
"And if you start a full scale civil war between the Earth Alliance and the Corporate Sector?"
Smith stiffened and let a small smile out.
"Veni, vidi, vici Mr. President," said Smith. "Pax Humanitia."
The others around him stared at Marxis, their faces concentrated on his every muscle movement. Men would judge him for what his answer was today. A civil war. Thousands... no, millions of lives would be sacrificed, worlds burned, armies clashing and battling for ideology and the destiny of mankind. It would be so easy. They did have the technology. Not only were Earthforce's Artemis class vessels equipped with easily countered technology like missiles, but their armor was fifth generation compared to the sixth generation ablative armor on his battleships. The Shadow technology was now fully integrated in his warships, indistinguishable from similar technology in all but effectiveness. The particle cannons on the United States battleships could vaporize any Earthforce capital ship with a single barrage. Starfuries were an annoyance at best. Alshain would not orbitally bombard human worlds, no matter what aliens were controlling him. So, the Corporate Navy could, like Smith was proposing, simply go through the emergency jump point created between Tala and Trembas and head to Sol in a matter of days, encountering little resistance and beginning the formation of a new Empire, loyal only to him. There would be casualties, but nothing significant. The plebs would buy whatever he fed them, and Marxis needed only to park a single warship over each Earth Alliance world to bring local governors in line. Small task forces could saturate the Earth Alliance with his fury and eliminate all opposition to his rule. It would be glorious.
Empire.
Power.
Marxis smiled.
"No Colonel."
"Sir, I strongly--"
"You strongly what?" said Marxis, his voice lowering. Marxis stared at Smith. "I need more time to consider all the factors."
"Of course Mr. President."
Marxis stood up with his arms crossed as the Black Watch left. Insubordination. The Black Watch had served its purpose. He picked up a phone.
"Detain Colonel Smith and his entourage," said Marxis.
Brian
"Send them in," said Marxis.
The Black Watch took their positions in front of Marxis' desk. All hand picked, they were true believers in the manifest destiny of mankind. These were his right hands, his left hands, his eyes and ears in the field, all Generals and Colonels with military experience from the Dilgar war. Their leader was Colonel Smith, a broad shouldered and grey haired man who reminded Marxis of his father.
"Mr. President."
"Colonel Smith, Drake..."
"Mr. President, we cannot allow the alien infiltration of EarthGov to continue. They are responsible for the murder of thousands of human beings. Alshain's replacing all our contacts in Earthforce with alien sympathizers, loyal only to him. We have an opportunity here, a small window of opportunity."
"I'm waiting for a full report on the incident in the Signet system. Until then--"
Smith turned to his colleagues, and they brought up a video screen which flickered and turned to the familiar strategic map of Corporate territory compared to the Earth Alliance. Marxis examined the familiar icons with a cool eye, knowing what Smith would say next.
"We've prepared Operation Purity based on the rising threat of alien terrorism in human territory, in particular the telepathic control of President Alshain and certain officials in the Earth Alliance by alien powers. Simply put, we can go in and arrest Alshain and his alien collaborators with an acceptable loss of manpower and equipment. We have the technology to--"
"And if you start a full scale civil war between the Earth Alliance and the Corporate Sector?"
Smith stiffened and let a small smile out.
"Veni, vidi, vici Mr. President," said Smith. "Pax Humanitia."
The others around him stared at Marxis, their faces concentrated on his every muscle movement. Men would judge him for what his answer was today. A civil war. Thousands... no, millions of lives would be sacrificed, worlds burned, armies clashing and battling for ideology and the destiny of mankind. It would be so easy. They did have the technology. Not only were Earthforce's Artemis class vessels equipped with easily countered technology like missiles, but their armor was fifth generation compared to the sixth generation ablative armor on his battleships. The Shadow technology was now fully integrated in his warships, indistinguishable from similar technology in all but effectiveness. The particle cannons on the United States battleships could vaporize any Earthforce capital ship with a single barrage. Starfuries were an annoyance at best. Alshain would not orbitally bombard human worlds, no matter what aliens were controlling him. So, the Corporate Navy could, like Smith was proposing, simply go through the emergency jump point created between Tala and Trembas and head to Sol in a matter of days, encountering little resistance and beginning the formation of a new Empire, loyal only to him. There would be casualties, but nothing significant. The plebs would buy whatever he fed them, and Marxis needed only to park a single warship over each Earth Alliance world to bring local governors in line. Small task forces could saturate the Earth Alliance with his fury and eliminate all opposition to his rule. It would be glorious.
Empire.
Power.
Marxis smiled.
"No Colonel."
"Sir, I strongly--"
"You strongly what?" said Marxis, his voice lowering. Marxis stared at Smith. "I need more time to consider all the factors."
"Of course Mr. President."
Marxis stood up with his arms crossed as the Black Watch left. Insubordination. The Black Watch had served its purpose. He picked up a phone.
"Detain Colonel Smith and his entourage," said Marxis.
Brian
-
Dalton
- For Those About to Rock We Salute You
- Posts: 22637
- Joined: 2002-07-03 06:16pm
- Location: New York, the Fuck You State
- Contact:
"Do you think there'll be war?"
"No. If I know Marxis, he holds the life of a Human above that of anything else, even that of other sentient races. To engage in a civil war...that would be a violation of his very principles. Besides," G'Kar grinned as he leaned in, "He's already straining under the sudden loss of mineral trading. If he presses the issue, more of his allies will abandon their treaties with him. He'll starve for resources."
Ta'Lon put on his best poker face. "Oh, what a shame. He just might have to decommission or sell some of those lovely new warships of his."
"Indeed, my friend. As the Earthers say," he chuckled softly, "We have him by the balls."
The other smiled unsurely. "And what do you intend to do with...his balls?"
G'Kar seemed to deflate a bit. "Nothing. He's still far too powerful to openly stand against."
"A dead end then."
"No, there are other factors to consider," he replied cryptically. "And please thank Vir for getting that jump gate opened. Sanctuary should be ramping up production very shortly now."
"Of course."
"No. If I know Marxis, he holds the life of a Human above that of anything else, even that of other sentient races. To engage in a civil war...that would be a violation of his very principles. Besides," G'Kar grinned as he leaned in, "He's already straining under the sudden loss of mineral trading. If he presses the issue, more of his allies will abandon their treaties with him. He'll starve for resources."
Ta'Lon put on his best poker face. "Oh, what a shame. He just might have to decommission or sell some of those lovely new warships of his."
"Indeed, my friend. As the Earthers say," he chuckled softly, "We have him by the balls."
The other smiled unsurely. "And what do you intend to do with...his balls?"
G'Kar seemed to deflate a bit. "Nothing. He's still far too powerful to openly stand against."
"A dead end then."
"No, there are other factors to consider," he replied cryptically. "And please thank Vir for getting that jump gate opened. Sanctuary should be ramping up production very shortly now."
"Of course."
To Absent Friends
"y = mx + bro" - Surlethe
"You try THAT shit again, kid, and I will mod you. I will
mod you so hard, you'll wish I were Dalton." - Lagmonster
May the way of the Hero lead to the Triforce.
Coded with a 1024-bit cipher, sent to the Narn Remnant via hyperspace beacon.
Brian
Code: Select all
Chairman G'kar,
If you haven't been keeping up with recent developments, the Corporate Sector has just lost another major trading partner.
I am willing to give your people the means to defend themselves against the aggression of your neighbors. Fifty battleships, in installments for fifty standard months of two hundred and fifty billion galactic credits or equivalent each month. You will find these are state of the art warships with... unique technology. If you are interested, contact me immediately. We have similar interests--the protection of our people.
Marxis