Corporate Defense Force Headquarters, Houston
"Has the Earthdome replied yet?" Carter asked.
"Not yet." Riker bit his lip. "Sir, there's almost a hundred ships in orbit of Yolu Prime. We can't--"
"And what do you suggest we do? Tell the Vorlons to leave? I know you were brought up under Marxis's system, but we don't have that kind of firepower anymore."
"That's exactly what I mean. We tell the Vorlons to leave."
Carter smiled. "And force the Vorlons to pick between trade relations with the Earth Alliance and getting the hell out of there. It's too late for that."
"What did you put in your message to Earthdome?"
"That a Vorlon invasion fleet is headed our way." Carter bit her lip. She had staked her reputation on this. "Even if it isn't there's no way we could tell. Earthforce has to recode its jump gates before the Vorlons get through."
"Couldn't the Omegas deal with the Vorlon fleet if they invaded the Corporate Sector?"
"Watch the battle footage again. Our only defense against the Vorlons is to protect jump gates. Even Earthforce's Omega's can't--" Carter paused. Nobody was supposed to know the Corporate Sector had the Omega designs. "--we have to stop the Vorlons at the gate."
"But what if Alshain doesn't go along with it?"
"Then practise your Vorlonese," Carter said.
SE:IV B5 RP
Moderator: Thanas
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Uraniun235
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 13772
- Joined: 2002-09-12 12:47am
- Location: OREGON
- Contact:
Situation Assessment Center
Earthdome
"Clear the room."
"Ah, sir..."
"Get out! NOW!"
The assorted officers that manned the Center scurried out of the room.
President Alshain turned his gaze back to the huge display towering above him, showing both the positions and numbers of the three full-strength battle groups sitting over the gateway to the Corporate Sector, as well as those of the Vorlon fleet sitting just one jump away.
Numerically, the fleets were very closely matched. But dozens of the Vorlon ships were more than triple the mass of an Omega class starship, and even those that were slightly lighter than the Omegas would surely be far more advanced, based on ancient technology.
Earth Alliance also had hundreds of starfighters there, which when combined would be a formidable force, but even if Earthforce somehow managed to pull off the unimaginable - go toe-to-toe with their most advanced allies, and win - it would be a Pyrrhic victory. The Earthforce fleet in Trembas would surely be broken, and the Vorlons had still more starships at their disposal, against which the remaining fleet forces would never be able to engage in open space, but at the same time too sparse to defend both key entrances to EA territory.
Worse, the Vorlon/Minbari alliance was extremely strong, and even if Earthforce miraculously held off a Vorlon reprisal, the threat of the Minbari striking at Earth from the relatively unguarded "back door" of Orion was too great. Earthforce would be utterly unable to react in force to a Minbari attack.
Alshain felt sick to his stomach. He found himself wishing that Marxis were still in charge of the Corporate Sector; if he were, Alshain would likely have been discussing with the Vorlons a joint invasion of the CS. As it were, though...
History - hell, the voters - will probably damn me, he thought.
Alshain walked out of the Situation Center.
"Alright, you can all go back in. Stand by to dispatch UV-priority messages to all the major Earthforce commands."
Earthdome
"Clear the room."
"Ah, sir..."
"Get out! NOW!"
The assorted officers that manned the Center scurried out of the room.
President Alshain turned his gaze back to the huge display towering above him, showing both the positions and numbers of the three full-strength battle groups sitting over the gateway to the Corporate Sector, as well as those of the Vorlon fleet sitting just one jump away.
Numerically, the fleets were very closely matched. But dozens of the Vorlon ships were more than triple the mass of an Omega class starship, and even those that were slightly lighter than the Omegas would surely be far more advanced, based on ancient technology.
Earth Alliance also had hundreds of starfighters there, which when combined would be a formidable force, but even if Earthforce somehow managed to pull off the unimaginable - go toe-to-toe with their most advanced allies, and win - it would be a Pyrrhic victory. The Earthforce fleet in Trembas would surely be broken, and the Vorlons had still more starships at their disposal, against which the remaining fleet forces would never be able to engage in open space, but at the same time too sparse to defend both key entrances to EA territory.
Worse, the Vorlon/Minbari alliance was extremely strong, and even if Earthforce miraculously held off a Vorlon reprisal, the threat of the Minbari striking at Earth from the relatively unguarded "back door" of Orion was too great. Earthforce would be utterly unable to react in force to a Minbari attack.
Alshain felt sick to his stomach. He found himself wishing that Marxis were still in charge of the Corporate Sector; if he were, Alshain would likely have been discussing with the Vorlons a joint invasion of the CS. As it were, though...
History - hell, the voters - will probably damn me, he thought.
Alshain walked out of the Situation Center.
"Alright, you can all go back in. Stand by to dispatch UV-priority messages to all the major Earthforce commands."
Nunziata's Office
"I don't believe I heard you correctly."
"Sir--" General Beckers nodded. His eyes were larger and rounder than she'd ever seen. "The Earth Alliance ships in Trembas have abandoned the jump gate."
Nunziata stared at Beckers. "I see. What are our options?"
"Our guided missiles are in position. We'll need a Presidential Directive to recode the Lotna jumpgates ma'am."
"Do you think it will help?"
"They'll hit anything Vorlon coming through that gate. But with all due respect, without Earthforce--"
"I know." She bit her lip. "I sent Alshain the command codes to our missiles."
"We're defenseless without the missiles. Ma'am, it's time for Project Blackwatch."
Nunziata slammed her fist on the table. "No!" Blackwatch had been Marxis's fallback plan. Marxis, Marxis, always Marxis. They were still using his dated intelligence, still using his tactics, strategies and files. Even from the shadows Marxis seemed to have so much influence.
"I will not," Nunziata said, "isolate billions of human beings from the rest of the universe for all eternity. Recode the jump gates General. Alshain won't deactivate or move our missiles. He wouldn't betray us."
"He already has."
Nunziata opened her mouth, then closed it. There was no point explaining politics to a General. Alshain hadn't betrayed them--he had done the only thing he could to save the Earth Alliance. Still, it stung. How could you Wilhelm? "Dismissed."
She punched in numbers in her phone. "Get me the Centauri Ambassador." Now she would save the Corporate Sector.
Mesopotamia Six
"And the Perry has reestablished two jump gates from Kokkar to Raghesh and Ettamm," Chen said. "Already commercial traffic--"
An aide rushed up to Chen and whispered something in his ear. Chen blinked.
"My apologies. A situation has arisen that requires my immediate attention." Chen stared at Robert Fox and Commander O'Hare. Marxis had been wrong about one thing. Blood was not thicker than water.
CDF Headquarters
"Jump gate activation. Civilian freighter."
Carter swore. Until she got the order to recode the jump gates, Vorlon ships could come through and destroy the missile batteries before they could react. "Anything from hyperwave?"
"Nothing."
"Keep all channels clear." If the Vorlons did want to come through, she'd give them hell. "The second we get the order I want the missiles to be armed and set to automatic." The guided missiles, each one as large as a freighter, would collide with Vorlon ships and detonate their thermonuclear loads. They were highly experimental. No navy relied on guided missiles. And no navy consisted entirely of guided missiles. Marxis would have had a fleet of planet killers at that jump gate to annihilate any intruder, but instead they had untested, untried weapons.
At least, they had plenty. "When the next hundred arrive, I want them positioned here, here, here and here to cut off any jumps."
"Yes sir."
"I don't believe I heard you correctly."
"Sir--" General Beckers nodded. His eyes were larger and rounder than she'd ever seen. "The Earth Alliance ships in Trembas have abandoned the jump gate."
Nunziata stared at Beckers. "I see. What are our options?"
"Our guided missiles are in position. We'll need a Presidential Directive to recode the Lotna jumpgates ma'am."
"Do you think it will help?"
"They'll hit anything Vorlon coming through that gate. But with all due respect, without Earthforce--"
"I know." She bit her lip. "I sent Alshain the command codes to our missiles."
"We're defenseless without the missiles. Ma'am, it's time for Project Blackwatch."
Nunziata slammed her fist on the table. "No!" Blackwatch had been Marxis's fallback plan. Marxis, Marxis, always Marxis. They were still using his dated intelligence, still using his tactics, strategies and files. Even from the shadows Marxis seemed to have so much influence.
"I will not," Nunziata said, "isolate billions of human beings from the rest of the universe for all eternity. Recode the jump gates General. Alshain won't deactivate or move our missiles. He wouldn't betray us."
"He already has."
Nunziata opened her mouth, then closed it. There was no point explaining politics to a General. Alshain hadn't betrayed them--he had done the only thing he could to save the Earth Alliance. Still, it stung. How could you Wilhelm? "Dismissed."
She punched in numbers in her phone. "Get me the Centauri Ambassador." Now she would save the Corporate Sector.
Mesopotamia Six
"And the Perry has reestablished two jump gates from Kokkar to Raghesh and Ettamm," Chen said. "Already commercial traffic--"
An aide rushed up to Chen and whispered something in his ear. Chen blinked.
"My apologies. A situation has arisen that requires my immediate attention." Chen stared at Robert Fox and Commander O'Hare. Marxis had been wrong about one thing. Blood was not thicker than water.
CDF Headquarters
"Jump gate activation. Civilian freighter."
Carter swore. Until she got the order to recode the jump gates, Vorlon ships could come through and destroy the missile batteries before they could react. "Anything from hyperwave?"
"Nothing."
"Keep all channels clear." If the Vorlons did want to come through, she'd give them hell. "The second we get the order I want the missiles to be armed and set to automatic." The guided missiles, each one as large as a freighter, would collide with Vorlon ships and detonate their thermonuclear loads. They were highly experimental. No navy relied on guided missiles. And no navy consisted entirely of guided missiles. Marxis would have had a fleet of planet killers at that jump gate to annihilate any intruder, but instead they had untested, untried weapons.
At least, they had plenty. "When the next hundred arrive, I want them positioned here, here, here and here to cut off any jumps."
"Yes sir."
Corporate Headquarters Press Room
"...and I'm pleased to announce that the Corporate Sector and the Centauri Republic have agreed to a mutual defense pact. I'm glad to answer any questions."
"Ma'am, what about the Earthforce? Are they coming back?"
"As far as I know, no."
"What about the treaty with the Earth Alliance? Is it broken?"
"We will continue to have free trade with the Earth Alliance. In fact, we have proposed an amended treaty--"
"Is it true that the Vorlon invasion fleet left without warning?"
"There are still Vorlon ships orbiting Yolu Prime, but the bulk of their ships seems to have disappeared."
"The Corporate Sector has been in a military alliance with the Dilgar for years and they haven't sent any ships or equipment. What makes your administration believe the Centauri--"
"That was the doing of President Marxis. Our agreement with the Centauri is far more substantial. Already we have shipped large quantities of military equipment to the Centauri Republic, and the Centauri Ambassador has assured me that they will--"
"Ma'am, is it true that the Earth Alliance has the command codes to our missile defenses?"
"That is absolutely untrue. We retain control of all our missiles and the jump gate in the Lotna system is protected by over eight hundred guided missiles."
"Ma'am, does this mean the Corporate Sector is remilitarizing?"
"I signed an executive order this morning ordering the reformation of the CDF Starfleet, Army and Marines. So yes, we are remilitarizing. Excuse me, but I have many other responsibilities."
"Ma'am--"
Geneva, Earth
"...only now do we understand the enormity of President Alshain's order to Earthforce. The Corporate Sector, human beings, are left utterly undefended in the face of an alien threat. What is next? Will Alshain run when the Vorlons invade Io? Or Mars? Or the Moon? The President has betrayed his oath of office, betrayed the people he was sworn to protect, broken treaties ratified by the Earth Alliance Senate." Senator Sutherland leaned forward. "I will not let this President continue to disregard our defense needs. Earthforce is stunted with insufficient funding, and alien ships grow larger and more heavily armed by the day. With our economy and technology we should have the largest, most powerful navy in the galaxy and yet we run like cowards before the first shot. Alshain betrayed the men and women in uniform with his illegal order."
"I will not allow Wilhelm Alshain to continue to betray mankind. I intend to run for President as soon as an election is called, and I will drive Alshain and his liberal pacifists out of office."
"...and I'm pleased to announce that the Corporate Sector and the Centauri Republic have agreed to a mutual defense pact. I'm glad to answer any questions."
"Ma'am, what about the Earthforce? Are they coming back?"
"As far as I know, no."
"What about the treaty with the Earth Alliance? Is it broken?"
"We will continue to have free trade with the Earth Alliance. In fact, we have proposed an amended treaty--"
"Is it true that the Vorlon invasion fleet left without warning?"
"There are still Vorlon ships orbiting Yolu Prime, but the bulk of their ships seems to have disappeared."
"The Corporate Sector has been in a military alliance with the Dilgar for years and they haven't sent any ships or equipment. What makes your administration believe the Centauri--"
"That was the doing of President Marxis. Our agreement with the Centauri is far more substantial. Already we have shipped large quantities of military equipment to the Centauri Republic, and the Centauri Ambassador has assured me that they will--"
"Ma'am, is it true that the Earth Alliance has the command codes to our missile defenses?"
"That is absolutely untrue. We retain control of all our missiles and the jump gate in the Lotna system is protected by over eight hundred guided missiles."
"Ma'am, does this mean the Corporate Sector is remilitarizing?"
"I signed an executive order this morning ordering the reformation of the CDF Starfleet, Army and Marines. So yes, we are remilitarizing. Excuse me, but I have many other responsibilities."
"Ma'am--"
Geneva, Earth
"...only now do we understand the enormity of President Alshain's order to Earthforce. The Corporate Sector, human beings, are left utterly undefended in the face of an alien threat. What is next? Will Alshain run when the Vorlons invade Io? Or Mars? Or the Moon? The President has betrayed his oath of office, betrayed the people he was sworn to protect, broken treaties ratified by the Earth Alliance Senate." Senator Sutherland leaned forward. "I will not let this President continue to disregard our defense needs. Earthforce is stunted with insufficient funding, and alien ships grow larger and more heavily armed by the day. With our economy and technology we should have the largest, most powerful navy in the galaxy and yet we run like cowards before the first shot. Alshain betrayed the men and women in uniform with his illegal order."
"I will not allow Wilhelm Alshain to continue to betray mankind. I intend to run for President as soon as an election is called, and I will drive Alshain and his liberal pacifists out of office."
Chen's Quarters
"The Vorlons apologized," a face on the vid screen said.
"What?" Chen said.
"I can't believe it myself. Our troops are checking the area but it appears there's minimal damage to what little infrastructure there was. And the colonists are unharmed. The Brakiri could move right back in as far as our men can tell."
"Thank god," Chen said. He turned off the vid screen. As soon as he did the Mesopotamia Six logo popped up and another face, this time of Brigadier General Carter materialized. She was too young to be the President's top military advisor, but he saw no reason to complain.
"Ambassador, here's the latest from the front. And a report from the Trustee. You'll want to see this." Carter's face disappeared.
Chen activated the playback and leaned towards the screen.
"Shit," he said. "Today'll be busy."
"The Vorlons apologized," a face on the vid screen said.
"What?" Chen said.
"I can't believe it myself. Our troops are checking the area but it appears there's minimal damage to what little infrastructure there was. And the colonists are unharmed. The Brakiri could move right back in as far as our men can tell."
"Thank god," Chen said. He turned off the vid screen. As soon as he did the Mesopotamia Six logo popped up and another face, this time of Brigadier General Carter materialized. She was too young to be the President's top military advisor, but he saw no reason to complain.
"Ambassador, here's the latest from the front. And a report from the Trustee. You'll want to see this." Carter's face disappeared.
Chen activated the playback and leaned towards the screen.
"Shit," he said. "Today'll be busy."
When Dmitri had first seen the message from the Vorlons, he couldn't believe it. The Vorlons had been threatening before, but never so blunt. It was two short sentences, dripping with menace.
"We are tired of this charade. Obey or face the consequences."
Not surprisingly, Reefa was furious. "How dare they! Do they think we're some kind of Vorlon satellite state?! We are a sovereign nation!"
"Excellency, please calm down," Dmitri said. He wouldn't be surprised if Reefa went down to the Centaurum and demanded a declaration of war if he remained in this state for very long. "The Vorlons are desperate to have our battle lasers on their side and fearful of having them used against them. Just send them a reasoned reply on why you can't obey them."
Somewhat calmed by Dmitri's not entirely sincere words, Reefa took a deep breath. "Of course, you're right, I will make the reply. Dmitri, you inform the space yards to be ready to go to emergency build at a moment's notice."
"Yes, Excellency," Dmitri said, hoping Reefa's response message wasn't too angry.
"We are tired of this charade. Obey or face the consequences."
Not surprisingly, Reefa was furious. "How dare they! Do they think we're some kind of Vorlon satellite state?! We are a sovereign nation!"
"Excellency, please calm down," Dmitri said. He wouldn't be surprised if Reefa went down to the Centaurum and demanded a declaration of war if he remained in this state for very long. "The Vorlons are desperate to have our battle lasers on their side and fearful of having them used against them. Just send them a reasoned reply on why you can't obey them."
Somewhat calmed by Dmitri's not entirely sincere words, Reefa took a deep breath. "Of course, you're right, I will make the reply. Dmitri, you inform the space yards to be ready to go to emergency build at a moment's notice."
"Yes, Excellency," Dmitri said, hoping Reefa's response message wasn't too angry.
"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
Eye on the Corporate Sector
"Shares of Interstellar Wrecking and Ranger Recovery jumped two hundred percent yesterday after a massive battle involving over a hundred Brakiri ships and two hundred Minbari. Private salvage craft are already swarming the jump gates, underway to Quadrant 27."
"'It's even better than when the League blew up. Minbari hulks are hard to come by,' said Captain Sawyer, referring to The Battle of the League. According to initial reports, over two hundred Minbari ships have been disabled and destroyed by the Brakiri. The Brakiri Commerce Minister has assured the public that all salvage will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis."
"Meanwhile, a Vorlon fleet approaches the Brakiri. Will the Vorlons take revenge on their slain Minbari counterparts? Will the Brakiri emerge victorious and guarantee even more salvage for the galaxy's entrepreneurs? Whatever happens, thousands of private starships will be jumping to Quadrant 27 to pick the spoils of war. Stay tuned for tomorrow, where we will have a live feed from the Trustee, a privately owned starship monitoring Quadrant 27. Eye on the Corporate Sector, bringing intergalactic war to your living room."
"Shares of Interstellar Wrecking and Ranger Recovery jumped two hundred percent yesterday after a massive battle involving over a hundred Brakiri ships and two hundred Minbari. Private salvage craft are already swarming the jump gates, underway to Quadrant 27."
"'It's even better than when the League blew up. Minbari hulks are hard to come by,' said Captain Sawyer, referring to The Battle of the League. According to initial reports, over two hundred Minbari ships have been disabled and destroyed by the Brakiri. The Brakiri Commerce Minister has assured the public that all salvage will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis."
"Meanwhile, a Vorlon fleet approaches the Brakiri. Will the Vorlons take revenge on their slain Minbari counterparts? Will the Brakiri emerge victorious and guarantee even more salvage for the galaxy's entrepreneurs? Whatever happens, thousands of private starships will be jumping to Quadrant 27 to pick the spoils of war. Stay tuned for tomorrow, where we will have a live feed from the Trustee, a privately owned starship monitoring Quadrant 27. Eye on the Corporate Sector, bringing intergalactic war to your living room."
-
Arthur_Tuxedo
- Sith Acolyte
- Posts: 5637
- Joined: 2002-07-23 03:28am
- Location: San Francisco, California
Kullenbrach smiled as the last Vorlon and Minbari ship perished in flames. The MVB ships were heavily armed with weapons that the Brakiri could not hope to match, but they sacrificed armor for all that hitting power. Brakiri ships were exactly the opposite. There was armor on the gun turrets, there was armor on the sensor pods, there was armor on the armor, and more armor on that. Able to take more punishment than most planet killer sized ships, the Brakiri fleet was able to absorb the fire from hundreds of Minbari ships after coming through the warp point with only 50% destroyed or damaged ships. The return fire shredded the paper-thin Minbari hulls. While a Brakiri ship could survive 15, 20, sometimes even 30 shots, the strongest Minbari ship went up after 6, and the Sharlins only took 4.
When the Vorlons came through a few days later, they also had paper thin hulls, and could not stand up to the concentrated fire poured upon them as they exited the warp point. The next Vorlon fleet was on the way, and this one looked to be a doozy, but Kullenbrach never had any intention of doing more than dislodging the MVB from the Q27 warp point. If they took out some of the ships from the incoming fleet, great, if not, it wasn't the end of the galaxy.
When the Vorlons came through a few days later, they also had paper thin hulls, and could not stand up to the concentrated fire poured upon them as they exited the warp point. The next Vorlon fleet was on the way, and this one looked to be a doozy, but Kullenbrach never had any intention of doing more than dislodging the MVB from the Q27 warp point. If they took out some of the ships from the incoming fleet, great, if not, it wasn't the end of the galaxy.
"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
Raytheon
"Sir, the Vorlons want our missiles."
"That's it? You woke me up for that?"
"Nunziata won't be too happy. Especially after the latest debacle."
"That bony bitch can fuck herself. Can the Vorlons pay more than the Centauri?"
"We're not sure. It's doubtful they could purchase all our missiles at once. And CDF would go nuts."
"We're building eight hundred more, plenty for everybody. Have accounting go over the Vorlon books and make sure they're legit. If they can pay, we can give."
"Yes sir. Oh, and the Minbari--"
"Tell me about it later Ron."
"Yes sir."
"Sir, the Vorlons want our missiles."
"That's it? You woke me up for that?"
"Nunziata won't be too happy. Especially after the latest debacle."
"That bony bitch can fuck herself. Can the Vorlons pay more than the Centauri?"
"We're not sure. It's doubtful they could purchase all our missiles at once. And CDF would go nuts."
"We're building eight hundred more, plenty for everybody. Have accounting go over the Vorlon books and make sure they're legit. If they can pay, we can give."
"Yes sir. Oh, and the Minbari--"
"Tell me about it later Ron."
"Yes sir."
ISN
"And Senator Sutherland today introduced a motion for impeachment against the embattled Earth Alliance President Wilhelm Alshain. Ever since the order from the President to withdraw Earthforce from the Trembas system, the President has had to fend of criticism that he abandoned the Earth Alliance protectorate to a possible alien invasion. It is unknown whether Senator Sutherland has the two-thirds majority required to begin impeachment proceedings against the President, but it is rumored the conservative Oregon born Senator has broad based support from all political parties against the independent President. Insiders have confided with ISN that should the President be ousted, rising political star--"
Goodbye U235, see you on the other side
"And Senator Sutherland today introduced a motion for impeachment against the embattled Earth Alliance President Wilhelm Alshain. Ever since the order from the President to withdraw Earthforce from the Trembas system, the President has had to fend of criticism that he abandoned the Earth Alliance protectorate to a possible alien invasion. It is unknown whether Senator Sutherland has the two-thirds majority required to begin impeachment proceedings against the President, but it is rumored the conservative Oregon born Senator has broad based support from all political parties against the independent President. Insiders have confided with ISN that should the President be ousted, rising political star--"
Goodbye U235, see you on the other side
Eye on the Corporate Sector
"Following the ousting of President Wilhelm Alshain, the first action of the new interim President was to order Earthforce to retake defensive positions leading to the Corporate Sector. Nevertheless, the Corporate Sector released its new defense white paper today, restoring funding to massive shipbuilding projects discontinued after Benjamin Marxis's disappearance. Millions of skilled workers have been recalled to orbital shipyards, to begin construction on a new secretive class of ship.
There are unconfirmed reports that the bulk of the funding for the new ships comes from an alien race. Prime Minister Nunziata's government is neither denying nor confirming this, but has said that they will take whatever measures are necessary for defense. Protests on the planets New York and Houston by fanatical followers of Marxis decry what they call 'the alien infiltration of our military.' Despite strong domestic opposition, Nunziata committed herself to peaceful relations with all alien races, and restored trade with the Brakiri and several non-aligned worlds."
"Following the ousting of President Wilhelm Alshain, the first action of the new interim President was to order Earthforce to retake defensive positions leading to the Corporate Sector. Nevertheless, the Corporate Sector released its new defense white paper today, restoring funding to massive shipbuilding projects discontinued after Benjamin Marxis's disappearance. Millions of skilled workers have been recalled to orbital shipyards, to begin construction on a new secretive class of ship.
There are unconfirmed reports that the bulk of the funding for the new ships comes from an alien race. Prime Minister Nunziata's government is neither denying nor confirming this, but has said that they will take whatever measures are necessary for defense. Protests on the planets New York and Houston by fanatical followers of Marxis decry what they call 'the alien infiltration of our military.' Despite strong domestic opposition, Nunziata committed herself to peaceful relations with all alien races, and restored trade with the Brakiri and several non-aligned worlds."
"A Dilgar fleet has crossed into the Valusha system," Admiral Vladimir informed Reefa. "One hundred and one ships strong. Two Vorlon ships. Lots of fully carriers. Most Dilgar fighters are unarmored and loaded with guns or missiles. No troops. No transmissions yet from them."
"Damn," Reefa swore softly.
The Dilgar had been building up a force in Thessin for some time, but had remained by the gate to Jodan. Reefa had dared to hope they were planning to join the Brakiri in fighting the MVB.
"They've been bad about following our treaty," Dmitri said. "They've barely transfered any Centauri citizens to us and they haven't been respecting our territory."
"Admiral, demand that the Dilgar fleet tell us its course and intent," Reefa ordered. "Dmitri, order the shipyards to increase production speed."
"Yes, Excellency," they said as one.
"Damn," Reefa swore softly.
The Dilgar had been building up a force in Thessin for some time, but had remained by the gate to Jodan. Reefa had dared to hope they were planning to join the Brakiri in fighting the MVB.
"They've been bad about following our treaty," Dmitri said. "They've barely transfered any Centauri citizens to us and they haven't been respecting our territory."
"Admiral, demand that the Dilgar fleet tell us its course and intent," Reefa ordered. "Dmitri, order the shipyards to increase production speed."
"Yes, Excellency," they said as one.
"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
Area 51
"What is it," President Sutherland said. He stared at the glob of shimmering flesh. The chamber was surrounded with guards armed with PPG rifles, one every five feet. The scientist with him was a dimunitative Dr. Muntz, a mole who'd leaked information to Sutherland's camp and was now the chief of research and development for the Earth Alliance, weapons division.
"That is the most powerful weapon in known space sir."
"What does it do?"
"It's a particle beam rated at over a thousand gigajoules. It cuts through any known armor." Guntz walked around the weapon, elevated on a pedastel. "Earthforce could be the most potent navy in the galaxy."
"Where the hell did you get that thing?"
"Alshain's people had found it. It's been in a vault for some time now."
Alshain. That fool. If this was as powerful as... "Why was it kept in the dark?"
"Some kind of mumbo jumbo prophecy, and something to do with Shadows."
Shadows. That word had been appearing too often in intelligence reports. "If this weapon can be harnessed for the good of the Earth Alliance, I want it operational yesterday."
"I'll need funding."
"You have it." From now on, the Earth Alliance wasn't skimping on defense.
"What is it," President Sutherland said. He stared at the glob of shimmering flesh. The chamber was surrounded with guards armed with PPG rifles, one every five feet. The scientist with him was a dimunitative Dr. Muntz, a mole who'd leaked information to Sutherland's camp and was now the chief of research and development for the Earth Alliance, weapons division.
"That is the most powerful weapon in known space sir."
"What does it do?"
"It's a particle beam rated at over a thousand gigajoules. It cuts through any known armor." Guntz walked around the weapon, elevated on a pedastel. "Earthforce could be the most potent navy in the galaxy."
"Where the hell did you get that thing?"
"Alshain's people had found it. It's been in a vault for some time now."
Alshain. That fool. If this was as powerful as... "Why was it kept in the dark?"
"Some kind of mumbo jumbo prophecy, and something to do with Shadows."
Shadows. That word had been appearing too often in intelligence reports. "If this weapon can be harnessed for the good of the Earth Alliance, I want it operational yesterday."
"I'll need funding."
"You have it." From now on, the Earth Alliance wasn't skimping on defense.
THe downward spiral, part 1
Rai'Jal stormed about his quarters on M6. He was not used to being left out of the loop and resented that he was hearing about fleet movements from Humans of all people.
He had requested Bi'Lar speak with him immediately. He thought quietly to himself that his brother had gone too far this time...
Suddenly the screen blipped into life. Bi'Lar minister for the Dilgar interior, came into view, handsome and smug as he casually regarded Rai'Jal' tempestuous mood.
"Brother, it is good to see you. To what do i owe the pleasure of your, request?"
THe last word was said with an edge as though he were taunting Rai'Jal. Rai'Jal was the fleet commander for the Dilgar Navy, however, his ambassadorial duties had kept him on M^, isolated from his men and command for many years now.
He suspected Bi'Lar was ambitious but didn't think he would stoop to this kind of coup d'etat.
"Perhaps, brother"
Rai'Jal began, a menacing undertone of a growl in that last word.
"You could explain why our fleet has moved to a war footing with the Centuari?"
Bi'Lar looked up, at once relieved and openly cordial.
"Of course, we are about to finish what we began all those years ago. WHt would have eventuated then except for incompetant leadership within the military."
He let the implied slur hang for just a moment then continued.
"The WarMaster has grown tired of this charade. There can be only one ruler in this galaxy and she intends to wear that mantle."
Rai'Jal interupted him
"But this is insane, innocent lives are at stake. We have treaties..."
Bi'Lar turned on him furiously now, veritably pouncing from his desk towards the viewing screen. He was animated and enraged.
"Ink on a page!!"
"We shall finish this war, with or without your help! THe WarMaster has instructed me to tell you that you shall inform the council that we are anexing the Centarum. You will do this at the end of the month after our invasion of Centauri Prime. Those fools will capitulate as soon as they see their Centarum burning and their emporer impaled."
Calming for a moment he continued
"Rai'Jal, one more thing, you are being watched..."
With that he turned and the viewer cut out.
Rai'Jal had a moment of pain and doubt where he didn't know what to do.
Turning within himself he remembered his training from Minbar all those years ago. Calming his mind he searched for the answers. In the end all he found was that there was one right thing to do.
He knew he was being watched, but consequences be damned, his people were at steak. Perhaps if the Centauri displayed combat rediness High command would reconsider this brazen assualt n their homeworld.
----
Rai'Jal was dressed differently today, no longer wearing his ambassadorial robes, today he walked amongst the corridoors of M6 in his old garb, the tradional robes of the Minbari warrior caste. It would be easier for him to slip past any prying eyes he thought.
THe Zokolo was always busy this time of the day. He knew atache Jado' routine, knew he would pass through to procure jovian Sunspots for the Centauri entourage.
The impact was accidental but looked real, hood down Rai'Jal apolagised in rough interlac laced with Minbari, and moved on.
A somewhat ruffled Veko Jado could do nothing but nod and try to hide his astonishment at the incident. Normally quite bombastic he wanted nothing to do with the Minbari warrior caste especially in this time of strife.
It wasn't until later when he went to pay for his order that he noticed the small data crystal in his vest pocket. He was new and naiive, but a noble still and had been groomed for the role of a courtier. Instinctually he realised what must have happened and paid it no heed.
---
Vir looked worried, the data crystal appeared to be a missive from the Dilgar ambassador detailing strike plans for Centauri prime. He was so confused, but oculdn't afford to ignore this. Home world must be contacted immediately....
He had requested Bi'Lar speak with him immediately. He thought quietly to himself that his brother had gone too far this time...
Suddenly the screen blipped into life. Bi'Lar minister for the Dilgar interior, came into view, handsome and smug as he casually regarded Rai'Jal' tempestuous mood.
"Brother, it is good to see you. To what do i owe the pleasure of your, request?"
THe last word was said with an edge as though he were taunting Rai'Jal. Rai'Jal was the fleet commander for the Dilgar Navy, however, his ambassadorial duties had kept him on M^, isolated from his men and command for many years now.
He suspected Bi'Lar was ambitious but didn't think he would stoop to this kind of coup d'etat.
"Perhaps, brother"
Rai'Jal began, a menacing undertone of a growl in that last word.
"You could explain why our fleet has moved to a war footing with the Centuari?"
Bi'Lar looked up, at once relieved and openly cordial.
"Of course, we are about to finish what we began all those years ago. WHt would have eventuated then except for incompetant leadership within the military."
He let the implied slur hang for just a moment then continued.
"The WarMaster has grown tired of this charade. There can be only one ruler in this galaxy and she intends to wear that mantle."
Rai'Jal interupted him
"But this is insane, innocent lives are at stake. We have treaties..."
Bi'Lar turned on him furiously now, veritably pouncing from his desk towards the viewing screen. He was animated and enraged.
"Ink on a page!!"
"We shall finish this war, with or without your help! THe WarMaster has instructed me to tell you that you shall inform the council that we are anexing the Centarum. You will do this at the end of the month after our invasion of Centauri Prime. Those fools will capitulate as soon as they see their Centarum burning and their emporer impaled."
Calming for a moment he continued
"Rai'Jal, one more thing, you are being watched..."
With that he turned and the viewer cut out.
Rai'Jal had a moment of pain and doubt where he didn't know what to do.
Turning within himself he remembered his training from Minbar all those years ago. Calming his mind he searched for the answers. In the end all he found was that there was one right thing to do.
He knew he was being watched, but consequences be damned, his people were at steak. Perhaps if the Centauri displayed combat rediness High command would reconsider this brazen assualt n their homeworld.
----
Rai'Jal was dressed differently today, no longer wearing his ambassadorial robes, today he walked amongst the corridoors of M6 in his old garb, the tradional robes of the Minbari warrior caste. It would be easier for him to slip past any prying eyes he thought.
THe Zokolo was always busy this time of the day. He knew atache Jado' routine, knew he would pass through to procure jovian Sunspots for the Centauri entourage.
The impact was accidental but looked real, hood down Rai'Jal apolagised in rough interlac laced with Minbari, and moved on.
A somewhat ruffled Veko Jado could do nothing but nod and try to hide his astonishment at the incident. Normally quite bombastic he wanted nothing to do with the Minbari warrior caste especially in this time of strife.
It wasn't until later when he went to pay for his order that he noticed the small data crystal in his vest pocket. He was new and naiive, but a noble still and had been groomed for the role of a courtier. Instinctually he realised what must have happened and paid it no heed.
---
Vir looked worried, the data crystal appeared to be a missive from the Dilgar ambassador detailing strike plans for Centauri prime. He was so confused, but oculdn't afford to ignore this. Home world must be contacted immediately....
"If you desire my position, alll you have to do is take it from my cold, dead hands!"
-Sebastian Shaw
-Sebastian Shaw
Geneva, Earth
"..The Earth Alliance will no longer be a passive bystander in galactic affairs. Mesopotamia Six--" Sutherland took a breath.
"...has failed. The Earth Alliance stood by while the League of Non-Aligned Worlds was destroyed. The Earth Alliance stood by when the Dilgar invaded the Centauri Republic. And the Earth Alliance stood by while the Narns were annihilated.
Despite the Dilgar War decades ago, the Dilgar still survive. Why is it that we allowed a dangerous, dictatorial maverick regime to rebuild itself? Because we did not have enough resolve. We did not want to stomach the dead or send our young men and women to die on alien soil.
However, times have changed. If we do not confront the enemies of peace and security in the galaxy, they will threaten our trade and destroy our allies until we have none left.
The Mesopotamia Six station will be decommissioned. It was a sadly naive attempt to bring peace to the galaxy with no teeth, but as any child will tell you, appeasing a bully only encourages further abuse. We will not be abused, any longer.
At this moment, a fleet of Dilgar ships is in Centauri space. The Centauri Emperor has asked for our aid, and we will give it to them, because when the Centauri are gone and when the Narn are gone and when the Corporate Sector is gone and when the League is gone, none will remain to speak for us. We must act, now.
To the Dilgar I say this. You will no longer be an obstacle to galactic peace. The Earth Alliance demands the extradition of Warmaster Jha'dur to face trial for crimes against sentience, and the freedom of former Emperor Londo Mollari.
I have ordered the immediate deployment of carrier battlegroups to the Centauri Republic. Unless the Dilgar surrender the Warmaster to Centauri custody, and return Mollari unharmed, we will have no choice but to finish what we started. And this time, we will make sure the Dilgar are no longer a threat, to anyone."
"..The Earth Alliance will no longer be a passive bystander in galactic affairs. Mesopotamia Six--" Sutherland took a breath.
"...has failed. The Earth Alliance stood by while the League of Non-Aligned Worlds was destroyed. The Earth Alliance stood by when the Dilgar invaded the Centauri Republic. And the Earth Alliance stood by while the Narns were annihilated.
Despite the Dilgar War decades ago, the Dilgar still survive. Why is it that we allowed a dangerous, dictatorial maverick regime to rebuild itself? Because we did not have enough resolve. We did not want to stomach the dead or send our young men and women to die on alien soil.
However, times have changed. If we do not confront the enemies of peace and security in the galaxy, they will threaten our trade and destroy our allies until we have none left.
The Mesopotamia Six station will be decommissioned. It was a sadly naive attempt to bring peace to the galaxy with no teeth, but as any child will tell you, appeasing a bully only encourages further abuse. We will not be abused, any longer.
At this moment, a fleet of Dilgar ships is in Centauri space. The Centauri Emperor has asked for our aid, and we will give it to them, because when the Centauri are gone and when the Narn are gone and when the Corporate Sector is gone and when the League is gone, none will remain to speak for us. We must act, now.
To the Dilgar I say this. You will no longer be an obstacle to galactic peace. The Earth Alliance demands the extradition of Warmaster Jha'dur to face trial for crimes against sentience, and the freedom of former Emperor Londo Mollari.
I have ordered the immediate deployment of carrier battlegroups to the Centauri Republic. Unless the Dilgar surrender the Warmaster to Centauri custody, and return Mollari unharmed, we will have no choice but to finish what we started. And this time, we will make sure the Dilgar are no longer a threat, to anyone."
Centauri Prime, Military Command Center
Dmitri didn't think he'd ever seen so much brass in his entire life. Everywhere he looked there seemed to be an Admiral or General. And Reefa stood in the center of them all. The message from Vir had killed what little hope for peace had remained.
"Centauri Prime is safe, your majesty," Admiral Vladimir was assuring Reefa. "If the Dilgar strike it, we will slice them to ribbons."
"The Dilgar force which has entered Valusha is nearly half the Dilgar navy," another Admiral said. "If we can destroy it, we can take the offensive."
A general nodded. "We're scrambling our heavy armor as we speak. The Dilgar will not go unopposed on the ground this time."
"It all essentially rests on the first battle," the Minister of Defense said.
"Mollari believed that, too," Reefa said, his tone frosty.
"Mollari did not ask the humans for help until it was too late," Vladimir said, coming to the minister's rescue. "The Dilgar have already lost. It's just a question of how badly they can hurt us before their madness is put to an end."
Dmitri didn't think he'd ever seen so much brass in his entire life. Everywhere he looked there seemed to be an Admiral or General. And Reefa stood in the center of them all. The message from Vir had killed what little hope for peace had remained.
"Centauri Prime is safe, your majesty," Admiral Vladimir was assuring Reefa. "If the Dilgar strike it, we will slice them to ribbons."
"The Dilgar force which has entered Valusha is nearly half the Dilgar navy," another Admiral said. "If we can destroy it, we can take the offensive."
A general nodded. "We're scrambling our heavy armor as we speak. The Dilgar will not go unopposed on the ground this time."
"It all essentially rests on the first battle," the Minister of Defense said.
"Mollari believed that, too," Reefa said, his tone frosty.
"Mollari did not ask the humans for help until it was too late," Vladimir said, coming to the minister's rescue. "The Dilgar have already lost. It's just a question of how badly they can hurt us before their madness is put to an end."
"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
ISN
"Today, five top Earthforce admirals and the defense minister have stepped down. They accused interim President Sutherland of depleting regional defenses for the expeditionary force to Dilgar space. The CDT issued a statement denying the charges, and assured the public that local defenses are more than adequate to deal with pirates.
The Senate approved a quadrupling of Earthforce's capital budget. Millions of recruiting centers opened today across the Earth Alliance. Independent analysts suggest that once Sutherland's reforms are complete, expected to take over a year, the Earth Alliance will have five to ten times more shipyard capacity.
Reports indicate that the Arcadia battlegroup is en route to Mesopotamia Six to relieve Commander O'Hare of command. Mesopotamia Six cut off communication with Earthdome shortly after the flurry of resignations. Sources in Earthdome tell us that the Arcadia battlegroup is authorized to use any and all force to detain Commander O'Hare and his staff."
"Today, five top Earthforce admirals and the defense minister have stepped down. They accused interim President Sutherland of depleting regional defenses for the expeditionary force to Dilgar space. The CDT issued a statement denying the charges, and assured the public that local defenses are more than adequate to deal with pirates.
The Senate approved a quadrupling of Earthforce's capital budget. Millions of recruiting centers opened today across the Earth Alliance. Independent analysts suggest that once Sutherland's reforms are complete, expected to take over a year, the Earth Alliance will have five to ten times more shipyard capacity.
Reports indicate that the Arcadia battlegroup is en route to Mesopotamia Six to relieve Commander O'Hare of command. Mesopotamia Six cut off communication with Earthdome shortly after the flurry of resignations. Sources in Earthdome tell us that the Arcadia battlegroup is authorized to use any and all force to detain Commander O'Hare and his staff."
Diaster.
That was the only word for it. Both of the main Centauri fleets had been smashed, one by the attacking Dilgar force and another by a Dilgar satellite group and minefield. The brass hadn't even considered that the Dilgar would be so low as to mine Centauri jump gates as well as leave satellite groups on them.
Intelligence had identified the Dilgar minesweeper, and the plan had been to destroy it at all costs, so the enemy fleet would be destroyed if tried to attack Centauri Prime. But both fleets had failed miserably in their tasks.
Admiral Vladimir had died in the clash in Valusha. He would not have to answer for his failed plan.
Now the Dilgar armada orbited Centauri Prime.
And they had mass drivers.
"Excellency," Dmitri knocked on the door to Reefa's office. "Excellency!"
There was no response. Dmitri found the door unlocked and opened it.
Reefa sat in his chair, eyes glassy with death.
Dmitri gasped. He looked to the desk and saw a half empty water glass and an overturned and mostly empty pill bottle and realized at once what had happened.
Rather than face the consquences of the Centauri defeat, Reefa had killed himself.
Some time later...
"The emperor is dead?" Vir asked, agast.
Dmitri nodded. He felt totally drained. "Yes. Suicide."
Vir swore. "The Centaurum?" he asked.
"They fled Centauri Prime shortly before the battle on personal transports," Dmitri said. "I expect most of them to make it to safety."
Vir was speechless, the speed at which everything had fallen apart again stunning him into silence.
"I hear that the EA is going to decommison M6," Dmitri said. "Go to Fir'mill, Vir. That's where the Centaurum members are heading. You're the only one who can rally enough support to be named the next emperor."
"Me?"
"Yes," Dmitri said. "The Earthers will liberate us eventually. Even if they give up on us as useful allies, they won't want the Dilgar to have our worlds and resources. If you can rebuild the government beyond the Dilgar's reach, then there is a chance we could rebuild again, so long as the humans don't decide they want an empire."
Vir nodded. "What will you do?"
"Try to keep order, and try to convince the Dilgar not to kill us all."
That was the only word for it. Both of the main Centauri fleets had been smashed, one by the attacking Dilgar force and another by a Dilgar satellite group and minefield. The brass hadn't even considered that the Dilgar would be so low as to mine Centauri jump gates as well as leave satellite groups on them.
Intelligence had identified the Dilgar minesweeper, and the plan had been to destroy it at all costs, so the enemy fleet would be destroyed if tried to attack Centauri Prime. But both fleets had failed miserably in their tasks.
Admiral Vladimir had died in the clash in Valusha. He would not have to answer for his failed plan.
Now the Dilgar armada orbited Centauri Prime.
And they had mass drivers.
"Excellency," Dmitri knocked on the door to Reefa's office. "Excellency!"
There was no response. Dmitri found the door unlocked and opened it.
Reefa sat in his chair, eyes glassy with death.
Dmitri gasped. He looked to the desk and saw a half empty water glass and an overturned and mostly empty pill bottle and realized at once what had happened.
Rather than face the consquences of the Centauri defeat, Reefa had killed himself.
Some time later...
"The emperor is dead?" Vir asked, agast.
Dmitri nodded. He felt totally drained. "Yes. Suicide."
Vir swore. "The Centaurum?" he asked.
"They fled Centauri Prime shortly before the battle on personal transports," Dmitri said. "I expect most of them to make it to safety."
Vir was speechless, the speed at which everything had fallen apart again stunning him into silence.
"I hear that the EA is going to decommison M6," Dmitri said. "Go to Fir'mill, Vir. That's where the Centaurum members are heading. You're the only one who can rally enough support to be named the next emperor."
"Me?"
"Yes," Dmitri said. "The Earthers will liberate us eventually. Even if they give up on us as useful allies, they won't want the Dilgar to have our worlds and resources. If you can rebuild the government beyond the Dilgar's reach, then there is a chance we could rebuild again, so long as the humans don't decide they want an empire."
Vir nodded. "What will you do?"
"Try to keep order, and try to convince the Dilgar not to kill us all."
"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
Earthdome
"Despite the defeat of the Centauri, the Earthforce 1st Expeditionary Group is continuing to Centauri and Narn space. We will engage and defeat the Dilgar navy, and once that is done we will remove the puppet governments installed by the Dilgar on Narn and Centauri worlds. Advance elements are already in Quadrant 27, securing the jump gate from sabotage.
We warn the Dilgar not to commit war crimes. To the individual Dilgar I say this. "We just followed orders" will not be an excuse. We will prosecute any and all offenders of interstellar law to the fullest extent.
The Earth Alliance is in negotiations with the Minbari and the Corporate Sector for support vessels should the need arise. The Dilgar menance will be defeated. It is only a matter of time.
We will liberate the Narns and the Centauri, one world at a time."
"Despite the defeat of the Centauri, the Earthforce 1st Expeditionary Group is continuing to Centauri and Narn space. We will engage and defeat the Dilgar navy, and once that is done we will remove the puppet governments installed by the Dilgar on Narn and Centauri worlds. Advance elements are already in Quadrant 27, securing the jump gate from sabotage.
We warn the Dilgar not to commit war crimes. To the individual Dilgar I say this. "We just followed orders" will not be an excuse. We will prosecute any and all offenders of interstellar law to the fullest extent.
The Earth Alliance is in negotiations with the Minbari and the Corporate Sector for support vessels should the need arise. The Dilgar menance will be defeated. It is only a matter of time.
We will liberate the Narns and the Centauri, one world at a time."
Jha'Dur sat pensively at her command deck. The Centauri had fallen before her, and now they were open for conquest. There would be no pretence here, just absolute domination.
She wondered for far Eath was willing to go. She wondered whether they would continue this charade of liberation. She would instruct Rai'Jal to offer them terms. That is, should they press this attack she would show the galaxy just how messy Mass drivers were...
She knew the Earth president could not sanction such an act with the knoweledge of its cost in Centauri lives.
All that remained to be seen was whether or not there would be any other unwelcome intercession on the Centauri' behalf.
She called for an aide to contact Rai'Jal on M6...
She wondered for far Eath was willing to go. She wondered whether they would continue this charade of liberation. She would instruct Rai'Jal to offer them terms. That is, should they press this attack she would show the galaxy just how messy Mass drivers were...
She knew the Earth president could not sanction such an act with the knoweledge of its cost in Centauri lives.
All that remained to be seen was whether or not there would be any other unwelcome intercession on the Centauri' behalf.
She called for an aide to contact Rai'Jal on M6...
"If you desire my position, alll you have to do is take it from my cold, dead hands!"
-Sebastian Shaw
-Sebastian Shaw
EAS Excalibur - Bridge
Captain John Sheridan stood on the bridge of his warship, the Excalibur. So named after the mythical sword pulled from the stone that united King Arthur's people. Sheridan crossed his arms and stared on through the viewport at the swirls of hyperspace eddies.
It had all been planned, by Admiral Harlock. Harlock, the most outspoken, Marxis-leaning of the Earthforce five, the only one who had stayed after the ousting of Alshain. Sheridan had considered resignation briefly, but something inside had told him no, he still had a purpose in Earthforce, and that would be fulfilled.
Sheridan said nothing, as it was all planned. Harlock himself would stay behind in the safety of hyperspace until Mesopotamia Six was retaken. And so it started. The Excalibur emerged through the jump gate, first of many. Behind the Excalibur Sheridan knew, the bulk of the Arcadia battlegroup waited for his vessel to fire or be fired upon. Harlock had given direct, unambigious orders. The slightest provocation and the Excalibur should open fire.
Mesopotamia Six lay there, its azure hull and solar panels refracting the sun, in its guardian glory.
"Status of their weapons?" Sheridan said.
"Nothing. Incoming signal."
"Put it on."
The display screen flashed. "My god John, you know this is wrong."
Sheridan said nothing. Through the viewport, hundreds of fighters passed the Excalibur, as one disjointed interlocking wall. The thunderbolts, javelins and hellbores halted, awaiting the signal to strike.
"You need to," Sheridan paused. "Surrender."
O'Hare's facial muscles tightened, and his steel jaw lost all slack. "You know we can't do that."
"Sir," an officer said, "Hermes requests weapons hold status."
So there were other captains in the battlegroup who agreed this was lunacy. Not surprising. History would judge him for his actions here.
"Jump gate activation!"
Sheridan swirled around to monitor two. The Cooke to Scorpigal jump gate was clear, it had to be. But the Cooke to Gamma 7 jump gate was far from clear. Tiny fish streamed from the ripples, hundreds of them, dancing to the stars. They maneuvered with grace and deliberateness in a neverending rush.
"Open a channel on all bands," Sheridan said. "This is Captain John Sheridan. I am taking command of the fleet."
Sheridan held his breath. Would Earthforce respond?
"All fleet elements... all fleet elements report ready to take your orders."
Thank god. "Mesopotamia Six is a friendly. Order all warships to assume defensive position around the station." Four hundred Minbari ships, the vanguard of an invasion. So instead of destroying the last, best hope for peace, he was to face an alien menance. So be it.
"I've got the Arcadia on hyperwave--"
"Tell him--" Sheridan smiled. "Nuts. Have the Minbari signaled us?"
"Message coming through now, sir--"
Quadrant 27
The EAS Enterprise, pride of Earthforce, emerged in the latticework of jump gates of the busiest trading route in the galaxy. Local space had been cleared for her, but space never seemed large enough for the Enterprise. Captain Susan Ivanova crossed her arms. Right now the Arcadia battlegroup was heading for O'Hare's station. If it came down to a shooting match, Mesopotamia Six was outgunned by just one Omega, and an entire battlegroup with its hundreds of fighters was overkill. But she knew O'Hare and Sheridan. They would keep their heads cool.
"Sir, jump gate activation!"
"What!" Ivanova whired around to monitor two. Some stupid freighter captain had ignored regs and was coming through with his garbage scow. "Arm secondary batteries. If that idiot so much as crosses my ship, I want to--"
"Sir, the Vorlons are moving in!"
"What the hell--"
What happened in the next five minutes was brutal and precise. Brakiri hulks popped from the gate, ugly as hell, and the Vorlons tore them to shreds. The Brakiri didn't shoot back, like they wanted it that way. The brilliant glow of Vorlon weapons made Ivanova shield her eyes. When she moved her hand away, burning hulls littered the jump gates, and the Vorlons were gone.
"A message from the Vorlons."
"What is it?"
"It's just one word--continue."
"Continue huh." Ivanova sighed. "Send out the maint bots. Let's see if there were any survivors."
"The Vorlons won't like it."
"The Vorlons can kiss my ass."
"Yes sir."
Captain John Sheridan stood on the bridge of his warship, the Excalibur. So named after the mythical sword pulled from the stone that united King Arthur's people. Sheridan crossed his arms and stared on through the viewport at the swirls of hyperspace eddies.
It had all been planned, by Admiral Harlock. Harlock, the most outspoken, Marxis-leaning of the Earthforce five, the only one who had stayed after the ousting of Alshain. Sheridan had considered resignation briefly, but something inside had told him no, he still had a purpose in Earthforce, and that would be fulfilled.
Sheridan said nothing, as it was all planned. Harlock himself would stay behind in the safety of hyperspace until Mesopotamia Six was retaken. And so it started. The Excalibur emerged through the jump gate, first of many. Behind the Excalibur Sheridan knew, the bulk of the Arcadia battlegroup waited for his vessel to fire or be fired upon. Harlock had given direct, unambigious orders. The slightest provocation and the Excalibur should open fire.
Mesopotamia Six lay there, its azure hull and solar panels refracting the sun, in its guardian glory.
"Status of their weapons?" Sheridan said.
"Nothing. Incoming signal."
"Put it on."
The display screen flashed. "My god John, you know this is wrong."
Sheridan said nothing. Through the viewport, hundreds of fighters passed the Excalibur, as one disjointed interlocking wall. The thunderbolts, javelins and hellbores halted, awaiting the signal to strike.
"You need to," Sheridan paused. "Surrender."
O'Hare's facial muscles tightened, and his steel jaw lost all slack. "You know we can't do that."
"Sir," an officer said, "Hermes requests weapons hold status."
So there were other captains in the battlegroup who agreed this was lunacy. Not surprising. History would judge him for his actions here.
"Jump gate activation!"
Sheridan swirled around to monitor two. The Cooke to Scorpigal jump gate was clear, it had to be. But the Cooke to Gamma 7 jump gate was far from clear. Tiny fish streamed from the ripples, hundreds of them, dancing to the stars. They maneuvered with grace and deliberateness in a neverending rush.
"Open a channel on all bands," Sheridan said. "This is Captain John Sheridan. I am taking command of the fleet."
Sheridan held his breath. Would Earthforce respond?
"All fleet elements... all fleet elements report ready to take your orders."
Thank god. "Mesopotamia Six is a friendly. Order all warships to assume defensive position around the station." Four hundred Minbari ships, the vanguard of an invasion. So instead of destroying the last, best hope for peace, he was to face an alien menance. So be it.
"I've got the Arcadia on hyperwave--"
"Tell him--" Sheridan smiled. "Nuts. Have the Minbari signaled us?"
"Message coming through now, sir--"
Quadrant 27
The EAS Enterprise, pride of Earthforce, emerged in the latticework of jump gates of the busiest trading route in the galaxy. Local space had been cleared for her, but space never seemed large enough for the Enterprise. Captain Susan Ivanova crossed her arms. Right now the Arcadia battlegroup was heading for O'Hare's station. If it came down to a shooting match, Mesopotamia Six was outgunned by just one Omega, and an entire battlegroup with its hundreds of fighters was overkill. But she knew O'Hare and Sheridan. They would keep their heads cool.
"Sir, jump gate activation!"
"What!" Ivanova whired around to monitor two. Some stupid freighter captain had ignored regs and was coming through with his garbage scow. "Arm secondary batteries. If that idiot so much as crosses my ship, I want to--"
"Sir, the Vorlons are moving in!"
"What the hell--"
What happened in the next five minutes was brutal and precise. Brakiri hulks popped from the gate, ugly as hell, and the Vorlons tore them to shreds. The Brakiri didn't shoot back, like they wanted it that way. The brilliant glow of Vorlon weapons made Ivanova shield her eyes. When she moved her hand away, burning hulls littered the jump gates, and the Vorlons were gone.
"A message from the Vorlons."
"What is it?"
"It's just one word--continue."
"Continue huh." Ivanova sighed. "Send out the maint bots. Let's see if there were any survivors."
"The Vorlons won't like it."
"The Vorlons can kiss my ass."
"Yes sir."
-
Arthur_Tuxedo
- Sith Acolyte
- Posts: 5637
- Joined: 2002-07-23 03:28am
- Location: San Francisco, California
"The straggling elements of Kappa fleet have been destroyed, sir," an admiral informed Kullenbrach.
"Good. Now we just wait for them to get cocky."
"What about the situation with Earthforce and the Dilgar?"
"Do nothing. I know this can be turned to our advantage if we lie in wait."
"Yes, sir."
The hyperwave ended.
Kullenbrach turned to a shadowy figure. "Everything goes according to plan."
"Good. Now we just wait for them to get cocky."
"What about the situation with Earthforce and the Dilgar?"
"Do nothing. I know this can be turned to our advantage if we lie in wait."
"Yes, sir."
The hyperwave ended.
Kullenbrach turned to a shadowy figure. "Everything goes according to plan."
"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
Battle Master Bra'Ka watched in absolute glee!
This was a most fortuitous event. The Black Knight was poised in orbit over ValushaV, Silently like a great hole against the blanket of space she sat. There was no motion, nothing as she just sat there.
The anticipation was almost threatening to undo Bra'Ka' control of the situation. He had commanded the invasion fleet and now was awaiting his own personal reward. Tension was mounting as he watched through the portal. His command cruiser Oblivion' edge was not the most dangerous ship in the fleet, was even the eldest but he felt comfortable aboard her. SHe had been in the vanguard of the Narn invasion and now she was at the head of the Centauri domination as well.
Suddenly he stopped, all thoughts of nostalgia gone. It was beggining!
An almost imperceptable shudder across her hull. A ripple of energy as the Black knight began building power for her firing sequence. Energy pulsed with a soft blue haze in the modified firing bays. The luminescance grew until the entire underbelly of the ship was lit up. It almost looked like a great clock had been fitted to the bottom as the plasma drivers slowly wound up their cargo, building the momentum.
He was on edge now, the notion of what was happening was intensely stimulating for him, it was almost time, the cyclic haze had built to a constant hue. He could feel his senses on edge.
There it was...
His entire body convulsed with sensation as the meteor broke from its bay under the black Knight. He felt power, an energy of his own surge through him and overtake his being just as surely as the rock thundered towards the planet below.
He could see the fire trail as it ripped through the atmosphere, could see the impact crater as it crashed through the domed colony. Could only imagine the scene from the ground.
Another wave of emotion passed over him, tingling, almost a cold flush, it was addictive he thought. He was a god, and the pathetic Centauri below were puppets for his pleasure.
THe mass drivers began their firing sequence again. This time both racks would fire, a twisted harmony would ensue from the slow droning whine of the build up, to the thundering crescendo of impact. Bra'Ka grinned sadistically as he strode away. He would remember this day for ever.
This was a most fortuitous event. The Black Knight was poised in orbit over ValushaV, Silently like a great hole against the blanket of space she sat. There was no motion, nothing as she just sat there.
The anticipation was almost threatening to undo Bra'Ka' control of the situation. He had commanded the invasion fleet and now was awaiting his own personal reward. Tension was mounting as he watched through the portal. His command cruiser Oblivion' edge was not the most dangerous ship in the fleet, was even the eldest but he felt comfortable aboard her. SHe had been in the vanguard of the Narn invasion and now she was at the head of the Centauri domination as well.
Suddenly he stopped, all thoughts of nostalgia gone. It was beggining!
An almost imperceptable shudder across her hull. A ripple of energy as the Black knight began building power for her firing sequence. Energy pulsed with a soft blue haze in the modified firing bays. The luminescance grew until the entire underbelly of the ship was lit up. It almost looked like a great clock had been fitted to the bottom as the plasma drivers slowly wound up their cargo, building the momentum.
He was on edge now, the notion of what was happening was intensely stimulating for him, it was almost time, the cyclic haze had built to a constant hue. He could feel his senses on edge.
There it was...
His entire body convulsed with sensation as the meteor broke from its bay under the black Knight. He felt power, an energy of his own surge through him and overtake his being just as surely as the rock thundered towards the planet below.
He could see the fire trail as it ripped through the atmosphere, could see the impact crater as it crashed through the domed colony. Could only imagine the scene from the ground.
Another wave of emotion passed over him, tingling, almost a cold flush, it was addictive he thought. He was a god, and the pathetic Centauri below were puppets for his pleasure.
THe mass drivers began their firing sequence again. This time both racks would fire, a twisted harmony would ensue from the slow droning whine of the build up, to the thundering crescendo of impact. Bra'Ka grinned sadistically as he strode away. He would remember this day for ever.
"If you desire my position, alll you have to do is take it from my cold, dead hands!"
-Sebastian Shaw
-Sebastian Shaw
EAS Enterprise
Quadrant 27, Earthforce Expeditionary Force
"Jump gate activation!"
"Fire only on my mark--"
"Sir, it's Dilgar, but it's just one ship--"
"Open fire, open fire now!"
"The ship's detonated. The gate's heavily damaged."
"Fuck. Get the Admiral on the horn."
Earthdome
"We have confirmed reports of the Dilgar using orbital bombardment on Centauri worlds. Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the dead. Our expeditionary force is assembling and will enter Dilgar space as soon as possible.
As well, our sensors have detected Vorlon aggression in the Quadrant 27 system against a Centauri world. The Earth Alliance will not allow the Centauri to be divided and conquered. I have conferred with Prime Minister Nunziata and she and I have agreed to present a united front. We warn not only the Vorlons, but any others who wish to take advantage of the chaos to seize territory, that the Earth Alliance will respond."
Quadrant 27, Earthforce Expeditionary Force
"Jump gate activation!"
"Fire only on my mark--"
"Sir, it's Dilgar, but it's just one ship--"
"Open fire, open fire now!"
"The ship's detonated. The gate's heavily damaged."
"Fuck. Get the Admiral on the horn."
Earthdome
"We have confirmed reports of the Dilgar using orbital bombardment on Centauri worlds. Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the dead. Our expeditionary force is assembling and will enter Dilgar space as soon as possible.
As well, our sensors have detected Vorlon aggression in the Quadrant 27 system against a Centauri world. The Earth Alliance will not allow the Centauri to be divided and conquered. I have conferred with Prime Minister Nunziata and she and I have agreed to present a united front. We warn not only the Vorlons, but any others who wish to take advantage of the chaos to seize territory, that the Earth Alliance will respond."
Centauri Prime
Dmitri had claimed the Imperial Office.
Normally a mere aide doing such a thing would've created a tremendous uproar, but the absence of the Centaurum from the planet removed most of that. The Imperial Guards, the emperor's personal bodyguards, could've stirred up trouble as well but were not doing so. Perhaps they felt as Dmitri did: that the Imperial Office may be destroyed at any moment so it might as well be used while it could be.
Besides, someone had to run things until Vir and the Centaurum could get set up on Fir'mill.
Unsurprisingly, the news was mostly grim. The Dilgar had held off on destroying all life on Centauri Prime so far, but had turned to nearby colonies to quench their bloodlust, unleashing the destructive power of their mass drivers. Yonog X was blockaded. Thessin X remained in Centauri hands but with only a small fleet of Red Sabbaths for defense that could not be expected to last for long.
Even worse, the damned Vorlons had broken treaty and attacked them in Quadrant 27, seizing most of the Haven III bases in orbit of the Hurr homeworld and a small planet in the system.
They'd also struck at two other planets, but the panicked Hurr had fired up the Shadow weapons platforms and fighters that the "League" had left on the planets, destroying the attacking Vorlon ships. Dmitri had to admit to a certain level of satisfaction at seeing the Vorlon attacks defeated, but he knew that any possibility of it having been a mistake was almost certainly gone now. The Vorlons would not be pleased to discover that they'd been hiding Shadow technology.
They'd also seized several of the Corporate made cargo vessels in orbit around Yolu Prime that the Centauri hadn't gotten around to transferring back to the humans yet...
He was signing a document when he noticed the light in the office dim considerably. He looked to the window, from which the early afternoon light had been coming in.
Dmitri's jaw dropped. "Oh...shit," he said slowly but vehemently.
A number of the Shadow's giganantic nebulous "ships," the fearsome Dark Shrouds, had assumed orbit around Centauri Prime alongside the Dilgar fleet and were currently blocking out the sun over the capital city.
Dmitri collapsed into the plush chair usually occupied by the emperor and shivered. If both the First Ones were against them...
He opted not to complete that thought.
Dmitri had claimed the Imperial Office.
Normally a mere aide doing such a thing would've created a tremendous uproar, but the absence of the Centaurum from the planet removed most of that. The Imperial Guards, the emperor's personal bodyguards, could've stirred up trouble as well but were not doing so. Perhaps they felt as Dmitri did: that the Imperial Office may be destroyed at any moment so it might as well be used while it could be.
Besides, someone had to run things until Vir and the Centaurum could get set up on Fir'mill.
Unsurprisingly, the news was mostly grim. The Dilgar had held off on destroying all life on Centauri Prime so far, but had turned to nearby colonies to quench their bloodlust, unleashing the destructive power of their mass drivers. Yonog X was blockaded. Thessin X remained in Centauri hands but with only a small fleet of Red Sabbaths for defense that could not be expected to last for long.
Even worse, the damned Vorlons had broken treaty and attacked them in Quadrant 27, seizing most of the Haven III bases in orbit of the Hurr homeworld and a small planet in the system.
They'd also struck at two other planets, but the panicked Hurr had fired up the Shadow weapons platforms and fighters that the "League" had left on the planets, destroying the attacking Vorlon ships. Dmitri had to admit to a certain level of satisfaction at seeing the Vorlon attacks defeated, but he knew that any possibility of it having been a mistake was almost certainly gone now. The Vorlons would not be pleased to discover that they'd been hiding Shadow technology.
They'd also seized several of the Corporate made cargo vessels in orbit around Yolu Prime that the Centauri hadn't gotten around to transferring back to the humans yet...
He was signing a document when he noticed the light in the office dim considerably. He looked to the window, from which the early afternoon light had been coming in.
Dmitri's jaw dropped. "Oh...shit," he said slowly but vehemently.
A number of the Shadow's giganantic nebulous "ships," the fearsome Dark Shrouds, had assumed orbit around Centauri Prime alongside the Dilgar fleet and were currently blocking out the sun over the capital city.
Dmitri collapsed into the plush chair usually occupied by the emperor and shivered. If both the First Ones were against them...
He opted not to complete that thought.
"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