Earthdome - Situation Center
"How the hell did that happen?"
"Apparently the transports didn't coordinate their--"
"Three hundred starfighters. Three hundred starfighters now in the hands of the Dilgar."
"Those boarding craft don't have a chance against our warships. It was a suicide mission."
"They're fucking fast. I want those Dilgar bogies destroyed."
"What about the captured transports?"
"Destroy them."
"There's still--"
"Do I have to repeat myself?"
"No sir."
SE:IV B5 RP
Moderator: Thanas
Yonog System
Admiral Legotine had decided that he was tired of allowed the Dilgar to maintain hidden bases in stellar storms and had gone after them.
While a few warships were present, most of what the Dilgar had were space stations. His fleet took only losses destroying the enemy combatants.
"Now, destroy the stations," Legotine ordered. "Let's pay the Dilgar back for all the Haven stations they'd taken out."
"With pleasure, sir," the weapons officer replied.
"Sir!" the sensor officer shouted. "On one of the stations! There's--!"
One of the Kraken's battle lasers erupted, slicing a Dilgar station to ribbons. The sensor officer sagged. "There were fifteen million Centauri POWs on that station."
"What?!" Legotine demanded.
"Why didn't you tell us before!" Kukov snapped.
"I...I'm sorry, sirs," the sensor officer said meekly. "The stellar storm was interfering with our sensors."
"Damn the Dilgar," Legotine spat. "Do any of the other stations have Centauri on them?"
"No, sir, just that one," the sensor officer answered.
"Then finish mopping up," Legotine ordered.
"Aye, sir."
Admiral Legotine had decided that he was tired of allowed the Dilgar to maintain hidden bases in stellar storms and had gone after them.
While a few warships were present, most of what the Dilgar had were space stations. His fleet took only losses destroying the enemy combatants.
"Now, destroy the stations," Legotine ordered. "Let's pay the Dilgar back for all the Haven stations they'd taken out."
"With pleasure, sir," the weapons officer replied.
"Sir!" the sensor officer shouted. "On one of the stations! There's--!"
One of the Kraken's battle lasers erupted, slicing a Dilgar station to ribbons. The sensor officer sagged. "There were fifteen million Centauri POWs on that station."
"What?!" Legotine demanded.
"Why didn't you tell us before!" Kukov snapped.
"I...I'm sorry, sirs," the sensor officer said meekly. "The stellar storm was interfering with our sensors."
"Damn the Dilgar," Legotine spat. "Do any of the other stations have Centauri on them?"
"No, sir, just that one," the sensor officer answered.
"Then finish mopping up," Legotine ordered.
"Aye, sir."
"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
Cascan System
"Commencing jump in five, four, three, two, one--"
"Anything?"
"Dieppe's sensors detect... only a few hundred fighters and four ships."
"Four ships? Is there a problem with the sensors--"
"No sir. No other Dilgar ships or defenses present on the Vreetan's jump gate. Dieppe is being surrounded by the fighters. Transmission lost."
"Forward this information to the Admiralty." If the Dilgar were truly defenseless, then Earthforce had seriously misjudged. The Dilgar were reputed to have hundreds of bases, and apparently none were defending the final gate into the Dilgar home systems. And where was the Dilgar fleet?
Earthdome - Presidential Office
"Mr. Defel."
"Mr. President. I trust you are happy with the data we've provided."
"Where the hell did you get this? My boys are telling me they could leap ahead decades in weapons research--"
"My associates and I are happy to assist."
"Tell your associates they're true patriots. Goddamn, we'll knock the Dilgar back to the stone age."
"Commencing jump in five, four, three, two, one--"
"Anything?"
"Dieppe's sensors detect... only a few hundred fighters and four ships."
"Four ships? Is there a problem with the sensors--"
"No sir. No other Dilgar ships or defenses present on the Vreetan's jump gate. Dieppe is being surrounded by the fighters. Transmission lost."
"Forward this information to the Admiralty." If the Dilgar were truly defenseless, then Earthforce had seriously misjudged. The Dilgar were reputed to have hundreds of bases, and apparently none were defending the final gate into the Dilgar home systems. And where was the Dilgar fleet?
Earthdome - Presidential Office
"Mr. Defel."
"Mr. President. I trust you are happy with the data we've provided."
"Where the hell did you get this? My boys are telling me they could leap ahead decades in weapons research--"
"My associates and I are happy to assist."
"Tell your associates they're true patriots. Goddamn, we'll knock the Dilgar back to the stone age."
Earthdome
"Mr. Alfred Bester. What can the President of the Earth Alliance do for the Psi Corps today." Sutherland didn't look up.
"Mr. President."
"My schedule is busy. You've got five minutes."
"Very well. The Vorlons are a mortal threat to the Earth Alliance."
"So are the Dilgar, the Brakiri, the Minbari--"
"Mr. President." Bester slid a manila folder across the table. "You do not understand the gravity of the situation."
"I understand perfectly Mr. Bester. You want a ten fold increase in your operating--"
"Mr. Bester is right." From behind a cabinet, Mr. Defel emerged. The Psi Cop and Mr. Defel glared at each other, unyielding. For a second, Sutherland didn't know what to make of it. He'd never seen a Psi Cop so unnerved before.
Sutherland smiled. "Mr. Bester, meet Mr. Defel, my new Presidential Advisor."
"The pleasure--" Bester bared his teeth. "--is all mine."
"Both of you, get the hell out of here," Sutherland said. "I am the President."
"Of course you are sir." Defel smirked. "Let's leave the President to his job Mr. Bester. I found a wonderful restaurant just across the zocalo. It's on me."
"Mr. Alfred Bester. What can the President of the Earth Alliance do for the Psi Corps today." Sutherland didn't look up.
"Mr. President."
"My schedule is busy. You've got five minutes."
"Very well. The Vorlons are a mortal threat to the Earth Alliance."
"So are the Dilgar, the Brakiri, the Minbari--"
"Mr. President." Bester slid a manila folder across the table. "You do not understand the gravity of the situation."
"I understand perfectly Mr. Bester. You want a ten fold increase in your operating--"
"Mr. Bester is right." From behind a cabinet, Mr. Defel emerged. The Psi Cop and Mr. Defel glared at each other, unyielding. For a second, Sutherland didn't know what to make of it. He'd never seen a Psi Cop so unnerved before.
Sutherland smiled. "Mr. Bester, meet Mr. Defel, my new Presidential Advisor."
"The pleasure--" Bester bared his teeth. "--is all mine."
"Both of you, get the hell out of here," Sutherland said. "I am the President."
"Of course you are sir." Defel smirked. "Let's leave the President to his job Mr. Bester. I found a wonderful restaurant just across the zocalo. It's on me."
Corporate HQ
"More Centauri applications for refugee status, Minister."
"You know what to do with them."
"Don't you want to take a look?"
"No. Nunziata's hell bent on helping the Centauri and I'm not about to stop her. Approve any application that doesn't raise any red flags."
Earth
Sutherland coughed. "I don't know how you stand it here." He stared at his Presidential Advisor, Mr. Defel. Defel had refused any protection from the EASS. It was as if the man wasn't afraid of death at all.
"It's a home away from home," Defel said, gazing through the reinforced window at the methane landscape.
"Let's get on with the tour."
"Yes sir. Here it is." A cretin wheeled in a cart with a yellow plate. No, not plate. Some kind of living thing.
"What the hell is it?"
"It's Vorlon armor. Acquired at great expense, all through legal channels I assure you," Defel said. "Am I correct in assuming the Earth Alliance doesn't have a way of dealing with it?"
"That's classified."
Defel reached in his suit and took out a vial. He strode over to the Vorlon armor. The armor brightened, then recoiled from Defel. Sutherland blinked. No, that couldn't be right. It was just a piece of debris from a ship.
Defel poured the black liquid on the armor. The armor shimmered in protest, and black tendrils spread from the armor's center to engulf the living organism. The whole piece deadened, and Defel raised his fist. He brought it down, and smashed the being to a million pieces.
"It's perfectly harmless to humans, or to any other living organism."
"You're conducting bioweapons research without a permit," Sutherland said. "I like it. Let the government do this and they would've dragged their heels for years. Are you sure it doesn't hurt humans?"
Defel spread his arms out, and grinned. "We're still here aren't we." He licked the vial.
"How soon until your company can weaponize it?"
"Already in progress Mr. President."
"I want my boys to take a look at it."
"That's not necessary."
"I decide what's necessary and what's not Mr. Defel."
"Of course sir. My associates will provide industrial quantities of the chemical, along with special handling requirements."
"Don't bother me with details. Just get it done." Sutherland clenched his fist. "What about the... other problem? Your associates dealing with that?"
"As we speak Mr. President."
M6
"Commander, something's going on--"
"What is it?"
"My god--the Olympia, the Hermes, they're all going up--"
"Going up, what the fuck are you talking about?"
"They're exploding sir. Another five... and six more..."
"Battlestations! Where the hell is it coming from?"
"No enemy ships in range... nothing at all..."
"They must be coming from inside. Tell everybody to get off those ships!"
"More Centauri applications for refugee status, Minister."
"You know what to do with them."
"Don't you want to take a look?"
"No. Nunziata's hell bent on helping the Centauri and I'm not about to stop her. Approve any application that doesn't raise any red flags."
Earth
Sutherland coughed. "I don't know how you stand it here." He stared at his Presidential Advisor, Mr. Defel. Defel had refused any protection from the EASS. It was as if the man wasn't afraid of death at all.
"It's a home away from home," Defel said, gazing through the reinforced window at the methane landscape.
"Let's get on with the tour."
"Yes sir. Here it is." A cretin wheeled in a cart with a yellow plate. No, not plate. Some kind of living thing.
"What the hell is it?"
"It's Vorlon armor. Acquired at great expense, all through legal channels I assure you," Defel said. "Am I correct in assuming the Earth Alliance doesn't have a way of dealing with it?"
"That's classified."
Defel reached in his suit and took out a vial. He strode over to the Vorlon armor. The armor brightened, then recoiled from Defel. Sutherland blinked. No, that couldn't be right. It was just a piece of debris from a ship.
Defel poured the black liquid on the armor. The armor shimmered in protest, and black tendrils spread from the armor's center to engulf the living organism. The whole piece deadened, and Defel raised his fist. He brought it down, and smashed the being to a million pieces.
"It's perfectly harmless to humans, or to any other living organism."
"You're conducting bioweapons research without a permit," Sutherland said. "I like it. Let the government do this and they would've dragged their heels for years. Are you sure it doesn't hurt humans?"
Defel spread his arms out, and grinned. "We're still here aren't we." He licked the vial.
"How soon until your company can weaponize it?"
"Already in progress Mr. President."
"I want my boys to take a look at it."
"That's not necessary."
"I decide what's necessary and what's not Mr. Defel."
"Of course sir. My associates will provide industrial quantities of the chemical, along with special handling requirements."
"Don't bother me with details. Just get it done." Sutherland clenched his fist. "What about the... other problem? Your associates dealing with that?"
"As we speak Mr. President."
M6
"Commander, something's going on--"
"What is it?"
"My god--the Olympia, the Hermes, they're all going up--"
"Going up, what the fuck are you talking about?"
"They're exploding sir. Another five... and six more..."
"Battlestations! Where the hell is it coming from?"
"No enemy ships in range... nothing at all..."
"They must be coming from inside. Tell everybody to get off those ships!"
Earthdome - Oval Office
"In a stunning announcement, William Edgars and several CEO's have announced a plan for a mass migration from the Sol system. Over thirty star liners will take the voyage to the edge of space, seeking new worlds in parts unknown. In a joint statement, the five largest corporations on Earth accused both the current and previous administrations as toxic to the spirit of human innovation. Already several million have signed up, and company holonet sites are crashing due to demand. In orbit above Earth, hundreds of civilian starships have arrived to join the star liners.
President Sutherland issued a statement that any joining the expedition will be welcome home. However he did not commit to providing Earthforce protection for the--"
"Shut that fucking thing off," Sutherland said. The intern wiggled her ass, got up from her knees, and slammed a button.
"Mr. President, I--" Defel strode in. "Uh, I can return lat--"
Sutherland felt a shiver, as usual. Something had to be done about the heat. "No, come in, I insist."
"As you wish. The Edgars Expedition, is Earthforce--"
"Hell no. The Dilgar, the Vorlons, The Minbari, there's alien threats everywhere, and Bester tells me about a new problem every day. I can't spare Earthforce for a few million runaways. You, suck harder, I'm barely feeling it."
"Sir, my company could provide weapons, equipment, training for the civilians. Install interceptors, particle beams, missiles."
"Yes, yes, get to the point."
Defel slid a holodisk to Sutherland. Sutherland eyed it. Paperwork, paperwork, that was all being a President was. He stamped the holodisk with his thumb. "Now get out of here. I've got work to do."
"Of course Mr. President."
As Defel left, the heat returned. Maria was getting good at this. Not as good as Christie, but nobody was.
"In a stunning announcement, William Edgars and several CEO's have announced a plan for a mass migration from the Sol system. Over thirty star liners will take the voyage to the edge of space, seeking new worlds in parts unknown. In a joint statement, the five largest corporations on Earth accused both the current and previous administrations as toxic to the spirit of human innovation. Already several million have signed up, and company holonet sites are crashing due to demand. In orbit above Earth, hundreds of civilian starships have arrived to join the star liners.
President Sutherland issued a statement that any joining the expedition will be welcome home. However he did not commit to providing Earthforce protection for the--"
"Shut that fucking thing off," Sutherland said. The intern wiggled her ass, got up from her knees, and slammed a button.
"Mr. President, I--" Defel strode in. "Uh, I can return lat--"
Sutherland felt a shiver, as usual. Something had to be done about the heat. "No, come in, I insist."
"As you wish. The Edgars Expedition, is Earthforce--"
"Hell no. The Dilgar, the Vorlons, The Minbari, there's alien threats everywhere, and Bester tells me about a new problem every day. I can't spare Earthforce for a few million runaways. You, suck harder, I'm barely feeling it."
"Sir, my company could provide weapons, equipment, training for the civilians. Install interceptors, particle beams, missiles."
"Yes, yes, get to the point."
Defel slid a holodisk to Sutherland. Sutherland eyed it. Paperwork, paperwork, that was all being a President was. He stamped the holodisk with his thumb. "Now get out of here. I've got work to do."
"Of course Mr. President."
As Defel left, the heat returned. Maria was getting good at this. Not as good as Christie, but nobody was.
Corporate HQ
"...and the numbers of ships are increasing by the hour. William Edgars has promised a ten thousand credit bonus to any civilian vessel willing to accompany his expedition into deep space. At last count, over one thousand ships have joined the civilian fleet in orbit. Criticism of the expedition is mounting, with many saying the civilian vessels are underprotected and underprovisioned for such a long voyage. The five major corporations responsible for the expedition released a joint statement today, saying all civilian ships will be outfitted with missiles and fighter pylons."
"Madam President," Brigadier General Carter said. "The Minbari crews are arriving."
Nunziata smiled. "Good. The Centauri?"
"They're reporting no problems at all."
"Excellent." Nunziata watched a family being interviewed on ISN. So young, so full of promise, reaching for the stars. So naive. "Is there anything we can do for the expedition?"
"Our military's stretched thin as it is, and they haven't asked."
"Of course they haven't. You're dismissed."
"...and the numbers of ships are increasing by the hour. William Edgars has promised a ten thousand credit bonus to any civilian vessel willing to accompany his expedition into deep space. At last count, over one thousand ships have joined the civilian fleet in orbit. Criticism of the expedition is mounting, with many saying the civilian vessels are underprotected and underprovisioned for such a long voyage. The five major corporations responsible for the expedition released a joint statement today, saying all civilian ships will be outfitted with missiles and fighter pylons."
"Madam President," Brigadier General Carter said. "The Minbari crews are arriving."
Nunziata smiled. "Good. The Centauri?"
"They're reporting no problems at all."
"Excellent." Nunziata watched a family being interviewed on ISN. So young, so full of promise, reaching for the stars. So naive. "Is there anything we can do for the expedition?"
"Our military's stretched thin as it is, and they haven't asked."
"Of course they haven't. You're dismissed."
Gorash Hyperspace Expanse - one jump from Minbari territory, just beyond Mesopotamia Six.
"The Corps is mother, the Corps is father," Bester said.
"The Corps is mother, the Corps is father," the one hundred assembled telepaths said. Bester waved his arm, and the ranks of telepaths broke apart to stream out of the four exits. After a minute, the Psi Cop was left alone with his protoge, Talia Winters. He admired the hyperspace eddies, occasionally thinking of threats to the human race, threats to his beloved Psi Corps, and threats of other kinds.
"They are out there," Bester said. "Waiting to impose on us their will."
"Who?" Talia said.
"The Vorlons. The Shadows. All of them. All want us to join them."
"They can't detect this base."
"No?" Bester examined Talia's smooth features. "You disappoint me. You do not sense the Vorlons, slithering through hyperspace. Hundreds of them. Shadows too, further away, but approaching."
Talia looked away. "No, I can't."
"Of course you cannot. You are only a seven, and I am a twelve." Bester narrowed his field of vision, until he could barely make out something. Something in the red mist, shimmering. He grabbed at it with his power, everything he could muster, but at once the thing disappeared, and nothing.
"You will not dominate us."
Talia coughed. "I've got good news. The President's agreed to your funding increase."
Bester tried not to let any emotion show. Funny how he could block the most powerful telepaths in the galaxy, but let his mood slip through his facial expressions. Well, it was advantageous at times. A good smile could win over a normal just as well as a mind probe. "That is good news."
"Get some rest Alfred. The Vorlons and Shadows aren't coming today."
"No, not today," Bester said. "But soon. Very soon."
"The Corps is mother, the Corps is father," Bester said.
"The Corps is mother, the Corps is father," the one hundred assembled telepaths said. Bester waved his arm, and the ranks of telepaths broke apart to stream out of the four exits. After a minute, the Psi Cop was left alone with his protoge, Talia Winters. He admired the hyperspace eddies, occasionally thinking of threats to the human race, threats to his beloved Psi Corps, and threats of other kinds.
"They are out there," Bester said. "Waiting to impose on us their will."
"Who?" Talia said.
"The Vorlons. The Shadows. All of them. All want us to join them."
"They can't detect this base."
"No?" Bester examined Talia's smooth features. "You disappoint me. You do not sense the Vorlons, slithering through hyperspace. Hundreds of them. Shadows too, further away, but approaching."
Talia looked away. "No, I can't."
"Of course you cannot. You are only a seven, and I am a twelve." Bester narrowed his field of vision, until he could barely make out something. Something in the red mist, shimmering. He grabbed at it with his power, everything he could muster, but at once the thing disappeared, and nothing.
"You will not dominate us."
Talia coughed. "I've got good news. The President's agreed to your funding increase."
Bester tried not to let any emotion show. Funny how he could block the most powerful telepaths in the galaxy, but let his mood slip through his facial expressions. Well, it was advantageous at times. A good smile could win over a normal just as well as a mind probe. "That is good news."
"Get some rest Alfred. The Vorlons and Shadows aren't coming today."
"No, not today," Bester said. "But soon. Very soon."
Earth Alliance Listening Post, "Homeworld" System, One Jump from Sol
...and the Edgars Expedition, comprised of thousands of ships of all shapes and sizes, embarked from Earth today on a voyage to the stars. Later today the expedition's leader, William Edgars, will make a joint statement--
"Hey Captain, take a look at this."
"Shut the fuck up."
"It's a Vorlon ship."
"What? Well who gives a flying fuck."
"Sir, it's headed straight for the jump gate."
"They need to jump like everybody else."
"Sir, I'm not exactly sure, but it looks like a jump gate ship--"
"Fuck! Get Earthdome on the line now, ultraviolet priority!"
Earthdome
"What do we do about the Vorlon gate crasher sir?"
"Nothing." Sutherland took a breath in. "Are you even sure it's a gate crasher?"
"The model definitely has gate equipment--"
"Tell me son, what reason do the Vorlons have to close our gates."
"Sir, I strongly advise--"
"Tell me again about that Vorlon ship."
"It's a 'Defiance' class Vorlon vessel, over one megaton--"
"And what else can this Defiance do?"
"Uh, I'm not sure."
"Of course you're not." Sutherland put out his cigar. "Transporting civilians, cargo, trade, scientific study... tell me where do they grow you idiots."
"I'm sorry to waste your time sir."
"Nevertheless prudence is warranted. See to it that Vorlon ship's followed wherever it goes in our space."
"Yes sir."
...and the Edgars Expedition, comprised of thousands of ships of all shapes and sizes, embarked from Earth today on a voyage to the stars. Later today the expedition's leader, William Edgars, will make a joint statement--
"Hey Captain, take a look at this."
"Shut the fuck up."
"It's a Vorlon ship."
"What? Well who gives a flying fuck."
"Sir, it's headed straight for the jump gate."
"They need to jump like everybody else."
"Sir, I'm not exactly sure, but it looks like a jump gate ship--"
"Fuck! Get Earthdome on the line now, ultraviolet priority!"
Earthdome
"What do we do about the Vorlon gate crasher sir?"
"Nothing." Sutherland took a breath in. "Are you even sure it's a gate crasher?"
"The model definitely has gate equipment--"
"Tell me son, what reason do the Vorlons have to close our gates."
"Sir, I strongly advise--"
"Tell me again about that Vorlon ship."
"It's a 'Defiance' class Vorlon vessel, over one megaton--"
"And what else can this Defiance do?"
"Uh, I'm not sure."
"Of course you're not." Sutherland put out his cigar. "Transporting civilians, cargo, trade, scientific study... tell me where do they grow you idiots."
"I'm sorry to waste your time sir."
"Nevertheless prudence is warranted. See to it that Vorlon ship's followed wherever it goes in our space."
"Yes sir."
Fir'mill
"Excellency, why don't you retire to bed?" Ivan suggested. "It's late, and you look worn out."
Vir rubbed his eyes. "I am the emperor," he yawned. "I have work to do. Orders to give. Red tape to cut."
"Were it only that all of the Republic's previous emperors so dedicated," Ivan said ruefully. "Vir, working yourself to death will help no one. You really should try and relax from time to time. You completely missed the new year's celebration. To think, Fir'mill, a glorified mining colony had an emperor living on it and he never bothered to show his face during the biggest festival of the year."
Vir waved a hand dismissively. "The crowd of Minbari wasn't too disappointed I didn't make an appearance, I'm sure. I'll bet most of them don't know or don't care the Centaurum and I are here."
"...still," Vir continued, "the end of of 2417 was something worth celebrating. Such a terrible year. A year of fire, a year of destruction, a year of great sadness, and a year of pain."
Vir's eyes had become unfocused, Ivan noticed. The young aide felt his skin crawl, but kept silent.
"2418 will be a year to remember, as well," Vir said. "It will be the year when we take back what is ours, I will see to it. But I believe it will also be a year of rebirth, the year everything changes. A new age, and the end of history. Not just for the Centauri and the Narn, but for all the galaxy."
"Excellency!" Ivan said much more sharply than he'd intended to.
Vir's eyes snapped back into focus. "Ah, I am sorry, Ivan. Forgive my ramblings. It's late."
"Indeed. You really should go to bed," Ivan chided.
"Yes, you're right," Vir said, getting up. "So much rests on Legotine's shoulders." He muttered to himself as he walked off.
Ivan lingered behind after Vir left the office to turn off the lights. Alone in the dark room, Ivan whispered to himself, "May the gold Centauri cresent never hang around my neck."
"Excellency, why don't you retire to bed?" Ivan suggested. "It's late, and you look worn out."
Vir rubbed his eyes. "I am the emperor," he yawned. "I have work to do. Orders to give. Red tape to cut."
"Were it only that all of the Republic's previous emperors so dedicated," Ivan said ruefully. "Vir, working yourself to death will help no one. You really should try and relax from time to time. You completely missed the new year's celebration. To think, Fir'mill, a glorified mining colony had an emperor living on it and he never bothered to show his face during the biggest festival of the year."
Vir waved a hand dismissively. "The crowd of Minbari wasn't too disappointed I didn't make an appearance, I'm sure. I'll bet most of them don't know or don't care the Centaurum and I are here."
"...still," Vir continued, "the end of of 2417 was something worth celebrating. Such a terrible year. A year of fire, a year of destruction, a year of great sadness, and a year of pain."
Vir's eyes had become unfocused, Ivan noticed. The young aide felt his skin crawl, but kept silent.
"2418 will be a year to remember, as well," Vir said. "It will be the year when we take back what is ours, I will see to it. But I believe it will also be a year of rebirth, the year everything changes. A new age, and the end of history. Not just for the Centauri and the Narn, but for all the galaxy."
"Excellency!" Ivan said much more sharply than he'd intended to.
Vir's eyes snapped back into focus. "Ah, I am sorry, Ivan. Forgive my ramblings. It's late."
"Indeed. You really should go to bed," Ivan chided.
"Yes, you're right," Vir said, getting up. "So much rests on Legotine's shoulders." He muttered to himself as he walked off.
Ivan lingered behind after Vir left the office to turn off the lights. Alone in the dark room, Ivan whispered to himself, "May the gold Centauri cresent never hang around my neck."
"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
"After months of bloody war, the Centauri Republic has reclaimed a world which was lost to it in its previous war against the Dilgar. This is Yonog IX, flying the flag of the Centauri Republic for the first time in years."
The camera pans away from the reporter to show a street, down which Centauri infantrymen, mechs, and Corporate manufactured tanks were moving in an impromptu parade. The people are cheering wildly and showering their liberators with flowers and confetti.
The camera returns to the reporter. "Here with me now is Admiral Legotine, of the Centauri 6th Defense Fleet and the man responsible for this victory."
"Thank you," Legotine says, "but I can claim only a small part of the credit for this victory. Much of it belongs to the crews of my fleet's ships, and to the Republican Guard forces that fought in the trenches. It also rests with the brave men who defended Centauri Prime against the Dilgar war machine and halted their advance. And, of course, our human allies, without whom there might not be a Centauri Republic right now. The Earth Alliance and the Corporate Sector have the eternal gratitude of the Centauri people."
"Do you have anything to say to the galaxy at the large or the people of Yonog IX?" the reporter asks.
"Yes," Legotine answers. "To the people of Yonog IX: the emperor has contacted me, and asked me to request that you return to the mines and factories. Certainly liberation is something to celebrate, and neither the emperor nor myself would dream of denying you today.
"But the fact is that there are still many worlds to set free, and every bit of metal extracted from this world will lessen the time it will take to liberate them as well.
"To the Dilgar, I say that I and my fellow countrymen will see to it that you will lose all that you wrongfully took from us and the Narns. Your time as a galactic power is at an end. Never again will people need to fear the Dilgar menace."
"Well," the reporter says, "there you have it, folks. From Yonog IX, this is ISN."
"After months of bloody war, the Centauri Republic has reclaimed a world which was lost to it in its previous war against the Dilgar. This is Yonog IX, flying the flag of the Centauri Republic for the first time in years."
The camera pans away from the reporter to show a street, down which Centauri infantrymen, mechs, and Corporate manufactured tanks were moving in an impromptu parade. The people are cheering wildly and showering their liberators with flowers and confetti.
The camera returns to the reporter. "Here with me now is Admiral Legotine, of the Centauri 6th Defense Fleet and the man responsible for this victory."
"Thank you," Legotine says, "but I can claim only a small part of the credit for this victory. Much of it belongs to the crews of my fleet's ships, and to the Republican Guard forces that fought in the trenches. It also rests with the brave men who defended Centauri Prime against the Dilgar war machine and halted their advance. And, of course, our human allies, without whom there might not be a Centauri Republic right now. The Earth Alliance and the Corporate Sector have the eternal gratitude of the Centauri people."
"Do you have anything to say to the galaxy at the large or the people of Yonog IX?" the reporter asks.
"Yes," Legotine answers. "To the people of Yonog IX: the emperor has contacted me, and asked me to request that you return to the mines and factories. Certainly liberation is something to celebrate, and neither the emperor nor myself would dream of denying you today.
"But the fact is that there are still many worlds to set free, and every bit of metal extracted from this world will lessen the time it will take to liberate them as well.
"To the Dilgar, I say that I and my fellow countrymen will see to it that you will lose all that you wrongfully took from us and the Narns. Your time as a galactic power is at an end. Never again will people need to fear the Dilgar menace."
"Well," the reporter says, "there you have it, folks. From Yonog IX, this is ISN."
"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
EAS Hermes, Omega Class Battleship
"Dilgar ships closing."
"Ready all batteries, full power to all weapons, fire weapons on my ma--"
"Sir... sir, nothing's working... what the hell..."
"What?"
"I can't get anything to work, the console just died--"
"Ah, fuck."
ISN
...and anti-war protestors have surrounded Earthdome, demanding an immediate withdrawl of Earthforce ships from Dilgar space. Unconfirmed reports have surfaced that another ten Omega battleships have been destroyed by the Dilgar with minimal Dilgar casualties. Riot police have been deployed in over a dozen major cities. President Sutherland is scheduled to address the nation tonight to calm fears in a joint statement with the Centauri ambassador.
Meanwhile, the Edgars expedition has halted on a jump gate to take on supplies. It is about to enter the outer colonies. ISN camera ships have recorded a Vorlon emissary ship heading for the expedition. Strangely enough, the expedition halted one jump away from the Vorlon vessel. The Vorlons have not yet commented, and neither has the Edgars expedition. They seem to have stopped just outside each other's range, as if waiting for something...
"Dilgar ships closing."
"Ready all batteries, full power to all weapons, fire weapons on my ma--"
"Sir... sir, nothing's working... what the hell..."
"What?"
"I can't get anything to work, the console just died--"
"Ah, fuck."
ISN
...and anti-war protestors have surrounded Earthdome, demanding an immediate withdrawl of Earthforce ships from Dilgar space. Unconfirmed reports have surfaced that another ten Omega battleships have been destroyed by the Dilgar with minimal Dilgar casualties. Riot police have been deployed in over a dozen major cities. President Sutherland is scheduled to address the nation tonight to calm fears in a joint statement with the Centauri ambassador.
Meanwhile, the Edgars expedition has halted on a jump gate to take on supplies. It is about to enter the outer colonies. ISN camera ships have recorded a Vorlon emissary ship heading for the expedition. Strangely enough, the expedition halted one jump away from the Vorlon vessel. The Vorlons have not yet commented, and neither has the Edgars expedition. They seem to have stopped just outside each other's range, as if waiting for something...
-
GuppyShark
- Sith Devotee
- Posts: 2830
- Joined: 2005-03-13 06:52am
- Location: South Australia
ISN
Tonight, on ISN Insider. We speak to one of the leading lights of the Edgars expedition, Antonio Kerrison. The latest football results - will Spartan coach Grant Eckert resign? And of course the latest news headlines as they develop.
"How did you get involved with the expedition?"
"It was fairly simple. I'd been lobbying the Alshain administration very heavily advocating more offworld colonisation, especially in the fringes of space. But I eventually realised that it wasn't going to happen on the public coin. I started taking my ideas to various people and they generally agreed that there was a lot of potential but it was too nebulous to invest in. It wasn't until William Edgars that I found someone who believed in the cause with as much passion as I did."
"What happened then?"
"I brought my organisation - The Mayflower Foundation - with me and we started working out a plan with Edgars and his people. It was kind of shocking how quickly it fell into place, to be honest. I'd grown a bit disheartened from the response from government."
"Are you concerned about the corporate influence?"
"Not at all. As Earth Alliance citizens we take our laws with us whereever we go. We're not trying to escape the Earth Alliance, we just want more breathing space, more resources. Nor are we trying to set up another Corporate Sector. Effective commerce will be absolutely essential on the colonies. I don't want to end my days tilling a field, no matter what stars are above me."
"Critics of the expedition claim you're doomed to die at the hands of hostile aliens. Doesn't that make you hesitate?"
"Of course. But we're taking proper precautions. Everyone says the Vorlons will just blast us apart but I don't agree. The Vorlons aren't the Dilgar, they're a civilised people. They showed on the M6 station that they care a great deal about protecting civilian traffic. I'm sure the Vorlons will let us pass unmolested."
"What are your plans for the future?"
"The expedition is headed to M6 to refuel. From there, we'll jump into uncharted territory. We know there's habitable planets out there, we just need to find them."
Tonight, on ISN Insider. We speak to one of the leading lights of the Edgars expedition, Antonio Kerrison. The latest football results - will Spartan coach Grant Eckert resign? And of course the latest news headlines as they develop.
"How did you get involved with the expedition?"
"It was fairly simple. I'd been lobbying the Alshain administration very heavily advocating more offworld colonisation, especially in the fringes of space. But I eventually realised that it wasn't going to happen on the public coin. I started taking my ideas to various people and they generally agreed that there was a lot of potential but it was too nebulous to invest in. It wasn't until William Edgars that I found someone who believed in the cause with as much passion as I did."
"What happened then?"
"I brought my organisation - The Mayflower Foundation - with me and we started working out a plan with Edgars and his people. It was kind of shocking how quickly it fell into place, to be honest. I'd grown a bit disheartened from the response from government."
"Are you concerned about the corporate influence?"
"Not at all. As Earth Alliance citizens we take our laws with us whereever we go. We're not trying to escape the Earth Alliance, we just want more breathing space, more resources. Nor are we trying to set up another Corporate Sector. Effective commerce will be absolutely essential on the colonies. I don't want to end my days tilling a field, no matter what stars are above me."
"Critics of the expedition claim you're doomed to die at the hands of hostile aliens. Doesn't that make you hesitate?"
"Of course. But we're taking proper precautions. Everyone says the Vorlons will just blast us apart but I don't agree. The Vorlons aren't the Dilgar, they're a civilised people. They showed on the M6 station that they care a great deal about protecting civilian traffic. I'm sure the Vorlons will let us pass unmolested."
"What are your plans for the future?"
"The expedition is headed to M6 to refuel. From there, we'll jump into uncharted territory. We know there's habitable planets out there, we just need to find them."