Haurn, 2 weeks after vote
Perhaps the most aggravating aspect of the proposed diplomatic envoy to Earth was the discovery that all USIC Warships had currently been assigned to task forces, leaving the reserves virtually empty. No delegate wished to take an unarmed diplomatic vessel so deep from The Sector (an irony in itself, as that was their design)
Perhaps even more gulling to those in charge where the refusal to accept only a single warship to transport them. In the end, five corvettes we’re assigned, one from each of the Home Fleets, one per delegate. The bickering over transportation only had already been a public relations fiasco. When the five ships jumped into Hyperspace together at last, one member and one hologram looked on from Haurns surface.
“Are you sure about this? We have invested a lot to play along with these Humans, it seems a bit rash to go through all this trouble when the outcome is already assured…” spoke a lanky Tejlini delegate. Another, cloaked in shadows spoke up.
“My good Fleshling, you worry too much. At this stage we do not NEED to be friends with everyone… We only need not make enemies. We will join the humans council, we will listen, we will participate. But we do not need to do much more than that, do we?”
The Tejlini simply gave a snort as he looked back up. “One of these days you will be wrong about something… I hope I live long enough to see it.”
STGOD: DAS: Coalition of Nations
Moderator: Thanas
-
Crossroads Inc.
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 9233
- Joined: 2005-03-20 06:26pm
- Location: Defending Sparkeling Bishonen
- Contact:
Praying is another way of doing nothing helpful
"Congratulations, you get a cookie. You almost got a fundamental English word correct." Pick
"Outlaw star has spaceships that punch eachother" Joviwan
Read "Tales From The Crossroads"!
Read "One Wrong Turn"!
"Congratulations, you get a cookie. You almost got a fundamental English word correct." Pick
"Outlaw star has spaceships that punch eachother" Joviwan
Read "Tales From The Crossroads"!
Read "One Wrong Turn"!
"...of the contacted nations feel that further powers should be contacted, we invite them to discuss the issue in such a forum."
The hologram flickered and died, and the man holding the holocube stepped forward. "Our agents obtained this just recently. It's from the Polish president. It was primarily intended for heads of state on Earth, but it was broadcast broadband with little encryption. No need to keep offers for galactic peace a secret, it seems. We picked this up easily. And we are not the only ones. We have intercepted some communications from various nations to the Polish, applauding the efforts made on behalf of the Polish to further galactic peace. Most of those nations had been marked as intended recipients of the original broadcast. Some had not."
"Interesting." Prince Tristan Artelme threw one leg lazily over the armrest of his father's throne as he gazed down coolly at the spymaster. "And are you certain that those nations had not received a different message from the Polish? Or perhaps the same message in a different sending?"
"As always, my lord, I know only what I know. What I do not know is beyond my reckoning. I am not in the business of making guesses."
The Prince sniffed. "Be that as it may. Still, I would hear you make a guess. I command it."
"As you command." The spymaster bowed stiffly. "There could have been further messages passed along that we did not intercept. My network is good, my lord, but no network is perfect. If that is the case, then these nations are simply responding to messages they received. If that is not the case, which I believe, then these nations must simply be responding to what they perceive as a diplomatic oversight. Although in responding, they signal that they have received this message, and thus reveal something of their own intelligence network. Although they could have overheard the message in a less insidious way - gossip at a state dinner, perchance."
"And we were not included in this message?" Tristan frowned.
"No, my lord."
"And why do you think that might be?"
"That is more properly the realm of your Minister of State."
"Guess. I command it."
"As you command." The spymaster bowed stiffly again. "I believe that this is most likely a diplomatic oversight. The Oberin have never been big players in the politics of grand galactic alliances - at least not for several hundred years. Although it might have been an intentional slight."
"We are not seen as big players in the galaxy?"
"No, my lord."
"Then how do the people of other nations view us? What do they say of us on Earth?"
"That we are polite. That we are competent. That we are peaceful. They speak very highly of our wines - those as can afford it, that is." Despite the differences in human and Oberin physiology, both races found the same delights in alcohol. There was much trade in alcohol between Ober and Earth, with Oberin wines considered a particular delicacy. The Oberin did not make wine from grapes, but from a very similar fruit that grew only on Ober. The wine it produced was a pale, clear blue, and was featured at any gourmet restaurant in the Sol system.
"The Oberin, the makers of wine?" Tristan asked, bitterness in his voice.
"Yes, my lord."
"Father," Tristan hissed. "Under his rule we have grown weak. The entire galaxy sees that we are weak. We are a laughingstock."
"Certainly not a laughingstock, my lord," the spymaster said quickly.
"DO NOT PATRONIZE ME!" Tristan roared in a sudden fury, standing up from the throne. "They laugh at us in their cups, their cups filled with our wine! No one respects a world of, of... farmers." He filled this last word with as much spiteful hatred as he could muster.
"What is that now?" A weak voice sounded from behind the throne. Emerging from a small door there came Forrith Artelme, the tenth of his name, Imperator of Ober. "Why are you yelling, Tristan?"
Forrith Atelme was a small man, his back bent by age, his hair white where he had hair at all. He leaned heavily on a walking stick. His appearance contrasted sharply with that of Tristan, tall, bright, and proud. Tristan reigned in his fury at the sight of his father, and stood stiffly to the side while Forrith ascended the dais and sat down on his throne with a heavy sigh.
"We have been slighted, Father." Tristan spoke through gritted teeth. "The Polish called send a message to over a dozen nations, calling them to join with them in peace, and we are not sent the message."
"Were we the only ones so overlooked?" The Imperator turned to his spymaster.
"No, my lord. A handful of others were overlooked as well."
"Well, that doesn't sound too bad, now, does it?" Forrith asked pleasantly. "A diplomatic oversight, I am sure. Not all nations have our tact."
"It is a slight, and I will have none of it," Tristan said, his voice rising. "The Polish move to form a power bloc and leave us on the outside of it. They speak of peace, but it is an overture to war. I would contact the Minister of War, father. Am I the only one who sees the hidden threat in these words? The Polish say it clear - they see a path to war. And they send this message only to a few - to their close friends and allies. The Germans were not sent a copy of this message, and you know well that that has never been a comfortable border."
"You would have us alert the Minister of War over a letter that we did not even receive?" Imperator Forrith looked shocked.
"Are you that afraid of war, father?" Tristan asked.
"Come now, my son. There is always some war or another being fought. You must know that. It is a fool who fears all wars, for he would need to fear everything."
"Aye," Tristan nodded. "But we are long overdue for a grand war."
"That we are," said Forrith, his voice low. He turned again to the spymaster. "I am sure this is all an oversight. What reponse have the recipient nations given to this message?"
"General agreement, of course," the spymaster said. "Plans are being made for an international forum on Earth."
"That sounds innocent enough. Well, if anyone should contact us, you know the response to send. Peace, yes. Peace for us all. How can we say anything different?"
"But father-"
"Tristan. I have no further need for your council today. Go, meet your sister. She will want an escort to tonight's ball, and you can accompany her. Enjoy yourself."
"My sister? The simpering whore."
Forrith blinked. "She is your blood."
"She is a fool. Giggling all day with her maids and attending a new ball every night so she can bat her eyes at all the young lordlings. Half of them have had their way with her, to hear the whispers of the court. I call her a simpering whore only because she has earned the title in full."
"Then you can escort her to tonight's ball and keep her out of trouble." Forrith waved his hand. Tristan was dismissed.
As the Prince turned to leave, he called back to his father. "You lay down once again for them to walk all over us, father. They see us as a race of farmers. Farmers! Think on that." And with that he was gone. Forrith Artelme was left alone in his throne room with the spymaster. The Imperator gave a heavy sigh and leaned back in his throne.
"He will cause us troubles, that son of mine."
"As you say, my lord."
The hologram flickered and died, and the man holding the holocube stepped forward. "Our agents obtained this just recently. It's from the Polish president. It was primarily intended for heads of state on Earth, but it was broadcast broadband with little encryption. No need to keep offers for galactic peace a secret, it seems. We picked this up easily. And we are not the only ones. We have intercepted some communications from various nations to the Polish, applauding the efforts made on behalf of the Polish to further galactic peace. Most of those nations had been marked as intended recipients of the original broadcast. Some had not."
"Interesting." Prince Tristan Artelme threw one leg lazily over the armrest of his father's throne as he gazed down coolly at the spymaster. "And are you certain that those nations had not received a different message from the Polish? Or perhaps the same message in a different sending?"
"As always, my lord, I know only what I know. What I do not know is beyond my reckoning. I am not in the business of making guesses."
The Prince sniffed. "Be that as it may. Still, I would hear you make a guess. I command it."
"As you command." The spymaster bowed stiffly. "There could have been further messages passed along that we did not intercept. My network is good, my lord, but no network is perfect. If that is the case, then these nations are simply responding to messages they received. If that is not the case, which I believe, then these nations must simply be responding to what they perceive as a diplomatic oversight. Although in responding, they signal that they have received this message, and thus reveal something of their own intelligence network. Although they could have overheard the message in a less insidious way - gossip at a state dinner, perchance."
"And we were not included in this message?" Tristan frowned.
"No, my lord."
"And why do you think that might be?"
"That is more properly the realm of your Minister of State."
"Guess. I command it."
"As you command." The spymaster bowed stiffly again. "I believe that this is most likely a diplomatic oversight. The Oberin have never been big players in the politics of grand galactic alliances - at least not for several hundred years. Although it might have been an intentional slight."
"We are not seen as big players in the galaxy?"
"No, my lord."
"Then how do the people of other nations view us? What do they say of us on Earth?"
"That we are polite. That we are competent. That we are peaceful. They speak very highly of our wines - those as can afford it, that is." Despite the differences in human and Oberin physiology, both races found the same delights in alcohol. There was much trade in alcohol between Ober and Earth, with Oberin wines considered a particular delicacy. The Oberin did not make wine from grapes, but from a very similar fruit that grew only on Ober. The wine it produced was a pale, clear blue, and was featured at any gourmet restaurant in the Sol system.
"The Oberin, the makers of wine?" Tristan asked, bitterness in his voice.
"Yes, my lord."
"Father," Tristan hissed. "Under his rule we have grown weak. The entire galaxy sees that we are weak. We are a laughingstock."
"Certainly not a laughingstock, my lord," the spymaster said quickly.
"DO NOT PATRONIZE ME!" Tristan roared in a sudden fury, standing up from the throne. "They laugh at us in their cups, their cups filled with our wine! No one respects a world of, of... farmers." He filled this last word with as much spiteful hatred as he could muster.
"What is that now?" A weak voice sounded from behind the throne. Emerging from a small door there came Forrith Artelme, the tenth of his name, Imperator of Ober. "Why are you yelling, Tristan?"
Forrith Atelme was a small man, his back bent by age, his hair white where he had hair at all. He leaned heavily on a walking stick. His appearance contrasted sharply with that of Tristan, tall, bright, and proud. Tristan reigned in his fury at the sight of his father, and stood stiffly to the side while Forrith ascended the dais and sat down on his throne with a heavy sigh.
"We have been slighted, Father." Tristan spoke through gritted teeth. "The Polish called send a message to over a dozen nations, calling them to join with them in peace, and we are not sent the message."
"Were we the only ones so overlooked?" The Imperator turned to his spymaster.
"No, my lord. A handful of others were overlooked as well."
"Well, that doesn't sound too bad, now, does it?" Forrith asked pleasantly. "A diplomatic oversight, I am sure. Not all nations have our tact."
"It is a slight, and I will have none of it," Tristan said, his voice rising. "The Polish move to form a power bloc and leave us on the outside of it. They speak of peace, but it is an overture to war. I would contact the Minister of War, father. Am I the only one who sees the hidden threat in these words? The Polish say it clear - they see a path to war. And they send this message only to a few - to their close friends and allies. The Germans were not sent a copy of this message, and you know well that that has never been a comfortable border."
"You would have us alert the Minister of War over a letter that we did not even receive?" Imperator Forrith looked shocked.
"Are you that afraid of war, father?" Tristan asked.
"Come now, my son. There is always some war or another being fought. You must know that. It is a fool who fears all wars, for he would need to fear everything."
"Aye," Tristan nodded. "But we are long overdue for a grand war."
"That we are," said Forrith, his voice low. He turned again to the spymaster. "I am sure this is all an oversight. What reponse have the recipient nations given to this message?"
"General agreement, of course," the spymaster said. "Plans are being made for an international forum on Earth."
"That sounds innocent enough. Well, if anyone should contact us, you know the response to send. Peace, yes. Peace for us all. How can we say anything different?"
"But father-"
"Tristan. I have no further need for your council today. Go, meet your sister. She will want an escort to tonight's ball, and you can accompany her. Enjoy yourself."
"My sister? The simpering whore."
Forrith blinked. "She is your blood."
"She is a fool. Giggling all day with her maids and attending a new ball every night so she can bat her eyes at all the young lordlings. Half of them have had their way with her, to hear the whispers of the court. I call her a simpering whore only because she has earned the title in full."
"Then you can escort her to tonight's ball and keep her out of trouble." Forrith waved his hand. Tristan was dismissed.
As the Prince turned to leave, he called back to his father. "You lay down once again for them to walk all over us, father. They see us as a race of farmers. Farmers! Think on that." And with that he was gone. Forrith Artelme was left alone in his throne room with the spymaster. The Imperator gave a heavy sigh and leaned back in his throne.
"He will cause us troubles, that son of mine."
"As you say, my lord."
The wisdom of PA:
-Normal Person + Anonymity + Audience = Total Fuckwad
-Normal Person + Anonymity + Audience = Total Fuckwad
At the edge of the Sol system, a small group of ships dropped into real space. The lead ship, slightly over a kilometer long, dwarfed the quartet of smaller ships, each of which was around four hundred meters. There was silence as the four escorts formed up into a rudimentry box around the largest. Finally, that silence was broken.
"This is Lady Tiamat of the Empire of the Sun. My ship and escorts await permission to continue to Earth."
"This is Lady Tiamat of the Empire of the Sun. My ship and escorts await permission to continue to Earth."
The Dominion's base on Pluto hadn't been so active since, what would become their new colonies, had entered the system. Though this time it was not quite a surprise, excep for the first vessel that decloaked over Earth.
When the Envoys from the Empire of the Sun Identified themselves the Dominion had a special escort prepared for their journey to Terra, Consisting of one Heavy Cruiser escorted by two light cruisers.
"Ships of the Empire of the Sun, we have received your transmission, We are transmitting a flight path to Katowica Station. The Cruiser 'Annuity' and her accompanying ships shall Escort you there" The Cruisers, maintaining a healthy distance, formed up with their charges.
When the Envoys from the Empire of the Sun Identified themselves the Dominion had a special escort prepared for their journey to Terra, Consisting of one Heavy Cruiser escorted by two light cruisers.
"Ships of the Empire of the Sun, we have received your transmission, We are transmitting a flight path to Katowica Station. The Cruiser 'Annuity' and her accompanying ships shall Escort you there" The Cruisers, maintaining a healthy distance, formed up with their charges.
"Lets attack aggressively" -Contra 3 Alien Wars
GOD HATES ATHEISTS WITH ALL HIS LOVE! -True christan church of christ on Atheists
GOD HATES ATHEISTS WITH ALL HIS LOVE! -True christan church of christ on Atheists
-
SirNitram
- Rest in Peace, Black Mage
- Posts: 28367
- Joined: 2002-07-03 04:48pm
- Location: Somewhere between nowhere and everywhere
In the depths of space, near the Red Line, on the edge of the map, the Gestalt felt the message sent apparently unencoded.
The nations of Humanity seek peace... But only amongst themselves, it would seem. The thought was as united as any in the Gestalt was; the annoyance was palpable to those connected to it. The great mind always monitored signals coming from the once-homeworld of the Wanderers; waiting for signs of actual regret and repentence, at first, but as decades grew on, now it watched almost only for signs they were coming to finish their ancestors work.
There will be many dissaffected, angered by this. They will see it as the Humans seeking to unify as a galactic force. This thought came from one of the Great Houses. House Visioarus was full of schemers. Should we not seek out these remnants? Forge them together to counter the increasing threat of these Humans waging war on lifekind?
The ripples moved through the Gestalt as minds seperated, split, bickered, argued, and considered...
The nations of Humanity seek peace... But only amongst themselves, it would seem. The thought was as united as any in the Gestalt was; the annoyance was palpable to those connected to it. The great mind always monitored signals coming from the once-homeworld of the Wanderers; waiting for signs of actual regret and repentence, at first, but as decades grew on, now it watched almost only for signs they were coming to finish their ancestors work.
There will be many dissaffected, angered by this. They will see it as the Humans seeking to unify as a galactic force. This thought came from one of the Great Houses. House Visioarus was full of schemers. Should we not seek out these remnants? Forge them together to counter the increasing threat of these Humans waging war on lifekind?
The ripples moved through the Gestalt as minds seperated, split, bickered, argued, and considered...
Manic Progressive: A liberal who violently swings from anger at politicos to despondency over them.
Out Of Context theatre: Ron Paul has repeatedly said he's not a racist. - Destructinator XIII on why Ron Paul isn't racist.
Shadowy Overlord - BMs/Black Mage Monkey - BOTM/Jetfire - Cybertron's Finest/General Miscreant/ASVS/Supermoderator Emeritus
Debator Classification: Trollhunter
Out Of Context theatre: Ron Paul has repeatedly said he's not a racist. - Destructinator XIII on why Ron Paul isn't racist.
Shadowy Overlord - BMs/Black Mage Monkey - BOTM/Jetfire - Cybertron's Finest/General Miscreant/ASVS/Supermoderator Emeritus
Debator Classification: Trollhunter
King Natan looked up sharply as sharp knock sounded against his state-room door. Waving the light sensors to high he straightened his collar and arranged himself upon his throne.
"Enter."
The ornate, wooden door swung open and a uniformed aide marched in sharply with a scribe-slate under his arm. "Your Majesty, one of our Watchers, the Keyhole, has intercepted a diplomatic communique regarding a potential alliance." The aid held out the slate and Natan snatched it from his hands.
The King's brow furrowed as his eyes flitted across the text. "Hmph, Apparently the Free Star Kingdom of Bootswellington is not considered civilized enough for this meeting."
He tossed the slate back to his aid and stood. Crossing his state-room he drew the heavy crimson curtains away from the massive view port located behind his throne. Folding his arms he surveyed the two kilometer bulk of the Atomsk with his usual mix of awe and frustration. Beyond the prow was the enormous dark sphere of Blackmast, discernible only by the absence of stars.
After a respectful pause, the aid spoke again, "Do you have any orders your majesty?"
"When is this meeting of theirs?"
"Our spies report that the delegations will most likely meet in the Sol system within two weeks."
"I'm sending a delegation, invitation or no. Inform the Duke of March that he is to prepare the Balthier for a diplomatic mission. Send two of our less excitable Blackblade commanders to act as an honor guard. Impress upon Eddard that he is to exercise the utmost of discretion and not to enact any hostilities unless his ship and escort are in direct danger."
***
-Two weeks later-
An hour after the arrival of the Empire of the Sun delegation, three ships appear at the furthest edge of the Sol system. They have been painted with prominant white stripes and the large destroyer in their midst quickly deploys a two hundred meter white pennant which flies from the ship's mast.
The ship's commander opens a diplomatic frequency and broadcasts the following message:
"I am Duke Eddard of March, duly appointed representative of the Free Star Kingdom of Bootswellington. I hereby request escort for my ship and my honor guard so that I may take part in these most auspicious peace talks."
"Enter."
The ornate, wooden door swung open and a uniformed aide marched in sharply with a scribe-slate under his arm. "Your Majesty, one of our Watchers, the Keyhole, has intercepted a diplomatic communique regarding a potential alliance." The aid held out the slate and Natan snatched it from his hands.
The King's brow furrowed as his eyes flitted across the text. "Hmph, Apparently the Free Star Kingdom of Bootswellington is not considered civilized enough for this meeting."
He tossed the slate back to his aid and stood. Crossing his state-room he drew the heavy crimson curtains away from the massive view port located behind his throne. Folding his arms he surveyed the two kilometer bulk of the Atomsk with his usual mix of awe and frustration. Beyond the prow was the enormous dark sphere of Blackmast, discernible only by the absence of stars.
After a respectful pause, the aid spoke again, "Do you have any orders your majesty?"
"When is this meeting of theirs?"
"Our spies report that the delegations will most likely meet in the Sol system within two weeks."
"I'm sending a delegation, invitation or no. Inform the Duke of March that he is to prepare the Balthier for a diplomatic mission. Send two of our less excitable Blackblade commanders to act as an honor guard. Impress upon Eddard that he is to exercise the utmost of discretion and not to enact any hostilities unless his ship and escort are in direct danger."
***
-Two weeks later-
An hour after the arrival of the Empire of the Sun delegation, three ships appear at the furthest edge of the Sol system. They have been painted with prominant white stripes and the large destroyer in their midst quickly deploys a two hundred meter white pennant which flies from the ship's mast.
The ship's commander opens a diplomatic frequency and broadcasts the following message:
"I am Duke Eddard of March, duly appointed representative of the Free Star Kingdom of Bootswellington. I hereby request escort for my ship and my honor guard so that I may take part in these most auspicious peace talks."
Post 666: Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 12:51 am
Post 777: Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2006 6:49 pm
Post 999: Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 11:19 am
-
Thirdfain
- The Player of Games
- Posts: 6924
- Joined: 2003-02-13 09:24pm
- Location: Never underestimate the staggering drawing power of the Garden State.
Sol System
Alarms rang across Katowica station. The vast facility's entire upper half was devoted to supplying and basing for General of the Fleet Wielkopolskie's 1st Fleet Corps, one of four major battlefleets in the Gwiazdiej Flota RP, and it was the nerve center for the Polish system defenses.
-::PATROL D REPORTING::-
-::FLASH CENTCOM1FC KATOWICA
EMERGENCY
PRIVATEER VESSELS DETECTED
SECTOR 155/GB GRID 9::-
-::CENTCOM1FC RESPONDING::-
-::ORDERS ARE PULL BACK PATROL D
2ND CRUDIV/3RD CRUDIV ORDERED TO
INTERCEPT::-
The two Alert units- Cruiser Divisions 2 and 3, peeled out from their positions in the asteroid field, vectoring towards the pirate vessels. the nature of the "Free Star Kingdom" was well known, and their craft were certainly not welcome in the presence of any of the Republic's holdings. Two cruisers and two light carriers, escorted by a rosette of frigates, rose to meet the pirate craft at system's edge.
Alarms rang across Katowica station. The vast facility's entire upper half was devoted to supplying and basing for General of the Fleet Wielkopolskie's 1st Fleet Corps, one of four major battlefleets in the Gwiazdiej Flota RP, and it was the nerve center for the Polish system defenses.
-::PATROL D REPORTING::-
-::FLASH CENTCOM1FC KATOWICA
EMERGENCY
PRIVATEER VESSELS DETECTED
SECTOR 155/GB GRID 9::-
-::CENTCOM1FC RESPONDING::-
-::ORDERS ARE PULL BACK PATROL D
2ND CRUDIV/3RD CRUDIV ORDERED TO
INTERCEPT::-
The two Alert units- Cruiser Divisions 2 and 3, peeled out from their positions in the asteroid field, vectoring towards the pirate vessels. the nature of the "Free Star Kingdom" was well known, and their craft were certainly not welcome in the presence of any of the Republic's holdings. Two cruisers and two light carriers, escorted by a rosette of frigates, rose to meet the pirate craft at system's edge.
Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite.
John Kenneth Galbraith (1908 - )
-
White Haven
- Sith Acolyte
- Posts: 6360
- Joined: 2004-05-17 03:14pm
- Location: The North Remembers, When It Can Be Bothered
A small squadron of ships breaks sublight exactly a light-hour beyond the outermost orbital shell of the Sol system, only fifteen ships, all centered around a mere pair of cruiser-sized craft. A signal beams in-system from a destroyer-sized ship, broadcast across most of the inner system. Its task complete, the ship ejects a small communications buoy, and then the squadron swings around to face the way it came. It boosts back up to supralight with a near-synchronized strobe of blue-white light from each ship, streaking away into the void.
No source is identified in the message, and the response address lists only the communicatiosn buoy.
Code: Select all
It is to be hoped that this body, which contains a large number of descendant terrestrial governments, will recognize established patent laws and the patents legally filed under them.
Out of Context Theatre, this week starring Darth Nostril.
-'If you really want to fuck with these idiots tell them that there is a vaccine for chemtrails.'
Fiction!: The Final War (Bolo/Lovecraft) (Ch 7 9/15/11), Living (D&D, Complete)
"Tactica reads an inbound battle group. What are your orders?"
Eddard smirked and pulled at his goatee. "Well it seems we're not very popular. The King will be devastated." He stood quickly and adressed his crew, "Keep those engines spooled up in case we have to run for it. I want Generators ready to power shields at the first sign of an attack."
The Tactica officer leaned back from his station, "Aye sir, and what about the gunners? They seem a bit on edge."
"Tell 'em to keep hatches shut and guns unpowered. The King was quite clear that we're not to be starting any incidents."
"Sir!" The comm officer waved, "Signal from the Riftspike!"
"We've no time for this!" Eddad swore as the comm screen lit up.
Captain Brastine of the Riftspike glowered at Eddard from his command chair. "This fool's errand is already up, give the order to power weapons if you want to get out of this alive! We're floating like-"
"Shut your mouth and keep a lid on your guns or I'll blow you to hell myself!" Eddard cut the transmission.
"Tactica reports our escorts are holding positions with weapons off-line. Incoming battle group looks like it may be Polish. They're preparing to engage."
"We won't blink so easily. I'll certainly not run back to Blackmast with my tail between my legs at the first sign of trouble. Still..." Eddard cast a worried eye at the large cluster of red dots on the Tactica screen.
"Be ready to retreat at a moment's notice. Comm, send out another message stating our peaceable and diplomatic intentions. Oh, and someone make ready to cut the white flag loose if we have to run for it."
Eddard smirked and pulled at his goatee. "Well it seems we're not very popular. The King will be devastated." He stood quickly and adressed his crew, "Keep those engines spooled up in case we have to run for it. I want Generators ready to power shields at the first sign of an attack."
The Tactica officer leaned back from his station, "Aye sir, and what about the gunners? They seem a bit on edge."
"Tell 'em to keep hatches shut and guns unpowered. The King was quite clear that we're not to be starting any incidents."
"Sir!" The comm officer waved, "Signal from the Riftspike!"
"We've no time for this!" Eddad swore as the comm screen lit up.
Captain Brastine of the Riftspike glowered at Eddard from his command chair. "This fool's errand is already up, give the order to power weapons if you want to get out of this alive! We're floating like-"
"Shut your mouth and keep a lid on your guns or I'll blow you to hell myself!" Eddard cut the transmission.
"Tactica reports our escorts are holding positions with weapons off-line. Incoming battle group looks like it may be Polish. They're preparing to engage."
"We won't blink so easily. I'll certainly not run back to Blackmast with my tail between my legs at the first sign of trouble. Still..." Eddard cast a worried eye at the large cluster of red dots on the Tactica screen.
"Be ready to retreat at a moment's notice. Comm, send out another message stating our peaceable and diplomatic intentions. Oh, and someone make ready to cut the white flag loose if we have to run for it."
Post 666: Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 12:51 am
Post 777: Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2006 6:49 pm
Post 999: Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 11:19 am
-
Thirdfain
- The Player of Games
- Posts: 6924
- Joined: 2003-02-13 09:24pm
- Location: Never underestimate the staggering drawing power of the Garden State.
CVL-12 ORP Bialystock
Flagship, 2nd Cruiser Division
Sol System
Fleet Major General Betina Małysz, commander of the 2nd Cruiser Division, skimmed her eyes quickly over the flimsy printout. "Peaceable and diplomatic intentions, eh? Well, no reason to be impolite to diplomats. Inform base of the Bootswellington Royalist message. Helm, bring the squadron into close range with the diplomatic vessels. Mr. Istvan, transmit the following message, if you please."
-::FROM: ORP BIALYSTOCK
CC: BOOTSWELLINGTON SHIP "BALTHIER"
MSG FOLLOWS::-
"Welcome to the Sol system, Balthier. This is the Ship of the Polish Republic "Bialystock," dispatched to escort you to Katowica Station. You understand, of ccourse, our concerns about your vessels entering this important system. As a precaution, I'm afraid you must kill your reactors at least temporarily while we scan your vessels to make sure you are on the up-and-up. Please hold position for a complete scan. I'll send a launch with a diplomatic team, if you'll be kind enough to admit them."
-Fleet Major General Małysz,
2nd Cruiser Division
1st Fleet Corps
Star Fleet of the Polish Republic
-::MSG ENDS::-
Flagship, 2nd Cruiser Division
Sol System
Fleet Major General Betina Małysz, commander of the 2nd Cruiser Division, skimmed her eyes quickly over the flimsy printout. "Peaceable and diplomatic intentions, eh? Well, no reason to be impolite to diplomats. Inform base of the Bootswellington Royalist message. Helm, bring the squadron into close range with the diplomatic vessels. Mr. Istvan, transmit the following message, if you please."
-::FROM: ORP BIALYSTOCK
CC: BOOTSWELLINGTON SHIP "BALTHIER"
MSG FOLLOWS::-
"Welcome to the Sol system, Balthier. This is the Ship of the Polish Republic "Bialystock," dispatched to escort you to Katowica Station. You understand, of ccourse, our concerns about your vessels entering this important system. As a precaution, I'm afraid you must kill your reactors at least temporarily while we scan your vessels to make sure you are on the up-and-up. Please hold position for a complete scan. I'll send a launch with a diplomatic team, if you'll be kind enough to admit them."
-Fleet Major General Małysz,
2nd Cruiser Division
1st Fleet Corps
Star Fleet of the Polish Republic
-::MSG ENDS::-
Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite.
John Kenneth Galbraith (1908 - )
-
SirNitram
- Rest in Peace, Black Mage
- Posts: 28367
- Joined: 2002-07-03 04:48pm
- Location: Somewhere between nowhere and everywhere
Later, as the diplomatic fleets converge on Earth.
The 'Ghost' was a beautiful Construct, despite the fact that ideally, you never allowed it to be seen. The cloaked ship coasted downwards towards the inner worlds, letting the planets themselves twist it's path. It would take several days like this, but it had the greatest chance of evading detection admist the swarms of powered traffic, and what appeared, back near the edge of the system, to be a pirate fleet come to negotiate.
The specialists aboard couldn't see out, but they felt the teeming minds of billions around them. And ahead of them, the focal point of all those minds. The homeworld.
The 'Ghost' was a beautiful Construct, despite the fact that ideally, you never allowed it to be seen. The cloaked ship coasted downwards towards the inner worlds, letting the planets themselves twist it's path. It would take several days like this, but it had the greatest chance of evading detection admist the swarms of powered traffic, and what appeared, back near the edge of the system, to be a pirate fleet come to negotiate.
The specialists aboard couldn't see out, but they felt the teeming minds of billions around them. And ahead of them, the focal point of all those minds. The homeworld.
Manic Progressive: A liberal who violently swings from anger at politicos to despondency over them.
Out Of Context theatre: Ron Paul has repeatedly said he's not a racist. - Destructinator XIII on why Ron Paul isn't racist.
Shadowy Overlord - BMs/Black Mage Monkey - BOTM/Jetfire - Cybertron's Finest/General Miscreant/ASVS/Supermoderator Emeritus
Debator Classification: Trollhunter
Out Of Context theatre: Ron Paul has repeatedly said he's not a racist. - Destructinator XIII on why Ron Paul isn't racist.
Shadowy Overlord - BMs/Black Mage Monkey - BOTM/Jetfire - Cybertron's Finest/General Miscreant/ASVS/Supermoderator Emeritus
Debator Classification: Trollhunter
The Duke of March let out a sigh as the comm officer read off the message. "It looks like patience has payed off. Boatswain, I trust you have full confidence that all contraband and hidden weapon emplacements were removed from the Balthier, Riftspike, and Jackyle."
Boatswain Cartright nodded sharply. "I led the sweeper teams myself, and then the King's Men led their own sweep before we left port."
The Duke shuddered slightly, "If His Majesty's personal spook squad didn't find anything there's nothing to find." He turned to the comm officer, "Send orders to the Riftspike and the Jackyle to power down and prepare to be scanned. Then send our acceptance of terms, along with our thanks, to the Bialystock."
He took a deep breath. I hope this isn't a terrible mistake.
"Engineering, cut our generators. Security, detail a squad of four to escort me to the airlock. I'm going to greet our visitors."
Boatswain Cartright nodded sharply. "I led the sweeper teams myself, and then the King's Men led their own sweep before we left port."
The Duke shuddered slightly, "If His Majesty's personal spook squad didn't find anything there's nothing to find." He turned to the comm officer, "Send orders to the Riftspike and the Jackyle to power down and prepare to be scanned. Then send our acceptance of terms, along with our thanks, to the Bialystock."
He took a deep breath. I hope this isn't a terrible mistake.
"Engineering, cut our generators. Security, detail a squad of four to escort me to the airlock. I'm going to greet our visitors."
Post 666: Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 12:51 am
Post 777: Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2006 6:49 pm
Post 999: Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 11:19 am
-
Thirdfain
- The Player of Games
- Posts: 6924
- Joined: 2003-02-13 09:24pm
- Location: Never underestimate the staggering drawing power of the Garden State.
CVL-12 ORP Bialystock
Flagship, 2nd Cruiser Division
Sol System
The four Polish vessels and their brace of escorts took up positions around the massive Ducal battleship, close enough for the deep scanners to penetrate the vessel's hulls. Without the interference of shield generator static or engine wash, at those close ranges the precise equippage of the vessel could be determined.
Seemingly satisfied, a large pinnace broke away from the Bialystock, escorted by a full wing of ugly-looking Rzecspospolita torpedo-bombers. The unit crossed the short distance to the Balthier.
The airlock hissed open smoothly, and a trio of Polish officers in tan Fleet uniforms strode forwards, escorted by two Fleet Infantrymen in power-armour, autocamo set to festive parade colors.
The Major General was a spare-looking, short women, her iron-grey hair hidden by her peaked officer's cap. "The Duke of March, I presume?"
She extended a hand. "Major General Małysz, 2nd Cruiser Division."
Flagship, 2nd Cruiser Division
Sol System
The four Polish vessels and their brace of escorts took up positions around the massive Ducal battleship, close enough for the deep scanners to penetrate the vessel's hulls. Without the interference of shield generator static or engine wash, at those close ranges the precise equippage of the vessel could be determined.
Seemingly satisfied, a large pinnace broke away from the Bialystock, escorted by a full wing of ugly-looking Rzecspospolita torpedo-bombers. The unit crossed the short distance to the Balthier.
The airlock hissed open smoothly, and a trio of Polish officers in tan Fleet uniforms strode forwards, escorted by two Fleet Infantrymen in power-armour, autocamo set to festive parade colors.
The Major General was a spare-looking, short women, her iron-grey hair hidden by her peaked officer's cap. "The Duke of March, I presume?"
She extended a hand. "Major General Małysz, 2nd Cruiser Division."
Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite.
John Kenneth Galbraith (1908 - )
-
InnocentBystander
- The Russian Circus
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: 2004-04-10 06:05am
- Location: Just across the mighty Hudson
Earth Orbit
Fort Muscat - Sol Defense - C&C
"Sir, Sir!" the watch officer motioned his superior over, "System-wide broadcast, its really strange sir," the message played. "It's coming from the edge of the kuiper belt. There was a cluster of ships there; it looks like they've already jumped to FTL. There’s still something there though."
"Thank you lieutenant, continue to monitor the region..." the Captain walked back to his command chair before ordering one of this patrol craft out to the belt.
NIP Alvares Carbral
Maria Class, Destroyer
Currently on patrol between the Kupier Belt and the Oort cloud, the Avares Carbral engaged her FTL drives and quickly reached the source of the bizarre message. The destroyer began surveying the area, attempting to discern the purpose of the object and the whereabouts of its owner.
Fort Muscat - Sol Defense - C&C
"Sir, Sir!" the watch officer motioned his superior over, "System-wide broadcast, its really strange sir," the message played. "It's coming from the edge of the kuiper belt. There was a cluster of ships there; it looks like they've already jumped to FTL. There’s still something there though."
"Thank you lieutenant, continue to monitor the region..." the Captain walked back to his command chair before ordering one of this patrol craft out to the belt.
Code: Select all
MESSAGESTART - MIL ENCRYPT 88C
SOL DEFENSE COMMAND TO NIP ALVARES CARBRAL DD
DISENGAGE FROM CURRENT PATROL AND PROCEED AT ONCE TO SECTOR 6E57-B. INVESTIGATE OBJECT. ATTEMPT TRACK UNKNOWN VESSELS, BEARING 80,27.
MESSAGEENDNIP Alvares Carbral
Maria Class, Destroyer
Currently on patrol between the Kupier Belt and the Oort cloud, the Avares Carbral engaged her FTL drives and quickly reached the source of the bizarre message. The destroyer began surveying the area, attempting to discern the purpose of the object and the whereabouts of its owner.
Code: Select all
MESSAGESTART - MIL ENCRYPT 76D
NIP ALVARES CARBRAL, DD TO SOL DEFENSE COMMAND
OBJECT LOCATED, ATTEMPTING TO IDENTIFY. TRANSMITTING LIVE SENSOR FEED ON CHANNEL 661CSula King dozed lightly in the cramped scanning quarters aboard the Keyhole. Her ship had quietly dropped into the Sol system minutes after the Pirate King's diplomatic mission arrived. She was only there to record what happened and, truth be told, after a bad run at gambling and a worse run at romance she wouldn't have minded in the least if Captain Ryche of the Jackyle had some air let into his precious ship. But success or failure, she had nothing to do with the Diplomatic mission, so she simply sat, waiting for contacts or messages she could intercept.
As her eyes drooped lower the contact alarm began to ring. Sitting bolt upright she spun the dials on her comm-slate, trying to locate the source. But there was nothing. Except for the background chatter of civilian traffic, and the ship signatures in the system proper, her primary board was infuriatingly blank. The contact alarm abruptly cut off.
The ship's intercom crackled to life. "We got something Sula?"
"False alarm Giles. Looks like a ghost contact or a signal spike. Rotate us 2 degrees off of Sol itself, see if we can minimize the interference."
Giles grunted an assent and Sula's instruments all jumped momentarily before calibrating to the new position.
"Are you sure it wasn't a cloaked ship?"
Sula shook her head, despite the fact that Giles could not see her. "Not any cloak that the system can recognize. I'll keep an eye out in case we get another contact."
"Sure, but it was probably nothing.
***
-Aboard the Baltheir-
Eddard smiled and bowed low over the proferred hand. "You presume correctly, Madame Małysz. I am Eddard Kynes, Duke of March. Welcome aboard the Balthier."
Eddard Kynes is a tall, handsome man with black hair just begining to go gray at the temples. He has a short mustache and a oiled goatee. He is dressed in a black dress uniform with red and gold trim. In a white holster at his side is a ceremonial las-pistol. The holster is firmly clasped.
Eddard took a step back and gestured towards the interior of his ship.
"I appreciate your concerns regarding my vessel and the organization we represent. We have complied with your requests and are now entirely at your disposal. What is required of us before we can take part in this diplomatic meeting?"
As her eyes drooped lower the contact alarm began to ring. Sitting bolt upright she spun the dials on her comm-slate, trying to locate the source. But there was nothing. Except for the background chatter of civilian traffic, and the ship signatures in the system proper, her primary board was infuriatingly blank. The contact alarm abruptly cut off.
The ship's intercom crackled to life. "We got something Sula?"
"False alarm Giles. Looks like a ghost contact or a signal spike. Rotate us 2 degrees off of Sol itself, see if we can minimize the interference."
Giles grunted an assent and Sula's instruments all jumped momentarily before calibrating to the new position.
"Are you sure it wasn't a cloaked ship?"
Sula shook her head, despite the fact that Giles could not see her. "Not any cloak that the system can recognize. I'll keep an eye out in case we get another contact."
"Sure, but it was probably nothing.
***
-Aboard the Baltheir-
Eddard smiled and bowed low over the proferred hand. "You presume correctly, Madame Małysz. I am Eddard Kynes, Duke of March. Welcome aboard the Balthier."
Eddard Kynes is a tall, handsome man with black hair just begining to go gray at the temples. He has a short mustache and a oiled goatee. He is dressed in a black dress uniform with red and gold trim. In a white holster at his side is a ceremonial las-pistol. The holster is firmly clasped.
Eddard took a step back and gestured towards the interior of his ship.
"I appreciate your concerns regarding my vessel and the organization we represent. We have complied with your requests and are now entirely at your disposal. What is required of us before we can take part in this diplomatic meeting?"
Post 666: Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 12:51 am
Post 777: Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2006 6:49 pm
Post 999: Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 11:19 am
-
Imperial Overlord
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 11978
- Joined: 2004-08-19 04:30am
- Location: The Tower at Charm
Sol System
Mars
Oculus Station
The sorcerer withdrew his hands from the sides of the Actuality Sphere. The swirling cyan lights in the meter diameter created sickly looking patches of colour on his black robes. He activated his com system. "Commodre Stein. Pirate trash has entered the system. Large capital ship. They are not attempting to hide."
"They are expected," said Stein, a mue of distaste on his lips. "In order to avoid an incident, it has been decided to let the Poles meet them." The Centrality possessed a large merchant fleet and it had suffered losses at the hands of pirates.
"Maybe they will have a fire control accident."
"We can only hope."
Mars
Oculus Station
The sorcerer withdrew his hands from the sides of the Actuality Sphere. The swirling cyan lights in the meter diameter created sickly looking patches of colour on his black robes. He activated his com system. "Commodre Stein. Pirate trash has entered the system. Large capital ship. They are not attempting to hide."
"They are expected," said Stein, a mue of distaste on his lips. "In order to avoid an incident, it has been decided to let the Poles meet them." The Centrality possessed a large merchant fleet and it had suffered losses at the hands of pirates.
"Maybe they will have a fire control accident."
"We can only hope."
The Excellent Prismatic Spray. For when you absolutely, positively must kill a motherfucker. Accept no substitutions. Contact a magician of the later Aeons for details. Some conditions may apply.
-
White Haven
- Sith Acolyte
- Posts: 6360
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- Location: The North Remembers, When It Can Be Bothered
The object, which is nothing more than a lightly shielded comm buoy with a single PD mount for dealing with debris, plus a very basic sensor suite. As a ship approaches, it simple opens a comlink.
The small squadron of ships is proceeding off at high speed in a direction roughly congruent with any of a large number of destinations. And upwards out of the galactic plane. And towards the galactic core. And stopping dead in space. Its FTL trace splits into a fuzz of false targets.
Code: Select all
Please do not attempt to capture this buoy. It will self-destruct. This buoy is present for the express purpose of relaying a reply to the message sent from this location. No further information will be given. Good day.Out of Context Theatre, this week starring Darth Nostril.
-'If you really want to fuck with these idiots tell them that there is a vaccine for chemtrails.'
Fiction!: The Final War (Bolo/Lovecraft) (Ch 7 9/15/11), Living (D&D, Complete)
-
Thirdfain
- The Player of Games
- Posts: 6924
- Joined: 2003-02-13 09:24pm
- Location: Never underestimate the staggering drawing power of the Garden State.
Baltheir
Sol System
"Before we tour the ship further, your Highness, I have a message for you." The Major general smiled in an almost maternal fashion and handed the handsome pirate a peice of paper with official looking markings and elaborate sigils and signatures.
The Duke read the paper over, his features quickly turning to puzzlement, and then to shock.
"Madame, you can not be serious."
The Pole smiled almost apologetically. ""Your Highness, I'm afraid that my squadron is under orders to open fire at short range, all guns, into your vessel if they so much as smell your reactors or those of your escorts coming on line or your shields coming up. Additionally, we've just fed targetting data from that deep scan into the gun computers. At these ranges, we aren't likely to miss, and we'll hit all the right targets. In other words, Your Highness- you are under arrest."
She folded her arms across her chest.
"There's no need to make this unpleasant, your Highness. There's already dinner set out on the Bialystock, if you'd join me while the prize crew takes possession of your ship? I can promise fair treatment for you and your crew."
Sol System
"Before we tour the ship further, your Highness, I have a message for you." The Major general smiled in an almost maternal fashion and handed the handsome pirate a peice of paper with official looking markings and elaborate sigils and signatures.
The Duke read the paper over, his features quickly turning to puzzlement, and then to shock.
"Madame, you can not be serious."
The Pole smiled almost apologetically. ""Your Highness, I'm afraid that my squadron is under orders to open fire at short range, all guns, into your vessel if they so much as smell your reactors or those of your escorts coming on line or your shields coming up. Additionally, we've just fed targetting data from that deep scan into the gun computers. At these ranges, we aren't likely to miss, and we'll hit all the right targets. In other words, Your Highness- you are under arrest."
She folded her arms across her chest.
"There's no need to make this unpleasant, your Highness. There's already dinner set out on the Bialystock, if you'd join me while the prize crew takes possession of your ship? I can promise fair treatment for you and your crew."
Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite.
John Kenneth Galbraith (1908 - )
Three cruisers and five destroyers appear on the edge of the system in a prismatic burst of light
"Prior-Commander we have arrived", the helmsman of the cruiser "Fires of Purgation" announced, somewhat unnecessarily. The captain brought up a sensor map of this so-called "Sol" system, and looked at the impressive number and firepower of the gathered vessels.
"Order the fleet to null acceleration, and keep their weapons cool until otherwise instructed. Lieutenant Nakek, send the signal".
"Prior-Commander we have arrived", the helmsman of the cruiser "Fires of Purgation" announced, somewhat unnecessarily. The captain brought up a sensor map of this so-called "Sol" system, and looked at the impressive number and firepower of the gathered vessels.
"Order the fleet to null acceleration, and keep their weapons cool until otherwise instructed. Lieutenant Nakek, send the signal".
Code: Select all
To: President Anton Wiśniowiecki
The Nianan Hegemony begs forgiveness for not acknowledging your existence until recently, but had other issues. If the Polish Republic would be so gracious, we would like to humbly request a place at this "Coalition of Nations", and contribute as we can to it. We have made mistakes with respect to you, and would ask the opportunity to not make more.
Lonas Bless,
Priest-Diplomat ClicknikketKill one man, you're a murderer. Kill a million, a king. Kill them all, a god. - Anonymous
-
InnocentBystander
- The Russian Circus
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: 2004-04-10 06:05am
- Location: Just across the mighty Hudson
NIP Alvares Carbral
Maria Class, Destroyer
"Reply? Reply to what?" The Captain looked somewhat dumbfounded.
"I think that message we picked up a few minutes ago over local-broadcast. Patents or something," th comm's officer played back the message over the bridge speakers,
Maria Class, Destroyer
"Reply? Reply to what?" The Captain looked somewhat dumbfounded.
"I think that message we picked up a few minutes ago over local-broadcast. Patents or something," th comm's officer played back the message over the bridge speakers,
"What the hell?" he staggered, "Comm's officer, Local transmission: 'I don't know who you are, or what your game is, but I'm not playing. Contact the Interstellar Patent Union or the information center of any trade station within 50 lightyears if you need information on patents. Oh, and stop broadcasting on restricted channels.'" The captain sighed heavily, wishing he could just blow the stupid thing up and get on with the day.Unknown wrote:It is to be hoped that this body, which contains a large number of descendant terrestrial governments, will recognize established patent laws and the patents legally filed under them.
-
Thirdfain
- The Player of Games
- Posts: 6924
- Joined: 2003-02-13 09:24pm
- Location: Never underestimate the staggering drawing power of the Garden State.
On Earth, in a grand conference hall overlooking the warm, equatorial bay of the Sant Tomas port, President Wiśniowiecki stepped up to the podium.
Ships from a number of unexpected sources had arrived, nations which the Republic had not had contact with or had only heard rumors of had sent delegations. There was a Ninian embassy, and diplomats from the distant Empire of the Sun, and a small gaggle of almost absurd-looking creatures from the Straltoc Federation, attended by a somewhat surprised looking interpreter with sweat-stains soaking through his suit. All the ships who had approached Sol carrying ambassadors had been ushered to the Republic building on Poland's tropical colonial holding, at the base of the Katowica space elevator. Holographic representations of those ambassadors unable to make it hung below hovering drones brought in for the purpose, concealing recorders which would send the contents of the meeting back to their masters.
"Ladies, gentlemen." President Wiśniowiecki ran a hand through his blond-grey hair almost nervously, observing the massed crowd of sometimes shocking alien and human forms. "I present to you our initial proposal for the constitution of the Coalition of Nations."
"Your thoughts, gentlebeings?"
Ships from a number of unexpected sources had arrived, nations which the Republic had not had contact with or had only heard rumors of had sent delegations. There was a Ninian embassy, and diplomats from the distant Empire of the Sun, and a small gaggle of almost absurd-looking creatures from the Straltoc Federation, attended by a somewhat surprised looking interpreter with sweat-stains soaking through his suit. All the ships who had approached Sol carrying ambassadors had been ushered to the Republic building on Poland's tropical colonial holding, at the base of the Katowica space elevator. Holographic representations of those ambassadors unable to make it hung below hovering drones brought in for the purpose, concealing recorders which would send the contents of the meeting back to their masters.
"Ladies, gentlemen." President Wiśniowiecki ran a hand through his blond-grey hair almost nervously, observing the massed crowd of sometimes shocking alien and human forms. "I present to you our initial proposal for the constitution of the Coalition of Nations."
Code: Select all
The Coalition of Nations
The Coalition of Nations will act as a source of international law and justice, a forum for the airing of grievances peaceably between nations, and an instrument for the expansion of trade and the fostering of mutually beneficial ties between the civilized nations of known space.
Each member will hold one vote, measures and decisions will be passed by a general vote of the coalition, with majority rule. Decisions to add or remove members, or to change the Terms of the Coalition's Agreement will require a vote of at least 2/3rds in assent to pass.
In the event that a nation fails to vote on an issue for 1 standardweek, their vote will be counted an "Abstain." Any member will bee free to present a suggestion before the Coalition for voting.
The precise duties of the Coalition will be to:
I) Secure free and equitable trade between all members
II) Secure the spaceways and persecute piracy
III) Regulate warfare and conflict so as to ensure that only civilized methods are used and that civilian populations are protected
IV) Maintain the peace by stopping aggressive war and authorizing peacekeeping missions where necessary
V) Provide a forum for organizing international efforts against organized crime
VI) Provide a forum for the distribution of aid to those nations in need in times of strife and natural disaster
VII) Provide an international court for the moderation of disputes between nations
Members will be required to pay a small due for the maintenance of CoA facilities and meeting-places.
The Coalition is not a mutual defense pact or a military alliance- it acts as a forum for the discussion and the reaching of decisions for the common good.
Signed by authorised representatives of the following founding sovereign
Powers:
Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite.
John Kenneth Galbraith (1908 - )
-
Academia Nut
- Sith Devotee
- Posts: 2598
- Joined: 2005-08-23 10:44pm
- Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Sliding forward on his snake-like lower body, his millipede legs occasionally lifting his belly off the ground seemingly at random, Ambassador Felsith takes the floor and begins his statement.
"Brothers, sisters, and neuters of the stars. Cousins of Earth. The Straltoc people left this world when it was in the grips of war, nations squabbling for reasons we now find inconsequential and nonsensical, and while as a species all has turned out for the best, it would be a lie to say that there was no suffering between then and now. In fact, my people suffered greatly in the early years as we struggled to make a new world our own and to understand our rapidly evolving biology.
"Thus we say, no more. We would not wish that fear of extinction upon our worst enemies, and so we are in full agreement with the points of this accord. To behave in a civilized manner is the least that can be done in the incivility of war, and the prevention of war is indeed a lofty goal. The opening of borders for the trade of goods, and ideas, is a necessity for the proper evolution of civilization from barbarity. Justice, true justice, for all is the foundation of the civilization we wish to grow. Charity to those in need is what is needed most when so many go hungry and wanting.
"So President Wiśniowiecki, we, the Straltoc Federation, shall join your Coalition."
"Brothers, sisters, and neuters of the stars. Cousins of Earth. The Straltoc people left this world when it was in the grips of war, nations squabbling for reasons we now find inconsequential and nonsensical, and while as a species all has turned out for the best, it would be a lie to say that there was no suffering between then and now. In fact, my people suffered greatly in the early years as we struggled to make a new world our own and to understand our rapidly evolving biology.
"Thus we say, no more. We would not wish that fear of extinction upon our worst enemies, and so we are in full agreement with the points of this accord. To behave in a civilized manner is the least that can be done in the incivility of war, and the prevention of war is indeed a lofty goal. The opening of borders for the trade of goods, and ideas, is a necessity for the proper evolution of civilization from barbarity. Justice, true justice, for all is the foundation of the civilization we wish to grow. Charity to those in need is what is needed most when so many go hungry and wanting.
"So President Wiśniowiecki, we, the Straltoc Federation, shall join your Coalition."
I love learning. Teach me. I will listen.
You know, if Christian dogma included a ten-foot tall Jesus walking around in battle armor and smashing retarded cultists with a gaint mace, I might just convert - Noble Ire on Jesus smashing Scientologists
You know, if Christian dogma included a ten-foot tall Jesus walking around in battle armor and smashing retarded cultists with a gaint mace, I might just convert - Noble Ire on Jesus smashing Scientologists
The Duke of March sighed, reading over the warrant again.
"This is both unsurprising and completely unnecessary. As I said, we are entirely at your disposal. Now I'm well aware of the mistrust we have engendered in the past, but our intentions at this conference are entirely legitimate."
He smiled congenially before continuing. "Unfortunately much of this warrant is not legitimate. I and my command staff are easily defined as..." he makes a show of reading the warrant, "persons who have engaged in theft, murder, and deception, who have furthermore engaged in trade without charter, and are in direct violation of the Mexico City Treaty of-"
"I know what it says." The Polish officer snapped.
"Yes, yes. So, as I was saying, I and my command staff are most certainly guilty, however the rest of the crew was chosen specifically because they have never participated in any illicit raids. The Riftspike and Jackyle are newly commissioned and their crews are innocent as well."
Has it yet occurred to you to wonder why King Natan has sent one of only six Dukes, two valuable cruisers, and his own former command on what could only be described as a suicide mission?
"This is both unsurprising and completely unnecessary. As I said, we are entirely at your disposal. Now I'm well aware of the mistrust we have engendered in the past, but our intentions at this conference are entirely legitimate."
He smiled congenially before continuing. "Unfortunately much of this warrant is not legitimate. I and my command staff are easily defined as..." he makes a show of reading the warrant, "persons who have engaged in theft, murder, and deception, who have furthermore engaged in trade without charter, and are in direct violation of the Mexico City Treaty of-"
"I know what it says." The Polish officer snapped.
"Yes, yes. So, as I was saying, I and my command staff are most certainly guilty, however the rest of the crew was chosen specifically because they have never participated in any illicit raids. The Riftspike and Jackyle are newly commissioned and their crews are innocent as well."
Has it yet occurred to you to wonder why King Natan has sent one of only six Dukes, two valuable cruisers, and his own former command on what could only be described as a suicide mission?
Post 666: Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 12:51 am
Post 777: Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2006 6:49 pm
Post 999: Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 11:19 am
-
Thirdfain
- The Player of Games
- Posts: 6924
- Joined: 2003-02-13 09:24pm
- Location: Never underestimate the staggering drawing power of the Garden State.
The General smiled thinly. "This all quite academic, Your Highness. As you should well know, whether or not you are all actually guilty will be up to the courts. As or right now, the simple fact is that the government of the Polish Republic has issued a warrant for your arrest and the appropriation of these vessels, and I, an officer of that government, have placed myself in a position to carry out that warrent. This is not up for negotiation at this time." She shrugged theatrically. "Now, would you be so kind as to join me for dinner, sir?"
Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite.
John Kenneth Galbraith (1908 - )
Ambassador Clicknikket slithered forward, glancing left and right at the assembled species. Shaking his head, he began speaking;
"Assembled races, blessed as we have been by Lonas, we have been in space for a hundred millenia and not acknowledged the existence of others. For this we apologize. We know not what we might have missed out on in our ignorance, but that is the past.
"We have always looked towards the future, and that has not changed. This coalition will clearly be the future of this small part of the galaxy, for better or for worse. We hope it will be for the better. The Nianan Hedgemony will sign the Coalition Treaty."
Clicknikket moved back to his "Bean-bag" chair. The chair was comfortable, if unorthodox, the design unheard of, and he had sent a memo to Nagara detailing the invention. Perhaps it would become standard issue.
"Assembled races, blessed as we have been by Lonas, we have been in space for a hundred millenia and not acknowledged the existence of others. For this we apologize. We know not what we might have missed out on in our ignorance, but that is the past.
"We have always looked towards the future, and that has not changed. This coalition will clearly be the future of this small part of the galaxy, for better or for worse. We hope it will be for the better. The Nianan Hedgemony will sign the Coalition Treaty."
Clicknikket moved back to his "Bean-bag" chair. The chair was comfortable, if unorthodox, the design unheard of, and he had sent a memo to Nagara detailing the invention. Perhaps it would become standard issue.
Kill one man, you're a murderer. Kill a million, a king. Kill them all, a god. - Anonymous