Thirdfain wrote:Mazapan Wormhole Terminus
Mazapani Second Fleet
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"Mission clock gives us one minute, Almirante. Pods are stowed, and the Aguila has completed loading."
"Begin translation, and my god bless us. If we survive this operation, it will be a miracle.
Sixteen Dreadnoughts, supported by thirty Battlecruisers and thirty lighter escorts, leaped through the wormhole junction.
The fleet emerged in a holocaust. Energy mines, readied at the appearance of the first Mazapani fleet, fired in a constant barrage. Heavy capital grade lasers cut deep into the hulls of the warships bared in transition.
The dreadnaughts were carved up. Fiver destroyed out right and all but three of them were damaged into nearly impotent wrecks by damage. The battlecruisers fared little better as more mines hit them. Nine managed to pass relatively undamaged through the gauntel of fire. The escorts actually got through the easiest. Only five of their number were destroy and two more wrecked.
The assualt on a prepared defensive choke point was a horrendous exercise. And the fortress still had not yet spoke.
Meanwhile PR spin doctors from the FIA secretly manipulated Sollie media, and that of alliance members like Erewhon and others, so that Manticore was indeed shown as imperialistic and expansionst, and Haven was right al along that Manticore posed a problem to the stability to the region.
Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC GALE Force Euro Wimp Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
Orders arrived within a week of the withdrawal commands, tasking all of the lighter hyper capable ships bound for Grendelsbane to the Silesian sector.
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Dahak, you have permission for 1 Battle Squadron and escorts to transit the Junction for the zone of conflict. We will of course, have our own group of ships entering the region as well, pursuant to maintaining the security of civilians caught in the cross-fire.(Stormbringer, its up to you to determine wht Asgard would find acceptable, if anything, ThirdFain, likewise for Matapan).
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Stombringer:
"As we speak, a large contingent of ships is bound for Silesia. We stand ready to enforce peace on the Silesians, we only wish to clearly designate the territories to be administered by each of our governments to avoid misunderstandings and unecessary tension. We feel that it would be possible to take advantage of the nature of the Silesian Govenment to ensure their cooperation."
consequences wrote:"As we speak, a large contingent of ships is bound for Silesia. We stand ready to enforce peace on the Silesians, we only wish to clearly designate the territories to be administered by each of our governments to avoid misunderstandings and unecessary tension. We feel that it would be possible to take advantage of the nature of the Silesian Govenment to ensure their cooperation."
"So we have an agreement then? The southern and western sectors will fall to us with the center divided between us?" Anderman continued "Naturally we will insist on your holding up your end of the agreement on all counts. But your offer is acceptable to us."
Across the Silesian Confederacy, big briefcases full of money were handed over to Silesian Governors, along with the promise of a full pardon for past crimes. A contingent of the Manticoran Home fleet moved out at once, mostly lighter vessels, headed by a squadron of pre-pod SDs, and numerous freighters carrying LACs fo garrisons. Unnoticed in all this clutter, went a number of treecats, at least one for every system. Duchess Honor Harrington was appointed 'Official Head Honchesa' for the new Silesian Protectorates of Manticore.
Meanwhile in Manticore, a motion was proposed to appoint Treecat peers to the House of Lords. While hotly debated, it seemed likely to pass within the next few T-years.
A brisk sale of the recordings of the new hit reality show "High Ridge Prison Hijinks" hit record numbers among outlying worlds of the Manticoran Alliance.
As soon as the "Ok" went through to Haven, a flotilla of 3 Sovereign SD(P)s and 9 Curie class SDs with the escort consisting of 24 Mars class CA and 36 City class DD set sail for the Trevor's Star terminus, in order to get to the war region.
Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC GALE Force Euro Wimp Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
Stormbringer wrote:Ooc: Dahak you do realize that Haven wouldn't have even heard of the war since it's across the galaxy and the opening battle still being fought?
Well, thanks to the wormhole, even Haven should have heard, given that those boats went out crying for help soon enough....
That's the underlying assumption.
They'll set sail as soon as they hear about it, and get the OK from Manties, which I have.
But I could "delay" it until you think it'S right to allow them the travel.
Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC GALE Force Euro Wimp Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
Stormbringer wrote:Ooc: Dahak you do realize that Haven wouldn't have even heard of the war since it's across the galaxy and the opening battle still being fought?
Well, thanks to the wormhole, even Haven should have heard, given that those boats went out crying for help soon enough....
That's the underlying assumption.
They'll set sail as soon as they hear about it, and get the OK from Manties, which I have.
But I could "delay" it until you think it'S right to allow them the travel.
Because the seperation of the Asgard-Andy wormhole from the Andy-Manty workhole there'd be some delay. Probably a week or so. But not that much. Hard to estimate distance on the little map so I'll just call it that.
It has been announced that Queen Elisabeth the Second will be making a second state visit to Grayson, pending approval by Protector Benjamin, to show her appreciation for the Grayson peoples sacrifices and constant vigilance over the past several years. It is hoped that this show of support and gratitude will help alleviate some of the stress placed upon the Alliance between Grayson and Manticore by the recently disgraced government.
The crew of Loki gave a sigh of relief. Following the incredible and savage assualt on the wormhole the whole Mazapani fleet was withdrawing rather than fight.
No one knew or had any idea why they had made such an all out attack. They had sortied their whole Superdreadnought force and had lost a lot of in the amatuerish assualt. Prudently they had withdrawn rather than face down the Asgard and potentially cripple Mazapan.
* * *
Admiral Johannes Ritcher stood on the bridge of his ship as it stood watch over the VonBekk Terminus. The whole system had gone off with out a hitch and right now peace was settling over the panicked system.
"Captain, prepare a pinnace. I want to meet with the Asgard commader to get this situation straightened out. Neither of us need a war right now."
"Do we have any idea why they launched such an attack?" Queen Elisabeth asked her new First Lord of the Admiralty, Earl White Haven.
"The best explanation we have right now is insanity on the part of the Matapan fleet commander. We are adjusting our deployments to cover against something similar in our direction, but we are stretched very thin right now. Of course, given the damage the Matapan fleet has suffered, they shouldn't be too much of a threat anymore, but I prefer not to underestimate the unpredictability of a potential madman. For the moment, we have established a several hundred strong LAC CSP on the wormhole to back up the few remaining forts, and are lookng t the possibility of a task force based on the wormhole in the Manticore system to act as a reaction force to any threatened Junction, but that will have to wait until we get more hulls into service."
"And the Graysons?"
"They have some concerns, but we have reworked the applicable treaties with an eye towards preventing the unilateral abuses perpetrated by High Ridge and his ilk. They are tentatively willing to assist us with our defensive deployments, especially if they receive the aid packages we are putting together. As a token of good will we have given them a full readout of our new developments, but with one or two exceptions, their naval structure won't support implementing them. The Protecor seems optimistic about the effects your visit will provide towards repairing the damage our relations have recently suffered."
"And Bolthole?"
"We have a number of occasions where Theismann has made no public apearances for weeks at a time, and we are working on tracking the freighters that have to be supplying the facilities by their absences from the Havenite supply grid. Unfortunately we have no solid leads as of yet, the Republic of Haven is just too damned big."
"Minimise our exposure, but we need those shipyards found. If our read of their new government is incorrect, it would be a disaster to have that kind of shipbuilding capacity where we can't even find it. Until Pritchart lives up to her promises regarding the systems that want to leave, the jury is still out."
"Goddammit," Eloise Pritchard's palm hit her desk with a loud crack. "I don't like it. How can anyone be so stuid and attack with such a pitiful force?"
"I don't know," Thomas Theisman answered dryly. "I certainly wouldn't have doena stun like that."
"But we might actually get something out of this. Our Battle Squadron will show Haven's flag and interest in a peaceful solution. I have given special dispatches for the ambassador to Asgard, that Haven would be delighted to help Asgard, militarily and economically, in the future and are interested in deepening our relationship. If nothing else, it will be good PR, since we're showing that we're not the Peeps anymore, but 'nice'. And who knows? Maybe we can get an alliance or some treaties out of it."
"A good idea, yes," Tom observed. "And now that Erewhon signed the treaty with us, and broke the alliance, we even have a faster access to the Solarian League."
"Yes," Eloise smiled. "Remind me to pin a medal or something on Cachat's chest. His manical stunts certainly helped to sway the Erewhonese. And I think we should extend our hand, and send some ships there. That will show our commitment. And discourage the Manties from doing any stupid actions. Wish I could see the face of them when they hear it..." Her smile grew very thin.
"I will send orders for Admiral Chin to move her fleet to Erwhon. 2 SD(P) squadron, with CLACs and screen should show our flag quite nicely. Not that Erwhon was a push-over, either."
"Oh, and Tom," her voice suddenly dropping a few tones. "I heard reports from Kevin, that the Manties are looking for something. Intensively. Might be Bolthole."
"Well, it's not as if we didn't expect it. But I'm sure even if they find it, they'd think twice abot attacking it. Shannon certainly has something to greet them with." He chuckled.
Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC GALE Force Euro Wimp Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
"The results are in, Ms. President." Pritchards assistant walked into the office. "Tahlman and Runciman choose to renounce their membership in the Republic and intend to stay independent. Franconia, barely, choose to stay in the Republic."
"Hm, I wished they'd all stay, but I can't change it, Dorian." She looked out of the window into the night.
"Oh, and don't forget to include the formal question in the dispatch to Manticore. That's all then, Dorian."
Dorian nodded and left the office.
***
As the orders were given, the courier left Haven, including the question to Queen Elizabeth, if there will be a formal signing of the peace traty, or if a real face-to-face signing wasn't wished for.
Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC GALE Force Euro Wimp Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
"Unfortunately yes" Prime Minister William Alexander responded to his monarch, "However, it does appear that Haven is living up to its promises in the systems that want no part of it. The Havenite government is expressing interest in a potential face-to-face signing of a peace treaty, the trick is finding a location that won't want to shoot up one or both sets of delegates, and sending a head representative that won't piss of the Havenite delegation just by breathing."
"Send Cathy Montaigne as part of the delegation, she should be able to effectively broach the slave-trade suppression campaign that we want to coordinate. Round up a representative from all of the Alliance polities, and make sure of their approval of the treaty terms. Present the option of simultaneous signings on both capitals as a means of avoiding giving a sense of superiority to one side or the other. And find out which of my darling brats would be most suitable to the Havenite regime as a personal representative.
The meeting of the Andermani Imperial Assembly that took place three weeks later was subdued by the standards of that fracticious and contentious body. The attack had stunned the Andermani as much as anyone and they had taken the assualt on their ally seriously indeed. Sanctions against the Mazapani had been ramrodded through the house with lightening speed, the Blitz Bill as some were calling it. A similar bill had come in from Midgard and the smaller polities of the neighborhood.
But that hadn't been the only effect of the Blitz Bill; it had authorized billions more for more warships, patrols and even the building of ten new Seydlitz-class SDs as well as numerous smaller designs for the Asgard Navy. The outrage had been immense.
But the Assembly meeting was half so important as the small meeting at the Imperial Palace afterwards.
* * *
Gustav Anderman was sitting in front of the roaring fireplace as he met with his closest advisors. These four souls determined more of Andermani policy than the two hundred and eight three Assemblymen combined.
"We've got two big issues on the table right now people. The Mazapani and the Peeps. One launched a sneak attack an amatuer, arm-chair admiral wouldn't have condoned. And the other seems to be sticking it's nose in everyone's business in known space." grumbled the august Anderman
"The answer to the first problem is really rather simple. We let the Asgard mount the attack their chomping at the bit to launch. With the losses the Mazapani took they'll be able to take the system. All they want is our assurance we'll watch their backs and they'll go. It's a win win from our perspective." said Chen-lu Anderman
"That's what I'm thinking. Unless the Asgard botch it badly they'll be able to do it." agreed Qian Wen Anderman, "It's Haven that's got me worried. Better to keep them out of our neck of the woods if you ask me. High Ridge might well have shot himself in the foot with Erewhon but it worries me the Peeps were so eager to sweep up the mess. I know I don't want them crawling around in my backyard."
"True, but what is refusing them transit really going to matter aside from making us look the villians? Asgard's given them the hint they don't want them but the ships are on the way and waiting anyway." Gustav IX frowned and looked thougtfully. "We'll deny them transit. Everyone out this way knows the Asgard don't much want the Peeps butting in, especially not with us and the Migard standing watch. But we'd better couch this in the best possible terms."
"And a few reminders of the Peep "commerce raiders" wouldn't be out of line" Chen-lu added "Those Dole fleet fuckups are still the likely cause of a lot of lost ships when they were operating in Silly territory."
"Have you settled in, Charles?" Eloise Pritchard asked her nes Secretary of Forein affairs, Charles Chevalier.
"Yes, quite so. After the unfortunate witch hunt I'm certain we're 'Giancola'-free now."
"Good, good," she nodded. "Now to a more pressing matter." She looked down at the memo on her desk. "Those damnable Andermani. How dare they?"
"Yes, it's unfortunate that they refused us transit. But we might get some PR out of this. We'll flood the faxes with that, how the Andermani are hampering our humanitarian effort, and spit in the face of our gesture of goodwill and peace. And who wouldn't believe it? They're militaristic and imerialist enough for that."
"Yes, I was thinking along the same line. But we should do something to express our dislike. We should impose punitive tolls on Andermani vessels. I'll screen Trade about it. And I have told Tom to recall them back to Barnett, before Admiral Reyer starts a shooting war with his bickering." She cleared her voice.
"Now to that treaty signing with Manticore. We're to expect some high-brow member of the Wintons, who will receive the warmest possible welcome here. And I intent to send you with a delegation. What you think?"
"Well, I never been to Manticore before, might be my chance," he chuckled.
"Good." SHe looked out of the window. "And now that we've access to Manticoran technology, and the Sollies are all over us, we could try something. Carefully ask the Solarian ambassador, and the represantatives of the corporations, if they'd consider a...different stance on the Mesa matter. I want that scum cleared from the face of the universe. We would be willing to exchange Manticoran technology with them, if they deal with Mesa. Or let us deal with them oursevles." She smiled very thinly.
"Will be done."
***
A later on Erewhon, Maytag, Suds Emporium
"Ah, Mr. Fuentes," the Havenite ambassador said. "Nice to meet you again. I've been sent to ask for a little help. The Andermani refused our humanitarian gesture. We have imposed punitive tolls. We would like you to do the same. Now that we are so close."
The nominal president of Erewhon frownd, then cleared his voice. "I think it is certainly possible. As you have shown to be honorable, I will talk with the rest of the Families. And I think we will come to a mutual agreement."
"Thank you," the ambassador answered thankfully. "President Pritchard also asks your opinion on a formal alliance treaty between our two republics."
One day later, the Republic of Erewhon imposed a 50% punitive toll on all Andermani merchant vessels.
And the Families sent optimisitc dispatches to Haven about an alliance.
Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC GALE Force Euro Wimp Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
"Hmmmph. I would have expected more out of Haven. A few meaningless tolls hikes and a smear job in the Sollie press. Doesn't amount to much." remarked Gustav Anderman
"It is a remarkably subdued response and largely ceremonial. None of out Solly trade moves through the Erewhon wormhole and we've got the next best thing to nothing with Haven itself." Chen-lu agreed, "But that's not the big issue. The Asgard are ready to move. They've got a solid plan worked out. It'll be messy but the outcomes pretty much forgone."
"Tell, them to go ahead at their leisure. But, Chen-lu, what bothers me most is why Haven's barging in. I don't like it. And their admiral was belligerent as hell even if he withdrew."
"They just want to be the good guys. It's probably innocent enough, they just don't understand that just about everyone out here knows their reputation and doesn't much trust them. Don't worry about it."
* * *
An official Andermani diplomatic courier scurried through the wormhole to the Asgard Federation. With Andy approval Operation Eagle was set to commence.
Today, the Republics of Erewhon of Haven announced the signing of the Alliance of Free Republics. It shall be a shining example of humanity and morality for other star nations.
At the press conference, President Pritchard of Haven also expressed her concern about the Anderman/Manticore situation. After barely staggering out of a crippling war, the Republic views the increased expansionism of Anderman as unhealthy and risky for a peaceful galaxy. She also expressed her hope, that people will see Haven for what it is, not for what it was under the despisable regimes before it.
Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC GALE Force Euro Wimp Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
The Andermani PR was rather simple compared the Haven's typical provado showings. The short broadcast made by the Andermani Foriegn Minister was simple.
It announced that the Silesian "expansion" was not the result of any policy of agression; it was a peace keeping operation after conditions in the Confederacy had simply disintegrated. It was a humintarian endeavour meant to save lives and bring an end to centuries of bloodshed. It also reminded the League of several incidents, that despite violation of Eridani Edict, had not merited League intervention. If the community at large the Andermani Empire would have to step up to the task and had asked it's noble ally to do so as well.
It had blocked the Havenite warships only after consulting with their allies the Asgard. It was not the denial of humanitarian aid, but the reasonable request of an ally to help defuse what could have grown into a major war.
A massive Fleet of Asgard warships hurtled through hyperspace outside the Mazapan systm. Twenty five massive superdreadnoughts, fifteen battleships and a massive swarm of escorts made their way towards the enemy, racing across the high reachs of the Theta bands. Aboard the flagship AFS Loki the countdown to transission was beginning.
"Stand by for hyper transision in thirty seconds...... twenty..... ten...... NOW!"
Over a Hundred and fifty cruisers and battlecruisers rapidly spread out through the Manticoran portion of Silesian space, more than 2/3rds from the former occupied Havenite systems, the rest detached from Home fleet, as Honor Harrington's squadrons of the wall positioned themselves at critical systems. Freighters arrived in the eeks following, carrying loads of LACs, and their needed support base. Their arrival immediately preceded the arrest of a number of Silesian officials who had fallen back into old habits.
Construction began on a new series of Ships of the Wall, using what Manticoran yard space was free, and all of the Grayson yards that were sitting idle, now working at a frantic pace, fed by the constant flow of money from Manticore.
The roster of the delegates to travel to Haven for the signing of the treaty was finalised, as the delegates began to assemble at Trevor's Star, waiting on final Havenite approval to coordinate timing.
Haven gives final approval of timing.
The Battlecruiser La Fayette launches itself to Trevor's Star, carrying the representatives.
Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC GALE Force Euro Wimp Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
