[HH-STGOD] Main Story Thread

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-04 09:39pm

The battle proceeded by rote. No fancy tactics or suprising manuevers. It was just the devestating, all embracing fury of the wall of battle. Invisible arrows flew across the void and smashed into the massive leviathans.

The Asgard battleships rolled back and began to fire. Few of the superdreadnaughts were left and the intact ships staggered under the renewed wave of fire.

* * *

Once the clash was over just eight battleships and the battered AFNS Loki survived out of the Asgard wall of battle. Most were battered and barely combat worthy but they were enough. The demand for unconditional surrender went out. One hour or fire would rain from the skies.

A courier boat that had hung back headed towards the wormhole to notify the rest of know space of the Asgard victory. It would also be the signal to launch the two other occupation forces of three battleships. The end was nigh for the Mazapani.

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-05 04:08pm

Upon the arrival of the Asgard forces fast on the heels of the couriers reporting the defeat of the main navy, the outlying garrisons evacuated, to take up service with Phoenix, Haven, the Sollies, anyone who might give them an opportunity to strike back in the future. They were too proud however, to resort to the life of a common pirate. And since Manticore seemed to be in bed with the Andermani, who had facilitated their destruction, they were unacceptable as well.

The Mazapani government, such as it was, surrendered, but not before a number of spiteful acts of destruction of their own industry.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-05 04:59pm

The Asgard Parliment met to begin passing legislation to annex the Mazapani territory. After numerous border wars they finally saw an end to the long standing war. The legislation was far ranging and comprehensive but the effect was simple. Mazapan ceased to exist.

One other proviso was attached to the bill. The first of the Andermani built Seydlitz-class was to be named AFNS Adolphus in posthumous honor of the victorious admiral.

* * *

Andermani warships began pulling back from Asgard space now that the war was over. Some would be heading back towards home. Others would be heading for Silesia.

The Empire was now free to turn it's attention to the pacifying that lawless region.

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-05 05:15pm

A Manticoran delegation was sent to Asgard in order to ensure the continued protected status of the Junction Terminus in former Mazapan territory.

*******

"The ships we have sent to Silesia are helping, but they aren't enough" White Haven mused, adding "Expedite the LAC base construction, and split off 1600 of the LAC we have massed at Grendelbane. I want 8-squadron groups on 50 different systems as soon as possible. Detail a half-dozen CLAC to provide a roving support base for them until we get situated fully. Also, task some of the Manticore system wings to provide additional coverage for the Talbott Cluster."

********

As near as could reasonably calculated to be the same time as the signing of the treaty on Haven, an identical treaty was signed at King Michael's tower on Manticore.

*********

Manticoran representative Catherine Montaigne requests a private meeting with Republic of Haven President Eloise Pritchart.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-05 05:22pm

The Andermani Marines were finally mopping up after the furious assualt on Governor Adrian Waldeck's mansion. It had been a gruelling endeavour dislodging the debauched ex-governor from his prviate fortresss, in fact it took 34 hours of heavy fighting. The now later-govenor had been a kingpin of the slave trade and a well known middle man for piracy all throught out the sector. His capture was proving a windfall of information for Imperial Intelligence.

"Colonel, we've got something... important and unpleasant. It's from the Governor's files, sir." announced the painfully young major

"Well, spit it out" said the clearly annoyed Colonel.

"Well, sir, they implicate Admiral Giscard and then commisioner Prichart in the genetic slave trade. While they were out here during the war it seems they reactivated several pipelines the Legislaturist families used to smuggle high grade prostitute-slaves into Haven." He took a deep breath "Apparently it's been going on since and they've actually expanded into industrial workers."

The Colonel looked stunned. This was earth shaking news. If the proof was there and it was real this would be monumental. A potential link for finding Haven's hidden yards and dirt on the first couple. A promotion was in the air.

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-05 05:25pm

"Madame President would be delighted to meet the honorable Ms. Montaigne," her assistant screened after the request.

***

Meanwhile, Havenite and Erwhonese ambassadors were sent to Phoenix, to request, with some urgency, for Phoenix to join the alliance.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-05 05:31pm

While the delegation from Haven was might with all the diplomatic niceties, Pheonix made it quite clear that it would not join any alliance. They had no interest in getting caught up between the two power, especially as they would be the first one caught in the cross fire.

They were at the cusp of an old dillemna. Haven the hard place, Manticore the rock. Caught between Manticore and Haven they elected to maintain a strict neutrality lest they become the target.

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-05 05:38pm

Manticoran marines shaking down Governor Elisabeth Wister's mansion, after a brutal assault brought about by information garnered by Operation Wilberforce, discovered in her files a great deal of information implicating the current Haven government in the slave trade. An exact copy of the information was forwarded to Viceroy Harrington immediately.

******
Catherine Montaigne entered the President's office, and after the minimum requisite pleasantries, cut straight to the chase:

"The actions of Mesa and those like her are intolerable," Montaigne began, "Due to their League membership however, it is impossible to act against them in any meaningful fashion on their own ground. You have always had a greater influence with the Solarian League. My monarch hopes that at the least, you will consent to forming an unofficial partnership to more effectively combat the genetic slave trade, if you are unwilling to go any further."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-05 05:43pm

[Imperial Intelligence Center aka "The Blackhole", New Potsdam]

"We've backtracked the pipeline as far back as we can. The whores are turning up in Noveau Paris. No suprise there. But the real kicker is the industrial workers. These guys are vanishing of the map as soon as they hit a couple of planets." explained Director Vandergross, a nervous little man.

"So what does it mean?" ask an impatient Emperor

"It means we've narrowed the Havenite shipyards down to handleful of nearby systems. At least so we beleive. The secruity is unbelieveable but we've managed to get our agents in and out of the drop off points safely. I can't confirm we've found the yards. But we're close."

"So that's how they got such a jump on the Manties. Figures, they couldn't quite squeeze their own people hard enough so they bought them. "

"I dare say so thought it is possible they have been sent to other projects. The slaves are certainly highly trained by any standard."

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-05 05:45pm

consequences wrote: Catherine Montaigne entered the President's office, and after the minimum requisite pleasantries, cut straight to the chase:

"The actions of Mesa and those like her are intolerable," Montaigne began, "Due to their League membership however, it is impossible to act against them in any meaningful fashion on their own ground. You have always had a greater influence with the Solarian League. My monarch hopes that at the least, you will consent to forming an unofficial partnership to more effectively combat the genetic slave trade, if you are unwilling to go any further."

"Yes, Ms. Montaigne", Pritchard smiled at her, "we dislike genetic slavery to the utmost. And Mesa is an unpleasant place. Recent developments, especially the Torch incident, led me to believe that the MEan influence on Solarian politics is slipping. Certain sector gouvernors are hating Mesa just as we do. Haven would be interested in discussing a possible, and terminal, solution to the Mesa problem."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-05 06:38pm

"My government is prepared to move decisively against Mesa within six months to a year, but we would of course stay our hand if the Sollies cleaned house on their own. In the same token Madame President, any influence you could exert towards steering the Solarian bureacracy towards a humane path, or even simply not lashing out at anyone acting directly against Mesa would be greatly appreciated. Likewise, if the worst comes to pass, we would welcome any Havenite effort alongside ours to cleanse that wretched hive of scum and villainy."

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-05 06:42pm

consequences wrote:"My government is prepared to move decisively against Mesa within six months to a year, but we would of course stay our hand if the Sollies cleaned house on their own. In the same token Madame President, any influence you could exert towards steering the Solarian bureacracy towards a humane path, or even simply not lashing out at anyone acting directly against Mesa would be greatly appreciated. Likewise, if the worst comes to pass, we would welcome any Havenite effort alongside ours to cleanse that wretched hive of scum and villainy."

"We certainly could sent a joint mission to the Solarian League, which just shows the seriousness and intense interest we have in this matter. Former enemies, standing side by side." Pritchard looked a bit more concerned. "Yet I fear the Solarian League still sees us, and no offense, as neobarbs, in some forlon sectors of space. But we will aid you, nonetheless. Our military is as prepared as yours..."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-05 07:17pm

"More prepared than ours at the moment" Montaigne replied with a faint smile, "That's one reason why we aren't ready to act now."

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-05 07:38pm

consequences wrote:"More prepared than ours at the moment" Montaigne replied with a faint smile, "That's one reason why we aren't ready to act now."

"We can't do it alone. We would have to act as one. Maybe this will get through the SLs thick skull..."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-05 08:02pm

"Unfortunately, our interests are now much closer to the Solarian League than they once were, and Manticore is most likely to bear the brunt of their ire. We would have to be able to guarantee the security of the Talbott cluster before moving, especially as the Office of Frontier Security would probably see this as a perfect excuse for "protecting the mistreated natives from Imperialist aggression" and moving against us."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-06 02:22pm

Honor Harrington received the 'evidence' impicating the Havenite government. Upon sharing it with her trusted staff, and hearing the opinions of Admiral Yu and Rear Admiral Caslet, it was decided that in addition to the secret report they would send to Queen Elisabeth, with the codicil that the information was completely unconfirmed, and suspicious in the extreme, that an information packet would be sent for Theisman's eyes only, to hopefully reach him before he departed Manticore after the treaty signing.

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-06 06:06pm

As Theisman read a second time trough the memo, he was still ablaze with rage.
"What on Earth do they think we are?" he cried out. "It will be cold day in hell before I let slaves work for Haven!"
"Yes, I know, Tom," Pritchard answered. "I'm as enraged about this as are you.Now that Manticore is getting sensible again, and we even start to get better...feeling for each other, someones trying to smear us. With tWith all the shit going on in that region I'm not surprised..."
"Yes, I concur."
"I will discuss this with Ms. Montaigne. We've been in talks about this whole Mesa affair, and it seems she's on the good side of the Queen. If Manticore should believe this... We really might step up the plans to go against Mesa in the near future."
"I don't see the problem with tackling Mesa. They have nothing that would save them if we choose to act against them. But the repercussions from the Solarian League is what troubles me."
"Yes, let's wait and see what we get to hear from Montaigne and Manticore. And you might take a look on the maps. We could need a nice, forlorn planet outside any polity in the Anderman/Silesia/Asgardian region, to set up a small naval base. Have a look into it."
Theisman stood up. "Ok, I will do."
LEaving the office, Pritchard called her assistant to her, telling him to screen Montaigne immediately.
"Oh and Dorian, call Kevin. I want him to send an investigation team to Silesia ASAP. Coordinate with Manticore and ask if we could send the team to Sidemore, to see the 'evidence' for ourselves."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-06 06:15pm

"Yes Madame President, you wanted to see me?" Catherine Montaigne asked upon entering the President's presence.

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-06 06:36pm

consequences wrote:"Yes Madame President, you wanted to see me?" Catherine Montaigne asked upon entering the President's presence.

"Thank you, Cathy. I might call you Cathy?" She cleared her troat and handed her the report from Harrington. She let Montaigne scan it for a short time and then went on.
"As you can see, someone forged evidence that we are using slave labourers. And we fear the Andermani rwally are going to swallow this whole, and believe it. I want you to tell your Queen that this outrage is absolutely not true. I trust your judgement in this matter. And it deepens our commitment to removing Mesa from the universe."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-06 06:47pm

[New Geneva, Andermani Empire]

Between Silesia, Mazapan, and the growing unrest in and along the Solarian frontier this was a boom time for the mercenary business. All over planet the "special regiments" were shipping out for this system or that. Times were booming and recruitment was hitting an all time high.

With a legacy that went back to Gustav Anderman himself, the Special Regiments of New Geneva were acknowledged as the finest mercanaries to be had in the galaxy. Despite being some of the priciest they were now being hired out every where.

Several dozen divisions worth now shipping out for the Asgard conquered territories. They'd be augmenting the small Asgard Army in pacifying and garrisoning the planets.

More were heading for duty in Silesia in their traditional role as auxilliaries to the Andermani Army. They'd be paid generously for their services as they restored order to the troubled sector.

And lastly, massive numbers of veteran troops were being hired out to the Mesan planetary government. They were being used to crack down on the myriad terrorist groups going after the planet's business interest. The loyal, disciplined Genevan mercanaries were now a common site of on the planet and elsewhere it's presence was felt.

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-06 06:50pm

Montaigne quickly skimmed through the report, noting the lines: "absurd location to keep information about deals hundreds of light-years away", and "trust implicitly to your judgement and character, Admiral Theisman, and have so informed my queen.", before replying "It would seem that someone is deliberately launching a smear campaugn against you Madame President. The only real question is who, and why? And yes, you can call me Cathy" she added as an afterthought, while more carefully reading the document.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-06 08:21pm

[Imperial Palace, New Potsdam]

"So, the intelligence reports are in. I guess it really is true, Haven's rulers are back in the slavery business." Chen-lu Anderman remarked. He actually looked rather disappointed. "Prichart was an Aprilist for god's sake. Why would we stoop to that?"

"Absolutely power corrupts absolutely. Who's to say she's immune. After the fuck up their revolution turned out to be I'd be suprised if anyone still believed." answered an equally disappointed Gustav Anderman

"I suppose it's just as well we've taken precautionary measures. Certainly our new agreements will help out in should push come to shove. And the Fleet Expansion Act is going to do a lot for us as well." Chen-lu took a sip of the beer in front of him. "So when is that to be announced?"

"Tomorrow, at the commionsionig ceremonies."

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2003-09-07 06:06am

The Battlecruiser Desaix, carrying a team of investigators from the FIA and FIS, departed a day after the talk with Cathy Montaigne and set course for Sidemore via Trevor's Star and Basilisk, to view the "evidence". She also carried a personal note from both Pritchard for Duchess Harrington, expressing the total outrage she felt over this matter.

***

"Tom, we need to strike Mesa decisively, before more people believe this garbage. I will wait what Montaigne can tell her majesty, but I hope they'd be able to scrape up a Battle squadron to assist."
"Will do, Eloise." BEfore he got up, he had one more point to bring to the President's eyes. "We have found a little, almost unused planet slightly off Silesia, which we could use as a naval basis. I will have a look into the detailed planning for setting one up."

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2003-09-07 09:25am

"You know, this almost couldn't have come at a worse time, your Majesty" White Haven remarked to Elizabeth, "In another six months, we would have the first rush of construction completed, as it is, to many ships are in the yards for refits, and far too many ships are almost ready for service. I think we have no choice but to ask for Grayson's assistance to give us the needed strength to deal with whatever happens."

"Nevertheless, we both know about Honor's knack for reading people, and if she can personally assure us that two of the top men in the Havenite navy, three if you count Foraker, would never stand idly by and let this happen, the whole thing has to be false. Get Zilwicki on digging through this crap to find the people behind it, he has the skills, motivation, and unofficial connections to find the pearl at the bottom of this cesspool if there is one. See if we can convince Pritchart to delay, any sudden attack at Mesa right now would only make it look like they are trying to cover their tracks."

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-09-10 01:21pm

[New Potsdam]

It was celebration. The Andermani Navy was launching six new superdreadnaughts and the Emperor himself was attending. Every one was expecting the usual sort of speeches, festivities and a few sound bites.

Instead they got something else. The annoucement of the Fleet Expansion Act effectively put the Andermani Empire on footing just short of war. Yards were mobilized, contracts made for new ships to be rushed through as soon as possible. No reasons were definitely cited but no one missed the remarks about the "renewed and agressive stance" of Haven and it's growing alliance.

* * *

The stunning news spread almost before the Emperor had stepped down from the podium. It was a bombshell.