STGOD2 Main Story thread

[phongn]

Today, the tender BAS I Saw It First was host to a very interesting guest. He had jumped from hyperspace nearby and promptly hailed. His ship was nothing spectacular: indeed, it was one of many battered Corellian transports running around. A pair of quad-lasers, proton torpedos and phaser strips rounded out its armament. The sensors, standard. Hyperdrive - much the same.

So how did this gentleman find them? And more importantly ... why was he here?

"It's very simple, Mr. Andrews. My benefactors are asking you to supply enough arms material - guns, missiles, knives, even ships - to arm the Aquarian Resistance. You may do it however discreetly or openly you wish, though too open and you may find yourself in open war. We'll pay in raw materials. The usual contract of which I'm sure you're familiar with. Oversight will be minimal. We expect to see arms in the hands of Aquarians but we will not bother with bookkeeping or any of that nonsense.

"Or to be frank: we give you money, you give them weapons, they give the occupying forces a headache."

[Thirdfain]

FROM: Chef-Admiral Andreson (CNV Morrigan)
TO: Black Alliance fleet tenders
SUBJ: Threatening Commonwealth Territory

-::-

Your vessels, as military craft of a non-allied power, will be considered hostile and shot on sight. If you wish to trade with the Commonwealth, you may do so without your fleet of cruisers. Our nation believes in free trade, and will make no move to stop your lawful trade of goods with our civilians and citizens, but if your military vessels enter our space, you will see just how useful your craft are against the might of a REAL navy. Shots fired against Commonwealth craft will be met with deadly force.

You have been warned.

-: ENDTRANSMISSION :-

[phongn]

Code: Select all

We are aware of the activities of several nations in selling arms.  Should any rebellion form,  it will be put down with extreme force, we will show no mercy.   This is a warning to the Aquarians and those that would trade with them.

An unusually terse and harsh diplomatic reply soon came from the Crystal Palace. "If the Azgert would send in the proper military forces to reduce piracy in the Aquarian Sector, perhaps the Kingdom would actually be able to assist the insurgents on their planets. As it is, Azgert would do well to open up the tradelanes in the occupied sector; perhaps once the Aquarian's economy is allowed to recover your problem of rebellion will ... melt away."

[SirNitram]

"Or to be frank: we give you money, you give them weapons, they give the occupying forces a headache."

"Pissing off the religious fruitcakes that are there now?" A smirk appeared on Andrew's face. "A wonderful plan; my allies are starting that, but we'll gladly add your materials to the loads. We want one-ten percent open market price; no less. The freighter Speaking Softly will be the transfer point."

At the look of surprise, Andrews shrugged. "I have more important matters in former Vong space to attend to. The tenders Hand Me The Gun And Ask Me Again and Trade Surplus are doing the legwork. My associates aboard both will be glad that your benefactors are working in the best interest of true freedom."

[Stormbringer]

An unusually terse and harsh diplomatic reply soon came from the Crystal Palace. "If the Azgert would send in the proper military forces to reduce piracy in the Aquarian Sector, perhaps the Kingdom would actually be able to assist the insurgents on their planets. As it is, Azgert would do well to open up the tradelanes in the occupied sector; perhaps once the Aquarian's economy is allowed to recover your problem of rebellion will ... melt away."

Naturally we are attempting to clear out the pirates, but the Black Alliance is making things difficult indeed to reopen proper trade. Untill they can be brought to heel trade will unfortunately continue to be disrupted.

We are not overly concerned about the possibility of rebellion, we rather wish to serve notice to those engaging in the arms trade as well as the international community that we will not tolerate rebellion. After all, we wouldn't want to be accussed of disreputable conduct after all.

[SirNitram]

(BAS Hand Me The Gun And Ask Me Again signal sequence file x57365)
[swept-to-tight-beam]

xBAS Gun
oTSC Command

While your threats are, of course, wonderful bathroom reading, they amount to little. As the Alliance is not recignized as a nation or military power in the galaxy, our cruisers are private, our tenders are private. The cruisers are operating entirely in escort roles; if they are not fired upon, they will not fire. International law clearly recignizes the right of a trader or group to use escort vessels through potentially dangerous space, the ill-occupied Union is clearly potentially dangerous. If the Commonwealth wishes to close off trade to all but a few groups selected by your corrupt politicians, they are advised to enquire with Mr. Trask aboard the GSV Unrelenting Scourge Of A Really Bad Name.

[phongn]

At the look of surprise, Andrews shrugged. "I have more important matters in former Vong space to attend to. The tenders Hand Me The Gun And Ask Me Again and Trade Surplus are doing the legwork. My associates aboard both will be glad that your benefactors are working in the best interest of true freedom."

"More than just our esteemed colleagues of the Faith. Those nations think a smash'n'grab lacks any real consequences. For your Alliance, raiding small colonies, perhaps it lacks any. But on the galactic stage an object lesson must be taught.

"One hundred and ten percent is acceptable. Also, do spread the love around. The Azgert are not the only guilty party here. Payment will be made promptly. My benefactors have stressed to me the need for ... haste."

[SirNitram]

At the look of surprise, Andrews shrugged. "I have more important matters in former Vong space to attend to. The tenders Hand Me The Gun And Ask Me Again and Trade Surplus are doing the legwork. My associates aboard both will be glad that your benefactors are working in the best interest of true freedom."

"More than just our esteemed colleagues of the Faith. Those nations think a smash'n'grab lacks any real consequences. For your Alliance, raiding small colonies, perhaps it lacks any. But on the galactic stage an object lesson must be taught.

"One hundred and ten percent is acceptable. Also, do spread the love around. The Azgert are not the only guilty party here. Payment will be made promptly. My benefactors have stressed to me the need for ... haste."

"Even the gentlest colony raid has appreciable, objective consequences. These nations are foolish, driven by blindness. The trouble will be passed around liberally, do not worry." A smirk cracked on Andrew's face. "We will step up our actions immediately. We thank you for your time and your resources."

[Thirdfain]

FROM: Chef-Admiral Andreson (CNV Morrigan)
TO: Black Alliance fleet tenders
SUBJ: Threats

-::-

Your vessels are quite free to enter our systems and make trade. Your escorts, on the other hand, will be allowed to approach no closer than 1 LY to a Commonwealth system. They may reunite with their mothership when trade is complete. The interiors of our systems are very heavily patrolled, and hardly count as "dangerous" space, so you can be assured that your trading craft will be able to travel unharmed.

Your vessels will be escorted in-system by elements of the Commonwealth Navy, an organization you may have noticed is in our small section of occupied territory in extreme force.

Unfriendly private warships will not be allowed to jeopradize the citizenry and civilians of the Commonwealth.

-:ENDTRANSMISSION:-

[phongn]

Naturally we are attempting to clear out the pirates, but the Black Alliance is making things difficult indeed to reopen proper trade. Untill they can be brought to heel trade will unfortunately continue to be disrupted.

We are not overly concerned about the possibility of rebellion, we rather wish to serve notice to those engaging in the arms trade as well as the international community that we will not tolerate rebellion. After all, we wouldn't want to be accussed of disreputable conduct after all.

"It is the responsibility of the occupying powers to restore general peace to the area. It is wholly unfortunate that you have been unable to bring the pirates to heel. Furthermore, we have received interesting reports from the Space Guard forces operating in the sector that the Black Alliance is engaging in legitimate trade, as much as that could be said of them.

"If that is so, then you only have to deal with the smaller pirate groups, which to your undoubtedly competent military should be a trivial pursuit. "

[SirNitram]

(BAS Hand Me The Gun And Ask Me Again signal sequence file x57366)
[swept-to-tight-beam]

xBAS Gun
oTSC Command

Your proposal is accepted under the understanding that any actions against our ships will result in the escorts moving to defensive positions, whether the attacker be Commonwealth or other. Also be aware that we will honor no tariff or trade restriction. Free Trade means exactly that. In recignition of this agreement, we will deliver a shipment of pre-War peices of art from the Star Kingdom Of Serenity, as a token of goodwill and understanding.

[phongn]

"Even the gentlest colony raid has appreciable, objective consequences. These nations are foolish, driven by blindness. The trouble will be passed around liberally, do not worry." A smirk cracked on Andrew's face. "We will step up our actions immediately. We thank you for your time and your resources."

Both men stood up from their table and shook hands. "Then this meeting is adjourned. Good day to you and thank you for your valuable time, Mr. Andrews."

Andrews watched as the Corellian transport left his hanger and then turned to the captain of his ship. He took out his small remote and then asked his captain a simple question. "Did you get a deep-scan of the hypermatter core and did you put a tracer on it."

"Yes, my lord," she said, bowing. "Our sensors should be able to momentarily track it in the Grid. We also performed a more thorough background check on your guest and his ship. Nothing unusual, my lord."

[Kyle]

Code: Select all

Internal Message
From: President Devlys
To: Secretary of Intelligence and Operations Jan Frostin. 
Subject: Aquarian Occupation

 Jan, I need you to step up operations in the former Union. I want you too set up contacts with aquarian resistance forces and find a way to set up secure weapon and supply drops.

Code: Select all

Internal Message
From: President Devlys
To: Secretary of the Navy Arnold VanTeth. 
Subject: Free Star Navy Excercises

 Arn, the first batch of ships will be delivered to the FSN in two months, until then I want you to set up wargames between Task Forces 52 and 53. I want you to begin training cadre for the FSN immediatly. All ships in those Task Forces will take on officers of the FSN for training. Wargames should be conducted between the two task forces in free space to the south of the FSA. 

 We also need to speed up our efforts beyond the wormhole. Order Task Force 51 to begin pre emptive strikes on major pirate concentrations, though they are to continue in reserve for the guard. 

 I also want you to detail a heavy Task Force from the First Fleet and begin preparing them for offensive moves to the north east. I also want you to detail two medium task forces from Fourth Fleet and begin joint excercises between them and the First Fleet task force. We need to expand our buffer in the northeast.

General announcment to all major galactic news agencies.

The UTR is not pleased with the failure of Aquarain Occupying Powers to maintain security, order and the rule of law Aquarian territory. The UTR is formally filing a grievance with those powers for lost income, ships and lives in the AU. We are also enacting new tariffs and taxes on all good imported from the AOP and hereby stopping all exports to the AOP.

Numerous UTR civilian vessels have been attacked near and in aquarian space and we will not lift these restrictions until these powers can fulfill the obligations they have taken upon themselves in aquarian space.

The UTR Senate has also today approved the Presidents request for the expansion of the Navy, and has also authorized a forty percent increase in Guard Patrol size.

The UTRN will also be conducting excercises to the south of the FSA and will continue to do so for an undiclosed amount of time.

[Sea Skimmer]

From: Azef Explosives and Demolitions, HAB
To: Janes Defence Weekly
Re: Advertisement

We wish to run the following ad for the next three issues under our previously agreed package.

Azef Explosives and Demolitions brings a new generation of explosives technology into the arena of destruction. Baradium, the explosive that created the thermal detonator is both an ally and curse, its instability that provided so much power also killing countless users and destroying valuable equipment. But now for the first time baradium has been bound to a stabilizer, creating our new PBKN, and all with nearly the same explosive power per weight. PBKN is cheep, not only in manufacturing but also in storage and is guaranteed with a fifteen year shelf life. Already in service with HAB and other forces, PBKN is ideal for all demolition requirements, cvilian and military.

[Stormbringer]

"It is the responsibility of the occupying powers to restore general peace to the area. It is wholly unfortunate that you have been unable to bring the pirates to heel. Furthermore, we have received interesting reports from the Space Guard forces operating in the sector that the Black Alliance is engaging in legitimate trade, as much as that could be said of them.

"If that is so, then you only have to deal with the smaller pirate groups, which to your undoubtedly competent military should be a trivial pursuit. "

"Naturally we will. But the legitimate trade carried out by the Black Alliance includes arming rebel groups. Whether you consider it legitimate or not, we have to put the priority on securing the planets. And no doubt those armed rebel groups, and those Aquarian naval vessels that are out and out pirates, are contributing to the unrest in the sector."

"We'd be happy to convoy any legimate merchants interested in the sectory, but we cannot spare more than that."

[phongn]

"Naturally we will. But the legitimate trade carried out by the Black Alliance includes arming rebel groups. Whether you consider it legitimate or not, we have to put the priority on securing the planets. And no doubt those armed rebel groups, and those Aquarian naval vessels that are out and out pirates, are contributing to the unrest in the sector."

"We'd be happy to convoy any legimate merchants interested in the sectory, but we cannot spare more than that."

"According to our officers in the area, the Alliance shipping has, in fact, been seen only to deliver general goods such as foodstuffs and basic living material. Our observers in the Occupied Sectors have shown no arms being offloaded from their tenders, nor have the observers from the Intersteller Red Cross. However, as we do not wish to slight your own observations and their honor, it is possible that their elderly freighters' holds were dropping things.

"Certainly, the Alliance's elderly freighters are in general disrepair. Perhaps some of their personal arms fell through? Surely the Alliance would not be so foolish as to deliver arms to a rebellion in the middle of the most-watched Occupied Zones!"

[Stormbringer]

"According to our officers in the area, the Alliance shipping has, in fact, been seen only to deliver general goods such as foodstuffs and basic living material. Our observers in the Occupied Sectors have shown no arms being offloaded from their tenders, nor have the observers from the Intersteller Red Cross. However, as we do not wish to slight your own observations and their honor, it is possible that their elderly freighters' holds were dropping things.

"Certainly, the Alliance's elderly freighters are in general disrepair. Perhaps some of their personal arms fell through? Surely the Alliance would not be so foolish as to deliver arms to a rebellion in the middle of the most-watched Occupied Zones!"

"We have several recorded instances of the Alliance selling black market weapons. And several rebels caught have also confessed to purchasing illegal arms from them. We would be happy to provide the records in all the relevant cases. Perhaps that would convince you?"

"What ever you chose to believe, we will enforce order upon the planets and with all necessary force I might add."

[Raxmei]

From: Archimandrite Bazhak Skrie, Supreme Commander of of Nyfitsar forces in Galactic Southwest
To: Relevent Krytos Authorities

Please do not be alarmed at the presence of the fleet that has recently appeared in the vicinity of your space. We have come a long way, but our planned point of arrival is now classed as hostile space. The fleet will depart upon receiving further orders.

[phongn]

"We have several recorded instances of the Alliance selling black market weapons. And several rebels caught have also confessed to purchasing illegal arms from them. We would be happy to provide the records in all the relevant cases. Perhaps that would convince you?"

"Most certainly. If you could forward the relevant documents to Senior Captain Halsey's command, it would be most appreciated."

[Stormbringer]

"We have several recorded instances of the Alliance selling black market weapons. And several rebels caught have also confessed to purchasing illegal arms from them. We would be happy to provide the records in all the relevant cases. Perhaps that would convince you?"

"Most certainly. If you could forward the relevant documents to Senior Captain Halsey's command, it would be most appreciated."

"We will send the relevant records to you via courier."

[Sea Skimmer]

From: CINCFLT
To: COMTFORIRON
Subject: Aquarian Operations

Task Force Iron is to withdraw at best speed from operations in Aquarian space and return to Passchendale system for fleet review by the Great Leader. All remaining merchant tonnage is to be convoyed via the fleet. Use your discretion on all assets, which cannot be removed.

End CINCFLT

Well that's that, and I'm up for another star in four months, no more questions about that one. Vice Admiral McDowell then smiled at the last line before turning to look out across the rather large CIC. "Single all vessels to make ready for FTL and clear the station and surface."

A large trade station had been seized only a few days before by HAB Marines, as had the Aquarian world is orbited. Since then merchant ships along with all fleet units had been collected in its orbit. Now it was time to leave. The troops poured off the station loading onto several docked troop ships. From the surface a dozen regimental LSM's rose to redock with there mother ships. All then moved clear of the station. Its four-kilometer length once a flagship of Aquarian interstellar trade. In only a few days however the few remaining foreigners had been kicked off and Aquarian assets removed. Now it was exploded by hundreds of tons of PBKN and its own power supply. It was a pointless act of destruction, conducted on the flimsily pretext of denying it as a black market base. But that was the sort of thing HAB commanders did.

225 HAB warships, transporters and replenishment vessels jumped, some entering hyperspace to accompany the last of some 12,000 captured merchant vessels of all types for the long trip home, the rest using high speed hyperwarp. And with that the HAB exited the short victorious war.

[Sea Skimmer]

Passchendale, The Great Leader Speaks

"Greeting proud citizens of the HAB, I must speak to you now about several important issues. As you are already aware our military forces are now returning from actions against the Aquarian Union, whose efforts to engorge their territory at the expense of the free peoples beyond there boarders could not stand. But while this short war saw victory at little cost we cannot always hope to stand united with allies, for no nation truly has friends. As a result I hereby announce an immediate twenty percent increase in military appropriation, a figure to be exceeded under the coming new budget. I will not allow the free and united people of the HAB to go undefended even as other star nations swell there ranks and fleet.

But I now must move to a lighter note. Vice Admiral McDowell would you step forward please." The admiral moved up to stand facing the Great Leader. Both saluted, McDowell then standing perfectly still as his rank emblems where changed. They then shook hands and faced the crowd, or rather the many rows of an infantry brigade at attention. "You are now an Admiral." At this sign a call went out, "three cheers for the Great Leader, three cheers for McDowell." And so the men cheered as the camera zoomed out to look over the fleet passing at review, or rather the flawless representation of it via an elaborate theater system feeding from camera watching the real thing in orbit above. But then the people didn't know that, nor did the troops who where used to traveling without windows. So did it didn't really matter.

[Thirdfain]

FROM: Commonwealth Navy Command, (Desjardins)
TO: Navy Command Shiva (Maharashtra)
SUBJ: Fleet Movements

-::-

To facilitate the proper enforcement of Commonwealth law in the Annexed Provinces, sections of the Shiva March provincal fleet are to be redirected from Operation Cygnus to the Annexed Provinces.

Vessels to be deployed:

1 Athena class DN (CNV Panthesilea)
2 Hera class CR (CNV Lillith, CNV Freya)
10 Adrastea class CA
15 Orphne class CL
30 Alcyone class DD
50 Erithea class FS
60 Hesperia class FE

Vessels will be placed under the command of Navy Command Poseidon (Maralsartel.) They will be distributed across the three occupied provinces, to facilitate the clensing of pirates from the area. This operation is of the utmost importance, full order must be restored in all territories of the Commonwealth.

-: ENDTRANSMISSION :-

[Raxmei]

[neutral space]
The Nyfitsar war fleet had been out of Warp for mere moments before setting to work. Carriers disgorged a fighter CAP while the Tubalcain class transport ships opened their gates. An elegant ballet in space ensued as expert pilots guided cruisers, carriers, escorts, tankers, and fighters into the gate while at the same time others exited. The process culminated with the transfer of an additional four gate ships, collapsed to fit through their brethren. As they expanded to full size the four that were originally on scene collapsed to leave. When all was finished, where there had been two fleet groups were now a different two fleet groups of the exact same composition.

[Dahak]

<Datasphere news feed>

For the first time in over 300 years, Hereditary CEO Gladstone has ordered the Deep Cloud yards to be re-activated. Reports show that they will be online even as you see this.
This marks a frightening change in events. The yards hadn't been put into action since the Uprise Wars. Additionally, Datasphere researches show a rather unusual retransferring of monetary assets towards the Naval Arm and fleet construction.

This is more than just merely a coincidence, given that the Aquarian crisis isn't yet over.

*camera pans over Aquarian ships in Stuartian space*

With more and more Aquarian refugees and ships arriving, a refugee camp has been established on one of Avalon Five's moons. More refugees are to be expected, given the size of this camp.

</Newsfeed>