STGOD2 Main Story thread

[Thirdfain]

(2 part post- one, a news transmission in the Commonwealth, the other, an acocunt of the combat over Cornerian. )


-: Commonwealth News Network :-

-:President Conner orders Complete Mobilization:-

"In a speech shortly following the destruction of the Cornerian invasion fleet over Desjardins, President Conner ordered a complete activation of all shipyards in the Commonwealth. War-time taxation and recruitment drives are being implemented across the Commonwealth. Recently re-appointed funds are being spent on activating and crewing military shipyards over Maharashtra, Asmodean, Osiris, Neuveau Estonia, Aberdeen, Saint-Claire, Santander, Saxony Beta, and Monteargent.

"The security of the Commonwealth will not be bought with terror-weapons. We will buil no reflex-cannon or turbolasers. Rather, we shall protect the grand nation we have built as we always have- through force of arms and through the strength and honor of our soldiers. To protect the lives of the people of the Commonwealth, to protect freedom and unity in the Galactic south, I have called upon you, brave civilians and citizens of the Commonwealth, to give of yourselves to ensure that we are never again struck as we were only weeks ago on Desjardins and Jacob's Landing.

I, through the power invested in me by the Senate and the Cincinnatus Clause, have called for an increase by one half of the size of the Navy by the end of the year. I have called for activation of all reserve Legions, and for the raising of another two billion Legionnaires.

It is time for the Commonwealth to arm itself, and to protect itself from the forces of Tyranny that even now reach out from the morally bankrupt despotisms in the Galactic Northeast.

Glory to the Commonwealth!"

Said President Conner, in a broadcast from the provisional capital on Togo.

-: Allied Forces Smash Krytosians over Coventry :-

Naval vessels of the Corporate Sector Defense Force and the Star Kingdom of Serenity's Royal Marines struck hard against the Kryotsian blockade fleet over Coventry mere minutes before the destruction of the Cornerian invasion over Desjardins.

In a series of clever hit-and-run attacks, Serenite vessels tricked Krytosian invasion troops to retreat and cluster up under cover, where they were then annihilated by tactical nuclear bombardment and assaults by Commonwealth legionnaires. Corporate vessels then arrived, driving off the occupation fleet.

Today, Coventry stands free, despite brutal orbital bombardment and a concentrated invasion.

Soldiers from the following legions and militia helped hold the world:
4th Coventry Brigadiers
3rd Coventry Heavy Foot
7th Coventry Grenadiers
5th Coventry Heavy Foot
122nd Coventry City Brotherhood
123rd Coventry City Brotherhood
45th Argentine Hills Phraetrie
36th Edinburgh Brotherhood... (list continues)

-: Takeda/DeVries Heiress Takes Control :-

In a surprise move yesterday, famed enterpreneur and heiress Miyako Takeda announced the sale of the Takeda/DeVries heavy merchantman shipyard to the Commonwealth Navy. The sale was reportedly made for far less than the massive 4-slip shipyard was worth. Sources close to Mrs. Takeda refused to comment when asked whether the sale had anything to do with the destruction of the Takeda family residence and all of Mrs. Takeda's close family during the Cornerian bombardment of Desjardins.

-: ENDTRANSMISSION :-



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-: Corneria :-

The Commonwealth fleet, still locked in brutal combat with the Cornerian forces, split slightly- a sextet of heavy cruisers moved away from the center of the brutal fighting. The Cornerian capital had been stripped of it's shielding by the action of the Corsair displacers- and now, it was time for the long-awaited retribution.

Each of the vessels turned along it's axis, aiming ranks of blunt missile tubes towards the planet below.

The projectiles hit the atmosphere, and erupted- but they were not shipkillers or nukes. Rather, they were the heavy EMP rounds the Commonwealth used in place of Ion Cannons. Designed to disable heavily armored and hardened military starships, the massive EMP waves swept over the capital city of Corneria. Lights died as the local power=plants gave out in astonishing flashes of light. There would be many civilian deaths, of course- safety equipment would fail, fires would ignite. The resultant chaos would not be nearly as damaging, though, as the terror which had been unleashed over Desjardins.

The dropships came next, spiraling down through the atmosphere. Counterfire lashed out, but it was sporadic and poorly aimed. The EMP blasts had turned most sophisticated machines in the region into useless chunks of metal. Only a few air defense weapons remained active, and those which spoke were singled out for strikes by the aerospace gunships which were no breaking out of their re-entry pods in the high atmosphere.

The first dropships made it, landing in the streets of the capital, releasing swarms of armored Commonwealth marines. They began to fight their way towards the armored government buildings.

-: ENDRECORD :-

[Darksider]

::::::::Rashnok naval repair base::::::::

The trap was sprung.... Massive system wide interdictor beams prevented the Entente fleet from emerging from hyperspace within weapons range of any of the defenses.. They would have to attack the old fasiond way.

Mark seven plasma mines came to life all over the system, and a massive jamming net went up that prevented the Entente from getting any accurate information. The defenders of Rashnok waited silently for the enemy to move.

[Thirdfain]

-: Desjardins, High Orbit :-

The vessel was massive- Five kilometers long from the cluster of huge exotic-matter fusion torches at her aft to the ring of maneuvering thrusters and FTL sensors at her bow, measuring 2.5 kilometers across the particle-beam cannon gun decks circling her vast equator. Rows of missile tubes circled her directly aft of her nose and directly forewards of her engines. Ranks of armored gun-pits and fat little point-defense clusters girded her like belts.

Her hull was freshly painted, her chameleon paint newly applied and activated. Her name was spelled out in letters dozens of meters tall: CNV Hi'iaka. A stlyized representation of a nude woman with glowing eyes, wrapped in licks of fire and flows of lava, stretched a third of her hull's length. Named for the ancient Earth Hawaiian goddess of fire, retribution, and the volcanoe. Her sister craft, the Pele, remained in the Desjardins docks, undergoing repairs from the damage she recieved during the recent battle, but she herself was fully ready for combat.

Off her port hung the CNV Hsi Wang Mu, fresh from the recently completed Maharashtra yards. A carrier, she would act to support the Hi'Iaka's heavy guns with her 500 large fighters.

Five heavy cruisers- newly christened, from the shipyards at Monteargent, hung in space, set around her. They were the Asp, the Battle of Second Desjardins, the Coventry, the Powell, and the Kingfisher. Together with five Orphne-class Light Missile Cruisers, twenty Alcyone DDs, and 90 assorted frigates, they made up a newly re-formed Heavy Response Manipule Alpha.

Seven large Commonwealth Army transports hang in space alongside them- loaded with dropships, bombardment weapons, and almost a billion Commonwealth Army Legionnaires, stacked like cordwood in the freezers, prepared to be laoded in dropped in minutes.

Elements of the Free States Union's fleets were present- Two heavy cruisers, home-made Nova Moscow designs. They were smaller and less capable than the Commonwealth equivalents, but had been upgraded with Commonwealth fire control and ECM electronics. An additional forty assorted escorts rounded out the FSU squadron, including four Commonwealth-built White Lady class Destroyers and seven Tangeiran destroyers, home-built ISD ripoffs.

The fleet grouped up, and then leapt into hyperspace.

-: ENDRECORD :-

This represents the completion of the most recent run of Commonwealth warships, the last vessels completed before the massive build-up of the Commonwealth Navy.

Note that a HUGE expenditure of resources is being brought about- it will strain the resources of the Commonwealth, and relies in part on monetary aid from the CD-RoM and the increased trade brought about by the expansion of Commonwealth territory and the alliance with the FSU.
Also includes significant tax increases on the Commonwealth citizenry, something they would not put up with had the Cornerians not nuked 2 major worlds.
The next run of construction, completed in about 3-4 months:

Desjardins Shipyards (Desjardins):
- 1 Athena-class damaged, in a busted slip. Under repair, 2 months from completion.
- 1 new keel laid- strange design, 6.5 KM long and with mountings for 3 reactor clusters rather than the usual 2. hmm....
- 5 CR/e's

Desjardins Shipyards (Monteargent Annex):
- 5 new Cruiser hulls- once again, longer than Adrastea class's keel, and with mounting for 3 reactor clusters.
- 3 slips being activated, ready for operation in 1-2 weeks. Will be filled with regular Adrastea keels.
- 15 escort frigates

Desjardins Shipyards (Santander Annex):
- 2 cruiser slips, operation in 1-2 weeks. Will be filled with regular Adrastea keels.
- 15 strike frigates

Fabrique St.Claire (Saint-Claire):
- 4 Cruiser slips, operational in 2-3 weeks. Will be filled with "new" cruiser keels
- 10 escort frigates, slips operational in 1-2 weeks
- 10 strike frigates, slips operational in 1-2 weeks

Fabrique St.Claire (Saint-Pierre):
- 15 Destroyers
- 10 escort frigates

Desjardins Shipyards (Jacob's Landing):
- 5 Destroyers
- 15 strike frigates
- 15 escort frigates

Desjardins Shipyards (Aberdeen):
- 5 Destroyers
- 5 Destroyers, slips will tke 2-3 weeks to activate.
- 10 escort frigates
- 10 strike frigates, slips will take 1-2 weeks to activate.

Kelia Industrial (Neuveau Estonia)
- Numerous assorted military suppoort craft- dozens of freighters and missile colliers.
- 2 cruisers, new model- slips activated in 2-3 weeks

Mutsu Shipyards (Mutsu)
- 5 Orphne-class CLs
- 10 escort frigates
- 10 strike frigates

Mutsu Shipyards (Manchester Annex)
(under construction, months away from completion. When complete, will contain 5 cruiser slips and over 50 freighter slips, from 30 KM to 200 meters.)

Desjardins Shipyards (Osiris Annex)
(Under Construction, 1 DN slip about 3 months from completion.)
- 2 heavy cruiser slips, w/ new model keels.
- 5 Chorea CR/e's

Mutsu Shipyards (Asmodean Annex)
- 5 Destroyer slips, 2-3 weeks from activation
- 5 CL slips, 2-3 weeks from activation

Mutsu Shipyards (Neuveau Gaza Annex)
- 10 CL slips
- 5 heavy cruiser slips under construction, completed within the year

Desjardins Shipyards (Maharashtra Annex)
- 1 new-model DN hull under construction
- 2 new DN slips under construction, 3-6 months from completion.

So, total vessels to be completed within 4 month's time:

3 assorted DNs
18 assorted CAs
20 Orphne missile CLs
10 Chorea escort carriers (CR/e)
40 Alcyone DDs
70 Hesperia FEs
60 Erithea FSs
- numerous military support craft and Commonwealth Army heavy transports.

[Kyle]

Deep Space
Task Force 51

Willtan sat in his command chair onboard Republics flag bridge. Task Force 51 was currently rendevousing with an underway replenishment and support convoy. Magazines were being filled, fighters were being replaced and combat losses were being made up with fresh crewmen.

His latest message from Command had informed him of his brevet promotion to Vice Admiral for his actions in the Battle of Desjardins. He had also recieved orders to wait for the arrival of Task Force 23, once the rendevous was made they would move on to Rashnok to support the Entente fleet already in position. TF23 would increase his fleet strength by 8 Light Carriers, 2 Battlecruisers, 8 Heavy Cruisers, 6 Light Cruiser, 10 Destroyers, and 14 Frigates.

He'd also recieved an informative warning that Task Forces 11 and 2 were enroute to Rashnok and would arrive ahead of him. Once his forces were assembled and arrived in Rashnok he was directed to take overall command of UTRN forces and co-ordinate with Entente forces. They were currently working on which allied navy would take command of the combined fleet. (OOC, what is the senior SKS, and CorpSec officer ranked?)

Rashnok system

Task Force 2 dropped from Multi-D, first out was the screen of 6 heavy cruisers flanked by 10 Llght cruisers with a protective screen of 10 destroyers and 14 frigates.

Then the big boys began to make transit. Task Force 2 was a Home Fleet task force, which menat it had a higher proportion of the really big capships then the other fleets. First out were 2 dreadnoughts, with 4 battleships in tight formation with them, and behind them was a massive assault carrier loaded with even more fighters then a fleet carrier could carry.

Follwoing that impressive showing was Task Force 11 with a cruiser screen of 6 heavy cruisers, 4 light cruisers and also 8 destroyers and 16 frigates spread out in a skirmish formation.. In the center of that formation sat a fleet carrier and battle cruiser as well as three light carriers.

Rear Admiral Tommaz of TF2 began to set up recon raids and probings of the Krytosian star system as well as to contact the allied fleets. Hopefully they would respond soon.

[phongn]

Task Force 15

Vice Admiral Jaime Anderson was currently flying her flag on the heavy cruiser HMS Point Victora and was speeding her way through space as a scouting force for the main body. She had a powerful force but was instructed not to get entangled for the rest of the fleet needed the intelligence she brought. However, her fleet was sufficient to destroy most enemy scouts consisting of light cruisers or worse. Her own Scouting Group 15.1 was not the only one under her command -- she also had 15.2 and 15.3 to use to find the enemy.

Task Force 14

Admiral William Bryst commanded Force Z as the Star Kingdom's Royal Navy moved to war. In included the heavy fleet elements of Fleet Division Nemesis and most of Fleet Division Engima and was slated to go on the offensive against the enemy as soon as feasable. Already fast replenishment ships were topping off his fuel bunkers and ammunition storage for the battles ahead.

OOB is in the OOC thread.

[Kyle]

Luna City
Naval Command

Fleet Admiral Gretin, CNO UTRN, considered his deployments. With TF 51 and 23 currently underway for Rashnok and TFs 11 and 2 in the oort cloud of Rashnok, he had a good percentage of the UTRN tasked for offensive operations. He also had TF 52 available for support if needed. But first it was time for him to plug some holes in his OOB.

The first hole to fill was in Home Fleet. No CNO like weakening Home Fleet, but it had been needed to give the strike agaisnt Krytos the kind of muscle it would need. But it still meant he was now short an Assault Carrier, two Dreadnoughts and four Battleships.

And he knew how to do it. He currently had six new build Fleet Carriers and four new build battleships, as well as four new build Dreadnoughts undergoing wargames in Fourth District. Escorts were going to be hard to find for a little bit as the war fleet needed them desperatly. The Patrol was going to have to take up some of the slack for the navy.

For now he wrote orders transferring all four Battleships as well as two of the Fleet Carriers and two of the Dreadnoughts to Home Fleet. They were to be redesignated as Task Force 5. That Left him with two extra Dreadnoughts and Four Fleet Carriers.

He then drafted orders to those ships as well as to Fifth Fleet. Fifth Fleet was to transfer TF 52s Battlecruiser as well as three CVLs to TF 51. In return 52 would get Four Fleet Carriers and two Dreadnoughts.

He considered the holes in First and Second Fleets and decided that the best move would be to move TF31 to replace TF11 and TF43 to replace TF23. Third and Fourth Districts were the two quietest sectors of the UTR due to there loactions nearby the CorpSector and Star Kingdom.

He also wrote orders confirming Willtans promotion to Vice Admiral. He had some other thoughts on how to adjust UTRN deployments, but for now those could wait, did the UTRN need a Sixth Fleet?

they ahd no dedicated offensive formations, it was originally planned that Fifth Fleet could take that role, but it was now saddled with the security of the Alliance and Federation. They needed a permenant formation with no other reponsibility. Well, he'd decide after Rashnok.

[Marcao]

TSC Space, Isis Border Province
Isis Prime, Orbit

The task force orbiting Isis Prime had passively monitored commonwealth communications, it was the prudent choice. Anything that was not heavily encoded was obviously not terribly important and it allowed anxious crews a chance to channel that nervous energy into something constructive. The speech that dealt with the president of the commonwealth was immediately tagged high priority and patched through various commanding officers by the ship based AI of their ships. The information passed along via ansibles to headquarters. The speech held within various facts that were shocking to some, and disturbing to others. Their intelligence had suggested that the TSC had suffered grievious wounds to their capital and due to that, the information had seemed to suggest that the TSC was on the losing end. That data seemed to have been quite inaccurate.

The proposed expansion of the TSC navy and increase in its ground forces was not surprising, not for a nation that had been involved in a war and had suffered like the TSC was believed to have suffered. Nonetheless, the various captains aboard their ships were certain that it would make some people back home a bit nervous. There was no guarantee that the TSC would prove to be a worthy and suitable partner to their nation, and while negotiations seemed to have started on the right foot there were no guarantees. In the end however, the final decision was up to the government and whatever means they had at their disposal to divine which the best path for their nation to take was. Commander Lasha Meiris patched into the external sensors of the Shining Path, Isis Prime glittering like a jewel beneath her. She would prefer not to come here as a conqueror. The TSC had been graceful so far, the idea of being involved in a shooting war with them was far from pleasant.

Indashani Space, Indas System
Indas 3, Government Headquarters

The information which had been forwarded from the contact task force orbiting the TSC world of Isis Prime had arrived at its final destination easily enough. The information dissected by various specialists before it was passed on to the president and his chiefs of staff for a briefing. The briefing had been short, causing waves for the first few minutes as surprise blossomed to irritating and then settled for apprehension. The fact that the TSC was not in its death knell was seen as a positive development, since it meant that the likelihood that the TSC would ask for Indashani involvement in their war was close to zero.

A series of decisions were debated and finally chosen, the Indashani navy had to expand in order to maintain its capability to deal with possible incursions into her space. The possibility was small, but it was enough of one to warrant caution. The fact that the TSC was expanding its navy was not seen as an immediate threat, but it was one of several factors that led to the decision to increase the time table for the formation of the first rapid reaction force. Within seconds of the decision being made, various tendrils of the government got to work. A news conference was called up, and various topics pertaining to the state of the republic were touched upon.

Indas Times

Amasu and Kaveth conflict ended. Peace treaty to be signed within a week’s time.

The conflict between the Amasu and the Kaveth has come to an official end, both nations have come to an agreement on the terms for their peace treaty. No territory will exchange hands between the nations, both agreeing to fall back to their lines before the conflict started. Reparations for the losses invoked during the conflict are still being worked upon, but the treaty as a whole seems to be well on its way to being ratified by the governments of both nations. Edja Naris the Indashani ambassador to the Amasu has kept a close eye on the negotiations and was quoted as saying that “The republic is thrilled at the news that the Amasu and Kaveth are ready to sign a peace agreement that will move both their nations away from the past and into the future.”

Fast reaction task force revealed.

Sources within the government have recently released information pertaining to the formation of the nation’s first “fast reaction task force”. The task force is conceived as a fast moving force capable of traveling quickly and packing enough firepower to deal with most internal or external threats. The task force itself will be composed of mostly escorts, with only four major capital combatants. In order to assure that the ships will be trained quickly, various vessels from some of the exisiting fleets will form the core of the task force. The largest ship that will be part of the task force will be an Acheron class battleship. The battleship which has been chosen to spearhead the formation of the task force is the INS Shining Path, under the command of Captain Ezra La`mari. The Shining Path is currently on patrol, and thus the captain of the vessel was not reached for comment. The ships being built in the Asaya system as well as others are being built in order to be part of this task force. The composition of the fleet will be outlined below, the task force will begin its training operations within two weeks according to government sources.

Fast Reaction Task Force (1)
1. Battleship (INS Shining Path)
1. Drone Carrier (INS Nightshade)
2. Battle Cruisers (INS Vampire, INS Fallen Angel)
6. Cruisers
10. Light Cruisers
20. Destroyers
25. Heavy Frigates
25. Frigates

[Thirdfain]

-: Gubernatorial Palace, Alexander, Old City, Isis Prime :-

The chamber was not particulary massive- it had nothing on the huge arcades and grand halls of Alexander's Arcology belt. Never the less, it's old-world decor and ornate, carved ceilings would be appealing to fans of anachronism like Isis Prime's original colonists had been over three centuries ago when the planet was first brought under human control, and they had been the ones who had built this edifice.

Santander Gearhardt had been born on Saxony Beta, and was every inch an inner-worlds military elitist. He had even been named after one of the old war-heroes of the 12th Republic, and as such, had always prefered the quiet, austere functionality of the architecture found in the Desjardins province. The Alexandrian mansion seemed ostentatious to him- as did the Indashani visitors.

After the initial shock of learning that all the brilliantly-dressed offworlders were telepaths (Which Governer Lermontov had taken with surprising cool- Gearhardt had always taken her for an outworlder civilian airhead), the two groups had been escorted to the expansive dining room- now, joined by two women in clean civilian dress, wearing the conservative clothing and small hand-and-eye symbols of the Civil Service's commerce telepath bureau. Never the less, Gearhardt didn't doubt that one of the waiters was an Agency snapper-telepath. James, the local Agency director, was wiley, and would likely have ensured that one of his more capable people was in place in the event that the two overt commercial telepaths were not sufficient.

Now, the two delegations were seated, and conversation had begun. Gearhardt tuned out the opening pleasantries, instead looking at the two bodyguards with a practiced soldier's eye. They moved with the characteristic grace and smoothness of professional fighters. Gearhardt looked for the killer's gleam in their eyes, but couldn't find it- which in itself, meant nothing.

Ah, the conversation was turning interesting. Gearhardt's attention snapped to Lermontov and Yvaz. Katrina was speaking.

"... Which brings me to this simple question, madam Ambassador. What brings you to Isis? I assume that this is a movement on your part to open serious diplomatic relationships- a trade of ambassadors, and so forth. Is this so?"

-: ENDRECORD :-

[Marcao]

TSC Space, Isis Border Province
Isis Prime, Alexandria

The architectural intricacies about them was noted by most of the members of the Indashani delegation, comments and thoughts exchanged wordlessly between all four members. They were in an obviously old part of the city, but the ornate carvings and decorations proudly displayed that like wine, this city only got better with age. The Indashani were proud of their past, and could appreciate the hints that their surroundings offered them as to the world’s beginnings.

The delegation was eventually seated and joined by two women in elegant dresses. It did not take long for their nature to be understood and the ambassador found herself smiling, a simple query passed along to her escorts.

<<our new guests are telepaths are they not? They intend to monitor any attempt at coercion or mental intrusion I suppose.>>

The answer from Ishana was cheerful. <<Absolutely right ambassador. There are others about as well, we can’t see them but I can feel their presence. I can’t exactly pin point them however, these people are surprisingly good.>>

Ara interrupted in the conversation dryly. <<We should be flattered that they obviously took our presence seriously.>>

Helena hesitated only a moment before continuing. <<Could any of you get past them if you wished?>>

<<It’s possible, but not without alerting them that something was going on. I can feel no obvious weaknesses and would have to try and direct approach. I am very good at those, even if I do prefer elegance over brute strength.>> Ishana’s tone was sweet, Ara’s mental snort dancing through the minds of the delegation and ending any further contemplations.

Outwardly, Ishana and Ara sat flanking the ambassador, their expressions formal and precise. There was very little emotions in the relatively handsome figures, the negotiations were not theirs to orchestrate. They were beautiful weapons, which would ideally remained sheathed at the sides of the Ambassador. When the crux of the matter was brought forward, Helena immediately rose to the occasion.

”Your assumption is correct sir. I have been tasked with establishing serious diplomatic relations with the TSC. This includes a trade of ambassadors and the usual exchanges of information and pleasantries that two newly found nations need in order to establish formal ties.” She paused for a moment, an eyebrow arching as Ara glanced towards her. It was obvious that there was some sort of exchange before Helena continued. “As a gesture of good will, I have been authorized to tell you that the Republic is willing to offer monetary grants to the TSC in order that the damage caused to Desjardins may be repaired and dealt with properly. These grants shall be provided to the TSC in order to help alleviate the suffering of her people, and show solidarity with your nation.”

[Thirdfain]

-: Gubernatorial Palace, Alexander, Old City, Isis Prime :-

Katrina kept her wolfish grin to herself- this sounded good, but there was such thing as "too good to be true." The Indashani certainly seemed eager, and friendly. They also seemed to posses a great deal of high technology- advancements in the luxury fields the Commonwealth had only just started to once again persue.

She turned over the old maxims from her diplomacy training- What's in it for them? Where is the money? Who profits?
The Indashani clearly had little contact with the outside galaxy, and as such would need a jumping-point for entering Galactic society. They also needed access to galactic trade- and the Commonwealth's links to the minor feifdoms and some of the Entente members gave it a fair deal of trading clout.

But why the Commonwealth? Why not one of the big Entente powers? Katrina was unsure. She wanted to know more- but her orders and goals had been explicit from the President's office.

"I speak for the President of the Commonwealth when I say this much- I greet you with open arms. Arrangements for the establishment of a permanent Indashani embassy on Osiris are being offered, in exchange for a similar concession on a world of your choice in your own sphere."

"Additionally, I have been asked to extend to you the same trade an mutual patrol pact we share with the United Terran Republic- low tariff trade, and co-operation in protecting convoys and shipping between our powers."

"As for the offer of vast monetary aid, well, I am afraid I must take it back to my superiors on Togo. Such an agreement is for presidents and senators to make."

-: ENDRECORD :-

[Marcao]

TSC Space, Isis Border Province,
Isis Prime, Alexandria

Helena was aware of what were the likely thoughts of the TSC delegation purely because as a diplomat, she knew what she would be thinking if someone came to the Indashani in such a fashion. The offer that the Indashani bore was adequate, perhaps too appealing and too straight forward but it was what it was. They were indeed eager to have ties with the TSC because the TSC seemed had many advantages going for it. Their information was slim at best, but it was enough.

The Indashani needed a partner, and the location of the TSC was ideal in that regard. The TSC would indeed provide a jumping point into the galaxy for the republic, in more ways than most suspected. There were other powers about of course, but the TSC had been selected purely out of its position relative to the republic, the belief that it had been losing a war and the fact that it had suffered. As more and more information trickled back into the Republic and was analyzed, the more appealing the TSC became. The monetary exchange if allowed, would serve two functions. The first, would be to show in actions and not words that the fate of the TSC was of importance to the republic. Furthermore, that the needs of her people were of concern to the republic. This did not mean that the republic would align itself militarily with the TSC, but it meant that the republic would not turn a blind eye towards the suffering of the civilian population of the TSC.

The second, would be to garner good will among the populace and perhaps the government of the TSC that the republic was dealing in good faith. It was a pity that diplomacy was meant to hinder as much as reveal, but that the Indashani and the TSC would develop some ties was now almost a necessity. The republic needed to know what were the state of galactic affairs, which powers could be trusted and dealt with and which could not. There were dangers in using the TSC as a looking glass, and the internal biases of the TSC would be taken into account. However, perhaps most important of all some of the greatest futures for the republic, laid with this step. Cassandra had foreseen this, and so it would be done.

”I am thankful that this is so, and I am pleased that I will be allowed to stay within the TSC as the ambassador to my people.” Helena paused for a moment before continuing. “I am sure that the concession will be granted without delay, as soon as your people have gathered your chosen delegates a world for their placement shall await them.” It would be a core world of that she had no doubt.

The offer of the mutual patrol pact was met with a nod, the words about the UTR considered. “I am certain that my nation will look at the pact closely. I cannot guarantee that they will accept it, but I can see no immediate reason why they would reject it either.” Her words were chosen carefully, mutual patrol pacts were tempting but the Republic had an usual stance when it came to piracy. Pirates were afforded protected rights under the republic, something that had been a necessity when dealing with the Black Alliance corsairs. If the UTR or TSC had a problem with this, then consensus would prove difficult.

”A delay is acceptable, I was simply pointing out that the offer had been made. If you choose to accept it or not, will be the decision of your nation.” The Indashani did not believe in indiscriminate orbital bombardment. Besides, there were other gains that such a move would provide.

[Dahak]

Avalon Prime, Fleet Central

"It is decided then," Miller mused. "Possibly for the best. Send the Rubicon, Captain Illner will be perfectly suited for that kind of mission.

Datasphere orders were sent, a diplomatic mission gated to the Battlecruiser Rubicon which was ready to leave the Avalon system another hour after receiving the orders.

She slowly moved out of her parking position, and disappeared as she activated her Kornienko drive.

It was a relatively short travel, as she appeared in the outskirts of the system which was supposed to be the Indas System.

Immediately after reintegration, the com systems were broadcasting.
"This is an official diplomatic delegation of the Stuart Corporation. Shareholder Security Serve Naval Arms Ship Rubicon politely requests admission to the inner system."

[Marcao]

Indashani Space, Zer`liam System

The Zer`liam system was one of the oldest systems in the Republic, it formed part of the inner core of the Republic and it was defended as such. The entire system was highly industrialized and twin worlds orbited around its green zone. The population of the system was that of over sixty billion souls, and its space was cluttered with the signatures of hundreds of ships ranging in size from small civilian ships to massive mega freighters. All ships going about their usual business, but there were wolves among the sheep military vessels lurking in the shadows of space. Any system this heavily industrialized was worth defending.

The picosecond that the Rubicon appeared in the outskirts of the system, the early warning nets that all civilized and defense conscious nations employed kicked into action. The presence of the ship was noted and within 0.76 seconds a local AI had sent an alert to various points within the system proper. By the time that the intruding vessel was broadcasting its message, orders were being conveyed to military personnel and diplomats were being brought up to speed on the situation. The system fell under the command of the third fleet, and two of its battleships happened to be in the system proper. These two vessels were angled towards the Rubicon, their powerful gravity drives propelling them towards the outskirts of the system at a high fraction of C.

In one of the orbiting stations, a single prime hooked her mind to a gestalt device and scanned space with her mind seeking mental signatures. Indashani telepaths even boosted had difficulty penetrating warship grade shields, those shields prevented the prime from sensing the minds of those within the Rubicon. However, if there were any cloaked vessels or ships in powered down, emissions control, their minds would be within her reach. The prime continued her work, as governor Darius Mari of Zer`liam 4 sat down upon his office and sent a message back towards the awaiting ship. It had been prudent in remaining outside of the system until invited within, and that politeness would be paid in kind.


”Stuart Corporation delegate, your presence is acknowledged and the Indashani republic welcomes you. However, you are asked to wait until the INS Fearless and INS Formidable arrive at your location to offer escort during your transit. After which you will be given an approach vector and orbiting location. We look forward to hearing more about your nation and what proposals your government has in mind.” The governor’s words were sent immediately in the direction of the Rubicon, both battleships approaching quickly towards it. As they waited, civilian traffic continued unabated although other military ships were present in system. If this was a ruse of some kind, the republic would be prepared although it seemed unlikely.

Once the Formidable and Fearless arrived near the Rubicon, they swung alongside the Stuart vessel and waited for their guest to follow the provided course towards Zer`liam 4. A curious nature of the in system traffic however, was that there were very few if any of the usual transmission types that would be expected. Communications in system were generally carried through via thought-projectors, and thus the number of signals within the system in the more common bands was far less common than would be expected. In capital of the planet, preparations were made to receive the delegation from the Stuart corporation. Information about the sudden visit was already on its way to Indas.

[Dahak]

Before the Rubicon brought its Grav Torch online, it flashed a warning to the near-by ships to keep distance to it as it brought up its powerful Grav Torch.

It's after third sheathed in unimaginably strong gravity fields, the 10 kilometer-long battlecruiser accelerated along the given course.

Sensors scanned the inner system and found it heavily defended. Though it was assessed that the level of communication is curiously low. (THough a visitor to Stuart Space might have thought the same...). It was considered another hint to the possible telepathic nature of those people. Datasphere was so far undecided but MilSphere analysts were pretty optimistic those were the same new people involved with the TSC now.

[Marcao]

Indashani Space, Zer`liam System
Zer`liam 4, Orbit

The escorting ships had taken an escorting position half a light second to the port and starboard of the Rubicon, its warning noted and taken into account when it activated its drive system. The strength of the grav torch was noted and appreciated, sensors discretely admiring the signature as much as possible before tucking it away for future studies. It seemed a remarkably brute force method of moving about, the strength of it was significantly more obvious than their own gravity drives. Perhaps different methods of harnessing and channeling the gravity waves were involved? It was something to consider.

It would have been surprising to the Republic that the Stuart Corporation considered the ten kilometer long vessel a mere battlecruiser. The Indashani battleships which escorted the Rubicon were both each exactly four kilometers in length far smaller in length than their visitor. Nonetheless, the firepower that both battleships possessed was significant, and as their visitor and its escorts moved towards Zer`liam 4 in the designated approach vector, other military vessels lurked in wait. It took only a few minutes for the ships to arrive at their destination, the orbital defenses of Zer`liam 4 well aware of the large visitor to the system. The Rubicon was granted an orbiting station, coordinates sent to its bridge as to the location where the Stuart delegation was expected.

The capital city of Zer`liam 4 was Amel, a modern city by the standards of the republic and replendant enough to suit diplomatic needs. The planet below held slightly over thirty billion souls, massive cities seeming to blend harmoniously with the green spaces left in the planetary surface. In the designated waiting area, located in the outskirts of Amel proper the Indashani delegation waited flanked by an even dozen ceremonial guards. All that was left now was to await the arrival of the visiting delegation and move into preliminary negotiations.

[Dahak]

SSSNAS Rubicon, around Zer`liam 4

The huge ship settled into its parking position, it's sensors scanning the planet. It seemed to be heavily populated, as far as 'normal' planets go. Compared to Stuart Plaza, even the largest city was just a tiny hamlet.

The delegation was brought down by a transport, a sleek and elegant craft. It settled down at the precise coordinates.
First to exit the transport were the 6 Black Order special guards, looking like obsidian statues in their uniforms. They formed a corridor, and then the delegation, led by Ambassador Terryl O'Lynn marched down towards their waiting hosts.
Luckily, the delegation was trained for it, as walking on an actual, physical planet with its open air would make most Stuartians more than a bit queasy. But only a few delegation members actually flinched imperceptibly.

As he reached the awaiting hosts, O'Lynn slightly bowed before the leading person.
"My name is Terryl O'Lynn, and on behalf of the Stuart Corporation I extend our thanks on your willingness to welcome us. We are always interested in welcoming new members into the galactic society, especially if they are close to us."

[Marcao]

Indashani Space, Zer`liam System
Zer`liam 4, Amel

The visiting ship took its place in the alloted orbit and the Formidable and Fearless taking their own places a respectable distance to its sides. The transport which headed down towards the planet tracked passively by a myriad of sensors as it elegantly followed its given flight plan. The Indashani delegation admired the craft as it settled down precisely on target. The republic had a particular view as to what a ship should look like, and while the capital vessel itself was a bit…odd by Indashani standards, there could be few complaints leveled at their chosen transport.

The guards were expected and thus their presence did not cause even a ripple of surprise among the delegates. It was too much to not expect a nation to not have a show of force, when the delegation walked towards them the lead negotiator of the Indashani delegation stepped forward. When the man bowed, Governor Carus Marya nodded in turn. It was the philosophy of the Indashani that politeness had to be answered in kind. “In behalf of the Indashani Republic I welcome you, Terryl O`lynn.” He paused for a moment before proceeding. “My name is Carus Marya, I am the governor of Zer`liam 4.” The planet had an actual name, but when dealing with outsiders the factual name of the system was the preferred method of referring to stellar bodies. “I am certain that there is a great deal that we will wish to discuss, so please, follow me. I warn you however, that after a point your honor guard will have to stay behind. They will not be allowed within the actual negotiation area.”

The walk towards the designated area was relatively short, the passage leading them towards the inner compound being secure and elegant. Indashani structures tended to be a mix of elegance and functionality, a realization that simply making something work was not enough. It had to have its own aesthetic value and mingle with everything around it seamlessly. Eventually, they reached the inner compound threshold, eight of the twelve Indashani guards coming to a stop and waiting for the delegates to move past them. Four of the guards would move within the room, taking positions in each one of the four corners of it. The room was large but not meant to impress, and was dominated by a large table that was meant to be the central seating area where the delegates would speak about the future of their nations. No Stuart honor guard would be allowed within, irregardless of the circumstances. If the Stuarts refused to go along with this, then the delegation would be moved to another location and the Stuarts would lose face in the eyes of the Republic.

Once all the delegates were seated and their comforts taken care of, the Governor spoke. “Your appearance was quite unexpected Ambassador O`lynn, but that is in the past. I am interested to know what exactly the Stuart corporation has in mind. I expect that this is the first step along the lines of establishing serious and significant diplomatic relations between our nations? An exchange of ambassadors and so on?” The tone was soft but obviously curious. They had not received any word from Indas that the Stuart Corporation would approach them in such a manner. If that was the case, then it meant that the move had not been foreseen. The Governor himself admitted that he knew little enough of the Stuart Corp, it was not his place to overly concern himself with those details. He knew that they were located to the galactic north, but little else other than they were believed to be insular. If that was the case, then this sort of diplomatic action was unusual indeed.

[Dahak]

The delegation followed their hosts to the meeting room. They have forseen that the honour guard wouldn't be allowed in. O'Lynn sent a short order via Datasphere, and the guards waited outside.

The digital chatter among the delegation died down as they entered the meeting room. The physically present mind-copies focused on the meeting (other mind-copies actions not withstanding)

"Thank you, for the warm welcome, Governour Marya," O'Lynn answered. "As you might have suspected, it is unusual for us to be so open, and forthcoming. But since our own revelation to the Galaxy, many unpleasant things have happened. Since you are new, and relatively close to ourselves, we thought it was only prudent to clear the waters before anything happens due to ignorance. So we would look forward to a real diplomatic exchange."

[Marcao]

Indashani Space, Zer`liam System
Zer`liam 4, Amel

When the visitors spoke, the Indashani delegation listened various telepathic conversations taking place parallel as the information that O`lynn revealed was politely analyzed by various members of the Indashani delegation. There was little hint as to what was going on externally, it was simply the way these things worked. When O`lynn finished, the Governor hesitated for only a moment before speaking.

”I admit that my own personal information on interstellar matters is rather limited, which is why I am limited in what options I have at my disposal when dealing in a situation like this.” The truth was that unsurprisingly, the bulk of the diplomatic corps were located in the outer core worlds not the inner worlds. It was expected that a ship that wished to do contact would approach a border province and not a heart world, and thus their current situation. “I am aware of some of the…problems that currently grip various points of the galaxy. They are…most unfortunate. I appreciate your candor Ambassador O`lynn, as does the Republic. It would be disappointing to start a contact situation in the wrong foot.” It could be argued that this negotiation had started in such a fashion simply due to location, but that was another story.

”If a real diplomatic exchange is what is on the minds of your kin and nation, then we can certainly start the ball rolling. Sadly, we will have to wait until the arrival of representatives of the Republic which will take place in…” He paused, glancing towards his right a woman hesitating for a second before speaking. “eight hours, that is when the representatives will arrive.” The governor nodded, glancing back towards O`lynn. “Until then, I can show you and yours around and begin a rudimentary exchange of information and ideologies. If our nations are to have formal diplomatic ties, there will be some general information that I am sure your people and my own wish to know.”

[Dahak]

If an outsider would have observed themeeting, he certainly would have been surprised. As meetings go, this was an awfully quiet one, as mostly the ambassadors talked. The others were just sitting there.
"I think this confirms it," O'Lynn observed over Datasphere. "Either they've got a sort-of neural linking, or are telepaths."
"We concur," an analyst from Avalon Prime observed via Datasphere, his Avatar being superimposed on their visual perception. "But we shouldn't press them. We're still in the initial stages. But assessing the threat potential has high priority. So far, the results are inconclusive, yet show a positive trend."

At the same time, O'Lynn answered the Governour. "As we realize that this situation is less than ideal, we choose the more direct approach, and appreciate your efforts. We would like to see more of your planet and this city, as well. This place is...unusual for us, so we are intrigued."
He smiled an open smile.

[Marcao]

Indashani Space, Zer`liam System
Zer`liam 4, Amel

Structure was important to the Indashani way of life, and eventhough there was no sort of caste system there was little need for the support aspects of the delegation to make themselves heard. They were here primarily to keep their eyes and ears on the visiting delegation and occasionally telepathically convey a thought, concern or suggestion to the governor. It was a quiet meeting and it was just the way the republic liked them. By virtue of their telepathy, words did not have as much meaning to the Indashani as to others. They were quite accustomed to the sound of silence and preferred things that way.

O`lynn spoke and the delegation as one listened, the words considered and appreciated. It was possible that the delegations curiousity about their people was sincere, but it was also possible that they wanted to see as much of the planet as possible. It would grant them a tactical edge, getting a chance to see their cities would grant many insights to visitors. Of course, the republic itself was planning on giving the delegation a fair amount of information. Still, there was ample time until the diplomatic corp arrived and as long as the visit was monitored, it was little enough. There was a mental exchange between the delegation, until finally a consensus was reached.

”Your curiousity shall be answered as much as possible Ambassador O`lynn, although naturally there will be limits. We will be unable to see many things of value before the alloted time when the diplomats from the outer worlds arrive. As such, I feel it best if we concentrate on the capital. Amel is unsurprisingly the largest city in the planet, eight hours will not give it justice but we will be happy to show you around the more…interesting parts.”

Arrangements were made, the honor guard of the Stuarts would not be allowed to accompany the delegation with the trip, but on the other hand neither would Indashani guards accompany them. Various hover-vehicles were made available, each utilizing agrav technology rather than mere ground effect technology as means of locomotion. After the delegation was secured, the road trip began as the visitors along with their hosts moved through the streets of the capital. The city was active, there were dozens of millions of people living within the city. As they moved, the Indashani delegation made it a point to point out various archetectural, cultural and historical places of significance. It was a rushed affair, but it had to be under the circumstances. The Stuarts would form their own conclusions.

A little over seven hours after they had left, they returned to their initial meeting point and moved once more into the room. Awaiting them, were four representatives for the diplomatic corp. Negotiations were straight forward, the Republic offering a brief history of their nation, various facts that were pointless to hide (such as the fact that they were telepaths) and a stellar map of territory which was claimed by the republic with the borders clearly defined. Furthermore, the territories of several minor regional stellar nations whom the Indashani considered vital for the stability of the region. These were nations that the Indashani had recognized and had an interested in respecting and maintaining their sovereignty.

As the negotiations began to die down, the Stuarts were informed that Zer`liam 4 would not their embassy spot. A better world had been chosen for that honor, and the location for their embassy was already prepared. The information about the location and a myriad of other nuances were given to the Stuarts in order so that the vessel orbiting Zer`liam 4 or any other could enter the system and deposit the diplomatic corps. They were expected and the Stuarts were given an entire week to accomplish this exchange. It was expected that the Stuarts would then point out the location where they expected the chosen Indashani ambassadors to go and reside. It was afterall, the prudent choice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

notes:

1) sorry about the delay in posting Dahak, things got a bit hectic as of late and EVE has been taking some of my free time.

2) I hope that my post makes sense. In essence, I think that we should fast forward time a little. Negotiations are fun, but with my schedule fluctuating a bit I don’t want to screw you by keeping this play in Limbo. In essence, your people were given a quick tour of Amel while inside spiffy hover-limos. Once back, they negotiated with the diplomats and were given tender morsels of information about the republic. A brief outline of their history, the ideology of the republic (think constitution), general info about the republic (ie, all telepaths, lifespans, male-female ration, etc.) Its quite a bit of basic information, the sort of thing that you give to other people in order that they know to a degree what you like and what you do not like.

3) As always, if you have thoughts, comments, concerns or suggestions. Feel free to PM them to me or bring them up in IM programs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Dahak]

Within Indashani space

Within the given week, the Rubicon delvered the staff and diplomatic personnel for the embassy. The building was brought up to Stuartian technoligical standards, and the appointed Ambassador O'Lynn was inviting the local upper class for a opening party.

Avalon Prime

The Indashani were given space, adapted for their use (especially in regard to their inability to use Datasphere) on one of the main Orbital station, Orbital One. Precise entry points and regulations were handed over to the Indashani.
As they arrived, CEO Gladstone extended an invitiation, and allowed Indashani to enter Stuart Plaza.

They were picked up by a shuttle (they could have gated to STuart Plaza, so it was more of a show), and soon were plunging deep into the atmosphere of the gas giant, going several thousand of kilometers deep. The Indashani curiously gazed out of the windows, watching swirling coulds fly by.
When Stuart Plaza emerged into their view, it was, as always, impressive. A floating city, constructed of glimmering glas, lustrous metal, looking like a floating diamond 500 kilometers in diameter, swarming with people.

After they docked, they were led through the maze of the city towards a small plaza, it's ground floor made of some see-through metal, where Gladstone and notables were waiting.

[SirNitram]

The final fall of the People's Republic of Corneria would be several months later, as the weight of violent overthrow of government, near-constant pirate raiding, and an expensive war finally did in the nation.

It seemed, for a moment at least, the Galaxy was going to have peace. Of course, peace never truly lasted. There were only periods where war's goals changed.

It was picked up first by an independent surveyor, investigating the clusters of stars above the Galactic disk. The warship was little more than a husk, now, but the promises of pre-War technology were starting to radiate out through pubs and intelligence agencies...

[Marcao]

The chosen planet to host the Stuart and Commonwealth embassies was Levon 3 for a multitude of reasons. The first being that it was one of the most beautiful worlds within the Republic and appearances mattered, furthermore it was suitably placed near the political and diplomatic hub of the republic. Levon 3 had for decades now hosted foreign embassies, and hosted the embassies for all the local powers that cared enough to send representatives.

Stuart Space
Avalon Prime

The Indashani delegation was relatively small, composed of one central ambassador, half a dozen body guards and a dozen or so other dignitaries and analysts. The Stuart station was certainly impressive, and it was not simply its size far. It was more impressive than most had expected but they took it in stride. The republic had her own stations and some were large but none were this massive.

The approach to the station or perhaps city was a better word had certainly been impressive. Indashani technology was certainly advanced and capable of withstanding tremendous stresses but no station within the republic existed in such a fashion as the Stuart’s own structures. The play of swirling clouds as their shuttle barreled down ever closer towards the heart of the gas giant was certainly a spectacle that none of the delegation wished to miss. Upon their arrival, they were led down the city its corridors seeming to blend into one another.

The delegation talked amongst themselves as they moved, the size of the station, location and many other points about their arrival touched upon. These people were odd indeed, and several of the more militarily inclined members noted that a good deal of Indashani doctrine would need to be revised if their nations ever came to blows. It was silently agreed upon, that it would be best if such a situation could be avoided. When the delegation arrived at the small plaza, it was impossible to miss that the ground floor was made of some see-through material. Eyebrows arched, and a ripple of hesitation swam through all the Indashani minds at once.

It was the Ambassador that took the lead taking a step and then another atop the substance, slowing for a fraction of a second as if expecting doom at any given moment. She relaxed when the glass held firm and continued onwards, the rest of the delegation following after. The ambassador came to a stop a polite distance before the assembled Stuart delegates and bowed her head slightly. “It’s an honor to be here and represent the Indashani Republic in this...” She paused, glancing about. “Impressive place.” It was afterall, far larger than any station she knew of within the republic. Impressive was giving Avalon Prime little justice…

Indashani Space
Sixth Fleet Headquarters

The rumors of forgotten warship of great power was nearly impossible to miss even to an intelligence network as young as that of the Indashani. With their contacting of the TSC and the surprise visit of the Stuart Corporation, the Intelligence apparatus of the republic had swung into high gear. It had expanded cautiously, embedding itself in various places and working through others where the need demanded it. The information gathered was far from accurate, but it was persistent enough to suggest that it was more than a simple rumor.

The information was passed along the chain of command, eventually ending up in the hands of the director of intelligence. He had decided that the likelihood that the rumors were indeed true were high enough to warrant attention. It was believed that he had consulted the silver tower for guidance, but that was mere speculation. The fact of the matter was that the Republic was interested in this relic, and it took active steps to find out more about it.

The Veytha class light frigate was designed for such operations. It was relatively lightly armed, had no place in a line battle but it was the stealthiest vessel available to the Republic other than special ships available to various agencies. The light frigate was fast, stealthy and her sensor suite was the best that could be fitted in her hull. Several of these frigates were activated and sent out to search the clusters of stars above the galactic disk. It was there afterall, that the prize was supposed to lie. As the scouting ships left Indashani space, other ships were prepared to act should the scouts manage to find what they sought.

[Dahak]

Avalon Prime, Stuart Plaza

Gladstone and her assistants hid a chuckle, as they saw the delegation hestitate for only the tiniest fraction. She assumed it would be a bit overwhelming to stand there, seemingly in thin air. But for them, it was only natural.

"Welcome Ambassador," Gladstone slightly bowed. "You show exquisite taste, but Stuart Plaza is old, going strong on thousand years now. You should see the new cities, like Hardford's Cloud or Jupiter's Delight on Hope. But we're still emotionally attached to this place, if you will." She turned towards the other members and introduced them. "But enough of it, let the party begin," she heartily laughed and light music filled the space.

***

Meanwhile, in Datasphere

"Jocelyn," Fleet president Miller virtually nudged the CEO. "We have picked up some strange readings lately. The Observation Directorate is unsure what it might be. And it seems that other nations are suddenly a bit more active on the exploration business."
"Hm, your suggestion?" Gladstone's mindcopy answered, as she observed her other self talk to the Indashani.
"Send out our recon drones. It might just be an anomaly, but if not, it would be stupid to miss the chance."
"Very well, do it."

On her command, hundreds of highly stealthed long-range exploration probes sped out, jumping into the unknown.