STGOD2 Main Story thread

[Beowulf]

Galactic News Network Headline News.

"You are watching GNN." said a very deep resounding bass voice.

A female anchor came on the air. "The current top story is the sudden destruction of a large portion of Desjardins as a result of a device whose yield has been estimated at 140 teratons. The device devasted an area at least 300 miles in radius. The blast came in the midst of ceremony recognizing the TSC heroes of the Azegart war. The perpertrators of this vile act are currently unknown. The only evidence that has been found has been a message buoy that began transmission shortly after the blast. It was transmitting the message 'Oderint dum metuant' Acting president of the TSC has been quoted as saying that he will not rest until he finds the terrorist group that did this."

The feed switched to a male anchor. "Our next story is about the new pet kitten that the Great Leader of the HAB has adopted. ..."

[ooc] *whistles* [/ooc]

[Thirdfain]

-2 part post, 1st half is a CNN broadcast everyone hears, second is the proceedings off the summit on Maralsartel, reserved for the ears of the reps of the:
Krytos Star Empire
Aquarian Union
Nysfitsar Hegemony
Aegis Exordium
Stuart Corporation
Three Suns Commonwealth

-: Commonwealth News Network :-

"Allied Powers Meet on Maralsartel"
"The summit of the Allied Powers who had been arrayed against the Azegart began today. Representing our great Commonwealth is Senator Heismann (F-Osiris). CEO Gladstone of the Stuart Corporation is here via telepresence. Representatives of the Aquarian Union, the Nysfitar, and the Krytos Empire are arriving. The representatives of the Aegis have yet to arrive.

"Senator Heismann presented a plan for a lasting peace in the Azegart Empire. Central to this plan is Aurelius Kraus. Kraus is a cousin of the former Azegart ruling family who, as a merchant, recanted the Azegart church years ago, and is now a practicing Moslem.

"Kraus is a very successful businessman, whose shipping lines stretch across the Cygnus and Orion arms. He is the sort of shrewd, well-balanced leader that will be necessary to restore order in the Azegart Empire."
Said Senator Heismann.

"Terrorist Attack on Desjardins"
"A WMD of unknown source was detonated in the warehouse districts to the East of the Ark on Desjardins earlier today. The weapon's blast flattened a hundred square miles in every direction. Death tolls are estimated in the tens of millions.

"The blast was sufficiently far away from the Ark and the Hub that the theater shields held. While portions of the Academy were wiped out, the Ark itself and the Senate chamber were untouched.

"Relief forces have the situation well in hand. The only evidence released so far has been the discovery of a small message buoy, transmitting "Oderint dum metuant-" a cryptic message in what appears to be prehistoric English.

"The detonation occured during the publicly announced commendation ceremony of the war hero Chef-Admiral Andreson. President Von Braun was attending the ceremony, which took place on the L-5 space colony Neuveau Ardenne (ref. previous CNN broadcast.)

"President Von Braun has declared that all resources possible will be devoted to hunting down the terrorists."

-: ENDTRANSMISSION :-


-: Diplomatic Proceedings, Maralsartel :-
(Private, EXTREMELY high security)

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Melanie Heismann, Senator of the Commonwealth. I am pleased to see you all here today. This summit is convening to cover the following important questions."

1. What to do with the Azegart?

2. What to do with Commonwealth governed sectors of Aquarian space?

3. The Old Guard are building up power- Observe the Terran Republic, the Star Kingdom, and the Patriarchy.

4. The Heavy Armor Brigade has stolen trillions of dollars worth of Aquarian equipment. What to do?

5. The Cornerians destroyed, raped, and pillaged as badly as the Azegart did. What to do?

6. The Xenomorph problem. Is it real? What do we do?

The Commonwealth's stance on the last four problems is quite simple. It is becoming clear that this galaxy is a very unfriendly, dangerous place. The lone nation-state is surrounded, with wolves at the door. None of the Old Guard are friendly, and few of the New Empires are. Observe the Heavy Armor Brigade, and the Cornerians. Additionally, piracy and rule of force run rampant."

"It is time for the virile, young, civilized nations to take a stand together."

"To this, I propose two things:"

A: The Formation, among the empires gathered here, of a free trade organization, to be titled the Co-Prosperity Sphere. The CPS would have no powers- all it would carry with it would be the promise of free trade between our sovereign states.

B: The Formation, among the empires gathered here, of a cohesive defensive military alliance- Allow us to title it as it is, the Grand Alliance, between the newest and most dynamic powers in this galaxy. The purpose of the Grand Alliance would be to defend our empires against the crafty imperialism of the Old Guard, and to exact justice on the theives and murderers in the HAB and Corneria.

"As for the other points, well, we'll get to them when this part of the discussion is finished."

[Alyrium Denryle]

President Carcarocles stood up from his chair, moistened the gill slits on his sides with a squirt bottle and began to speak.

"We of the Aquarian Union would wish to thank the Three Suns Commonwealth and our former world for hosting this meeting. And Senator Heismann is correct. The galaxy is not a friendly place, several of the Old guard do not even recognize our legitimate sovereignty over our own territory, our very homeworlds.

It is high time that we, the younger nations, stand together to stem the tide of violence and inter-species prejudce that plagues this galaxy.

As such, we have reviewed and agreee to the terms of both proposals by our friends in the Three Suns Commonwealth. As you know, our economy after the occupation and this... xenomorph issue, is in complete and utter shambles. While or own internal business does well, our ability to exort products is greatly diminished, not only due to the lack of trust in us as a people, but becuase our merchant marine was taken from us, and our territory is plauged by opportunistic pirates.

Which brings us to our military problems... The recent wars have cut our combat strength in half... we dont have enough ships to adequatly patrol our own territory... Free trade, and a military alliance of mutual defense, as proposed by the TSC would greatly help these circumstances, and we accept"

[Rye]

A tall beautiful Aegis male enters, a long red flowing gown follows behind him. carried by his floating robotic drones. It seems he's stood on some kind of tiny floating platform as he floats over to his place, where he gracefully sits down.

He leans forward slightly, his long golden locks sliding down from his shoulders onto the table.

"The Aegis Exordium would like to remove it's ships from alien territory, to protect our space. We found nothing we could use in Azegart space, and would hope that they do not turn any vengeful eyes to us. We are open to any new ideas...we are here, if needed,"

[Thirdfain]

"We have suggested a military and economic alliance to all the Allied powers, Mister..."

Senator Heismann searched for the delegate's name

"What is your name, sir?"

(ooc: all the suggestions of the TSC so far are a few posts up, read them and respond to my ideas.)

[Alyrium Denryle]

"To that end. Mrs Senator, we are constructing an entirely new fleet of ships. A fleet that will be able to defend our territory, and to wage war on our enemies, without the engineering problems of our traditional ships. *hands a data pad with what are essentially Carracks, VSDs, and ISD IIs*

The first ships of each class will be moving out of our shipyards within the month, and will be able to help us all in our efforts"

[phongn]

NOTE: This MOU is transmitted after the completion of the secret talks by the Three Sun's conference. It, unlike their conference, is public.

To our esteemed colleagues and friends in the Corporate Sector, the Patriarchy of all the Kzinti and United Terran Republic. It has become apparent that the new powers have pursued a most aggressive stance. In particular, the Three Suns Commonwealth has taken upon itself to create a 'defense alliance' of numerous powers.

Such an alliance would tip the balance of power beyond what is permissable for galactic peace. Thus, the Star Kingdom proposes a memoradum of understanding: an Entente Cordiale if you will. This is not intended as our own military alliance but to further cooperation and understanding amongst our mature great powers.

To execute this understanding, the following draft for the Entente of the Quadruple Powers is proposed:

Article 1: The soverign rights of the expansion into the Norma arm by the Kzinti Patriarchy shall be respected by Her Serene Majesty's Government, the Government of the Terran Republic and the Executive Board of the Corporate Sector.

Article 2: The soverign rights of the alliances formed by the United Terran Republic and her border nations shall be respected by Her Serene Majesty's Government, the Executive Board of the Corporate Sector and the Patriarch of all the Kzin.

Article 3: The soverign rights to management of internal affairs regarding the Corporate Sector shall be respected by Her Serene Majesty's Government, the Government of the Terran Republic and the Patriarch of all the Kzin.

Article 4: The soverign rights to expansion into her formerlly occupied space by the Star Kingdom of Serenity shall be respected by the Government of the Terran Republic, Patriarch of all the Kzin and the Executive Board of the Corporate Sector.

[Raxmei]

"Your offer of military alliance is rejected." siad the hologram of the Nyfitsar representative. "We are involved in this matter for reasons of our own, and those reasons will stay our own."

"As for the Aquarian situation, we still have ships in the area. They can take up a share of the responsibility of security as an interim measure if the Aquarian government gives its permission."

[Thirdfain]

"And what, Representative, do you say to the Co-Prosperity Sphere?"

Said Senator Heismann.

"Economic security is important for all of us."

[Alyrium Denryle]

"Your offer of military alliance is rejected." siad the hologram of the Nyfitsar representative. "We are involved in this matter for reasons of our own, and those reasons will stay our own."

"As for the Aquarian situation, we still have ships in the area. They can take up a share of the responsibility of security as an interim measure if the Aquarian government gives its permission."

"That permission is granted, we can use all the help we can get until our new ships are constructed. We hank you for your help and kindness, yu will always have an ally in the Aquarian Union"

[Raxmei]

"And what, Representative, do you say to the Co-Prosperity Sphere?"

Said Senator Heismann.

"Economic security is important for all of us."

"Yes, the economic agreement you are so concerned about. There is little harm in doing what we were already doing before. You have our membership, such that it is worth."

While he was talking aides walked in and out of the holocam's field of view behind him, completely spoiling the illusion.

[Beowulf]

Hand delivered message by courier.

To: the Great Leader
From: the Chairman
Subj: the Aquarian Invasion

It has been decided that we, the PRC, would like to pursue a more permanent sort of arrangement than we had during the invasion. As such, I would like to meet with you, in hopes of conducting negotiations.

---

Daidoji Free Mercenary Fleet.

"So what do our employers for this mission wish us to do?"

"It's a simple smash and grab mission, made simpler by the fact that they don't expect us to grab anything."

"So will we be grabbing anything?"

"Nope, all that's there is a bunch of fish tech. Probably won't run unless doused in water. So all were going to do is jump into the system, blow up some shit, toss a couple dozen missiles at some cities, and jump out. Actual time in system shouldn't be more than an hour or two. We don't want to get into a stand up fight against them."

[Alyrium Denryle]

"We are running final diagostic check... Power systems are go... powering up shields... YES! Shields are up!"

"Oh thank you sweet mother void... We are no longer at the mercey of other powers..."

"What about the sensors?"

"Those got online yesterday"

"Good"

"What about the dronefields, and Man O' War?"

"Oh those have been up for weeks"

"Have you extended the planetary shields around our shipyards and Man O' War?"

"Hell yes... No one is smashing those"

"Come on... lests go get some eel..."

"o.k."

And so it was, all across Aquarian Space... Deense systems were repaired, and Aquarians armed to defnd themselves once more... Theatre shields were also errected around the habitable sections of colony worlds... Never again they said to themselves... never again would they be attacked without defenses.

[Sea Skimmer]

Hand delivered message by courier.

To: the Great Leader
From: the Chairman
Subj: the Aquarian Invasion

It has been decided that we, the PRC, would like to pursue a more permanent sort of arrangement than we had during the invasion. As such, I would like to meet with you, in hopes of conducting negotiations.

To: the Chairman
From: HAB
Subject: Meeting

The chambers of The Great Leader are not to be entered lightly, though he will agree to meet you, after a proper screening.

[Beowulf]

Hand delivered message by courier.

To: the Great Leader
From: the Chairman
Subj: the Aquarian Invasion

It has been decided that we, the PRC, would like to pursue a more permanent sort of arrangement than we had during the invasion. As such, I would like to meet with you, in hopes of conducting negotiations.

To: the Chairman
From: HAB
Subject: Meeting

The chambers of The Great Leader are not to be entered lightly, though he will agree to meet you, after a proper screening.

To: HAB
From: PRC politburo
Subj: Meeting

We would prefer it we could meet the Great Leader somewhere other than his chambers. It's not that we do not trust the Great Leader, it is merely that we do not trust anyone easily. There are numerous small systems that we could easily have a covert meeting in between our two nations.

[Sea Skimmer]

To: HAB
From: PRC politburo
Subj: Meeting

We would prefer it we could meet the Great Leader somewhere other than his chambers. It's not that we do not trust the Great Leader, it is merely that we do not trust anyone easily. There are numerous small systems that we could easily have a covert meeting in between our two nations.

You are wise to be distrustful; from the chambers there can be no escape. But the Great Leader will not meet else ware. Instead he will send Executor Kristal to speak for the HAB. The meeting may be conducted in whatever system you chose within the week, though it must be aboard ship.

[Beowulf]

To: HAB
From: PRC politburo
Subj: Meeting

We would prefer it we could meet the Great Leader somewhere other than his chambers. It's not that we do not trust the Great Leader, it is merely that we do not trust anyone easily. There are numerous small systems that we could easily have a covert meeting in between our two nations.

You are wise to be distrustful; from the chambers there can be no escape. But the Great Leader will not meet else ware. Instead he will send Executor Kristal to speak for the HAB. The meeting may be conducted in whatever system you chose within the week, though it must be aboard ship.

We find this acceptable. The chairman will be able to make a diversion to the Dimont system, three days from now. We would prefer that he remain on our own ship in that case. Is this acceptable?

*galactic coordinates follow.*

[Sea Skimmer]

We find this acceptable. The chairman will be able to make a diversion to the Dimont system, three days from now. We would prefer that he remain on our own ship in that case. Is this acceptable?

*galactic coordinates follow.*

Dimont is acceptable as is meeting aboard your vessel.
–End Communication

[Sea Skimmer]

The Deep Core, Task Group Cyclone Flagship Bellatrix

"Now that we have found the pathway, its time for the assault. The Zerg hold four planets and three moons in the Ansapp system with the primary hive cluster on the third world. The Lion and Moltke groups will interdict Zerg reinforcement efforts while the assault transports land our forces. They can provide their own covering fire and Illustrious the fighter and bomber support. The Zerg aren't strong, there are too few resources in the system but it will still be a hell of a fight.

On the ground 3rd and 10th Shock Armies will establish blocking positions isolating the Overmind from the rest of the hive, supported by the siege batteries, heavy combat engineering equipment and naval gunfire. Ensuring all necessary points are held from the outset means units will be coming down directly onto the Zerg colonies, fifty percent casualties in the first five minutes, they'll be cadre strength by the end but they held in every simulation.

51st Panzer Corps will land inside the Shock armies and immediately sweep the area. There objective is to disrupt Zerg concentrations and fixed defenses, not clear or hold the ground. There efforts will allow 81st Infantry to land on and directly assault and seize the Overmind. The Elite Guard special battalions will move in with them, and subdue it. Once that is accomplished the fight will be over. All ground units must be assault loaded, all naval units cleared for action. We warp in twelve hours."

General Sisler placed the planning display on slideshow, then moved off to talk with a few commanders about their key objectives.

[Dahak]

Maralsartel

"Dear Senator Heisman," CEO Gladstone stood up, her hologram a perfect, solid simulation of her. "We wish to express our deepest sympathy on the desaster that has befallen your home planet." She cleared her voice.
"About the points you have mentioned, we answer as follows:
1. Of course eradicate them. What else should we do?
2. They should be handed over to Aquarian officials.
3. We should be keeping an eye out for them. We surely do.
4. Economic embargo. Punitive tolls on their products. Though we don't import anything from them, it would work if someone of you actually had some economic dealings with them.
5. Diplomatic actions should be the first step. This war was costly enough, so we shouldn't be heading into the next one without preparation.
6. I believe the honored representative of the Aquarian Union that tjis isn't really a threat."
"About your Free-Trade organization: Of course we would have to specify the details of such an organization first. Since our trade with outside foreign powers is severly limited, we wouldn't need that, but we would be willing to participate if there's be a benefit to us. As to the military alliance it is important as well to see the details first before we can strike any deal. But we certainly are interested in such thing.

[Alyrium Denryle]

"We to would with to express our deepest condolences toward the Commonwealth, the loss of innocent life is a terrible thing.

In response to CEO Gladstone...

We dont really think the Azgert should be exterminated... Their fleet destroyed, and they territory strip mined, yes, but not exterminated.

We would be willing cede the systems the Commonwealth annexed, provided a few conditions are met.
1) Local government is preserved, and all Aquarins on those planets, be allowed to vite in their own local elections, Commonwealth law regarding other oting rights,is of course applcable to "federal" elections.
2) We would also like to keep mining rights in those systems, and maintain some control over colonial holdings in that sector.
3) We also would like that all Aquarians in these systems, and their off-world family, be granted the right to apply for dual citizenship.

As to the HAB, and Cornerians... Well that is for this council to decide... Eventually, we will seek retribution against the Cornerians, and we will take back our mechant fleet... but our military is not yet ready.

The xenomorph problem... We are sorry to say is a threat. Our Neoxenomorphs are no th threat, bu these so-called TypeIII Xenomorphs are a danger that, if we do not contain them, could get out of hand...As you also know, One of our queens was captured by an unkown person with a P-rating, well over P12... enough t control a sentient mind like a puppet..

[Darksider]

The emperor spoke.


1. "The Azgert can become a productive nation and a staunch ally if we can rid them of their xenophobia."

2. "That is for you and the aquarians to decide"

3. "We agree to your offer of a military alliance and free trade union, the older powers of the galaxy do seem......berligerent. We must look out for each other"

4. "Steal it back and make them pay in blood

5. "Bring their empire down"

6. "We have already dispatched a task force to deal with the Xenomorphs"

[Pablo Sanchez]

To the Star Kingdom of Serenity
From the Patriarch of all Kzin
The Patriarch accepts the proposal of the Star Kingdom of Serenity.

[Dahak]

CEO Gladstone looked around the table.

"If it is indeed the decision of this council to let the Azegarte live, we at least demand a part of their territory, so that we can assure that there will never again come a threat out of their territory."
She looked at President Carcarocles.
"In regard to this Xenomorph situation: As long as this threat exists, we have to uphold our decision to disallow any foreign ship in our territory without extensive and thorough search for Xenomorphs."

***

Meanwhile, on Avalon Prime.

On the dais overlooking the crowded plaza below her, CEO Gladstone was attending a formal ceremony for the heroes of the Battle of Valeth in physical form, with one of her other mind copies.
This ceremony was traditionally held on Destiny's Raft, the oldest floating city of the planet. Constructed from the same bulks and hull of the ship which brought the Firsts here, it was living history. The plaza deep in its body was small for today's standards, though it felt like a huge place to those present in physical form. All in all, with Datasphere avatars watching, more than 300 billion Staurtian were paying attention as Gladstone brought her speech to the final words.
"We are proud of you," she said towards the people below here, mostly in military uniforms. "Many of you paid a high price, and some still wait for the regrowth of their bodies," She sent a digital nod to the many people only present via Datasphere, "but you managed to thwart a clear and present danger to this very galaxy. After the Taurina regime never will an Stuartian government stand idly by and let religions dictate people."
Cheers went through the crowd.
"Admiral Tehellis, come forth please."
As the tall Admiral came forth, cheers went up, lasting for minutes.
"I hereby bestow upon you the title of Commander in the Board Security Service, with all its privileges and prerogatives."
Tehellis bowed and accepted the small, star-shaped medal. The crowd went wild again.
Tehellis turned towards the crowd and raised his voice.
"Long live the Corporation! Long live the CEO! We stand strong, while the weak will perish!"
Many Thousand voices shouted the Stuartian Motto back at him.

[phongn]

It was a long night for Calcite, what with all the chaos surrounding the galaxy. In addition to whatever political duties he had to do (and thus working with those idiot bureaucrats and politicians) he had to work up the military. It was slightly amusing that while the markets would have responded rather poorly to any announced fleet buildup, putting near the same amount of capital into training caused hardly a blip.

After seeing one lacky after another come and go, he once again considered giving the Senate political power. No. We've been down that route before and it lead to catastrophe.. Strong leadership was needed to temper the vote-buying policies that politicians inevitably attempted. Graft and corruption was a part of any large polity.

But at least his subaltern's report was favorable. The Fleet was making rapid progress; the last Fleet Exercise had gone well. It wasn't up to the incredibly high standards set forth, but that would take even more time. Soon he would hit the law of diminishing returns, but for now progress looked good. The Home Guard and Space Guard were getting better, but what they did was somewhat different. And you couldn't get the Home Guard away from their real jobs for too long. As for the Marines and the Army, their rivalry ensured that both were training as hard as they could.

But with the way the galaxy was going, he was going to need more time. He needed the qualitative edge of the current fleet to best the quantitative edge of the others. Most importantly, he needed them to form the core of a strong military in case he needed to undergo a crash expansion ...