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(- Source: Freeport; South Tip Conclave -) (- Recipient(s): Voina, Voinia; Voinian Empire -) (- Priority: 2 -)
What is this Human Empire of which you speak? You address the South Tip Conclave, a mightier militant foe than you Voinians could ever imagine, recent conquerors of the human renegade's primary base. We are grateful for your gift of weaponry - it will make an interesting study - and we have no qualms with giving to you the primitive technology gained from a recently conquered station.
May we ever meet again, we may well show you how pathetic your own fleet is.
(- end transmission -)
------------------ -Esponer Am I posting in Just Chat or B&B;? If so, I'm probably joking.
(Message to Freeport) (From Voinian Council) (Encryption Lvl 9-1TCP) The Human Empire we speak of is the group you took that station from. Well, done. Had we known we were addressing a new government we would have spoken with more respect. As we are sure you understand, renegades deserve no respect. (end)
------------------ Insanity has its advantages
Saga of the Guild: Chapter 23
OOC: Esponer, you can revoke my galactic eye unilateral action if you feel like my email was not up to par. (EDIT: Removed Galactic Eye knowledge. Will change situation. (/EDIT)
Tibidat
On the way from Conclave space, Varian had conversed for many hours with Neve Ashak. Ashak had yet to learn if the Conclave had any new knowledge they wished to share with the Miranu, expressing his gratitude to Varian over the previous Conclave gift of the Photonic Weaponry upgrade as well as the assurance that the Miranu were fully committed to their alliance with the Conclave.
The Miranu and Conclave delegates emerged from hyperspace declaring their intentions to negotiate with the SRL. The planetbased controller gave them clearance to land after dispatching a small escort patrol to bring them down to the planet.
As soon as they landed, Neve Ashak, Varian, and a Strandless Redemption League negotiator met and exchanged greetings. They moved into a negotiating hall, where a full entourage of translators and scribes met them. As it was in none of these peoples' natures to waste time, the meeting began immediately.
"The Miranu Star League brings greetings from across the galaxy. We are eager to learn of your people," he said while addressing the SRL delegate. "Perhaps we can begin by explaining something about ourselves first, as a sign of good faith, then I will turn this meeting over to the Conclave representative's turn for talk. The Miranu are a people interested in unrestricted, free, and fair trade. We loathe all renegades and forms of piracy. We value trust and research as our highest virtues, but have as of recently learned caution. What do you wish to add, Varian?"
===========
Ersadt
The Miranu First Fleet burst out of hyperspace and proceeded to engage their cloaking devices. They moved quickly on the Igadzra garrison, firing their Photonic Weaponry as they went. Several stray shots wiped out a few of the scraps of metal floating around the system, which alerted the Miranu to the presence of the Igadzra's passive defense system. The Miranu disengaged cloaks for a moment and deployed their fighters. The Igadzra mines activated, and the Miranu tried their best to focus weapons on them while also firing on the remaining Igadzra ships. Although the Igadzra fleet garrison was totally annihilated by the power of Photonic weaponry, the Berserker mines wiped out one fourth of the Miranu fleet before they could re-engage cloaking devices. The Miranu then proceeded to wipe out the rest of the minefield in Ersadt. After the minefield was elimated, the Miranu disengaged cloaks to conserve their fuel in preparation for a counterattack.
(--Transmission...encoding...(-Encryption Level Tau-) To: Ersadt Command From: Miranu First Fleet Subject: Surrender
You are presented with a superior force in this system. Surrender to our forces, and we will kill none of your people for spite. All prisoners will be treated according to the Gadzair Convention.
Supreme Admiral Sunrunner -End Transmission)
============
Mira
On Mira, Researcher Lelos Somm held his hand over one green button, awaiting the signal from Shek Sunrunner.
8 Sokars, 20 Ras, 5 MH Freighters, 10 M Freighters built and standing by in the Blaga System.
------------------ Cogito Ergo Cogito United we stand, so I wandered off and got me a chair.
(This message has been edited by Solel (edited 12-17-2002).)
(Interesting... ) In the chaos of Freeport's evacuation, Redchigh was lucky enough to find an unmarked UE Scoutship, which he is now piloting up to Hizdriar.. Along with a few of the more wanted criminals... hey, they had the credits! Suddenly he realises he took off without a full fuel tank. Io's ship delves into UE space, and bribes a UE planet into letting him land...
"This is the UES Survey, requesting landing clearence." "You're not on the Schedule.." "Schedule? Since when do you follow a schedule?" "Unmarked and Unauthorized ships are always scheduled." "I don't guess you'd take a bribe.." "Bribe? Of course! 80,000c and you can land." "Ok, here." Transmitted Funds
As the Scoutship sinks through the clouds, the port is easily visible. Contrary to the Renegade's view, the UE is not even slightly strained by their efforts. This port is proof- here civilians and rookie soldiers mile about, minding their own business.. The renegades are the last thing on their minds.
The Ship touches down, and clamps hold it in place. Io disembarks, and the renegades flee onto the surface. Io arranges for his ship to be refueled, and he head to a bar. Suddenly, a man with a large badge on his overcoat stops him. "Are you Io Redchigh?" "No.. I'm Rick Hardslab.. Here's my ID." Io shows him a false ID he picked up at freeport. "Thank you very much. You can be on your way. If you see Io, tell him to report to spaceport security." "Will do." Io said with a sigh of relief, and he made it to the bar.
He sat down with a cold drink, and wondered why his name and face were out... Suddenly a badge slams down on the table. UE Military.
Io jumps up, but ends up looking down the barrel of a MX-9 Ground rifle. Io slowly slides to his seat after his sidearm is taken. "The security guard thought your ID looked suspicious. We're glad he didn't try to engage you, you would have escaped, and we can't have that, can we, Io? You're wanted all across UE space. Treason." "What? " Io exclaimed.. he quickly thought of his past crimes.. theft, sure. piracy, possibly. Treason? No... "Where did you get that idea from?" "Our men saw you in Pax talking to a shady Voinian. We have proof that you transported weapons to Voinian outposts to be used against us."
Io is dragged away, and faces trial a few days later. "How do you plead?" The Grim-faced judge asked.. "Not Guilty." "How? We have evidence that you arrived at voinian outposts with voinian weapons on board." "I wasn't carrying it, I was simply escorting the pilot of the ship... a human as well." "Tell us his name." "Well, all I know is his nickname. Piaser." "Thank you.. we'll see what we can do. Until then, You'll be held indefinately." Io cursed... UE was known to throw away the key of criminals... not to mention his old friends he may run into behind bars...
Pirius, Head of the UE congress, addressed the other members. "As you are all well aware, our ships are grossly outdated, when compared to Voinian ships of equal class, and with the increased sightings of advanced alien ships to the south, I fear we may be in great danger. That's why I advise an intense upgrade to the standard Blaze cannon, by replacing the fuel-burning/solar hybrid electric generator with a Fusion-based reactor. We've had fusion for a long time, and we can control it. It's inevitable that it be transferred into our ships. Vote?" "Yes.""Sure.""Sounds good."Perfect waste of money. No." "I agree." So it was decided. Upgrades would be done in a week.
Began- 12-16-02 Completed- 12-21-02
------------------ "And as the Darkness descends, do you follow the light, or embrace the darkness?" ~Diane Kinsman (little known philosopher, early 21st century) Proud Member of the (url="http://"http://www.roostermac.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard/ikonboard.cgi")Webstory Developer's Commune(/url)
(This message has been edited by -REDCHIGH- (edited 12-16-2002).)
OOC: Please read my post in New Life.
------------------ Life is full of surprises, but never when you need one.
With all fleets in Igadzra, the Carrier filled, and the Stations set up, a new project is started, the Gaviton beam. It uses tractor and repulsor technology to hold a ship in place for about 30 seconds. After that, the ship can either be pulled forwards by the beam, thrown away by the beam, or just let go. That is, if it isn't destroyed. ETC: 4 days ---------- On Notil, a message is sent up to the Azdgari. "Lets deal with this like men. All civilians will not be on the battlefield, or near it. If you don't hurt them, and beat us, they will not retaliate." ---------- Hundreds of thousands of metal chunks shaped like mines are being put all throughout the system. It will take one day ---------- Mindule, along with a large team of scientists, are looking for an ancient abandoned city on Igadzra that they heard from many rumors. (bigger post later) ---------- Igadas name is changed to the Igzara Fighter. It will now be armed with 4 Phase Blasters. Phase Blaster: 3 days Igzara Fighter: 3 days Graviton beam: 4 days Metal laying: 1 day
------------------ I see undead people. Visit the (url="http://"http://www.wheenit.com/monkey-robot/webboard/phpBB2/index.php")Monkey-Robot boards(/url).
Voinian Empire With the Miranu transport still in Fridion, it is assumed they did not recive the message. (Message to Miranu Ambassador) (From Voinian Council) Go to Riden Station in the Riden system to meet with the Emperor. (end) ---- UE/Voinian Border The lack of a reply to the peace proposal forced the Voinians to take action. More vessels were placed on the border. 10 Cruisers, 20 Frigates, 7 HVY Fighters, 10 Intercepters are sent to Obron. 5 Cruisers, 10 Frigates, 4 HVY Fighters, 20 Intercepters are sent to Vorik and Avann. ---- Slave Worlds The Slaves are given better food, in larger ammounts.
Voinian R&D;: Personal Shield Generater; 1 days. Knight class Destroyer; 1 days. Voinian Shipyards: +10 Cruisers +20 Frigates +7 HVY Fighters +5 Intercepters +2 Supply Ships Notes:
Riden
The Miranu courier emerged deeper in Voinian territory after acting upon the confirmation of the message. They asked for clearance to land, and after the Voinians cleared their IFF signal as friendly, the Miranu negotiator landed to meet with the Voinian emperor himself. He followed an armed Voinian escort to a meeting chamber fully adorned with the proper Voinian trappings.
"Emperor," greeted Negotiator Zor with a deep bow. "I come from the galactic North, from the Miranu Star League, a trading confederacy rooted in the beliefs of honesty, free trade, research, and eudaimonic government. The Miranu you knew before would take you at your word about treating your slaves with dignity, but I wish to see some tangible evidence that the Voinian Empire is willing to increase its people's freedoms. Once we see that the Voinian people are free to trade and make their own way in life, then the Miranu will be willing to negotiate amiably." Zor turned to face the Emperor after stopping his pacing. "What can you show me?"
OOC: I will (hopefully) post again later today. It will include a continuation of the Ersadt situation, as well as a projects update.
Zurg was escorted by two of his gaurds into the main ship of fleet Flaming Wing. There was a sharp hissing noise as the boarding ramp closed. The ships slowly lifted off the bay floor and launched into space. 30 minutes later they were in hyperspace, bound for Gorky. "When we arrive at Gorky,"said Zurg,"Begin dismantling the cloning base and loading it onto this fleet. If anyone asks you what you are doing, tell them that this will be unloaded deep in the Nebula to float in space forever." "But the surrender terms...."started the navigations officer. "Did you actually think I would really surrender? No, this was just a ploy to get them to stop their attack and to buy us some time. I will not surrender! Once preparations have been made, my select soldiers and I will leave the human renegades and start anew on the fringes of the galaxy. There we build up enough power to rid ourselves of the invaders!"
***********Message To: attackers at Gorky From: Human Empire Please call off your attack on our system. The Conclave took pity on us and spared us in exchange for our surrender. There is no point in destroying us now. **End
Riden, Voinian Empire "I can show you nothing of importance at the time being. It will be some time before we can just up and release them. As you can figure out, if we just release them out of the blue they will probobly steal ships and make an attack. Bringing them up to date will take time. You are free to travel everywhere in Voinian space. You will always however, be under escort by in system patrols. The UE may not like the idea of a trade agreement between us."- Emperor Aaron ---- Slave Worlds Clothing, and decent homes are provided to the slaves in place of sleeping in the very mines they work in. Many become suspitious about the sudden change. ---- Fridion The massive fleet lifts off slowly and makes it's way for Mihal.
I had a really nice, long post here, but it got erased.
Mindule and scientists find lost building ruins
Mindule and scientists start turning on ruins, it'll take 4 hours
Mindule and scientists learn that it is actually a colony ship, with 30 Empty Cells, 50 cells with Igadzra in them, 10 cells with remains in them, and 2 cells with Gadzair in them.
All other Igadzra ships report to Igadzra. The planets have set the civillians aside, and are ready to retaliate against enemy landing. ---------- Igadzra Igadzra Carrier:1 Igazra:138 I. Arada:341 ---------- I will write a lot more later.
(This message has been edited by grunadulater (edited 12-17-2002).)
Saga of the Guild: Chapter 24
Following the departure of the Igadzra remnants, the Miranu force dispatched dropships loaded with regiments of ground attack forces. Thirty Osiris Fighters detached themselves from the fleet in orbit and flew escort for the dropships. The Miranu ground force landed, and quickly loaded their photonic rifles. They moved forward in a vast sea of troops, each soldier eight feet from the soldiers around him so as to avoid splash damage from crude explosives. The Osiris wing broke in two, 15 fighters rushing for the main Igadzra military installation. They quickly fired instigators at the defensive hard points, eliminating the main blockades to the Miranu. Soon the column entered the Ersadt capital, and subdued the Igadzra, taking approximately one hundred casualties before the Igadzran force surrendered. No civilians had been targeted.
The Miranu commander spoke through the city's main communicator: "This world is now a member of the Miranu Star League. All prisoners are to be treated according to the Gadzair Convention."
Above the planet, the Miranu fleet split into three parts. One force, designated Task Force Tok'Ra, consisted of 7 Sokar Carriers and 22 Ra Gunships, would stay behind to solidify the Miranu sovereignty of Ersadt. Two other patrols, Task Force Dharma and Task Force Karma, would assault Threefrog and Innirian. Each consisted of 8 Sokar Carriers and 23 Ra Gunships. Part of Task Force Dharma would assault Ragni once Threefrog was consolidated.
Ersadt to become one with the Star League: 12/18/02
Task Force Dharma: Heading to Threefrog--ETA: 1 RTD (Part will arrive in Ragni in 2 RTDs) Task Force Karma: Heading to Innirian--ETA: 1 RTD
Miranu Ramscoop: The Miranu can cloak for twice as long as normal. Complete
Project: Refitting of Miranu fleets with Ramscoop: (Begun: 12/17/02) (End: 12/18/02) ------------------ Cogito Ergo Cogito United we stand, so I wandered off and got me a chair.
Nujja System
The Nujja system was completely still when the Azdgari Fleet came out of hyperspace near the edge of Giniz's gravity well. No patrols of watchful Igadzra Aradas, no fleets of hulking deadly Igazras, nothing. Except for the minefield that is, but that wasn't much of an obstacle for the Azdgari Fleet that had just arrived. As the Azdgari ships began cautiously clearing a path towards Giniz's orbit, Commodore Bal'heron could not believe what he was seeing. "I can't believe it's true," he thought "I was sure that the long range sensors on Diudir had been malfunctioning... why would the Igadzra abandon such an important system? Surely they aren't this desperate?"
Looking to his sensor officer, Bal'heron began issuing orders to secure the system that had apparently been handed to them on a silver platter. "I want the rest of this minefield cleared within the hour, and send a message back to HQ on Diudir... if Nujja is abandoned they must have pulled their forces from the rest of the outer systems as well." He then turned to the holocom to the right of his command chair, "General Diennes, you are free to begin your assault as soon as we reach orbit."
--------------
The forty Azdgari Warships of Bal'heron's command accelerated full speed towards Giniz. As they reached low orbit above several of the planet's major industrial cities, including it's capitol, several planet based anti-ship batteries opened up on the Azdgari Ships. Their shields taking damage form the surface batteries, the Azdgari maneuvered into a quick geosynchronous orbit, then in one fluid motion began, to jettison their cargo holds. Thousands of small drop pods busted out of the holds of the Azdgari Warships and, pushed by the force ofthe air blasting them into space, and aided by the extra pull of Giniz's gravity, began to accelerate towards the atmosphere.
The attack had been scheduled so that most of the targets to be hit would be on the night side of the planet's rotation. All over the main continent of Giniz millions of Igadzra watched as, for several seconds, the thousands of fireballs made by the Azdgari drop pods streaked across their night sky. While the huge anti-ship batteries tried their best to target the incoming pods, they just weren't accurate enough to be very effective in stooping the tiny drop pods. As the pods came in range of the smaller anti-starfighter guns, something strange began to show up on the Igadzra sensors.
When the Azdgari pods had entered Giniz's pristine atmosphere, their hulls had immediately began to heat well beyond the capacity of the metal they were constructed of. As the metal became more and more insecure, small shaped charges blew the outer covering into multiple large pieces. What remained of the pod was no longer dense metal armor, but rather light and extremely durable ceramics well able to withstand the heat of reentry. Eventually, as the began to fall farther, and experience less friction and heat, this Ceramic layer was also discarded. At the same time each of the two layers is blown free a ribbon parachute is activated to keep the pod falling at the same rate as it's screen, and slowing it for landing. By the time the Azdgari pods came into range of the Igadzra anti-air defenses, the air around them was so full of junk metal that Igadzra air defense radar was picking up dozens more possible targets than were originally dropped, any one of which could be an Azdgari Trooper, a bomb, or anything.
To add to the fun, several of the Warships had dumped "dummy" loads seconds after the main drop. The Dummies had fallen faster because they didn't slouch, and by now were under the falling Troopers causing all sorts of chaos. Operating as transponders, exploding and clearing "windows," rocketing sideways, and doing all sorts of other things to add to the confusion -------------------
General Aladar Diennes looked at his small proximity sensor as his pod fell towards the Igadzra industrial metropolis below. In any other Army an officer of his rank would be back in a command center aboard ship, either that or far enough away from the front lines that there would be very minimal danger to his person. Not in the Azdgari Mobile Infantry. In the AMI, everyone fought, from the company cook, to the chaplain's aide every member of the mobile Infantry dropped with his unit. Naturally, this tended to cut down on the number of officers that survived... but that was all part of the job.
At about 1.8 miles above his targeted landing zone, he decided it was about time to get out of his pod. Flipping a thumb switch (his thumb was about the only part of his body not latched down) General Diennes activated the charges that blew off the final layer of his drop pod. As the 8 new chunks of metal coated ceramic floated away from him he thought about whatever unfortunate Igadzra radar tech was trying to sort him out from the hundreds of pieces of metal now floating around for miles around him in each direction. Stretching out the kinks that he had acquired from the cramped conditions in the drop pod, he marveled at the technology that had made his type of warfare possible.
Not only was he completely protected from small arms fire and all but the heaviest types of damage, he was 3 times as strong as any Azdgari had any right to be, as well as being faster and better armed than any soldier in any strand Army. As he went into a steep swan dive the general began to scan the city below him with his enhanced inferred and night-vision sensors. Igadzra air-defense cannons were blasting the sky in a futile attempt to hit his troops with mass fire tactics, while a few of them made lucky hits there was really no way to target the swiftly falling Azdgari Troopers.
With the surface fast approaching he slowed himself with a spread-eagle position, about six hundred feet up he activated his second chute, then after it had slowed him down enough, cut it loose and came to a somewhat sloppy landing on a factory roof with the assistance of his jump jets. He was moving as he hit, using his jets to jump on top of a nearby skyscraper, he took a look around and tried to locate the three platoons he was in overall command of in this attack. Most of them had already landed, and the rest were no more than a few seconds behind. ----------
In cities all over Giniz nearly 48,000 Azdgari Mobile Infantry had landed and immediately started laying waste to any opposition they encountered. Armed with a wrist mounted Heavy Phase Repeater on one arm, a 24 mm armor piercing cannon on the other, and light fusion rockets capable of destroying entire buildings, the AMI troopers were making short work of Igadzra fixed defenses. In the next few hours they would have a beachhead allowing the landing of standard infantry and heavy weapons.
Battle of Giniz, Begun 12/17/02 To be completed 12/19/02 ---------------
Notil System
General Sarn Treval read over the message they had received yesterday from the defenders in Notil's spaceport. Apparently the entire city's civilian population had been evacuated, leaving only the military defenders in the line of fire. It was an admirable gesture, one worthy of a fair battle and an honorable death. Unfortunately he didn't have the time to commit his ground troops to such an insignificant battle. The operations of the upcoming week would require massive numbers of ground troops, and the garrison at Notil wasn't worth wasting Azdgari soldiers in an assault.
With a grim nod, General Treval ordered his weapons officer to launch a Charybdis-class biological warhead at the Notil Garrison. The Azdgari, along with almost every other government in the galaxy abhorred the use of weapons of mass destruction on innocent civilians. The Azdgari knew first hand what it was like to have your homeworld destroyed by such weapons. Unlike the planet devastating biological agents that had been used on their homeworld, the agents on a Charydis-class missile would only survive for a matter of hours before dying off completely. In this case, just long enough to kill off the garrison at Notil without spreading to the civilian population that had evacuated the city.
In a few short hours all Igadzra military personel at the Notil spaceport would be dead, and the area would be safe for the Azdgari to move in and occupy. Not only that, the place's fixed defenses would be completly intact. All without any civillian casualties.
Occupation of Notil will be complete in 1 RTD
------------------ Out ride the sons of Terra, Far dirves the thundering jet, Up leaps the race of Earthmen, Out, far, and onward yet - Robert A. Heinlein, The Green Hills of Earth "Saddam Hussein foregoes weapons of mass destruction (and) values human life." George W. Bush
(This message has been edited by Vice Admiral Ipvicus (edited 12-17-2002).)
deleted. I was preoccupied and hit 'reply' rather than 'edit'.
(This message has been edited by Ultimate Rebel (edited 12-18-2002).)
Nivad and the remainder of his fleet had just enetered Saffera, when a strange, purple arada exited hyperspace from the direction in which they were going. Nivad quickly did a reading on it: Zidagar Missile Arada. How could this be? He had never heard of the ship being constructed. A comm line came from the new ship. "Greetings, this is Commander Myrx. May I ask you, Nivad, what in the name of Zi you were doing?!" Nivad was trying to make up an excuse, but there was a lump in his throat which didn't allow him to speak. "I gave you direct command to not enter into battle with the Igadzra! There was a reason for which I told you. I knew something was going to happen, and by the looks of the remainder of you fleet: you have done a horrible job! Now, full report." Nivad barely managed to form words in his mouth, "We called a cease-fire. They ended with nine Igazras(My earlier ship count was incorrect, however that doesn't matter now) and 12 I.fighters. They had laid out mines around their system, had it not been for this; needless to say, we would have been victorious." "Well, you didn't. You will be demoted back to a lieutenant. Perhaps next time you won't disobey orders, or it'll result in court-martial," Myrx snapped, "You will all follow me back to Zidagar." All the ships readied themselves and left the system, back in the direction from whence the leading arada had come. Back on Zidagar General Neb had been calculating the locatios of Zidagar fleets across the region; unfortunately, poer surges had extended the date of typing them for all to see(OOC:this happened due to rainstorms, and I couldn't post). (ship construction) +10 zidaras +15 zidara mk.IIs +10 z.fighters +10 z.missile aradas (ship total) 519Zidaras 75ZidaraMk.IIs 209Z.Fighters 50Z.Missile Aradas Research Upgraded ECM-started 12-15-02-finished 12-19-02 Upgraded Phased Beamer-started 12-15-02-finished 12-20-02
OOC: I would like to change zidara construction to 5/day and the aradas 20/day. Due to difference in size, I think this is acceptable; however, some if you may think otherwise. Let me know if it should be different than how I stated. This would increase arada production by ten, at the decrease of zidara by five.
------------------ You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me! -Ultimate Rebel
Voinian Empire Bronev is saved up from the mines. 4 cruisers worth would be needed to build a shipyard on Svass station. Work is to be done entirly by Voinians and volunteering slaves(they will be paid). ---- Voinian Shipyards A change in assortment is ordered by the council. 6 Cruisers worth of supplies are to be put toward a pair of Dreadnoughts, a Frigate, and 8 Intercepters. ---- Voinian R &D; <Classified Material>. There is no way of knowing just how long it may take.
OOC: I was afraid i wouldnt get this post in tonight. My phone line was cut for about 30 minutes...
South Tip Conclave
Varian nodded to the League negotiator briefly, and offered his hand. "It is good to finally meet with a delegate from the Strandless League. As I am sure you aware, long-range diplomacy is... uncomfortable, rather, and allows the hiding of secrets far too easily." He paused then, weighing up the environment around him, and both the Miranu's emissary and the League negotiator. His mind, ever alert, could not help but note the military-class security evident everywhere he looked, and some aspects of his surroundings that struck him as odd, to the extent that he realised they likely had defensive applications he could not even fathom. This place is a fortress... like everything I've seen of Tibidat. What does the League expect?
"Indeed it does," replied the League's spokesman. "I have no doubt that our recent sorty against Riomor and the remnants of the renegades will have helped further our diplomatic relations."
"Perhaps..." Varian mused, keeping his thoughts to himself. There had been quite some controversy over the business of attacking Riomor. Mathuin, who had so recently bulled his way into a more real power, was beginning to lose support, firstly and foremostly among the militant ranks. Varian had received a private communication from Evhael suggesting that some of the actions she was forced to take by Conclave command were unacceptable. Most notably, was that the Conclave had accepted peace with the renegades - peace, of all things - and yet had at the same time told the League nothing of this, and left them to continue their rampage, massacring the remnants of renegades. Mathuin has set himself up for a tragedy, a plummet from the hierarchy, and someone is going to come out on top, Varian thought to himself. The question is, do I press it and seize Mathuin's position, or remain in the background?
"There are problems, you see..." Varian continued seamlessly. "Something of a dispute on the result of the battle within the Conclave. I'm sure it will be resolved soon, but until then, every member needs someone to blame, and most are happy to blame the League for all their problems. I wouldn't worry about it, were I you." Now, the SRL... a cause for concern, surely.
"However, there are a few questions I feel I must raise. I've prepared a series of questions from the Conclave to the League, that we must request a thorough response to before we could consider a more permanent diplomatic relationship." Varian eyed one of the more blatant defensive systems in the room they all stood in before - slowly - drawing out a datapad and handing it to the League negotiator. "Read it at your convenience, of course," he added, though his tone hardly suggested he would appreciate it if was left unread.
_Strandless Redemption League, Before we could even consider the possibility of a pact of brotherhood, as we call our most intimate diplomatic status, between our two nations, we must first understand your standing on numerous issues. As such, we present the following questions to be answered by your electives or any authorised diplomat:-
I. What are the fundamental goals of the Strandless Redemption League at this current time, regarding diplomatic and military relations with nearby nations, and your motivation for such actions? II. In general, what is the political and civilian view of the prime Strands - the Igadzra, the Zidagar and the Azdgari - and their war? What are your long-term goals regarding this? III. How does your government function, e.g. how are elections managed, who may vote, is there any system of grading the voting influence of citizens, how often are elections held, etc.? IV. Are there any dominant religions held by your nation's populace? If so, please briefly describe what these religions promote. V. How are taxes handled, and what level of free services are provided by the government? VI. What are the the rights of a citizen of the Strandless Redemption League, under your law? VII. What are the rights of a sentient being, under your law? VIII. What are the rights of a military soldier in a nation you are at war with? IX. What percentage of your nation's global domestic product goes into the military? X. Under what grounds would you consider declaring war on another nation?
Please answer as soon as convenient,
Halls of the Conclave The South Tip Conclave_
"As you can see, the questions are rather more in-depth than you might perhaps be asked by the Miranu, but, the Conclave is naturally wary when regarding other nations, for the protection of our people.
Mathuin is a fool to place much trust in this government. I know a warmachine when I see one, Varian muttered silently to himself.
And you see them everywhere, don't you? came an unwanted reply from the back of his mind. Blinking, he held his hand to his head. "I'm afraid this must be brief..." he ended, "as I do not feel entirely well." Everywhere.
On the Arada in which Varian had travelled to Unobot, a grim-faced Kayan worked in total silence, and semi-darkness. Technically not part of any official Conclave organisation, he was one of Varian's most trusted friends, and his violent appearance belied a strong morality and sharp mind. The Kayan's name was Arcad, and he had accompanied Varian on this mission for the purpose of light intelligence gathering.
The Arada's sensor took note of its surroundings in as much detail as possible, noting down energy readouts and the general layout of the facility. Arcad worked slowly but steadily on producing a map of the facility's defendability, finding it more than slightly impressive. The scans were by no means hostile, and Arcad was not so much attempting to discover a way to breach such defences as to learn from it, both learn how to improve Conclave defences, and to learn about the League.
Running a quick simulation of a possible renegade assault on the base from what little data had been gathered, Arcad blinked. "Bloody fortress..." he muttered. In addition to the orbital station around the planet of Tibidat, and the formidable fleet, Arcad could but conclude that the League were by no means pacifistic... as if the Conclave needed much more confirmation on that than the Battle of Riomor.
Determined to find any discrepancies, any hints of maltreatment of citizens, federal law, or such, as ordered, Arcad continued logging tangible data, pondering the meanings that might lie behind. "Can't find anything wrong, as such... but damn, these guys give me the creeps." May be a treat at some point, seem too violent, Varian had said. I wouldn't be half surprised.
A sharply cold exhalation birthed a cloud of condensation, rising and dissipating in the freezing cold air. That from Nhada - clothed in his usual when on the surface, a black uniform with a razsaegul on the breast. Not an official uniform. His hair was a dark red, and his eyes were black. It was not a sign of mourning - the Kayans wore purple in mourning - but simply him.
The others gathered in the run-down, abandoned factory on Kayia were similarly unique. Flame haired, bright-eyed Jenra wore a white cloak over a blue blouse and (typical of her) tight-fitting leather pants. Karatis was garbed in a grey robe of a distinctive style - he would not speak of its origins. He often joked lightly about the arbitrary, but seemingly specific way in which the three of them wore black, white and grey.
They were hardly the only characters present, though. Three others - a Kayan, a Strandless and a human of all people, were present, though somewhat separated from Nhada, Jenra and Karatis, who stood closely. The fourth Kayan was Evhael, and she wore dull black and dusty grey, exaggerating her hair colour (already several shades redder than Jenra's.) The two of them seemed to have some sort of emnity - perhaps something to do with them being the only women there. They kept far apart from each other, although Evhael managed to make it seem like her own decision.
The only Strandless there was the living image of Azemir, and since Karatis had told him of that (rather heatedly), he had kept his distance, knowing that the three Guardians of the fleet and Azemir had all held a close affinity with each other. He was Ethnorion, second Magistrate of the fleet, along with Evhael, and his manner was possibly the most brutally logical and rational that any sentient ever possessed.
The last of them, Arhanor, was the antithesis of Ethnorion in many ways. Outstripping Jenra for absurdity as his most serious, Arhanor was human, and captured what many aliens referred to as the "soul of humanity" - a complete lack of order, placing utility far above style, and in that possessing his own unique finesse. Arhanor wore brown leathers, and his black hair was tied at the neck. At his belt were two weapons: the first was a phase pistol, the standard light armanent for defence, but the second was odd. A human weapon. He referred to it as a handgun, and had explained that it shot "bullets" with miniaturise plasma explosives. The other five all regarded it with equal parts amusement and condescension, except Karatis. Surprisingly, while Karatis had grown up in the more self-righteous localities of Kayia compared to Jenra and Nhada, he was perhaps the most willing to accept and respect alien technology, and had in fact requested a demonstration of Arhanor's "handgun" some time in the future.
"Now this , is my idea of a council of war," Arhanor jested lightly, looking around him. The factory was dusty and long-since left desolate. It was in the poorest area of Kayia, where towns were often left completely abandoned, the citizen's having moved to more prosperous areas like Zeneph and Vardamaught. "Much more like life as a militia captain on BLANK..."
Jenra laughed. "This is hardly how we'd normally conduct things, but I must say, it has a certain romantic feel to it." She winked then, at Arhanor. Previously, it would have been Nhada. For some reason, that made Nhada's teeth grate.
"Indeed it is not," Evhael murmured quietly, yet disapprovingly. "Just why did you ask that we meet here, Nhada, and not anywhere more official? I must say, you surprised me in your determination. I had hoped for some degree of... respect for superiors... from you." Karatis laughed, and when Evhael arched an eyebrow questioningly, he winked, surprisingly resulting in a start from Evhael.
"Three reasons, Magistrate," Nhada responded formally, flashing a bemused glance at Karatis. The six-way conversation was a jumbled mass of verbal and non-verbal signals, of which even Ethnorion played part - playing part being leaning on a wall somewhat removed from the rest of them with an entirely blank expression on his face. Of course, humour was not logical. "One," he began, ticking a finger off, "we need to have something of a good relationship, all of us, if we expect of function together well. Two, good relationships rarely spawn from interstellar communications and the odd formal meeting in a official building, likely with a member of the Conclave present. Three... I prepare for anything, and regarding certain recent events, our conversation may stray upon thoughts of a nature which any who listen may misinterpret as being of a dangerous and even treasonous nature."
Evhael was taken aback, but quickly recovered, her face a mask. Arhanor grinned and spat, shrugging his shoulders. Jenra and Karatis did not react much - they both knew Nhada, and had heard this reasoning several days ago - although Karatis took the opportunity to study Ethnorion, who took the last part coolly. "In other words, you intend to discuss the morality of the Conclave," Ethnorion noted calmly. "Tell me, what has brought this on?"
Nhada also studied Ethnorion for a moment, but all that was returned was a level stare from indigo eyes. "I was on Freeport when we took it, Ethnorion. Evhael, Jenra and Karatis... were all in the system, but I was on Freeport. And I am beginning to doubt whether it is right to target the entirety of these 'renegades' on the actions of a few - no, a single - human."
"What makes you come to this conclusion?" Ethnorion asked.
"Children," Nhada retorted, the heat in his voice anger left over from the battle. "Children, Ethnorion. Freeport wasn't just a military base, it was a home, an entire social structure." A hush fell, and the attention turned to Arhanor.
"Your attack was already underway," he muttered, "when I was recruited into the Conclave ranks. I would have told you all that I knew of Freeport, but... I figured there was not enough time to call it off... and besides..." He coughed. "I would have called it a fair sacrifice." Five sets of eyes fixed on him: four disapproving, one measuring. Nothing fazed Ethnorion, not even human ethics.
"The Conclave had no knowledge of this either," Evhael stated. "You know that."
"Yes, Magistrate, but they made no effort to find out. We labelled them renegades without really seeing what we were dealing with. We could have been even more wrong," Nhada responded quietly. "Besides... we have made no communication to the League about our treaty, no suggestion that they hold their attack off. This whole agreement has been forged just to seize Freeport. For what use... I am not sure."
"Oh, they want it for an orbital refinery," Arhanor answered casually. Eyes shifted to him. "Ah... forget it. Just a hint, eh?"
"Look," Karatis spoke up. "We have nothing to suggest that the Conclave is on any level twisted... yet. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
"Is it our responsibility to cross it?" Evhael asked, her face slightly pale. They were suggesting possible treason, and Evhael was in all reality probably the most loyal to the Conclave, and the most hopeful of its ideals.
"Somebody has to, if things get out of hand," Nhada said.
"Y'know, you lot aren't half as bad as I'd thought," Arhanor murmured, loudly enough for them to hear it. "You all have a couple of vices... but I'm sure I can iron them out of you. Do you take direct orders t lighten up?"
"Define lighten up," Ethnorion responded.
Conclave Shipyards
32 Crescent fighters, 10 Crescent interceptors, 18 Aradas and 8 Crescent warships constructed (16/12/2002 - 18/12/2002)
Fleet Status: 139 Crescent fighters, 44 Crescent interceptors, 105 Aradas, 28 Laziras and 21 Crescent warships in total.
{Major move around} 35 Crescent fighters, 11 Crescent interceptors, 27 Aradas, 6 Laziras and 6 Crescent warships in DSN-3587 on patrol. 35 Crescent fighters, 11 Crescent interceptors, 27 Aradas, 6 Laziras and 5 Crescent warships in Hrinix on patrol or standby. 33 Crescent fighters, 11 Crescent interceptors, 25 Aradas, 7 Laziras and 5 Crescent warships in Malago on patrol. 34 Crescent fighters, 11 Crescent interceptors, 25 Aradas, 7 Laziras and 4 Crescent warships in Unobot on patrol or standby. 2 Crescent fighters, 1 Arada, 2 Laziras and 1 Crescent warship in Akrayhek in port.
Deep Isle Graviton Membrane; a secondary shield nexus that is directly damaged by energy weapons and explosions, but allows matter to pass through it (slows down matter that passes through it, and disables warheads dealing <65 energy/mass damage.)
Begun: 11/12/2002 Completed: 19/12/2002
Infinity Threshold S-S Comm Net; sub-spacial communication. Cannot be detected or intercepted, and is instant.
Begun: 16/12/2002 Completed: 19/12/2002
Conclave Production Line Zeneph Expansion; expanding the Zeneph shipyard (one of the two shipyards on Kayia), constructing 2 Aradas, 2 Crescent fighters and 2 Crescent interceptors.
Begun: 16/12/2002 Completed
Conclave Production Line 2 Photonic Defence Upgrade; upgrade all defensive platforms on planets and stations to photonic. Also replaces phase ground weapons with their photonic counterpart.
Begun: 18/12/2002 Completed: 21/12/2002
Navis Synthesis F-2795 Beta Nexus; an extensive military base on F-2795 in the DSN-3587 system. Includes a second Galactic Eye, a shipyard, starport, and SAD silos equivalent to 40 SAD launchers (virtually unlimited ammunition.) Additional production results in the construction of 2 additional Crescent warships, 2 Crescent fighters and 2 Crescent interceptors per day.
Begun: 16/12/2002 Completed: 20/12/2002
(This message has been edited by SilverDragon (edited 12-18-2002).)
Yelts Admiral Ilihter looked at the message sent by the pitful Renagade forces left and chuckled. They thought the League would just let them go without paying the price.
"Comms, send a message to these renagades. Remind them that we are the League, and they have not surrendered to us. If they wish to live, they'll stop all activity on the planets surface within 10 minutes. Otherwise we open fire on their offensive emplacements. If they surrender before their time is up, they'll be allowed to live. Ensure nothing lands or leaves the planet. If it does, open fire with the capital missiles, and disable it."
----
The League representative looked at the datapad for a moment and chuckled. "Your concerns are quite understandable, especially in this area of space. I can answer these questions fairly easily, although if you want precise details, access to the planetary datanet can be arranged.
To your first question, the League intends to secure its nearby space, hopefully with the help of others wanting to stabilise the area. Anyone who intends to be friendly will be welcomed, those who intend to harm our citizens dealt with quickly.
"In regards to the strands, the League intends to let them fight it out, but do its best to ensure none of the sides causes widespread civilian destruction. Obviously at this moment, we are unable to do much.
"Major elections are held once every 10 years for the Leagues ruling body, with elections every 6 years for the Hall of Electives. Local elections are held regularly to decide local matters, allowing the citizens to keep control over the daily affairs that matter to them. Those in the League who have served 15 years of military service effectively have double votes. This system was originally introduced to allow the League to build its navy up. Anyone may serve in the military. those unable to serve in the front lines serve the League at home, allowing those who can to fight.
"The League has no predominant religion, most strandless casting off whatever beliefs they had when they, or their ancestors, arrived. The League allows people to believe what they want however, but gives no special attention to this area, it merely distracting people from their lives.
"Due to the renagade attacks of previous years, and the families decimated by these attacks, the League has set up an indepth service to provide for those who have either lost everything, or who have nothing. The League prefers to get its citizens back to work, and for those destitute, military service is popular, due to the rewards it brings. The League ensures its people remain healthy, and can do what they wish. Taxes are not low, but most funding comes from taxes collected by local authorities, who are elected regularly.
"Any League citizen is free to do what they wish, as long as they do not consort with renagades, or seek to undermine the League as a whole. Citizenship is revoked if a serious enough crime is comitted, and the criminal is unable to be rehabilitated. Citizens are encouraged to say what they think is wrong with the League, so that the problem may be corrected.
"For other sentient beings, the League will treat them as a citizen, unless they have raised arms against the League, or refused surrender.
"In battle, the League will allow its enemies a chance to surrender, although renagades do not always get this consideration due to past events. If the enemy continues to fight, the League will destroy them. Any soldiers captured will be treated well, albiet kept in secure facilities. If possible, the League will allow previous enemies to become citizens of the League, usually by fighting for it.
"The league spends a significant proportion of its gdp on its military, although recently it has fallen considerably in percentage terms, with the space lanes safe for commerce once more. The League intends to never allow a renagade threat to arise again, and will thus always ensure it is well defended.
"The League will attack those guilty of piracy against it, or its friends and allies. If a government suppresses its people, or harms them, the League will issue an ultimatum to a government, and if not complied with, will free the people. If the League considers a system to be under threat from another quarter, and its own government is half destroyed and unable to defend the system, the League will move in and ensure the system is not damaged.
"Now that the League has answered your questions, perhaps the Conclave would be so kind as to give its answers to the same questions?"
13 CW 36 Laziras 138 Aradas 135 CF
CW 60% complete Lazira 50% complete
8 CW, 23 Laziras, 55 Aradas, 55 CF in Riomor 4 CW, 8 Laziras, 58 Aradas, 58 CF in Tibidat 1 CW, 2 Laziras, 3 Aradas in Siqwe 2 Laziras, 10 Aradas, 10 CF in Duios 2 Laziras, 10 Aradas, 10 CF in Groned 2 Laziras, 10 Aradas, 10 CF in DSN-6107
------------------ If someone makes a mistake, it is not my fault. I will however use it to my advantage.
Voted most likely to be a serial killer by Insane Asylum - 2002
Fleet Faming Wing jumped into(OOC: I dont remeber the name of the system that contains Gorky) but did not fire on the attackers. Message******* To: attackers at Gorky From: Human Empire If you call off your attack on our system then we will gladly provide you with cloning technology, nebular penetration device, and will dismantle the cloning base. Please send a transmission in reply to these terms. End**************
Fleet: (current planet) ship count -Fleet Asteroid Tracker: (Gorky) 3 Turncoats, 3 Helians, 2 Kraits -Fleet Star Terror: (Gorky) 3 Turncoats, 3 Helians, 2 Kraits -Fleet Devil's Wing: (Freeport) DESTROYED -Fleet Havok Squad: (Riomor) DESTROYED -Fleet Space Dragon: (Riomor) DESTROYED -Fleet Galactic Scourge : (Freeport) DESTROYED -Fleet Reckless Destruction: (Riomor) DESTROYED -Fleet Enduring Storm: (Freeport) 3 Turncoats, 3 Helians, 2 Kraits -Fleet Bent Steel: (Freeport) DESTROYED -Fleet Evil Onslaught: (Freeport) DESTROYED -Fleet Flaming Wing: (Freeport) 3 Turncoats, 3 Helian -Fleet Cold Light: (Freeport) DESTROYED -Fleet Shape of Dread: (Freeport) DESTROYED -Fleet Wave of Terror: (Freeport) 3 Turncoats, 3 Helian
Research/Construction: -all put on hold until further notice
"Interesting. Similar in some ways to our own ideals, yet for the most part surprisingly diffierent," Varian noted with a faint smile. "Allow me to explain the Conclave's purpose and functionings to you."
"We have several primary goals, but the protection of our people shall always be prima facie , of course," Varian began. "Beyond that, we wish to uphold what is right and bring an end to what is wrong. We have been called, over the generations, self-righteous, and in many ways, this is the case. But our moral code, drawn out and very much clarified, is very rarely disputed by our people. We have long sought to eliminate the renegades from this sector of space for the aforementioned reasons."
"At the current moment, our goal is to ensure the stability of this area of space, but also to ensure that no evil of any kind is being played out. That, we will not stand for." He flashed a glance at Neve Ashak, the Miranu emissary, that could have meant anything. In fact, it meant nothing at all.
"As for the Strands, we would rather not become involved in them. The Conclave knows too little about how their culture functions as of late, and thus cannot draw any conclusions about the Strands in particular, but endangering our people by becoming involved in the Strand War is unacceptable. Except, in one case. As you might imagine, we will go to any lengths to see that justice is done. As said by a Kayan long before the Conclave was founded: 'til the last breath of the last man, woman or child, til the last heartbeat, til the last glimmer of hope, we will defy evil, for surely, that is our purpose, that is our meaning, our life, and our death.' If morality demands it, we will become involved."
"Our government is somewhat organised, I will confess. Only recently have we begun to be able to form a more logical semblance of a hierarchy. Basically, we like to think of it in some ways as a feudal system. For a pre-determined number of people there is a representative, and one of a pre-determined number of representatives in an area becomes the representative of those, and again, and that person then is a member of the Conclave. Local elections are held every two years, and if at least 30% of the population declare a problem with the local candidate, an election will be called within two weeks outside of the normal system. The representatives chosen vote in a person in the next 'tier', although it is somewhat more complicated than that. Anybody who passes a basic awareness test may vote, even a child. An intelligence/morality test determines how influential their vote is... bear in mind that there is a rather complicated system whereby the ordinary people have some control of the voting in of higher tier ranks.
"Onto religions... there are no religions which are particularly influential to the government. Typically, our Strandless populace are non-theistic, while there are several Kayan theisms, the largest comprising of 12% of the population. None denounce our moral code, though it would be noted it is not mandatory to follow the code. Fanaticism among these religions is very rare... as I said, they are hardly influential."
"Our government being comparable to a socialism, taxes are what would be described as high, although it would be better to say that income is low, and most services are free, provided by the government. Our market is centralised, and we strive to ensure that poverty does not exist."
"All sentient beings are entitled to the following rights: freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, privacy in all forms... most of the things that I'd imagine you would consider basic. There are several technicalities, nothing much. Our citizens have the right to challenge our government directly, and any citizen may demand an audience with their local representative, or even a member of the Conclave. Any enemy has the right to opt out of the war and surrender, and we will do our upmost to relocate them, into our own nation if they wish. We try not to let boundaries of nation and species become as solid as some would make them. Each person is free to make their own choice. However, soldiers have the duty to uphold the honour of their people, and we do not shy from fighting them. Those who are not soldiers, however, we would do our upmost not to harm, and consider as sentient beings."
"Currently, it's at 32.5%, although we're lowering it at approximately 5% a month at the moment. It was much higher when we were having more difficulty with renegades, but of course, as our borders are now well protected, we're redirecting funds elsewhere."
"As for the ground on which we'd declare war on a nation... if they were carrying out great moral injustice, or they had harmed the honour of the Conclave or our allies. There are several thousand pages to it in all, which is shortened at best to a hundred... I don't think I'll go into that right now."