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REDchigh is in his office, pondering the current situation, when he makes a decision.
The Renegades need to be stronger.
He gets his engineers to work designing a massive carrier... to carry about 15 fighters. It will be extremely slow, shielded well, but with only 2 dart cannons as standard defense. They would also be armed with 4 SDM launchers and tons of ammo, and depending on the KAyan situation, it will also carry 20 Defense Drones, Renegade version.
Aloga Carrier- ETA: 12 posts
------------------ "I- I Swear Officer.. The Dwarf was on fire when I got here!" ------------------------ "....This is only what I think. We can't in a million years guess what goes on in the snarling, churning bowels of Red's head." ~ESPilot
The Pirate fleet fought on and on and on, never giving up. They knew that the Pirates that had attacked the Azdgari were heading back towards their location, and would help them defeat the Kayans.
But they never came.
In truth, they had been ambushed by Azdgari forces shortly after they escaped, and were slaughtered. The Pirates attacking the Kayans were doomed.
The Pirates were weakening quickly, but they kept on pounding the Kayans till they had only 5 ships left. Turning around and trying to run, the Kayans pounced on them, destroying the last of the Pirate fleet.
Lars Magnas offensive actions were destroyed. It was just another sign that he wasn't invincible, and that the Pirate Empire would soon fall...
------------------
The Federation fleets in Gadzair, Vastan, and Stror were now ready.
Jumping into multiple systems at once, the Federation fleets attacked Saffera, Terapin, and Namer. The Voinians were also beginning their own attacks as they increased raids and sent a fleet to capture DSN-7903.
The Federation and Voinians fought with avengeance, using the full force of their massive numbers of ships to great use against the Ediens, who were too spread out, and caught totally unprepared.
Meanwhile, as the Devastator project was almost completed, the Federation began work on researching a new upgrade to Quantum weapons.
-----------
Devastator Project ETA: 2 Posts
Quantum Upgrade ETA: 4 Posts
------------------ If at first you don't succeed...Hit it harder! - Me -------------- Millennium. Its coming, prepare for it. Coming to the (url="http://"http://www.ambrosiaSW.com/games/ev/chronicles.html")EV Chronicles(/url).
After some deep level sub-space scans in the Kade system, and Edien fleet of 15,000 vessels were assembled. Their purpose was totally unknown to all but a few admirals, which included Admiral BattleDoctor and Emporer Grunadulater.
Another odd thing was that Kade station, the headquarters for Edien intellegence in the Milky Way, was being outfitted with some sort of Sub-Space Amplifier. What it did, nobody knew. Not even the engineers.
Whatever the Ediens were doing, they were being very secretive about it.
Meanwhile, the Akrahd had completed the Plasma Railgum, which would give them a nice edge in long-range combat, and would make them much stronger, and would heavily improve the carrier and battleship.
Though they were still recovering, the Akrahd were doing quite well, and were even beginning to plan an attack on the Horoth quite soon...
The Federation and Voinians were beginning to increase attacks on the UPL; the Pirate faction in the Milky Way. Already all the bases except for the ones in the Milky Way had been eradicated, and they would soon fall to the Voinian Empire.
Three Kayans bearing militia emblems waited outside a room on the fifteenth floor of a municipal hospital in Kayia's capitol. From outside the window there was a clear view of the city, shining in the cool, winter sun. In the distance the memorial spire stood tall, casting a long shadow over downtown. For the three Kayans, though, all their attention was focused on this one hospital room, and it's patient. This is where the pilot of the stricken firefly had been taken as soon as she had been rescued from the cockpit.
"So, who was she, and how is she doing?" one of them asked.
"Her name is Akita. She holds advanced doctoral degrees in subspace mechanics and quantum physics, but had only six months piloting experience prior to her mission into the rift. Considering the condition of her ship, I'm surprised she was able to make it out alive. Her condition has been upgraded to stable. She's able to remain awake for nearly an hour at a time, but she still has some nasty burns and internal injuries. She'll probably be hospitilized for at least another week," answered a second.
"And what of her findings?" asked the first man. "She kept mentioning something about 'important information' when she first woke up."
"She can't remember all of what happened yet," the third man replied, "but she claims to have discovered what happened to the emerald. Something about a 'subspace fracture', whatever that is. It should all be recorded on her ship's flight recorder. I hear rescue teams recovered it and turned it over to the New Kayan Science Institute. They're experts in the field - I'm sure they'll figure out what's going on. We should hear from them soon."
------------------ Ad Astra Per Aspera - "A rough road leads to the stars"
Suddenly, the building rumbled slightly as a massive Federation battlecruiser flew low overhead and landed hastily on a spaceport. The vessel was obviously in a hurry, and the ship was obviously important; Federation Frigates and Patrol Boats hovered overhead, making sure the area was secure.
Fleet Admiral Scorcher, escorted by a platoon of very large and mean-looking Voinian and Azdgari guards, rushed to the hospital. Coming towards the three Kayans waiting to hear the report about the pilot, Scorcher showed them his ID card and explained why he was there; he had heard about the accident, and that he wanted to interview the pilot as soon as he could for his report ot Fed intellegence.
"Well," the highest ranking Kayan officer responded, "she's awake at the moment, though her memory of her trip through the rift isn't quite clear yet - though the doctors believe it should return within the week. You're welcome to speak to her now if you want, but remember that she's been through a lot."
OOC: I'll be leaving for three days while I visit my grandparents house. Thunder is hereby appointed Co-Moderator to oversee all GH operations while I'm gone. I may be able to post once while I am gone, but I am unsure.
Good luck Thunder.
Now let's see how many posts all you guys can put up for me while I'm gone. Yes, that includes everyone in GH! Thunder, spread the word.
Bye guys.
-Captain Carnotaur
Message to: Sladerei From: RA Like we said earlier, we welcome an alliance, and the technology trade doesn't matter much to us. We will send you a few silver plants and SDM technology as good will, and you can send us what you like, although we would highly value the plans for your supercruiser. We could, and would prefer to, modify it slightly to load our technology, SDM launchers and to carry our fighters, silver hull, etc. We will understand if you prefer to exclude the docking bays and multi-kinetic shields, but we see this to be the perfect way to exact our revenge on the pirates. end
Scorcher nodded to the Kayan officers, then slowly stepped into the room, along with an army guard and the lead Kayan. Scorcher walked slowly over to the pilots bed, eying her cautiously. The Kayan then slowly shook the female pilot awake while Scorcher sat down in a chair by the side of the bed.
As she slowly opened her eyes and looked around the room, Scorcher spoke slowly. "Hello. As you may or may not know, I am Federation Alliance Fleet Admiral Scorcher. I've come to ask you a few questions."
She nodded slowly, and Scorcher continued. "We know that you were studying the sub-space rift that links our two galaxies. We need to know what happened on your flight." The pilot shook her head.
"I...can't..." she said, but Scorcher continued.
"Don't worry, it's not a life or death thing. Just think back, and see if you can remember anything at all about the trip."
The Kayan pilot started to speak...
OOC: Thunder, you can post what she said
Akita closed her eyes for a moment, trying to summon up memories that were still not clear in her mind. After a few seconds, whe turned to Scorcher, and began to recount her story, as best she remembered.
"It was about a week ago. I had gotten clearance to go through the rift, from the New Galaxy side. I set the autopilot on my Firefly and turned to some kind of device..." she appeared to be deep in thought, trying to bring up details that still eluded her. "...I believe it was a... subspace particle scanner. Everything seemed fine as my ship went into the rift. I was busy running some kind of scans. I'm not sure exactly what kind, but I was trying to map the subspace particle flux through the rift... I remember that much."
"Can you tell me what went wrong?" Scorcher asked.
"It all happened about... six hours into the trip. I was trying to set up a deep level sensor sweep when there was some kind of alarm from the navigation panel. I was walking across the cockpit to check the alarm when the ship shook violently. I was knocked flat on the ground, things fell off the wall, lights were knocked out... it was a pretty good jolt. I don't remember getting up, but I must have... because I remember checking navigation panel. It said something about "unexpected course change", which of course was impossible in the rift, there is only one path through it - at least there was. The ship was still shuddering, and I looked out the front windshield and the blue tunnel seemed to be split in two, and there seemed to be some kind of large nebula in the realspace surrounding this part of the tunnel. Must have been... a supernova. My ship was caught between the two paths. I tried to fire my engines and get clear but I was held in place by eddy currents within the rift tunnel." At this point, Akita's story seemed to become less coherent, as if her memory wasn't quite clear. She was visibly trying her hardest to recall every piece of the story. "The shaking got worse - my shields were being drained by the... constant pounding and shuddering... I pushed my engines beyond the maximum limit... but still couldn't get free... there were more alarms... power conduit overloads... my engines exploded, and the console in front of me did too... I was knocked to the ground again... I got up in great pain... there were burns on my arms from where the sparks had hit... the explosion knocked my ship free - I could feel it moving again. There were more explosions, the cockpit started... filling with some noxious gas leaking from a broken conduit... I remember taking shelter between a storage locker and... um... some large metal apparatus. I must have gone unconsious at that point, because the next thing I remember is waking up in this room about two days ago, with my father and a militia officer standing over the bed."
Akita looked out the window of her room, then at the Kayan man, then back toward Scorcher before adding one more piece of the story. "They tell me my ship was disabled and damaged beyond recognition. It must have floated on through the rest of the rift under only it's inerta. They also tell me my scanners were running the whole time until they were destroyed in the third or fourth explosion - they should give some interesting information once the New Kayan Science Institute is through with them."
"What do you think happened?" Scorcher asked.
"I think there is some kind of split in the rift. The Emerald must have encountered the same split I did, but without advanced sensors, they would have had no warning. Either they were destroyed when they couldn't escape, or they travelled down the other branch of the rift, and ended up who-knows-where."
Namer, Terapin, and Saffera... All Edien ships jumped and were gone. The Feds were suspicious and looked everywhere, but they were clearly out of the system. They carfully desended to the planet. The same things happened in the system of DSN-7903. -------------------- ERS=24 posts Dark Crusader=31 posts New weapon=42 posts "Orc" bomber=53 posts Warbringers upgrades=2 posts
------------------ "What is the capital of Nebraska?" "Uhhh, 42?" -------------------- Come visit (url="http://"http://nova6.pautsch.com/forum/intro.lasso")Nova6s Webboards(/url).
The Federation and Voinian fleets, rather confused about the sudden disappearance of all the Edien warships, quickly secured the planets and set to work fortifying them from attack.
Meanwhile, the fleet in Saffera continued on, against orders, and attacked Vethair. The Federation fleet quickly engaged the Edien fleet, but they were walking into a trap. The Edien fleet outnumbered and outgunned the Federation fleet, and they quickly inflicted heavy casualties on the Feds.
However, the Federation admiral was new and inexperienced, and continued on fighting despite the obvious odds against him...
------------------------
Devastator Project ETA: 1 Post
Quantum Upgrade ETA: 3 Posts
In the Kade system, the Ediens were preparing to test out their Sub-Space Amplifier, with 6,000 vessels there to watch.
On the command bridge of Crescent Station, Edien Commander Vorath watched the status readouts on the amplifier. "Looks good so far, Admiral," he said, turning to Admiral H'nanta BattleDoctor.
H'nanta was just recently put in charge of the highly secretive operation, and he was determined to carry it out or die trying. "How long until the rift is opened?" he asked.
"Soon.... Very soon..." Vorath replied, watching the readouts carefully.
Suddenly, there was a flash, and what looked like a wormhole burst to life in the Kade system. As Edien warships backed off or scattered, rather frightened by the appearance of the sub-space anomoly, Vorath grinned.
"The sub-space rift is opened," he said, grinning. "You can move your fleet through, H'nanta. Just remember to activate the sub-space generator at the right time, or you'll end up in someones capitol, and our element of surprise will be lost."
The Edien admiral nodded, and walked off to his vessel...
Everyone was watching attentively as two Kayan scientists, one man and one woman, and what looked to be a Human-Kayan hybrid walked onto the stage of the packed auditorium. Representitives from many races were present - even the distant Voinians and Federation were represented, as well as quite a few reporters. A viewscreen lowered behind the scientists as the tall, old Kayan man took the podium.
"I suppose you're all wondering what happened to that missing cargo vessel - the Emerald." he began. "Well, I'm Dr. Kal Syran and along with my collegues Dr. Ryan Jennings and Dr. Sakura Avina, we will report the findings of the New Kayan Science Institute."
"We began," Dr. Syran said, "by analyzing the flight recorder of the K.A.S. Aurora Flight - the damaged firefly that exited the rift zone in the Akrayhek system. Though the pilot, Akita, was unable to recall the details of her journey, the 'black box' was able to tell us much more."
"After analyzing the Arurora Flight's sensor readings, we believe," said Dr. Avina, as she motioned to an image appering on the viewscreen, "that there is a split in the rift, about 14,000 light years from the Milky Way side. This split was not present when the rift first was opened. We believe it was caused by a recent supernova, which disrupted the subspace flux through the rift. In short, the supernova opened up a second exit point in the Milky Way."
Now it was Dr. Jennings's turn to speak, and he turned to the assembled crowd. "We have spent the last two days trying to pinpoint the second Milky Way exit point using the sensor logs from Akita's ship. Though we weren't able to succeed in narrowing it to a single system, we have ruled out all but a few points." A galactic map of the Milky Way appeared on the viewscreen, as Dr. Jennings used a laser pointer to highlight the areas where the exit could be. "After extensive efforts to extrapolate the exit point, we believe it must either be in the vicinity of Garit, or in the system of Kade."
At this news, the crowd fell into a stunned silence. Looking at the map, it was clear why.
"Unfortunately," Dr. Jennings said, stating the obvious, "both of these areas are deep within Edien territory."
"Assuming the exit is within Edien terriroty," Dr. Avina said, "we have no reason to believe the Ediens have the means or the knowledge to open it. Nonetheless, we should be on watch in case they find a way."
"That's all we have planned to say, any questions are welcome."
Whisper in a dead man's ear, doesn't make it real............
I hate most of you, despicable back-biting scum. You really over did it last time you threatened me. Oh, here's Simon's post.
(by the way, I'm talking about some of the asw members, not Simon)
(filthy wretches, you are)
(well, not the nice one's here)
Ta ta! ^_^
OOC: This is Esponer speaking, just to say that Phoenix had to post this for me because for some reason I couldn't enter the Golden Horizon topic (I think it's to do with the banner from Carnotaur's domain, which also won't load). He did this because he's an incredibly nice person and not at all under threat of violence. **Strand League Covert-ops** It had been two months today since the Nightmare was taken by Lars MagnaŐs dreadnought - two months since the Strand LeagueŐs forces had been crippled by the pirate attack. Now, they had all but recovered. The Particle Railgun, a weapon funded by the Strand League for IGNA fleet ships, had been completed and had been fit on all IGNA fleet vessels in place of forward cannons and thoron beams. The IGNA Citadel had been repaired and stood, a functional line of defence, in Appnyl, headquarters of the Igadzra Grand Naval Arm. The ZSN had begun the relatively minor operation of developing the Kyhdron phase rocket, to replace the Redfire rocket. These more advanced designs were to be more powerful, fire faster, and have a longer range. Both the Zidagar Space Navy and the Igadzra Grand Naval Arm had their own military forces four hundred ships strong, and the Strand League itself had formed into a much more powerful government, and had since formed colonies on Inka. It was now that the ambitious operation to recover the Nightmare Igazrada would take place. \------------------------------ **Underground Chamber, Zidagar HQ, Titan** Admiral Aldaris stepped lightly down into the chamber, far below the Zidagar headquarters on Titan Prime. The crystaline walls glowed a bright purple. Aldaris realised he hardly needed the phase emittion lamp that he carried with him. The Kyhdron crystal farms were always bright, he thought. This place had been chosen as the site of the meeting as it was perhaps the safest area on the entire planet. What was to pass must be completely unknown to Lars Magna or anyone not part of the scheme itself. Moving swiftly and silently behind Aldaris was Corsair, shadowed in his purple-black cloak At his side was a kyhdron beamer, identical to the one Aldaris wore. The weapons, however, were not merely for show. However, all was safe, it appeared. Corsair stepped ahead of Aldaris as the Admiral rose the power on his lamp, making the entirety of the chamber visible. As expected, four Zidagar were sprawling around the chamber, leaning on walls or pacing back and forth. Aldaris was impressed by them instantly. The one who was pacing made no sound or imprint on the ground, and the others had been so well merged into the crystaline walls that they had been all but invisible until Aldaris rose the lamp up. The four Zidagar appeared odd, to say the least. They wore cloaks with attached hoods and veils, gloves and boots, all of which were a drab grey. Not an inch of them was bare. The Zidagar standing wore his cloak unfastened. On the inside two turbophase pistols, a kyhdron beamer, a pair of laser sharpened knifes, a number of explosive implements, and various other pieces of equipment were visible. Five cylinder-shaped backpacks sat in one corner. ŇGood to see youŐre ready,Ó Aldaris declared, stepping towards the Zidagar standing. ŇIŐm impressed by the speed at which ZSF assembled you agents.Ó The Zidagar standing was so shrouded by his veil that his expression was unknown. ŇZidagar Special Forces are the best. And we are the best of them.Ó ŇSpeed is one of the most important factors in covert-ops,Ó another agent, who had just stood up lightly from his vantage point against the wall. Corsair took a step forward, and held out his hand. ŇWhen do we set off?Ó AldarisŐ eyes widened. ŇI wondered why there were five packs. Would you deprive me of my Colonel?Ó he asked the agent who stood. The agent laughed, although his face was still too shrouded to see it. ŇYour _Colonel_ just so happens to be slightly more than that. Welcome aboard, Master.Ó Corsair nodded briefly. Aldaris hardly stopped himself from gasping out loud. After a moment, he chuckled. ŇIŐll be damned. The records showed nothing.Ó ŇWe wouldnŐt be the best if we could be discovered,Ó Corsair replied, grinning. ŇIndeed,Ó Aldaris replied, chuckling to himself. ŇWell...when can you be ready?Ó ŇWeŐll be ready to head for Syter within four minutes,Ó Corsair replied confidently.Ó ŇMake that three,Ó Aldaris grinned, not believing they would be off for an hour. Two minutes later, he was receiving a signal from Titan Star Command that the _Reaver_ , a stolen and masterfully battered pirate Arada, had taken off. Aldaris whistled quietly to himself as he made his way through the labyrinth of the kyhdron crystal farm back to Zidagar HQ, all the while wondering just how good these agents were. \------------------------------ **The _Reaver_ , Bargu System** As the Arada made itŐs way swiftly to Syter, the five agents, including Corsair, met in their storage chamber. The chamber was absolutely packed with equipment and weaponry. The agent who had previously stood on guard in the kyhdron crystal farm, named Vassar, was stood by a large device which glowed blue. ŇThis,Ó Vassar stated, patting the device, Ňis our tachyonic generator, the most secret of Kayan technologies, and absolutely deadly in the wrong hands.Ó He winked. ŇI must commend you,Ó Corsair said, walking slowly around it, analsing it with a handheld scanner, Ňon the perfection of this fake. The readings are perfect. How did you eventually design it?Ó Vassar shrugged. ŇWe had temporal containment unit down in storage on Rossoni. It already contained a large amount of tachyon particles within a temporal stasis. With the help of the Kayan government, we managed to build a complete fake. Totally useless, except for the fact that if the pirates investigate too far, theyŐll cause a rather nasty tachyonic explosion.Ó Corsair grinned broadly. ŇNice work.Ó Vassar bowed. ŇOnce again thanks to the Kayans, we now have a Kayan-bolt hole of a ship. They were so nice to shoot at this. WeŐre on our way now; weŐre on our way.Ó \------------------------------ **The _Reaver_ , Capfal System** The _Reaver_ leapt into Capfal, and Corsair made sure to ignite some hyperspace fuel just as they went out of hyperspace, making a lovely Ňbroken down wreckÓ style explosion. Two pirate warships were on patrol in that area of the system, and they quickly hailed the _Reaver_. Slightly faster, the _Reaver_ hailed them. ŇThis is Zavakka, out from NSI-834. We were part of a raid on Omerz 12. The Kayan scum blew out our raiding fleet, but a few of Ôuz got to ÔGal, their capital. OneŐa their freighters was transporting Ôsummat important - we got hold of it, and looksy here. Let us past! We have to show Zak Vilda a little prize!Ó came the voice of the infamous pirate, Zavakka of NSI-834. Zavakka was dead, killed by Miranu patrols a month back, with no-one to tell the tale, but the Zidagar Special Forces had managed to get hold of his voice patterns. It might not have been necessary, but it helped. The pirate ships conferred for a few minutes, and then a reply came. ŇYou might be better off with an escort. My ship will take you to Syter under guard. We wouldnŐt want any...harm...to come to whatever it is you have on your ship,Ó came the reply. Corsair turned to the others. ŇBy know, they will have picked up considerable tachyon readings, and will have tracked them to this ship.Ó ŇSure?Ó Vassar replied. ŇYeah,Ó Corsair. ŇQuite positive. Because weŐre still alive.Ó Corsair quickly composed a reply, although this one was only in text format. (begin message) Pirate vessel, the Kayans have severely damaged our vessel. Visual link was cut, and now we can only communicate via message. Our systems are badly damaged, and the device on our ship is quite dangerous. Stay where you are. Your ship would be in danger escorting us. (end message) A few more minutes passed, and the pirate warships backed off with a short but sweet ŇgoodbyeÓ. Vassar laughed. ŇWise-asses,Ó Vassar remarked. ŇThat message was audio, so if weŐd replied normally, they would have known we were intruders. LetŐs go to Syter, Corsair.Ó Corsair was smiling slightly. ŇThese pirates arenŐt as stupid as they might be, but they still arenŐt much of a match for us.Ó \------------------------------ **The _Reaver_ , Syter System** Burtter had not been much more difficult to evade. The _Reaver_ now entered Syter, with two more explosions from ignited hyperspace fuel for effect. The _Reaver_ hailed the Syter Command, explaining the situation, and requesting permission to land. The ship was scanned thoroughly, and they found Kayan weaponŐs fire, and the tachyon particles of this ŇdeviceÓ. Corsair, or more accurately Zavakka, quickly composed a message and explained that the device was a tachyonic generator, a secret belonging to the Kayans that was taken by a raiding party out from NSI-834. ŇThey bought it,Ó Vassar commented as the _Reaver_ was granted permission to land. ŇYeah, and theyŐll have bought it once weŐre done with them,Ó another agent replied with a grim smile. Vassar was dressed up as ŇZavakkaÓ, with some flawless cosmetics done to his face, and a scar on his left arm produced by the most perfect of weapons. He was glaring at Corsair, who had delivered those means. ŇThat hurt, you know,Ó Vassar pointed out. ŇThe knife was sharp,Ó Corsair shrugged. ŇIt would have hurt more if it wasnŐt.Ó ŇWhatever,Ó Vassar laughed. ŇHey, Danoth, are you ready yet?Ó Agent Danoth stepped out, also prepared as a pirate. Corsair turned to the other two; Merlan and Landon. ŇReady?Ó The two agents, both clad like Corsair in the dull grey suits of the ZSF, nodded. And then, the computer bleeped. They had come down to the final leg - landing on Syter. \------------------------------ **Docking Bay, Syter** Vassar and Danoth stepped out from the _Reaver_ , to be met by an array of important pirate commanders. Danoth leaned towards Vassar, and whispered quietly in his ear, Ňwe could take them all out here and now, Vassar.Ó ŇWeŐre doing this according to plan, Danoth,Ó Vassar whispered back, his voice sounding stronger and gruffy thanks to a modification to his voice. ŇWell well,Ó one of the pirate commanders greeted them, stepping forward, Ňnice to see to took the effect. May we see the generator?Ó Vassar nodded. ŇOf course, come this way...Ó The two led them into the Arada, and down the main corridor. Meanwhile, the three other agents slipped out right under the noses of the pirate commanders, with their suits turned on. Tiny sensors passed the details of one direction of the suit to the other, meaning that from all directions the agents were all but invisible, as the suits were the exact colour as the background. Vassar opened the doorway to the storage chamber, and allowed the eight pirate commanders within. He signalled to Danoth, and said, Ňgo on, get out of here!Ó He winked slightly, and Danoth got the message, and went to forfill his part in the plan. One of the commanders went straight up to the device, which sat in the centre of the room, and whistled. ŇAnd what does it do?Ó ŇThis...Ó Vassar stated, going to the commanderŐs side, Ň...is the tachyonic generator. Once activated, it prevents enemy vessels from entering via hyperspace.Ó The pirates crowded around, investigating it thoroughly. ŇHey, why not give it a go, just for a moment? Pull down that handle there,Ó Vassar pointed in the direction of the handle. One of the pirate commanders grinned horribly at Vassar, went to the device, and pulled down the handle. Meanwhile, Vassar leapt out of the room, closed the door, and waited. Ten seconds later, he opened the door again. Two automatic turbophase turrets had succeeded in mowing down the pirate commanders. ŇNo need wasting good tachyonic explosives,Ó Danoth pointed out. Vassar nodded. ŇOkay, get the device onto the docking bay. Then weŐll see about getting it somewhere where it can do harm. Meanwhile, IŐll be changing back. Quickly now, we donŐt have much time.Ó \------------------------------ **_NightmareŐs_ Bay, Syter** _Blast_. The sound was quiet. One pirate fell down to the ground, blood expanding from his chest. Another blast came a second later, and the second guard fell. Corsair stepped out, nano-sniper already going back into his cloak. The three agents slowly approached the blast doors to what they knew to be the bay of the _Nightmare_ , intended as a secondary dreadnought bay. They knew this chamber would be huge, but as they should be, they were confident. Corsair quickly set down plastic explosives around the blast doors, and signalled the others to step back. They all turned on their all-situation sensor goggles, and waited for the explosion. The door exploded violently, and fearlessly the three of them ran straight out. Two pirate guards lay dead around the door. Sixteen more guards were around the huge bay, but they struggled to even see the three agents. It would take them at least a minute to decide to activate the scannerŐs on the Nightmare. Kyhdron beamers were out in a flash, firing accurately at the pirates. The pirates swept the doorway with fire, but the agents had already moved away. Realising they would get hit, they ducked under a console to the right of the doorway, and Landon pulled out a large device -- a mSAI launcher. He held it up, and a tiny version of an SAI launched out, and went hunting pirate. Two more quickly joined it. The pirates had clustered up, and thus their ranks exploded from the mSAIs. Corsair and Merlan then rose above the console and finished the pirates off with deadly accurate shots from kyhdron beamers, seeing clearly through the smoke. The three agents then ran towards the Nightmare as itŐs sensors were charged up. They had made their way to the entrance ladder just in time, as two pirates swept out, able to see them through sensor implants. Corsair gunned them down in mid-run, and then they were inside. \------------------------------ **Corridor to _NightmareŐs Bay_ , Syter** At least twenty pirates went storming along the corridor to stop the mysterious attack on the bay. All were heavily armed, and equipped with sensors which would see through the ŇcloakÓ that these agents were armed with. ŇMove move move! We donŐt have much time!Ó screamed the leader, neutron blaster in waving hand. When he promptly exploded, followed quickly by his entire party, there was some confusion. Or rather, there was _no_ confusion, as everyone was dead. Danoth suddenly appeared from behind a small ridge in the wall. Sensors or no, the pirates werenŐt about to see an agent who didnŐt want to be seen. ŇHmm...nice explosion. IŐm gettnig to like tachyons,Ó Danoth noted. He also noted that the corridor was somewhat destroyed, and there were some angry pirates from two floors down waving blasters. At that point, he decided to make it to the _NightmareŐs_ bay. \------------------------------ The Nightmare was quickly swarmed by the four agents. Another score of pirates had been examining it, and at least fifty scientists, but they fell all too quickly to the agents attacks. Subterfuge was hardly needed; they simply walked into the room, and cleared it out. Within ten minutes, they had regained control of the NightmareŐs systems, and received word from the _Reaver_. ŇHey, guys,Ó Vassar said. ŇI cleared out the rest of the pirates heading your way. I think itŐs safe for now. IŐm heading to the bay now, to set up to cover-up. Get the Igazrada out of there.Ó ŇAffirmative,Ó Corsair replied. ŇWeŐll take it to Burtter under cover. ZSN ships should be en route by now, or waiting in Makta for orders.Ó ŇIŐll make sure they know when to head off,Ó Vassar said. ŇAll luck, Master.Ó \------------------------------ **Syter System** The _Nightmare_ rose out of the atmosphere of the planet, and was quickly hailed. They explained that Lars Magna had requested that the _Nightmare_ be taken to Burtter, and there they would receive further orders. Corsair made sure to note that Lars had mentioned the vessel might need to be taken to NSI-0312, which would give them cover if ZSN vessels werenŐt prepared in Makta. The pirates believed them, but assembled an escort of six warships. They werenŐt too worried - they would receive word from Lars about the matter in 15 hours, and they believed that the _Nightmare_ would take that long to reach Burtter. However, they were wrong. Strand League engines were better than pirate engines, if not by much. Meanwhile, Vassar had covered-up the situation in the _NightmareŐs_ bay, and had escaped in a warshipŐs cargo - which just happened to be one escorting the _Nightmare_. He quickly began high level covert-ops. He intended to have control of the warship in eleven hours, before it reached Burtter. After all; he needed to contact the ZSN and tell them to be ready. \------------------------------ **Burtter System** The _Nightmare_ entered Burtter, and was directed to the planet. No word had yet arrived from Lars - it was too early. The pirates had been shocked by the _NightmareŐs_ speed, and were not entirely prepared. It was then that communications engaged rapidly. Vassar had taken over the warship from the inside within two hours, and the ZSN fleet was coming to the hyperspace exist any minute now. The pirates guided the _Nightmare_ towards the planet of Burtter, when one hundred ZSN ships leapt into the system. They met one hundred and fifty pirate vessel, although the engagement was quick. Fourty pirates were eliminated at the loss of twenty ZSN vessels, and then the ZSN and the _Nightmare/i) were gone. Vassar was now aboard the (i)Nightmare_ , and the warship he had captured went up in flames as the self-destruct he had begun hit zero. (This message has been edited by Phoenix Avalon (edited 01-02-2002).)
OOC: I hate SimpleText. Well...I'll have to enter this topic from Page 3 from now on, since it IS a problem with the banner. I can't open any page which uses an image from Carnotaur's domain. Annoying, eh? Just wait until Part VI...
------------------ Word.
Strand League Covert-ops
It had been two months today since the Nightmare was taken by Lars Magnas dreadnought - two months since the Strand Leagues forces had been crippled by the pirate attack. Now, they had all but recovered. The Particle Railgun, a weapon funded by the Strand League for IGNA fleet ships, had been completed and had been fit on all IGNA fleet vessels in place of forward cannons and thoron beams. The IGNA Citadel had been repaired and stood, a functional line of defence, in Appnyl, headquarters of the Igadzra Grand Naval Arm.
The ZSN had begun the relatively minor operation of developing the Kyhdron phase rocket, to replace the Redfire rocket. These more advanced designs were to be more powerful, fire faster, and have a longer range.
Both the Zidagar Space Navy and the Igadzra Grand Naval Arm had their own military forces four hundred ships strong, and the Strand League itself had formed into a much more powerful government, and had since formed colonies on Inka.
It was now that the ambitious operation to recover the Nightmare Igazrada would take place.
------------------------------ Underground Chamber, Zidagar HQ, Titan Admiral Aldaris stepped lightly down into the chamber, far below the Zidagar headquarters on Titan Prime. The crystaline walls glowed a bright purple. Aldaris realised he hardly needed the phase emittion lamp that he carried with him. The Kyhdron crystal farms were always bright, he thought.
This place had been chosen as the site of the meeting as it was perhaps the safest area on the entire planet. What was to pass must be completely unknown to Lars Magna or anyone not part of the scheme itself.
Moving swiftly and silently behind Aldaris was Corsair, shadowed in his purple-black cloak At his side was a kyhdron beamer, identical to the one Aldaris wore. The weapons, however, were not merely for show.
However, all was safe, it appeared. Corsair stepped ahead of Aldaris as the Admiral rose the power on his lamp, making the entirety of the chamber visible. As expected, four Zidagar were sprawling around the chamber, leaning on walls or pacing back and forth.
Aldaris was impressed by them instantly. The one who was pacing made no sound or imprint on the ground, and the others had been so well merged into the crystaline walls that they had been all but invisible until Aldaris rose the lamp up.
The four Zidagar appeared odd, to say the least. They wore cloaks with attached hoods and veils, gloves and boots, all of which were a drab grey. Not an inch of them was bare. The Zidagar standing wore his cloak unfastened. On the inside two turbophase pistols, a kyhdron beamer, a pair of laser sharpened knifes, a number of explosive implements, and various other pieces of equipment were visible. Five cylinder-shaped backpacks sat in one corner.
Good to see youre ready, Aldaris declared, stepping towards the Zidagar standing. Im impressed by the speed at which ZSF assembled you agents.
The Zidagar standing was so shrouded by his veil that his expression was unknown. Zidagar Special Forces are the best. And we are the best of them.
Speed is one of the most important factors in covert-ops, another agent, who had just stood up lightly from his vantage point against the wall.
Corsair took a step forward, and held out his hand. When do we set off?
Aldaris eyes widened. I wondered why there were five packs. Would you deprive me of my Colonel? he asked the agent who stood.
The agent laughed, although his face was still too shrouded to see it. Your Colonel just so happens to be slightly more than that. Welcome aboard, Master.
Corsair nodded briefly. Aldaris hardly stopped himself from gasping out loud. After a moment, he chuckled. Ill be damned. The records showed nothing.
We wouldnt be the best if we could be discovered, Corsair replied, grinning.
Indeed, Aldaris replied, chuckling to himself. Well...when can you be ready?
Well be ready to head for Syter within four minutes, Corsair replied confidently.
Make that three, Aldaris grinned, not believing they would be off for an hour.
Two minutes later, he was receiving a signal from Titan Star Command that the Reaver , a stolen and masterfully battered pirate Arada, had taken off. Aldaris whistled quietly to himself as he made his way through the labyrinth of the kyhdron crystal farm back to Zidagar HQ, all the while wondering just how good these agents were.
------------------------------ The Reaver , Bargu System As the Arada made its way swiftly to Syter, the five agents, including Corsair, met in their storage chamber. The chamber was absolutely packed with equipment and weaponry.
The agent who had previously stood on guard in the kyhdron crystal farm, named Vassar, was stood by a large device which glowed blue.
This, Vassar stated, patting the device, is our tachyonic generator, the most secret of Kayan technologies, and absolutely deadly in the wrong hands. He winked.
I must commend you, Corsair said, walking slowly around it, analsing it with a handheld scanner, on the perfection of this fake. The readings are perfect. How did you eventually design it?
Vassar shrugged. We had temporal containment unit down in storage on Rossoni. It already contained a large amount of tachyon particles within a temporal stasis. With the help of the Kayan government, we managed to build a complete fake. Totally useless, except for the fact that if the pirates investigate too far, theyll cause a rather nasty tachyonic explosion.
Corsair grinned broadly. Nice work.
Vassar bowed. Once again thanks to the Kayans, we now have a Kayan-bolt hole of a ship. They were so nice to shoot at this. Were on our way now; were on our way.
------------------------------ The Reaver , Capfal System The Reaver leapt into Capfal, and Corsair made sure to ignite some hyperspace fuel just as they went out of hyperspace, making a lovely broken down wreck style explosion.
Two pirate warships were on patrol in that area of the system, and they quickly hailed the Reaver. Slightly faster, the Reaver hailed them.
This is Zavakka, out from NSI-834. We were part of a raid on Omerz 12. The Kayan scum blew out our raiding fleet, but a few of uz got to Gal, their capital. Onea their freighters was transporting summat important - we got hold of it, and looksy here. Let us past! We have to show Lars Magna a little prize! came the voice of the infamous pirate, Zavakka of NSI-834. Zavakka was dead, killed by Miranu patrols a month back, with no-one to tell the tale, but the Zidagar Special Forces had managed to get hold of his voice patterns. It might not have been necessary, but it helped.
The pirate ships conferred for a few minutes, and then a reply came.
You might be better off with an escort. My ship will take you to Syter under guard. We wouldnt want any...harm...to come to whatever it is you have on your ship, came the reply.
Corsair turned to the others. By know, they will have picked up considerable tachyon readings, and will have tracked them to this ship.
Sure? Vassar replied.
Yeah, Corsair. Quite positive. Because were still alive.
Corsair quickly composed a reply, although this one was only in text format.
(begin message) Pirate vessel, the Kayans have severely damaged our vessel. Visual link was cut, and now we can only communicate via message. Our systems are badly damaged, and the device on our ship is quite dangerous. Stay where you are. Your ship would be in danger escorting us. (end message)
A few more minutes passed, and the pirate warships backed off with a short but sweet goodbye. Vassar laughed.
Wise-asses, Vassar remarked. That message was audio, so if wed replied normally, they would have known we were intruders. Lets go to Syter, Corsair.
Corsair was smiling slightly. These pirates arent as stupid as they might be, but they still arent much of a match for us.
------------------------------ The Reaver , Syter System Burtter had not been much more difficult to evade. The Reaver now entered Syter, with two more explosions from ignited hyperspace fuel for effect.
The Reaver hailed the Syter Command, explaining the situation, and requesting permission to land. The ship was scanned thoroughly, and they found Kayan weapons fire, and the tachyon particles of this device. Corsair, or more accurately Zavakka, quickly composed a message and explained that the device was a tachyonic generator, a secret belonging to the Kayans that was taken by a raiding party out from NSI-834.
They bought it, Vassar commented as the Reaver was granted permission to land.
Yeah, and theyll have bought it once were done with them, another agent replied with a grim smile.
Vassar was dressed up as Zavakka, with some flawless cosmetics done to his face, and a scar on his left arm produced by the most perfect of weapons. He was glaring at Corsair, who had delivered those means.
That hurt, you know, Vassar pointed out.
The knife was sharp, Corsair shrugged. It would have hurt more if it wasnt.
Whatever, Vassar laughed. Hey, Danoth, are you ready yet?
Agent Danoth stepped out, also prepared as a pirate.
Corsair turned to the other two; Merlan and Landon. Ready?
The two agents, both clad like Corsair in the dull grey suits of the ZSF, nodded. And then, the computer bleeped. They had come down to the final leg - landing on Syter.
------------------------------ Docking Bay, Syter Vassar and Danoth stepped out from the Reaver , to be met by an array of important pirate commanders. Danoth leaned towards Vassar, and whispered quietly in his ear, we could take them all out here and now, Vassar.
Were doing this according to plan, Danoth, Vassar whispered back, his voice sounding stronger and gruffy thanks to a modification to his voice.
Well well, one of the pirate commanders greeted them, stepping forward, nice to see to took the effect. May we see the generator?
Vassar nodded. Of course, come this way...
The two led them into the Arada, and down the main corridor. Meanwhile, the three other agents slipped out right under the noses of the pirate commanders, with their suits turned on. Tiny sensors passed the details of one direction of the suit to the other, meaning that from all directions the agents were all but invisible, as the suits were the exact colour as the background.
Vassar opened the doorway to the storage chamber, and allowed the eight pirate commanders within. He signalled to Danoth, and said, go on, get out of here! He winked slightly, and Danoth got the message, and went to forfill his part in the plan.
One of the commanders went straight up to the device, which sat in the centre of the room, and whistled. And what does it do?
This... Vassar stated, going to the commanders side, ...is the tachyonic generator. Once activated, it prevents enemy vessels from entering via hyperspace.
The pirates crowded around, investigating it thoroughly.
Hey, why not give it a go, just for a moment? Pull down that handle there, Vassar pointed in the direction of the handle.
One of the pirate commanders grinned horribly at Vassar, went to the device, and pulled down the handle. Meanwhile, Vassar leapt out of the room, closed the door, and waited. Ten seconds later, he opened the door again.
Two automatic turbophase turrets had succeeded in mowing down the pirate commanders.
No need wasting good tachyonic explosives, Danoth pointed out.
Vassar nodded. Okay, get the device onto the docking bay. Then well see about getting it somewhere where it can do harm. Meanwhile, Ill be changing back. Quickly now, we dont have much time.
------------------------------ Nightmares Bay, Syter Blast. The sound was quiet. One pirate fell down to the ground, blood expanding from his chest. Another blast came a second later, and the second guard fell. Corsair stepped out, nano-sniper already going back into his cloak.
The three agents slowly approached the blast doors to what they knew to be the bay of the Nightmare , intended as a secondary dreadnought bay. They knew this chamber would be huge, but as they should be, they were confident.
Corsair quickly set down plastic explosives around the blast doors, and signalled the others to step back. They all turned on their all-situation sensor goggles, and waited for the explosion.
The door exploded violently, and fearlessly the three of them ran straight out. Two pirate guards lay dead around the door.
Sixteen more guards were around the huge bay, but they struggled to even see the three agents. It would take them at least a minute to decide to activate the scanners on the Nightmare.
Kyhdron beamers were out in a flash, firing accurately at the pirates. The pirates swept the doorway with fire, but the agents had already moved away. Realising they would get hit, they ducked under a console to the right of the doorway, and Landon pulled out a large device -- a mSAI launcher. He held it up, and a tiny version of an SAI launched out, and went hunting pirate. Two more quickly joined it. The pirates had clustered up, and thus their ranks exploded from the mSAIs. Corsair and Merlan then rose above the console and finished the pirates off with deadly accurate shots from kyhdron beamers, seeing clearly through the smoke.
The three agents then ran towards the Nightmare as its sensors were charged up. They had made their way to the entrance ladder just in time, as two pirates swept out, able to see them through sensor implants. Corsair gunned them down in mid-run, and then they were inside.
------------------------------ Corridor to Nightmares Bay , Syter At least twenty pirates went storming along the corridor to stop the mysterious attack on the bay. All were heavily armed, and equipped with sensors which would see through the cloak that these agents were armed with.
Move move move! We dont have much time! screamed the leader, neutron blaster in waving hand.
When he promptly exploded, followed quickly by his entire party, there was some confusion. Or rather, there was no confusion, as everyone was dead. Danoth suddenly appeared from behind a small ridge in the wall. Sensors or no, the pirates werent about to see an agent who didnt want to be seen.
Hmm...nice explosion. Im gettnig to like tachyons, Danoth noted. He also noted that the corridor was somewhat destroyed, and there were some angry pirates from two floors down waving blasters. At that point, he decided to make it to the Nightmares bay.
------------------------------ The Nightmare was quickly swarmed by the four agents. Another score of pirates had been examining it, and at least fifty scientists, but they fell all too quickly to the agents attacks. Subterfuge was hardly needed; they simply walked into the room, and cleared it out.
Within ten minutes, they had regained control of the Nightmares systems, and received word from the Reaver.
Hey, guys, Vassar said. I cleared out the rest of the pirates heading your way. I think its safe for now. Im heading to the bay now, to set up to cover-up. Get the Igazrada out of there.
Affirmative, Corsair replied. Well take it to Burtter under cover. ZSN ships should be en route by now, or waiting in Makta for orders.
Ill make sure they know when to head off, Vassar said. All luck, Master.
------------------------------ Syter System The Nightmare rose out of the atmosphere of the planet, and was quickly hailed. They explained that Lars Magna had requested that the Nightmare be taken to Burtter, and there they would receive further orders. Corsair made sure to note that Lars had mentioned the vessel might need to be taken to NSI-0312, which would give them cover if ZSN vessels werent prepared in Makta.
The pirates believed them, but assembled an escort of six warships. They werent too worried - they would receive word from Lars about the matter in 15 hours, and they believed that the Nightmare would take that long to reach Burtter. However, they were wrong. Strand League engines were better than pirate engines, if not by much.
Meanwhile, Vassar had covered-up the situation in the Nightmares bay, and had escaped in a warships cargo - which just happened to be one escorting the Nightmare. He quickly began high level covert-ops. He intended to have control of the warship in eleven hours, before it reached Burtter. After all; he needed to contact the ZSN and tell them to be ready.
------------------------------ Burtter System The Nightmare entered Burtter, and was directed to the planet. No word had yet arrived from Lars - it was too early. The pirates had been shocked by the Nightmares speed, and were not entirely prepared.
It was then that communications engaged rapidly. Vassar had taken over the warship from the inside within two hours, and the ZSN fleet was coming to the hyperspace exist any minute now.
The pirates guided the Nightmare towards the planet of Burtter, when one hundred ZSN ships leapt into the system.
They met one hundred and fifty pirate vessel, although the engagement was quick. Fourty pirates were eliminated at the loss of twenty ZSN vessels, and then the ZSN and the Nightmare were gone. Vassar was now aboard the Nightmare , and the warship he had captured went up in flames as the self-destruct he had begun hit zero.
(This message has been edited by SilverDragon (edited 01-02-2002).)
OOC: Mods, please delete the post of that insane moron, and give me the IP, because I think I know who it is.
Admiral H'nanta Battledoctor watched from the bridge of his flagship, the Acheron , as the massive Edien fleet of 2,000 ships began to enter the swirling sub-space rift. "How soon till the rest of the fleet is through?" he asked Vorath via comlink.
"Just 16 hours, admiral."
H'nanta nodded to himself. "If only Edien command had given me my other 3,000 ships!! I'm a member of a council, aren't I important enough for this assignment!"
The commander in back of him shrugged. "Perhaps it's because you're new. Maybe they want to see how good you do initially."
H'nanta remained silent. "Maybe... Maybe..."
As the last ship entered, H'nanta's own vessel entered the rift. Instantly he was hurled along through a swirling chamber of blue, cyan, and white. It was somewhat like going through an Edien jumpgate.
Finally, the massive Edien warfleet activated the special sub-space generator, which forced them out from the rift, and then.... BOOM!! The fleet zoomed out of the rift....
....and into the Barah system, in the New Galaxy.
H'nanta grinned evilly as a massive swarm of 350 Pirate warships came to meet his fleet, and at the head of it, the Vengeance; Lars Magna's personal flagship.
Lars hailed H'nanta. "Welcome to the New Galaxy, my friend," Lars Magna said, grinning evily.
-------------------------
A Horoth lieutenant ran into the chambers of the commanding Horoth general on Horath. Since RMA wasn't there at the time, Generak Thrak was now in charge.
As the lieutenant ran up to him, his face red, he breath coming in short gasps, the General looked at him curiously. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Ver'nath...." the lieutenant said, calming down. "We just lost contact with it. No messages, no distress call, nothing."
"Did you send a scout fleet to investigate?" Thrak asked, worried.
"Yes...." he paused. "There's nothing there sir. No mines, no ships, no colony , It's all been destroyed! The planet is in ruins!"
"Did you scan for weapons signatures!!??" asked Thrak, quite panicked by now.
"Yes. We weren't able to identify it. Some sort of quantum or ion weaponry was used on the base. We don't have any of it in our datafiles."
Thrak nodded slowly. "Inform the Kayans immediately. Put all border patrols on high alert. DO IT NOW!!"
A small group of frieghters silently moved through the Cetax system, going on their usual cargo run. Suddenly, however, the stillness was broken as 800 Edien warships jumped into the system.
The Renegade Alliance warships stood their stunned for a moment before they were obliterated by the Edien warships, who then silently and swiftly moved onto Rigel....
However, the Ediens were not to find an idle defense force, for the RA had gotten a distress call from those frieghters, and almost their entire navy was ready for the Ediens when they came.
As the Ediens entered, instantly they were pounced upon by dozens and dozens of RA fighters and Laziras. Silver Darts and seeker modules streaked towards the Ediens, hitting them hard, but not hard enough.
The Edien warfleet recovered and blasted away 50 RA ships within seconds and began to tear through the rest of the Renegade Alliance fleet. Silver darts and anti-proton pulses streaked everywhere as the battle raged on and on and on.
The RA found new hope as some Kayan ships arrived, but the battle was still horribly in the Ediens favor.
Within just 6 hours, the Edien fleet had totally decimated the RA navy. Fortunately, however, most of the civillians from Rigel had already been evacuated, and it would be some time before the Ediens could commence their attack on the other RA systems. During that time, over five billion refugees would flee from those planets, leaving behind only abandoned bases and supplies.
As RA refugees began to stream into Kayan space, the Edien warfleet then moved onto Centaur. They obliterated the abandoned base there, then moved back to Rigel. Then they attacked Regula Minor, destroyed that base, but were then called back by Admiral H'nanta before they could destroy the last base.
Now, the big problem was that most of the RA didn't even know that the Ediens had attacked. There were many confused reports, and few people knew that it was indeed the Ediens that had attacked.
The invasion of the New Galaxy was underway, but who would find it out first has yet to be seen...
The Akrahd Empire was in rather large trouble. They had run into an economic depression, and they couldn't do much about it. They had plenty of ships to defend, but the depression would greatly reduce the effectiveness of shipyards and of standard maintainence.
(This message has been edited by Captain Carnotaur (edited 01-03-2002).)
The Strand League Council met aboard the Templar , in orbit of Draco. They were to discuss the next move of the Strand League - to attack the Akrahd. Reports from just outside Akrahd Space had shown that the increase in their ships had slowed to a near stop; for some reason they were not producing as many ships as before. IGNA logistics had reasoned that the Akrahd must be going through either an ecological disaster, with a lack of available resources in their over-used colonies, or a political instability. Either way, this was the best chance the Strand League had ever had to strike at the Akrahd.
However, this time around, it had been decided at least that they could not attack the Akrahd system head on. The system would be too well defended, and even with an ecological disaster, a constant stream of reinforcements could be sent during the battle. Instead, any actions against the Akrahd had to be taken carefully - and the Akrahd system had to be cut off.
I do not believe that taking Quo-Rahd and Ekrahd would be an effective use of our time, stated one council member. It would knock off Akrahd reinforcements in the area; yes, especially if we also held a position in VarChenRa, but during all this time, the Akrahd System Defence would be free to make a move. And also, just to achieve this goal, we would first need to destroy the System Defences in Bkrahd, and likely the Akrahd will have rebuilt their colonies on Ikrahd and Skrahd also. As well as that , weve been losing ships in the VenTrack area. Wed have to clear out that area before we could even start!
So what do you suggest, Shakora? SilverDragon asked politely.
Shakora nodded in acknowledgement. I suggest we take out any defences in Ikrahd, and then make a strike on Akrahd. We eliminate their presence there, and their government will fall. At that point, well only have to fight a mad rabble. Shakora was a Zidagar, and he represented most of the Zidagar in his opinion.
A mad rabble, which, may I add, is going to surround us. Outnumber us and even outmatch us. We have no choice, - we have to take this operation, replied an Igadzra council member.
SilverDragon waved them all to silence as an argument threatened to break out. You are forgetting, that this is not solely a Strand League matter. I suggest, that Admiral Aldaris prepares the ZSN for an attack on Ikrahd - a direct charge - will I form up IGNA to move around and cut off Akrahd reinforcements. Ill also get in contact with the Horoth, and see if theyll support us.
Aldaris nodded. An excellent idea, SilverDragon. The ZSN are already prepared in Oloni. Theyll be ready to attack in a day or two.
SilverDragon nodded. Take the path through Zeus, and clear out anyone in VenTrack. IGNA will go through Appnyl, and hit Quar-Rahd, closely followed by Quo-Rahd.
------------------------------------
SilverDragon waited until everyone had left, and composed a message to the Horoth.
This is the Strand League, Council Approved. We will be striking against the Akrahd once more within a week. We would greatly appreciate it if you could occupy the Akrahds northern and western forces while we begin our invasion. If you want to help us on the front-line, IGNA vessels will be passing into Quar-Rahd soon. Thank you, and goodbye.
With the message out of the way, he quickly sent a message to the Kayans.
Were attacking the Akrahd, and our borders will be relatively undefended for a while. If you could keep a watch against Lars Magna, it would be appreciated.
He then left the meeting chambers, and headed for the bridge.
Four hundred vessels, the bulk of the ZSN, entered the VenTrack system via Zeus. In the system, about one hundred and fifty Akrahd vessels were patrolling.
On the Silver Rose , Admiral Aldaris Zigra battlecruiser, Aldaris, Shakora and Corsair, just back from Syter, were assembled.
There appear to be too many ships for this to be an uninhabited system, Aldaris pointed out. Run a deep scan of the planet.
Corsair went swiftly to a nearby console, and ran a scanning program. After a few seconds, he turned around. A small colony is present. Mostly a military outpost, I believe.
Aldaris nodded. Have our vessel charge the enemy lines, and open fire with kyhdron rockets. Dont engage deflectors until the last moment.
The ZSN fleet moved forward at high speeds while the Akrahd ranks fired off a series of missiles. A moment before the first barrage hit the ZSN ranks, deflectors rose, and the missiles were incinerated against the impenetrable shielding.
The deflectors held until the ZSN were upon the Akrahd. Turbophase fire cut through the Akrahd ships with ease, and beams from the kyhdron emitters devastated Akrahd ranks. The ZSN mowed the Akrahd down, and then the faster Ziradas swarmed forward, blasting apart the colonies on the planet with unprecedented ease.
The fleet then turned for another charge to see that the Akrahd had regrouped. Several Ziradas were destroyed now by missiles, as the deflectors had fallen, but the Zidaras and Zigras both held their deflectors well. All at once, the Zirada fighters docked with their capital ships, leaving only a handful of the fighters on the field. Admiral Aldaris intended to lose as few ships as possible. He would finish off the Akrahd here, and then take only a few hours to recover deflector power from supply freighters which would follow, before moving on towards Ikrahd.
By this time, only a handful of Akrahd vessels remained. Many attempted to flee, but they were not used to the speed of the ZSN, who they had never before seen in combat. They were shocked as their remaining ships fell one by one, until finally, as the last Akrahd ship, a battleship, fell under the combined firepower of three Zigras, VenTrack was empty of Akrahd presence.
The ZSN fleet was met by a Zidagar supply convoy, who replaced kyhdron crystals and deflector batteries, as well as restored damaged shield generators. The process took only two hours, and then the ZSN fleet was in hyperspace towards Ikrahd.
The ZSN entered Ikrahd, and they begun the battle in much the same way. The first few barrages of missile fire were deflected, and once the fighters deflectors had been expanded, many docked with their motherships. The ZSN losses in VenTrack had been only a dozen or so, and they wanted to keep the losses down until the final battle.
A large number of Akrahd fell down against a high speed wall of kyhdron rockets, followed up closely by a rain of turbophase fire. This time, the ZSN stopped short at the Akrahd ranks, and continued raining down death, instantly of flying through them.
The four hundred ZSN met against two hundred Akrahd, and their ships were much more advanced. There wasnt much competition, but this battle, unlike the last, wouldnt be over in ten minute. Fire was exchanged, and the deflectors fell offline. They supply convoy would take another few days to reach Ikrahd at their speed, which was too long to wait.
The IGNA armada passed through Levym and NSI-4299, where there own supply convoy set-up a mediocre defence force of SAI silos and waited. NSI-4299 would be a gate system, to be used for repairs as the IGNA armada attacked Quar-Rahd, Quo-Rahd, and Ekrahd, all within a jump of NSI-4299.
The IGNA armada entered Quar-Rahd, all four hundred ships, and came up against just over two hundred Akrahd defenders. The situation was hopeless for the Akrahd from the start. They made a brave attack on the IGNA, but the IGNA merely held firm and smashed them through. They didnt even waste SAIs - the Akrahd swarm was swept away by turbophase and particle railgun fire. Deflectors were only switched on when each individual vessel was weakened considerably to save on power.
The Akrahd were quickly blasted away, until not many remained. The IGNA intended not to use their SAIs at all, and hopefully to rearm their ships with SAIs during a larger battle later, through their supply convoys.
After the Akrahd had been thinned out, IGNA began a slow but steady move forward, eliminating all ships that passed their way. They still had deflectors holding strong, which they turned on if their shields lowered. The long range artillery railgun fire confused the Akrahd who tried to stay out of range.
The battle was already dying down, but the Akrahd had managed to regroup somewhat...
------------------ There is a fine line between decent and indecent. There is a finer line between safe and not-safe. This goes to "Will of the People"; if ever given the opportunity, your life will be forfeit.
The Akrahd fleet in Ikrahd, though slightly outgunned, had some tricks up their sleaves yet.
The Akrahd fleet pulled back a little, pummelling the ZSN with long-range Plasma Railgun fire. That is, until a pack of Zidaras sneaked up behind them, hitting them with rocket fire.
The Akrahd fleet scattered, but then regrouped and charged at the ZSN while holding the main body of the fleet at bay with their railguns. The Zidaras were hit hard but continued fighting, and were saved only by the main group of the fleet, which charged into the fray.
The Akrahd lost many vessels quickly, but they would have lost even quicker if they hadn't enhanced their vessels with the new railguns and armor plating. Finally deciding that it was hopeless, the Akrahd fleet retreated to Akrahd where it rearmed and repaired, then waited for the ZSN.
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The Akrahd fleet in Quar-Rahd quickly requested help from the ships in Qua-Rahd, which was right nearby and could send in ships quickly.
The Akrahd fleet then grouped together, and charged at the center of the Igadzra fleet. Their aim was to tear the Igadzra into two sections, scatter them, and pick them off one by one.
They succeeded at first, and the Igadzra scattered quickly. But then came the reinforcements from Qua-Rahd. The Akrahd, now somewhat scattered, regrouped. But this gave the Igadzra time to regroup as well, and then attack the Akrahd while they weren't paying attention.
The two massive fleets fought and fought, but the Akrahd had a enough of an advantage to beat back the Igadzra, and then move in for a final charge...
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Originally posted by Captain Carnotaur: **The Akrahd fleet in Ikrahd, though slightly outgunned, had some tricks up their sleaves yet.
The Akrahd lost many vessels quickly, but they would have lost even quicker if they hadn't enhanced their vessels with the new railguns and armor plating. Finally deciding that it was hopeless, the Akrahd fleet retreated to Akrahd where it rearmed and repaired, then waited for the ZSN.**