Golden Horizon - Part V

The scientist sighed as he saw the situation this project had put him in. It was getting harder and harder to fix the problems that had some up with the Subspace repairer, and this one had stumpted him. He adjusted a small dial on the repulsor beam, making its radiation higher. He flew the small ship with the beam on it, and shot it right into the tear in front of him. The tear turned completely red, and shrank. Soon, the scientist could not see it.
"Yes!!"He cried. But, as he said the word, the tear grew back to its normal size and color. He cursed and started to turn.Then a buddy called him and told him something. It all made sense now!(Don't try to figure this out, it's science stuff). The scientist landed on the research station and told his buddys. They sent a message to Grunadulater;
"I'm sorry to say sir, but the Subspace Repairer will not work. We have figured out something though, that could provid us with many new weapons and ships."
"Begin imeadeatly"
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Dark Crusader=38 posts
New Weapon=49 posts
New ship=60 posts

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"What happens when the timer reaches 0?"

The commander of the Kayan forces battling the pirates realized he was outmatched. The pirates had thrown a huge number of their ships into this attack - nobody had expected an attack of this magnitude. He watched the Pirate formations on his viewscreen. "Heh... So they're attacking in groups, eh? Tactical mistake. Don't they know the enhanced defense pod has a large blast radius?" Somehow managing to make it to the comm, he barked out orders to the fleet.

"Firefly squadrons, provide cover fire for the remaining defense drones! Gunships and Aradas, open fire with whatever enhanced defense pods you have left. Commence long-range bombing runs on the larger packs. Try to inflict as many casualties as possible. Order a full-scale evacuation of all civilian and military personel in this system, and as soon as it is complete, full retreat!"

*** Message to the Horoth and RA - military encryption active ***
*** Point of Origin - NSI-8219 - Bridge of the Gunship K.S.S. Arcane ***

The Pirates have attacked with a vengance - almost 300 of their ships have descended on the system of NSI-8219. To muster an attack of this strength, they must have pulled ships from their defensive lines throughout their space. I suggest an immediate counterstrike against their space - their forces will be weak and they will be forced to draw ships away from this offensive. Don't worry about us - we're going to retreat as soon as the evacuation of this system is complete - we have to cut our losses here.

Message ends

As word of the attack filtered back to the Kayan core worlds, production of Defense Drones was doubled, even tripled in some systems. The plan was that within days the Galactica system, and those surrounding it, would be littered with defense drones, all prepared to fight off the Pirate threat. News bouys in all Kayan systems made it clear that the Kayans would take no offensive action against the Pirates unless provoked - though this deterrant admittedly seemed less than effective. Perhaps with several dozen defense drones in each system to back it up, so the military logic went, it would be a more effective deterrant.

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

(edit - wait... It's NSI-8219, not DSN-8219. Stupid new-galaxy naming convention ;))

Ad Astra Per Aspera - "A rough road leads to the stars"

(This message has been edited by Thunder (edited 11-22-2001).)

The Pirate fleet fought on, but next thing they new defense pods were flying at them. Though the defense pods only destroyed a few ships, they damaged many many more.

As the evacuation continued, the Pirates slowly blasted away the Kayan fleet till almost none of it was left. As the last frieghters left, the Pirates shot down one or two of them, and quickly took control of the station and of the planet.

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

Devastator Project
Type: CLASSIFIED
ETA: 19 Posts

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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).

Redchigh looks at his ship count. It's drastically up from 3 months ago.
520 vessels. YES!
He recieves the message from the Kayans and smiles.... He sends a quick message to the Horoth telling them to send all available vessels to joint station for a major offensive.

The Archeological team passed up all of the previous finds, in order for this... a sample alien shield generator. Being a completely new design, it will be fused into the current method to increase shields by about 40%.
**
Message to: Sladerei Solidarity diplomats.
Of course, the RA are interested in another alliance. How about a technology trade?
END**

RESEARCH PROJECT INITIATED:
Upgraded Shields.
ETA:2 posts.

------------------
Dont Believe me?
Just ask the Blind Man.. He Saw it all...
------------------
post sponsored by (url="http://"http://home.dal.net/ipixinc/welcome.html")Ipix Inc. Web Design(/url)

At the archeological dig, two of the Kayan representitives came running excitedly in to the lead Kayan science vessel. "We've got it - I think this is the piece of technology we want to keep!" one said, carrying a roughly sphere shaped module with quite a few conduits and circuits inside.

"What is it?" the scientist in charge asked.

"A tachyonic generator."

"Um... what use would a tachyonic generator be to us? Tachyons travel at hyper-light speed - too fast to be used as a weapon or source of power."

"But not too fast to be a defensive measure. Hyperspace is very similar to tachyonics - ships travel into systems at faster than light speeds - just like tachyons. This generator, when supplied with a strong enough source of power, will generate a field of tachyons travelling outward from the generator. Enough to fill a whole system. Care to guess what happens to any ship that attempts to enter that system?"

"Of course..." the lead scientist said, suprised at not having figured it out before. "The momentum of the tachyons will overcome the momentum of the ship's hyperspace engines-"

"-And it will bounce off the tachyonic field and end up back in the system it came from," the other scientist said, finishing his sentence for him. "This module here can jam hyperspace links - and cut off a system from the rest of the galaxy."

"How long will it take you to reverse-engineer the generator?"

"Well," the second archeologist said, "with the specs. we unearthed at the site, I think it'll probably take about a week (3 posts) to devise a proper power system that will be compatible with this technology. It will be ready to use then. Of course, this is a VERY complex piece of alien technology using rare compounds - and difficult to synthesize ones as well. If we want to build more of these, it will take a while to construct each one."

-----

Technology report:

Reverse-engineering of Tachyonic Generator - 3 posts to completion

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Ad Astra Per Aspera - "A rough road leads to the stars"

The Voinians were massing a massive fleet at Emalghion, Holmm, and DSN-8200. So far 20,000 ships at Holmm, 50,000 ships at Emalghion, and 40,000 ships at DSN-8200, and they were continuing to mass. The Ediens had no clue as to what was to come upon them....

Meanwhile, the research on the distruption web was going well, and by the time it was finished along with the support cruiser, the fleet would be ready.

Research project*
Name: Cloaking Inhibitor
ETC: 4 posts


*Research Project
Name: Distruption Web
ETC: 2 posts


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Long live the Rebellion!
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(url="http://"http://www.pautsch.com/nova6")Visit my cool EV website!(/url) Also, check out my cool new (url="http://"http://pub55.ezboard.com/bevandevodiscussionboard")webboard!(/url)

In Luk'Nath, Prime Leader RMA arrived aboard the pride of the Horoth fleet, the RA built silver warship, the HSN Protector. Its small size, compared to the new and bigger ships being built, gave no indication of the power it had. A small shuttle left the ships fighter bays, and docked with the Saviour. The Horoth and the Sladerei had a lot to talk about.

The surrounding systems buzzed with Horoth Aradas, wary of the new threats rising in nearby space. The Saviour could defend itself against any fleet in the Large Megellanic Cloud, and the new minefields, far bigger than anything that had been used to defend against the Akrahd, would make it impossible for anything to get through.

Supplies and waiting scientists waited for the Saviour in Horath. The HSN Protector would send the signal to open a gap in the system wide shield, giving safe passage to the Saviour.
--------
A contingent of Horoth Aradas arrived in the same system as the Kayan ships had, to try and find out what had happened to the missing freighter. The Aradas powerful sensors would help find out what might have happened, as would the Horoths experience with sub-space technology.

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

As the Savior entered in Horath, the scientists were already working on analysing the data of the worm-hole travel. The recurent problem was the energy needed, the Savior would need to be equip with more powerful energy capaciators. The solution might come with the energy source that the Horoth Union possessed. The answer would come during the binational meeting RMA and Psack had organized.

Before the meeting, Nelson Psack went to the Sladerei amboassy to see his fellows that had been there for the last two months. They were pleased to see visit the Savior that had travel here. Some joked: "She came for us, men, She came to us."

In the room that held the meeting, RMA and Psack were sitting next to each other with their assistants.

- I would continue with a matter that has already been discused. The further exchange of the Horoth shield camouflage. The Solidarity would supply the Active Shield, a variant of the AMKS. Enough of economics, lets talk about politics: since your neighbours are more agressive, the Sladerei Solidarity could serve has a friction aborber. Mainly with the presence of the S.S.S. Savior. We already have an Armada that had been sent to develop international relations, small but useful. In a few days, if your proposition of requesting the Solidarity's help to lower the level of tention in the region is still on the table, the response from the Solidarity-Council will be received.

- Do other matters have to be discused?

Around Grenits, the Station was completly finished, militarily speaking, all defense systems were installed and the dock reserved for the S.S.A. based in the Station. The station was also now equiped with a fifth of the industries of the Solidarity. They were able to receive the goods that transited in the system or that was meant to go to Grenits.

@ @ @ @ Message to Renegade Alliance (UHe) @ @ @ @

We are please to know that the RA is ready to consider strong realations between across the two galaxies. As soon as our diplomatic mission arrives in RA space, an ambassy will be establish to make our relations easier and faster.

Unfortunatly I will not have the opportunity to meet RA representatives before a certain time, due to the Worm-Hole Generator. However, I invite the RA to sent a diplomatic team abort the Savior when the journey towards the Andromeda galaxy will start.

Nelson Psack,
at the head of the Sladerei Solidarity.

@ @ @ @ END @ @ @ @

------------------
Salutations ŕ la vie

(This message has been edited by Admiral Nelson (edited 11-23-2001).)

OOC: Following post cleared with appropriate players.

BACKGROUND DEVELOPMENT

A riot of over 400 people had been formed outside the Akrahd Imperial Palace on Akrahd Prime. As riot police held them off, Emporer Kryptauros looked over the chaos.

Little did he know that there was an assassin watching him from a nearby rooftop. Aiming his sniper rifle carefully, he finally saw his chance, and fired.

The plasma pulse of energy blasted into Kryptauros. Though he was mortally wounded, he was still alive. As medics and aids rushed him to a hospital, Akrahd stormtroopers and assault troopers poured out and opened fire.

Dozens were killed and hundreds were injured as the massive riot dispersed and stormtroopers surrounded the building on which they knew the sniper was hiding. As battles opened up between assault troopers and angry civillians, an Akrahd Destroyer in the atmosphere fired at the building with its plasma railgun; incinerating the building and the sniper in a second.

Later on, as Kryptauros recovered, the final death toll came in; 79 protesters had been killed, along with another 30 angry civillians which had fired on troopers. But then came even worse news; Kryptauros would be forced to retreat to a quiet life, away from leading a whole government. While a new leader was choosen, General Ak'Ra Sharan took over.

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

Admiral Slifoz sighed as he looked around the table. He, Admiral Zraesh, and Admiral Razonew had be called for a tactical breifing of all availible high council members; which now was only made up of the three of them.

Hk'Ryund Rigadaz, the "Former" emporer, had disappeared, leaving Grunadulater in charge. General Bevlif had been killed by angry protesters in a riot, General Jericone was serving in the Ursa Minor galaxy, and Grunadulater was busy elsewhere. Admiral Ly'rak, Admiral Tach'usd, and Admiral Grathon had been captured, and General Kli'cyeg and General Fors'ont were both serving on the Rarkyl front and were quite busy. So that left the three of them.

Slifoz, nicknamed the "Calculator" for his job with handling all monetary aspects, looked around the table at the other two admirals. "First I would like to figure out who's going to be in charge here..." he started but was cut off by Razonew, who tended to speak too quickly and inadvertantly interrupt people.

"I would think that Slifoz should be in charge, seeing that he's had more command experience than the rest of us." Zraesh nodded as Slifoz nodded. Picking up a datapad, Slifoz spoke.

"As for my report, the economy has stabilized but I'm still worried about the second dreadnaught. Zraesh, how's your new ship designs?"

Zraesh carefully studied his report and designs before replying, as he always did to avoid making a mistake while describing. "Well, as you know we're currently working on the new bomber, which I really think will be a big help to us all. Then there is, of course, the new 'Orc' Class battleship. I'm also considering a new type of cruiser, but that has yet to be worked on much."

Slifoz nodded his headed then looked at Razonew. "Anything to report?"

The cheery (which was most decidedly not common among Ediens) admiral shrugged. "Not a whole lot, though I would note that our scientists are continuing work on extending the range of the jumpgate. Research should be completed soon. I'm also working on analyzing some runes that we found on Thorosk."

Slifoz nodded as he turned to the last item on the list of things to discuss, at which he became extremely serious. "As you know, with many members of the High Council off fighter, busy, or dead as in the case of Bevlif, it seems that Emporer Grunadulater has choosen a new admiral to become part of the High Council to, first off, take up Bevlifs chair while another commander takes over his job as public relations officer, and secondly to be in charge of all offensive actions in the Milky Way."

Slifoz nodded to a guard, who let in two admirals actually. They both bowed and then the first one spoke. "Greetings, admirals and members of the high council, I am Admiral H'nanta BattleDoctor."

All three admirals nodded as BattleDoctor introduced his aid, Admiral Fera. "I was told," Battledoctor continued. "By Grunadulater himself that I should report here for my assignment and introduction into the High Council."

Slifoz stood and approached Battledoctor. Taking out his Ion Saber, Slifoz touched the Edien rank pins on Battledoctors shoulder, bowed his head along with the others, and spoke. "In the tradition of the Edien warrior, I now accept Admiral H'nanta BattleDoctor into the Elite Edien High Warrior Council. May the great ones be with you and give you strength in glorious battle." After that both he and H'nanta said an Edien warrior saying, and then Slifoz put his saber away. "H'nanta BattleDoctor, you are now accepted into the High Council. Congragulations." Slifoz smiled slightly then returned to his seat as BattleDoctor sat in Bevlif's old chair.

Slifoz shot a quick glance as the smiling Razonew and then spoke. "I am under orders by Grunadulater himself to assign you to your new posting; commander and cheif of all Edien forces in the Milky Way Galaxy, otherwise known as Zone 5. You are to leave immediately with your escort fleet and Admiral Feras escort fleet and start immediate command work in the Milky Way. May your position bring honor to the Empire."

BattleDoctor stood and saluted. "It is an honor to serve the Empire, Admiral. I bid you farewell."

And with that, Fera and BattleDoctor left for their ships, and the meeting was officially dismissed...

But as Razonew, still smiling, exited the room, Zraesh approached Slifoz. "Still having problems with Section 7?" the admiral asked.

Slifoz sighed and nodded. "Yes, those bloody officials in that room constantly whine to me about not getting enough funding. I don't know what use it does, they always just say classified when I ask them where the funds will be sent." His voice lowered and he looked around to make sure no one was looking. "I actually was able to trace where a lot of the money goes to; the LC 1613 galaxy, to some section of the navy called the Omega Force. Then there's also the..." he paused and looked around once more. "Section 9. Do you know that they actually get 35% of the income from the empire? Our 'total budget' was only the other 65%. I don't know where that goes, and no one seems to want to find out the Section 9 officials are so mysterious and threatening. I haven't spoke a word with them, but I know that they exist. There's something going on in there, I know it, I can feel it." He shrugged. "But I don't want to find out. Every time I ask about Section 9 I get followed by some agent."

Slifoz left the room, leaving a frightened and perplexed Zraesh behind...

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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).

(This message has been edited by Captain Carnotaur (edited 11-24-2001).)

The deflector power cell had been completed, but unfortunately, nothing could be done about it. There wasn't even enough money to equip the Templar with the deflector now. No more IGNA ships were being produced.

Of course, Draco, Zeus and Cerberus all had their own industries, but with the ITA there being slaughtered, the economy of even those places was in literal chaos.

With the heavy attacks on the Citadel, the IGNA frontier was threatened. Another pirate attack might completely knock out the IGNA force.

Meanwhile, Saopallo had falled to an ITA strike force both in space and on the ground. ITA had 200 Stargliders prepared, and had stolen at least 50 IGNA ships.

The true Igadzra, pushed back to a new border, threatened on both sides, didn't know what to do. Evaniol returned to command of IGNA, and SilverDragon was still on Igadzra, as far as everyone knew...

- - -

(From President Heraphar of the Igadzra Revolutionists)
(To Lars Magna of the Pirates)

We are sorry for your failed attack, but be glad, we have taken Saopallo. Prepare another attack, and let us both attack the Igadzra Union together, and crush them into the ground!

The ITA were gaining strength. They now had 250 ships, and their economy, unlikw IGNA's, was soaring higher and higher as the colonies on Zidagar world became more stable. They were now producing IGNA vessels, not mere Stargliders.

And IGNA held firm with 550 ships, but couldn't build any more. They were planning to retake Saopallo, for the longer they waited the more dangerous the situation would became, but right now they were trying to gather funds just to put their fleet in space...

- - -

The funds came from an unexpected direction. The Ethereal Igazrada, built on Voina and captained by SilverDragon, leapt into the Kedan system, which was at that time guarded by only 20 Stargliders.

The Ethereal quickly incinerated the defenders. More ITA ships were prepared to come in, while that lone ship began to crush ITA resistance on the planet with pinpoint bombardment.

In a few hours, the ITA stronghold was taken out, and before the ITA could appear with reinforcements, the Ethereal disappeared again.

Hardly a tactician, Heraphar was baffled. He made sure the ITA stronghold was rebuilt, and couldn't understand why a lone Igazrada was trying such an insane move.

Meanwhile, SilverDragon had sent a message directly to the Templar and Nightmare.

(From the Ethereal)
(To the Templar and Nightmare)

This is SilverDragon, commanding the IGNA Ethereal Igazrada, built on Voina.

Meet in NSI-838 in a few days.

(end message)

------------------
Word.

**Background Development

The Ultimate Conspiracy - Part I**

It was time. Over 100,000 fighters had been assembled and armed, and now it was time to strike.

Kayan revolutionist Dilgar Thaiman had long hated the Kayan government since their, in his opinion, cowardly retreat from the Milky Way in the face of the Edien empire. Now he had gathered together his 100 thousand revolutionists across the face of New Kayia, and their job was now to take control of the system.

They weren’t all on the planet. Many many of them were in the ships that defended the Galactica system. Their job was to take control of the space fleet while rebels on the ground took control of the main command facility which gave them control of all defense drones in the system.

On a signal from Dilgar, the revolutionists struck. Accross the planet armed rebels fought against Kayan soldiers as Dilgar led the main assault against the military command center in the capitol.

Guns ablaze, the Rebels stormed through the streets. Dilgar threw a grenade which blasted open the door and killed the guards, and the Rebels rushed inside. Dilgar and his loyals kicked open and door, killing the guards and other officers and quickly took command of the defense drone system.

Not a moment too soon either. As rebel and loyalist ships engaged in a fearsome space battle, the defense drones suddenly turned rebel and quickly turned the tide of the battle.

As Kayan ships retreated, rebel ships took up positions. On New Kayia, as Rebels struggled to take control of the rest of the planet, Dilgar sent out a message to all of Kayan space, calling his fellow rebels to attack the Kayan government. Dilgar was now confident that his rebellion would succeed where the Zidagar rebellion had failed.

Hours later, however, Dilgar recieved horrible news; the other rebellions across Kayan space had been crushed instantly. Worse news arrived in the form of a barrage of missiles as Dilgar watched the tactical viewscreen as a Kayan armada charged into Galactica.

Dilgar had no time to evacuate or fortify, for moments later, Kayan assault troopers burst into the room. Their phase rifles quickly killed the others as Dilgar turned around, turbophase pistols in hand. Though he shot down several troopers, he was quickly overwhelmed and gunned down. The defense drones were now in the hands of the Kayans, and the Rebels were soon destroyed.

Though the Kayan rebellion had been a failure, but it had a big impact on the new galaxy and the politics thereof. Civillians everywhere went into a frenzy as speculations about possible rebellions would soon sprout up everywhere, and all of these being successful. As governments tried to call the populace, investigators everywhere were taking a close look into the people behind the ITA, Zidagar, and Kayan rebellions.

In the meantime, another rebellion was growing. In a remote cave on Deneba, rebel Drodo Fragnask was organizing the new Azdgari rebellion with his top lieutenants and black market contacts. “My plan,” Drodo said, “Is to rally the people together after staging a framed scandal of the government and of Tasina. If it works, and if we get enough soldiers together, we should be successful. Especially with help from Lars and the boss, there’s not a chance that we’ll fail...”

That was Drodo’s last words, for while he had been speaking an Azgara fighter wing had pinpointed his position. Flying low, an Azgara released one of its Plasma Bombs, which sailed through the air and blasted into the mountain and Drodo’s cave. It exploded, the explosion consuming Drodo and his compainions as the surrounding area was incinerated and shattered. The next day Azdgari soldiers investigated the bomb site. They found what was left of the rebel vehicles used to transport the personnel there, as well as a massive crater which had blasted away most of the mountain.

This second event was, for obvious reasons such as stemming a galaxy wide panic, kept secret from the public. It was at that point that Azdgari investigator and commander Dash Riprock knew that something was wrong.

First Riprock investigated the events around the failed Azdgari rebellion. Little was known about Drodo, but they did know that he made several trips to the Renegade Alliance and tended to disappear for long periods of time. This could easily lead to a possible connection with the Pirate lord Lars Magna. Of course, that was only speculation.

Next Riprock looked into the Kayan rebellion. Most of the weapons and supplies that the rebels had used were just stolen from the Kayan military. There was, however, an interesting bit of evidence; when the assault troopers stormed the captured military complex, several of them had been gunned down by Dilgar who was carrying only pistols. Normally phase pistols would never have been able to penetrate the heavy assault armor that the Kayan troopers used.

Walking into the complex with his sidekick, Daros, Riprock entered the defense drone control room. Broken glass, metal, and the body of Dilgar and his guards lay on the floor, untouched except the white sheets over the bodies.

Riprock looked around, frowned, then bent over and looked at two pistols lying on the ground under a piece of metal and some glass, apparently the ones that Dilgar had used. Pushing away the metal and glass, Riprock frowned at the look of the pistols. “These aren’t phase weapons! Daros! Look at this...” Riprock said as his friend looked at the weapons.

He also frowned. “You’re right! They’re turbophase pistols!”

Riprock froze. “Turbophase pistols are only used by the ITA and IGNA, and we know Dilgar never went anywhere close to Igadzra space. He rarely even left New Kayia. The only other guys who use that kind of technology are... The Pirates.” The Azdgari bent over the body of Dilgar and checked him for any documents or IDs. He pulled out his ID, some papers, and a knife. Looking carefully at the knife, Dash read the words...

”Lars Magna”

“Oh my...” he said. “He must have met Lars Personally , and was given the knife. This definitely ties Dilgar and Drodo to Lars.” Then he thought harder. “Didn’t the Kayans say that they saw the Pirates using Zidagar ships when they attacked that one border colony?”

Daros nodded, and Dash smiled. “Well, we know that the ITA, Zidagar rebellion, Dilgar, and Drodo are all connected with the big man himself; Lars Magna. He must be trying to start up rebellions everywhere to try and expand his control. We’d better warn the Horoth and Miranu about his plans, as well as the Azdgari to keep on their toes for more possible rebellions. So far they’ve done a good job in stifiling the last rebellion.”

As Daros took pictures of the evidence, Dash called up his contact in Horoth space via the transmitter on his Lazira. But instead of his contact appearing, a Horoth lieutenant was shown on the viewscreen. “Horoth military command, Lieutenant Kr’Droden speaking.”

Riprock was confused. “Lieutenant Kr’Droden?? I want to speak with Investigator Lark’Menas. Is he availible?”

The Horoth lieutenant just stared, then hung his head and sighed. Looking back up at the Azdgari investigator, he spoke. “Mr. Lark’Menas was killed by a terrorist bomb just a few hours ago. I’m sorry.”

Dash froze, and shut off the comlink. Walking back into the room where Daros had just finished taking pictures, Dash suddenly turned around and looked back at the hallway. A dark cloaked figure dart out the back exit. Dash looked at Daros. “A guy just ran out the back door. Did you see him?”

Daros thought for a moment. “No, I don’t think so. Wait a moment, someone did stop by for just a second. He put that box on the desk over there. Something about stuff for fixing up the electronics and...”

Riprock didn’t let Daros finished as he tore open the box and discovered a turbophase bomb with a timer about to go off. Riprock looked at Daros. “GET THE HECK OUT OF HERE!!”

The two of them ran out of the room, screaming at the top of their lungs that there was a bomb about to go off. The military command center had been mostly evacuated except for a few guards to keep watch. The guards ran out, and Daros and Riprock had barely cleared the door when there was a loud bang and fire blew out into the hallway. As the investigators and guards ran away, suddenly all the windows blew out, belching flames as the whole building seemed to explode.

Riprock had nearly been killed by a bomb, but his contact in Horoth had not. Someone was obviously out to get him and all who worked with him. He had to get to Miranu space to warn them about the threat. He would try and arrange a meeting with Helena, the Miranu second in command. Dash and his wife had known Helena and Dash would be able to get a meeting with her to tell the Miranu about his findings...

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

OOC: I would prefer that Rima nor anyone else would do anything to interfere with what Riprock is doing, seeing that it’s more of a sort of read-only thing than anything else. 🙂

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Meanwhile, the Federation continued work on their secret project as Gadzair was fortified and they prepared for the next invasion; into Zidagar space. It would be a hard one; Zidagar space was laced with heavy defenses, planetary defense cannons, and special defense drones that the Ediens had deployed to make up for the lack of ships.

As Federation forces massed on the borders, the Voinians continued to fight hard for Kelmoan as Admiral Nahar travelled to Mirava to organize a large fleet for a sortee (sp?) against the North Tip...

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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).

(This message has been edited by Captain Carnotaur (edited 11-25-2001).)

"Dammit," SilverDragon muttered, word just in about the rebellions in Kayia and Azdgari. "This is incredibly unusual...ITA, Zidagar, Kayan and Azdgari."

The officers on the bridge were all silent, with nothing in particular to say.

SilverDragon sighed. "News from the Templar and Nightmare?"

"Approaching now, sir," one officer finally replied, seeming solemn - his cousin had died in the Kayan rebellion.

- - -

The three Igazradas met in NSI-838. The Templar was captained by Evaniol himself, the Nightmare by Iosa Kane, and the Ethereal by SilverDragon - the three most prominent military commanders in Igadzra.

After a short conference aboard the Templar , and after the Ethereal transferred a fairly large credit fund to the IGNA, which was originally IXD funding, the three powerful vessels set off.

Their destination - Saopallo. Charity began at home. So did war.

- - -

Saopallo was, at this time, heavily defended. 20 IGNA vessels and 40 Stargliders patrolled the system thoroughly, and gun turrets on the planets had been constructed. It definately wasn't a playground for a trio of ships, even be they Igazradas.

The IGNA strike force entered Saopallo, and soon came under concentrated fire. However, although outnumbered and outgunned, they were hardly outmatched, and since the term "ITA tactics" was about of much of an oxymoron as "IGNA economics" or "in Lars Magna's more coherent moments", the IGNA strike force had a certain marked advantage.

SAIs stormed through the air, smashing into the shields and in some cases the hulls of other ships. In a first deadly barrage of fifteen SAI modules from the Igazradas, a ITA Igazra was wiped out. Another four similar barrages came before they engaged combat.

The combined turbophase firepower from IGNA simply slashed right through the Stargliders, half a dozen falling on the first pass, and a full dozen falling on the second.

The Nightmare took a mass of firepower from the remaining rogue IGNA ships, and was forced to pull back so as not to be destroyed. Meanwhile, Evaniol and SilverDragon held an unofficial contest as former emperor and military commander lashed out at their enemies, both trying to outdo the other.

A number of Rogue Izars chased down the Nightmare , assuming it was out of action. They were quickly taught the error of their ways as a mass of Thoron beams, turbophase turrets, pulse cannons and SAIs enveloped them.

Within two hours, the battlefield was silent. And then, a number of freighters leapt in from Cerberus, and IGNA shock troops retook Saopallo, this time for good.

- - -

(From SilverDragon, Evaniol & Assembly)
(To Azdgari, Kayans and Miranu)
(Encrypted)

Due to the increasingly dangerous situation with Lars Magna, we are issuing turbophase specifications out. We are unsure whether or not your weaponry is more powerful, although we are quite sure turbophase specifications are superior at least to Kayan and Miranu weaponry.

Considering remaining Strand worries and the Miranu's tendency to trade, our SAI designs can only be trusted with the Kayans (Kayans please respond and we will send you SAI data)

Turbophase specs. enclosed.

(enclosed file: Turbophase Data)
(end message)

------------------
Word.

(This message has been edited by SilverDragon (edited 11-25-2001).)

In Horath, RMA spoke to Admiral Nelson:
'Their have been many recent rebellions in this area of space, and the area would seem to be becoming more and more dangerous. We are look forward to exchnages between us, and hope most of the troubles can be settled peacefully, although the Pirates and Akrahd are only interested in gaining power, and force will need to be used at some point.

'Journeying to Andromeda, however, must be our first priority. We advise that we set off as soon as possible.'
--------
Horoth scientists have obtained what looks to be an advanced power generation system from the archelogical dig, and are now beggining to reverse engineer it.

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

Thunder demanded answers from his guards, but they were in short supply. "Who was behind this insurrection? Why were we so unprepared to stop it? Why can't we return to the capitol?"

"Our investigators are working hard to track down the culprits - and I can tell you that they suspect Pirate links. As for why we can't return to teh capitol, we are safe here. Over fifty guards loyal to the Kayan democracy are guarding this bunker. We cannot yet be sure the capitol is free of danger - perhaps in another five hours we can return, but not yet. We can't have our Prime Minister or our Senate leaders killed by rebels."

Thunder reflected on the events that had brought him here - he was in the process of a meeting with several Senate leaders when five armed guards came in and grabbed him and Kyala, ushering them out of the room and rushing them off down a hallway into a little used corridor beneath the Senate building. The corridor led out of the capitol into the praries near the southern ocean. From there an armored vehicle had taken them the last five miles to a seaside cave, and this bunker complex beneath it. From inside, Thunder and several senators (who had arrived much the same way), were able to watch news and intelligence reports of the rebellion, but not do anything to stop it. Now, twenty hours later, it was still not safe to leave, or so the guards said.

"There is something, though..." one guard said, "there is a message from the IGNA. A personal response would be in order." Thunder quickly read over the message, and conferred with militia officials via holo-vid. Upon finishing, he accessed the nearest computer console, typing out a response.

Message to SilverDragon of the IGNA - high band encryption active
Point of Origin - Area 6 - New Kayia

This is Prime Minister Thunder speaking for the Kayan Alliance - we agree that the situation with Lars Magna needs immediate action. We will graciously accept the schematics for Turbophase weaponry and SAI modules - from what I gather Turbophase weapons are at least 50% more effective than the standard phase weaponry we are using. If there is anything we can provide in return, do not hesistate to ask. We would still be more than happy to provide surplus metal should you require it.

As for the state of the Kayan Rebellion, the rebellion in our space has been crushed for now, and we are actively pursuing any others who were involved.

Message Ends

------------------
Ad Astra Per Aspera - "A rough road leads to the stars"

(From SilverDragon of the IXD)
(To Prime Minister Thunder)

We thank you for your offer, but any surplus metals would be useless - we don't even have basic shipbuilding components, and any supply runs would be in danger of being destroyed.

However, if you can help us in the war we are waging with the ITA, we would appreciate it. Reports show they now have 250 Stargliders, all armed with our military technology, and 100 Igadzra fleet ships.

Thank you once more,
-SilverDragon, Commander of the IXD

PS: The IGNA commander is Evaniol, and the administrative command (the IAC) is led by the Assembly.

(enclosed files: SAI Data, all known ITA data)
(end message)

------------------
Word.

Storyline Development - Justice to Treachery
President Heraphar had gathered his fleets, three hundred and fifty ships in total, in Oloni. With the raid the Igazradas had performed on Saopallo, the ITA had been pushed back, and they intended to once again take Saopallo, but this time not stop there. They would strike into the very heart of their Igadzra enemies, they would strike at Cerberus.

Despite being outnumbered and outmatched, the ITA still had not used all their tricks. They had many agents within not only IGNA, but within the Assembly itself. The IGNA did not know what they were in for.

The respectable ITA fleet leapt into the Saopallo system. IGNA had been expecting them, but had not had time to assemble reinforcements.

Heraphar laughed. "Their Igazradas may be good, but three Igazradas is nothing to our might. Bring us in, firing SAI barrages in unison. And make sure our new commander doesn't let us down!"

Indeed, Heraphar had on his side a rogue IGNA logistics officer, and this, more than anything, would turn the tide.

The three Igazradas quickly knew that they stood little chance. Massing into a group around the planet of Saopallo, they attempted as best they could to withstand the barrage. In seconds, the Templar had been brought down to critical shields, and only the Ethereal was in fairly good shape.

If it wasn't for the IGNA reinforcements, in the form of the fast Izars and surprisingly fast Izagas, both SilverDragon and Evaniol would have died no more than ten minutes later.

"What the heck?" Heraphar swore. "Damn, they moved ahead of the Igazras...okay, everyone, prepare for full combat."

"We still have the edge," said their rogue officer. "I'm transferring word to everyone to make a pincer, and crush them against the planet...hold on..."

- - -

350 ITA ships now came up against the IGNA light reinforcements, 450 ships strong. At the head of them was Fleet Commander Zeres, sitting aboard the Retribution , his second vessel, an Izaga.

They quickly moved in to surround the Igazradas as Heraphar's fleet stormed over them, weapon's blazing. On the first pass, both sides only took minor losses, and then the ITA fleet split into two groups, and moved round into a pincer.

Zeres, of course, had seen it all before, as he had been to exactly the same lessons. Knowing that they had to defend the planet but also knowing that they couldn't allow the ITA to pincer them, the only option was pull further out from the planet, and form a reef around it.

Doing so, it quickly became clear how important an IGNA logistics officer could be on Heraphar's side, especially such a good one. While IGNA drew away from the planet, they were unable to bombard the planet when a hail of SAI fire from hidden salvos on the planet spurted out. They were too far out to destroy the silos.

Although IGNA had re-taken Saopallo, they had not managed to retake certain command centres in jungles, and the shipyards. They had thought the docks were under control, but as a huge number of ships, mostly civilian, took off from the planet, it became clear that ITA had still held firm on much of the planet.

The civilian ships, some captained by Miranu, some by Kayan, some even by Azdgari, had all been hijacked, their independant captains slaughtered. Even while they took off, creating confusion, the Igadzra commanders - SilverDragon, Evaniol, Iosa and Zeres - all realised the effect this would have on diplomacy.

Two hundred civilian ships opened up with their pathetic firepower, and a message hail followed the hail of gunfire, from Heraphar.

"Now, now...we wouldn't kill civilians. They're all safely aboard. But if you shoot them..." Heraphar laughed. "Just try it, SilverDragon."

SilverDragon's reply came instantly. "Heraphar, I'm not falling for that one. Civilians or no, you won't catch me out."

A message from Iosa backed it up, perhaps reassuring SilverDragon. "Hehe...that's a good one. Civilians on Saopallo. Don't make me laugh, Heraphar."

In fact, there had been civilians, and as a matter of fact, they had all been slaughtered aboard the ships beforehand. Not that it mattered.

IGNA struck down the civilians, disabling all that they could, but some fire overlapped; some ships were destroyed. A rain of equipment hit the planet, causing extensive damage. But this was war. Things must be put aside.

The tactic, however, had pushed IGNA back against the planet. ITA struck feriously, weapon's firing. The three Igazradas, shields slightly recovered, took the main of the battle, eliminating large numbers of the enemy.

Still, it became clear that ITA had the edge on the battlefield. They had lost many ships, now down to only one and a half hundred vessels, but IGNA had lost many more. They had two hundred ships, easily, but they were all badly battered.

ITA ships crashed into damaged IGNA vessels, the explosions rocking the entire battlefield violently. Somehow or other, ITA had discovered that the deflector shield generators on IGNA's ships had not been properly contained. Another sign of ITA's knowledge on the field.

The IGNA ships began to fall like flies. Many were forced back to the planet, near disabled, where Kestrel and Titan's Guardsmen swarmed them. It was madness.

More and more, the IGNA relied on their Igazradas. If it wasn't for them, they would have been incinerated much earlier on. As strong as the ITA fleet was, they weren't used to fighting such powerful vessels. The Templar, Ethereal and Nightmare all seemed almost invincible to the fire from ITA Stargliders.

Still, the battle would have gone on the ITA's side had it not been for the second reinforcements from Cerberus, the Igazras, and more importantly, the Prince of Wales and the Repulse , two Federation battlecruisers.

At that point it simply ended. With new fury, IGNA struck, while the Igazras swarmed the ITA ranks. The battle had long since come down to Izar against Starglider, and the introduction of Igazras was simply overwhelming. Two Federation battlecruisers literally vaporised rank after rank of the ITA in seconds.

- - -

"It's lost...?" Heraphar muttered. "What about the next construction line?"

The logistics officer shook his head. "We're out, Heraphar."

He shook his head. "There still must be something else we can do!"

The officer stood up. "I don't give in until the last moment, Heraphar. But this is the last moment..." he said, sighing. "Unless..." His eyes sparked.

"What is it?" Heraphar asked curiously.

"Up to a little last stand?" the officer asked, grinning.

- - -

The battle was over. IGNA won with 150 ships remaining, hundreds more lost in battle. The ITA had been crushed.

Or so it seemed.

An escape pod drifted down to Saopallo, with Heraphar and the officer, named Darre, along with a few troops, in.

Touching down, they met up with the Titan's Guardsmen quickly.

"Hey, who would this be?" one Zidagar guardsmen said as four men stumbled into range of the ITA barracks.

"Probably some mercenary rabble," another guardsmen muttered. "Don't shout, or they'll cut our pay."

"You!" Heraphar shouted as he approached, pointing. "I am President Heraphar!"

The guardsmen looked bleak. "Erm...err...sorry sir. How can I help you?"

Heraphar smiled, as the four of them stepped up onto the main platform. "Dying would be good," he muttered as he pulled out a turbophase pistol and shot the man in the head. Meanwhile, Darre pulled out a phased grenade, throwing it at the main doors. The blast vaporised more guards while Darre leapt over one boundary wall, kicked a guardsmen in the stomach, then took control of a gun turret.

Meanwhile, the other two followers pulled out turbophase rifles and began firing wildly. One took a blast in the chest, and fell down.

However, Heraphar's small force took out the entire dozen guardsmen. They then stormed the compound, using Heraphar's access codes.

Darre grinned as they reached the command centre, after another firefight. "This is it," he said, not looking back. He walked up to the main console, and pressed a number of keys. A laser scanned his eyes, as he put in two seperate access chips.

He turned back. "This place is about to go sky high."

They made their way out quickly, and they were hardly twenty metres out when the entire compound exploded. Heraphar turned to Darre. "Not half bad."

"We're not done yet. That was probably the last resistance on the planet, though. Time to meet the King," Darre smiled. Heraphar frowned deeply.

- - -

"Sir!" Evaniol said, stepping onto the Templar.

SilverDragon turned round, his face tired. "Evaniol...at ease."

"We have some news. One of our ground admirals just finished the ITA barracks. Stunning work. I think he deserves a thank-you, don't you?"

SilverDragon managed a faint smile, but his face was still drawn. "Admit him."

Within a minute, two men were admitted into the room. One was dressed as an admiral, the other as a guard. No-one knew the "guard" was Heraphar, or that the "admiral" was actually Darre.

"Nice work, may I say," SilverDragon stated, taking a step forward and offering his hand to the admiral.

"Wasn't it?" Darre answered modestly."

"I think I may put you in for a higher rank...how do you feel about becoming a Fleet Commander, Admiral..."

"Darre," he replied.

Evaniol paled. "But you're..."

Heraphar brought a turbophase pistol into his hand, and pointed it at Evaniol. "And guess who I am."

Two lower officers on the bridge leapt out, armed, unusually. The ITA rogues pointed their guns at the other two officers, IGNA loyal, while Darre slowly, calmly, pointed his pistol at SilverDragon's head.

"Well well," Heraphar said, his face shining. "Finally I get to show you what comes when you leave me behind after a mission..."

SilverDragon shrugged. "I have no regrets, Heraphar. There was no way we could have recovered you, and you know it. The Ediens would have been on us had we waited about thirty seconds...is this what this is all about?"

Heraphar spat. "You left me to fend off a dozen Edien Interceptors! I thought Final Destiny never left a live Igadzra."

"Heraphar, I think just from what you're doing, you don't count as an Igadzra," SilverDragon retorted. "Tal nar szhedar."

Heraphar seemed shocked, as he should be - "you are Strandless". For a long while, he didn't say anything, and then he pointed his gun right at SilverDragon's temple. "Die, Igadzra!"

If only Heraphar had had the brains to realise that with his gun on SilverDragon, and Darre's gun on SilverDragon, Evaniol was open to shoot, the situation would probably have been quite different.

Darre was fast, but not as fast as Evaniol. The rogue officer took a blast in the stomach, and another in the head, before he could bring his pistol to aim at Evaniol. Falling, unable to speak any last words, Darre was out.

Another IGNA loyal officer took the opportunity to leap forward, grabbing the rifle held by one of the traitors, and turn to fire at Heraphar. He missed, as Heraphar dived down. The traitor wrestled the rifle back off the officer, and discharged it right into the back of his neck.

SilverDragon was silent, almost unmoving.

"It's helpless, Heraphar. Igg has never, and will never, be with you," he said, pulling out his turbophase pistol. A backhand unaimed shot hit one of the traitors, while Evaniol twisted and shot down the other. Heraphar came to his feet, and picked up the rifle dropped by the traitor SilverDragon had shot, and...

"Hold it there," came a voice as the bridge door opened. It was Iosa, fleet commander of IGNA. In his hands was a horrifically large and powerful hand, held with strain - a neutron blast launcher.

Heraphar stared out, and swore, as a blast exploded his entire body, and half the bridge.

Iosa dropped the weapon, and stumbled forward to SilverDragon, still standing in exactly the same position, and Evaniol, bent down under a chair. "Hey guys. Did I miss anything important?"

------------------
Word.

(This message has been edited by SilverDragon (edited 11-25-2001).)

Hello guys. I'm sorry, but I'm withdrawing from this story. I have too much to do, and I'm cutting down on internet time lately, so I can't write as much. I'm handing my characters over Captain Carnotaur, and I'll still be reading the webstory, but I'm not participating anymore. Good Bye all.

------------------
Of course Women don't work as hard as men....They do it right the first time.
My AIM is RimaTiger

As Grunadulater got the message that Battledoctor was a new council member, he sent one in reply.
To Edien High Council member Battledoctor_
/Greetings and welcome to the council Battledoctor. What area of space are you controlling by the will of the other members?
(Encrypting...)
(end message)

------------------
"What happens when the timer reaches 0?"

To:Sladerei Solidarity
We'll be waiting for that time. Tell us when you want us to send a team of diplomats.
end

Research progresses, blah blah, ships are being amassed, blah.

------------------
Dont Believe me?
Just ask the Blind Man.. He Saw it all...
------------------
post sponsored by (url="http://"http://home.dal.net/ipixinc/welcome.html")Ipix Inc. Web Design(/url)

After a final go-ahead from the Kayan Elite Forces (something similar to the Secret Service), Thunder was escorted back through the tunnels, and was allowed to return from Area 6 to the Prime Minister's residence, though with greatly increased security. He was quick to reassure his people, with an address live over holo-vid, reassuring them that the rebellion had been crushed and that the Militia was there to protect them from any further threats.

The Militia, meanwhile, was busily upgrading it's ships. All phase cannons were being removed and replaced with turbophase cannons using the specs. gleaned from the Igadzra blueprints. Likewise, SAI armaments were being added to Kayan Laziras and a few Aradas, and the SDM technology gained from the renegades when the Defense Drone had been developed was being applied to a select few gunships. Soon the Kayan Militia would be a state of the art fighting force, ready to defend New Kayia and all of it's allies.

The first ten ships to finish retrofitting, which included one gunship, four aradas, and five fireflies, was turned over to the command of Commander Lasin - one of the most brilliant Kayan military strategists, and commander of all Militia forces. The Kayans were always loyal, and true to their word they were sending help to the IGNA, help to bring to justice the Lars Magna and the pirates that had supported the Kayan rebellion.

Message to SilverDragon of the IGNA, military encryption active
Point of origin - Bridge of Commander Lasin's personal Gunship, K.A.S. Vigilant

My personal ship has completed the retrofitting process, fully armed with turbophase weaponry. I will be arriving in your space breifly with a fighter escort of ten retrofitted ships (more Kayan ships will join us later as the retrofitting process continues). My orders come directly from the Prime Minister and are to help you hunt down Lars Magna and his associates and bring them to justice, and to aid you in your battles against the dangerous ITA.

Lasin out.

End of Message

-------

Technology report: Reverse Engineering of the Tachyonic Generator - 1 post to completion

------------------
Ad Astra Per Aspera - "A rough road leads to the stars"

(This message has been edited by Thunder (edited 11-26-2001).)