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Kotik thought for a moment, wondering what the appropriate response was. To go with the humans and initiate formal first contact - that wasn't something he thought he was qualified to do... but then again, the Miranu senate could always send official diplomats later on. If he were to decline the offer and return home, it might send an unfriendly signal to the humans - and the Miranu government had made it clear to him that they intended to attempt to establish favorable relations with humanity, but not until the time was right. After nearly a full minute of thought, he again picked up the comms device and spoke:
"We have considered our options, and we accept your invitation to travel with you to your territory. I will relay a message to my superiors, informing them of these developments, and asking for an official diplomatic party to be prepared. For now, though, I suppose we'll be in charge of the diplomacy." At this point, Kotik realized he'd never introduced himself by name.
"In case you were wondering," Kotik said, "I am Ensign Kotik of the Miranu Peace Corps. I am accopmanied by my co-pilot, Technician Jarin. It will take us about twenty minutes to complete sufficient repairs to enter hyperspace; please standby."
With that Kotik closed the channel, dropped comms device, and sighed. "Well, there go our jobs. I'll type out a message to Peace Corps headquarters, you keep up with those repairs."
The next twenty minutes were rather uneventful, the two Miranu working efficiently and quickly to repair enough of the damaged conduit so that their ship was ready to depart. Occasionally, Jarin, by far the more friendly and personable of the two Miranu, would take a short break to converse with their new acquaintance Zach Corridon, keeping him appraised of the repair situation, and telling a few tidbits about the Miranu here and there. Before long, most of the conduit had been fixed, and Kotik brought the hyperspace engines back online.
"We've completed sufficient repairs to depart," Jarin said into the comms device.
"We'll follow you," intoned Kotik. "Lead the way."
---------- Research, fleets, production: Same as last post
This post has been edited by Thunder : 12 February 2005 - 02:33 PM
South of Riomor, the three turncoats sent by the Captains of Freeport continued to work their way south. Suddenly, their sensors registered numerous jump portals opening around them. A small fleet broadcasting broadcasting identification as the "United Free Systems" dropped into normal space around them. The lead ship hailed the human Renegades. "You are not to interfere in our space or in the South, period. Understood? I suspect that you'd try to distract us, so that you could call reinforcements. To avoid that occurrence. I am afraid that I will have to terminate you and send a message to you superiors. If you should wish to surrender during the course of the battle, you have my permission. Goodbye." The Crescent Warships and Laziras let loose a barrage of SAD modules, targeting the lead enemy turncoat. The Crescent fighters engaged the slow moving kraits, while the Arada's held back and waited.
Back at Mavs, the Master watched the battle on the holographic display on his desk. He was angry that the humans would had had the nerve to look for help in the South. The South had its own problems, without having to worry about the humans. He pondered the situation, considering its implications. His agents had told him of the loss Pariah. One of his fighters had detected the ships heading south. He had guessed their intent to be looking for allies. There were too few for a raiding party, although they might have been exploring in preparation for one. If they were looking for allies here, were they looking for allies elsewhere? He shook his head. It was no concern of his. The UE had their own Listening Posts to detect such things. He typed a message to be sent to Freeport when the three turncoats were destroyed or surrendered.
Message to be sent to Freeport upon the conditions already specified: You are not welcome here. The South has no interest in you or your petty struggles. Steer clear of this space.
His aide entered, holding a datapad. "Master, this might interest you." Without saying a word, the Master took the pad and read its contents.
Message to Mavs from the oppressed people of Groned: Although we don't trust you, we have no one else to turn to. We have been oppressed by an increasingly corrupt government, but we have been unable to revolt because of the orbiting space fleet. If you remove the fleet and help free us, we will join your alliance.
The Master set the pad down. "Is this authentic?" "Our agents say that it is, Master," his aide replied. "Very well. Send part of the fleet."
A warfleet entered Groned ready to do battle. The orbiting defense fleet was startled. They organized a clumsy attack, which cost them 1/3 of their fleet and destroyed one arada and four fighters. The Warfleet counterattacked and the battle began.
The old Miranu courier limped into the Akrayhek systems. It had been captured many years ago and was falling apart. A withered old man, who had once served in the UE and was quite familiar with diplomacy, commanded this ship and the diplomatic team. He was known only as Captain Sage. Sage believed that he hadn't long to live, but he had begged for this mission because he wanted to leave a legacy besides the bloody raids that he had once led. He hailed the station. "This is Captain Sage, a representative of the newly formed "United Free Systems"-a Confederation dedicated to protecting the South from all threats. Request permission to come aboard to discuss a peace treaty."
Research and Development Armor Upgrade Estimated time to completion: 2 days
Improved phase weaponry Estimated time to completion: 1 days
DSN-8075 System 3 Crescent Warships 5 Laziras 10 Renegade Aradas 56 Crescent Fighters
Mavs System: 7 Crecent Warships 16 Laziras 68 Renegade Aradas 430 Crescent Fighters
DSN-6107 System: 4 Crescent Warships 10 Laziras 42 Aradas 318 Crescent Fighters
Groned System: 4 Crescent Warships 10 Laziras 23 Aradas 116 Crescent Fighters
Ship construction: 1 Crescent Warship (in Mavs) 2 Laziras (in Mavs) 7 Aradas (5 in Mavs, 2 in DSN-6107) 44 Crescent Fighters (36 in Mavs, 8 in DSN-6107)(I)
This post has been edited by Selax : 12 February 2005 - 03:07 PM
Emalghion "Sir!!"
"I see it." Mindule frowned. Those bastards. He knew it. He knew this was going to happen, dammit.
"Orders?"
"I need to speak with The Board." He turned, and quickly typed a message, short and to the point.
Message to: All Board members Message subject: Emergency meeting. Now. =no message text=
----------
"I have gathered us on such short notice due to this." Mindule activated the screen on the northern wall of the chamber.
It had taken only 30 minutes for the Directors to arrive at the Board Chamber building, a grand structure placed in the center of Emalghias greatest city, Emalgh.
"This, gentlemen, is a sensor reading of what our drones in the systems DSN-2061 and DSN-4743. Notice the large Voinian fleets advancing on the drones before they are annihilated." The large screen, split down the middle, showed images of the fleets, then static.
"We need to take action now. You, Bosch, where are the technologies I've asked for?" Bosch lowered his eyes and coughed.
"I... we, we haven't finished them yet sir. Well, actually," He lifed his head a little, "The new full turret is complete. Our ships could have a refit, and-"
"And what have you done about the obvious lack of firepower against their wretched interceptors, Bosch?"
"We.. I mean.." Bosch felt no respect for this man, only annoyance, but he knew better than to challange him. "We're doing the best we can?"
" Fools! When the Voinians are at our throats, we're doing the best we can wont be good enough!" Bosch could read the minds of everyone in the room. He knew they all dispised Mindule, but none of them had the guts to stand up to him. The last member that did had resigned due to a broken jaw. If he wasn't so good at his job, well... the only way to get rid of him would be for him to resign, and Mindule liked killing Voinians far too much to abdicate his position. Bosch spoke up.
"I think that we can have a new, improved projectile soon... if we're willing to relocate some funds from ship production to my department." Ehnira, the second female on the Board and the Director of Naval Production gave him a dirty look. Bosch shrugged.
"Fine. Finish your project. After that, I expect a full refit of all Emalghan ships." Everyone nodded, typed into their desks for a moment, then got up.
"Dismissed." Mindule scoffed at the lot of them. Useless.
---------- Technology and Development:
Attack Drone: 1 Day (Sunday, February 13th) Enhanced Sensors: 2 Days (Monday, February 14th) New Tech Thermite enhanced projectiles: Using the power of a new form of alloy, upcoming projectiles for Emalgha Cannons and Turrets will have far greater range and do significantly more damage. ETA: 4 Days (Wednesday, February 16th)
This post has been edited by grunadulater : 12 February 2005 - 06:21 PM
Zach Corridon punched in the coordinates, after sending his message off, and waited for the Miranu's response. The alien voice faded back into reality. "In case you were wondering, I am Ensign Kotik of the Miranu Peace Corps. I am accompanied by my co-pilot, Technician Jarin. It will take us about twenty minutes to complete sufficient repairs to enter hyperspace; please standby." Zach nodded, although the Miranu couldn't see him, and continued typing in the hyperspace coordinates. The next twenty minutes were rather uneventful, although every now and then Jarin stopped the repair work to give Zach an update on the progress. Finally, Zach saw the engines light back up with power. "We've completed sufficient repairs to depart." Zach began typing out the final bit of the hyperspace coordinates. "We'll follow you. Lead the way." Zach finished typing the coordinates, and responded. "All right. I'm sending the coordinates over. After they're through, jump to them. We'll continue the pattern down to Sol." Zach remembered, that moment, his advanced map which would have plotted the coordinates out for him. Shrugging, he prepared to jump into hyperspace. The Scoutship boosted itself into the ink-coloured night, and several seconds after his ship left, the Miranu followed.
--- In Saalia, nobody noticed Zach or his Miranu escorts. Aiming towards Centauri, Zach sent the Miranu a map of the area so that they could follow his jump course. "Okay, now we're going to Centauri. Good luck." The ships entered hyperspace once again.
---
In Centauri, a single U.E. Fighter was flying around the system, fairly willy-nilly, when Zach's Scoutship and the Miranu Courier entered the system. He suddenly realized that the Fighter had spotted them. His fears were brought to life when the Fighter pilot said something. "This is United Earth Fighter Captain Mark Freeman. There is an unknown ship following you, Exploration Scoutship #7. Please state the identity of this vessel, or it will risk being fired upon." Zach groaned, and responded. "This is Zach Corridon. That ship is a vessel of an alien race...I'd advise that you keep your course steady. It wouldn't do to damage relations with them." The air was tense as the fighter pilot responded. "Very well, Mr. Corridon. I certainly hope you know what you're doing." Zach breathed deeply, and then contacted the Miranu again. "Okay," Zach said pleasantly. "Now we go to Sol, and meet up with whatever they have there to escort us in." The ships entered hyperspace.
--- Upon entering the Sol system, Zach was shocked. There was nothing out of the ordinary there. No ships flying out to escort them in, no welcoming ceremony of any sort...he then noticed the Corps Scoutship flying around, and contacted it. "This is Zach Corridon. What's going on? We're supposed to have a welcoming ceremony of some sort here...this ship behind me is an Miranu vessel." He heard a brief gulp from the other side, and then listened intensely as the response came through. "Well...Zach...nobody believed that transmission of yours. I mean, it was ridiculous. A new Alien race? It sounded just like all of those stories being told by all of those drunkards on the far side of U.E. space." Zach grimly smiled. "Well, the thing is that this ship is real." "I can see that." Zach began flying towards Earth, in the general direction of Foreign Relations. "Well, we might as well escort them down." Zach turned his frequency to the one that the Miranu recognized. "All right, guys, come down for a landing. The next few hours will be very interesting."
"You're bieng supprisingly open for Igadzra, considering only one of us is Igadzra, and even then only half." Greg replied cooly
"Medley is going to have a hay-day" Iagraz added.
"We accept, we have been planning to build a station ourselves, but for lack of resources we could not even make an orbital refuling outpost. We had planned to aquire some 'exotic matirials' from a distan source, but this will help us greatly--we would have very little chance transversing 'the belt' without being detected by miranu sentinels."
"Ahh, how soon can you assist in the construction?"
"Almost immediately, but I warn that progress from us will be slow until we finish upgrading our facilities; Ursula only has 2 equipment factories, and even fewer resources to make things from."
"Is that all? Or is there something your zidigar 'friend' is holding back?"
"I am zidigar true, but the current rulers of my strand have as much hatered for me as you Igadzra have for both my race and the Azdgari innately. I understand your distrust of me, and know that you Igadzra hate meladrama, but I do indeed have something to show you!"
(Razel opens his cloak again, revealing the crystals. Shaei begins to cough and sputter"
"We thought you might be interested" Iagraz grinns uncontolably
OOC: Just as a note, he wouldn't really cough and sputter... And, I take it that Ipvicus approved of you having these crystals?
------
Shaei noddedly slowly. He tried not to show emotion, but his eyes widened noticeably. "Very... impressive."
He paused for a moment, looking over at the nearby marines, then turning back to Iagraz. "The terms are acceptable. We will probably dispatch a fleet to this system with supply vessels to begin work on the station. Expect them in a couple days. Once they arrive, they will begin immediately. You can help as much as you can."
Shaei paused and looked at the phase crystals. "Again, guite a find you have there... I would be interested in acquiring those, and sending them back to my people for testing and analysis. Could I have those?" he asked, extending his gloved hand.
"You're joking, right?"
"I wish I was. However, the Old Man was adamant that we do this." Fredon Elrik slid a couple more hardcopy sheets over to his tablemate, Unoui Azama. She looked them over with a mixture of interest and disgust.
"If we start using nukes, the Renegades are going to come right back at us with them. You know that, don't you?" She looked over her glasses at him with the admonishing stare she usually reserved for her son.
Buying himself some time, Fredon took a sip from his brandy and savored its taste. Every once in a while, a crate or two of the "Saalian Brandy" that the humans sometimes carried with them from their home worlds made it into the hands of the bartenders of South Tip Station. Luckily, a few independant scout ships had recently made it down with a few crates they'd intended to - and succeeded in - selling.
"Well, word is that the Renegades are actually looking for peace," he said finally. "You and I both know that if you take what a Renegade says for face value, then you deserve the death you get. Still, traders from the north say they haven't been getting harassed as much."
"And we both know that's of little comfort to those already dead. The Old Man has a grudge, whatever he says about peace." Unoui passed the hardcopy back to him. "I don't want any part in this."
"Unfortunately, you have no choice. We put the Old Man in charge, and this is how he's decided we're going to get results." Fredon smiled grimly. "Besides, your part's not too large in this. All you have to do is make sure the infrastructure is in place for us to use the warheads as soon as they're in production. That means preparation of the factories and installation of the necessary armaments. We've already got the Pursuit Launchers on the Warships, now the Old Man wants them on the Fighters."
Unoui calmly stood, and with the stiff-ness of body that only comes from controlled anger, started for the door. She paused momentarily as she passed him. "Send the details to my home terminal, and pass on to the Inukai my protests against this." With that, she stalked out of the bar.
<-> <->
"So, Sedrik, what young hooligans are they giving command of the new 'South Tip' Warships too?" Mahavir sipped from his glass - water, this time - while he waited through the communications lag that came from being on patrol on the opposite side of the system.
"Well, let's see. They're pulling all the really good Captains out of the Aradas. It's nice to see they're getting people out of those death-traps. That'll cover these first few batches, and we're not sure where they'll get the rest of the Captains from. Anyways, reassignment list looks like... hmm... Russ, Glinn, Ortanil, Murra, Heron, Kikano-"
It took a few seconds for Mahavir's interruption to stop him. "Murra? You're kidding."
"Nope. She actually left on patrol right after you did. First captain to get a new boat."
"She's insane!" Mahavir looked around his bridge and found agreement in the eyes of those who'd overheard and been just as mortified as him.
"Now, now, my dear Captain. Such words are hardly appropriate for such a beautiful being." Sedrik laughed. "Besides, what's wrong with a little insanity? Helps make those long shifts more fun."
"The problem is she's not just a little insane, she's a lot insane. Did you see what she did to her Arada last time she got in a fight? Did you know that she flew it back into dock like nothing had happened?"
"You're just being mean to her. For all we know, she could be completely normal by her people's standards."
"Unfortunately, we don't even know who, where, or what her people are. No one's heard of anything like her in the Crescent, the Miranu are clueless, the humans are clueless, and even that one Vegan, er... Voash?"
"Voinian."
"Right, the Voinian hadn't seen anything like her. She's crazy, she's weird, and she's insubordinate. Hell, the only reason she got in command of an Arada was because her squadron CO was tired of her ignoring him, and he was too afraid of her to court marshall her."
"Well, look at it this way. The only person whose orders she can disobey now is the Old Man's, and he isn't afraid of anyone."
"Be that as it may-"
Before Mahavir could finish, his sensors officer interrupted him with a yell for attention. "Captain, we've got an unknown entering the system! IFF reads like a modified Renegade transponder!"
"Our patrol zone?"
"No, sir. Looks like... whomever's commanding the Hellfury."
"Sedrik, who's got the Hellfury?" Mahavir asked over the comm.
"Ah, proof that there is a greater being who believes in justice."
"Oh, no..." Mahavir closed the comm to silence Sedrik's laughter. "Shields to full, and engage the ECM. I don't want Murra taking us with her."
Murra smiled her predator's tooth-filled grin as the feeble Miranu courier played itself out on her display. The intercepted comm transmission from it to South Tip Station appeared as text on one of the screens built into her command chair.
"Give me full combat readiness and a wideband broadcast channel." Murra shifted in the captains chair anxiously while her orders were carried out.
"Ma'am, channel open."
"Unidentified ship, this is Captain Murra of the Hellfury. Power down all systems and lay to. If you do not comply or transmit acceptable identification, you will be destroyed. You have two minutes."
Crescent Warship Upgrade Program: Completed 02.11.05
Production: Completed 02.11.05
Production: Completed 02.12.05
Production: 1 RTD -Produces 5 South Tip Warships
Nuclear Arms Program: 4 RTD/8 RTD -Miniaturized nuclear fusion warheads fitted to Pursuit Missile bodies -4 Days for 1 kiloton warhead -8 Days for 100 kiloton warhead
Upgrade Crescent Fighter Program: 2 RTD -Upgrades Crescent Fighters to South Tip Fighters -Stats in OOC thread
ShipCount: NA -15 South Tip Warships -75 Aradas -240 Crescent Fighters -Akrayhek
This post has been edited by Admiral Benden : 13 February 2005 - 12:04 AM
LOCATION: SECTOR 12 OF AKRAYHEK SYSTEM
"I hold a Lazira, zero-eight-seven. It's comin' right at us."
Peter nodded. He increased the ship's speed, and turned it into a dive.
The Lazira was slower, not quite as tuned-up as the Seydlitz.
Both Phase turrets on the Arada opened fire.
Yellow pulses of energy hit the shields, weakening the bottom shield arc of the Lazira.
Peter again turned the ship, this time up, heading straight at the Lazira.
All of the Phase weapons mounted on the ship fired, slamming into the weakened shields, and bringing the bottom shield arc down.
The Seydlitz knifed into the Lazira, creating a large dent in its side and leaving both adrift in space.
That is, until the Phase turrets opened fire. Bit by bit, the Seydlitz began to withdraw from the Lazira.
----- ----- Research:
1. Synthesize Hahnium(+200 Fuel) ETA: Wednesday, February 16 2. Design and Construct New Reactor Shell: (Removes chance of Warp Core Breach) ETA: Ednesday, February 16
----- -----
Fleet Positions: Seydlitz - currently stuck like a bayonet in a Renegade Lazira Turncoats: Ganging up on a Lazira Helians: Harrassing separated/isolated Renegade ships
This post has been edited by Ryuu : 12 February 2005 - 05:33 PM
"Okay," Kotik said into his comm device, "We'll follow you down". The two Miranu in the craft looked at the viewscreen with a sense of awe - the humans flew ships like none they'd ever seen before. Sure, they'd taken long-range scans of human vessels, but scans didn't compare to the experience of seeing them up close.
"Those freighters remind me of Miranu transports from during the colonization era," Jarin mused, referring to the time about 500 years before present (YBP) when the Miranu were first colonizing the space around Mirava.
"There is a striking resemblance..." Kotik agreed. "And look... they're using solar power!" he said, pointing to the solar panels on a UE Freighter.
"We used solar power too, until about 380 YBP," Jarin said. "But let's try not to pre-judge these humans just because they're a little behind us technologically."
The discussion between Kotik and Jarin continued like this for the entire descent, until their courier touched down in the spaceport beside Zach's scoutship. The two Miranu powered down their systems, and opened the hatch to disembark. Zach was already standing beside his scoutship. Kotik and Jarin approached him, stopping about a meter from him and bowing respectfully. The two Miranu were quite tall compared to Zach, and both had rather long, flowing hair and very, very light skin, as was typical of most Miranu men.
"So we finally meet face to face," Jarin said with a smile. "So... what's next?"
Research, fleets, production Same as last post
Too tired to make a proper post, I'll try and do better tomorrow.
============
Research
Zachit Micro-Pursuit Missile & Launcher ETA:Completed
Zachit Engine Enhancements ETA:3 days 15/02
Miranu Phase Enhancement ETA:3 days 14/02
Total Forces 200 Z.Aradas 600 Z.Fighters
100 Squadrons of 2 Z.Aradas, 6 Z.Fighters 10 Groups of 10 Squadrons
Niwom 1Group Dewe 3 Groups Nadej 3 Groups DSN-6116 1 Group Zachit 2 Groups Hizdriar 1 Squadron Turgon 1 Squadron Zeldair 1 Squadron Tmidor 1 Squadron Xrima 1 Squadron Sumo 1 Squadron Eiribi 1 Squadron Garren 1 Squadron Turgon 1 Squadron Sumo 1 Squadron DSN-1770 1 Squadron
Production 30 Z.Fighters, 10 Z.Aradas, located in Zachit.
This post has been edited by RMA : 12 February 2005 - 06:23 PM
"Time to exiting hyperspace?"
"Ten seconds, sir."
"Ready inertial dampeners."
"Dampeners ready, sir."
"Exiting in 3... 2... 1... Now."
The Igazra Swift Justice exited hyperspace in the Tibidat system in a burst of bluish-white light. It was followed by the three smaller flashes of its escort Aradas. They had their shields raised, but weapons were un-powered, in order to appear as non-threatening as possible.
"Scan the system," Templar Khaz Ryma ordered. "Bring us to a complete stop. Have our escorts move into a defensive formation, standard procedure."
"Sensors report no hostile vessels, sir."
"Good. Hail the planet," Khaz ordered quickly. He was unaccustomed to this kind of duty. He wondered why he had even been sent. But among the officers in Motif, he was the most experienced in such matters, and he was a friend of Grand Executor X'el. The Executor no doubt wanted to "expand his horizons." Unfortunately, Khaz most wanted to be back in Notil with his family. But, then again, diplomatic work might be interesting.
"Comlink established, sir. Vocal distortion also enabled."
Khaz stood up straight, thinking over his words for a moment. "This is the commander of the Igadzra warship Swift Justice. We wish to have a meeting with your leader. I am a representative of Igadzra Central Command. We have no hostile intent. Please respond."
Zach Corridon looked over at the Miranu outside of their vessel for a few seconds before responding. "Well, the first step would probably be to go to the local political office. Thanks to holographic technology, you might be able to make contact with the Director himself. Come along." Zach led them towards the communication center of the spaceport, and then suddenly took a twist and walked towards a single room, the two Miranu following. It wasn't a very busy day, but the few people around who saw the Miranu generally were a bit surprised, and perhaps even frightened. Zach sat down in one of the center's chairs and began dailing up the Director's number. There was a brief request for access. Luckily, as a member of the Exploration Corps, Zach had been provided with all of this information in case anything unusual happened. Within moments, the Director was on the screen.
--- "Who is this?" The keen eyes of the Director looked over the screen of his terminal, and then he noticed the two strange aliens seated nearby the human. "Ah, I see. How may I help you?"
--- Stats are the same as they were before. Mega-post upcoming sometime tonight.
"You must be the director of foreign relations for the United Earth government," Kotik observed. The holographic figure nodded.
"I am Ensign Kotik of the Miranu Peace Corps, and this is my co-pilot, Technician Jarin. We were flying our vessel to the north of your space when we suffered an explosion, and were detected by Mr. Corridon here," Kotik said, motioning toward Zach. "Thank you for allowing us to visit with you."
After the pleasantries and introductions had been completed, the director wanted to know a little bit about the Miranu and why they were in this region of space.
"We're what's called Sentinels," Jarin explained. "We were observing human activity on the far northern fringes of the region your race travels, in order to remain well-informed about the universe and help our government have the proper information to decide when to make first contact with your race."
"That's all academic, now," Kotik intoned, "since the explosion our ship suffered precipitated first contact. Now that we know about one another, we'd like to lay the groundwork for future friendly relations between our two races."
"Did you suffer any injuries in the explosion?" The director asked.
"We're both fine," Jarin assured him, "and we managed to complete the repairs to our ship on the way here."
"We really would like to start things off on the right foot. As a token of friendship on behalf of the Miranu, we want to offer you a datafile overviewing Miranu culture and history, and a map detailing the location of and a hyperjump route to our homeworld of Mirava," Jarin continued, holding up a datapad containing the information he mentioned. "We've already arranged for a diplomatic envoy to come here, but if there's anything else you'd like to know or talk about, we'd be glad to do so."
---------
Tech, fleets, production... will be updated next post
Weekly Ship Count
Emalgha 52 New Warships 230 Original Warships
96 New Fighters 420 Original Fighters
Kelmaon 4 New Warships 50 Original Warships
8 New Fighters 100 Original Fighters ----------
As Admiral Mineaux read the message, something changed in his eyes.
"I... see. Please, Lieutenant, deliver this message to Director Mindule after we depart. Oh, and deliver this one as well to Commander Tarin on Kelmaon." The Admiral handed the lieutenant two datapads, then walked out the door, communicator activated as he rapidly spoke to the other commanders on Emalghia.
The night sky of Emalghia and it's moons burned as hundreds of ships lifted into orbit. Though repeated hails told them to stand down, they continued onwards. Before they jumped to hyperspace in the direction of DSN-4743, a single comm burst came from the flagship Marduk. In Mineaux's voice, it simply spoke "I may regret this, but we will not disappoint you."
Commander Tarin nodded as his read the message. He had faith in Mineauxs capabilities. 54 Warships and 108 Fighters, Kelmaons defense fleet, sped into the nights sky to Emalgion.
The entire fleet of 282 Warships and 516 Fighters emerged into DSN-4743. Mineauxs face appeared on every comm screen.
"Today, we will destroy the Voinians. Today, we will emerge victorious. Today... We will repay all debts." The fleet split into three groups, who spread out to flank the Voinians. All Warships fired rockets at the Voinian Cruisers and Frigates, as the fighters moved in front of the Warships to intercept the Interceptors.
Same T&D and last post.
Innirian System
Second Executor Ithon Nahzai walked onto the bridge of the Prophecy. He remained silent for a moment. Templar Auzha looked over at him as the other officers busied themselves with their regular tasks. At last, Ithon spoke. "Ready the fleet. We depart for Ersadt immediately," he commanded coldly, walking to the holo-projector.
"Hold the fourth wing here. They need to ensure protection of the shipyards," Ithon continued, studying a galactic map.
"Yes, executor," Auzha quickly replied, barking out orders. The engines of the Prophecy quickly powered up, and the armada, which was constantly on battle alert, moved towards a suitable jumping distance.
"Executor, the third wing is departing from the planet and rejoining the fleet," Auzha reported, donning an eyepiece and watching the progress of the fleet. Ithon did the same, leaning over a console which displayed the status of all the armada's vessels.
"Ready the jump engines."
"Hyperjump Engines charging, sir!" the navigations officer reported.
"Executor, the third wing is in position."
"Good. Lay in a course for DSN-4111. Inertial dampeners to full."
"Jump engines charged!"
"Fleet status?" Ithon inquired, Auzha standing nearby at attention.
"Fleet reports ready. Calculations for jump completed," the navigations officer reported again.
"Templar Auzha, execute the jump."
"Yes, executor. Nav officer, execute jump immediately."
"Immediately, Templar. Armada jump computers synchronized. Jump in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Now."
The Prophecy shuddered, lurching forward slowly but quickly gaining speed. Stars turned into streaked lines of white as the ship accelerated faster and faster. Suddenly, with a flash, the fleet burst into hyperspace. Ithon removed his eyepiece.
"ETA till arrival?"
"Three real-time days. Three hours will have passed to us," the nav officer replied, looking over various readouts.
Ithon nodded slowly. "Keep me informed."
Soon, the 2nd Armada had arrived in DSN-4111, and immediately proceeded to Ersadt. As soon as they arrived, the fleet put into port to refuel and prepare for the final mission they were being sent on. The target was known only to Ithon and Auzha. Most of the crew thought it would be Vastan, but a few of the higher ranking officers had suspicions it was as different target...
Meanwhile, the 3rd Armada was broken up. A force of three tactical wings departed and began heading towards Feviry. They would make up the new defense fleet that was to be stationed there. With them travelled several merchant laziras, carrying a great deal of supplies and raw materials to be used in constructing a new station.
1st Armada -- Mark 40 Igazras 120 Aradas
2nd Armada -- Ersadt 30 Igazras 90 Aradas
3rd Armada -- Igadzra 5 Igazras 15 Aradas
Feviry Defense Detachment -- Mephit, En Route to Feviry 15 Igazras 45 Aradas
This post has been edited by Captain Carnotaur : 13 February 2005 - 08:34 AM
DSN-4743 The massive force of Emalghian vessels would have made Grand Admiral Zou himself panic into a rash move, and while under normal circumstances this may have occured, Admiral Azura had been expecting such a move and gave Fleet Captain Ocelot specific orders as to what actions to take given certain scenarios.
Another nearby blast shuddered through the structure of the lead Cruiser, V.E.S. Just Retribution. Captain Ocelot knew he was outnumbered, outgunned, and had little time. "All vessels, return rocket fire! Casualty Report!" "W... We've lost 2 Cruisers and their 6 F... Frigate escorts to their initial rocket bombardment, Captain!" responded a very frightened ensign. "Open a channel to the fleet. All ships to fall back to Krraali at maximum speed! I want a tight formation to mass turret fire in case their fighters try to persue us!" Ocelot knew all too well what the Emalgha were up to. "Sir, Admiral Azura ordered us to..." Captain Ocelot needed not hear another word before yelling over the officer... "To hell with our orders!! If we were to stand and fight there'd be no lasting effect on their fleet! Now set a course for hyperspace range. We should be able to outrun their warships until we make our escape."
The Voinian Fleet tightened up their ranks, and pushed all thrust toward their exit point while remaining in formation. Heavy Fighters and Interceptors stand by to turn and help destroy marauding Emalgha Fighters.
"Comms, inform Admiral Azura of our actions. Leave it up to her if she wants to go through with her plan." "Aye Captain. Message sent."
Emalgha Fleet; 274 Warships(8 lost) 490 Fighters(26 lost, 8 others damaged)
Voinian Fleet; 14 Cruisers(2 Lost) 37 Frigates(6 Lost) 71 Heavy Fighters 200 Interceptors
This post has been edited by U.E. Admiral : 12 February 2005 - 11:13 PM
“Commander, an ambassador from Duois is here. The Renegades have taken Groned in name, at last.”
The Commander took an inward breath and prepared to speak, but before he could say anything the globe on the corner of his desk lit up. “Emergency signal, get the envoy to a room and send him an appropriate Council member to talk with.”
“Sir it isn’t a normal envoy. It’s Yeshla.”
“He’ll want to see me in that case. Get him to a room and secure it. Then tell him I’ll be there as soon as possible but I’m tied up in diplomatic matters. Please leave now.”
“Yes.”
The Grenian turned around and walked through the door and went to inform a superior to deal with the ambassador. After he was gone Urvön cleared his desk and touched the globe. “What is the emergency, Kitra?”
A deep voice came out of the globe, an Igadzra voice with a bit of a strange accent. “An Igazra has arrived in the system.”
“Nothing unusual about that, they like to show us they could crush us at any time. We’ll just have to hope that the Renegades will make a raid. What’s the emergency”
“They have hailed command.”
“That’s unusual, but what is the emergency.”
“They have requested a meeting with the leader of the colony.”
Urvön looked thoughtful for a moment before replying. “I’ll accept that as an emergency. Do we have any full-blooded Igadzra council members willing to meet with them?”
“I am willing.”
“Will you attempt to kill any of them?”
“No.”
“Will you behave in a diplomatic fashion and put the best interests of the colony first?”
“In that case I think you would be the best choice. They won’t recognize you. Use your exile name and do not agree to anything.”
“I wouldn’t agree to anything the Igadzra set forth.”
“Meet with them as soon as possible. I thank you for your contribution to the colony honored Council Member.”
“We are finished here.” The globe blinked twice symbolizing the closing of the other end of the line.
The Commander flipped his chair backwards and walked straight out of his office and down the halls to the guest suite. At the outside of the conference room door, he pressed an admittance button and the door opened immediately. “Greetings Kivrak, may peace follow you every day.”
“There’s no time for that nonsense Gręthul. You know as well as I do what has happened. We need reinforcements now, if the Renegades are bold enough to finally take over Groned after just raiding them to death after years it means they have new ambitions. We’re almost definitely next and our forces are almost nonexistent. We can hardly fend of the raiders, there is no chance that we can defeat an organized force.”
“How many ships do you have? We cannot leave ourselves undefended either. Our sides are very vulnerable from multiple fronts.”
“Is this about the Igazra I saw on my way in? Are you insane! War with the Igadzra! By Zid, we are all doomed!”
“They haven’t made their intentions clear yet, but I fear that they are not merely being ‘chummy.’ I need to know your fleet status in any case, we cannot afford to make any mistakes.”
The ambassador sighed and released the classified information. “We have no warships, three Laziras, fifteen Aradas and fifty Fighters.”
“That’s all! You haven’t bought a single ship in a full rotation! How did you expect to survive?”
“We have no reason to build more ships. We are unable to procure anymore people willing to fulfill the duty of the crew. We came here to get away from fighting. It’s wrong! But we didn’t account for the rebellion of your people. The blame lays squarely on ”
“The Strands. They are the ones who send their outcasts here. They are the ones who create outcasts. They are the ones who war eternally and do not allow for change. For us to blame you, or for you to blame us is of no value. We need to survive. How well trained is your fleet?”
“Poorly to say the best. We don’t know how to train for these circumstances, we’ve never done anything but fight against raiders. We don’t know how to coordinate or group, we just fight as best we can.”
“In that case we’ll do our best to train your people to work with ours. We’ll send two warships, eight Laziras, ten Aradas and eighty-five fighters to help reinforce you. More importantly we will contact all the other Strandless immediately and send scouts to warn us of any more immediate attack. We will do our best to preserve the peace we have today through any means. Is there anything else?”
“You are most generous. I never expected anything near that much but I must go back to my people. In a time like this, they need every priest. Shalom honored Commander, may you find the peace you deserve.”
The pacifist bowed and walked out of the room to head back to his ship and immediately the globe in the center of the table flashed. When it wasn’t answered immediately someone started banging on the door and Urvön allowed the door to open.
“By Zid Almighty! How dare you keep me waiting so long! Why, I should expect some more respect considering who I am!”
“And you are?”
“They haven’t told you! Why the communication in this place is absolutely horrible. You have the greatest pilot of all time on your little planet and they don’t even inform you about it? Maybe you’re not as important as I was led to believe. I am Zigrabar Emalphus III, the great and renowned pilot and tactician. I have single-handedly won more battles then you will ever see and I’ve led more forces to victory than you could even imagine. I am a complete and unbelievable genius Hey, what are you doing?”
During the speech the Commander had turned around and typed a few symbols on the table and a line of symbols appeared in front of him. “What are you looking at?” Zigrabar bounced up and tried to see around the bigger creature, when he saw it he drooped and looked disappointed. “I can’t read it! There isn’t much there, why is it so short? What does it say?”
“I assure you it says everything that my people know about you. Our language is very influenced by nuance and a little can say a good amount.”
“Well, what does it say? I don’t like people talking behind my back!”
“It says you are a dangerous Zidagar and should be dealt with carefully.”
“Well I should hope so!” Zigrabar’s ridge ‘poofed’ up and he started strutting around. “I’m very dangerous. Now I demand you get me a bigger room and some decent service. I refuse to share with anyone especially that horrible Igadzra!”
“Of course! I am sorry for the misunderstanding honored guest! It must have been a mix-up, our organization is very poor.”
“I should say it is. The sheets I got weren’t even new and the cleaning apparatus must not have been cleaned for months.”
“I’m so sorry, we’re in the guest suite right now. There’s a excellent room right down the hall, two doors to the left. Go and make yourself comfortable it’s all set up for you.”
“Thank you. Most appreciated. If it’s not satisfactory I’ll be back to tell you about it.” With that, the Zidagar spun on his heel and walked out with as much flair as he could possible manage and the Commander fell down into a chair and stared at the words on the screen.
“Please, whoever is up there, please let the room be to his satisfaction.” There was too much going on for him to invest much time, if it hadn’t been for the words on the table he would have thrown him out immediately. He breathed in one more time and looked again at the words before walking out of the rooms. A minute after he left the words “Almost as good as he thinks he is” blinked out of existence.
Quote
Igadzra representatives: We are warmed by your arrival and request that you land so that you can meet with a member of our Ruling Society immediately.
Directions to the facilities follow.
Fleet Status:
Tibidat: 3 Crescent Warships 10 Laziras 34 Aradas 120 Independent Crescent Fighters.
Duois: Tibidat fleet: 2 Crescent Warships 6 Laziras 10 Aradas 85 Crescent Fighters
Duois fleet: 3 Laziras 15 Aradas 50 Crescent Fighters
Envoys: Crescent Fighters have been deployed to Akrayhak, Bakoom, Hrinix and Unobot with capable envoys and an entry message.
Groned has fallen to the Renegades. Requesting permission to speak with qualified diplomat in order to explain confidential details.
Patrol: 10 Crescent Fighters in DSN-8075 and Malago 1 Crescent Fighter in Nifal
Technological development:
Stagnant.
This post has been edited by Paranoid : 14 February 2005 - 08:02 PM
DSN-4743
"Look at them run! The cowards!" Mineaux scoffed, and sent the order. "All fighters, pursue! Don't let them escape! Target the larger ships!"
Hundreds of fighters picked up speed and began launching rockets at the large ships. The warships also fired waves of rockets, but they were losing range fast. As the dozens upon dozens of squadrens of fighters advanced upon the Interceptors defending the larger ships. Knowing missiles were useless against the quick Interceptors, the Fighters did their best to evade the slow neutron blasts while firing back their own cannons whenever an opportunity arose, all the while firing rockets at the large ships.
The leader of the lead squadren commed the Admiral.
"Sir, we're completely out of range from the Warships. Your rockets can't help us any more."
"Very well. Take some teams and attack the larger ships."
The Cruisers, Supply Ships, and Frigates were beginning to jump into hyperspace at this point, but several groups of Fighters were closing the gap fast, speeding away from the Interceptors. The remaining fighters turned their attention fully to the Interceptors .
The Fighters reached the larger ships and began advancing with little regard for their own safety. Heavy Fighters were entangled with the Cruisers, Supply ships, and Frigates, helping to defend against the Emalghan firepower. With the last Cruisers and Supply Ships jumping into hyperspace, the defending Frigates nearly all gone as well, the fighters used the last of their missiles and went head on, firing hundreds of explosive ammunition. At last, the Frigates escaped.
In the center of the system, the Interceptors increased speed and fell back, quickly jumping into hyperspace. Fighters pursued, but weren't fast enough to catch anything but the remaining Heavy Fighters. The last Voinians fired their final rockets and managed to get a few neutron blasts off before being destroyed.
Mineaux looks at the wreckage, and nodded. It was a short fight, but a good one. They would have time to search the direlects for salvage before heading back to Emalghion. It left a detection device to replace the one destroy by the Voinians and alert if they came back.
---------- Battle of DSN-4743 Emalghan fleet: 398 Fighters (92 Losses) 274 Warships (1 Loss)
Voinian fleet: 10 Cruisers (4 Losses) 8 Supply Ships (3 Losses) 29 Frigates (8 Losses) 62 Heavy Fighters (9 Losses) 168 Interceptors (32 Losses) ----------
All ships are now in Emalghion.
This post has been edited by grunadulater : 15 February 2005 - 05:16 PM
DSN-2061 "WHAT?!?!" Admiral Azura's intense frustration with the results of her plan, if it was not clear before, is extreamly apparent now. "The fleet from DSN-4743 has retreated to Krraali in hopes that the Emalgha would not persue and risk a counter attack..." The unfortunate voinian male giving the report repeated himself, only to recieve the back of Azura's hand. "I heard you the first time! Helm, take us back to Fridion. Comms, send a message ahead of us to have Capain Ocelot do the same." The ensign at the helm, always a bright one, executed the order quickly to avoid Azura's wrath.
--
Krraali The remains of the retreating fleet arrives in Krraali, still battle ready if the Emalgha decided to persue with their fighters. Fleet Captain Ocelot's Cruiser was badly damaged, having tried to soak up as many rockets as possible to save his escorts. "Doesnt look like they decided to press their attack. Patch me through to the interceptor squadron leaders." "Right away, sir."
"Squadron leaders reporting in, Captain Ocelot." One of them spoke from the eight-sectioned screen that was before Ocelot. "Impressions? Was there any indication that the Emalgha were planning to give chase?" After some deliberation, the remaining squadron leaders they came to an agreement. "No sir. After we broke off our engagement they took off back to Emalghion." "Alright. Bring yourselves into formation with the rest of us." He turned to the communications officer. "Comms, did you get that message to Azura off in time?" "Yes, sir." "I expect she'd return to Fridion to wait for us, so let's head there from here. Inform the fleet and initate jump." "Aye. Message sent."
---------- Research & Development; -Dreadnought Project- : 0/9 Days. -Neutron Upgrade- : 0/4 Days. -Counter Measure Rocket- : 0/4 Days.
Other Projects; -Warship Refit- : 0/2 Days.
Fleet Movement Notes: -I have yet to disperse all of my Supply Ships. I will get around to it by tomorrow night. -Fleets threatening Emalghion have retreated to Fridion to regroup.
-Voinian Fleet- : 152 Cruisers, 564 Frigates, 936 Heavy Fighters, 808 Interceptors, 249 Supply Ships. -Special Fleet- : 40 Cruisers, 100 Frigates, 180 Heavy Fighters. Daily Construction: -Fridion- 2 Cruisers, 6 Frigates, 14 Heavy Fighters, 0 Interceptors, 2 Supply Ships. -Voinia- 2 Cruisers, 7 Frigates, 14 Heavy Fighters, 14 Interceptors, 6 Supply Ships. -Gamur- 2 Cruisers, 7 Frigates, 9 Heavy Fighters, 13 Interceptors, 3 Supply Ships. -Gualon- 2 Cruisers, 8 Frigates, 8 Heavy Fighters, 13 Interceptors, 1 Supply Ship. -Otid- Standing by.
Offense Fleets
Punishment Force 26 Cruisers 72 Frigates 29 Heavy Fighters 368 Interceptors 19 Supply Ships Current Possition: Fridion
In the Groned system, the battle had ended quickly. The United Free Systems (UFS) had lost 8 more fighters and one more arada, but nothing serious. There had been no transport as the UFS expected the local resistance forces to deal with the ground forces. With caution, the lead Crescent Warship descended to the planet's surface. The captain stood and turned to his communications officer. "Broadcast all of the following events to the other Strandless colonies. They will believe that we made this attack for conquest and we must show them that is not the case." The officer nodded and started the broadcast using cameras to show the events outside the ship. The captain exited the ship alone, confronting a large group of the local inhabitants. He stopped and held out his hand in greeting. "I am Captain Duvall of the United Free Systems. As per you request, we have removed the orbiting fleet. We wish to open peaceful relations with your government." Instead of shaking Duvall's hand, the lead representative (a Zidagar) greeted him with a bear hug. Then, he began to speak rapidly. "I wish to thank you. You have saved us! The corrupt government is no more and we are in preparation of a planetary democracy for the first time in Groned's history. We wish to discuss the prospect of joining your confederation, as soon as possible." Duvall grinned, as he replied. "You are most welcome. I would gladly discuss your admission to our confederation. May this be the beginning of a new era in the South Tip."
In the Akrayhek system, Captain Sage was somewhat annoyed. He had just watched the video of the events on Groned and was extremely worried about the possible effect on negotiations. He keyed open the channel and replied,"I don't have any weapons to lay down. The ship can't lay to because the engines have burnt out. I represent the United Free Systems, headquartered in Mavs. The most that I can do is give you permission (which you don't need) to board my ship and take to me your leader."
In the Tibidat system, the other Miranu courier emerged out of hyperspace. The defense fleet of the planet immediately responded and a small force approached the ship. The captain was nervous. He knew that the Strandless must have seen the video of the events at Groned, but would they believe it? Surely, their local agents could collaborate the fact that planetary government had been very corrupt and revolt was common. Anxiously, he hailed the approaching ships. "I am captain Maximus. I wish to open negotiations for peace with your government and any other Strandless governments who might be interested."
The Master leaned back in his chair. Events were coming to a head. Much depended on how the negotiations played out.
The Crescent Warfleet moved to engage the three Human turncoats.
Fleet positions: DSN-8075 System 3 Crescent Warships 5 Laziras 10 Renegade Aradas 56 Crescent Fighters
Groned System: 4 Crescent Warships 10 Laziras 22 Aradas 108 Crescent Fighters
This post has been edited by Selax : 13 February 2005 - 02:31 AM