stDarNES1: Stars!
- Thread starter Darwin420
- Start date
Erik Mesoy
Core Tester / Intern
Darwin, do you have space in the beginning of the thread for some information? I'm compiling all the stories posted so far, because putting them in one place makes it easy to read about a faction... and I think it would be great if these were on the first page.
Gelion
Retired Captain
I dont see my faction anywhere in the stat list nor on the map 
Sorry, Gelion.. I confused you with another player. 
You were the Zentraedi, right? Ummm, Trinity successfully integrated the Zentraedi into their Faction with a Cultural Fair.
You can, however, take one of the Independent Factions, or create a new Faction. There's still plenty of empty space in the Region.
@Erik: I can make room for a list of thread links, if you want to compile all the stories.
You were the Zentraedi, right? Ummm, Trinity successfully integrated the Zentraedi into their Faction with a Cultural Fair.
You can, however, take one of the Independent Factions, or create a new Faction. There's still plenty of empty space in the Region.
@Erik: I can make room for a list of thread links, if you want to compile all the stories.
stDarNES1: Stars! -- UPDATE 10
--------------------
GALACTIC NEWS ORGANIZATION (NDE 10)
Tonight we're celebrating TEN YEARS of consistent, quality reporting of the Backwater Region.
Food for thought. And now, we go to Mr Dee, to bring you the latest and greatest news from that Region.
Ahh, yes.. Good evening, Mr Grey. I must say, things are pretty shaky right now. We've just received a transmission that is being broadcast across the Region. Let me play it back for you now:
Well, Mr Grey, I can't say that I've ever heard of the Vakkra, and I've been around this area of space for some 200 standard years. They don't sound like the friendly types. Luckily, our broadcast office is safe and secure, so we can continue bringing you news of what happens. Several Vakkra ships have been reported throughout the Region, and it appears they are NOT using the jumpgate system. I wonder how these simians are going to deal with this new threat.
VAKKRA INCURSION
Vakkra ships appear in Ramidi, Venever, and Kalekka.
Ramidi: In the Ramidi System, the Vakkra ships appear mere moments after their initial broadcast is received. The Star Masons are caught off-guard, as is the Havenite Fleet TF Beta. As TF Beta moved toward the jumpgate to Mu'adib, it recorded the invasion and sent off some data before it, too, was destroyed.
The Vakkra ships barely appear on scanners, and seem to shimmer in and out of existence, making weapons lock hard. The Star Masons assemble their small fleet and send out their fighters to fight for survival, obviously not giving into the Vakkra assimilation demands. The Vakkra fleet, composed of only 3 ships of unknown design (though they are larger than the Cruisers currently used by the vast majority of factions in the region), lay waste to the Star Mason defense, their weapons tearing into the ships, and then completely destroying the starbase. Minimal damage is recorded on the Vakkra ships. Several pods are seen released from one of the Vakkra ships, which head down to the planets surface.
The last transmissions received are the pleas for help from the population on the Star Mason homeworld, and the frantic escape attempts of TF Beta before a single Vakkra ship destroyes them.
Due to their destructive powers, the Vakkra ships are being termed "Destroyers"
(STAR MASONS: fleet destroyed, population defeated / HAVEN: TF Beta Destroyed)
Venever: Similar data is relayed back to the Mirian homeworld from Mirian Fleet CF2. There is a refusal from the Veneverans to cave in to Vakkra demands, and wholesale slaughter ensues. There are only 2 Vakkra ships reported in Venever System.
(VENEVERANS: fleet and population destroyed / MIRIA: CF2 destroyed)
Kalekka: 5 Vakkra Destroyers appear in Kalekka, and immediately open fire upon the Mirian and Trinity fleets in the System. The Mirian Warfleet unleashes its fighters and the Cruiser return fire. The Trinity Excelsior Fleet unloads its fighters and SJACs, and the Cruiser move into offensive positions. As in the other battles with the Vakkra, their 'shimmering' makes weapons locks difficult, and their superior firepower and defensive systems outmatch anything the Trinity and Mirian ships can produce.
One thing appears to work to the Factions' advantage, however, and that is superior numbers and many nimble fighters. The SJACs also play a role, being mid-way between fighter and cruiser, and nimble enough to avoid the majority of shots fired against them. Emergency communications are opened up between the two fleets, allowing for combined maneuvers against this formidable enemy. However, after only a short while, the Mirian Fleet is whittled down to a handful of fighters and a cruiser, and only a couple SJACs remain from the Trinity Fleet. Only 1 Vakkra Destroyer has been destroyed, though several of them have sustained what appears to be heavy damage.
It is at that moment that a secondary Mirian Fleet comprised of 6 Cruisers completes its jump from Centaus. The Captain of the new fleet quickly assesses the situation, opens up comm links, and joins the fray. The new addition seems to throw the tide of battle back in favor of the Factions, and another Vakkra Destroyer explodes silently in space. One of the Trinity SJACs, damaged heavily, diverts power to engines and pushes into the jumpgate to Asuka, knowing that it will probably not survive the jump due to a lack of a proper jump engine.
Another Vakkra Destroyer is immobilized, at the cost of 4 Mirian Cruisers and the remainder of the fighter fleet. One Cruiser is ordered to make haste back to Centaus to warn Hr'Tor about the new threat, covered in its escape by the remaining Mirian forces. It is an intense battle, and the crew of the escaping Cruiser can almost not bear to hear their comrades being slaughtered behind them. As the Cruiser makes its jump, it receives the final data from the battle, indicating that the last Mirian Cruisers have been destroyed.
(VAKKRA: -2 Destroyers)
(MIRIA: -Warfleet and 5 Cruisers destroyed / TRINITY: Excelsior destroyed)
Astral Sojourners
An agreement is made between the Sojournship and the Dysonians to allow free passage through Phellant, in exchange for a permenant Non-Aggression Treaty.
Scientists in the Sojournship have recently reached their own conclusions regarding human DNA, and have developed design ideas to improve upon the genetic structure, to provide something of the same benefits as the neural implants already coming into use across the Sojournship.
Significant money is spent developing Sabro, Broder, and Enemsi Systems. There is significant military spending taking place on Oncol - 100 new fighters come online, and 12 new cruisers, designated "Blue Block." A carrier from Broder jumps through the gate and joins with the new fleet, to carry the fighters.
The results of the battle are received at Oncol Military Headquarters, and production of the Starlight Fliers is ordered, as the NI pilots received only 1 casualty. (+25 Starlight Fliers UU, Story Bonus).
Interstellar Bus transfers 20,000 civilian colonists to Sabro, boosting the Systems population significantly, and making it one of the most populous colonies in the Sojournship.
A War of Words has transpired between the Sojournship and Haven. The Sojournship claims a dispute based upon an event that occured in Phellant whereby and asteroid had been accidentally knocked off course by a Havenite fleet, resulting in a dangerous situation to the Dysonians and their Sphere. The Havenites deny this charge. Tensions have escalated on both sides, and preparations for War appear to be under way.
Harpellian Hegemony
Colony 2 continues toward Lander System. It is expected to be able to establish the newest Harpellian Colony some time next year. Scientists of Harpell have figured out their own designs for a Cruiser-class ship. The Military seems interested in building a fleet of these large vessels, especially now that the Vakkra transmission has been received. Also, more Gentroops have been trained on Harpell, adding to the already significant groundforce present in the System.
Haven
TF Beta is destroyed at Ramidi by a Vakkra Fleet!! (see above)
Havanite Scientists have shared their knowledge of Energy in exchange for an equal sharing of Mirian Ship Weapons technology. This exchange has sealed a basic alliance between the two factions, the first such recorded in the Region since the collapse of the Old Dominion.
A Bio-technological breakthrough has been discovered by Havenite Scientists, allowing for successful cloning to occur. A wave of this cloning has swept across Haven space, providing a simply massive boost in population. However, the trouble of sorting out identities between a dozen or more clones has provided a headache to the colonies and homeworld, and all such activities of been stopped. (+10 million pop in each Star System).
12 new cruisers have been commisioned at Xanthus Prime, and designated into Gold and Silver fleets. They are expected to enter active service next year, and are a welcome sight for citizens concerned about the Vakkra presence so close to Haven worlds.
A tired and worn out logistics officer mistakenly tries to load 500 soldiers into the fighter bays of the carrier fleet at Xanthus Prime. His mistake is noticed before any deaths occur, and the fleet moves out to Fetarra without them. (NOTE: you can only load troops onto TRANSPORTS, not carriers. Your fleet moved without them).
Meanwhile, in Byblos, Swarm Force braces for a potential Scourge incursion. Every member of Swarm Force has been modified with the latest Genetic Technologies (something of a Haven specialty), and the fighters have been outfitted with an experimental 'neutralizing foam' designed to destroy, or at least trap, the Scourge. Swarm Force gets their fight.
The Scourge from Dahl comes through the jumpgate. It is a terrifying sight - a writhing, pulsating mass with no distinct form. It immediately targets the ships of Swarm Force. The Fighters, already deployed for such an event, make quick use of the neutralizing foam, encasing a large portion of the Scourge. A few small masses of the Scourge Swarm engages the fighters, destroying many. As more and more of the neutralizing foam is used, and the supply exhausted, the battle ends. Most of the Scourge has been encased in the foam, but a few tiny masses slip away from the battle to the outer reaches of the System. A casualty report is transmitted to Xanthus Prime (Swarm Force: -88 Fighters).
Haven scientists rejoice. The foam works! Not well, and it is unknown how long it will keep the Scourge encased, but it is a step in the right direction. New supplies are being provided to Swarm Force, so that the remainder of the Scourge can be neutralized before it comes near any of the colonized worlds in the System.
There is a bustle of activity in the Fetarra System as Hive Force prepares defenses against an expected Sojourner assault.
TF Alpha moves to Byblos. The Sentinel moves to Asuka, transmitting standard Greeting Protocols to Trinity. Blue Flame moves to Byblos. Silence completes her journey to Argus, and makes contact with the Trinetev Composition and the Republic of ZIB.
Haven Scientists have also begun taking a closer look at the jumpgates, looking for deeper understanding above and beyond what is already known. Especially now, with the Vakkra appearing from out of nowhere, and obviously not using the jumpgate system, it seems imperative to seek out how to travel amongst the stars WITHOUT jumpgates.
Jaenar
Great progress has been made in the field of Robotics, allowing for new enhancements to existing ship weapons designs. Military production at Domaar has comission 100 new fighters, and 12 cruisers.
A new project has been begun at Domaar, dubbed the Raptor Production Facility. It is aimed at increasing Fighter ship production by 50%.
Miria
CF2 is destroyed by the Vakkra Fleet in Venever (see above)!!
Warfleet is destroyed by the Vakkra Fleet in Kalekka (see above)!!
1 Cruiser returns to Centaus, carrying much data from the slaughter.
Mirian scientists have discovered some secrets to combating the biological side of the Scourge. They believe the recently completed research will help offer some protection against all ships in the Mirian Fleet, as well as the civilian population, should the Scourge appear in Mirian Space.
48 Cruisers are commisioned at Hr'Tor, constituting the largest single force amongst the Old Dominion Factions. It is not know yet as to what purpose this new fleet will serve. From a military standpoint, Miria now has the largest space-force of any Faction. Is this merely a measure for deterrence, or is conquest on their mind?
At Ingram and Emey, major development occurs, bringing the colonial infrastructures on par with Hr'Tor. It is a glorious day for Mirian colonists in those Systems.
EF2 jumps from Jemma to Silodon, finding a wholly unremarkable System. However, a secondary scan detects technology coming from the fourth planet in the system. Closer inspection reveals the world is inhabited by a race of Avian-esque creatures who have achieved a rough-approximation of Industrial-age technology. The scoutship has not made its presence known, and is awaiting orders from Hr'Tor.
Republic of ZIB
New military expenditures commissions 100 new fighters at Zadon, and 50 new fighters at New Zion. Research into biotechnology has provided new insights into how to protect against the Scourge. Ships, starbases, and planets are being outfitted with the new technology.
Ophius is colonized by the Jewels of Ethiopia. 2 Cruisers remain behind to protect the fledgeling colony, and the rest of the Fleet returns to New Zion. Birds of Paradise return from Asgron and station themselves in Zadon. Bob Marley Fleet begins the trip to the Nellis System. New Hope jumps to Farrell.
Jah Warrior Fleet splits, with 3 Cruisers remaining in Farrell. 2 Cruisers go to Atanka and discover a rich, lush System ripe for colonization (MDP 10). 2 Cruisers go to Alpheara (MDP 4), and detect the tell-tale sign of Old Dominion technology somewhere on the surface of the second planet from the sun. A solitary cruiser begins the jump to Braedi.
A new movement has begun on ZIB worlds, preaching that in order to save humanity from the menaces of the galaxy, people must, in essence, breed like rabbits, and become more productive to society. (New Project: Propagation Movement)
Skyjack Conclave
Scorpleten1.1 drops 20k colonists on Var Hodis and establishes a new colony. Nos and Ceiti have been developed, and are beginning to rival Lambert in their sophistication. 6 new carriers and 240 new fighters are commissioned at Lamberts Ring.
New discoveries in the field of Robotics has netted lucrative new technologies expected to bring a small boost to the economy in the coming year. (+1EP from Tech).
Delagates from scoutship Tumbleweed set up an Interstellar Class Transmitter in orbit above Nellis, to provide a constant communications link with the 51st Airborne. They also provide the survivors with biotechnical knowledge to help live more easily on the jungle world, in exchange for new weapons technology. The crew of the Tumbleweed then makes the jump to Imerik, making contact with the Corporate State. Trailblazer jumps to Civa and finds a decent system (MDP 5), and files it as 'recommended for colonization.'
A young mechanic name Jark, assigned to continue study of the Old Dominion technology aboard the new ships, has been able to put together several pieces. His discoveries have provided new technologies that will allow greater feats of engineering. (+1 Construction tech, Story Bonus)
Imperial Republic of Trinity
Excelsior Fleet destroyed by Vakkra Fleet at Kalekka (see above)!!!
1 SJAC survived a jump, bringing back details from the slaughter.
Massive upscaling of multiple colony worlds has brought new development to the distant citizens of the Republic in Hari, Asuka, Holden, and Nolat. However, it seems that Trinity's size has finally caught up with it, and has pushed the economy into a Depression (Random Event: Depression)
6,000 troops are called to duty on Trinity. New Research into robotics has brought improvements to troop weapons systems. On Pr'Ator, scientists have successfully been able to bring the "Skinnies" to increased sentience. The Skinnies now refer to themselves as "Invid." It is expected that this species can be brought to full sentience and technological capability in a very short amount of time.
2,500 colonists are dropped on Tron, and Tram Fleet returns to Nolat. Hemp jumps to Trinity and disbands, joining the many ships awaiting fleet designations. Exodus moves to Trinity and disbands. Sypher jumps from Hern to Hari. Obilisk jumps to Qomoc.
Sakri'i is colonized. 3 new fleets are assembled consisting of carriers and SJACs, sent to Nolat and Hari.
--------------------
GALACTIC NEWS ORGANIZATION (NDE 10)
Tonight we're celebrating TEN YEARS of consistent, quality reporting of the Backwater Region.
Food for thought. And now, we go to Mr Dee, to bring you the latest and greatest news from that Region.
Ahh, yes.. Good evening, Mr Grey. I must say, things are pretty shaky right now. We've just received a transmission that is being broadcast across the Region. Let me play it back for you now:
Vakkra Transmission said:
Well, Mr Grey, I can't say that I've ever heard of the Vakkra, and I've been around this area of space for some 200 standard years. They don't sound like the friendly types. Luckily, our broadcast office is safe and secure, so we can continue bringing you news of what happens. Several Vakkra ships have been reported throughout the Region, and it appears they are NOT using the jumpgate system. I wonder how these simians are going to deal with this new threat.
VAKKRA INCURSION
Vakkra ships appear in Ramidi, Venever, and Kalekka.
Ramidi: In the Ramidi System, the Vakkra ships appear mere moments after their initial broadcast is received. The Star Masons are caught off-guard, as is the Havenite Fleet TF Beta. As TF Beta moved toward the jumpgate to Mu'adib, it recorded the invasion and sent off some data before it, too, was destroyed.
The Vakkra ships barely appear on scanners, and seem to shimmer in and out of existence, making weapons lock hard. The Star Masons assemble their small fleet and send out their fighters to fight for survival, obviously not giving into the Vakkra assimilation demands. The Vakkra fleet, composed of only 3 ships of unknown design (though they are larger than the Cruisers currently used by the vast majority of factions in the region), lay waste to the Star Mason defense, their weapons tearing into the ships, and then completely destroying the starbase. Minimal damage is recorded on the Vakkra ships. Several pods are seen released from one of the Vakkra ships, which head down to the planets surface.
The last transmissions received are the pleas for help from the population on the Star Mason homeworld, and the frantic escape attempts of TF Beta before a single Vakkra ship destroyes them.
Due to their destructive powers, the Vakkra ships are being termed "Destroyers"
(STAR MASONS: fleet destroyed, population defeated / HAVEN: TF Beta Destroyed)
Venever: Similar data is relayed back to the Mirian homeworld from Mirian Fleet CF2. There is a refusal from the Veneverans to cave in to Vakkra demands, and wholesale slaughter ensues. There are only 2 Vakkra ships reported in Venever System.
(VENEVERANS: fleet and population destroyed / MIRIA: CF2 destroyed)
Kalekka: 5 Vakkra Destroyers appear in Kalekka, and immediately open fire upon the Mirian and Trinity fleets in the System. The Mirian Warfleet unleashes its fighters and the Cruiser return fire. The Trinity Excelsior Fleet unloads its fighters and SJACs, and the Cruiser move into offensive positions. As in the other battles with the Vakkra, their 'shimmering' makes weapons locks difficult, and their superior firepower and defensive systems outmatch anything the Trinity and Mirian ships can produce.
One thing appears to work to the Factions' advantage, however, and that is superior numbers and many nimble fighters. The SJACs also play a role, being mid-way between fighter and cruiser, and nimble enough to avoid the majority of shots fired against them. Emergency communications are opened up between the two fleets, allowing for combined maneuvers against this formidable enemy. However, after only a short while, the Mirian Fleet is whittled down to a handful of fighters and a cruiser, and only a couple SJACs remain from the Trinity Fleet. Only 1 Vakkra Destroyer has been destroyed, though several of them have sustained what appears to be heavy damage.
It is at that moment that a secondary Mirian Fleet comprised of 6 Cruisers completes its jump from Centaus. The Captain of the new fleet quickly assesses the situation, opens up comm links, and joins the fray. The new addition seems to throw the tide of battle back in favor of the Factions, and another Vakkra Destroyer explodes silently in space. One of the Trinity SJACs, damaged heavily, diverts power to engines and pushes into the jumpgate to Asuka, knowing that it will probably not survive the jump due to a lack of a proper jump engine.
Another Vakkra Destroyer is immobilized, at the cost of 4 Mirian Cruisers and the remainder of the fighter fleet. One Cruiser is ordered to make haste back to Centaus to warn Hr'Tor about the new threat, covered in its escape by the remaining Mirian forces. It is an intense battle, and the crew of the escaping Cruiser can almost not bear to hear their comrades being slaughtered behind them. As the Cruiser makes its jump, it receives the final data from the battle, indicating that the last Mirian Cruisers have been destroyed.
(VAKKRA: -2 Destroyers)
(MIRIA: -Warfleet and 5 Cruisers destroyed / TRINITY: Excelsior destroyed)
Astral Sojourners
An agreement is made between the Sojournship and the Dysonians to allow free passage through Phellant, in exchange for a permenant Non-Aggression Treaty.
Scientists in the Sojournship have recently reached their own conclusions regarding human DNA, and have developed design ideas to improve upon the genetic structure, to provide something of the same benefits as the neural implants already coming into use across the Sojournship.
Significant money is spent developing Sabro, Broder, and Enemsi Systems. There is significant military spending taking place on Oncol - 100 new fighters come online, and 12 new cruisers, designated "Blue Block." A carrier from Broder jumps through the gate and joins with the new fleet, to carry the fighters.
Spoiler Battle For Sierra :
The results of the battle are received at Oncol Military Headquarters, and production of the Starlight Fliers is ordered, as the NI pilots received only 1 casualty. (+25 Starlight Fliers UU, Story Bonus).
Interstellar Bus transfers 20,000 civilian colonists to Sabro, boosting the Systems population significantly, and making it one of the most populous colonies in the Sojournship.
A War of Words has transpired between the Sojournship and Haven. The Sojournship claims a dispute based upon an event that occured in Phellant whereby and asteroid had been accidentally knocked off course by a Havenite fleet, resulting in a dangerous situation to the Dysonians and their Sphere. The Havenites deny this charge. Tensions have escalated on both sides, and preparations for War appear to be under way.
Harpellian Hegemony
Colony 2 continues toward Lander System. It is expected to be able to establish the newest Harpellian Colony some time next year. Scientists of Harpell have figured out their own designs for a Cruiser-class ship. The Military seems interested in building a fleet of these large vessels, especially now that the Vakkra transmission has been received. Also, more Gentroops have been trained on Harpell, adding to the already significant groundforce present in the System.
Haven
TF Beta is destroyed at Ramidi by a Vakkra Fleet!! (see above)
Havanite Scientists have shared their knowledge of Energy in exchange for an equal sharing of Mirian Ship Weapons technology. This exchange has sealed a basic alliance between the two factions, the first such recorded in the Region since the collapse of the Old Dominion.
A Bio-technological breakthrough has been discovered by Havenite Scientists, allowing for successful cloning to occur. A wave of this cloning has swept across Haven space, providing a simply massive boost in population. However, the trouble of sorting out identities between a dozen or more clones has provided a headache to the colonies and homeworld, and all such activities of been stopped. (+10 million pop in each Star System).
12 new cruisers have been commisioned at Xanthus Prime, and designated into Gold and Silver fleets. They are expected to enter active service next year, and are a welcome sight for citizens concerned about the Vakkra presence so close to Haven worlds.
A tired and worn out logistics officer mistakenly tries to load 500 soldiers into the fighter bays of the carrier fleet at Xanthus Prime. His mistake is noticed before any deaths occur, and the fleet moves out to Fetarra without them. (NOTE: you can only load troops onto TRANSPORTS, not carriers. Your fleet moved without them).
Meanwhile, in Byblos, Swarm Force braces for a potential Scourge incursion. Every member of Swarm Force has been modified with the latest Genetic Technologies (something of a Haven specialty), and the fighters have been outfitted with an experimental 'neutralizing foam' designed to destroy, or at least trap, the Scourge. Swarm Force gets their fight.
The Scourge from Dahl comes through the jumpgate. It is a terrifying sight - a writhing, pulsating mass with no distinct form. It immediately targets the ships of Swarm Force. The Fighters, already deployed for such an event, make quick use of the neutralizing foam, encasing a large portion of the Scourge. A few small masses of the Scourge Swarm engages the fighters, destroying many. As more and more of the neutralizing foam is used, and the supply exhausted, the battle ends. Most of the Scourge has been encased in the foam, but a few tiny masses slip away from the battle to the outer reaches of the System. A casualty report is transmitted to Xanthus Prime (Swarm Force: -88 Fighters).
Haven scientists rejoice. The foam works! Not well, and it is unknown how long it will keep the Scourge encased, but it is a step in the right direction. New supplies are being provided to Swarm Force, so that the remainder of the Scourge can be neutralized before it comes near any of the colonized worlds in the System.
There is a bustle of activity in the Fetarra System as Hive Force prepares defenses against an expected Sojourner assault.
TF Alpha moves to Byblos. The Sentinel moves to Asuka, transmitting standard Greeting Protocols to Trinity. Blue Flame moves to Byblos. Silence completes her journey to Argus, and makes contact with the Trinetev Composition and the Republic of ZIB.
Haven Scientists have also begun taking a closer look at the jumpgates, looking for deeper understanding above and beyond what is already known. Especially now, with the Vakkra appearing from out of nowhere, and obviously not using the jumpgate system, it seems imperative to seek out how to travel amongst the stars WITHOUT jumpgates.
Jaenar
Great progress has been made in the field of Robotics, allowing for new enhancements to existing ship weapons designs. Military production at Domaar has comission 100 new fighters, and 12 cruisers.
A new project has been begun at Domaar, dubbed the Raptor Production Facility. It is aimed at increasing Fighter ship production by 50%.
Miria
CF2 is destroyed by the Vakkra Fleet in Venever (see above)!!
Warfleet is destroyed by the Vakkra Fleet in Kalekka (see above)!!
1 Cruiser returns to Centaus, carrying much data from the slaughter.
Mirian scientists have discovered some secrets to combating the biological side of the Scourge. They believe the recently completed research will help offer some protection against all ships in the Mirian Fleet, as well as the civilian population, should the Scourge appear in Mirian Space.
48 Cruisers are commisioned at Hr'Tor, constituting the largest single force amongst the Old Dominion Factions. It is not know yet as to what purpose this new fleet will serve. From a military standpoint, Miria now has the largest space-force of any Faction. Is this merely a measure for deterrence, or is conquest on their mind?
At Ingram and Emey, major development occurs, bringing the colonial infrastructures on par with Hr'Tor. It is a glorious day for Mirian colonists in those Systems.
EF2 jumps from Jemma to Silodon, finding a wholly unremarkable System. However, a secondary scan detects technology coming from the fourth planet in the system. Closer inspection reveals the world is inhabited by a race of Avian-esque creatures who have achieved a rough-approximation of Industrial-age technology. The scoutship has not made its presence known, and is awaiting orders from Hr'Tor.
Republic of ZIB
New military expenditures commissions 100 new fighters at Zadon, and 50 new fighters at New Zion. Research into biotechnology has provided new insights into how to protect against the Scourge. Ships, starbases, and planets are being outfitted with the new technology.
Ophius is colonized by the Jewels of Ethiopia. 2 Cruisers remain behind to protect the fledgeling colony, and the rest of the Fleet returns to New Zion. Birds of Paradise return from Asgron and station themselves in Zadon. Bob Marley Fleet begins the trip to the Nellis System. New Hope jumps to Farrell.
Jah Warrior Fleet splits, with 3 Cruisers remaining in Farrell. 2 Cruisers go to Atanka and discover a rich, lush System ripe for colonization (MDP 10). 2 Cruisers go to Alpheara (MDP 4), and detect the tell-tale sign of Old Dominion technology somewhere on the surface of the second planet from the sun. A solitary cruiser begins the jump to Braedi.
A new movement has begun on ZIB worlds, preaching that in order to save humanity from the menaces of the galaxy, people must, in essence, breed like rabbits, and become more productive to society. (New Project: Propagation Movement)
Skyjack Conclave
Scorpleten1.1 drops 20k colonists on Var Hodis and establishes a new colony. Nos and Ceiti have been developed, and are beginning to rival Lambert in their sophistication. 6 new carriers and 240 new fighters are commissioned at Lamberts Ring.
New discoveries in the field of Robotics has netted lucrative new technologies expected to bring a small boost to the economy in the coming year. (+1EP from Tech).
Delagates from scoutship Tumbleweed set up an Interstellar Class Transmitter in orbit above Nellis, to provide a constant communications link with the 51st Airborne. They also provide the survivors with biotechnical knowledge to help live more easily on the jungle world, in exchange for new weapons technology. The crew of the Tumbleweed then makes the jump to Imerik, making contact with the Corporate State. Trailblazer jumps to Civa and finds a decent system (MDP 5), and files it as 'recommended for colonization.'
A young mechanic name Jark, assigned to continue study of the Old Dominion technology aboard the new ships, has been able to put together several pieces. His discoveries have provided new technologies that will allow greater feats of engineering. (+1 Construction tech, Story Bonus)
Imperial Republic of Trinity
Excelsior Fleet destroyed by Vakkra Fleet at Kalekka (see above)!!!
1 SJAC survived a jump, bringing back details from the slaughter.
Massive upscaling of multiple colony worlds has brought new development to the distant citizens of the Republic in Hari, Asuka, Holden, and Nolat. However, it seems that Trinity's size has finally caught up with it, and has pushed the economy into a Depression (Random Event: Depression)
6,000 troops are called to duty on Trinity. New Research into robotics has brought improvements to troop weapons systems. On Pr'Ator, scientists have successfully been able to bring the "Skinnies" to increased sentience. The Skinnies now refer to themselves as "Invid." It is expected that this species can be brought to full sentience and technological capability in a very short amount of time.
2,500 colonists are dropped on Tron, and Tram Fleet returns to Nolat. Hemp jumps to Trinity and disbands, joining the many ships awaiting fleet designations. Exodus moves to Trinity and disbands. Sypher jumps from Hern to Hari. Obilisk jumps to Qomoc.
Sakri'i is colonized. 3 new fleets are assembled consisting of carriers and SJACs, sent to Nolat and Hari.
Update 10: Part II
COMMUNICATIONS:
From: Dysonians
To: Haven
It is not our desire to get involved in your conflict. We will offer the same proposal to you as we did the Sojourners. In exchange for free movement through our System, we ask for 2 EP and a permenant Non-Aggression Pact.
And please do not send any more "gate probes" into our System. We will disable any we find, as a violation of the neutrality of our Faction.
-----
From: Trinetev Composition
To: Haven
Greetings be, travellers. We are the Trinetev Composition. We welcome you within our hospitality, and ask nought but you speak softly, for we are not used to verbal communication.
-----
From: Olgev Collective
To: Republic of ZIB
We find your ways intriguing, and would like to learn more. Non-Aggression pact signed and sealed.
-----
From: Butu Technocracy
To: Skyjack Conclave
We would like to discuss a permenant trade between our factions.
--
...And so it goes in the Backwater Region, Mr. Grey. Back to you.
STORY WINNERS
-Astral Sojourners: +25 Starlight Fliers (UU)
-Skyjack Conclave: +1 Construction Tech
NOTES:
-Andis-1: I goofed. I had forgotten you already have a UU, and only one is allowed. Your Special Project will increase Fighter Production, but will not create a Raptor UU. If you do not wish to continue with this project, I will allow you to declare another one and transfer the production over, since it was my mistake.
-Global Nexus: Are you still with us?
ORDERS ARE DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 24 AT 0900 (9AM) EST.
COMMUNICATIONS:
From: Dysonians
To: Haven
It is not our desire to get involved in your conflict. We will offer the same proposal to you as we did the Sojourners. In exchange for free movement through our System, we ask for 2 EP and a permenant Non-Aggression Pact.
And please do not send any more "gate probes" into our System. We will disable any we find, as a violation of the neutrality of our Faction.
-----
From: Trinetev Composition
To: Haven
Greetings be, travellers. We are the Trinetev Composition. We welcome you within our hospitality, and ask nought but you speak softly, for we are not used to verbal communication.
-----
From: Olgev Collective
To: Republic of ZIB
We find your ways intriguing, and would like to learn more. Non-Aggression pact signed and sealed.
-----
From: Butu Technocracy
To: Skyjack Conclave
We would like to discuss a permenant trade between our factions.
--
...And so it goes in the Backwater Region, Mr. Grey. Back to you.
Spoiler Starmap :
STORY WINNERS
-Astral Sojourners: +25 Starlight Fliers (UU)
-Skyjack Conclave: +1 Construction Tech
NOTES:
-Andis-1: I goofed. I had forgotten you already have a UU, and only one is allowed. Your Special Project will increase Fighter Production, but will not create a Raptor UU. If you do not wish to continue with this project, I will allow you to declare another one and transfer the production over, since it was my mistake.
-Global Nexus: Are you still with us?
ORDERS ARE DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 24 AT 0900 (9AM) EST.
soul_warrior
Termite!
let the games begin.
story to follow in the morning.
I thought you all might enjoy this update. 
I've been waiting to unleash this upon you since turn 1. And I've got plenty more surprises and twists planned out as the game progresses, don't you worry.
@Kal'thzar: Ummm, since I don't have specifics regarding such information, assume as a generality that all those systems contain roughly the same as our Solar System. If you have an extravegant plan, just PM me with it first, just in case.
Happy hunting, folks!
I've been waiting to unleash this upon you since turn 1. And I've got plenty more surprises and twists planned out as the game progresses, don't you worry.@Kal'thzar: Ummm, since I don't have specifics regarding such information, assume as a generality that all those systems contain roughly the same as our Solar System. If you have an extravegant plan, just PM me with it first, just in case.
Happy hunting, folks!
Ok good enough, I was just on the off chance that you had planned such things at hand.
Oh can you tell me from analysis what the Silodon attitudes are like to outsiders, wether they have a religion compatible with me landing there etc?
Basically I was going to land down there tell them there future belonged with us in the stars, and help them technology, of course they become a part of the Mirian kingdom....
Lastly, Darwin you are now my trusted military Advisor, I will forward military plands to you, just incase they are a bit umm..."far out", your my common sense
.
Oh can you tell me from analysis what the Silodon attitudes are like to outsiders, wether they have a religion compatible with me landing there etc?
Basically I was going to land down there tell them there future belonged with us in the stars, and help them technology, of course they become a part of the Mirian kingdom....
Lastly, Darwin you are now my trusted military Advisor, I will forward military plands to you, just incase they are a bit umm..."far out", your my common sense
.
Gelion
Retired Captain
I think I will stay out of this one for a while. I dont want to spoil a good game for TerrisH and also dont have much time. This NES rocks and I will continue to read it 
Donald Licked his lips. He had followed the militaries Scoutship into Silodon.
Of course he wasn't intrested in that odd alien race, no he was a lot more excited in the weak blip beebing on his scanner. Remenants of Old Dominion technology. He was slowly flying towards it now.
He glanced upwards. He was still a good distance from the area of the beeping. It disappeared. He paniked. He was still travelling in the general direction beeping, but he could get lost out here. And it might be dangerous.
There might be the Scourge.
He Shuddered. He must do this, the Goners were so lacking in any real proof of an old Dominion Empire. The bits a pieces they had collected were laughed aside as aliens.
He continued...
*Danger Asteroid Field, Danger Unknown Nebulae*
Warnings began flashing up on the screen. Donald was jerked upwards. A white haze enveloped him, and the Scanners died away. Barely showing anything beyond 5km away. Suddenly looming up in front of him, an asteroid appeared out of the haze. He Jerked the ship downwards, came beneath it and jerked upwards again, another asteroid appearing as if from nowhere.
He coninued between them now and then dodgeing out the way of towers of rock and Solid Gas's from the surface's. The asteroids were closing together, this could be bad. Donald Grimiced. He pulled sharply to the left, Rock. To the Right, after a couple of kilometres, Rock.
This meant...
A tunnel?
Intrigued he continued. And indeed a tunnel it was, and suddenly it opened up. A Vast space. The Asteroid was Hollow, and infront of him lay, a Station.
He flew towards it, excited out of his mind. Studying it he wondered if there was anyway onboard, his ship sensors, working since out of the nebulae announced to him that he would need to be in his suit, there was a significant hole in the station. Muttering Donald began preparing himself for the walk over.
Arriving round at the hole in his suit, as a good an entrance as any. He pulled himself in avoiding spinning debris. And he was in, what appeared to be a library. On further inspection the History section. Donald almost fainted of shock and excitment right there.
Twitching he reached for one of the data ports, it flickered to life.
Some Symbols flew up on the screen.
Star Trek
He saw some images of Cubes and a race calling themselves the borg, along with their Catchphrase.
"Resistance is futile you will be assimilated"
He drew away, and touched another port. Historical literacy.
And found a Book named Dune. In it a planet called Arrakis, with Spice.
Donald Blinked. The more he studied the library the more he began to think that the Dominion Empire was still alive and well. Stored in the humans, who once again were renaming everything as the Dominion.
OOC: Ok that was just me playing around with an idea
Of course he wasn't intrested in that odd alien race, no he was a lot more excited in the weak blip beebing on his scanner. Remenants of Old Dominion technology. He was slowly flying towards it now.
He glanced upwards. He was still a good distance from the area of the beeping. It disappeared. He paniked. He was still travelling in the general direction beeping, but he could get lost out here. And it might be dangerous.
There might be the Scourge.
He Shuddered. He must do this, the Goners were so lacking in any real proof of an old Dominion Empire. The bits a pieces they had collected were laughed aside as aliens.
He continued...
*Danger Asteroid Field, Danger Unknown Nebulae*
Warnings began flashing up on the screen. Donald was jerked upwards. A white haze enveloped him, and the Scanners died away. Barely showing anything beyond 5km away. Suddenly looming up in front of him, an asteroid appeared out of the haze. He Jerked the ship downwards, came beneath it and jerked upwards again, another asteroid appearing as if from nowhere.
He coninued between them now and then dodgeing out the way of towers of rock and Solid Gas's from the surface's. The asteroids were closing together, this could be bad. Donald Grimiced. He pulled sharply to the left, Rock. To the Right, after a couple of kilometres, Rock.
This meant...
A tunnel?
Intrigued he continued. And indeed a tunnel it was, and suddenly it opened up. A Vast space. The Asteroid was Hollow, and infront of him lay, a Station.
He flew towards it, excited out of his mind. Studying it he wondered if there was anyway onboard, his ship sensors, working since out of the nebulae announced to him that he would need to be in his suit, there was a significant hole in the station. Muttering Donald began preparing himself for the walk over.
Arriving round at the hole in his suit, as a good an entrance as any. He pulled himself in avoiding spinning debris. And he was in, what appeared to be a library. On further inspection the History section. Donald almost fainted of shock and excitment right there.
Twitching he reached for one of the data ports, it flickered to life.
Some Symbols flew up on the screen.
Star Trek
He saw some images of Cubes and a race calling themselves the borg, along with their Catchphrase.
"Resistance is futile you will be assimilated"
He drew away, and touched another port. Historical literacy.
And found a Book named Dune. In it a planet called Arrakis, with Spice.
Donald Blinked. The more he studied the library the more he began to think that the Dominion Empire was still alive and well. Stored in the humans, who once again were renaming everything as the Dominion.
OOC: Ok that was just me playing around with an idea
Erik Mesoy
Core Tester / Intern
Strange, given that Cruiser Ten was the one at the front of the fleet. It was automated precisely because it would sustain heavy damage. (And it's rather annoying having to keep naming new characters when they die all the time!
)Nitpick: since the starting template says "Confidence: Tolerating", and mine has increased twice, it should be at Admiring now.
And I suppose my robotics stat should be at 5/0/6, not 5/0/5.
That's all for now - tomorrow I'll post a story from the battle. Note to self: Attribution/Noncommercial/Sharealike photos.
Last question - can I build a space station in the system and build ships there the same turn?
The Duke Atredies was annoyed. He had finally got some Research into the Scourge, when these damn Vakkra invaded. Well he Could see that the Scourge were not going to be the threat to be met. He was still signing Documents for the Militarisation of Emey. With a Vakkra Battlfleet in the next secter, he was hoping for the best. Ingram had little chance, it was completly open to Vakkra assualt. Unless Miria poured resources into it, and it somehow survived. Not to mention that Miria had recently got itself into an alliance with Haven. Things looked Grim.
He supposed Death would have loved this.
A week ago a courier had Burst in bearing a message from the Queen:
Duke Atredies, you are hereby ordered to join the Military as is your duty. You are to take command of the Cruiser HMS Vengence. From here you will take the Current Mirian Fleet of 48 Cruisers to Emey and begin a campaign against the Vakkra.
Since then hes been doing all his relevant paperwork on HMS Vengance, Dark Thoughts brooding in his mind. He had recently joined the Military faction in clamouring for support for further, and better ship designs to be created. And then a Massive amount of Weapons research.
From the report of the Captain of the HMS Invincable, things looked bad. 5 Destroyers had ripped, nay hewn through the Mirian War Fleet, and the Reinforcements. Managing to Destoy two, and Immobolise a third. The fleet of 48 ships were thought to be enough for taking on the two that had reportadly appeared in Venever. The Duke however, worried about further Vakkra Ships jumping in.
The Mirian Parliment had Voted for a new Budget for the year. almost 70% Military Expenditure, with provisions to take it higher. The Vakkra had scared them. Not to mention the Dukes covert scare tactics, the threat must be taken seriously after all.
He would see the Galaxy burn before he lost his Beloved Miria.
The Mirian Fleet in Orbit
He supposed Death would have loved this.
A week ago a courier had Burst in bearing a message from the Queen:
Duke Atredies, you are hereby ordered to join the Military as is your duty. You are to take command of the Cruiser HMS Vengence. From here you will take the Current Mirian Fleet of 48 Cruisers to Emey and begin a campaign against the Vakkra.
Since then hes been doing all his relevant paperwork on HMS Vengance, Dark Thoughts brooding in his mind. He had recently joined the Military faction in clamouring for support for further, and better ship designs to be created. And then a Massive amount of Weapons research.
From the report of the Captain of the HMS Invincable, things looked bad. 5 Destroyers had ripped, nay hewn through the Mirian War Fleet, and the Reinforcements. Managing to Destoy two, and Immobolise a third. The fleet of 48 ships were thought to be enough for taking on the two that had reportadly appeared in Venever. The Duke however, worried about further Vakkra Ships jumping in.
The Mirian Parliment had Voted for a new Budget for the year. almost 70% Military Expenditure, with provisions to take it higher. The Vakkra had scared them. Not to mention the Dukes covert scare tactics, the threat must be taken seriously after all.
He would see the Galaxy burn before he lost his Beloved Miria.
The Mirian Fleet in Orbit
Erik Mesoy
Core Tester / Intern
Copyright notice:
Fighter Pilot Jared JenkisTactical Broadcast: Five minutes until entry.
Jared Jenkis, former Dictator of the Astral Sojournership, entered the hangar bay, walked down to his fighter, opened the cockpit, climbed in, and opened the little box he found there. It was red, about the size of his fist, and bore the letters "JJ".
He opened it to find a slip of paper, an amulet and a black pill.
"Dear Uncle Jared", read Jenkis, "I know you never wanted implants, so I talked to a sanochemist who says he's been to Amroth. We went over the data from the last mission to Sierra, and we made you this. Take it a minute before the battle begins."
"-Your loving nephew, Derek Jenkis."
Jenkis read the note one more time with shaking hands. Derek's lucky amulet. The one he always used when he was coding, he thought. I hope I can return it - I hope I'm worth his trust. He hung the amulet around his neck, slipped the crescent disc under his suit, put the paper back, and strapped himself in, holding the pill in his hand.
Tactical Broadcast: Four minutes until entry.
"Debalme to fleet. Everything's been said, you all know why you're here, and you know the risks. Whatever you've wished for, may it come true today."
Jared awakened the fighter's AI.
<STATUS: 60.0>
Shield - 60 perhex in force
Laser 26 - 60 perhex charged
Laser 68 - 60 perhex charged
Sabots - 1200 ready
Heaters - 30 ready
Seekers - 10 ready
"Lime Leader to Lime Squadron, we're second in line for launch."
----------------------------------
Rear Admiral DebalmeTactical Broadcast: Three minutes until entry.
"Do you think we'll survive?" Debalme bluntly asked her second-in-command.
"No one ever gets out of life alive. I wouldn't worry too much about it."
"Don't dodge the question." she sighed.
"If you're going to be that way, yes, I think we will."
"Thank you. Have you gotten your section of the controls rerouted yet?"
"Yes. Arae from Medical picked it up pretty quickly."
"Good. Sit down. Cruiser One is almost certain to be destroyed, but we're still going to make it count."
Debalme concentrated on the controls before here, trying not to fidget. The cyberlord had done a good job of setting up remote controls for the first cruiser that would leave the jumpgate. Between removing the nonessential functions and leaving several other functions to the (stripped-down) AI, Cruiser One could now be steered by two people instead of the usual five.
----------------------------------
Tactical Broadcast: Two minutes until entry.
Yes yes yes, thought Rimdahl, pausing the game he was playing.
"Spark Leader, any chance I could convince you to turn those off and just give me ten seconds' warning?"
"Negative, Spark Gee. You'll just have to stay ready a while."
Dammit. Rimdahl unpaused his game of Evil Pong and devoted his attention to keeping three balls in play simultaneously.
Time seemed to drag by for Rimdahl as his neural implants began stimulating his hypothalamus, increasing his adrenaline production. With one minute to go, his eyes were overlaid with a sample HUD that flickered every second to get him accustomed to it.
Prepare for battle
"Spark Squadron, start your engines!"
Rimdahl lifted his ship an inch above the ground.
EXITING IN 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1
The HUD began flickering in earnest now as every sensor began reporting battlefield information. The hangar door retracted while flipping open, and Rimdahl launched his ship into the inky void.
nearest: 103 | 14
optimal: 70 | 12
Fire Squadron was ahead of him, two dozen colored shapes spitting dots at the darkness. The local sun in front of him was mostly occluded, giving everything a colored outline on one side.
"Spark Squadron, head for 60-30"
Rimdahl pulled the joystick, flicking off a few missiles in the general direction of the defense net as he did so.
5 heaters fired | +20 left
The Cruisers went from laser fire to sabots to missiles to heavy lasers as their cannon batteries charged themselves coming out of the warpgate. The Defense Net was still priming itself, shields raised in front of its weapons as it attempted to compute the optimal fire pattern on the invaders.
Rimdahl could see the flicker as a shield was dropped. He pulled up and to the right, watching a laser emerge only deciseconds later. It glanced off his lower port shields instead of hitting directly.
HIT | Shield 52 perhex
Rimdahl grinned as he twisted his ship, firing a dozen sabots back at the muzzle that had been targeting him.
20 sabots fired | +1100 left
Tac: Cruiser Two crippled flashed the HUD.
That changed things. Now there would be a hole in their formation.
"Spark Dee through Oh, head to 60-40"
Rimdahl was already moving. The battle was heating up.
Tac: Deployment complete
"Debalme here, follow simulation eight,-"
----------------------------------
Fighter Pilot Jared JenkisNot half a minute into the battle, fifteen seconds of flight time, and already a carrier was down. Also, Jenkis' throat stung from the black pill.
"-repeat, simulation eight!"
Dammit, which one is that? Jenkis thought.
"Lime One through Cee, break left, sabots as you please"
Jenkis's cockpit darkened as he bent the joystick left. Then the flash from Cruiser Two's fiery demise reached him, and he was forced to squint.
Of course. I know this one!
130 sabots fired | +900 left
200' of Laser 68 fired | +45 perhex left
HIT | Shield 55 perhex
Only scattered shots were targeting them. Jenkis felt a surge of invulnerability ripple through him. He was going to survive this! Simulation eight involved his group targeting a grid that the planners thought was a power supply.
Tac: Enemy node 3 crippled
Double wingmen down
Leader down
Lime Three commanding
Not good. Jenkis would have to head back to Green Carrier in a minute - if it still existed - and find another squadron to fly with. Half squadrons didn't work very well. He depressed the laser button angrily.
400' of Laser 26 fired | +30 perhex left
40 sabots fired | +900 left
HIT | Shield 49 perhex
"Lime Three to Lime Squadron, follow me. We still have a chance."
Tac: Cruiser One crippled
The cockpit darkened again as Jenkis followed his new leader towards the supposed power supply - towards hope, towards destruction.
----------------------------------
Rear Admiral Debalme"That's that," Debalme muttered as Cruiser One died and her controls went unresponsive, "back to work." She stood up and stepped to take back charge of her own vessel.
Tac: Enemy node 6 crippled
Debalme tapped a button to contact the most recent achievers. "Nice work!"
Then everything went wrong.
HIT | Shield 58 perhex
HIT | Shield 52 perhex
TARGETED x2
HIT | Shield 47 perhex
TARGETED x6
Debalme realized at once that the Defense Net had locked onto her ship.
"RAMMING SPEED!" she roared and hit the control panel.
Retreat was out of the question. The HUD flashed red and white in a stark pattern - the Net was obviously programmed with the knowledge that the largest, rearmost ship was the most important, and it was cutting off their escape.
"Fire all sabots. Lasers off. Power from rear shields to engines. James, oxymasks! Evan, distress signals! Cut life support!"
Debalme's crew obeyed unquestioningly, but she still caught a few worried glances. She tapped a sequence of buttons that visualized the important bit of the scene in mid-air for everyone to see.
"We have half a minute left. I'm ramming the main node of the Net. James, toss oxymasks to everyone. We'll run for the back of the ship and hope someone catches our distress signals." Grabbing an oxymask with one hand, Debalme locked the ship's controls with the other and ran, hoping against hope.
Spoiler :
Jared Jenkis, former Dictator of the Astral Sojournership, entered the hangar bay, walked down to his fighter, opened the cockpit, climbed in, and opened the little box he found there. It was red, about the size of his fist, and bore the letters "JJ".
He opened it to find a slip of paper, an amulet and a black pill.
"Dear Uncle Jared", read Jenkis, "I know you never wanted implants, so I talked to a sanochemist who says he's been to Amroth. We went over the data from the last mission to Sierra, and we made you this. Take it a minute before the battle begins."
"-Your loving nephew, Derek Jenkis."
Jenkis read the note one more time with shaking hands. Derek's lucky amulet. The one he always used when he was coding, he thought. I hope I can return it - I hope I'm worth his trust. He hung the amulet around his neck, slipped the crescent disc under his suit, put the paper back, and strapped himself in, holding the pill in his hand.
Tactical Broadcast: Four minutes until entry.
"Debalme to fleet. Everything's been said, you all know why you're here, and you know the risks. Whatever you've wished for, may it come true today."
Jared awakened the fighter's AI.
<STATUS: 60.0>
Shield - 60 perhex in force
Laser 26 - 60 perhex charged
Laser 68 - 60 perhex charged
Sabots - 1200 ready
Heaters - 30 ready
Seekers - 10 ready
"Lime Leader to Lime Squadron, we're second in line for launch."
----------------------------------
"Do you think we'll survive?" Debalme bluntly asked her second-in-command.
"No one ever gets out of life alive. I wouldn't worry too much about it."
"Don't dodge the question." she sighed.
"If you're going to be that way, yes, I think we will."
"Thank you. Have you gotten your section of the controls rerouted yet?"
"Yes. Arae from Medical picked it up pretty quickly."
"Good. Sit down. Cruiser One is almost certain to be destroyed, but we're still going to make it count."
Debalme concentrated on the controls before here, trying not to fidget. The cyberlord had done a good job of setting up remote controls for the first cruiser that would leave the jumpgate. Between removing the nonessential functions and leaving several other functions to the (stripped-down) AI, Cruiser One could now be steered by two people instead of the usual five.
----------------------------------
Fighter Pilot Rimdahl
2nd generation neural implant test subject
Beep be-beep beep beep be-be-beep
Tactical Broadcast: Two minutes until entry.
Yes yes yes, thought Rimdahl, pausing the game he was playing.
"Spark Leader, any chance I could convince you to turn those off and just give me ten seconds' warning?"
"Negative, Spark Gee. You'll just have to stay ready a while."
Dammit. Rimdahl unpaused his game of Evil Pong and devoted his attention to keeping three balls in play simultaneously.
Time seemed to drag by for Rimdahl as his neural implants began stimulating his hypothalamus, increasing his adrenaline production. With one minute to go, his eyes were overlaid with a sample HUD that flickered every second to get him accustomed to it.
Prepare for battle
"Spark Squadron, start your engines!"
Rimdahl lifted his ship an inch above the ground.
EXITING IN 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1
The HUD began flickering in earnest now as every sensor began reporting battlefield information. The hangar door retracted while flipping open, and Rimdahl launched his ship into the inky void.
nearest: 103 | 14
optimal: 70 | 12
Fire Squadron was ahead of him, two dozen colored shapes spitting dots at the darkness. The local sun in front of him was mostly occluded, giving everything a colored outline on one side.
"Spark Squadron, head for 60-30"
Rimdahl pulled the joystick, flicking off a few missiles in the general direction of the defense net as he did so.
5 heaters fired | +20 left
The Cruisers went from laser fire to sabots to missiles to heavy lasers as their cannon batteries charged themselves coming out of the warpgate. The Defense Net was still priming itself, shields raised in front of its weapons as it attempted to compute the optimal fire pattern on the invaders.
Rimdahl could see the flicker as a shield was dropped. He pulled up and to the right, watching a laser emerge only deciseconds later. It glanced off his lower port shields instead of hitting directly.
HIT | Shield 52 perhex
Rimdahl grinned as he twisted his ship, firing a dozen sabots back at the muzzle that had been targeting him.
20 sabots fired | +1100 left
Tac: Cruiser Two crippled flashed the HUD.
That changed things. Now there would be a hole in their formation.
"Spark Dee through Oh, head to 60-40"
Rimdahl was already moving. The battle was heating up.
Tac: Deployment complete
"Debalme here, follow simulation eight,-"
----------------------------------
"-repeat, simulation eight!"
Dammit, which one is that? Jenkis thought.
"Lime One through Cee, break left, sabots as you please"
Jenkis's cockpit darkened as he bent the joystick left. Then the flash from Cruiser Two's fiery demise reached him, and he was forced to squint.
Of course. I know this one!
130 sabots fired | +900 left
200' of Laser 68 fired | +45 perhex left
HIT | Shield 55 perhex
Only scattered shots were targeting them. Jenkis felt a surge of invulnerability ripple through him. He was going to survive this! Simulation eight involved his group targeting a grid that the planners thought was a power supply.
Tac: Enemy node 3 crippled
Double wingmen down
Leader down
Lime Three commanding
Not good. Jenkis would have to head back to Green Carrier in a minute - if it still existed - and find another squadron to fly with. Half squadrons didn't work very well. He depressed the laser button angrily.
400' of Laser 26 fired | +30 perhex left
40 sabots fired | +900 left
HIT | Shield 49 perhex
"Lime Three to Lime Squadron, follow me. We still have a chance."
Tac: Cruiser One crippled
The cockpit darkened again as Jenkis followed his new leader towards the supposed power supply - towards hope, towards destruction.
----------------------------------
Tac: Enemy node 6 crippled
Debalme tapped a button to contact the most recent achievers. "Nice work!"
Then everything went wrong.
HIT | Shield 58 perhex
HIT | Shield 52 perhex
TARGETED x2
HIT | Shield 47 perhex
TARGETED x6
Debalme realized at once that the Defense Net had locked onto her ship.
"RAMMING SPEED!" she roared and hit the control panel.
Retreat was out of the question. The HUD flashed red and white in a stark pattern - the Net was obviously programmed with the knowledge that the largest, rearmost ship was the most important, and it was cutting off their escape.
"Fire all sabots. Lasers off. Power from rear shields to engines. James, oxymasks! Evan, distress signals! Cut life support!"
Debalme's crew obeyed unquestioningly, but she still caught a few worried glances. She tapped a sequence of buttons that visualized the important bit of the scene in mid-air for everyone to see.
"We have half a minute left. I'm ramming the main node of the Net. James, toss oxymasks to everyone. We'll run for the back of the ship and hope someone catches our distress signals." Grabbing an oxymask with one hand, Debalme locked the ship's controls with the other and ran, hoping against hope.
To: Astral Sojourners
From: Haven
Events of far greater importance than the petty feud of two factions in one race. We suggest that we call a truce, and continue on in peace until the far greater threat of the Vakkra is banished from our sector.
We are aware that there has yet to be conflict between us, but now that the Old Dominion defense net has been taken down by your military, it seems likely that we are your next target.
And if you insist on continuing a pointless and unjustified war, we still ask you to rethink your actions. For once we are gone, there is nothing between the Vakkra and you.
And due to their ability to travel without jumpgates, there is likely already nothing between.
So, shall we call a truce, for the time being?
From: Haven
Events of far greater importance than the petty feud of two factions in one race. We suggest that we call a truce, and continue on in peace until the far greater threat of the Vakkra is banished from our sector.
We are aware that there has yet to be conflict between us, but now that the Old Dominion defense net has been taken down by your military, it seems likely that we are your next target.
And if you insist on continuing a pointless and unjustified war, we still ask you to rethink your actions. For once we are gone, there is nothing between the Vakkra and you.
And due to their ability to travel without jumpgates, there is likely already nothing between.
So, shall we call a truce, for the time being?
Erik Mesoy
Core Tester / Intern
To Haven
From Astral Sojourners
You shall have your truce for two years, then we come for you.
It was seven years ago that you violated our borders; when we told you in no uncertain terms to remove your ships, you were flippant and put words in our mouths.
Since then your abuses have only gotten worse. Your attempt to take the moral high ground in the "unjustified" war speaks only of how you will attempt to twist any situation in your favor.
If the ships we see now are all the Vakkra have, they will be destroyed. If they are but the scouts of an empire, we cannot hope to fight them. And in the latter case, it is we who will be their stewards. You will be their slaves.
(OOC: Darwin, can I communicate with the Vakkra, or are their announcements one-way?)
(OOC@Iggy: I'm being in-character here. The Sojournership is sort of what you would get if hackers came out on top and stayed there for hundreds of years, without the "rebel for justice!" mentality. They'd be elitist, coldly reasoning, arrogant, introvert, convinced that they're right, and willing to deal with anyone.)
From Astral Sojourners
You shall have your truce for two years, then we come for you.
It was seven years ago that you violated our borders; when we told you in no uncertain terms to remove your ships, you were flippant and put words in our mouths.
Since then your abuses have only gotten worse. Your attempt to take the moral high ground in the "unjustified" war speaks only of how you will attempt to twist any situation in your favor.
If the ships we see now are all the Vakkra have, they will be destroyed. If they are but the scouts of an empire, we cannot hope to fight them. And in the latter case, it is we who will be their stewards. You will be their slaves.
(OOC: Darwin, can I communicate with the Vakkra, or are their announcements one-way?)
(OOC@Iggy: I'm being in-character here. The Sojournership is sort of what you would get if hackers came out on top and stayed there for hundreds of years, without the "rebel for justice!" mentality. They'd be elitist, coldly reasoning, arrogant, introvert, convinced that they're right, and willing to deal with anyone.)
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