stDarNES1: Stars! -- UPDATE 13
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GALACTIC NEWS ORGANIZATION (NDE 13)
Good evening, everyone. Mr Grey here to bring you an update on those lovable simians. We turn you now to Mr Dee.
Ah, yes, hello, Mr Grey. It's gotten quite interesting around here. Let me begin.
VAKKRA INCURSION
Vakkra reinforcements arrive at Kalekka, Venever, and Naqu
--See Faction Updates For Vakkra Events--
Astral Sojourners
A Spacestation is constructed at Broder. 15 new Destroyers are commissioned at Sabro. Weapons research has accelerated in the Sojournship, with new Ship and Troops weapons developed! (Bonus Tech = Troop Weapons 3). Scientists have concentrated their efforts on developing EMP/ion weapons, in hopes of more effectively combating the Vakkra.
2,000 new Gentroops are trained and equipped at resistance camps at Oncol. Researchers on Oncol have also been trying to figure out the Vakkra technology, and have developed new prototype counter-measures.
Y'ssara is colonized by Interstellar Bus. First Impressors move to Colos. A new fleet, Barterusser, is formed in Sabro (containing 24 Destroyers), and jumps to Oncol.
Combat occurs upon the arrival on Barterusser. Blue Block moves in to assist Barterusser. The battle is short, but terrible. No Sojourner ships are assimilated, and the entire Vakkra fleet is destroyed! Unfortunately, during the battle, the Space Station (which had been assimilated by the Vakkra) was taken down by Vakkra fire during the last few moments of the engagement.
(Sojourners: -3 Destroyers, -2 Cruisers, -1 Carrier, -22 Fighters, -9 Starlight Fliers | Vakkra: -31 Fighters, -5 Cruisers, -1 Carrier)
Unfortunately, the ground battle has not been going well. Assimilation of the population continues, and the resistance movement has been slowly losing ground. Despite a few Sojourner victories, the ever-increasing Vakkra numbers have kept the tide flowing in their favor. The Gentroops seem to be especially targeted by the Vakkra.
(Sojourner: -172 Soldiers, -800 Gentroops)
Harpellian Hegemony
Research in the Hegemony has brought about new advances in Robotics, which has provided technologies for new Troop Weapons; new advances in Biotech have provided new cures and techniques that have doubled the population! Also, private sector money has lead to yet more achievements in the field of Biotech! (Bonus Tech = Robotics 3)(Story Bonus: +1 Biotech level)
Flotilla-2 and a detachment of 4 Cruisers have begun the jump to Lander.
Intense debating (read: arguments) have been occuring in the Queen's council chambers of late. Most of the serious discussion has been regarding what direction the Hegemony should take, given the situation.
Also, there have been recent reports of violent acts of sabatoge in several industrial and economic sectors on Qomoc. It is not know who or what is behind these acts, but the damage has hurt the Hegemony economy in a small way. (Random Event: -2 EP, deducted from Bank)
Haven
Research pours into the Construction field, sponsoring various programs at the University of MechTech. New construction techniques are discovered that will greatly improve the size and strength of carriers currently in service. New troop weapons technology is created, as well. (Bonus Tech: Troop Weapons 3)
50 new Stardancers come online at Xanthus Prime. More money is poured into the Scourge Foam, as it has proven to be at least somewhat reliable in containing the Scourge (temporarily, of course).
Efforts continue to obstruct the Phellant/Fetarra jumpgate. Warnings have been issued for the people of Byblos (including the Aquinna) to prepare for possible ground assault, as the Vakkra are literally next door.
And that is exactly what happens. Straight from Naqu, the Vakkra send 4 Destroyers, 2 Cruisers, and a Carrier full of fighters. The battle occurs suddenly, as the Vakkra do not appear through the jumpgate (as they have been prone to do during other local movements). The Havenite fleet is prepared for attack, though, and quickly responds to the attack. The fighting is fierce, and although the Havenites have superior force, the Vakkra have far superior weapons. During the battle, new acidic substances are fired at the Vakkra ships (one of their experimental prototypes), but there appears to be no significant damage.
Moment later, the Scourge is released from it's foam casing and propelled toward the Vakkra fleet, which does not change course away from the Scourge. As the Scourge Swarm collides with the Vakkra Fleet, something unexpected happens... the Scourge is ABSORBED by the Vakkra ships! Then, mere seconds later, the Vakkra unleash a new volley of weapons fire against the Havenites. Ships that are hit immediately show signs of Scourge infection, and are almost immediately disabled. Thinking quickly, the Havenite commanders start using the Foam weapon to counter the 'scourge weapon' of the Vakkra, but this leaves them vulnerable to more conventional attack.
Then, the HiveForce, Copper, Mercury, and Titanium Fleets arrive through the Jumpgate. There was no time to issue a warning to them regarding the Vakkra's use of the Scourge, and are immediately set upon by new, more aggressive swarms of Scourge. The initial attack disables and destroys many ships before their Captains can react.
However, the balance of power in the engagement swings to the Havenite side, and several Vakkra ships are destroyed. Before the battle can come to a definitive end, the Vakkra ships shimmer out of existence, and it is over.
(Haven: -Gold, Copper, & Silver Fleets, -3 Cruisers from Bronze and Titanium, -4 Carriers and 62 Fighters from SwarmForce, -3 Carriers, 37 Fighters, & 12 Stardancers from Hiveforce) | Vakkra: -3 Destroyers, -2 Cruisers, -262 Fighters) (Haven: +2 Confidence)
Sentinel jumps to Vayin, and contact is made with the Skyjacks. Silence jumps to Xanj.
Jaenar
Research in the Jaenar Empire has lead to new developments in the fields of Construction and Robotics. (Bonus Tech: Robotics 3). 300 Fighters are built at Domaar. Construction of the Raptor Production Facility continues.
The situation at Argus is not improving. Despite the formation of a Trinetev Parliament, designed to give the Trinetev control over their domestic policies (semi-autonomy), the placement of the General of the Imperial Fleet as Governor of the System is not sitting well with them. Resistance continues, and several members of the new Parliament have been killed in precision killings. Chaos and Disorder are rampant across the System. Several Jaenaran immigrants have been killed, as well. Without soldiers in the System, maintaining order is proving difficult. (Resistance Continues)
Fleet-1 jumps from Asgron to Domaar. First Imperial Fleet divides into two battlegroups: Solaria and Pacifica. Pacifica jumps to Totalus and gives them the offer to become a protectorate of the Jaenar Empire. After several rounds of talks, an agreement is reached whereby the UCCT maintains autonomy in all domestic affairs, but will give strategic and system-wide economic control over to the Protectorate, provided defensive fleets are maintained at Totalus and Crisum. (UCCT Star Systems join Jaenar Empire as Protectorate) (+1 Confidence)
Miria
New advances have been made in the fields of Energy and Robotics, allowing for terraforming to be utilized efficiently, and for new ship weapons upgrades. (Bonus Tech: Robotics 2). A new project is begun, codenamed "Reverse Gains."
3 Destroyers are constructed at Silodon, 6 at both Emey and Centaus. Additionally, 12 new Cruisers are constructed at Emey. The new fleet at Silodon is designated Blue Guardian, and the new fleet at Emey is given the name Yellow Guardian. The former Yellow Guardian Fleet is redesignated as Titan Fleet, with the motto "Vengeance and Justice."
EF2 jumps to Jemma. EF1 jumps to Fetarra.
Titan fleet assaults Venever. Prior to the ship jumps, asteroids are pushed through the gate, to distract the Vakkra on the other side; some are angled to fly towards the other gates in the system. The Fleet soon follows through the jumpgate.
Given warning by the asteroids, the Vakkra are waiting for the Mirian Fleet. Opening volleys are fired by the Vakkra at the fleet exiting the jumpgate. Several cruisers are destroyed in the initial volley. Additionally, several of the larger asteroids fly back at Titan fleet, also catching them by surprise. A couple more cruisers are disabled, and one destroyer takes damage.
Once the initial volley is over, both sides engage in a ferocious firefight. The Mirian Destroyers concentrate their fire on the Vakkra Destroyers. Mirian intelligence had indicated only 2 Vakkra Destroyers present in the system, but reinforcements had arrived, turning the tide in favour of the Vakkra, if only by a little. The Mirian Cruisers immediately set upon the Vakkra Cruisers, Carriers, and Fighters, using superior numbers to counter superior firepower. Since the laste engagement with the Vakkra, Mirian weapons have advanced significantly, and it shows during this battle.
Several Mirian Cruisers detach to aid the Destroyers, providing additional firepower. Several Mirian Destroyers are disabled, while only one Vakkra Destroyer has been destroyed. The Cruisers are seeing more success, having reduced the Vakkra carrier/fighter group to almost nothing, and disabling all but one Cruiser; the price was steep, though, and many more Mirian Cruisers are destroyed, or adrift and disabled.
Another Vakkra Destroyer is taken down, exploding silently in space. The remaining Destroyers and Carrier shimmer out of existence, leaving only the pitiful remains of the carrier group, which is easily destroyed by the Mirian Fleet.
(Miria: -3 Destroyers, -34 Cruisers | Vakkra: -2 Destroyers, -2 Cruisers, -2 Carriers, -238 Fighters) (+2 Confidence)
Orbital bombardment erases the small Vakkra presence on the planets of Venever. Unfortunately, virtually all of the native population has been eliminated, effectively ending the Veneveran civilization.
Republic of ZIB
The Star Systems of Alphaera and Atanka are colonized by the Republic. 5 new Transports and 18 Cruisers are constructed at Zadon. Republic scientists also make new discoveries in the fields of Construction and Robotics. (Bonus Tech: Robotics 2)
New Hope drops 2,000 colonists off at Ophius, then makes the jump to Moda. The Cruisers at Atanka and Alphaera return to Farrel. Black Diamond Skun jumps to New Zion. Midnight Marauder begins the jump to Arakis. The Sellassie jumps to Nolat. Lone Ranger jumps to Nos. Bob Marley arrives at Nellis. Work continues on the Propagation Movement.
Trade continues with the 51st Air Survivors. Bob Marley Fleet is greeting with friendly transmissions, and invited to establish a Republic colony in the system.
The SoundSystem is finally paying off. Due to the bombarment of peaceful propaganda, and help in no small way by the duel threats of other factions and the Vakkra, the people of the Olgev collective have sworn fealty to Emperor Haile Sellassie 14th, thereby joining the Republic of ZIB. (ZIB gaines Jaleen, and Ship Weapons 4 from the Collective) (RANDOM EVENT).
Skyjack Conclave
New breakthroughs in the field of Robotics have allowed for weapons upgrades on Skyjack ships, and a new design of warbots. Advances in the Energy field has allowed for efficient terraforming techniques. (Bonus Tech: Energy 3).
Var Hodis and Nos receive significant investment and have become just about as attractive as the homeworld.
Thecoliv Restock jumps to Vayin and merges with Thecoliv Swarm. Haasted Reinforcements merges with Haasted Swarm. Trollhatten Swarm is designated at Yenang (2 Cruisers, 4 Carriers, and 200 fighters), and escorts Scorpleten1.1 to Civa, where a new colony is created. Tumbleweed jumps to Totalus. Yenang Swarm forms at Lambert and jumps to Yenang, where the remaining ships there join. Glistner AC is formed at Lambert and jumps to Ceiti. Lancet is form at Nos and jumps to Braedi, managing to avoid the Scourge swarms (for now).
At Lambert, many things are happening. New Cruisers come on-line. The prototype batch of the new 'Ultranauts' are constructed. Versatile creations, the Ultranauts are designed to function as ground assault support, fighter support (though their weaponry is weaker than a fighter's, and can even function as an assault shuttle, though it is unmanned. The development of this unit is credited to the marvelous work produced by the Taylor Protocols, which came on-line and green this year.
Additionally, with the major development of the Conclave Core Systems, the new AI benefits gained from the Taylor Protocols, and the strengthening of the military (which protects the trade lanes), the Conclave Economy has experienced a sudden boost of tourism and trade. (RANDOM EVENT: +2 EP)
Clearcutter completes it's journet to Dominus. The fighters shoot out ahead of the Carriers, quickly taking up formation in case there are any Old Dominion defenses still active. What they find is worse. MUCH worse. . . VAKKRA. A LOT of Vakkra. Hundreds of fighters, a large fleet of carriers, a multitude of cruisers and destroyers, and, worst of all, LARGER Vakkra ships that can only fit the title of Battleship.
The Skyjack fighters provide cover fire for the carriers, as they try to return to the jump gate. The commander of Clearcutter fleet sends out emergency transmissions to the Homeworld, warning them of the newfound threat. The messages are successfully transmitted, but Clearcutter is lost.
(Skyjacks: -Clearcutter Fleet)
Imperial Republic of Trinity
Developments in the Robotics Field has produced patents for items that are used by almost everyone (+1EP); research into Biotechnology has allowed for the genetic manipulation of soldiers. (Bonus Tech: Biotech 3).
Major development occurs accross the Republic as Asuka, Hern, Sakri'i, Tron, and Pr'ator are developed to new levels. 18 new cruisers are constructed at Trinity. Project Reflex continues.
Strike One takes on a new carrier group of Assault Shuttles and SJACs, and also 4 new cruisers. Strike Two merges 10 more cruisers. Distrib-A and -B return to Trinity and disbaned. Ra2 jumps to Trinity and disbands. 5 Transports jump from Asuka to Trinity and disband.
In the Pr'ator System the native population of Invid have begun spreading across their planet like wildfire, more than tripling their numbers in less than a year. The sudden development was unexpected, but Trinity scientists familiar with the creatures say there is nothing to worry about.
--
COMMUNICATIONS:
FROM: Admiral Doherty, 51st Air
TO: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Sellassie 14th
We offer to you, our friends, the opportunity to establish a colony within our system. Under this agreement, the Republic of ZIB will have control over the system. However, we of the 51st will remain completely autonomous from the Republic, though we will live in peace.
-
...And so it goes in the Backwater Region, Mr. Grey. Back to you.
STORY WINNERS
- Astral Sojourners: +1 Troop Weapons Level
- Harpellian Hegemony: +1 Biotech Level
NOTES:
- I have a REALLY busy work schedule coming up for the end of April, and most of May. This will undoubtably cause delays in the updates. I'm giving you all a heads up, so you will know what is going on when I fail to post for a day or two. Hopefully, once we get past May, things should settle down to quasi-normal.
- Kal'thzar: The EP you gain from the Spice will fall under the same rules as trade income, from this point forward. You CANNOT spend that EP until I put it into your stats.
- Kam & Dis: Trade needs to be specified in BOTH sets of orders, otherwise it is not valid. I cannot verify through one set of orders that both parties are agreed to the terms. Dis - the EP you specified for the trade has been banked in your stats.
ORDERS ARE DUE THURSDAY, APRIL 27 AT 0900 (9AM) EST.
man myself.
And the Scourge too, no doubt? And you have conquered Naqu?
