Mankind's Story - RP

[General Deth Glitch]

Bethan
The envoy was shaking. He was hiding it marvellously but to anyone paying enough attention it would be noticeable. He hated the unrelenting security precautions almost as much as he hated how out of place he felt and how judged he thought he was. He was surprised by how quickly there were getting down to business, especially for so secretive a people. As such he responded "We are aware of your dedication to... security in the many Systems our kind have colonised. We are always... procuring better weapon technology and you have often been good customers in that regard we wish to increase our bond of trade. Bring our two people closer together. We have weapons. A large number of mined resources, to help with your many large constructions. We also have information and we plan on offering this and more in return for usual such arrangements, payment and trade, continued access to your market and... options. The noose is tightening around Sol and we want... routes to new opportunities. We can begin talking and discussing the bare shell of this deal but Miss. Pearlman will have to attune any deal we to make to assure it is to the Trade Masters liking and I do not have the authority to sign off on that. Now shall we begin the old back and forth?" He said, producing a catalogue of Sednian Products, adding "Of course with a client such as yourselves we have other products less well advertised in those various catagories. RIPSaidCone


Briggs-Villa
A smile was hidden on the edge of Vax's mouth. 'They sure are still crawling about' he thought as he watched the men look about. He had noticed the masked men, of course, but he knew they were nothing, sacrifices on the path to progress as far as the revolution was no doubt concerned. The man got straight to the point, for someone so worried about being found he was awfully quick to talk shop. Vax savoured the moment. He lifted the drink to his lips and took a slow sip. He then chuckled quietly to himself before setting the drink down and shaking his head. "Yes. Equipment. You and I both know you're out-gunned. What I could do with knowing is, are you out-manned. Do I need to send you lots of affordable 'equipment' or a smaller number of far more efficient... oh damn. What were we calling them again? Ahh yes. Equipment. Then I just need to know how much you value this equipment and it shall simply drop down from the sky into your laps. Once I have been paid, of course." doodleSM

 

[Shireling]

Cygnus Magnus, Cygni System
Aldwain Monastery
The Vault​

The Vault was the epicenter of the Aldwain Monastery, a large vaulted chamber dominated by statues of female saints. In the center of the great vaulted room, a lifelike and richly-colored holographic projection of the planet Yerunik twirled in its simulated rotations before a small crowd of soldiers. Among them, Proctor Kalomire, Lady Astrophil, Sir Roberts and Sir Peterson, as well as two steel-faced male initiates for whom this was to be their first mission. Proctor Kalomire wore a high-collared long, black, belted tunic with red Templar crosses emblazoned on white, cloth epaulets. His underlings were similarly dressed, the official knights of the Ordus Templaris in white tunics with crosses over the whole of the breast, and the initiates in plain red tunics. The soldiers had just returned from a pre-mission mass, and most were in a rather pensive and solemn mood. Shortly thereafter, they were joined from the chapel by a few members of the military of the Tempus Concordant led by one Major Gosvin. Before they entered, they were asked if they would take a priest's benediction as no one was allowed to enter the Vault without a blessing. The knights, however, seemed to regard the newcomers in a friendly manner, but without allowing them to misconstrue friendship and gratitude as total acceptance.

Proctor Kalomire spoke first. "Thank you all for your promptness in attendance," he began in English so that the Tempus troops could understand him, "the Holy See has placed the responsibility for recovering Mother Grandeis from the convent in Tussel upon us. As you may remember, when the Vicurator Rouse Desade overthrew the yolk of the House Skyre, he immediately began ransacking the monasteries on Yerunik. Tussel was one of the last facilities to fall. It was dedicated to the Sisters of the Red Cross.." he paused and let the soldiers look at the crosses on their uniforms. "We don't know what happened to the sisters there. It is possible they are being held captive, but more likely that they were... sold into servitude by aristocrats loyal to Desade. What we do know is that Mother Grandeis has been sending communiques to the Office of the Holy See explaining that she is under guard by Desade's loyalists and that they expect a ransom of one million platinum craythors. Obviously, the Church finds giving financial assistance to such unsavory characters distasteful. Thus, we have been dispatched to assault the convent and extract Mother Grandeis."

He turned to the map. "Here, is Karyerunik, the capital of the planet and where Vicurator Desade resides." The map flattened into a two-dimensional display at about knee height with simulated mountains and trees, with routes and buildings marked helpfully in exact detail. An automobile road snaked up a wooded cliff and around a small mountain to reach the convent, which was a large wood and stone structure sitting on a plateau overlooking a river valley. On either side of the route were farms and a small town, the village of Tussel, grew up about the route at the foot of the mountain with charming white stucco houses with blue roofs. "The convent is fifty klicks north of the capital, and is said to be lightly guarded, but this may be deceiving as Tussel is said to be a hotbed of loyalist activity and the Vicurator may have more men in the town below. Our VTOL craft will land here," he pointed, "in this wheat field. The trees will shield us from the village's LOS, the farmer is on our side, and we're doing a nighttime insertion with a stealthed craft. Which means they won't pick us up on radar, but if for some reason they do, we won't have any ship-mounted weapons to help us. The VTOL will then circle around the mountain to this field," he pointed again to a field on the far side of the convent by the river bank in a clearing of trees, "that is our extraction point. Hopefully, we can silence any personnel in the convent and they won't know what hit them. Assuming that fails, we're really going to have to book it before the Vicurator's own VTOLs start turning up. Once we land, we'll be requisitioning a truck, a tractor trailer that should be filled with wheat chaff. One of us will drive while the others hide in the chaff. This will get us up the road to the convent, but from there it will pretty much be weapons hot. Primary objective is, of course, the location and extraction of Mother Grandeis. Secondary objectives, the elimination of all hostiles and the recovery of records of martyrs on Yerunik which should be held in the convent library. Any questions?"

Petroshka

​

 

[Petroshka]

Larissa Von Reichenau, Captian Safrax Sol, Venus.
​

Larissa walked off the ramp of the ship with the first thing on her focus were the five droids awaiting her and her guards, they all seemed similar to the Tempestus except for the one in the middle, It was slimmer unlike the other four and spoke out. Her eyes quickly wandered to the surroundings of the landing pad with her eyes being awashed with green, massive plants sprouting from the ground below. Behind the droids she saw large columns of buildings that were, frankly pretty ugly, with overgrowth seemingly growing on the outer buildings. "Greetings, i am Larissa Von Reichenau youngest of the Reichenau royal family." She gracefully bowed with the ceremonial sword in her hand which was the concordats way of giving respect of new contacts, she leaned back up and smiled. "Your planet is beautiful" She brought up the sword which was sheathed to her eye level. "We have a gift for your leader, it is a symbol of our respect" She then showed the Order of the crow insignia which was embedded into the sheath and sword to the droid.

Crumbli

Lady Elja Gosvin, Cyngi, Cygnus
Joint Operations

Spoiler: Lady Gosvin

Lady Gosvin or Major Gosvin to these self proposed "Templar" listened quickly over the briefing as well as her brothers and sister, all of their minds coming up with possible alternatives but they knew it was all ultimately all up to her. When the briefing ended the old Valkyrie spoke up, "If i may Proctor Kalomire, the Argent's suits are well optimized for frontal assaults, i'd advise using them as a distraction once we get to the convent while we strike from the flanks." She pressed her palm on her chest. "Our Valkyrie suits are very maneuverable and fast and can stay out of atmosphere for an extended period of time. If the landing zone is not clear we can clear it for you." while it was true intelligence wasn't on their side she would think these rebels would have access to the same equipment the rest of House skyre's military has. The Argents and her sister looked at her and nodded, although taking fire was less than optimal if it got the job done then so be it.

Shireling

Sir Gaiseric
Mercenary Matters
​

Sir Gaiseric of the Crows Intent intercepted the message from the revolutionists of the Federal United Systems, the first thing that went through his mind were 'silly peasants' and 'another?' but then he realized if the revolution succeeds the concordat would have a unpleasant neighbor on their border. Not that the current faction who holds it is pleasant but revolutionists seemed to take an unliking to monarchy. "Contact the federal united Systems, ask if they require assistance to quell this rebellion they have" It would be a good way to get extra payment for him and his crew anyways.

doodleSM

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Atlus Spacy
Staff Sergeant Lydia Cartwright
Location: Yirath, HMS Edelweiss Crashsite​

"All crew, battlestations! We have unknowns attempting to take the ship! Don't let them in at all costs! All AA guns, open fire! Shoot it down!" The Captain's voice rang out through the PA system as Lydia buckled her straps in her Strider's cockpit. The dull thudding noises confirmed that the CIWS crews are doing their jobs as the 4 separate CIWS guns sent volleys of 30mm rounds towards the VTOL. In the mean time, Lydia flipped all the switches and slipped her arms into the control arms.

"All systems are green. I'm good to go here," Lydia stated as she flipped the hatch switch shut. Her helmet visor darkened before switching to the view from the main camera of her Strider. Manipulating the controls, her Strider stood from its previously crouched position and stood up to its full height of 10.7m. Its optics flashed briefly as she maneuvered it towards the launch tube but not before grabbing a 50mm carbine off the weapons rack. Once her Strider is secured to the launch tube, it sealed shut around her.

"Sergeant, orders from the Missus. You are to secure the location around the ship and chase off any potential threats. Although she made sure to specify that we leave the natives alone for now. Focus on the enemies currently on the hull. Got that?" The Chief Mechanic's voice came in clear. Lydia took a deep breath to calm herself. Her first solo outing given that the other Strider was pinned under some debris at the moment.

"Right. Orders received. 1st Sergeant Lydia Cartwright, ready for launch." Lydia confirmed her orders, her hands gripping the controls as she braced herself for the shock.

"Launching!" With that final shout, her Strider was shot upwards, a hatch on the ship's hull opened and her Strider was launched a good 10 or so meters into the sky. Flipping over once, she pushed down on the pedals, the Strider's feet and backpack thrusters fired off and slowed her descent. Looking down, her Strider locked onto the unknown contacts on the ship. Aiming her rifle, she fired warning shots, knowing that the ship's hull won't be so easily penetrated by her carbine's 50mm HEAT slugs.

"Don't think about it.... Don't think about it.... Tch..!" But on infantry, not a chance.

Petroshka Axel The Englishman KindlyPlagueDoctor

​

 

[Axel The Englishman]

Yerith / Clides D3GP Surface

Chief Master Sergeant Ethan Bailey

“What the fuck?” Bailey cried, as a barrage of discharged rounds rushed towards him like wolves chasing after a scrap of meat. He gripped the cyclic hard and cycled the VTOL through patterns of random and incomprehensible motions in a desperate bid to avoid being torn apart. The bullets that dashed for his ass either grazed the hull or missed anywhere vital to the craft’s operation.

But Bailey may have just pulled the short end of the shit straw as his left engine seemed to give out. There was barely anything to provide balance from this point. “Fucking...!” Bailey may have been a good pilot, but he was yet to achieve absolute perfection that he wished he had. “And this is what we get for trying to rescue are bunch of trigger-happy spacers!”

The VTOL soon entered a pattern of flight that could not be intentional. Spiralling towards the ground, until it made a hard impact against the vegetation. No explosion, but certainly out of the game.

Bailey, still alive, struggled for emergency breathing apparatus. His flight helmet had been damaged to the point of malfunctioning when he needed it now. As he brought the mask around his face and vented some oxygen into his deprived lungs, he chuckled, and said “An odd gesture of thanks.”

Sergeant Christopher Agne

Agne watched on in shock as the ship turned its weapons against their support. It had been unexpected, and no one was prepared for the scenario to occur. His unit rushed to form a defensive position should the guns be turned on them too.

Agne soon then noticed something taking up position in the sky, in place of the VTOL that had just been downed. It fired down to the surface, striking the waters of the bog as if it was some sort of threat to intimidate them. They were soldiers of the Purview, however. Evidence of bad aim could not sway them.

But a more peaceful solution was considered. Agne waved his arm in the air in a spastic motion in some attempt to gain possibly unwanted attention. When he believed to have acquired what he wanted, a produced his head, and chastised whoever he was offering help to. “Friendlies! Hold your fire! Hold your fucking fire, damnit!” Whether or not this would work, a conclusion was inevitable.
​

Wandering Grim Hollow KindlyPlagueDoctor

 

[Petroshka]

Lady Geleswintha, Sir Gwalter, Yirath.
​

Lady Geleswintha was about to tell her brothers to open fire on the soldiers attempting to board the ship but she was interrupted by a chorus of batteries firing on the aircraft, it all happened so fast she barely registered the mech flying out of the ship suppressing the soldiers on-top the ship. She connected two and two together and when the aircraft crash landed nearby in the swamp she decided the Altusians had the situation in hand, "Seize the ship!" The three knights then made their way toward the downed craft guns pointed at any possible exits, slowly approaching. "Come out!" One of the knights ran up to it to see if anyone was alive. Up above Gwalter was about to fire but he was relieved when the Altus ship took matters into their own hands and leaned back sighing, "Be careful Lady Geleswintha"

Wandering Grim Hollow KindlyPlagueDoctor Axel The Englishman

 

[KindlyPlagueDoctor]

Gar'shal Yutzelhup and Veezkus Tutzpochtlu-Yirath

Gar'shal watched as the flying beast spun to the ground, with the aid of the other creature shooting.....something at it. He turned for a moment to look at it, and give it a gesture of thanks and as an apology for mistaking it as a threat, left a charm made of bone and rock by it. It his mind this was some sort of test from the gods, the gods work in strange ways sometimes.

Of course he quickly turned his attention to where the beast had fallen and decided he should give chase, who know what this strange creature would yield? However on his way there he ran into Veezkus, who had been making his way to the crash with his own warriors and hunters. The two stood and talked for a while, eventually agreeing to go together and investigate, with Veezkus taking the lead.

The two lead their combined forces of about thirty men to the crash sight, taking a moment to hide themselves they examined the scene. They saw the strange creature surrounded by other creatures, these where not Za'lashi. By this point Veezkus and Gar'shal where fairly sure of themselves and devised a plan. They had their men encircle the crash site and after a short while, made themselves known.

The hunters and warriors emerged from the foliage and Veezkus and Gar'shal emerged as well. Veezkus hissed and roared to get their attention, holding his spear ready, he was done with gestures.
​

Petroshka Axel The Englishman Wandering Grim Hollow

 

[jole875]

Marintoth
Citadel of Heroes


"My lord, urgent reports from fleet command," muttered a small black haired man by the name of Vericus, a commander turned glorified messenger. "Speak boy, if the report is so urgent I have no time for your humble oaths and swearings of truth." The Overlord's voice was booming in comparison to the malnourished and weak Vericus. "The sentients we planned on investigating for the new habitat.... their home world is experiencing high amounts of interest from differing factions. We don't know which empires are curr-" Vericus was cut off short with a back hand from the Overlord. "You would dare call those grouped heathens and heretics an empire? I let you call them a faction, but an empire? Your failures put you in this position but another outburst of that magnitude will have you jettisoned," The Overlord paused while mumbling,"Nevertheless, you said multiple factions are on this.... this savage planet?" The Overlord inquired while pointing to his datapad, which displayed the planet. "Y-yes my lord, we can't tell who it is, but they are different.... factions." Vericus mumbled while feeling his bruised face. "Are they.... attacking each other? Which factions are they?" The Overlord asked while typing commands into his personal console. "We don't know, my lord.... we.. I was sent to ask permission to send a frigate to investigate th-," once more Vericus was struck with out warning. "You are a fool not to tell the sender of this message that if we do not know the factions involved or whether they're hostile, it'd be foolish to put our secrecy on the line to watch a bunch of swine traders..." The Overlord yelled at the now whimpering Vericus. "But... this gives me an idea.... It has been so long since we left the safety of our paradise.... so long since we ventured into possible dangers. Vericus, stand up," the Overlord only whispered this so that himself and Vericus could hear. Vericus stood, preparing for another strike from the Overlord, but was surprised by a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It is time we go mobilize our forces, it has been too long since the last time we put the fear into the hearts of our people, without fear they have no reason to follow me.... other than my divine power that could end them all in an instant." Every fifty years or so an Empire wide scare would be spread to keep the citizens in line, and root out nonbelievers.

It had been only a few hours between the time the Overlord spoke with Vericus and when an emergency message was to be broadcast Empire wide.

"It has come to my attention that our interstellar interests have attracted the eyes of stray heretics, heathens, and vermin," The Overlord paused as he gazed over the millions of citizens staring at him,"We have been hidden for a very long time, those that we once called brothers and sisters have long forgotten us. They do not remember how a billion afraid souls rallied behind me, rallied behind the ONE TRUE GOD! Today I will be enacting a full mobilization! Every ship, every weapon, and every soldier is called to arms for this! To protect you, my people, from the harms of these impure vermin! Now I ask you, will you do as I say? Will you march into the teeth of this ferocious beast known as the universe?" The Overlord had been speaking angrily up until the last two sentences, a quiet pause followed. He had never addressed his people with a question before, it was seen as pure heresy to speak while the Overlord spoke. From the crowd came a single voice. "FOR THE OVERLORD!" It was a young man, probably barely an adult but the millions around him began chanting the same outcry. Then around the planet the the chant grew in volume and number, the head of propaganda and brainwashing deserved higher pay.

Every ship had been undocked and prepped for warp. Every soldier had been armed and dispersed to their unit. Clones, Perfected, Uplifted, and Natives alike had been mobilized on every ship, from simple fuel transports to the dreadnoughts. The shipyards were empty and the barracks were deserted, the Overlord was successful in riling up the masses. While all the ships were prepped for warp, not all of them were leaving. A large fraction of the ships were going to warp into uninhabited systems to update the old maps and charts. Only a small fraction of the ships would be sent to systems with habitable worlds or possibly enemy held planets. The largest ship, a dreadnought, of the expedition project was to leave for a possibly colonizeable world, the charts only indicated that it had the potential for colonization. As the last checks came in green each ship warped into a different direction. The dreadnought known as the Crypt was accompanied by four wing transports, and on arrival the checks were made and nothing out of the ordinary had been noticed.

Spoiler: Crypt

Spoiler: Wing Transports

RIPSaidCone​

 

[doodleSM]

FEDERAL BUREAU OF COMMUNICATIONS - MESSAGE SENT​

A message is sent to Tempus Concordat, a deep and well spoken individual appears on a holo-screen. "I am Director Andrew Black, head of the Hannibal Section. I am representing the Federal United Systems." The man is bald, from the silhouette the holo-screen leaves. Black adjusts his tie and says to them "The Federal United Systems would be very pleased to receive mercenaries. If you wish to continue this, we can meet at the capital of Reed. The Section's and the National Federalist Party interests align with your own."

"Communism is a dead ideology, and should stay that way. We can discuss this matter further on Reed." the message cuts.

Petroshka

THE FEDERAL HOUSE OF CONSULS​

The house was debating their next move on the Terrorist threat. Many aligned to the left were arguing for a diplomatic approach, while those apart of the right were arguing for a military campaign. The Department head of Foreign Affairs and Department head of War had left the house to go to the private meeting between them and the emissary from Venus. The shuttle would have landed in the Capital, near the Interstellar Diplomatic Center. The secretary, and the two department heads sat down in a small room, with the Emissary from Venus there.

The Foreign Affairs department looked at the Emissary, he was tapping on the table whilst speaking. "The Federal United Systems would accept any help you can give to us. And we'll owe you a favor as well." The Department head of War took out a data device and would say in a tone of gravitas "We would also want to have those communications that the Communist sent as well." Crumbli

BRIGGS-VILLA​

The Insurgent nodded, "We buy in bulk, 150,000 Federal Credits for several transports of vehicles, munitions and weapons." The man ordered a drink from the bartender. The room itself seemed to be anti-NATFED. The SOCFED flag was hung onto the wall. There are many patrons that can be overheard discussing about their open resistance to the Federal Government. Overall, the Communist Revolution was safe here. "Do not worry about being found, no Feds are even close to this part of town." General Deth Glitch

The Sleeper agent though, was the exception. A man, in the corner of the room was eyeing the Sedna tradesmen and the communist. He was wearing a plain mask. On his belt, a military grade pistol.

 

[Shireling]

Aquarii System
Aboard the HMS Chalcedon

Spoiler

​

The HMS Chalcedon was one of the oldest ships in the Curatorium's Freighter's Guild's fleet, moving through the Aquarii System to the Tempus Concordant capital at Tempus Alterium. At least a hundred years old, its fusion reactors were terribly inefficient and some days it seemed the old ship was held together with prayers, bubblegum, and duct tape. As a matter of fact, Apprenticeman Robert Wright, on his way to the medbay, watched as one of the ships mechanics repaired a leaking water fountain by stopping the leak with plastic putty to seal it for another year or so before the valves went completely bad. He never trusted the water on this ship anyways. No telling how long it had been since the water recycler had been maintained.

The Apprenticeman strolled past with his hands in the pockets of his long black spacer coat. The temperature of the interior of the Chalcedon was always around 60 degrees, and for someone from the warm climes of Epsilon Eridani II, this was a problem. It meant he was constantly catching cold and other unsavory diseases and was always going to the sickbay. There was of course the added bonus of seeing the pretty blonde nurse, but his heart wasn't really in it. Perhaps because he felt awful all the time these days. Between twelve hour shifts cataloguing, moving cargo, separating cargo, and rating cargo, and the constant sickness he felt like the personification of ass. That was to be expected of Apprenticemen, who just held a fancy title that designated them as glorified go-fers and sorters, the peons of the guild system. Yet, after three years he had a real shot at a good, stable warehouse job on Philemon, and from there the command of his own ship in perhaps another ten or fifteen years. The Guild looked after their own.

"Sick again, Robert?" The nurse muttered as he flitted into the room. She sighed and fitted her wool cap down tighter over her hair and tugged at the too-short sleeves of her white medical fatigues. "Here, take this anti-viral in case it's the same funk as last time, here's a decongestant, and here's a pressure relief pill."

Robert took the pills in hand and swallowed them using a draught of soda from an unopened can nearby. The one thing about medicine in the Curatorium was that it was effective, perhaps too effective. Within seconds, he felt his head de-fog, but also felt mucus gushing from his nose as the decongestant evacuated his sinuses. He held a thick paper towel to his face and waited for it to all drain out before discarding it. He sniffed once, then sighed. "That's better."

"Take care of yourself," cautioned the nurse, "keep your head warm, and drink more fluids." She said, eying the soda in his hand critically.

"What? Soda is a fluid."

She grinned and replied humorously. "Fine, just die then. See if I care."

Alarm klaxon bit into the moment, and the mechanical voice of the prerecorded emergency system shouted out his warning, "Attention! All hands report to the armory and prepare to repel boarders. Unidentified ships sighted starboard 36 degrees at 4,600 kilometers out."

They glanced at each other. "Shit. To battlestations?" Robert asked rhetorically. "Why aren't they trying to motor out of here? And who could be the 'unidentified ships'? Pirates?"

"Do I look like a Mentat?" The nurse grumbled. They both filed out and jogged half-quick to the armory where one of the security personnel in grey combat armor was handing out assault rifles. He handed one to both of them, already loaded with a magazine and handed them each an extra magazine. The rifles were somewhat large and bulky, firing a .308 jacketed cartridge and each magazine held thirty rounds. They stowed their spare magazines and followed another group of apprentices to a the Forward Cargo Bay. If they were going to be boarded, it would be the logical place for them to board and also the easiest to defend.

Robert knelt down a good distance away from the airlock doors and his companion knelt beside him. They waited with hearts in their chest not knowing the situation outside and whether this was a pointless precaution for a few unregistered traders passing through, or a futile defense against professional pirates.

The Bridge of the Chalcedon
​

Captain Otto Vinver studied his console with dread. Scanning over the signatures of the dozens of ships that had just warped into the system, his first mate had already deduced them to be warships of an unknown origin. Possibly pirates, but also possibly a rogue military faction, slavers, or the legendary (and dubious) "space cannibals" that were often discussed in Curatorium space. The rest of the bridge crew looked at their displays confused. At least one was attempting to contact any Tempus ships in the area while the others frantically dispatched engineers from their terminals to fix the ship's cracked power core which was a) leaking radiation and b) preventing them from warping away from the battle.

Petroshka jole875

​

 

[King Farrow]

Gemini-II
Three large Island class ship descended down to the planet that was second closest to the Star Gemini. Soldiers wearing the signature Red uniforms of the Tritarrians fanned out and were soon followed by more soldiers carrying simple rations and supplies. As soldiers secured the landing site basic fortifications were being put up. As all this was underway the large Continental Class ship sent off probes to the other planets. They had already attained the Gemini-II was the best suited for habitation but they wanted more info on the surrounding planets and wanted to ensure no one else was attempting to claim their system and result in one of those annoying messes where two colonies appear hidden from each other, often so someone can stealthily claim land. While these probes shot out and began scanning the surfaces and probing into what was below to see where development would be useful and where it would be wasted.

As all this was underway Major Halerd was descending down to 'Gemini-II' in the Range Class Transport 'Alpine', designed specially for establishing colonies. As it descended down into the atmosphere Major Halerd was communicating the Planetary Class ship, the Command, where General Averies, General of the Royal Colonial Forces and keeping him aprised of recent events. The General would have spearheaded the colonisation himself however he was indisposed due to some political strife. Because of this he was under Royal Order to hold back and ensure his presence was within reach of Tritarria as only his forces and those of the Royal Guard were under direct command of the Crown. The young queen was always quick to show that she had power and authority despite the fact she is only 11 and has very little direct control over the government.

"She is going to grow into a feisty commander indeed. How long until you land Major?" The General noted toward to end of a discussion of recent events.
"Just a few more minutes and the Alpine will begin the establishing protocol" was the response, almost as if by magic various noises and sounds began to kick in. The General knew what was going on and with a nod ended the communication. With that the Alpine began to slow its descent and the bottom of its incredibly large main cargo hold began to open. The large locks that kept everything in place disconnected and the large buildings began to descend. An entire city and its many parts began to appear below the larger ship. As it closed in on the ground soldiers cleared the area and, what looked like badly designed armorments, also began to extend. Finnally, with a velocity of 0.1m/s (in base 12 of course), the city discconected from the craft and fell no more then ßcm (†) from the ground. A moment later the silly looking armorments thudded to the ground, they were indeed armorments but not for the ship. They were powerful fortifications to provide security and a level of isolation from the outside world and allow the colony to operate regardless of the danger of local wildlife or fauna. With this the ship rose above the newly planted city and shored itself in the bordering sea, floating perfectly on the top. The Major then addressed his crew. "Its about time another leg of the historic network is secured for Tritarria. On behalf of the Queen I can only say. Lets secure this rock." The crew responded with general shouts, such as the old 'Hoo Rah' and others but heard louder then the others was "For Queen Juliette!". You wouldn't expect this from any other branch but most who joined the Colonial Force did so not because of a desire to colonise but because they wished to serve under the Crown rather then the Dodecarchy.

Spoiler: †

The counting in my made up base 12 system is written 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ß þ 10 11 ... 19 1ß 1þ 20, etc.
Also we still call the segments of meters centimeters but they are 1/144 rather then 1/100 in base 10, but in base 12 that is still 1/100 and thus one percent.

Spoiler: Ships

Range Class

Island Class

Sorry I am not an artist and finding images that fit my vision is hard. Also Imagine the first one with lots of Red markings and mountain symbols and the second one with the blue being cut with red accents.

 

[Petroshka]

Aquarii System
Duke Irnfried, Lady Radegonda
Javian Prime
​

The Aquarii system wasn't considered to be very much as a high security system, it was clear of any hyper-lanes connecting to any known neighbors so the real ones were Tempus Alterium and Ursa Major. But it was also next to relatively unknown space and a small trade hub between The Order and Altus, Normally trade between The Curatorium and The Order occurred at the capital or the Stuve system but the Curatorium has many traders and sometimes they used Aquarii as an alternative when the major ones were crowded. Duke Irnfried owned the system and was responsible for most of the on goings that happen here; needless to say It was an easy task and Irnfried loved it. He lived in luxury with relatively little work aside from the governing and the constant invitation to parties of various nobles of course. There were several planets within the system with Javian prime as the system capital the farrest out planet was simply used as a sensor array and research into farther out systems it also detected ships coming in and out of the system. Lady Radegonda was in a Clarent-class Frigate simply patrolling when they detected unknown ships not coming from a established hyperlane and relayed information back to the capital before confronting them coincidentally a Curatorium ship also came into real space somewhat near the unknowns.

"Curatorium ship, there are unknowns near your vicinity, are they with you?" She hailed the Curatorium ship then looked around at her crew. "Bring up a visual of the unknown ships" and as if on que a screen flickered up and showed a ship that Radegonda couldn't recognize. "does anyone recognize the ship?" She looked around but only got confused looks. It definitely looked armed but it didn't match any of the known pirate factions she had dealt with before, "Hail the ships!"
"Unknown Vessels, you have entered Tempus Concordat space, idenitify yourselves or we will take military action."
"call for assistance in case they are hostile" Radegonda sat back on her captains seat, sighing some stress out. There were pirates in this sector but definitely nothing as armed as that fleet, she'd have to retreat to a more secure possition where friendly ships could quickly help, that or FTL next to their biggest ship and start boarding actions incase they were hostile.

Back on Javian prime Duke Irnfried was busy writing off papers of complains and various work accidents when he got the call that a potentially hostile fleet was spotted in the outer rim of the system. He wasnt exactly panicked, it could be altus ships coming unannounced, and judging by the lack of shots yet it seemed like it. However he was a duke of this system and he was responsible for everyone here, the job was simply too good not to be overly cautious. So he sent out the planetary fleet consisting of several dozen Tempestus ships. "Bring me a live feed of the ships" he requested for one of his servants and they did so without question. Eyeing the ships he squinted, "those are not Atlusian ships.."
jole875 Shireling

Sir Gaiseric
Mercenary Matters
​

Sir Gaiseric listened to the transmission and was slightly insulted by the man calling them mercenaries they were knights not some petty peasant with a weapon. "Jump to the Reed system, i'll have a talk with this Andrew Black." he told his crew and stared at the screen slightly urked at the mere assumption. Although he was confused at the last bit of the message "What in the crows talon is communism?"

doodleSM

 

[Shireling]

St. Thomas Chapel
The High Curator's Palace
Canticle, Philemon​

"Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed."

The priest's hands rose in the air, and with them the cooks, servants, and attendants of the palace as well as the Curator himself and his family. They left their kneeling boards down and walked silently to the ends of the rows, genuflecting and walking forward. Aldone Skyre, the High Curator, knelt behind his wife with their youngest child, Duncan, sitting in his arm and signed the cross. He grinned almost imperceptibly as he saw his son's tiny fingers trace the sign of the cross on his own body. Aldone approached the priest, an old and grizzled man of the cloth, who peered at him from behind thick spectacles.

"The body of Christ." Murmured the priest.

"Amen." Replied the Curator, and the priest blessed the small child as he walked on to the Deacon who held out a golden chalice.

"The blood of Christ."

"Amen." Replied Aldone, sighing as the bitter Indi Red burned his throat as if with holy fire.

Behind them the choir sang the Eucharistic hymn. It was Advent, thus they pined the birth of Christ in their soft a capella.

"Adeste fideles læti triumphantes,
Venite, venite in Bethlehem.
Natum videte
Regem angelorum"

"Venite adoremus
Venite adoremus
Venite adoremus
Dominus..."

The Curator's Garden
​

The Curator had always liked the fact that the Christmas season corresponded with winter in his part of Philemon. He had seen It's a Wonderful Life and read A Christmas Carol perhaps a million times, and he couldn't think of a Christmas without cold and snow. As he sat in his armchair with a cup of coffee in one hand and the saucer in the other, he was flanked by his Master of Spies, Kaleb Reese sitting in a chair to the left and the head of his bodyguard, Centurio Hayel standing to his right. He watched as his son trailed behind his wife, who was clipping winter roses in the garden beyond the patio. The coffee warmed the palm of his hand and assaulted his nose with heavenly aromas.

"My liege," Reese began, "I know you didn't order the contract, but Mr. Hensen is dead and the schematics for our rifle have been recovered."

The Curator stared glassily at his wife and son. "Good... I suppose." The first few weeks as ruler of the Curatorium had been hard on Aldone. He was softhearted. He didn't have his father's stern conviction. Yet he was smarter than his father, who leaned on his advisors heavy like crutches. Kaleb Reese knew not what to make of Aldone Skyre.

"We still have no definitive word on your stance given the likely upcoming military conflict between the Institute and the Hierarchy. The Generalismos are growing anxious that you have not commented." Cut in Hayel.

"Let them be anxious," Aldone replied, leaning back. "So far, I am not convinced that it is in my Curatorium's best interest to pick a side at all. Merely to be on standby to assist the war refugees."

Hayel blinked. "Sir, history does not wait for those on the sidelines."

"History waits for no man, Hayel, I know," replied Aldone sardonically. "But truthfully, why soak my hands in blood and treasure for what? A favorable detente? God will protect us, Hayel."

"That's what the ancien regime said before the planet was blown to ionic dust."

"No, as I recall the refrain of the last Earthmen was 'we shall be as gods!'"

Hayel sighed, he couldn't out-quote his majesty. Or convince him of his folly in remaining idle while they had the opportunity to strike the barbarians before they arrived at the gates.

Rosetia Skyre came in from the garden with a basket of clippings in one hand and Duncan resting on the opposite hip asleep. Aldone smiled and stood. The worries of running an interstellar empire faded back into the recesses of his mind as he beheld his beaming wife, a bit older than when they were in their twenties but possessed of that radiant grace and goodness which he loved so much in her. She handed their son off to him without stirring him awake.

"Al, put him to bed I do believe I'm going to change into something more comfortable." She gave him a wink.

Aldone smiled stupidly, "I'll put him down." He checked his watch. "A bit early for bed isn't it?"

"Who said we were sleeping?"

Hayel and Reese met each other's glance and shifted uncomfortably. Reese checked his watch. "Why yes, it's about that time." He muttered, stalking off with the Centurio in tow.

​

 

[RIPSaidCone]

Katrax, Inner Colonies, Femian Space
Hierarchy Fleet Command, Aes Province

"Our attack shall commence in three phases." Grand Admiral. Kren spoke as she stood next to Field General. Aiana, their differences being quite clear with the contrast of the General's dark green uniform and the Admiral's clear white one however they both shared similar golden lining on their attire to indicate their incredibly high-up positions. Both of the high-ranking women standing next to a large screen with a map of Institute space and the surrounding Routes going towards it. "Phase One shall commence with multiple incursions into Institute territory via CentRoute with additional fleets arriving with the usage of just their engines in-order to prevent the formation of a bottleneck at CentRoute Entrance: Bernard's Star. Unfortunately due to the ongoing situation at Yirath our forces will not be able to flank immediately into the Luhman 16 system but instead will arrive there in Phase Two of operations. By the end of Phase One we expect our initial invasion fleets to have destroyed anywhere from fifty to seventy percent of the Institute's Navy and to have established dominance over the FTL Depots at CentRoute Entrance: Bernard's Star and SolRoute Entrance: Luhman 16. Phase One is expected to take approximately twenty days from commencement." Kren continued confidently, occasionally pointing to markers that would appear as the General tapped at a device to move along with what was essentially a more advanced powerpoint. The other Generals and Admirals sat at their tables in the chamber belonging to the Hierarchy Defense Committee nodding with approval and some smiles at the information. Grand Admiral. Kren then turning to Aiana as the General nodded with a quite and courteous thanks and carried on with the next Phase.

"Phase Two will commence immediately upon Phase One's completion and will be spearheaded primarily by our additional fleets arriving in the Luhman 16 System. The already severely weakened enemy naval forces will be too scattered and too damaged to offer any real resistance, as such we expect both the Luhman 16 and Alpha Centauri systems to fall within the space of around three to four days. From there we will commence orbital bombardments of strategic military installations, government facilities and Research & Development labratories of both genetic engineering and military advancements. Current intelligence suggests that this shall take around eighteen hours to complete." A hand was raised from one of the many tables, Aiana stopping as she turned to look at the source, a lower-ranking but still talented Warrant General by the name of Tanx, one of the Hierarchy's many up and coming leaders of tomorrow. "Yes, Tanx?" Aiana questioned curiously to her subordinate officer. "What kind of resistance should our ground forces expect, ma'am? I doubt the Institute, as cowardly as they are will take kindly to an invasion force such as ours." Aiana folded her arms. "A very good question, young General. But our ground forces will not land until Phase Three, once all military resistance has been extinguished by our fleets. Grand Admiral, if you will?" She offered the opportunity to continue on with the presentation as Kren nodded in response.

"Of course." She said as the officers all turned their attention to her once more. "Phase Three will commence upon the establishment of total space and ground superiority in the Bernard's Star, Luhman 16 and Alpha Centauri systems. An all-out, rapid assault on Sol from all fleets within annexed space, whilst ground forces will be deployed en-masse to annexed Institute colony worlds to secure and occupy. Mars will be the primary target of this invasion, however it's many large space station settlements will also need to be secured and locked down to ensure that no kind of offensive or defensive capabilities are enacted against our naval forces over Mars." She paused. "However Sol does pose a third party factor. The metalmen of Venus." With this, the room's collective curiosity rose almost immediately. "The Institute and Venerians have enacted some form of mutual defense treaty for the Sol system, any foreign force engaging in offensive acts will be attacked by both nations. As such we should expect heavy Venerian presence over Mars. This shouldn't prove any massive problem for our operations in the system, although the Caesar has forbidden us from invading Venus itself. Regardless, our fleets will be made aware of the possibility of counter-attacks from the Venerians however the hope is that they're first encounter with our forces will be enough to dissuade any further attacks. As such you have all been authorized to use any and all means to deter third party aggression during this campaign. We expect total capitulation of the Solar Institute within three weeks."

Bethan, Middle Colonies, Femian Space
Kax Terata Airspace

"Dedication is... One word for it." The Vice-Director said as she leaned back into her seat, the flight towards the Commerce Center being smooth as the shuttle passed by towering structures that again continued littering the landscape. The MP troopers remaining silent as they sat in the back with their weapons at the ready, typical security for a meeting such as this. She nodded in response to the man's comments, the Sednians certainly were well known among the Hierarchy's officials for being able to provide most of what they needed and on time as well, which was most impressive given the nation's comparatively small size, although their treatment towards their own people was somewhat of a concern towards the more sympathetic individuals in the Femian leadership, it was nonetheless a non-issue to them as it got them the materials they needed when they needed them."I don't have the authority to give an official comment on that however I certainly don't see much of an issue in bringing our people closer together through the mutual benefits of trade. When we arrive at the Commerce Tower I shall take you to meet up with the Director of Commerce for Bethan, and then we can send for Miss. Pearlman to join us. Any opportunity to assist another nation struggling under the fanatic grip of the religious in Sol is one that the Hierarchy will consider taking." She said, taking the catalogue from the man and reading over it, skimming through the weapons. "They are undoubtedly well-made weapons, however I believe my counterparts in the armed forces are looking for a construction contract, not a development one."
General Deth Glitch

Tios, Outer Colonies, Femian Space
FSV Varnarmaður, 28th Fleet

"Ma'am." The word came from a young Lieutenant as she saluted to her superior, Captain Fayte. The commanding officer of the Varnarmaður turning around to her subordinate and nodding once to confirm the lower-ranking officer's permission to speak as she done so quickly. "We have multiple unidentified vessels en-route through FTL to the outskirts of the system." Fayte placed her hands behind her back and held her hands, turning back to face the front-facing windows of the bridge as she calmly ordered. "Deploy the fleet, I want those vessels surrounded the moment they enter the system." The Lieutenant nodded firmly, "Yes, ma'am." As she turned around and marched off to relay the orders. Not minutes later and the several behemoth-sized Superior-class Battlecruisers accompanied by their Battlefrigates and Corvettes had begun making their way from the orbit of Tios to the edge of the system it was in. Arriving mere minutes before the unidentified ships were meant to and moving into interception position as the ships, now visible clearly on sensors arrived in the system. One large, military looking vessel surrounded by smaller, more civilian-appearing ones. "Communications!" Captain Fayte ordered loudly to the women who served as communications crew in the data pits on either side of her stand on the bridge, some of the officers looking up and nodding as they went to work establishing a clear line of communications between the Varnarmaður and the unidentified vessels. Which so far looked nothing like the vessels of the nations' the Hierarchy was already accustomed with. These ones were new, different. "Communications are established, Captain." A Communications officer called up to the woman.

"Unidentified vessels, you have entered restricted space. Cease all operations immediately and hold position, prepare to be boarded. Any attempts to resist boarding parties will result in the destruction of your vessels. For your own safety, heed our warning." Fayte warned in the very same commanding, authorative voice that she'd honed over her many years as a commanding officer. Not long after, a group of smaller ships departed from one of the Varnarmaður's numerous hangar bays, this group being made up of a single command shuttle, two troop transports carrying a platoon of Naval Infantrywomen each and a small squadron of Nerio fighters to escort them to their location, that location being the primary vessel of the unidentified group, it appearing to be some kind of Dreadnought whilst four additional groups of ships made of the same compliment as the first also dispatched from the Varnarmaður, however these ships begun heading in the direction of the smaller, civilian transports. An iconic screeching sound could be heard as the Nerio fighters flew past the hangar bay of the unidentified Dreadnought, the command shuttle landing first as the troop transports landed soon after. The doors of the transports lowering as two lines of clean, white-armored naval infantrywomen stepped out with their rifles in hand however not raising them in an attempt to avoid a firefight. The Command Shuttle's single door and ramp now lowering as a vastly different dressed figure stepped out, two Navy Troopers, one on either side of her following as she stepped out onto the surface of the dreadnought's hangar. Face covered by a harsh-looking, tough mask, a black cape lowered down to her feet and an impressive albeit ragged looking uniform covering the rest of her.

"Where's your commanding officer." Was all the woman said, voice coated and augmented by her mask.
jole875

Spoiler: Femian Naval Infantrywoman

 

[Fishman Lord]

The planet below was covered in blue flora, melding with the seas between the continents. The ship above, a hollowed-out asteroid equipped with thrusters, orbited the world, the name "COSS Mitochondria" visible on the side. Within it, several scientists were working on the genome of a local creature, a horse-sized scorpion-like creature. To establish a colony here, this organism would be uplifted and used to establish a new society, making long, expensive programs like terraforming not needed. Hopefully, the uplift would be complete in the next several months.

Meanwhile, something more sinister was going on in the Ragnarok cluster. The Ragnarok Cluster was a cluster of hollow asteroids controlled by the Solar Forces, unknown to all other nations and even most other branches of the Institute. Fearing attack from the Hierarchy, the Solar Forces have reopened research into Project Justinian, the codename for several strains of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and prions that would target Femian DNA and kill them swiftly. Despite the outdated DNA samples, the various infectous agents would still hopefully be quite effective against most Femians. This was due to multiple factors, for example the agents not attacking anything with a Y chromosome. Furthermore, a good portion of Femians were older than 20, which was the age of the most recent samples. However, there were some issues: mainly the fact that Femians were close enough to baseline humans that even minor mutation could bring the agents into the Institute's human gene pool. However, the Solar Forces have determined that this is a risk they are willing to take, as it would still be overall less losses for the Institute thanks to their massive genetic diversity. If all else fails, less discriminate plagues like Plague Washington and Plague Alfonso would be unleashed, devastating entire ecosystems and killing most things that lived. It was hoped that this would be unnecessary.

The meeting with the representatives of Sedna continued. "Hmmm... well, perhaps we can make another deal. We can offer you access to some very major warp hubs and lucrative markets as well. If you will give no official alliance, our army still mostly relies on mercenaries and weapons from other nations. We would be willing to purchase weapons in great quantities, as well as offer access to our warp hubs and markets, if you lower your trade with the Hierarchy. I promise you, trade with us will be far more lucrative than trade with them, and we're not asking you to cut trade with them entirely... yet. The people of Sol must stick together, and thanks to the alliance between us and Venus we are approaching that goal. With Sedna by our side, you would have access to massive potential markets, and we would be a united front against those who would be more... authoritarian in their approach to markets."
General Deth Glitch

7-D approached the small home. Inside was a young woman, identical to herself in every way. She appeared to be watching something, oblivious to the approaching threat. Like a shadow, 7-D made her way through the window, silent as falling snow. She approached the woman. Eventually she noticed something behind her. Turning around, she saw a perfect mirror image: the same genes, though different clothes. "What the-" She was cut off as 7-D quickly terminated her. A quick injection and she collapsed, dead nearly instantly. Now 7-D just had to get rid of the body, which was no small feat in a place with such high surveillance. Fortunately, this had been planned for. A second injection and hyper-decomposition fungi were added to the bloodstream. In 36 hours, this body would be soil. Until then, 7-D would keep it inside. Hopefully it wouldn't be discovered until it was decomposed, and when it was found after that, it would only be mildly strange that someone had a pile of dirt around. For now, 7-D would just have to lay low.
RIPSaidCone

 

[Kokurai Gaisgeach]

-Somewhere above Wardreich Mountains of Carlion bordering the rogue nation of Berka-
2nd Lt. Jerry "One Wing" Foulke
66th Hussarones Air Division, 6th Unit
​

"There it is... Seven mushroom clouds rising above the final nation that stood against the unification... its been 7 hours since the start of the war and it ended with a horrible sight... A nation committed a nationalistic suicide...of all things.. why? His questions rang inside his head as he watches the entire nation dissappear off the face of Carlion from the cockpit of his Atmospheric fighter Jet.

The entire Dominon Military was stunned by the event. not because of the Shockwaves, EMPs or the radiation, but their final push met with the horrifying event that will ring forever in the History of the Dominion and Carlion..

"Garmr 2 this is DS Valais, return to base, over. there's no celebrations." Jerry responded nothing but silence as he complied with the order. The war was over, the Dominion became the sole ruling entity of Carlion but the effects of it was felt planetwide. the pulse of multiple detonations was powerful enough to be detected by scanners in the nearby systems

"You've been awfully quiet Sir Foulke." P.J. Exclaimed after seeing the battleweary Jerry.

"Im just sad." he mustered his strength to speak, still horrified with what he has seen. "Now. leave me alone for abit. i need some Rn'R. Zyhpher is probably partolling around anyways." With that, he walks off to his room for somewell earned rest.

​

-Karmerlaut Palace, Karmerlaut, Carlion-
Emperor Artorius
Emperor of the Dominon​

"Am Afraid not, Gauvain my brother... there wont be any victory parades or Celebrations." Artorius' smile went completely upside down after seeing the reports of Seven atomic detonations on the rogue nation.

he was unable to do anything but watch the Radioactive clouds rise into the Atmosphere

"Brother, Ground forces are reporting a mass influx of civilians evacuating. orders?" Gauvain was ready to relay a reply, Artorius simply nodded without uttering a single word.

"All military units shall cease all military activities and aid the Civilians in anyway possible. They are now under the Dominion's responsible arms." Gauvain spoke onto the microphone. "I say again. all Military units cease all military activities and give aid to the Civilians. they are ours now."

"Gauvain, Im worried that the Pulse from the Detonations will be detected by the neighboring star systems within 3-4 Parsecs of our location... Tell the 6th fleet to form around Merlon and some Space fighters around B7R. HOWEVER. " Artorius clear his throat. " should they make contact, direct them to me immediately to avoid unecessary conflict. we've had too much already and we're not prepared."

Gauvain nodded and starts relaying the message to the Military Sect of the Dominion.

"Our Presence is now known... I damn hope they're friendly." Artorius sat down, pouring a shot of some Rum on his shotglass.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wandering Grim Hollow ​

​

 

[jole875]

Marintoth
Citadel of Heroes

"My lord.... some of our ships have made contact, should we destroy the vermin? The fleet command belie-," cut short by a raise of the hand, Vericus silenced himself. "Our troops have no experience outside the simulators, whether it be slaughter or diplomacy, tell the captains they have full control of their scenarios." The Overlord commanded before sipping at his wine. "Also... the clearance level for any ships interacting with vermin has just been raised to L-2, give the order," the Overlord said with a smirk, after a few moments of thought he continued cutting his steak and sipping his wine.

Unknown Sector 185
ISS Frigate Conrad

"Sir, orders directly from the Overlord," a young man had looked up from his console to relay. "Praise to he for such quick responses, what is the order corporal?" The captain questioned as he approached the main console. With a click of the button the boy played a video of the Overlord giving the order, in person. "You must make decisions for yourself in this matter, whether it be glory in battle or strives in diplomacy. You will not fail me, I believe in your abilities Captain Hemlock." The captain almost fainted, it was said in stories that an order directly from the Overlord meant godly blessings, he had even said his name. After a few moments of allowing tears to roll down his smiling face he wiped them away and pressed his hand on the intership communication console. "All ships! All ships! Listen now for objective command! To your battle stations! Arm the mass drivers and prepare for cloaking protocols!" After a few moments of pause to regain his integrity after such a great personal feat he continued,"Prepare Cloak..1...2...3..Cloak! All cloaked ships, Rim Formation!" Like they had never existed all of the ships in the exploration fleet seemingly vanished, except for the leading ship, which was not armed with a cloaking device. Where the ships had once been only a very few speckles of moving light invisible to the naked eye existed. "Patch me through to each of their ships' communications," Hemlock ordered.

"Tôhwon is wægn geofonhûs Conrad, neoðanweard êower tud, to stefnian board êower. Weth pron ðe ic bræs sê in−hîwan of dôð Overlord. In vecht threat, vahn tud met wio anihilateon . Wearn weapons reordian bêo met wið eradication." The Captain had been staring directly into the communications screen while transmitting the message. His crimson eyes burned as his thin jaw relayed the words, obvious that the Perfected were a different breed of human altogether. The Conrad began its steady closing of the gap between ships, all of its weapons seemingly passive, not attempting direct attack.

Spoiler: Conrad

Shireling Petroshka


Unknown System 518
ISS Dreadnought Crypt

"Put your ear piece in and say exactly what I say. I knew this faction was waiting, that's why I sent the best captain and the best ship to this system, no mistake was made. " The Overlord spoke as he tapped a datapad crazily. Captain Derron of the Crypt was to talk with the unknown militants, but seeing that few still spoke the Traitor's Tongue, so the Overlord would be relaying his messages through the Captain. "Chosen, you have always served me dutifully, now is not a time to disappoint me. Go forth and bring the vermin to the Honor Room. Captain, you will go there aswell, prepare yourself for the most important day of your life." The Overlord speech skills were unmatched, but even now sweat perspirated on his face.

"Get a battalion to the hanger bay before they arrive, prepare all inner defenses, you have five minutes! If these creatures are hostile I want the dogs ready to pounce, get every native on this ship on the rafters above the hanger, I want all pilots in ships and all boarding troopers prepared for deployment! Now move you fucking scum, the Overlord is testing us today!" Yelling at the top of his lungs was Major Teracht, the highest ranking officer on the vessel and the leader of the Chosen stationed on the ship.

The strange ship entered the Crypt's hanger and a strange siren like sound came from the engines, a whining like that of an unoiled gear. The hanger was dark when the ship entered, only a few low lit lights by the pathway were on. When the first ship's doors opened the lights in the hangar flicked on in an attempt to blind and scare those leaving the ships. After the momentary stun most would suffer from the sudden brightness one could see the vastness of the hangar and almost five hundred guns trained on the ships, from automated turrets to the common rifle. Each figure surrounding the ships was in a black and red lined heavy armor, designed for intimidation and close quarters combat. All of the troops except the uplifted were wearing helmets, so unless the strangers noticed the differences in stature, they still would have no idea who they really were. Another clue was that only the uplifted were letting out audible snarls and growls as the unknown soldiers marched out of their ship. Standing twenty feet away from the lead ship's ramp was Major Teracht, a Chosen in a full power suit was almost two feet taller than the average perfected, surprisingly the unknowns weren't short in stature or seemingly thin and weak in muscle as the simulations had taught him. Nonetheless Teracht approached the ship, beam rifle in hand. One of the unknown's said something he didn't understand, it was true that they still spoke the Traitor's Tongue. Relaying the message to Derron and then to the Overlord he received a reply after a few, but awfully long, seconds of silence. "To the Honor Room." A simple sentence that Teracht did not understand a single word of, but after hoping it made sense to the strangers he turned his body and pointed to a pair of lusciously decorated doors a few hundred feet away, which was guarded by a dozen more Chosen.

RIPSaidCone

​

 

[Kersey]

Enceladus, Sol System​

ITN Vineta, Titanean Grand Fleet

“Your Imperial Majesty, Emperor of Titan.” Lotte Harald bowed, bending his upper body as far as could be expected for the aging officer. A seemingly meaningless gesture considering the man’s status as an almost legendary figure. His standing in the Empire was enough to excuse him from nearly all royal protocol. Nevertheless, the Grand Admiral continued to follow it as a sign of his reverence for the Emperor.

Ander turned around as the familiar voice mentioned his title, “Grand Admiral, there is no need for a man of your prominence to bow. You know I regard you like I would my own flesh and blood.”

“You honor me with your words, yet you are still my Emperor and I shall treat you as such.” Harald walked closer to the Emperor, who stood at the edge of the command deck. It overlooked Enceladus, the last moon still independent from the Empire. It wouldn’t be long until they too fell under the rightful rule of Titan, ending the centuries of civil war which had plagued Saturn. As they spoke, millions of soldiers from the Imperial Titanean Army prepared to storm the moon.

“Very well. Now tell me Grand Admiral, where is the Enceladean fleet? I didn’t expect them to leave their home undefended like this. After all, they must realize what we will do to it.” Ander moved his hands behind his back, interlocking them above his waistline.

Lotte cleared his throat before responding, “We believe they have fled the system with a sizable contingent of troops, as well as the majority of their government. I’ve sent the ITN Tirawa to track them down, its armed with enough antimatter to destroy their entire fleet.”

“Disgusting…” The Emperor paused for a few seconds. “Begin the orbital bombardment, I will not accept such cowardice from our cronian brothers without punishment. Stoyebrak is to be flattened entirely, leave nothing but a crater in its place if you must.”

“It shall be done my Emperor.” The Grand Admiral bowed again before excusing himself from the Emperor’s presence. Ander looked down at the moon, where it was currently night time. Enceladus was the only cronian moon to have been fully terraformed, allowing for its population to nearly rival Titan’s. It was a shame their rivalry would end so soon; the moon was lit up by thousands of explosions seconds later.

Spoiler: Enceladus

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Atlus Spacey
1st Sergeant Lydia Carthwright
Location: HMS Edelweiss Crashsite​

"Friendlies? Captain, are you getting this? The unknowns claim to be friendly." Lydia reported, toggling the zoom function of her Strider's optics she had a good look at the uniforms and most importantly, the emblems. Her Strider lowered its weapon slightly. "Confirmed unknowns as Purview soldiers. How should I proceed, Captain?"

"Well done. New orders, secure the VTOL crashsite and search for survivors. We'll have a small team bring our... guests in for questioning." Acknowledging Commander Eirika's orders, Lydia piloted her Strider away from the group she had under her mercy, just in time to catch a glimpse of her fellow Crew emerge from a nearby airlock and holding the Purview soldiers at gunpoint. As her Strider made contact with the muddy swampland, she took note of a lizard leaving something near the ship.

"Carthwright reporting, the locals seem to have left a present for us. Request a science team to investigate." Lydia radioed the ship. Without waiting for a response, she continued onward. Her Strider pushing trees aside as it plodded through the swampland before reaching the crashed VTOL. The sight that greeted her was odd. There was signs of life in the crash but she never expected to find Tempus Knights in.... wherever they are right now. Add the fact that the locals have them surrounded makes this awkward.

".... This is a pleasant surprise..."

Petty Officer Daniel Ardent
Location: HMS Edelweiss​

"Go! Go! Go! Secure them!" Lieutenant Anders barked as Daniel and his fellow security officers rushed out of the airlock and quickly surrounded the Purview soldiers. Their SMGs and one lone shotgun trained on them as they approached. Daniel himself kept his weapon aimed at the brave lad who shouted out that they were friendly.

"Alright then.... You lot will keep those weapons down while we escort you on board. I don't want any funny business to happen while we bring you inside. Well then, chop chop. Let's get a move on." Anders smirked under his rebreather as he gestured for his men to begin shepherding the Purview soldiers towards the airlock.

Petroshka KindlyPlagueDoctor Axel The Englishman

ET(L) Seaman Isara Williams
Location: Unknown Location, Yirath​

"-sara.... Isara, you still alive?" A calm, gentle voice roused Isara from her unconscious state. Her memories were a blur but the moment she remembered the panic, the alarms, a rough hand on her back shoving her into the escape pod.

"ADRIAN!" Isara jolted to full consciousness before the harness halted her. Looking around, she saw that she startled the man who woke her up. Leading Hand James Williams was looking at her like she was some odd specimen but that slowly changed to that of a soft smile. "Sorry Sis... That was one hell of a ride eh? Come on, there's another pod that landed due East and I need you to put on this rebreather before I can blow the pod door open."

"James...? Ow... my head..." Isara grunted as her head began to pound. Her brother quickly helped her undo the safety harness and get her up onto her feet. Using her brother's shoulder for support, she numbly began to slip the rebreather on. A quick vacuum seal check and HUD update later, they two siblings were ready to head out of the cramped capsule. A quick slap of the discharge button blew the explosive bolts, launching the door away. As the pair stepped out of the capsule, Isara's eyes grew wide with wonder.

"So much greenery...." She muttered, kneeling down to feel the sticky mud their feet sank slightly into. James was busy scrambling up the pod to get a better look around. After a few minutes of scanning his surroundings with his binoculars, he came to a conclusion.

"...... I have no idea where we are."

 

[Crumbli]

Official Venerian resources, Variscite, Venus.
Petroshka

As the woman approached the two combat units at the front of the six droid formation raise their shields. They thrust their arms out in front of them, turning them horizontal first, then bringing them back as to press the tops of their shields firm against their chests. Once done they quickly lower them to be flat against their chests and hold them there with their weapons still pointed towards the sky.

The thinner unit introduces itself once Larissa finishes. "I am hand 1-1-3, sworn to the eternal service of Dianna. A pleasure to be graced by your arrival and the arrival of those whom you trust with your safe keeping. We weren't expecting visitors today let alone royalty I must confess, but your company is one I'm certain all of Venus will find a delight and will most definitely warrant queries of its repetition."

They spy the sword and with little time to waste, accept it. The droid carries it flat across its hands and offers a polite bow of its head before gesturing towards a flight of stairs that lead downward from the landing pad towards the 'city'. "I'll see to it that Veneria receives this item. I apologise for our lack of gifts. Please, shall we do away to the interior?"' By now it was clear that all of these droids had been programmed with an accent that resembled old Earth's French, suggesting that all inside also spoke a similar accent or at the least enjoyed the sound of it.

The group begins to move towards the steps. Once there the two units that flanked 'hand 113' begin leading the group, while the other three remain behind to follow in after them. The stairs have glass banisters with what appear to be some form of smooth, white posts. At the very top and the very bottom of the stairs are hard plastic statues with brass plaques that read, 'Honour the ancients.' The statues themselves appear to depict a large raven standing over the top of either a cracked egg, or standing guard over what appears to be a crow.

They arrive at the door where the first two combat units stand guard on either side of the door while the other three continue behind the group. The entrance leads into a small tube that features another set of doors not far off and a set of racks which appear perfect for holding weapons of any kind. The hand waits for the doors to open and as they do, it steps inside waiting for the others to follow. "Please leave your weapons here before continuing."

Official Venerian envoy, Federal house of consuls, Reed system.
doodleSM

The droid chosen to represent the interests of the Venerian foundling remains seated at the table as both heads spoke. It was independent in thought as to prevent jamming devices from rendering it mute. It takes into account everything it can, observing the two heads, the silent onlooker, and most details in the room. There was an ideal script they wanted to follow for this situation. The united systems would ask for aid, maybe even a copy of the transmissions, and the Venerians would play the part of the innocent friends from far away.

Sure enough, the two ask for aid and a copy of the transmissions, exactly what had been planned. The emissary is eager to indulge them sliding its hand across the table and turning it over palm upwards. From within its palm comes a small rectangle shaped card. It was a strange combination of colours and seemed paper thin. "Unaltered, pure logs of what we received. We've reason to believe that we weren't alone in receiving this exact plea for assistance."

The droid's build was one of a thin and unimposing nature. Its face was screen that displayed a simplistic green circle alternating between basic facial expressions that could easily be illustrated. With one that displays thought, it ponders the request for aid before replying, "You speak of whatever help we can provide. Of course this would suggest basic supplies such as batteries and basic munitions, but we feel a better suited alternative to the current situation would be boots. Unwavering, already equipped, boots. How would the united systems feel about such an offer?"

 

[Shireling]

The Bridge of the Chalcedon​

The Captain and his mates were in a state of frantic dismay as the enemy ships disappeared from radar before them. By now, they had decided that these warships had less than friendly intensions. As the crew frantically attempted to get the engines repaired, the Concordant hail came across the signalman's terminal who read it back to the captain as he stared out the window at the large ship that hadn't cloaked on approach.

"Tell the Concordant that these ships are as foreign to us as to them. We're lying dead in the water because of a cracked power core seal and we can't fire up our warp engines without ionizing the crew. They're going to try to board us, but we'll hold them off as long as we can. We could really use the assist."

The signalman keyed this into his terminal and sent it back to the Concordant flagship, meanwhile another hail cut in across the command pit on the viviphone, this was a video message of an unnerving, strangely human form conversing in a language nobody on the bridge could understand, save for a few choice words "weapon" and "board" being a few. It was time now to decide surrender or fight. If they surrendered, they might be spared, but they might also be killed. If they fought, they might be able to buy time for the Concordant navy to come to their relief. Captain Vinver chose to fight.

Forward Cargo Bay
​

"All crew, enemy ship is coming in to board. Seal all exits and prepare for a fight. If this ship falls, it's coming out of your paycheck." The Captain sounded confident and resolute over the PA system, but Robert Wright did not mirror his apparent conviction. He knelt behind a makeshift barricade with a combat rifle hanging from his shoulder by a strap. He had fired a weapon: once, and it was a laser pistol meant for shooting varmints back on Indi. That meant, no recoil and not nearly as heavy. The rifle he held in his hand weighed ten pounds with all its accoutrements: an extended magazine, a recoil sight, a full stock, and a bayonet. He stared at the gold-coloured brass bullets in the top of the spare magazine, tall as his middle finger and about as big around.

"Never seen someone so fascinated by a bullet." The nurse chimed in, sitting on the floor beside him and resting on her rifle. He noticed her name-patch on her shoulder for the first time: Mary Ross.

"I've never shot a rifle before." He said solemnly. "I've never killed a man."

"Me either." The nurse said matter-of-factly and shook her head. "I suppose this was bound to happen sooner or later. I just..." She trailed off.

The security officer standing nearby was wearing a full suit of combat armor. On the right breast of the chestplate, a small iconograph of St. Michael the Archangel was emblazoned below the Freighter's Guild logo. The soldier was praying softly.

"Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen."

Robert silently signed himself when the soldier was done and whispered, "In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti."

The tension in the hold was palpable as the dozens of crewmen and security officers awaited the boarders.

jole875 Petroshka

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[Axel The Englishman]

Yerith / Clides D3GP Surface

Chief Master Sergeant Ethan Bailey

Bailey had taken temporary shelter within the wreckage of his craft, alongside the rest of his crew, miraculously surviving such an impact. They awaited some sort of extraction. They had a hope in their hearts that the infantry would do a U-turn. At this point, Bailey didn’t even care who came for them. He just hoped whatever was coming get there fast. He wasn’t sure how long he could hold his breath for.

“Chief, I see movement.” The co-pilot tapped his superior’s shoulder. And he was right. Shuffling beyond the vegetation, and a lot of it. As whatever it was emerged, Bailey recognised it to be that wildlife from earlier. The wildlife he was shooting at. They came from all sides. Given how Bailey almost killed them earlier, it was likely that these Boots would try the same thing.

“Bill, your gun still working.” A man in a flight suit struck a thumbs up in response. “I think I can trust you to cover our arses.”

But soon, a human voice broke the tension of the atmosphere. A distant digitised extract of dialogue, ordering the crew to ‘come out’. Followed soon after was banging on top of the craft, producing an orchestra of weighted steps ever present within the cabin. It must have been whoever shot them down, out to finish the job.

The pilot checked his ammunition. 45 rounds was what he had to spare. Honour bound, the crew would not simply submit to such demands. “The events of today only get more interesting by the second.” A good choice of last words.

Sergeant Christopher Agne

The Sergeant was a bit surprised with his special ‘greeting’. Whoever these people were, they sure made fine hosts. Gunning down your aircraft and pointing guns at your face. Most likely a gesture of thanks from another culture.

“Let’s make it easier on the octonauts, lads.” The Sergeant’s comrades nodded. Each one lobbed their weapon at the welcoming party, each with a bit of intentional force provided by their exoskeletons.

“They deserve the home advantage. Bare your backs.” A brief aura of chuckling filled the atmosphere, before the song of nature affirmed its dominance.
​

KindlyPlagueDoctor Wandering Grim Hollow

 

[Petroshka]

Aquarii System
Duke Irnfried, Lady Radegonda
Javian Prime

Spoiler: Clarent-Class Frigate

Spoiler: Boarding Torpedo

​

Lady Radgegonda was about to order an retreat back to the main planetary fleet coming this way to confront the unknown fleet. After the transmission seemingly resembled hostile actions with focus on the words of "Annihilate" and "Eradication" right after most of their ships disappeared from sensors until her ship got the message from the Curatorium ship that it was dead in the interstellar waters with something wrong with their engines. That was enough for her to reconsider a tactical retreat, they had to protect their ally, when she saw the enemy ship approach the Curatorium ship she knew she had to act fast. "Redirect Snap-space drives within 3 kilometers of the target! Get the boarding crew onto the torpedoes! Get Avaril's weapon systems ready to fire at the cloaked ships when they retaliate." She was followed by a chorus of 'yes ma'ams' and soon enough her ship was a buzz of activity with heavily armed knights running about and adepts working on their calculations.

The AI Avaril appeared on a hologram next to Radgegonda, it took the appearence of a woman dressed in a robe not too dissimulator from a noble. "Are you sure you want to do this? they have not shown any hostile actions as of yet"
"yes, our allies are asking for assistance and we cannot leave them behind when they get slaughtered. Curatorium soldiers aren't as resistant as even the adepts"
The hologram of the AI bowed. "if it is your choice my knight" With that the AI flickered out and Radgegonda was greeted with a screen of all weapon systems primed and ready.
Not soon after that did she get the confirmation of three boarding torpedoes full with a squad of knights ready to be fired.

The Crow's feather, name of the frigate Lady Radgegonda commanded, Snapped out of existence from where it was perched making its short ranged FTL near the enemy ship. Inside the boarding torpedoes was quiet as a 8 knights per torpedo readied themselves for boarding onto a unknown hostile ship. inside The Crow's feather however knights were still getting ready to board other torpedoes, knights getting into their armor and grabbing their weapons off racks. The bridge was eerily quiet as everyone awaited the battle before them.

jole875 Shireling

Sol System
Larissa Von Reichenau
Venus
​

"pleased to meet you Hand 1-1-3" Larissa nodded as the droid bowed back to her, and followed after it letting its guards flank her should they choose to. The Argents Followed closely behind her, their unloaded weapons held in their hands they attempt to look as professional as they could preparing to do what was necessary to protect their princess. Larissa spotted the statues and stared at them curiously as they passed by them. "if i may, what are those statues about?" It couldnt be a coincidence that they had crow iconography could it? When the group arrived at the entrance to a building or what she assumed the capital of their planet, she complied with the orders placing her personal sword on a rack. Looking back at her Argents they look at each other then look back at her. She smiled with a small laugh to herself before asking the robots. "Can they stay here? it seems they aren't every keen with leaving their weapons behind unchecked." Right as she said this two Argents stepped forward simultaneously, "Princess, we will go with you" They walked over to the weapon rack and placed their guns and swords on there before taking their place at their princess's side.
Crumbli

 

[General Deth Glitch]

BRIGGS-VILLA
He smiled. He wasn't worried about the Feds. The meeting was concluded and on the off chance the Feds somehow found out about it his guards shouldn't have a problem protecting him. "Here" he said, handing the man an address "Once the money is there your weapons and munitions shall arrive, I didn't know you wanted vehicles but thats a non-issue, I will need to get them but they should arrive by the day after tomorrow, provided I receive payment ofcourse." With that he stood up from the bar and planned to make way back to his ship
doodleSM

BETHAN
He was glad to hear that they were after a construction contract as that meant more money but also a more long standing trade deal. You can offload a bunch of weapons in a day if you needed too, would be expensive and not worth while for a nation currently at peace but it was possible. With Construction you needed a constant stream of materials. Often you also wanted engineers and architects to help things run smooth and, of course, you had to supply the means to construct most of the time, which for a nation like the Femians meant you wanted someone you could trust. "Ofcourse, that seems perfectly fine. You tell me what you need, I will give you a rough price, pass the information onto my boss and your Director and her can find the best compromise, as always!"
RIPSaidCone

INSTITUTE
He nearly scoffed out loud. "I am sorry, reducing trade with the Femians is akin to asking us to use our armed forces as your personal body guards for free. Strong trade relations exist between us and are a major stabalizing factor to our economy. While I am willing to invest a great deal to continue trading with out nearby friends in Sol and strengthen relations, The Femian Hierarchy, well.. they are our best customers at this time.
Fishman Lord

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Atlus Space Force
Group Captain Nicole Anderson
Location: Ulester/Avaron System Border​

"Status?" Nicole asked as the ship's alarm was lifted and the crew was put on high alert. There was mild confusion among the crew of the HMS Ford.

"Multiple large scale explosions detected within a 3 parsec radius from the next system, Ma'am. We're currently unsure of the actual nature of these explosions although scans of nearby celestial bodies have shown that its not a gamma ray burst or a pulsar." The Radar Operator reported from his station. His eyes scanning through the data read out from the ship's sensors. Group Captain Nicole mulled over the information and glanced at the galactic map.

"Hm.... That sector is occupied by unknowns... Very well. Open communications to all ships." Nicole ordered as the bridge crew immediately went to work. A fleet wide communication usually means warping. And warping usually leads to other units being mobilized. The Communications Officer quickly set up the line to the other 3 ships in their small fleet.

"Attention all ships. We shall now begin investigation of the unknown energy pulse detected from the next Sector. All ships are to follow the HMS Ford out of the Ulester System and to the following spacial coordinates. We warp in 5 minutes. Over and out." Nicole's orders were short and precise. The men and ships under her command working like clockwork under her watchful eye. As the time for warp came close, all crew had already made preparations with all pilots on duty under standby orders.

"Its time. All ships, warp!"

Squadron Leader Astolfo 'Lancet' Davenport
Location: HMS Ford, Fighter Hanger Bay​

"Control, this is Lancet. I'm ready for launch." Lancet hummed as he flicked a few switches and checked his gauges as his Duban interceptor was being guided into one of the service elevators. As soon as it was locked into place, heavy duty shutters sealed it in before raising it up to the carrier's runway. The plane jerked slightly as the elevator completed its task.

"Warlock 1, prepare for take-off. Standby. ..... Plane is locked in position. Electromagnetic launcher charged. All checks complete. Good luck out there, Lancet." Astolfo did a cheeky salute in the direction of the bridge but he knew the enclosed cockpit only allowed him to look out. Gripping the control sticks, he ignited his thrusters as the countdown began. After 3 counts, his plane was launched off into space. After doing a couple of laps around carrier to wait or the rest of his flight, they took off towards their target zone.

"Hey Lancet, think this will be an easy job?" Kris, callsign Crystal, happily mused over the shared comms.

"Not sure, Crystal. Why not ask Hammer or Prism? I'm sure they can tell you." Lancet chuckled as he replied. There was shared laughter among the 4 pilots as they carefully maneuvered through a nearby asteroid cluster and closed the distance to their targetzone. Their planes should turn up on anyone's sensors by now.

Kokurai Gaisgeach

Atlus Spacey
1st Sergeant Lydia Carthwright
Location: Purview VTOL Crashsite​

"This is getting us nowhere.... Alright everyone, step away from the VTOL this instant. I'll handle this." Lydia ordered as her Strider walked up to the crashed VTOL. A few flicks of the controls later and she reconfigured the Strider's shields to coat its right arm in energy. Pulling back on the right control module, the Strider raised its hand and drove its fingers through the VTOL's roof before peeling it away like someone opening a can of tuna.

Petty Officer Daniel Ardent
Location: HMS Eidelwiess​

".... rude..." Daniel muttered as he held the forcefully surrendered rifle. After giving it a once over, he stowed it away and continued keeping his own weapon trained on the Purview soldiers. Ignoring the rather immature way they were treating the whole thing, he forcefully prodded the joker's back with his muzzle forcing him into the airlock first. Once all the Purview men are inside, the door slammed shut... With the Atlusians staying outside.

"Think they'll survive decontamination?" A young sailor named Jeffrey asked before he started fiddling with the Purview rifle. Daniel simply shrugged before looking up towards the sky, contemplating his situation.

"Well Jeff... I just want to survive this place and go home..."

Petroshka Axel The Englishman

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