*He complies and allows Kenway to escort him to a cell.*
Kenway: My problem is I have a bit of dislike for the Orions, I saw Bela Telaguise back in the Milky Way brutal stuff. No way am I going to turn her over to them no matter the price.
*He leads him to a cell and nudges him in gently.. looks to the now conscious Tara..*
Nice moves kid but not good enough..
*As he leaves and makes it to the bridge*
Kenway: Bring in the ship and call Milo we have something for him.
Ade: Bring in the grappling hooks and gravity enhancers. Redo the weight and set course.
Kenway: *sits down in his chair as the crew gets to work* Your move Republic.
John: Forming a task force from U.G.C. members. Past that I don't know. We've been under strict radio silence since we entered Federation territory.
Dorman: Something you should see John.
*Video feed from inside a city ruined and wrecked buildings either abandoned or obliterated. Processing lines and camps every where...*
I don't know what they are doing but they have moved on from the major cities and have started moving to the smaller towns and destroying the major facilities industrial or other wise. The Federation Council is working with them now promoting cooperation with them.. I have had to denounce it and cut the feeds.
*Shutting it off before they start executing the people refusing to turn in resistance members. *
Show the council that.
Right now all we can really do is keep fighting and reporting what we can.
Kenway: My problem is I have a bit of dislike for the Orions, I saw Bela Telaguise back in the Milky Way brutal stuff. No way am I going to turn her over to them no matter the price.
*He leads him to a cell and nudges him in gently.. looks to the now conscious Tara..*
Nice moves kid but not good enough..
*As he leaves and makes it to the bridge*
Kenway: Bring in the ship and call Milo we have something for him.
Ade: Bring in the grappling hooks and gravity enhancers. Redo the weight and set course.
Kenway: *sits down in his chair as the crew gets to work* Your move Republic.
Drake: Tara... tell me about the Sela'ni Cartel.
Tara: Well... it was headed by someone called Melani T'ial a couple of years ago. She was killed in a battle with P-Sec cruisers and the cartel was engulfed in infighting for a few months, until Samana took control.
They're mainly smugglers, with a little piracy.
Drake: Smugglers? Doesn't sound so bad.
Tara: Yeah? What do you think they're smuggling?
There isn't a lot of law enforced on the colonies outside the Colonial Zone and slaves are a pretty sought-after commodity.
Drake: And the piracy is how they keep hold of their stock.
Tara: Right.
Though, to be fair to them, they're incredibly humane as slavers go. The slaves are treated well - not hurt or anything. They're given livable conditions, not like the usual cages you see in the GNN reels.
Drake: It almost sounds like you're defending them.
*Tara throws a glare at him.*
Sorry.
Tara: They're humane to slaves... but if you'd seen what I've seen...
*Tara's memory flashes back. She's kneeling at the top of a staircase, peering around the corner as she sees a group of Orions surrounding a 16 year-old boy, who's been beaten. Tara's eyes widen as a green flash lights up her face.
Tara flashes back to reality, her fists having tightened as she gets up and slams them into the adjacent wall.*
*Video feed from inside a city ruined and wrecked buildings either abandoned or obliterated. Processing lines and camps every where...*
I don't know what they are doing but they have moved on from the major cities and have started moving to the smaller towns and destroying the major facilities industrial or other wise. The Federation Council is working with them now promoting cooperation with them.. I have had to denounce it and cut the feeds.
*Shutting it off before they start executing the people refusing to turn in resistance members. *
Show the council that.
Right now all we can really do is keep fighting and reporting what we can.
John: Got it.
Admiral, we can get some people back to the Citadel with us. Anyone you feel needs to get out of here.
Harper stands on the infinity bridge as tehy travel through slipspace
Bishop: so admiral do you have a plan
Harper: other then fight no i really dont
Bishop: fighting is a good plan i will assist where i can and have called for help if anyone hears me they will come if we are lucky a few forerunner vessels might still be in this galaxy.
" Now the gate has been unlatched headstones pushed aside; corpses shift and offer room ,a fate you must abide."
I made a first rough design of the Black Phantom's bridge, because I just had the thought to. I still have to fill in the command chairs, the console chairs, any ground consoles, etc., but for right now I have this pic. I took inspiration from a mashing together of the Galaxy, Defiant, and Prometheus bridges.
OOC: ok so now that we have the visuales at of the way
Bishop walks through the long corridors alone his mind wanders through the last days of the galaxy wide war. The worlds burning the suffering. His solution had to be used he had no other choice.
" Now the gate has been unlatched headstones pushed aside; corpses shift and offer room ,a fate you must abide."
*Terry does relax a bit but Bright comes on the comm.*
Bright: Captain..
Terry: Admiral... How may I help you?
Bright: We have been hearing something about the Republic Energy facilities being targetted by something we suspect as enemy forces.. Nothing else is known but they have asked that the Council agent be sent.
Terry: That means me and my ship.
Bright: Of course it does. No one else I would trust this with.
Terry: The Republic Leadership?
Bright: Man named Harks is taking care of it.
Terry: Orders accepted sir. I will take my ship there.
*OOC: I will let you Ryan dictate this one since I figure it could be interesting since I am slowing the Elibisi now. *
*Terry does relax a bit but Bright comes on the comm.*
Bright: Captain..
Terry: Admiral... How may I help you?
Bright: We have been hearing something about the Republic Energy facilities being targetted by something we suspect as enemy forces.. Nothing else is known but they have asked that the Council agent be sent.
Terry: That means me and my ship.
Bright: Of course it does. No one else I would trust this with.
Terry: The Republic Leadership?
Bright: Man named Harks is taking care of it.
Terry: Orders accepted sir. I will take my ship there.
*OOC: I will let you Ryan dictate this one since I figure it could be interesting since I am slowing the Elibisi now. *
*Republic Border, Shoal Zone. A convoy of transports between a nearby dilithium mine and Deep Space 61 is travelling through one of the many nebulas in the region. With the Eblisi threat dying down for the time being, the Escorts that would usually be escorting the convoy are undergoing heavy refit at DS-61. Suddenly, a shape is briefly seen as a green ball of plasma charges towards the convoy, hitting one of the transports and tearing the Stardrive section off.
5 hours later, the Citadel. With the President and his cabinet missing, Matt has been forced to take over diplomatic functions along with Ambassador R'iak until the Senate can make a decision. In this case, that means contacting the Romulan Star Empire.
Matt and R'iak stand in front of a holo-comm system as a Romulan Admiral stands before them.*
Romulan: I am afraid the Emperor is busy.
R'iak: 'Busy'? Does the Emperor not take an unwarranted attack on Republic shipping seriously?!
Jorat *offscreen*: Koran!
Romulan: Emperor, my apologies, but they--!
*Jorat barges into the transmission, showing his greying hair.*
Fool! Didn't you think I would wish to be informed?! OUT!
*The Admiral leaves the transmission as Jorat recomposes himself, clearing his throat.*
Gentlemen.
Matt: Jolan Tru, Emperor.
*R'iak bows.*
Jorat: I was only recently informed of the incident. I can only offer my deepest apologies for the Ludenia's attack. It was a clerical error.
R'iak: A 'clerical error'?
Matt: With respect, the crippling of a Republic Merchant Vessel is a hell of a 'clerical' error! Forgetting the question of why your ship was in our space to begin with!
Jorat: The Ludenia was issued with star charts which are out of date. You cannot expect Commanders to know your borders on memory alone. The charts did not reflect the status of that area as Republic territory, but rather as Romulan, prior to the Treaty of Gamora a century ago. The Ludenia acted in the belief that the convoy was trespassing in Romulan Space.
I trust there were minimal casualties?
Matt: 3 injured. 1 mortally.
Jorat: That is unfortunate, though preferable to the deaths caused if this situation were to escalate, don't you agree?
It seems to me that there is a simple way to solve the issue. If there were a more permanent diplomatic communication between our two governments and greater cooperation.
R'iak: You are, what's the human term, Admiral? 'Peaching to the buyer'?
Matt: 'Preaching to the choir'.
R'iak: That's it.
Jorat: Of course there would have to be concessions, in the interests of interstellar peace.
Matt: Naturally.
Matt *thiniking*: Wait for it...
Jorat: Firstly, a non-intervention pact between our governments. The Republic does not interfere in any conflict the Romulan Star Empire partakes in.
Matt *thinking*: Knew it.
R'iak: That is doable.
Jorat: Secondly, we would appreciate the Republic allowing our people access to the Lanco II Gateway Facility.
*Matt and R'iak look at each other.*
Matt: That is possible, though it would require additional negotiation.
Jorat: Thirdly, medical aid in dealing with our diseased worlds as a result of the Klingon treachery.
R'iak: Naturally.
Jorat: Finally, I am sure the Republic realises it produces far more energy resources from its Shoal Zone industrial centres than it ever needs, while my people are currently struggling in that department. I am certain you can see the benefits of granting us access to those energy reserves?
R'iak: Of course. Our surplus energy is always available to those who need it.
Jorat: Excellent. In return, my people would be willing to agree to assist yours in any military struggle you should find yourselves in and would postpone any military actions we may or may not be planning against the Klingon Empire as well as offering you our significantly superior cloaking technology and ship-building facilities.
Dazon II seems to be a particularly good candidate to us.
R'iak: I beg your pardon?
Matt: I'm sure we could arrange something, Emperor. We will be in touch.
*Matt cuts the transmission.*
Green-blooded son-of-a--!
R'iak: What did he mean?
Matt: He wants us to cede Dazon II.
R'iak: He what?!
Matt: in fairness, it makes perfect sense. We get an ally, and he stabilises Romulus' energy troubles.
*The two walk over to the holo-map.*
Computer, display Dazon II and surrounding sectors, with visual political data.
*The map fades to show the region of space around Dazon II, showing it to be within 70LY of the Romulan Border and a day's travel from DS61.*
There it is.
R'iak: Dazon II isn't a major energy centre.
Matt: That's probably why he chose it. It doesn't cripple our trade output. There are 2 mines with strategic importance that he would have considered; Dazon II and Beta Richelon. Beta Richelon is one of our major energy production centres and both are within a day of DS61 while being close enough to the Romulan Border to be viable candidates for annexation.
R'iak: He wants a strategic asset.
Matt: Something else. Look at the charts. Dazon II is also within striking distance of 8 Federation Outposts and 2 Starbases.
R'iak: He can cover an ally and an enemy at the same time.
Matt: Exactly.
Richelon would be easy for us to cover and would cut one Starbase and 5 Outposts out of the risk zone.
R'iak: What about the economic cost?
Matt: We still have 2 energy producers which we can quickly bring up to the same level as Richelon. The reason we don't is we don't need to. It wouldn't hurt to kick our economy in its complacency for a few weeks. Besides, we still have the Acadia Pact with the C.I.S. to provide weapon tech to them.
R'iak: The Klingons would hang us for appeasing the Romulans like this.
Matt: Agreed and it may not be worth the risk.
Kilon Prime has the same output as Dazon II but without the strategic importance. It's also closer to Romulan Space.
R'iak: I'll draft a treaty and send it to the Senate tonight. Admiral.
Matt: Ambassador.
*R'iak leaves as Dani walks in. Matt turns and smiles as she walks over to him.*
Dani. I'm glad to see you managed to pull yourself away from your mother. Well? Where are your bags? Nevermind, I'll have them sent to your ship.
Dani: Dad, I'm not leaving.
Matt: Dani, I'm not arguing with you.
Dani: For all we know, the Eblisi may never reach Pegasus! I'm not leaving you and Mom until it's certain.
Matt: By the time that happens, it will be too late. Dani, listen to me.
*He puts his hands on her shoulders.*
There are 3 things I care for most in my life; you, your mother and your sister. Your mother won't leave, no matter what I tell her. Your sister is already in Pegasus, alone, with no one to watch over her. Even if I weren't scared for you, what about her? She needs someone to take care of her if Pegasus has to be sealed off. Who better than you?
And if it does get to that point - if it turns out we are looking into an abyss... I'll die peacefully if I know you two are saved from this.
Baby, please... do it for me or your sister, if not for yourself. Please.
Dani: Okay...
Matt: Thank you.
Come on. I'll get your things beamed over to your transport. I've already called ahead to Pegasus Colonial Command. They know you're coming and you'll be met by a P-Sec training ship on the other end. I've already gotten an--
Dani: Dad! You're rambling.
Matt: Sorry.
*30 minutes later. The two are at the boarding gate for the transport. Matt gives Dani a bag.*
There's a PADD in there as well as a dozen assorted items for you to remember us by.
I wish your mom would get here before you leave...
Your stuff is in your quarters and the Academy is going to make sure anything you left with them is already on the R.S.S. Hood when you meet it at Pegasus Prime. There's enough money in your credit account for a two-person apartment anywhere in the colonial zone, plus extra.
Dani: For me and Tara?
Sam: If you find her.
*Sam walks over, hugging Dani on the spot.*
Dani: Mom.
Sam: If you find Tara, tell her I'm sorry.
Dani: I will.
*The two separate as Matt now hugs his daughter.*
Comm: Final boarding call for S.S. Asimov, bound for Pegasus Prime via Deep Space 61 and Helion IX. All passengers please make their way onboard now. Repeat, final boarding call for S.S. Asimov bound for Pegasus Prime via Deep Space 61 and Helion IX.
*The three start getting teary-eyed as Dani looks at the transport behind her.*
Dani: That's me...
Matt: We know...
Be careful baby. We love you.
*Dani walks towards the transport. As she steps onto the ship and the airlock door closes behind her, Sam and Matt can only stare on.
Soon, the transport leaves the Citadel and begins the journey to Pegasus.
In Pegasus, on Kenway's ship, Tara is fiddling with her jumpsuit.*
Drake: Tara...
Tara: Yes?
Drake: What are you doing?
Tara: Well, at least one of the guards on these shifts as near my age--
Drake: Okay, stop.
Tara: Not remotely what I was thinking... ish.
If I can get him close enough, I can take his security pass and knock him out. Then, we escape to the Elim and get out of here before they can catch us.
Drake: Or we could just wait for rescue.
Tara: Uh huh, and when do you think that will come?
Drake: Oh... in a few minutes.
Tara: Right. And what makes you so--?
Drake: Well, I did send out a transmission on an open channel, capturing the part where you were on board. I've also used this...
*He pulls out a small circular device; a subspace beacon.*
...to send a code which will, hopefully, guarantee either of 2 people come to get us. Depends which of our names strikes their interest first.
Tara: Either of who?
Drake: P-Sec, or the Sela'ni Cartel.
Tara: Oh... great.
THAT IS A TERRIBLE PLAN!
Let me put this in simple words; SELA'NI CARTEL WANT ME DEAD and I WILL KILL THEIR LEADER IN A SECOND!
Drake: Put it this way; do you want to get auctioned off to the highest bidder by Kenway for reasons we can only speculate, or risk getting taken by the Orions in the hope that our guys will get here first?
Tara: Okay, I see your point.
*Suddenly, the ships rocks as it's fired upon. Drake and Tara are quickly beamed out as an advanced Orion Frigate speeds past outside, before jumping to warp.
Tara is quickly knocked to the floor blood now trickling from the rifle butt as an Orion Brute looks down on her. She looks at Drake, who is restrained, as she starts to black out.*
Tara: This was... a terrible... plan...
*She passes out as the two are dragged to separate nearby quarters and locked inside.*
Jacob is working on some refits to the mk 72 suit that is armed with precursor tech on it.
Firefly: sir we are getting a report from lesyon 2 of a terrorist attack
Jacob: right when we dont need one who is all there.
Firefly:Council members Kylon, Joirn, and Mian are all there as it was supposed to be a peace summit to discuss a few key worlds in virgo that hadnt officially joined the UNSC to join it and the CIS.
Jacob: whats there status
Firefly: the reports ive received security teams are being overrun and losing ground quickly.
Jacob: ok well lets suit up and go save them.
He walks up to the suit as it opens and forms around him as the systems boot up.
Firefly: sir i should remind you this is new tech and we cant be sure it will work.
Jacob: i know but hey lets go for it.
elsewhere
Terrace stands in the war room on reach the Forward unto Dawn in orbit while Harper and his ships head to the defense line.
He sips a coffee as he watchs the update of the front. Things moved so fast and then they just almost stopped. There are still attacks but nothing like the first one. It makes him uneasy even in the bowls of reach on of the most defended worlds currently he still doesnt fell safe.
Updated file on reach defense grid
450 automated defense platforms
150 Super defense platforms each capable of launching a sqaud of fighters and equipped with the latest level of PAC and Guass weaponery.
ships compromising the defense fleet
1 infinity class
50 Striker class frigates
150 Covenant Galant cruisers
75 Covenant Amber cruisers
150 Tiger class cruisers
5 Tiberius class super battle cruisers
2 Elite Arcadian class assault carriers
" Now the gate has been unlatched headstones pushed aside; corpses shift and offer room ,a fate you must abide."
*Drake notices something on his collar, a tiny mechanical nanite moving up into his ear canal but soon hears Kenway's voice... but its not to the level anyone else can hear...*
Kenway: Deputy I assume you know now how stupid that was. What is attached to your body now is something we can get a bead on your location with some luck we can get there before you are sold off or stuck in some unseemly position.. Where is the girl.
UNSC Reporter: we have recieved there are attacks currently taking place at lesyon 2. The 5th battle group has responded engaging enemy space forces while ground forces are being supported by director Jacob Halsey of UNIT. WE have recieved a confirmed report from HighComm that the situation is being handeld and the council men will be retrieved. As we revieve more info we will keep you all informed
" Now the gate has been unlatched headstones pushed aside; corpses shift and offer room ,a fate you must abide."
*The USS Possibility heads to the zone on Council authority best possible speed... Rissa heads to Terry...*
Terry: What can you tell me about these energy fields that the Republic has.
Rissa: * standing a couple of inches shorter than him her purple skin meshing well with her uniform..* All I know is that they rest right on the Romulan and Klingon borders, *Brings up a map of the current lines.*
Terry: With Federation space down for the moment and the stations going silent or destroyed out right it presents a way for them to try and gain ground. They would most likely try and appeal for an energy field that can cover their entry over what forces are left and corner the Klingons.
Preserver: Romulans must not be very bright if they choose now to start a war.
Terry: They must think they can outmaneuver the enemy fools. Are they that narrow minded...
Preserver: Passion is something that will be the death of that race.
Terry: I won't allow that to happen.. Not if I can help it.
Preserver: Then what will you do Captain?
Terry: For now... My authority means **** to the Romulans... but they don't want to risk all out war with the UGC if they do harm me or any of you. So for now we observe and ready some ins and outs.
*Drake notices something on his collar, a tiny mechanical nanite moving up into his ear canal but soon hears Kenway's voice... but its not to the level anyone else can hear...*
Kenway: Deputy I assume you know now how stupid that was. What is attached to your body now is something we can get a bead on your location with some luck we can get there before you are sold off or stuck in some unseemly position.. Where is the girl.
*Drake is standing as an Orion girl Tsrs's age is sitting on the sofa.*
Drake: Samana Tr'ian, I assume?
Samana: Either T told you about me, or you're even better informed than your reputation.
Drake: You're just a kid.
Samana: By human standards. Okay, sure, I'm still adolescent by Orion standards, but I am mature enough to be running around the Galaxy on my own.
Drake: I don't have any kind of protection... your pheromones should be--
Samana: Relax. My grudge is with Tara, not you. In fact, I want to keep you around.
We're not so different.
Drake: Oh?
Samana: We both lost family in the same shuttle crash.
Drake: Yeah, and I recognise that Tara wasn't responsible.
Samana: Tara's mother betrayed my Aunt and Sister and Tara helped hide it from me. That means she shares the responsibility.
Drake: Sounds more like unbridled hatred to me.
Samana: You're human.
Centuries ago, every cartel was at each other's throat. To keep the Syndicate from tearing itself apart, all Cartels agreed that if one Cartel attacked another, it forfeited all right to own slaves. If another cartel supported an aggressor, they shared the punishment. It kept coalitions forming and essentially stopped internal wars within the syndicate. Eventually, the agreement found its way into Syndicate legal punishment. To discourage people from supporting criminals, it was made that accessories would share in the perpetrator's punishment.
Humans are lucky; you walk around Earth or Dalos Alpha Prime and it's paradise. Other races aren't so lucky.
Tara betrayed me to protect my sister's murderer. Now she's got to pay for it.
Drake: You've had the chance.
*She looks at him.*
I've been all over this galaxy and met a lot of people. I can usually see what they're thinking just from their eyes. Tara's tells me that you two have had a shot at each other. You didn't take it and she ran.
Your eyes told me that.
So, either you don't really want her dead and are just full of hot air, or you want her to suffer even more, which is hatred.
*Samana laughs hysterically.*
Samana: Okay, you got me! I'm out to break her in every way before I end her.
Luckily, I'm not ready for it yet. Right now, I'm giving you both back your ship and dropping you off at Vulcanis.
*Dalos Alpha Prime, Senatorial Building. The Senate is convened to decide on who should be put in charge of making government decisions with the President and his cabinet missing.*
Senator 1: With the cabinet missing, the Senate has the responsibility to lead the Republic.
Senator 2: And what if the Senate is paralysed? That is the precise reason the Office of the President even exists!
Senator 3: Someone has to be given provisional leadership of the Government. It should be one of the Quadrant Administrators or a member of the Senate's Emergency Committee!
Senator 1: The Emergency Committee only has that power during an emergency!
Senator 3: What would you call this?! Senator Ki'ala has the government experience--
Senator 1: Senator Ki'ala has already held the Office of the President twice!
Senator 2: That is exactly why he is a good choice, until the President and his cabinet can be found.
Comments
John: Admiral. I thought you'd like to know that Captain Allen and his group made it to Khitomer safely.
Trials of Blood and Fire
Moving On Parts 1-3 - Part 4
In Cold Blood
Dorman: Well that is good to know... What is the Council doing to protect themselves?
Kenway: My problem is I have a bit of dislike for the Orions, I saw Bela Telaguise back in the Milky Way brutal stuff. No way am I going to turn her over to them no matter the price.
*He leads him to a cell and nudges him in gently.. looks to the now conscious Tara..*
Nice moves kid but not good enough..
*As he leaves and makes it to the bridge*
Kenway: Bring in the ship and call Milo we have something for him.
Ade: Bring in the grappling hooks and gravity enhancers. Redo the weight and set course.
Kenway: *sits down in his chair as the crew gets to work* Your move Republic.
John: Forming a task force from U.G.C. members. Past that I don't know. We've been under strict radio silence since we entered Federation territory.
Trials of Blood and Fire
Moving On Parts 1-3 - Part 4
In Cold Blood
Dorman: Something you should see John.
*Video feed from inside a city ruined and wrecked buildings either abandoned or obliterated. Processing lines and camps every where...*
I don't know what they are doing but they have moved on from the major cities and have started moving to the smaller towns and destroying the major facilities industrial or other wise. The Federation Council is working with them now promoting cooperation with them.. I have had to denounce it and cut the feeds.
*Shutting it off before they start executing the people refusing to turn in resistance members. *
Show the council that.
Right now all we can really do is keep fighting and reporting what we can.
Drake: Tara... tell me about the Sela'ni Cartel.
Tara: Well... it was headed by someone called Melani T'ial a couple of years ago. She was killed in a battle with P-Sec cruisers and the cartel was engulfed in infighting for a few months, until Samana took control.
They're mainly smugglers, with a little piracy.
Drake: Smugglers? Doesn't sound so bad.
Tara: Yeah? What do you think they're smuggling?
There isn't a lot of law enforced on the colonies outside the Colonial Zone and slaves are a pretty sought-after commodity.
Drake: And the piracy is how they keep hold of their stock.
Tara: Right.
Though, to be fair to them, they're incredibly humane as slavers go. The slaves are treated well - not hurt or anything. They're given livable conditions, not like the usual cages you see in the GNN reels.
Drake: It almost sounds like you're defending them.
*Tara throws a glare at him.*
Sorry.
Tara: They're humane to slaves... but if you'd seen what I've seen...
*Tara's memory flashes back. She's kneeling at the top of a staircase, peering around the corner as she sees a group of Orions surrounding a 16 year-old boy, who's been beaten. Tara's eyes widen as a green flash lights up her face.
Tara flashes back to reality, her fists having tightened as she gets up and slams them into the adjacent wall.*
Drake: You okay?
Tara: Drop it.
Drake: Ta--
Tara: I said 'drop it'.
Trials of Blood and Fire
Moving On Parts 1-3 - Part 4
In Cold Blood
John: Got it.
Admiral, we can get some people back to the Citadel with us. Anyone you feel needs to get out of here.
Trials of Blood and Fire
Moving On Parts 1-3 - Part 4
In Cold Blood
Bishop: so admiral do you have a plan
Harper: other then fight no i really dont
Bishop: fighting is a good plan i will assist where i can and have called for help if anyone hears me they will come if we are lucky a few forerunner vessels might still be in this galaxy.
Terrace: bring up grid 3567-09
Solace: im assuming you want to see the fall of bastion
Terrace: yes please
Solace : bringing up now
Terrace watchs the battle as it takes place.
Terrace: hm solace make sure the new broad sword fighters are ready to deploy as soon as we arrive at the defense line
Solace: aye sir
*The people with Dorman look at him unwilling to go...*
Dorman: You guys continue to amaze me. John that is a negative on that end... But do take this and give it to my wife.
*He hands him a handwritten letter.*
She will know John so don't worry...
Terrace: how long till we arrive at the defense line
Helm: sir about 24 more hours
Terrace: alright everyone use that time to get some rest and get ready cause hell is knocking and we are not letting it in
John: No problem. We've just finished with all the supplies we brought, so we'd better be going.
I'll see you when I see you, Admiral.
*John walks back to the Normandy and it takes off a few minutes later, still under cloak.*
Trials of Blood and Fire
Moving On Parts 1-3 - Part 4
In Cold Blood
Ooc: I work till 7 today so I may be back on I may not. Will have to see
http://s1347.photobucket.com/user/AdmiralVoporak/media/Prototype/The-Bridge_zps4a786cb2.png.html?sort=3&o=0
Occ: gives you a general image of bishop. Yes im basing the precursors off of timelords i cant help it
Bishop walks through the long corridors alone his mind wanders through the last days of the galaxy wide war. The worlds burning the suffering. His solution had to be used he had no other choice.
Dani: I love you.
*The channel closes.*
Trials of Blood and Fire
Moving On Parts 1-3 - Part 4
In Cold Blood
Bright: Captain..
Terry: Admiral... How may I help you?
Bright: We have been hearing something about the Republic Energy facilities being targetted by something we suspect as enemy forces.. Nothing else is known but they have asked that the Council agent be sent.
Terry: That means me and my ship.
Bright: Of course it does. No one else I would trust this with.
Terry: The Republic Leadership?
Bright: Man named Harks is taking care of it.
Terry: Orders accepted sir. I will take my ship there.
*OOC: I will let you Ryan dictate this one since I figure it could be interesting since I am slowing the Elibisi now. *
*Republic Border, Shoal Zone. A convoy of transports between a nearby dilithium mine and Deep Space 61 is travelling through one of the many nebulas in the region. With the Eblisi threat dying down for the time being, the Escorts that would usually be escorting the convoy are undergoing heavy refit at DS-61. Suddenly, a shape is briefly seen as a green ball of plasma charges towards the convoy, hitting one of the transports and tearing the Stardrive section off.
5 hours later, the Citadel. With the President and his cabinet missing, Matt has been forced to take over diplomatic functions along with Ambassador R'iak until the Senate can make a decision. In this case, that means contacting the Romulan Star Empire.
Matt and R'iak stand in front of a holo-comm system as a Romulan Admiral stands before them.*
Romulan: I am afraid the Emperor is busy.
R'iak: 'Busy'? Does the Emperor not take an unwarranted attack on Republic shipping seriously?!
Jorat *offscreen*: Koran!
Romulan: Emperor, my apologies, but they--!
*Jorat barges into the transmission, showing his greying hair.*
Fool! Didn't you think I would wish to be informed?! OUT!
*The Admiral leaves the transmission as Jorat recomposes himself, clearing his throat.*
Gentlemen.
Matt: Jolan Tru, Emperor.
*R'iak bows.*
Jorat: I was only recently informed of the incident. I can only offer my deepest apologies for the Ludenia's attack. It was a clerical error.
R'iak: A 'clerical error'?
Matt: With respect, the crippling of a Republic Merchant Vessel is a hell of a 'clerical' error! Forgetting the question of why your ship was in our space to begin with!
Jorat: The Ludenia was issued with star charts which are out of date. You cannot expect Commanders to know your borders on memory alone. The charts did not reflect the status of that area as Republic territory, but rather as Romulan, prior to the Treaty of Gamora a century ago. The Ludenia acted in the belief that the convoy was trespassing in Romulan Space.
I trust there were minimal casualties?
Matt: 3 injured. 1 mortally.
Jorat: That is unfortunate, though preferable to the deaths caused if this situation were to escalate, don't you agree?
It seems to me that there is a simple way to solve the issue. If there were a more permanent diplomatic communication between our two governments and greater cooperation.
R'iak: You are, what's the human term, Admiral? 'Peaching to the buyer'?
Matt: 'Preaching to the choir'.
R'iak: That's it.
Jorat: Of course there would have to be concessions, in the interests of interstellar peace.
Matt: Naturally.
Matt *thiniking*: Wait for it...
Jorat: Firstly, a non-intervention pact between our governments. The Republic does not interfere in any conflict the Romulan Star Empire partakes in.
Matt *thinking*: Knew it.
R'iak: That is doable.
Jorat: Secondly, we would appreciate the Republic allowing our people access to the Lanco II Gateway Facility.
*Matt and R'iak look at each other.*
Matt: That is possible, though it would require additional negotiation.
Jorat: Thirdly, medical aid in dealing with our diseased worlds as a result of the Klingon treachery.
R'iak: Naturally.
Jorat: Finally, I am sure the Republic realises it produces far more energy resources from its Shoal Zone industrial centres than it ever needs, while my people are currently struggling in that department. I am certain you can see the benefits of granting us access to those energy reserves?
R'iak: Of course. Our surplus energy is always available to those who need it.
Jorat: Excellent. In return, my people would be willing to agree to assist yours in any military struggle you should find yourselves in and would postpone any military actions we may or may not be planning against the Klingon Empire as well as offering you our significantly superior cloaking technology and ship-building facilities.
Dazon II seems to be a particularly good candidate to us.
R'iak: I beg your pardon?
Matt: I'm sure we could arrange something, Emperor. We will be in touch.
*Matt cuts the transmission.*
Green-blooded son-of-a--!
R'iak: What did he mean?
Matt: He wants us to cede Dazon II.
R'iak: He what?!
Matt: in fairness, it makes perfect sense. We get an ally, and he stabilises Romulus' energy troubles.
*The two walk over to the holo-map.*
Computer, display Dazon II and surrounding sectors, with visual political data.
*The map fades to show the region of space around Dazon II, showing it to be within 70LY of the Romulan Border and a day's travel from DS61.*
There it is.
R'iak: Dazon II isn't a major energy centre.
Matt: That's probably why he chose it. It doesn't cripple our trade output. There are 2 mines with strategic importance that he would have considered; Dazon II and Beta Richelon. Beta Richelon is one of our major energy production centres and both are within a day of DS61 while being close enough to the Romulan Border to be viable candidates for annexation.
R'iak: He wants a strategic asset.
Matt: Something else. Look at the charts. Dazon II is also within striking distance of 8 Federation Outposts and 2 Starbases.
R'iak: He can cover an ally and an enemy at the same time.
Matt: Exactly.
Richelon would be easy for us to cover and would cut one Starbase and 5 Outposts out of the risk zone.
R'iak: What about the economic cost?
Matt: We still have 2 energy producers which we can quickly bring up to the same level as Richelon. The reason we don't is we don't need to. It wouldn't hurt to kick our economy in its complacency for a few weeks. Besides, we still have the Acadia Pact with the C.I.S. to provide weapon tech to them.
R'iak: The Klingons would hang us for appeasing the Romulans like this.
Matt: Agreed and it may not be worth the risk.
Kilon Prime has the same output as Dazon II but without the strategic importance. It's also closer to Romulan Space.
R'iak: I'll draft a treaty and send it to the Senate tonight. Admiral.
Matt: Ambassador.
*R'iak leaves as Dani walks in. Matt turns and smiles as she walks over to him.*
Dani. I'm glad to see you managed to pull yourself away from your mother. Well? Where are your bags? Nevermind, I'll have them sent to your ship.
Dani: Dad, I'm not leaving.
Matt: Dani, I'm not arguing with you.
Dani: For all we know, the Eblisi may never reach Pegasus! I'm not leaving you and Mom until it's certain.
Matt: By the time that happens, it will be too late. Dani, listen to me.
*He puts his hands on her shoulders.*
There are 3 things I care for most in my life; you, your mother and your sister. Your mother won't leave, no matter what I tell her. Your sister is already in Pegasus, alone, with no one to watch over her. Even if I weren't scared for you, what about her? She needs someone to take care of her if Pegasus has to be sealed off. Who better than you?
And if it does get to that point - if it turns out we are looking into an abyss... I'll die peacefully if I know you two are saved from this.
Baby, please... do it for me or your sister, if not for yourself. Please.
Dani: Okay...
Matt: Thank you.
Come on. I'll get your things beamed over to your transport. I've already called ahead to Pegasus Colonial Command. They know you're coming and you'll be met by a P-Sec training ship on the other end. I've already gotten an--
Dani: Dad! You're rambling.
Matt: Sorry.
*30 minutes later. The two are at the boarding gate for the transport. Matt gives Dani a bag.*
There's a PADD in there as well as a dozen assorted items for you to remember us by.
I wish your mom would get here before you leave...
Your stuff is in your quarters and the Academy is going to make sure anything you left with them is already on the R.S.S. Hood when you meet it at Pegasus Prime. There's enough money in your credit account for a two-person apartment anywhere in the colonial zone, plus extra.
Dani: For me and Tara?
Sam: If you find her.
*Sam walks over, hugging Dani on the spot.*
Dani: Mom.
Sam: If you find Tara, tell her I'm sorry.
Dani: I will.
*The two separate as Matt now hugs his daughter.*
Comm: Final boarding call for S.S. Asimov, bound for Pegasus Prime via Deep Space 61 and Helion IX. All passengers please make their way onboard now. Repeat, final boarding call for S.S. Asimov bound for Pegasus Prime via Deep Space 61 and Helion IX.
*The three start getting teary-eyed as Dani looks at the transport behind her.*
Dani: That's me...
Matt: We know...
Be careful baby. We love you.
*Dani walks towards the transport. As she steps onto the ship and the airlock door closes behind her, Sam and Matt can only stare on.
Soon, the transport leaves the Citadel and begins the journey to Pegasus.
In Pegasus, on Kenway's ship, Tara is fiddling with her jumpsuit.*
Drake: Tara...
Tara: Yes?
Drake: What are you doing?
Tara: Well, at least one of the guards on these shifts as near my age--
Drake: Okay, stop.
Tara: Not remotely what I was thinking... ish.
If I can get him close enough, I can take his security pass and knock him out. Then, we escape to the Elim and get out of here before they can catch us.
Drake: Or we could just wait for rescue.
Tara: Uh huh, and when do you think that will come?
Drake: Oh... in a few minutes.
Tara: Right. And what makes you so--?
Drake: Well, I did send out a transmission on an open channel, capturing the part where you were on board. I've also used this...
*He pulls out a small circular device; a subspace beacon.*
...to send a code which will, hopefully, guarantee either of 2 people come to get us. Depends which of our names strikes their interest first.
Tara: Either of who?
Drake: P-Sec, or the Sela'ni Cartel.
Tara: Oh... great.
THAT IS A TERRIBLE PLAN!
Let me put this in simple words; SELA'NI CARTEL WANT ME DEAD and I WILL KILL THEIR LEADER IN A SECOND!
Drake: Put it this way; do you want to get auctioned off to the highest bidder by Kenway for reasons we can only speculate, or risk getting taken by the Orions in the hope that our guys will get here first?
Tara: Okay, I see your point.
*Suddenly, the ships rocks as it's fired upon. Drake and Tara are quickly beamed out as an advanced Orion Frigate speeds past outside, before jumping to warp.
Tara is quickly knocked to the floor blood now trickling from the rifle butt as an Orion Brute looks down on her. She looks at Drake, who is restrained, as she starts to black out.*
Tara: This was... a terrible... plan...
*She passes out as the two are dragged to separate nearby quarters and locked inside.*
Trials of Blood and Fire
Moving On Parts 1-3 - Part 4
In Cold Blood
Kenway: I was expecting something a little less moronic but that was a terrible idea. How is the damage?
Ade: We don't have a very good warp vector at the moment and fold space drive was disabled in the first hit. Shields are down.
Kenway: Great.. Have the Novos crew repair this one and transfer everyone over the the Republic ship we captured and take the cloaking device...
Ade: I never asked but who did you steal that from?
Kenway: It was more of borrowed without permission. So the Romulans... Its one of their perfect cloaks they carry on their warships.
Ade: How did you manage that?
Kenway: Simple enough when you have a threat of death...
Firefly: sir we are getting a report from lesyon 2 of a terrorist attack
Jacob: right when we dont need one who is all there.
Firefly:Council members Kylon, Joirn, and Mian are all there as it was supposed to be a peace summit to discuss a few key worlds in virgo that hadnt officially joined the UNSC to join it and the CIS.
Jacob: whats there status
Firefly: the reports ive received security teams are being overrun and losing ground quickly.
Jacob: ok well lets suit up and go save them.
He walks up to the suit as it opens and forms around him as the systems boot up.
Firefly: sir i should remind you this is new tech and we cant be sure it will work.
Jacob: i know but hey lets go for it.
elsewhere
Terrace stands in the war room on reach the Forward unto Dawn in orbit while Harper and his ships head to the defense line.
He sips a coffee as he watchs the update of the front. Things moved so fast and then they just almost stopped. There are still attacks but nothing like the first one. It makes him uneasy even in the bowls of reach on of the most defended worlds currently he still doesnt fell safe.
Updated file on reach defense grid
450 automated defense platforms
150 Super defense platforms each capable of launching a sqaud of fighters and equipped with the latest level of PAC and Guass weaponery.
ships compromising the defense fleet
1 infinity class
50 Striker class frigates
150 Covenant Galant cruisers
75 Covenant Amber cruisers
150 Tiger class cruisers
5 Tiberius class super battle cruisers
2 Elite Arcadian class assault carriers
Kenway: Deputy I assume you know now how stupid that was. What is attached to your body now is something we can get a bead on your location with some luck we can get there before you are sold off or stuck in some unseemly position.. Where is the girl.
Jacob begins flying around firing blasts at the enemy squads
Jacob: firefly get me a location on the council now we need to get them out of here.
Firefly: locating now
Terry: What can you tell me about these energy fields that the Republic has.
Rissa: * standing a couple of inches shorter than him her purple skin meshing well with her uniform..* All I know is that they rest right on the Romulan and Klingon borders, *Brings up a map of the current lines.*
Terry: With Federation space down for the moment and the stations going silent or destroyed out right it presents a way for them to try and gain ground. They would most likely try and appeal for an energy field that can cover their entry over what forces are left and corner the Klingons.
Preserver: Romulans must not be very bright if they choose now to start a war.
Terry: They must think they can outmaneuver the enemy fools. Are they that narrow minded...
Preserver: Passion is something that will be the death of that race.
Terry: I won't allow that to happen.. Not if I can help it.
Preserver: Then what will you do Captain?
Terry: For now... My authority means **** to the Romulans... but they don't want to risk all out war with the UGC if they do harm me or any of you. So for now we observe and ready some ins and outs.
*Drake is standing as an Orion girl Tsrs's age is sitting on the sofa.*
Drake: Samana Tr'ian, I assume?
Samana: Either T told you about me, or you're even better informed than your reputation.
Drake: You're just a kid.
Samana: By human standards. Okay, sure, I'm still adolescent by Orion standards, but I am mature enough to be running around the Galaxy on my own.
Drake: I don't have any kind of protection... your pheromones should be--
Samana: Relax. My grudge is with Tara, not you. In fact, I want to keep you around.
We're not so different.
Drake: Oh?
Samana: We both lost family in the same shuttle crash.
Drake: Yeah, and I recognise that Tara wasn't responsible.
Samana: Tara's mother betrayed my Aunt and Sister and Tara helped hide it from me. That means she shares the responsibility.
Drake: Sounds more like unbridled hatred to me.
Samana: You're human.
Centuries ago, every cartel was at each other's throat. To keep the Syndicate from tearing itself apart, all Cartels agreed that if one Cartel attacked another, it forfeited all right to own slaves. If another cartel supported an aggressor, they shared the punishment. It kept coalitions forming and essentially stopped internal wars within the syndicate. Eventually, the agreement found its way into Syndicate legal punishment. To discourage people from supporting criminals, it was made that accessories would share in the perpetrator's punishment.
Humans are lucky; you walk around Earth or Dalos Alpha Prime and it's paradise. Other races aren't so lucky.
Tara betrayed me to protect my sister's murderer. Now she's got to pay for it.
Drake: You've had the chance.
*She looks at him.*
I've been all over this galaxy and met a lot of people. I can usually see what they're thinking just from their eyes. Tara's tells me that you two have had a shot at each other. You didn't take it and she ran.
Your eyes told me that.
So, either you don't really want her dead and are just full of hot air, or you want her to suffer even more, which is hatred.
*Samana laughs hysterically.*
Samana: Okay, you got me! I'm out to break her in every way before I end her.
Luckily, I'm not ready for it yet. Right now, I'm giving you both back your ship and dropping you off at Vulcanis.
*Samana stands up and walks towards the door.*
Think about what I said, Captain.
Trials of Blood and Fire
Moving On Parts 1-3 - Part 4
In Cold Blood
Senator 1: With the cabinet missing, the Senate has the responsibility to lead the Republic.
Senator 2: And what if the Senate is paralysed? That is the precise reason the Office of the President even exists!
Senator 3: Someone has to be given provisional leadership of the Government. It should be one of the Quadrant Administrators or a member of the Senate's Emergency Committee!
Senator 1: The Emergency Committee only has that power during an emergency!
Senator 3: What would you call this?! Senator Ki'ala has the government experience--
Senator 1: Senator Ki'ala has already held the Office of the President twice!
Senator 2: That is exactly why he is a good choice, until the President and his cabinet can be found.
Trials of Blood and Fire
Moving On Parts 1-3 - Part 4
In Cold Blood