Newbie Galactic Combat II - Story Thread

[Ruatha]

Weyrlings: The Surprise.
=========================

Date 2404.9 The Weyrling Empire:

"-Why so silent?", Asked Matriarch Elyssandra and continued:
"I realise that the sudden change in the Earth alliance's stance towards us is a bit unexpected, but it's also an opportunity we must take advantage of."
"What has the intelligence service to tell us about the situation in the Earth Alliance leading up to these events?"

"-Well", the intelligence liason officer begun,
"President Sheridan seems to have disappeared, no one knows of his whereabouts. As he was the initiative taker to our military alliance, the alliance between us turned to dust the moment he disappeared. We have heard rumours of a military takeover in the Earth Alliance. It can be that the military there belives that we are weak after Ruathas death and want's to take advantage of the situation.
There has been some speculation that by launching the Early Warning system satellites in the Irith system we might have provoced this attack. Remember that the only ship lost so far is the ship that deployed those spy satellites.
The good thing about those spy satellites is that they have picked up the traces of two Earth Alliance destroyers, the Lexington I and the Claymore 4 moving towards the Kadok system. "

Matriarch Elyssandra responded:
-"These spy satellites, they are armed, right? Can they be used to defend the Kadok system?"

"-They are well armed yes. But against two destroyers? They wouldn't stand a chance. And they aren't in any defensive position anyway, they're located out in an unimportant sector in the system. The idea being that they should spy, not fight."

"Well then. It would seem that it's up to us in the military to solve the situation, as we always do.", Elyssandra replied and turned towards her military chief in command:
"What forces do we have in the region?"

"-Not that many I'm afraid. The Hunter class fighter carrier Endavour is currently loading supplies in the Kadok system. It was scheduled to depart that system next month, and then there would have been no ships there.
The Hunter class carriers are an old design. They haven't been improved since the construction almost two years ago. But still, they are the largest ships we ever built. And if I may say so, we haven't made any finer ships since!
The Endavour is carrying seven Tie Deceptors and 28 Advanced Tie fighters, the ship itself is heavily armed with two large Depleted Uranium cannons of the highest tech class.
In practice combat we've hseen that a single Hunter stocked with fighters can easily take out two of the most advanced destroyers we are able to build. So if the Earth alliance dares to enter the Kadok system they will regret it!
In the near systems we have two special ships, the PC Alpha class light cruisers Gurkan and Tomaten, they aren't that well equipped for combat but will propably take out a destroyer in one on one combat if needed."

All attention was turned towards Elyssandra as she started moving her tail from side to side, the excitement the prospect of war made in her was obvius to see.
"-So, we haven't had a good fight since the small Sons of Thunder war almost five years ago. Granted, this war didn't come were we expected. We are poorly prepared but that will only make it a bit more exciting!
It's time to get some target practice. If we're lucky we might consolidate our territory in a far more cost effective way than we had planned. This way we don't have to trade an entire system for a few albeit strategic important still economic worthless small planets.

These are the orders for this month:
One, the Endavour is to move into an defensive position and intercept the Lexington and Claymore if they enter the Kadok system.
Two, the Light cruisers Gurkan and Tomaten will be rerouted towards Kadok at highest speed, there they will join with the Endavour and create the task force "Fast Reply", the PC Alphas will defend the Endavour that will be the main offensive unit.
Three, The Intelligence service will start doing their job properly, we shouldn't have been as surprised as we were by this attack.
Four, start the construction of mine sweepers and a new offensive force in the area.
Five, probe all Earth alliance channels for a peaceful resolution to this. I'd hate to back down, but Sheridan has been our friend and for his sake we will have to try to spare some Earth Alliance lives.
Six, two of the warriors Body 2 class destroyers at Kalzeron VIII will be stocked and ready to leave next month. I'll take command of them and head into the combat zone with them.
Seven, initiate a strengthening of all borders, others might try to take advantage of this situation.
Eight, tell the scientists to look for any connections between the mind control devices and the Earth Allince, they migh have been planning this a long time.
Nine, send a request to the Central Power alliance headquarter that they stay out of this. If they join this there will be no way to stop the annihilation of the Earth Alliance, and altough we will fight, I'd rather have the Earth Alliance as neighbours than radiated ruins.

To sum this up: We will whip those Earth Alliance asses so hard they will never forget this lesson."

Rear Admiral Ayles stod up and stared at Elyssandra:
"Admiral, sorry i mean Matriarch. I'm glad that it's you who are leading us now. If Ruatha would have stayed in power we would have been doomed. You Madam has proven your combat skills before. I speak for the entire empire when I say that we are yours to command!
Let's fight!"

Everyone left the room with their tails eagerly moving from side to side.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The Free council was in session:

Marit spoke up:
"- We must speed up the attempts to awaken the one. Things are happening that must be stopped.
Rumours has it that Elyssandra turned down partnership with one of the most powerful races in the known galaxy. And now this war with the Earth Alliance. I've served with Elyssandra during the Sons of Thunder war, she is an excellent commancer but I think she is too eager to fight. She is truly military from the inside out.
I can't understand why the Earth Alliance attacked us like this! We've been friends as long as we've known them. They were one of the first races we discovered out there. I mean, if it hadn't been for them we would still be a one planet race!
We must hurry up, the madness in the empire isn't stopping. Most people don't think about it anymore since Ruatha died, but the madness still increases, without the one we are lost.

[tbontob]

Re: Zax Society - A matter of money
posted by: tbontob Posted Less than 1 min ago
Tue, Jan 28 at 05:35:59 EST

THE LOCATION: The War Room of Zax Central.

Strong-of-the-Arm Custor was finishing his monologue with "...and so our enemies have been making probes in strength all along our defensive line. Here, here, here, here, and here! We are holding, but just barely. What we don't understand is that the probes are only by the allies of the CCCP. But if this continues, they will overwhelm us! We must do something!"

The meeting broke up into an uproar.

"What do you propose?" Zaxxon asked.

In order to appear more commanding, Custor raised his body to his maximum height and said, "We should take our fastest ships and strike here! It would mean leaving our slower ships with their rapid-fire weapons behind, but if we strike fast and hard, we should win the day."

The meeting broke out in a multitude of screams and howls. Zaxxon was starting to sweat, because it was just an occasion like this that his Zaxxoness made her decision to leave for Elstonile.

After some minutes, Spiii was able to ask "And what if a strong fleet of ships of the CCCP are waiting there for you? You said they have not participated in the probing attacks."

Custor responded with, "I cannot see how they can be there! But even if some of the CCCP forces were there, we can handle them!"

"But what if they are all there?"

Custor responded with "They won't be! We must take an aggressive posture or we will surely lose the war to them. Our attempts at peace are getting us nowhere."

Spiii addressed the council with "Unfortunately, I must agree with Strong-of-the-Arm. Intelligence operations against our society have increased in both frequency and severity. They are mainly perpetrated by the CCCP's most eastern ally and we can only expect things to get worse. We need more funding to repel these espionage and sabotage assaults...."

"Is there any good news?"

Custer stepped forward with "Well, we did take a strategic Warp Point. But now, we must keep a fleet there to defend it."

THE LOCATION: The War Room of Zax Central.
THE TIME: 60 minutes later.

Zaxxon "So, we are agreed! We are not ready to conduct a major military assault! But, we will increase the tax rates on all sources of income increased in order to have sufficient funds to construct a new fleet."

Above the "Hear, hears", a minister was heard to say "I would also suggest we make it a war crime to wastefully waste the society resources!"

Above the chorus of "Hear, hears", Zaxxon asked, "Could you be more specific?"

"Yes sir! It would be a war crime punishable by hanging. That is... if anyone were caught misusing the states money or resouces in any way. To give it teeth, there would be no exceptions and no defence can be raised against it. The act of doing it would be enough!"

The "Hear, hears" reached a crescendo. Zaxxon said, "So be it. We will call it the War Measures Act."

THE LOCATION: JUST OUTSIDE OF THE ENTRANCE TO ELSTONILE CASTLE.

Eston and his retinue were planning to leave on the morrow and were busily packing their belongings in preparation for their trip to the luxury provincial capital of Sod Dum.

He asked for the name of the soldier who was so helpful.

"Loy Al tew deBone, Sir"

"Well, ask and see if he can accompany us on the journey to Sod Dum. We will make it worth his while to do so."

THE LOCATION: Sod Dum, the provincial capital.
THE TIME: A day later.

Eston was watching the excited nobles ordering their new clothes with their gold thread, pearls and precious gems inlaid into the fabric.

He was more apprehensive over the selection of rings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants and other jewellery.

He knew these noble were not rich and could not afford to pay the cost of their new clothes or their jewellery.

At first he had objected. Strenuously objected. But Loy Al tew deBone assured him that only the richest nobles accompanied Zaxxon on his trips. The Zaxxonness had a keen eye and to select anything less would risk exposure.

Eston sighed as he was being measured for clothing that was so rich, he could never pay for it even if his lifespan was quadrupled.

He reassured himself with the thought that the fate of the society depended upon him and him alone in facilitating a reconciliation of the Zaxxon with his Zaxxonness. In such circumstances, how can the society not support his actions?

Even so, Eston was shocked when he was presented with the bill!

It was enough to buy three battle cruisers of the line.

THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE

Zaxxon sighed as he contemplated the draft of the War Measures Act. "We must all make sacrifices." he said and signed the act into law.

He was tired. He was still having weird dreams, only now it was of birds and elves. So disturbing, he would wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat.

He knew the birds were significant in some way. What were they. Wrens? Starlings? And the elf had a name...what was it? Elyssandra! Wasn't Elyssandra an elf in that book the humans thought so much of...the Hobbit? No, not the Hobbit....

"What about the Zaxxonness? Why haven't I heard anything?"

R2D2 replied, "Elstonile is on the opposite end of our society, sir. It's much too early to have any communication."

"This is ridiculous! Not knowing for weeks what is happening in our empire. Can't we research an effective means of communication."

"We can", R2D2 responded "but that would mean cutting back on our research on reverse propulsion even further."

"What do you mean?" Zaxxon asked in astonishment.

"Well, 50 percent of our resources are going into researching reverse propulsion."

Only the concerned look of the court physician and the physician's act of picking up his medicine bag caused Zaxxon to refrain from exploding.

"Reduce it even further and put it into researching communications. And Spiii, see what you can learn about the god-emperor Ruatha."

"Why sir?"

"I can't explain it. I just have these weird dreams."

Zaxxon paused and then continued, "Also, post a reward of 1,000 Zaxxonites to anyone who can discover a way of communicating over long distances. Maybe that will spark enough interest to find a way to communicate with Ruatha and the Zaxxonness."

[ January 29, 2003, 00:06: Message edited by: tbontob ]

[Ruatha]

Weyrlings 2405.3
==================

The private diary of Elyssandra Eliason, Grand Admiral of the Fleet, Matriarch of the Weyrlings and Hero of the Empire.

Location: Destroyer Responder, Taskforce Elyssandra Flag.
-----------------------------------------

Standing here in my quarter staring out into space, my inside feels as empty as the view in the windows.

Problems, problems, problems. Always something that needs my attention.

Trouble is brewing everywhere.

The one thing that finally gave me some exhilaration since Ruatha’s death turned to nothing.

The Earth Alliance cruisers Lexington 1 and the Claymore 4 turned and ran as fast they could. The new leader of the Earth Alliance started talking of peace and restoration of the alliance almost before we knew the alliance was dissolved.

No combat for me and my fleet this time it seems. We can’t really blame them for the destruction of the spy ship, it wasn’t supposed to be there, and it was an Earth alliance system after all.

Deniability, we can’t even mourn our lost crew in public, they never existed.

We must go and retrieve the remnants of that ship; we owe it to that crew. I really hate those mines. Now we’ve lost five ships to these mines throughout our history. No enemy in sight and then unexpected death.

Never again. I shouldn’t have let that ship face those mines alone, they should have had mine sweepers with them, what was I thinking of? Ordering the intelligence service to increase surveillance but not instructing them how! Always, Always specify what you want done Elyssandra, into every detail, do never forget that again!! But who could have expected the Earth Alliance to cancel the Military Alliance, it had Lasted for so long!

I should have expected it, never trust anyone but yourself!

But, alas. New threats are looming at the horizon. Oh to feel combat again and rid the mind of all thoughts. The initial anticipation and exhilaration turning towards fear as the enemy approaches, then nothing, cold as ice inside when the guns start vibrating through the hull and the shields screech while trying to fend of the incoming fire. And finally, the liberating victory, to still be alive contrary to all expectations before the engagement.

Those who made me hero of the empire don’t know the fear I felt as the Sons of Thunder Destroyer approached my small weapon platform, statistically we would have been dead within minutes. Pure luck I think, ingenious strategic and tactical mastermind, the military headquarter called it.

Combat. It might not be as far away though even if the Earth Alliance turned and ran home. The Central Power headquarter is controlling half our fleet at this moment. Operation Sledgehammer is proceeding as planned. I might just get there in time to take control of the Weyrling part of the operation.

Although no one doubts the success of the operation it’s still one of the most dangerous situations we’ve put ourselves in, not even the lunatic Ruatha posed such a threat to the empire.

This operation will make a massive resource drain on the empire, if the FMA attacked during the operation we wouldn’t stand a chance. But so far they do seem to be preoccupied, let’s hope that continues.

I’ve given the diplomatic corps the mission to forge a new treaty organization, the JOint DEfence Treaty organization (JODET), that ought to alleviate any threat of an FMA attack.


Seeing this empty space outside makes my thoughts wander. I haven’t seen Illian, loved husband for three months, my heart aches. It’s probably for the best though. I can’t stand hurting him anymore, so this separation is a relief as well. I must divorce him, I know that, but I cannot, cannot, it hurts so much!

If only he knew how much I love him, but he mustn’t be allowed to realize that.

Oh, Illian, how did it come to this, we were always so good to each other. And now the empire has parted us. As always we must do our best for the empire, after all, there must be a place left for our children to grow up in.

I remember when I first realized you were in the underground movement. Your confused scientific mind could never keep such a secret from an organized officer as me. You kept leaving compromising documents lying on your desk plain to see. I burned so many of them, yet you never wondered what had happened to them, knowing you, you had probably forgotten they existed. I’m glad all the children had moved out, they would have known instantly as well, had they still lived at home.

I didn’t know what to do in the beginning. My duty to the empire would have made me report you. Ruatha would probably have had us both killed then, still that wouldn’t have stopped me. But my love for you did, 34 years together and you can still spark that fire in my heart.

I couldn’t tell you either, you would never have continued in the underground then and risked my life.

After reading your documents I started understanding what you were doing and why, and I do agree, The One must be awakened. Only you have the mind needed to finish that task. That was what most attracted me so long ago, your smart head, always running hot with ideas and thoughts.
So what was I to do then? I started distancing myself from you, turning away in bed, not answering when you spoke to me at dinner. You have tried to talk to me about our relationship but I always refused. Hurrying to work, saying that the affairs of the empire were more important than you, I lied. You are most important to me by far, but if you don’t awaken The One I’m sure I’d loose you anyway. The imaginative ones are easier targets for the madness it seems.

The whole empire is about to crumble and fall in upon itself, I’ve seen the madness spread.

These Ruathians must be a sign of the madness, more people are worshipping him now than when he was alive. And then it was mandatory, you were obliged by law to worship him.
Now I heard they want to build a huge statue of Ruatha holding a shoe in his hand, they must be mad!

I’ll have my secretary draw up the papers for the divorce and send them to you. It will probably come as a shock to you, but I can’t go on seeing you everyday, loving you and at the same time trying my best to hurt you. If I’m lucky I might get killed in this Sledgehammer operation.

I’ve heard they’ve made a new flagship for me, the Indestructible. So it doesn’t look like I’ll have that escape route, damn!

What I’d really want to do is to take you with me on a starship, we’d fight our way out to the unexplored west. Rumours says that there are strange civilisations out there. And great wars. Nothing substantial, probably mostly drunken bar imagination, but the CCCP ambassador looked a bit embarrassed when he denied that they were at war, so who knows. I heard my crew telling stories they’ve picked up in bars while speaking to CCCP traders. There was this story about these funny aliens, dying from bubble baths!. What we do not know, we make up histories about! You’d love that story Illian!

If we can get all known civilisations to sign up on the JODET maybe we will get permission from the CCCP and the Ghouls to explore the far west after you’ve awakened The One, if you still want me then.

Trying to kid myself! I’m Matriarch of the Weyrling Empire, spanning over more than hundred of inhabited worlds. When will I get opportunity to go exploring? This might be the Last time I ever get on a spaceship. So I won’t turn back to Kalzeron anytime soon if I have a say. And as Matriarch, I do believe I have some power to wield!

Those Ghouls. They scare me. Their harsh attitude, always angry, never friendly.

Can there ever be peace with such as those?

No, I’ll drop all these thoughts and go out to the bridge. This young inexperienced crew will jump at the opportunity of an unexpected combat exercise. I’ll contact the destroyer CP Refound and order them to make an attack round on us, that’ll take my mind of these idle useless thoughts. Oh, Illian, I miss you so.

[ February 21, 2003, 23:27: Message edited by: Ruatha ]

[tbontob]

Re: ZAX SOCIETY, A Diplomatic Message
posted by: tbontob Posted Less than 1 min ago
Mon, Feb 3 at 12:07:49 EST
------------------------------------------------
THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE
THE TIME: STARDATE: 2405.4
THE PEOPLE: ZAXXON, R2D3, Dip-low-Mac-Sea, Spiii

R2D2 was speaking of the current crises. "The people are going crazy, sir. Thefts and assaults have quadrupled. The only thing to be grateful for is that homicide is down by 20% and that is only because the mind of the populace is on other things."

"What are you talking about?", Zaxxon asked.

"The reward, sir."

"The reward?"

"Yes sir, the reward of 1,000 Zaxxonites for a improved communication device."

"Oh, yes the reward, what about it?"

"Well, it is a fortune, sir. Even a reward of 1,000 Zaxxonoles is a fortune to most people. But to give 1,000 Zaxxonites..."

Zaxxon interrupted, "So what has the reward to do with the crime rate?"

"Well, the stores were quickly sold out of electronic components. After that, the crime rate quickly escalated. People starting ripping electronics out of any source they could find. Half the street lights no longer work and the ones that do is only because the military are guarding the lights that remain. Then the people starting assaulting anyone whom they suspected of hoarding the electronics they needed to create a improved communication device."

R2D2 continued with "Homicide is down only because the people's attention have shifted from dwelling on the rage and anger they have against their spouses, employers etc to creating the new device. Some deaths have occurred due to conflict over acquiring some electronics, but remarkably few so far."

"I see, any other effects?"

"Well industrial production is down because production plants can't get the electronics they need and foodstuffs are in short supply because labour intensive crops are rotting in the fields."

-------------------------------------------
THE LOCATION: Sod Dum, a provincial capital.

Eston and the nobles were busily packing. The purchase they had made had tripled their baggage. More money had to be spent to buy luggage to store the purchases of days past.

They also had to hire additional porters to carry the baggage and guards to protect the wealth the baggage contained.

Everyone was happily bubbling except Eston. The nobles in particular were happy because they were doing their duty for the society. They dwelled on the enormous sacrifices they had made...sacrifices that should be written up in the history books. They may even be given the title of "Saviours of the Society". They also daydreamed about the effect their new finery would have on their friends and relatives.

The fact that their newfound wealth would raise their stature in Zaxxon circles was something they did not care to dwell upon. They preferred to think and dwell upon the extreme sacrifices they had made to reunite Zaxxon with his Zaxxoness.
-----------------------------------------------
THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE
THE PEOPLE: ZAXXON, R2D3, Dip-low-Mac-Sea, Spiii
THE TIME: An hour later.

A courtier rushed in. "Sir, there is a rumour that someone has made contact with the Wreylings."

"Who made the...."

"How did they...."

"When did they make contact?"

The courtier replied with "I know little more. But the city is abuzz with it."

Dip-low-Mac-Sea said, "I will excuse myself from this meeting sir. I would like to prepare a diplomatic message to the Wreyling Empire."

"Do so, and report to me as soon as you have prepared it."

-----------------------------------------------
THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE
THE TIME: An hour later
THE PEOPLE: ZAXXON, R2D3, Dip-low-Mac-Sea, Spiii

"So what have you got?" Zaxxon asked.

"This is the message, I would suggest you send." Dip-low-Mac-Sea said and started to read from his prepared document.

"Greetings, God-Emperor of the Wreylings.

May you live and prosper to the full stature of your years.

May you live longer than the normal allotted lifespan given to Wreylings.

May you continue to govern your empire in the style and manner you are accustomed to. In particular may you continue to do more and greater deeds for which you are renowned throughout the universe.

May you exact your most severe revenge against all the enemies who oppose you.

May your enemies suffer the worst possible torture in this world and in hell.

May your enemies' kinfolk and friends suffer in this world and in hell.

May anyone who has said the slightest ill-word against you or your descendants in the next ten thousand years suffer the worst possible torments.

May you be able to exact your revenge in full measure against anyone who expresses any criticism of you or your reign.

May you and your descendants rule the Wreyling Empire for the next 10,000 years and beyond.

If anybody should rise up against you, may they suffer the worst possible torment and their cries of anguish be heard down the centuries as a warning against future uprisings.

If anybody should rule instead of or in place of your descendants, may they suffer the worst possible torments in this life and in hell, forevermore. May their bones ache to their core. May the fleas of 10,000 camels infest their armpits. May the...."

"Enough!", Zaxxon shouted. "If someone sent me this diplomatic message, I would be offended."

Dip-low-Mac-Sea responded with "Yes sir, I agree. It would be offensive to us. But the God-Emperor's reign seems to be...well, somewhat excessive. We don't want to offend such a powerful personage by being diplomatically polite and say nothing. We need to take a positive stance with him in the manner which he understands."

"You really think so?"

"Yes sir, I do. It is imperative we do it this way if we want his support."

Against his better judgement, Zaxxon said, "Then send it as soon as we make contact."

[Ruatha]

I do belive that Eston is living dangerously right now....
(some new law I recall)

[tbontob]

Originally posted by Ruatha:
I do belive that Eston is living dangerously right now....
(some new law I recall)

Yo!

EDIT: But not just him as you will soon see.

[ February 03, 2003, 18:45: Message edited by: tbontob ]

[tbontob]

Originally posted by tbontob:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ruatha:
I do belive that Eston is living dangerously right now....
(some new law I recall)

Yo!

EDIT: But not just him as you will soon see.

---

RE-EDIT Is anybody enjoying this or is Ruatha and I engaging in an intellectual form of onanism?

[Ruatha]

I know that there is another story in NGC2 being written, altough it can't be published yet due to in-game situations.

[tbontob]

Originally posted by Ruatha:
I know that there is another story in NGC2 being written, altough it can't be published yet due to in-game situations.

Your story or somebody elses?

[Ruatha]

Somebody elses.... nuff said....