Post by EmperorMyric on Feb 10, 2022 12:01:35 GMT
Altenburg System: The Hochlands
TRIDEX had been in the planning for over a year.
It wasn’t a small event, and that brought with it numerous benefits and challenges to Triarch Inc. as they had prepared to host the galaxies biggest arms expo. Many nations had asked John himself whether they could have the honour of hosting it, after all it would bring in all sorts of attraction and finance. It had been extremely surprising however when the Hochlands of all places extended their hand and offer of hosting, given their location it was a risk. But John had run with it anyway.
Far below the galactic disk in the Austral region Triarch Inc. had been given meetings and more, eventually the Hochlands had given the company an entire solar system as their venue. It wasn’t much, three gas giants and their attendant moons along with a large outer asteroid belt. Some of the board had argued that they needed to go back and renegotiate with the Hochlands or even cancel their hosting altogether, but the engineers had piped up. The company was pioneers of mega engineering, why not do what they were born to do?
And so, for nearly a year Triarch Inc. had ferried engineers into the Austral expanse, creating using the materials available a huge starbase to act as the venue. Containing all kinds of modular demonstration areas, open plazas for displays and administrative areas to cope with the inflow and stay of those who would attend. It had taken a while to build and was not cheap but, in the end, they had got there, just in time to see the predictions and calculations absolutely plummet. With the sudden market crash all predictions and expectations had dried up overnight, why would the nations of the galaxy travel an extreme distance using up precious Ancerium fuel and lots of funding in the middle of an economic crash to try show off weapons?
For several weeks talk of cancelling TRIDEX had circled in the company’s upper echelons and even rumoured to have been pressured by Yamanakako. But when the go ahead was given and the announcement made, the predictions were practically the opposite. Nations from all over the galaxy signed up to display their wares, perform demonstrations and all were willing to pay for their spots and entry. For a while John was unsure if they had room for everyone. But now, as he looked out across the huge spanning starbase, the sheer number of ships arriving had proved to him it was all worth it. His company had suffered from the last war, and if there was going to be a war from this report well, he would make sure to profit this time.
Then again, the galaxy definitely seemed to be circling. The amount of those coming was insane, higher by far than any other TRIDEX event. Even the Union was coming, the Union of all nations was here to show off and sell its wares. What was reality coming to.
“Sir your first meeting, its nearly time.” The voice of an aide caused John to turn from the large viewing platforms window and back towards the entrance. He nodded with a smile.
“Thank you I will be right there”
--
The starbase was huge, nearly 140km across it was built in such a way as to maximise space and internal area. Demonstration spaces were set up emulating the conditions on a hundred worlds and large enough to show off Realtime battles using live units. Entire promenades and plazas had been set up as well, each one filled with slots which had been brought out, from tiny unaligned nations with but a few square meters to the larger companies like those of the Cartel which had entire plazas to themselves to show off their wares. Even the outside had been set up, an empty system was perfect with massive sections of it dedicated to demonstration zones, helping to show off new ship designs and fight actual Realtime battles.
Already a long line of ships stretched from the erected Wormhole gate near the starbase to the facility’s expansive dockyards. The unloading zones were a hive of activity as nations tried to co-ordinate with staff to unload tanks, weapons, holographic emitters, and the equipment they needed to show it all off in top condition. Already the plazas and stalls were being set up by the hundred.
It would be a couple of days before TRIDEX truly opened officially, giving plenty of time for all of the attendees to set up their various areas and schedule their demonstrations across the myriad of arenas. Once it was all done John Triarch would officiate opening, and then the real selling could begin.
Event Hall 12-B
“PLEASE! Please be careful with those Elyor.” Shouted Azarova Vladimirovna over the hurry of the Imaginese crowd, who were in what seemed like the very slow process of setting up shop at TRIDEX.
Azarova had hated the journey across the galaxy. An administrator and bureaucrat at heart, she was not one for space travel, and the cramped conditions aboard the “Belykit Carrier” had not done much to change her mindset. This, however, was an important job, one that made even Azarova, leap for joy at the prospect and forget her hatred of space.
‘The very first showing of Imaginarium in the Ancerious Galaxy’, she thought, as she watched her crewmates drift to and fro. ‘What an honour it is to be picked to head up this operation’.
She was right, this was seen as a big deal to the powers at be, and the pressure was most certainly on not only Azarova, who headed up the whole affair, but the entire delegation who had been invited to TRIDEX. Their jobs were simply on the face of it; ‘buy impressive new things, sell our things’, a remit which lacked for description, but something Azarova knew covered an in-depth list of requirements.
Selling Imaginese items would be no easy task, as their new arrival in the galaxy meant that few knew their capabilities or technologies, nor did they have a reputation to rest upon. Azarova hoped this would perhaps come as an advantage, as the many “test zones” of the arms fair would prove an opportunity to showcase their kit under circumstances that would suit. They’d brought ‘a whole army of kit’ as well, as Azarova had described it. Tanks, trucks, battle armour, even the tiny portable music players which had proved great for keeping troops on the ground up to date with information and keeping up morale.
The pièce de resistance, Azarova felt, was the display she stood in front of now however; a large 30 foot display screen, showing digital renditions of the Tatiana Interplanetary Economic and Research Zone (TIERZ), it’s purpose today was to show its boundless possibilities as a site for new armament factories!
Buying however was going to be crucial. Imaginarium lacked behind its neighbours technologically, and this fair was a chance not only to buy their way to more advanced technology, but to also study what others had to show. This, Azarova felt, was going to be the hardest part, but one she was looking forward to. She could not wait for the event to start…
“ELYOR! I TOLD YOU, BE CAREFUL WITH THAT!” she shouted.
The Consulate of Astril presence at Tridex was small, but a lot of effort went into their small section of the convention. They had a certain lack of confidence in their weapons and systems. After all they seemed to be much more outdated then expected, something made clearly obvious by the freighter they took to get here. A crude box with nuclear propulsion. They made a little backstage area at their stand area for preparing their exhibits and the first to be worked one was their new Hazard Trooper.
Private Jones was busy with the last checks of his new suit. A collection of muscle and respiratory systems covered by a rubber skin and gas mask with large shaded bug like eyes. He no longer felt his own skin or heartbeat, it was like he just fattened up a good few kilos but he also felt stronger. The stand organiser made sure the stitching of the suit was firm, for Jones there was not going to be way out until they brought out the electric saw. With a firm pat on the back and an all clear Jones stepped out and began to help with setting up the stand. Their stand was like a pocket sized wasteland to show of the hazard trooper in its natural environment. One ruined by nuclear hellfire and biological weapons. In his hands he held an m14 styled rifle.
The second demonstration they had was of their biotechnology integration. For this they brought out their 6 wheeled APC to the stand and replaced some of the armour panels with glass to show the otherwise hidden guts which controlled it. It’s pilot was already inside the merging pod and connected to the vehicle. The vehicle stood alongside the hazard trooper, implying its ability to serve in such areas. A secondary goal for their exhibition was to show the Consulate’s willingness and ability to fight even the most desperate battle. They hoped to get the point across by implication that the Hazard Troopers will use such means to protect their nation.
Among the small crew who were setting up the stand there was one of very high authority. The one in charge of acquiring new hardware for their expanding military. They could hardly do for long with the wooden battle rifles from the stockpile. She was called Mark Savant. A woman of short stature but not lacking in visible strength. She wore a pure white greatcoat which was very well fitted. It was an unfamiliar uniform for the other consulate representatives but she had the official credentials.
Event Hall 12-B
Several Jade firms had made the trip to the TRIDEX convention, their ships waiting patiently in the impressively long queue as people from across the galaxy came to hawk their wares or find new ways of murdering their enemies. Wernham-Hogg, Arisaka Foundries and Galant Industries were all present, with booths showcasing their personal weapons. Wernham-Hogg were there purely to show off the latest Shiroyama hoverbike, whilst Arisaka's booth looked like an artificial pagoda in miniature, with racks of crystalline-bladed spears and swords that looked like weapons out of legend, along with a display explaining the function of the strange quartz-cylinder ammunition they used, whilst Galant Industries had a wholly unimaginative display of carbines, hunting rifles and other firearms, their booth festooned with targets reticles, camo nets and all the other paraphernalia used by gun vendors (and the occasional body wash company for some reason) to hawk their wares.
The true crowd-pleaser, however, was IdaiTech. Its booth was large, but set-up was rapid thanks to the help of several RAI Frames of differing design. A hulking Karogan, looking like a suit of yoroi armour come to life. A man almost indistinguishable from a human other than the solid blue of his pupils. A large animal that resembled a dog, but that watched the passersby with an alert and disconcerting eye. Finally, and most noticeably, a woman who appeared to be composed of a glowing, shimmering orange light, pulsating gently as energy flowed throughout her body. There appeared to be no biologicals manning the stall, but the group had a considerable collection of equipment. Smart drones, Sudana combat platforms, ornate and otherworldly graviton lances, tedate battle shields, the stall had everything.
Daidai turned to look over their handiwork, then gave a friendly wave to the Imaginariumese stand nearby. The first Akugara sales rep in history...she had a lot to prove at this event...
The Cricaen East Charon company had heard of this trade event happening and decided to participate in hopes of getting some export contracts and working out deals with other nations. They had confidence in their products and their people to showcase these products. They arrived and began setting up an area with products on display. There were a few people keeping everything in working order whilst there were main representatives from the companies ready to inform people about their products.
They had brought many items from small arms, to armours from light going all the way up to their AIAS models of power armour as well as all the accessories that one would expect for weapons and armour. A big sponsor of the East Charon Company stand was the Vickers Enfield and Armstrong so a lot of the products belonged to them, small arms on offer ranged from service pistols in variants of energy and solid projectile, the same for the Enfield rifles including some that were more traditional as they worked off of a bolt action mechanism. Next to the stall was a demo position of an HMG set up in a mock entrenched position looking down a short range of targets and then again beside that being showcased was a VE&A Scythe light tank export variant.
Also on offer was some more domestic stuff from Cricaen Azerty units and a display of vehicles from grav bikes, cars and even mechanical horses. All of this could be purchased in bulk or one offs so had another display for customisation beside the first one.
TRIDEX was open at least, and the rather busy markets of the CES, aided by their ever-watching algorythms and lizard eyes fixated on profits, they did not miss their opportunity to come make a presence at the iconic weapons display, and they were coming in force. As one of the newest Megacorporations around the block, their influence was already making ways in the Killian Verge. Hopefully soon, it'd be making waves all across the galaxy as well.
They set up their stand showing their wares just as all others had. Aided by the IPD, any incomer could look at the complete catalogue of CES products, from warfare to construction to biomedicine, and if one so wished, even furniture was available for inspection. Within their presence here in Event Hall 12-B they had also set up a testing rig, where simulations of their weaponry could run with the predetermined settings of all of the different modules that could be adapted in the weaponry developed by the newest Equipment Renewal Order, in this case, ERO-1.
However, their biggest display on their stand was a unique one of its kind. Upon a large stand sat three two hexagons made out of glass, and inside them were chassis of the M and H chassis. Interfaces faceted them, and everyone could come up to it and interact with it. With the interfaces, they could choose different modifications for the vehicles, and all of the modules were swapped in front of them.
Interacting with the display, machinery ran atop the displays and picked the modules from a storage underneath it. It danced around the display, exchanging the modules in mere minutes. Easily, whole turrets or drive trains were replaced on the M and H chassis, displaying their enormous versatility. All of the status of the modules were displayed in the interface as well, including their staggeringly low time to produce, with a plethora of data to explore the industrial processes of the CES.
Ever since the end of the second galactic war, the Annoliddan Inquisition had fallen to the wayside of the galactic forefront. Their collective ambition as galactic peacekeepers had been doused in dismay, the sheer scope and scale of such an effort being well outside of the burgeoning nation's capability. This compounded with the growing schism of where to direct their efforts and could not have been timed better with the galactic market falling, hampering what little actual trade their isolated colonies could do. More than anything, they needed a source of income, and with what ancerium harvesters they had now being a liability, options were slim.
Ri'pao, a spring in her step and public relations smile on her face, could care less about the politics of this event. She navigated a hover trolley through the crowded plaza, carrying an ion displacer gun to be shown off by the burliest armored soldier on her demonstration team. Remotely her mind tapped into her teams' communications, helping to direct efforts of getting their small selection of booths up and running before the event officially started. They had limited space to work with, but Ri'pao made sure the location was a good distance away from the loading docks. This brought many objections from the team, but the few wise ones saw the ploy. After all, each time they had to unload another ship, pass through screening, make their way across the plaza, then leave to replenish drinks and supplies three jumps away, was another opportunity to hint at her secret weapon pointed at the expo.
Sure, she was going to show off their boutique of small arms, and they even made room to showcase their latest fixed point defense models. Fro'danahn, one of the wise ones mentioned earlier, even convinced her to prep some miniatures of their larger mobile artillery pieces. "Something for the younger folk to ogle at," he said. But even the old man knew what really played into any war effort, what the warlords and generals among the crowd would be after, and that was why their main display would feature two trade secrets the Annoliddans had kept under lock and key since their arrival in the Ancerious Galaxy.
While not nearly as flashy as a gun nor awe-inspiring as a suit of power armor, her Coup de grâce was a miniaturized Valerium Core. An old holdover from before the Annoliddans retrofitted their drives to work with ancerium native to the galaxy. If that didn’t spark interest, then Ri’pao was betting on the telepathic comm adapters to at least turn a few heads, or at least tell them to.
She unloaded the heavy displacer and turned right back around. The next shipment was due any moment, and she could coordinate the team from anywhere. Her smile never faded.
Atal'vir watched carefully as the strider passed her by, hauling yet another case of weapons off of the Echotian freighter and onwards to the grand space that was to be V-ENT's designated staging area for the remainder of the function. Truly, Atal'vir thought to herself, they had their work cut out for them. As Van'xal'Ra's msot trusted, she had been allowed this opportunity, for who else had the skills to organize V-ENT's forces in such numbers? Atal'vir smiled to herself beneath her adorned helm, giving a curious side-eye to the two Echo's who would be her partners in this endeavor.
On her left, Sunex, of the RIOT Corp, whom she had learned had turned down a position amongst House Tempest to climb the corporate ladder. His glittering gold and chrome attire reflected RIOT Corp's luxury and style. Atal'vir had seen the lines of commercial sports vessels on their commute to Tridex, astounded even still at the delicate nature built from such ferocious attack craft.
On her right, rivalling even Sunex for their dazzling attire, stood Dryskys Raskil, Crux's foremost director. Embellished in Crux's latest, Dryskys' wore a hypnotic cloak of rippling design, which reacted as he shifted his stance to avoid a returning strider. As a senior member of Crux Alienwear, Dryskys could see no end to the potential presented at Tridex. As the Empires lead in galactic fashion, the sheer volume of potential customers sent shivers down his spine.
Together, they would ensure to carve their name into the galactic space. Onwards, towards distinction.
Three of the biggest Zetyan corporations-Dem'yot Laboratories, Kaida'kol Arms Development, and On'gary Heavy Manufacturing-saw fit to enter into TRIDEX participations, mostly out of need for market expansion and wider galactic representation. Their presence wasn't all that large-at least in comparison to some of the other, bigger names floating around the cavernous halls-but at the very least, they seemed to put their best foot forward for their own exhibitions.
Dem'yot, being the premier of Zetyan technological development, naturally had some of the flashiest demonstrations being set up. A selection of energy weaponry, such as newly furnished Laspoint weaponry and some plasma-based projectile launchers, a few expensive soldier harnesses, and finally an interactive demonstration showing some stuff they weren't quite sure they could sneak into the convention-chief among them being the portable runt launchers-were what they saw fit to put into their side of the aisle. A few more shipments were due in a day or so, but as far as anyone was aware it was just various supportive doodads and miscellaneous tech.
Kaida'kol was, unsurprisingly, all weapons. Half of their booth was interactive demonstrations of their larger-scale weaponry from AA guns to missile batteries, along with various disarmed models for show and demonstration, while the other half was a near-complete hands-on gun show of the designated export models of Clanholds weaponry, from pistols to rifles to launchers, each with their own showcase posters tacked nearby and able to be held, handled, and judged through a hands-on experience-sans any actual firing tests, of course. Extra security was placed on this specific part, though less for safety and more so that they didn't get a boot up their asses by the man himself.
Lastly was On'gary, and theirs was suitably the largest of the three booths. Two demonstration tanks-an export-variant Vgh'har MBT, and a showcase of one of their latest tanks, a Vogh'har-were being set up, in addition to several suits of powered armor, and to cap it off a large interactive display was being set up as well, detailing various newer-generation spaceships and showing some export models for other spaceships they already had. Planners from the other two corporations accused them of compensating for something. Perhaps they were right.
Despite already having a plethora of stuff on offer, a majority of the planners were not expecting easy sales, at least not fully; they couldn't rely on a technological edge, their reputation in the Corridor wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows, and already they had heard rumors some of the people they'd squabbled with were setting up their own booths elsewhere in the convention. Still, there'd always be those who needed the cheaper option, and even if they weren't very popular, in the end they'd still have plenty of outreach. After all, it was half the reason they'd come to TRIDEX in the first place.
Seeing the opportunity to show off and test technologies and weapons, both old and new, the Kel'thulian Innovation Department has decided to show up to TRIDEX, bringing along some things to show off at their exhibit
Along with them they bring many energy blades and ""smaller"" sidearms, though these sidearms rivalled the size of humanoid rifles, seeing as kel'thulian were much larger on average. Unveiled at TRIDEX will be a couple new designs of weapons, as well as a new vehicle, rumored by the freighter's crew to be some sort of scouting vehicle. Along with this is a single T/MAV (Transforming/Modular Assault Vehicle) to be shown off at TRIDEX. Large amounts of simulation equipment has been brought, allowing more interactive shows of kel'thulian innovation, and even bringing 3 Avatars to allow the galactic community to see the brilliance of Kel'thulian Telerobotics and simulations.
Setting up at their decently large booth, they have rows of different marked simulators, each one designated to different weapons or vehicles. The three Avatars and their Sim pods are set up. The weapons on sale-Tyi'ro blades and Yy'than APWs- are set up to where they can be easily purchased. The Weapons to be demonstrated are unveiled alongside the secret vehicle.
The Weapons consist of a large rifle with a wide, cone shaped barrel, a huge and heavy weapon that seems to be some sort of railgun, and another large and heavy weapon with 4 rotating, pointed barrels. All of these weapons are attached to large cords and battery packs and have yet to be shown off yet.
The vehicle has a rounded main body with two pointed tips that have plasma cannons attached to them, it is big enough to seat one kel'thulian or two average humans. The rider(s) sit in a shielded pod where the controls are. The Vehicle seems to hover off the ground with multiple gimbal thrusters giving it limited flight capabilities.
The Hastraxian contribution to TRIDEX was much of a smaller one, being only a small booth compared to some of the other grand displays being set up. The Hastraxians had not come here with quite the large amount of people to try and sell export equipment but rather to make more of a PR and exposure event about it for themselves, as well as to see what offerings were being made by the other nations gathered. There were indeed quite a few officers from various groups, as well as a few soldiers in uniform to demonstrate the limited selection of physical equipment on show...
... Which included a pair of vehicles - disarmed showpieces to gather attention, but still very much looking the part - as well as various weapons and pieces of infantry equipment, again all disarmed. Perhaps the main focus of the relatively small Hastraxian display was a row of computers and some VR equipment for engaging with the virtualisation the event was hosting. They hoped to show displays of different things in action with selections of virtual displays and cinematic battles showing activity from simulated squad level engagements that a participant could see from many angles, to some recorded combat footage of an artillery battery fighting in pacifica.
While they were setting up their stand many Hastraxians were already making walk-arounds and introductions of themselves, getting a gist of what was where and what looked like it would be an interesting visit once things kicked off proper.
Poppy music played softly in the prefabricated interior of the decidedly showy central spire. Lota Ardect, a high-level sales representative for Synchek Heavy Drive yards, rhythmically bounced one leg atop the other in tune with the tracks that randomly cycled in the executive office for the Carnaithian entourage that had made the odyssey here. Silent typing on holographic panels paired with haptic gloves; flexible display tablets being pored over by staff; the chiming alert of brewing machines finishing their prep cycles... all to fuel the preparatory efforts of corporate and military personnel.
"Don't you think this is kind of... boring?" piped up a voice from the other side of the room.
"Oh, shug, of course not - the tension's all but tactile!" the SHDY rep responded, a faux dixie accent heavy on her voice; she was definitely a fan of imitant terra.
"But it's telling people to move boxes. And then you tell other people to make sure the boxes were moved correctly, just to talk to a few generals, get creeps taking pictures of more than just the guns, and you have to pack all up and go back."
"Mila, please- you wouldn't've come if you weren't interested."
"I don't know. I think I prefer black marketing." Mila Neros was a 'traveling saleswoman' of sorts for Batrola Ballistics, an arms company on the smaller end of things that had just recently been part of an unaligned arms deal near the Carnaithian home territories. Far more used to seeing despots on flashy staff cars, mercenaries in power armor, or revolutionaries dressed as pubgoers than she was to avant-garde fashion and legitimate professionalism. The saleswoman of the much larger firm looked back and smirked in disdain.
"Look, shug. There will be plenty to do 'round here... as much of it as far away from the cameras as you like. Just look out the window," she stood, walking to one and tapping on the adjacent panel.
The holographic curtain that concealed the expansive interior of Triarch's great work behind imagery of being high above a temperate rainforest fizzled out of existence simultaneously with the transition of the electrochromatic glass behind it to transparency, rather than blocking out the ambient lighting that would soil the illusion.
Below and surrounding the spire was the sheer volume of effort coordinated by the Combined Business Advisory Panel; Royal and Council companies joined forces to erect an entire compound of armor arrays, gun walls, demonstration arenas, simulators, and even an enclosed firing range for low-power ballistics. Rotating stands showed off the exoskeleton projects of seven different conglomerates in the same space, unhappy middle managers bickering over the unfavorable placement of the set that bore their heraldry.
A whole parking lot of armored vehicles with holographic guides winking in-and-out of the air around them was accompanied by precise scale models, available to handle, that showcased internal ergonomics for the more tactile-minded races of the galaxy. In the less executive zones of the TRIDEX complex, squadrons of remotely-operated models prepared to sortie in full view of representatives from organizations such as the International Reconnaissance Office and Global Frontline Observer... not to mention peer state's military staff.
Heraldic banners of rival corporations WarDrive and Synchek Heavy Drive Yards hung side-by-side, stimulated by artificial wind, in the atrium to an entire holo-theater that housed an intricate and high-precision open-air display sphere that offered convincing views of their own quite literal flagship products alongside the contributions of numerous other firms. Warships, commercial craft, and private vessels all shrunk and grew to and from showcase display and smaller positions along the handrail. Though, of course, the warships were the focus.
"You'll have so much to do it's insane!" Lota piped up. Mila sighed - maybe this would be interesting.
--//--
Even without the throngs of journalists and guests, this station was choked in the crowds of staffers that polarized between a mad scramble to get their stands set up well enough to hold meager candles against the showcase participants of the exposition. Colonel Jacob Restrod strode with fellow officers of the Atmospheric Arms under light guard through the wide halls of the station, chuckling along with them all as stories were exchanged. Already they had taken notes of places to send analysts for more detailed follow-up; a collection of rusty-red gear that resembled chaotic rat-traps from what were on the participant map as Zetyans. Stuffy displays of high corporate culture from the Echotians. A very high-quality stand from a new player on the block that had a particularly wide-cast net in terms of diversification in the form of the CES. But they stopped to view an interestingly visceral display.
Astril's wasteland in a box, occupied by a soldier clad in false flesh, elicited all manner of reactions from the staff; ones that ranged from chuckles that dismissed the environment in the face of Carnaithian resilience to mumbles of contemplation, the intended message of the display not being lost on the Imperial staff. Restrod rubbed his regulation-trimmed jaw in interest - on the cusp of asking a question.
"Colonel, if I may remind you - I've been assigned to guide you on an itinerary, and the exposition phase has not yet opened. It would be courteous to allow them to complete set-up," the guard officer piped up, eyes set on the Colonel's face.
"I'm sorry. You are correct. Keep this one on my list, though."
"Of course sir."
The space occupied by the representative corporations and conglomerates of the VFS is a bit diminutive in comparison to the plaza-spanning interstellar companies of the nearby areas, but they've made the best of the situation; crammed into the VFS's allotted space are not a few, but practically every major company worth mentioning, ranging from the conglomerate of Kleiy Incorporated, to the weapon manufacturers of Dendrook Applicative Services, to the industrial giants of the Hejimole Production Authority. Several, more unfamiliar, companies can be seen here and there, smaller corporations looking to increase their prospects and get themselves up to the level of the higher-tiered corporations.
None of the Vahnnan executives present thought they'd actually turn up to Tridex, when the event was first announced. They make their money mostly off of Kolleronic mining, refining, and composites, not weaponry and vehicles- aside from some of the larger companies that actually have a focus on such areas. But it wasn't long until HPA's CEO set the company forth on a new venture, to build a line of combat vehicles. Not wanting to let HPA get too far ahead, one by one the others joined in.
======
"...imposing, isn't it?"
"Only to you, Kredd; have you even taken a look around yet? There's bigger fish here than us-"
Kredd Sonn, representative and executive of HPA, sighs as he turns to face his partner, another company executive there to assist him. The 'imposing' thing in question is the tank on display in the HPA's area, the Houndshark. Developed through the joint efforts of HPA and DAS, along with some funding from KI, the Houndshark is but one of several vehicles from the NH-1 line of export craft. All of the vehicles from the NH-1 line are a bit bigger than normal, by Vahnnan standards. Normally their vehicles are much smaller, seeing as the Vahnnans themselves rarely go over 3 feet in height. But in order to compete on the galactic market they need to appeal to as many customers as possible, which means making vehicles that can actually fit individuals taller than 3 feet.
Kredd frowns, hands clasped behind his back. "Let me dream, Cal, let me dream."
He then turns and starts to walk back down the row of displays towards the small booth set up nearby. The full lineup presented by HPA, that being the NH-1 lineup, includes the Houndshark MBT, a Light Tank, an IFV, an APC, and several miscellaneous vehicles for other roles and applications. Accompanying each display is a series of holographic information panels, model replicas with cutaways to view the interior design, and an android or two for answering questions and providing more information as needed.
The booth is shared by all of the Vahnnan representatives, and as Kredd approaches he's greeted with a polite smile from DAS's executive representative, and in contrast, a scowl from KI's executive representative. The other assorted officials from the various assorted companies merely ignore him for the moment, either lost in thought, busy organizing their own wares, or chattering amongst themselves. "-why the sour look, Geon? Didn't bring enough flashing lights?"
The comment only prompts a snort from Geon, and the KI representative proceeds to stride off to inspect his own preparations. Kredd sighs once more, stopping beside DAS's executive. "Everything's going smoothly on our end...not so much on his end, I would assume?" He asks.
Drin shakes her head, gesturing to Geon as he walks off. "Some of the shipments haven't arrived yet; he's mad he's missing out on all the fun."
DAS's own displays include a vehicle lineup of their own, though theirs is composed mostly of atmospheric and spacecraft; prototype fighters, interceptors, and dropships for ferrying troops and vehicles. As with HPA’s own lineup, the vehicles are a bit bigger than normal to accommodate the larger size of most galactic species; more holographic info panels and android assistants await near each display.
KI’s own display consists not of vehicles, but rather of firearms and other such weapons. Despite being a bit less eye-catching, the array of weapons shows a lot more variety than the vehicle lineups, with everything from sidearms to rifles to squad-support weapons and more. Coilguns make up a large portion of the weapons, being a classic, while others appear to be tachyonic, laser weaponry, plasma-based, or in some cases graviton weapons, among others. Up and down his small area Geon stalks, occasionally barking commands to the employees he’d brought with him.
In addition to the weapons, however, KI also appears to be displaying a series of small combat robots, ranging from fire-support to anti-boarding defense; in the case of the former they’re a bit more humanoid, and in the case of the latter they appear to be cylindrical robots capable of compacting themselves into a stowable form, to then be hidden in ship walls and the like.
Kredd grunts as he averts his gaze from Geon and his antics, turning his attention back to Drin and Cal, the latter of which having finally arrived back at the booth. “...alright, showtime.”
With a grin and a wink aimed at Drin, Kredd heads off again, Cal close behind. Drin rolls her eyes, waving over one of her own assistants as HPA’s executives walk away.
Event Hall 13-B
Of all the places Verdex thought he would be, he definitely did not expect to be here, among the first to truly make the Technocracy's mark on the galactic arms market. Naturally, an opportunity such as Tridex could not be wasted by the likes of Vorkov Defense Industries, and neither could it be wasted by its near-peer competitors, EIMCORP and Kindev Armories. Perhaps fortunately, this time they weren't competing directly against each other, as they shared the same relatively average-sized booth, intended to show off their conglomeration of wares.
To be sure, part of Verdex was nervous. So many different cultures, so many different weapons, so many different competitors... it made for an unfamiliar situation that made him worried even weeks before they arrived. For now, however, he had to make himself look professional, and with a deceptively calm and collected demeanor, observed and coordinated the setup of the area he worked to reserve.
A small team of menial drones, and a few coordinating personnel from both the companies and the military worked, trying to make the most efficient use out of the space they had and the wares they brought. Among them, a few crates of export-grade railguns from Kindev Armories, ranging anywhere from pistol-sized to anti-materiel, various tube launchers and their missiles, and two Arc weapons, notably an assault rifle and a pistol. An assortment of vehicles from Vorkov Defense Industries and EIMCORP were also rolled onto the stage, with examples of the export variants of the M-26 MBT and the M-28 heavy tank, alongside a tracked APC and another lighter-built wheeled-hover hybrid APC, an LAV, and various sets of hybrid trucks, all of which were conveniently armed with deadly mockups of guns. EIMCORP also took the stage with a demonstration example of general-purpose infantry-grade drones, a drone tank, and the export variants of various types of infantry and vehicle equipment, including a set of power armor and some cybernetics. All of this was supplanted by virtual reality headsets and demonstrations that showed off additional variants and modifications, as well as some simulated scenarios to show off their capabilities.
Verdex adjusted his suit and tie, and made his way to one Letra Lasanders, his assisting sales representative, who was currently talking to one of the soldiers helping with weapons demonstration. After a moment and a light cough from Verdex, Letra turned from the soldier with a smile, and the two began a small walk through their demonstration.
"Exciting, isn't it?" Letra said enthusiastically, "I haven't been to an event like this for some time."
Verdex lightly smiled, brushing his hand on the M-28 heavy tank as they walked by. "Quite. We'll gain some attention, not least from this behemoth."
"A beautiful machine."
"I wouldn't call it 'beautiful', but it's certainly got an intimidation factor."
Letra's smile got all the more wider, "That's what makes it beautiful! It's a beautiful machine of war, made to Huron quality! Imagine the kind of knowledge and expertise it would take to make something like that."
"If you say so." Verdex replied in a nonchelant fashion, turning his sight towards an assembling group of representatives and soldiers.
"If you don't mind taking control here for a few minutes, I and some of our entourage are going to do a walk-around before the customers arrive. We shouldn't be gone for long."
Letra paused, the smile refusing to fade from her face. "Rightio! I'll hold the fort." She turned back around towards their booth and ran off, presumably giving silent commands to the menial drones.
Verdex once again adjusted his suit, trying his best to not make his cybernetics too obvious, particularly his arms, and brought his hands behind his back as he approached the group, putting on a well-rehearsed and calculated smile.
"Well, are we ready?"
Numerous heads nodded, many of them smiling, while others maintained a neutral intrigue.
"Right, let's go then!" He pronounced, and started walking in a random direction, the group following in turn. "Let's see what our competitors have in store."
Dozens of Bannerettes rush as their officer barks, "Faster! The event is starting soon, and we don't want to make fools of ourselves for the aliens!" Glancing down on her pad, "Where are the Heavy Weapon Platforms? Actually, nevermind. Make use of the smaller models. We might be able to sell those too, and notify the carrier."
The crew sets up display tables and sets down miniatures of dozens of vehicles, spacecraft, and drones with small tabs denoting their specifications, and who made them. Set behind and adjacent to the tables were screens showing B-Roll footage of them in actual use, and for spacecraft their interiors which made their military ships look closer to luxury ships. The walls are lined with many variants of their standard issue Modular Railgun, all approved for export.
Begrudgingly, their more impressive displays showcased the standard issue Power Armour and its long list of capabilities, along with its large price tag. The Bannerlord approved of its export hoping that it would give them the liquidity they need to keep operating in Ancerious.
Sighing to herself she hoped this would be worth it, especially for the huge expense this has costed and the Imperial Navy doing nothing of recognition to the Galactic Community.
“Singing Hills, Report!”
Turning around she sees her Major, and with a quick salute, “We’re slightly behind schedule and we cannot keep waiting for the drones to arrive. May we get someone to have them patrol around the station for publicity? Have the aliens see one up close before we put up the demo later.”
“If the station allows it you have my approval. I’ll go try to get those Naval “officers” sorted out.”
For over a decade the Artificia had remained hidden behind their borders and the guns of their fleet, the Artificia themselves rarely seen and typically only contacting others through automated means. Recluses of the far south-east, even the Embassies within their space having a limited idea of what the Unanimity were up to.
So, it was in all likelihood a surprise when UMAC, the Artificia's military hardware manufacturer and trade front got in touch looking for a spot at TRIDEX.
Or, at least, Zehtoha assumed so as she scrolled down articles on her tablet, sighing and fixing her hat. Her companion, Yuhreto, sat opposite her, seeming much more casual, a smirk on his yellow face as he watched her.
"I swear, Zeh, sometimes I wonder if you'd have done better as an ICO."
"How do you mean?" she answered, not looking up from what she was doing.
"When was the last time you smiled?"
"I smile all the time." she shot back, sounding a tad insulted as her brow furrowed slightly.
"Oh aye? Show me." he grinned. Finally, the purple Artificia looked up, smiling.
It looked awkward and forced. She quickly dropped it again.
"Look, you're the face guy for a reason. Just so your thing, and I'll do mine."
"Sure thing. Y'know, we landed about ten seconds ago." he chuckled. Zehtoha bolted upright.
Sure enough, they had.
"R-Right!" she started, switching to something else on her tablet and tapping in command's furiously. Behind them the groups of robots shirred to life, the dim glow of mustard yellow eye-lights giving the interior of the craft an ominous gloom.
-
Setting up for the Artificia was easy. After all, most of their own showcases and materiel walked itself there in an orderly march, or in the case of the couple drone tanks, drove themselves into position, the rumble of their engines somewhat buried by the whirring of motors and thudding of robotic feet. And half of their equipment that couldn't walk itself into position, was carried there by those that could.
Racks of guns, warnings informing visitors that unassisted use of them was highly inadvisable for humans, weapons like AT launchers and fire support weaponry opposite, and VR equipment to display their firepower and what they could all do.
Robotic units from their waist-high ICDs bearing a variety of weapons and equipment to display their versatility, all the way to their heavy robotic infantry, looming over the crowd and peering over the tops of tanks, making UMAC's location all the more obvious. The robots, though they held position, continued to move, looking at visitors and making mock displays of their arsenals.
As if to rub in the highly roboticised nature of their product, and to further entice people to come to them, a handful of ICDs wandered off into the general vicinity, carrying no weapons but rather snacks and small glasses of assorted drinks.
"Well, I don't think we look half bad, huh?" Yuhreto grinned.
"...No, I suppose not." Zehtoha nodded.
"Let's see who we can rake in, huh?"
The set up was being a nightmare.
Vaska helped lift yet another crate filled with computer systems and placed it where it needed to go. The entire team was working as quick as they could, the heavy engine noises of a Seraph MBT being rolled into its show-off stand was almost off putting. The Jorgal stretched its broad shoulders and frills and sighed, staring around at the large Union showroom and others beyond who were still setting up like them. He could see the Capitol Mandate close by, sneering he turned to speak aloud.
“Never thought we would be setting up here of all places”
“Makes quite the change. But then given the times it makes sense, I guess. We just need to remind Triarch we kicked their ass in the last war” one of the other workers replied with a laugh. The Elsi grinned large at the comment.
“Guess your right. Anything that helps the economy and the people. I just hope this helps keep the peace” Vaska turned to get back to work, the large circular stadium set up allowing the Union to have guests walk into the middle and view all the displays they had, new AI systems, Neural net connections for battlefield uplinks, new stripped down power armour designs, upgraded Seraph MBTs, and Sky Piercer ABM missiles were all on display along with much more. But Vaska knew this was all a front for the new fleet. He just hoped it worked.
----
It was a bright day for prospects. Anastasia looked on the near completed set up and analysed it in detail. Just because they were away from Celefra did not mean they were exempt from the strict tenets of the Mandate. Anastasia firmly believed in Strixism and it was her job to represent the Mandate, along with SORKA, ARPEI and more at this convention.
She was surprised to see the Union here, and her eyes frequently glanced over to their set up. No doubt John Triarch himself had a hand in placing them both close, no doubt as some sort of geopolitical joke. But Anastasia did not have time for jokes. The Mandate had made powerful friends already, and TRIDEX promised to only increase the scope of that. She ran her hand across the armour plates of a Xiphos MBT, feeling the construction welds and imperfections. Less than 5.8% of standard deviations, good enough for this place.
Soon it would be time to open, and Capitol could once again show its wares to the galaxy.
The true Capitol that was.
-----
“I think this is the largest turn out we have ever gotten”
“Judging from the numbers Mr. Triarch I would say this event has already doubled the previous attendance numbers, in terms of individuals and nations alone” Destros reinforcement made John nod with surprising approval.
“I didn’t think the lists would be accurate but here we are. And they told me nobody would show up given the galactic state. Shows how good the projections are” He chuckled to himself. The ‘command’ centre for the station was bustling as endless calls for docking, logistical transport and use of certain areas flooded through to the stations Ais and various staff.
“Indeed sir. We have approximately 20 minutes until the official announcement of opening. Many nations are done setting up or are getting their final pieces into place” John nodded at the statement and waved a hand.
“Better get ready then”
--
Across all TRIDEX the holographic projection system showed John in his resplendent suit and smiling. Hovering in the air or standing on the ground. He held his hands up to the air and gestured around as he began to speak.
“Welcome! Welcome all to the new TRIDEX event! I thank each and every one of you for making it and without you this grand economic and military event would not be possible! I seen countless new faces, and massive bounds in technological development, and I give you the best of support to try and get it where it needs to be! So without further fanfare given how far you have all come this year. I officially pronounce TRIDEX Open!”
Bright flashes and fireworks munitions both real on the outside of the station, and holographic on the inside went off as clapping and cheering rang throughout the station. John himself bowed.
“Now, feel free to buy and sell to your hearts content! The first demonstrations internal and external will begin shortly. Good luck all and enjoy your stay”
Officially speaking, the Meridian Commonwealth was not interested in buying and selling weaponry in the slightest. In fact, the national opinion of weapons trading in general was remarkably low, enough so that when the Tridex date was announced, they probably received in excess of three million letters from the tiny nation, calling Triarch rude things and saying that the galaxy would be better off without them. It was only through a miracle of programming, in fact, that the Director-in-Chief didn't get involved in the hate mail.
Unofficially, however, there were more than a few Wealthers present. Most of them were more interested in discovering how the weapons themselves worked, either to take the knowledge home, or just out of curiosity. One, in particular, had other ideas...
The four-armed Chrysanthemum stalked the halls of the station, stalking a good deal like a predator stalks prey. With a significant allowance from the Sub-Directorate of Extranational Travel, Lancaster had two goals today: buy some cool guns for themself, and buy a nice birthday gift for Jenna. Obviously, they weren't in actual Chrysanthemum livery, that'd earn them a bollocking, instead wearing a pretty casual jacket and sweatpants.
They went from stall to stall, inspecting wares thoroughly, until they came across the Imaginarium area. Being a lower-tech nation, they probably wouldn't have much to offer in Lancaster's range of preferences, but Jenna might appreciate something of theirs...
"Show me your best LMG," they said as they approached.
“ETA to target, 60 seconds.”
A volley of missiles headed towards what appeared to be an enemy carrier. Its point defence systems came online and streaks of tracers and lasers leapt up to meet their foe. Explosions dotted the void of space left and right but through the plumes of roiling smoke and debris more missiles still came through.
Casings were discarded, revealing a plethora of warhead systems within the missiles. What appeared to be a dumb, straight-on attack soon transformed itself into an intricate combined arms manuvere. ECMs disrupted the enemy sensors, nuclear EFPs striked precise single targets from stand-off range while those containing FCS and C4I modules hung back to direct the rest of the more conventional weaponry. Nano-thermite missiles hit the outer hull of the enemy ship, burning through meters of thick composite armor as far as they can.
The target ship, peppered with hundreds of explosions, was now incapacitated and heavily damaged. But the lights were still on, and a few of the PD systems were still operational.
“ETA to target, 20 seconds.”
“10 seconds.”
In the distance, shining white dots seemed to glow brighter and grow bigger and bigger, until optical telescopes could finally see what they were. A second wave of incoming objects burning hard and fast. More missiles were seen heading straight for them, but much larger, torpedo-like projectiles were also seen accompanying them.
Zooming in, one could see humanoid robotic mechs clinging onto the sides of the torpedo-like object. That torpedo-like object was in fact, essentially a small fission rocket - an insertion vehicle to help the mechs traverse huge distances of space between their troopships and the target.
-------
“Ops Lima is a go! Ops Lima is a go!” the commander declared over the radio. The mechs then let go and split off from the fission rocket vehicle, thrusters firing and weapons brandished as they made the preparations to land.
Space was a flurry of chaotic activity as the enemy PDs fired into the second missile swarm and the mechs fired back as they made their way to land. Now that they were closer to the optics to see, one could identify them as RANGSI’s G-34D Striker Autoframes. They were organized and equipped very much like an infantry squad, working in teams and equipped with a variety of weapons ranging from gas dynamic laser rifles to big rocket launchers. The autoframes weaved between the destroyed outer structures of the enemy ship, using them for cover as they moved to engage the last of the PD turrets with minimal casualties.
-------
With the outer hull secured, they regrouped at the hangar doors, which have been sealed shut. Stacking up like operators in a FIBUA mission, one of the Strikers then moved to use its beam saber to cut out a large section of the doors, just large enough for multiple mechs to move in. As a finishing touch, square thruster devices were placed on the door. Using hand signals, the breached began - the thrusters activated and the rectangular slab that they cut out began flying into the room, crushing anything and anyone waiting behind. A couple of grenade-like explosives were thrown inside, and the Strikers moved in with ballistic shields up. Any surviving enemy mechs and waiting aircraft were all taken out with methodical precision.
With the hangar secured, the Striker teams sent out a ‘go’ signal for dropships to move in. Teams of heavy power armor Marines dropped off, some with thick ballistic shields, some others with the fearsome Artifician-made 60.cal rifles. They stormed the interior of the ship, filling the corridors with lead and flashbangs.
Together with the Artifician units on the other side of the ship, within 30 minutes, it was cleared and the mission was a success.
--------
“Ladies and gentlemen, that was the 76th Autoframe Company and the 891st Naval Infantry Brigade of the MEPF! Let's give a round of applause!” the announcer in the expo room proudly exclaimed.
The mech pilots and the power armor infantry gathered in the hangar, gave their best smiles and saluted the audience on the other side of the camera lens.
The whole thing was actually a weapons demonstration disguised as a military exercise, showcasing various kinds of gear ranging from the largest cannons of the autoframes to the smallest rifles wielded by non-power armor naval infantry units. There was no enemy ship, to the naked eye it was merely a derelict RANGSI carrier, too far damaged in the 2nd Ancerious War to be repaired. But with the power of Augmented Reality, everything from enemy PD turrets to enemy mechs and infantry could be superimposed onto its hull. Even realistic weapon effects and explosions were painstakingly added to increase the viewers’ immersion.
Half of the RANGSI expo stall in the TRIDEX station itself was actually taken up by, of all things, food stalls selling all manners of RANGSI and common galactic fare to break up the corporate monotony and lure the interest of potential buyers. An armored vehicle and a rifle rack or two along with bulletin boards were there to hook in a modicum of interest - the real deal however was down the airlock to the left.
-------
One could not miss it with the several signages boldly proclaiming ‘Full RANGSI TRIDEX Exhibition Here!’. The true RANGSI TRIDEX exhibition was actually in the hangar bays of a military troopship docked to the Triarch station. A sprawling maze of full-sized vehicles, aircraft and weapons of all sizes greeted the visitors. It was as if RANGSI was putting on its full military arsenal for display.
Not only that, the space also afforded to contain a few more demonstrations, firing ranges and training grounds simulating various buildings, rooms and spaceship areas. There more weapons and gear were showed off by squads of RANGSI soldiers of various branches, who put them to good use in all kinds of trials and simulated exercises. Visitors were even given the chance to test out whatever weapons on display with the safety of AR technology.
----
RANGSI was not merely selling, but they were also interested in buying. There had been a great need to modernize, especially with new directives to equip their elite units with the most advanced weapons their money could buy. Big orders were put in for a variety of Union hover vehicles from the Rapier to the Oxen for the Shock Divisions, whose expeditionary nature could definitely use the rapid mobility, while smaller and much more conservative orders were put in for the Sky Piercer and upgraded Seraph MBTs for testing purposes. UMAC 60.cal rifles had been very much well-liked by the Mobile Expeditionary Projection Force (MEPF) prior to TRIDEX, and Space Command Admirals were gathering in the UMAC exhibition to order more of those mighty 60.cal rifles and perhaps look at their drones to further augment naval boarding operations.
The Regular Army generals and their entourages were also actively exploring the exhibitions of other nations. They were impressed with the modularity of CES vehicles and noted them down as a potential supplier, put in orders for Carnaith’s exoskeletons and a variety of small arms for their special forces units to test out in counterterrorist trials, gawked at the massive explosions of the Hastraxian artillery barrages on Pacifia and awakened some sort of child-like primal feelings after visiting the Zetyan booths.
However, military generals were not the only ones in TRIDEX. Unbeknownst to the military, INSECOM was also there, disguised in plain-clothes passing themselves off as regular-joe customers. They were buying weapons from a variety of sources, even from Capitol. The objective: build up a diverse arsenal of foreign arms to equip black ops missions all over the galaxy in areas of interest and increase plausible deniability. Those with links to the Pzyon Corps also found themselves intrigued at the catalogue of Jade melee weapons and decided to put in some orders for testing.
“Well…best is a relative term…” The stocky representative from Imaginarium replied to the Chrysanthemum. “What are you looking for in an LMG? You see, the we’ve 3 models in particular that I am fond of.”
The stocky man brings down 3 weapons from the shelving rack behind them, laying them out on the table in front of them. Each are painted a default grey that all Imaginese weaponry is before undergoing it’s ‘coating for combat’.
“This is the Danilovich Machine Gun. It is a high functioning, easy to assemble weapon. Fires 650 rounds per minute and is effective up to 1000m. It rarely jams, and can withstand most conditions without getting all blocked up.”
He replaces the gun with the next in line.
“This is it’s younger sister, the Khristina Danilovich, or KD-LMG. A little bit more of a harder mistress to handle this one. The rate of fire is significantly improved with 800 rounds per minute. This means that handling wise, it takes a bit more strength to hold. It also can negate the accuracy, but if you have someone who can handle it, well…anything that gets caught up in front of her is…not a problem anymore.”
He picks up the final weapon
“Finally you have this. The Kusya 24 Light Machine Gun. A bit higher tech, this one has an auto deploy stand, you just have to press this little button on the side, and it brings out the stand see…higher range, you can scope out a target some 2000m away, but that does mean rate of fire is a lot lower…but hey, if you have a decent target person, then you don’t need to worry too much…”
Lancaster paused to consider the weapons before them. They knew, of course, that Jenna's preference was for moar boolet. But something nagged at them...
"Got a range to practice on?" They asked.
There was art in warfare.
At least, that was what Atal'vir was looking to sell the galaxy, with the combined assistance of current business partners. The three pronged approach had been a blessing masked as a threat; who might overshadow the other, who would steal the eyes of would-be consumers? As fate would have it, they had performed excellently together.
RIOT Corp's new line of Wolfpack fighters rotated silently on prismatic platforms meant to highlight the sharp edges and sleek wings of the craft, while simultaneously complimenting the sheer power of the nearby Archon tanks curtesy of V-ENT. Warstriders stood like praetorian guard, displaying all manner of weapon loadouts and patterns fresh off the assembly line; awe-inspiring forms of potential killing power.
Intermingled within the space, V-ENT representatives had been outfitted with eye-catching garments, curtesy of Crux's latest fashion trends. Dryskys had been careful not to overreach, but to add a bit of Echo-flair to what could have been a low point in the presentation. Hexagonal-patterned cloaks and onyx coloured, form-fitting garments gave the entire piece a dash of exotic taste to set it apart from its competition.
With Tridex finally open and under way, Atal'vir's excitement only continued to climb higher. Truly, this was what she was born for.
As a Large Novakian Freighter came into dock with the station where Tridex itself would be held many Large Corporations from the Novakian Federation, specifically one specialized in producing military vehicles unloaded their various assets to be transported to a large plaza they had previously booked.
Of all the Arms Corporations in the Novakian Federation that could made it onto Tridex only a few were successfully able to show up as the alot of the slots had already been bought up by other corporations, leaving them with very little options but to not show up entirely. Those Arms Corporations were perhaps some of largest and most well known in the Federation with them being able to produce the most capable hardware for the military.
-
The Korsiat Aerospace Corporation or the 'KAC' as it is known to many was one of the first Novakian Arms corporations to arrive at the event to show of its best hardware available. It Presented its SAVF line of medium to heavy Fighter-Bombers with some of its more older models being put on the spotlight once again, most of which had garnered the reputation of being effective and deadly hit and run fighters despite its size and weight with most of them being nearly double the length of what is considered normal for a fighter but a little small for a bomber.
All of it can be seen being displayed on top of platforms with its various weapons it can equipped being displayed in front of it for all would be customers to see. while the selection of weapons was fairly standard for the most part one could see that these fighters are capable of firing some large projectile or laser beam if a module was attached to the space between the 2 engine nacelles that are featured among KAC aircraft.
On the other hand it also presented its KAE line of smaller and cheaper light to medium Interceptors and Ground attack aircraft which are mostly targeted to smaller nations who can't afford the larger main line models but would still want a decent and effective aircraft of which they can rely upon.
While not as sleek looking as like any other aircraft present they were more known for their brute force as seen by their immense engines and payload capacity which they are capable of.
-
Goldstar Industries would arrive next. presenting its Equinox line of aircraft, Unlike its KAC counterparts, Goldstar manufactured aircraft are known for its deadly hit and run ground attack aircraft with some attributing it to bombers and or gunships due to the overall lack of manoeuvrability but greater acceleration and armour they have. As they stood on larger platforms one can see the unusual layout of the Equinox Aircraft and the many assortments of equipment that they can carry.
Instead of Railguns and Laser modules of its competitor one could see that the unique shape of Goldstar's Equinox aircraft allows it to carry small support UAVs on its wings and a special secondary hull behind the main craft and allowing it to have some kind of offensive and defensive weapons against enemy fighters.
The Third company to show up was the Antares Ironworks Corporation. In the Novakian Federation the AIC is the sole producer of many land based units for the Novakian Federation. As their various vehicles were being towed towards its display area one can notice that some of their vehicles would have a utilitarian style to their design to them while some will have a more sleeker profile which may suggest that their military vehicles was well armored for their size while also being somewhat fast on land
-
As Tridex had officially begun various representative each from their respective companies came out to scout for any other competitors besides themselves or are on the lookout for any potential customers looking effective air and ground vehicles.
Meanwhile the various companies were starting to setup the first of their demonstrations to demonstrate various Novakian hardware in various conditions to attract more customers if ever possible with the first of these demonstrations being a high altitude Dogfight between 4 SAVF-55 'Auroras' and 2 GS-ASGF-120 'Equinox II' taking place over an artificial mountain of sorts
Vaska simply watched and waited.
The call had gone out that the Unions major display was going ahead, that had been 3 hours ago. And people from all of the station had gathered to observe, the lights had been dimmed and observers stood In the main thoroughfares outside the Unions display area because there simply wasn’t enough room. Holographic displays sprung to life, giving everyone a clear view of what came next, even those in other areas.
“Ladies, Gentlemen and Assorted guests. Welcome to the display of future combat. Brought to you by Takeema Industries and the Union of Worlds we present two displays for you tonight. The first, is to finally show you the vessels that spearheaded the victory of two galactic wars, and to tell you that they are indeed now available for sale!”
The various holographic models of the Unions Peacekeeper fleet flashed to life, showing combat footage from 2AW, detailed breakdowns of different classes, their capabilities, their upgrades and their distinctive achievements within the galaxy.
“As you can see, the Peacekeeper fleet is adept at the very goal it was designed, able to defeat any foe and a bane to the APP which it helped defeat. No offence Mr. Triarch” The crowd gave a brief laugh “Prices will be available for all and custom retrofit orders will be taken, either to be performed by us or a third party. The Peacekeeper fleet ensures that the galaxy will remain safe today, as it always has in the past. But then, what about tomorrow?”
The holographic display rapidly changes, showing an outside display of the station.
Slowly, and gracefully, the large shapes of three vessels slid past. All were distinctively Union blue but were radically different in design. They were sleek, very advanced, and clearly a new step in whatever the Unions plans were.
“I give you people of the galaxy, the Horizon fleet. The next step in galactic peacekeeping and the face of the force which will be helping you keep your nation safe in the coming years. While they are not for sale, you can expect this to be the face of the Union Navy in times to come, and if the Jobediea report is accurate, fighting for all our futures against the extremism now taking hold within the galaxy.”
There was a pause for effect.
“Now, lets show you some of their capabilities in action…”
As he and his companion approached the central spire, Wulfric the Key grumbled uneasily. The Diet of Chinon had painted their allegiance on their faces, quite literally, looking like Jade Imperials who had gone for a swim in raspberry flavoured slushie.
Trying to slink around in masks or hoods would only draw more attention to them, however, so they simply banked on being chalked up as one of the universe's strange coincidences, taking care to avoid the booths of Jade vendors. To that end, they had come here, to the impressive central spire that housed the Carnathian firms, one after the other. They were in the market for a few things, but what they were really after were two primary pieces of equipment. Firstly, anti-armour weaponry to allow foot mobiles to threaten enemy air and ground vehicles, and fast moving ground vehicles to allow for patrols and rapid movement of said foot mobiles.
Wulfric's companion, Serge Aubin, nudged him and pointed to an Imperial Armouries display. Suspended on some mocked-up terrain hovered a sleek, angular craft that looked like an arrowhead with a rocket attached to it. They crossed over to the hoverbike and studied it appreciatively, or Serge did whilst Wulfric glowered at everyone in sight, his face like a sea cliff in a thunderstorm.
"Good day to you," A grinning Imperial Armories salesman in a suit announced to Serge Aubin. He took care not to gesture; standard practice to prevent offense in places as crowded as this. Spreading far behind him was a veritable parking lot of military vehicles ranging from innocuous-looking ATVs for national guards, or glorified tractors for engineering work, to true behemoths of armor and towering guns. Around him, though, was a comparatively small sub-display for a Jetbike, one that had served for decades in the Imperial military, most notably during campaigns during the second great war and the Aedelshaven incident.
The salesman, despite his job title, didn't immediately move to advertise to the yet-to-speak pair - for all intents and purposes, the display spoke for itself on several levels, with such measures as digital flex-panes showing slideshows and interactive displays alike as well as a physical, dismantlable model available for handling.
Serge offered the faintest of nods, squinting at the jetbike. It was sleek and angular, and immediately spoke to him.
"Good morning," he said, glancing at the rep before crossing his hands behind his back and stepping over to the specification flex-panes and taking in some of the info on the bike. It seemed impressive, fast, high flight ceiling. Fragile, but that was jetbikes all over. He heard a clatter and saw Wulfric easing his meaty frame into the display model. Despite Wulfric's muscular build and gangly legs, he fit in quite comfortably, shifting to get comfortable as he gripped the handlebars and looked over the controls.
Serge turned to the salesman. "Quite the piece of equipment," he said in his langorous High Suedian accent. "I'm in the market for patrol vehicles for a new colony. The territory is human-habitable, a fairly humid and chilly atmosphere, lots of fog and mist. How do these handle in that kind of weather? Especially their onboard navs, can they cope with inclement weather, mist, that kind of thing?"
The face of the salesman - seeimingly fairly new, as such large companies went - lit up with excitement as he gracefully whipped out a remote control for the viewing screens. Those that weren't actively being used changed their display and oriented to Serge, showing campaign use data.
"If you need to ask that, you don't know what Aedelshaven was like," he said, bringing up not data from the bike, but meteorological data from the world itself. "Winds and sands and dust prevented any level flight at all altitudes from seventy meters to eight kilometers, and occurred in such density that it limited ground engagements to comparative point-blank. With these factors, traditional air support was out of the question and high-altitude assets were unable to safely target hostiles... the solution? To repurpose the LF-202 for light close air support, where it performed admirably and effectively by virtue of its terrain radar, well overpowered for its weight class," he said, pointing to the radome on the nose, "and the lack of any anti-air defenses set up by the defending rebel legions."
The Carnaithian smiled to himself as he allowed a small break in the pitch, switching the displays now to add-on packages; many of which were represented in bolt-ons for the physical model.
"It works great for any conditions, and repair and maintenance is cheap in the event of hazardous atmospheres. In its default configuration, the pilot's the most exposed part, but we even have a swiveling cabin package, which can be further augmented with miniature climate control, should it be needed. Despite the comfort of the seating, it can prohibit the donning of particularly heavy cold-weather gear, which, in turn, prevents any significant high-altitude maneuvers."
Aubin nodded appreciatively as he listened to the vehicle's operational history and credentials. Whilst sand and dust storms weren't the same as mist and rain, they presented many of the same challenges, and it sounded like the bike handled those challenges incredibly well. He had a limited remit, both because of fiscal prudence and the Alliance's tight 'start-up' budget, but he was here to find equipment and equipment he had found.
"My organisation is looking, long-term, for a provider for its security forces. I am looking for an initial order of a dozen items for trial, with the potential for a secondary order of sixty more. Beyond that, if the vehicle proves suitable to our needs, we'd be interested in a rolling contract for units and parts."
"In that case, you'll find these vehicles quite affordable - off-the-shelf price is three point one-two-four-eight SIGEC at current rates, or fifty-five thousand cecore. We offer a five-unit trial package, with add-on packages and technical advisory included, for a discounted price of seventeen point one-four SIGEC - I'm authorized to throw in two airframes gratis, so that would be a price of about thirty-five for the trial order, factoring in all of the logistical concerns."
The salesman brought up his own PDA for a moment, going through a form it would seem. His ear twitched a bit and he raised a brow, looking up from the device.
"I assume you've got some pretty rigorous testing ahead for these things, given the count?"
Serge nodded. "We'll take your proving records and manufacturer's tests of course, but we'll be doing some basic in-house testing and some...rigorous field testing."
The price was steeper than he had expected, but the bikes served a dual role with their expanded flight ceiling and capability, which mean that the Alliance could potentially save elsewhere instead of buying different units with overlapping capacities. The trial selection would confirm that, and they needed these vehicles yesterday. He was tempted to haggle and see if they could round down to 34 instead of up to 35, but the two free airframes were already a discount of nearly 7 SIGEC, and so the deal sounded good to him.
Wulfric frowned, however. 35 SIGEC was a lot of money when every penny counted. "If we pick up larger offers can we expect further bulk discounts?" he grunted, his gruff singsong accent markedly different from the lazy and flowing tones of Serge.
"Yessir, that you can. There's also the factor of a la carte additional modules instead of getting the whole shebang for the trial package, so the price will naturally go down once you're sure what you want."
The salesman spun the tablet in his hands, turning its face towards the two men. "All the order details for your review."
Aubin took a moment to read through the contract and then finally entered his digital countersignature. It was an outlay, but a necessary one, and not only did it provide much-needed equipment to the fledgling Alliance Guard as they tried to tame the planet of Sunpike, but it also helped to create an air of legitimacy; a real government, paying real money on the international market for legitimate goods.
One of the Bannerets starts gesturing everyone around, picking up one of the rifles. “Hello everyone, today we’ll give an outstanding demonstration for the best infantry weapon Her People has to offer. We’ve been perfecting this for the better part of the last few centuries, so we are quite proud of what we have here for you.”
Setting it on the table, “This is the standard issue Rifle. It is a railgun with a total length of 101.5 centimeters with a barrel length of 79. The astute among you can see that this is indeed, a bullpup, and a big one. Our engineers have looked at the design many times, and have concluded that since railguns punching power is based on its length, a bullpup design would be optimal while not making its length cumbersome. Easily reloadable with stripper clips and a notch opposite of the magazine to help guide the ammunition inside. All without the hassle of replacing the entire magazine.”
“The system is also entirely modular. For you military personnel that means you can have a single weapon system for the entire unit.” She picks up the weapon, pushes down on a button, twists the barrel 90 degrees and removes it before replacing it with a stubbed barrel. She does the same for the stock. “As you can see this rifle has been changed into a pistol in less than ten seconds, as well as solving the inherent problem with railguns allowing the operator to quickly and effortlessly change barrels when needed.
Pointing out to the crowd, “You civilians out there, we got you covered also. The modular system isn’t just being able to change the barrel quickly. Every single component of this machine can be replaced. The Barrel, the rails themselves, modify the torque, the feeding system, the attachments, and of course, any of the four rails can be replaced if they’re not compatible with your preferred attachments, and more. You can truly make this weapon your own.”
A multitude of sounds surrounded Qarvaton as his Android body wandered the Tridex halls.
Voices, pieces of conversations and negotiations, footsteps, the sound of all sorts of mechanical devices and vehicles, the humming of generators and shields, the howling and screeching of live fire tests for weapons and armor respectively.
It was fascinating, actually.
Qarvaton was here under the cover of his android body, on the riders of the Custodian Deralith, though the he had been given was rather interesting this time. He had been sent to Tridex to inspect the overall state of this galaxy's technology, what they used in warfare, offensive as defensive, to see what they could learn, where they would have to adapt and where they had their advantages, it was rather important. He did not expect to learn everything here, given most nations were unlikely to sell their prime technologies on the open market, however, it was good to get an overview and in some cases even evaluate threat levels in case they had to fight any of the offered technologies.
He stopped here and there, looked at bits and pieces, tilted his head, furrowed eyebrows asking questions, actual and hypothetical, and moved on.
There was a number of rather interesting technologies present in this galaxy, likely owed to it’s history of warfare and the large variety of factions and their different backgrounds. He had seen many things here, biotechnology that reaching augmenting species bodies to ship to ship capable weapons, vehicles capable of delivering troops, help and destruction alike, any propulsion from primitive chemical rockets to antimatter and fusion drives, weapons capable of leveling systems and defense system that claimed to make the ship it was hosted on near invulnerable, technologies which reached from crude to almost artistic and so on and so forth.
Of course, many of the promises were just exaggerated, phrases thrown by the sellers to incentivise a purchase, yet many others also had a lot of potential their sellers were not even aware of.
He went past another producer and stopped his train of thought, focusing as he stopped at the Unions ongoing display of their new fleet. Considering their role in this galaxy, this one should prove rather interesting.
The numbers were rising.
And that was a good thing.
John kept scrolling on his PDA, always surveying the numbers and commission he and the company were getting from the vast number of sales going on across the entire TRIDEX hub and he was very pleased. This year had seen countless nations he had never heard of entirely new weapon systems which he had never dreamed of, and levels of sales which he had only loosely hoped for. Quite the TRIDEX and one that was sure to go down extremely well with the Cartel. He lowered the PDA for a moment to look up at the presentation that he had come to attend.
“-As you can see its handling is beyond next generation and able to endure incredible stresses. The Akinakes will be able to outmatch whatever you might find on the battlefields, here let us now show its power”
He watched as the presenter showed off the National Mandates newest fighter system. He was impressed. Its performance was absolutely top level and while it looked very much experimental the potential it had was all there. Capitol were giving it their all-in engineering now Encanda was in charge, that didn’t surprise him at all. He had met her a few times on visits to Inara, she always was a strange woman. The fighter danced in the massive display area, now showing off its laser armament and large internal missile bay. Explosions boomed as it destroyed mock drone targets, which seemed very similar to Firestorms to Johns amusement.
“Its weapons capabilities will have it able to engage whatever targets you may need from close range to over the horizon, land air or space. And its internal bays and integrated lasers allow it to keep its profile to avoid long range detection”
John was distracted for a moment as several individuals near him were contacted on their PDAs, several getting up and leaving as if in a rush. He frowned before his too alerted him.
Pulling it out in annoyance he read the ping. His eyes widened.
Without hesitation John got up and left the seat, as were many across the entire hall. Even the National Mandate representative had been told to cut the demonstration short, the Akinakes pilot being called to rapidly land the aircraft. Something major had happened.
The massacre of Zarathustra had occurred, and John was needed to ensure their assets were accounted for.
“Well there goes all our good luck I guess” He muttered to himself.
The Union display had been rather interesting indeed, whilst their technology wasn’t quite up to par to their own, they seemed to favour a more defensive style, combined with almost saturating the enemy with attacks and projectiles, though sacrificing their speed and maneuverability for it. A mode of operation that certainly had its own downsides but was well sustainable against many foes.
As the presentation neared its end, Qarvaton began going through all the data he had gathered.
The Custodian had been correct to send him here.
There had been a multitude of nations here and a lot of the major bodies from this galaxy, allowing him a look into their technology and tactics. Although not detailed enough for an in-depth analysis, looking at their common designs allowed him to extrapolate certain weaknesses and strengths of the individual nation which could prove helpful in the future.
Whether they were on the same or opposing sides.
Overall, the theme of a decent relative level of technological advancement which did not quite reach their sophistication seemed to be an ongoing theme, it was interesting, though nothing to grow too confident about. Many of these nations were well experienced in the arts of warfare and in their current state, there were a number of those who could deal a good blow to them if they just met them in an inopportune moment, they would have to watch out when they engaged in battle in this galaxy. Especially with things like stealth, electronic warfare and other more unconventional ways of combat.
Setting the military aspect aside, there had been many technologies that showed a lot of potential for future improvement, possibly even cooperative research to gain favours, one such candidate had been the Jade Empire of Ingen which seemed to use, similarly to them, forms of gravimetric and particle weapons, which they could either learn from or improve on, the Union tech was also a big contender, although most of their technology was different from their own, they had held themselves quite well in the galaxy and as such a study into some of the aspects of how they did it may be appropriate, he had even considered purchasing some samples, however given the current state of their finances he refrained from such.
Furthermore, there were potential contractors, for some or other reasons, the ‘Constructive Engineering Solutions’ which seemed to be an uprising competitor on the market and relied on modularity for quick and easy construction, was one of such, they could potentially assist them in some of the larger projects, ofcourse, under a guise but that was a given. Another potential contractors could be Triarch Inc and Carnaith, though for different reasons, these were potential contractors to purchase equipment for third parties which they may hire sooner or later. Then there was Rangsi, whilst they were less interested in their tech, what was interesting about them were their psionics, the Custodian had been looking into potential research partners regarding the Panopticon and…
Qarvatons train of thought was promptly interrupted by a ping from his subsystems, a report came up regarding a massive battle in the Aedleshaven corridor with countless victims amongst the ancerium miners waiting for ‘Zarathustra’, involving a living planetoid and an almost immediate spike in the ancerium prices. Along with it came new orders, to return to the network, things had to be discussed between the leading AI and for that many of the separated assets of lesser importance were being called back.
He looked at the holo communicator he had gotten for the purposes of Tridex.
It seemed the event had been cut short anyways.
Atal’vir initially ignored the notification as it appeared, ushering it away with a subtle flick of her hands as to not disturb the conversation. She had been explaining the capabilities of an Archon tank to a group of particularly excitable insectoids in suits before they suddenly turned from the presentation, attentions caught by their own communicators.
The V-ENT representative drew back from her pitch as she watched her sales scurry past the decorated booths and display platforms before she finally opened the message.
To her surprise, the symbol of House Wrath met her eyes first; a foreboding omen. The forwarded message was likely of utmost importance, and she chastised herself for not inspecting it sooner.
Her eyes widened.
Another notification, this time from the Venatoran. She was being withdrawn, and they needed to be out of there before the news hit the public. Catastrophe
Atal’vir barked into the macrys; her gentle, friendly demeanor fell away as orders to evacuate were given. Sales were to be finalized, personnel were to return to the shuttles. V-ENT was likely to see a rise in sales of weaponry regardless of the Tridex's influence, and for once, Atal'vir was not looking forward to it.
It did not take long for the news to spread, and the effects to be felt.
Cancellations last minute for weapons showcases, lectures and events began, only a couple at first, then more and more as the minutes turned into hours. Already some nations delegations were pulling out and leaving, while others were packing up their wares and what they bought with them to return home.
The news of Zarathustra was crippling for all nations involved, and with the prices of Ancerium now skyrocketing into uncharted territory the prospect of spending so much to get home made nations speed for an exit rather than stay and loose more money on the journey. TRIDEX was slowly emptying as stalls were closed and packed down, while ships left the docks and moved to FTL back to their main territories.
Even as John Triarch looked down onto the docking areas and the large lines of individuals waiting to leave, he did not feel entirely sad. Yes of course it was a shame that the massacre had cut TRIDEX short, and he himself had announced the events wrap up at the end of today, but so much money had already been made and major contracts solidified. Triarch Inc. was once more on the uptick, and while many investors had told him TRIDEX would be a failure this year it had turned out to be quite the opposite, despite this rapid shortening of the venue time.
“Mr. Triarch shall we begin preparations to move our own assets out too?” One of the event organisers asked behind him. He nodded.
“Yes, let these others leave first then begin packing down. Leave the station, it will cost us too much to move back, gift it to the Hochlands maybe they can turn this place into a bustling deep space city.”
“I understand and will make the calls” He turned to leave, letting John oversee things once again in silence.
“I guess this means war is guaranteed then. The last one changed everything considerably, this one will be far more reaching”
TRIDEX had been in the planning for over a year.
It wasn’t a small event, and that brought with it numerous benefits and challenges to Triarch Inc. as they had prepared to host the galaxies biggest arms expo. Many nations had asked John himself whether they could have the honour of hosting it, after all it would bring in all sorts of attraction and finance. It had been extremely surprising however when the Hochlands of all places extended their hand and offer of hosting, given their location it was a risk. But John had run with it anyway.
Far below the galactic disk in the Austral region Triarch Inc. had been given meetings and more, eventually the Hochlands had given the company an entire solar system as their venue. It wasn’t much, three gas giants and their attendant moons along with a large outer asteroid belt. Some of the board had argued that they needed to go back and renegotiate with the Hochlands or even cancel their hosting altogether, but the engineers had piped up. The company was pioneers of mega engineering, why not do what they were born to do?
And so, for nearly a year Triarch Inc. had ferried engineers into the Austral expanse, creating using the materials available a huge starbase to act as the venue. Containing all kinds of modular demonstration areas, open plazas for displays and administrative areas to cope with the inflow and stay of those who would attend. It had taken a while to build and was not cheap but, in the end, they had got there, just in time to see the predictions and calculations absolutely plummet. With the sudden market crash all predictions and expectations had dried up overnight, why would the nations of the galaxy travel an extreme distance using up precious Ancerium fuel and lots of funding in the middle of an economic crash to try show off weapons?
For several weeks talk of cancelling TRIDEX had circled in the company’s upper echelons and even rumoured to have been pressured by Yamanakako. But when the go ahead was given and the announcement made, the predictions were practically the opposite. Nations from all over the galaxy signed up to display their wares, perform demonstrations and all were willing to pay for their spots and entry. For a while John was unsure if they had room for everyone. But now, as he looked out across the huge spanning starbase, the sheer number of ships arriving had proved to him it was all worth it. His company had suffered from the last war, and if there was going to be a war from this report well, he would make sure to profit this time.
Then again, the galaxy definitely seemed to be circling. The amount of those coming was insane, higher by far than any other TRIDEX event. Even the Union was coming, the Union of all nations was here to show off and sell its wares. What was reality coming to.
“Sir your first meeting, its nearly time.” The voice of an aide caused John to turn from the large viewing platforms window and back towards the entrance. He nodded with a smile.
“Thank you I will be right there”
--
The starbase was huge, nearly 140km across it was built in such a way as to maximise space and internal area. Demonstration spaces were set up emulating the conditions on a hundred worlds and large enough to show off Realtime battles using live units. Entire promenades and plazas had been set up as well, each one filled with slots which had been brought out, from tiny unaligned nations with but a few square meters to the larger companies like those of the Cartel which had entire plazas to themselves to show off their wares. Even the outside had been set up, an empty system was perfect with massive sections of it dedicated to demonstration zones, helping to show off new ship designs and fight actual Realtime battles.
Already a long line of ships stretched from the erected Wormhole gate near the starbase to the facility’s expansive dockyards. The unloading zones were a hive of activity as nations tried to co-ordinate with staff to unload tanks, weapons, holographic emitters, and the equipment they needed to show it all off in top condition. Already the plazas and stalls were being set up by the hundred.
It would be a couple of days before TRIDEX truly opened officially, giving plenty of time for all of the attendees to set up their various areas and schedule their demonstrations across the myriad of arenas. Once it was all done John Triarch would officiate opening, and then the real selling could begin.
Event Hall 12-B
“PLEASE! Please be careful with those Elyor.” Shouted Azarova Vladimirovna over the hurry of the Imaginese crowd, who were in what seemed like the very slow process of setting up shop at TRIDEX.
Azarova had hated the journey across the galaxy. An administrator and bureaucrat at heart, she was not one for space travel, and the cramped conditions aboard the “Belykit Carrier” had not done much to change her mindset. This, however, was an important job, one that made even Azarova, leap for joy at the prospect and forget her hatred of space.
‘The very first showing of Imaginarium in the Ancerious Galaxy’, she thought, as she watched her crewmates drift to and fro. ‘What an honour it is to be picked to head up this operation’.
She was right, this was seen as a big deal to the powers at be, and the pressure was most certainly on not only Azarova, who headed up the whole affair, but the entire delegation who had been invited to TRIDEX. Their jobs were simply on the face of it; ‘buy impressive new things, sell our things’, a remit which lacked for description, but something Azarova knew covered an in-depth list of requirements.
Selling Imaginese items would be no easy task, as their new arrival in the galaxy meant that few knew their capabilities or technologies, nor did they have a reputation to rest upon. Azarova hoped this would perhaps come as an advantage, as the many “test zones” of the arms fair would prove an opportunity to showcase their kit under circumstances that would suit. They’d brought ‘a whole army of kit’ as well, as Azarova had described it. Tanks, trucks, battle armour, even the tiny portable music players which had proved great for keeping troops on the ground up to date with information and keeping up morale.
The pièce de resistance, Azarova felt, was the display she stood in front of now however; a large 30 foot display screen, showing digital renditions of the Tatiana Interplanetary Economic and Research Zone (TIERZ), it’s purpose today was to show its boundless possibilities as a site for new armament factories!
Buying however was going to be crucial. Imaginarium lacked behind its neighbours technologically, and this fair was a chance not only to buy their way to more advanced technology, but to also study what others had to show. This, Azarova felt, was going to be the hardest part, but one she was looking forward to. She could not wait for the event to start…
“ELYOR! I TOLD YOU, BE CAREFUL WITH THAT!” she shouted.
The Consulate of Astril presence at Tridex was small, but a lot of effort went into their small section of the convention. They had a certain lack of confidence in their weapons and systems. After all they seemed to be much more outdated then expected, something made clearly obvious by the freighter they took to get here. A crude box with nuclear propulsion. They made a little backstage area at their stand area for preparing their exhibits and the first to be worked one was their new Hazard Trooper.
Private Jones was busy with the last checks of his new suit. A collection of muscle and respiratory systems covered by a rubber skin and gas mask with large shaded bug like eyes. He no longer felt his own skin or heartbeat, it was like he just fattened up a good few kilos but he also felt stronger. The stand organiser made sure the stitching of the suit was firm, for Jones there was not going to be way out until they brought out the electric saw. With a firm pat on the back and an all clear Jones stepped out and began to help with setting up the stand. Their stand was like a pocket sized wasteland to show of the hazard trooper in its natural environment. One ruined by nuclear hellfire and biological weapons. In his hands he held an m14 styled rifle.
The second demonstration they had was of their biotechnology integration. For this they brought out their 6 wheeled APC to the stand and replaced some of the armour panels with glass to show the otherwise hidden guts which controlled it. It’s pilot was already inside the merging pod and connected to the vehicle. The vehicle stood alongside the hazard trooper, implying its ability to serve in such areas. A secondary goal for their exhibition was to show the Consulate’s willingness and ability to fight even the most desperate battle. They hoped to get the point across by implication that the Hazard Troopers will use such means to protect their nation.
Among the small crew who were setting up the stand there was one of very high authority. The one in charge of acquiring new hardware for their expanding military. They could hardly do for long with the wooden battle rifles from the stockpile. She was called Mark Savant. A woman of short stature but not lacking in visible strength. She wore a pure white greatcoat which was very well fitted. It was an unfamiliar uniform for the other consulate representatives but she had the official credentials.
Event Hall 12-B
Several Jade firms had made the trip to the TRIDEX convention, their ships waiting patiently in the impressively long queue as people from across the galaxy came to hawk their wares or find new ways of murdering their enemies. Wernham-Hogg, Arisaka Foundries and Galant Industries were all present, with booths showcasing their personal weapons. Wernham-Hogg were there purely to show off the latest Shiroyama hoverbike, whilst Arisaka's booth looked like an artificial pagoda in miniature, with racks of crystalline-bladed spears and swords that looked like weapons out of legend, along with a display explaining the function of the strange quartz-cylinder ammunition they used, whilst Galant Industries had a wholly unimaginative display of carbines, hunting rifles and other firearms, their booth festooned with targets reticles, camo nets and all the other paraphernalia used by gun vendors (and the occasional body wash company for some reason) to hawk their wares.
The true crowd-pleaser, however, was IdaiTech. Its booth was large, but set-up was rapid thanks to the help of several RAI Frames of differing design. A hulking Karogan, looking like a suit of yoroi armour come to life. A man almost indistinguishable from a human other than the solid blue of his pupils. A large animal that resembled a dog, but that watched the passersby with an alert and disconcerting eye. Finally, and most noticeably, a woman who appeared to be composed of a glowing, shimmering orange light, pulsating gently as energy flowed throughout her body. There appeared to be no biologicals manning the stall, but the group had a considerable collection of equipment. Smart drones, Sudana combat platforms, ornate and otherworldly graviton lances, tedate battle shields, the stall had everything.
Daidai turned to look over their handiwork, then gave a friendly wave to the Imaginariumese stand nearby. The first Akugara sales rep in history...she had a lot to prove at this event...
The Cricaen East Charon company had heard of this trade event happening and decided to participate in hopes of getting some export contracts and working out deals with other nations. They had confidence in their products and their people to showcase these products. They arrived and began setting up an area with products on display. There were a few people keeping everything in working order whilst there were main representatives from the companies ready to inform people about their products.
They had brought many items from small arms, to armours from light going all the way up to their AIAS models of power armour as well as all the accessories that one would expect for weapons and armour. A big sponsor of the East Charon Company stand was the Vickers Enfield and Armstrong so a lot of the products belonged to them, small arms on offer ranged from service pistols in variants of energy and solid projectile, the same for the Enfield rifles including some that were more traditional as they worked off of a bolt action mechanism. Next to the stall was a demo position of an HMG set up in a mock entrenched position looking down a short range of targets and then again beside that being showcased was a VE&A Scythe light tank export variant.
Also on offer was some more domestic stuff from Cricaen Azerty units and a display of vehicles from grav bikes, cars and even mechanical horses. All of this could be purchased in bulk or one offs so had another display for customisation beside the first one.
TRIDEX was open at least, and the rather busy markets of the CES, aided by their ever-watching algorythms and lizard eyes fixated on profits, they did not miss their opportunity to come make a presence at the iconic weapons display, and they were coming in force. As one of the newest Megacorporations around the block, their influence was already making ways in the Killian Verge. Hopefully soon, it'd be making waves all across the galaxy as well.
They set up their stand showing their wares just as all others had. Aided by the IPD, any incomer could look at the complete catalogue of CES products, from warfare to construction to biomedicine, and if one so wished, even furniture was available for inspection. Within their presence here in Event Hall 12-B they had also set up a testing rig, where simulations of their weaponry could run with the predetermined settings of all of the different modules that could be adapted in the weaponry developed by the newest Equipment Renewal Order, in this case, ERO-1.
However, their biggest display on their stand was a unique one of its kind. Upon a large stand sat three two hexagons made out of glass, and inside them were chassis of the M and H chassis. Interfaces faceted them, and everyone could come up to it and interact with it. With the interfaces, they could choose different modifications for the vehicles, and all of the modules were swapped in front of them.
Interacting with the display, machinery ran atop the displays and picked the modules from a storage underneath it. It danced around the display, exchanging the modules in mere minutes. Easily, whole turrets or drive trains were replaced on the M and H chassis, displaying their enormous versatility. All of the status of the modules were displayed in the interface as well, including their staggeringly low time to produce, with a plethora of data to explore the industrial processes of the CES.
Ever since the end of the second galactic war, the Annoliddan Inquisition had fallen to the wayside of the galactic forefront. Their collective ambition as galactic peacekeepers had been doused in dismay, the sheer scope and scale of such an effort being well outside of the burgeoning nation's capability. This compounded with the growing schism of where to direct their efforts and could not have been timed better with the galactic market falling, hampering what little actual trade their isolated colonies could do. More than anything, they needed a source of income, and with what ancerium harvesters they had now being a liability, options were slim.
Ri'pao, a spring in her step and public relations smile on her face, could care less about the politics of this event. She navigated a hover trolley through the crowded plaza, carrying an ion displacer gun to be shown off by the burliest armored soldier on her demonstration team. Remotely her mind tapped into her teams' communications, helping to direct efforts of getting their small selection of booths up and running before the event officially started. They had limited space to work with, but Ri'pao made sure the location was a good distance away from the loading docks. This brought many objections from the team, but the few wise ones saw the ploy. After all, each time they had to unload another ship, pass through screening, make their way across the plaza, then leave to replenish drinks and supplies three jumps away, was another opportunity to hint at her secret weapon pointed at the expo.
Sure, she was going to show off their boutique of small arms, and they even made room to showcase their latest fixed point defense models. Fro'danahn, one of the wise ones mentioned earlier, even convinced her to prep some miniatures of their larger mobile artillery pieces. "Something for the younger folk to ogle at," he said. But even the old man knew what really played into any war effort, what the warlords and generals among the crowd would be after, and that was why their main display would feature two trade secrets the Annoliddans had kept under lock and key since their arrival in the Ancerious Galaxy.
While not nearly as flashy as a gun nor awe-inspiring as a suit of power armor, her Coup de grâce was a miniaturized Valerium Core. An old holdover from before the Annoliddans retrofitted their drives to work with ancerium native to the galaxy. If that didn’t spark interest, then Ri’pao was betting on the telepathic comm adapters to at least turn a few heads, or at least tell them to.
She unloaded the heavy displacer and turned right back around. The next shipment was due any moment, and she could coordinate the team from anywhere. Her smile never faded.
Atal'vir watched carefully as the strider passed her by, hauling yet another case of weapons off of the Echotian freighter and onwards to the grand space that was to be V-ENT's designated staging area for the remainder of the function. Truly, Atal'vir thought to herself, they had their work cut out for them. As Van'xal'Ra's msot trusted, she had been allowed this opportunity, for who else had the skills to organize V-ENT's forces in such numbers? Atal'vir smiled to herself beneath her adorned helm, giving a curious side-eye to the two Echo's who would be her partners in this endeavor.
On her left, Sunex, of the RIOT Corp, whom she had learned had turned down a position amongst House Tempest to climb the corporate ladder. His glittering gold and chrome attire reflected RIOT Corp's luxury and style. Atal'vir had seen the lines of commercial sports vessels on their commute to Tridex, astounded even still at the delicate nature built from such ferocious attack craft.
On her right, rivalling even Sunex for their dazzling attire, stood Dryskys Raskil, Crux's foremost director. Embellished in Crux's latest, Dryskys' wore a hypnotic cloak of rippling design, which reacted as he shifted his stance to avoid a returning strider. As a senior member of Crux Alienwear, Dryskys could see no end to the potential presented at Tridex. As the Empires lead in galactic fashion, the sheer volume of potential customers sent shivers down his spine.
Together, they would ensure to carve their name into the galactic space. Onwards, towards distinction.
Three of the biggest Zetyan corporations-Dem'yot Laboratories, Kaida'kol Arms Development, and On'gary Heavy Manufacturing-saw fit to enter into TRIDEX participations, mostly out of need for market expansion and wider galactic representation. Their presence wasn't all that large-at least in comparison to some of the other, bigger names floating around the cavernous halls-but at the very least, they seemed to put their best foot forward for their own exhibitions.
Dem'yot, being the premier of Zetyan technological development, naturally had some of the flashiest demonstrations being set up. A selection of energy weaponry, such as newly furnished Laspoint weaponry and some plasma-based projectile launchers, a few expensive soldier harnesses, and finally an interactive demonstration showing some stuff they weren't quite sure they could sneak into the convention-chief among them being the portable runt launchers-were what they saw fit to put into their side of the aisle. A few more shipments were due in a day or so, but as far as anyone was aware it was just various supportive doodads and miscellaneous tech.
Kaida'kol was, unsurprisingly, all weapons. Half of their booth was interactive demonstrations of their larger-scale weaponry from AA guns to missile batteries, along with various disarmed models for show and demonstration, while the other half was a near-complete hands-on gun show of the designated export models of Clanholds weaponry, from pistols to rifles to launchers, each with their own showcase posters tacked nearby and able to be held, handled, and judged through a hands-on experience-sans any actual firing tests, of course. Extra security was placed on this specific part, though less for safety and more so that they didn't get a boot up their asses by the man himself.
Lastly was On'gary, and theirs was suitably the largest of the three booths. Two demonstration tanks-an export-variant Vgh'har MBT, and a showcase of one of their latest tanks, a Vogh'har-were being set up, in addition to several suits of powered armor, and to cap it off a large interactive display was being set up as well, detailing various newer-generation spaceships and showing some export models for other spaceships they already had. Planners from the other two corporations accused them of compensating for something. Perhaps they were right.
Despite already having a plethora of stuff on offer, a majority of the planners were not expecting easy sales, at least not fully; they couldn't rely on a technological edge, their reputation in the Corridor wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows, and already they had heard rumors some of the people they'd squabbled with were setting up their own booths elsewhere in the convention. Still, there'd always be those who needed the cheaper option, and even if they weren't very popular, in the end they'd still have plenty of outreach. After all, it was half the reason they'd come to TRIDEX in the first place.
Seeing the opportunity to show off and test technologies and weapons, both old and new, the Kel'thulian Innovation Department has decided to show up to TRIDEX, bringing along some things to show off at their exhibit
Along with them they bring many energy blades and ""smaller"" sidearms, though these sidearms rivalled the size of humanoid rifles, seeing as kel'thulian were much larger on average. Unveiled at TRIDEX will be a couple new designs of weapons, as well as a new vehicle, rumored by the freighter's crew to be some sort of scouting vehicle. Along with this is a single T/MAV (Transforming/Modular Assault Vehicle) to be shown off at TRIDEX. Large amounts of simulation equipment has been brought, allowing more interactive shows of kel'thulian innovation, and even bringing 3 Avatars to allow the galactic community to see the brilliance of Kel'thulian Telerobotics and simulations.
Setting up at their decently large booth, they have rows of different marked simulators, each one designated to different weapons or vehicles. The three Avatars and their Sim pods are set up. The weapons on sale-Tyi'ro blades and Yy'than APWs- are set up to where they can be easily purchased. The Weapons to be demonstrated are unveiled alongside the secret vehicle.
The Weapons consist of a large rifle with a wide, cone shaped barrel, a huge and heavy weapon that seems to be some sort of railgun, and another large and heavy weapon with 4 rotating, pointed barrels. All of these weapons are attached to large cords and battery packs and have yet to be shown off yet.
The vehicle has a rounded main body with two pointed tips that have plasma cannons attached to them, it is big enough to seat one kel'thulian or two average humans. The rider(s) sit in a shielded pod where the controls are. The Vehicle seems to hover off the ground with multiple gimbal thrusters giving it limited flight capabilities.
The Hastraxian contribution to TRIDEX was much of a smaller one, being only a small booth compared to some of the other grand displays being set up. The Hastraxians had not come here with quite the large amount of people to try and sell export equipment but rather to make more of a PR and exposure event about it for themselves, as well as to see what offerings were being made by the other nations gathered. There were indeed quite a few officers from various groups, as well as a few soldiers in uniform to demonstrate the limited selection of physical equipment on show...
... Which included a pair of vehicles - disarmed showpieces to gather attention, but still very much looking the part - as well as various weapons and pieces of infantry equipment, again all disarmed. Perhaps the main focus of the relatively small Hastraxian display was a row of computers and some VR equipment for engaging with the virtualisation the event was hosting. They hoped to show displays of different things in action with selections of virtual displays and cinematic battles showing activity from simulated squad level engagements that a participant could see from many angles, to some recorded combat footage of an artillery battery fighting in pacifica.
While they were setting up their stand many Hastraxians were already making walk-arounds and introductions of themselves, getting a gist of what was where and what looked like it would be an interesting visit once things kicked off proper.
Poppy music played softly in the prefabricated interior of the decidedly showy central spire. Lota Ardect, a high-level sales representative for Synchek Heavy Drive yards, rhythmically bounced one leg atop the other in tune with the tracks that randomly cycled in the executive office for the Carnaithian entourage that had made the odyssey here. Silent typing on holographic panels paired with haptic gloves; flexible display tablets being pored over by staff; the chiming alert of brewing machines finishing their prep cycles... all to fuel the preparatory efforts of corporate and military personnel.
"Don't you think this is kind of... boring?" piped up a voice from the other side of the room.
"Oh, shug, of course not - the tension's all but tactile!" the SHDY rep responded, a faux dixie accent heavy on her voice; she was definitely a fan of imitant terra.
"But it's telling people to move boxes. And then you tell other people to make sure the boxes were moved correctly, just to talk to a few generals, get creeps taking pictures of more than just the guns, and you have to pack all up and go back."
"Mila, please- you wouldn't've come if you weren't interested."
"I don't know. I think I prefer black marketing." Mila Neros was a 'traveling saleswoman' of sorts for Batrola Ballistics, an arms company on the smaller end of things that had just recently been part of an unaligned arms deal near the Carnaithian home territories. Far more used to seeing despots on flashy staff cars, mercenaries in power armor, or revolutionaries dressed as pubgoers than she was to avant-garde fashion and legitimate professionalism. The saleswoman of the much larger firm looked back and smirked in disdain.
"Look, shug. There will be plenty to do 'round here... as much of it as far away from the cameras as you like. Just look out the window," she stood, walking to one and tapping on the adjacent panel.
The holographic curtain that concealed the expansive interior of Triarch's great work behind imagery of being high above a temperate rainforest fizzled out of existence simultaneously with the transition of the electrochromatic glass behind it to transparency, rather than blocking out the ambient lighting that would soil the illusion.
Below and surrounding the spire was the sheer volume of effort coordinated by the Combined Business Advisory Panel; Royal and Council companies joined forces to erect an entire compound of armor arrays, gun walls, demonstration arenas, simulators, and even an enclosed firing range for low-power ballistics. Rotating stands showed off the exoskeleton projects of seven different conglomerates in the same space, unhappy middle managers bickering over the unfavorable placement of the set that bore their heraldry.
A whole parking lot of armored vehicles with holographic guides winking in-and-out of the air around them was accompanied by precise scale models, available to handle, that showcased internal ergonomics for the more tactile-minded races of the galaxy. In the less executive zones of the TRIDEX complex, squadrons of remotely-operated models prepared to sortie in full view of representatives from organizations such as the International Reconnaissance Office and Global Frontline Observer... not to mention peer state's military staff.
Heraldic banners of rival corporations WarDrive and Synchek Heavy Drive Yards hung side-by-side, stimulated by artificial wind, in the atrium to an entire holo-theater that housed an intricate and high-precision open-air display sphere that offered convincing views of their own quite literal flagship products alongside the contributions of numerous other firms. Warships, commercial craft, and private vessels all shrunk and grew to and from showcase display and smaller positions along the handrail. Though, of course, the warships were the focus.
"You'll have so much to do it's insane!" Lota piped up. Mila sighed - maybe this would be interesting.
--//--
Even without the throngs of journalists and guests, this station was choked in the crowds of staffers that polarized between a mad scramble to get their stands set up well enough to hold meager candles against the showcase participants of the exposition. Colonel Jacob Restrod strode with fellow officers of the Atmospheric Arms under light guard through the wide halls of the station, chuckling along with them all as stories were exchanged. Already they had taken notes of places to send analysts for more detailed follow-up; a collection of rusty-red gear that resembled chaotic rat-traps from what were on the participant map as Zetyans. Stuffy displays of high corporate culture from the Echotians. A very high-quality stand from a new player on the block that had a particularly wide-cast net in terms of diversification in the form of the CES. But they stopped to view an interestingly visceral display.
Astril's wasteland in a box, occupied by a soldier clad in false flesh, elicited all manner of reactions from the staff; ones that ranged from chuckles that dismissed the environment in the face of Carnaithian resilience to mumbles of contemplation, the intended message of the display not being lost on the Imperial staff. Restrod rubbed his regulation-trimmed jaw in interest - on the cusp of asking a question.
"Colonel, if I may remind you - I've been assigned to guide you on an itinerary, and the exposition phase has not yet opened. It would be courteous to allow them to complete set-up," the guard officer piped up, eyes set on the Colonel's face.
"I'm sorry. You are correct. Keep this one on my list, though."
"Of course sir."
The space occupied by the representative corporations and conglomerates of the VFS is a bit diminutive in comparison to the plaza-spanning interstellar companies of the nearby areas, but they've made the best of the situation; crammed into the VFS's allotted space are not a few, but practically every major company worth mentioning, ranging from the conglomerate of Kleiy Incorporated, to the weapon manufacturers of Dendrook Applicative Services, to the industrial giants of the Hejimole Production Authority. Several, more unfamiliar, companies can be seen here and there, smaller corporations looking to increase their prospects and get themselves up to the level of the higher-tiered corporations.
None of the Vahnnan executives present thought they'd actually turn up to Tridex, when the event was first announced. They make their money mostly off of Kolleronic mining, refining, and composites, not weaponry and vehicles- aside from some of the larger companies that actually have a focus on such areas. But it wasn't long until HPA's CEO set the company forth on a new venture, to build a line of combat vehicles. Not wanting to let HPA get too far ahead, one by one the others joined in.
======
"...imposing, isn't it?"
"Only to you, Kredd; have you even taken a look around yet? There's bigger fish here than us-"
Kredd Sonn, representative and executive of HPA, sighs as he turns to face his partner, another company executive there to assist him. The 'imposing' thing in question is the tank on display in the HPA's area, the Houndshark. Developed through the joint efforts of HPA and DAS, along with some funding from KI, the Houndshark is but one of several vehicles from the NH-1 line of export craft. All of the vehicles from the NH-1 line are a bit bigger than normal, by Vahnnan standards. Normally their vehicles are much smaller, seeing as the Vahnnans themselves rarely go over 3 feet in height. But in order to compete on the galactic market they need to appeal to as many customers as possible, which means making vehicles that can actually fit individuals taller than 3 feet.
Kredd frowns, hands clasped behind his back. "Let me dream, Cal, let me dream."
He then turns and starts to walk back down the row of displays towards the small booth set up nearby. The full lineup presented by HPA, that being the NH-1 lineup, includes the Houndshark MBT, a Light Tank, an IFV, an APC, and several miscellaneous vehicles for other roles and applications. Accompanying each display is a series of holographic information panels, model replicas with cutaways to view the interior design, and an android or two for answering questions and providing more information as needed.
The booth is shared by all of the Vahnnan representatives, and as Kredd approaches he's greeted with a polite smile from DAS's executive representative, and in contrast, a scowl from KI's executive representative. The other assorted officials from the various assorted companies merely ignore him for the moment, either lost in thought, busy organizing their own wares, or chattering amongst themselves. "-why the sour look, Geon? Didn't bring enough flashing lights?"
The comment only prompts a snort from Geon, and the KI representative proceeds to stride off to inspect his own preparations. Kredd sighs once more, stopping beside DAS's executive. "Everything's going smoothly on our end...not so much on his end, I would assume?" He asks.
Drin shakes her head, gesturing to Geon as he walks off. "Some of the shipments haven't arrived yet; he's mad he's missing out on all the fun."
DAS's own displays include a vehicle lineup of their own, though theirs is composed mostly of atmospheric and spacecraft; prototype fighters, interceptors, and dropships for ferrying troops and vehicles. As with HPA’s own lineup, the vehicles are a bit bigger than normal to accommodate the larger size of most galactic species; more holographic info panels and android assistants await near each display.
KI’s own display consists not of vehicles, but rather of firearms and other such weapons. Despite being a bit less eye-catching, the array of weapons shows a lot more variety than the vehicle lineups, with everything from sidearms to rifles to squad-support weapons and more. Coilguns make up a large portion of the weapons, being a classic, while others appear to be tachyonic, laser weaponry, plasma-based, or in some cases graviton weapons, among others. Up and down his small area Geon stalks, occasionally barking commands to the employees he’d brought with him.
In addition to the weapons, however, KI also appears to be displaying a series of small combat robots, ranging from fire-support to anti-boarding defense; in the case of the former they’re a bit more humanoid, and in the case of the latter they appear to be cylindrical robots capable of compacting themselves into a stowable form, to then be hidden in ship walls and the like.
Kredd grunts as he averts his gaze from Geon and his antics, turning his attention back to Drin and Cal, the latter of which having finally arrived back at the booth. “...alright, showtime.”
With a grin and a wink aimed at Drin, Kredd heads off again, Cal close behind. Drin rolls her eyes, waving over one of her own assistants as HPA’s executives walk away.
Event Hall 13-B
Of all the places Verdex thought he would be, he definitely did not expect to be here, among the first to truly make the Technocracy's mark on the galactic arms market. Naturally, an opportunity such as Tridex could not be wasted by the likes of Vorkov Defense Industries, and neither could it be wasted by its near-peer competitors, EIMCORP and Kindev Armories. Perhaps fortunately, this time they weren't competing directly against each other, as they shared the same relatively average-sized booth, intended to show off their conglomeration of wares.
To be sure, part of Verdex was nervous. So many different cultures, so many different weapons, so many different competitors... it made for an unfamiliar situation that made him worried even weeks before they arrived. For now, however, he had to make himself look professional, and with a deceptively calm and collected demeanor, observed and coordinated the setup of the area he worked to reserve.
A small team of menial drones, and a few coordinating personnel from both the companies and the military worked, trying to make the most efficient use out of the space they had and the wares they brought. Among them, a few crates of export-grade railguns from Kindev Armories, ranging anywhere from pistol-sized to anti-materiel, various tube launchers and their missiles, and two Arc weapons, notably an assault rifle and a pistol. An assortment of vehicles from Vorkov Defense Industries and EIMCORP were also rolled onto the stage, with examples of the export variants of the M-26 MBT and the M-28 heavy tank, alongside a tracked APC and another lighter-built wheeled-hover hybrid APC, an LAV, and various sets of hybrid trucks, all of which were conveniently armed with deadly mockups of guns. EIMCORP also took the stage with a demonstration example of general-purpose infantry-grade drones, a drone tank, and the export variants of various types of infantry and vehicle equipment, including a set of power armor and some cybernetics. All of this was supplanted by virtual reality headsets and demonstrations that showed off additional variants and modifications, as well as some simulated scenarios to show off their capabilities.
Verdex adjusted his suit and tie, and made his way to one Letra Lasanders, his assisting sales representative, who was currently talking to one of the soldiers helping with weapons demonstration. After a moment and a light cough from Verdex, Letra turned from the soldier with a smile, and the two began a small walk through their demonstration.
"Exciting, isn't it?" Letra said enthusiastically, "I haven't been to an event like this for some time."
Verdex lightly smiled, brushing his hand on the M-28 heavy tank as they walked by. "Quite. We'll gain some attention, not least from this behemoth."
"A beautiful machine."
"I wouldn't call it 'beautiful', but it's certainly got an intimidation factor."
Letra's smile got all the more wider, "That's what makes it beautiful! It's a beautiful machine of war, made to Huron quality! Imagine the kind of knowledge and expertise it would take to make something like that."
"If you say so." Verdex replied in a nonchelant fashion, turning his sight towards an assembling group of representatives and soldiers.
"If you don't mind taking control here for a few minutes, I and some of our entourage are going to do a walk-around before the customers arrive. We shouldn't be gone for long."
Letra paused, the smile refusing to fade from her face. "Rightio! I'll hold the fort." She turned back around towards their booth and ran off, presumably giving silent commands to the menial drones.
Verdex once again adjusted his suit, trying his best to not make his cybernetics too obvious, particularly his arms, and brought his hands behind his back as he approached the group, putting on a well-rehearsed and calculated smile.
"Well, are we ready?"
Numerous heads nodded, many of them smiling, while others maintained a neutral intrigue.
"Right, let's go then!" He pronounced, and started walking in a random direction, the group following in turn. "Let's see what our competitors have in store."
Dozens of Bannerettes rush as their officer barks, "Faster! The event is starting soon, and we don't want to make fools of ourselves for the aliens!" Glancing down on her pad, "Where are the Heavy Weapon Platforms? Actually, nevermind. Make use of the smaller models. We might be able to sell those too, and notify the carrier."
The crew sets up display tables and sets down miniatures of dozens of vehicles, spacecraft, and drones with small tabs denoting their specifications, and who made them. Set behind and adjacent to the tables were screens showing B-Roll footage of them in actual use, and for spacecraft their interiors which made their military ships look closer to luxury ships. The walls are lined with many variants of their standard issue Modular Railgun, all approved for export.
Begrudgingly, their more impressive displays showcased the standard issue Power Armour and its long list of capabilities, along with its large price tag. The Bannerlord approved of its export hoping that it would give them the liquidity they need to keep operating in Ancerious.
Sighing to herself she hoped this would be worth it, especially for the huge expense this has costed and the Imperial Navy doing nothing of recognition to the Galactic Community.
“Singing Hills, Report!”
Turning around she sees her Major, and with a quick salute, “We’re slightly behind schedule and we cannot keep waiting for the drones to arrive. May we get someone to have them patrol around the station for publicity? Have the aliens see one up close before we put up the demo later.”
“If the station allows it you have my approval. I’ll go try to get those Naval “officers” sorted out.”
For over a decade the Artificia had remained hidden behind their borders and the guns of their fleet, the Artificia themselves rarely seen and typically only contacting others through automated means. Recluses of the far south-east, even the Embassies within their space having a limited idea of what the Unanimity were up to.
So, it was in all likelihood a surprise when UMAC, the Artificia's military hardware manufacturer and trade front got in touch looking for a spot at TRIDEX.
Or, at least, Zehtoha assumed so as she scrolled down articles on her tablet, sighing and fixing her hat. Her companion, Yuhreto, sat opposite her, seeming much more casual, a smirk on his yellow face as he watched her.
"I swear, Zeh, sometimes I wonder if you'd have done better as an ICO."
"How do you mean?" she answered, not looking up from what she was doing.
"When was the last time you smiled?"
"I smile all the time." she shot back, sounding a tad insulted as her brow furrowed slightly.
"Oh aye? Show me." he grinned. Finally, the purple Artificia looked up, smiling.
It looked awkward and forced. She quickly dropped it again.
"Look, you're the face guy for a reason. Just so your thing, and I'll do mine."
"Sure thing. Y'know, we landed about ten seconds ago." he chuckled. Zehtoha bolted upright.
Sure enough, they had.
"R-Right!" she started, switching to something else on her tablet and tapping in command's furiously. Behind them the groups of robots shirred to life, the dim glow of mustard yellow eye-lights giving the interior of the craft an ominous gloom.
-
Setting up for the Artificia was easy. After all, most of their own showcases and materiel walked itself there in an orderly march, or in the case of the couple drone tanks, drove themselves into position, the rumble of their engines somewhat buried by the whirring of motors and thudding of robotic feet. And half of their equipment that couldn't walk itself into position, was carried there by those that could.
Racks of guns, warnings informing visitors that unassisted use of them was highly inadvisable for humans, weapons like AT launchers and fire support weaponry opposite, and VR equipment to display their firepower and what they could all do.
Robotic units from their waist-high ICDs bearing a variety of weapons and equipment to display their versatility, all the way to their heavy robotic infantry, looming over the crowd and peering over the tops of tanks, making UMAC's location all the more obvious. The robots, though they held position, continued to move, looking at visitors and making mock displays of their arsenals.
As if to rub in the highly roboticised nature of their product, and to further entice people to come to them, a handful of ICDs wandered off into the general vicinity, carrying no weapons but rather snacks and small glasses of assorted drinks.
"Well, I don't think we look half bad, huh?" Yuhreto grinned.
"...No, I suppose not." Zehtoha nodded.
"Let's see who we can rake in, huh?"
The set up was being a nightmare.
Vaska helped lift yet another crate filled with computer systems and placed it where it needed to go. The entire team was working as quick as they could, the heavy engine noises of a Seraph MBT being rolled into its show-off stand was almost off putting. The Jorgal stretched its broad shoulders and frills and sighed, staring around at the large Union showroom and others beyond who were still setting up like them. He could see the Capitol Mandate close by, sneering he turned to speak aloud.
“Never thought we would be setting up here of all places”
“Makes quite the change. But then given the times it makes sense, I guess. We just need to remind Triarch we kicked their ass in the last war” one of the other workers replied with a laugh. The Elsi grinned large at the comment.
“Guess your right. Anything that helps the economy and the people. I just hope this helps keep the peace” Vaska turned to get back to work, the large circular stadium set up allowing the Union to have guests walk into the middle and view all the displays they had, new AI systems, Neural net connections for battlefield uplinks, new stripped down power armour designs, upgraded Seraph MBTs, and Sky Piercer ABM missiles were all on display along with much more. But Vaska knew this was all a front for the new fleet. He just hoped it worked.
----
It was a bright day for prospects. Anastasia looked on the near completed set up and analysed it in detail. Just because they were away from Celefra did not mean they were exempt from the strict tenets of the Mandate. Anastasia firmly believed in Strixism and it was her job to represent the Mandate, along with SORKA, ARPEI and more at this convention.
She was surprised to see the Union here, and her eyes frequently glanced over to their set up. No doubt John Triarch himself had a hand in placing them both close, no doubt as some sort of geopolitical joke. But Anastasia did not have time for jokes. The Mandate had made powerful friends already, and TRIDEX promised to only increase the scope of that. She ran her hand across the armour plates of a Xiphos MBT, feeling the construction welds and imperfections. Less than 5.8% of standard deviations, good enough for this place.
Soon it would be time to open, and Capitol could once again show its wares to the galaxy.
The true Capitol that was.
-----
“I think this is the largest turn out we have ever gotten”
“Judging from the numbers Mr. Triarch I would say this event has already doubled the previous attendance numbers, in terms of individuals and nations alone” Destros reinforcement made John nod with surprising approval.
“I didn’t think the lists would be accurate but here we are. And they told me nobody would show up given the galactic state. Shows how good the projections are” He chuckled to himself. The ‘command’ centre for the station was bustling as endless calls for docking, logistical transport and use of certain areas flooded through to the stations Ais and various staff.
“Indeed sir. We have approximately 20 minutes until the official announcement of opening. Many nations are done setting up or are getting their final pieces into place” John nodded at the statement and waved a hand.
“Better get ready then”
--
Across all TRIDEX the holographic projection system showed John in his resplendent suit and smiling. Hovering in the air or standing on the ground. He held his hands up to the air and gestured around as he began to speak.
“Welcome! Welcome all to the new TRIDEX event! I thank each and every one of you for making it and without you this grand economic and military event would not be possible! I seen countless new faces, and massive bounds in technological development, and I give you the best of support to try and get it where it needs to be! So without further fanfare given how far you have all come this year. I officially pronounce TRIDEX Open!”
Bright flashes and fireworks munitions both real on the outside of the station, and holographic on the inside went off as clapping and cheering rang throughout the station. John himself bowed.
“Now, feel free to buy and sell to your hearts content! The first demonstrations internal and external will begin shortly. Good luck all and enjoy your stay”
Officially speaking, the Meridian Commonwealth was not interested in buying and selling weaponry in the slightest. In fact, the national opinion of weapons trading in general was remarkably low, enough so that when the Tridex date was announced, they probably received in excess of three million letters from the tiny nation, calling Triarch rude things and saying that the galaxy would be better off without them. It was only through a miracle of programming, in fact, that the Director-in-Chief didn't get involved in the hate mail.
Unofficially, however, there were more than a few Wealthers present. Most of them were more interested in discovering how the weapons themselves worked, either to take the knowledge home, or just out of curiosity. One, in particular, had other ideas...
The four-armed Chrysanthemum stalked the halls of the station, stalking a good deal like a predator stalks prey. With a significant allowance from the Sub-Directorate of Extranational Travel, Lancaster had two goals today: buy some cool guns for themself, and buy a nice birthday gift for Jenna. Obviously, they weren't in actual Chrysanthemum livery, that'd earn them a bollocking, instead wearing a pretty casual jacket and sweatpants.
They went from stall to stall, inspecting wares thoroughly, until they came across the Imaginarium area. Being a lower-tech nation, they probably wouldn't have much to offer in Lancaster's range of preferences, but Jenna might appreciate something of theirs...
"Show me your best LMG," they said as they approached.
“ETA to target, 60 seconds.”
A volley of missiles headed towards what appeared to be an enemy carrier. Its point defence systems came online and streaks of tracers and lasers leapt up to meet their foe. Explosions dotted the void of space left and right but through the plumes of roiling smoke and debris more missiles still came through.
Casings were discarded, revealing a plethora of warhead systems within the missiles. What appeared to be a dumb, straight-on attack soon transformed itself into an intricate combined arms manuvere. ECMs disrupted the enemy sensors, nuclear EFPs striked precise single targets from stand-off range while those containing FCS and C4I modules hung back to direct the rest of the more conventional weaponry. Nano-thermite missiles hit the outer hull of the enemy ship, burning through meters of thick composite armor as far as they can.
The target ship, peppered with hundreds of explosions, was now incapacitated and heavily damaged. But the lights were still on, and a few of the PD systems were still operational.
“ETA to target, 20 seconds.”
“10 seconds.”
In the distance, shining white dots seemed to glow brighter and grow bigger and bigger, until optical telescopes could finally see what they were. A second wave of incoming objects burning hard and fast. More missiles were seen heading straight for them, but much larger, torpedo-like projectiles were also seen accompanying them.
Zooming in, one could see humanoid robotic mechs clinging onto the sides of the torpedo-like object. That torpedo-like object was in fact, essentially a small fission rocket - an insertion vehicle to help the mechs traverse huge distances of space between their troopships and the target.
-------
“Ops Lima is a go! Ops Lima is a go!” the commander declared over the radio. The mechs then let go and split off from the fission rocket vehicle, thrusters firing and weapons brandished as they made the preparations to land.
Space was a flurry of chaotic activity as the enemy PDs fired into the second missile swarm and the mechs fired back as they made their way to land. Now that they were closer to the optics to see, one could identify them as RANGSI’s G-34D Striker Autoframes. They were organized and equipped very much like an infantry squad, working in teams and equipped with a variety of weapons ranging from gas dynamic laser rifles to big rocket launchers. The autoframes weaved between the destroyed outer structures of the enemy ship, using them for cover as they moved to engage the last of the PD turrets with minimal casualties.
-------
With the outer hull secured, they regrouped at the hangar doors, which have been sealed shut. Stacking up like operators in a FIBUA mission, one of the Strikers then moved to use its beam saber to cut out a large section of the doors, just large enough for multiple mechs to move in. As a finishing touch, square thruster devices were placed on the door. Using hand signals, the breached began - the thrusters activated and the rectangular slab that they cut out began flying into the room, crushing anything and anyone waiting behind. A couple of grenade-like explosives were thrown inside, and the Strikers moved in with ballistic shields up. Any surviving enemy mechs and waiting aircraft were all taken out with methodical precision.
With the hangar secured, the Striker teams sent out a ‘go’ signal for dropships to move in. Teams of heavy power armor Marines dropped off, some with thick ballistic shields, some others with the fearsome Artifician-made 60.cal rifles. They stormed the interior of the ship, filling the corridors with lead and flashbangs.
Together with the Artifician units on the other side of the ship, within 30 minutes, it was cleared and the mission was a success.
--------
“Ladies and gentlemen, that was the 76th Autoframe Company and the 891st Naval Infantry Brigade of the MEPF! Let's give a round of applause!” the announcer in the expo room proudly exclaimed.
The mech pilots and the power armor infantry gathered in the hangar, gave their best smiles and saluted the audience on the other side of the camera lens.
The whole thing was actually a weapons demonstration disguised as a military exercise, showcasing various kinds of gear ranging from the largest cannons of the autoframes to the smallest rifles wielded by non-power armor naval infantry units. There was no enemy ship, to the naked eye it was merely a derelict RANGSI carrier, too far damaged in the 2nd Ancerious War to be repaired. But with the power of Augmented Reality, everything from enemy PD turrets to enemy mechs and infantry could be superimposed onto its hull. Even realistic weapon effects and explosions were painstakingly added to increase the viewers’ immersion.
Half of the RANGSI expo stall in the TRIDEX station itself was actually taken up by, of all things, food stalls selling all manners of RANGSI and common galactic fare to break up the corporate monotony and lure the interest of potential buyers. An armored vehicle and a rifle rack or two along with bulletin boards were there to hook in a modicum of interest - the real deal however was down the airlock to the left.
-------
One could not miss it with the several signages boldly proclaiming ‘Full RANGSI TRIDEX Exhibition Here!’. The true RANGSI TRIDEX exhibition was actually in the hangar bays of a military troopship docked to the Triarch station. A sprawling maze of full-sized vehicles, aircraft and weapons of all sizes greeted the visitors. It was as if RANGSI was putting on its full military arsenal for display.
Not only that, the space also afforded to contain a few more demonstrations, firing ranges and training grounds simulating various buildings, rooms and spaceship areas. There more weapons and gear were showed off by squads of RANGSI soldiers of various branches, who put them to good use in all kinds of trials and simulated exercises. Visitors were even given the chance to test out whatever weapons on display with the safety of AR technology.
----
RANGSI was not merely selling, but they were also interested in buying. There had been a great need to modernize, especially with new directives to equip their elite units with the most advanced weapons their money could buy. Big orders were put in for a variety of Union hover vehicles from the Rapier to the Oxen for the Shock Divisions, whose expeditionary nature could definitely use the rapid mobility, while smaller and much more conservative orders were put in for the Sky Piercer and upgraded Seraph MBTs for testing purposes. UMAC 60.cal rifles had been very much well-liked by the Mobile Expeditionary Projection Force (MEPF) prior to TRIDEX, and Space Command Admirals were gathering in the UMAC exhibition to order more of those mighty 60.cal rifles and perhaps look at their drones to further augment naval boarding operations.
The Regular Army generals and their entourages were also actively exploring the exhibitions of other nations. They were impressed with the modularity of CES vehicles and noted them down as a potential supplier, put in orders for Carnaith’s exoskeletons and a variety of small arms for their special forces units to test out in counterterrorist trials, gawked at the massive explosions of the Hastraxian artillery barrages on Pacifia and awakened some sort of child-like primal feelings after visiting the Zetyan booths.
However, military generals were not the only ones in TRIDEX. Unbeknownst to the military, INSECOM was also there, disguised in plain-clothes passing themselves off as regular-joe customers. They were buying weapons from a variety of sources, even from Capitol. The objective: build up a diverse arsenal of foreign arms to equip black ops missions all over the galaxy in areas of interest and increase plausible deniability. Those with links to the Pzyon Corps also found themselves intrigued at the catalogue of Jade melee weapons and decided to put in some orders for testing.
“Well…best is a relative term…” The stocky representative from Imaginarium replied to the Chrysanthemum. “What are you looking for in an LMG? You see, the we’ve 3 models in particular that I am fond of.”
The stocky man brings down 3 weapons from the shelving rack behind them, laying them out on the table in front of them. Each are painted a default grey that all Imaginese weaponry is before undergoing it’s ‘coating for combat’.
“This is the Danilovich Machine Gun. It is a high functioning, easy to assemble weapon. Fires 650 rounds per minute and is effective up to 1000m. It rarely jams, and can withstand most conditions without getting all blocked up.”
He replaces the gun with the next in line.
“This is it’s younger sister, the Khristina Danilovich, or KD-LMG. A little bit more of a harder mistress to handle this one. The rate of fire is significantly improved with 800 rounds per minute. This means that handling wise, it takes a bit more strength to hold. It also can negate the accuracy, but if you have someone who can handle it, well…anything that gets caught up in front of her is…not a problem anymore.”
He picks up the final weapon
“Finally you have this. The Kusya 24 Light Machine Gun. A bit higher tech, this one has an auto deploy stand, you just have to press this little button on the side, and it brings out the stand see…higher range, you can scope out a target some 2000m away, but that does mean rate of fire is a lot lower…but hey, if you have a decent target person, then you don’t need to worry too much…”
Lancaster paused to consider the weapons before them. They knew, of course, that Jenna's preference was for moar boolet. But something nagged at them...
"Got a range to practice on?" They asked.
There was art in warfare.
At least, that was what Atal'vir was looking to sell the galaxy, with the combined assistance of current business partners. The three pronged approach had been a blessing masked as a threat; who might overshadow the other, who would steal the eyes of would-be consumers? As fate would have it, they had performed excellently together.
RIOT Corp's new line of Wolfpack fighters rotated silently on prismatic platforms meant to highlight the sharp edges and sleek wings of the craft, while simultaneously complimenting the sheer power of the nearby Archon tanks curtesy of V-ENT. Warstriders stood like praetorian guard, displaying all manner of weapon loadouts and patterns fresh off the assembly line; awe-inspiring forms of potential killing power.
Intermingled within the space, V-ENT representatives had been outfitted with eye-catching garments, curtesy of Crux's latest fashion trends. Dryskys had been careful not to overreach, but to add a bit of Echo-flair to what could have been a low point in the presentation. Hexagonal-patterned cloaks and onyx coloured, form-fitting garments gave the entire piece a dash of exotic taste to set it apart from its competition.
With Tridex finally open and under way, Atal'vir's excitement only continued to climb higher. Truly, this was what she was born for.
As a Large Novakian Freighter came into dock with the station where Tridex itself would be held many Large Corporations from the Novakian Federation, specifically one specialized in producing military vehicles unloaded their various assets to be transported to a large plaza they had previously booked.
Of all the Arms Corporations in the Novakian Federation that could made it onto Tridex only a few were successfully able to show up as the alot of the slots had already been bought up by other corporations, leaving them with very little options but to not show up entirely. Those Arms Corporations were perhaps some of largest and most well known in the Federation with them being able to produce the most capable hardware for the military.
-
The Korsiat Aerospace Corporation or the 'KAC' as it is known to many was one of the first Novakian Arms corporations to arrive at the event to show of its best hardware available. It Presented its SAVF line of medium to heavy Fighter-Bombers with some of its more older models being put on the spotlight once again, most of which had garnered the reputation of being effective and deadly hit and run fighters despite its size and weight with most of them being nearly double the length of what is considered normal for a fighter but a little small for a bomber.
All of it can be seen being displayed on top of platforms with its various weapons it can equipped being displayed in front of it for all would be customers to see. while the selection of weapons was fairly standard for the most part one could see that these fighters are capable of firing some large projectile or laser beam if a module was attached to the space between the 2 engine nacelles that are featured among KAC aircraft.
On the other hand it also presented its KAE line of smaller and cheaper light to medium Interceptors and Ground attack aircraft which are mostly targeted to smaller nations who can't afford the larger main line models but would still want a decent and effective aircraft of which they can rely upon.
While not as sleek looking as like any other aircraft present they were more known for their brute force as seen by their immense engines and payload capacity which they are capable of.
-
Goldstar Industries would arrive next. presenting its Equinox line of aircraft, Unlike its KAC counterparts, Goldstar manufactured aircraft are known for its deadly hit and run ground attack aircraft with some attributing it to bombers and or gunships due to the overall lack of manoeuvrability but greater acceleration and armour they have. As they stood on larger platforms one can see the unusual layout of the Equinox Aircraft and the many assortments of equipment that they can carry.
Instead of Railguns and Laser modules of its competitor one could see that the unique shape of Goldstar's Equinox aircraft allows it to carry small support UAVs on its wings and a special secondary hull behind the main craft and allowing it to have some kind of offensive and defensive weapons against enemy fighters.
The Third company to show up was the Antares Ironworks Corporation. In the Novakian Federation the AIC is the sole producer of many land based units for the Novakian Federation. As their various vehicles were being towed towards its display area one can notice that some of their vehicles would have a utilitarian style to their design to them while some will have a more sleeker profile which may suggest that their military vehicles was well armored for their size while also being somewhat fast on land
-
As Tridex had officially begun various representative each from their respective companies came out to scout for any other competitors besides themselves or are on the lookout for any potential customers looking effective air and ground vehicles.
Meanwhile the various companies were starting to setup the first of their demonstrations to demonstrate various Novakian hardware in various conditions to attract more customers if ever possible with the first of these demonstrations being a high altitude Dogfight between 4 SAVF-55 'Auroras' and 2 GS-ASGF-120 'Equinox II' taking place over an artificial mountain of sorts
Vaska simply watched and waited.
The call had gone out that the Unions major display was going ahead, that had been 3 hours ago. And people from all of the station had gathered to observe, the lights had been dimmed and observers stood In the main thoroughfares outside the Unions display area because there simply wasn’t enough room. Holographic displays sprung to life, giving everyone a clear view of what came next, even those in other areas.
“Ladies, Gentlemen and Assorted guests. Welcome to the display of future combat. Brought to you by Takeema Industries and the Union of Worlds we present two displays for you tonight. The first, is to finally show you the vessels that spearheaded the victory of two galactic wars, and to tell you that they are indeed now available for sale!”
The various holographic models of the Unions Peacekeeper fleet flashed to life, showing combat footage from 2AW, detailed breakdowns of different classes, their capabilities, their upgrades and their distinctive achievements within the galaxy.
“As you can see, the Peacekeeper fleet is adept at the very goal it was designed, able to defeat any foe and a bane to the APP which it helped defeat. No offence Mr. Triarch” The crowd gave a brief laugh “Prices will be available for all and custom retrofit orders will be taken, either to be performed by us or a third party. The Peacekeeper fleet ensures that the galaxy will remain safe today, as it always has in the past. But then, what about tomorrow?”
The holographic display rapidly changes, showing an outside display of the station.
Slowly, and gracefully, the large shapes of three vessels slid past. All were distinctively Union blue but were radically different in design. They were sleek, very advanced, and clearly a new step in whatever the Unions plans were.
“I give you people of the galaxy, the Horizon fleet. The next step in galactic peacekeeping and the face of the force which will be helping you keep your nation safe in the coming years. While they are not for sale, you can expect this to be the face of the Union Navy in times to come, and if the Jobediea report is accurate, fighting for all our futures against the extremism now taking hold within the galaxy.”
There was a pause for effect.
“Now, lets show you some of their capabilities in action…”
As he and his companion approached the central spire, Wulfric the Key grumbled uneasily. The Diet of Chinon had painted their allegiance on their faces, quite literally, looking like Jade Imperials who had gone for a swim in raspberry flavoured slushie.
Trying to slink around in masks or hoods would only draw more attention to them, however, so they simply banked on being chalked up as one of the universe's strange coincidences, taking care to avoid the booths of Jade vendors. To that end, they had come here, to the impressive central spire that housed the Carnathian firms, one after the other. They were in the market for a few things, but what they were really after were two primary pieces of equipment. Firstly, anti-armour weaponry to allow foot mobiles to threaten enemy air and ground vehicles, and fast moving ground vehicles to allow for patrols and rapid movement of said foot mobiles.
Wulfric's companion, Serge Aubin, nudged him and pointed to an Imperial Armouries display. Suspended on some mocked-up terrain hovered a sleek, angular craft that looked like an arrowhead with a rocket attached to it. They crossed over to the hoverbike and studied it appreciatively, or Serge did whilst Wulfric glowered at everyone in sight, his face like a sea cliff in a thunderstorm.
"Good day to you," A grinning Imperial Armories salesman in a suit announced to Serge Aubin. He took care not to gesture; standard practice to prevent offense in places as crowded as this. Spreading far behind him was a veritable parking lot of military vehicles ranging from innocuous-looking ATVs for national guards, or glorified tractors for engineering work, to true behemoths of armor and towering guns. Around him, though, was a comparatively small sub-display for a Jetbike, one that had served for decades in the Imperial military, most notably during campaigns during the second great war and the Aedelshaven incident.
The salesman, despite his job title, didn't immediately move to advertise to the yet-to-speak pair - for all intents and purposes, the display spoke for itself on several levels, with such measures as digital flex-panes showing slideshows and interactive displays alike as well as a physical, dismantlable model available for handling.
Serge offered the faintest of nods, squinting at the jetbike. It was sleek and angular, and immediately spoke to him.
"Good morning," he said, glancing at the rep before crossing his hands behind his back and stepping over to the specification flex-panes and taking in some of the info on the bike. It seemed impressive, fast, high flight ceiling. Fragile, but that was jetbikes all over. He heard a clatter and saw Wulfric easing his meaty frame into the display model. Despite Wulfric's muscular build and gangly legs, he fit in quite comfortably, shifting to get comfortable as he gripped the handlebars and looked over the controls.
Serge turned to the salesman. "Quite the piece of equipment," he said in his langorous High Suedian accent. "I'm in the market for patrol vehicles for a new colony. The territory is human-habitable, a fairly humid and chilly atmosphere, lots of fog and mist. How do these handle in that kind of weather? Especially their onboard navs, can they cope with inclement weather, mist, that kind of thing?"
The face of the salesman - seeimingly fairly new, as such large companies went - lit up with excitement as he gracefully whipped out a remote control for the viewing screens. Those that weren't actively being used changed their display and oriented to Serge, showing campaign use data.
"If you need to ask that, you don't know what Aedelshaven was like," he said, bringing up not data from the bike, but meteorological data from the world itself. "Winds and sands and dust prevented any level flight at all altitudes from seventy meters to eight kilometers, and occurred in such density that it limited ground engagements to comparative point-blank. With these factors, traditional air support was out of the question and high-altitude assets were unable to safely target hostiles... the solution? To repurpose the LF-202 for light close air support, where it performed admirably and effectively by virtue of its terrain radar, well overpowered for its weight class," he said, pointing to the radome on the nose, "and the lack of any anti-air defenses set up by the defending rebel legions."
The Carnaithian smiled to himself as he allowed a small break in the pitch, switching the displays now to add-on packages; many of which were represented in bolt-ons for the physical model.
"It works great for any conditions, and repair and maintenance is cheap in the event of hazardous atmospheres. In its default configuration, the pilot's the most exposed part, but we even have a swiveling cabin package, which can be further augmented with miniature climate control, should it be needed. Despite the comfort of the seating, it can prohibit the donning of particularly heavy cold-weather gear, which, in turn, prevents any significant high-altitude maneuvers."
Aubin nodded appreciatively as he listened to the vehicle's operational history and credentials. Whilst sand and dust storms weren't the same as mist and rain, they presented many of the same challenges, and it sounded like the bike handled those challenges incredibly well. He had a limited remit, both because of fiscal prudence and the Alliance's tight 'start-up' budget, but he was here to find equipment and equipment he had found.
"My organisation is looking, long-term, for a provider for its security forces. I am looking for an initial order of a dozen items for trial, with the potential for a secondary order of sixty more. Beyond that, if the vehicle proves suitable to our needs, we'd be interested in a rolling contract for units and parts."
"In that case, you'll find these vehicles quite affordable - off-the-shelf price is three point one-two-four-eight SIGEC at current rates, or fifty-five thousand cecore. We offer a five-unit trial package, with add-on packages and technical advisory included, for a discounted price of seventeen point one-four SIGEC - I'm authorized to throw in two airframes gratis, so that would be a price of about thirty-five for the trial order, factoring in all of the logistical concerns."
The salesman brought up his own PDA for a moment, going through a form it would seem. His ear twitched a bit and he raised a brow, looking up from the device.
"I assume you've got some pretty rigorous testing ahead for these things, given the count?"
Serge nodded. "We'll take your proving records and manufacturer's tests of course, but we'll be doing some basic in-house testing and some...rigorous field testing."
The price was steeper than he had expected, but the bikes served a dual role with their expanded flight ceiling and capability, which mean that the Alliance could potentially save elsewhere instead of buying different units with overlapping capacities. The trial selection would confirm that, and they needed these vehicles yesterday. He was tempted to haggle and see if they could round down to 34 instead of up to 35, but the two free airframes were already a discount of nearly 7 SIGEC, and so the deal sounded good to him.
Wulfric frowned, however. 35 SIGEC was a lot of money when every penny counted. "If we pick up larger offers can we expect further bulk discounts?" he grunted, his gruff singsong accent markedly different from the lazy and flowing tones of Serge.
"Yessir, that you can. There's also the factor of a la carte additional modules instead of getting the whole shebang for the trial package, so the price will naturally go down once you're sure what you want."
The salesman spun the tablet in his hands, turning its face towards the two men. "All the order details for your review."
Aubin took a moment to read through the contract and then finally entered his digital countersignature. It was an outlay, but a necessary one, and not only did it provide much-needed equipment to the fledgling Alliance Guard as they tried to tame the planet of Sunpike, but it also helped to create an air of legitimacy; a real government, paying real money on the international market for legitimate goods.
One of the Bannerets starts gesturing everyone around, picking up one of the rifles. “Hello everyone, today we’ll give an outstanding demonstration for the best infantry weapon Her People has to offer. We’ve been perfecting this for the better part of the last few centuries, so we are quite proud of what we have here for you.”
Setting it on the table, “This is the standard issue Rifle. It is a railgun with a total length of 101.5 centimeters with a barrel length of 79. The astute among you can see that this is indeed, a bullpup, and a big one. Our engineers have looked at the design many times, and have concluded that since railguns punching power is based on its length, a bullpup design would be optimal while not making its length cumbersome. Easily reloadable with stripper clips and a notch opposite of the magazine to help guide the ammunition inside. All without the hassle of replacing the entire magazine.”
“The system is also entirely modular. For you military personnel that means you can have a single weapon system for the entire unit.” She picks up the weapon, pushes down on a button, twists the barrel 90 degrees and removes it before replacing it with a stubbed barrel. She does the same for the stock. “As you can see this rifle has been changed into a pistol in less than ten seconds, as well as solving the inherent problem with railguns allowing the operator to quickly and effortlessly change barrels when needed.
Pointing out to the crowd, “You civilians out there, we got you covered also. The modular system isn’t just being able to change the barrel quickly. Every single component of this machine can be replaced. The Barrel, the rails themselves, modify the torque, the feeding system, the attachments, and of course, any of the four rails can be replaced if they’re not compatible with your preferred attachments, and more. You can truly make this weapon your own.”
A multitude of sounds surrounded Qarvaton as his Android body wandered the Tridex halls.
Voices, pieces of conversations and negotiations, footsteps, the sound of all sorts of mechanical devices and vehicles, the humming of generators and shields, the howling and screeching of live fire tests for weapons and armor respectively.
It was fascinating, actually.
Qarvaton was here under the cover of his android body, on the riders of the Custodian Deralith, though the he had been given was rather interesting this time. He had been sent to Tridex to inspect the overall state of this galaxy's technology, what they used in warfare, offensive as defensive, to see what they could learn, where they would have to adapt and where they had their advantages, it was rather important. He did not expect to learn everything here, given most nations were unlikely to sell their prime technologies on the open market, however, it was good to get an overview and in some cases even evaluate threat levels in case they had to fight any of the offered technologies.
He stopped here and there, looked at bits and pieces, tilted his head, furrowed eyebrows asking questions, actual and hypothetical, and moved on.
There was a number of rather interesting technologies present in this galaxy, likely owed to it’s history of warfare and the large variety of factions and their different backgrounds. He had seen many things here, biotechnology that reaching augmenting species bodies to ship to ship capable weapons, vehicles capable of delivering troops, help and destruction alike, any propulsion from primitive chemical rockets to antimatter and fusion drives, weapons capable of leveling systems and defense system that claimed to make the ship it was hosted on near invulnerable, technologies which reached from crude to almost artistic and so on and so forth.
Of course, many of the promises were just exaggerated, phrases thrown by the sellers to incentivise a purchase, yet many others also had a lot of potential their sellers were not even aware of.
He went past another producer and stopped his train of thought, focusing as he stopped at the Unions ongoing display of their new fleet. Considering their role in this galaxy, this one should prove rather interesting.
The numbers were rising.
And that was a good thing.
John kept scrolling on his PDA, always surveying the numbers and commission he and the company were getting from the vast number of sales going on across the entire TRIDEX hub and he was very pleased. This year had seen countless nations he had never heard of entirely new weapon systems which he had never dreamed of, and levels of sales which he had only loosely hoped for. Quite the TRIDEX and one that was sure to go down extremely well with the Cartel. He lowered the PDA for a moment to look up at the presentation that he had come to attend.
“-As you can see its handling is beyond next generation and able to endure incredible stresses. The Akinakes will be able to outmatch whatever you might find on the battlefields, here let us now show its power”
He watched as the presenter showed off the National Mandates newest fighter system. He was impressed. Its performance was absolutely top level and while it looked very much experimental the potential it had was all there. Capitol were giving it their all-in engineering now Encanda was in charge, that didn’t surprise him at all. He had met her a few times on visits to Inara, she always was a strange woman. The fighter danced in the massive display area, now showing off its laser armament and large internal missile bay. Explosions boomed as it destroyed mock drone targets, which seemed very similar to Firestorms to Johns amusement.
“Its weapons capabilities will have it able to engage whatever targets you may need from close range to over the horizon, land air or space. And its internal bays and integrated lasers allow it to keep its profile to avoid long range detection”
John was distracted for a moment as several individuals near him were contacted on their PDAs, several getting up and leaving as if in a rush. He frowned before his too alerted him.
Pulling it out in annoyance he read the ping. His eyes widened.
Without hesitation John got up and left the seat, as were many across the entire hall. Even the National Mandate representative had been told to cut the demonstration short, the Akinakes pilot being called to rapidly land the aircraft. Something major had happened.
The massacre of Zarathustra had occurred, and John was needed to ensure their assets were accounted for.
“Well there goes all our good luck I guess” He muttered to himself.
The Union display had been rather interesting indeed, whilst their technology wasn’t quite up to par to their own, they seemed to favour a more defensive style, combined with almost saturating the enemy with attacks and projectiles, though sacrificing their speed and maneuverability for it. A mode of operation that certainly had its own downsides but was well sustainable against many foes.
As the presentation neared its end, Qarvaton began going through all the data he had gathered.
The Custodian had been correct to send him here.
There had been a multitude of nations here and a lot of the major bodies from this galaxy, allowing him a look into their technology and tactics. Although not detailed enough for an in-depth analysis, looking at their common designs allowed him to extrapolate certain weaknesses and strengths of the individual nation which could prove helpful in the future.
Whether they were on the same or opposing sides.
Overall, the theme of a decent relative level of technological advancement which did not quite reach their sophistication seemed to be an ongoing theme, it was interesting, though nothing to grow too confident about. Many of these nations were well experienced in the arts of warfare and in their current state, there were a number of those who could deal a good blow to them if they just met them in an inopportune moment, they would have to watch out when they engaged in battle in this galaxy. Especially with things like stealth, electronic warfare and other more unconventional ways of combat.
Setting the military aspect aside, there had been many technologies that showed a lot of potential for future improvement, possibly even cooperative research to gain favours, one such candidate had been the Jade Empire of Ingen which seemed to use, similarly to them, forms of gravimetric and particle weapons, which they could either learn from or improve on, the Union tech was also a big contender, although most of their technology was different from their own, they had held themselves quite well in the galaxy and as such a study into some of the aspects of how they did it may be appropriate, he had even considered purchasing some samples, however given the current state of their finances he refrained from such.
Furthermore, there were potential contractors, for some or other reasons, the ‘Constructive Engineering Solutions’ which seemed to be an uprising competitor on the market and relied on modularity for quick and easy construction, was one of such, they could potentially assist them in some of the larger projects, ofcourse, under a guise but that was a given. Another potential contractors could be Triarch Inc and Carnaith, though for different reasons, these were potential contractors to purchase equipment for third parties which they may hire sooner or later. Then there was Rangsi, whilst they were less interested in their tech, what was interesting about them were their psionics, the Custodian had been looking into potential research partners regarding the Panopticon and…
Qarvatons train of thought was promptly interrupted by a ping from his subsystems, a report came up regarding a massive battle in the Aedleshaven corridor with countless victims amongst the ancerium miners waiting for ‘Zarathustra’, involving a living planetoid and an almost immediate spike in the ancerium prices. Along with it came new orders, to return to the network, things had to be discussed between the leading AI and for that many of the separated assets of lesser importance were being called back.
He looked at the holo communicator he had gotten for the purposes of Tridex.
It seemed the event had been cut short anyways.
Atal’vir initially ignored the notification as it appeared, ushering it away with a subtle flick of her hands as to not disturb the conversation. She had been explaining the capabilities of an Archon tank to a group of particularly excitable insectoids in suits before they suddenly turned from the presentation, attentions caught by their own communicators.
The V-ENT representative drew back from her pitch as she watched her sales scurry past the decorated booths and display platforms before she finally opened the message.
To her surprise, the symbol of House Wrath met her eyes first; a foreboding omen. The forwarded message was likely of utmost importance, and she chastised herself for not inspecting it sooner.
Her eyes widened.
Another notification, this time from the Venatoran. She was being withdrawn, and they needed to be out of there before the news hit the public. Catastrophe
Atal’vir barked into the macrys; her gentle, friendly demeanor fell away as orders to evacuate were given. Sales were to be finalized, personnel were to return to the shuttles. V-ENT was likely to see a rise in sales of weaponry regardless of the Tridex's influence, and for once, Atal'vir was not looking forward to it.
It did not take long for the news to spread, and the effects to be felt.
Cancellations last minute for weapons showcases, lectures and events began, only a couple at first, then more and more as the minutes turned into hours. Already some nations delegations were pulling out and leaving, while others were packing up their wares and what they bought with them to return home.
The news of Zarathustra was crippling for all nations involved, and with the prices of Ancerium now skyrocketing into uncharted territory the prospect of spending so much to get home made nations speed for an exit rather than stay and loose more money on the journey. TRIDEX was slowly emptying as stalls were closed and packed down, while ships left the docks and moved to FTL back to their main territories.
Even as John Triarch looked down onto the docking areas and the large lines of individuals waiting to leave, he did not feel entirely sad. Yes of course it was a shame that the massacre had cut TRIDEX short, and he himself had announced the events wrap up at the end of today, but so much money had already been made and major contracts solidified. Triarch Inc. was once more on the uptick, and while many investors had told him TRIDEX would be a failure this year it had turned out to be quite the opposite, despite this rapid shortening of the venue time.
“Mr. Triarch shall we begin preparations to move our own assets out too?” One of the event organisers asked behind him. He nodded.
“Yes, let these others leave first then begin packing down. Leave the station, it will cost us too much to move back, gift it to the Hochlands maybe they can turn this place into a bustling deep space city.”
“I understand and will make the calls” He turned to leave, letting John oversee things once again in silence.
“I guess this means war is guaranteed then. The last one changed everything considerably, this one will be far more reaching”