Post by EmperorMyric on Mar 22, 2021 16:50:22 GMT
Ueuxtull was an interesting world. A blue marble of ever changing hues as storms and swells rushed across its surface in a never ending dance of the elements Ueuxtull had seemed entirely uninhabitable.
However it was habitable, as mankind had proved again and again on a million worlds their species would endure in the most harshest of enviroments, using technology and engenuity to overcome natures raging power. The world had been settled in Ancerious early exploration years and had soon evolved into a huge shipyard of both impressive size and capability. With an orbital ring and hundreds of dry docks in orbit Ueuxtull even enjoyed a relatively small defense fleet of its own design, subsequantly bolstered by various deals with Triarch enough to fend of piracy and small invasions. Ueuxtulls main defence was its neutrality, despite its large ties to Triarch the world had not entered the war or aided either side overtly, it openly allowed both allied and APP forces to dock for repairs as well as operate in system even fight if nessecary in the outward bounds of the system. But it wasnt the orbitals that were impressive.
On the surface of the world large domed floating cities survived the storm wracked surface, their populances enjoying the days where the skies cleared to reveal a glittering binary star pair above. Below however the underwater cities also housed more dry and wet docks for starships, repairing them in the depths of the ocean to help repair costs and also for defence against bombard the government of Ueuxtull had taken in many over the years.
But nothing quite like this.
----
Vidans head hurt, it wasnt a conventional headache, and everyone who had gone into specific areas of the ship had experienced it. Entire areas of the vessel were twisted in ways that simply should not be possible in physics, whatever this behemoth had been through Vidan was eager to never experience it. He walked back to one of the airlocks leading off the vessel surrounded by Triarch operatives and bodyguards, he was smiling to himself though, he may have just secured the deal of the century for the company.
The behemoth that he was on board was known as the Far Reach, an Annointed vessel nearly 300km long and totally unable to fit within the usual docks underwater. Titanic repair operations were underway, both from Triarch corps and Ueuxtulls own repair corps, the job was huge and would take a long time to complete. But the fact that this ship was an enemy of the APP made it even more interesting. Vidans had negotiated with the ships commander or... well she was the ship, Skalia for asylum with the APP in exchange to knowledge on the Annointed technology, psionic capability and the eisengate state of the soul, each research a jewel to the likes of Triarch Industries.
With this deal they could study counters to Annointed weaponry, study far more advanced physics and biology and advance their own black projects by years. All in all Vidans was totally ecstatic. He had assigned two entire regiments of Triarch marines to be stationed aboard the Far Reach to defend and secure it alongside Skalias own defenses while they slowly returned the vessel to full functionality, it crawled with Triarch scientists and Vidans had even called in a small defensive fleet to aid in Ueuxtulls own defenses, he had warned the neutral nation that if word got out the allies would come. The council had merely replied that they were neutral, any strike on denizens of Ueuxtull or those finding safe harbour would be attacking the planet itself. Both for AGA and APP. It was a deal that Vidans would never wish to break for fear of political and public fallout.
"Is the deal sealed sir?" One of his close guards asked, Vidans nodded with a grin.
"Yes it is my boy, looks like we will likely be getting a bonus early this year"
He had received the news about the RAVD node that Corsair Commander Gavin made onboard the USS Far Reach, and it lead right to an unaligned system, an oceanic planet with an extensive orbital drydock, it seemed almost too good, but this was an opening. To repair such a massive ship would take time, and with the small amount of information from the Interdiction station closest to the Far Reach when it dropped back in Dectrose space, the damage was severe.
He dispatched some of the newer admirals, and with the news of the Battlecruiser being recovered some distance away from Gizli, had also sent an admiral along with a skeleton crew for the Battlecruiser to the Artificia, he hoped he could negotiate with them to help send a token force to assist in recovering their XO Ohuhri. He then contacted the RSC on a heavily encrypted channel, and asked them for assistance in assaulting the Far Reach and recovering their Prizraks.
Then he sent another Admiral to the Accord, to personally ask them for assistance in assaulting the Far Reach, then exhaled, and retired for the moment.
--
Shi'Chu Rayan had recently graduated from the Academy, and was in command of the closest fleet to move and recover the Artifician Battlecruiser. There was a short argument with the still Pro-Saber occupants, but after taking them into custody, Rayan moved to Ari, then to the border of the Artifician territory, opening a broadcast that they had come in peace, and where here to deliver to them their lost Battlecruiser.
--
Moving to contact the Accord, Ostiio Chji was the second Quinterran to achieve the rank of Admiral in the ISF, and he looked forward to proving himself in command of his carrier group. The fleet appeared near one of the major planets, and Chji opened a comms channel to the Accord, asking to speak to their military command to petition for assistance in an offensive campaign.
In total, nearly a thousand of the Dectrose's own ships would be off in this assault, men eager to seek vengeance for the death of Kaikoma and millions upon billions of loved ones and innocent lives, as well as comrades in arms. This would be the largest force the Dectrose have ever fielded in the Ancerious Galaxy, and these men knew that it would be the fight of their lives. A large portion of the Admiralty Board where also going, with several admirals needed to control and keep efficient a space force this large, but they where not alone.
The ISF was backed up by ATAF Infantry, intended to directly assault the Annointed should boots be needed at any time, as well as specialized Cabal units, seeing action for the very first time in this galaxy. Information on the planet that Skalia was staying also prompted the Imperial Dectrose Navy, the Empire's 'wet navy' to be called up and loaded on 'Whale' transport ships to be called in once the coast is clear. In all, a large part of the Dectrothian war machine was on the move. Though some care was taken to try and not alert any of the xeno visitors to Trudchen that things where amiss, as to not have word of their large force exiting to catch wind and notify anyone they didn't want knowing. But it would likely have been difficult to hide some of the force's movements.
This meeting location was given to the RSC, AU and Accordite forces, as a means to coordinate the strategy quickly, then move on to the assault. With all of the Dectrothian ships on location, and awaiting those fleets from the rest, Taetrus Vibius, the Commander of the Combined Dectrose Forces, set about standard planning and such before the battle ahead. He would confer with the Artificia on the support role they would undertake, and the RSC on how they wished to proceed, given the information known on the system. He thought of using the Oracle, but such a device would no doubt alert Skalia to their intentions, so he would consult on it's use to the others.
In short, the Accord would likely be at their best in the water, so he would try to hold their forces behind the Dectrose's forces, as the Dectrose would no doubt face the brunt of the assault, but Vibius knew this, and he knew there would be sacrifices that would have to be made. Some of the Admirals, and Rear Admirals under his command where fresh out of the academy, but there was no better teacher than the fire of combat. He took a moment to pray to the spirits to guide his men, and went towards his War Room, the incoming parties given guidance and clearance to enter, and directed to the War Room.
Captain Samuil Shedov had been the command officer that Drekoals had dispatched at the head of the eighty ship unit of heavies, and the man entered the War Room with a pair of troopers at his back. Captain Shedov made no bones about nor attempted to hide his mistrust for the Dectrose, very clearly wearing his sidearm, his men fully armed as he approached Vibus, their posture stiff. He trusted the Accord of course, as all of Drekoal's men did, but they had not yet arrived.
"Commander." he stated cooly, stopping a few meters away and holding his hands clasped behind his back. "Before we begin, two things I want to make very, very clear. One, we have done our research on this world that the Shades have taken refuge upon, and we know that it is neutral despite it's Triarch presence. Attacking neutral forces or their worlds is against the military code of honor the RSC hold itself to, and so we will only be engaging the APP forces. Two, a team of our special forces is still being held captive by Skalia, and if we have the chance to rescue them, we will take it. Clear?"
The next to arrive was the Artifician captain, Huhya. The red-orange Artificia brought only a single bodyguard, though they wore R2 power armour, and she, like Shedov, clearly had a sidearm on her hip. The look on her face was either one of boredom or plain disinterest as she entered the War Room. Like the Restevians the Unanimity held no significant trust in the Dectrose, more on a fundamental basis of how fragmented their military command seemed, and how they seemed to change motive and intent with wild abandon. The Dectrose's proximity to the Unanimity voiced only exacerbated the feeling.
"Commander." She bluntly greeted. "Our force is ready, but as I'm sure you've been informed, we are only performing supporting roles. If you try to move them into a frontline position, I will not be afraid to withdraw my forces."
He allowed himself to smile, Vibius certainly enjoyed the Accordites, and the commanders that had answered his call. "Of course, whichever area you feel you will be able to expertly handle, you may do so, Commodore Azlot. I pray to the spirits that we should not need the Sixth Fleet, but if we do, there's likely bigger issues to worry about." He then gazed upon the other two, the RSC and Artificia. He could easily feel in the air, the tension, that air of distrust, but that was the politician's problem, not his.
"Of course, Captain Huhya, the Artificia will be held in as support, the Dectrose are going to be making the frontline push, and we will likely experience the heaviest casualties. That being said.." he turned to the other "I'm well aware of the neutrality of the world, or so it has stated. The Dectrose aren't untrained in the area of careful weapons fire. After all, your men had seen such in the attempt to slay the Far Reach the first time over Kaikoma."
He straightened from his posture, one of leaning over the war room's table, to a rigid one, his hands kept in the small of his back "We will announce why we are there, and request that the occupants of the world not intervene. Should they do so, however, we will attempt to simply shrug them off, or disable them through Electronic Warfare. By no measure should we engage in lethal force against these people."
He looked on all the occupants now "And of course, the reason we are all here standing in this room is because while Bohler is trying to keep this as quiet as possible for us, we need to neutralize the Far Reach, capture Skalia and rescue our men. That is all we are here to accomplish. Afterwards, the galaxy can know the truth, but not just yet."
He paced near his end of the table, and brought up a map of the system "The Admiralty Board spoke at length about using the Oracle to gain better strategic knowledge of this, though personally, I disagree on it's usage here. We have enough information to go on, and by the time we are in the system, our scouts should be able to quickly get us that information anyway, but alas, the Board requested that I speak to you, and if you wish to utilize it."
He tapped the edge of the system for a moment and a hologram of the Dectrose fleet appeared "Regardless, the Dectrose's plan is simple. We engage all hostile Annointed Forces, Triarch too, if it is absolutely necessary, push forward to the planet in question, and provide cover for the Accord to land on the planet, I will also be sending in a small expeditionary force of our naval assets to assist them." He looked towards the RSC and Artificia. "Though what is your ideas for your particular skills and what do you think would be best for your fleets to participate with?"
"If at all possible, we don't engage." Shedov said. "This is not cowardice as it may appear, but pragmatism. If the Shade and Triarch numbers are as you say, then my squadron may not be of much use in direct cotact. My vessels I will be deploying with the Accord to run interference, and my Prizraks will be inserting with Accord, if Major Evelyne and Commodore Azlot will allow them to. Greetings and good to see you both again, by the way."
Ueuxtull was a relatively small system. The vessels that had jumped in had found the storm wracked water world easily enough, the twin binary pair dancing the endless roaring dance of death with each other as over the millenia their orbits would decay and eventually the stars would collide. Several more planets orbited in system, an outer gas giant of surprisingly small size along with two ice balls orbited in the outer reaches both with minimal prescence of humanity. Ueuxtull itself however was clearly a bastion surrounded by its orbital ring and multiple shipyards.
The system was fairly busy as well, hundreds of civilian and non aligned vessels moved to and fro from the shipyards and orbital ring. Merchant vessels, privateers and more stopped here to trade, refuel, re-arm, repair and relax as Ueuxtull was a well known stop off in this region of space. In that regard its small defense fleet watched over the whole situation, the planet had been preyed on by pirates consistently and its defenses now played the dual role of drawing ever more audacious pirate forces in and also having to fight them off. Roughly 240 vessels of Triarch, Rangvald, home design and others watched over the designated routes and spacelanes and roughly over a hundred orbital defense platforms scattered around the planet. It was certain the orbital ring also contained powerful armaments but none that could be so easily observed. A small Triarch fleet of 30 vessels also hung in close formation just off the orbital ring clearly originally from the company by looks alone.
The FTL bursts had been unseen by most of the Ueuxtull fleet however the powerful anti pirate sensors located on the orbital ring had picked them up. Noting no corresponding ships on course notifications were sent to Ueuxtull fleet command, it could be pirate stealth vessels on the prowl after all the pirates had tried everything before.
---
"Pirate attack?" Turash said aloud.
"Apparantly, it may be a false alarm but these people take it very seriously" Vidans shrugged as they both stood once again on the bridge of the aircraft carrier. Vidans stared at the Defender interceptors taking off to carry out routine patrols in interest.
"I see, tighten security and let the fleet know the stupid bastards would be suicidal to attack this place unless they had some heavy gear. Worst comes to worst we draw them close to the planet and ask our... Guest to help deal with them" Turash smiled, the General didnt trust Skalia but that didnt mean he wouldnt use her as a weapon.
"Calm down there general if its only pirates im sure our hosts will deal with them as they always do. Perhaps we go to a higher alert but no more we dont want to jump at every shadow hm?" Vidans said straightening his tie. Turash eyed the man suspsiciously he didnt trust buissness reps.
The SS Thessaloniki dragged its massive super bulk through the systems myriad stations, the leviatic ship weaves between platforms with deceptive grace as it logs arriving traffic and outgoing vessels its great psi metal spines skimming the minds of all those it came across searching for keywords and faces as it makes its rounds, the vessel pays little head to the new arrivals and simply continues its rounds awaiting the visitors arrival so it could perform its checks once again.
His prayers to the spirits seemed to be answered when he got word back from his recon teams about the system, detailed information coming through as well as the target planet that could house the Far Reach, any further scanning would likely give away their position, so he ordered them to run cold, and await further instructions. Vibius quickly readied his fleets, his ships, his men, preparing for battle before he opened the comms system to the other two fleets with him. "This is our last communication before heading into the tempest that awaits us, ladies and gentlemen, we have recieved word of the system, and I will be forwarding that information to you now, I highly suggest preparing yourselves for some serious combat, we may run into situations we have never encountered before, so stay sharp, and we will succeed."
He paused, for a moment, before opening it again "I believe Colonel Turney would be cross if I didn't make a speech, so here goes." He inhaled, steeling himself, hardening himself before he next opened his mouth.
"Soldiers, Comrades, Friends, it is not the movement of the clock, that produces the newness of life. It is the movement in your mind. You will hear, see and experience all manner of things against you. Throw it behind you. The enemies before us this day, we will see them no more, no weapon they possess will be able to prosper. All manner of hatred thrown against you, will not break you down. This is our time."
"The truth is, everyone will go through a change, either on the battlefield, or in the comfort of our homes. But you don't have to be ashamed of how you change, we all go through our own transformation. We will become a higher, better version of ourselves. Let this battle birth the change that allows us to become that enhanced version of ourselves. Don't let the battles of our past, stop us from our metamorphosis."
"New battles, new changes. What seperates us, is not our distances, nor our cultures, nor our ideas or beliefs, but our own transformations. The possibilities to change, to evolve, to survive, the will and strength to push ourselves off the ground and stop eating dirt, begin with the battles ahead. You will never be defeated by what your enemies say about you or do to you, but you will be defeated by what you say and do to yourself. We will win, not from our weapons, or technology, nor our idealogies, but from the focus and willpower to drive ourselves to success."
With the press of the console, the comms closed, and ordered his helmsman to jump to the location, the large Imperial fleet opening their wormholes and flew into them, the ships being engulfed and disappearing into them, soon to arrive at the system.
There was far less talk among the Unanimity fleet, the myriad personnel simply wanting the op over, and most not even listening to the Dectrose speech. The sweeping majority didn't even know Ohuhri's name, let alone know her. With only the simple comms chatter of standard operations orders and command, and the powering up of FTL drives, the Unanimity fleet moved into a combat-ready formation, and without further ado, with the flash and streak of mustard yellow light, their tachyon phase drives fired, the ships racing into the stars beyond.
The Restevians likewise were silent. Among themselves, they shared wishes of good luck and hopes for success, but to the Dectrose they said nothing. The eighty warships prepared themselves for battle and armed their weapons and shields, knowing that with the amount they had, their odds alone weren't good.
Transmitting the jump orders from the command battleship to the rest of their fleet and to the Accord forces, the Restevians went to full power on their drives and entered FTL moments after the AU had.
The comparatively nominal forces of the Accord jump with their customary silence before battle, the sixty ships slipped into FTL as quickly as the others.
No, the Accord had a more pivotal role to play than fight in space, and the Navy knew it. Of the sixty ships present, half that were troop transports modified to rapidly deploy a colossal amount of manpower. Though the sheer weight in troops were not to be the objectives of the upcoming battle, the rapidity of the deployment certainly was.
As such, the thirty carriers bore no offensive weapons of their own. Should luck have it, these ships would be mistaken as a token support fleet, having already been rather large and cumbersome even before their modifications, by Accordite standards.
"Sir reports are coming in of incoming FTL signatures numbering over 1000 vessels"
"Where have you gotten this information?" Turash replied to the man on the bridge.
"Straight from Ueuxtull sensor traffic sir, seems like someones coming"
"Put all forces on maximum alert, ready everything. This could be some sort of huge merchant fleet coming for dock or it could be an enemy here for the same thing we are. Either way we take no chances" Turash commanded. Across the entire area Triarch forces which were already on alert came to full readiness as did the vessels in space. A message was sent to Skalia indicating what they already knew and to be ready in case this was an attack. There would be no complacency.
---
Ueuxtull forces were already on alert and moving. The fleet which had guarded the various traffic lanes now converged and defenses were activated but not made hot at the moment. This was neutral territory after all and anyone was welcome here although over a thousand FTL signatures was something rarely seen they didnt want to be caught with their trousers down if it was the pirates having hired out a tonne of PMCs. The government ordered the fleet to greet the new arrivals and ascertain their reasons for coming. That job fell to a women named Pel.
"My name is Pel Zalane of the Ueuxtull Mandate welcome to our system. We have noticed the sheer number of your fleet and wish to know the reasons why you bring such a large force to this system. This is a neutral territory and we will be happy to accomodate you should you need aid. Please respond at once so we can help facilitate your visit. Pel out" The message was sent to arrive roughly where the unknowns would exit FTL, if they were enemies or pirates then Pel would be tasked with being the first line of defense.
Skalia glances over at the little comms device she had been handed by the planets governor, my my her voice echoes in her own head as she makes note of the mass of vessels that had just arrived on her doorstep.
She stopped what.. or rather who she was doing for a moment as she directed her attention away from the panting glowing mess tangled up in the sheets under her to connect to the larger shade gestalt.
"Admiral it would appear we have guests, see to it that they're shown proper hospitality befitting what ever manners they decide to display"
She finishes her psionic order as she takes one of the glowing messes fingers into her mouth her teeth rolling gently over her fore knuckles.
"Hmmm it seems your family's finally come to meet me."
She sings her voice as sweet as always.
Her face drifts closer to the Artificia and she settles her teeth onto her partners ear lobe even as the myriad of tentacles sprouting from her back set upon their enwrapped victim with renewed fervour.
"Oh love i just cant wait to meet your mother!"
...Mother...?
Ohuhri's eyes, obscured by one of Skalia's myriad tendrils stared straight upwards as the thought drifted through her fatigued mind. She was familiar with the concept for sure, though not the experiences of having one, being one...either or, to be frank. Her mind virtually ignored the restrained writhes and wriggles of her ravaged body, her mind staying firmly on the concept of family. Her psyche was used to having much to occupy itself; operating an entire warship emphatically induced such a state of normality, so having been deprived of this for weeks now, Ohuhri's thoughts clung to whatever piqued her interest in a desperate subconscious effort to stay active.
Just as soon as her mind started conjuring images of her with a family, as twisted as a lack of understanding made them from a human's perspective, she finally extrapolated what Skalia's words meant.
And her mind flashed to action once more, realising the mounting gravity of the situation. Not the physical gravity holding Skalia's form on top of her own.
"W-What?" she stammered between her panting. "Why...why are they...why are they here?"
He turned his attention to his screen, soon entering the system in question as he glanced around, indeed, his recon ships where still safe, and they joined him as the fleet exited their jump. He began the process of cooling his drives, the fleet standing in place like some monument to an old war, shields raised as soon as they where able, and Vibius looked over the situation. "So far, so good, Have the 'Tenacious' press forward at full speed, and the rest of the fleet will move after it reaches out of CIWS range, we'll use him as a marker for the moment. Frigate Wings, when combat starts, break off into individual groups, for now, simply remain on standby, I want to see what we can get away with."
The fleet began to lumber forward, slowly and matching the other cruiser's speed once at the desired range. At this point, Vibious wanted to have a chat. He began an open communication, and readied his tightbeam communicators with his fleet, ready to go at the drop of a hat "Residents of the system, the Dectrose Empire and it's comrades are here seeking the damaged Far Reach and it's occupants, we mean you no harm, do not attempt to engage us. We are only here for the Preistess Skalia and her ship". He had a thought, and sent a tightbeam communication to the planet, searching for the Far Reach, and the secret that laid within it.
--
Gavin, in the middle of teaching his small Mantis clone to perform other entertaining tasks, suddenly stiffened up. The RAVD node he implanted detected the Dectrothian Network nearby, and he slowly, subtly moved to Timmer and Turney who where playing a game usually done by those that where imprisoned, knocking on the bottle of alcohol they had next to the door "Gents, we have company." The both of the Dectrothians stood up, and Timmer leaned towards Gavin "What do you mean? You mean the Empire?" A silent nod was recieved, and Turney pushed "So, who is it? Does she know and how many?"
Gavin rolled his eyes "You both know she can hear us, and likely she knows about the Dectrose's arrival. As far as who and how many? I don't know yet. Just relax for the moment, if you" he looked directly at Turney "Try some sort of revolt, she'd split you into twenty pieces if you're lucky." Gavin smiled "So relax, enjoy the show..." His face frowned in annoyance "And don't get anyone killed." Timmer tapped his foot "What about the Prizraks, and Ohuhri, you tell them yet?"
Gavin shifted a little "Not yet, they might try and make a break for it if I tell those Prizraks, and Ohuhri.. well.." He looked away uncomfortably "She's likely a little wrapped up in something right now."
The Unanimity fleet was next to arrive, appearing in their usual fashion of a streak of mustard yellow light and an electromagnetic bang on sensors. Or rather, fifty of them in rapid succession. The vessels immediately brought their systems back up to operational capacity. Shields were readied and capacitors charged, targeting computers locking high-level threats to the fleet's operation, though for now the guns they controlled remained unmoving.
They arrived in time to pick up on the Dectrose warning, and the admiral of the Unanimity fleet added only a single comment.
"Our only concern are those held unwillingly aboard the Far Reach. We have no ill intent towards your people. Stand aside, and we will bring you and yours no harm."
"Oh you know."
She answers playfully as her hands crackle with the slightest electrical charge, experimentation leads to invention she giggles internally.
"Probably for you my dearest."
She runs her fingers lightly along her stomach light bolts of electricity running along behind them.
"Oh i wonder if she'll like me?"
Her voice sounds naive and hopeful, one had to wonder for the creatures mental stability sometimes.
Her lips find her tentacle filled lovers neck the light nibbling of teeth interspersed with the languid attentions of her silk like tongue.
"Say my name."
The Restevian assault unit dropped FTL shortly, taking a loose formation with the heaviest ships in the core of the fleet. There was a long pause as they ran systems checks amongst their number before opening comms to the allied units and bringing their weapons and shields online. A message was sent to the planet in the same vein as the AU's, assuring the local forces that their only interest was their Spetsnaz. If they did not attack the Restevians, the Restevians would give them the same courtesy.
------
Master Sergeant Rekov, leader of Prizrak Recon Ops Team 07, was concerned. No, more than that, he was worried. He wasn't worried about Gavin, Turney, Timmer or Taylor. They weren't Prizraks, they were from a nation that might well be an enemy. He wasn't worried about Pergenen, despite the old Prizrak's constant preparation of his weapons and his paranoid plans for elimination of hostiles possible and perceived, a ritual that was unsettling at the best of times. While he was concerned for Pergenen as a team leader ought to be, he wasn't worried about him.
No, he was worried for Sudov. Maksim unlike both of his team-mates was young, very barely out of his twenties, and he hadn't been through all the stress that Rekov and Pergenen had. Despite his skill he wasn't as hardened as they were. For all the times that his youth and adaptability had been a boon to their operations, here it'd turned out to be a failing, his young and open heart affected. The stress of seeing Kaikoma destroyed, their captivity aboard this hell-spawned vessel and Skalia's taking of Ohuhri in the manner the madwoman had were affecting Sudov more than he'd admit, and quite possibly more than he realized. He spent much of his time pacing around their rooms, checking, rechecking and triple checking his weapons even more than Pergenen did. He barely slept, he barely ate. Sometimes he would vanish with his rifle and clad in his armor into the halls of the ship, only to be returned shortly afterwards. What he was doing, what his goal was nobody knew. When he was invariably returned, he never spoke of where he'd managed to get or what'd found him, what the hell he was trying to do. Even when Rekov ordered him, Sudov still stubbornly remained silent. Both of the older Restevians only had to look at him to see that he was hurting. So yes, Rekov was worried.
He had every reason to be.
The small Accord fleet returns to realspace as the ships begin their diagnostics, reactivating some systems that had shut down during transit. As irritating as it is, the new form of FTL their nation had acquired from the Great War was far from perfect but it was still better than the next they have. "The Accord is here on behalf of our allies present here; our motives are the same as theirs," Azlot speaks into the open comms of the system. "Step aside, for all our sake."
The Accordite soldiers on board the ships were ready to go. Many have mentally pumped themselves up for the battle ahead, others murmuring a quick prayer to their ancestors for strength. Most of these men were veterans of the Great War, heroes and victims in equal regard, but just as many were rookies having just been transported to their new frontier. Nobody knew what awaited them in the blue jewel below, but it mattered not. Should there be an enemy, it will be destroyed.
The electrical jolts had...perhaps not the effect Skalia had predicted. Instead of causing twitches or bursts of movement, Ohuhri tensed hard in response, and her hardlight skin briefly lit up in response to them.
In her head, her worries for her people grew, and it showed as she struggled anew.
Skalia's...request, for lack of a better term, was a concept Ohuhri was only vaguely familiar with, and it honestly confused her. She knew her own name, why did Ohuhri need to recite it?
A few gasps and noises of struggle preceded her response.
"H...High Priestess...Skalia?"
The sadist giggles behind her hand as she notes the... unique reaction to her electrical jolts, not what she was expecting but discovery itself always caused her a certain thrill of excitement.
"Oh come now im sure we've know each other well enough to drop the titles no?"
Even as her words bled with a certain kindness her actions betrayed her, the long silver appendages tightening their grip against the struggling creatures efforts even as the less restraining limbs increased their tempo.
"Im afraid i have guests my love... and mother always told me to put down my toys and be a gracious host yes."
Her breathing begins to hitch as her words falter and skip every so often.
"Lay back and relax... lets finish fo.. rrr today shall we?"
As the ravages of the Far reaches "far reach" continued the more responsible aspects of her personality made their presence known elsewhere, namely in the vast swirling soul mass of the shades meta concert, here it began the first steps of readying for battle.
The lead shade warship the super dreadnought SS Joseph Stalin pulled itself about the worlds LEO coming to a rest under the physical cover of the planets ports before its comms band began to transmit to the lead warsmith class vessel.
"Turash this... part of Skalia, i notice we have guests yes? Any idea who graces us on this most august day?"
Pel seemed to ignore the quite blatant regards of some kind of conflict and remained polite "I am unsure what you are exactly planning but I assure you that you are welcome to use our extensive shipyards to resupply and re-arm like any who come here. Skalia and the Far Reach are here undergoing repairs using the neutral parties aid act. Ueuxtull is a neutral world and we are not involved in any conflicts, nor do we wish to be however those at anchor on our world are under our protection. I ask that you peacefully leave and take your grievances elsewhere, this is not a place for conflict. I will not step aside"
The fleet of Ueuxtull kept position, forming a cordon. Their shields and defenses were fully active but their weapons were powered down. Defensive systems were activated across the planet as the broadcasts by the fleets reached the planet itself.
---
"So they are here for Skalia, what a surprise" Turash grunted.
"Seems like they brought quite the fleet sir"
"They did, but if they really want her they will have to fight a neutral nation, thats political suicide. Keep our fleet assets space side back but be ready to support our hosts forces at once. Get everything this side of the planet weapons hot however. I will be amused if they make the leap" Turash commented as he looked at a holo projection of the situation in space.
Reports came to Vibius on the status of the enemy's defensive status, in a moment, the CIWS of the Dectrose fleet came online, though it's offensive weaponry remained cold. He looked over to the display of his leading vessel, and put his communication through to them, while still aiming his tightbeam communications at the world itself, soon finding what it had been looking for. The Comms officer piped up "Sir, we have established connection to the RAVD node, orders?" Vibius watched his continued forward progress, the neutrality of the world would prove an issue, as well as those forces not standing down. Personally, he mused that warriors shouldn't dabble in politics, and that his duty was to get his job done, regardless of what occurs.. But there was a time when even warriors must talk politics.
He opened a communication to the one speaking to him, and established a connection to them "Pel Zalane, this is the Commander of the Combined Dectrose Forces, Taetrus Vibius. The Far Reach and Skalia are holding captives of our military personnel, as well as military forces of other elements of our fleet. We are here for their safe return, and to bring in Skalia for questioning regarding the destruction of Kaikoma. We seek no military conflict with your forces, and we shall make every effort to prevent armed conflict with your own forces, however." He paused "We will seek other methods of cooperation if Skalia and her forces refuse to cooperate peacefully." Across the fleet, FTL drives warmed up again, and a message was sent to the RAVD node on the Far Reach.
--
Some chatting later, Gavin stiffened up again, enciting looks from Turney and Timmer, as Taylor joined the throng. "So, I hear we got some rescue? Anyone bring a liferaft?" Gavin snorted "There exists a Dectrose fleet above, yes. As far as rescue, that's to be determined, if the Dectrose and company can break through the defenses." Gavin was silent, as well as those around him, as he recieved the updates from the node "No hostilities open yet, Vibius is asking for cooperation, defenses are up throughout the assembled forces, all weapons cold thus far, it's now focused on how Skalia will react."
Turney grumbled "Why didn't they just come in guns blazing? Trying to talk sense into a madwoman is the surest way to get sneak attacked." Timmer sighed out "Likely because the last few times we opened hostilities, the Annointed wiped the floor with us." To which Turney spat out "Only because they had the first hit." Timmer glanced to Gavin "So? What do we do?" With a few taps of his foot, Gavin contemplated "Well, sit tight for now. See where it goes."
"Hoping for something apart from what we've already seen is foolish. Idioticheskiy i detskiy." Pergenen snarled, the old Prizrak slapping the outer shell of his GL shut after cleaning it.
"She'll try to kill them."
Rekov sighed heavily, his arms folded as he sat silently. Pergenen was probably right, even though he hoped he might not be.
Sudov paced nearby, fully loaded in his armor and with his rifle to hand. Like had been the norm he wasn't speaking, only movement.
The Unanimity fleet remained firmly where it was, capacitor charges maintained and shields ready to flash to life in a heartbeat. There was a pause, before their response came.
"So. You are, knowingly and willingly, harbouring the wanted fugitive of several other powers, who has in turn kidnapped and held several military and other personnel belonging to said powers captive. Said powers whom have made it clear they wish your people no harm, and at least for some of us..."
A pause.
"...Only wish the return of our people from her grasp, if not Skalia and the Far Reach as well. You understand that effectively makes you an accomplice in her crimes, yes? Personally, I can assure you the Unanimity do not care if she stays here or otherwise, we are only here for the return of our own."
---
Aboard the Far Reach, Ohuhri's distress only became all the more evident. Her words became a stammering mess, a strange contrast to her usual cold, flat, calculated demeanour, but while nothing too coherent came from between her hardlight lips, her wants became clear:
She wanted to tell them to leave.
Skalia sighs as she lowers a hand to the creatures mouth the velvet texture of her glove coming to settle upon her glowing amors mouth to silence her distressed partner.
"Ssssshhhhhhh."
Skalia intones gently as her frenzied movements come to an end the mood clearly killed deader than Kaikoma.
"Calm down its okay."
The many restrictive and intrusive appendages of the gestalt unfurl themselves from around the orange women retreating into the nano mass they spawned from.
"I'll let you talk don't worry"
Skalia had little interest in the non human holo beings, but for the sake of her little glowing flower she'd make an exception.
"We also do not wish for conflict between our forces. And I understand your wish to bring Skalia to justice, and I even wish you good luck in your ventures to do so with what she has done. However I cannot turn her over to you or allow you to arrest her while she is in our custody, Ueuxtull is a free planet, neutral to all and our laws do not allow conflicts of interest to be settled on our land. This does not make us an acomplice, our laws forbay any form of international incident from being carried our on our soil and we have upheld such since the days of the 1st Ancerious war where we refused to take a side and aided all who came here. We will happily aid your forces if you require refueling or repairs but we cannot sanction action in our system. Once she has undergone her repairs and leaves you may do as you will, but while she is here our laws protect her and everyone else here. I sincirely hope that you do not seek to circumvent them" Pel replied on open coms.
The Triarch fleet that was in orbit formed up, using the time to leave dock and take formation, well behind the Ueuxtull fleet but close enough that they could help reinforce if the situation got hot. Triarch was here as a guest and they didnt intend to cause any trouble for their hosts.
The fleet kept it's advance, before slowing down slightly, as much as he would simply assault the planet by FTL'ing to it's atmosphere, dealing with the neutrals would still prove to be a hassle. Tactically speaking, it would be difficult to restrict casualties to just the enemy forces, and the drain on his shields and CIWS may swing the tide in the enemy's favor. Reading over his situation, he contacted Admiral Rayan and Chji, and asked for their own tactical opinion on the situation, the Dectrothian comms going quiet towards both their comrades and to the neutral planet, as they discussed the ongoing situation. Rayan was in favor of continuing the assault, whereas Chji was more in favor of occupying the dock area, and either blockading the planet or setting up a sentry position over the Far Reach, to watch it's progress.
Though Rayan was stubborn, Vibius' status ultimately was enough to sway him to consider another approach, the fleet slowly began to pick up speed again, as Chji suggested a non-violent approach to a blockade of sorts of the planet. Vibius was pleased enough with this plan, that he re-opened the comms to Pel "Zalane, this is Vibius, I wish to task several of my ships to general maintenence. Your planet offers aid to all those that come here, I am willing to accept your offer. Admiral Chji's fleet will remain here at Ueuxtull, and once the Far Reach and Skalia are seen to leave, we shall pursue her after leaving your system. This allows us to seek justice, as well as adhere to your laws and neutrality. Do you accept?"
His communications turned to his allies "The Dectrose Empire will monitor the situation here, and we shall attempt to free the prisoners with diplomatic pressure or otherwise, but we shall avoid conflict unless fired upon first. If you wish to task supervision forces, please communicate back what you would commit, otherwise, you are free to leave upon the decision of the Ueuxtull forces."
There was no apparent response from the Unanimity fleet. As little as they cared for any disaster that befell their world, they had no particular desire to bring such ruin themselves. If they could wait to get Ohuhri, they would.
Ohuhri paused a moment before responding, putting her thoughts together.
"Th...Thank you...I...if I can contact the fleet, I...might be able to make them leave." she swallowed. "Makes things easier for us if hostilities occur." she added, her usual calculating tone starting to return.
"This is hardly ideal..." Shedov wondered to himself, looking over the situation. Nevertheless, the laws of this planet were what they were, and the last thing the Restevians needed was to be breaking the neutrality of a nation that'd maintained it from the first war. In addition, looking over his board Shedov had to realize that his ships were more likely than not to be totally annihilated alone without backup.
"Vibus," he said upon opening a line again. "I will task four cruisers to remain here with your vessels."
Skalia smiles and nods glad her green plaything had saw fit to thank her.
"Of course my little fleur it works well for me as well after all im more interested in laying low humans more than your kind."
Her fingers twirl in the air she coalesces the many nanites that hung about the air in gestalt ships, after a few seconds something one would recognise as an old reverb microphone forms in her hand.
"Go ahead dearest you're on radio."
Zelane quickly replied to the Dectrose "Your vessels will be seen to at once, defer to docking command for bay numbers and further details and we will liase with your fleet to ensure they are brought up to spec as quick as possible. As for your wishing to wait you may be allocated a orbital path around the nearest gas giant, there you can survey the situation and the Far Reach without causing any issues with in and outbound traffic, you may stay as long as you wish"
With Zelanes reply a set of co-ordinates were relayed both to the Dectrose and the other accompanying forces, they contained details on the docking paths as well as the orbital paths that the fleets could wait on around the nearest Gas giant. It seemed like this was going to be a waiting game.
The warp drives on Chji's fleet cooling down, his fleet moved towards the coordinates, while Admiral Rayan warped out of the area, presumably back to Dectrose territory. Vibius, on the other hand, transmitted an update to Gavin, and made a few requests of him, as he oversaw Chji's movement into the care of Ueuxtull. True, he had wanted to strike at Skalia, and rescue his men, other forces at hand, however, complicated things, both here and in his nation. It was more tactically efficient to keep an eye on the Far Reach, and maintain relations with Triarch, who was protecting this world.
The APP, he thought, would need to be contacted in order to try and see what they could do, regarding the situation. Overall, it was a mess, one that was hoped would be cleaned by the sweeping fire of the Dectrose fleet, but now simply remained. Only time would tell if they would retrieve their men, for now, Vibius observed the space around him, coordinating with the other fleets to make things go as smoothly as possible.
Gavin, upon recieving the updates, sent them to the three Dectrothians around him. They remained silent, their hope for freedom crushed for the moment. Gavin let out a sigh, and addressed his comrades "Well, it's not like we're going anywhere fast, there's still repairs that need to be done to the Far Reach. If anything, the Perturbation was successful in the fact that it anchored Skalia here, and the Dectrose can now track her." Turney gave an angry huff, like a bull in a rodeo "Sure, then what's stopping her from just popping the fleet we got above? We gave her too many chances, a bullet to her pretty face would be a quicker solution."
Taylor, who had been keenly following, turned for the door, Timmer shouting after him "Hey, wait! Where do you think you're going?" As Taylor walked down the hallway, he softly spoke to himself "I think it's time for round two with Skalia."
Ohuhri took a second to compose herself, her hair fixing itself, before speaking.
"This is ICO Ohuhri, formerly of the AUNS Trident III under Commodore Yehla, speaking to the Unanimity battlegroup in-system. I am alive and well, and am presently under no threat of harm. No military action is required. I request, for your own sakes, you return to Unanimity space." she stated, her cold and firm tone having returned. A beat.
"ICO Ohuhri, over."
Across the black void of space, the Unanimity fleet's head rose an eyebrow as the signal arrived at their sensors.
"Can we confirm that?"
"Matches what we know of her vocal tones and inflexions, at least."
"Our orders are to retrieve her."
"Yes, and if she is to be believed, we don't need to risk ourselves now."
"Now being the operative word."
"Indeed. I'd rather not risk a lot of ships fighting a neutral party and a superdreadnought-class vessel over one ICO."
"So? What's the order?"
A pause crossed the bridge.
"Spin up FTL. We're returning to Unanimity space. We'll find a way to get her back at a later time."
A single message went out, back to the Far Reach, as the vessels turned and their FTL drives charged.
"Stay safe, Ohuhri. Out."
: "Vibius, Artificia are out. What does this change?" Chji asked through their comms, a simple answer came back "Nothing, ICO Ohuhri is no longer a primary objective. If we can rescue her, that's fine, but we won't risk additional resources if she wants to stay." The pause between them hung in the air, before "Affirmative, we'll keep an eye on it sir."
"Get me a line to the Prizrak team." Shedov ordered.
"Sir, they may be unable to respond..."
"Just do it. I want them to know they're not being abandoned."
"Yessir."
"Comrades."
Rekov shot up to his feet as the voice, a Restevian speaker, came through the shared line of their armor's comms. Pergenen stopped what he was doing even Sudov stopped his pacing to listen.
"This is Captain Samuil Shedov. Be advised that at this time, we are unable to affect a rescue attempt for yourselves and ICO Ohuri. To do so would result in only more casualties, which were are unable to risk. We are sorry."
Just like that, as their spirits had begun to rise, they fell again. Nobody was coming for them. But, Shedov wasn't finished.
"However, be advised that the RSC has not, and will not forget you, comrades. Rescue will be a attempted though at the moment we do not know when. Do not lose hope. You will be brought home. Gods be with you."
With that, the line shut down.
"Detail the Noya Moskovas that are on observation duties to move to the gas giant as agreed. The rest of the fleet, order FTL spool-up. We're leaving. Signal to the Accord to prepare to follow if they don't want to get blown up by the Shades." Shedov ordered, rubbing his eyes. They'd arrived expecting a fight, and now they were leaving with their tails between their legs, their job undone. There was just nothing for it.
Azlot sighs as he forwards the comms messages he's recieved to Evelyne. The Commodore is very well aware of the unrest this will cause to the troops, since many would have psyched themselves up prior to battle, but it would be asinine to charge into the fray now, let alone by themselves. The man and his bridge crew understands this; Madam-Major Evelyne understands this. Hopefully, the marines won't cause too much of a ruckus as Azlot leans back in his chair and ordered his helmsman to plot a FTL course back to Accord space, signalling to the other two remaining allied fleets of their course.
Evelyne, in the bay of one of the Accord's retrofitted transports, could only grit her teeth as she replayed the messages sent between their supposed target and their allies. She could understand it, but it was another question if she could tolerate it. All of her men had been rearing to go, to return to the fray that they had become so adjusted to. It was the only time they truly felt alive again, and now that pleasure, so close within their grasp, has slipped away once again. She briefly considered ordering the captain of the transport to charge in anways but Evelyne knew full well that none of the Navy ships would follow. Hell, if the captain of this vessel even obeyed her, that would be a miracle. So, all she could do is grit her teeth in fustration of being blue-balled again. "All units, stand by for a change of plans. We will not be entering the AO nor engaging in combat. Everyone is dismissed until further orders. Madam-Major Evelyne out."
"Fucking politics," one marine muttered into the platoon comms, barely loud enough to be audible. Evelyne idly nods her head in agreement, and if anyone else had noticed her action, they certainly didn't voice it. But, she noticed, many of her subordinates were in agreement as they sauntered off to the armory to remove their equipment.
"So it seems they are going to choose the peaceful option for now. I guess that makes it easier for us, I would have hated to cut relations with the Dectrose over something like this" Vidans said aloud, entering the CIC once again. Turash turned to the man and growled.
"And here I was hoping for some excitement to this dull posting" he replied.
"Now now general you know how much trade means to us and Skalia is a too important prize to give up so easily. We will be staying here for the immediate future, our forces will stay and should the Dectrose and their AGA... friends surprise us, help Ueuxtull and Skalia. You have my word" Vidans grinned. Turash merely looked away from the man and back to the holoprojection as the potentially hostile fleets readied their FTL drives.
It was a shame he thought, he wanted to action.
However it was habitable, as mankind had proved again and again on a million worlds their species would endure in the most harshest of enviroments, using technology and engenuity to overcome natures raging power. The world had been settled in Ancerious early exploration years and had soon evolved into a huge shipyard of both impressive size and capability. With an orbital ring and hundreds of dry docks in orbit Ueuxtull even enjoyed a relatively small defense fleet of its own design, subsequantly bolstered by various deals with Triarch enough to fend of piracy and small invasions. Ueuxtulls main defence was its neutrality, despite its large ties to Triarch the world had not entered the war or aided either side overtly, it openly allowed both allied and APP forces to dock for repairs as well as operate in system even fight if nessecary in the outward bounds of the system. But it wasnt the orbitals that were impressive.
On the surface of the world large domed floating cities survived the storm wracked surface, their populances enjoying the days where the skies cleared to reveal a glittering binary star pair above. Below however the underwater cities also housed more dry and wet docks for starships, repairing them in the depths of the ocean to help repair costs and also for defence against bombard the government of Ueuxtull had taken in many over the years.
But nothing quite like this.
----
Vidans head hurt, it wasnt a conventional headache, and everyone who had gone into specific areas of the ship had experienced it. Entire areas of the vessel were twisted in ways that simply should not be possible in physics, whatever this behemoth had been through Vidan was eager to never experience it. He walked back to one of the airlocks leading off the vessel surrounded by Triarch operatives and bodyguards, he was smiling to himself though, he may have just secured the deal of the century for the company.
The behemoth that he was on board was known as the Far Reach, an Annointed vessel nearly 300km long and totally unable to fit within the usual docks underwater. Titanic repair operations were underway, both from Triarch corps and Ueuxtulls own repair corps, the job was huge and would take a long time to complete. But the fact that this ship was an enemy of the APP made it even more interesting. Vidans had negotiated with the ships commander or... well she was the ship, Skalia for asylum with the APP in exchange to knowledge on the Annointed technology, psionic capability and the eisengate state of the soul, each research a jewel to the likes of Triarch Industries.
With this deal they could study counters to Annointed weaponry, study far more advanced physics and biology and advance their own black projects by years. All in all Vidans was totally ecstatic. He had assigned two entire regiments of Triarch marines to be stationed aboard the Far Reach to defend and secure it alongside Skalias own defenses while they slowly returned the vessel to full functionality, it crawled with Triarch scientists and Vidans had even called in a small defensive fleet to aid in Ueuxtulls own defenses, he had warned the neutral nation that if word got out the allies would come. The council had merely replied that they were neutral, any strike on denizens of Ueuxtull or those finding safe harbour would be attacking the planet itself. Both for AGA and APP. It was a deal that Vidans would never wish to break for fear of political and public fallout.
"Is the deal sealed sir?" One of his close guards asked, Vidans nodded with a grin.
"Yes it is my boy, looks like we will likely be getting a bonus early this year"
He had received the news about the RAVD node that Corsair Commander Gavin made onboard the USS Far Reach, and it lead right to an unaligned system, an oceanic planet with an extensive orbital drydock, it seemed almost too good, but this was an opening. To repair such a massive ship would take time, and with the small amount of information from the Interdiction station closest to the Far Reach when it dropped back in Dectrose space, the damage was severe.
He dispatched some of the newer admirals, and with the news of the Battlecruiser being recovered some distance away from Gizli, had also sent an admiral along with a skeleton crew for the Battlecruiser to the Artificia, he hoped he could negotiate with them to help send a token force to assist in recovering their XO Ohuhri. He then contacted the RSC on a heavily encrypted channel, and asked them for assistance in assaulting the Far Reach and recovering their Prizraks.
Then he sent another Admiral to the Accord, to personally ask them for assistance in assaulting the Far Reach, then exhaled, and retired for the moment.
--
Shi'Chu Rayan had recently graduated from the Academy, and was in command of the closest fleet to move and recover the Artifician Battlecruiser. There was a short argument with the still Pro-Saber occupants, but after taking them into custody, Rayan moved to Ari, then to the border of the Artifician territory, opening a broadcast that they had come in peace, and where here to deliver to them their lost Battlecruiser.
--
Moving to contact the Accord, Ostiio Chji was the second Quinterran to achieve the rank of Admiral in the ISF, and he looked forward to proving himself in command of his carrier group. The fleet appeared near one of the major planets, and Chji opened a comms channel to the Accord, asking to speak to their military command to petition for assistance in an offensive campaign.
In total, nearly a thousand of the Dectrose's own ships would be off in this assault, men eager to seek vengeance for the death of Kaikoma and millions upon billions of loved ones and innocent lives, as well as comrades in arms. This would be the largest force the Dectrose have ever fielded in the Ancerious Galaxy, and these men knew that it would be the fight of their lives. A large portion of the Admiralty Board where also going, with several admirals needed to control and keep efficient a space force this large, but they where not alone.
The ISF was backed up by ATAF Infantry, intended to directly assault the Annointed should boots be needed at any time, as well as specialized Cabal units, seeing action for the very first time in this galaxy. Information on the planet that Skalia was staying also prompted the Imperial Dectrose Navy, the Empire's 'wet navy' to be called up and loaded on 'Whale' transport ships to be called in once the coast is clear. In all, a large part of the Dectrothian war machine was on the move. Though some care was taken to try and not alert any of the xeno visitors to Trudchen that things where amiss, as to not have word of their large force exiting to catch wind and notify anyone they didn't want knowing. But it would likely have been difficult to hide some of the force's movements.
This meeting location was given to the RSC, AU and Accordite forces, as a means to coordinate the strategy quickly, then move on to the assault. With all of the Dectrothian ships on location, and awaiting those fleets from the rest, Taetrus Vibius, the Commander of the Combined Dectrose Forces, set about standard planning and such before the battle ahead. He would confer with the Artificia on the support role they would undertake, and the RSC on how they wished to proceed, given the information known on the system. He thought of using the Oracle, but such a device would no doubt alert Skalia to their intentions, so he would consult on it's use to the others.
In short, the Accord would likely be at their best in the water, so he would try to hold their forces behind the Dectrose's forces, as the Dectrose would no doubt face the brunt of the assault, but Vibius knew this, and he knew there would be sacrifices that would have to be made. Some of the Admirals, and Rear Admirals under his command where fresh out of the academy, but there was no better teacher than the fire of combat. He took a moment to pray to the spirits to guide his men, and went towards his War Room, the incoming parties given guidance and clearance to enter, and directed to the War Room.
Captain Samuil Shedov had been the command officer that Drekoals had dispatched at the head of the eighty ship unit of heavies, and the man entered the War Room with a pair of troopers at his back. Captain Shedov made no bones about nor attempted to hide his mistrust for the Dectrose, very clearly wearing his sidearm, his men fully armed as he approached Vibus, their posture stiff. He trusted the Accord of course, as all of Drekoal's men did, but they had not yet arrived.
"Commander." he stated cooly, stopping a few meters away and holding his hands clasped behind his back. "Before we begin, two things I want to make very, very clear. One, we have done our research on this world that the Shades have taken refuge upon, and we know that it is neutral despite it's Triarch presence. Attacking neutral forces or their worlds is against the military code of honor the RSC hold itself to, and so we will only be engaging the APP forces. Two, a team of our special forces is still being held captive by Skalia, and if we have the chance to rescue them, we will take it. Clear?"
The next to arrive was the Artifician captain, Huhya. The red-orange Artificia brought only a single bodyguard, though they wore R2 power armour, and she, like Shedov, clearly had a sidearm on her hip. The look on her face was either one of boredom or plain disinterest as she entered the War Room. Like the Restevians the Unanimity held no significant trust in the Dectrose, more on a fundamental basis of how fragmented their military command seemed, and how they seemed to change motive and intent with wild abandon. The Dectrose's proximity to the Unanimity voiced only exacerbated the feeling.
"Commander." She bluntly greeted. "Our force is ready, but as I'm sure you've been informed, we are only performing supporting roles. If you try to move them into a frontline position, I will not be afraid to withdraw my forces."
He allowed himself to smile, Vibius certainly enjoyed the Accordites, and the commanders that had answered his call. "Of course, whichever area you feel you will be able to expertly handle, you may do so, Commodore Azlot. I pray to the spirits that we should not need the Sixth Fleet, but if we do, there's likely bigger issues to worry about." He then gazed upon the other two, the RSC and Artificia. He could easily feel in the air, the tension, that air of distrust, but that was the politician's problem, not his.
"Of course, Captain Huhya, the Artificia will be held in as support, the Dectrose are going to be making the frontline push, and we will likely experience the heaviest casualties. That being said.." he turned to the other "I'm well aware of the neutrality of the world, or so it has stated. The Dectrose aren't untrained in the area of careful weapons fire. After all, your men had seen such in the attempt to slay the Far Reach the first time over Kaikoma."
He straightened from his posture, one of leaning over the war room's table, to a rigid one, his hands kept in the small of his back "We will announce why we are there, and request that the occupants of the world not intervene. Should they do so, however, we will attempt to simply shrug them off, or disable them through Electronic Warfare. By no measure should we engage in lethal force against these people."
He looked on all the occupants now "And of course, the reason we are all here standing in this room is because while Bohler is trying to keep this as quiet as possible for us, we need to neutralize the Far Reach, capture Skalia and rescue our men. That is all we are here to accomplish. Afterwards, the galaxy can know the truth, but not just yet."
He paced near his end of the table, and brought up a map of the system "The Admiralty Board spoke at length about using the Oracle to gain better strategic knowledge of this, though personally, I disagree on it's usage here. We have enough information to go on, and by the time we are in the system, our scouts should be able to quickly get us that information anyway, but alas, the Board requested that I speak to you, and if you wish to utilize it."
He tapped the edge of the system for a moment and a hologram of the Dectrose fleet appeared "Regardless, the Dectrose's plan is simple. We engage all hostile Annointed Forces, Triarch too, if it is absolutely necessary, push forward to the planet in question, and provide cover for the Accord to land on the planet, I will also be sending in a small expeditionary force of our naval assets to assist them." He looked towards the RSC and Artificia. "Though what is your ideas for your particular skills and what do you think would be best for your fleets to participate with?"
"If at all possible, we don't engage." Shedov said. "This is not cowardice as it may appear, but pragmatism. If the Shade and Triarch numbers are as you say, then my squadron may not be of much use in direct cotact. My vessels I will be deploying with the Accord to run interference, and my Prizraks will be inserting with Accord, if Major Evelyne and Commodore Azlot will allow them to. Greetings and good to see you both again, by the way."
Ueuxtull was a relatively small system. The vessels that had jumped in had found the storm wracked water world easily enough, the twin binary pair dancing the endless roaring dance of death with each other as over the millenia their orbits would decay and eventually the stars would collide. Several more planets orbited in system, an outer gas giant of surprisingly small size along with two ice balls orbited in the outer reaches both with minimal prescence of humanity. Ueuxtull itself however was clearly a bastion surrounded by its orbital ring and multiple shipyards.
The system was fairly busy as well, hundreds of civilian and non aligned vessels moved to and fro from the shipyards and orbital ring. Merchant vessels, privateers and more stopped here to trade, refuel, re-arm, repair and relax as Ueuxtull was a well known stop off in this region of space. In that regard its small defense fleet watched over the whole situation, the planet had been preyed on by pirates consistently and its defenses now played the dual role of drawing ever more audacious pirate forces in and also having to fight them off. Roughly 240 vessels of Triarch, Rangvald, home design and others watched over the designated routes and spacelanes and roughly over a hundred orbital defense platforms scattered around the planet. It was certain the orbital ring also contained powerful armaments but none that could be so easily observed. A small Triarch fleet of 30 vessels also hung in close formation just off the orbital ring clearly originally from the company by looks alone.
The FTL bursts had been unseen by most of the Ueuxtull fleet however the powerful anti pirate sensors located on the orbital ring had picked them up. Noting no corresponding ships on course notifications were sent to Ueuxtull fleet command, it could be pirate stealth vessels on the prowl after all the pirates had tried everything before.
---
"Pirate attack?" Turash said aloud.
"Apparantly, it may be a false alarm but these people take it very seriously" Vidans shrugged as they both stood once again on the bridge of the aircraft carrier. Vidans stared at the Defender interceptors taking off to carry out routine patrols in interest.
"I see, tighten security and let the fleet know the stupid bastards would be suicidal to attack this place unless they had some heavy gear. Worst comes to worst we draw them close to the planet and ask our... Guest to help deal with them" Turash smiled, the General didnt trust Skalia but that didnt mean he wouldnt use her as a weapon.
"Calm down there general if its only pirates im sure our hosts will deal with them as they always do. Perhaps we go to a higher alert but no more we dont want to jump at every shadow hm?" Vidans said straightening his tie. Turash eyed the man suspsiciously he didnt trust buissness reps.
The SS Thessaloniki dragged its massive super bulk through the systems myriad stations, the leviatic ship weaves between platforms with deceptive grace as it logs arriving traffic and outgoing vessels its great psi metal spines skimming the minds of all those it came across searching for keywords and faces as it makes its rounds, the vessel pays little head to the new arrivals and simply continues its rounds awaiting the visitors arrival so it could perform its checks once again.
His prayers to the spirits seemed to be answered when he got word back from his recon teams about the system, detailed information coming through as well as the target planet that could house the Far Reach, any further scanning would likely give away their position, so he ordered them to run cold, and await further instructions. Vibius quickly readied his fleets, his ships, his men, preparing for battle before he opened the comms system to the other two fleets with him. "This is our last communication before heading into the tempest that awaits us, ladies and gentlemen, we have recieved word of the system, and I will be forwarding that information to you now, I highly suggest preparing yourselves for some serious combat, we may run into situations we have never encountered before, so stay sharp, and we will succeed."
He paused, for a moment, before opening it again "I believe Colonel Turney would be cross if I didn't make a speech, so here goes." He inhaled, steeling himself, hardening himself before he next opened his mouth.
"Soldiers, Comrades, Friends, it is not the movement of the clock, that produces the newness of life. It is the movement in your mind. You will hear, see and experience all manner of things against you. Throw it behind you. The enemies before us this day, we will see them no more, no weapon they possess will be able to prosper. All manner of hatred thrown against you, will not break you down. This is our time."
"The truth is, everyone will go through a change, either on the battlefield, or in the comfort of our homes. But you don't have to be ashamed of how you change, we all go through our own transformation. We will become a higher, better version of ourselves. Let this battle birth the change that allows us to become that enhanced version of ourselves. Don't let the battles of our past, stop us from our metamorphosis."
"New battles, new changes. What seperates us, is not our distances, nor our cultures, nor our ideas or beliefs, but our own transformations. The possibilities to change, to evolve, to survive, the will and strength to push ourselves off the ground and stop eating dirt, begin with the battles ahead. You will never be defeated by what your enemies say about you or do to you, but you will be defeated by what you say and do to yourself. We will win, not from our weapons, or technology, nor our idealogies, but from the focus and willpower to drive ourselves to success."
With the press of the console, the comms closed, and ordered his helmsman to jump to the location, the large Imperial fleet opening their wormholes and flew into them, the ships being engulfed and disappearing into them, soon to arrive at the system.
There was far less talk among the Unanimity fleet, the myriad personnel simply wanting the op over, and most not even listening to the Dectrose speech. The sweeping majority didn't even know Ohuhri's name, let alone know her. With only the simple comms chatter of standard operations orders and command, and the powering up of FTL drives, the Unanimity fleet moved into a combat-ready formation, and without further ado, with the flash and streak of mustard yellow light, their tachyon phase drives fired, the ships racing into the stars beyond.
The Restevians likewise were silent. Among themselves, they shared wishes of good luck and hopes for success, but to the Dectrose they said nothing. The eighty warships prepared themselves for battle and armed their weapons and shields, knowing that with the amount they had, their odds alone weren't good.
Transmitting the jump orders from the command battleship to the rest of their fleet and to the Accord forces, the Restevians went to full power on their drives and entered FTL moments after the AU had.
The comparatively nominal forces of the Accord jump with their customary silence before battle, the sixty ships slipped into FTL as quickly as the others.
No, the Accord had a more pivotal role to play than fight in space, and the Navy knew it. Of the sixty ships present, half that were troop transports modified to rapidly deploy a colossal amount of manpower. Though the sheer weight in troops were not to be the objectives of the upcoming battle, the rapidity of the deployment certainly was.
As such, the thirty carriers bore no offensive weapons of their own. Should luck have it, these ships would be mistaken as a token support fleet, having already been rather large and cumbersome even before their modifications, by Accordite standards.
"Sir reports are coming in of incoming FTL signatures numbering over 1000 vessels"
"Where have you gotten this information?" Turash replied to the man on the bridge.
"Straight from Ueuxtull sensor traffic sir, seems like someones coming"
"Put all forces on maximum alert, ready everything. This could be some sort of huge merchant fleet coming for dock or it could be an enemy here for the same thing we are. Either way we take no chances" Turash commanded. Across the entire area Triarch forces which were already on alert came to full readiness as did the vessels in space. A message was sent to Skalia indicating what they already knew and to be ready in case this was an attack. There would be no complacency.
---
Ueuxtull forces were already on alert and moving. The fleet which had guarded the various traffic lanes now converged and defenses were activated but not made hot at the moment. This was neutral territory after all and anyone was welcome here although over a thousand FTL signatures was something rarely seen they didnt want to be caught with their trousers down if it was the pirates having hired out a tonne of PMCs. The government ordered the fleet to greet the new arrivals and ascertain their reasons for coming. That job fell to a women named Pel.
"My name is Pel Zalane of the Ueuxtull Mandate welcome to our system. We have noticed the sheer number of your fleet and wish to know the reasons why you bring such a large force to this system. This is a neutral territory and we will be happy to accomodate you should you need aid. Please respond at once so we can help facilitate your visit. Pel out" The message was sent to arrive roughly where the unknowns would exit FTL, if they were enemies or pirates then Pel would be tasked with being the first line of defense.
Skalia glances over at the little comms device she had been handed by the planets governor, my my her voice echoes in her own head as she makes note of the mass of vessels that had just arrived on her doorstep.
She stopped what.. or rather who she was doing for a moment as she directed her attention away from the panting glowing mess tangled up in the sheets under her to connect to the larger shade gestalt.
"Admiral it would appear we have guests, see to it that they're shown proper hospitality befitting what ever manners they decide to display"
She finishes her psionic order as she takes one of the glowing messes fingers into her mouth her teeth rolling gently over her fore knuckles.
"Hmmm it seems your family's finally come to meet me."
She sings her voice as sweet as always.
Her face drifts closer to the Artificia and she settles her teeth onto her partners ear lobe even as the myriad of tentacles sprouting from her back set upon their enwrapped victim with renewed fervour.
"Oh love i just cant wait to meet your mother!"
...Mother...?
Ohuhri's eyes, obscured by one of Skalia's myriad tendrils stared straight upwards as the thought drifted through her fatigued mind. She was familiar with the concept for sure, though not the experiences of having one, being one...either or, to be frank. Her mind virtually ignored the restrained writhes and wriggles of her ravaged body, her mind staying firmly on the concept of family. Her psyche was used to having much to occupy itself; operating an entire warship emphatically induced such a state of normality, so having been deprived of this for weeks now, Ohuhri's thoughts clung to whatever piqued her interest in a desperate subconscious effort to stay active.
Just as soon as her mind started conjuring images of her with a family, as twisted as a lack of understanding made them from a human's perspective, she finally extrapolated what Skalia's words meant.
And her mind flashed to action once more, realising the mounting gravity of the situation. Not the physical gravity holding Skalia's form on top of her own.
"W-What?" she stammered between her panting. "Why...why are they...why are they here?"
He turned his attention to his screen, soon entering the system in question as he glanced around, indeed, his recon ships where still safe, and they joined him as the fleet exited their jump. He began the process of cooling his drives, the fleet standing in place like some monument to an old war, shields raised as soon as they where able, and Vibius looked over the situation. "So far, so good, Have the 'Tenacious' press forward at full speed, and the rest of the fleet will move after it reaches out of CIWS range, we'll use him as a marker for the moment. Frigate Wings, when combat starts, break off into individual groups, for now, simply remain on standby, I want to see what we can get away with."
The fleet began to lumber forward, slowly and matching the other cruiser's speed once at the desired range. At this point, Vibious wanted to have a chat. He began an open communication, and readied his tightbeam communicators with his fleet, ready to go at the drop of a hat "Residents of the system, the Dectrose Empire and it's comrades are here seeking the damaged Far Reach and it's occupants, we mean you no harm, do not attempt to engage us. We are only here for the Preistess Skalia and her ship". He had a thought, and sent a tightbeam communication to the planet, searching for the Far Reach, and the secret that laid within it.
--
Gavin, in the middle of teaching his small Mantis clone to perform other entertaining tasks, suddenly stiffened up. The RAVD node he implanted detected the Dectrothian Network nearby, and he slowly, subtly moved to Timmer and Turney who where playing a game usually done by those that where imprisoned, knocking on the bottle of alcohol they had next to the door "Gents, we have company." The both of the Dectrothians stood up, and Timmer leaned towards Gavin "What do you mean? You mean the Empire?" A silent nod was recieved, and Turney pushed "So, who is it? Does she know and how many?"
Gavin rolled his eyes "You both know she can hear us, and likely she knows about the Dectrose's arrival. As far as who and how many? I don't know yet. Just relax for the moment, if you" he looked directly at Turney "Try some sort of revolt, she'd split you into twenty pieces if you're lucky." Gavin smiled "So relax, enjoy the show..." His face frowned in annoyance "And don't get anyone killed." Timmer tapped his foot "What about the Prizraks, and Ohuhri, you tell them yet?"
Gavin shifted a little "Not yet, they might try and make a break for it if I tell those Prizraks, and Ohuhri.. well.." He looked away uncomfortably "She's likely a little wrapped up in something right now."
The Unanimity fleet was next to arrive, appearing in their usual fashion of a streak of mustard yellow light and an electromagnetic bang on sensors. Or rather, fifty of them in rapid succession. The vessels immediately brought their systems back up to operational capacity. Shields were readied and capacitors charged, targeting computers locking high-level threats to the fleet's operation, though for now the guns they controlled remained unmoving.
They arrived in time to pick up on the Dectrose warning, and the admiral of the Unanimity fleet added only a single comment.
"Our only concern are those held unwillingly aboard the Far Reach. We have no ill intent towards your people. Stand aside, and we will bring you and yours no harm."
"Oh you know."
She answers playfully as her hands crackle with the slightest electrical charge, experimentation leads to invention she giggles internally.
"Probably for you my dearest."
She runs her fingers lightly along her stomach light bolts of electricity running along behind them.
"Oh i wonder if she'll like me?"
Her voice sounds naive and hopeful, one had to wonder for the creatures mental stability sometimes.
Her lips find her tentacle filled lovers neck the light nibbling of teeth interspersed with the languid attentions of her silk like tongue.
"Say my name."
The Restevian assault unit dropped FTL shortly, taking a loose formation with the heaviest ships in the core of the fleet. There was a long pause as they ran systems checks amongst their number before opening comms to the allied units and bringing their weapons and shields online. A message was sent to the planet in the same vein as the AU's, assuring the local forces that their only interest was their Spetsnaz. If they did not attack the Restevians, the Restevians would give them the same courtesy.
------
Master Sergeant Rekov, leader of Prizrak Recon Ops Team 07, was concerned. No, more than that, he was worried. He wasn't worried about Gavin, Turney, Timmer or Taylor. They weren't Prizraks, they were from a nation that might well be an enemy. He wasn't worried about Pergenen, despite the old Prizrak's constant preparation of his weapons and his paranoid plans for elimination of hostiles possible and perceived, a ritual that was unsettling at the best of times. While he was concerned for Pergenen as a team leader ought to be, he wasn't worried about him.
No, he was worried for Sudov. Maksim unlike both of his team-mates was young, very barely out of his twenties, and he hadn't been through all the stress that Rekov and Pergenen had. Despite his skill he wasn't as hardened as they were. For all the times that his youth and adaptability had been a boon to their operations, here it'd turned out to be a failing, his young and open heart affected. The stress of seeing Kaikoma destroyed, their captivity aboard this hell-spawned vessel and Skalia's taking of Ohuhri in the manner the madwoman had were affecting Sudov more than he'd admit, and quite possibly more than he realized. He spent much of his time pacing around their rooms, checking, rechecking and triple checking his weapons even more than Pergenen did. He barely slept, he barely ate. Sometimes he would vanish with his rifle and clad in his armor into the halls of the ship, only to be returned shortly afterwards. What he was doing, what his goal was nobody knew. When he was invariably returned, he never spoke of where he'd managed to get or what'd found him, what the hell he was trying to do. Even when Rekov ordered him, Sudov still stubbornly remained silent. Both of the older Restevians only had to look at him to see that he was hurting. So yes, Rekov was worried.
He had every reason to be.
The small Accord fleet returns to realspace as the ships begin their diagnostics, reactivating some systems that had shut down during transit. As irritating as it is, the new form of FTL their nation had acquired from the Great War was far from perfect but it was still better than the next they have. "The Accord is here on behalf of our allies present here; our motives are the same as theirs," Azlot speaks into the open comms of the system. "Step aside, for all our sake."
The Accordite soldiers on board the ships were ready to go. Many have mentally pumped themselves up for the battle ahead, others murmuring a quick prayer to their ancestors for strength. Most of these men were veterans of the Great War, heroes and victims in equal regard, but just as many were rookies having just been transported to their new frontier. Nobody knew what awaited them in the blue jewel below, but it mattered not. Should there be an enemy, it will be destroyed.
The electrical jolts had...perhaps not the effect Skalia had predicted. Instead of causing twitches or bursts of movement, Ohuhri tensed hard in response, and her hardlight skin briefly lit up in response to them.
In her head, her worries for her people grew, and it showed as she struggled anew.
Skalia's...request, for lack of a better term, was a concept Ohuhri was only vaguely familiar with, and it honestly confused her. She knew her own name, why did Ohuhri need to recite it?
A few gasps and noises of struggle preceded her response.
"H...High Priestess...Skalia?"
The sadist giggles behind her hand as she notes the... unique reaction to her electrical jolts, not what she was expecting but discovery itself always caused her a certain thrill of excitement.
"Oh come now im sure we've know each other well enough to drop the titles no?"
Even as her words bled with a certain kindness her actions betrayed her, the long silver appendages tightening their grip against the struggling creatures efforts even as the less restraining limbs increased their tempo.
"Im afraid i have guests my love... and mother always told me to put down my toys and be a gracious host yes."
Her breathing begins to hitch as her words falter and skip every so often.
"Lay back and relax... lets finish fo.. rrr today shall we?"
As the ravages of the Far reaches "far reach" continued the more responsible aspects of her personality made their presence known elsewhere, namely in the vast swirling soul mass of the shades meta concert, here it began the first steps of readying for battle.
The lead shade warship the super dreadnought SS Joseph Stalin pulled itself about the worlds LEO coming to a rest under the physical cover of the planets ports before its comms band began to transmit to the lead warsmith class vessel.
"Turash this... part of Skalia, i notice we have guests yes? Any idea who graces us on this most august day?"
Pel seemed to ignore the quite blatant regards of some kind of conflict and remained polite "I am unsure what you are exactly planning but I assure you that you are welcome to use our extensive shipyards to resupply and re-arm like any who come here. Skalia and the Far Reach are here undergoing repairs using the neutral parties aid act. Ueuxtull is a neutral world and we are not involved in any conflicts, nor do we wish to be however those at anchor on our world are under our protection. I ask that you peacefully leave and take your grievances elsewhere, this is not a place for conflict. I will not step aside"
The fleet of Ueuxtull kept position, forming a cordon. Their shields and defenses were fully active but their weapons were powered down. Defensive systems were activated across the planet as the broadcasts by the fleets reached the planet itself.
---
"So they are here for Skalia, what a surprise" Turash grunted.
"Seems like they brought quite the fleet sir"
"They did, but if they really want her they will have to fight a neutral nation, thats political suicide. Keep our fleet assets space side back but be ready to support our hosts forces at once. Get everything this side of the planet weapons hot however. I will be amused if they make the leap" Turash commented as he looked at a holo projection of the situation in space.
Reports came to Vibius on the status of the enemy's defensive status, in a moment, the CIWS of the Dectrose fleet came online, though it's offensive weaponry remained cold. He looked over to the display of his leading vessel, and put his communication through to them, while still aiming his tightbeam communications at the world itself, soon finding what it had been looking for. The Comms officer piped up "Sir, we have established connection to the RAVD node, orders?" Vibius watched his continued forward progress, the neutrality of the world would prove an issue, as well as those forces not standing down. Personally, he mused that warriors shouldn't dabble in politics, and that his duty was to get his job done, regardless of what occurs.. But there was a time when even warriors must talk politics.
He opened a communication to the one speaking to him, and established a connection to them "Pel Zalane, this is the Commander of the Combined Dectrose Forces, Taetrus Vibius. The Far Reach and Skalia are holding captives of our military personnel, as well as military forces of other elements of our fleet. We are here for their safe return, and to bring in Skalia for questioning regarding the destruction of Kaikoma. We seek no military conflict with your forces, and we shall make every effort to prevent armed conflict with your own forces, however." He paused "We will seek other methods of cooperation if Skalia and her forces refuse to cooperate peacefully." Across the fleet, FTL drives warmed up again, and a message was sent to the RAVD node on the Far Reach.
--
Some chatting later, Gavin stiffened up again, enciting looks from Turney and Timmer, as Taylor joined the throng. "So, I hear we got some rescue? Anyone bring a liferaft?" Gavin snorted "There exists a Dectrose fleet above, yes. As far as rescue, that's to be determined, if the Dectrose and company can break through the defenses." Gavin was silent, as well as those around him, as he recieved the updates from the node "No hostilities open yet, Vibius is asking for cooperation, defenses are up throughout the assembled forces, all weapons cold thus far, it's now focused on how Skalia will react."
Turney grumbled "Why didn't they just come in guns blazing? Trying to talk sense into a madwoman is the surest way to get sneak attacked." Timmer sighed out "Likely because the last few times we opened hostilities, the Annointed wiped the floor with us." To which Turney spat out "Only because they had the first hit." Timmer glanced to Gavin "So? What do we do?" With a few taps of his foot, Gavin contemplated "Well, sit tight for now. See where it goes."
"Hoping for something apart from what we've already seen is foolish. Idioticheskiy i detskiy." Pergenen snarled, the old Prizrak slapping the outer shell of his GL shut after cleaning it.
"She'll try to kill them."
Rekov sighed heavily, his arms folded as he sat silently. Pergenen was probably right, even though he hoped he might not be.
Sudov paced nearby, fully loaded in his armor and with his rifle to hand. Like had been the norm he wasn't speaking, only movement.
The Unanimity fleet remained firmly where it was, capacitor charges maintained and shields ready to flash to life in a heartbeat. There was a pause, before their response came.
"So. You are, knowingly and willingly, harbouring the wanted fugitive of several other powers, who has in turn kidnapped and held several military and other personnel belonging to said powers captive. Said powers whom have made it clear they wish your people no harm, and at least for some of us..."
A pause.
"...Only wish the return of our people from her grasp, if not Skalia and the Far Reach as well. You understand that effectively makes you an accomplice in her crimes, yes? Personally, I can assure you the Unanimity do not care if she stays here or otherwise, we are only here for the return of our own."
---
Aboard the Far Reach, Ohuhri's distress only became all the more evident. Her words became a stammering mess, a strange contrast to her usual cold, flat, calculated demeanour, but while nothing too coherent came from between her hardlight lips, her wants became clear:
She wanted to tell them to leave.
Skalia sighs as she lowers a hand to the creatures mouth the velvet texture of her glove coming to settle upon her glowing amors mouth to silence her distressed partner.
"Ssssshhhhhhh."
Skalia intones gently as her frenzied movements come to an end the mood clearly killed deader than Kaikoma.
"Calm down its okay."
The many restrictive and intrusive appendages of the gestalt unfurl themselves from around the orange women retreating into the nano mass they spawned from.
"I'll let you talk don't worry"
Skalia had little interest in the non human holo beings, but for the sake of her little glowing flower she'd make an exception.
"We also do not wish for conflict between our forces. And I understand your wish to bring Skalia to justice, and I even wish you good luck in your ventures to do so with what she has done. However I cannot turn her over to you or allow you to arrest her while she is in our custody, Ueuxtull is a free planet, neutral to all and our laws do not allow conflicts of interest to be settled on our land. This does not make us an acomplice, our laws forbay any form of international incident from being carried our on our soil and we have upheld such since the days of the 1st Ancerious war where we refused to take a side and aided all who came here. We will happily aid your forces if you require refueling or repairs but we cannot sanction action in our system. Once she has undergone her repairs and leaves you may do as you will, but while she is here our laws protect her and everyone else here. I sincirely hope that you do not seek to circumvent them" Pel replied on open coms.
The Triarch fleet that was in orbit formed up, using the time to leave dock and take formation, well behind the Ueuxtull fleet but close enough that they could help reinforce if the situation got hot. Triarch was here as a guest and they didnt intend to cause any trouble for their hosts.
The fleet kept it's advance, before slowing down slightly, as much as he would simply assault the planet by FTL'ing to it's atmosphere, dealing with the neutrals would still prove to be a hassle. Tactically speaking, it would be difficult to restrict casualties to just the enemy forces, and the drain on his shields and CIWS may swing the tide in the enemy's favor. Reading over his situation, he contacted Admiral Rayan and Chji, and asked for their own tactical opinion on the situation, the Dectrothian comms going quiet towards both their comrades and to the neutral planet, as they discussed the ongoing situation. Rayan was in favor of continuing the assault, whereas Chji was more in favor of occupying the dock area, and either blockading the planet or setting up a sentry position over the Far Reach, to watch it's progress.
Though Rayan was stubborn, Vibius' status ultimately was enough to sway him to consider another approach, the fleet slowly began to pick up speed again, as Chji suggested a non-violent approach to a blockade of sorts of the planet. Vibius was pleased enough with this plan, that he re-opened the comms to Pel "Zalane, this is Vibius, I wish to task several of my ships to general maintenence. Your planet offers aid to all those that come here, I am willing to accept your offer. Admiral Chji's fleet will remain here at Ueuxtull, and once the Far Reach and Skalia are seen to leave, we shall pursue her after leaving your system. This allows us to seek justice, as well as adhere to your laws and neutrality. Do you accept?"
His communications turned to his allies "The Dectrose Empire will monitor the situation here, and we shall attempt to free the prisoners with diplomatic pressure or otherwise, but we shall avoid conflict unless fired upon first. If you wish to task supervision forces, please communicate back what you would commit, otherwise, you are free to leave upon the decision of the Ueuxtull forces."
There was no apparent response from the Unanimity fleet. As little as they cared for any disaster that befell their world, they had no particular desire to bring such ruin themselves. If they could wait to get Ohuhri, they would.
Ohuhri paused a moment before responding, putting her thoughts together.
"Th...Thank you...I...if I can contact the fleet, I...might be able to make them leave." she swallowed. "Makes things easier for us if hostilities occur." she added, her usual calculating tone starting to return.
"This is hardly ideal..." Shedov wondered to himself, looking over the situation. Nevertheless, the laws of this planet were what they were, and the last thing the Restevians needed was to be breaking the neutrality of a nation that'd maintained it from the first war. In addition, looking over his board Shedov had to realize that his ships were more likely than not to be totally annihilated alone without backup.
"Vibus," he said upon opening a line again. "I will task four cruisers to remain here with your vessels."
Skalia smiles and nods glad her green plaything had saw fit to thank her.
"Of course my little fleur it works well for me as well after all im more interested in laying low humans more than your kind."
Her fingers twirl in the air she coalesces the many nanites that hung about the air in gestalt ships, after a few seconds something one would recognise as an old reverb microphone forms in her hand.
"Go ahead dearest you're on radio."
Zelane quickly replied to the Dectrose "Your vessels will be seen to at once, defer to docking command for bay numbers and further details and we will liase with your fleet to ensure they are brought up to spec as quick as possible. As for your wishing to wait you may be allocated a orbital path around the nearest gas giant, there you can survey the situation and the Far Reach without causing any issues with in and outbound traffic, you may stay as long as you wish"
With Zelanes reply a set of co-ordinates were relayed both to the Dectrose and the other accompanying forces, they contained details on the docking paths as well as the orbital paths that the fleets could wait on around the nearest Gas giant. It seemed like this was going to be a waiting game.
The warp drives on Chji's fleet cooling down, his fleet moved towards the coordinates, while Admiral Rayan warped out of the area, presumably back to Dectrose territory. Vibius, on the other hand, transmitted an update to Gavin, and made a few requests of him, as he oversaw Chji's movement into the care of Ueuxtull. True, he had wanted to strike at Skalia, and rescue his men, other forces at hand, however, complicated things, both here and in his nation. It was more tactically efficient to keep an eye on the Far Reach, and maintain relations with Triarch, who was protecting this world.
The APP, he thought, would need to be contacted in order to try and see what they could do, regarding the situation. Overall, it was a mess, one that was hoped would be cleaned by the sweeping fire of the Dectrose fleet, but now simply remained. Only time would tell if they would retrieve their men, for now, Vibius observed the space around him, coordinating with the other fleets to make things go as smoothly as possible.
Gavin, upon recieving the updates, sent them to the three Dectrothians around him. They remained silent, their hope for freedom crushed for the moment. Gavin let out a sigh, and addressed his comrades "Well, it's not like we're going anywhere fast, there's still repairs that need to be done to the Far Reach. If anything, the Perturbation was successful in the fact that it anchored Skalia here, and the Dectrose can now track her." Turney gave an angry huff, like a bull in a rodeo "Sure, then what's stopping her from just popping the fleet we got above? We gave her too many chances, a bullet to her pretty face would be a quicker solution."
Taylor, who had been keenly following, turned for the door, Timmer shouting after him "Hey, wait! Where do you think you're going?" As Taylor walked down the hallway, he softly spoke to himself "I think it's time for round two with Skalia."
Ohuhri took a second to compose herself, her hair fixing itself, before speaking.
"This is ICO Ohuhri, formerly of the AUNS Trident III under Commodore Yehla, speaking to the Unanimity battlegroup in-system. I am alive and well, and am presently under no threat of harm. No military action is required. I request, for your own sakes, you return to Unanimity space." she stated, her cold and firm tone having returned. A beat.
"ICO Ohuhri, over."
Across the black void of space, the Unanimity fleet's head rose an eyebrow as the signal arrived at their sensors.
"Can we confirm that?"
"Matches what we know of her vocal tones and inflexions, at least."
"Our orders are to retrieve her."
"Yes, and if she is to be believed, we don't need to risk ourselves now."
"Now being the operative word."
"Indeed. I'd rather not risk a lot of ships fighting a neutral party and a superdreadnought-class vessel over one ICO."
"So? What's the order?"
A pause crossed the bridge.
"Spin up FTL. We're returning to Unanimity space. We'll find a way to get her back at a later time."
A single message went out, back to the Far Reach, as the vessels turned and their FTL drives charged.
"Stay safe, Ohuhri. Out."
: "Vibius, Artificia are out. What does this change?" Chji asked through their comms, a simple answer came back "Nothing, ICO Ohuhri is no longer a primary objective. If we can rescue her, that's fine, but we won't risk additional resources if she wants to stay." The pause between them hung in the air, before "Affirmative, we'll keep an eye on it sir."
"Get me a line to the Prizrak team." Shedov ordered.
"Sir, they may be unable to respond..."
"Just do it. I want them to know they're not being abandoned."
"Yessir."
"Comrades."
Rekov shot up to his feet as the voice, a Restevian speaker, came through the shared line of their armor's comms. Pergenen stopped what he was doing even Sudov stopped his pacing to listen.
"This is Captain Samuil Shedov. Be advised that at this time, we are unable to affect a rescue attempt for yourselves and ICO Ohuri. To do so would result in only more casualties, which were are unable to risk. We are sorry."
Just like that, as their spirits had begun to rise, they fell again. Nobody was coming for them. But, Shedov wasn't finished.
"However, be advised that the RSC has not, and will not forget you, comrades. Rescue will be a attempted though at the moment we do not know when. Do not lose hope. You will be brought home. Gods be with you."
With that, the line shut down.
"Detail the Noya Moskovas that are on observation duties to move to the gas giant as agreed. The rest of the fleet, order FTL spool-up. We're leaving. Signal to the Accord to prepare to follow if they don't want to get blown up by the Shades." Shedov ordered, rubbing his eyes. They'd arrived expecting a fight, and now they were leaving with their tails between their legs, their job undone. There was just nothing for it.
Azlot sighs as he forwards the comms messages he's recieved to Evelyne. The Commodore is very well aware of the unrest this will cause to the troops, since many would have psyched themselves up prior to battle, but it would be asinine to charge into the fray now, let alone by themselves. The man and his bridge crew understands this; Madam-Major Evelyne understands this. Hopefully, the marines won't cause too much of a ruckus as Azlot leans back in his chair and ordered his helmsman to plot a FTL course back to Accord space, signalling to the other two remaining allied fleets of their course.
Evelyne, in the bay of one of the Accord's retrofitted transports, could only grit her teeth as she replayed the messages sent between their supposed target and their allies. She could understand it, but it was another question if she could tolerate it. All of her men had been rearing to go, to return to the fray that they had become so adjusted to. It was the only time they truly felt alive again, and now that pleasure, so close within their grasp, has slipped away once again. She briefly considered ordering the captain of the transport to charge in anways but Evelyne knew full well that none of the Navy ships would follow. Hell, if the captain of this vessel even obeyed her, that would be a miracle. So, all she could do is grit her teeth in fustration of being blue-balled again. "All units, stand by for a change of plans. We will not be entering the AO nor engaging in combat. Everyone is dismissed until further orders. Madam-Major Evelyne out."
"Fucking politics," one marine muttered into the platoon comms, barely loud enough to be audible. Evelyne idly nods her head in agreement, and if anyone else had noticed her action, they certainly didn't voice it. But, she noticed, many of her subordinates were in agreement as they sauntered off to the armory to remove their equipment.
"So it seems they are going to choose the peaceful option for now. I guess that makes it easier for us, I would have hated to cut relations with the Dectrose over something like this" Vidans said aloud, entering the CIC once again. Turash turned to the man and growled.
"And here I was hoping for some excitement to this dull posting" he replied.
"Now now general you know how much trade means to us and Skalia is a too important prize to give up so easily. We will be staying here for the immediate future, our forces will stay and should the Dectrose and their AGA... friends surprise us, help Ueuxtull and Skalia. You have my word" Vidans grinned. Turash merely looked away from the man and back to the holoprojection as the potentially hostile fleets readied their FTL drives.
It was a shame he thought, he wanted to action.