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Post by Romando07 on Aug 6, 2021 13:43:41 GMT
THE RISE OF CONA INCITEMENT ___________________________________________________________________________
DREJAN EMPIRE Veronis Cascade, Mejtan suburbs FEJMAN Things were far from ideal. The economy was barely held together by foreign aid, and the empire as a whole was at mercy of Orillia and Natar. Everyone knew that. The drop in the living standards was sharp, rationing as a temporary measure was implemented to save money for… something. Fejman could only guess what it was about, but that wasn't important. Looking out his window, the anger in the air outside was palpable even before one of the groups arrived armed with molotov cocktails and makeshift weapons, marching through the streets that were now suspiciously devoid of Royal Officers who maintained the peace… Right in the heart of the Foreign Quart. He had seen the news about the situation on Natar, the violent protests and riots that-
His thoughts were interrupted by jeering noises and shouts coming from the crowd outside, as a few of them split off and headed towards his house… No, his neighbour’s house. The fool went outside to check on what was going on, only to retreat back into his home as the thugs charged his way, barely managing to lock the door as they reached it. Soon, more arrived and rocks were thrown, windows shattered, gardens destroyed and the walls graffitied with slurs. Fejman knew he could do nothing, as the connection to all services and communications weren’t functioning, he could only watch and hope he wasn’t next as the first cocktails were thrown. Fejman closed the shutters and fought hard against the urge to cry, to run as far away as possible. As the only human in the streets, he would be chased down immediately. Maybe if there was more time, he would have done so, but the time in between which peaceful protests became intimidation tools, and now this… was far too short. Fortunately for him, he was ready to defend his life and what he stood for once more. He hurried towards his basement, reaching it when the first shattering noises of broken windows in his house started. Looking for what he hid in there was hard, as panic overwhelmed him upon hearing the door crashing down and people running inside his house… But it was there, tucked in a corner behind a fake piece of wall which he promptly punched through, next to his stash of money, drugs and fake documents. He checked if it was operational, took the ammo and loaded the gun, pointing it at the entrance to his basement. ___________________________________________________________________________
Veronis Cascade, Mejtan City proper JULIO Julio hadn’t slept for more than 30 hours at this point. Ever since the first displays of anti-colonial sentiment took hold in the population and inspired ever greater acts of hostility, he had trouble sleeping, nightmares of all the darkest probabilities haunting him. He came to this paradise world to teach, enlighten young minds and make the world a better place, even if by a little. First, his work was shattered as the first changes to the curriculum following the Orillian economic aid had arrived, twisting the contents of his work into dubious teaching of a questionable look on history, which has slowly but steadily turned into senseless propaganda weaved into every facet of life in schools, followed by major changes to the working environment and management, as those not ‘native’ were encouraged to give up their jobs. When that failed, most of those that didn’t want to go were sacked, replaced with those that Julio could best describe as propagandists without any credentials or good intentions. In the coming months, things shifted subtly even in everyday life. It was mostly small things at first, the ways public servants shifted nervously in your presence, Royal Officers staring you down… but by the day it became apparent that the public perception shift won’t stop. Soon he was denied certain benefits, he lost his job and finally his dignity, as Royal Officers started harassing him.
Now his nightmares have come true. Mere hours after a member of the royal family made a statement making his opinion on ‘colonials’ clear, small protests erupted, targeting small, wealthy communities of those that have come to this world from places far, far away, and were seen as not belonging there. 2 days later, roads towards one such community not far from here were blockaded, Royal Officers were nowhere to be seen, services broke down and several dozen hooded and masked figures made their way into the Foreign Quart. Julio watched from his small apartment in a skyscraper as the first house was lit on fire, followed by gunshots and screams. After half an hour, most of the community was figuratively and literally burning, and the screaming stopped. The next day MCPD made a statement saying that they received no calls from help, that domestic terrorists had damaged their means of communication in a cyber attack. In his report, the chief of MCPD said that they found evidence of a shootout instigated by a human criminal wanted for drug trafficking in Capitol.
That was the final straw for Julio. This god forsaken planet and the whole Empire can go fuck itself and tear itself from within for all he cared, he would no longer suffer in fear for his life. He spent the day packing, selling his possessions to scrape together enough money to leave somewhere where he would not be treated so poorly simply because his ancestors weren’t from Ancerious.
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Veronis Cascade, Drejan Empire space SVAL Sval reviewed the list one last time, carefully checking the cost of each item on it and doing his own calculations. How could this be? Shaking his head, he carefully read it again, and again. The contents didn’t change.
Only weeks prior Sval feared for his job. After all, with the economic troubles, even a shipyard manager was running a risk of being booted out simply because there was no ships to build, nothing to manage. Closure was imminent. But following the aid from Orillia and the tense situation on several planets with colonial minority… it was as if mass exodus of most of them had somehow helped. Perhaps someone was paying the empire more, now that they took steps against colonials in some way?
What mattered was that the economy was shaping up to be what it once was, rationing was stopped, spending increased, incentives given and most importantly to Sval, government contracts handed out. He couldn’t believe it at first, the amount of warships they were asked to build for the Imperial Navy… The company will go from imminent closure to operating on a bigger scale than ever. Sval was happy that his job was secure, and who exactly had to suffer for it simply didn’t matter. He was even beginning to be entirely comfortable with the new policy of the company to reject any ship orders coming from ‘colonial’ nations.
Thinking about his family, he had hoped that his son didn’t sign up for the military service as many of his peers did when the pay for those who choose to serve was increased. The economy was slowly becoming dependent on continued militarization. And when an empire as great as this one is militarized, a target or a cause must be found. And once it was, hopefully his son wouldn’t be there to fight for it.
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Post by Romando07 on Aug 6, 2021 17:18:42 GMT
THE RISE OF CONA TROUBLE IN JASO _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Jaso RepublicIt was not the most auspicious of days, but Inda Fitri was still planning to go ahead with her rally. One of the few pro-SAGA politicians in the Jaso Republic, she was leading a failing campaign against President Bayu Fajar, the incumbent and leader of the Loyalty Commission, who held the majority in the Tribunal Council.
She doubted the Tribunal or the Common Council would pass her vote of no confidence, but she hoped that enough noise and opposition would at least handcuff the President and prevent him from going too far in his support for Orillia and CONA. So close to several major Colonial powers, including the mysterious Pords and the famously aggressive Jade Empire, she did not want the Jaso Republic dragged into a war that would see its sons and daughters butchered whether they won or lost. She climbed into the waiting pod that hummed quietly as it swept her towards her next rally….
Sidulang, Republica Plaza Budi Reza sweated in the midday heat. The turnout was surprisingly large, but Sidulang was a tourist town and people here didn't care enough to sacrifice foreign cash in the name of war and glory. Many were interested in what Fitri had to say, and some were even waving the orange flags of her political party, the Amity Assembly.
Not that he cared. He was a criminal, an experienced triggerman for a racketeering and smuggling group who had a presence in the city. Orders had come from above to snuff Fitra out, publicly, and whilst he suspected if you followed the thread all the way back he might find a government official holding the ball of yarn, he didn't care at all. Money was money and some bleeding heart politician meant nothing to him. Besides, war meant chaos and chaos meant less cops, so that was fine by him too.
He had a cheap drone perched on a roof nearby, and a simple UV laser pointer. He surreptitiously aimed it at the drone, and it's camera woke up the rotors. He gave it a second to lock onto the pointers beam and then flicked it to rest on Fitri's chest.
Instantly the drone tilted forwards, buzzing at high speed towards the speaker as she prattled on about peace, security, responsibility, whatever. One of her guards noticed and scrambled for his sidearm, but the cheap chunk of metal and plastic was already moving too fast. Overclocked with some modifications to its fans, it was traveling at nearly 150kmph when it struck Fitra, shattering her ribcage and hurling her off the podium. Her guards and aides rushed to help her even as she struggled for breath which would not come, and by the time Reza made his way out of the terrified crowds in the plaza she was dead.
He placed a call to his boss. Soon enough, someone in the Loyalty Commission was going to receive some very welcome news. Opposition to Fajar's pro-CONA policies had just taken a serious hit...
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Ofton
Approved
Hello, This is me
Posts: 29
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Post by Ofton on Aug 7, 2021 9:00:11 GMT
THE RISE OF CONA
GUI’DINA’S STRUGGLE
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Gui’Dina Republic - Osi’Nema system
For a never-ending war, the Gui’Dina civil war came pretty close. The war had been going on after the Gui’Dina State, the predecessor state to all the factions fighting for control in its ruins collapsed. This might’ve been due to foreign involvement, but for the soldiers fighting on the frontlines now, it did not matter. Osi’Nema was a system on the edge of Gui’Dina space, and the capital of the Gui’Dina republic. Though the capital system of the former state was under its control, it would’ve been too great of a risk to move the capital there. Besides, the system had already been encircled by the Gui'Dina United Colonies, the direct enemy of the Republic. The United Colonies had received the help of the D’Karians in their victories and was the only reason why they were still standing. Two years had passed since the “Horned monsters” of the foreign galaxy had joined the battle, and since then the United colonies went from being on the brink of collapse to be the dominating force in the former empire. The Republic was in a grim state, even though they still held almost half of all the systems. It finally seemed like the “endless war” was going to come to an end.
Asino Tino’Melit was the head-premier of the Republic, a rather meagre title, but an important one regardless. Though Asino had full executive control, he spent most of his time talking to advisors regarding the question everyone had. How to end the war?. A question that had gone unanswered, and he wasn’t sure if he had an answer. He did, however, have one way of achieving it; Kick the Colonials out, bring Orillia in. Via indirect communications, Asino was able to get calling details to an Orillian official, Ovallex. It wasn’t too hard to get his details, as Asino was known as a staunch anti-colonial in the wider Zakar frontier, and was one of the more influential men in the region’s Anti-Colonial movement. This gave him a wide range of connections, one of which might’ve had a friend in the Invilis corridor, who himself had a connection to someone in the Juggernought expanse, and from there it was easy to gain a connection with mister Ovallex. That had happened a few weeks ago, and now it was time for the Gui’Dina Republic to return to its former borders.
A notification rang at Asino’s office, it was time. The tall Gui’Dinan, almost three meters tall, stood up, took a final sip of his almost empty mug, and left the room. He had agreed to see his military advisor, Ikal Ti Ope’Nos, before the main event of the day happened. While walking down the corridor of the large space station, he bumped into the man he searched, Ikal. Within seconds the discussion began. In the meantime, they continued walking towards the main control room.
“Where do you think it is the wisest to strike?” Asino asked Ikal, an even taller Gui’Dinan man, who towered over Asino.
“Kan’Olis, capital of the Federal state.”
“Any further intelligence on it?”
“We know through operatives that the Federal state has less than 50 active ships remaining, most of which in Kan’Olis. If we can take them out and capture the central space station we can force them to surrender.” Ikal said, Asino stayed silent for a while, considering his chances.
“What about the Esakins?” he responded.
“Potentially a bigger threat, if they get Colonial support too then it might very well be over for us.”
“You’re not saying that they’re being supported by foreigners to this galaxy too?”
-“Not yet, at least. We must prevent them from getting it.” once again, Asino stayed silent.
“What is our intelligence on their armed forces?”
“Unknown. Somewhere between 200 and 800 Ships, or at least, that’s our rough estimate.”
“Very rough indeed… How high is the chance a first strike against their capital will succeed?”
“We’ve predicted… Around 30% with our current assets.”
“...And with the Orillian support?”
“We haven’t run an analysis on that yet.”
“Damnit…”
The two men crossed a checkpoint before arriving at the central control room in orbit of the planet. The greenish-blue water resulting in a calming ambience. Asino walked to his seat, pointing at Ikal to sit next to him.
“So, from my perspective, it might be the wisest action to not attack the Federal state.”
-“But, they’re currently at the weakest they’ve been in years, why not finish them off now?”
“They’re sympathetic and partaking in the anti-colonial cause, I might be a republican, but I’m not going to kill anyone who wants the foreigners to this galaxy out of our lands too. The Esakin state will be our target, for now. The Federal state will be integrated through diplomacy.”
At the moment Ikal wanted to respond, a shout came from the Chief Sensor Commissioner.
“They’re here! A whole fleet!”
Then it became visible. A whole Orillian fleet had arrived into the system, not to wage war against the Republic, but to assist it in winning the war against the other factions of Gui’Dina.
“Ikal… Re-run those analyses as soon as you can, it’s time we return the favour to those who have taken our lands, and against the foreigners to this galaxy who try to colonise us.”
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Post by KamiSama on Aug 7, 2021 10:14:14 GMT
Rise of CONA
The United Sates of Vemanth
The nations of Vemanth typically fail to agree to anything, brush fire wars, antagonistic press releases and the usual propaganda saying that any one political body is supreme compared to the others is what normally fills them. Today though was different, every nation state had ceased this and had instead come together to discuss a treaty of unification. Leading the talks was Klarm Aolems. President of one of the larger states of the Vemanth. Strutting out in a typical suit for the occasion he stood out in front of his fellow leaders, he was nervous but tried his best not to show. As he walked to the podium he visibly wiped his brow, both as a means of keeping the sweat off his face and as a means of subtle body language. He stepped up and cleared his throat.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I know that for decades we have not been the best neighbours, friends or enemies. I know there are some of you who wish to see harm to some of those in attendance today. But compared to the scale of things to come this is all childs play.” Klarm said, waiting for the commotion to settle down.
“While we squabble among ourselves there are others who would plot to take everything away from us. We must start looking at the bigger picture.” Klarm snapped his fingers and a hologram began playing.
“As you can see here aid has finally come to the Gui’dina United Colonies. Behind me Royal Federation transports are resupplying the GUC Military here on Casda de Bero for their continued fight against the Gui’dina Republic which has recently renewed its offensive against the GUC.” The hologram spoke showing a Federation reporter at a landing zone where nearly half a dozen ships of Federation make, landed and disgorged container after container filled with everything the GUC needed to stay in the fight.
“I watched this news the other night, it means nothing to us. There is no threat!” Someone shouted from the audience.
“True, it looks like a normal report but what if i told you there was more.” Klarm snapped his fingers again.
“This is what the Federation sees in their broadcasts.” Klarm said as the hologram continued.
“With me here is Major Caroline de Arnard of the Grande Armée de la Fédération.” The reporter said as the camera panned to the soldier.
“So what can you tell us about the operation here in the GUC Major?” The reporter asked.
“Apart from the official press release I can say that this is only the first step between a stronger military relationship between the Federation and GUC.” The soldier said as the hologram paused.
“This is only one of a few examples of the lies the Federation feeds the rest of the Zakar.” Klarm said as the hologram changed to show juxtaposed screens showing similar events of Federation aid to other native nations inside the Zakar. The top row showed what the rest of the Zakar was shown and the bottom row showed what the Federation people saw in their closed network.
“These implications here are frightening Klarm, but I still don’t see how it affects us.” Another voice came from the audience.
“It does affect us, I have personally received an invitation for formal talks with the Federation.” Klarm said as the room burst into a flurry of commotion.
“And I know several of you have also been invited and that a few have gone to such meetings.” The commotion continued.
“Our division will be our undoing!” Klarm shouted over the commotion.
“We must set aside yesterday's differences and move onto the path of galactic self determination! I will not subject my people or any of our people to the whim and will of a colonial power! We must stand united.” Klarm continued
“This path won’t be easy, but the right choices never are. I don’t expect everyone to sign this today or ever but, Ladies and gentlemen I present. The Unification Accords” Klarm snapped his fingers again and small holograms appeared in front of all the attendees.
“By signing the Accords we will awaken the sleeping giant that will be the United States of Vemanth or USV for short. The details are in the accords and I have sent a copy to your respective secretaries, cabinet members, juntas and so forth to be reviewed.” The commotion of the crowd surged and Klarm simply stood and smiled at how it all turned out.
The meeting of nations was adjourned and with a handful of signatures on the Unification Accords already Klarm was hopeful that after sometime the other would come around. Those that didn’t would ultimately be shunned and ostracized by the greater USV. Over the coming weeks this prediction would prove true, every state had agreed to the accords. Whether they did so willingly or were pressured by friends or enemies was another story however.
Now when the time would come to rid the Zakar of the Federation the BUlo compact would not stand alone against this threat. They would be able to call upon the USV to aid them in their endeavour.
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Post by Krag7 on Aug 7, 2021 21:51:03 GMT
THE RISE OF CONA THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT, THIS IS WHAT YOU GET
HETMANATE OF KIRALA VOLARIAN CORRIDOR
The amount of time between the time that Mila's assignment was put on standby and the time it was confirmed could be seen as a rather nice vacation. For the past few weeks, the Batrula Ballistics' foreign relation and sales cutter No Two had been enjoying orbits around richly beautiful worlds in Palm Al-Jarrhar's space, closed-cycle engines not causing the flaring aurorae that the normal open-cycle ones of Carnaithian ships would spread. Within a day of the contract confirmation making its way to the ships' computer, it found itself above Kirala, the most "friendly" of the local cluster of closely-related, if not necessarily cordial, nations. The standard atmospheric breach occurred, and then landing, and then the inherent show of force that came with any potential sales partner this militant.
APCs and soldiers lined their little corner of the starport, guns held in presentation form. A very impressive logistics-truck-turned-executive-transport rumbled its way towards Mila and the ship, her executive attire and gadgets thoroughly contrasting the propaganda-laden structures surrounding them just as much as it contrasted the fashion sense of the pudgy alien officer that clutched a decorative cane and railing atop the transport alike. It turned, bringing its side to face the Carnaithian at a distance of perhaps twenty feet, and the toothy, bushy-mustached grin of the Rasala officer quickly erupted into excitement, his hand grasping the railing quickly redirected to removing his hat as he chuckled like an excited schoolboy and clambered down the steps that had deployed from the rear of the vehicle.
"Welcome to our wonderful little world! I am excited to see what gifts you bear in the interest of reuniting our empire!" He huffingly called, approaching to a comfortable distance. Mila met him with a coy smile as she watched his guards, only somewhat more impressive than the meager grunts that sat in the peripheral display assembly.
"Plenty of toys and all the training your liberators will ever need to use them, General Mahakey," She responded, tilting her head and holding out a hand to shake, which the officer keenly reciprocated after removing his glove. "I promise this is only a sample of things to come."
The territories of the old Rasala empire were seen by a wide number of Carnaithian corporations as a great potential resource, with mishandled industrial worlds ripe for renovation as manufacturing bases with affordable labor in the face of domestic pushes for companies to take on more responsibility for permitting the economic freedom of the citizenry and the following support from several council conglomerates. In return for some choice land stakes as well as a contract for repeat purchases, a new conglomerate had been formed out of a dozen middle-level companies in the interest of supporting a reunification of the region, and Batrula Ballistics had been the first of the arms dealers to make its approach, with medicinal and vehicular vendors Anato-Arts and Gaiadyne, respectively, to follow.
Mila turned away, looking back to the ship whose bay lowered to the ground, laden heavily with dozens of shipping containers and just as many PMC advisors.
"There's enough here to arm and train a battalion, with more on the way," she explained, looking back to the excited general and adding a more outward smile to her demeanor. "Quality first, for you."
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Post by him on Aug 8, 2021 18:09:44 GMT
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RISE OF CONA - HIDDEN MANIPULATIONS
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--HELIS INITIATIVE, 1:30PM SGT--“Before we begin, I-we, are told you are in a diplomatic trade-based agreement with the Zetyan Clanholds?” Three strange masked men sat in front of M’ggg’ga’l W’lgg’al and Hal Morgal,. They’d arrived an hour ago, claiming they were representing a charity organization who wished to remain anonymous, and made a beeline straight to the Zetyan-Helis Embassy on the grounds of wanting to talk with the Helis’ official representatives. The rock-man and the octopus shared a glance-mostly wondering why they were asking about something so studiously documented by the news-before the octopoid gave a response.
“...Yes, yes we are.” “And…” The main speaker for the anonymity silently scanned the room for cameras as he talked. Only one. “I trust you have connections to your, eh… parliament, or whatever?” “Yes…? Of course we would have sway in the Collective Chambers, why do you inquire?” The two shared a glance again, if in a more subtle manner. The masked man nodded, before continuing. As he talked, he began to rattle off morse code with a device on his leg, broadcasting to a hacker somewhere outside the embassy with his thigh muscle.“Good. Only making sure. Now, I’m sure you’ve already guessed why we’ve come here, so I'll get to the point.” He raised a hand, and his cohorts produced two folders into his hand. He shuffled them, speaking all the while. A hacker somewhere else began his work.“I come to you with a... proposition, so to speak. Inside of these folders is information that I would greatly appreciate being sent up the grapevine. This one…” He slid one with a Three-Point Star on it to the rock-man. “...is for the Zetyan representative, and this one…” He slid the other to the octopoid. “...is for your upper echelons.” “And you want us to deliver these.” The octopoid said the obvious, as he and the rock-man glazed over the surfaces of the letters, examining them for any oddities. The camera silently turned off. An impossibly quiet confirmation given in his concealed earpiece, the masked man silently smiled.
“Yes. In exchange, your safety is guaranteed.” An immediate double-take followed. “...w-what? Safety?! Wha-” “Let me explain. In addition to these folders, we possess… information.” He produced a sheet of paper and slid it over the table for them to read. “Information your superiors certainly wouldn’t want to get out.” As the two read the papers, chills went down their rocks and cartilage. This… whatever this was, it would normally be burned on sight. Horrifying things, ancient secrets, secret deals, a sample platter of their nation’s most well-kept secrets kindly listed on a dinky sheet of paper. Most they didn’t know, but they knew some-and they knew they were kept well."This is just a fraction of what we have. Trust me. Now, deliver your letters, and boom. All the stuff in the little black book goes down the memory hole, we forget about all this, have tea, eat crumpets, blah de blah de blah. Fail to deliver these letters, though, for any reason… well, let’s say colonials will be the least of your problems. Am I clear?” “...yes. Y-yes you are.” “Good! Then there’s no issue.” He grabbed the paper and crumpled it up, as he sent another signal to the hacker, an OK spelled out with muscle contractions. The camera turned back on, seemingly looking like the world's most convenient mechanical error.“Hope they’ll be delivered soon. Have a good day.” As they left, the two shared a now-quite-rattled glance. Now they wondered how badly these letters would affect their nation… ----------------------------------- “Sir. You got a letter.” “A letter? S-shit, what happened t-to d-mails?” “Don’t know, Mr. F’ghan. Here you go.” The diplomat caught the letter as his assistant threw it to him, as he continued to ponder why these Helis nerds didn’t just send him a thing to his DMail. And then he saw why it was a letter, as the door closed. A shitty Three-Point-Star was the seal, and the letter was styled in that sort of angular aesthetic seen in all their stuff.“O-oh, it’s-s one of thes-se…'' He couldn’t help but talk to himself as he opened it with a pocket knife, pulling out the contents and reading them.… Huh? “COME TO ORILLIA EMBASSY THIS IS IMPORTANT UR NATION IS WANTED UR FRIEND HAS THE DEETS
DON’T BRING ANYONE
(EXCEPT UR FRIEND. SHE’S COOL)
-B”B? Who the hell is B? And what frie-ok, he could guess who they were talking about, but then… He squinted, pondering the letter and it’s contents for a good while. Then, with a sigh and a shrug, he folded the letter up and dialed a number on his holophone.“P’tala? P’tal-Y-yeah, it’s me. Gonna need y-you for t-this one, you ain’t-t gonna believe t-this s-shit…” ----------------------------------- New bill. Fanmail. Some kid’s drawing. Some boring thing to review later.
The Collectirx of the Initiative silently poured over today’s mail, tentacles waving around her latest filler for her many eyes to read as many more silently scanned a techniculator screen. Something different, something new. Then, a letter caught her eye. Some official-looking thing, with a sticky note attached. She read the sticky note first. It was certainly interesting.
“For the grace of the nine and one, READ THIS.”
Well, if it was so important, then apparently she had to. She silently opened the letter and began reading, half-expecting a Teliran prince wanting 5 million milliSIGEC for a galactic jump to her location or something telling her that her commculator had an extended warranty she could renew if she signed right he….re…..
“Dear Mrs Collectirx,
We would greatly appreciate it if you were to proceed with the following four actions:
-Make an announcement reinforcing your distrust of the colonial nations, take greater steps towards distancing your nation with the colonials in your region -Make greater connections with your native neighbors -Make contact with Orillia
Otherwise, the snippet below-and far more, rest assured-will be leaked to ARK Invilis, and by extension ARK itself, to be broadcast to all who are willing to listen. We trust you will do the right thing. Have a pleasant day.
-Friends”
No, nonononono how did they get that? How did they find that out?! That damned ‘snippet’ at the bottom of the letter had some of their most damning state secrets kindly printed on it, and now they were threatening to leak it all and jeopardize everything they had worked for?! She silently fumed with rage and fear for a good while, debating what to do as her paranoid mind went over the possibilities. Outright denounce all the colonials near them and they’d be first in line for Colonial curbstomping, contact Orillia and the Union would eliminate them in a heartbeat if they found out, every option seemed to turn out bad… No, no, it’d be fine. She tried to calm herself down. The Clanholds was on their side, they’d help them in their times of need, right? They’d only be condemned by the colonials, not invaded, why would they invade?! It’d be nonsense… She fumed and theorized and brainstormed for what felt like hours, until she simply couldn’t anymore, sitting back down at her desk in defeat. She stared at the letter, then at her techniculator screen, continuing for a long while as it’s hum filled her ears. Then, she opened up an email draft, and began typing to her Subcollect.“Please contact my speechwriters, advisors, and prepare an all-day meeting for the day after tomorrow. Something horrible has come to my attention…”
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Post by atriangle on Aug 8, 2021 20:59:11 GMT
RISE OF CONA
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After the Day the World Ran Red
On the shores of the endless beach of Varnel, Meluk walked among the bloated corpses of whales and fish washing up like a wave upon themselves. Great leviathans and sea creatures now reduced to little more than the red tide coming in from the boiled oceans and the atrocity on the land.
He thought he heard cries coming from the beach next to the village tucked just inside the jungle shoreline that they were searching for survivors. The village was empty, tire tracks leaving from the smattering of blown over houses and storerooms were old, it has been a while since the last trucks either came here or the survivors fled. As Meluk heard the cries he ran past the path leading from the village and to the shore, he saw several simple bamboo platforms with tarps covering dozens of human sized and smaller mounds with stones weighing them down. Tears cropped up behind his oxygen mask as he saw the sight, a mass grave of almost a hundred. Almost what he expected was how many people used to live in the village before they were killed by the heat and pressure wave from the city down the shore.
The Beach. The Beach. Meluk cleared his head and followed the sounds from the beach and went along with the fallen trees to come across its endless sands.
A single man was there among the piling corpses of marine life with his shoulders hung low and was beginning to walk into the red tinged ocean. Meluk began to run over and tore his facemask off with no concern for the smell of rotten air, it was clear to him that this man intended to never come back from the sea.
“Wait! Don’t do it.” He yelled out to the old man who stopped to look at Meluk.
“Why shouldn’t I? Have you seen what these invaders have done? We are all dead men walking…. Just look at the whales” The old man said back.
“Too many have already gone. We are in the same boat, there is still hope. Just walk back to the shore.. What is your name?” Meluk was trying to be careful with the man to not say anything too terribly rash
“Hiran Samra…. I remember a day before they came here… All I wish is for those days to return..”
“We all remember those days… The only way for them to come back is to come over to me and live another day. We have a doctor, whatever spare food we could find.” Meluk replied.
Hiram turned away from the ocean and walked towards Meluk sobbing.
“I mean before the day that warlord brought his foot down, we were too weak to stop and the foreign help only ran away in fear… I still remember the days before they even were a thing in the galaxy, when I was a young man like yourself. All they ever brought was pain.”
He did not reply to Hiram but simply gave him a hug and led him towards his truck and away from the endless beach of corpses. More and more again all he discovered along this beach and across his homeland was suffering, death, all brought in by the colonials in their search for what? Power? Glory? All they ever did was step on the backs of the little man to boast to one another and wage their wars without concern. This was no longer about simply saving those who survived Varnel like himself, but for the cause.
On this day the Children of Varnel was born.
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Post by EmperorMyric on Oct 7, 2021 13:03:15 GMT
Celebranskt System: Orillian Space
“So the operation was a success?”
“Yes very much so. ROMB has been all but crippled and OMPAFs operations have been shut down entirely, their goal is unable to be attained despite outside foreign input.”
“Orbeole really outdid themselves, I expected a job half done but they seemed to have completed their task diligently.”
“BEDLAM will be pleased with this news, things are starting to fall into place. We cannot pull back from the precipice now, Aedleshaven and Abelcains disruptions are merely distractions from the bigger picture. It is a shame the man cannot follow the goal accurately”
“He cares not about the wider goal, he has only ever cared about Aedleshaven and his own agenda. Now, did Orbeole contact us regarding what we were to pay them?”
“Yes, they had told us that we are to switch our Nightstone and Halostone imports to them, solely. They are to be our sole provider for such materials and in the future we have their full support and operational capability”
“Full imports…”
“That would bottleneck production…”
“Hmmm”
“Counselors we cannot turn back on this deal, Orbeole is a powerful clandestine nation. If we do not pay them we risk disrupting everything. I know it will bottleneck our production given they do not have the output as the rest of the Hochlands but I believe production schedules can be amended, to have their capabilities in the future will be a great boon for us”
“It is still a steep price to pay”
“But a necessary one. Orbeole is an enemy, not something we want. Make the deal, inform the manufacturing and trade authorities, have them deal with this immediately we cannot loose production”
“I will do so now”
“And the Emerald Republic's situation? It is heading towards peace”
“For now. We continue to arm Ramanunjagar and funnel arms against the colonials there. The lull will give us time to consolidate our position”
“And what of the Army of the Panopticon?”
“Not our concern. It brings not delay or disruption to the plans, let the colonials deal with their own pandora's box.”
“Understood. Meeting Adjourned.”
CGSS Forum: Killian Rhizome
“And the situation continues to deteriorate in the Aedleshaven zone due to continued colonial interference. That is why we believe that colonial interests be kept out of the Aedleshaven zone and the Expanse all together” The comment was instantly received by millions of representatives across the expansive sphere in which they resided. The virtual space was technically infinite and could accommodate anyone, but here in the Rhizome it allowed all the many voices of the CGSS to convene in a way that worked. No physical forum could act to contain those present, and so the CGSS main HQ had actually been constructed in virtual space.
The Orillian delegate, an individual known as Maxim Kanista was currently the focus, speaking as he was always speaking, about the continuing colonial issues. Many of the colonial delegates merely sat back, disinterested with the current day in and day out back and forth.
“With all due respect to delegate Maxim the Aedleshaven situation has nothing to do with the colonials, but the OMPAF who have been consolidating their power and turning the planet into their power base. That is a purely Aedleshaven affair, not colonial. If Orillia has problems with the state of the Expanses main passage they must conduct diplomatic ventures with the OMPAF rather than seek to turn the situation on its head for political gain” The Union representative, Jaden Xelio was quick to rebuke, the woman being constantly the push back against the Orillians.
“A situation which has been deteriorating ever since the colonial powers fought over Aedleshaven and razed it to the ground. The OMPAF are a clear extreme reaction to the ongoing interven-”
“There is no intervention of colonials on Aedleshaven, our forces pulled out over a decade ago and the AGA only had control over the system for a short period.” RANGSI’s delegate immediately interrupted.
“I do not believe that to be the case our sources-”
“Your sources are wrong, Delegate Maxim. We have no forces or control over the OMPAF”
“I would think our sources are hardly wrong. After all is it not the case that the Union openly allowed orbital bombardment to occur against direct civilian targets despite it explicitly stating such as a war crime in your code of conduct towards warfare?”
“Sarnarth was out of our control, the Jade Empire acted and we tried to stop-”
“So you broke your own code of conduct, tell me where are the Ancerium sanctions against the Jade? Or the military intervention? You were quick to strike down the Dectrose or the High Imperium, are you not peacekeepers? Or do you only act when colonial lives are at stake? The High Imperium like the Jade ravaged native lives and yet you sat and did nothing, but the threats levelled against the AGA, against the ACR and UWA? You acted immediately”
“Delegate Maxim the intervention against the Dectrose was a unilateral action which was undertaken by many nations against a threat which harboured weapons of mass destruction and constructed species focused viral weapons. It is hardly the same situation” the ACR reinforced Jadens position.
“Hardly the same situation as the High Imperium using its military forces to displace countless peoples and then genocide an entire world? Just because the genocide is not viral does not mean it is any less horrific”
“That is not in contention Delegate Maxim, but you are using false equivalencies. The Union has always acted in the interests of others, we have no influence in Aedleshaven contrary to whatever your sources say”
“I see. So then given your answer there may I ask when the Union will be militarily intervening in the Emerald Republics? Or moving its main fleet to engage the now resurrected Eclipse Lord of Yog Narr? Or moving to curb the expansionism of the Furrelians?” Jaden felt the eyes of countless individuals upon her despite the virtual nature of the meeting.
“Our fleet is in no position to tangle with such threats at this current point in time. We have offered indirect support for the Emerald Republics in a medical and humanitarian standpoint and the sanctions against the Furrelians have bee-”
“They tout they are galactic peacekeepers, but they pick and select who they protect. Mark my words all of you, the nations at the top of this galaxy only have their interests and those of the colonial agenda at heart. Why else would Far Reach be closed to certain parties, why else would such actions take place at Sarnath, or Schist? Why would such actions occur in Varnal or Aedleshaven. The Colonials have their power blocs and alliances, it is time we did the same. It is time for us little ones to stand up. I withdraw from the session today in protest of the treatment of Sarnath, Varnal and Schist. In protest of those left to die for an agenda.”
With that the Orillian delegate winked out, as did a sizable number of other supporters. Jaden was merely left to sit and sigh with annoyance.
Vertina System: Northir Union Space
“Yes, the situation in Sarnath was troubling indeed representative. After all, if such excuses can be used or fabricated in the future, what stops them from doing the same to us?”
“Precisely Premier Waapalov, I know your nation has ties to the United Federation and Union of Worlds but I can assure you that we can pick up any economic slack that you may be unsure about. If you have us on your side then the Keroi will have no choice but to buckle on their end of the trade war, they simply cannot compete”
“A compelling argument. However I would remind you that the Union of Worlds has been our trade partner for a long time, and it is they who have held our backs in the trade war. For you to try and undercut the situation it may lead to an escalation between us and the Keroi, perhaps even war” The premier leant over his holographic desk, the very clean cut room that contained both him and the Orillian representative was almost immaculate. Nothir prided itself on being immaculate, an admirable trait indeed.
“Yes but they have also brought instability, the decrease in your economic output due to their shortfalls in the 2nd Ancerious war brought uncertainty to your markets. We can remove that entirely, and as for potential conflict. Well there I can also offer you help, unlike the Union who have become disinterested in supporting native independence and security we champion such. We would be willing to either provide you with weapon shipments and training capability or even should you wish it, move to sign a mutual defense agreement” The representative grinned like a salesman.
“While a tempting offer, representative, a mutual defense agreement means we would have to assist you in such a time of warfare. I do not believe the Northir people would be supportive of that, and neither would our armed forces be in a state to render any real assistance. The Union might have turned more insular, but their economic investments and diplomatic assistance have kept this trade war purely that, a trade war. I will not risk diplomatic and economic instability let alone military conflict over such a change in affairs on the off chance things might improve” The premier leant back and folded his arms. The Orillian sighed.
“Truly a shame one of your stature would seek to work with those exploiting the galaxy rather than work with those moving towards a goal to improve all natives. It is a real pity, after all the Keroi are rather interested in a defensive pact and weapon shipments, my colleague is informing me they are very much on board with a potential escalation of things should they receive weapons.” Shock plastered the premiers face.
“You're a backstabbing piece of shit, playing both sides and crying about the improvement of the native species. Your going to sell us out and collect what's left”
“Not if you simply accept my offer. I can tell my colleague right now to cancel the deal and contract, no potential escalation and you get all the weapons and economic aid you wish. In return you cut ties with the Union and support us whenever we need aid”
“Why would I believe you? What stops me from going to the Union right now and offering them a chance to wrangle your forces out of this region?”
“Because you know they wouldnt act in their current state and because you know I am working towards a noble goal regardless of methods. But if that isn't enough perhaps the nerve agent I have released into the room would convince you. Sign the document and I will give you the antidote” The premiers face went white and cold, looking around the room for an invisible killer. He began sweating as he desperately made his choice. Fumbling for his pen he scratched the signature into the paper that the representative had carefully placed onto the desk.
“Done now give me the damn antidote!” He shouted desperately. She pulled a small vial out and passed it over, the man quickly drinking it. Already the signing of the document was being sent by Northirs extensive virtual network to the legislative and executive branches, it would be carried out soon.
“Pleasure doing business with you premier” The man merely sat back in his seat, shocked and dazed. Madam Yrillix stood up in return, with a bow she exited the room. Pulling one of the vials of water from her jacket and taking a quick drink, what the man didn't know wouldn't hurt him.
Salqin System: Emerald Republics Space
Rishabh kept his jacket closed as he quickly made his way down the street. It was packed of course, everyone was talking about the peace agreements and the fact that everyone's lives could go back to some semblance of normality once more. He knew better, there would be no normality, the war was not over, and there was an even greater war to come. Once the ethnic divide had either been conquered through talks or genocide the true war would begin, the one against the nations that had let this happen.
The Union, RANGSI, High Imperium… All had sent ‘help’ to the Emerald republics, stating their humanitarian efforts would try and assist in people's lives. It was all a lie of course, they had such resources at their disposal that they could have ended this conflict in a heartbeat, and then swept in to elevate the twin republics of Ramanunjagar and Sarabhai up to an economic miracle within years. But that wouldn't be profitable, it wouldn't be within their agenda. No. Rishahb and the nations he belonged to didn't matter, only the jewels of Ancerious and its resources mattered to these invaders from beyond reality.
He gritted his teeth in anger, still thinking about the news reports of the killings of protestors by RANGSI soldiers and then hearing from his mother that his father was dead. He would make this right, he would do what needed to be done.
Moving in behind a group of individuals he made his way through the streets and into the back ways, eventually coming to a warehouse. He knocked on the door three times before a small slit was opened.
“Saty ka svaroop kya hai” the man from inside said quietly.
“Upaniveshavaadiyon kee mrtyu” Rishabh replied. It was a simple phrasing system. ‘What is the nature of truth?’ with the reply being ‘Death to the colonials’. The door was unlocked and Rishahb was allowed inside. Numerous crates were stacked on top of one another, all full of guns and explosives ready to use. Not against their fellow countrymen, no, against the colonial holdings here. There was a RANGSI base not far, and they intended to enact their revenge.
“Are the weapons satisfactory?”
“Oh yes thank you very much, this will be perfect for our assault” Rishahb looked over at the leader, an old grizzled Sarabh speaking to an Orillian over a hololink. Their benefactors had provided them much, Rishabh didn't know if they could ever repay them.
“Another shipment will be provided next week on the dot. Same as before. I expect results”
“Of course. My utmost respects”
With that the line cut, and Rishahb found himself breaking into a new likely smuggled Carnaithian Imperial Armouries crate of rifles.
RANGSI would pay.
Istralan: Orillian Space
The massive doors of the dockyard once more opened. It had been 3 weeks, 3 weeks of non stop work as the automated systems powered by the Dyson swarm compiled and constructed the warship. Slowly but surely the massive armoured doors retracted, revealing the surprising sight of a non Orillian warship.
Istralan had long been known about by the galactic community, while Orillia had tried to keep it secret during construction the building of such a megastructure was simply impossible to keep quiet. When finished however, it had quickly been published and used by Orillia to build up its military might, but not just its military. Other nations, friends and allies of Orillia had been contacted and swiftly deals were made. In no time at all Istralan had been building the vessels of other nations and this was no exception.
A battleship of the Northir Union rolled out of its hangar, brand new and ready for crewing. One of many that were being constructed, and only in a tiny segment. Many more surrounded Istralan, each one constructing new ships for Orillia and her allies. The entire system was a non stop convoy of resources and vessels, it was all built up, everyone knew what was coming.
And what was coming would soon come to pass.
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