Post by EmperorMyric on Oct 23, 2021 20:21:19 GMT
The Silver Cradle: Union Space
Eiasten took a long breath from his pipe and let himself settle into his chair.
Things were far from ideal, and already he had more people trying to contact him than he would care to admit. Latest reports of Orillians manipulating location nations to cut ties with them such as the Northir Union, the sudden Jobediea Report from Natar which had not only predicted in plain text the oncoming war but also the ASNs own downfall. The ongoing situation in the Little Light with Yog Narr, unknown activity regarding the Panopticon on Lost Star, the financial market now beginning to crash, and the ever escalating situation between the Furrelians and the Jade.
The galaxy was circling, just like it had before the 2nd Ancerious war, around the precipice of chaos and war. Eiasten had taken a stance with his party, non interventionism, non militarism, and a focus on the economy. He still firmly believed this was the way, but things were spiralling out of control and they didn't have enough time to change their course. If he were to act so out of character he would lose the voter base, and destabilise the political scene at such a critical point in time.
No, they had to keep the course.
The new Horizon Fleet would prove to be deterrent enough, once shown off at TRIDEX it would no doubt make Orillia back down. Given the situation Orillia likely still thought they would take this sitting down, they would be wrong of course. Eiasten had already given the go ahead for the nation to take much more drastic economic and diplomatic steps to curb Orillias inroads to local natives to the Union, and he hoped regular shows from the new fleet would keep their ships from buzzing Union space.
Anything but creating a spark.
A spark, an escalation, anything could start a conflict that would see the galaxy plunged into darkness once again. Eiasten had already nearly lost his wife in the battle of Mirach, he would not let more Union lives go to waste again.
The CGSS was holding the line for now, a place for political jostling and back and forths. War may be coming, but Eiasten knew they still had plenty of time.
The Union would be ready when the time came, for now it had to dig in and ensure its forces both foreign and domestic would be able to match the coming storm. He didn't need any ‘official’ ASN documents to tell him that. Sarnath had been a mistake, and meddling in the Yog Narr affair could cause a chain reaction of failure that would lead to Orillia blaming the Union and the colonials for the damage caused. No.
Let the Little Light and the others deal with the monster.
All they had to do was keep a lid on the Furrelians through sanctions and on the High Imperium through internal diplomacy.
With any luck the possible schism between OMPAF and Orillia would rear its head. He smiled to himself.
Perhaps the pro native side extremists would tear each other apart, before anything even happened.
It was a fanciful wish.
Pavonis System: Union Space
Volkus straightened his Admirals uniform.
It wasn't something he was used to, but he was on HICOM now. All the Fleet Captains had been promoted after the war, put into new positions as the new High Command was allocated and Hargun had been brought on as Grand Admiral. It didn't feel right though, Volkus no longer commanded from the front, he no longer had the ability to go out and stop threats to the Union before they happened. It felt like he had been promoted only to be locked behind a desk, once a commander of the Union in this galaxy now he was a voice helping direct Naval operations and supply lines, bringing concerns from the bottom to the new civilian government.
Who of course never listened.
It had been years of HICOM informing the civilian government that things were brewing, always their liaisons would say they understood and pay them lip service. Sarnath was the only time they had agreed to intervene and let the military go in, and only because the FRK had wanted to spearhead the operation and test their own forces.
Look at how that had gone, and look how far they had come since the days of the war. The military was second fiddle now, and the threats to the Union kept piling up.
Volkus had lost his wife and child in the Battle of Mirach, he would not allow more people to die senselessly due to inactivity. They had to take the initiative.
He had of course been called to a meeting by members of the government to discuss ongoing supply ventures regarding the operations in the ICS and Volkus finally found the right door, opening it and walking into the small room. Three individuals sat waiting for him, one of them was Chief of the Logistics Core, another was the head of the Department for Work & Labour, while the third he did not know.
“Ah Admiral Volkus please sit down! This is Lumis Kari, head of the Reserve Administration. Don't mind her being here Admiral I have to be frank with you, this meeting is not quite what you think it is. You see we are here to ask for your help, and it isn't about the logistics situation in the ICS” The head of department grinned. Volkus hesitated for a moment as the woman in the dark blue suit gave a nod.
He had never heard of the Reserve Administration.
“With all due respect, I have never heard of that military department.”
“Ah, yes that's intentional. Classified branch of the military you see. Please do sit” Volkus finally sat down.
“Admiral, what is your belief regarding the current political situation?” The Admiral hesitated.
“I'm sorry?”
“What is your opinion on the Unions current political stance to the state of affairs in the galaxy”
“This is a trick right? One of those political committees formed after events to gauge right from wrong?” The chief of logistics shook his head.
“No, this is something quite different. We know you have vocal beliefs regarding the Union and its stance in non interventionism, we wish to affirm such” Volkus snorted.
“Yes. I believe that the Union's stance is wrong and that the current political climate is a mistake, it's why I have been sidelined and silenced in regards to my opinions given my previous status and stance” He folded his arms and sat back. This time it was the new woman's turn to speak.
“Then you are among friends Admiral. We of the Reserve Administration are in agreement and have been commissioned by the government to investigate and propagate means by which to conduct activities capable of delaying or neutralising threats to this nation. Given your storied history and experience we would like your support in our operations, it is fully classified of course and we will be undertaking secret means by which to ensure peace and stability. The civilian government can keep its hands clean and policy unchanged while we neutralise threats as they need to be” Volkus looked unconvinced.
“Miss… Lumis? How legal is this exactly? Your talking about going against direct policy of the elected government”
“Oh very legal, in fact it was put forward by this government. But not all of its branches or executives are aware of this operation, the less said the more plausible deniability we have. We can secretly put the Orillians in their place all while our good old Prime Minister talks the good talk and keeps diplomacy at the forefront eh?” The Head of Labour grinned more. Volkus did not smile at the mention of the Prime Minister.
“If you can provide me with all the credentials and legal documentation you have… Yes, I will support your operations. Is that all?”
“We will send you everything immediately, and will contact you later today. That is all Admiral thank you for your time and gracious support, for the betterment of the Union” Volkus stepped towards the door before replying.
“For the betterment of the Union”
Suleban System: Union Space
“Quite a sight aren't they?”
The comment was directed out of the large viewing aperture and out into the dockyards beyond. Sleek, advanced and brand new blue ships littered numerous dock cradles and more. Each one a new vessel, totally designed from the ground up and belonging to a new and modern fleet initiative, the Horizon fleet.
They were not quite finished and fitted out yet, but they were a sight to behold. The Union fleet of tomorrow, and they were everything the Navy had asked for.
“Yes they are. Quite ironic we plan to unveil them officially at TRIDEX given the history” Admiral Saccule smiled at the situation, showing off Union vessels at a military expo designed for sales and run by the Union's old enemy of Triarch. But it was what the government wanted, and HICOM had actually agreed. It was the perfect moment to do so, and hopefully according to some it would make the Unions foes go back down knowing they had new warships on the block. The government representative who stood beside her smiled diligently as he gazed up and down, looking at the individual different ship classes, and the massive central form of the new super dreadnought.
“Quite ironic, but necessary. In the public eye and at such a venture the fleet will act as a statement, a deterrent if you will. Done alongside other actual sales of the old vessels stripped down and of old military equipment. With any luck the sales will boost the current economic slump” He gestured with his gaze down to the numerous docking platforms out beyond the viewport, each one was covered in Ancerium containers, each waiting for shipment off to a new sale. Many had been sold, but so far at no profit.
The market crash was biting deep.
“I doubt these alone will help the situation, I heard the crash has been leading to potential layoffs of skilled workmen?” Sacule inquired, the thought of the Horizon fleet being still in dock when the supposed war kicked off due to budget cuts was unthinkable.
“Only of the support staff, schedules are being propped up and more automated systems are being used but it won't affect overall time scales Admiral dont worry” She narrowed her eyes.
“Of course. Still, with these at the ready we can finally demonstrate that our power is still what it once was. We are already drawing up contingency plans for intervention when Yog Narr reappears and to possibly step in to aid the Jade against the Furrelians, with the new fleet it will help our chances drastically” The admiral relaxed, the prospect of fighting aboard new and vastly improved ships lifted her morale at the thought of the sailors having greater chance of survival.
“Intervention plans? Im sorry admiral but the Horizon fleet is not to be used for any intervention plans, throwing such new and expensive ships into a meat grinder akin to an Eclipse Lord is out of the question. And we don't want to feed the Furrelians more propaganda victories ever since they defeated the Gauss” The man's tone made Sacule snap round in surprise.
“Im… Sorry? The new fleet won't be made available for operations?” Her disbelief was clear. He nodded.
“Yes that's right, a great deal went into this fleet, we don't want it thrown away so quickly. It is to make various tours of Union space, stand as an icon, help the recruitment rates and show that we are still committed to our goal”
“Minister with all due respect… That fleet is our one chance to stifle the threats to our nation-”
“Which will be dealt with through diplomatic means. I need not remind you admiral that the days of jumping head first are over, this fleet will do its job, but we will do everything in our power to ensure they do not get used. For our own good and our enemies”
The Silver Cradle: Union Space
“Any details on Yog Narr yet?” The doors opened to reveal the form of Admiral Dewitt, the Cylaurians whiskers tasting the air as he saluted. Hargun gave a small salute before he shook his head.
“No not yet. Im currently investigating potential Furrelian invasion routes into Jade space along with any chance of them hitting some of our assets” Hargun signed, the head of the Navy position had not been kind to him. Dewitt nodded and came to stand beside him, the flickering holograms playing out theoretical events which had been inputted.
“Shame. No doubt you have plans to strike it yes? A hard and fast force could crack the living world, Transcendent could do the job, she could end the last child of Palm Mirdiff and I bet the new fleet can do it in half the time. What's the force layout like? Heavier or lighter in terms of ships?” The admiral's frills moved in anticipation. Hargun merely sighed.
“There is no strike force Cathar. I was informed today that the Horizon fleet is not to be used in any potential operations for the foreseeable future. It's to make a celebratory peace cruise through Union and allied territory as a gesture of strength and goodwill. The government won't let us intervene”
“You're joking? They built us this fancy new fleet to fight the next galactic war, which is no doubt weeks away, and they want us to place it on a mantlepiece like a shiny bauble? They want us to sit back and watch what happens next?”
“Yes. We are to sit and react, they informed Sacule two days ago, we are to strictly avoid intervening in the-”
“That's bullshit James and you know it!” Dewitt slammed his fist onto the holotable causing the image to flicker “They can't just hamstring us because they dont want us upsetting their little circle jerk of politics. Diplomacy wont work on a fucking Eclipse Lord, it sure as hell isnt working for Orillia and now the galaxies going to shit as the galactic market collapses all around us. We have to take steps to-”
“Damn it I am very well aware of the galactic situation and the steps we need to take to ensure it does not turn into a blazing inferno Cathar! But I cannot do anything with the government's explicit orders, we sit and we react to those orders. Those are Your orders. That is all I can do, what more do you want from me? I am fighting tooth and nail to make them listen, I cannot disobey the chain of command you know how this works” The head Admiral raised his voice, Dewitt clearly seeing that Hargun was not happy with the situation. He took a breath.
“I am sorry James, I know you are doing your best. I just do not believe the government has our nation's best interests at heart” The comment made Hargun look up.
“Be careful Cathar, statements like that lead to dark places. They are doing what they believe is best for our people, just as we are here. Remember we are one nation” Dewitt merely nodded, saluting for a moment before taking his leave.
Unknown Virtual Location: Union Grid
“So we are in agreement, with the latest orders of the Horizon Fleet our nation will be practically defenceless, we must move ahead with the plans”
“Yes. There are no alternatives, we will be wide open to initial strikes by Orillia the likes of which we saw at Mirach. And if we don't strike the Furrelians and try curb Yog Narr it could all be over before then”
“Do we have the necessary support and materials in place?”
“Affirmative, we have stockpiled what we need for a long time. Using military reserves and additional funding for black areas of government it is very much doable. We must act quickly however, things are spiralling out of control very rapidly”
“The market crash is proving to be a detriment to our economy, but it has been two fold, we have procured large quantities of Halostone and Nightstone from the markets at a fraction of a price we projected.”
“That funding will be used elsewhere then, see to it to prop up the industrial forges and workforce, we cannot let the current layoffs affect progress”
“Everything is in place then?”
“Yes. Give the order”
The disembodied virtual voices paused for a moment.
“It is done, the Ghost Fleet and Project ALRIC will commence”
The voice of Cathar Dewitt however, was distinctive enough.
Karras System: Union Space
The crowd heaved as the microphone did sound testing, people of all shapes and sizes and all walks of life stood in the wide open plaza and waited for the talk.
Many had come from other worlds in the Union, all to see Esme Rhia, Head of the United Progressives party make her speech. Things had been tense, large layoffs, especially in the Ancerium processing and refining sector had hit hard while the Unions citizens sat back and watched their government repeatedly placate and appease other nations on the galactic stage. Many had waited for the long peace after the 2nd Ancerious war and had supported the large move to economic and social advancements that the Unity party had brought. But now, with war looming from the Jobadiea report along with the market crash and threats such as the Panopticon and more rising, many wondered where the Unions peacekeeping spirit had gone.
And that was something Esme had capitalised on expertly.
A tone came over the speakers as Esme walked onto the stage, her dark skin and well made light blue dress supported her beaming grin as she looked at the crowd over the top of her glasses. She had refused eye correction or contact lenses, always claiming she loved the feel of the glasses she wore. The crowd of citizens cheered and called out as she waved to them from the platform.
“Hello there Karras! Boy it's good to be home aye?” She held her arms out and laughed with the crowd, it was her homeworld after all.
“Well i'm not going to keep you I know your all here to see the new manifesto and development list of the latest United Progressives mandate so here we go” Holding a palm outstretched a big holographic tapestry unveiled, showing party promises, funky animations and more.
“The economic situation is indeed dire, and my party promises to double down on the economic gains we have made in the post war years and supplement that with the same fighting spirit which won us two galactic wars! It is time we rebuilt ourselves, on the galactic stage of course! For too long we have hidden behind the veil of what ifs and worried about sending our brave men and women out into the galaxy to help defend ourselves at home” She paused, staring around the crowd.
“Look at what happened at Rubikon! Or with the Gauss! Or the Emerald Republics, or a myriad of other examples. Without our guiding input the galaxy has fallen into disarray, even our actions in Capitol have led to greater suffering and the rise of something far worse. I say we blaze the way to a new era of galactic peace, take a tougher stance against Orillia, help the natives defeat the evil ghost of Palm Mirdiff and reforge our great alliances with the likes of the old AGA! We have prospered much in the post war era, and through the wealth and power gained we can afford to sustain ourselves through a little hardship. If we must endure extra hours of work, or a few less items then so be it. Together we can help redirect the goal of the Union back to its original purpose!”
“To be the peacekeepers of the galaxy!”
Eiasten took a long breath from his pipe and let himself settle into his chair.
Things were far from ideal, and already he had more people trying to contact him than he would care to admit. Latest reports of Orillians manipulating location nations to cut ties with them such as the Northir Union, the sudden Jobediea Report from Natar which had not only predicted in plain text the oncoming war but also the ASNs own downfall. The ongoing situation in the Little Light with Yog Narr, unknown activity regarding the Panopticon on Lost Star, the financial market now beginning to crash, and the ever escalating situation between the Furrelians and the Jade.
The galaxy was circling, just like it had before the 2nd Ancerious war, around the precipice of chaos and war. Eiasten had taken a stance with his party, non interventionism, non militarism, and a focus on the economy. He still firmly believed this was the way, but things were spiralling out of control and they didn't have enough time to change their course. If he were to act so out of character he would lose the voter base, and destabilise the political scene at such a critical point in time.
No, they had to keep the course.
The new Horizon Fleet would prove to be deterrent enough, once shown off at TRIDEX it would no doubt make Orillia back down. Given the situation Orillia likely still thought they would take this sitting down, they would be wrong of course. Eiasten had already given the go ahead for the nation to take much more drastic economic and diplomatic steps to curb Orillias inroads to local natives to the Union, and he hoped regular shows from the new fleet would keep their ships from buzzing Union space.
Anything but creating a spark.
A spark, an escalation, anything could start a conflict that would see the galaxy plunged into darkness once again. Eiasten had already nearly lost his wife in the battle of Mirach, he would not let more Union lives go to waste again.
The CGSS was holding the line for now, a place for political jostling and back and forths. War may be coming, but Eiasten knew they still had plenty of time.
The Union would be ready when the time came, for now it had to dig in and ensure its forces both foreign and domestic would be able to match the coming storm. He didn't need any ‘official’ ASN documents to tell him that. Sarnath had been a mistake, and meddling in the Yog Narr affair could cause a chain reaction of failure that would lead to Orillia blaming the Union and the colonials for the damage caused. No.
Let the Little Light and the others deal with the monster.
All they had to do was keep a lid on the Furrelians through sanctions and on the High Imperium through internal diplomacy.
With any luck the possible schism between OMPAF and Orillia would rear its head. He smiled to himself.
Perhaps the pro native side extremists would tear each other apart, before anything even happened.
It was a fanciful wish.
Pavonis System: Union Space
Volkus straightened his Admirals uniform.
It wasn't something he was used to, but he was on HICOM now. All the Fleet Captains had been promoted after the war, put into new positions as the new High Command was allocated and Hargun had been brought on as Grand Admiral. It didn't feel right though, Volkus no longer commanded from the front, he no longer had the ability to go out and stop threats to the Union before they happened. It felt like he had been promoted only to be locked behind a desk, once a commander of the Union in this galaxy now he was a voice helping direct Naval operations and supply lines, bringing concerns from the bottom to the new civilian government.
Who of course never listened.
It had been years of HICOM informing the civilian government that things were brewing, always their liaisons would say they understood and pay them lip service. Sarnath was the only time they had agreed to intervene and let the military go in, and only because the FRK had wanted to spearhead the operation and test their own forces.
Look at how that had gone, and look how far they had come since the days of the war. The military was second fiddle now, and the threats to the Union kept piling up.
Volkus had lost his wife and child in the Battle of Mirach, he would not allow more people to die senselessly due to inactivity. They had to take the initiative.
He had of course been called to a meeting by members of the government to discuss ongoing supply ventures regarding the operations in the ICS and Volkus finally found the right door, opening it and walking into the small room. Three individuals sat waiting for him, one of them was Chief of the Logistics Core, another was the head of the Department for Work & Labour, while the third he did not know.
“Ah Admiral Volkus please sit down! This is Lumis Kari, head of the Reserve Administration. Don't mind her being here Admiral I have to be frank with you, this meeting is not quite what you think it is. You see we are here to ask for your help, and it isn't about the logistics situation in the ICS” The head of department grinned. Volkus hesitated for a moment as the woman in the dark blue suit gave a nod.
He had never heard of the Reserve Administration.
“With all due respect, I have never heard of that military department.”
“Ah, yes that's intentional. Classified branch of the military you see. Please do sit” Volkus finally sat down.
“Admiral, what is your belief regarding the current political situation?” The Admiral hesitated.
“I'm sorry?”
“What is your opinion on the Unions current political stance to the state of affairs in the galaxy”
“This is a trick right? One of those political committees formed after events to gauge right from wrong?” The chief of logistics shook his head.
“No, this is something quite different. We know you have vocal beliefs regarding the Union and its stance in non interventionism, we wish to affirm such” Volkus snorted.
“Yes. I believe that the Union's stance is wrong and that the current political climate is a mistake, it's why I have been sidelined and silenced in regards to my opinions given my previous status and stance” He folded his arms and sat back. This time it was the new woman's turn to speak.
“Then you are among friends Admiral. We of the Reserve Administration are in agreement and have been commissioned by the government to investigate and propagate means by which to conduct activities capable of delaying or neutralising threats to this nation. Given your storied history and experience we would like your support in our operations, it is fully classified of course and we will be undertaking secret means by which to ensure peace and stability. The civilian government can keep its hands clean and policy unchanged while we neutralise threats as they need to be” Volkus looked unconvinced.
“Miss… Lumis? How legal is this exactly? Your talking about going against direct policy of the elected government”
“Oh very legal, in fact it was put forward by this government. But not all of its branches or executives are aware of this operation, the less said the more plausible deniability we have. We can secretly put the Orillians in their place all while our good old Prime Minister talks the good talk and keeps diplomacy at the forefront eh?” The Head of Labour grinned more. Volkus did not smile at the mention of the Prime Minister.
“If you can provide me with all the credentials and legal documentation you have… Yes, I will support your operations. Is that all?”
“We will send you everything immediately, and will contact you later today. That is all Admiral thank you for your time and gracious support, for the betterment of the Union” Volkus stepped towards the door before replying.
“For the betterment of the Union”
Suleban System: Union Space
“Quite a sight aren't they?”
The comment was directed out of the large viewing aperture and out into the dockyards beyond. Sleek, advanced and brand new blue ships littered numerous dock cradles and more. Each one a new vessel, totally designed from the ground up and belonging to a new and modern fleet initiative, the Horizon fleet.
They were not quite finished and fitted out yet, but they were a sight to behold. The Union fleet of tomorrow, and they were everything the Navy had asked for.
“Yes they are. Quite ironic we plan to unveil them officially at TRIDEX given the history” Admiral Saccule smiled at the situation, showing off Union vessels at a military expo designed for sales and run by the Union's old enemy of Triarch. But it was what the government wanted, and HICOM had actually agreed. It was the perfect moment to do so, and hopefully according to some it would make the Unions foes go back down knowing they had new warships on the block. The government representative who stood beside her smiled diligently as he gazed up and down, looking at the individual different ship classes, and the massive central form of the new super dreadnought.
“Quite ironic, but necessary. In the public eye and at such a venture the fleet will act as a statement, a deterrent if you will. Done alongside other actual sales of the old vessels stripped down and of old military equipment. With any luck the sales will boost the current economic slump” He gestured with his gaze down to the numerous docking platforms out beyond the viewport, each one was covered in Ancerium containers, each waiting for shipment off to a new sale. Many had been sold, but so far at no profit.
The market crash was biting deep.
“I doubt these alone will help the situation, I heard the crash has been leading to potential layoffs of skilled workmen?” Sacule inquired, the thought of the Horizon fleet being still in dock when the supposed war kicked off due to budget cuts was unthinkable.
“Only of the support staff, schedules are being propped up and more automated systems are being used but it won't affect overall time scales Admiral dont worry” She narrowed her eyes.
“Of course. Still, with these at the ready we can finally demonstrate that our power is still what it once was. We are already drawing up contingency plans for intervention when Yog Narr reappears and to possibly step in to aid the Jade against the Furrelians, with the new fleet it will help our chances drastically” The admiral relaxed, the prospect of fighting aboard new and vastly improved ships lifted her morale at the thought of the sailors having greater chance of survival.
“Intervention plans? Im sorry admiral but the Horizon fleet is not to be used for any intervention plans, throwing such new and expensive ships into a meat grinder akin to an Eclipse Lord is out of the question. And we don't want to feed the Furrelians more propaganda victories ever since they defeated the Gauss” The man's tone made Sacule snap round in surprise.
“Im… Sorry? The new fleet won't be made available for operations?” Her disbelief was clear. He nodded.
“Yes that's right, a great deal went into this fleet, we don't want it thrown away so quickly. It is to make various tours of Union space, stand as an icon, help the recruitment rates and show that we are still committed to our goal”
“Minister with all due respect… That fleet is our one chance to stifle the threats to our nation-”
“Which will be dealt with through diplomatic means. I need not remind you admiral that the days of jumping head first are over, this fleet will do its job, but we will do everything in our power to ensure they do not get used. For our own good and our enemies”
The Silver Cradle: Union Space
“Any details on Yog Narr yet?” The doors opened to reveal the form of Admiral Dewitt, the Cylaurians whiskers tasting the air as he saluted. Hargun gave a small salute before he shook his head.
“No not yet. Im currently investigating potential Furrelian invasion routes into Jade space along with any chance of them hitting some of our assets” Hargun signed, the head of the Navy position had not been kind to him. Dewitt nodded and came to stand beside him, the flickering holograms playing out theoretical events which had been inputted.
“Shame. No doubt you have plans to strike it yes? A hard and fast force could crack the living world, Transcendent could do the job, she could end the last child of Palm Mirdiff and I bet the new fleet can do it in half the time. What's the force layout like? Heavier or lighter in terms of ships?” The admiral's frills moved in anticipation. Hargun merely sighed.
“There is no strike force Cathar. I was informed today that the Horizon fleet is not to be used in any potential operations for the foreseeable future. It's to make a celebratory peace cruise through Union and allied territory as a gesture of strength and goodwill. The government won't let us intervene”
“You're joking? They built us this fancy new fleet to fight the next galactic war, which is no doubt weeks away, and they want us to place it on a mantlepiece like a shiny bauble? They want us to sit back and watch what happens next?”
“Yes. We are to sit and react, they informed Sacule two days ago, we are to strictly avoid intervening in the-”
“That's bullshit James and you know it!” Dewitt slammed his fist onto the holotable causing the image to flicker “They can't just hamstring us because they dont want us upsetting their little circle jerk of politics. Diplomacy wont work on a fucking Eclipse Lord, it sure as hell isnt working for Orillia and now the galaxies going to shit as the galactic market collapses all around us. We have to take steps to-”
“Damn it I am very well aware of the galactic situation and the steps we need to take to ensure it does not turn into a blazing inferno Cathar! But I cannot do anything with the government's explicit orders, we sit and we react to those orders. Those are Your orders. That is all I can do, what more do you want from me? I am fighting tooth and nail to make them listen, I cannot disobey the chain of command you know how this works” The head Admiral raised his voice, Dewitt clearly seeing that Hargun was not happy with the situation. He took a breath.
“I am sorry James, I know you are doing your best. I just do not believe the government has our nation's best interests at heart” The comment made Hargun look up.
“Be careful Cathar, statements like that lead to dark places. They are doing what they believe is best for our people, just as we are here. Remember we are one nation” Dewitt merely nodded, saluting for a moment before taking his leave.
Unknown Virtual Location: Union Grid
“So we are in agreement, with the latest orders of the Horizon Fleet our nation will be practically defenceless, we must move ahead with the plans”
“Yes. There are no alternatives, we will be wide open to initial strikes by Orillia the likes of which we saw at Mirach. And if we don't strike the Furrelians and try curb Yog Narr it could all be over before then”
“Do we have the necessary support and materials in place?”
“Affirmative, we have stockpiled what we need for a long time. Using military reserves and additional funding for black areas of government it is very much doable. We must act quickly however, things are spiralling out of control very rapidly”
“The market crash is proving to be a detriment to our economy, but it has been two fold, we have procured large quantities of Halostone and Nightstone from the markets at a fraction of a price we projected.”
“That funding will be used elsewhere then, see to it to prop up the industrial forges and workforce, we cannot let the current layoffs affect progress”
“Everything is in place then?”
“Yes. Give the order”
The disembodied virtual voices paused for a moment.
“It is done, the Ghost Fleet and Project ALRIC will commence”
The voice of Cathar Dewitt however, was distinctive enough.
Karras System: Union Space
The crowd heaved as the microphone did sound testing, people of all shapes and sizes and all walks of life stood in the wide open plaza and waited for the talk.
Many had come from other worlds in the Union, all to see Esme Rhia, Head of the United Progressives party make her speech. Things had been tense, large layoffs, especially in the Ancerium processing and refining sector had hit hard while the Unions citizens sat back and watched their government repeatedly placate and appease other nations on the galactic stage. Many had waited for the long peace after the 2nd Ancerious war and had supported the large move to economic and social advancements that the Unity party had brought. But now, with war looming from the Jobadiea report along with the market crash and threats such as the Panopticon and more rising, many wondered where the Unions peacekeeping spirit had gone.
And that was something Esme had capitalised on expertly.
A tone came over the speakers as Esme walked onto the stage, her dark skin and well made light blue dress supported her beaming grin as she looked at the crowd over the top of her glasses. She had refused eye correction or contact lenses, always claiming she loved the feel of the glasses she wore. The crowd of citizens cheered and called out as she waved to them from the platform.
“Hello there Karras! Boy it's good to be home aye?” She held her arms out and laughed with the crowd, it was her homeworld after all.
“Well i'm not going to keep you I know your all here to see the new manifesto and development list of the latest United Progressives mandate so here we go” Holding a palm outstretched a big holographic tapestry unveiled, showing party promises, funky animations and more.
“The economic situation is indeed dire, and my party promises to double down on the economic gains we have made in the post war years and supplement that with the same fighting spirit which won us two galactic wars! It is time we rebuilt ourselves, on the galactic stage of course! For too long we have hidden behind the veil of what ifs and worried about sending our brave men and women out into the galaxy to help defend ourselves at home” She paused, staring around the crowd.
“Look at what happened at Rubikon! Or with the Gauss! Or the Emerald Republics, or a myriad of other examples. Without our guiding input the galaxy has fallen into disarray, even our actions in Capitol have led to greater suffering and the rise of something far worse. I say we blaze the way to a new era of galactic peace, take a tougher stance against Orillia, help the natives defeat the evil ghost of Palm Mirdiff and reforge our great alliances with the likes of the old AGA! We have prospered much in the post war era, and through the wealth and power gained we can afford to sustain ourselves through a little hardship. If we must endure extra hours of work, or a few less items then so be it. Together we can help redirect the goal of the Union back to its original purpose!”
“To be the peacekeepers of the galaxy!”