Post by EmperorMyric on Dec 17, 2021 12:03:59 GMT
Task Force Halo: Outer Halo Zone
With the initial engagement in Atroba and the disengagement of the first Carnaithian strike force from the battle the Invaders had been watched closely. The ships had not attempted to pursue the strike force but instead had concentrated around the main material rich planet and begun to deploy von Neuman constructed mining and processing facilities. It appeared they too were after the same materials as the Task Force, and even as the Ozark had held position at the edge of the system to give them constant realtime updates the Republic of Inola had offered some basic intel. Strangely it seemed the Invaders were a touchy subject to the natives here.
The intel had revealed much of what the Task Force knew, the von Neuman swarm was a threat to this region, albeit on a far greater scale than they had realised. They secured key resource locations with overwhelming numbers and drained them entirely, but the greatest and most disturbing information that the Republic had given was that these Invaders came from beyond the galaxy, from the galactic void, and had been doing so for millenia.
“A haunting prospect” Kexele said aloud reviewing the information. Before her stood Rodak, surveying the same information she was even as the holographic projector showed the second wave of the attack on the Old Invaders. The two Carnaithian ships had been restocked with ammunition and fuel, and this time supplemented by a Dart class from the Union and Albacore class from the FRK. This time they would move in and clear Atroba out entirely so the Hastrax contingent could move in and begin mining operations.
“Surely they have to come from somewhere?” She both asked and mused with Rodak as the ships translated in system, Rodak was in command of the flotilla again with Kexele mostly wanting to observe the situation. Securing resources from these machines was just one of the ongoing situations.
Entry Point System: Oort Cloud zone
It was the 14th time this week. Three contacts were picked up moving in at relativistic speeds towards the Far Reach zone. It did not take long for the EW systems to identify the contacts as Phene Clan ships, one destroyer and two escorts sporting the smooth almost organic dark blue hull shape. They were not accelerating, merely holding their high speed in a long arc that seemed to briefly brush the edge of where the Task force had declared its ‘borders’ something which the Phene Clan were eager to test almost on a several times a day basis.
The defensive pickets along the edge of the system, mostly made up of ICS escorts with the occasional Hastrax and Carnaith escort were once more forced to move to intercept. Of course no shots were fired in any of these intercepts, it repeated all the time. The Clan would race in close and the moment the Task Force responded they would break off and accelerate away, it was seen as a normal thing now and the crews were used to it but the fact the Clan were trying to antagonise them in this way was boding ill.
They still had almost 20 minutes until intercept, captain Hallam of the Intrepid Venture had already ordered his crew to move to intercept at the allotted time, guns were cold on the ICS vessel just as they were on the Phene Clan ships. He wondered what they were like in combat, they had not observed any combat from each of the three polities encountered here but supposedly most of the military forces were busy fighting those ‘Old Invaders’ out on the other side of the Clans space. Hallam was thankful, it was likely the only reason the Clan had not engaged them yet or why they had not been overrun by the Invaders.
“Captain Clan ships are lighting drives” The sensor operator called out with alarm.
“They're breaking off early? They haven't done that before” Hallam stood up, walking over to the man's station before his eyes widened with alarm.
“Oh hell, they are coming right at us! Raise the alarm and power weapons we may have a serious situation on our hands! This is Hallam to all picket ships we have incoming, the Clan is incoming!”
Sentan System: Republic of Inola Space
Despite the political tension with the Phene Clan the matters with the Republic of Inola had gone far more swimmingly. The nation had pledged to assist in the construction of the Far Reach, absolutely ecstatic to learn about the galaxy beyond their tiny corner on the far edge of space. To them the opening of the FTL gun would give them political and economic reach as well as information beyond their wildest dreams and so the Republic had almost completely full on thrown in their support.
It was a matter which had been negotiated by Elir Komansh the first time, and now they had invited the Telrian diplomat back again for another meeting. They had not said exactly what the entire endeavour was about but they had talked about economic and scientific prosperity and a greater tie between the Task Force and the Republic.
Now here he was, on the soil of a world far beyond the reaches of the main galaxy, waiting for the meeting to start.
The government building of the Republic was a fantastic affair of dark granite stone quite clearly inlaid with white marble for a stark contrast, epic statues portrayed key moments of history with everything carved into the material rather than shown on holograms or other means of recording. The Hestra themselves who made up the Republic were an interesting breed themselves, quite short and rotund reptilians who had an affinity for working together in extremely large groups. These almost post family units had such an affinity for one another that the Republic had very little in the way of internal turmoil, something which was quite strange given the circumstances.
Still the small delegation arrived from one of the outcroppings, wearing their very dull coloured robes.
“Good day, It is with great honour we welcome you here once again diplomat. If you would accompany us this way?”
Outer Halo: In Proximity Of U0-XX12
“It's clearly a Magnetar but we are getting some really strange charge readings in its proximity…”
“What kind of readings?” Captain Olorori softly sighed as she stood up and observed the holographic depictions of the sensor readings before them. The Magnetar, inventively named U0-XX12 lay before them, handily shown on the nearby star charts provided by the Ventrissians. But it was sheathed in a magnificent blue cloak of gas, or what appeared to be emissions from the Magnetar. But the charge values were clearly different, sensors were still relaying details.
“This hasn't been seen anywhere in the main galaxy has it?”
“No Ma’am, we haven't seen this before. Sensors are indicating the field may be made up of Monopoles… But that's impossible surely?”
“I have no idea” Olorori replied with a smile “But the Halo reveals more crazy stuff by the day. Tag it, I think we should get some science and survey ships here to take a closer look, maybe figure out what's going on and get some samples”
“Communication is away, do we stay here or move on Ma;am?” Olorori folded her arms, they could stay here and get some more readings or wait for the follow up teams to arrive, but they had a bigger focus.
The massive clearly artificial signal that was being broadcast from some distance away. None of the other factions they had encountered had spoken about it, or merely brushed off the subject when asked. Several teams were on route, and Olorori wanted to be the first there to claim whatever riches may be there for the expedition herself. She wanted the glory, at least the bragging rights between the other scouts.
“No continue on, charge FTL drives and lets get moving”
Komansh pulled on his collars a little as he awaited the arrival of his counterparts. Even so far from the centre of Teliran affairs, things were as officious as ever. It was funny, Komansh thought to himself, how once he had found himself aboard a little tin-can spacestation sending rough messages to mighty extraterrestrials parked right outside of Natar. Now he was having to engage with a race further than any Teliran, even entire races, had been before. It would be a big call for any diplomat, let alone a non-diplomat like Komansh. The intricacies of interstate negotiations and nuanced wordings were lost on a military man like Elir, but he was never one to disobey orders.
Commander Komansh merely smiled and nodded in greeting to his approaching Hestra counterparts as his hands buried themselves back into his pockets, warmly replying,
“I would be happy for you to lead the way, Sir.” Before taking the Hestra up on his escortation.
Entry Point System: Oort Cloud Zone
Archon Aathnos gazed over both the sensor readings and the communique from Hallam. He then looked at his force allocation - all 3 things displayed in a more cramped fashion than the Archon had available on Battlefortress Rubicon, but far reach had not permitted Hastrax' usual deployment methods. What he did have under his command was a group of escorts, and several mining, transport and supply ships - and last but the very opposite of least, the gate constructors. You're right to take concern, Captain. They have tried to provoke us before and perhaps they intend to push their luck further this time. Let us not give them the excuse to come after us in force that they desire unless they make a wrong move first. We shall meet a show of force with a show of force, and hostility with hostility. We must be careful not to meet the former with the latter. I can spare some escorts to assist if you believe they are needed, but my priority has to be defending the gate-in-progress and the constructors.
Communications aside, the Archon knew better than to sit idle and brought the ships he did have up to combat readiness, something he was sure the crews were getting fed up with at this point. Nevertheless, this time was different and he needed them to be prepared, dispatching two pairs of escorts in the direction of Hallam's more advanced picket to reinforce him in case they were needed.
Solia tiredly grumbled to himself about the military logistics of the operation as Kexele commented on the nature of the enemy his forces were engaging; Having only so many chips to move around could become quite grating when so many different interests were requesting escort or reconnaissance or extra patrols, not to mention the Phene Clan's almost archaic methods of probing... with today's operation rounding out the latest weeks' worth of work, Rodak wasn't worried, and it had taken him a little while to realize this was a perfect out for him to stop stressing over the concerns that weren't the focus of the rooms' occupants. His head snapped up to his read-outs, reviewing the approaching force - this time he had chosen a new Trifid-class cruiser, accompanied by the same Arcelin-class destroyer that had been there for the initial contact. They had been armed with numerous bomb-pumped laser missiles between the two, with the latter armed with entire munition buses of the weapons, given the data acquired from the first battle. His amber eyes moved to meet Kexele's inquisitive visage;
"If you're so concerned about it," He began neutral-faced - more of a smile considering his usual frown - "We can always carbon-date the wreckage, yes?" he half-jokingly responded to the musings. Rolling his shoulders as he read along the force analysis of Atroba, his usual furrowed brow returned as an alert from the system perimeter chimed, taking up a portion of the screen.
"Of course they'd push us further."
The captain of the CINS Prova, one of two Veil-class frigates, immediately began ordering full burn of his two distant ships' open-cycle engines towards an intercept point at the edge of the declared "borders" of the project; their powerful scanners more intently scanning the incoming trio on their journey -
"Phene craft," he began, "This is an officer of the Far Reach Project. Please decelerate and alter vector or engage in proper approach protocol," He called out.
Atroba System
It did not take long for the small attacking force to make official engagement with the Old Invaders, the Union Dart class, almost with her captain impossibly surprised realised that the enemy had no interdiction and briefly consulted with the other vessels before emptying virtually the entire ships magazine of Phase missiles in one large volley. The wave impacted the robotic ships which were only now breaking away from the material harvesting with mixed effects, on some the vessels merely exploded as the missiles blinked out of reality only to explode deep within their form, while others merely staggered briefly, clearly having taken internal damage but not enough to destroy or cripple them. Still with the barrage having taken place and the Invaders numbers in addition to the sheer amount of losses they had suffered at the hands of the initial encounter with Carnaith the Invaders fleet had been reduced to only a couple hundred vessels.
As the fleets entered effective kinetics range however, it would be more like mopping up a mess.
---
Kexele briefly smiled at Rodaks comment about carbon dating and was going to make a quick joke of her own before the klaxons and alarms went off, the holographic instantly giving an exploded view of the Phene Clan ships suddenly changing course to intercept deep into the system and approach the under construction FTL gun directly.
“Bastards. Your right, they just want an excuse for us to shoot them and start a war” The Cylaurian tightened her fists, they knew it wouldn’t be an easy mission but with the Phene clan breathing down their necks it was a damn sight harder.
Sentain System: Republic of Inola Space
Komarnsh was led through the quite stylistic but very bleak interior of the government building. The floors were polished stone, giving a cold and dark feeling as the interior lighting was not entirely illuminating. Ironically it seemed more accustomed to the Teliran physiology but whether they had taken the time and effort to make it more comfortable for him or whether it was normal for them wasn’t quite known.
The room they led them too was a long hall, very high in construction with much stone ribbing crossing the ceiling, painted star charts and an artistic representation of the Ancerious galactic disk displayed for those who looked up. The entire hall was taken up by a stone hewn table and chairs with high backings and the Inola representative gestured for Komarnsh to sit.
“Thank you for coming representative, I am state minister Galvatani. I know it is in tradition to exchange pleasantries, but I have just received word that the Phene Clan are currently under a possibility to intercept and possibly engage with your project. I do not want to keep you for longer than is needed.” He smiled.
“I wish to propose a trade, you see this substance you have, Ancerium I believe its called has thrilled us in its application and possibility to provide fast and effective FTL in this region. It could give us the economic and tactical edge against threats such as the Old Invaders and even the Clan. I know from your information provided that you have limited supplies and such a substance is harvested from the core of the galaxy but we would be willing to offer greater involvement in your project and perhaps even aid you defensively if you were to give us a portion of this substance you have brought with you, and guarantee a supply line of such when your project is complete”
Entry Point System: Oor Cloud Zone
“Time to intercept approximately 25 minutes at current burn and intercept vector” The statement had Hallam on edge.
He agreed with Archon Aathnos, they could not fire first. The Clan were clearly doing everything they could to antagonise the forces here and give them a reason to attack and even as his small escort ship along with both Hastrax and Carnaith contingents moved to intercept he desperately hoped the Clan would break off. He listened intently as the CINS Prova made its declaration to the Phene Clan and hoped for a response.
5 minutes went by. There was no response.
“Targets continuing course, no response to hails, 16 minutes to intercept. Phene Clan ships confirmed to have defensive systems AND weapons powered” Hallam felt his face go white.
“Get target locks on their ships, but DO NOT FIRE unless fired upon… Come on withdraw you bastards”
”This is Clan master Xelari, I am not inside your ‘borders’. My vessels are performing routine checks of his area, break off your intercepts. You do not own this space outsiders” The message finally came through in reply.
Entry Point System: Oort Cloud Zone
Aathnos relayed his thoughts to the other area commanders. I find it quite curious he says that. Master Xelari seems to be acting as if he is in clan space to order us around. Nevertheless, trying to provoke them isn't going to get us anywhere, even if the clan feels the need to do multiple 'routine checks' in a day. As much as we might like to rid ourselves of him, that would only make the situation worse. The Hastrax escorts moving to join the forward picket took up the word of the local commander to take preliminary weapons locks, while the inner group of Hastrax craft continued to screen the gate itself, keeping themselves in the path between the Phene Clan ships and the gate.
Various ship commanders and local commanders kept watching the intercept clock tick down as they listened in on the various communications as they were able. Regardless of the attempts to defuse the situation, some of them were hoping for a fight so at least the constant alerts would have been for something, not that they dared provoke one against orders. Others were simply tired of the ordeal and wanted to get some sleep. The Archon reassured them that 16 minutes was not a long time, and that any fight, even if they felt they wanted one, wouldn't do them any good - we didn't come out here to look for a war, and if you want one I'm sure we can get you assigned to hunting in Atroba or another system.
Hallam, advise every minute on time to intercept in case of course changes or clock de-synchronisation. We don't want any confusion about if or when the Clan cut the threshold. I suspect they may be intending to come within seconds of us if they really push their luck.
Solia had watched the engagement in Atroba for a total of five minutes before becoming more engulfed in tracking the vector of the Phene clan craft. His furrow didn't show any signs of loosening or resting, which, combined with his stare, gave the appearance of a statue rather than a living officer.
"Those craft have already breached the cordon. Do not permit them to enter the interior line and acquire a vector on the construct," He transmitted to the Prova and its crew - Receiving no response from the ever-accelerating frigate.
Optics frantically traced the hulls of the native ships, burning a tighter and tighter circle towards the project as time went on, as brain-like quantum AI cores boiled their coolant and optimal engagement criteria were parsed. Neither of the pickets retreated, continuing towards the intercept point even as the time until disengagement on the part of the Phene constructs was impossible dwindled. Other pickets had begun accelerating towards their own calculated intercepts, deep into layer three of the projects' defenses - Carnaithian ships docked with their tenders near the gun itself had broken off and begun head-on burns with the native ships.
"Phene ships, you have broken line one of the Far Reach projects' declared territory," The voice of the captain announced as calmly as possible given the extreme acceleration, "disengage before the second perimeter as established in transmissions zero-zero-one, zero-one-eight, zero-seven-nine, and one-five-three."
Komansh seemed pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere of the building. While not an ancient building of importance, its lack of history was made up by an abundance of spectacle. Still, the Commander was much more interested in bringing back a positive conclusion to dealings.
The mention of the Phene Clan’s operations were quick to prick Komansh’s interests, who promptly raised a brown before looking to an assistant nearby to return to the ship.
“Well... Thank you for the alert.” Taking a moment to watch the aide scurry off, the Commander resumed, “As for the trade offer I believe something can be worked out.” He continued.
“While the Associated States lacks any abundant native source of ‘Ancerium’ within its territory, it is a major administrative host for the free enterprises that specialise in the harvesting and refining of the fuel from the galactic center. In exchange for a deal opening up these organisations to freely trade between our nations, I believe a greater interest for our people would be… Qanis. It is Qanis, which is so specialised to the Halo, that is causing the Telirans to develop our own, reliable, trade route to another area of the Halo.”
Opening his hands, Komansh finalised by affirming, “You buy ‘Ancerium’, as many call it, and we buy Qanis.”
Atroba System
Fire flashed out as the Old Invader warships were smashed to pieces, self-replicating units were vapourised or blasted apart as Carnaithian and Union railgun fire flew out in storms of projectiles. Lasers added to the fray as the first return fire became apparent, kinetic railgun rounds and simple missiles flew out in response, quickly being shot down by rapid laser pulses and flak munitions. The engagement became a blur of movement as ammunition counters began to crank downwards, but before they could entirely run out for a second time the battle was won.
One final bomb pumped laser launched by the Arcelin Class ended the fray, the storm of beams cutting apart the final Old Invader vessels in a barrage of shrapnel. With space cleared the force proceeded in system, launching several munitions towards the planet which had been their objective all along, streaks of fire slashed across the world for a brief moment before the machine mining and replication facilities planetside disappeared into bright white hemispheres of light.
“This is Captain Vorloc mission accomplished in Atroba, tell the Hastrax they can come get their prize” The Jorgals rumbling voice crept in with a smile.
Sentain System: Republic of Inola Space
“Qanis, ah yes the psionically attuned spice? Impressive stuff. We are somewhat a long way from the Psionic poles, even our people have identified them, sadly their power is a long way from here. You see we also send out occasional Qanis… Runners? You call them in your databases to the poles although many do not return. However, we did manage to harvest and even grow some Qanis in small amounts, you see there was an interesting system we once held, Aiz. It had some strange properties like it was a psionic beacon of some kind. On its surface our population there had a higher birth rate of psions and in some locations Qanis could be grown” Galvatani laid back further.
“Unfortunately, it was overrun by the Invaders approximately 5 months ago. I would be happy to provide you with some of the small batches we cultivate if you perhaps assist us in taking back the system? Perhaps if you help us with this, we may even be able to… Negotiate something with the Clan regarding that harassment” The man smiled, having seen the aid left.
Entry Point System: Oort Cloud Zone
“So they finally fucking talk to us” Hallam hissed in an agitated tone, some of the anxiety however was released and he sat back somewhat. He acknowledged Aathnos call for perfect synchronisation, just because they had replied did not mean they were going to pull off, especially given the tone and statement in the message.
“Acknowledged, our systems are synched, if they fire or act we will be ready for them”
Hallam watched as forces which were normally on picket duty across the system redirected, it appeared this had spooked practically everyone, and he didn’t blame them. This was the furthest the Phene Clan had gone so far, the question is would they push it even further. The message from the Carnaithians had him once again clenching his teeth to see what the outcome would be.
There was again another 2-minute pause. The vectors for peeling off once more disappeared as the time counted down, intercepts from Hastrax, Union and Carnaithain forces were now reaching the point of no return, either a full intercept would be done or they would peel off, and the window was approaching closed.
”Very well” the first message came through from the Clan whose ships were known to be agile but even their moves surprised Hallam. Despite the speed of the Clans warships the vessels corkscrewed away from the intercept course and arrested their phenomenal speed in an extremely short period of time, either their crew could withstand enormous G forces or their vessels had some seriously advanced inertial dampeners. Either way the vessels pulled off and began accelerating away, taking them within a few hundred kilometres of the second perimeter line before burning away back towards the emptiness of space and charging their FTL drives.
Hallam practically slumped back into his captains’ seat, the sense of relief from the crew as they relaxed was palpable.
“Good work everyone. My personal commendations to Captain Solia”
Entry Point System: Command Bridge
“Well that could have gone worse” Kexele brushed her snout before leaning over the holographic projector to take a moment to calm down.
“They really tested us this time, but I also think they meant to show off their speed too, no doubt they think their sheer agility and true movement will intimidate us” Sarah Melone of the FRK wiped her eyes as she sat back into her chair.
“That’s true, still at least Atroba has been secured. That’s good news, and if our schedule is right hopefully the next top up shipment should be with us within several days. Hopefully they bring more ammo and reinforcements…”
Entry Point System: Oort Cloud Zone
The Archon did not have time for much of a break with organisation now needed to establish the project in the now-cleared Atroba system. Commendations indeed. After that course of events I do not like having to deplete to garrison to protect an establishment in Atroba, but we have little choice.
Various Hastraxian escort craft as well as a multitude of purpose-built ships for Far Reach were already forming themselves up to depart Atroba now it had been cleared and greenlit. The ship commanders made themselves ready, some of whom hoped that the enemy had not been wholly purged from Atroba so they would get a fight, while others were happy that they might need less of a readiness state at least until the Phene came to skirt around Atroba too.
The word was given, and the ships engaged FTL.
Atroba System
The system instantly became awash with escorts moving out to predetermined perimeter patrols while the various civilian craft began hauling into position to begin operations in the system. It would take some time to make full use of the deposits that Atroba offered the project, but this start was the first step of many in making the Far Reach project base at this end self-sustaining, and crews were excited to be a part of it.
Communications traffic flocked the system as various ships docked together to form prefabricated bases or mining hubs, and others for personnel support and maintenance. It was not a deployment as grand as it might initially seemed with the limited amount of ships they could bring, but it was certainly now a far cry from a dead system that had been claimed by the old invaders.
“Good work everyone. My personal commendations to Captain Solia”
Solia brandished an annoyed smirk, even as a two-front victory laid on the screens before him. The performance of these Phene clan ships was worrying, and would have to be compensated for with dedicated interceptors. He didn't reach the conclusion a moment too soon.
"This is Captain Makalere," a shaky and worried voice sheepishly made its way through a direct line, "Officer of the Prova. We need to develop something about this... requesting an extended debrief meeting once stand-down procedures have been enacted."
"Approved, Captain. All newly-launched ships, proceed to patrol routes per plan A-sixteen, a schedule for re-docking will follow within the hour," Rodak responded, cutting the line as the signals of the Prova and its sister turned and began returning to the projects' shipyards. He turned to Kexele, a concerned look very distinctly contrasting the prior mood he gave off.
"Do we have the means and resources to dedicate to modifying my frigates for interception duties?"
A military operation in exchange for a trade deal? This is something Komansh was more familiar to, and he was quick to nod,
“Very well, Mister Galvatani, you have yourself a deal… But I need to know more about what state this system is, what scale of an operation are we looking at here?” The Commander withdrew a datapad to plot some things down.
Entry Point System: Far Reach Site
It had been several weeks since the intercept at the outskirts of the system, and although at least 4 more Phene patrols had tried to test the defensive screens and reaction times none had dared to come as close as they had done the time where it had almost resorted to combat. Rodak had gotten his wishes, with additional resources dedicated to his frigates in order to make non standard additions to engines and more giving them almost comical for their size acceleration capability which had surprised the Phene Clan units in the subsequent buzzing attempts given the sheer reaction time of the Carnaithian forces.
It had of course all been made possible by Atroba, the resources collected from the once Old Invader held system had given the project a quite refreshing boost in terms of raw resources for use in both the FTL guns construction but also additional needs, ammunition production, ship repairs, construction of early warning stations around the system and the like. Given the construction of the gun was going well everything seemed to be on schedule.
Kexele and the others were waiting for the next shipment supply force to turn up, giving them a much needed insert of Ancerium along with other super processed materials which were needed for certain stages and which would take far too long to construct here. Still with Hastrax leading the charge in Atroba for resource gathering and the construction of the gun itself the pace was exceeding planned time frames for now, a nice feeling when trapped at the end of the galaxy with no current way home.
Still the expedition despite their relatively good progress was down on several commodities, the top one being Ancerium. Komansh had negotiated an excellent deal with the Inolans which may help stop the constant Phene buzz agitations and give them some more trade commodities when the gun eventually opened. In exchange for a segment of the missions Ancerium they would help liberate a system taken by the Old Invaders which could supposedly grow small amounts of Qanis, something utterly unheard of outside the spice regions. It had been accepted, and even more interestingly the Ventrissians had offered to also speak to the expedition for a possible deal of their own.
----
Kexele was reviewing the supposed size of the operation Komansh had negotiated, at least 40 warships needed to retake the system from the numbers which had supposedly been reported by the Inolans. This was of course based on previous engagement numbers given by the Ventrissians and Inolans given their experience and based on their own calculations from the engagement at Atroba.
“These numbers are high Radok im not sure if we can spare this much ammunition” She rubbed her long chin looking at the details it would be a major contribution of the expeditions resources but Komansh had assured her in the most adamant fashion that this would be what fixed the situation with the Phene Clan, right now it seemed their only option.
A bright flash came in through the windows however causing Kexele and the accompanying staff to turn, grins and cheers however erupted all round as the sight of several hundred ships hung motionless in the space close to the under construction FTL gun.
It appeared the second supply wave had arrived.
Far Reach Command Overview Room:
“It is good to have you all here, I trust it was a pleasant trip.” Kexele smiled standing next to Radok and Archon Aathnos. The room was wide and contained a large holographic map of the region. Another Union officer was present, Captain Shang along with other additional forces sent by the assembled nations. The greatest surprise however was the RANGSI contingent alongside the CES representative, a company which Kexele had never heard of before, but apparently was being given the contract for Far Reach shipping designs.
“I will fill you in on the current situation given you have likely read our earlier reports on Atroba, the almost catastrophic intercept and the new deal negotiated by our Teliran friends.” She pointed to the holographics.
“We are to send a military detachment to the Aiz system and clear out the Old Invaders there so we can have the Inolans negotiate with the Phene Clan to stop their agitations. In addition, the Teliran diplomatic contingent has at current been sent to Ventrissia to hear out a deal that they wish to propose to her. On top of that we have had confirmed reports of a natural monopole source in the region and if we can tap into that for scientific purposes we could unlock some serious potential breakthroughs for our respective nations, a small force will be sent to recon and secure. All the while we will strengthen our position here and distribute resources accordingly. Does anyone have any questions?”
Vorich System: Ventrissian League Space
The slave waiter placed the cup of alcohol spiced with various tastes on the table, his eyes clouded over and disparate as he left the two individuals alone in the rather fanciful small garden that Komansh had been taken to. So far, the Ventrissians had been far more extravagant and welcoming that the Inolans and the exotic tropical like plants that sat and surrounding the two and their little table in the large greenhouse gave a relaxing aura.
Komansh had been invited personally by the Ventrissians as the official Far Reach delegate and diplomat and Conductor Ealslan had been the one to make the contract. Now they sat in his personal garden surrounded by the open fields of the Vorich plains, a beautiful world which seemed like luxury retreat for many of the Leagues upper class members. It was almost akin to the nature of Natar back home.
“My dear fellow I hope you do enjoy the spiced Polappi, it is a firm favourite here. No doubt you have a fine sense of taste and given word travels quickly you seemingly did a fine job talking to the Inolans. Shame however, they can be such prudes who do not appreciate fine luxuries when they are there for acquiring. No doubt you wish to get to business, but I thought you would enjoy some of the finer things in life, given you are far away from home aye?” The Ventrissian Conductor was a fat mole rat looking alien who was firmly sat in one of the ornate cast iron chairs that Komansh had also been offered. Several more slaves, some of them Inolan brought out various small dishes and drinks.
Komansh was very appreciative to his Ventrissian hosts, though the abundance of slave services left the military officer oftentimes silent. While the Teliran said nothing on the matter, it was quite clear that he had made a mental check of this practice by the Ventrissians going ahead as he kept most of his attention on Ealslan.
The rural pastures of the league were not unfamiliar to Komansh. Though originally from the city, the naval commander has quickly become accustomed to country estate life through his ascension from the ranks and his personal success. His duty and task were, however, never left on him. This was perhaps why the ASN had assigned a stickler for keeping to his assignments like Komansh, as opposed to the legions of officials known more for their keen sense of opportunism.
“Your cuisine has indeed been most welcome, Conductor.” The commander complimented, though he had eaten very little. Komansh was not much of a hedonist and was a staunch inheritor of the traditional Teliran cultural values of frugality and modesty, it didn’t help either that he was not a big fan of spice.
“Indeed, your treatment has been a most enjoyable island from the din of expeditioning… Unfortunately I must admit I came here on a full stomach, so you may have to forgive me.” He smiled.
“My mission to Inola was quite enlightening; I do believe it ended with a satisfactory conclusion for both parties. I likewise hope that we can reach a similar result for ours. Which of course brings us onto the subject of our invitation… Is there something the ASN can provide for you, Conductor?”
The 100 ships of the RANGSI contingent zapped into being as they transitioned from the Far Reach FTL Gun.
The journey had been something of a nerve-wrecking experience for Force Admiral Yazpola, a relatively elderly woman of the age 49. It was not that she was 49 years old, but that she was 49 years old as a first-generation colonist. An Artificial Human, a human grown in mechanical vats at accelerated rates for the purpose of colonisation, like her was now a rare sight in the forces; many retired or died from natural causes. Their accelerated growth also meant accelerated aging.
In fact, just one week ago, had she turned in her DMOB form just one second earlier to the military clerk, she would not have been here and would be living life peacefully in a solar farm in New Reymon. But alas, the agents of High Command came in, snatched away her DMOB and led her inside an armored SUV. When she arrived at the spaceport, her old crew of reservist spacemen greeted her in parade formation. The then-Rear Admiral Yazpola Jun-Aria was then given her two stars and promoted to Force Admiral on the spot, presumably for her actions leading SPANAVKOM reservists in the defense of Karvoskaya from Separatist Union raiders during the 3rd April Fools War.
But Yazpola freaking knew. She knew the military bureaucracy well enough and long enough to fully discern why they promoted her. The Force Admiral before her, the CO of MER Echo and her previous boss, was the one who managed to retire first and go on a vacation travelling the galaxy before the Foreign Service came along and told High Command of their plans to join this Far Reach project that the Union of Worlds had been working on. So with no CO to lead Mobile Expeditionary Reserve Echo, they had to find someone to be it. And they found her, a woman with one year possibly left to spare, to throw into the furthest reaches of Ancerious. A way to spare the younger officers from its uncertain dangers.
--------
And now, here she was, in the Outer Halo. Far away from home, far away from that solar farm she had been eyeing for so long in New Reymon, given to her as compensation and as a retirement gift, to replace the solar farm she lost during the destruction of Karvoskaya. But perhaps, for all her grumbling, it was not so bad. Most of her old crew was with her, many had willingly come out of DMOB just to serve under her again as soon as they got the news. A merry band of aging reservists, going all the way back since their Academy days, now together again, on one last space adventure. As essentially civilians with military training rather than proper regular servicemen, they were tightly knit and very familiar with one another; discipline was lax, regulations were rarely followed to the book and only the minimum was maintained to keep things orderly. As long as it did not impede operational readiness, Yazpola was okay with what other regular officers would consider a disaster of discipline. Even her own XO and closest friend, Rear Admiral Dora Kon Borra-Borra, called her ‘sis’ both in private and in public.
-----
Not all of MER Echo came through the Union’s FTL gun; of the five fleets only three were now in the Outer Halo - Yazpola’s HQ Fleet and the 1st and 2nd Echo Fleets. The remaining 2 fleets stayed on the other end as a standby QRF in case things turned hairy fast and they needed somebody to warn the others in the main galaxy.
Accompanying Yazpola’s forces of 60 warships were a miscellaneous gaggle of 40 civilian ships of all kinds, ranging from simple cargo transports to intricate construction ships of various sizes, tugging along what seemed to be oversized modules of some kind. The most notable among them was perhaps a 10km long freighter awashed in all sorts of corporate holo-advertisements along its hull - a Marketship. Calling itself the ‘Lopaz Market’, after the ship’s captain, Baron Lopaz, here one can find food, entertainment, trinkets and even small factories within its confines. The Lopaz Market quickly became the first to set itself up for business, maneuvering into a prime spot near space traffic to provide services to whoever needed a small taste of home and some fun. 4 huge supply barges kept it well stocked for some time, as well as a defensive complement of 5 security corvettes.
The other civilian ships soon also went to work, with construction ships tugging along their oversized parts to a good location and then began to assemble them. It would soon become clear that these were indeed prefabricated space station parts, specifically one for an Ancerium hyperfuel depot and refuelling point.
---
Trusting her command to her XO, Force Admiral Yazpola popped in a few pills, pills that kept her aging body active, functional and operational for the time being, as she headed down to the hangar where she was then transported to where this Far Reach Command Overview Room was. She arrived just in time to attend Kexele’s briefing.
“Greetings to everyone here, I am Force Admiral Yazpola Jun-Aria of the Mobile Expeditionary Reserve ‘Echo’. I was sent on orders to assist the Union and set up a RANGSI outpost,” she introduced herself. “Seeing as the civilian contingent I have right now are more suited for construction rather than scientific research, I volunteer a portion of my forces for the combined operation against these ‘Old Invaders’.”
The arrival of the second wave had all but entirely alleviated Kexele's concerns regarding the ammunition that would be required by the upcoming expedition with what would be comedic timing if Rodak had shared the demeanor of his twin. It had elicited a hint of a smirk in the moment, though the ensuing efforts to get the supplies and forces distributed throughout the Entry Point System as needed had entirely swept away the spectacle and relief offered by the event. Luckily, though high-level in the operation, the Carnaithian only had to deal with military affairs. Chain of command went a very, very long way in terms of simplifying communication and execution. That said, welcoming allies was always a formality he reveled in.
"The offer is most welcome, and appreciated even more, Force Admiral," Solia quickly responded to Yazpola. "As stated in the documentation, we are still shuffling specific numbers around, and while I entertain the draw of overwhelming force on this deployment, prior activity from the Phene leads me to believe they may be stepping up patrols in response to your arrival. A meager increase in deployment would do well regardless," He elaborated, making very few adjustments to his stance or gaze. He appreciated what few of the old AGA states still held a sense of camaraderie on the scale of nations, and old friends of any level were a boon in strange lands.
"The primary concern with these hostiles is endurance in combat rather than any sort of individual capability - extreme to the sense that we haven't seen at all in the main disc. As weak as they are, I have no interest in experimenting with knife fight ranges, either."
The factories roar with excitement, controlled by the overarching program of the IPD. Soon, they change pace, hasten themselves in their production lines, the weavers and formers, pumping out copious amounts of folded carbon sheets and tensed carbon nanotubes increase twofold their speed, working like madmen pressing the aerogel like a sandwich incorporating the buckyball lattice within, driving it onwards to become strutted plating, and then finally, large hexagonal modules.
The order of production came through a few hours ago, after a deal was struck between Capitol and the CES. After a few conversations between the Board of Directors and Capitol officials, in a move advised and pressed onwards by the Shareholders. The CES’s role in the Far Reaching Project was that of supplying sufficient crafts to establish a good infrastructure with the other end. Nevertheless, the production’s updrive and greater throughput was only a precedent for the future parameters that were to be acquired by the team that found themselves currently leaving the FTL stream on the other side.
Aboard the three CES craft that made their way to the other side of the FTL stream were three teams, in total composing of roughly 50 lizardmen, amidst them, technicians, engineers, security, and professionals of the field with the sole purpose of comprehending the environment found in the other side of the gateway, and ingressing it all within the IPD system, so that all the demand was met with the perfect amount of supply. Leading this charge was Inghrum Vartan, a lizardman of relatively average stature and age, from the management team, aided by his foreman in operations, Lihr Batoner, considerably older and grumpier as indicated by his greying scales.
As they made their way through the FTL, they read through the information and set up generic artifacts on the IPD system, they each carried terminals of the system to set up, log and coordinate all of the elements that were to be found on the other side.
As the three Craft left the wake of the FTL gun within the outer halo, they spread across the different factions present, trying to pick apart each of the presences at the other side, far away from their normal field of operation. The average beat of how the introductions went almost always the same, as the team of a few lizardmen would show up:
“We are the CES, Constructive Engineering Solutions, a Corporation engaged in the Far Reaching Project with the task to provide infrastructure and the means to establish a definite presence at this end, and a consistent connection with the other.
The CES operates with a system called the IPD, the Integrated Production Database, which deals in calculating, coordinating, and predicting the demands of the market. We wish to implement this system here for as many factions that want it, to help coordinate the infrastructure effort of the operation.”
Meanwhile, Lihr and Inghrum and their detachment of helpers amassed all of the information acquired and inputted it into the IPD systems, which would in turn get sent back to the home system of the CES, which would automatically manage the demand of the location.
Far Reach Command Overview Room
The Hastraxian Archon watched as a great many ships emerged from FTL including those of his own. "My congratulations to those of you who made the journey. We're working on making that a two-way trip..." The Archon laughed, trying to make the tone a little more light hearted after the trials and tribulations of the past weeks. "I think we're all glad to have you here for those that haven't voiced that themselves. I'm not fully aware of what the RANGSI and CES contingents are bringing..." The Archon cast a glance at the Union representatives, not of disapproval as such but one that was pointedly wishing it had been discussed prior "...but I'm sure the help will be appreciated."
The Archon turned to his own consoles to begin managing his own new arrivals - as many of them were already preparing their own local FTL to Atroba. He would also be making a point of looking up the CES and RANGSI involvement before he made any official response.
Entry Point System: Far Reach Site
The Hastraxian ships had already been pre-briefed on their intended tasks and as soon as their commanding Archon and other local leaders started relaying information they already set about their business. Those destined for the soon-to-be-if-not-already industrial hub of Atroba were mainly refinery ships and more mining arrangements as well as further garrison forces to protect it.
Those ships that were staying in the entry point system themselves were more support vessels - constructors, logistics vessels, some with the ability to conduct some repair and maintenance on ships. The big-ticket item though was more heavy-duty haulers and more vessels to support gate construction along with some spare parts envisioned as backups if anything was lost or was faulty.
Atroba System
The system was much more of an industrial hub now than anything else with strong Hastraxian presence as they had spared little effort in making their own and the far reach project's claim solid as the latest wave of vessels had already begun to tricle in with many more miners as well as refineries and production ships that would allow more advanced goods to be manufactured in system and allow the various construction and logistics vessels to have a much more consistent and permanent supply of materiel to make Project Far Reach a true forward base - and a home.
The garrison was now much less thinly stretched with new forces coming in despite the massive expansion of in-system infrastructure as constructors were able to begin setting up defensive platforms now it was clear the Atroba was able to be retained as a stable industrial site rather than a tenuous base to keep far reach running. With this new permanence, more extentsive surveys and research into the resources here ocul be undertaken now that they had the luxury of the ships and time to dedicate to it.
Far Reach Command Overview Room:
“Thank you for volunteering your ships Force Admiral, with any luck it will make the operation in Aiz go far easier. Perhaps given your topped up Ancerium levels and new vessels your civilian element would be interested in exploring this supposed new Monopole source? If we can harvest that and implement its capabilities it would expedite construction even further” Kexele nodded when Alak discussed the situation with the Phene, he was right. The Phene had shown their incredible speed and handling and while little information was gleaned on other capabilities the Phene still operated under the laws of physics. Any engagement between the Far Reach force and the Phene would be a test of endurance, likely getting them to break off due to fuel issues. She still hoped it would not come to that. She did however smile to the CES representatives. Quite aware that the Archon was giving her a glance of confusion.
“truthfully, I did not know additional corporations or nations were being taken on by this project, but I am not one to question the decisions of those in charge back home, nor am I ever going to turn away a helping hand. Thank you for being here, your IPD will most definitely help in streamlining the operations here, we simply don’t have the powerful processing power to help micromanage everything. We do however have a FTL coms relay set up, but the time lag between it and the main galaxy is up to 2 days. If your system can reliably operate and adjust for the time lag, then it will still be a boon regardless” perhaps if you accompany the Force Admirals team to investigate the Monopoles you may help us understand how to implement them into our construction to help save time? In fact Archon” She turned to the Hastraxian commander “Perhaps you may also see what you can do with such a source”
Entry Point System
The introduction of the additional ships and elements were a massive boon, already Ancerium was being handed out and new factory ships were being set up and put into use. A veritable army of organisers checked, double checked and triple checked the manifests against what was currently available, practically every screw was noted in the Far Reach zone and lists were updated to ensure everything got where it needed to go.
Despite the large influx of materials, it was actually the Lopaz Market which seemed to receive the greatest attention and cheer from those working on the edge of the galaxy. The small trinkets, odds and ends and even updated song tracks, news pieces and more were rapidly snatched up by Unioners who wanted to see what was going on in the galaxy. Capitol falling into disarray after its vote, The Gauss Dominion trying to surrender to the Furrelians, the ongoing sector disaster in Darlisian space, all of it people were eager to hear of, the Lopaz was packed almost from the get-go.
The force assembled, or rather put to one side for Aiz was already mustering in its own segment, fuel and ammunition readily created and delivered topped the vessels up, their ammunition bunkers being overfilled in some cases to consider the enemy they were going to fight. It would be the job of a Carnaithian Prowler to first recon the system, report back and allow the force to specifically tailor itself.
Vorich System: Ventrissian League Space
“I am very glad you think so, but I am sorry to hear that you have already partaken in dining. I understand however you have come a long way and no doubt your base camp is a flurry of endless activity which almost never sleeps. I expect you are jumping from place to place with no time to relax” Conductor Ealslan chuckled.
“You know it was like that for me when you all arrived out of nowhere, the diplomatic scene was practically running around without direction. All of us nations talking to each other, desperate to know if it was some sudden ploy. But things have calmed down now. And judging from what you have indeed said it is satisfactory for all involved.” He smiled “Well maybe apart from the Phene Clan” Taking another bite of a small dish to his side the Conductor sat forward.
“I believe there is. You see the League has been in a bit of a stagnant situation for some years now. With the invaders constantly on us and the Clan chomping at its own superiority and the Inolans moaning whenever something they don’t like happens and our own internal bickering, we have hit a slump. I wont lie it was quite nice to have a bit of a lull in our internal politicking but with your arrival things have suddenly shall we say… Taken a turn for the exciting.” He turned to face outside the glass windows and onto the lands beyond.
“Our society is one of constant politicking and now everyone is moving to try to gain control of the situation. Its all rather tangled. I believe I can help to untangle it with your assistance, and I know what your thinking getting involved in another nations business can be very messy what could we possibly gain? Well, I will be up front with you, if you help me where it matters climb to the top I will help you all out, any way I can, even military, should the Phene clan choose to strike you. No doubt if our people back you militarily against the Phene the Inolans will too”
“I will discuss it with the Director of the civilian contingent, but by the sound of it no doubt he will be intrigued by these new exotic resources,” Yazpola replied to Kexele. She turned to Hastrax Archon.
“Do not worry sir, maybe our higher-ups are the same in liking to do things last minute..” she gave a small chuckle. “I’ve read about our forces fighting against the Metz before during AW2, it would be my honour to do the same again for this operation.”
“With that I will take my leave and return to my ship to organise the forces. I will leave a small liaison staff here to assist in communications,” she saluted before leaving the room.
------------
“Magnetic monopoles?!”
“Yes, Director Vilson, that is what they told me,” Yazpola nodded, with one eye open. “You sound pretty excited. Is it really important?”
“‘Excited’ can hardly describe my feelings, Force Admiral,” Vilson’s hologram adjusted his glasses. He was here to coordinate the RANGSI civilian contingent and oversee the establishment of the RANGSI outpost in the Outer Halo where the Force Admiral focuses on the more security side of things.
“You see, its something my science people have been creaming their pants for. They said it would revolutionise technology, miniaturise alot of our current equipment.”
“More importantly, its the money isn’t it,” Yazpola commented.
“That too, yes, it has very high value on the galactic market. It is so obscenely expensive that we’ve only been able to obtain these monopoles in very small quantities, for highly experimental projects. But if we secure a source, not only are we able to do more technologically, but economically as we-”
“Alright, alright, I get that it's important now, I’ll break off 10 ships as your escorts.” Yazpola interjected, head aching from all the complicated buzzwords fitting her elderly nature. She turned to her XO. “Attach 3rd and 4th squadron of the HQ fleet for Director Vilson’s use.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Alright, 1st Fleet you are with me for the Aiz operation. 2nd Fleet, stay behind and guard the assets, if we need help we’ll call for you,” 30 RANGSI ships moved to the rally point for the operation against the Old Invaders in Aiz.
---
Meanwhile, 5 civilian ships - one research vessel and 4 construction barges, linked up with the 10 RANGSI warships and FTLed to the Monopole site. Once there, they will analyse and study the monopoles, and then engineers and scientists need to discuss on a way to extract them before any work can be done to exploit the monopoles. Not to mention, the need to negotiate with their allies and work out a fair means of distributing and sharing this precious resource.
Large stations loom over and unimaginably broad horizon, towering pillars constructed like telescoping towers disappear down into a thick myst below, colossal swerling masses of gas accumulate and draw like vortexes into the towers, whirlpools for the matter, drawn in whilst producing an unorganized thunderstorm. They gather what they can to use in the vast carbon complexes above, whilst burning the excess as fuel to keep the station itself afloat, resisting the pull of the great gas giant of the Mus’Vanus Capital system.
The copious amounts of carbonic products these gathering facilities produce are exported into the factories that organize themselves far above the atmosphere, which in turn, will churn out materials for the assembly arrays, like an onion of production all aggregating into a unified dance which moved the CES as a local industrial giant, flooding the markets recently with their CAD armor.
From within a latticework of struts and machinery that configure themselves in a tube-like manner which consumed the modular parts from the outside and assembled them inside, came out a mass of the hexagonal modules like if ripped off straight from a beehive and carefully etched into a geometric favela, these were the relays for the IPD in The Watcher, they’d populate the systems and aid tremendously in the Far Reaching Program.
-----------------------------
Far Reach Command Overview Room
“I shall accompany the Force Admirals. The IPD system works best on real-time communication between the sources, but there’s a little trick that we developed when we first made our colonies.”
This particular leading IPD Engineer was Grabangor, he was fairly young, one could see the promising glimmer of an astute individual through his slit pupils, much reminiscent of a lizard’s, though more developed. He grabbed the holotablet that most of the Mus’Vanus representatives this side of the FTL gun carried, and demonstrated it, through the usage of a few graphs.
“You see, the system is speculative in nature, of course, information takes time travelling, if that weren’t true, our job would be much easier.
What we can do, and in fact, is being done right now, is incorporate the whole Far Reach programme-related endeavors in a IPD instance, which will then communicate, though with delays, back to the galaxy. Essentially, it’s like if we were in our own pocket here, lagging two days behind, however, with enough data, we can account for that lag by picking up on the local trends.”
The speech was semi-canned, he clearly knew a lot of the system he was there to implement, and the worries and hardships that came in setting up infrastructure for a long-away system, after all, he had been relocated from the job of infrastructure at the colonies to work at the FR programme.
“I’ll prepare my contingents at once to see such monopoles myself, and we can discuss the infrastructure surrounding it once on site.” He said such things rather aimlessly to those that’d pick it up, however, after a small pause, he referred to those present on a much more serious tone: “I know that this will be the first impression of the CES to many present here, we are a rather small endeavor compared to the likes of RANGSI. However, we are here with a purpose, which is to ease our infrastructure development, and we shall do it in the measure that we are allowed to. So a little conversation can go a long way for everyone involved here. Our main contingents are at the Entry Point still, we are always open in the FTL comms.
He nodded and produced a smile which, though weird due to his natural animal-like features, seemed earnest enough.
-----------------------------
Entry Point System, CES Command Station-Ship
Lihr’s body sat hunched in front of a bent carbon-sheet table, watching a large liquid glass interface as it poured in data. Some of the graphs and numbers flew by so fast he seldom could pick up what was being said, though that didn’t matter much, he dismissed such tables and focused on the individual reports of the ones present.
He incorporated the data relayed, a team was dispatched towards the newest “Lopaz Market” to converse about the implementation of the system for them. He passed the existence of the Monopole forwards in the chain of command, relaying the possibility of setting up a mining and manufacturing plant at some of the resource-rich systems that one of the groups said existed, reading a local report. The system itself would profit from the stability, and the selling of the goods it produced. He got up and stretched, heading out of the room towards a cantina within the station. Inghrum was there consuming a beverage out of a straw.
“So… how are the higher ups looking at this place?” Lopaz said, as he sat down after getting a small fish sandwich from the fridge.
“Too early to say, really. They liked the impressions at first, the expedites said it might be good propaganda to set up services here, good image and show of strength of the system y’know?”
“An assload of work for me though, at this rate I’ll be logging events from the grave.”
“Everyone’s got their workshare cut, some of ours may even go in the frontlines to see how bad these so-called “Old invaders” are to try to log them too.
Look, all I know is that we have a big chance here, I don’t know man, I’m not saying anything but, just imagine, if we hit this shit out of the park, we could even get our own division! Wouldn’t be the first time, would it? Plus, the place’s profitable, we got resources, conflicts, we may even be able to talk to the natives and get some deals with them, right?” - Inghrum was clearly excited for the venture, whilst his foreman simply sat there and devoured his thing, barely realizing that he finished rambling, Lihr interjected:
“Sorry, didn’t catch ya there, been working too much, I’m half asleep.
Tell ya what, I’ll hit the hay now and tomorrow we can go over a few of the details that are coming in. Read the reports I passed to you, have a good one man.”
He left the table and disappeared into the crew quarters of the small station-ship, soon, Inghrum resumed his work, communicating the events logged from this side, which prompted them to start the construction of the IPD nodes.
Far Reach Command Overview Room
"I shall have that brought up at a later date, but it's an administrative problem that won't keep the project from going forward." The Archon addressed Kexele. "Monopoles are outside our area of expertise but it's certainly worth investigating, I'll draft plans to send some ships out that way." He paused, briefly. "Indeed I could say the same, but let us hope it's less about the fighting this time even if our prevous cooperation has shown that the forces of RANGSI are good at it." The Archon looked over the CES proposal for a while before actually addressing it. "I hope that you'll forgive me for being wary, but I won't be engaging with this IPD system until I know more about it. I don't mean any hostility, but that's something we'll be steering clear of for the time being."
Entry Point System
While gate construction proceeded the seemingly popular Lopaz Market was visited by Hastraxians as well, but quite notably it was in small numbers by officials, who were there to collect news and bulk-buy approved items and trinkets to distribute internally rather than citizens descending on the place in large numbers like had happened with the Unioners.
Atroba System
Atroba was now in full swing, producing resources by the numbers to be sold or passed on to the project with some of the new and more advanced ships that had been brought in able to start producing munitions and fuel in small numbers to try and keep forces sustainable. However, as the Archon had dictated, there would be no cooperation with the CES' IPD for now, for better or for worse Atroba was a Hastraxian production centre for the time being that would focus on supplying the project as required by their own methods.
This prowler on the Far Reach mission had most certainly been seen in the docks at the entry point system at least once by eyes from outside of the project, though purest black sensing-collecting panels didn't offer much to suggest its capabilities. The CIGO crew of this one weren't as exotic or esoteric as those of many in the disc were, and had been quite happy to discuss their role in the project or requests from the higher leadership of the effort, maintaining a cool and calm yet strict adherence to confidentiality all the way. They had participated in initial probes in the area of the arrival, but this was their first advisory assignment of the Far Reach projects' isolated phase.
The monotone hum of the practical, cramped, and plain ships' systems carried quickly and dully through the inertial dampening fluid that filled the crew station segment of the habitable section to within a millilitre's tolerance. The officer of the ship took another breath, filling his lungs with the inert oxygenated substance, feeling the currents on his face as he thought on the weight it brought in comparison to normal air. It was a common practice in the services, both for voidborne purposes and deep-sea applications. But everyone agreed that it never really came to feel natural. Of course, the anomaly that was the heart of this system didn't help.
Aiz had come to be around one of the many novel wonders of the cluster at this end of the Union's biggest gun- A psionic star. The crew felt it, though the strength of its minute effects varied wildly based off of a number of presumed factors as theorized by the medical officer; carnaithians and the sole tunora aboard didn't seem very bothered by it, but among the human and radithi crew, a small handful had reported very small changes, such as foggy thinking and bothersome restlessness for a few minutes when trying to bunk in. But that wasn't the primary item of their reconnaissance.
Swarming around a habitable world, the fifth of six bodies, were scores upon scores of those same machines that had been fought in Atroba. Yet more were observed to be constructing copies at the rocky, atmosphere-free bodies about the hot giant in the second orbit. All backlit by the glow of the odd star. The other bodies included an obsidian-surfaced planetoid that definitively sprinted at an incredibly close orbit to the mother body, and orbits three, four, and six were all occupied by potentially terraforming-friendly rocky worlds. But this had all been logged and assigned to second-line analysis; the priority was threat assessment, which, comfortably, more or less exclusively included counting from the stealthy ships' long elliptical path that took it above and at a ninety-degree rotation from the natural orbit plane. Some scans had been targeted at the ships' entry point, but didn't seem to have a reasonable chance of detecting the Prowler and its concealment.
"Who do you think built these?" casually asked a compatriot, the female voice carrying a very slight, but obvious, tone of boredom alongside the curiosity portrayed. Ala. She was talkative - not really, compared to civilian norms, but higher command within CIGO would consider her disruptive. Yet she showed significant enough promise in an analyst role for this quirk to be overlooked. Major Lydole let the question echo in his skull, the minute vibrations of the bone-conducting headset pulling him out of his very literal breathing exercise.
"That is significantly beyond the scope of the assignment and the mission at large alike," he responded confidently - it was muffled in the fluid, and speaking with the substance was even less comfortable than breathing, but the input element of the communications set was as clear as anyone would ever want from such a system, with integral deep learning processes.
"It's within the scope of threat analysis."
"Analysis requires evidence, something we have found none of. If it is found to be a worthwhile pursuit, we will pursue it. The locals, disappointingly, offer no insight on the topic, and the machines themselves fail to regale their history. So we will wait. And concentrate on the current assignment."
Komansh seemed to grin at the Conductor’s mention at the chaos let on by the expedition’s arrival, the Commander couldn’t help but reminisce,
“...The same happened on my homeworld when we were first contacted by distant, alien life. Lemme tell you, being the first one of your kind to encounter and contact a new species… It’s a humbling experience.” Smiling to himself, the Commander broke away from his account to allow the conductor to continue. As the talk of backroom dealings and political subversion came to the forefront, Komansh merely broke from his smile into a frown.
It was more than half a minute of not saying anything before the Teliran Commander finally, thoughtfully, and calmly answered,
“...The Associated States of Natar does not support nor condone any conspiracies working towards illegal actions to subvert the stability and legality of other sovereign states…” Komansh sighed, “...That being said and moving onto hypotheticals… What would you have found… Convenient… For an outside party to have coincidentally independently done, which… Unintentionally… Contributes towards the ascension of your career?””
All of this politicking, illegality, dishonour and opportunism. Komansh hated this.
Aiz System: Old Invaders held territory
The information sent back by the Prowler was invaluable, with practically every byte of it being processed by the military analysts who had been sent along with the Far Reach project. Within a small room they poured over the data, tweaking last minute plans, estimates, possible ammunition expenditures and fuel use. Reviewed by the Ais of the Entry point infrastructure the analysts merely nodded in their agreement, with the information crucially gained the force targeting Aiz had what they needed. The mission was a go.
The prowler was ordered to stay in position, not only would its fantastic sensor capabilities aid in fully cataloguing the engagement from afar without interference, but it could also assist in painting long range strikes if need be. So far, its presence in system was not even remotely near being detected, and the Von Neuman swarm was totally oblivious to the Carnaithian craft watching and waiting in the cold dark.
The arrival of the ‘Reclamation Force’ as Kexele had so diplomatically put it to the Inolans however, was far too clear to be unseen. The Union contingent consisted of the Dart Class Cruiser Unrequited along with three Razor class escorts the Remembrance, Lightsworn and Fairchild in addition to the Falchion class light carrier Passing. All five broke FTL at the edge of the designated engagement zone. All ships ammunition bunkers had been overtopped, with ordnance literally sitting in the corridors and unused rooms to make up for the sheer number of potential enemies they were fighting. The risk was deemed necessary. Almost instantly following both the RANGSI & Carnaithian forces appeared on sensors.
“This is Captain Alheim my forces will proceed as per the plan and form the bulwark that the enemy will fall against, keeping the heat off of the rest of you. No enemy response yet.” He nodded to his crew as the Passing and Unrequited launched fighters, brought shield generators online and readied all weapon systems. Aiz was about to become a bloodbath.
If the numbers he was seeing were correct from the Prowlers estimates, they might be here a while.
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
While the system had nothing else other than the Magnetar itself, just as the explorers had found it the star was cloaked in massive blue curtains of gas and plasma. Charged particles raced all around it as its impossibly strong magnetic fields belt the gas and plasma into coruscating arcs around it, three powerful jets of brilliant light beamed away from the Magnetar, two were situated next to one another while the other lay on the opposite side of its surface.
Radiation was of course extremely high close to the Magnetar, but luckily the CES, Hastrax and RANGSI were in luck, many of the outer bands of plasma pushed away from the Magnetars turbulence contained Monopoles, it appeared that they could harvest it even at a safe distance. It facilitated the ability to study at least for now with the option to turn into a full-blown operation should need be.
But two things seemed out of place.
One was a clear artificial signal being sent from something in space a long way away, for it to be reaching out here indicated that it was old, extremely old, and very high powered considering it was using radio waves rather than any FTL signal carrier. It was a site that scout vessel Intrepid under command of Captain Olorori had reported moving to check out but had missed reporting in for over a week. Of course, when operating around the halo and in the unknown late reports were not uncommon here, but this was one of the exceptions.
The other out of place object was a ship. One that at least the Hastax contingent were well versed with by now.
It was a Phene Clan vessel, small and nimble just sat floating some way away. It appeared to be a scout.
Vorich System: Ventrissian League Space
“Oh I can very much imagine on that account” Ealslan leant back into his chair and crossing his arms as if in irony. He was eager to see what the Teliran had to say, and a bit of dark came over his face at the small waiting time. Clearly Ealslan was a not a particularly patient man if that was any indication.
His face lifted again at the final reply. He held his hands up.
“Of course, I would never imagine your nation to be supportive of such clear and blatant internal destabilising of another sovereign entity.” He was almost melodramatic in his physical movements responding to such.
“Purely hypothetically speaking of course” He winked “A public… Shall we say support of my particular side of politics. Not through any clear declaration but if you use me to negotiate or sign any future economic or political deals it will quite possibly you see strengthen my position. This is all purely speculation. At the moment the majority of my people believe that contact with the main galaxy is the way forward, this region has been stagnant for too long and the opportunity for economic and political gain is clear. But there is a stalwart old guard with power who do not want change, they are buddied up to the Phene you see. Now this is of course quite out there but it would be a real shame if you unfortunately humiliated the Phene like you did in your entry system more often hm?”
Captain Sslla, the officer who had engaged the autonomous hostiles in Atroba, steeled himself in the CIC of his Ozark once more. This time, however, his overall fleet composition, and their respective loadouts, had changed; Two cruisers, including his own and a newer model of Trifid, the Arcelin from last time, and two Flechette-class frigates, whose laser-focused armaments promised to offer superior combat endurance. The cruisers had, similarly to the Union contingent, been overfilled with ammunition and loader robotics to move the excess, with the spinal guns exclusively armed with guided rounds as opposed to the solid slugs that would be more useful against more durable targets. The destroyer, this time, had been armed with six munition buses, meant to wipe away wide formations of hostiles with saturation attacks as necessary.
"Welcome to Aiz," Lydole welcomed his fellows on the project via tightbeam laserline, "As much as you'll disrupt the coziness."
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
Certainly looks harvestable, but we might need to find out what's exactly going on here first. The lead Hastraxian vessel pointed out the pair of anomalies on sensors. I don't like people missing without trace, and we'd rather avoide further run-ins with the Phene. If you newcomers haven't been briefed, they've been plaguing us and trying to push boundaries constantly, but we can't afford to fight them, not in these circumstances.
The Hastraxians were checking over charts to make sure this wasn't Phene Clan territory, and the fact it wasn't made them wonder if the Phene were going to try and pry it from the far reach team. Nobody on their side was quite sure what to make of the disappearence, though.
Seems we need a plan. Escorts, set up perimeters to screen the Phene scout and anything else that might come for us, research vessels to the monopoles. RANGSI, CES, do you have anything suited to getting to the bottom of the disappearance, seems like that might need a sub-taskforce of its own.
The IPD nodes were completed, towed by big modular vessels that coupled themselves to the IPD station itself. The Station was not unarmed, outfitted with shielding, armor and weaponry to the liking of the CES’s production and protection standards, or rather, the 10th security dimension of the predictable construction standards.
They made their way to the FTL gun of the Far Reaching Program, being towed by their auxiliary vessels, together with more ships from the CES, both infrastructure-oriented and Security-oriented. The investments in the Program rose as the CES launched different products at Ancerious, and the news of exploitable locations within such far away places reached the Directors. In truth, they now sought to set up a new production location...
-----------------------------
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
>I’m afraid that none of my contingents can resist the presence of the Magnetar away from the Monopole Zones, however, I have some drones that can be sacrificed to measure the radioactive presence here and chart a specialized design.
A series of small drones detached from the CES vessel, which looked like an agglomeration of stacked large hexagonal prisms. They were small drones only roughly 10 meters in diameter from a circumscribed sphere, however, they were fitted with a plethora of sensory arrays. They fluttered about spitting pink clouds of smoke from their metallic hydrogen-based engines, as they shot sensory packets around and caught the reflection or interferometry of the location. The information was logged into an IPD instance, painting a picture of what a large-scale operation in the monopole would be like. This also scanned the surrounding space for vessels that might be hiding within the magnetar’s presence, though it didn’t have enough strength to look for the disappeared vessels.
The ship, however, predicted the ready of the guns and shields as it monitored the phene clan’s vessels from far away, anticipating combat even if such was not meant to happen.
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Entry Point System
In anticipation for the construction and logistic operation of the IPD stations, the CES presence within the Entry System was preparing to welcome their contingents quickly and clear the way for the other imports from the other factions.
However, their bigger plan was to diminish their presence within the Entry Point in the near future. Before the arrival of the IPD nodes, a dozen ships came out of the FTL gun’s receiving end and directed themselves to the temporary CES Far Reach Headquarters. They organized with Lihr and Inghrum expeditions within the presumably resource-rich parts of this adjacent starcloud to look for a suitable spot for a CES system, as all twelve vessels left the Entry Point system in groups of four to scout nearby systems.
Already, a prediction to set up the backbone of the CES industry was made, and was being ferried over together with the IPD nodes. Enough material to set up the large fabrication stations over the gas giants which printed all of the carbon materials that the CES used as a basis for their operations.
Komansh reclined momentarily to exhale, pausing for a chance to introspect and consider his options, the Teliran commander returned his look to Ealslan. With an uncertain look the Teliran gave a brief nod as he sat up,
“Very well. It seems that Telirankind may find it in their coincidental interest for such occurrences to transpire in your favour… So long as you maintain most favoured nation status with our collective polity.”
The Teliran felt tired. Rising to his feet, the Commander gave a brief nod to his counterpart and, without another word, took his leave to initiate his side of the deal. The nations of the ASN were to begin the process cracking into the Ventrissian League in whatever way they could, overturning anything they could, and subverting any established institutions they could. But of course, this all lay ahead and in the future. For now, Komansh returned to his forces to prepare his next action.
Aiz System: Old Invaders Territory
“Clearly it was too cosy for the likes of the enemy, they haven’t even responded yet.” The Union captain replied. But as the force moved in system it was very clearly seen by the Invaders. There was no set up logical formation to their force, it was merely set up in three massive clouds clustering around the different planets. Some of the ships had landed on the planets, merging into large blocky mining centres which were eating into the planetary crust and harvesting every scrap of material they could use. Occasionally a large hangar would open, and another vessel would exit in short order. The rate they were replenishing was immense, no wonder they had caused such problems for this region of the galaxy.
“I’m reading over 5000 targets with more being produced every minute. Numbers are still updating though; we can cover you if you must saturate some of the production zones on those planets. Heads up too, the enemy look to have seen us” Alheim was right, several large groups of Invader ships were now burning towards the expedition fleet, all sizes were seen from tiny corvette sized vessels all the way up to battleships. It was a much more varied force than the one they had fought in Atroba.
“Sir we are in Hyperfrequency range” Alheim took a moment at that comment.
“Is there much point?”
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
The outer bands of Monopoles seemed to be manageable with radiation, but the inner bands painted a different picture. Entire regions of the Magnetars magnetic field were near lethal even for shielded vessels, but the fluctuations indicated that it probably changed on the regular, opening up closer areas which would be prime for harvesting when accessible. It would take a large operation here to collect usable amounts of the particle but there was enough here to ensure scientific experimentation for weeks to come.
As the escorts of Hastrax and RANGSI fanned out to secure the area and the CES ship readied itself in case of any combat the Phene clan vessel finally responded. At first it burned towards the allied vessels before turning away, in a flash of light it disappeared into FTL, in all likelihood it was a scout, and was going to relay the activities to the clan proper.
Perhaps it was time to hurry up operations, or at least dig in.
Vorich System: Ventrissian League Space
“Of course, of course. We would not overlook any favourable actions towards us. In fact, I can imagine quite excellent prosperity between our peoples.” At Komansh rising to his feet and indicating that the meeting was over Ealslan also did the same. He bowed his head in respect, a grin plastered across his face.
“Thank you for your time representative, I see a bright future ahead of us” he waved goodbye as the doors closed behind Komansh.
It seemed this entire region was filled by those were wanting to exploit the main galaxy. All apart from the Phene, they had not reached out for any diplomatic contact yet, especially after their buzzing of the Entry Point system. Perhaps it was time to reach out to them.
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
Phene don't usually let us off lightly like that. Establish our operations while we have the breathing room. They'll be back. Escorts prepared themselves to rotate perimeter patrols while the civilian vessels of the Hastraxian contingent raced to get themselves set up in the outer bands of the magnetar so that they could begin operating, even if only on paper to ward off the Clan.
Entry Point System
The FTL gun under construction was now very much taking shape with most of the work moving large sections into place having been done and even the occasional energy spike from it as small parts and individual systems were run up for testing while other parts were still visibly being modified or finished. The Hastraxians had made a point of setting up an exclusion zone around the site for non-essential traffic in case something went wrong now that partial power-up tests were being done in parts of the structure.
Ships shot out in every possible profitable direction, charging their FTL drives and moving out in the groups of four. Using long-range sensors paired with predictable datasets, they sought not the system with the most “Resource richness”, as is the usual metric of colonizing. They sought a balance between logistical flows, resource availability, and ease of communications to-and-fro main system.
After a few weeks of travels, they landed on a suitable system three jumps away from the main gateway. In it, an ice planet, two gas giants, and a barren dwarf planet orbiting a binary star arrangement in that order. None of the planets were in the goldilocks zone, however, the arrangement of the asteroid belts, interacting with the gravitational tidal influences of the stars and gas planets, as well as the gaseous composition of the planets themselves made the system the perfect nearby candidate for a CES industrial set up, a home far, far, far away from home. The news was relayed back to the entry system just in time, and the four vessels present started to coalesce, scan, map out the new “Longe” system, meaning “Far Away” in the language of the Mus’Vanus.
-----------------------------
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
This vessel is not suited for large conflict situations. I reckon it’s in the interest of all present parties we pull back if greater Phene presence comes through.
The drones coalesced into predictable geometric arrays to facilitate the flow of sensory information, however, the CES ship didn’t have much more that it could do for the moment. Due to the possibility of a Phene Clan return, the ship already preemptively calculated the trajectory of a safe and quick retreat via FTL, anticipating a possible quick retreat, however, without warming its FTL drive yet.
The drones meanwhile quietly monitored the large cosmical body, logging data, automatically seeking patterns that could be exploited such as the pattern in the area openings.
-----------------------------
Entry Point System
With the acquisition of information of the “Longe” system, the IPD nodes and factory equipment were welcomed with open arms. The large ships left the wake of the FTL gun and burned bright pink towards the temporary base.
Stationed at the base, a few changes occured, transforming it into an IPD node itself and stripping it of its non-essential equipments, the base itself was now being ferried over towards the Longe system, as the other ships already went towards the location to set up perimeters, routes, and whatnot. Scouting team 2 was already mapping optimal logistical routes towards its location, one of which was used by the small IPD flotilla.
Finally, all of the contingents arrived at the system, and all that was left was the long, systematized, and arduous journey of making the barren system a beacon of the CES’s far-reaching influence.
Aiz System: Old Invaders Territory
//All hands to battle stations. All hands to battle stations. Condition One. I repeat. Condition One.//
Crewmen were scrambling to put on their bulk spacesuits as they prepared to enter combat. Stations were manned, ammunition was stocked up and loaded and guns were primed. The fleet came to life as weapons swivelled and charged up, light glowing in the darkness of space.
“Strap yourselves in kids,” Yazpola re-entered the bridge, this time in her own spacesuit, helmet tucked under her arm. She sat down, buckled in the straps and gave herself a shot of G-dampener juice with the suit’s in-built injection system.
“Ma’am! 5000 contacts and closing in!” one of the sensor officers reported as her screen was now merely a big blob of green dots - too many to track individually. The bridge, and the rest of the fleet, was getting nervous, having never encountered so many enemy contacts in their lifetimes.
“Calm down, everyone. If we break them up we can mitigate their numerical superiority,” Admiral Yazpola said as she put on her helmet. “Fleet commanders, engage N-Nets we got lot of planning to do. XO, take over.”
------
The RANGSI fleet moved into action, fanning out into separate squadrons. The 74th Light Missile Squadron, composed of 2 missile frigates, 1 sensor frigate to act as fire control, another baseline frigate as escort and a command cruiser, broke off from the fleet and positioned itself to saturate one of the Invaders’ production planets. The 2 missile frigates opened up their missile boxes and unloaded almost of their arsenal into the planet, banking on sheer swarm tactics to get through anti-missile defense systems.
Another squadron of frigates also advanced forward, this time the 51st Hunter-Killer squadron moved to make the first rounds of attack on the incoming Invader swarm. As they entered combat range, they immediately swerved away, releasing a few EMP missiles and 2 Super Suria plasma bombs. The EMP missiles was merely there to test the Invaders’ EMP resistance, the 500m long plasma torpedoes on the other hand was there as an AOE weapon to engulf large areas of space and break up the Invader’s momentum for a while.
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
The 10 RANGSI warships spread out and patrolled the area, anxious about the Phene clan scout. They were newcomers, and had relatively no idea how to deal with this faction compared to the rest who were here first. If the proverbial shit hit the proverbial fan, they were not sure of how to get out of this one with diplomacy.
Still, unwilling to just give up the monopoles, the hangar bays of the construction ships began to open up, releasing several drones which carried various components. They began assembling a small line of fuel, repair and ammunition depots, a small shipyard that could service one ship for now but could be expanded later. This would be their outpost for the moment.
Aiz System: Old Invaders Territory
"Engaging hostiles."
The simple communication from Sslla seemed almost bored, but the effect it had on his own fleet was anything but. Lasers, despite the extreme range, began to lance out from the Flechette-class ships, the heat being of almost no concern. Guided shells thundered out from the cruiser's spinals and turrets alike, tracking to the peripherals of the enemy swarms, leaving bore ablation in their wake. Missiles lazily drifted away from the hulls of the warships before suddenly bursting into an incomprehensible sprint, signaled by the pure-white flare of open-cycle engines igniting. But most significantly, the Arcelin began the launch sequence on one of its supertorpedoes.
"Adjusting rema flow."
The engines on the "port" side of the ship dimmed just slightly on spectral analysis - The difference being unrecognizable to the naked eye, given the constant thrust.
"Releasing primary braces."
If one was up close to the munition, they would see it shudder - not its armor, not its sensors, not even its weapons bays or primary clamshell. But the entire missile.
"Releasing launch brackets."
The detonation of gargantuan locking bolts went off simultaneously with the injection spray of coolant as the one-kilometer mass began to drift behind its mothership, several times its own length. It drifted and drifted at an ever-growing pace, not firing any engines - other than turning with RCS - to keep up with the acceleration of the destroyer. But then its own incredible power became evident, the engine of the munition, a ship in its own right, blasting it forward and past the Arcelin.
"Target location marked," The weapons officer reported, the datapacket in question promptly being laserlined to the allied fleets - it would release its thousands of nukes to engage a cluster not already being targeted by the RANGSI elements.
Aiz System: Old Invaders Territory
Bright flares of detonations were all over the sensors and even in visual range. The EMP bursts had practically no effect, it seemed that despite the relatively basic nature of their foe even the Old Invaders had EMP resistance. Still, resistance from plasma detonations they did not have. Nearly 200 vessels were engulfed in the RANGSI missile volley, each one vapourised or blown apart in some fashion and yet the huge hole in their formation did not seem to faze the enemy whatsoever.
It was only when the super torpedo hit home did, they begin to move. Concentric rings of submunitions lanced out to explode with the force of miniature suns, each one wiping out a ship or several within moments. The brightness of the impact forced Alheim to polarise his bridge screen for a moment as the sensors kept updating casualty lists. With almost 500 enemy vessels blown away in the first volley they seemed to change tactic, instead of clumping together into heedless bands of ships they spread out, the cloud seeming to elongate as they made it harder for cluster munitions to hit large parts of their formation.
It seemed they did at least have rudimentary processing.
“Alright let’s follow that up, open fire”
The Union contingent followed up with its own barrage, targeting mass drivers and meson lasers at the self-replicating ships. Ironically it was the most measured barrage Carnaith or RANGSI had ever seen, instead of the endless shells pumped out by the Mass Drivers each gun targeted an enemy and fired a precise burst, moving onto the next target and repeating. Even now Alheim didn’t want to waste ammunition.
The missiles targeting the production on the planet struck next, automated interceptors did seem to be in place, shooting down incoming munitions with kinetic shots but it wasn’t enough. Bright glares from the surface indicated impacts, each one obliterating a production region. The enemy were not getting reinforcements at such a rate anymore.
“Good shooting all.”
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
It didn’t take long for a rudimentary facility and collection zone to be constructed at a safe distance from the magnetar, already multiple avenues of safe Monopole collection had been identified by CES and samples collected by the Hastrax had already been brought aboard the RANGSI station to be tested and surveyed. They were the real deal.
Monopoles promised a revolution in computing designs, advanced magnetic sensors, telecommunications, room temperature super conductors and even weaponry. This could be the start of something massive, including a lucrative business for the nations of the Far Reach program.
As the first plans were set up for proper collection two FTL signatures popped into existence a long distance from the group. Both were Phene Clan cruisers, not scout vessels. They seemed to sit there for now, watching the group set up and establish themselves. They did not burn towards them or power weapons… Just… Watch.
Aiz System: Old Invaders Territory
The RANGSI, now knowing EMP has no effect, began adjusting their missile attacks and stopped launching the EMP missiles, focusing instead on conventional nano-thermite explosives with the occasional nuclear shaped charges for larger, more heavily armoured targets.
The RANGSI fleet began to datalink with the Union and Carnaith using older AGA handshake protocols requesting access to their sensor data. With the datalink established, their missile volleys slowed down the pace, the large barrages winding down to more accurate one-by-one fires. Their railguns also began putting down precise shots.
“This is Admiral Yazpola, if you give us covering fire, I can order my fleet to move in and get some more direct attacks on their production centers.”
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
The local Hastraxian commander did a double take when his sensors showed Phene Clan cruisers, only to calm down as they saw they were not advancing. The escorts were ordered to ward them off of the perimeter, but there was not much else they could do with the Phene being so unwavering in their attempted intimidation of the entry point system and now here.
The scientific and industrial concern of this zone was uneasy, but continued trying to collect and study the monopoles safely while the CES were mapping out the deeper routes and the RANGSI made their own initial studies. Many hoped these monopoles would be worth the stress of having to deal with more of the Phene Clan's chicanery.
CES ships scuttled to-and-fro, from the IPD node, the FTL gun, and FTL’ing away all aimed towards a somewhat specific direction. After a few days of this, the activity started to die down, the CES presence within this arrival system resumed to the node and a few ships consistent in their scheduled arrival and departure.
It seemed that their plans of setting up a CES presence within this far away location were finally coming into fruition.
-----------------------------
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
Whilst neither the drone nor the ship were equipped to map out the inner zones of the Magnetar’s systematic influence, the CES’ scanning routine allowed to exploit its clear mechanics in the exploration of these interior zones by the means of interferometry and well-coordinated yet short drone expeditions into the temporary safe zones. This was a dangerous, yet rewarding maneuver, as the more data was uncovered, the more it contributed to mapping out a complete parametric dataset of the location, allowing nigh endless potential in planning and management of the location, not only by the CES, but by the other factions present. In a mere moment, those associated with the Far Reach Programme had the definite informational upper hand if a conflict with the Phene Clan were to happen.
Unbeknownst to the CES assets present, far away the development of their own industrial complex within the Longe System could coincide tremendously with a joint venture within the Mangnetar, that is, if they were able to secure the area.
-----------------------------
CES “Longe” System
With the optimal routes already planned, the logistical troubles started to dissipate, as ships secure within the predictable calculations used the IPD “Buyois” to guide them along the stars, performing what was practically one single uninterrupted FTL jump, easing the restraints of this early setting up state.
Multiple surveys were conducted at once, probing the composition of the planets, the astrophysical relations amongst the cosmical bodies of the system, furthering little by little the knowledge that the lizard people had upon that lump of matter ever-so-distant from where they originated from. It was a wild thought to some, to be the ones farthest away from home from their species, yet still performing tasks mundane in nature.
Gargantuan monolithic streaks of carbon composites were slowly hauled above the atmosphere of the gas giant, tremendous on its size it dwarfed the man-made structures assembled. The pieces fell into place like an intricate puzzle, yet with each small piece the collective picture of the jigsaw became ever-clearer, and in hindsight, one might realize the beautiful simplicity behind all of the cold-welded joints and interlocking arms of the structure, slotted streaks of magnetic coils interconnecting with hexagonal modules of fusion reactors all assembled in a line, the batteries of an organism too large for any of the operators there to ever grasp in its completeness.
Hastily and surely all of this clockwork started to form the picture of the Longe system, with each module slotted into place, a new home for them was built.
It would be many months until things finally came to a head.
The monopole zone had been secured, three starbases for processing and scientific studying had been set up along with a full series of automated harvesters and observation platforms to ensure the Magnetar did not have any sudden changes. The results were already clear, and no doubt the Monopoles would fetch a high price on the galactic market. At least the Phene had chosen not to contest the operation after all.
Aiz had also been secured. The battle had been long, with the Old Invaders suffering massively because of the sheer superiority of the allied forces. Thousands of their vessels had been destroyed even as their ground-based processing units had been utterly annihilated by Carnaithian Super impactors. Ammunition had gotten perilously low even with all the extra they had brought along, and it had taken over a week to destroy any hidden or remaining vessels, especially given each one could multiply. More than once a small force had been identified originating from a landed ship turning itself into a replication facility. But the system had been saved and the Republic of Inola had moved in to reclaim it. As per their word they had allowed the allies to claim one of the planets, as well as set up scientific study of the Ancerium star. Already the Inolans were beginning to plant several Qanis seeds to grow in the light of the sun once more.
The Phene clan had also been suspiciously quiet, although from intelligence it had not been out of choice. The other side of their space had displayed large indicators of space battles, likely another large push by the Old Invaders, which had worked with the expeditions advantage to keep the much larger nation off their back for a while. Still with the backing of both Ventrissia and Inola the Phene had also kept the antagonistic actions to a minimum, not wishing to lose the support of the other two nations at such a critical moment.
But it was the arrival point which had changed the most. What had once been a loose collection of ships was now a full-blown base of operations, and a home to many. Several large starbase facilities orbited the now complete FTL gun, each one home to tens of thousands of crew and personnel as well as docks for countless ships. The entire system had also been built up, with processing and refining facilities built on the barren worlds nearby and countless sensor, defence and scientific stations posted out to the very edge. The expedition was well set up here now, but the true moment was to come.
The FTL gun was finished.
They could go home again. Project Far Reach had been a success.
Kexele felt elated to hear the count down on the bridge of the very ship she had arrived on. While it had been over a year, she was eager to see how the galaxy had changed. Of course, news updates had arrived and rudimentary lagged communication had been established, but to see it herself would be better.
Surrounded by many of the vessels from the first arrival team all too happy to go home the Cylaurian woman relaxed in her seat as the light of the stars bent around them.
The count down hit zero, and the bubble was launched. The FTL gun system would now be fully operational.
With the initial engagement in Atroba and the disengagement of the first Carnaithian strike force from the battle the Invaders had been watched closely. The ships had not attempted to pursue the strike force but instead had concentrated around the main material rich planet and begun to deploy von Neuman constructed mining and processing facilities. It appeared they too were after the same materials as the Task Force, and even as the Ozark had held position at the edge of the system to give them constant realtime updates the Republic of Inola had offered some basic intel. Strangely it seemed the Invaders were a touchy subject to the natives here.
The intel had revealed much of what the Task Force knew, the von Neuman swarm was a threat to this region, albeit on a far greater scale than they had realised. They secured key resource locations with overwhelming numbers and drained them entirely, but the greatest and most disturbing information that the Republic had given was that these Invaders came from beyond the galaxy, from the galactic void, and had been doing so for millenia.
“A haunting prospect” Kexele said aloud reviewing the information. Before her stood Rodak, surveying the same information she was even as the holographic projector showed the second wave of the attack on the Old Invaders. The two Carnaithian ships had been restocked with ammunition and fuel, and this time supplemented by a Dart class from the Union and Albacore class from the FRK. This time they would move in and clear Atroba out entirely so the Hastrax contingent could move in and begin mining operations.
“Surely they have to come from somewhere?” She both asked and mused with Rodak as the ships translated in system, Rodak was in command of the flotilla again with Kexele mostly wanting to observe the situation. Securing resources from these machines was just one of the ongoing situations.
Entry Point System: Oort Cloud zone
It was the 14th time this week. Three contacts were picked up moving in at relativistic speeds towards the Far Reach zone. It did not take long for the EW systems to identify the contacts as Phene Clan ships, one destroyer and two escorts sporting the smooth almost organic dark blue hull shape. They were not accelerating, merely holding their high speed in a long arc that seemed to briefly brush the edge of where the Task force had declared its ‘borders’ something which the Phene Clan were eager to test almost on a several times a day basis.
The defensive pickets along the edge of the system, mostly made up of ICS escorts with the occasional Hastrax and Carnaith escort were once more forced to move to intercept. Of course no shots were fired in any of these intercepts, it repeated all the time. The Clan would race in close and the moment the Task Force responded they would break off and accelerate away, it was seen as a normal thing now and the crews were used to it but the fact the Clan were trying to antagonise them in this way was boding ill.
They still had almost 20 minutes until intercept, captain Hallam of the Intrepid Venture had already ordered his crew to move to intercept at the allotted time, guns were cold on the ICS vessel just as they were on the Phene Clan ships. He wondered what they were like in combat, they had not observed any combat from each of the three polities encountered here but supposedly most of the military forces were busy fighting those ‘Old Invaders’ out on the other side of the Clans space. Hallam was thankful, it was likely the only reason the Clan had not engaged them yet or why they had not been overrun by the Invaders.
“Captain Clan ships are lighting drives” The sensor operator called out with alarm.
“They're breaking off early? They haven't done that before” Hallam stood up, walking over to the man's station before his eyes widened with alarm.
“Oh hell, they are coming right at us! Raise the alarm and power weapons we may have a serious situation on our hands! This is Hallam to all picket ships we have incoming, the Clan is incoming!”
Sentan System: Republic of Inola Space
Despite the political tension with the Phene Clan the matters with the Republic of Inola had gone far more swimmingly. The nation had pledged to assist in the construction of the Far Reach, absolutely ecstatic to learn about the galaxy beyond their tiny corner on the far edge of space. To them the opening of the FTL gun would give them political and economic reach as well as information beyond their wildest dreams and so the Republic had almost completely full on thrown in their support.
It was a matter which had been negotiated by Elir Komansh the first time, and now they had invited the Telrian diplomat back again for another meeting. They had not said exactly what the entire endeavour was about but they had talked about economic and scientific prosperity and a greater tie between the Task Force and the Republic.
Now here he was, on the soil of a world far beyond the reaches of the main galaxy, waiting for the meeting to start.
The government building of the Republic was a fantastic affair of dark granite stone quite clearly inlaid with white marble for a stark contrast, epic statues portrayed key moments of history with everything carved into the material rather than shown on holograms or other means of recording. The Hestra themselves who made up the Republic were an interesting breed themselves, quite short and rotund reptilians who had an affinity for working together in extremely large groups. These almost post family units had such an affinity for one another that the Republic had very little in the way of internal turmoil, something which was quite strange given the circumstances.
Still the small delegation arrived from one of the outcroppings, wearing their very dull coloured robes.
“Good day, It is with great honour we welcome you here once again diplomat. If you would accompany us this way?”
Outer Halo: In Proximity Of U0-XX12
“It's clearly a Magnetar but we are getting some really strange charge readings in its proximity…”
“What kind of readings?” Captain Olorori softly sighed as she stood up and observed the holographic depictions of the sensor readings before them. The Magnetar, inventively named U0-XX12 lay before them, handily shown on the nearby star charts provided by the Ventrissians. But it was sheathed in a magnificent blue cloak of gas, or what appeared to be emissions from the Magnetar. But the charge values were clearly different, sensors were still relaying details.
“This hasn't been seen anywhere in the main galaxy has it?”
“No Ma’am, we haven't seen this before. Sensors are indicating the field may be made up of Monopoles… But that's impossible surely?”
“I have no idea” Olorori replied with a smile “But the Halo reveals more crazy stuff by the day. Tag it, I think we should get some science and survey ships here to take a closer look, maybe figure out what's going on and get some samples”
“Communication is away, do we stay here or move on Ma;am?” Olorori folded her arms, they could stay here and get some more readings or wait for the follow up teams to arrive, but they had a bigger focus.
The massive clearly artificial signal that was being broadcast from some distance away. None of the other factions they had encountered had spoken about it, or merely brushed off the subject when asked. Several teams were on route, and Olorori wanted to be the first there to claim whatever riches may be there for the expedition herself. She wanted the glory, at least the bragging rights between the other scouts.
“No continue on, charge FTL drives and lets get moving”
Komansh pulled on his collars a little as he awaited the arrival of his counterparts. Even so far from the centre of Teliran affairs, things were as officious as ever. It was funny, Komansh thought to himself, how once he had found himself aboard a little tin-can spacestation sending rough messages to mighty extraterrestrials parked right outside of Natar. Now he was having to engage with a race further than any Teliran, even entire races, had been before. It would be a big call for any diplomat, let alone a non-diplomat like Komansh. The intricacies of interstate negotiations and nuanced wordings were lost on a military man like Elir, but he was never one to disobey orders.
Commander Komansh merely smiled and nodded in greeting to his approaching Hestra counterparts as his hands buried themselves back into his pockets, warmly replying,
“I would be happy for you to lead the way, Sir.” Before taking the Hestra up on his escortation.
Entry Point System: Oort Cloud Zone
Archon Aathnos gazed over both the sensor readings and the communique from Hallam. He then looked at his force allocation - all 3 things displayed in a more cramped fashion than the Archon had available on Battlefortress Rubicon, but far reach had not permitted Hastrax' usual deployment methods. What he did have under his command was a group of escorts, and several mining, transport and supply ships - and last but the very opposite of least, the gate constructors. You're right to take concern, Captain. They have tried to provoke us before and perhaps they intend to push their luck further this time. Let us not give them the excuse to come after us in force that they desire unless they make a wrong move first. We shall meet a show of force with a show of force, and hostility with hostility. We must be careful not to meet the former with the latter. I can spare some escorts to assist if you believe they are needed, but my priority has to be defending the gate-in-progress and the constructors.
Communications aside, the Archon knew better than to sit idle and brought the ships he did have up to combat readiness, something he was sure the crews were getting fed up with at this point. Nevertheless, this time was different and he needed them to be prepared, dispatching two pairs of escorts in the direction of Hallam's more advanced picket to reinforce him in case they were needed.
Solia tiredly grumbled to himself about the military logistics of the operation as Kexele commented on the nature of the enemy his forces were engaging; Having only so many chips to move around could become quite grating when so many different interests were requesting escort or reconnaissance or extra patrols, not to mention the Phene Clan's almost archaic methods of probing... with today's operation rounding out the latest weeks' worth of work, Rodak wasn't worried, and it had taken him a little while to realize this was a perfect out for him to stop stressing over the concerns that weren't the focus of the rooms' occupants. His head snapped up to his read-outs, reviewing the approaching force - this time he had chosen a new Trifid-class cruiser, accompanied by the same Arcelin-class destroyer that had been there for the initial contact. They had been armed with numerous bomb-pumped laser missiles between the two, with the latter armed with entire munition buses of the weapons, given the data acquired from the first battle. His amber eyes moved to meet Kexele's inquisitive visage;
"If you're so concerned about it," He began neutral-faced - more of a smile considering his usual frown - "We can always carbon-date the wreckage, yes?" he half-jokingly responded to the musings. Rolling his shoulders as he read along the force analysis of Atroba, his usual furrowed brow returned as an alert from the system perimeter chimed, taking up a portion of the screen.
"Of course they'd push us further."
The captain of the CINS Prova, one of two Veil-class frigates, immediately began ordering full burn of his two distant ships' open-cycle engines towards an intercept point at the edge of the declared "borders" of the project; their powerful scanners more intently scanning the incoming trio on their journey -
"Phene craft," he began, "This is an officer of the Far Reach Project. Please decelerate and alter vector or engage in proper approach protocol," He called out.
Atroba System
It did not take long for the small attacking force to make official engagement with the Old Invaders, the Union Dart class, almost with her captain impossibly surprised realised that the enemy had no interdiction and briefly consulted with the other vessels before emptying virtually the entire ships magazine of Phase missiles in one large volley. The wave impacted the robotic ships which were only now breaking away from the material harvesting with mixed effects, on some the vessels merely exploded as the missiles blinked out of reality only to explode deep within their form, while others merely staggered briefly, clearly having taken internal damage but not enough to destroy or cripple them. Still with the barrage having taken place and the Invaders numbers in addition to the sheer amount of losses they had suffered at the hands of the initial encounter with Carnaith the Invaders fleet had been reduced to only a couple hundred vessels.
As the fleets entered effective kinetics range however, it would be more like mopping up a mess.
---
Kexele briefly smiled at Rodaks comment about carbon dating and was going to make a quick joke of her own before the klaxons and alarms went off, the holographic instantly giving an exploded view of the Phene Clan ships suddenly changing course to intercept deep into the system and approach the under construction FTL gun directly.
“Bastards. Your right, they just want an excuse for us to shoot them and start a war” The Cylaurian tightened her fists, they knew it wouldn’t be an easy mission but with the Phene clan breathing down their necks it was a damn sight harder.
Sentain System: Republic of Inola Space
Komarnsh was led through the quite stylistic but very bleak interior of the government building. The floors were polished stone, giving a cold and dark feeling as the interior lighting was not entirely illuminating. Ironically it seemed more accustomed to the Teliran physiology but whether they had taken the time and effort to make it more comfortable for him or whether it was normal for them wasn’t quite known.
The room they led them too was a long hall, very high in construction with much stone ribbing crossing the ceiling, painted star charts and an artistic representation of the Ancerious galactic disk displayed for those who looked up. The entire hall was taken up by a stone hewn table and chairs with high backings and the Inola representative gestured for Komarnsh to sit.
“Thank you for coming representative, I am state minister Galvatani. I know it is in tradition to exchange pleasantries, but I have just received word that the Phene Clan are currently under a possibility to intercept and possibly engage with your project. I do not want to keep you for longer than is needed.” He smiled.
“I wish to propose a trade, you see this substance you have, Ancerium I believe its called has thrilled us in its application and possibility to provide fast and effective FTL in this region. It could give us the economic and tactical edge against threats such as the Old Invaders and even the Clan. I know from your information provided that you have limited supplies and such a substance is harvested from the core of the galaxy but we would be willing to offer greater involvement in your project and perhaps even aid you defensively if you were to give us a portion of this substance you have brought with you, and guarantee a supply line of such when your project is complete”
Entry Point System: Oor Cloud Zone
“Time to intercept approximately 25 minutes at current burn and intercept vector” The statement had Hallam on edge.
He agreed with Archon Aathnos, they could not fire first. The Clan were clearly doing everything they could to antagonise the forces here and give them a reason to attack and even as his small escort ship along with both Hastrax and Carnaith contingents moved to intercept he desperately hoped the Clan would break off. He listened intently as the CINS Prova made its declaration to the Phene Clan and hoped for a response.
5 minutes went by. There was no response.
“Targets continuing course, no response to hails, 16 minutes to intercept. Phene Clan ships confirmed to have defensive systems AND weapons powered” Hallam felt his face go white.
“Get target locks on their ships, but DO NOT FIRE unless fired upon… Come on withdraw you bastards”
”This is Clan master Xelari, I am not inside your ‘borders’. My vessels are performing routine checks of his area, break off your intercepts. You do not own this space outsiders” The message finally came through in reply.
Entry Point System: Oort Cloud Zone
Aathnos relayed his thoughts to the other area commanders. I find it quite curious he says that. Master Xelari seems to be acting as if he is in clan space to order us around. Nevertheless, trying to provoke them isn't going to get us anywhere, even if the clan feels the need to do multiple 'routine checks' in a day. As much as we might like to rid ourselves of him, that would only make the situation worse. The Hastrax escorts moving to join the forward picket took up the word of the local commander to take preliminary weapons locks, while the inner group of Hastrax craft continued to screen the gate itself, keeping themselves in the path between the Phene Clan ships and the gate.
Various ship commanders and local commanders kept watching the intercept clock tick down as they listened in on the various communications as they were able. Regardless of the attempts to defuse the situation, some of them were hoping for a fight so at least the constant alerts would have been for something, not that they dared provoke one against orders. Others were simply tired of the ordeal and wanted to get some sleep. The Archon reassured them that 16 minutes was not a long time, and that any fight, even if they felt they wanted one, wouldn't do them any good - we didn't come out here to look for a war, and if you want one I'm sure we can get you assigned to hunting in Atroba or another system.
Hallam, advise every minute on time to intercept in case of course changes or clock de-synchronisation. We don't want any confusion about if or when the Clan cut the threshold. I suspect they may be intending to come within seconds of us if they really push their luck.
Solia had watched the engagement in Atroba for a total of five minutes before becoming more engulfed in tracking the vector of the Phene clan craft. His furrow didn't show any signs of loosening or resting, which, combined with his stare, gave the appearance of a statue rather than a living officer.
"Those craft have already breached the cordon. Do not permit them to enter the interior line and acquire a vector on the construct," He transmitted to the Prova and its crew - Receiving no response from the ever-accelerating frigate.
Optics frantically traced the hulls of the native ships, burning a tighter and tighter circle towards the project as time went on, as brain-like quantum AI cores boiled their coolant and optimal engagement criteria were parsed. Neither of the pickets retreated, continuing towards the intercept point even as the time until disengagement on the part of the Phene constructs was impossible dwindled. Other pickets had begun accelerating towards their own calculated intercepts, deep into layer three of the projects' defenses - Carnaithian ships docked with their tenders near the gun itself had broken off and begun head-on burns with the native ships.
"Phene ships, you have broken line one of the Far Reach projects' declared territory," The voice of the captain announced as calmly as possible given the extreme acceleration, "disengage before the second perimeter as established in transmissions zero-zero-one, zero-one-eight, zero-seven-nine, and one-five-three."
Komansh seemed pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere of the building. While not an ancient building of importance, its lack of history was made up by an abundance of spectacle. Still, the Commander was much more interested in bringing back a positive conclusion to dealings.
The mention of the Phene Clan’s operations were quick to prick Komansh’s interests, who promptly raised a brown before looking to an assistant nearby to return to the ship.
“Well... Thank you for the alert.” Taking a moment to watch the aide scurry off, the Commander resumed, “As for the trade offer I believe something can be worked out.” He continued.
“While the Associated States lacks any abundant native source of ‘Ancerium’ within its territory, it is a major administrative host for the free enterprises that specialise in the harvesting and refining of the fuel from the galactic center. In exchange for a deal opening up these organisations to freely trade between our nations, I believe a greater interest for our people would be… Qanis. It is Qanis, which is so specialised to the Halo, that is causing the Telirans to develop our own, reliable, trade route to another area of the Halo.”
Opening his hands, Komansh finalised by affirming, “You buy ‘Ancerium’, as many call it, and we buy Qanis.”
Atroba System
Fire flashed out as the Old Invader warships were smashed to pieces, self-replicating units were vapourised or blasted apart as Carnaithian and Union railgun fire flew out in storms of projectiles. Lasers added to the fray as the first return fire became apparent, kinetic railgun rounds and simple missiles flew out in response, quickly being shot down by rapid laser pulses and flak munitions. The engagement became a blur of movement as ammunition counters began to crank downwards, but before they could entirely run out for a second time the battle was won.
One final bomb pumped laser launched by the Arcelin Class ended the fray, the storm of beams cutting apart the final Old Invader vessels in a barrage of shrapnel. With space cleared the force proceeded in system, launching several munitions towards the planet which had been their objective all along, streaks of fire slashed across the world for a brief moment before the machine mining and replication facilities planetside disappeared into bright white hemispheres of light.
“This is Captain Vorloc mission accomplished in Atroba, tell the Hastrax they can come get their prize” The Jorgals rumbling voice crept in with a smile.
Sentain System: Republic of Inola Space
“Qanis, ah yes the psionically attuned spice? Impressive stuff. We are somewhat a long way from the Psionic poles, even our people have identified them, sadly their power is a long way from here. You see we also send out occasional Qanis… Runners? You call them in your databases to the poles although many do not return. However, we did manage to harvest and even grow some Qanis in small amounts, you see there was an interesting system we once held, Aiz. It had some strange properties like it was a psionic beacon of some kind. On its surface our population there had a higher birth rate of psions and in some locations Qanis could be grown” Galvatani laid back further.
“Unfortunately, it was overrun by the Invaders approximately 5 months ago. I would be happy to provide you with some of the small batches we cultivate if you perhaps assist us in taking back the system? Perhaps if you help us with this, we may even be able to… Negotiate something with the Clan regarding that harassment” The man smiled, having seen the aid left.
Entry Point System: Oort Cloud Zone
“So they finally fucking talk to us” Hallam hissed in an agitated tone, some of the anxiety however was released and he sat back somewhat. He acknowledged Aathnos call for perfect synchronisation, just because they had replied did not mean they were going to pull off, especially given the tone and statement in the message.
“Acknowledged, our systems are synched, if they fire or act we will be ready for them”
Hallam watched as forces which were normally on picket duty across the system redirected, it appeared this had spooked practically everyone, and he didn’t blame them. This was the furthest the Phene Clan had gone so far, the question is would they push it even further. The message from the Carnaithians had him once again clenching his teeth to see what the outcome would be.
There was again another 2-minute pause. The vectors for peeling off once more disappeared as the time counted down, intercepts from Hastrax, Union and Carnaithain forces were now reaching the point of no return, either a full intercept would be done or they would peel off, and the window was approaching closed.
”Very well” the first message came through from the Clan whose ships were known to be agile but even their moves surprised Hallam. Despite the speed of the Clans warships the vessels corkscrewed away from the intercept course and arrested their phenomenal speed in an extremely short period of time, either their crew could withstand enormous G forces or their vessels had some seriously advanced inertial dampeners. Either way the vessels pulled off and began accelerating away, taking them within a few hundred kilometres of the second perimeter line before burning away back towards the emptiness of space and charging their FTL drives.
Hallam practically slumped back into his captains’ seat, the sense of relief from the crew as they relaxed was palpable.
“Good work everyone. My personal commendations to Captain Solia”
Entry Point System: Command Bridge
“Well that could have gone worse” Kexele brushed her snout before leaning over the holographic projector to take a moment to calm down.
“They really tested us this time, but I also think they meant to show off their speed too, no doubt they think their sheer agility and true movement will intimidate us” Sarah Melone of the FRK wiped her eyes as she sat back into her chair.
“That’s true, still at least Atroba has been secured. That’s good news, and if our schedule is right hopefully the next top up shipment should be with us within several days. Hopefully they bring more ammo and reinforcements…”
Entry Point System: Oort Cloud Zone
The Archon did not have time for much of a break with organisation now needed to establish the project in the now-cleared Atroba system. Commendations indeed. After that course of events I do not like having to deplete to garrison to protect an establishment in Atroba, but we have little choice.
Various Hastraxian escort craft as well as a multitude of purpose-built ships for Far Reach were already forming themselves up to depart Atroba now it had been cleared and greenlit. The ship commanders made themselves ready, some of whom hoped that the enemy had not been wholly purged from Atroba so they would get a fight, while others were happy that they might need less of a readiness state at least until the Phene came to skirt around Atroba too.
The word was given, and the ships engaged FTL.
Atroba System
The system instantly became awash with escorts moving out to predetermined perimeter patrols while the various civilian craft began hauling into position to begin operations in the system. It would take some time to make full use of the deposits that Atroba offered the project, but this start was the first step of many in making the Far Reach project base at this end self-sustaining, and crews were excited to be a part of it.
Communications traffic flocked the system as various ships docked together to form prefabricated bases or mining hubs, and others for personnel support and maintenance. It was not a deployment as grand as it might initially seemed with the limited amount of ships they could bring, but it was certainly now a far cry from a dead system that had been claimed by the old invaders.
“Good work everyone. My personal commendations to Captain Solia”
Solia brandished an annoyed smirk, even as a two-front victory laid on the screens before him. The performance of these Phene clan ships was worrying, and would have to be compensated for with dedicated interceptors. He didn't reach the conclusion a moment too soon.
"This is Captain Makalere," a shaky and worried voice sheepishly made its way through a direct line, "Officer of the Prova. We need to develop something about this... requesting an extended debrief meeting once stand-down procedures have been enacted."
"Approved, Captain. All newly-launched ships, proceed to patrol routes per plan A-sixteen, a schedule for re-docking will follow within the hour," Rodak responded, cutting the line as the signals of the Prova and its sister turned and began returning to the projects' shipyards. He turned to Kexele, a concerned look very distinctly contrasting the prior mood he gave off.
"Do we have the means and resources to dedicate to modifying my frigates for interception duties?"
A military operation in exchange for a trade deal? This is something Komansh was more familiar to, and he was quick to nod,
“Very well, Mister Galvatani, you have yourself a deal… But I need to know more about what state this system is, what scale of an operation are we looking at here?” The Commander withdrew a datapad to plot some things down.
Entry Point System: Far Reach Site
It had been several weeks since the intercept at the outskirts of the system, and although at least 4 more Phene patrols had tried to test the defensive screens and reaction times none had dared to come as close as they had done the time where it had almost resorted to combat. Rodak had gotten his wishes, with additional resources dedicated to his frigates in order to make non standard additions to engines and more giving them almost comical for their size acceleration capability which had surprised the Phene Clan units in the subsequent buzzing attempts given the sheer reaction time of the Carnaithian forces.
It had of course all been made possible by Atroba, the resources collected from the once Old Invader held system had given the project a quite refreshing boost in terms of raw resources for use in both the FTL guns construction but also additional needs, ammunition production, ship repairs, construction of early warning stations around the system and the like. Given the construction of the gun was going well everything seemed to be on schedule.
Kexele and the others were waiting for the next shipment supply force to turn up, giving them a much needed insert of Ancerium along with other super processed materials which were needed for certain stages and which would take far too long to construct here. Still with Hastrax leading the charge in Atroba for resource gathering and the construction of the gun itself the pace was exceeding planned time frames for now, a nice feeling when trapped at the end of the galaxy with no current way home.
Still the expedition despite their relatively good progress was down on several commodities, the top one being Ancerium. Komansh had negotiated an excellent deal with the Inolans which may help stop the constant Phene buzz agitations and give them some more trade commodities when the gun eventually opened. In exchange for a segment of the missions Ancerium they would help liberate a system taken by the Old Invaders which could supposedly grow small amounts of Qanis, something utterly unheard of outside the spice regions. It had been accepted, and even more interestingly the Ventrissians had offered to also speak to the expedition for a possible deal of their own.
----
Kexele was reviewing the supposed size of the operation Komansh had negotiated, at least 40 warships needed to retake the system from the numbers which had supposedly been reported by the Inolans. This was of course based on previous engagement numbers given by the Ventrissians and Inolans given their experience and based on their own calculations from the engagement at Atroba.
“These numbers are high Radok im not sure if we can spare this much ammunition” She rubbed her long chin looking at the details it would be a major contribution of the expeditions resources but Komansh had assured her in the most adamant fashion that this would be what fixed the situation with the Phene Clan, right now it seemed their only option.
A bright flash came in through the windows however causing Kexele and the accompanying staff to turn, grins and cheers however erupted all round as the sight of several hundred ships hung motionless in the space close to the under construction FTL gun.
It appeared the second supply wave had arrived.
Far Reach Command Overview Room:
“It is good to have you all here, I trust it was a pleasant trip.” Kexele smiled standing next to Radok and Archon Aathnos. The room was wide and contained a large holographic map of the region. Another Union officer was present, Captain Shang along with other additional forces sent by the assembled nations. The greatest surprise however was the RANGSI contingent alongside the CES representative, a company which Kexele had never heard of before, but apparently was being given the contract for Far Reach shipping designs.
“I will fill you in on the current situation given you have likely read our earlier reports on Atroba, the almost catastrophic intercept and the new deal negotiated by our Teliran friends.” She pointed to the holographics.
“We are to send a military detachment to the Aiz system and clear out the Old Invaders there so we can have the Inolans negotiate with the Phene Clan to stop their agitations. In addition, the Teliran diplomatic contingent has at current been sent to Ventrissia to hear out a deal that they wish to propose to her. On top of that we have had confirmed reports of a natural monopole source in the region and if we can tap into that for scientific purposes we could unlock some serious potential breakthroughs for our respective nations, a small force will be sent to recon and secure. All the while we will strengthen our position here and distribute resources accordingly. Does anyone have any questions?”
Vorich System: Ventrissian League Space
The slave waiter placed the cup of alcohol spiced with various tastes on the table, his eyes clouded over and disparate as he left the two individuals alone in the rather fanciful small garden that Komansh had been taken to. So far, the Ventrissians had been far more extravagant and welcoming that the Inolans and the exotic tropical like plants that sat and surrounding the two and their little table in the large greenhouse gave a relaxing aura.
Komansh had been invited personally by the Ventrissians as the official Far Reach delegate and diplomat and Conductor Ealslan had been the one to make the contract. Now they sat in his personal garden surrounded by the open fields of the Vorich plains, a beautiful world which seemed like luxury retreat for many of the Leagues upper class members. It was almost akin to the nature of Natar back home.
“My dear fellow I hope you do enjoy the spiced Polappi, it is a firm favourite here. No doubt you have a fine sense of taste and given word travels quickly you seemingly did a fine job talking to the Inolans. Shame however, they can be such prudes who do not appreciate fine luxuries when they are there for acquiring. No doubt you wish to get to business, but I thought you would enjoy some of the finer things in life, given you are far away from home aye?” The Ventrissian Conductor was a fat mole rat looking alien who was firmly sat in one of the ornate cast iron chairs that Komansh had also been offered. Several more slaves, some of them Inolan brought out various small dishes and drinks.
Komansh was very appreciative to his Ventrissian hosts, though the abundance of slave services left the military officer oftentimes silent. While the Teliran said nothing on the matter, it was quite clear that he had made a mental check of this practice by the Ventrissians going ahead as he kept most of his attention on Ealslan.
The rural pastures of the league were not unfamiliar to Komansh. Though originally from the city, the naval commander has quickly become accustomed to country estate life through his ascension from the ranks and his personal success. His duty and task were, however, never left on him. This was perhaps why the ASN had assigned a stickler for keeping to his assignments like Komansh, as opposed to the legions of officials known more for their keen sense of opportunism.
“Your cuisine has indeed been most welcome, Conductor.” The commander complimented, though he had eaten very little. Komansh was not much of a hedonist and was a staunch inheritor of the traditional Teliran cultural values of frugality and modesty, it didn’t help either that he was not a big fan of spice.
“Indeed, your treatment has been a most enjoyable island from the din of expeditioning… Unfortunately I must admit I came here on a full stomach, so you may have to forgive me.” He smiled.
“My mission to Inola was quite enlightening; I do believe it ended with a satisfactory conclusion for both parties. I likewise hope that we can reach a similar result for ours. Which of course brings us onto the subject of our invitation… Is there something the ASN can provide for you, Conductor?”
The 100 ships of the RANGSI contingent zapped into being as they transitioned from the Far Reach FTL Gun.
The journey had been something of a nerve-wrecking experience for Force Admiral Yazpola, a relatively elderly woman of the age 49. It was not that she was 49 years old, but that she was 49 years old as a first-generation colonist. An Artificial Human, a human grown in mechanical vats at accelerated rates for the purpose of colonisation, like her was now a rare sight in the forces; many retired or died from natural causes. Their accelerated growth also meant accelerated aging.
In fact, just one week ago, had she turned in her DMOB form just one second earlier to the military clerk, she would not have been here and would be living life peacefully in a solar farm in New Reymon. But alas, the agents of High Command came in, snatched away her DMOB and led her inside an armored SUV. When she arrived at the spaceport, her old crew of reservist spacemen greeted her in parade formation. The then-Rear Admiral Yazpola Jun-Aria was then given her two stars and promoted to Force Admiral on the spot, presumably for her actions leading SPANAVKOM reservists in the defense of Karvoskaya from Separatist Union raiders during the 3rd April Fools War.
But Yazpola freaking knew. She knew the military bureaucracy well enough and long enough to fully discern why they promoted her. The Force Admiral before her, the CO of MER Echo and her previous boss, was the one who managed to retire first and go on a vacation travelling the galaxy before the Foreign Service came along and told High Command of their plans to join this Far Reach project that the Union of Worlds had been working on. So with no CO to lead Mobile Expeditionary Reserve Echo, they had to find someone to be it. And they found her, a woman with one year possibly left to spare, to throw into the furthest reaches of Ancerious. A way to spare the younger officers from its uncertain dangers.
--------
And now, here she was, in the Outer Halo. Far away from home, far away from that solar farm she had been eyeing for so long in New Reymon, given to her as compensation and as a retirement gift, to replace the solar farm she lost during the destruction of Karvoskaya. But perhaps, for all her grumbling, it was not so bad. Most of her old crew was with her, many had willingly come out of DMOB just to serve under her again as soon as they got the news. A merry band of aging reservists, going all the way back since their Academy days, now together again, on one last space adventure. As essentially civilians with military training rather than proper regular servicemen, they were tightly knit and very familiar with one another; discipline was lax, regulations were rarely followed to the book and only the minimum was maintained to keep things orderly. As long as it did not impede operational readiness, Yazpola was okay with what other regular officers would consider a disaster of discipline. Even her own XO and closest friend, Rear Admiral Dora Kon Borra-Borra, called her ‘sis’ both in private and in public.
-----
Not all of MER Echo came through the Union’s FTL gun; of the five fleets only three were now in the Outer Halo - Yazpola’s HQ Fleet and the 1st and 2nd Echo Fleets. The remaining 2 fleets stayed on the other end as a standby QRF in case things turned hairy fast and they needed somebody to warn the others in the main galaxy.
Accompanying Yazpola’s forces of 60 warships were a miscellaneous gaggle of 40 civilian ships of all kinds, ranging from simple cargo transports to intricate construction ships of various sizes, tugging along what seemed to be oversized modules of some kind. The most notable among them was perhaps a 10km long freighter awashed in all sorts of corporate holo-advertisements along its hull - a Marketship. Calling itself the ‘Lopaz Market’, after the ship’s captain, Baron Lopaz, here one can find food, entertainment, trinkets and even small factories within its confines. The Lopaz Market quickly became the first to set itself up for business, maneuvering into a prime spot near space traffic to provide services to whoever needed a small taste of home and some fun. 4 huge supply barges kept it well stocked for some time, as well as a defensive complement of 5 security corvettes.
The other civilian ships soon also went to work, with construction ships tugging along their oversized parts to a good location and then began to assemble them. It would soon become clear that these were indeed prefabricated space station parts, specifically one for an Ancerium hyperfuel depot and refuelling point.
---
Trusting her command to her XO, Force Admiral Yazpola popped in a few pills, pills that kept her aging body active, functional and operational for the time being, as she headed down to the hangar where she was then transported to where this Far Reach Command Overview Room was. She arrived just in time to attend Kexele’s briefing.
“Greetings to everyone here, I am Force Admiral Yazpola Jun-Aria of the Mobile Expeditionary Reserve ‘Echo’. I was sent on orders to assist the Union and set up a RANGSI outpost,” she introduced herself. “Seeing as the civilian contingent I have right now are more suited for construction rather than scientific research, I volunteer a portion of my forces for the combined operation against these ‘Old Invaders’.”
The arrival of the second wave had all but entirely alleviated Kexele's concerns regarding the ammunition that would be required by the upcoming expedition with what would be comedic timing if Rodak had shared the demeanor of his twin. It had elicited a hint of a smirk in the moment, though the ensuing efforts to get the supplies and forces distributed throughout the Entry Point System as needed had entirely swept away the spectacle and relief offered by the event. Luckily, though high-level in the operation, the Carnaithian only had to deal with military affairs. Chain of command went a very, very long way in terms of simplifying communication and execution. That said, welcoming allies was always a formality he reveled in.
"The offer is most welcome, and appreciated even more, Force Admiral," Solia quickly responded to Yazpola. "As stated in the documentation, we are still shuffling specific numbers around, and while I entertain the draw of overwhelming force on this deployment, prior activity from the Phene leads me to believe they may be stepping up patrols in response to your arrival. A meager increase in deployment would do well regardless," He elaborated, making very few adjustments to his stance or gaze. He appreciated what few of the old AGA states still held a sense of camaraderie on the scale of nations, and old friends of any level were a boon in strange lands.
"The primary concern with these hostiles is endurance in combat rather than any sort of individual capability - extreme to the sense that we haven't seen at all in the main disc. As weak as they are, I have no interest in experimenting with knife fight ranges, either."
The factories roar with excitement, controlled by the overarching program of the IPD. Soon, they change pace, hasten themselves in their production lines, the weavers and formers, pumping out copious amounts of folded carbon sheets and tensed carbon nanotubes increase twofold their speed, working like madmen pressing the aerogel like a sandwich incorporating the buckyball lattice within, driving it onwards to become strutted plating, and then finally, large hexagonal modules.
The order of production came through a few hours ago, after a deal was struck between Capitol and the CES. After a few conversations between the Board of Directors and Capitol officials, in a move advised and pressed onwards by the Shareholders. The CES’s role in the Far Reaching Project was that of supplying sufficient crafts to establish a good infrastructure with the other end. Nevertheless, the production’s updrive and greater throughput was only a precedent for the future parameters that were to be acquired by the team that found themselves currently leaving the FTL stream on the other side.
Aboard the three CES craft that made their way to the other side of the FTL stream were three teams, in total composing of roughly 50 lizardmen, amidst them, technicians, engineers, security, and professionals of the field with the sole purpose of comprehending the environment found in the other side of the gateway, and ingressing it all within the IPD system, so that all the demand was met with the perfect amount of supply. Leading this charge was Inghrum Vartan, a lizardman of relatively average stature and age, from the management team, aided by his foreman in operations, Lihr Batoner, considerably older and grumpier as indicated by his greying scales.
As they made their way through the FTL, they read through the information and set up generic artifacts on the IPD system, they each carried terminals of the system to set up, log and coordinate all of the elements that were to be found on the other side.
As the three Craft left the wake of the FTL gun within the outer halo, they spread across the different factions present, trying to pick apart each of the presences at the other side, far away from their normal field of operation. The average beat of how the introductions went almost always the same, as the team of a few lizardmen would show up:
“We are the CES, Constructive Engineering Solutions, a Corporation engaged in the Far Reaching Project with the task to provide infrastructure and the means to establish a definite presence at this end, and a consistent connection with the other.
The CES operates with a system called the IPD, the Integrated Production Database, which deals in calculating, coordinating, and predicting the demands of the market. We wish to implement this system here for as many factions that want it, to help coordinate the infrastructure effort of the operation.”
Meanwhile, Lihr and Inghrum and their detachment of helpers amassed all of the information acquired and inputted it into the IPD systems, which would in turn get sent back to the home system of the CES, which would automatically manage the demand of the location.
Far Reach Command Overview Room
The Hastraxian Archon watched as a great many ships emerged from FTL including those of his own. "My congratulations to those of you who made the journey. We're working on making that a two-way trip..." The Archon laughed, trying to make the tone a little more light hearted after the trials and tribulations of the past weeks. "I think we're all glad to have you here for those that haven't voiced that themselves. I'm not fully aware of what the RANGSI and CES contingents are bringing..." The Archon cast a glance at the Union representatives, not of disapproval as such but one that was pointedly wishing it had been discussed prior "...but I'm sure the help will be appreciated."
The Archon turned to his own consoles to begin managing his own new arrivals - as many of them were already preparing their own local FTL to Atroba. He would also be making a point of looking up the CES and RANGSI involvement before he made any official response.
Entry Point System: Far Reach Site
The Hastraxian ships had already been pre-briefed on their intended tasks and as soon as their commanding Archon and other local leaders started relaying information they already set about their business. Those destined for the soon-to-be-if-not-already industrial hub of Atroba were mainly refinery ships and more mining arrangements as well as further garrison forces to protect it.
Those ships that were staying in the entry point system themselves were more support vessels - constructors, logistics vessels, some with the ability to conduct some repair and maintenance on ships. The big-ticket item though was more heavy-duty haulers and more vessels to support gate construction along with some spare parts envisioned as backups if anything was lost or was faulty.
Atroba System
The system was much more of an industrial hub now than anything else with strong Hastraxian presence as they had spared little effort in making their own and the far reach project's claim solid as the latest wave of vessels had already begun to tricle in with many more miners as well as refineries and production ships that would allow more advanced goods to be manufactured in system and allow the various construction and logistics vessels to have a much more consistent and permanent supply of materiel to make Project Far Reach a true forward base - and a home.
The garrison was now much less thinly stretched with new forces coming in despite the massive expansion of in-system infrastructure as constructors were able to begin setting up defensive platforms now it was clear the Atroba was able to be retained as a stable industrial site rather than a tenuous base to keep far reach running. With this new permanence, more extentsive surveys and research into the resources here ocul be undertaken now that they had the luxury of the ships and time to dedicate to it.
Far Reach Command Overview Room:
“Thank you for volunteering your ships Force Admiral, with any luck it will make the operation in Aiz go far easier. Perhaps given your topped up Ancerium levels and new vessels your civilian element would be interested in exploring this supposed new Monopole source? If we can harvest that and implement its capabilities it would expedite construction even further” Kexele nodded when Alak discussed the situation with the Phene, he was right. The Phene had shown their incredible speed and handling and while little information was gleaned on other capabilities the Phene still operated under the laws of physics. Any engagement between the Far Reach force and the Phene would be a test of endurance, likely getting them to break off due to fuel issues. She still hoped it would not come to that. She did however smile to the CES representatives. Quite aware that the Archon was giving her a glance of confusion.
“truthfully, I did not know additional corporations or nations were being taken on by this project, but I am not one to question the decisions of those in charge back home, nor am I ever going to turn away a helping hand. Thank you for being here, your IPD will most definitely help in streamlining the operations here, we simply don’t have the powerful processing power to help micromanage everything. We do however have a FTL coms relay set up, but the time lag between it and the main galaxy is up to 2 days. If your system can reliably operate and adjust for the time lag, then it will still be a boon regardless” perhaps if you accompany the Force Admirals team to investigate the Monopoles you may help us understand how to implement them into our construction to help save time? In fact Archon” She turned to the Hastraxian commander “Perhaps you may also see what you can do with such a source”
Entry Point System
The introduction of the additional ships and elements were a massive boon, already Ancerium was being handed out and new factory ships were being set up and put into use. A veritable army of organisers checked, double checked and triple checked the manifests against what was currently available, practically every screw was noted in the Far Reach zone and lists were updated to ensure everything got where it needed to go.
Despite the large influx of materials, it was actually the Lopaz Market which seemed to receive the greatest attention and cheer from those working on the edge of the galaxy. The small trinkets, odds and ends and even updated song tracks, news pieces and more were rapidly snatched up by Unioners who wanted to see what was going on in the galaxy. Capitol falling into disarray after its vote, The Gauss Dominion trying to surrender to the Furrelians, the ongoing sector disaster in Darlisian space, all of it people were eager to hear of, the Lopaz was packed almost from the get-go.
The force assembled, or rather put to one side for Aiz was already mustering in its own segment, fuel and ammunition readily created and delivered topped the vessels up, their ammunition bunkers being overfilled in some cases to consider the enemy they were going to fight. It would be the job of a Carnaithian Prowler to first recon the system, report back and allow the force to specifically tailor itself.
Vorich System: Ventrissian League Space
“I am very glad you think so, but I am sorry to hear that you have already partaken in dining. I understand however you have come a long way and no doubt your base camp is a flurry of endless activity which almost never sleeps. I expect you are jumping from place to place with no time to relax” Conductor Ealslan chuckled.
“You know it was like that for me when you all arrived out of nowhere, the diplomatic scene was practically running around without direction. All of us nations talking to each other, desperate to know if it was some sudden ploy. But things have calmed down now. And judging from what you have indeed said it is satisfactory for all involved.” He smiled “Well maybe apart from the Phene Clan” Taking another bite of a small dish to his side the Conductor sat forward.
“I believe there is. You see the League has been in a bit of a stagnant situation for some years now. With the invaders constantly on us and the Clan chomping at its own superiority and the Inolans moaning whenever something they don’t like happens and our own internal bickering, we have hit a slump. I wont lie it was quite nice to have a bit of a lull in our internal politicking but with your arrival things have suddenly shall we say… Taken a turn for the exciting.” He turned to face outside the glass windows and onto the lands beyond.
“Our society is one of constant politicking and now everyone is moving to try to gain control of the situation. Its all rather tangled. I believe I can help to untangle it with your assistance, and I know what your thinking getting involved in another nations business can be very messy what could we possibly gain? Well, I will be up front with you, if you help me where it matters climb to the top I will help you all out, any way I can, even military, should the Phene clan choose to strike you. No doubt if our people back you militarily against the Phene the Inolans will too”
“I will discuss it with the Director of the civilian contingent, but by the sound of it no doubt he will be intrigued by these new exotic resources,” Yazpola replied to Kexele. She turned to Hastrax Archon.
“Do not worry sir, maybe our higher-ups are the same in liking to do things last minute..” she gave a small chuckle. “I’ve read about our forces fighting against the Metz before during AW2, it would be my honour to do the same again for this operation.”
“With that I will take my leave and return to my ship to organise the forces. I will leave a small liaison staff here to assist in communications,” she saluted before leaving the room.
------------
“Magnetic monopoles?!”
“Yes, Director Vilson, that is what they told me,” Yazpola nodded, with one eye open. “You sound pretty excited. Is it really important?”
“‘Excited’ can hardly describe my feelings, Force Admiral,” Vilson’s hologram adjusted his glasses. He was here to coordinate the RANGSI civilian contingent and oversee the establishment of the RANGSI outpost in the Outer Halo where the Force Admiral focuses on the more security side of things.
“You see, its something my science people have been creaming their pants for. They said it would revolutionise technology, miniaturise alot of our current equipment.”
“More importantly, its the money isn’t it,” Yazpola commented.
“That too, yes, it has very high value on the galactic market. It is so obscenely expensive that we’ve only been able to obtain these monopoles in very small quantities, for highly experimental projects. But if we secure a source, not only are we able to do more technologically, but economically as we-”
“Alright, alright, I get that it's important now, I’ll break off 10 ships as your escorts.” Yazpola interjected, head aching from all the complicated buzzwords fitting her elderly nature. She turned to her XO. “Attach 3rd and 4th squadron of the HQ fleet for Director Vilson’s use.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Alright, 1st Fleet you are with me for the Aiz operation. 2nd Fleet, stay behind and guard the assets, if we need help we’ll call for you,” 30 RANGSI ships moved to the rally point for the operation against the Old Invaders in Aiz.
---
Meanwhile, 5 civilian ships - one research vessel and 4 construction barges, linked up with the 10 RANGSI warships and FTLed to the Monopole site. Once there, they will analyse and study the monopoles, and then engineers and scientists need to discuss on a way to extract them before any work can be done to exploit the monopoles. Not to mention, the need to negotiate with their allies and work out a fair means of distributing and sharing this precious resource.
Large stations loom over and unimaginably broad horizon, towering pillars constructed like telescoping towers disappear down into a thick myst below, colossal swerling masses of gas accumulate and draw like vortexes into the towers, whirlpools for the matter, drawn in whilst producing an unorganized thunderstorm. They gather what they can to use in the vast carbon complexes above, whilst burning the excess as fuel to keep the station itself afloat, resisting the pull of the great gas giant of the Mus’Vanus Capital system.
The copious amounts of carbonic products these gathering facilities produce are exported into the factories that organize themselves far above the atmosphere, which in turn, will churn out materials for the assembly arrays, like an onion of production all aggregating into a unified dance which moved the CES as a local industrial giant, flooding the markets recently with their CAD armor.
From within a latticework of struts and machinery that configure themselves in a tube-like manner which consumed the modular parts from the outside and assembled them inside, came out a mass of the hexagonal modules like if ripped off straight from a beehive and carefully etched into a geometric favela, these were the relays for the IPD in The Watcher, they’d populate the systems and aid tremendously in the Far Reaching Program.
-----------------------------
Far Reach Command Overview Room
“I shall accompany the Force Admirals. The IPD system works best on real-time communication between the sources, but there’s a little trick that we developed when we first made our colonies.”
This particular leading IPD Engineer was Grabangor, he was fairly young, one could see the promising glimmer of an astute individual through his slit pupils, much reminiscent of a lizard’s, though more developed. He grabbed the holotablet that most of the Mus’Vanus representatives this side of the FTL gun carried, and demonstrated it, through the usage of a few graphs.
“You see, the system is speculative in nature, of course, information takes time travelling, if that weren’t true, our job would be much easier.
What we can do, and in fact, is being done right now, is incorporate the whole Far Reach programme-related endeavors in a IPD instance, which will then communicate, though with delays, back to the galaxy. Essentially, it’s like if we were in our own pocket here, lagging two days behind, however, with enough data, we can account for that lag by picking up on the local trends.”
The speech was semi-canned, he clearly knew a lot of the system he was there to implement, and the worries and hardships that came in setting up infrastructure for a long-away system, after all, he had been relocated from the job of infrastructure at the colonies to work at the FR programme.
“I’ll prepare my contingents at once to see such monopoles myself, and we can discuss the infrastructure surrounding it once on site.” He said such things rather aimlessly to those that’d pick it up, however, after a small pause, he referred to those present on a much more serious tone: “I know that this will be the first impression of the CES to many present here, we are a rather small endeavor compared to the likes of RANGSI. However, we are here with a purpose, which is to ease our infrastructure development, and we shall do it in the measure that we are allowed to. So a little conversation can go a long way for everyone involved here. Our main contingents are at the Entry Point still, we are always open in the FTL comms.
He nodded and produced a smile which, though weird due to his natural animal-like features, seemed earnest enough.
-----------------------------
Entry Point System, CES Command Station-Ship
Lihr’s body sat hunched in front of a bent carbon-sheet table, watching a large liquid glass interface as it poured in data. Some of the graphs and numbers flew by so fast he seldom could pick up what was being said, though that didn’t matter much, he dismissed such tables and focused on the individual reports of the ones present.
He incorporated the data relayed, a team was dispatched towards the newest “Lopaz Market” to converse about the implementation of the system for them. He passed the existence of the Monopole forwards in the chain of command, relaying the possibility of setting up a mining and manufacturing plant at some of the resource-rich systems that one of the groups said existed, reading a local report. The system itself would profit from the stability, and the selling of the goods it produced. He got up and stretched, heading out of the room towards a cantina within the station. Inghrum was there consuming a beverage out of a straw.
“So… how are the higher ups looking at this place?” Lopaz said, as he sat down after getting a small fish sandwich from the fridge.
“Too early to say, really. They liked the impressions at first, the expedites said it might be good propaganda to set up services here, good image and show of strength of the system y’know?”
“An assload of work for me though, at this rate I’ll be logging events from the grave.”
“Everyone’s got their workshare cut, some of ours may even go in the frontlines to see how bad these so-called “Old invaders” are to try to log them too.
Look, all I know is that we have a big chance here, I don’t know man, I’m not saying anything but, just imagine, if we hit this shit out of the park, we could even get our own division! Wouldn’t be the first time, would it? Plus, the place’s profitable, we got resources, conflicts, we may even be able to talk to the natives and get some deals with them, right?” - Inghrum was clearly excited for the venture, whilst his foreman simply sat there and devoured his thing, barely realizing that he finished rambling, Lihr interjected:
“Sorry, didn’t catch ya there, been working too much, I’m half asleep.
Tell ya what, I’ll hit the hay now and tomorrow we can go over a few of the details that are coming in. Read the reports I passed to you, have a good one man.”
He left the table and disappeared into the crew quarters of the small station-ship, soon, Inghrum resumed his work, communicating the events logged from this side, which prompted them to start the construction of the IPD nodes.
Far Reach Command Overview Room
"I shall have that brought up at a later date, but it's an administrative problem that won't keep the project from going forward." The Archon addressed Kexele. "Monopoles are outside our area of expertise but it's certainly worth investigating, I'll draft plans to send some ships out that way." He paused, briefly. "Indeed I could say the same, but let us hope it's less about the fighting this time even if our prevous cooperation has shown that the forces of RANGSI are good at it." The Archon looked over the CES proposal for a while before actually addressing it. "I hope that you'll forgive me for being wary, but I won't be engaging with this IPD system until I know more about it. I don't mean any hostility, but that's something we'll be steering clear of for the time being."
Entry Point System
While gate construction proceeded the seemingly popular Lopaz Market was visited by Hastraxians as well, but quite notably it was in small numbers by officials, who were there to collect news and bulk-buy approved items and trinkets to distribute internally rather than citizens descending on the place in large numbers like had happened with the Unioners.
Atroba System
Atroba was now in full swing, producing resources by the numbers to be sold or passed on to the project with some of the new and more advanced ships that had been brought in able to start producing munitions and fuel in small numbers to try and keep forces sustainable. However, as the Archon had dictated, there would be no cooperation with the CES' IPD for now, for better or for worse Atroba was a Hastraxian production centre for the time being that would focus on supplying the project as required by their own methods.
This prowler on the Far Reach mission had most certainly been seen in the docks at the entry point system at least once by eyes from outside of the project, though purest black sensing-collecting panels didn't offer much to suggest its capabilities. The CIGO crew of this one weren't as exotic or esoteric as those of many in the disc were, and had been quite happy to discuss their role in the project or requests from the higher leadership of the effort, maintaining a cool and calm yet strict adherence to confidentiality all the way. They had participated in initial probes in the area of the arrival, but this was their first advisory assignment of the Far Reach projects' isolated phase.
The monotone hum of the practical, cramped, and plain ships' systems carried quickly and dully through the inertial dampening fluid that filled the crew station segment of the habitable section to within a millilitre's tolerance. The officer of the ship took another breath, filling his lungs with the inert oxygenated substance, feeling the currents on his face as he thought on the weight it brought in comparison to normal air. It was a common practice in the services, both for voidborne purposes and deep-sea applications. But everyone agreed that it never really came to feel natural. Of course, the anomaly that was the heart of this system didn't help.
Aiz had come to be around one of the many novel wonders of the cluster at this end of the Union's biggest gun- A psionic star. The crew felt it, though the strength of its minute effects varied wildly based off of a number of presumed factors as theorized by the medical officer; carnaithians and the sole tunora aboard didn't seem very bothered by it, but among the human and radithi crew, a small handful had reported very small changes, such as foggy thinking and bothersome restlessness for a few minutes when trying to bunk in. But that wasn't the primary item of their reconnaissance.
Swarming around a habitable world, the fifth of six bodies, were scores upon scores of those same machines that had been fought in Atroba. Yet more were observed to be constructing copies at the rocky, atmosphere-free bodies about the hot giant in the second orbit. All backlit by the glow of the odd star. The other bodies included an obsidian-surfaced planetoid that definitively sprinted at an incredibly close orbit to the mother body, and orbits three, four, and six were all occupied by potentially terraforming-friendly rocky worlds. But this had all been logged and assigned to second-line analysis; the priority was threat assessment, which, comfortably, more or less exclusively included counting from the stealthy ships' long elliptical path that took it above and at a ninety-degree rotation from the natural orbit plane. Some scans had been targeted at the ships' entry point, but didn't seem to have a reasonable chance of detecting the Prowler and its concealment.
"Who do you think built these?" casually asked a compatriot, the female voice carrying a very slight, but obvious, tone of boredom alongside the curiosity portrayed. Ala. She was talkative - not really, compared to civilian norms, but higher command within CIGO would consider her disruptive. Yet she showed significant enough promise in an analyst role for this quirk to be overlooked. Major Lydole let the question echo in his skull, the minute vibrations of the bone-conducting headset pulling him out of his very literal breathing exercise.
"That is significantly beyond the scope of the assignment and the mission at large alike," he responded confidently - it was muffled in the fluid, and speaking with the substance was even less comfortable than breathing, but the input element of the communications set was as clear as anyone would ever want from such a system, with integral deep learning processes.
"It's within the scope of threat analysis."
"Analysis requires evidence, something we have found none of. If it is found to be a worthwhile pursuit, we will pursue it. The locals, disappointingly, offer no insight on the topic, and the machines themselves fail to regale their history. So we will wait. And concentrate on the current assignment."
Komansh seemed to grin at the Conductor’s mention at the chaos let on by the expedition’s arrival, the Commander couldn’t help but reminisce,
“...The same happened on my homeworld when we were first contacted by distant, alien life. Lemme tell you, being the first one of your kind to encounter and contact a new species… It’s a humbling experience.” Smiling to himself, the Commander broke away from his account to allow the conductor to continue. As the talk of backroom dealings and political subversion came to the forefront, Komansh merely broke from his smile into a frown.
It was more than half a minute of not saying anything before the Teliran Commander finally, thoughtfully, and calmly answered,
“...The Associated States of Natar does not support nor condone any conspiracies working towards illegal actions to subvert the stability and legality of other sovereign states…” Komansh sighed, “...That being said and moving onto hypotheticals… What would you have found… Convenient… For an outside party to have coincidentally independently done, which… Unintentionally… Contributes towards the ascension of your career?””
All of this politicking, illegality, dishonour and opportunism. Komansh hated this.
Aiz System: Old Invaders held territory
The information sent back by the Prowler was invaluable, with practically every byte of it being processed by the military analysts who had been sent along with the Far Reach project. Within a small room they poured over the data, tweaking last minute plans, estimates, possible ammunition expenditures and fuel use. Reviewed by the Ais of the Entry point infrastructure the analysts merely nodded in their agreement, with the information crucially gained the force targeting Aiz had what they needed. The mission was a go.
The prowler was ordered to stay in position, not only would its fantastic sensor capabilities aid in fully cataloguing the engagement from afar without interference, but it could also assist in painting long range strikes if need be. So far, its presence in system was not even remotely near being detected, and the Von Neuman swarm was totally oblivious to the Carnaithian craft watching and waiting in the cold dark.
The arrival of the ‘Reclamation Force’ as Kexele had so diplomatically put it to the Inolans however, was far too clear to be unseen. The Union contingent consisted of the Dart Class Cruiser Unrequited along with three Razor class escorts the Remembrance, Lightsworn and Fairchild in addition to the Falchion class light carrier Passing. All five broke FTL at the edge of the designated engagement zone. All ships ammunition bunkers had been overtopped, with ordnance literally sitting in the corridors and unused rooms to make up for the sheer number of potential enemies they were fighting. The risk was deemed necessary. Almost instantly following both the RANGSI & Carnaithian forces appeared on sensors.
“This is Captain Alheim my forces will proceed as per the plan and form the bulwark that the enemy will fall against, keeping the heat off of the rest of you. No enemy response yet.” He nodded to his crew as the Passing and Unrequited launched fighters, brought shield generators online and readied all weapon systems. Aiz was about to become a bloodbath.
If the numbers he was seeing were correct from the Prowlers estimates, they might be here a while.
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
While the system had nothing else other than the Magnetar itself, just as the explorers had found it the star was cloaked in massive blue curtains of gas and plasma. Charged particles raced all around it as its impossibly strong magnetic fields belt the gas and plasma into coruscating arcs around it, three powerful jets of brilliant light beamed away from the Magnetar, two were situated next to one another while the other lay on the opposite side of its surface.
Radiation was of course extremely high close to the Magnetar, but luckily the CES, Hastrax and RANGSI were in luck, many of the outer bands of plasma pushed away from the Magnetars turbulence contained Monopoles, it appeared that they could harvest it even at a safe distance. It facilitated the ability to study at least for now with the option to turn into a full-blown operation should need be.
But two things seemed out of place.
One was a clear artificial signal being sent from something in space a long way away, for it to be reaching out here indicated that it was old, extremely old, and very high powered considering it was using radio waves rather than any FTL signal carrier. It was a site that scout vessel Intrepid under command of Captain Olorori had reported moving to check out but had missed reporting in for over a week. Of course, when operating around the halo and in the unknown late reports were not uncommon here, but this was one of the exceptions.
The other out of place object was a ship. One that at least the Hastax contingent were well versed with by now.
It was a Phene Clan vessel, small and nimble just sat floating some way away. It appeared to be a scout.
Vorich System: Ventrissian League Space
“Oh I can very much imagine on that account” Ealslan leant back into his chair and crossing his arms as if in irony. He was eager to see what the Teliran had to say, and a bit of dark came over his face at the small waiting time. Clearly Ealslan was a not a particularly patient man if that was any indication.
His face lifted again at the final reply. He held his hands up.
“Of course, I would never imagine your nation to be supportive of such clear and blatant internal destabilising of another sovereign entity.” He was almost melodramatic in his physical movements responding to such.
“Purely hypothetically speaking of course” He winked “A public… Shall we say support of my particular side of politics. Not through any clear declaration but if you use me to negotiate or sign any future economic or political deals it will quite possibly you see strengthen my position. This is all purely speculation. At the moment the majority of my people believe that contact with the main galaxy is the way forward, this region has been stagnant for too long and the opportunity for economic and political gain is clear. But there is a stalwart old guard with power who do not want change, they are buddied up to the Phene you see. Now this is of course quite out there but it would be a real shame if you unfortunately humiliated the Phene like you did in your entry system more often hm?”
Captain Sslla, the officer who had engaged the autonomous hostiles in Atroba, steeled himself in the CIC of his Ozark once more. This time, however, his overall fleet composition, and their respective loadouts, had changed; Two cruisers, including his own and a newer model of Trifid, the Arcelin from last time, and two Flechette-class frigates, whose laser-focused armaments promised to offer superior combat endurance. The cruisers had, similarly to the Union contingent, been overfilled with ammunition and loader robotics to move the excess, with the spinal guns exclusively armed with guided rounds as opposed to the solid slugs that would be more useful against more durable targets. The destroyer, this time, had been armed with six munition buses, meant to wipe away wide formations of hostiles with saturation attacks as necessary.
"Welcome to Aiz," Lydole welcomed his fellows on the project via tightbeam laserline, "As much as you'll disrupt the coziness."
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
Certainly looks harvestable, but we might need to find out what's exactly going on here first. The lead Hastraxian vessel pointed out the pair of anomalies on sensors. I don't like people missing without trace, and we'd rather avoide further run-ins with the Phene. If you newcomers haven't been briefed, they've been plaguing us and trying to push boundaries constantly, but we can't afford to fight them, not in these circumstances.
The Hastraxians were checking over charts to make sure this wasn't Phene Clan territory, and the fact it wasn't made them wonder if the Phene were going to try and pry it from the far reach team. Nobody on their side was quite sure what to make of the disappearence, though.
Seems we need a plan. Escorts, set up perimeters to screen the Phene scout and anything else that might come for us, research vessels to the monopoles. RANGSI, CES, do you have anything suited to getting to the bottom of the disappearance, seems like that might need a sub-taskforce of its own.
The IPD nodes were completed, towed by big modular vessels that coupled themselves to the IPD station itself. The Station was not unarmed, outfitted with shielding, armor and weaponry to the liking of the CES’s production and protection standards, or rather, the 10th security dimension of the predictable construction standards.
They made their way to the FTL gun of the Far Reaching Program, being towed by their auxiliary vessels, together with more ships from the CES, both infrastructure-oriented and Security-oriented. The investments in the Program rose as the CES launched different products at Ancerious, and the news of exploitable locations within such far away places reached the Directors. In truth, they now sought to set up a new production location...
-----------------------------
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
>I’m afraid that none of my contingents can resist the presence of the Magnetar away from the Monopole Zones, however, I have some drones that can be sacrificed to measure the radioactive presence here and chart a specialized design.
A series of small drones detached from the CES vessel, which looked like an agglomeration of stacked large hexagonal prisms. They were small drones only roughly 10 meters in diameter from a circumscribed sphere, however, they were fitted with a plethora of sensory arrays. They fluttered about spitting pink clouds of smoke from their metallic hydrogen-based engines, as they shot sensory packets around and caught the reflection or interferometry of the location. The information was logged into an IPD instance, painting a picture of what a large-scale operation in the monopole would be like. This also scanned the surrounding space for vessels that might be hiding within the magnetar’s presence, though it didn’t have enough strength to look for the disappeared vessels.
The ship, however, predicted the ready of the guns and shields as it monitored the phene clan’s vessels from far away, anticipating combat even if such was not meant to happen.
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Entry Point System
In anticipation for the construction and logistic operation of the IPD stations, the CES presence within the Entry System was preparing to welcome their contingents quickly and clear the way for the other imports from the other factions.
However, their bigger plan was to diminish their presence within the Entry Point in the near future. Before the arrival of the IPD nodes, a dozen ships came out of the FTL gun’s receiving end and directed themselves to the temporary CES Far Reach Headquarters. They organized with Lihr and Inghrum expeditions within the presumably resource-rich parts of this adjacent starcloud to look for a suitable spot for a CES system, as all twelve vessels left the Entry Point system in groups of four to scout nearby systems.
Already, a prediction to set up the backbone of the CES industry was made, and was being ferried over together with the IPD nodes. Enough material to set up the large fabrication stations over the gas giants which printed all of the carbon materials that the CES used as a basis for their operations.
Komansh reclined momentarily to exhale, pausing for a chance to introspect and consider his options, the Teliran commander returned his look to Ealslan. With an uncertain look the Teliran gave a brief nod as he sat up,
“Very well. It seems that Telirankind may find it in their coincidental interest for such occurrences to transpire in your favour… So long as you maintain most favoured nation status with our collective polity.”
The Teliran felt tired. Rising to his feet, the Commander gave a brief nod to his counterpart and, without another word, took his leave to initiate his side of the deal. The nations of the ASN were to begin the process cracking into the Ventrissian League in whatever way they could, overturning anything they could, and subverting any established institutions they could. But of course, this all lay ahead and in the future. For now, Komansh returned to his forces to prepare his next action.
Aiz System: Old Invaders Territory
“Clearly it was too cosy for the likes of the enemy, they haven’t even responded yet.” The Union captain replied. But as the force moved in system it was very clearly seen by the Invaders. There was no set up logical formation to their force, it was merely set up in three massive clouds clustering around the different planets. Some of the ships had landed on the planets, merging into large blocky mining centres which were eating into the planetary crust and harvesting every scrap of material they could use. Occasionally a large hangar would open, and another vessel would exit in short order. The rate they were replenishing was immense, no wonder they had caused such problems for this region of the galaxy.
“I’m reading over 5000 targets with more being produced every minute. Numbers are still updating though; we can cover you if you must saturate some of the production zones on those planets. Heads up too, the enemy look to have seen us” Alheim was right, several large groups of Invader ships were now burning towards the expedition fleet, all sizes were seen from tiny corvette sized vessels all the way up to battleships. It was a much more varied force than the one they had fought in Atroba.
“Sir we are in Hyperfrequency range” Alheim took a moment at that comment.
“Is there much point?”
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
The outer bands of Monopoles seemed to be manageable with radiation, but the inner bands painted a different picture. Entire regions of the Magnetars magnetic field were near lethal even for shielded vessels, but the fluctuations indicated that it probably changed on the regular, opening up closer areas which would be prime for harvesting when accessible. It would take a large operation here to collect usable amounts of the particle but there was enough here to ensure scientific experimentation for weeks to come.
As the escorts of Hastrax and RANGSI fanned out to secure the area and the CES ship readied itself in case of any combat the Phene clan vessel finally responded. At first it burned towards the allied vessels before turning away, in a flash of light it disappeared into FTL, in all likelihood it was a scout, and was going to relay the activities to the clan proper.
Perhaps it was time to hurry up operations, or at least dig in.
Vorich System: Ventrissian League Space
“Of course, of course. We would not overlook any favourable actions towards us. In fact, I can imagine quite excellent prosperity between our peoples.” At Komansh rising to his feet and indicating that the meeting was over Ealslan also did the same. He bowed his head in respect, a grin plastered across his face.
“Thank you for your time representative, I see a bright future ahead of us” he waved goodbye as the doors closed behind Komansh.
It seemed this entire region was filled by those were wanting to exploit the main galaxy. All apart from the Phene, they had not reached out for any diplomatic contact yet, especially after their buzzing of the Entry Point system. Perhaps it was time to reach out to them.
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
Phene don't usually let us off lightly like that. Establish our operations while we have the breathing room. They'll be back. Escorts prepared themselves to rotate perimeter patrols while the civilian vessels of the Hastraxian contingent raced to get themselves set up in the outer bands of the magnetar so that they could begin operating, even if only on paper to ward off the Clan.
Entry Point System
The FTL gun under construction was now very much taking shape with most of the work moving large sections into place having been done and even the occasional energy spike from it as small parts and individual systems were run up for testing while other parts were still visibly being modified or finished. The Hastraxians had made a point of setting up an exclusion zone around the site for non-essential traffic in case something went wrong now that partial power-up tests were being done in parts of the structure.
Ships shot out in every possible profitable direction, charging their FTL drives and moving out in the groups of four. Using long-range sensors paired with predictable datasets, they sought not the system with the most “Resource richness”, as is the usual metric of colonizing. They sought a balance between logistical flows, resource availability, and ease of communications to-and-fro main system.
After a few weeks of travels, they landed on a suitable system three jumps away from the main gateway. In it, an ice planet, two gas giants, and a barren dwarf planet orbiting a binary star arrangement in that order. None of the planets were in the goldilocks zone, however, the arrangement of the asteroid belts, interacting with the gravitational tidal influences of the stars and gas planets, as well as the gaseous composition of the planets themselves made the system the perfect nearby candidate for a CES industrial set up, a home far, far, far away from home. The news was relayed back to the entry system just in time, and the four vessels present started to coalesce, scan, map out the new “Longe” system, meaning “Far Away” in the language of the Mus’Vanus.
-----------------------------
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
This vessel is not suited for large conflict situations. I reckon it’s in the interest of all present parties we pull back if greater Phene presence comes through.
The drones coalesced into predictable geometric arrays to facilitate the flow of sensory information, however, the CES ship didn’t have much more that it could do for the moment. Due to the possibility of a Phene Clan return, the ship already preemptively calculated the trajectory of a safe and quick retreat via FTL, anticipating a possible quick retreat, however, without warming its FTL drive yet.
The drones meanwhile quietly monitored the large cosmical body, logging data, automatically seeking patterns that could be exploited such as the pattern in the area openings.
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Entry Point System
With the acquisition of information of the “Longe” system, the IPD nodes and factory equipment were welcomed with open arms. The large ships left the wake of the FTL gun and burned bright pink towards the temporary base.
Stationed at the base, a few changes occured, transforming it into an IPD node itself and stripping it of its non-essential equipments, the base itself was now being ferried over towards the Longe system, as the other ships already went towards the location to set up perimeters, routes, and whatnot. Scouting team 2 was already mapping optimal logistical routes towards its location, one of which was used by the small IPD flotilla.
Finally, all of the contingents arrived at the system, and all that was left was the long, systematized, and arduous journey of making the barren system a beacon of the CES’s far-reaching influence.
Aiz System: Old Invaders Territory
//All hands to battle stations. All hands to battle stations. Condition One. I repeat. Condition One.//
Crewmen were scrambling to put on their bulk spacesuits as they prepared to enter combat. Stations were manned, ammunition was stocked up and loaded and guns were primed. The fleet came to life as weapons swivelled and charged up, light glowing in the darkness of space.
“Strap yourselves in kids,” Yazpola re-entered the bridge, this time in her own spacesuit, helmet tucked under her arm. She sat down, buckled in the straps and gave herself a shot of G-dampener juice with the suit’s in-built injection system.
“Ma’am! 5000 contacts and closing in!” one of the sensor officers reported as her screen was now merely a big blob of green dots - too many to track individually. The bridge, and the rest of the fleet, was getting nervous, having never encountered so many enemy contacts in their lifetimes.
“Calm down, everyone. If we break them up we can mitigate their numerical superiority,” Admiral Yazpola said as she put on her helmet. “Fleet commanders, engage N-Nets we got lot of planning to do. XO, take over.”
------
The RANGSI fleet moved into action, fanning out into separate squadrons. The 74th Light Missile Squadron, composed of 2 missile frigates, 1 sensor frigate to act as fire control, another baseline frigate as escort and a command cruiser, broke off from the fleet and positioned itself to saturate one of the Invaders’ production planets. The 2 missile frigates opened up their missile boxes and unloaded almost of their arsenal into the planet, banking on sheer swarm tactics to get through anti-missile defense systems.
Another squadron of frigates also advanced forward, this time the 51st Hunter-Killer squadron moved to make the first rounds of attack on the incoming Invader swarm. As they entered combat range, they immediately swerved away, releasing a few EMP missiles and 2 Super Suria plasma bombs. The EMP missiles was merely there to test the Invaders’ EMP resistance, the 500m long plasma torpedoes on the other hand was there as an AOE weapon to engulf large areas of space and break up the Invader’s momentum for a while.
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
The 10 RANGSI warships spread out and patrolled the area, anxious about the Phene clan scout. They were newcomers, and had relatively no idea how to deal with this faction compared to the rest who were here first. If the proverbial shit hit the proverbial fan, they were not sure of how to get out of this one with diplomacy.
Still, unwilling to just give up the monopoles, the hangar bays of the construction ships began to open up, releasing several drones which carried various components. They began assembling a small line of fuel, repair and ammunition depots, a small shipyard that could service one ship for now but could be expanded later. This would be their outpost for the moment.
Aiz System: Old Invaders Territory
"Engaging hostiles."
The simple communication from Sslla seemed almost bored, but the effect it had on his own fleet was anything but. Lasers, despite the extreme range, began to lance out from the Flechette-class ships, the heat being of almost no concern. Guided shells thundered out from the cruiser's spinals and turrets alike, tracking to the peripherals of the enemy swarms, leaving bore ablation in their wake. Missiles lazily drifted away from the hulls of the warships before suddenly bursting into an incomprehensible sprint, signaled by the pure-white flare of open-cycle engines igniting. But most significantly, the Arcelin began the launch sequence on one of its supertorpedoes.
"Adjusting rema flow."
The engines on the "port" side of the ship dimmed just slightly on spectral analysis - The difference being unrecognizable to the naked eye, given the constant thrust.
"Releasing primary braces."
If one was up close to the munition, they would see it shudder - not its armor, not its sensors, not even its weapons bays or primary clamshell. But the entire missile.
"Releasing launch brackets."
The detonation of gargantuan locking bolts went off simultaneously with the injection spray of coolant as the one-kilometer mass began to drift behind its mothership, several times its own length. It drifted and drifted at an ever-growing pace, not firing any engines - other than turning with RCS - to keep up with the acceleration of the destroyer. But then its own incredible power became evident, the engine of the munition, a ship in its own right, blasting it forward and past the Arcelin.
"Target location marked," The weapons officer reported, the datapacket in question promptly being laserlined to the allied fleets - it would release its thousands of nukes to engage a cluster not already being targeted by the RANGSI elements.
Aiz System: Old Invaders Territory
Bright flares of detonations were all over the sensors and even in visual range. The EMP bursts had practically no effect, it seemed that despite the relatively basic nature of their foe even the Old Invaders had EMP resistance. Still, resistance from plasma detonations they did not have. Nearly 200 vessels were engulfed in the RANGSI missile volley, each one vapourised or blown apart in some fashion and yet the huge hole in their formation did not seem to faze the enemy whatsoever.
It was only when the super torpedo hit home did, they begin to move. Concentric rings of submunitions lanced out to explode with the force of miniature suns, each one wiping out a ship or several within moments. The brightness of the impact forced Alheim to polarise his bridge screen for a moment as the sensors kept updating casualty lists. With almost 500 enemy vessels blown away in the first volley they seemed to change tactic, instead of clumping together into heedless bands of ships they spread out, the cloud seeming to elongate as they made it harder for cluster munitions to hit large parts of their formation.
It seemed they did at least have rudimentary processing.
“Alright let’s follow that up, open fire”
The Union contingent followed up with its own barrage, targeting mass drivers and meson lasers at the self-replicating ships. Ironically it was the most measured barrage Carnaith or RANGSI had ever seen, instead of the endless shells pumped out by the Mass Drivers each gun targeted an enemy and fired a precise burst, moving onto the next target and repeating. Even now Alheim didn’t want to waste ammunition.
The missiles targeting the production on the planet struck next, automated interceptors did seem to be in place, shooting down incoming munitions with kinetic shots but it wasn’t enough. Bright glares from the surface indicated impacts, each one obliterating a production region. The enemy were not getting reinforcements at such a rate anymore.
“Good shooting all.”
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
It didn’t take long for a rudimentary facility and collection zone to be constructed at a safe distance from the magnetar, already multiple avenues of safe Monopole collection had been identified by CES and samples collected by the Hastrax had already been brought aboard the RANGSI station to be tested and surveyed. They were the real deal.
Monopoles promised a revolution in computing designs, advanced magnetic sensors, telecommunications, room temperature super conductors and even weaponry. This could be the start of something massive, including a lucrative business for the nations of the Far Reach program.
As the first plans were set up for proper collection two FTL signatures popped into existence a long distance from the group. Both were Phene Clan cruisers, not scout vessels. They seemed to sit there for now, watching the group set up and establish themselves. They did not burn towards them or power weapons… Just… Watch.
Aiz System: Old Invaders Territory
The RANGSI, now knowing EMP has no effect, began adjusting their missile attacks and stopped launching the EMP missiles, focusing instead on conventional nano-thermite explosives with the occasional nuclear shaped charges for larger, more heavily armoured targets.
The RANGSI fleet began to datalink with the Union and Carnaith using older AGA handshake protocols requesting access to their sensor data. With the datalink established, their missile volleys slowed down the pace, the large barrages winding down to more accurate one-by-one fires. Their railguns also began putting down precise shots.
“This is Admiral Yazpola, if you give us covering fire, I can order my fleet to move in and get some more direct attacks on their production centers.”
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
The local Hastraxian commander did a double take when his sensors showed Phene Clan cruisers, only to calm down as they saw they were not advancing. The escorts were ordered to ward them off of the perimeter, but there was not much else they could do with the Phene being so unwavering in their attempted intimidation of the entry point system and now here.
The scientific and industrial concern of this zone was uneasy, but continued trying to collect and study the monopoles safely while the CES were mapping out the deeper routes and the RANGSI made their own initial studies. Many hoped these monopoles would be worth the stress of having to deal with more of the Phene Clan's chicanery.
CES ships scuttled to-and-fro, from the IPD node, the FTL gun, and FTL’ing away all aimed towards a somewhat specific direction. After a few days of this, the activity started to die down, the CES presence within this arrival system resumed to the node and a few ships consistent in their scheduled arrival and departure.
It seemed that their plans of setting up a CES presence within this far away location were finally coming into fruition.
-----------------------------
U0-XX12 Magnetar: Monopole Zone
Whilst neither the drone nor the ship were equipped to map out the inner zones of the Magnetar’s systematic influence, the CES’ scanning routine allowed to exploit its clear mechanics in the exploration of these interior zones by the means of interferometry and well-coordinated yet short drone expeditions into the temporary safe zones. This was a dangerous, yet rewarding maneuver, as the more data was uncovered, the more it contributed to mapping out a complete parametric dataset of the location, allowing nigh endless potential in planning and management of the location, not only by the CES, but by the other factions present. In a mere moment, those associated with the Far Reach Programme had the definite informational upper hand if a conflict with the Phene Clan were to happen.
Unbeknownst to the CES assets present, far away the development of their own industrial complex within the Longe System could coincide tremendously with a joint venture within the Mangnetar, that is, if they were able to secure the area.
-----------------------------
CES “Longe” System
With the optimal routes already planned, the logistical troubles started to dissipate, as ships secure within the predictable calculations used the IPD “Buyois” to guide them along the stars, performing what was practically one single uninterrupted FTL jump, easing the restraints of this early setting up state.
Multiple surveys were conducted at once, probing the composition of the planets, the astrophysical relations amongst the cosmical bodies of the system, furthering little by little the knowledge that the lizard people had upon that lump of matter ever-so-distant from where they originated from. It was a wild thought to some, to be the ones farthest away from home from their species, yet still performing tasks mundane in nature.
Gargantuan monolithic streaks of carbon composites were slowly hauled above the atmosphere of the gas giant, tremendous on its size it dwarfed the man-made structures assembled. The pieces fell into place like an intricate puzzle, yet with each small piece the collective picture of the jigsaw became ever-clearer, and in hindsight, one might realize the beautiful simplicity behind all of the cold-welded joints and interlocking arms of the structure, slotted streaks of magnetic coils interconnecting with hexagonal modules of fusion reactors all assembled in a line, the batteries of an organism too large for any of the operators there to ever grasp in its completeness.
Hastily and surely all of this clockwork started to form the picture of the Longe system, with each module slotted into place, a new home for them was built.
It would be many months until things finally came to a head.
The monopole zone had been secured, three starbases for processing and scientific studying had been set up along with a full series of automated harvesters and observation platforms to ensure the Magnetar did not have any sudden changes. The results were already clear, and no doubt the Monopoles would fetch a high price on the galactic market. At least the Phene had chosen not to contest the operation after all.
Aiz had also been secured. The battle had been long, with the Old Invaders suffering massively because of the sheer superiority of the allied forces. Thousands of their vessels had been destroyed even as their ground-based processing units had been utterly annihilated by Carnaithian Super impactors. Ammunition had gotten perilously low even with all the extra they had brought along, and it had taken over a week to destroy any hidden or remaining vessels, especially given each one could multiply. More than once a small force had been identified originating from a landed ship turning itself into a replication facility. But the system had been saved and the Republic of Inola had moved in to reclaim it. As per their word they had allowed the allies to claim one of the planets, as well as set up scientific study of the Ancerium star. Already the Inolans were beginning to plant several Qanis seeds to grow in the light of the sun once more.
The Phene clan had also been suspiciously quiet, although from intelligence it had not been out of choice. The other side of their space had displayed large indicators of space battles, likely another large push by the Old Invaders, which had worked with the expeditions advantage to keep the much larger nation off their back for a while. Still with the backing of both Ventrissia and Inola the Phene had also kept the antagonistic actions to a minimum, not wishing to lose the support of the other two nations at such a critical moment.
But it was the arrival point which had changed the most. What had once been a loose collection of ships was now a full-blown base of operations, and a home to many. Several large starbase facilities orbited the now complete FTL gun, each one home to tens of thousands of crew and personnel as well as docks for countless ships. The entire system had also been built up, with processing and refining facilities built on the barren worlds nearby and countless sensor, defence and scientific stations posted out to the very edge. The expedition was well set up here now, but the true moment was to come.
The FTL gun was finished.
They could go home again. Project Far Reach had been a success.
Kexele felt elated to hear the count down on the bridge of the very ship she had arrived on. While it had been over a year, she was eager to see how the galaxy had changed. Of course, news updates had arrived and rudimentary lagged communication had been established, but to see it herself would be better.
Surrounded by many of the vessels from the first arrival team all too happy to go home the Cylaurian woman relaxed in her seat as the light of the stars bent around them.
The count down hit zero, and the bubble was launched. The FTL gun system would now be fully operational.