Post by EmperorMyric on Jan 5, 2022 18:19:54 GMT
A kinsman in trouble had to be saved, not blamed; anger against a brother was felt in the flesh, not in the bone.
Amritsar System: Republic of Minsin Space
“They lied to us! Scum! How could they do this to us?” Iblis roared as he turned the onrushing Minsin soldier into a blast of red mist.
Another shot caused him to take cover, the beautiful pearlescent boulevard now punctuated by wave cannon impacts and blood stains. Even in this quarter of the Great Eye which had been spared so much pain and war somehow over the period of the Exodus and the subsequent flight the fighting was fierce, and its grandeur was now tarnished. But not by any heretic or non Eosian, no. This damage was done by their own brethren, betrayed after the hand of peace and help had turned out to be nothing but a trap.
Iblis felt hate towards the Minsin now, he had always been indifferent to the Eosians who had split off from the Consortium early on. Of course he had seen them as heretics but nothing worth fully enough to be wiped out. They had grown of course, turned to a more peaceful path. And for that reason when Iblis had joined the Blinded Way after his rescue, he had seen the help of Minsin as a possibility. The Exemplars had too, but they were a proud people, despite running from the loyalists like Tyrandis they had been too prideful to ask for help from the Republic.
But then, when the Blinded Way had started to take catastrophic failures from under maintained technology, insufficient supplies and low morale Minsin had extended its hand. And just in time too, Tyrandis had been close and the Grand Exemplar had been intent on wiping out the heretics of the Blinded Way along with retaking the Great Eye. But Gravus, the leader of the Blinded Way sect, had taken Minsins helping hand and taken the weary and wounded Eosian rebels to rest in their distant brothers arms. United by the fact that they had both turned from the Consortium Iblis had hoped to find kindred spirits. He had been wrong.
The Minsin Eosians had been strangely alien, and hostile to the Blinded Way, quickly leading to both groups ceasing any sort of intermingling while Minsin engineers aided their equals in repairing and resupplying the Blinded Way fleet, the some 127 ships that still remained within their nomadic fleet. In addition they had shown respect and reverence in helping to restore the Great Eye, the titanic mobile city and super weapon which had existed since the dawn of their civilisation and been the very ark upon which they had travelled to Ancerious. While the Minsin did not practice or respect the Eostine faith anymore, they did respect the Great Eye.
At least, that’s what Iblis had believed until Minsin troops had rushed into the titanic object intent with taking it by force. With a flurry of reports stating that the same had occurred on all the Blinded Way ships. Now Iblis was on the frontline, fighting to defend the Great Eye against the very people who had offered them help.
“We will make them pay in blood” He muttered to himself as he took defensive positions in a small communal eating area with his unit “We always do”
----
Gravus clutched his head as he surveyed the situation. Quite frankly, it was grim.
“38 ships have reported effectively nullifying the Minsin assault including ours and have since broken free of the docks. Another 52 are being contested as we speak and 37 vessels have been captured by the enemy, several of which are being piloted away from the dock and we believe are trying to take them out of system. The situation on the Great Eye is stable for now, but its only a matter of time un-“
“Yes I get the picture, thank you.” Gravus sighed, the command room of the large Corona class vessel being a beautiful matt white and gold, highlighted by the real-time holographic read out that showed the entire Amritsar solar system. They were currently near the main dockyards orbiting the gas giant and its 17 moons the form of the Great Eye being picked out against the Gas giant. That was their focus, the Great Eye was key to the Blinded Ways survival, without it they were doomed, but Minsin knew that and Gravus knew they didn’t have a great deal of time before Minsin both sent in more forces to secure it and also sent their fleet to destroy the Blinded Way ships they had not managed to capture. Gravus himself was covered in blood, the Minsin envoy who had been informing him of ongoing repairs had suddenly and without warning attempted to kill him with an elegant punch dagger. Lucky for Gravus, the Herald had been nearby and her will simply turned the man inside out.
*”They will prioritise the Eye. We should as well. Worst case scenario we should abandon what ships we cannot secure and redirect what we have to the Eye”* The unearthly voice of the young girl who floated across the holotable rung out and made Gravus nod.
“We should also seek outside help” The form of High Exemplar Cyllis stood opposite Gravus and she stared him straight in the eyes “This may be a squabble between brothers but we don’t have the forces here. Minsin hold the upper hand, put out a call for help. Someone will come” Cyllis knew Gravus was a proud man but she had been liason to Capitol for several years, she had learned to put aside her pride and work with other species. Gravus could not deny she was right. He swallowed hard and nodded.
“I will ask for help. Direct what forces you can. Let’s pray someone will hear us”
------
“This is High Exemplar Gravus of the Blinded Way Eosian offshoot, we have sought only shelter and help from the relentless pursuit of Grand Exemplar Tyrandis and his force of loyalists to avoid persecution and death. The Republic of Minsin offered us that help, but we have been betrayed. They are attempting to storm our ships, take our people and capture the Great Eye, it is key to our people’s survival and we will not last without it. We have tried to ask the Minsin people to stop what they are doing, but we have received no reply. I ask any who are willing to help us to do so, we will in exchange offer our services and grant you aspects of our technological knowledge. But be quick, I do not know how long we can hold them. For our future generations of free Eosians Gravus out”
---------
"<<'Fiddy milyun zets, to Ka'libahn.
Lookin' dauwn, da barul ov a gahn.'>>"
a single, large hulk of a ship drifted through the void in a nearby system, escorted by 5 escorts and 5 assault destroyers, a 15 by 10 kilometer mishmash of various parts and ships, taped, bolted, and welded together like a child's toy, the words "The Ski'ajh" in the zetyan language emblazoned on the side and lit up by moody, flickering lights-a freeboot ship, and one of the more locally famous ones at that.
"<<'Gruntin' at eetchuuva'.
Wontin' to discuvva'.
Who'z tha' gitz dat're frum Ka'libaaaahn.'>>"
onboard, the pirate crew went about their lives, doing their tasks, manning weapons or roaming about and 'kicking cans' so to speak(or for the sly ones, both), though half had the joy of refueling the Megafuser at the core of the ship once in a while, as it rocked the hull sometimes with it's barely-contained explosive reactions when it didn't have enough stable matter to use. some, however, took a different route to their duties onboard the Ski'ajh.
the ship was massive enough to have small, somewhat sustainable markets dotted around, usually in or near where the crew slept, and were often used as an excuse to avoid actual ship duties by some of the more business-oriented sailors, citing 'crew morale' or something. mostly, they selled food that tasted better than the mess hall's food or little keepsakes to throw in the trash accidentally 2 days later.
"<<'Firdy milyun zets, awl in Saddy ships.
Killin' any Sads, that gave dem slips.'>>"
the current bridge, located in the center of the ship after the last one got taken off by an asteroid impacting it, was currently alive with mirth and song; the helmsmen there were in the throes of the captain's favorite sea shanty-one he wrote himself after listening to another freeboot captain's shanty. said captain was named Lkoj'ir, a former clanlord of Clan Kho'thar that left after his boss gave him a bit too raw of a raiding deal. (edited)
"<<'Yellin' at eetchuuva'.
Wontin' to discuvva'.
'Ow ta' get ta' Ka'libaaaaahn.'>>"
"<<Oi, Sh'hahg! Geht da radio fink up'n'goin', oi fink we'sh in a good plashe fer' schteelin' finksh!>>" his nickname was also Schpitta', due to a hereditary lisp, probable undiagnosed brain injury(thought this was more of a rumor than anything) and talking style gained over years of experience in pirating
"<<Aye aye, sir.>>" was C'hag's one-size-fits-all response to the captain, and he turned on the ship's 'local broadcast ensnarer'; a device also created by the captain and his engineers after they saw another freeboot ship using one to find a cargo convoy. he laid back, expecting this to be another dead zone after the last six or so, when suddenly the Eosian distress call was filtered through their systems, read by a shaky TTS voice as it struggled to pronounce words in a language it had no knowledge of
"<<...oi. Oi, whushh da fink shayin?!>>" the captain said, at outdoor volume, to which the general response was 'why you askin' us? we dunno!', which invigorated the captain even more than the shanty did
"<<Ish dat so, naow? Hur hur, oi fink wesh got a big'un 'ere, boysh!>>" he said, then turned to the current designated system-finder, and raised his arms in dramatic fashion
"<<SHHHYSTEM FOINDA'! LETSH FOIND DAT SHHYSTEM!>>"
"<<...y-yeah. findin' it. gimme a min', luv.>>" she replied, and soon set to work triangulating the source of the distress call, while the rest of the crew present returned to the shanty, definitely more invigorated than before
"<<'Firdy milyun zets, on Ka'libahn!
Facin' dauwn, da barul ov a gahn!>>"
the system finder soon found the origin system, and silently sent the coordinates to the terminals of the sensors managers, the captain's helm, and the fracture drive drones stored on the ship respectively, as the intercommsman prepared to order launch of a drone
"<<'Skreemin' at eetchuuva'!
Wontin' to discuvva'!
Oo'z da nob dat leeds Ka'libaaaaahn!'>>"
"<<ALL 'ANDSH, PREPARE TA' BRASHE! WESH GONNA' JUMP SEWN ENUFF!>>" the captain screamed into his personal intercomm, connected to a sort of hackney'd set of radio announcers dotted all around the ship that used to be(and in a way, still were) ship alarms, adopted after complaints that sending message deliverers to run around the ship was causing death by exhaustion
the intercommsman sent the order, and a single drone flew into the void 30 seconds later, launched like a missile and keyed open to somewhere on the border of the Eosian system
"<<'Wun lone Sad left ta' hoide 'n sneek!
Wishin' it 'adn't been so!'>>"
a signal reached the drone once it reached a certain point in the distance in front of the Ski'ajh, and it began to warm up the bastardized alcubierre drive as the shanty reached it's peak on the bridge
"<<'Whisp'rin' to isself
"Where'z da bloodi saafe"!
On da zetty wurld ov Ka-li-baaaaaaaahn!'>>"
just as they finished it, so to did the fracture drives on the drone activate, and a sizeable 'hole' replaced the unfortunate hunk of metal, as reality itself seemed to constrict it, then bisect it as a sort of starry, morphing corridor emerged, light from their destination's home star faintly visible at the end of the corridor
the formation of the temporary spacetime anomaly sent an ever familiar wave through the ship, which reached the bridge only a second after the last verse, causing great mirth and excitement
"<<Oho! Haha! Dish ish why oi luv yew lot! Yewz proppa zetties, you is! Hahahahaaa!>>" said Lkoj'ir, a temporary euphoria washing over him, it only felt half as good as killing someone, but it was nice while it lasted
"<<Hahaha...hehe...
...er, where wush oi... Oh. Oh yeh. ALL 'ANDSH, FULL SHPEED!!>>"
and with that order, the Ski'ajh's engines roared to life, and it soon disappeared within the corridor, warping directly towards [insert system name here] with laughter and bloodlust within it's gut
Nalydian Empire, Chor Reknu
The lazy shadows of distant freighters skip across the water's surface. Animated by the leaden-passage of myriad boats through the joyful sun's gaze - and the pleasant shifting of waves upon the surf - they dance against the watchful eye of Naglyt Iqla, diminutive though they may be, while he - with a steady hand - guides his shuttle to a berth. Here we are, he hums to himself, here we are.
He looks over the console as the machine comes to a rest. It settles well, but is dwarfed by the towering piers built into the inner city walls. Thus satisfied, he considers to himself: It's all in order. Good. He stands from his seat and makes his way out into the wind where the chattering breeze tugs upon his shoulder cape. And as he steps forth, a Pord in layered robes greets him, her own garb similarly rustled by the seaward draft.
nam-Iqla, she bows, then, reaches for a pipe. You've made good time. Her inquisitive tone does not go unnoticed.
Tasi, tasi, Iqla returns the bow, I think I have. The northerly gust brings salt from the waters beyond the city limits, and he turns into this biting breeze along with his companion who lights her pipe and blows rings out towards the sky. Have you gathered the investigatory team I requested? He furrows his brow with the question and considers going on but resists the temptation.
The robed Pord inhales audibly; a few flakes of snow crunch as she walks. I've spoken with a few people, but you know it'd be easier with more detail, she explains.
Iqla smiles as he tucks his arms behind his back. The wind feels nice; it isn't too cold. I suppose this is true, he agrees. And we do have that information now. We weren't sure how to proceed initially.
And you are now? the robed Pord raises an eyebrow. Previously, she'd gotten little more than a few words on the matter out of Iqla. The notion prompts her to stop and turn towards him - Iqla, silhouetted against the sea, who merely nods.
I'm not asking you for a massive force, he goes on. I will send you my overall proposal here shortly. I'd rather not elaborate here, but suffice to say this is a situation related to Eos.
The two begin to walk once more, and dabble into minor details concerning Minsin and the Blinded Way, and soon come upon a vessel floating along a pier. It is far larger than Iqla's shuttle, but not quite as large as many of the other ships in the area. They agree here is where they part ways - but not before Iqla hands the robed Pord a datasphere. We will keep you updated, he says with a bow.
The robed Pord returns the gesture. Namengrazhniskaya, she says back to him with a long drag from her pipe.
It does not take long for Iqla to board the vessel, the Tylaq Balnook type runner R-1259. It rolls gently with the meager tide (a lolling that, in all honesty, is nearly undetectable) and he quickly steps through the corridors of the craft up to his command deck.
Here the hologram of the runner's captain flickers about anxiously. Already on the bridge further towards the bow, his urge to weigh anchors has nearly consumed him. He sees Iqla's arrival and then begins to point and speak with others Iqla and those of the command room staff cannot see. Moments later, the vessel begins to ascend and make course for the distant orbitals.
But in the command room, Iqla stands behind his console, eyeing the holograms of the gathered. He asks them: Are your ships in order?
The two formation commanders present nod. When you gave us this timetable I didn't actually think you were serious, the bearded cruiser-leader smiles. A slight tinge of irritation duels against the edges of his grin, but - for the most part - are kept unseen.
Tasi, Iqla nods. Their course comes upon a heading for Amritsar, and he takes the opportunity to sit. I'd like to investigate this matter before it disappears.
With a shrug, the cruiser-leader turns to his own command staff. It won't be over that quickly, he mumbles to himself while his ship, and the others of his charge, join the R-1259 on a heading that will take them to Amritsar.
Spire of Laenas,
Shimmering Veil
Lanelei was excited, and also somewhat curious. He had been performing his usual devotions at the Grand Temple, and had just finished with Services when a courier had arrived from the Spire of Laenas. Blessed Laenas Herself had sent for him. He told the courier to say that he would be along promptly, and got himself ready. Now he approached the doors to Laenas' Hall of Audiences. The two guards looked him over briefly, then opened the door and allowed him to pass. He knew if they took umbrage to him he would be dead before he could even speak. Laenas' personal guard were trained by her elder brother Laranis, and shared some of his preternatural speed.
Once inside he reverently approached Laenas' dais where s(he) stood, Bowing he spoke softly "How may I do the Anais' Will, Blessed Laenas?" Laenas smiled, then made a gesture to her right with her chin "Why not ask them?" With a puzzled look Lanelei turned to the right--and Beheld the essence form of El'Neth-L'Eral, standing so close Lanelei was almost inside the Twin's Aura.
Immediately genuflecting, Lanelei said in a deeply reverent tone. "How may I assist you, All-Highest?" El'Neth-L'Eral looked at him for a second. then "spoke" to him, her unearthly voice resonating the fabric of space with a sound like a heavenly choir-a choir of two.
"Rise my servant. A matter has come up regarding an affair that I believe you are eminently suited to handle. I have followed your career closely and you have impressed me with your competence, faith, and wisdom. You will need all three to succeed in this task, for it is rather....unusual. We have received a transmission originating on the Great Eye, I can tell by your facial expression you recognize the name. Few in the Church would not."
"There is apparently a schism of sorts taking place within Eos' faithful. This is likely brought on in part by Eos' setting the Eosian worlds on fire... Now while that stirred certain sympathies-I can't deny I like his style, it is not the best way to show one's concern for one's worshippers..."
"The Eosian Schismatics have seized control of the Great Eye. The fate of the Grand Exemplar is currently unknown, he was believed to be aboard when the Consortium got torched. Regardless, the Schismatics are apparently under attack by a group called the Republic of Minsin, themselves an Eosian offshoot."
El'Neth paused, which was generally in the Song of the Void's etiquette an invitation for the listeners to speak. "All-Highest, this is sounding like an internal schismatic conflict between two groups of Heretics, What business do we have considering intervention. I mean yes it would be a great coup--and offering to You, if we could show them the Light you shine upon us,,," he stopped for a moment then continued "Though it would also be good to emphasize helping them and making sure the Great Eye stays in the hands of those who view us in a favorable light. Then with time they can come to us if they are willing. They have certainly passed their Test of Fire,"
El'Neth-L'Eral smiled, her facial contours somehow visible inside the roaring storm of black and purple quantum flame surrounding her. "Your wisdom shows here Lanelei. There could be High Priesthood in this for you if you are successful. I will send with you one of our newly commissioned Phoenix Ships." Seeing Lanelei's eyes light up s(he) laughed softly and said "Try not to set too many fires, unless of course you need to. Triad Leader Lithral will be in charge of military matters. He will assemble a force suitable for this mission. You will be in overall command however. All policy decisions that are not direct tactical matters will be your responsibility. Great things will be in your future if you succeed. If not well... Go with Our Blessing, Lanelei."
Space shimmered around him as El'Neth-L'Eral phased out, returning to the Home Continuum or the Xaeleth. Laenas said "You have a great opportunity here Priest Lanelei. Don't fail them." Lanelei nodded. "I know, it's better to be the torch then the torched." And bowed to her, leaving when she nodded and looked away from him, indicating the audience was at a close.
Phoenix Ship SVS Tasim's Flame
The Void Between Universes
Lanelei sat in the Fleet Leader's chair in the ship's CIC. I could get used to this he thought, and then played back the Eosian broadcast that had started this mission on it's path.
“This is High Exemplar Gravus of the Blinded Way Eosian offshoot, we have sought only shelter and help from the relentless pursuit of Grand Exemplar Tyrandis and his force of loyalists to avoid persecution and death. The Republic of Minsin offered us that help, but we have been betrayed. They are attempting to storm our ships, take our people and capture the Great Eye, it is key to our people’s survival and we will not last without it. We have tried to ask the Minsin people to stop what they are doing, but we have received no reply. I ask any who are willing to help us to do so, we will in exchange offer our services and grant you aspects of our technological knowledge. But be quick, I do not know how long we can hold them. For our future generations of free Eosians Gravus out”
He thought for a moment trying to consider the level of cataclysm and dissonance that had brought Gravus and his followers to this point, Even his mind could barely conceive of that level of apocalyptic shock.
Still, as a Singer and a Priest of the Song he understood on a spiritual level.
"Revered One, we are ready to phase in to the Amritsar System. All ships are at full alert. We will be emerging in the outer system as per standard operational procedures." Triad Leader Lithal informed him over Intership PTP from SVS Inquisitor.
"As the Anais Twins have Commanded, Let it be Done." Lanelei said, and then the small squadron phased into the outer reaches of the Amritsar system, shimmering in like apparitions into realspace, Lanelei activated the ship's comm suite, and sent a transmission to the Great Eye. Even at this range it shone like a beacon on the Flame's Multispectral Sensors.
"Grand Exemplar Gravus, this is Priest Lanelei of the Anais Unity. We have come in answer to your call for assistance. Can you inform us about the current tactical and operational situation? We stand ready to render assistance to you and your people."
Battlestation Talos, Order of Hastrax Space
Archon Therin of Battlestation Talos sat listening to the message again as he awaited the force commander to arrive. Nearby, and one that sounded sincerely desperate. "Commander." He addressed the individual who had just walked in. "I am aware we normally make a point of keeping away from wars of faith. This one that I am ordering you to engage is one of betrayal, for those who are already on the run. Time is of the essence so I shall keep this short. Take your task force of 30 ships, and assist those in need of our aid."
Commander Wiras didn't need the explanation. It was obvious these people were very much being kicked while they were down and they needed aid. He selected his ships from what Talos had made available. It concerned him from reading what information was available on the Ancnet that they were very much fighting an uphill battle technologically, but then again better to die a hero than wither away in a bed, he tried to reassure himself. And so, a force comprising the OOHS 'Thunderer', other destroyers, escorts and a troop transport prepared to set out, with the Commander addressing his crews. We may be outmatched in the battle we are about to enter, and we may die. If we do, we will be immortalised as heroes, and if we do not, we will be presented with medals. Whatever the outcome, the Order will be proud of you all and remember this event in its history. With the last word spoken, the task force engaged FTL and anxiously contemplated what they would find at the other end.
OOHS 'Thunderer', Amritsar System, Republic of Minsin Space
The forms of 30 Hastraxian ships started appearing on sensors as they steeled themselves for combat and readied all systems for operation. With a flash, they were on the edge of the enemy interdiction zones, with their own spooling up for readiness. High Exemplar Gravus. We are here to aid you against those who will not even permit the struggling a fair fight. We ask only that you communicate where we are best to direct our efforts. None among our Order will let your freedom be extinguished so mercilessly without a fight. Commander Wiras was not waiting for a response, as they headed toward the Great Eye, it being the most important piece in the battle by size alone.
Of course, the Commander knew it would be a hopeless battle alone, and he was only too glad for other allies to the cause were already arriving. If they could not outmatch the technology of their opponents, at least they had an advantage in numbers. Hopefully they might even draw attention away from his ships, and allow them to pass more easily. If not, he might at least be drawing attention away from them so that they could contribute more effectively. Whatever the situation, it was not going to be an easy one, as he watched sensor feeds for signs of enemy fire that might already be about to come their way.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Another wave grenade detonated further ahead turning several of his men into paste, Iblis immediately turned around, blasting two Minsin troopers apart in return as he took a step behind the doorway. The outer wards were taken, the enemies numbers had eclipsed the troopers which Iblis had at his disposal and unlike most enemies they had fought the Minsin were like Iblis, they knew Eosian tactics, weapons and capabilities. They had once walked these streets and corridors too, and now they used it against them.
“Exemplar, reinforcements have been confirmed to be on their way, Gravus indicates that he is also sending whatever he can spare to this section but everything is in chaos” Iblis second in command informed him over the internal coms. His lips tightened at the thought of having to work alongside non Eosians to rescue their own people but then the High Exemplar had pitched it clearly, there was no other way. Even with the troops that Iblis had under his command he could not defend the entire Great Eye, even with the troops from the attendant fleet he could not either. Despite the high influx of Blinded Way civilians who had joined the fray they just didn’t have the manpower, and anyway they went it would be a crippling blow, loose the Eye or the fleet. Or lose both if they were too spread out.
“How has it come to this…” He muttered, he offered a prayer briefly to Eos, an ironic thing to do given the state his people were in but it was all they had. Their faith may have been a lie, but it was still faith and that could overcome any odds.
“Keep firing, defend this chokepoint at all costs, help is on the way”
-----
“High Exemplar we have confirmed reports of arrivals in system, Order of Hastrax, Alabaster Empire, one unknown and… The Singers of the Void my lord…” The disbelief of the bridge attendant was palpable. Gravus himself seemed to look surprised before the Herald began to speak.
”The call for aid was the right one Cyllis, I recommend we immediately give them all tactical intelligence we have. Hide nothing from them, we do not wish for more to turn against us at the end” Gravus and Cyllis bowed to the young girl who floated blindfolded and chained to the deck.
“Yes of course.” Gravus immediately activated the coms system again “This is the High Exemplar, I thank you for your assistance. We currently have 38 warships operational and under our control, another 52 are being contested in the docks at this location, we need additional infantry on board to push the Minsinise back, another 37 ships are currently being escorted out of the system here, and are fully under Minsin control. Finally the Great Eye itself is under urgent need of reinforcement, beware the Minsin space forces in this system may be few but they are extremely capable and are a large threat. Exercise extreme caution in combat with them, but because they are few with any luck you can duck in and reinforce us. The Minsin government has severed any diplomatic communication with us, but I am sure they will likely contact you. I pray you will stay your course to help us” he sighed afterwards.
“I never thought our fate would be in the hands of-“
“Heretics? Im sorry Gravus, we are also such now.” Cyllis cut him off with smile. Gravus grimaced.
“Force of habit. Tell our remaining ships to stay in position, with any luck we can use them to keep the Minsin ships off our new arrivals in time”
-----
The Amritsar system was actually very nice in layout, a fantastic almost paradise of a world known as Tiu was well inhabited and orbited in the systems goldilocks zone, two ice worlds both dotted with science stations were located further out while a large hot gas giant orbited close to the star. But it was around the huge super gas giant and more akin to a brown dwarf known as ‘Zin’ that the entire spectacle was underway.
Huge orbital docks floated in the space around Zin, bored into its many moons or left to free orbit, the Blinded Way ships floated in the docks there, the corridors inside them full of conflict. But it was the Great Eye which was visible the most, the huge battlestation/spaceborne city inactive and its immense destructive weapons offline, signs of damage could be seen across the Blinded Way units, not from the Minsin but from the years of running from the Consortium proper. Still the small Eosian fleet under Gravus kept close to the Great Eye while the ships which Minsin had already taken were indeed being led away from the system.
And yet the Minsin forces only had 7 ships in system. 7. That was all.
But with the sensor scans came realisation, a rebuilt Axiomatic blinker was currently accelerating towards the shipyards with two vessels based on the legendary Z1 in tow. 5 other Z1 class ships also were laid about the system, two above Tiu, one near Zin and the other escorting the Blinded Way ships away. Thankfully none of these other Z class seemed to have the immense Nachtiline arrays of the super weapon version seen during the 2nd Ancerious war, but their other capabilities were known at least somewhat. Each of the ships here were extremely advanced, powerful and dangerous. Minsin had not skimped on defense.
The Pordish arrival was uneventful, save for the contrasting nature and FTL suites of the runners and cruisers, a force that - in totality - was no more than half a dozen strong. As they drifted in the shadow of the system's star, with all their defensive systems raised - but a pace or two from the world of Xe - they received an incoming transmission:
"This is the High Exemplar, I thank you for your assistance. We currently have 38 warships operational and under our control, another 52 are being contested in the docks at this location, we need additional infantry on board to push the Minsinise back, another 37 ships are currently being escorted out of the system here, and are fully under Minsin control. Finally the Great Eye itself is under urgent need of reinforcement, beware the Minsin space forces in this system may be few but they are extremely capable and are a large threat. Exercise extreme caution in combat with them, but because they are few with any luck you can duck in and reinforce us. The Minsin government has severed any diplomatic communication with us, but I am sure they will likely contact you. I pray you will stay your course to help us."
But what to reply to them? The desolation, Naglyt Iqla eyes the desolation and confusion on display around and on the myriad worlds and orbitals of the system. It really does appear to be urgent, in every sense of the word. Maybe we should've secured those transports before coming, he admits unhappily to himself. Comms, he says while turning to the officer in question, open a line between us and the High Exemplar.
The communications officer is swift; Tasinehdao, he says.
High Exemplar Gravus, this is Naglyt Iqla, brigade commander of the High Hunter's Navy, but more importantly a Representative of the Three. We are here to assist. He stops for a moment to think on the matter. As per the tactical data received, things in the system are very interesting, and there are plenty of strange contacts noted by the various domain and metaphasic sensor suites on the handful of ship under him. Quite a few other ships seem to be present from a few other polities; the call for aid no doubt was heard by many. We will see what we can do about providing ground support, he continues on to Gravus then cuts the line.
How do you wish to proceed? the tactical officer asks.
Iqla looks over to the sensory officer and then back to the communications officer. The Singers and Hastrax are here as well, he says. Comms, bring them up.
There is another affirmation as the links are established. Moments later, Iqla: We appear to be here for the same reason, he explains, it may be best if we coordinate, so that we don't stumble over one another. There seems to be a Minsin ship sprinting towards the Eye - we aren't currently in a position to intercept it, but we will do what we can to clear a path for us to move ground forces in.
Turning to Batyl Halchaaq, the commander leading Iqla's three runners, he says: Have R-1212 and R-780 cloak and shadow the cruisers, and then - turning to the bearded cruiser-leader - Start rotating your ships around towards Zin. Let's see what they want to do.
The void is silent as the Pords move out from the shadow of Amritsar's star in execution of Iqla's orders...
Wiras immediately took note of the successive comms messages. With them having entered a battle-in-progress he had made it clear any comms from other parties held high priority. It was imperative to secure intelligence and cooperation early. We will do our best to assist you, High Exemplar Gravus. We appreciate the warning about our mutual enemy. The response to the first communication barely having been sent before a second came, this time from another assisting party. The Commander made sure to be quick to respond to that one as well: Judging by the capabilities of the enemy, I think we might also struggle to make an intercept without seriously exposing ourselves either. Defending the eye must be our main priority. With the enemy so few in number, however, it may be possible that we can distract them or draw them off, and force them to choose where they will deploy - even despite their technological advantage I doubt they can be in two places at once. If you can distract them and clear a path, we can attempt an insertion to the eye, both landing troops on it and providing fire from the opposite direction on any enemy that you engage. Once we are free of our transport, we will have more freedom to move. Do any other allied forces have a plan of action we can coordinate by?
Wiras did not wish to rush in, but he ensured that his ships had their strike craft ready to deploy, and made sure SFRSs were running across his own formation. Following the Pordish movements, the Hastraxian formation moved to take the most advantage they could from their temporary allies, making sure they positioned well to make a run for the eye if needed, by making sure they did not overcommit should the plans change. Hopefully, the Minsin would be preoccupied with the Eosians until the various arriving forces made themselves a significant threat
a few minutes or so after their jump into Amritsar, the sensors finally came back online on the bridge of the Ski'ajh, and the good captain meticulously analyzed his screen, a blank stare slowly turning into a confused grimace as he eyed each of the things being read in the system. his keen eye had seen quite a few ships in his lifetime, destroyed quite a bit too-but nothing like this.
he turned towards the sensors section of the bridge, and said what was on his mind. "<<...'oo'sh deshe fuckin' guys?>>"
"<<I-i dunno, sir, they're... uh... they're something, though.>>"
"<<Wot?! 'At meansh nuffin' ter me! Whodda they look loik?! Oi wonna shee 'oo finksh they can schteel wotsh moine!>>"
"<<Mate, we don't know what we're stealing.>>" said his system finder.
"<<Shaddup, oi know 'at.>>"
a few clacking of keyboards later, and visuals were brought up on the bridge screen; due to the cams being outdated models they could only zoom in so far, but just enough to make out the faint outlines of the other stuff within their general view; mostly the Eye, the Blinker and friends, some ships from the other fleets, and the planets.
"<<...wotsh da shpindly fink?>>" Lkoj'ir asked, his attention was now fixated on the odd shape of the Blinker- the Eye might've been his fixation, if it didn't look like a prissy resort that some rich git would spend his last days in.
"<<I dunno, sir.>>" was the reply of the entire sensors board, in unison. they gave each other stink-eyes afterwards
"<<Argh! Oi don't loik not knowin'! Wesh foindin' out ourshelvesh, den. All 'andsh, full shpe->>"
the eosian transmission cuts him off as he gives his order, the garbled nonsense from before replaced with something actually coherent; the last transmission's translation packets had finally found their way through the Ski'ajh's convoluted computer systems.
“This is the High Exemplar, I thank you for your assistance. We currently have 38 warships operational and under our control, another 52 are being contested in the docks at this location, we need additional infantry on board to push the Minsinise back, another 37 ships are currently being escorted out of the system here, and are fully under Minsin control. Finally the Great Eye itself is under urgent need of reinforcement, beware the Minsin space forces in this system may be few but they are extremely capable and are a large threat. Exercise extreme caution in combat with them, but because they are few with any luck you can duck in and reinforce us. The Minsin government has severed any diplomatic communication with us, but I am sure they will likely contact you. I pray you will stay your course to help us."
"<<...wot??>>"
the bridge was now alive with confusion and questions. who was this rando? what the hell's a minsin? what's a 'great eye'?
this continued until the captain finally managed to shut them all up with a decisive few pistol shots into the ceiling.
"<<Shaddup 'n let me shpeek!
...roight. Oi dunno 'oo dish git ish. Oi dunno wot 'esh gabbin' about. But oi know exactly wot oi dew when da git whosh gabbin' ain't makin no shense. Y'know wot dat ish?...
silence
...nunna yew lot rememba'? really?...
murmured no's and not really's
...hrrrrm. Oi ignore dem. Yew lot know dish. Now, oi'll tell ya what oi'm gonna do. Oi'm gonna dishregard dat git, and 'unt me a shpindly ship. Yew wif' me on 'at?!>>"
this gets met with agreement throughout the actually-kinda-spacious bridge, the slight echo on the captain's quick speech probably helped but this was likely due to there not really being anything else to do besides go hunting.
"<<Hahaa! Oi knew yew lot would love 'at! Now, oi'll shay dish wun again-Awl 'andsh, FULL SHPEED!>>"
the orders given and received, the engines on the back went up in a flurry of colors, exhaust and other nonsense, and the hulk and it's 10 escorts began to turn towards it's newfound prey. they may die trying, but by gum they would try.
the shanty resumed once more.
Lanelei sat rather comfortably in the Fleet Leader's chair in the CIC of Tasim’s Flame. He ;listened to the Pordish communication and said to the Com/Scan officer “Link us with STS.” a short time later his neural display lit up signaling that the link was active. “Naglyt IqIa, this is Reverend Lanelei, operation commander of the Anais Unity’s forces. I concur with you with regards to coordination of our forces. We are preparing to deal with the approaching Minsin vessel.”
Turning to the image of Triad Leader Lithal on a display, Lanelei said “I’m still kind of new at this, my instincts are to torch them like a barbequed steak but… I will be launching Shards and activating my Chirality Inverters in defensive mode. I’m going to arm the PDSG but will not fire until we have a better solution. Unfortunately will be a non-gate firing. Sometimes I hate interdiction.”
Lithal’s image laughed. "As do we all. Battlecrystals should assume a standard Inverse Triad formation with you, my ship and the transport will take station inside the triad formation to get full coverage from stabilizers and your Inverters.”
The ships quickly assumed formation, synchronizing their stabilizer fields as the ship’s Phoenix weapon lowered from the hull and started rotating, a bright ball of Primordium starting to form outside the muzzle as the light blue rings of energy started radiating out forward in preparation for firing.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Iblis ducked the phase blade as it passed overhead, the strangely transparent blade slicing straight through the wall behind him effortlessly. He grunted and stabbed his own punch dagger into the man’s side, finding an opening the segmented dark plates for which the Minsin soldier wore, there was a gush of blood and the Minsin marine merely grabbed hold of Iblis in his dying moments with anger in his eyes. Iblis couldn’t see through the man’s Triarch built Generation White TX-88 armour helmet but he knew anger, he could feel it from the man. He resented the fact he was fighting technically his own people that were using hybrid gear. The green nerve network covering the Triarch armour giving the soldiers a strange appearance as they made their strikes, no ordinary armour either, clearly some kind of limited production variant.
Iblis barely had enough time to steady himself when three projectiles impacted the wall and exploded next to him throwing him clear. The seeker rounds made him angry the most, fired from a backpack mount it was a cowardly weapon and against everything he had been taught in combat. Picking himself up he threw himself into cover as another spray of fire from an SMG impacted the area, the chokepoint was holding just but he was down most of his men and the civilians who had been armed with them had died. He stared at one of their bodies and felt only sadness.
Shouting and power armour servos filled his hearing as he jumped up from the cover and fired his weapon, the gravity bubble blasting one Minsin trooper apart, and clipping another to tear half his body off despite the armour. In quick succession a seeker round then impacted his body centre mass, the beautiful white armour which was now covered in blood and dirt blew open punching a hole straight through his left chest and causing him to roar in pain. Ears ringing Iblis went down, gasping for air and with a collapsed lung he cried out in pain, the chokepoint was lost he had to withdraw again.
-----
“It seems the Singers and Kingdom are going to attempt to intercept their incoming reinforcements that unannounced party also seems to be making a charge against the Blinker. If they can tie it up then it will give us a chance” Gravus nodded to himself.
“Tell Exemplar Neris to take his remaining ships and engage the Z1 class around the gas giant. Lets give Hastrax an opening to reinforce us” Cyllis then pointed out, Gravus agreeing, relaying the commands.
“Another contested ship has been claimed by us, the Illitup it is currently attempting to leave dock” Gravus smiled as he watched the symbol flip to golden, a bit more hope it seemed.
The small Eosian contingent of vessels which orbited close to the gas giant of Zin were in a strange duality of a situation. The ships themselves were in top condition, refitted and reformed by the best Minsin and the Blinded Way had to offer, refuelled as well and ready for action they were as good as brand new. In fact all the Blinded Way ships had been lovingly restored before this betrayal, but on the flip side of the coin the crews aboard them were much reduced. The sudden assault had killed many crew and civilian workers alike and put them into a situation where each ship was below the recommended crew complement, it would reduce their effectiveness but they would fight all the same. Slowly accelerating the fleet began to move out, directed at the Minsin Z1 class that now was slowly moving towards Zin, the aim to engage it and destroy it so Hastrax could move in and reinforce.
----
The Minsin fleet, now well aware of the outsider influence began to react accordingly. The Z1 class near Zin began to attempt to swoop in towards the shipyards while the Blinker and two escorts continued to accelerate towards the yards to assist in the taking of the Great Eye. The two vessels orbiting the paradise world of Tiu also began to move out, although their destination was not apparent yet. The only one remaining unchanged was the escorting vessel, still aiming to move the captured Eos ships out of system.
Still as the factions began to move in to help the Eosians a wideband transmission was sent across the system. It appeared Minsin wanted to talk.
“Arrivals in the Amritsar system, I welcome you to the Republic of Minsin. My name is Ancarion Exil, Interior Minister. I can’t but help but notice your hostile intentions to our forces currently carrying out an operation of the upmost importance. I would like to kindly request you cease hostile actions and work with me to find a peaceful diplomatic resolution, no doubt the Eosians have told you much but not the whole picture. Please I ask only for your assistance with this matter” The women smiled like a textbook politician, but she seemed genuine. The line kept open for anyone to reply on.
A rhythmic clattering of fingers upon console betrays Iqla's slouched demeanour. His eyes follow the signatures of the swift Z-classes and their accompanying Blinker as they zoom towards the Eye, eager as they seem to be to close in to that sector of the front, then he traces a line down to the world of Tiu and the stirring boats there.
Good, the others are moving with us, he says as he arrests his hand. His attention has turned to the replies from the Singers and Hastrax.
Will you maintain these vectors? the tactical officer questions.
Iqla shrugs. We'll engage when ready. Those are some swift ships.
The tactical officers nods, but before he can continue, the communications officer interjects: Encrypted message from your investigatory team. They'll be arriving momentarily.
Very well, Iqla says, then turns to the tactical officer, I don't want us drifting into that interdiction field until they've grouped up with us. He turns back to the communications officer who speaks yet again:
Another communique is coming through. Bringing it up now:
"Arrivals in the Amritsar system, I welcome you to the Republic of Minsin [...] Please I ask only for your assistance with this matter."
Iqla raises an eyebrow. He can't fault the Interior Minister for reaching out to him and the other parties present. With luck, perhaps cooler heads can prevail. But looking over the tactical data gathered thus far... The prospects do not afford him the luxury of lowering his brow. He waves towards the communications officer who establishes a secure line so a reply can be made to the Minsin:
Interior Minister Exil, this is Naglyt Iqla, he begins, the rather bland expression draped across his face serving as a truly Pordish contrast to the smile of the Minsin woman, of the Pordish navy. We are open to finding a diplomatic solution to this situation. But - his gaze shifts to the displays once more and the unfolding battle at Zin, then to the seized ships being escorted out of the system - such a discussion will be better had during a ceasefire, he explains. Perhaps one can be arranged?
Meanwhile, the freeboot fleet was accelerating towards the Blinker, at a fairly decent pace due to the captain insisting they don't cut the throttle-not because of the speed that was displayed and noted by multiple bridge ops, but because he just wanted to get there faster. The overcharged mass of various engines at the back of the Ski'ajh provided enough thrust to make it somewhat difficult for it's escorts to keep up-then again, it also dwarfed half of them and easily outsized the other half). They thusly made a ring formation and lagged behind. Better to conserve fuel now and waste it all later.
--------------------------------------------------------
On the bridge, the shanty had concluded a little while back, replaced with a different one that boiled down to calling anyone who fell under the banner of a clan a bootlicking coward. A surprising amount of improvisation on part of the bridge crew kept it going, and thusly kept spirits up while they were en route. The Minsinese broadcast, unfortunately, served as an effective moodkiller, interrupting during the middle of everyone roasting Clan K'lve like meat on a hog roast and blaring loud enough to prevent anyone from speaking over it.
“Arrivals in the Amritsar system, I welcome you to the Republic of Minsin. My name is Ancarion Exil, Interior Minister... [etc. etc. etc.] ...I would like to kindly request you cease hostile actions and work with m-"
"<<Shuddahp!>>" boomed the now irritated captain, as he shut off the broadcast via a button he had hardwired on a pedestal near him "<<'Esh worsh dan 'at... er, 'Eggshemplar' git! Voish loik a tin cahn, shwear oi could...>>" He stopped mid sentence-the commotion in the room had degraded to murmurs and disgruntled silence. This caused him to loosen up, and start thinking of ways to get everyone back into the swing of things. He was a psychopathic murderhobo, but he was also genuine bros with a lot of his crew. Not nice seeing them down in the dumps.
Then, someone spoke up. A newboot, ever cocky, read the contents of his mind aloud to the captain, and really everyone in the room.
"<<Lemme give a piece of my mind to her, cap'n!>>"
Then another asked the same, then another, and another, and soon the entire bridge was begging to shit-talk the Minister. Lkoj'ir couldn't help but crack a grin at their fervor.
"<<Alroight. Yeh. Yeh! Oi, guy 'oo ashked, c'mon up!>>" the bridge was now back to it's usual merry self as the FNG marched eagerly up to the standing area, handed a mic while the comms team set the broadcast to be directed towards the Minsin ships.
All he needed were 4 words-
"<<Do yer' fink, lad.>>"
the radio broadcast was sent out from the Ski'ajh, a vulgar rant from someone who, from initial impressions, had anger issues.
"You're shriller than my wife in heat, yer name sounds like somethin' i'd take for the bug, and whatever the republic of 'minsin' is, it sounds like a dumb sorefoot name and you're even dumber for not thinkin' it's a dumb name! I'd sooner cozy up with the rockrats than talk to bootlickin' moodkillers like you, and I think that i'm not the only one who thinks that! Fuck you, and fuck off!"
Another broadcast followed it a short while after, oddly enough directed at both the other ships that warped in and the Great Eye. A different voice spoke, a short and simple sentence.
"Da shpindly finksh moine."
After that, silence. The fleet continued on it's way.
Wiras was rather perplexed by the minsin communique, not by what it said but because of the implications. It was not as clear cut as it had first seemed and now it seemed obvious that either the Minsinese or the Blinded Way had lied. The offer of a peaceful solution seemed like a good idea, and that dictated the response: “Interior Minister, we do believe a peaceful solution - rather, one that reduces further shedding of blood - is worthwhile. Though we cannot speak for everyone, a temporary ceasing of operations while we talk this out should be of less hindrance to everyone achieving their goals than us all trying to fight each other to a standstill. We feel that you interpreting us as hostile may be a misrepresentation of the peacekeeping forces we are attempting to deploy in order to ease the resolution for the party who has been wronged, which, if you are willing to have a ceasefire and present your case, may well be you.” Wiras had much disdain for coating the response in such a deal of diplomatic speak, but when speaking to a textbook politician, the best response was one in their own language.
The Hastraxian forces however, continued with deployment of their 'peacekeeping' troops with the opportunity afforded to them by the Eos forces, but refrained from firing on either side with weapons as they maxed out their engines towards the Eye. There was a much more heavily encrypted communication to the High Exemplar: “What I suspect you are going to say is that Minsin are lying. We'd rather hear anything that Minsin claim you have omitted from you so we can see any gaps in their version of events. While it may be early to say, I suspect they're simply trying to buy time to stop us getting involved.” Now the Hastraxian commander just had to hope that he had chosen to make the right moves at the right time, to avoid appearing hostile to Minsin, and to convince Gravus that the Minsin had not swayed him.
That left only the rather strange message from the other contacts. It did not need a response, and Wiras was perfectly fine for them to knock out the blinker for the moment unless Minsin were about to become very convincing in their argument.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Gravus couldn’t help but smile with amusement as the Zetyan broadcast towards the Minsin ships was somewhat intercepted and the insults heard. Cyllis kept a frown.
“I don’t think we can arguably rely on such a lowlife species to help us” she finally spoke.
“Of course, Exemplar, but it does not mean I cannot find humour. Let them tie the Blinker down with their actions. Still it is ironic the interior minister would try to stop the enemy. It shows that Minsin is not quite ready to enter a proper engagement setting yet. That’s to our advantage.” He then replied to Wiras “We understand. However, we definitely believe it to be a delaying tactic to cover the fact that Minsin may not be willing to deploy more forces to this operation”
“The Hastrax forces are entering position to reinforce us, I will tell them to aid in reinforcing the Great Eye” Cyllis changed the subject as she manipulated the holographics on the large strategic form before her. Messages to the Hastraxian ships were given indicating that the Eye was the clearest asset in need of reinforcement and directed them to drop inside of several large spaceport areas. However, she also indicated that some of these had indeed been taken by the enemy.
”Our honoured soldiers will soon engage in combat” The ethereal voice of the Herald called Gravus attention to the fact that the ZI burning for the shipyards would intercept his own forces soon. He grimaced. It was not going to be an easy fight.
-----
The link to the Interior minister was kept open as he talked to both Wiras and Naglyt Iqla at the same time “I’m afraid I cannot stop or pause this operation. To do so would loose valuable time and lives to the Eosians. I am afraid you are mistaken you see for it us who have been wronged. Our people were genocided in times past by the Eosians despite our efforts to help contribute to their society. We were taken in and offered help only to be slaughtered on our exodus. We have no intention of killing unarmed women and child of course. But we will not let Eosian military personnel operate within Minsin space. By defending these people, you are showing that you are pro ethnic cleansing, when this operation is purely taken as a measure to pre-emptively defang their forces here from any potential attacks on our way of live, please think on that”
The Zetyan broadcast however made Ancarion wince before shutting it off halfway through. In response one of the Z1 units escorting the Blinker rapidly detached from the formation and fluidly moved to intercept the incoming Zetyans. The two ships which had begun to move away from the inhabited planet finally accelerated fully, aiming to join up with the break off vessel in intercepting the Zetyans.
Finally, massive power spikes were registered from the Blinded Way fleet and the singular Z1 class they were sent to engage as the two fleets slingshot around the gas giant and into firing range.
Wiras did not approve of the Interior Minister's response: it seemed too vague... too much about the past... and the mention of such sweeping generalisations as pro ethnic cleansing did not sit well. The commander still believed that some diplomatic resolution might be possible, but now he continued the conversation in the hope that the stalling might also work to his own advantage: Interior Minister, you of course want the best for your people with them having being wronged in the past - everyone wants and deserves that. However, I still believe you could save even more of your people's lives if you called off your own cleansing altogether. If I may suggest so, these Eosians have broken away from those who came against you so ruthlessly in the past, maybe because they, like us, and like you, are very much against ethnic cleansing and they did not accept that of the nation that they have broken away from. Of course, if it is still a concern despite it being in the past, it could be of benefit and safety to all involved parties if rather than attempting to eject them by fighting, instead let them go elsewhere where they will be taken in and accepted, and of course be far enough away that the Minsinese people do not feel threatened. If multiple nations here are willing to come to put an end to this conflict by deploying peacekeeping forces, perhaps they would also have been willing to assist the Eosians themselves, had only you contacted them earlier. I would ask you, Interior Minister, to please think on that before so quickly dismissing the thought of putting a stop to this senseless violence.
A very bold statement, but it would at the very least put pressure on Ancarion, in the hope he may either call off the assault or force him to be a bit less vague about the situation. This time Wiras had made his address on open communications, allowing Naglyt, the Singers, and the Eosians too to listen to the conversation passively - that way the Interior Minister would hopefully not be able to lie or try and manipulate the assembled forces against each other.
Wiras received confirmation the heavier Hastraxian transport had put down in one of the Minsin-free spaceport areas to deploy the bulk of the Hastraxian forces, while dropships made for the others, with some in reserve while subordinate commanders planned out how to best get an assault force into the Minsin occupied zones. Wiras continued with private communication between himself and the Eosian command staff: I realise that this may be prying, honorable Eosians of the Blinded Way, but schematics of your eye and other structural data would be of great aid to our ability to prosecute attacks in defence of it. It would also be helpful for minimising and collateral damage to your great works for any ordnance we may employ. Furthermore, if you will accept it, I would have a detachment of command staff be deployed to where you command from so we have direct links to each other. Of course, I will be fully understanding if you find my requests unreasonable, but it will limit what my forces can do for you.
Wiras looked to his screens, and hope the distraction the Zetyans had made would allow the other allied forces to make their own moves with greater ease as his own warships began moving away from the station having deployed their dropships. He would wait and see how the situation developed before he made his next major move.
The Interior Minister's response elicits a frown from the otherwise bland countenance put forth by Iqla. He says nothing while Wiras responds at length (his gaze, unquestionably, remains firmly on the displays and the relative vectors of the assets present) but does nod as the Hastraxian reiterates the suggestion of putting an end to the fighting to allow for the possibility of more diplomatic measures being brought forward.
The more he thinks on the Minister's words, however, the more they grate on him. He clasps his hands together and rests his elbows on the console - in effect obscuring the lower half of his face behind his interlocked fingers and wrists - and dwells on the notion as the Hastraxian finishes his lengthy reply. Segments of the truth appear to be missing, but the greater picture will have to be pieced together bit by bit. If nothing else, claiming to desire a diplomatic solution while simultaneously rejecting offers to de-escalate do not into a palatable drink mix.
Iqla lowers his hands and nods once more as Wiras finishes. After a moment, he takes the opportunity to add his thoughts on the matter: Commander Wiras is correct, he begins. The Blinded Way are not those of Greater Eos. They cannot be blamed for the deeds of their originator state. He pauses as a glance from the tactical officer tears into his peripheral perception. He mutes the transmission as the Pord speaks up:
Sensors are detecting massive energy spikes from vessels here and here, the tactical officer explains, we're rapidly losing our window to act.
Tasi, understood, Iqla says back. I don't particularly like this either. Hold course for now. He nods matter-of-factly and turns his attention back to the Interior Minister as the connection once again becomes primary. In the void, the Pordish vessels maintain their vectors as Iqla continues from his last comment: A separation of your people from those of the Blinded Way does not require bloodshed.
"<<Grrrah! Theshe gitsh! Oi want tha SHPINDLY FINK! Nawt 'eshe... dumb.... blue... spoikey.. fings....!>>" Lkoj'ir was not enthused. How dare they give him these less pretty targets? This would not stand.
"<<They look fairly fragile, sir. If not the body, then those sail things. Pretty good targets to me.>>" A sensors op decided to chime in.
"<<'Atsh why oi don't want 'em, ya git! Oi want tha' SHPOIKES! Then oi can paint 'em red an' tell the ladsh back home 'ow it ish!>>"
"<<Sir, i wasn't saying we should steal them.>>"
"<<Then wot do...?!
...wait...
...oh, datsh BRILLIANT! Haha! Deysh weak 'n fragile, so we breaksh it! Ya' could've shaid 'at!>>"
"<<Yes, sir. I recommend->>"
"<<Itsh foine, oi got what yer' shellin'.>>"
"<<W-no, sir, it's not->>"
"<<COMMSH! TELL THEM TO OVERCLOCK THE ENGINSH!>>"
"<<Sir please no->>"
His pleas fell on deaf ears; even if the captain knew, he wouldn't have listened. The vessel suddenly jolted like a meganuke went off on the backside, as the Ski'ajh began to seemingly host a miniature sun in it's engines, roaring towards the middle Z1 at speeds that would probably break some minor records if anyone was around that cared about that sort of stuff.
For the other ships, their orders were simple-split into groups as even as they could, and target the other two 'dumb blue things'. To assist, the Ski'ajh's weapons on each side began to target the other two, a swarm of shells mixed with various missiles, with PD blocking filler missiles in the 'front' and normal missiles mingling with the shells. Fighters and bombers were also launched from it's underside hangar-they elected to stay near the ships.
A very spare amount of ECM-equipped missiles were in both of the swarms, as they were a very rare commodity with pirates. Best to save them for what they wanted-that is, if they didn't get stopped here.
The only thing missing from all this was the Ski'ajh's spinal gun-just what would they do with a gun that big?
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Kolleronic Laser met Graviton wave weapons in the moment of combat between the Eosian flotilla loyal to the Blinded Way and the Minsin defence force. The Blinded Way contingent fought bravely, accelerating as hard as they could to catch the Z class attacking them, but it was not quite enough. Gravitic point weapons went out alongside Kinetic standoffs, explosions and disturbances filling space as the Z class intercepted the kinetic missiles and occasionally took several hits from the graviton weapons but always at distance, suffering only minimal damage the vessel returned fire. Using its superior speed and range to instantly knock out two Ceremony class cruisers and a Liberator class battleship as the Kolleronic laser hit home into critical systems. No matter how large or protected the Eosian ships were the Minsinise knew exactly where to hit and how hard, the laser, as exotic as it was hit home with millimetre precision pulling apart everything in the affected area like some impossibly powerful tractor beam. On each ship the deep bridge and reactors were ripped apart from their mountings and their contents were pulled out of the vessel to be cast across space, the hulks left to drift on their course now utterly incapable of fighting.
“Their forces clearly outmatch ours, unless we can somehow catch their ship and destroy it at close range, we have no chance. And they know exactly what we can do and how we fight” Gravus fists tightened as Cyllis sighed.
“Looks like we are nothing more than a distraction, its up to the others now likely” The moment of dourness over the poor engagement was broken by the requests by Wiras. Gravus raised an eyebrow as if not sure how to take the idea of a command staff attachment and giving over of schematics but before he could speak the Herald did first.
”Granted, we will send you what you seek. Our central area is most obvious, your command staff will be welcomed to assist us” Gravus and Cyllis turned to the young girl and then over to the crew.
“Do it” The command was given, detailed layouts of the internals of the Great Eye were sent, not ful schematics but enough to now where critical points and internal layout was needed. Still the Hastraxian troops were received with a mixture of thankfulness and distrust. The Eosian troops were dressed in the typical combat gear of their nation albeit painted with more cream and blacker but all showed signs of combat fatigue and some were missing gear altogether. The main command section was a short way from the main dock, but the fighting was not far away either. Three main chokepoints for logistical transport were being held by Eos forces led by a man called Iblis, it was the most key section currently being fought over on the Eye, and if it fell the Minsin troops could easily storm the central sections, docks and command centres in no time.
----
“A bold and moving speech, one I have to respect in the upmost. However I would like to clarify that High Exemplar Gravus and High Exemplar Cyllis who now lead the Blinded Way fully participated in that genocide. The ethnic cleansing upon which I speak was a long time before they finally broke away, no doubt when finally realising even their own people were nothing but sacrifices. It is hypocrisy you see; we defang this contingent because they cannot be trusted and because both Exemplars and those who serve under them need to face justice. Only when it suited them did they choose to turn their back, rather than doing so when an entire people cried out for help. As such this is not ‘senseless violence’ they may not be part of the main Consortium, but they are actors in a major crime that is ingrained into my people’s memories. The chance to bring those to justice is too much to let go past, and if we let them leave not only would it be an insult to our ancestors but a direct threat to any other nation out there. Need I remind you that the giant effigy of Eos Eye out there is a super weapon capable of scouring worlds clean. They can definitely be blamed for the deeds of their originators because they perpetrated them”
Ancarions reply had come swiftly and across all channels.
Even as the Pords neared their intercept the battle with the Zetyans began, as the missiles were pumped out and rounds were fired the Z Class began making evasive manoeuvres, impressive jinks and turns allowed it to dodge incoming kinetic projectiles as its gravitic drive worked with precision and missiles fired off by itself intercepted the Zetyan missiles in colourful displays of pyrotechnics. The Kolleronic laser itself was used to target the blocking missiles, stripping them out of the way so it could engage the shots behind. But the ship was focusing on destroying the incoming projectiles, raising ECM itself to blanket jam and try throw off target it did not yet target the Zetyan ships proper or open fire on them yet. But still, it was getting close, accelerating towards them even as they did towards it, closing the gap very rapidly.
Wiras angrily slammed his closed fist down onto the control console before he reopened comms again to speak. Ancarion who had claimed to be looking at a peaceful solution seemed to refute every such solution that had been proposed - Wiras had suspected that he was stalling for time, but damned the Interior Minister for what was seemingly a lie about possible solutions. He took a moment to compose himself before speaking again, this time with a more severe and raised - but outwardly calm and collected rather than showing his anger - voice. Interior Minister Ancarion Exil of the Minsin Republic, you stated at the start of this endeavour that you sook a peaceful diplomatic resolution and that the Eosians may not have told us the full picture; yet despite that you have refused every proposition for such a peaceful diplomatic resolution and have dispensed information that in the main can be easily obtained on the Ancnet. I can appreciate your concern for the past actions of Eos, given what they wrought unto you and the potential threat they pose, but what I cannot appreciate is your refusal to take any of the measures that have been suggested to alleviate the worries of you and your people. You are not the judge, nor the jury, nor the executioner to decide alone whether or not these Eosians live or die based on the actions of their past or their leaders who may have since repented or felt remorse for their actions or those that were not involved in genocide at all. If you still pursue the diplomatic solution you stated as your first intention, then please do enlighten us all as to any peaceful diplomatic solution you believe exists as I am unfortunately afraid I have little more to suggest.
Whether or not it came across as one, that was the ultimatum that Wiras had delivered to everyone with a communications device in the system - civilians, ship crews, even transmitters on any Minsinese populations that could receive it. If the interior minister genuinely had a solution, Wiras would hear it. If the interior minister was in fact lying, openly, in front of the entire assembled system, the time for the open hand and diplomatic talks was firmly over.
The more reserved Wiras returned as the commander confirmed the arrangements with the Eosian command and dispatched the appropriate team to the Eosian command room, while the Hastraxian troops began deploying themselves to reinforce key areas, not yet engaging but making sure they had a strong rearguard and supply chain in place - they had to rely on supplies from their transport to fight - as the Minsinese troops could easily try and find a way around their position or enter via another point in the station if they dropped any reinforcements - the schematics the Eosians had provided also allowed them to plan out how to push the Minsinese back, or how to make an organised retreat depending on how the fighting went. The chokepoint was key, and so the largest amount of forces was making its way in that direction to reinforce those beleaguered defenders. Noting the Eos troops that were missing gear, supply officers made an effort to dig into the spares and respectfully offer up the relevant missing gear where possible to the Eosians that were in such a state - even fatigued troops would make better combatants with replaced equipment if they got cornered. Wiras addressed the Eoasian commanders once more: Hopefully our cooperation will be able to drive Minsin back, despite my own forces being inferior to what you and they fight with. You have heard what I said to the interior minister and quite frankly I believe he has lied, and that is the last chance I plan on giving him to rectify the situation. I have sent my direct subordinates with your permission, they will arrive and set up shortly. In addition, my supply officers are willing to make available some of our spare equipment to any of your troops who would otherwise go without, if they will take it.
Iqla listens quietly as the Minsin speaks - his expression still hidden, partially, behind the veil of his interlocked fingers as he clasps them together once more. The blunt nature of the Interior Minister's reply comes as no shock given the circumstances; in truth, Iqla would likely proceed in a similar manner if in a similar situation. More pressing, however, is Exil's apparent determination to see the shedding of blood in this very system. That his own suggestion for a ceasefire was outright rejected is not lost on Iqla.
Investigatory team is arriving, nam-Iqla, the tactical officer interjects. Shall I have them hang back? Best to give a wide berth given the... Erratic nature of the some of the present, he goes on in a diplomatic tone.
A nod from Iqla confirms his agreement; tasi, keep them out of range for the time being, he says, it's looking like we're going to need to engage.
Tasinehdao, the tactical officer replies as he disseminates the relevant orders to the small convoy of transports upon their transition into real space. Tendrils of interdiction wash over their arrival point, and Iqla considers his next move all the while stewing over Exil's most recent reply.
In particular, the notion of all the Blinded Way being put to the torch as collateral to the removal of Gravus and Cyllis he finds to be strange - perhaps something to be deliberated upon at length in the future, in a quieter place - even if he can understand some of the logic, however unrefined it might be. At the end of the day, however, he isn't here to debate policy; resolving matters without bloodshed is one thing, but the timeframe for doing so has nearly come upon its bitter end. He turns to the tactical officer:
Stand by for long range combat, he orders, then turns to the communications officer who shifts the link with Exil back to primary: We do agree with Wiras; a ceasefire is the best option, he says.
The captain chortled as he watched the alien battleship make it's approach on the sensors; they were doing exactly what he wanted, and soon he'd be able to smash the plinky sails in two. Even now, he could practically hear the air rushing through his ears-which was odd, since they were in space, but whatever. He also found their movements and glitzy gunfire a good way to focus on something that wasn't the insistent pleading of the sensors operator that so kindly informed him of what to do.
Meanwhile, the captain's first mate was down with the comms team, his left eyes glued to the main sensor readouts so carelessly plastered above the bridge while his right eyes darted from thing to thing as he began to do what the captain christened 'tacticy thingys'. He was more quiet than his compatriots(as quiet as a zetyan could be, anyways) and handled all of the real things for his captain whenever they entered combat-he had read up and down on some combat manuals they snagged from some wreckage early in their pirating careers, and was one of the very few in command who actually understood half the things the consoles and monitors displayed for a while after before he bothered to tell the others-or, atleast, was good at pretending he did.
However, he only had comms coordinate the spacecraft and tell the assault destroyers to open up with their spinal cannons(plus adding a "an' tell'em to lead their tahgets fer once'n 'eir lives!" for emphasis), both being the only viable things to do besides keep firing for now. He did know they had some casaba warheads stolen from some military cargo corvettes, and were likely stored on the Ski'ajh, but he knew full well the captain would have a hissy fit if they used them on these instead of his preferred target. That, and their engineering section was of more concern. (edited)
Inside the bowels of the hulk, the mishmashy maze of engine modules and reactors, stripped from various ships and given extreme modifications to increase output at any cost, was currently being pushed to their limits-from the main megafuser to the littlest pipe, everything shook and groaned and screeched like an animal, almost feeling alive as the sun being pushed out of the engines slowly began to graduate to a red giant. The engineering division had received their orders, and they were as simple as it could get-go faster, no matter what.
More and more fuel was needed, aggregate solutions of various gases and liquids, some solid material, virtually anything was being pushed into the melting pot short of stuff that was direly needed-and of course, the iron, which was being spat out more and more through chutes that normally connected to somewhere outside of the ship into big water basins, for 'reusing' later.
Noone was sure how long they could keep it up as the crew rushed to and fro, the heat radiating like a hot summer's day in the desert while on fire. It was the longest they had ever burned for so far, and the timer was ticking-either the ship would give, or the crew would.
A clear signal, bouncing off of evacuating civilian craft and existing communications infrastructure, rung out through the system; briefly beginning with an audio-only signal but soon opening to one with a visual component. The image, should any existing forces choose to deliberately connect, was that of a near-skeletal Carnaithian wearing the uniform of a CIGO officer. The trembling individual, submerged in inertia-dampening fluid and surrounded by suspended breathing tubes and wires, gazed into the camera with eyes that glowed a faint blue... the cherenkov radiation a tell-tale sign of thorough radiation exposure.
"I must a-a...pologize, madame minister, but... you are not acting consistently with your tttale. You invited them into this system, they did not ssseek refuuuge. Youuu helped them and repaired their ships, only attacking once the time-frame matched your historical narratiiive... You preach the desire for peace, yet you refuse it in the faceee of increasing odds. You all but lie in the efforts to perpetuate this ironic revenge for your ecclesiarchal clade... I do believe it would be in your best interest to call for a cease in hostilities, madame," he eventually finished with a smile, repetitive tics moving his head in disturbing rhythm as the signal cut for the time being - almost simultaneous with additional FTL contacts at the edge of the system.
A total of ten craft began pushing inwards immediately after their FTL echo called attention to their position; an array of new ships, in two classes, were breaking into formations based on type. All carried the pentagonal emblem of the Carnaithian empire, yet the leading six - burning significantly faster than the trailing four - had entirely different engine signatures than existing records, and in addition to the usual colors of the Void Arms, also carried the blazon of the Imperial Department for Advanced Research... last seen at the assault on the Crucible.
lLanelei sat in his command chair in the CIC of &Tasim’s Flame*. His eyes stared at the twinfiring leavers of the mighty weapon that gave the ship it’s class type. Well, the Blessed Anais’ do say that ‘Nothing quite Cleanses like Fire’, Still, one must sometimes give even Heretics a chance to make the right decision to enhance their spirits…
He opened a channel to the Great Eye and began to speak. “High Exemplar Gravis, this is Redemptor Lanelei of the Song of the Void. Now I know that in the past we would have considered each other heretics to our respective faiths. Perhaps on some spiritual level we still do. However this is a time for us to work together. I can send troops to reinforce your position on your request. I also stand ready to deliver castigation to the Minsin vessels that are closing. “
“I would however like to give them the chance to see if their original suggestion of a peaceful solution was legitimate. They can be redeemed through honesty. If that does not work they can be redeemed through Fire. Awaiting your instructions. Over.”
Then he opened another channel, to the Minsin. "Interior Minister Exil. I am Redemptor Lanelei of the Anais Unity. I would ask upon you to make a gesture of good faith. Though combat has begun, I believe we can stop this. Death may be a part of Life’s Cycle-but unnecessary death should be avoided. Withdraw your forces from the Great Eye. I will do what I can to get any other combatants to cease fire. You can stop this, Minister. See the Wisdom of the Anais’ Light.”
“Or feel the Flames of their Wrath. The choice is yours."
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
The Blinded Way fleet flailed and now attempted to accelerate away from the Z class, which was attacking them, outgunned, outranged and outmanuvered they had no hope other than to slowly grind themselves down ship by ship. Gravus was right, they stood absolutely no match against Minsin in a fight. Still the Z class once again cored another cruiser as it withdrew, tearing a straight line from the ship entirely as it pirouetted and danced in the void. The fleet now tried to return to the Great Eye and the still contested fleet putting the gas giant Zin in the way of the enemy, however now the Z class also accelerated away, this time trying to slingshot round and into the Hastrax fleet.
Gravus watched as the liasons from Hastrax were brought into the command room, the Herald greeting them with a bow as she floated above the deck.
“Welcome to the Great Eye, your aid is much appreciated.” Gravus fought back his instincts, he had spent a long time defending this place from outsiders and heretics and now he was here working with them. He quietly sighed to himself before replying to Wiras and surprisingly Lanalei.
“As much as it pains me to say the Interior minister is right.” He looked to Cyllis who merely bowed her head in shame “We did help orchestrate and genocide his people back when we were High Exemplars under Tyrandis. It is something that we regret and that I am not proud of that I did in my service. Their anger and hatred is justified, but if we hand ourselves over the Blinded Way will have no leaders who can help forge us into something new and beyond what the Consortium is. Redemptor Lanalei, in any other situation I would likely have ordered the transmission cut and our guns trained upon you but today is not that time. I accept your troops as reinforcements” He then listened to the Redemptors plan and nodded “Try it, I have a feeling that Minsin will not take the offer but we can see”
“Gravus, several more contacts have been detected, we are getting Carnaith signatures, same as those which appeared at the Crucible” Cyllis responded checking the holomap.
“That dreaded disgusting weapon. If you cannot see your foe before you when you strike you are a coward, it fit Capitol perfectly.” He opened a channel “This is Hig- Gravus of the Blinded Way to this new contingent, I can only hope you are here to assist us, your positioning gives you an excellent chance at rescuing our captured ships, if you can return them to us we would be most grateful, Gravus out”
----
With the Hastraxian forces now deploying the Eosian units began to rally somewhat. Despite being hesitant on having aliens aboard the Great Eye they appreciated the gear given and helped direct the Hastrax infantry and units to the key chokepoint. It was a huge tunnel, one of the connection segments to the main inner ring at least 2km across in size the entire tunnel was ablaze, burning vehicle wrecks and bodies littered the open ground with a sizable barricade and force of Eosians holding the line against Minsin who constantly fired prescision guided munitions over into key strongpoints. Iblis was directing another squad over to a position which had just been eliminated next to a Eosian APC before the Hastrax arrived, looking up he raised an eyebrow behind his helmet and walked over to where the new arrivals were.
“I am Iblis, commander of this section” His helmet modulated voice was well above the sound of explosions “Deploy across this area, we hold them here, I believe they will attack soon and beware for their guided munitions. They are not easy to kill”
----
The two Z class who had left the orbit of Tiu now accelerated towards the Pordish fleet, both charging weapons as they intended to pin down and engage one of their targets while the Blinker and Z class approaching Zin began to decelerate. Another Eosian ship was confirmed to have been taken over by the Blinded Way and began to leave the dock when it rocked suddenly and began to float dead, fire erupting from several of its hangar bays. It appeared the Blinker had opened fire with its Pion batteries. The area around the Great Eye was about to get extremely dangerous.
The Z class engaging the Zetyans continued to dance through the fire, accelerating as the two fleets rapidly came within close range, finally it fired its Kolleronic laser, targeting two of the Zetyan ships at almost point blank range as it also fired a series of missiles. Despite the power of the ship the move was not entirely one sided, two Zetyan munitions at such close ranges, bypassed the ships PD and exploded amidship, causing the Z class to pivot from the impact and be thrown into a partial roll, debris scattered across space. It was not destroyed, but the sudden course throw off allowed another kinetic munition to slice through its aft Kolleronic laser projector, smashing the highly tuned internals and turning the array into scrap. The Z class, still unknown whether to be truly piloted or controlled by AI or remote seemed to try to turn, arresting its roll and now decelerating so it could attempt to come back around to hit the Zetyans.
The fleet of captured Blinded Way ships which had been totally unmolested at this point suddenly found themselves somewhat close to the sudden Carnaithian arrivals. FTL drives were charged across the fleet as the Z class escort began to accelerate away from the captured haul and slowly now make its way towards the new arrivals, its weapons not charged yet.
“The diplomatic resolution I propose is for all of our military elements to immediately cease engagement across this system. I am perfectly willing to give the ceasefire. In addition, your forces which have landed on the Great Eye will withdraw and leave our Minsin forces to capture and stand trial both Exemplars and leadership associated with these purges. We have no intention of killing innocent Eosians, our entire plan is to bring those who did wrong to justice however those that fight back against us will be dealt with accordingly. However, those that try to stop us will be also dealt with by whatever means necessary, need I remind you; you are in Minsin space and as such subject to Minsin law.” Ancarion then seemed to address the sudden appearance of the Carnaithian contingent with no small part of irritation, but also surprise.
“There has been no inconsistency, we invited them here to aid them and to also finally capture those responsible for our people’s plight. We have helped them and are attempting to bring to justice those who are deserving of it, but they are resisting, it is a simple matter of things to deal with that resistance. I have offered a ceasefire; I sincerely hope you take it. And as a gesture of goodwill as Redemptor Lanalei suggests I make I am ordering military forces in the Great Eye to stand down but will not withdraw.” As soon as the word was given the Minsin forces in Iblis zone and beyond stopped firing, pulling back to any fortified positions.
Iqla and his officers listen to the message from the newest arrivals with considerable interest. With yet more minds giving their thoughts on the situation, the reality of Exil's predicament grows clearer with each passing moment. Just a few minutes ago she was rejecting the notion of a ceasefire, but now she has come around to the idea.
Still, sitting behind interlocked fingers, Iqla watches the captured ships edging ever-closer to the interdiction's edge as Exil delivers her terms for a ceasefire.
The tactical officer is first to speak up: Does seem to be much of what you were implying should be done, he says, but I suppose total withdrawal and surrender of the Exemplars isn't what you actually had in mind.
Iqla shakes his head, no, not quite, he replies. If Exil's desires are truly as limited as he so claims, this entire attack could have been avoided. There was no need for this offensive, and this thought joins the others in contributing to Iqla's worsening opinion of the Interior Minister. He brings his hands down on the console. But I am also not going to demand Gravus and his leadership surrender themselves. Comms, bring up the line with the Hastraxians, Singers, and Blinded Way.
A muffle affirmation comes from the area of the communications officer.
High Exemplar Gravus, we also have forces ready to assist in defending the Great Eye should you choose to defend, though we are a bit more distant than the Singers, he explains.
Wiras grunted at the suggestion of the Minister in person before he spoke again on communications. Well Minister, what you are proposing sounds like a surrender to me. However, if the Eosians are willing I will not stand in the way of it. Unless that happens, I have little more to add. The commander cracked his knuckle bones with the comms closed. "Unless the Eosians feel particularly masochistic, we can finally get this over with." It did not take long for a message to relay to the Eosian command structure and back to Wiras informing Wiras the Eosian command had no intention to accept the Minsin terms, and Wiras had given his assurances. "Comms, relay clearance to open fire. We're engaging."
"Commander." A short but respectful bow was given by the unit commander of Hastrax' own forces. "You know this place better than us, so I have no argument about who's really in charge here." They motioned for their forces to follow Iblis' instructions on deployment. "Can't claim we can do a great deal against en masse guided munitions even if we set up interception systems, but we can certainly try our best." The Hastrax forces began rapidly deploying themselves, with combat engineers seeing what they could do with APS and overhead cover to protect against guided munitions, while some of the vehicles that were available entrenched themselves by using nearby wrecks for cover. Some of the engineers were also looking at the structure of the place, seeing about what they could do with explosives without causing damage - and what they could do if they wanted the section entirely collapsed with the position lost as a contingency. With the guided munitions warning, the reserve and logistics units made sure not to deploy in the open - they couldn't do their job if they were dead.
The Hastraxian fleet was not sure what they could do against the highly dangerous Minsinese ship, but they readied their weapons nonetheless. Hopefully they were small and agile enough they wouldn't be completely outmanoeuvred by the Z-class, while they waited patiently with weapons ready. They accelerated in their own right, splitting into two groups, hoping they could flank the Z-class.
The liaison team after a return bow of respect had established themselves, and now indicated to the Eosians Hastrax forces were engaging and cooperating as best they could.
A destroyer became a destr and a oyer, and an escort suffered the same fate as a stream of energized kollerons bisected them both from figurative head to thrust-spewing toe, and the pivot caused by the few lucky shells made it diverge in a way that sliced off more of the currently-unused bridge tower on the Ski'ajh than the asteroid that last hit it ever could've, exposing any unlucky slacker resting there to hard vacuum. More ships suffered damage from the missiles the Minsin ship fired, though some were detonated prematurely by laser PD hardpoints on the escorts-the close range helped both sides in this regard. The Ski'ajh, too, was given a wake-up call as a missile took out two of it's large turrets.
On the bridge, though, the captain-and quite a bit of the crew present-couldn't be happier for the moment, laughing as the aft projector was turned into it's basest parts. Others ooh'd and aah'd at the various explosions and pretty lights that came from the blue-sailed ship in droves-they liked the 'weird laser thingy' in particular, never mind that it had just sent two to the locker in a single blow.
Everyone else, though-to each their own chagrin-had to deal with the micromanager that was the first mate. His focus was now on two things-engineering's complaints about fuel running out, and the deployed squadrons. Everything else was relatively the same-keep firing your guns, throw some missiles in while you're at it.
Engineering was quickly solved-the boost had stopped after the Z-class had gone beyond the reach of their front ram, and the only issue now was fuel-storage probably had a lot in stock, and that was what he told them. The squadrons were a more complex deal, but he had an odd idea for them.
The current swarm would be split into three parts. One set of craft, comprised of any automated or meatshield craft(might as well have been all of them, but that's semantics) would begin a standard attack run on the Z-class ahead of everyone else. These would be targeted by point defense first, and probably die.
The second and third, comprised of everyone else-fighters, bombers, the like-would flank the Z-class, and perform strikes on any vital systems they saw-turrets, sensors, the weird sail thingies, and other bits and bobs they could identify.
It was, in all complete honesty, a very hairbrained scheme on the first mate's part-he was mostly reciting something he'd read in one of those Basic Naval Tactics 101 series of documents or whatever they were called, and he could hardly remember any of the specifics beyond the basic idea. But, it was worth a shot, and what the hell-half of those things in the vacuum were dirt cheap custom scrap jobs, and the other half would just need a raid on one of those newfangled light carriers anyways.
The fleet, though, was in the captain's hands, and all he asked of them in comparison was to just turn around and fire 'them shpoinal canun finkiesh' in addition to the first mate's orders. They did get confused for a second when 'SHUDDUP FER' A DAMN'D SHECOND' was broadcast over the radio in full volume.
Only a second, though.
“This is Hig- Gravus of the Blinded Way to this new contingent, I can only hope you are here to assist us, your positioning gives you an excellent chance at rescuing our captured ships, if you can return them to us we would be most grateful, Gravus out”
The CIGO prowler, silently drifting in Xe's shadow, quietly and efficiently consolidated reconnaissance data from any sensor or scanner suite that its crew and AI cores could access - rapid navigation updates from both civilian and military assets filtered through event projection and, in the thick of it all, Gravus' message was very much instantly delivered to the CIGO handler for the operation. A twitching smile crept onto his face as he watched the rapidly-correcting navigation markers for the Blinkerzwillen that were closely followed by the supporting strike carriers.
"We can c-certainly take it upon ourselves," He directed to a lone data relay satellite very close to Gravus' position, the orders to change the Carriers' objective wordlessly being carried out via his connection to the Prowler.
Burning with incredible velocity, the newest model of the advanced warships assembled into a pentagonal formation accelerating straight towards the captive fleets' Z-class escort - scalar energy signals spiked, transferring power from the five outer ships as the center craft began powering its spinal weapon. They accelerated in unison, signature Carnaithian supermagnets steadying the central craft as the combined formation put every effort into preventing any sort of deviation from an intercept vector on the hostile Z-class, leading to the resulting power spike appearing as if it was a pulsar compared to the comparatively-small signature of the carriers.
Those carriers, originally meant to run the gauntlet to assist with the contested fleet, were now tasked with seizing the fleet that were currently attempting to flee. A leading missile barrage for assisting with the elimination of the Z-class ahead was prepped, but the majority of the commotion within the crafts' holds was focused on rallying ship-boarding actions in less than half of the time-frame that was originally planned. Racks of combots were transferred from FTL stow to the assault pods, technician platoons and Void Arms marine forces rushing to re-task for corridor combat.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Gravus watched in somewhat disbelief as the combat signatures on the Great Eye and the contested ships disappear. The Minsin forces had done what the Interior Minister had promised and de-activated their weapons, pulling back into defensible positions and merely waiting. For the time being the firefights and combat ceased.
“Give the order, cease all combat. We will accept this ceasefire and try to find a way diplomatically” Gravus nodded, the order was sent instantly. Eosian troops also standing down and digging in, Gravus himself running a hand through his long white hair.
“There has to be some alternate route for this, the Minister wouldn’t throw this away so easily, with all due respect Gravus Minsin has us totally outmatched in this segment, even with out assistant help the fight was very tight. Why would they call off strikes? They haven’t even lost a ship yet” Cyllis mused aloud watching the combat stances stand down for now.
“We will just have to wait and see. No doubt they will exploit this moment of quiet, and we should too. Get everyone rested, the fleet redeployed and set up and positions established” He listened to the Pordish communications which came in a moment after.
“I appreciate it Hunter. For now, we will accept the ceasefire, I suggest given the circumstances we use this opportunity to get our military forces rested, while your own forces manage to get into tactically advantageous positions. With any luck when this goes south, we can strike from a position of power” Finally he chose to reply to Ancarion.
“Interior Minister, this is High Exemplar Gravus. We accept your ceasefire and hope a diplomatic means can be achieved without further bloodshed”
-----
“A ceasefire?” Iblis said aloud “These scum would never give up such an advantageous strike, they had us on the back foot all the way why would they abandon the offensive now?” The other Eosian sergeant shrugged.
“Alright” He turned to the Hastrax representative “You mentioned explosives, I will show you where to place them. I won’t let this opportunity go to waste, we will make those heretics pay in blood for their mistake of giving up the initiative”
-----
The Z class which hurtled towards the shipyards and the Hastrax fleet now veered off to one side. Accelerating still it used the gas giants orbit for a speed boost, clearly no longer pursuing an intercept course it kept its path however somewhat close in case it needed to change and engage the Hastraxians. For now, though the ceasefire was holding. It was further reinforced by the two Z class approaching the Pordish fleet along with the Z class and Blinker approaching Zin now powering down their weapons and moving on courses to take them away from direct intercepts. The Minsinise were men of their word.
Things were different with the captured ship fleet, however. The sheer steadying of the intercepting vessel made the spinal shot pin point accurate, before the ceasefire had been agreed by Gravus the Z class escort which had been moving to intercept didn’t even have time to power its weapons before its entire engine section was blown out in a huge flash of superheated debris. The ship buckled and flipped from the force of impact, now having lost one of its two advantages without speed the ship was little more than a glorified Kolleronic turret. Said weapon was already partially charging when the ceasefire went out, forcing the ship which had just been crippled to stay its hand in total humiliation. Even more amusing was that the Carnaithian fleet had total control over the captured vessels, under interdiction they could not hope to escape in the slow Eosian vessels but also could not fight their way out. Each ship now taking a defensive formation while attempting to stay close to the partially shattered Z class.
The Zetyan fight however was the only one where the combat didn’t cease. Minsin didn’t even consider the Zetyans a polity, let alone one able to make any semblance of diplomatic agreements. As such the Z class was cleared to still engage, in a way that an exterminator was cleared to wipe out vermin. The attack craft first wave came in hard, the ships PD engaging quickly and rapidly with its laser system to attempt to clear the meat shield rapidly while the flanking attack also came in. Without its aft laser the ship chose to spin, constantly trying to keep its PD units in optimal firing arcs as the targets came in. Still despite its best-efforts cannon fire and missiles even from the main ships snuck through, punching into lightly armoured areas and exploding. It wasn’t crippled yet, but the fire was adding up, PD batteries were blown out and holes were torn in the ships hull. No doubt it had already sustained damage enough to keep it in dock for months and which would cost Minsin plenty, however as it turned it fired again with its main Kolleronic laser, aiming to wipe out as many of the attack craft as possible.
-----
“I am glad you have done the right thing High Exemplar. I have ordered my forces to stand down. Now let’s begin, my objective as stated is to bring you and your command staff to justice for crimes against my people. If I ask you to step aside and face this justice in return for your people’s release, will you accept?”
Deep Space: Tuvian Arm
“My lord we have an incoming transmission. Its… Its from Minsin sire…” The disbelief in the mans voice was almost matched by the surprise on the Grand Exemplars. The man on the throne stood up, as all eyes on the bridge turned to him.
“Interesting, put it through”
“Grand Exemplar Tyrandis. I am Interior Minister of the Republic of Minsin. No doubt you wish to know why I am contacting you and why you should not merely spit insults at me. Allow me to get straight to the point, currently we are harbouring the fugitives of the Blinded Way. Given they have been a thorn in both our sides all things considering I would like to offer a deal. We allow you to enact your vengeance and deal with them once and for all, allowing your contingent to finally rebuild what was lost. In return we will be taking the Great Eye for ourselves” Tyrandis eye twitched at the thought.
“You wish us to clean up for you? And in exchange take ownership of our most sacred object here? You dare sully us, I will reclaim the Eye for myself before I burn your worlds you sub Eosian scum” His voice boomed across the bridge, however the Minister did not react.
“I would remind you that we have full schematics and tactical data on your forces. The Blinded Way cannot fight us, and neither can you. We could wipe your fleet out the moment you appear in system with little effort but instead we thought to try and heal our relations somewhat. It is our final offer, we will give you their ships but we take the Eye. You will also have our help in destroying them, after which we will never have to encounter each other again. Make the right choice, we are sending the co-ordinates now.” The link immediately cut and Tyrandis watched as the datapacket was received. All eyes remained on him.
“All ships, FTL to the Amritsar System”
The Hastrax units also took up with the ceasefire as they said they would. Wiras seriously doubted the Interior Minister's intentions after very many denials when diplomacy was fire proposed. The commander would have to prepare for the worst case scenario, if Minsin was not pressing their advantage, then they were likely finding a bigger one. I don't know what the Interior Minister has planned, High Exemplar Gravus, but throwing away his advantage after refusing a great deal of diplomatic solutions doesn't sit right. If you have any idea what might be going on I would like to hear it, because I am afraid I do not.
"I must agree, let's make the most of it." While they were not shooting, the Hastraxians were certainly not taking it easy as they continued to set up their positions. They followed Iblis' guidance with their explosives, as well as taking the chance to send medical teams out for wounded. The medical teams would at least give them an excuse to be out front of their line to the Minsinese, even if they couldn't find any Eosians to bring back to safety.
The Hastraxian ships remained cautious of the Z-class, still keeping it screened with their movements but avoiding anything aggressive. They waited to see what would happen, because they certainly did not want to be caught out if the Minsin ship reengaged.
Pordish Fleet
As the ceasefire sets in, the tenuous and uneasy nature of it becomes abundantly clear very quickly. Iqla's tactical officer eyes the shuffling of the Z classes and the Blinker with suspicion, as they seem to be consolidating their forces, but can only shake his head as the ceasefire means there's little to be done about it.
The Pordish cruisers, still shadowed by the two runners R-1212 and R-780 some distance behind them, continue burning towards Zin, but notably - like the Z classes - are not on direct intercept paths. For the time being, Iqla turns back to the allied comms link: I agree with the Hastraxians, he says. We don't have much time.
The CIGO handler grinned to himself, twitchy as he was in his anti-inertial submersion. The timing was very incredibly favorable to their operation near Ku, and he had no intent of ceasing the exploitation of the situation - while the hostile Z-class was still an incredible threat, it was just as incredibly vulnerable if it decided to resist. The carriers began launching screening fighters, high-speed launches from magnetic accelerators sending them on paths to eventually bring them to a safe, yet still threatening, distance from the Blinded Way craft, though the nature of the captured ships inherently required very loose formations on part of the fragile snub craft.
"Minsinese crews - It is in your best interests to abandon Blinded Way ships in the area and relay control to Imperial forces. We offer safe transit to your own stations, and we have the capability to bring in tugs to recover your escort," A transmission from the commanding officer of the Carrier formation announced as the Blinkerzwillen element rocketed past and around the fleet that had clustered around the disabled Z-class, though the six craft now abandoned their tight formation as they split off, all taking separate burns to return to the area and support the carriers.
A stream of excited Kollerons from the Z-Class proceeded to wipe out most, if not all of the attack craft present, or at least those who hadn't been deleted by PD yet. The spare few that were left either turned round and tried to flee back to base, or kept doing what they were already doing, depending on if there was or wasn't an organic pilot in the seat.
On the bridge, the same behaviour as before was present amongst the crew-they seemed to treat it less like an active combat situation, and more like just another space opera movie in the theater. Lkoj'ir was having the grandest time of them all, much as it was a given by this point-until a familiar face buzzed into his eyes and ears again.
"<<Sir, i->>" The sensors op from before began to chime in again.
"<<WHOT?! Yew've been buggin' me fer da lash...
...uh...>>"
"<<Five minutes, sir.>>"
"<<Yesh, FOIVE MINNUTS nawnschtawp, whot dew yew wont now?!>>"
"<<...sir, i believe now may be a good time for that frontal gun thing you had installed a few weeks ago.>>"
"<<Wot, tha' cannon?>>"
"<<Yes, the la->>"
"<<But tha' bloo fing ish too fasht! We'sh gotta make it schlower schom'ow.>>"
"<<Sir, it's a laser cannon. Not a normal one. Remember?>>"
"<<...no. Do you?>>"
"<<...no, sir.>>"
"<<Den wesh asshume it wosh a nowrmul cannon fink.>>"
"<<Well, i- can radio the guys down at the front and verify what it is...>>"
"<<...eh, do 'at 'n tell me.>>"
"<<Sir, it's both!>>"
"<<...wot? 'Ow cahn it be a lasher an' a schoo'er at tha' schame tyme??>>"
"<<Well, they say it's a, uh... 'laser-assisted rail accelerated cannon'. It's a lot of sciency terms, so it must be good, right? That's usually how it goes, anyways...>>"
"<<...yeh. Yeh! Haha, yer' tha' besht! Alwaysch cummin' up wif finks when oi needsh it!>>" A slap on the shoulder accentuated his point.
"<<o-Oh, thank you, s->>"
"<<Nah get back ter' work 'n schtop buggin' me. [to comms board] TELL 'EM TA' READY THA' FRON'L CANNON!>>"
"<<...yes, sir.>>"
Orders given and given again via telephone, the go-ahead for readying the spinal gun was given, and it was indeed quite obvious; if the sudden energy spike didn't communicate matters, the presence of a red glow inside the barrel certainly would, even as it metamorphosed into a ring with the introduction of a shell. The Ski'ajh began to aim it towards the Z-Class, though it wouldn't be ready to fire just yet.
For everyone else in the eight remaining ships, it would probably be annoying having to be told 'keep doing what you're doing' in varying ways by this point, but there wasn't much else to do anyways unless the captain was feeling particularly daring(stupid). As such, the destroyers kept up their barrage while they turned to the point where they could use their spinal guns, and the escorts kept watch for any munitions that weren't lasers.
And kept trying to turn to the point where they could use their spinal guns.
But their front guns were smaller, so who cares?
Triad Leader Lithal smiled, turning to the Redemptor. ?Redemptor Lanelei, it appears the Minister has agreed to a cease-fire at least. We have time to land reinforcements for Exemplat Gravis on the Great Eye at least.” Lithal could tell by the almost sad look on the Redemptor’s face that Lanelei would have prefered that the Minsin had refused. He satthere at the Phoeniix weapon firing controls looking quite glum before brightening up.
Lanelei brightened up, saying "Always time to torch heretics later, I suppose." before touching the "Disarm" control on the firing console. The Primordium ball dissipated wwith an actinic flash that lit the entire Triad for a second. “Opening a comms channel, he signaled Gravis on the Great Eye.
“High Exemplar Gravis, this is Redemptor Lanelei. The ceasefire has bought us some time, it would be madness to expect anything else. So let’s make the most of it. Request permission to land our troop transport on the Great Eye.We have a Division onboard including lift armor units. In the meantime we shall be closing to clse proximity to aid in space defense.”
Tasim’s Flame started moving forward towards the Great Eye, the two Battlecrystals following in a triangular formation. They surrounded the Invasion Transport and Survey Cruiser in the center of the formation.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
“Only if you agree to withdraw your military forces from our ships and let this contingent of our people leave in peace. Out of the masses here they can elect new Exemplars to lead them, no longer stained with blood on their hands, you may watch yourself. Once that is done these ships and the Eye along with the people will leave your space and me and my commanders will surrender, we to you and accept your justice” Gravus replied to the Minister. Cyllis stood with a concerned look on her face, she didn’t believe it would be this easy. The Herald merely said nothing. With his reply to the Minister he switched to the allied line.
“Indeed, this is a stall for time. I do not know for what however, but I suggest you get your forces about the Eye ASAP. I am bringing my fleet closer to the docks and the Eye but the Minister may break off and attack at any time, I am doing all I can alongside Hastrax to fortify our position, permission granted Redemptor we will wait for you immediately”
Cyllis seemed to twitch as Gravus felt a dull ache in his head. The Herald placing her hands on her head as if she was in pain. All over the Eye Eosians seemed to feel disturbances.
“What the hell is that?”
“Interior Minister what are you currently doing on the Great Eye, my people are afflicted by some sort of malady, explain at once!”
-----
“My head… Keep going ignore my pain, we need the explosives placed” Iblis gestured to the Hastrax commander as he observed the two teams placing explosives at key intervals. The Minsin troops had not moved, however they had brought up just behind their line some sort of large cube, parts of it were connected by cables to various other generators and slight glows could be seen from several portions.
“Is it some kind of anti-psionic weapon?” Iblis mused aloud.
----
As the Minsin ships continued on their new courses, it seemed they were moving to regroup just outside the orbit of Zin, likely to concentrate their firepower the only two which did not move to regroup was the crippled vessel which had been taken out of direct movement by the Carnaithians and the vessel currently engaging the Zetyans.
The situation with the CIGO fleet was almost one of amusement, the ceasefire having effectively hamstrung Minsins efforts to withdraw or defend the ships. With the Z class crippled by the Blinkerzwillen and the ceasefire in place they could not stop the CIGO ships from moving in close meanwhile the interdiction field of the enemy meant they could not jump away, nor could they even think about outrunning the vessels in the slow Eosian behemoths. The ships kept formation with the tumbling Z class as the foe launched fighters, the communication was quickly answered. It was easy to tell it was from aboard the Z class given the cramped non Eosian bridge, so the vessels were crewed afterall.
“This is Preceptor Alclex these ships are official property of the Republic of Minsin, we will not be abandoning them and will be withdrawing them to official Minsin facilities at the earliest opportunity. I request you drop interdiction and allow us to withdraw” The man was clearly seething about having been humiliated but surprisingly he held his tone well in the reply.
The vessel engaging the Zetyans kept firing, having knocked out the attack craft it now found itself surrounded by the Zetyan forces. PD lasers streamed out in a near constant fashion knocking munitions out of the void in impressive explosions that had the vessel near surrounded. Missiles launched to try and supplement this as the Z class took more and more damage but the big gun charging up was an obvious give away. Once more the Kolleronic laser charged up, the ships RCS thrusters bringing it around to point directly at the Zetyan command ship, the beam was aimed to core the vessel down the centre but just before the fire order was given the Z class was knocked to one side, the Kolleronic beam firing off target and missing the Zetyan ship by only a few hundred meters. The rear most section of the gravitic engines had been taken out as a large missile fired from the other vessels and this time piloted by a trio of rather aggressive runts had somehow managed to get through the PD unscathed and impacted in the perfect location.
The runts had been singing over open channel all the way through, their valiant sacrifice as heroic spacemen had saved the command ship. Now forced to recharge the Z class was hobbled and now staring right down the barrel of the Zetyans main gun.
-----
“Do not worry High Exemplar that is just a device that is meant to ensure that no sudden miracles occur which would inflict harm upon my people. It will be withdrawn once proceedings are over of course. I do apologise for the discomfort. As for your terms I must refuse some of them I am afraid, while I am willing to let your people go without harm your military assets will almost certainly be used for revenge against us, the Great Eye in particular is a noted WMD in the galaxy and could be used against us in retaliation by those who next lead the Blinded Way. I must insist on impounding these military assets for the safety of the Republic of course”
"A name will be met with a name. I am Captain Seris of the Carnaithian Void Arms," The carrier group commander responded to Alclex as Electronic/Information warfare snubcraft traced orbits around the captive ships, taking the opportunity provided by the ceasefire to gain as much as information on the current compliments and capabilities of the minsin-crewed craft. "I see no Minsin regalia on those ships. I see intimidated, if strong, crews wishing to protect their people despite a desperate context for themselves. I never said all of those ships would be returned to the Blinded Way."
The CIGO handler, meanwhile, remotely distributed intelligence regarding the manned nature of the Z-class warships across the current allied communications network while monitoring the quite engaging show being put on by the Zetyans; Saturation attacks were certainly proving to be an effective means of engaging the advanced warships, specialized as kiting duelists. At least it made up for the overly significant gap in technological capabilities, that was.
Several formations of fighter-bombers had been deployed and launched into lanes just outside of mean ranges of Eosian weapons as determined by prior engagements, ready to engage if need be, by the time the first wings of dropships had begun to deploy from the carriers. Said capital ships had begun to take their own formation that exposed little other than their heavily-armored underbellies, designed for orbital loitering and bombardment rather than ship-to-ship combat.
"I have little knowledge of Minsinese culture to ply in my attempts to convince you, Preceptor. But I do think you're far more than reasonable enough to survive and share your people's stories another day rather than throw this opportunity, and the lives of your crews, to the wind like the zealots your people claim to be so different from."
The Hastraxian liaison team on the bridge looked on concernedly at the Eosian command staff. They gestured to the admittedly limited medical pack they had as an offer of help - not wanting to speak one aloud for fear of interrupting the communications.
"I don't feel afflicted, so I couldn't tell you... Though I think we might be able to get some indirect fire onto that cube if the fighting restarts, that'll be one way to find out." The medical cover and the demolitions engineers continued working, before signalling that they had done what they could and they began moving back to allied lines. They had discreetly run some manual detonation cord as a backup measure for firing the explosives if it was needed - they didn't want their plan foiled by jamming. Well, that or any Minsin engineers, but they would have to hope their anti-tamper protocols would hold - if they had not made them hard enough for the Minsinese to find in the first place.
Wiras begrudgingly bode his time as his force of ships continued the screen the Z-class from the eye while they slowly drew in towards it as Gravus had advised. The force began launching their fighters and bombers into a picket line, which might afford them the standoff defence that them having to fall back toward the eye would not. He did however, make a transmission in acknowledgement of allied communications. The fact that all we can do is wait unnerves me. I am half tempted to bring in reinforcements to deal with whatever surprises that the Interior Minister might have for us, but doing so and disturbing the peace is not something I am foolish enough to enact.
"<<Anyone's 'ead feel a li'ul fushy?>>" One of the more oddball crew members asked, to the mild confusion of everyone who heard him. He was met with mixed replies, though most agreed any head-fuzzyness was probably caused by him dinging his head on something earlier.
This almost spelled their doom, as the brief distraction was loud enough that it had taken the captain's attention away from the main screen, leaving him oblivious to the obvious charging up sequence the Z-class was undergoing.
Atleast, until three screeching voices began to symphonize on the radio, their transmission broadcast on all frequencies in the system and received by the Ski'ajh just as a missile detonated on the back and threw the ship into a lopsided spin.
For a moment, the bridge was silent, all present watching their oblong foe twirl in the void while the radio loudspeaker put out a cacophonous symphony that could put the likes of WAP and Friday to shame with their lyrical genius and earbleeding capacity. Elsewhere, both on the command ship and the other ships, runts gathered like a horde around every window, some saluting to their fallen comrades while the adults watched incredulously.
Lkoj'ir broke the silence, resisting the urge to shed the obligatory single tear.
"<<P'aescha?>>"
"<<Y-yeah?>>" His second in command responded.
"<<'ell me 'oo foir'd 'at mishul la'er. 'yre gettin' a raish. 'schpechully tha' runtsh.>>"
"<<Yea, will do. Now you guys, tell the other ships...>>" He quickly segued back into micromanagement.
The captain's gut was singing like a siren, and his hands tingled. They always tingled when something good was about to happen. At least, most of the time.
His hand groped the air, reaching for the comms line and picking it up. Air filled his lungs to max capacity for dramatic effect, and the entire spinal gun management section got to hear the melodious voice of a grody 30-year old zetyan with speaking problems at full volume.
"<<AWL 'ANDSH, FOIRE!!!>>"
...
Nothing? Odd, they should've heard him.
"<<...er, oi shaid FOIRE!!>>"
...
"<<...uh, 'ello? Thish fink->>"
"<<Which one? There's a lot of fires down here...>>" A measly runt voice answered him on the radio.
"<<...wh-...
...y...
...th-...>>"
A moment of silence passed, the captain struggling to process how something like this even happens. For all their courage, sometimes you forget just how stupid the kids are.
"<<...THA' MAIN 'UN, YOU KNOB! THA' FRONT'L GUN!! FOIRE IT!!!!!>>"
And then, seemingly on cue, the entire ship shook like a gloriously mistreated rocking chair, as a large, heated shell roared out of the barrel at face-ripping speeds, an extremely bright red beam on it's rear end accentuating it's arrival as a red glow illuminated all present to witness it. The ship suddenly began to propel backwards, the sheer force of the gun coupled with it's engines on low thrust levels making it seem like some mad scientist decided to put thrusters at the front of the ship.
And one ship in particular now stood in it's path.
The Pordish ships close towards the distant orbitals of Zin a pace or two behind the Minsin vessels - careful to, with each stretch of space passed, maintain their demeanour and heading. As the ceasefire drags on, Iqla grows more weary of the Interior Minister's intentions. Already suspicious enough as it is, he glances over to the tactical officer, who appears to be rather unbothered by the turn of events.
What is the status of the investigatory team? Are they ready to disembark? he questions.
The tactical officer nods; a deep scowl creeps across his face nevertheless. Tasi, they are, he says. His mind drifts to the available avenues of approach to do so. None of them are appealing. Without a further word on this matter, however, he leans an elbow on the console and moves to speak again, but before he can do so, Iqla brings up allied comms:
We are nearing the Great Eye with ground forces as well. They may be of use.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
“So your torment my people in an effort to try and curb an inherent ability which you know we have no control over. You should be well aware that the Great Eye is a historical and cultural icon of my people and venerated as the cradle upon which we came to this reality, I cannot hand it over that is simply out of my hands to do so. The amount of civilians on the Great Eye alone is tremendous we do not have enough ships to transport them away from here let alone the fact you want to impound my entire fleet” Gravus angrily replied, irritated by the constant scratching pounding sensation in his head. The Anti psionic device was aggravating in the extreme.
“I told you this was stalling. He expects us to give everything up and somehow take his word?” Cyllis punched the command table.
“I have no guarantees that you will not use our assets for your own ends. Nor do I have any guarantees that you will be able to let my people go considering the lack of a vast civilian transport fleet present in this system. I believe you are merely stalling for time Interior Minister and you have no intent on negotiating with me” Gravus turned to the allied coms, now seeing the situations of both Pordish and Singers ground teams now nearing the Great Eye and ready for boarding to reinforce. He just needed more time.
“I would suggest deploying faster, I do believe the Minister is about to do something, likely break the ceasefire” Gravus ran his hand through his hair before grabbing his temple as if it would ease the pain anymore.
”Their here” The Heralds snapped up, as if looking at the ceiling.
“Who is here?” Cyllis replied.
”Tyrandis” The girl began crying.
-----
At the edge of the interdiction field closest to the Great Eye numerous FTL signatures suddenly flared to life. Almost 200 contracts blinking out of reality as energy spikes across all visible spectra. Their formation was tight and they almost instantly began to accelerate, the signatures given off by the ships were almost identical to those being used by the Blinded Way, given the history of both Carnaith and the Singers and identification was instant.
It was the Eosian Loyalists. Almost immediately a broadcast wideband was sent throughout the system.
“Rejoice! For the will of Eos has guided the hand of the righteous to this dark system, ready to bring the light of his infallible faith to those who have turned from his light along with the savages who have not yet revered his name! To those who turned on his divine light your punishment has finally come, I will scour your pathetic forms from the great edifices of his creations and cast your unworthy souls into the darkness from which you can never return! I Grand Exemplar Tyrandis will complete the task that was given to be by his divine will. To destroy the heretics who would turn at the annointed hour!” The sermon was followed by immediate charging of weapons across the new Eosian fleet as it sped towards the Great Eye.
----
Preceptor Alclex seemed to hesitate on the transmission as the Eosian fleet appeared in system. He was clearly unsure of what he was supposed to do and given Minsins focus on peace it appeared the man had little aptitude for a changing combat situation.
“I will permit you to send a team to each of the vessels. But should you make any moves to take them for yourself your boarding forces will be fired upon. Any actions against us of a hostile nature will be met with deadly force I can assure you” He immediately cut the link, signs that his crippled Z class was desperately trying to repair its damage were visible as all kinds of repair drones seemed to swarm about the devastated engine array. The captured Blinded Way ships seemed to make no course corrections this time, they turned their weapons cold and waited for the Carnaith boarding teams, not wanting to act unless ordered.
The Z class which had been forced to recharge knew what was coming. Crippled and without its main gun the remaining point defence units fired as pitifully as they could, laser and kinetic fire impacting the huge shell to no avail as it flew straight. There was a brief moment as escape pods launched from the Z class, small in number as the crew attempted to escape before the projectile impacted. Its sheer weight smashed the entire front of the vessel, its Kolleronic laser unit utterly annihilated as the shell kept going, coring the entire central segment before blasting out of the already crippled engines and destroyed rear Kolleronic laser unit. The remains, now little more than a collection of debris and segments of ship, blasted outwards. It was dead, scratch one Z class.
------
Finally the Interior Minister replied, given the presence of Tyrandis and the Eosian loyalists he appeared calm.
“A cultural icon of oppression and death. One founded on extermination and the principles of subjugation to a false faith that only now you realise. If you will not give up the Great Eye and your military assets I cannot in good faith continue to negotiate with you, now if you will excuse me, it appears I have bigger matters to attend to” With that the Interior Minister cut the link.
And as one weapons across the Minsin fleet in system began to power up.
"Those reinforcements we decided not to call for to avoid compromising the ceasefire? I think its safe to say we're going to be needing them now." Wiras called out to the communications officer on his bridge. He mulled over his options briefly, before sending a simple message to his own forces. This is the hour that will decide the battle! Brace yourselves.
"High Exemplar Gravus, I am surprised that your own people have more hate for you than these Minsinese, is there any way we might turn this around? At least the 'anti psionic device' may cease to ail you when they come in." The liaison team read out, before looking to the Eosian command, wondering if they could help them in any way. Gravus and the others were what the entire Eosian defence rallied around fr command structure, and they would not be much good if they could not lead.
"Let us make ourselves ready. Our Order and the Eosians will make their stand here, Iblis, and I expect their assault is soon to come with the reinforcements from space arriving." The Hastraxian ground commander noted as his troops readied their weapons for what they assumed was the Minsin coming soon. Hopefully the time to prepare had come down in their favour.
The Hastraxian task force around the eye would not be able to defend the eye alone, but with allies they would have to hope there was enough between them to hold the line. And if there was not they would have to hope that reinforcements on the friendly side would arrive before it was too late.
Pordish Fleet
A number of FTL-exit signatures flare up across the myriad displays in Iqla's command room. The tactical officer snaps over towards sensors; disbelief drips from his heavy gaze, but there is little hesitation in his voice. Verify those contacts, are those accurate?
The sensors officer looks over his console. With a few motions, he sends a few packets of relevant data to the primary displays, then addresses the tactical officer: feed is accurate, he confirms, numerous contacts, medium range, vectors appear to lead towards the Eye.
Of course, Iqla seethes, not a single earnest word was spoken by that man. He glowers down towards the floor while considering his options. Given the situation, they are not many. His contemplations are cut short by the tactical urgency, however, and Tyrandis's rather unpleasant speech so unceremoniously patched through by the communications officer. Looking up towards the center of the command room, he turns off the feed from the Exemplar. We don't need to listen to this. Comms, relay a message out to my battalion commanders nam-Harchyn and Yamsi Ülchaaq, highest level encryption. We need them here as soon as possible.
Tasi, Tasine-
They're powering up! the sensors officer interjects. Massive energy spikes across the fleet.
Looking back towards his officers, Iqla motions to the hologram of Batyl Halchaaq, the direct commander of the three runners of his force. We'll escort our ground forces to the Eye, he orders. Until reinforcements arrive, we'll need to avoid their main body.
And us, nam-Iqla? questions the other formation commander, the bearded cruiser-leader.
Iqla turns towards him. Engage as you see fit. I will be ensuring our forces arrive on the Eye personally.
The cruiser-leader salutes and closes the comms line.
Let's begin, Iqla says, shifting back to the allied comms line; we hear your urgency High Exemplar. We are on our way.
The shift in demeanour of the Pordish fleet is swift and readily apparent. As the two runners shadowing Iqla's cruisers fade from their cloaks and power to join the third of their kind and the boats of their charge, they peel away from the trio of Taldovat type vessels who in turn bring their bows around towards the pair of "near" Z types. Defensive fields come online to full capacity as targeting algorithms spring back to life, and the tell-tale signatures of Arrays rotating to offensive stances are joined by the readying of missile and RPDC suites. VRZ Y-55055 leads the pack, flanked by Y-6012 and Y-90912; together in loose order they sail, the vast gravitic signatures of their drives more than enough to dispel any residual thoughts of continued passivity.
The explosion of the Z-class put an underline and exclamation on the fervour of the crew, all who gazed upon it being cored like an apple cheering as the shell continued on through the wreckage. Some of the former ship's escape pods were far unluckier than others; a few potshots were taken in their general direction in both celebratory and offensive contexts.
Upon the Ski'ajh's bridge, the place had seemingly gone from a ship's bridge to a frat party in terms of activity and general vibe. While all the alcohol was down in the many canteens deeper in the ship, the next best thing was downed by quite a few as everyone celebrated like they just hit the jackpot. It certainly wasn't unwarranted, but perhaps it was a little overboard.
In fact, the only one not celebrating was Lkoj'ir. He was still quite satisfied, but this wasn't his mark. The spiky, spindly thing, it had eluded him for too long now. But now with this one out of the way, he could get-
"<<Hey! Some new ships popped in!>>" A voice came screeching from the sensors section, bringing the quick festivities in the bridge to a halt. Darn.
"<<Wot? Bring tha' gitsch up, 'en!>>" the captain boomed. His order was obeyed, and the Eosian loyalist ships were brought up on the main bridge screen, a neat and elegant collection of gold, white and tinges of blue.
"<<...it..itsch jusht mowr prisschy git shipsch.>>"
"<<Uh... they got different signatures, though.>>"
"<<Sho? Oo' caresh 'bout tha' flyin' retirement 'omesh? 'Ey're->>"
Suddenly, a grand and intoxicatingly ferverous voice interrupted him.
"Rejoice! For the will of Eos has guided the hand of the righteous to this dark system, ready to bring the light of his infallible faith to those who have turned from his li-"
Click.
"<<Schat AHHHHP. Aaagh, lowdmowf git.>>" First those runts in the retirement station, then the guys fielding his mark, and now the retirement home had it's own Jehovah's Witness divison. Was everyone involved in this rut a preacher?
"<<sigh Roight. P'aescha, get wunna da beakunsh up 'n runnin'.>>" His irritation was starting to bleed out.
"<<Huh? Why?>>" P'aesa was taken off guard-his captain was known for many things, sharing wasn't one of them.
"<<I wont tha' schpindly fink dead. And oi wown't be schtopped naow by a schwarm of... preechy, pimpy gitsch.>>"
"<<Uh.. ok.>>" Despite his confusion, the order was obeyed. On the outside of the ship, a small object rocketed out of a hole in the Ski'ajh's ram.
The lure was primed. Friends were(maybe) on the way.
With that out of the way, those present received a new order: get to the spindly thing, full speed ahead, no diversions. The back of the Ski'ajh turned back into a nuclear bomb as it and the rest of the ships in the fleet began their exponential acceleration.
The fun would begin soon-atleast, if these newcomers didn't intervene.
"Speaking of zealots," Seris snarled after the link cut, watching as the Blinkerzwillen flight turned on the 3D map, firing their monstrous engines in order to move and assist with the newly-ignited conflict over Zin. He had wished Alclex would keep the line open, though he could respect a focus for one's own. He just hoped the Z-class wouldn't engage the moment it inevitably came back online. "We are go for boarding - ROE is green, do not engage unless engaged, officers lead. Approach via Minsinese per-ship flight control. Offer assistance and attempt to sway opinions."
The queuing shuttles began making their way towards designated ships in the captive flotilla, orbiting snubcraft assuming more lax flight patterns as docking requests were rapidly issued by the crew-carrying craft once cross-communication handshakes completed their operations. The carriers, however, maintained their belly-forward stance, and in fact launched more and more snubcraft - however, their prows now pointed towards Zin, with squadrons being accelerated to assist the Blinkerzwillen flight.
The CIGO handler growled and recoiled with the newest development, quickly devolving into a coughing fit. The resources already dedicated to this engagement were nowhere near enough to deal with this - but deal with it he had to. A ping quickly echoed out not only to Carnaithian regional fleet command - quickly tripping combat alarms for Golden Cross patrols and Imperial Killian Verge Garrison forces alike - but also distributed keenly edited media packets, sourced from myriad installations and ships throughout the system, to local CGSS assets, both diplomatic and military, as well as major news outlets under the guise of numerous anonymous sources. Given the nature of Minsin's location, this could turn into something far larger, far faster than expected at the outset of what was to be a simple grab-and-go operation.
The handler kept his mind focused on incoming comms feed - in-system communications were chaotic, given the newest development, but if not enough response was heeded then he would be simply throwing away imperial assets by not withdrawing. Quickly, two patrol squadrons responded in the positive - Not a lot, but twelve more ships was a start.
nvasion Transport Lan-29* had docked ith the immense *Greay Ryr& and her Loadmaster had begun offloading her troops. The first down the embarkation ramps were a Triad of Ebon Lightning grav tanks of the 105th Lift Armor Battalion. The rest of the battalion folloed by Triad order. More Ebon Lightnings, a number of mobile rocker launchers, anf scout vehicles.
Other vehicles disembarked as well; Nightstorm Grav IFV's from the Lift Infantry Battalions, More MLRS vehicles, and even a Triad of masive Battlefield Neutralino SPG's. Infantry in PA suits deployed as well, marching don the ra,p by platoon and meeting with their designated IFV ti embark fir deployment to vital areas of the Great Eye.
Alarms interrupted the proceedings, strident and blaring. The Loadmaster said "So much for the ceasefire". His Eosian counterpart shook his head. "It's not the Minsin. It's High Exemplar Tyrandis' fleet, they've found us...."
Alert signals also sounded all over Tasim's Flame. In the CIC Lanelei as contacted by Triad Leader Lithal aboard SVS Inquisitor. "Redemptor, e have a massive fleet that just emerged from FTL. Looks like Eosian Loyalists. I suggest e contact High Command. We don't have the firepower to deal with that many ships." Nodding, Lanelei simply said "On it". and turned to the ComScan officer. "Open PhaseCom channel to Shimmering Veil High Command." And a few seconds later the ComScan officer said "Channel open, Redemptor."
Lanelei looked again at the main tactical display sphere, then started speaking. "High Command this is Redemptor Lanelei, Special Operations Triad Tasim's Flame. WWhile on our mission to assist the Blinded Eye Eosian Lotalist forces under Grand Exemplar Tyrandis have arruved in the Amitsar System. I am requwsting reinforcements by either Battlegroup Laeneth-Celas or Battlegroup Harbinger. Please send as soon as possible, I consider the situation of a critical level."
Lanelei then turned to the tactical officer. "Heat her up. Might get to torch some heretics after all." he said with a sardonic smile. As the Phoenix weapon once more lowered from the ventral surface of the ship, Lanelei thought for a minute then said "Open a line to Tyrandis' flagship." After the ComScan officer turned as if to ask a question, he saw the look on the Redemptor's face and then saluted and opened the channel.
"Grand Exemplar Tyrandis, I am Redemptor Lanelei, Priest and Servant of the Anais Twins. I am calling to implore you to consider a different option here in dealing with the Blinded Eye. Yes they have fallen into Apostacy, but it qould do weel to consider the circumstances that led them on their path."
"In the Singers of the Void we too understand Martyrdom, and even approve of it if it strengthens the Faith. But what happened in the Consortium may well go beyond the normal bounds of martyrdom. Did the people all know of their impending sacrifice? Obviously Gravus may well be thinking these same questions."
"We have many duties as part of our respective faiths, Showing Heathens the truth and gathering them to our flock, Castigating Heretics in the Fire of our God's Wrath, Bur rhe most important thing is protecting the lives of our Faithful, and should they stray into Apostacy, showing them the light and getting them to return. This is what I am asking you to consider."
The bright ball of Primordium started forming at the muzzle of the Phoenix Weapon, it's nova-bright actinic light casting shadowsfrom the Triad's ships. The mexxle started to rotate, but the energy rings did not form fue to the interdiction fields present.
"Of course, I suspect both of us ffind the greatest religious catharsis in the purging of Heretics. After all nothing quite Cleanses like Fire... but perhaps both of us can change?"
Lanelei cut the connection and slowly carressed the firing levers of the Phoenix Weapon at his control station. Thinking to himself Nah, I dount it... Still hope reinforcements arrive soon. He then signalled Gravus on the Great Eye "High Exemplar, we have signalled our high command and expect reinforcements to arriv soon. In the meantime we are prepared to engage Tyrandis."
After a thought heopened a channel to the allied fleets and the Minsin.
"This is redemptor Lanelei.... Wwe have a new enemy-well, and old one I suppose. I suggest we make a common front against Tyrandis. As the man himself stated he believes in purging through flame. Yes, I realise that my own Faith's history finds that to be quite common as well, but it is time for all of us; Singers, Carneith, Minsinese, Blinded Way, and all others present insystem to put aside our differences and fight this xommon enemy. I have made a diplomatic overture to them, but frankly I am prepare for violence. Sometimes it is the only thing zealots understand."
After a few seconds he added "After all, it takes one to know one."
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Gravus felt the vibrations through the large structure as the sudden recommencement of hostilities kicked off. Almost immediately the anti-psionic pressure in his head built causing blood to trickle down from his nose, Cyllis merely stood clenched while the Herald had started crying.
“This was planned, both… Us and Tyrandis on a silver platter for Minsin it’s the perfect time to…” Cyllis threw up onto the floor and swayed for a moment “For… Dealing with both Eosian threats at once” Gravus grunted.
“You may very well be right…” He turned to the Hastraxian liasons “You would be surprised at the amount of hate my people have in general. It runs deep. First you are indeed right we need that anti psionic device destroyed…” He coughed a moment before continuing “Then we need to recapture the engineering segments of the Great Eye, if we can retake those from Minsin we can power her up and fight our way out of here to escape.” Gravus pointed to a holographic that came up on the display, the information relayed through the allied com system.
The statement that the Singers had called in reinforcements and were readying themselves to fight the approaching Eosian loyalists both reassured but also unnerved Gravus, with any luck there the Singers would not try to wish them to change themselves or submit over their past… contacts.
“You have my thanks Redemptor, and you nam-Iqla”
------
The thunder of guns erupted once again inside the Great Eye as the Minsin forces opened fire, guided drone shots streaked through the air, landing with pin point precision to strike Blinded Way soldiers or strong points which had been erected in the chokepoint, blasting armour away and killing instantly.
Wave artillery by the Blinded Way forces met the reply as Minsin soldiers rushed forward under the cover of smart smoke and blinding chaff which was launched into positions in front. Explosions rained down all over as the fire was exchanged, the Minsin troopers were trying to break through the main choke point and then secure the approaches of the inner segments and thus easily storm the rest of the Great Eye.
“It might be time to use those explosives…” Iblis commented to the Hastrax commander as he slumped over onto the floor, many of the Eosians were suffering in the extreme due to such close proximity of the device before them.
-----
The captured Blinded Way ships did not immediately engage as the Carnaithian boarding teams docked into cavernous hanger bays. The ornate interiors clearly designed in such a way to contain fantastical murals to aid those in understanding the glory of Eos, it was overdesigned and all purely aesthetic but at least it wasn’t some bland open box like some other nations. Either way small teams of Minsin troopers waited for the Carnaithian forces, they had their weapons but held them at the ready in respect.
As much as the sudden commencement of hostilities had kicked off the forces on board these vessels was a skeleton force at best, and with the Blinded Way crew and civilians taken to large holding pens within the ship they could not afford a shooting war with numbers they couldn’t handle. With the arrival of the Grand Exemplars fleet it seemed at least this contingent of Minsin units would not be fighting the Carnaithians, Preceptor Alclex own Z class was still somewhat out of control but clear extensive repairs were underway, still it had not charged weapons or done anything to antagonise even as the Blinkerzwillen began to burn away towards Zin.
“Welcome aboard. I was told to expect and accept you; captives are in the rear most holds with adequate provisions and my men are spread out operating the ships. It seems like the situation has gotten even worse” The man who had come out to meeting the first boarding party seemed to be more of a marine commander than a naval leader and it showed both on his extremely advanced Triarch Inc. prototype body armour but also in his look and tone.
-----
The Z class which was moving to rendevouz with the other of its kind and the Minsinese Blinker finally met up at speed, the formation seamlessly blending into a triangular formation with the Blinker behind the two Z class vessels. All continued to accelerate now towards Zin, but they were not aiming for the Grand Exemplars fleet, they were aiming for the allied forces now boarding the Great Eye.
Pulses of energy spikes were detected as the Neutralino guns on the Blinker charged before firing, its first target was the lead Retribution class battleship of the Blinded Ways own fleet, the shot punched through any defenses the ship had and detonated deep in the primary reactor, the small singularity inside destabilising without its containment and collapsing into a burst of hard radiation. Within several moments the internal reactor segment was little but molten slag and all those on board were dead due to such a hard dose of radiation. The second shot aimed for Redemptor Lanelei’s flagship Tasims Flame aiming to cripple or destroy it in a single strike.
This was quickly followed by both the frontal Z class firing their Kolleronic lasers at the Hastraxian contingent, accompanied by a follow up missile barrage of BPLs aimed to strike any return kinetic and missile fire that might come their way.
The two Z class who had been closing on the Pordish forces however seemed to change direction, and almost opposite that of the Zetyan fleet, which was now flying, rather fast, towards the Blinker and escorts engaging around Zin. It seemed the two vessels would intercept the Zetyans and then the Eosian loyalists on the flythrough.
-----
“And behold. The lies of a false prophet. Seeking to justify the rejection of the true light, not only for his own faith but for that of our own heretical people. I admire your dedication Redemptor Lanelei but you will no forgiveness, no light to the true path and no return to the truth here. And neither will the heathens before me. He gives me the strength to right the wrongs of his tainted universe” The reply was brief as the Grand Exemplars fleet spread out, into a loose formation of a speartip as they continued to accelerate albeit slowly towards Zin and the greatest concentration of forces.
Already energy spikes could be detected as all ships powered their gravitic wave weapons, Eosian attack craft also launched from the ships taking up almost aesthetically pleasing patterns around the vessels they had launched from ready to engage.
"<<Hrrr, nawt nough, nawt yeht..." The captain muttered, as the twin Z-classes well on their way to intercept showed themselves on one of the many data panels present on the main bridge screen. They'd just merked one, did they think two more would solve the problem? Maybe they were dumb; they sure seemed to talk as much as dumb people did...
"<<Hey! Boss! Your friends are comin' in!>>" The scratchy voice of P'aesa caught the captain's attention, as did the main display changing to where the reinforcements were warping in, a few vacuous distances away.
A few large wormholes suddenly ripped into existence, as a surprising 40-ish hodgepodge, salvaged ships churned out of the depths of the star tunnels. 5 escorts and 5 support and assault corvettes each bobbed and weaved like flies around 3 light carriers, 6 assault frigates, 6 missile frigates, and 8 assault destroyers. Leading them, however, was a single, large scrapheap of a ship built around a combination of a support cruiser from Clan O'vauka and a heavy cruiser from clan K'lve, a sister ship and backup of the Ski'ajh monikered the Sho'ala. It didn't have the advanced cyberwarfare programs of a support cruiser, nor the devastating spinal of a heavy cruiser, but it combined the lesser aspects of the two well enough.
A normal person would've been glad to see such numbers showing up to help. But for Lkoj'ir, it meant one thing. One very annoying thing.
He groaned, as it's captain made himself known on the bridge screen.
"<<Hur hur, tha' grayt 'n faymus Likojeer ashkn' fer' 'elp!>>" His third in command, T'hkak'a, who was presumably at their asteroid hideout about 10 minutes ago, had acted on his summoning call. Notorious loudmouth and denthead, but he did good work as dumb muscle, and wasn't ambitious enough not to think about challenging his boss. Atleast there were some redeeming qualities about him.
After a moment of his palm embracing his head in forbidden love, Lkoj'ir responded.
"<<Yeh, oi ushed a beakun. Sho wot?>>"
"<<Wohtda yew evun neid 'elp fer? Yewsh nou junyer captin aneemour, harhar!>>"
"<<Do usch both a fayvor, look on yer' radar finky.>>"
"<<Ha! 'Atsh, uh...
...uh...
...oh. 'at, 'ats uh, alawt, akytualie.>>"
"<<Yeh 'atsch wot i fought. Now, ya shee thoshe two dumb spoiky finks 'eadin' fer me schip?>>"
"<<Ur hur...>>" A grin spread across his face.
"<<Thows fursht tew, awl yoursh. Iyf ya down't lewshe 'alf yer rigsh, yew cahn evun 'ave tha' one we frakked. Awn me uvver roight 'and.>>" For someone as dumb as him, it was a tall order.
"<<Hur hur, har har HARHARHARHARHAAR!!! YEW 'ERD 'IM, BOYSH! AOUL 'ANDSH, FUWL SCHPIID!>>" He roared in approval, as the feed cut and the reinforcements began to move to intercept the other belligerent Z-classes.
With those two annoyances(hopefully) out of the way, the good captain laid back in his chair, satisfied.
"<Hurhurhurhurhurhur, fuckin' dent'ead.>>" He then brought back his speaking voice for a moment. "<<Roight, schtay owr courshe. Owr friendsh'll deal wif' tha' spoikiesh.>>"
With that, he eyed the main screen as it changed back to a video feed of the blinker, a smug grin on his face as he watched the chaos unfold at the Eye. Though, some people were starting to complain a lot about headaches...
Eh, probably nothing.
The Hastraxian liaisons turned to their console and notified the commander of their ground forces what Gravus' position was on getting rid of the anti-psionic device, and the priority of the engineering sections. "We'll see what we can do for you."
Th commander on the ground checked the message from his own team before turning to Iblis. "Indeed so." He nodded to one of the engineers nearby who wasn't in the process of being bombed by the Minsin guided munitions who pushed a button on a small box he was holding. It was the last thing most of the soldiers nearby saw before they were thrown to the ground as the entire corridor was rocked by the concussive blast of the explosives going off as well as the accompanying fireball. "Feeling better?"
The Hastraxian forces in space were certainly not protected enough against the high tech Z class weapons as the Kolleronic laser fire sheared the engines off of a frigate completely with the resultant explosion and loss of primary power systems instantly mission killing the ship even if it was technically still intact at the front. The immediate return fire was a mix of kinetic and lance weapons. The kinetics were more to ablate actual contact of BPLs to ships but even so ships would be unlikely to fare well if they took the hits. They would wait for the missiles to pass or be sufficiently thinned out before they made a proper responding salvo, firing off their full weapons systems in the hope that the cluster missiles they fired would both penetrate the defenses through saturation and then manage to find something important on the exterior of the Z-class as various fighter and bomber craft that were screening attempted to knock out BPLs as well as firing off their own munitions as a secondary strike.
"I'm inclined to agree," The Void Arms Infantry officer that had made first footfall on one of the captive ships responded to the Minsinese marine that welcomed him and his forces, who nervously began queuing up for work orders. He moved to remove his EVA faceplate from his otherwise standard-issue helmet, moving it forward and upwards, out of the way, permitting eye-to-eye contact. "The loyalists are no good news for anyone here. I doubt it's a good development for even your people. Commander Aviph, Void Arms Infantry, pleased to make your acquaintance," he continued, extending a handshake as he named himself despite the incredibly high-contrast nameplate splayed across his bevor. "Any way my men can be of service?"
Outside of the captive ships, however, it was a much more chaotic scene. Shortly after the Zetyan reinforcements arrived, so did the first of the Carnaithian responders - one fleet of six jumping in between the Pordish and Imperial fleets, though the other patrol squadron had arrived closest to the veritable trash heaps that the Zetyans fielded.
"Rear Admiral Calyl reporting, 12th GC patrol," the first formation announced, burning to meet with the carrier group, as they had no chance of catching up to the Blinkerzwillen.
"Captain Mour reporting, 17th GC patrol, my forces are off-base. Will attempt to assist closest non-minsinese group," The latter responded, laserline comms quickly pivoting to contact the Zets nearby, ships quickly burning to make a closer formation with the newely-arriving fleet that was moving to engage the twin Z-classes. "Greetings, this is Captain Mour of the Carnaithian Void Arms moving to support. Requesting orders," asked a fairly androgenous and somewhat inexperienced, if eager, voice from the cruiser of the formation.
The handler grimaced as the system map updated with ships so close to the zetyan mavericks. Ordering a reposition would be far too much trouble, given the limitations of FTL drives, but something far more helpful was made obvious to him.
<< 5TH QRF FLEET - HEAVY, 8TH QRF FLEET - LIGHT, APPROVED FOR DEPLOYMENT. ETA FOUR HOURS / ASAP >>
A message directly from the command network. Fifty ships, easily, just as another patrol flight announced their support. This might not end up so badly as expected.
Pordish Fleet
The bearded cruiser-leader scowls unhappily at his displays. Rather than reciprocate his gesture, the two Z class vessels powered away towards the Zetyans instead. Wounded quarry attract opportunistic hunters, he considers to himself.
His tactical officer takes notice of the development, only to turn his head upon seeing a number of FTL exit signatures light up across the field. Do you still wish to engage from this range? he questions, while bringing up a number of offensive possibilities, I don't recommend pursuit.
You don't, but I do, the cruiser-leader shakes his head. Look at these forces here and here. We may be able to corner them with all the fleets in the area. I know what I see. He leans back in his seat then stands from the console entirely. Bring us up to speed; engage.
The tactical officer shrugs. That is a distinct possibility, he admits, but given our relative paces, closing will not be easy.
Yes, you are correct on this, the cruiser-leader agrees. The Zetyans will have to slow them. He waves his hand over the displays then seats himself once more.
Now clearly divorced from Iqla and the rest of the Pordish forces, the cruisers settle into their pursuit gait. An initial salvo of missiles enters the fray, composed of varying types, joined by twelve of the formation's heavy redirection probes which lag a pace or two behind them; they target the nearest Z-type as elsewhere two more battalions arrive at hostile interdiction's edge, as close to Iqla's flag as they can manage. The nine rift cruisers of the force fan out swiftly and rush Eyeward ahead of the less agile craft of the contingent: Ülchaaq's Battalion, the heavy cruisers VRZ Chosen Gale, VRZ Snowstorm Modest, and VRZ Low Island.
Amritsar System: Republic of Minsin Space
“They lied to us! Scum! How could they do this to us?” Iblis roared as he turned the onrushing Minsin soldier into a blast of red mist.
Another shot caused him to take cover, the beautiful pearlescent boulevard now punctuated by wave cannon impacts and blood stains. Even in this quarter of the Great Eye which had been spared so much pain and war somehow over the period of the Exodus and the subsequent flight the fighting was fierce, and its grandeur was now tarnished. But not by any heretic or non Eosian, no. This damage was done by their own brethren, betrayed after the hand of peace and help had turned out to be nothing but a trap.
Iblis felt hate towards the Minsin now, he had always been indifferent to the Eosians who had split off from the Consortium early on. Of course he had seen them as heretics but nothing worth fully enough to be wiped out. They had grown of course, turned to a more peaceful path. And for that reason when Iblis had joined the Blinded Way after his rescue, he had seen the help of Minsin as a possibility. The Exemplars had too, but they were a proud people, despite running from the loyalists like Tyrandis they had been too prideful to ask for help from the Republic.
But then, when the Blinded Way had started to take catastrophic failures from under maintained technology, insufficient supplies and low morale Minsin had extended its hand. And just in time too, Tyrandis had been close and the Grand Exemplar had been intent on wiping out the heretics of the Blinded Way along with retaking the Great Eye. But Gravus, the leader of the Blinded Way sect, had taken Minsins helping hand and taken the weary and wounded Eosian rebels to rest in their distant brothers arms. United by the fact that they had both turned from the Consortium Iblis had hoped to find kindred spirits. He had been wrong.
The Minsin Eosians had been strangely alien, and hostile to the Blinded Way, quickly leading to both groups ceasing any sort of intermingling while Minsin engineers aided their equals in repairing and resupplying the Blinded Way fleet, the some 127 ships that still remained within their nomadic fleet. In addition they had shown respect and reverence in helping to restore the Great Eye, the titanic mobile city and super weapon which had existed since the dawn of their civilisation and been the very ark upon which they had travelled to Ancerious. While the Minsin did not practice or respect the Eostine faith anymore, they did respect the Great Eye.
At least, that’s what Iblis had believed until Minsin troops had rushed into the titanic object intent with taking it by force. With a flurry of reports stating that the same had occurred on all the Blinded Way ships. Now Iblis was on the frontline, fighting to defend the Great Eye against the very people who had offered them help.
“We will make them pay in blood” He muttered to himself as he took defensive positions in a small communal eating area with his unit “We always do”
----
Gravus clutched his head as he surveyed the situation. Quite frankly, it was grim.
“38 ships have reported effectively nullifying the Minsin assault including ours and have since broken free of the docks. Another 52 are being contested as we speak and 37 vessels have been captured by the enemy, several of which are being piloted away from the dock and we believe are trying to take them out of system. The situation on the Great Eye is stable for now, but its only a matter of time un-“
“Yes I get the picture, thank you.” Gravus sighed, the command room of the large Corona class vessel being a beautiful matt white and gold, highlighted by the real-time holographic read out that showed the entire Amritsar solar system. They were currently near the main dockyards orbiting the gas giant and its 17 moons the form of the Great Eye being picked out against the Gas giant. That was their focus, the Great Eye was key to the Blinded Ways survival, without it they were doomed, but Minsin knew that and Gravus knew they didn’t have a great deal of time before Minsin both sent in more forces to secure it and also sent their fleet to destroy the Blinded Way ships they had not managed to capture. Gravus himself was covered in blood, the Minsin envoy who had been informing him of ongoing repairs had suddenly and without warning attempted to kill him with an elegant punch dagger. Lucky for Gravus, the Herald had been nearby and her will simply turned the man inside out.
*”They will prioritise the Eye. We should as well. Worst case scenario we should abandon what ships we cannot secure and redirect what we have to the Eye”* The unearthly voice of the young girl who floated across the holotable rung out and made Gravus nod.
“We should also seek outside help” The form of High Exemplar Cyllis stood opposite Gravus and she stared him straight in the eyes “This may be a squabble between brothers but we don’t have the forces here. Minsin hold the upper hand, put out a call for help. Someone will come” Cyllis knew Gravus was a proud man but she had been liason to Capitol for several years, she had learned to put aside her pride and work with other species. Gravus could not deny she was right. He swallowed hard and nodded.
“I will ask for help. Direct what forces you can. Let’s pray someone will hear us”
------
“This is High Exemplar Gravus of the Blinded Way Eosian offshoot, we have sought only shelter and help from the relentless pursuit of Grand Exemplar Tyrandis and his force of loyalists to avoid persecution and death. The Republic of Minsin offered us that help, but we have been betrayed. They are attempting to storm our ships, take our people and capture the Great Eye, it is key to our people’s survival and we will not last without it. We have tried to ask the Minsin people to stop what they are doing, but we have received no reply. I ask any who are willing to help us to do so, we will in exchange offer our services and grant you aspects of our technological knowledge. But be quick, I do not know how long we can hold them. For our future generations of free Eosians Gravus out”
---------
"<<'Fiddy milyun zets, to Ka'libahn.
Lookin' dauwn, da barul ov a gahn.'>>"
a single, large hulk of a ship drifted through the void in a nearby system, escorted by 5 escorts and 5 assault destroyers, a 15 by 10 kilometer mishmash of various parts and ships, taped, bolted, and welded together like a child's toy, the words "The Ski'ajh" in the zetyan language emblazoned on the side and lit up by moody, flickering lights-a freeboot ship, and one of the more locally famous ones at that.
"<<'Gruntin' at eetchuuva'.
Wontin' to discuvva'.
Who'z tha' gitz dat're frum Ka'libaaaahn.'>>"
onboard, the pirate crew went about their lives, doing their tasks, manning weapons or roaming about and 'kicking cans' so to speak(or for the sly ones, both), though half had the joy of refueling the Megafuser at the core of the ship once in a while, as it rocked the hull sometimes with it's barely-contained explosive reactions when it didn't have enough stable matter to use. some, however, took a different route to their duties onboard the Ski'ajh.
the ship was massive enough to have small, somewhat sustainable markets dotted around, usually in or near where the crew slept, and were often used as an excuse to avoid actual ship duties by some of the more business-oriented sailors, citing 'crew morale' or something. mostly, they selled food that tasted better than the mess hall's food or little keepsakes to throw in the trash accidentally 2 days later.
"<<'Firdy milyun zets, awl in Saddy ships.
Killin' any Sads, that gave dem slips.'>>"
the current bridge, located in the center of the ship after the last one got taken off by an asteroid impacting it, was currently alive with mirth and song; the helmsmen there were in the throes of the captain's favorite sea shanty-one he wrote himself after listening to another freeboot captain's shanty. said captain was named Lkoj'ir, a former clanlord of Clan Kho'thar that left after his boss gave him a bit too raw of a raiding deal. (edited)
"<<'Yellin' at eetchuuva'.
Wontin' to discuvva'.
'Ow ta' get ta' Ka'libaaaaahn.'>>"
"<<Oi, Sh'hahg! Geht da radio fink up'n'goin', oi fink we'sh in a good plashe fer' schteelin' finksh!>>" his nickname was also Schpitta', due to a hereditary lisp, probable undiagnosed brain injury(thought this was more of a rumor than anything) and talking style gained over years of experience in pirating
"<<Aye aye, sir.>>" was C'hag's one-size-fits-all response to the captain, and he turned on the ship's 'local broadcast ensnarer'; a device also created by the captain and his engineers after they saw another freeboot ship using one to find a cargo convoy. he laid back, expecting this to be another dead zone after the last six or so, when suddenly the Eosian distress call was filtered through their systems, read by a shaky TTS voice as it struggled to pronounce words in a language it had no knowledge of
"<<...oi. Oi, whushh da fink shayin?!>>" the captain said, at outdoor volume, to which the general response was 'why you askin' us? we dunno!', which invigorated the captain even more than the shanty did
"<<Ish dat so, naow? Hur hur, oi fink wesh got a big'un 'ere, boysh!>>" he said, then turned to the current designated system-finder, and raised his arms in dramatic fashion
"<<SHHHYSTEM FOINDA'! LETSH FOIND DAT SHHYSTEM!>>"
"<<...y-yeah. findin' it. gimme a min', luv.>>" she replied, and soon set to work triangulating the source of the distress call, while the rest of the crew present returned to the shanty, definitely more invigorated than before
"<<'Firdy milyun zets, on Ka'libahn!
Facin' dauwn, da barul ov a gahn!>>"
the system finder soon found the origin system, and silently sent the coordinates to the terminals of the sensors managers, the captain's helm, and the fracture drive drones stored on the ship respectively, as the intercommsman prepared to order launch of a drone
"<<'Skreemin' at eetchuuva'!
Wontin' to discuvva'!
Oo'z da nob dat leeds Ka'libaaaaahn!'>>"
"<<ALL 'ANDSH, PREPARE TA' BRASHE! WESH GONNA' JUMP SEWN ENUFF!>>" the captain screamed into his personal intercomm, connected to a sort of hackney'd set of radio announcers dotted all around the ship that used to be(and in a way, still were) ship alarms, adopted after complaints that sending message deliverers to run around the ship was causing death by exhaustion
the intercommsman sent the order, and a single drone flew into the void 30 seconds later, launched like a missile and keyed open to somewhere on the border of the Eosian system
"<<'Wun lone Sad left ta' hoide 'n sneek!
Wishin' it 'adn't been so!'>>"
a signal reached the drone once it reached a certain point in the distance in front of the Ski'ajh, and it began to warm up the bastardized alcubierre drive as the shanty reached it's peak on the bridge
"<<'Whisp'rin' to isself
"Where'z da bloodi saafe"!
On da zetty wurld ov Ka-li-baaaaaaaahn!'>>"
just as they finished it, so to did the fracture drives on the drone activate, and a sizeable 'hole' replaced the unfortunate hunk of metal, as reality itself seemed to constrict it, then bisect it as a sort of starry, morphing corridor emerged, light from their destination's home star faintly visible at the end of the corridor
the formation of the temporary spacetime anomaly sent an ever familiar wave through the ship, which reached the bridge only a second after the last verse, causing great mirth and excitement
"<<Oho! Haha! Dish ish why oi luv yew lot! Yewz proppa zetties, you is! Hahahahaaa!>>" said Lkoj'ir, a temporary euphoria washing over him, it only felt half as good as killing someone, but it was nice while it lasted
"<<Hahaha...hehe...
...er, where wush oi... Oh. Oh yeh. ALL 'ANDSH, FULL SHPEED!!>>"
and with that order, the Ski'ajh's engines roared to life, and it soon disappeared within the corridor, warping directly towards [insert system name here] with laughter and bloodlust within it's gut
Nalydian Empire, Chor Reknu
The lazy shadows of distant freighters skip across the water's surface. Animated by the leaden-passage of myriad boats through the joyful sun's gaze - and the pleasant shifting of waves upon the surf - they dance against the watchful eye of Naglyt Iqla, diminutive though they may be, while he - with a steady hand - guides his shuttle to a berth. Here we are, he hums to himself, here we are.
He looks over the console as the machine comes to a rest. It settles well, but is dwarfed by the towering piers built into the inner city walls. Thus satisfied, he considers to himself: It's all in order. Good. He stands from his seat and makes his way out into the wind where the chattering breeze tugs upon his shoulder cape. And as he steps forth, a Pord in layered robes greets him, her own garb similarly rustled by the seaward draft.
nam-Iqla, she bows, then, reaches for a pipe. You've made good time. Her inquisitive tone does not go unnoticed.
Tasi, tasi, Iqla returns the bow, I think I have. The northerly gust brings salt from the waters beyond the city limits, and he turns into this biting breeze along with his companion who lights her pipe and blows rings out towards the sky. Have you gathered the investigatory team I requested? He furrows his brow with the question and considers going on but resists the temptation.
The robed Pord inhales audibly; a few flakes of snow crunch as she walks. I've spoken with a few people, but you know it'd be easier with more detail, she explains.
Iqla smiles as he tucks his arms behind his back. The wind feels nice; it isn't too cold. I suppose this is true, he agrees. And we do have that information now. We weren't sure how to proceed initially.
And you are now? the robed Pord raises an eyebrow. Previously, she'd gotten little more than a few words on the matter out of Iqla. The notion prompts her to stop and turn towards him - Iqla, silhouetted against the sea, who merely nods.
I'm not asking you for a massive force, he goes on. I will send you my overall proposal here shortly. I'd rather not elaborate here, but suffice to say this is a situation related to Eos.
The two begin to walk once more, and dabble into minor details concerning Minsin and the Blinded Way, and soon come upon a vessel floating along a pier. It is far larger than Iqla's shuttle, but not quite as large as many of the other ships in the area. They agree here is where they part ways - but not before Iqla hands the robed Pord a datasphere. We will keep you updated, he says with a bow.
The robed Pord returns the gesture. Namengrazhniskaya, she says back to him with a long drag from her pipe.
It does not take long for Iqla to board the vessel, the Tylaq Balnook type runner R-1259. It rolls gently with the meager tide (a lolling that, in all honesty, is nearly undetectable) and he quickly steps through the corridors of the craft up to his command deck.
Here the hologram of the runner's captain flickers about anxiously. Already on the bridge further towards the bow, his urge to weigh anchors has nearly consumed him. He sees Iqla's arrival and then begins to point and speak with others Iqla and those of the command room staff cannot see. Moments later, the vessel begins to ascend and make course for the distant orbitals.
But in the command room, Iqla stands behind his console, eyeing the holograms of the gathered. He asks them: Are your ships in order?
The two formation commanders present nod. When you gave us this timetable I didn't actually think you were serious, the bearded cruiser-leader smiles. A slight tinge of irritation duels against the edges of his grin, but - for the most part - are kept unseen.
Tasi, Iqla nods. Their course comes upon a heading for Amritsar, and he takes the opportunity to sit. I'd like to investigate this matter before it disappears.
With a shrug, the cruiser-leader turns to his own command staff. It won't be over that quickly, he mumbles to himself while his ship, and the others of his charge, join the R-1259 on a heading that will take them to Amritsar.
Spire of Laenas,
Shimmering Veil
Lanelei was excited, and also somewhat curious. He had been performing his usual devotions at the Grand Temple, and had just finished with Services when a courier had arrived from the Spire of Laenas. Blessed Laenas Herself had sent for him. He told the courier to say that he would be along promptly, and got himself ready. Now he approached the doors to Laenas' Hall of Audiences. The two guards looked him over briefly, then opened the door and allowed him to pass. He knew if they took umbrage to him he would be dead before he could even speak. Laenas' personal guard were trained by her elder brother Laranis, and shared some of his preternatural speed.
Once inside he reverently approached Laenas' dais where s(he) stood, Bowing he spoke softly "How may I do the Anais' Will, Blessed Laenas?" Laenas smiled, then made a gesture to her right with her chin "Why not ask them?" With a puzzled look Lanelei turned to the right--and Beheld the essence form of El'Neth-L'Eral, standing so close Lanelei was almost inside the Twin's Aura.
Immediately genuflecting, Lanelei said in a deeply reverent tone. "How may I assist you, All-Highest?" El'Neth-L'Eral looked at him for a second. then "spoke" to him, her unearthly voice resonating the fabric of space with a sound like a heavenly choir-a choir of two.
"Rise my servant. A matter has come up regarding an affair that I believe you are eminently suited to handle. I have followed your career closely and you have impressed me with your competence, faith, and wisdom. You will need all three to succeed in this task, for it is rather....unusual. We have received a transmission originating on the Great Eye, I can tell by your facial expression you recognize the name. Few in the Church would not."
"There is apparently a schism of sorts taking place within Eos' faithful. This is likely brought on in part by Eos' setting the Eosian worlds on fire... Now while that stirred certain sympathies-I can't deny I like his style, it is not the best way to show one's concern for one's worshippers..."
"The Eosian Schismatics have seized control of the Great Eye. The fate of the Grand Exemplar is currently unknown, he was believed to be aboard when the Consortium got torched. Regardless, the Schismatics are apparently under attack by a group called the Republic of Minsin, themselves an Eosian offshoot."
El'Neth paused, which was generally in the Song of the Void's etiquette an invitation for the listeners to speak. "All-Highest, this is sounding like an internal schismatic conflict between two groups of Heretics, What business do we have considering intervention. I mean yes it would be a great coup--and offering to You, if we could show them the Light you shine upon us,,," he stopped for a moment then continued "Though it would also be good to emphasize helping them and making sure the Great Eye stays in the hands of those who view us in a favorable light. Then with time they can come to us if they are willing. They have certainly passed their Test of Fire,"
El'Neth-L'Eral smiled, her facial contours somehow visible inside the roaring storm of black and purple quantum flame surrounding her. "Your wisdom shows here Lanelei. There could be High Priesthood in this for you if you are successful. I will send with you one of our newly commissioned Phoenix Ships." Seeing Lanelei's eyes light up s(he) laughed softly and said "Try not to set too many fires, unless of course you need to. Triad Leader Lithral will be in charge of military matters. He will assemble a force suitable for this mission. You will be in overall command however. All policy decisions that are not direct tactical matters will be your responsibility. Great things will be in your future if you succeed. If not well... Go with Our Blessing, Lanelei."
Space shimmered around him as El'Neth-L'Eral phased out, returning to the Home Continuum or the Xaeleth. Laenas said "You have a great opportunity here Priest Lanelei. Don't fail them." Lanelei nodded. "I know, it's better to be the torch then the torched." And bowed to her, leaving when she nodded and looked away from him, indicating the audience was at a close.
Phoenix Ship SVS Tasim's Flame
The Void Between Universes
Lanelei sat in the Fleet Leader's chair in the ship's CIC. I could get used to this he thought, and then played back the Eosian broadcast that had started this mission on it's path.
“This is High Exemplar Gravus of the Blinded Way Eosian offshoot, we have sought only shelter and help from the relentless pursuit of Grand Exemplar Tyrandis and his force of loyalists to avoid persecution and death. The Republic of Minsin offered us that help, but we have been betrayed. They are attempting to storm our ships, take our people and capture the Great Eye, it is key to our people’s survival and we will not last without it. We have tried to ask the Minsin people to stop what they are doing, but we have received no reply. I ask any who are willing to help us to do so, we will in exchange offer our services and grant you aspects of our technological knowledge. But be quick, I do not know how long we can hold them. For our future generations of free Eosians Gravus out”
He thought for a moment trying to consider the level of cataclysm and dissonance that had brought Gravus and his followers to this point, Even his mind could barely conceive of that level of apocalyptic shock.
Still, as a Singer and a Priest of the Song he understood on a spiritual level.
"Revered One, we are ready to phase in to the Amritsar System. All ships are at full alert. We will be emerging in the outer system as per standard operational procedures." Triad Leader Lithal informed him over Intership PTP from SVS Inquisitor.
"As the Anais Twins have Commanded, Let it be Done." Lanelei said, and then the small squadron phased into the outer reaches of the Amritsar system, shimmering in like apparitions into realspace, Lanelei activated the ship's comm suite, and sent a transmission to the Great Eye. Even at this range it shone like a beacon on the Flame's Multispectral Sensors.
"Grand Exemplar Gravus, this is Priest Lanelei of the Anais Unity. We have come in answer to your call for assistance. Can you inform us about the current tactical and operational situation? We stand ready to render assistance to you and your people."
Battlestation Talos, Order of Hastrax Space
Archon Therin of Battlestation Talos sat listening to the message again as he awaited the force commander to arrive. Nearby, and one that sounded sincerely desperate. "Commander." He addressed the individual who had just walked in. "I am aware we normally make a point of keeping away from wars of faith. This one that I am ordering you to engage is one of betrayal, for those who are already on the run. Time is of the essence so I shall keep this short. Take your task force of 30 ships, and assist those in need of our aid."
Commander Wiras didn't need the explanation. It was obvious these people were very much being kicked while they were down and they needed aid. He selected his ships from what Talos had made available. It concerned him from reading what information was available on the Ancnet that they were very much fighting an uphill battle technologically, but then again better to die a hero than wither away in a bed, he tried to reassure himself. And so, a force comprising the OOHS 'Thunderer', other destroyers, escorts and a troop transport prepared to set out, with the Commander addressing his crews. We may be outmatched in the battle we are about to enter, and we may die. If we do, we will be immortalised as heroes, and if we do not, we will be presented with medals. Whatever the outcome, the Order will be proud of you all and remember this event in its history. With the last word spoken, the task force engaged FTL and anxiously contemplated what they would find at the other end.
OOHS 'Thunderer', Amritsar System, Republic of Minsin Space
The forms of 30 Hastraxian ships started appearing on sensors as they steeled themselves for combat and readied all systems for operation. With a flash, they were on the edge of the enemy interdiction zones, with their own spooling up for readiness. High Exemplar Gravus. We are here to aid you against those who will not even permit the struggling a fair fight. We ask only that you communicate where we are best to direct our efforts. None among our Order will let your freedom be extinguished so mercilessly without a fight. Commander Wiras was not waiting for a response, as they headed toward the Great Eye, it being the most important piece in the battle by size alone.
Of course, the Commander knew it would be a hopeless battle alone, and he was only too glad for other allies to the cause were already arriving. If they could not outmatch the technology of their opponents, at least they had an advantage in numbers. Hopefully they might even draw attention away from his ships, and allow them to pass more easily. If not, he might at least be drawing attention away from them so that they could contribute more effectively. Whatever the situation, it was not going to be an easy one, as he watched sensor feeds for signs of enemy fire that might already be about to come their way.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Another wave grenade detonated further ahead turning several of his men into paste, Iblis immediately turned around, blasting two Minsin troopers apart in return as he took a step behind the doorway. The outer wards were taken, the enemies numbers had eclipsed the troopers which Iblis had at his disposal and unlike most enemies they had fought the Minsin were like Iblis, they knew Eosian tactics, weapons and capabilities. They had once walked these streets and corridors too, and now they used it against them.
“Exemplar, reinforcements have been confirmed to be on their way, Gravus indicates that he is also sending whatever he can spare to this section but everything is in chaos” Iblis second in command informed him over the internal coms. His lips tightened at the thought of having to work alongside non Eosians to rescue their own people but then the High Exemplar had pitched it clearly, there was no other way. Even with the troops that Iblis had under his command he could not defend the entire Great Eye, even with the troops from the attendant fleet he could not either. Despite the high influx of Blinded Way civilians who had joined the fray they just didn’t have the manpower, and anyway they went it would be a crippling blow, loose the Eye or the fleet. Or lose both if they were too spread out.
“How has it come to this…” He muttered, he offered a prayer briefly to Eos, an ironic thing to do given the state his people were in but it was all they had. Their faith may have been a lie, but it was still faith and that could overcome any odds.
“Keep firing, defend this chokepoint at all costs, help is on the way”
-----
“High Exemplar we have confirmed reports of arrivals in system, Order of Hastrax, Alabaster Empire, one unknown and… The Singers of the Void my lord…” The disbelief of the bridge attendant was palpable. Gravus himself seemed to look surprised before the Herald began to speak.
”The call for aid was the right one Cyllis, I recommend we immediately give them all tactical intelligence we have. Hide nothing from them, we do not wish for more to turn against us at the end” Gravus and Cyllis bowed to the young girl who floated blindfolded and chained to the deck.
“Yes of course.” Gravus immediately activated the coms system again “This is the High Exemplar, I thank you for your assistance. We currently have 38 warships operational and under our control, another 52 are being contested in the docks at this location, we need additional infantry on board to push the Minsinise back, another 37 ships are currently being escorted out of the system here, and are fully under Minsin control. Finally the Great Eye itself is under urgent need of reinforcement, beware the Minsin space forces in this system may be few but they are extremely capable and are a large threat. Exercise extreme caution in combat with them, but because they are few with any luck you can duck in and reinforce us. The Minsin government has severed any diplomatic communication with us, but I am sure they will likely contact you. I pray you will stay your course to help us” he sighed afterwards.
“I never thought our fate would be in the hands of-“
“Heretics? Im sorry Gravus, we are also such now.” Cyllis cut him off with smile. Gravus grimaced.
“Force of habit. Tell our remaining ships to stay in position, with any luck we can use them to keep the Minsin ships off our new arrivals in time”
-----
The Amritsar system was actually very nice in layout, a fantastic almost paradise of a world known as Tiu was well inhabited and orbited in the systems goldilocks zone, two ice worlds both dotted with science stations were located further out while a large hot gas giant orbited close to the star. But it was around the huge super gas giant and more akin to a brown dwarf known as ‘Zin’ that the entire spectacle was underway.
Huge orbital docks floated in the space around Zin, bored into its many moons or left to free orbit, the Blinded Way ships floated in the docks there, the corridors inside them full of conflict. But it was the Great Eye which was visible the most, the huge battlestation/spaceborne city inactive and its immense destructive weapons offline, signs of damage could be seen across the Blinded Way units, not from the Minsin but from the years of running from the Consortium proper. Still the small Eosian fleet under Gravus kept close to the Great Eye while the ships which Minsin had already taken were indeed being led away from the system.
And yet the Minsin forces only had 7 ships in system. 7. That was all.
But with the sensor scans came realisation, a rebuilt Axiomatic blinker was currently accelerating towards the shipyards with two vessels based on the legendary Z1 in tow. 5 other Z1 class ships also were laid about the system, two above Tiu, one near Zin and the other escorting the Blinded Way ships away. Thankfully none of these other Z class seemed to have the immense Nachtiline arrays of the super weapon version seen during the 2nd Ancerious war, but their other capabilities were known at least somewhat. Each of the ships here were extremely advanced, powerful and dangerous. Minsin had not skimped on defense.
The Pordish arrival was uneventful, save for the contrasting nature and FTL suites of the runners and cruisers, a force that - in totality - was no more than half a dozen strong. As they drifted in the shadow of the system's star, with all their defensive systems raised - but a pace or two from the world of Xe - they received an incoming transmission:
"This is the High Exemplar, I thank you for your assistance. We currently have 38 warships operational and under our control, another 52 are being contested in the docks at this location, we need additional infantry on board to push the Minsinise back, another 37 ships are currently being escorted out of the system here, and are fully under Minsin control. Finally the Great Eye itself is under urgent need of reinforcement, beware the Minsin space forces in this system may be few but they are extremely capable and are a large threat. Exercise extreme caution in combat with them, but because they are few with any luck you can duck in and reinforce us. The Minsin government has severed any diplomatic communication with us, but I am sure they will likely contact you. I pray you will stay your course to help us."
But what to reply to them? The desolation, Naglyt Iqla eyes the desolation and confusion on display around and on the myriad worlds and orbitals of the system. It really does appear to be urgent, in every sense of the word. Maybe we should've secured those transports before coming, he admits unhappily to himself. Comms, he says while turning to the officer in question, open a line between us and the High Exemplar.
The communications officer is swift; Tasinehdao, he says.
High Exemplar Gravus, this is Naglyt Iqla, brigade commander of the High Hunter's Navy, but more importantly a Representative of the Three. We are here to assist. He stops for a moment to think on the matter. As per the tactical data received, things in the system are very interesting, and there are plenty of strange contacts noted by the various domain and metaphasic sensor suites on the handful of ship under him. Quite a few other ships seem to be present from a few other polities; the call for aid no doubt was heard by many. We will see what we can do about providing ground support, he continues on to Gravus then cuts the line.
How do you wish to proceed? the tactical officer asks.
Iqla looks over to the sensory officer and then back to the communications officer. The Singers and Hastrax are here as well, he says. Comms, bring them up.
There is another affirmation as the links are established. Moments later, Iqla: We appear to be here for the same reason, he explains, it may be best if we coordinate, so that we don't stumble over one another. There seems to be a Minsin ship sprinting towards the Eye - we aren't currently in a position to intercept it, but we will do what we can to clear a path for us to move ground forces in.
Turning to Batyl Halchaaq, the commander leading Iqla's three runners, he says: Have R-1212 and R-780 cloak and shadow the cruisers, and then - turning to the bearded cruiser-leader - Start rotating your ships around towards Zin. Let's see what they want to do.
The void is silent as the Pords move out from the shadow of Amritsar's star in execution of Iqla's orders...
Wiras immediately took note of the successive comms messages. With them having entered a battle-in-progress he had made it clear any comms from other parties held high priority. It was imperative to secure intelligence and cooperation early. We will do our best to assist you, High Exemplar Gravus. We appreciate the warning about our mutual enemy. The response to the first communication barely having been sent before a second came, this time from another assisting party. The Commander made sure to be quick to respond to that one as well: Judging by the capabilities of the enemy, I think we might also struggle to make an intercept without seriously exposing ourselves either. Defending the eye must be our main priority. With the enemy so few in number, however, it may be possible that we can distract them or draw them off, and force them to choose where they will deploy - even despite their technological advantage I doubt they can be in two places at once. If you can distract them and clear a path, we can attempt an insertion to the eye, both landing troops on it and providing fire from the opposite direction on any enemy that you engage. Once we are free of our transport, we will have more freedom to move. Do any other allied forces have a plan of action we can coordinate by?
Wiras did not wish to rush in, but he ensured that his ships had their strike craft ready to deploy, and made sure SFRSs were running across his own formation. Following the Pordish movements, the Hastraxian formation moved to take the most advantage they could from their temporary allies, making sure they positioned well to make a run for the eye if needed, by making sure they did not overcommit should the plans change. Hopefully, the Minsin would be preoccupied with the Eosians until the various arriving forces made themselves a significant threat
a few minutes or so after their jump into Amritsar, the sensors finally came back online on the bridge of the Ski'ajh, and the good captain meticulously analyzed his screen, a blank stare slowly turning into a confused grimace as he eyed each of the things being read in the system. his keen eye had seen quite a few ships in his lifetime, destroyed quite a bit too-but nothing like this.
he turned towards the sensors section of the bridge, and said what was on his mind. "<<...'oo'sh deshe fuckin' guys?>>"
"<<I-i dunno, sir, they're... uh... they're something, though.>>"
"<<Wot?! 'At meansh nuffin' ter me! Whodda they look loik?! Oi wonna shee 'oo finksh they can schteel wotsh moine!>>"
"<<Mate, we don't know what we're stealing.>>" said his system finder.
"<<Shaddup, oi know 'at.>>"
a few clacking of keyboards later, and visuals were brought up on the bridge screen; due to the cams being outdated models they could only zoom in so far, but just enough to make out the faint outlines of the other stuff within their general view; mostly the Eye, the Blinker and friends, some ships from the other fleets, and the planets.
"<<...wotsh da shpindly fink?>>" Lkoj'ir asked, his attention was now fixated on the odd shape of the Blinker- the Eye might've been his fixation, if it didn't look like a prissy resort that some rich git would spend his last days in.
"<<I dunno, sir.>>" was the reply of the entire sensors board, in unison. they gave each other stink-eyes afterwards
"<<Argh! Oi don't loik not knowin'! Wesh foindin' out ourshelvesh, den. All 'andsh, full shpe->>"
the eosian transmission cuts him off as he gives his order, the garbled nonsense from before replaced with something actually coherent; the last transmission's translation packets had finally found their way through the Ski'ajh's convoluted computer systems.
“This is the High Exemplar, I thank you for your assistance. We currently have 38 warships operational and under our control, another 52 are being contested in the docks at this location, we need additional infantry on board to push the Minsinise back, another 37 ships are currently being escorted out of the system here, and are fully under Minsin control. Finally the Great Eye itself is under urgent need of reinforcement, beware the Minsin space forces in this system may be few but they are extremely capable and are a large threat. Exercise extreme caution in combat with them, but because they are few with any luck you can duck in and reinforce us. The Minsin government has severed any diplomatic communication with us, but I am sure they will likely contact you. I pray you will stay your course to help us."
"<<...wot??>>"
the bridge was now alive with confusion and questions. who was this rando? what the hell's a minsin? what's a 'great eye'?
this continued until the captain finally managed to shut them all up with a decisive few pistol shots into the ceiling.
"<<Shaddup 'n let me shpeek!
...roight. Oi dunno 'oo dish git ish. Oi dunno wot 'esh gabbin' about. But oi know exactly wot oi dew when da git whosh gabbin' ain't makin no shense. Y'know wot dat ish?...
silence
...nunna yew lot rememba'? really?...
murmured no's and not really's
...hrrrrm. Oi ignore dem. Yew lot know dish. Now, oi'll tell ya what oi'm gonna do. Oi'm gonna dishregard dat git, and 'unt me a shpindly ship. Yew wif' me on 'at?!>>"
this gets met with agreement throughout the actually-kinda-spacious bridge, the slight echo on the captain's quick speech probably helped but this was likely due to there not really being anything else to do besides go hunting.
"<<Hahaa! Oi knew yew lot would love 'at! Now, oi'll shay dish wun again-Awl 'andsh, FULL SHPEED!>>"
the orders given and received, the engines on the back went up in a flurry of colors, exhaust and other nonsense, and the hulk and it's 10 escorts began to turn towards it's newfound prey. they may die trying, but by gum they would try.
the shanty resumed once more.
Lanelei sat rather comfortably in the Fleet Leader's chair in the CIC of Tasim’s Flame. He ;listened to the Pordish communication and said to the Com/Scan officer “Link us with STS.” a short time later his neural display lit up signaling that the link was active. “Naglyt IqIa, this is Reverend Lanelei, operation commander of the Anais Unity’s forces. I concur with you with regards to coordination of our forces. We are preparing to deal with the approaching Minsin vessel.”
Turning to the image of Triad Leader Lithal on a display, Lanelei said “I’m still kind of new at this, my instincts are to torch them like a barbequed steak but… I will be launching Shards and activating my Chirality Inverters in defensive mode. I’m going to arm the PDSG but will not fire until we have a better solution. Unfortunately will be a non-gate firing. Sometimes I hate interdiction.”
Lithal’s image laughed. "As do we all. Battlecrystals should assume a standard Inverse Triad formation with you, my ship and the transport will take station inside the triad formation to get full coverage from stabilizers and your Inverters.”
The ships quickly assumed formation, synchronizing their stabilizer fields as the ship’s Phoenix weapon lowered from the hull and started rotating, a bright ball of Primordium starting to form outside the muzzle as the light blue rings of energy started radiating out forward in preparation for firing.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Iblis ducked the phase blade as it passed overhead, the strangely transparent blade slicing straight through the wall behind him effortlessly. He grunted and stabbed his own punch dagger into the man’s side, finding an opening the segmented dark plates for which the Minsin soldier wore, there was a gush of blood and the Minsin marine merely grabbed hold of Iblis in his dying moments with anger in his eyes. Iblis couldn’t see through the man’s Triarch built Generation White TX-88 armour helmet but he knew anger, he could feel it from the man. He resented the fact he was fighting technically his own people that were using hybrid gear. The green nerve network covering the Triarch armour giving the soldiers a strange appearance as they made their strikes, no ordinary armour either, clearly some kind of limited production variant.
Iblis barely had enough time to steady himself when three projectiles impacted the wall and exploded next to him throwing him clear. The seeker rounds made him angry the most, fired from a backpack mount it was a cowardly weapon and against everything he had been taught in combat. Picking himself up he threw himself into cover as another spray of fire from an SMG impacted the area, the chokepoint was holding just but he was down most of his men and the civilians who had been armed with them had died. He stared at one of their bodies and felt only sadness.
Shouting and power armour servos filled his hearing as he jumped up from the cover and fired his weapon, the gravity bubble blasting one Minsin trooper apart, and clipping another to tear half his body off despite the armour. In quick succession a seeker round then impacted his body centre mass, the beautiful white armour which was now covered in blood and dirt blew open punching a hole straight through his left chest and causing him to roar in pain. Ears ringing Iblis went down, gasping for air and with a collapsed lung he cried out in pain, the chokepoint was lost he had to withdraw again.
-----
“It seems the Singers and Kingdom are going to attempt to intercept their incoming reinforcements that unannounced party also seems to be making a charge against the Blinker. If they can tie it up then it will give us a chance” Gravus nodded to himself.
“Tell Exemplar Neris to take his remaining ships and engage the Z1 class around the gas giant. Lets give Hastrax an opening to reinforce us” Cyllis then pointed out, Gravus agreeing, relaying the commands.
“Another contested ship has been claimed by us, the Illitup it is currently attempting to leave dock” Gravus smiled as he watched the symbol flip to golden, a bit more hope it seemed.
The small Eosian contingent of vessels which orbited close to the gas giant of Zin were in a strange duality of a situation. The ships themselves were in top condition, refitted and reformed by the best Minsin and the Blinded Way had to offer, refuelled as well and ready for action they were as good as brand new. In fact all the Blinded Way ships had been lovingly restored before this betrayal, but on the flip side of the coin the crews aboard them were much reduced. The sudden assault had killed many crew and civilian workers alike and put them into a situation where each ship was below the recommended crew complement, it would reduce their effectiveness but they would fight all the same. Slowly accelerating the fleet began to move out, directed at the Minsin Z1 class that now was slowly moving towards Zin, the aim to engage it and destroy it so Hastrax could move in and reinforce.
----
The Minsin fleet, now well aware of the outsider influence began to react accordingly. The Z1 class near Zin began to attempt to swoop in towards the shipyards while the Blinker and two escorts continued to accelerate towards the yards to assist in the taking of the Great Eye. The two vessels orbiting the paradise world of Tiu also began to move out, although their destination was not apparent yet. The only one remaining unchanged was the escorting vessel, still aiming to move the captured Eos ships out of system.
Still as the factions began to move in to help the Eosians a wideband transmission was sent across the system. It appeared Minsin wanted to talk.
“Arrivals in the Amritsar system, I welcome you to the Republic of Minsin. My name is Ancarion Exil, Interior Minister. I can’t but help but notice your hostile intentions to our forces currently carrying out an operation of the upmost importance. I would like to kindly request you cease hostile actions and work with me to find a peaceful diplomatic resolution, no doubt the Eosians have told you much but not the whole picture. Please I ask only for your assistance with this matter” The women smiled like a textbook politician, but she seemed genuine. The line kept open for anyone to reply on.
A rhythmic clattering of fingers upon console betrays Iqla's slouched demeanour. His eyes follow the signatures of the swift Z-classes and their accompanying Blinker as they zoom towards the Eye, eager as they seem to be to close in to that sector of the front, then he traces a line down to the world of Tiu and the stirring boats there.
Good, the others are moving with us, he says as he arrests his hand. His attention has turned to the replies from the Singers and Hastrax.
Will you maintain these vectors? the tactical officer questions.
Iqla shrugs. We'll engage when ready. Those are some swift ships.
The tactical officers nods, but before he can continue, the communications officer interjects: Encrypted message from your investigatory team. They'll be arriving momentarily.
Very well, Iqla says, then turns to the tactical officer, I don't want us drifting into that interdiction field until they've grouped up with us. He turns back to the communications officer who speaks yet again:
Another communique is coming through. Bringing it up now:
"Arrivals in the Amritsar system, I welcome you to the Republic of Minsin [...] Please I ask only for your assistance with this matter."
Iqla raises an eyebrow. He can't fault the Interior Minister for reaching out to him and the other parties present. With luck, perhaps cooler heads can prevail. But looking over the tactical data gathered thus far... The prospects do not afford him the luxury of lowering his brow. He waves towards the communications officer who establishes a secure line so a reply can be made to the Minsin:
Interior Minister Exil, this is Naglyt Iqla, he begins, the rather bland expression draped across his face serving as a truly Pordish contrast to the smile of the Minsin woman, of the Pordish navy. We are open to finding a diplomatic solution to this situation. But - his gaze shifts to the displays once more and the unfolding battle at Zin, then to the seized ships being escorted out of the system - such a discussion will be better had during a ceasefire, he explains. Perhaps one can be arranged?
Meanwhile, the freeboot fleet was accelerating towards the Blinker, at a fairly decent pace due to the captain insisting they don't cut the throttle-not because of the speed that was displayed and noted by multiple bridge ops, but because he just wanted to get there faster. The overcharged mass of various engines at the back of the Ski'ajh provided enough thrust to make it somewhat difficult for it's escorts to keep up-then again, it also dwarfed half of them and easily outsized the other half). They thusly made a ring formation and lagged behind. Better to conserve fuel now and waste it all later.
--------------------------------------------------------
On the bridge, the shanty had concluded a little while back, replaced with a different one that boiled down to calling anyone who fell under the banner of a clan a bootlicking coward. A surprising amount of improvisation on part of the bridge crew kept it going, and thusly kept spirits up while they were en route. The Minsinese broadcast, unfortunately, served as an effective moodkiller, interrupting during the middle of everyone roasting Clan K'lve like meat on a hog roast and blaring loud enough to prevent anyone from speaking over it.
“Arrivals in the Amritsar system, I welcome you to the Republic of Minsin. My name is Ancarion Exil, Interior Minister... [etc. etc. etc.] ...I would like to kindly request you cease hostile actions and work with m-"
"<<Shuddahp!>>" boomed the now irritated captain, as he shut off the broadcast via a button he had hardwired on a pedestal near him "<<'Esh worsh dan 'at... er, 'Eggshemplar' git! Voish loik a tin cahn, shwear oi could...>>" He stopped mid sentence-the commotion in the room had degraded to murmurs and disgruntled silence. This caused him to loosen up, and start thinking of ways to get everyone back into the swing of things. He was a psychopathic murderhobo, but he was also genuine bros with a lot of his crew. Not nice seeing them down in the dumps.
Then, someone spoke up. A newboot, ever cocky, read the contents of his mind aloud to the captain, and really everyone in the room.
"<<Lemme give a piece of my mind to her, cap'n!>>"
Then another asked the same, then another, and another, and soon the entire bridge was begging to shit-talk the Minister. Lkoj'ir couldn't help but crack a grin at their fervor.
"<<Alroight. Yeh. Yeh! Oi, guy 'oo ashked, c'mon up!>>" the bridge was now back to it's usual merry self as the FNG marched eagerly up to the standing area, handed a mic while the comms team set the broadcast to be directed towards the Minsin ships.
All he needed were 4 words-
"<<Do yer' fink, lad.>>"
the radio broadcast was sent out from the Ski'ajh, a vulgar rant from someone who, from initial impressions, had anger issues.
"You're shriller than my wife in heat, yer name sounds like somethin' i'd take for the bug, and whatever the republic of 'minsin' is, it sounds like a dumb sorefoot name and you're even dumber for not thinkin' it's a dumb name! I'd sooner cozy up with the rockrats than talk to bootlickin' moodkillers like you, and I think that i'm not the only one who thinks that! Fuck you, and fuck off!"
Another broadcast followed it a short while after, oddly enough directed at both the other ships that warped in and the Great Eye. A different voice spoke, a short and simple sentence.
"Da shpindly finksh moine."
After that, silence. The fleet continued on it's way.
Wiras was rather perplexed by the minsin communique, not by what it said but because of the implications. It was not as clear cut as it had first seemed and now it seemed obvious that either the Minsinese or the Blinded Way had lied. The offer of a peaceful solution seemed like a good idea, and that dictated the response: “Interior Minister, we do believe a peaceful solution - rather, one that reduces further shedding of blood - is worthwhile. Though we cannot speak for everyone, a temporary ceasing of operations while we talk this out should be of less hindrance to everyone achieving their goals than us all trying to fight each other to a standstill. We feel that you interpreting us as hostile may be a misrepresentation of the peacekeeping forces we are attempting to deploy in order to ease the resolution for the party who has been wronged, which, if you are willing to have a ceasefire and present your case, may well be you.” Wiras had much disdain for coating the response in such a deal of diplomatic speak, but when speaking to a textbook politician, the best response was one in their own language.
The Hastraxian forces however, continued with deployment of their 'peacekeeping' troops with the opportunity afforded to them by the Eos forces, but refrained from firing on either side with weapons as they maxed out their engines towards the Eye. There was a much more heavily encrypted communication to the High Exemplar: “What I suspect you are going to say is that Minsin are lying. We'd rather hear anything that Minsin claim you have omitted from you so we can see any gaps in their version of events. While it may be early to say, I suspect they're simply trying to buy time to stop us getting involved.” Now the Hastraxian commander just had to hope that he had chosen to make the right moves at the right time, to avoid appearing hostile to Minsin, and to convince Gravus that the Minsin had not swayed him.
That left only the rather strange message from the other contacts. It did not need a response, and Wiras was perfectly fine for them to knock out the blinker for the moment unless Minsin were about to become very convincing in their argument.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Gravus couldn’t help but smile with amusement as the Zetyan broadcast towards the Minsin ships was somewhat intercepted and the insults heard. Cyllis kept a frown.
“I don’t think we can arguably rely on such a lowlife species to help us” she finally spoke.
“Of course, Exemplar, but it does not mean I cannot find humour. Let them tie the Blinker down with their actions. Still it is ironic the interior minister would try to stop the enemy. It shows that Minsin is not quite ready to enter a proper engagement setting yet. That’s to our advantage.” He then replied to Wiras “We understand. However, we definitely believe it to be a delaying tactic to cover the fact that Minsin may not be willing to deploy more forces to this operation”
“The Hastrax forces are entering position to reinforce us, I will tell them to aid in reinforcing the Great Eye” Cyllis changed the subject as she manipulated the holographics on the large strategic form before her. Messages to the Hastraxian ships were given indicating that the Eye was the clearest asset in need of reinforcement and directed them to drop inside of several large spaceport areas. However, she also indicated that some of these had indeed been taken by the enemy.
”Our honoured soldiers will soon engage in combat” The ethereal voice of the Herald called Gravus attention to the fact that the ZI burning for the shipyards would intercept his own forces soon. He grimaced. It was not going to be an easy fight.
-----
The link to the Interior minister was kept open as he talked to both Wiras and Naglyt Iqla at the same time “I’m afraid I cannot stop or pause this operation. To do so would loose valuable time and lives to the Eosians. I am afraid you are mistaken you see for it us who have been wronged. Our people were genocided in times past by the Eosians despite our efforts to help contribute to their society. We were taken in and offered help only to be slaughtered on our exodus. We have no intention of killing unarmed women and child of course. But we will not let Eosian military personnel operate within Minsin space. By defending these people, you are showing that you are pro ethnic cleansing, when this operation is purely taken as a measure to pre-emptively defang their forces here from any potential attacks on our way of live, please think on that”
The Zetyan broadcast however made Ancarion wince before shutting it off halfway through. In response one of the Z1 units escorting the Blinker rapidly detached from the formation and fluidly moved to intercept the incoming Zetyans. The two ships which had begun to move away from the inhabited planet finally accelerated fully, aiming to join up with the break off vessel in intercepting the Zetyans.
Finally, massive power spikes were registered from the Blinded Way fleet and the singular Z1 class they were sent to engage as the two fleets slingshot around the gas giant and into firing range.
Wiras did not approve of the Interior Minister's response: it seemed too vague... too much about the past... and the mention of such sweeping generalisations as pro ethnic cleansing did not sit well. The commander still believed that some diplomatic resolution might be possible, but now he continued the conversation in the hope that the stalling might also work to his own advantage: Interior Minister, you of course want the best for your people with them having being wronged in the past - everyone wants and deserves that. However, I still believe you could save even more of your people's lives if you called off your own cleansing altogether. If I may suggest so, these Eosians have broken away from those who came against you so ruthlessly in the past, maybe because they, like us, and like you, are very much against ethnic cleansing and they did not accept that of the nation that they have broken away from. Of course, if it is still a concern despite it being in the past, it could be of benefit and safety to all involved parties if rather than attempting to eject them by fighting, instead let them go elsewhere where they will be taken in and accepted, and of course be far enough away that the Minsinese people do not feel threatened. If multiple nations here are willing to come to put an end to this conflict by deploying peacekeeping forces, perhaps they would also have been willing to assist the Eosians themselves, had only you contacted them earlier. I would ask you, Interior Minister, to please think on that before so quickly dismissing the thought of putting a stop to this senseless violence.
A very bold statement, but it would at the very least put pressure on Ancarion, in the hope he may either call off the assault or force him to be a bit less vague about the situation. This time Wiras had made his address on open communications, allowing Naglyt, the Singers, and the Eosians too to listen to the conversation passively - that way the Interior Minister would hopefully not be able to lie or try and manipulate the assembled forces against each other.
Wiras received confirmation the heavier Hastraxian transport had put down in one of the Minsin-free spaceport areas to deploy the bulk of the Hastraxian forces, while dropships made for the others, with some in reserve while subordinate commanders planned out how to best get an assault force into the Minsin occupied zones. Wiras continued with private communication between himself and the Eosian command staff: I realise that this may be prying, honorable Eosians of the Blinded Way, but schematics of your eye and other structural data would be of great aid to our ability to prosecute attacks in defence of it. It would also be helpful for minimising and collateral damage to your great works for any ordnance we may employ. Furthermore, if you will accept it, I would have a detachment of command staff be deployed to where you command from so we have direct links to each other. Of course, I will be fully understanding if you find my requests unreasonable, but it will limit what my forces can do for you.
Wiras looked to his screens, and hope the distraction the Zetyans had made would allow the other allied forces to make their own moves with greater ease as his own warships began moving away from the station having deployed their dropships. He would wait and see how the situation developed before he made his next major move.
The Interior Minister's response elicits a frown from the otherwise bland countenance put forth by Iqla. He says nothing while Wiras responds at length (his gaze, unquestionably, remains firmly on the displays and the relative vectors of the assets present) but does nod as the Hastraxian reiterates the suggestion of putting an end to the fighting to allow for the possibility of more diplomatic measures being brought forward.
The more he thinks on the Minister's words, however, the more they grate on him. He clasps his hands together and rests his elbows on the console - in effect obscuring the lower half of his face behind his interlocked fingers and wrists - and dwells on the notion as the Hastraxian finishes his lengthy reply. Segments of the truth appear to be missing, but the greater picture will have to be pieced together bit by bit. If nothing else, claiming to desire a diplomatic solution while simultaneously rejecting offers to de-escalate do not into a palatable drink mix.
Iqla lowers his hands and nods once more as Wiras finishes. After a moment, he takes the opportunity to add his thoughts on the matter: Commander Wiras is correct, he begins. The Blinded Way are not those of Greater Eos. They cannot be blamed for the deeds of their originator state. He pauses as a glance from the tactical officer tears into his peripheral perception. He mutes the transmission as the Pord speaks up:
Sensors are detecting massive energy spikes from vessels here and here, the tactical officer explains, we're rapidly losing our window to act.
Tasi, understood, Iqla says back. I don't particularly like this either. Hold course for now. He nods matter-of-factly and turns his attention back to the Interior Minister as the connection once again becomes primary. In the void, the Pordish vessels maintain their vectors as Iqla continues from his last comment: A separation of your people from those of the Blinded Way does not require bloodshed.
"<<Grrrah! Theshe gitsh! Oi want tha SHPINDLY FINK! Nawt 'eshe... dumb.... blue... spoikey.. fings....!>>" Lkoj'ir was not enthused. How dare they give him these less pretty targets? This would not stand.
"<<They look fairly fragile, sir. If not the body, then those sail things. Pretty good targets to me.>>" A sensors op decided to chime in.
"<<'Atsh why oi don't want 'em, ya git! Oi want tha' SHPOIKES! Then oi can paint 'em red an' tell the ladsh back home 'ow it ish!>>"
"<<Sir, i wasn't saying we should steal them.>>"
"<<Then wot do...?!
...wait...
...oh, datsh BRILLIANT! Haha! Deysh weak 'n fragile, so we breaksh it! Ya' could've shaid 'at!>>"
"<<Yes, sir. I recommend->>"
"<<Itsh foine, oi got what yer' shellin'.>>"
"<<W-no, sir, it's not->>"
"<<COMMSH! TELL THEM TO OVERCLOCK THE ENGINSH!>>"
"<<Sir please no->>"
His pleas fell on deaf ears; even if the captain knew, he wouldn't have listened. The vessel suddenly jolted like a meganuke went off on the backside, as the Ski'ajh began to seemingly host a miniature sun in it's engines, roaring towards the middle Z1 at speeds that would probably break some minor records if anyone was around that cared about that sort of stuff.
For the other ships, their orders were simple-split into groups as even as they could, and target the other two 'dumb blue things'. To assist, the Ski'ajh's weapons on each side began to target the other two, a swarm of shells mixed with various missiles, with PD blocking filler missiles in the 'front' and normal missiles mingling with the shells. Fighters and bombers were also launched from it's underside hangar-they elected to stay near the ships.
A very spare amount of ECM-equipped missiles were in both of the swarms, as they were a very rare commodity with pirates. Best to save them for what they wanted-that is, if they didn't get stopped here.
The only thing missing from all this was the Ski'ajh's spinal gun-just what would they do with a gun that big?
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Kolleronic Laser met Graviton wave weapons in the moment of combat between the Eosian flotilla loyal to the Blinded Way and the Minsin defence force. The Blinded Way contingent fought bravely, accelerating as hard as they could to catch the Z class attacking them, but it was not quite enough. Gravitic point weapons went out alongside Kinetic standoffs, explosions and disturbances filling space as the Z class intercepted the kinetic missiles and occasionally took several hits from the graviton weapons but always at distance, suffering only minimal damage the vessel returned fire. Using its superior speed and range to instantly knock out two Ceremony class cruisers and a Liberator class battleship as the Kolleronic laser hit home into critical systems. No matter how large or protected the Eosian ships were the Minsinise knew exactly where to hit and how hard, the laser, as exotic as it was hit home with millimetre precision pulling apart everything in the affected area like some impossibly powerful tractor beam. On each ship the deep bridge and reactors were ripped apart from their mountings and their contents were pulled out of the vessel to be cast across space, the hulks left to drift on their course now utterly incapable of fighting.
“Their forces clearly outmatch ours, unless we can somehow catch their ship and destroy it at close range, we have no chance. And they know exactly what we can do and how we fight” Gravus fists tightened as Cyllis sighed.
“Looks like we are nothing more than a distraction, its up to the others now likely” The moment of dourness over the poor engagement was broken by the requests by Wiras. Gravus raised an eyebrow as if not sure how to take the idea of a command staff attachment and giving over of schematics but before he could speak the Herald did first.
”Granted, we will send you what you seek. Our central area is most obvious, your command staff will be welcomed to assist us” Gravus and Cyllis turned to the young girl and then over to the crew.
“Do it” The command was given, detailed layouts of the internals of the Great Eye were sent, not ful schematics but enough to now where critical points and internal layout was needed. Still the Hastraxian troops were received with a mixture of thankfulness and distrust. The Eosian troops were dressed in the typical combat gear of their nation albeit painted with more cream and blacker but all showed signs of combat fatigue and some were missing gear altogether. The main command section was a short way from the main dock, but the fighting was not far away either. Three main chokepoints for logistical transport were being held by Eos forces led by a man called Iblis, it was the most key section currently being fought over on the Eye, and if it fell the Minsin troops could easily storm the central sections, docks and command centres in no time.
----
“A bold and moving speech, one I have to respect in the upmost. However I would like to clarify that High Exemplar Gravus and High Exemplar Cyllis who now lead the Blinded Way fully participated in that genocide. The ethnic cleansing upon which I speak was a long time before they finally broke away, no doubt when finally realising even their own people were nothing but sacrifices. It is hypocrisy you see; we defang this contingent because they cannot be trusted and because both Exemplars and those who serve under them need to face justice. Only when it suited them did they choose to turn their back, rather than doing so when an entire people cried out for help. As such this is not ‘senseless violence’ they may not be part of the main Consortium, but they are actors in a major crime that is ingrained into my people’s memories. The chance to bring those to justice is too much to let go past, and if we let them leave not only would it be an insult to our ancestors but a direct threat to any other nation out there. Need I remind you that the giant effigy of Eos Eye out there is a super weapon capable of scouring worlds clean. They can definitely be blamed for the deeds of their originators because they perpetrated them”
Ancarions reply had come swiftly and across all channels.
Even as the Pords neared their intercept the battle with the Zetyans began, as the missiles were pumped out and rounds were fired the Z Class began making evasive manoeuvres, impressive jinks and turns allowed it to dodge incoming kinetic projectiles as its gravitic drive worked with precision and missiles fired off by itself intercepted the Zetyan missiles in colourful displays of pyrotechnics. The Kolleronic laser itself was used to target the blocking missiles, stripping them out of the way so it could engage the shots behind. But the ship was focusing on destroying the incoming projectiles, raising ECM itself to blanket jam and try throw off target it did not yet target the Zetyan ships proper or open fire on them yet. But still, it was getting close, accelerating towards them even as they did towards it, closing the gap very rapidly.
Wiras angrily slammed his closed fist down onto the control console before he reopened comms again to speak. Ancarion who had claimed to be looking at a peaceful solution seemed to refute every such solution that had been proposed - Wiras had suspected that he was stalling for time, but damned the Interior Minister for what was seemingly a lie about possible solutions. He took a moment to compose himself before speaking again, this time with a more severe and raised - but outwardly calm and collected rather than showing his anger - voice. Interior Minister Ancarion Exil of the Minsin Republic, you stated at the start of this endeavour that you sook a peaceful diplomatic resolution and that the Eosians may not have told us the full picture; yet despite that you have refused every proposition for such a peaceful diplomatic resolution and have dispensed information that in the main can be easily obtained on the Ancnet. I can appreciate your concern for the past actions of Eos, given what they wrought unto you and the potential threat they pose, but what I cannot appreciate is your refusal to take any of the measures that have been suggested to alleviate the worries of you and your people. You are not the judge, nor the jury, nor the executioner to decide alone whether or not these Eosians live or die based on the actions of their past or their leaders who may have since repented or felt remorse for their actions or those that were not involved in genocide at all. If you still pursue the diplomatic solution you stated as your first intention, then please do enlighten us all as to any peaceful diplomatic solution you believe exists as I am unfortunately afraid I have little more to suggest.
Whether or not it came across as one, that was the ultimatum that Wiras had delivered to everyone with a communications device in the system - civilians, ship crews, even transmitters on any Minsinese populations that could receive it. If the interior minister genuinely had a solution, Wiras would hear it. If the interior minister was in fact lying, openly, in front of the entire assembled system, the time for the open hand and diplomatic talks was firmly over.
The more reserved Wiras returned as the commander confirmed the arrangements with the Eosian command and dispatched the appropriate team to the Eosian command room, while the Hastraxian troops began deploying themselves to reinforce key areas, not yet engaging but making sure they had a strong rearguard and supply chain in place - they had to rely on supplies from their transport to fight - as the Minsinese troops could easily try and find a way around their position or enter via another point in the station if they dropped any reinforcements - the schematics the Eosians had provided also allowed them to plan out how to push the Minsinese back, or how to make an organised retreat depending on how the fighting went. The chokepoint was key, and so the largest amount of forces was making its way in that direction to reinforce those beleaguered defenders. Noting the Eos troops that were missing gear, supply officers made an effort to dig into the spares and respectfully offer up the relevant missing gear where possible to the Eosians that were in such a state - even fatigued troops would make better combatants with replaced equipment if they got cornered. Wiras addressed the Eoasian commanders once more: Hopefully our cooperation will be able to drive Minsin back, despite my own forces being inferior to what you and they fight with. You have heard what I said to the interior minister and quite frankly I believe he has lied, and that is the last chance I plan on giving him to rectify the situation. I have sent my direct subordinates with your permission, they will arrive and set up shortly. In addition, my supply officers are willing to make available some of our spare equipment to any of your troops who would otherwise go without, if they will take it.
Iqla listens quietly as the Minsin speaks - his expression still hidden, partially, behind the veil of his interlocked fingers as he clasps them together once more. The blunt nature of the Interior Minister's reply comes as no shock given the circumstances; in truth, Iqla would likely proceed in a similar manner if in a similar situation. More pressing, however, is Exil's apparent determination to see the shedding of blood in this very system. That his own suggestion for a ceasefire was outright rejected is not lost on Iqla.
Investigatory team is arriving, nam-Iqla, the tactical officer interjects. Shall I have them hang back? Best to give a wide berth given the... Erratic nature of the some of the present, he goes on in a diplomatic tone.
A nod from Iqla confirms his agreement; tasi, keep them out of range for the time being, he says, it's looking like we're going to need to engage.
Tasinehdao, the tactical officer replies as he disseminates the relevant orders to the small convoy of transports upon their transition into real space. Tendrils of interdiction wash over their arrival point, and Iqla considers his next move all the while stewing over Exil's most recent reply.
In particular, the notion of all the Blinded Way being put to the torch as collateral to the removal of Gravus and Cyllis he finds to be strange - perhaps something to be deliberated upon at length in the future, in a quieter place - even if he can understand some of the logic, however unrefined it might be. At the end of the day, however, he isn't here to debate policy; resolving matters without bloodshed is one thing, but the timeframe for doing so has nearly come upon its bitter end. He turns to the tactical officer:
Stand by for long range combat, he orders, then turns to the communications officer who shifts the link with Exil back to primary: We do agree with Wiras; a ceasefire is the best option, he says.
The captain chortled as he watched the alien battleship make it's approach on the sensors; they were doing exactly what he wanted, and soon he'd be able to smash the plinky sails in two. Even now, he could practically hear the air rushing through his ears-which was odd, since they were in space, but whatever. He also found their movements and glitzy gunfire a good way to focus on something that wasn't the insistent pleading of the sensors operator that so kindly informed him of what to do.
Meanwhile, the captain's first mate was down with the comms team, his left eyes glued to the main sensor readouts so carelessly plastered above the bridge while his right eyes darted from thing to thing as he began to do what the captain christened 'tacticy thingys'. He was more quiet than his compatriots(as quiet as a zetyan could be, anyways) and handled all of the real things for his captain whenever they entered combat-he had read up and down on some combat manuals they snagged from some wreckage early in their pirating careers, and was one of the very few in command who actually understood half the things the consoles and monitors displayed for a while after before he bothered to tell the others-or, atleast, was good at pretending he did.
However, he only had comms coordinate the spacecraft and tell the assault destroyers to open up with their spinal cannons(plus adding a "an' tell'em to lead their tahgets fer once'n 'eir lives!" for emphasis), both being the only viable things to do besides keep firing for now. He did know they had some casaba warheads stolen from some military cargo corvettes, and were likely stored on the Ski'ajh, but he knew full well the captain would have a hissy fit if they used them on these instead of his preferred target. That, and their engineering section was of more concern. (edited)
Inside the bowels of the hulk, the mishmashy maze of engine modules and reactors, stripped from various ships and given extreme modifications to increase output at any cost, was currently being pushed to their limits-from the main megafuser to the littlest pipe, everything shook and groaned and screeched like an animal, almost feeling alive as the sun being pushed out of the engines slowly began to graduate to a red giant. The engineering division had received their orders, and they were as simple as it could get-go faster, no matter what.
More and more fuel was needed, aggregate solutions of various gases and liquids, some solid material, virtually anything was being pushed into the melting pot short of stuff that was direly needed-and of course, the iron, which was being spat out more and more through chutes that normally connected to somewhere outside of the ship into big water basins, for 'reusing' later.
Noone was sure how long they could keep it up as the crew rushed to and fro, the heat radiating like a hot summer's day in the desert while on fire. It was the longest they had ever burned for so far, and the timer was ticking-either the ship would give, or the crew would.
A clear signal, bouncing off of evacuating civilian craft and existing communications infrastructure, rung out through the system; briefly beginning with an audio-only signal but soon opening to one with a visual component. The image, should any existing forces choose to deliberately connect, was that of a near-skeletal Carnaithian wearing the uniform of a CIGO officer. The trembling individual, submerged in inertia-dampening fluid and surrounded by suspended breathing tubes and wires, gazed into the camera with eyes that glowed a faint blue... the cherenkov radiation a tell-tale sign of thorough radiation exposure.
"I must a-a...pologize, madame minister, but... you are not acting consistently with your tttale. You invited them into this system, they did not ssseek refuuuge. Youuu helped them and repaired their ships, only attacking once the time-frame matched your historical narratiiive... You preach the desire for peace, yet you refuse it in the faceee of increasing odds. You all but lie in the efforts to perpetuate this ironic revenge for your ecclesiarchal clade... I do believe it would be in your best interest to call for a cease in hostilities, madame," he eventually finished with a smile, repetitive tics moving his head in disturbing rhythm as the signal cut for the time being - almost simultaneous with additional FTL contacts at the edge of the system.
A total of ten craft began pushing inwards immediately after their FTL echo called attention to their position; an array of new ships, in two classes, were breaking into formations based on type. All carried the pentagonal emblem of the Carnaithian empire, yet the leading six - burning significantly faster than the trailing four - had entirely different engine signatures than existing records, and in addition to the usual colors of the Void Arms, also carried the blazon of the Imperial Department for Advanced Research... last seen at the assault on the Crucible.
lLanelei sat in his command chair in the CIC of &Tasim’s Flame*. His eyes stared at the twinfiring leavers of the mighty weapon that gave the ship it’s class type. Well, the Blessed Anais’ do say that ‘Nothing quite Cleanses like Fire’, Still, one must sometimes give even Heretics a chance to make the right decision to enhance their spirits…
He opened a channel to the Great Eye and began to speak. “High Exemplar Gravis, this is Redemptor Lanelei of the Song of the Void. Now I know that in the past we would have considered each other heretics to our respective faiths. Perhaps on some spiritual level we still do. However this is a time for us to work together. I can send troops to reinforce your position on your request. I also stand ready to deliver castigation to the Minsin vessels that are closing. “
“I would however like to give them the chance to see if their original suggestion of a peaceful solution was legitimate. They can be redeemed through honesty. If that does not work they can be redeemed through Fire. Awaiting your instructions. Over.”
Then he opened another channel, to the Minsin. "Interior Minister Exil. I am Redemptor Lanelei of the Anais Unity. I would ask upon you to make a gesture of good faith. Though combat has begun, I believe we can stop this. Death may be a part of Life’s Cycle-but unnecessary death should be avoided. Withdraw your forces from the Great Eye. I will do what I can to get any other combatants to cease fire. You can stop this, Minister. See the Wisdom of the Anais’ Light.”
“Or feel the Flames of their Wrath. The choice is yours."
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
The Blinded Way fleet flailed and now attempted to accelerate away from the Z class, which was attacking them, outgunned, outranged and outmanuvered they had no hope other than to slowly grind themselves down ship by ship. Gravus was right, they stood absolutely no match against Minsin in a fight. Still the Z class once again cored another cruiser as it withdrew, tearing a straight line from the ship entirely as it pirouetted and danced in the void. The fleet now tried to return to the Great Eye and the still contested fleet putting the gas giant Zin in the way of the enemy, however now the Z class also accelerated away, this time trying to slingshot round and into the Hastrax fleet.
Gravus watched as the liasons from Hastrax were brought into the command room, the Herald greeting them with a bow as she floated above the deck.
“Welcome to the Great Eye, your aid is much appreciated.” Gravus fought back his instincts, he had spent a long time defending this place from outsiders and heretics and now he was here working with them. He quietly sighed to himself before replying to Wiras and surprisingly Lanalei.
“As much as it pains me to say the Interior minister is right.” He looked to Cyllis who merely bowed her head in shame “We did help orchestrate and genocide his people back when we were High Exemplars under Tyrandis. It is something that we regret and that I am not proud of that I did in my service. Their anger and hatred is justified, but if we hand ourselves over the Blinded Way will have no leaders who can help forge us into something new and beyond what the Consortium is. Redemptor Lanalei, in any other situation I would likely have ordered the transmission cut and our guns trained upon you but today is not that time. I accept your troops as reinforcements” He then listened to the Redemptors plan and nodded “Try it, I have a feeling that Minsin will not take the offer but we can see”
“Gravus, several more contacts have been detected, we are getting Carnaith signatures, same as those which appeared at the Crucible” Cyllis responded checking the holomap.
“That dreaded disgusting weapon. If you cannot see your foe before you when you strike you are a coward, it fit Capitol perfectly.” He opened a channel “This is Hig- Gravus of the Blinded Way to this new contingent, I can only hope you are here to assist us, your positioning gives you an excellent chance at rescuing our captured ships, if you can return them to us we would be most grateful, Gravus out”
----
With the Hastraxian forces now deploying the Eosian units began to rally somewhat. Despite being hesitant on having aliens aboard the Great Eye they appreciated the gear given and helped direct the Hastrax infantry and units to the key chokepoint. It was a huge tunnel, one of the connection segments to the main inner ring at least 2km across in size the entire tunnel was ablaze, burning vehicle wrecks and bodies littered the open ground with a sizable barricade and force of Eosians holding the line against Minsin who constantly fired prescision guided munitions over into key strongpoints. Iblis was directing another squad over to a position which had just been eliminated next to a Eosian APC before the Hastrax arrived, looking up he raised an eyebrow behind his helmet and walked over to where the new arrivals were.
“I am Iblis, commander of this section” His helmet modulated voice was well above the sound of explosions “Deploy across this area, we hold them here, I believe they will attack soon and beware for their guided munitions. They are not easy to kill”
----
The two Z class who had left the orbit of Tiu now accelerated towards the Pordish fleet, both charging weapons as they intended to pin down and engage one of their targets while the Blinker and Z class approaching Zin began to decelerate. Another Eosian ship was confirmed to have been taken over by the Blinded Way and began to leave the dock when it rocked suddenly and began to float dead, fire erupting from several of its hangar bays. It appeared the Blinker had opened fire with its Pion batteries. The area around the Great Eye was about to get extremely dangerous.
The Z class engaging the Zetyans continued to dance through the fire, accelerating as the two fleets rapidly came within close range, finally it fired its Kolleronic laser, targeting two of the Zetyan ships at almost point blank range as it also fired a series of missiles. Despite the power of the ship the move was not entirely one sided, two Zetyan munitions at such close ranges, bypassed the ships PD and exploded amidship, causing the Z class to pivot from the impact and be thrown into a partial roll, debris scattered across space. It was not destroyed, but the sudden course throw off allowed another kinetic munition to slice through its aft Kolleronic laser projector, smashing the highly tuned internals and turning the array into scrap. The Z class, still unknown whether to be truly piloted or controlled by AI or remote seemed to try to turn, arresting its roll and now decelerating so it could attempt to come back around to hit the Zetyans.
The fleet of captured Blinded Way ships which had been totally unmolested at this point suddenly found themselves somewhat close to the sudden Carnaithian arrivals. FTL drives were charged across the fleet as the Z class escort began to accelerate away from the captured haul and slowly now make its way towards the new arrivals, its weapons not charged yet.
“The diplomatic resolution I propose is for all of our military elements to immediately cease engagement across this system. I am perfectly willing to give the ceasefire. In addition, your forces which have landed on the Great Eye will withdraw and leave our Minsin forces to capture and stand trial both Exemplars and leadership associated with these purges. We have no intention of killing innocent Eosians, our entire plan is to bring those who did wrong to justice however those that fight back against us will be dealt with accordingly. However, those that try to stop us will be also dealt with by whatever means necessary, need I remind you; you are in Minsin space and as such subject to Minsin law.” Ancarion then seemed to address the sudden appearance of the Carnaithian contingent with no small part of irritation, but also surprise.
“There has been no inconsistency, we invited them here to aid them and to also finally capture those responsible for our people’s plight. We have helped them and are attempting to bring to justice those who are deserving of it, but they are resisting, it is a simple matter of things to deal with that resistance. I have offered a ceasefire; I sincerely hope you take it. And as a gesture of goodwill as Redemptor Lanalei suggests I make I am ordering military forces in the Great Eye to stand down but will not withdraw.” As soon as the word was given the Minsin forces in Iblis zone and beyond stopped firing, pulling back to any fortified positions.
Iqla and his officers listen to the message from the newest arrivals with considerable interest. With yet more minds giving their thoughts on the situation, the reality of Exil's predicament grows clearer with each passing moment. Just a few minutes ago she was rejecting the notion of a ceasefire, but now she has come around to the idea.
Still, sitting behind interlocked fingers, Iqla watches the captured ships edging ever-closer to the interdiction's edge as Exil delivers her terms for a ceasefire.
The tactical officer is first to speak up: Does seem to be much of what you were implying should be done, he says, but I suppose total withdrawal and surrender of the Exemplars isn't what you actually had in mind.
Iqla shakes his head, no, not quite, he replies. If Exil's desires are truly as limited as he so claims, this entire attack could have been avoided. There was no need for this offensive, and this thought joins the others in contributing to Iqla's worsening opinion of the Interior Minister. He brings his hands down on the console. But I am also not going to demand Gravus and his leadership surrender themselves. Comms, bring up the line with the Hastraxians, Singers, and Blinded Way.
A muffle affirmation comes from the area of the communications officer.
High Exemplar Gravus, we also have forces ready to assist in defending the Great Eye should you choose to defend, though we are a bit more distant than the Singers, he explains.
Wiras grunted at the suggestion of the Minister in person before he spoke again on communications. Well Minister, what you are proposing sounds like a surrender to me. However, if the Eosians are willing I will not stand in the way of it. Unless that happens, I have little more to add. The commander cracked his knuckle bones with the comms closed. "Unless the Eosians feel particularly masochistic, we can finally get this over with." It did not take long for a message to relay to the Eosian command structure and back to Wiras informing Wiras the Eosian command had no intention to accept the Minsin terms, and Wiras had given his assurances. "Comms, relay clearance to open fire. We're engaging."
"Commander." A short but respectful bow was given by the unit commander of Hastrax' own forces. "You know this place better than us, so I have no argument about who's really in charge here." They motioned for their forces to follow Iblis' instructions on deployment. "Can't claim we can do a great deal against en masse guided munitions even if we set up interception systems, but we can certainly try our best." The Hastrax forces began rapidly deploying themselves, with combat engineers seeing what they could do with APS and overhead cover to protect against guided munitions, while some of the vehicles that were available entrenched themselves by using nearby wrecks for cover. Some of the engineers were also looking at the structure of the place, seeing about what they could do with explosives without causing damage - and what they could do if they wanted the section entirely collapsed with the position lost as a contingency. With the guided munitions warning, the reserve and logistics units made sure not to deploy in the open - they couldn't do their job if they were dead.
The Hastraxian fleet was not sure what they could do against the highly dangerous Minsinese ship, but they readied their weapons nonetheless. Hopefully they were small and agile enough they wouldn't be completely outmanoeuvred by the Z-class, while they waited patiently with weapons ready. They accelerated in their own right, splitting into two groups, hoping they could flank the Z-class.
The liaison team after a return bow of respect had established themselves, and now indicated to the Eosians Hastrax forces were engaging and cooperating as best they could.
A destroyer became a destr and a oyer, and an escort suffered the same fate as a stream of energized kollerons bisected them both from figurative head to thrust-spewing toe, and the pivot caused by the few lucky shells made it diverge in a way that sliced off more of the currently-unused bridge tower on the Ski'ajh than the asteroid that last hit it ever could've, exposing any unlucky slacker resting there to hard vacuum. More ships suffered damage from the missiles the Minsin ship fired, though some were detonated prematurely by laser PD hardpoints on the escorts-the close range helped both sides in this regard. The Ski'ajh, too, was given a wake-up call as a missile took out two of it's large turrets.
On the bridge, though, the captain-and quite a bit of the crew present-couldn't be happier for the moment, laughing as the aft projector was turned into it's basest parts. Others ooh'd and aah'd at the various explosions and pretty lights that came from the blue-sailed ship in droves-they liked the 'weird laser thingy' in particular, never mind that it had just sent two to the locker in a single blow.
Everyone else, though-to each their own chagrin-had to deal with the micromanager that was the first mate. His focus was now on two things-engineering's complaints about fuel running out, and the deployed squadrons. Everything else was relatively the same-keep firing your guns, throw some missiles in while you're at it.
Engineering was quickly solved-the boost had stopped after the Z-class had gone beyond the reach of their front ram, and the only issue now was fuel-storage probably had a lot in stock, and that was what he told them. The squadrons were a more complex deal, but he had an odd idea for them.
The current swarm would be split into three parts. One set of craft, comprised of any automated or meatshield craft(might as well have been all of them, but that's semantics) would begin a standard attack run on the Z-class ahead of everyone else. These would be targeted by point defense first, and probably die.
The second and third, comprised of everyone else-fighters, bombers, the like-would flank the Z-class, and perform strikes on any vital systems they saw-turrets, sensors, the weird sail thingies, and other bits and bobs they could identify.
It was, in all complete honesty, a very hairbrained scheme on the first mate's part-he was mostly reciting something he'd read in one of those Basic Naval Tactics 101 series of documents or whatever they were called, and he could hardly remember any of the specifics beyond the basic idea. But, it was worth a shot, and what the hell-half of those things in the vacuum were dirt cheap custom scrap jobs, and the other half would just need a raid on one of those newfangled light carriers anyways.
The fleet, though, was in the captain's hands, and all he asked of them in comparison was to just turn around and fire 'them shpoinal canun finkiesh' in addition to the first mate's orders. They did get confused for a second when 'SHUDDUP FER' A DAMN'D SHECOND' was broadcast over the radio in full volume.
Only a second, though.
“This is Hig- Gravus of the Blinded Way to this new contingent, I can only hope you are here to assist us, your positioning gives you an excellent chance at rescuing our captured ships, if you can return them to us we would be most grateful, Gravus out”
The CIGO prowler, silently drifting in Xe's shadow, quietly and efficiently consolidated reconnaissance data from any sensor or scanner suite that its crew and AI cores could access - rapid navigation updates from both civilian and military assets filtered through event projection and, in the thick of it all, Gravus' message was very much instantly delivered to the CIGO handler for the operation. A twitching smile crept onto his face as he watched the rapidly-correcting navigation markers for the Blinkerzwillen that were closely followed by the supporting strike carriers.
"We can c-certainly take it upon ourselves," He directed to a lone data relay satellite very close to Gravus' position, the orders to change the Carriers' objective wordlessly being carried out via his connection to the Prowler.
Burning with incredible velocity, the newest model of the advanced warships assembled into a pentagonal formation accelerating straight towards the captive fleets' Z-class escort - scalar energy signals spiked, transferring power from the five outer ships as the center craft began powering its spinal weapon. They accelerated in unison, signature Carnaithian supermagnets steadying the central craft as the combined formation put every effort into preventing any sort of deviation from an intercept vector on the hostile Z-class, leading to the resulting power spike appearing as if it was a pulsar compared to the comparatively-small signature of the carriers.
Those carriers, originally meant to run the gauntlet to assist with the contested fleet, were now tasked with seizing the fleet that were currently attempting to flee. A leading missile barrage for assisting with the elimination of the Z-class ahead was prepped, but the majority of the commotion within the crafts' holds was focused on rallying ship-boarding actions in less than half of the time-frame that was originally planned. Racks of combots were transferred from FTL stow to the assault pods, technician platoons and Void Arms marine forces rushing to re-task for corridor combat.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Gravus watched in somewhat disbelief as the combat signatures on the Great Eye and the contested ships disappear. The Minsin forces had done what the Interior Minister had promised and de-activated their weapons, pulling back into defensible positions and merely waiting. For the time being the firefights and combat ceased.
“Give the order, cease all combat. We will accept this ceasefire and try to find a way diplomatically” Gravus nodded, the order was sent instantly. Eosian troops also standing down and digging in, Gravus himself running a hand through his long white hair.
“There has to be some alternate route for this, the Minister wouldn’t throw this away so easily, with all due respect Gravus Minsin has us totally outmatched in this segment, even with out assistant help the fight was very tight. Why would they call off strikes? They haven’t even lost a ship yet” Cyllis mused aloud watching the combat stances stand down for now.
“We will just have to wait and see. No doubt they will exploit this moment of quiet, and we should too. Get everyone rested, the fleet redeployed and set up and positions established” He listened to the Pordish communications which came in a moment after.
“I appreciate it Hunter. For now, we will accept the ceasefire, I suggest given the circumstances we use this opportunity to get our military forces rested, while your own forces manage to get into tactically advantageous positions. With any luck when this goes south, we can strike from a position of power” Finally he chose to reply to Ancarion.
“Interior Minister, this is High Exemplar Gravus. We accept your ceasefire and hope a diplomatic means can be achieved without further bloodshed”
-----
“A ceasefire?” Iblis said aloud “These scum would never give up such an advantageous strike, they had us on the back foot all the way why would they abandon the offensive now?” The other Eosian sergeant shrugged.
“Alright” He turned to the Hastrax representative “You mentioned explosives, I will show you where to place them. I won’t let this opportunity go to waste, we will make those heretics pay in blood for their mistake of giving up the initiative”
-----
The Z class which hurtled towards the shipyards and the Hastrax fleet now veered off to one side. Accelerating still it used the gas giants orbit for a speed boost, clearly no longer pursuing an intercept course it kept its path however somewhat close in case it needed to change and engage the Hastraxians. For now, though the ceasefire was holding. It was further reinforced by the two Z class approaching the Pordish fleet along with the Z class and Blinker approaching Zin now powering down their weapons and moving on courses to take them away from direct intercepts. The Minsinise were men of their word.
Things were different with the captured ship fleet, however. The sheer steadying of the intercepting vessel made the spinal shot pin point accurate, before the ceasefire had been agreed by Gravus the Z class escort which had been moving to intercept didn’t even have time to power its weapons before its entire engine section was blown out in a huge flash of superheated debris. The ship buckled and flipped from the force of impact, now having lost one of its two advantages without speed the ship was little more than a glorified Kolleronic turret. Said weapon was already partially charging when the ceasefire went out, forcing the ship which had just been crippled to stay its hand in total humiliation. Even more amusing was that the Carnaithian fleet had total control over the captured vessels, under interdiction they could not hope to escape in the slow Eosian vessels but also could not fight their way out. Each ship now taking a defensive formation while attempting to stay close to the partially shattered Z class.
The Zetyan fight however was the only one where the combat didn’t cease. Minsin didn’t even consider the Zetyans a polity, let alone one able to make any semblance of diplomatic agreements. As such the Z class was cleared to still engage, in a way that an exterminator was cleared to wipe out vermin. The attack craft first wave came in hard, the ships PD engaging quickly and rapidly with its laser system to attempt to clear the meat shield rapidly while the flanking attack also came in. Without its aft laser the ship chose to spin, constantly trying to keep its PD units in optimal firing arcs as the targets came in. Still despite its best-efforts cannon fire and missiles even from the main ships snuck through, punching into lightly armoured areas and exploding. It wasn’t crippled yet, but the fire was adding up, PD batteries were blown out and holes were torn in the ships hull. No doubt it had already sustained damage enough to keep it in dock for months and which would cost Minsin plenty, however as it turned it fired again with its main Kolleronic laser, aiming to wipe out as many of the attack craft as possible.
-----
“I am glad you have done the right thing High Exemplar. I have ordered my forces to stand down. Now let’s begin, my objective as stated is to bring you and your command staff to justice for crimes against my people. If I ask you to step aside and face this justice in return for your people’s release, will you accept?”
Deep Space: Tuvian Arm
“My lord we have an incoming transmission. Its… Its from Minsin sire…” The disbelief in the mans voice was almost matched by the surprise on the Grand Exemplars. The man on the throne stood up, as all eyes on the bridge turned to him.
“Interesting, put it through”
“Grand Exemplar Tyrandis. I am Interior Minister of the Republic of Minsin. No doubt you wish to know why I am contacting you and why you should not merely spit insults at me. Allow me to get straight to the point, currently we are harbouring the fugitives of the Blinded Way. Given they have been a thorn in both our sides all things considering I would like to offer a deal. We allow you to enact your vengeance and deal with them once and for all, allowing your contingent to finally rebuild what was lost. In return we will be taking the Great Eye for ourselves” Tyrandis eye twitched at the thought.
“You wish us to clean up for you? And in exchange take ownership of our most sacred object here? You dare sully us, I will reclaim the Eye for myself before I burn your worlds you sub Eosian scum” His voice boomed across the bridge, however the Minister did not react.
“I would remind you that we have full schematics and tactical data on your forces. The Blinded Way cannot fight us, and neither can you. We could wipe your fleet out the moment you appear in system with little effort but instead we thought to try and heal our relations somewhat. It is our final offer, we will give you their ships but we take the Eye. You will also have our help in destroying them, after which we will never have to encounter each other again. Make the right choice, we are sending the co-ordinates now.” The link immediately cut and Tyrandis watched as the datapacket was received. All eyes remained on him.
“All ships, FTL to the Amritsar System”
The Hastrax units also took up with the ceasefire as they said they would. Wiras seriously doubted the Interior Minister's intentions after very many denials when diplomacy was fire proposed. The commander would have to prepare for the worst case scenario, if Minsin was not pressing their advantage, then they were likely finding a bigger one. I don't know what the Interior Minister has planned, High Exemplar Gravus, but throwing away his advantage after refusing a great deal of diplomatic solutions doesn't sit right. If you have any idea what might be going on I would like to hear it, because I am afraid I do not.
"I must agree, let's make the most of it." While they were not shooting, the Hastraxians were certainly not taking it easy as they continued to set up their positions. They followed Iblis' guidance with their explosives, as well as taking the chance to send medical teams out for wounded. The medical teams would at least give them an excuse to be out front of their line to the Minsinese, even if they couldn't find any Eosians to bring back to safety.
The Hastraxian ships remained cautious of the Z-class, still keeping it screened with their movements but avoiding anything aggressive. They waited to see what would happen, because they certainly did not want to be caught out if the Minsin ship reengaged.
Pordish Fleet
As the ceasefire sets in, the tenuous and uneasy nature of it becomes abundantly clear very quickly. Iqla's tactical officer eyes the shuffling of the Z classes and the Blinker with suspicion, as they seem to be consolidating their forces, but can only shake his head as the ceasefire means there's little to be done about it.
The Pordish cruisers, still shadowed by the two runners R-1212 and R-780 some distance behind them, continue burning towards Zin, but notably - like the Z classes - are not on direct intercept paths. For the time being, Iqla turns back to the allied comms link: I agree with the Hastraxians, he says. We don't have much time.
The CIGO handler grinned to himself, twitchy as he was in his anti-inertial submersion. The timing was very incredibly favorable to their operation near Ku, and he had no intent of ceasing the exploitation of the situation - while the hostile Z-class was still an incredible threat, it was just as incredibly vulnerable if it decided to resist. The carriers began launching screening fighters, high-speed launches from magnetic accelerators sending them on paths to eventually bring them to a safe, yet still threatening, distance from the Blinded Way craft, though the nature of the captured ships inherently required very loose formations on part of the fragile snub craft.
"Minsinese crews - It is in your best interests to abandon Blinded Way ships in the area and relay control to Imperial forces. We offer safe transit to your own stations, and we have the capability to bring in tugs to recover your escort," A transmission from the commanding officer of the Carrier formation announced as the Blinkerzwillen element rocketed past and around the fleet that had clustered around the disabled Z-class, though the six craft now abandoned their tight formation as they split off, all taking separate burns to return to the area and support the carriers.
A stream of excited Kollerons from the Z-Class proceeded to wipe out most, if not all of the attack craft present, or at least those who hadn't been deleted by PD yet. The spare few that were left either turned round and tried to flee back to base, or kept doing what they were already doing, depending on if there was or wasn't an organic pilot in the seat.
On the bridge, the same behaviour as before was present amongst the crew-they seemed to treat it less like an active combat situation, and more like just another space opera movie in the theater. Lkoj'ir was having the grandest time of them all, much as it was a given by this point-until a familiar face buzzed into his eyes and ears again.
"<<Sir, i->>" The sensors op from before began to chime in again.
"<<WHOT?! Yew've been buggin' me fer da lash...
...uh...>>"
"<<Five minutes, sir.>>"
"<<Yesh, FOIVE MINNUTS nawnschtawp, whot dew yew wont now?!>>"
"<<...sir, i believe now may be a good time for that frontal gun thing you had installed a few weeks ago.>>"
"<<Wot, tha' cannon?>>"
"<<Yes, the la->>"
"<<But tha' bloo fing ish too fasht! We'sh gotta make it schlower schom'ow.>>"
"<<Sir, it's a laser cannon. Not a normal one. Remember?>>"
"<<...no. Do you?>>"
"<<...no, sir.>>"
"<<Den wesh asshume it wosh a nowrmul cannon fink.>>"
"<<Well, i- can radio the guys down at the front and verify what it is...>>"
"<<...eh, do 'at 'n tell me.>>"
"<<Sir, it's both!>>"
"<<...wot? 'Ow cahn it be a lasher an' a schoo'er at tha' schame tyme??>>"
"<<Well, they say it's a, uh... 'laser-assisted rail accelerated cannon'. It's a lot of sciency terms, so it must be good, right? That's usually how it goes, anyways...>>"
"<<...yeh. Yeh! Haha, yer' tha' besht! Alwaysch cummin' up wif finks when oi needsh it!>>" A slap on the shoulder accentuated his point.
"<<o-Oh, thank you, s->>"
"<<Nah get back ter' work 'n schtop buggin' me. [to comms board] TELL 'EM TA' READY THA' FRON'L CANNON!>>"
"<<...yes, sir.>>"
Orders given and given again via telephone, the go-ahead for readying the spinal gun was given, and it was indeed quite obvious; if the sudden energy spike didn't communicate matters, the presence of a red glow inside the barrel certainly would, even as it metamorphosed into a ring with the introduction of a shell. The Ski'ajh began to aim it towards the Z-Class, though it wouldn't be ready to fire just yet.
For everyone else in the eight remaining ships, it would probably be annoying having to be told 'keep doing what you're doing' in varying ways by this point, but there wasn't much else to do anyways unless the captain was feeling particularly daring(stupid). As such, the destroyers kept up their barrage while they turned to the point where they could use their spinal guns, and the escorts kept watch for any munitions that weren't lasers.
And kept trying to turn to the point where they could use their spinal guns.
But their front guns were smaller, so who cares?
Triad Leader Lithal smiled, turning to the Redemptor. ?Redemptor Lanelei, it appears the Minister has agreed to a cease-fire at least. We have time to land reinforcements for Exemplat Gravis on the Great Eye at least.” Lithal could tell by the almost sad look on the Redemptor’s face that Lanelei would have prefered that the Minsin had refused. He satthere at the Phoeniix weapon firing controls looking quite glum before brightening up.
Lanelei brightened up, saying "Always time to torch heretics later, I suppose." before touching the "Disarm" control on the firing console. The Primordium ball dissipated wwith an actinic flash that lit the entire Triad for a second. “Opening a comms channel, he signaled Gravis on the Great Eye.
“High Exemplar Gravis, this is Redemptor Lanelei. The ceasefire has bought us some time, it would be madness to expect anything else. So let’s make the most of it. Request permission to land our troop transport on the Great Eye.We have a Division onboard including lift armor units. In the meantime we shall be closing to clse proximity to aid in space defense.”
Tasim’s Flame started moving forward towards the Great Eye, the two Battlecrystals following in a triangular formation. They surrounded the Invasion Transport and Survey Cruiser in the center of the formation.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
“Only if you agree to withdraw your military forces from our ships and let this contingent of our people leave in peace. Out of the masses here they can elect new Exemplars to lead them, no longer stained with blood on their hands, you may watch yourself. Once that is done these ships and the Eye along with the people will leave your space and me and my commanders will surrender, we to you and accept your justice” Gravus replied to the Minister. Cyllis stood with a concerned look on her face, she didn’t believe it would be this easy. The Herald merely said nothing. With his reply to the Minister he switched to the allied line.
“Indeed, this is a stall for time. I do not know for what however, but I suggest you get your forces about the Eye ASAP. I am bringing my fleet closer to the docks and the Eye but the Minister may break off and attack at any time, I am doing all I can alongside Hastrax to fortify our position, permission granted Redemptor we will wait for you immediately”
Cyllis seemed to twitch as Gravus felt a dull ache in his head. The Herald placing her hands on her head as if she was in pain. All over the Eye Eosians seemed to feel disturbances.
“What the hell is that?”
“Interior Minister what are you currently doing on the Great Eye, my people are afflicted by some sort of malady, explain at once!”
-----
“My head… Keep going ignore my pain, we need the explosives placed” Iblis gestured to the Hastrax commander as he observed the two teams placing explosives at key intervals. The Minsin troops had not moved, however they had brought up just behind their line some sort of large cube, parts of it were connected by cables to various other generators and slight glows could be seen from several portions.
“Is it some kind of anti-psionic weapon?” Iblis mused aloud.
----
As the Minsin ships continued on their new courses, it seemed they were moving to regroup just outside the orbit of Zin, likely to concentrate their firepower the only two which did not move to regroup was the crippled vessel which had been taken out of direct movement by the Carnaithians and the vessel currently engaging the Zetyans.
The situation with the CIGO fleet was almost one of amusement, the ceasefire having effectively hamstrung Minsins efforts to withdraw or defend the ships. With the Z class crippled by the Blinkerzwillen and the ceasefire in place they could not stop the CIGO ships from moving in close meanwhile the interdiction field of the enemy meant they could not jump away, nor could they even think about outrunning the vessels in the slow Eosian behemoths. The ships kept formation with the tumbling Z class as the foe launched fighters, the communication was quickly answered. It was easy to tell it was from aboard the Z class given the cramped non Eosian bridge, so the vessels were crewed afterall.
“This is Preceptor Alclex these ships are official property of the Republic of Minsin, we will not be abandoning them and will be withdrawing them to official Minsin facilities at the earliest opportunity. I request you drop interdiction and allow us to withdraw” The man was clearly seething about having been humiliated but surprisingly he held his tone well in the reply.
The vessel engaging the Zetyans kept firing, having knocked out the attack craft it now found itself surrounded by the Zetyan forces. PD lasers streamed out in a near constant fashion knocking munitions out of the void in impressive explosions that had the vessel near surrounded. Missiles launched to try and supplement this as the Z class took more and more damage but the big gun charging up was an obvious give away. Once more the Kolleronic laser charged up, the ships RCS thrusters bringing it around to point directly at the Zetyan command ship, the beam was aimed to core the vessel down the centre but just before the fire order was given the Z class was knocked to one side, the Kolleronic beam firing off target and missing the Zetyan ship by only a few hundred meters. The rear most section of the gravitic engines had been taken out as a large missile fired from the other vessels and this time piloted by a trio of rather aggressive runts had somehow managed to get through the PD unscathed and impacted in the perfect location.
The runts had been singing over open channel all the way through, their valiant sacrifice as heroic spacemen had saved the command ship. Now forced to recharge the Z class was hobbled and now staring right down the barrel of the Zetyans main gun.
-----
“Do not worry High Exemplar that is just a device that is meant to ensure that no sudden miracles occur which would inflict harm upon my people. It will be withdrawn once proceedings are over of course. I do apologise for the discomfort. As for your terms I must refuse some of them I am afraid, while I am willing to let your people go without harm your military assets will almost certainly be used for revenge against us, the Great Eye in particular is a noted WMD in the galaxy and could be used against us in retaliation by those who next lead the Blinded Way. I must insist on impounding these military assets for the safety of the Republic of course”
"A name will be met with a name. I am Captain Seris of the Carnaithian Void Arms," The carrier group commander responded to Alclex as Electronic/Information warfare snubcraft traced orbits around the captive ships, taking the opportunity provided by the ceasefire to gain as much as information on the current compliments and capabilities of the minsin-crewed craft. "I see no Minsin regalia on those ships. I see intimidated, if strong, crews wishing to protect their people despite a desperate context for themselves. I never said all of those ships would be returned to the Blinded Way."
The CIGO handler, meanwhile, remotely distributed intelligence regarding the manned nature of the Z-class warships across the current allied communications network while monitoring the quite engaging show being put on by the Zetyans; Saturation attacks were certainly proving to be an effective means of engaging the advanced warships, specialized as kiting duelists. At least it made up for the overly significant gap in technological capabilities, that was.
Several formations of fighter-bombers had been deployed and launched into lanes just outside of mean ranges of Eosian weapons as determined by prior engagements, ready to engage if need be, by the time the first wings of dropships had begun to deploy from the carriers. Said capital ships had begun to take their own formation that exposed little other than their heavily-armored underbellies, designed for orbital loitering and bombardment rather than ship-to-ship combat.
"I have little knowledge of Minsinese culture to ply in my attempts to convince you, Preceptor. But I do think you're far more than reasonable enough to survive and share your people's stories another day rather than throw this opportunity, and the lives of your crews, to the wind like the zealots your people claim to be so different from."
The Hastraxian liaison team on the bridge looked on concernedly at the Eosian command staff. They gestured to the admittedly limited medical pack they had as an offer of help - not wanting to speak one aloud for fear of interrupting the communications.
"I don't feel afflicted, so I couldn't tell you... Though I think we might be able to get some indirect fire onto that cube if the fighting restarts, that'll be one way to find out." The medical cover and the demolitions engineers continued working, before signalling that they had done what they could and they began moving back to allied lines. They had discreetly run some manual detonation cord as a backup measure for firing the explosives if it was needed - they didn't want their plan foiled by jamming. Well, that or any Minsin engineers, but they would have to hope their anti-tamper protocols would hold - if they had not made them hard enough for the Minsinese to find in the first place.
Wiras begrudgingly bode his time as his force of ships continued the screen the Z-class from the eye while they slowly drew in towards it as Gravus had advised. The force began launching their fighters and bombers into a picket line, which might afford them the standoff defence that them having to fall back toward the eye would not. He did however, make a transmission in acknowledgement of allied communications. The fact that all we can do is wait unnerves me. I am half tempted to bring in reinforcements to deal with whatever surprises that the Interior Minister might have for us, but doing so and disturbing the peace is not something I am foolish enough to enact.
"<<Anyone's 'ead feel a li'ul fushy?>>" One of the more oddball crew members asked, to the mild confusion of everyone who heard him. He was met with mixed replies, though most agreed any head-fuzzyness was probably caused by him dinging his head on something earlier.
This almost spelled their doom, as the brief distraction was loud enough that it had taken the captain's attention away from the main screen, leaving him oblivious to the obvious charging up sequence the Z-class was undergoing.
Atleast, until three screeching voices began to symphonize on the radio, their transmission broadcast on all frequencies in the system and received by the Ski'ajh just as a missile detonated on the back and threw the ship into a lopsided spin.
For a moment, the bridge was silent, all present watching their oblong foe twirl in the void while the radio loudspeaker put out a cacophonous symphony that could put the likes of WAP and Friday to shame with their lyrical genius and earbleeding capacity. Elsewhere, both on the command ship and the other ships, runts gathered like a horde around every window, some saluting to their fallen comrades while the adults watched incredulously.
Lkoj'ir broke the silence, resisting the urge to shed the obligatory single tear.
"<<P'aescha?>>"
"<<Y-yeah?>>" His second in command responded.
"<<'ell me 'oo foir'd 'at mishul la'er. 'yre gettin' a raish. 'schpechully tha' runtsh.>>"
"<<Yea, will do. Now you guys, tell the other ships...>>" He quickly segued back into micromanagement.
The captain's gut was singing like a siren, and his hands tingled. They always tingled when something good was about to happen. At least, most of the time.
His hand groped the air, reaching for the comms line and picking it up. Air filled his lungs to max capacity for dramatic effect, and the entire spinal gun management section got to hear the melodious voice of a grody 30-year old zetyan with speaking problems at full volume.
"<<AWL 'ANDSH, FOIRE!!!>>"
...
Nothing? Odd, they should've heard him.
"<<...er, oi shaid FOIRE!!>>"
...
"<<...uh, 'ello? Thish fink->>"
"<<Which one? There's a lot of fires down here...>>" A measly runt voice answered him on the radio.
"<<...wh-...
...y...
...th-...>>"
A moment of silence passed, the captain struggling to process how something like this even happens. For all their courage, sometimes you forget just how stupid the kids are.
"<<...THA' MAIN 'UN, YOU KNOB! THA' FRONT'L GUN!! FOIRE IT!!!!!>>"
And then, seemingly on cue, the entire ship shook like a gloriously mistreated rocking chair, as a large, heated shell roared out of the barrel at face-ripping speeds, an extremely bright red beam on it's rear end accentuating it's arrival as a red glow illuminated all present to witness it. The ship suddenly began to propel backwards, the sheer force of the gun coupled with it's engines on low thrust levels making it seem like some mad scientist decided to put thrusters at the front of the ship.
And one ship in particular now stood in it's path.
The Pordish ships close towards the distant orbitals of Zin a pace or two behind the Minsin vessels - careful to, with each stretch of space passed, maintain their demeanour and heading. As the ceasefire drags on, Iqla grows more weary of the Interior Minister's intentions. Already suspicious enough as it is, he glances over to the tactical officer, who appears to be rather unbothered by the turn of events.
What is the status of the investigatory team? Are they ready to disembark? he questions.
The tactical officer nods; a deep scowl creeps across his face nevertheless. Tasi, they are, he says. His mind drifts to the available avenues of approach to do so. None of them are appealing. Without a further word on this matter, however, he leans an elbow on the console and moves to speak again, but before he can do so, Iqla brings up allied comms:
We are nearing the Great Eye with ground forces as well. They may be of use.
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
“So your torment my people in an effort to try and curb an inherent ability which you know we have no control over. You should be well aware that the Great Eye is a historical and cultural icon of my people and venerated as the cradle upon which we came to this reality, I cannot hand it over that is simply out of my hands to do so. The amount of civilians on the Great Eye alone is tremendous we do not have enough ships to transport them away from here let alone the fact you want to impound my entire fleet” Gravus angrily replied, irritated by the constant scratching pounding sensation in his head. The Anti psionic device was aggravating in the extreme.
“I told you this was stalling. He expects us to give everything up and somehow take his word?” Cyllis punched the command table.
“I have no guarantees that you will not use our assets for your own ends. Nor do I have any guarantees that you will be able to let my people go considering the lack of a vast civilian transport fleet present in this system. I believe you are merely stalling for time Interior Minister and you have no intent on negotiating with me” Gravus turned to the allied coms, now seeing the situations of both Pordish and Singers ground teams now nearing the Great Eye and ready for boarding to reinforce. He just needed more time.
“I would suggest deploying faster, I do believe the Minister is about to do something, likely break the ceasefire” Gravus ran his hand through his hair before grabbing his temple as if it would ease the pain anymore.
”Their here” The Heralds snapped up, as if looking at the ceiling.
“Who is here?” Cyllis replied.
”Tyrandis” The girl began crying.
-----
At the edge of the interdiction field closest to the Great Eye numerous FTL signatures suddenly flared to life. Almost 200 contracts blinking out of reality as energy spikes across all visible spectra. Their formation was tight and they almost instantly began to accelerate, the signatures given off by the ships were almost identical to those being used by the Blinded Way, given the history of both Carnaith and the Singers and identification was instant.
It was the Eosian Loyalists. Almost immediately a broadcast wideband was sent throughout the system.
“Rejoice! For the will of Eos has guided the hand of the righteous to this dark system, ready to bring the light of his infallible faith to those who have turned from his light along with the savages who have not yet revered his name! To those who turned on his divine light your punishment has finally come, I will scour your pathetic forms from the great edifices of his creations and cast your unworthy souls into the darkness from which you can never return! I Grand Exemplar Tyrandis will complete the task that was given to be by his divine will. To destroy the heretics who would turn at the annointed hour!” The sermon was followed by immediate charging of weapons across the new Eosian fleet as it sped towards the Great Eye.
----
Preceptor Alclex seemed to hesitate on the transmission as the Eosian fleet appeared in system. He was clearly unsure of what he was supposed to do and given Minsins focus on peace it appeared the man had little aptitude for a changing combat situation.
“I will permit you to send a team to each of the vessels. But should you make any moves to take them for yourself your boarding forces will be fired upon. Any actions against us of a hostile nature will be met with deadly force I can assure you” He immediately cut the link, signs that his crippled Z class was desperately trying to repair its damage were visible as all kinds of repair drones seemed to swarm about the devastated engine array. The captured Blinded Way ships seemed to make no course corrections this time, they turned their weapons cold and waited for the Carnaith boarding teams, not wanting to act unless ordered.
The Z class which had been forced to recharge knew what was coming. Crippled and without its main gun the remaining point defence units fired as pitifully as they could, laser and kinetic fire impacting the huge shell to no avail as it flew straight. There was a brief moment as escape pods launched from the Z class, small in number as the crew attempted to escape before the projectile impacted. Its sheer weight smashed the entire front of the vessel, its Kolleronic laser unit utterly annihilated as the shell kept going, coring the entire central segment before blasting out of the already crippled engines and destroyed rear Kolleronic laser unit. The remains, now little more than a collection of debris and segments of ship, blasted outwards. It was dead, scratch one Z class.
------
Finally the Interior Minister replied, given the presence of Tyrandis and the Eosian loyalists he appeared calm.
“A cultural icon of oppression and death. One founded on extermination and the principles of subjugation to a false faith that only now you realise. If you will not give up the Great Eye and your military assets I cannot in good faith continue to negotiate with you, now if you will excuse me, it appears I have bigger matters to attend to” With that the Interior Minister cut the link.
And as one weapons across the Minsin fleet in system began to power up.
"Those reinforcements we decided not to call for to avoid compromising the ceasefire? I think its safe to say we're going to be needing them now." Wiras called out to the communications officer on his bridge. He mulled over his options briefly, before sending a simple message to his own forces. This is the hour that will decide the battle! Brace yourselves.
"High Exemplar Gravus, I am surprised that your own people have more hate for you than these Minsinese, is there any way we might turn this around? At least the 'anti psionic device' may cease to ail you when they come in." The liaison team read out, before looking to the Eosian command, wondering if they could help them in any way. Gravus and the others were what the entire Eosian defence rallied around fr command structure, and they would not be much good if they could not lead.
"Let us make ourselves ready. Our Order and the Eosians will make their stand here, Iblis, and I expect their assault is soon to come with the reinforcements from space arriving." The Hastraxian ground commander noted as his troops readied their weapons for what they assumed was the Minsin coming soon. Hopefully the time to prepare had come down in their favour.
The Hastraxian task force around the eye would not be able to defend the eye alone, but with allies they would have to hope there was enough between them to hold the line. And if there was not they would have to hope that reinforcements on the friendly side would arrive before it was too late.
Pordish Fleet
A number of FTL-exit signatures flare up across the myriad displays in Iqla's command room. The tactical officer snaps over towards sensors; disbelief drips from his heavy gaze, but there is little hesitation in his voice. Verify those contacts, are those accurate?
The sensors officer looks over his console. With a few motions, he sends a few packets of relevant data to the primary displays, then addresses the tactical officer: feed is accurate, he confirms, numerous contacts, medium range, vectors appear to lead towards the Eye.
Of course, Iqla seethes, not a single earnest word was spoken by that man. He glowers down towards the floor while considering his options. Given the situation, they are not many. His contemplations are cut short by the tactical urgency, however, and Tyrandis's rather unpleasant speech so unceremoniously patched through by the communications officer. Looking up towards the center of the command room, he turns off the feed from the Exemplar. We don't need to listen to this. Comms, relay a message out to my battalion commanders nam-Harchyn and Yamsi Ülchaaq, highest level encryption. We need them here as soon as possible.
Tasi, Tasine-
They're powering up! the sensors officer interjects. Massive energy spikes across the fleet.
Looking back towards his officers, Iqla motions to the hologram of Batyl Halchaaq, the direct commander of the three runners of his force. We'll escort our ground forces to the Eye, he orders. Until reinforcements arrive, we'll need to avoid their main body.
And us, nam-Iqla? questions the other formation commander, the bearded cruiser-leader.
Iqla turns towards him. Engage as you see fit. I will be ensuring our forces arrive on the Eye personally.
The cruiser-leader salutes and closes the comms line.
Let's begin, Iqla says, shifting back to the allied comms line; we hear your urgency High Exemplar. We are on our way.
The shift in demeanour of the Pordish fleet is swift and readily apparent. As the two runners shadowing Iqla's cruisers fade from their cloaks and power to join the third of their kind and the boats of their charge, they peel away from the trio of Taldovat type vessels who in turn bring their bows around towards the pair of "near" Z types. Defensive fields come online to full capacity as targeting algorithms spring back to life, and the tell-tale signatures of Arrays rotating to offensive stances are joined by the readying of missile and RPDC suites. VRZ Y-55055 leads the pack, flanked by Y-6012 and Y-90912; together in loose order they sail, the vast gravitic signatures of their drives more than enough to dispel any residual thoughts of continued passivity.
The explosion of the Z-class put an underline and exclamation on the fervour of the crew, all who gazed upon it being cored like an apple cheering as the shell continued on through the wreckage. Some of the former ship's escape pods were far unluckier than others; a few potshots were taken in their general direction in both celebratory and offensive contexts.
Upon the Ski'ajh's bridge, the place had seemingly gone from a ship's bridge to a frat party in terms of activity and general vibe. While all the alcohol was down in the many canteens deeper in the ship, the next best thing was downed by quite a few as everyone celebrated like they just hit the jackpot. It certainly wasn't unwarranted, but perhaps it was a little overboard.
In fact, the only one not celebrating was Lkoj'ir. He was still quite satisfied, but this wasn't his mark. The spiky, spindly thing, it had eluded him for too long now. But now with this one out of the way, he could get-
"<<Hey! Some new ships popped in!>>" A voice came screeching from the sensors section, bringing the quick festivities in the bridge to a halt. Darn.
"<<Wot? Bring tha' gitsch up, 'en!>>" the captain boomed. His order was obeyed, and the Eosian loyalist ships were brought up on the main bridge screen, a neat and elegant collection of gold, white and tinges of blue.
"<<...it..itsch jusht mowr prisschy git shipsch.>>"
"<<Uh... they got different signatures, though.>>"
"<<Sho? Oo' caresh 'bout tha' flyin' retirement 'omesh? 'Ey're->>"
Suddenly, a grand and intoxicatingly ferverous voice interrupted him.
"Rejoice! For the will of Eos has guided the hand of the righteous to this dark system, ready to bring the light of his infallible faith to those who have turned from his li-"
Click.
"<<Schat AHHHHP. Aaagh, lowdmowf git.>>" First those runts in the retirement station, then the guys fielding his mark, and now the retirement home had it's own Jehovah's Witness divison. Was everyone involved in this rut a preacher?
"<<sigh Roight. P'aescha, get wunna da beakunsh up 'n runnin'.>>" His irritation was starting to bleed out.
"<<Huh? Why?>>" P'aesa was taken off guard-his captain was known for many things, sharing wasn't one of them.
"<<I wont tha' schpindly fink dead. And oi wown't be schtopped naow by a schwarm of... preechy, pimpy gitsch.>>"
"<<Uh.. ok.>>" Despite his confusion, the order was obeyed. On the outside of the ship, a small object rocketed out of a hole in the Ski'ajh's ram.
The lure was primed. Friends were(maybe) on the way.
With that out of the way, those present received a new order: get to the spindly thing, full speed ahead, no diversions. The back of the Ski'ajh turned back into a nuclear bomb as it and the rest of the ships in the fleet began their exponential acceleration.
The fun would begin soon-atleast, if these newcomers didn't intervene.
"Speaking of zealots," Seris snarled after the link cut, watching as the Blinkerzwillen flight turned on the 3D map, firing their monstrous engines in order to move and assist with the newly-ignited conflict over Zin. He had wished Alclex would keep the line open, though he could respect a focus for one's own. He just hoped the Z-class wouldn't engage the moment it inevitably came back online. "We are go for boarding - ROE is green, do not engage unless engaged, officers lead. Approach via Minsinese per-ship flight control. Offer assistance and attempt to sway opinions."
The queuing shuttles began making their way towards designated ships in the captive flotilla, orbiting snubcraft assuming more lax flight patterns as docking requests were rapidly issued by the crew-carrying craft once cross-communication handshakes completed their operations. The carriers, however, maintained their belly-forward stance, and in fact launched more and more snubcraft - however, their prows now pointed towards Zin, with squadrons being accelerated to assist the Blinkerzwillen flight.
The CIGO handler growled and recoiled with the newest development, quickly devolving into a coughing fit. The resources already dedicated to this engagement were nowhere near enough to deal with this - but deal with it he had to. A ping quickly echoed out not only to Carnaithian regional fleet command - quickly tripping combat alarms for Golden Cross patrols and Imperial Killian Verge Garrison forces alike - but also distributed keenly edited media packets, sourced from myriad installations and ships throughout the system, to local CGSS assets, both diplomatic and military, as well as major news outlets under the guise of numerous anonymous sources. Given the nature of Minsin's location, this could turn into something far larger, far faster than expected at the outset of what was to be a simple grab-and-go operation.
The handler kept his mind focused on incoming comms feed - in-system communications were chaotic, given the newest development, but if not enough response was heeded then he would be simply throwing away imperial assets by not withdrawing. Quickly, two patrol squadrons responded in the positive - Not a lot, but twelve more ships was a start.
nvasion Transport Lan-29* had docked ith the immense *Greay Ryr& and her Loadmaster had begun offloading her troops. The first down the embarkation ramps were a Triad of Ebon Lightning grav tanks of the 105th Lift Armor Battalion. The rest of the battalion folloed by Triad order. More Ebon Lightnings, a number of mobile rocker launchers, anf scout vehicles.
Other vehicles disembarked as well; Nightstorm Grav IFV's from the Lift Infantry Battalions, More MLRS vehicles, and even a Triad of masive Battlefield Neutralino SPG's. Infantry in PA suits deployed as well, marching don the ra,p by platoon and meeting with their designated IFV ti embark fir deployment to vital areas of the Great Eye.
Alarms interrupted the proceedings, strident and blaring. The Loadmaster said "So much for the ceasefire". His Eosian counterpart shook his head. "It's not the Minsin. It's High Exemplar Tyrandis' fleet, they've found us...."
Alert signals also sounded all over Tasim's Flame. In the CIC Lanelei as contacted by Triad Leader Lithal aboard SVS Inquisitor. "Redemptor, e have a massive fleet that just emerged from FTL. Looks like Eosian Loyalists. I suggest e contact High Command. We don't have the firepower to deal with that many ships." Nodding, Lanelei simply said "On it". and turned to the ComScan officer. "Open PhaseCom channel to Shimmering Veil High Command." And a few seconds later the ComScan officer said "Channel open, Redemptor."
Lanelei looked again at the main tactical display sphere, then started speaking. "High Command this is Redemptor Lanelei, Special Operations Triad Tasim's Flame. WWhile on our mission to assist the Blinded Eye Eosian Lotalist forces under Grand Exemplar Tyrandis have arruved in the Amitsar System. I am requwsting reinforcements by either Battlegroup Laeneth-Celas or Battlegroup Harbinger. Please send as soon as possible, I consider the situation of a critical level."
Lanelei then turned to the tactical officer. "Heat her up. Might get to torch some heretics after all." he said with a sardonic smile. As the Phoenix weapon once more lowered from the ventral surface of the ship, Lanelei thought for a minute then said "Open a line to Tyrandis' flagship." After the ComScan officer turned as if to ask a question, he saw the look on the Redemptor's face and then saluted and opened the channel.
"Grand Exemplar Tyrandis, I am Redemptor Lanelei, Priest and Servant of the Anais Twins. I am calling to implore you to consider a different option here in dealing with the Blinded Eye. Yes they have fallen into Apostacy, but it qould do weel to consider the circumstances that led them on their path."
"In the Singers of the Void we too understand Martyrdom, and even approve of it if it strengthens the Faith. But what happened in the Consortium may well go beyond the normal bounds of martyrdom. Did the people all know of their impending sacrifice? Obviously Gravus may well be thinking these same questions."
"We have many duties as part of our respective faiths, Showing Heathens the truth and gathering them to our flock, Castigating Heretics in the Fire of our God's Wrath, Bur rhe most important thing is protecting the lives of our Faithful, and should they stray into Apostacy, showing them the light and getting them to return. This is what I am asking you to consider."
The bright ball of Primordium started forming at the muzzle of the Phoenix Weapon, it's nova-bright actinic light casting shadowsfrom the Triad's ships. The mexxle started to rotate, but the energy rings did not form fue to the interdiction fields present.
"Of course, I suspect both of us ffind the greatest religious catharsis in the purging of Heretics. After all nothing quite Cleanses like Fire... but perhaps both of us can change?"
Lanelei cut the connection and slowly carressed the firing levers of the Phoenix Weapon at his control station. Thinking to himself Nah, I dount it... Still hope reinforcements arrive soon. He then signalled Gravus on the Great Eye "High Exemplar, we have signalled our high command and expect reinforcements to arriv soon. In the meantime we are prepared to engage Tyrandis."
After a thought heopened a channel to the allied fleets and the Minsin.
"This is redemptor Lanelei.... Wwe have a new enemy-well, and old one I suppose. I suggest we make a common front against Tyrandis. As the man himself stated he believes in purging through flame. Yes, I realise that my own Faith's history finds that to be quite common as well, but it is time for all of us; Singers, Carneith, Minsinese, Blinded Way, and all others present insystem to put aside our differences and fight this xommon enemy. I have made a diplomatic overture to them, but frankly I am prepare for violence. Sometimes it is the only thing zealots understand."
After a few seconds he added "After all, it takes one to know one."
Amritsar System: Minsin Space
Gravus felt the vibrations through the large structure as the sudden recommencement of hostilities kicked off. Almost immediately the anti-psionic pressure in his head built causing blood to trickle down from his nose, Cyllis merely stood clenched while the Herald had started crying.
“This was planned, both… Us and Tyrandis on a silver platter for Minsin it’s the perfect time to…” Cyllis threw up onto the floor and swayed for a moment “For… Dealing with both Eosian threats at once” Gravus grunted.
“You may very well be right…” He turned to the Hastraxian liasons “You would be surprised at the amount of hate my people have in general. It runs deep. First you are indeed right we need that anti psionic device destroyed…” He coughed a moment before continuing “Then we need to recapture the engineering segments of the Great Eye, if we can retake those from Minsin we can power her up and fight our way out of here to escape.” Gravus pointed to a holographic that came up on the display, the information relayed through the allied com system.
The statement that the Singers had called in reinforcements and were readying themselves to fight the approaching Eosian loyalists both reassured but also unnerved Gravus, with any luck there the Singers would not try to wish them to change themselves or submit over their past… contacts.
“You have my thanks Redemptor, and you nam-Iqla”
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The thunder of guns erupted once again inside the Great Eye as the Minsin forces opened fire, guided drone shots streaked through the air, landing with pin point precision to strike Blinded Way soldiers or strong points which had been erected in the chokepoint, blasting armour away and killing instantly.
Wave artillery by the Blinded Way forces met the reply as Minsin soldiers rushed forward under the cover of smart smoke and blinding chaff which was launched into positions in front. Explosions rained down all over as the fire was exchanged, the Minsin troopers were trying to break through the main choke point and then secure the approaches of the inner segments and thus easily storm the rest of the Great Eye.
“It might be time to use those explosives…” Iblis commented to the Hastrax commander as he slumped over onto the floor, many of the Eosians were suffering in the extreme due to such close proximity of the device before them.
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The captured Blinded Way ships did not immediately engage as the Carnaithian boarding teams docked into cavernous hanger bays. The ornate interiors clearly designed in such a way to contain fantastical murals to aid those in understanding the glory of Eos, it was overdesigned and all purely aesthetic but at least it wasn’t some bland open box like some other nations. Either way small teams of Minsin troopers waited for the Carnaithian forces, they had their weapons but held them at the ready in respect.
As much as the sudden commencement of hostilities had kicked off the forces on board these vessels was a skeleton force at best, and with the Blinded Way crew and civilians taken to large holding pens within the ship they could not afford a shooting war with numbers they couldn’t handle. With the arrival of the Grand Exemplars fleet it seemed at least this contingent of Minsin units would not be fighting the Carnaithians, Preceptor Alclex own Z class was still somewhat out of control but clear extensive repairs were underway, still it had not charged weapons or done anything to antagonise even as the Blinkerzwillen began to burn away towards Zin.
“Welcome aboard. I was told to expect and accept you; captives are in the rear most holds with adequate provisions and my men are spread out operating the ships. It seems like the situation has gotten even worse” The man who had come out to meeting the first boarding party seemed to be more of a marine commander than a naval leader and it showed both on his extremely advanced Triarch Inc. prototype body armour but also in his look and tone.
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The Z class which was moving to rendevouz with the other of its kind and the Minsinese Blinker finally met up at speed, the formation seamlessly blending into a triangular formation with the Blinker behind the two Z class vessels. All continued to accelerate now towards Zin, but they were not aiming for the Grand Exemplars fleet, they were aiming for the allied forces now boarding the Great Eye.
Pulses of energy spikes were detected as the Neutralino guns on the Blinker charged before firing, its first target was the lead Retribution class battleship of the Blinded Ways own fleet, the shot punched through any defenses the ship had and detonated deep in the primary reactor, the small singularity inside destabilising without its containment and collapsing into a burst of hard radiation. Within several moments the internal reactor segment was little but molten slag and all those on board were dead due to such a hard dose of radiation. The second shot aimed for Redemptor Lanelei’s flagship Tasims Flame aiming to cripple or destroy it in a single strike.
This was quickly followed by both the frontal Z class firing their Kolleronic lasers at the Hastraxian contingent, accompanied by a follow up missile barrage of BPLs aimed to strike any return kinetic and missile fire that might come their way.
The two Z class who had been closing on the Pordish forces however seemed to change direction, and almost opposite that of the Zetyan fleet, which was now flying, rather fast, towards the Blinker and escorts engaging around Zin. It seemed the two vessels would intercept the Zetyans and then the Eosian loyalists on the flythrough.
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“And behold. The lies of a false prophet. Seeking to justify the rejection of the true light, not only for his own faith but for that of our own heretical people. I admire your dedication Redemptor Lanelei but you will no forgiveness, no light to the true path and no return to the truth here. And neither will the heathens before me. He gives me the strength to right the wrongs of his tainted universe” The reply was brief as the Grand Exemplars fleet spread out, into a loose formation of a speartip as they continued to accelerate albeit slowly towards Zin and the greatest concentration of forces.
Already energy spikes could be detected as all ships powered their gravitic wave weapons, Eosian attack craft also launched from the ships taking up almost aesthetically pleasing patterns around the vessels they had launched from ready to engage.
"<<Hrrr, nawt nough, nawt yeht..." The captain muttered, as the twin Z-classes well on their way to intercept showed themselves on one of the many data panels present on the main bridge screen. They'd just merked one, did they think two more would solve the problem? Maybe they were dumb; they sure seemed to talk as much as dumb people did...
"<<Hey! Boss! Your friends are comin' in!>>" The scratchy voice of P'aesa caught the captain's attention, as did the main display changing to where the reinforcements were warping in, a few vacuous distances away.
A few large wormholes suddenly ripped into existence, as a surprising 40-ish hodgepodge, salvaged ships churned out of the depths of the star tunnels. 5 escorts and 5 support and assault corvettes each bobbed and weaved like flies around 3 light carriers, 6 assault frigates, 6 missile frigates, and 8 assault destroyers. Leading them, however, was a single, large scrapheap of a ship built around a combination of a support cruiser from Clan O'vauka and a heavy cruiser from clan K'lve, a sister ship and backup of the Ski'ajh monikered the Sho'ala. It didn't have the advanced cyberwarfare programs of a support cruiser, nor the devastating spinal of a heavy cruiser, but it combined the lesser aspects of the two well enough.
A normal person would've been glad to see such numbers showing up to help. But for Lkoj'ir, it meant one thing. One very annoying thing.
He groaned, as it's captain made himself known on the bridge screen.
"<<Hur hur, tha' grayt 'n faymus Likojeer ashkn' fer' 'elp!>>" His third in command, T'hkak'a, who was presumably at their asteroid hideout about 10 minutes ago, had acted on his summoning call. Notorious loudmouth and denthead, but he did good work as dumb muscle, and wasn't ambitious enough not to think about challenging his boss. Atleast there were some redeeming qualities about him.
After a moment of his palm embracing his head in forbidden love, Lkoj'ir responded.
"<<Yeh, oi ushed a beakun. Sho wot?>>"
"<<Wohtda yew evun neid 'elp fer? Yewsh nou junyer captin aneemour, harhar!>>"
"<<Do usch both a fayvor, look on yer' radar finky.>>"
"<<Ha! 'Atsh, uh...
...uh...
...oh. 'at, 'ats uh, alawt, akytualie.>>"
"<<Yeh 'atsch wot i fought. Now, ya shee thoshe two dumb spoiky finks 'eadin' fer me schip?>>"
"<<Ur hur...>>" A grin spread across his face.
"<<Thows fursht tew, awl yoursh. Iyf ya down't lewshe 'alf yer rigsh, yew cahn evun 'ave tha' one we frakked. Awn me uvver roight 'and.>>" For someone as dumb as him, it was a tall order.
"<<Hur hur, har har HARHARHARHARHAAR!!! YEW 'ERD 'IM, BOYSH! AOUL 'ANDSH, FUWL SCHPIID!>>" He roared in approval, as the feed cut and the reinforcements began to move to intercept the other belligerent Z-classes.
With those two annoyances(hopefully) out of the way, the good captain laid back in his chair, satisfied.
"<Hurhurhurhurhurhur, fuckin' dent'ead.>>" He then brought back his speaking voice for a moment. "<<Roight, schtay owr courshe. Owr friendsh'll deal wif' tha' spoikiesh.>>"
With that, he eyed the main screen as it changed back to a video feed of the blinker, a smug grin on his face as he watched the chaos unfold at the Eye. Though, some people were starting to complain a lot about headaches...
Eh, probably nothing.
The Hastraxian liaisons turned to their console and notified the commander of their ground forces what Gravus' position was on getting rid of the anti-psionic device, and the priority of the engineering sections. "We'll see what we can do for you."
Th commander on the ground checked the message from his own team before turning to Iblis. "Indeed so." He nodded to one of the engineers nearby who wasn't in the process of being bombed by the Minsin guided munitions who pushed a button on a small box he was holding. It was the last thing most of the soldiers nearby saw before they were thrown to the ground as the entire corridor was rocked by the concussive blast of the explosives going off as well as the accompanying fireball. "Feeling better?"
The Hastraxian forces in space were certainly not protected enough against the high tech Z class weapons as the Kolleronic laser fire sheared the engines off of a frigate completely with the resultant explosion and loss of primary power systems instantly mission killing the ship even if it was technically still intact at the front. The immediate return fire was a mix of kinetic and lance weapons. The kinetics were more to ablate actual contact of BPLs to ships but even so ships would be unlikely to fare well if they took the hits. They would wait for the missiles to pass or be sufficiently thinned out before they made a proper responding salvo, firing off their full weapons systems in the hope that the cluster missiles they fired would both penetrate the defenses through saturation and then manage to find something important on the exterior of the Z-class as various fighter and bomber craft that were screening attempted to knock out BPLs as well as firing off their own munitions as a secondary strike.
"I'm inclined to agree," The Void Arms Infantry officer that had made first footfall on one of the captive ships responded to the Minsinese marine that welcomed him and his forces, who nervously began queuing up for work orders. He moved to remove his EVA faceplate from his otherwise standard-issue helmet, moving it forward and upwards, out of the way, permitting eye-to-eye contact. "The loyalists are no good news for anyone here. I doubt it's a good development for even your people. Commander Aviph, Void Arms Infantry, pleased to make your acquaintance," he continued, extending a handshake as he named himself despite the incredibly high-contrast nameplate splayed across his bevor. "Any way my men can be of service?"
Outside of the captive ships, however, it was a much more chaotic scene. Shortly after the Zetyan reinforcements arrived, so did the first of the Carnaithian responders - one fleet of six jumping in between the Pordish and Imperial fleets, though the other patrol squadron had arrived closest to the veritable trash heaps that the Zetyans fielded.
"Rear Admiral Calyl reporting, 12th GC patrol," the first formation announced, burning to meet with the carrier group, as they had no chance of catching up to the Blinkerzwillen.
"Captain Mour reporting, 17th GC patrol, my forces are off-base. Will attempt to assist closest non-minsinese group," The latter responded, laserline comms quickly pivoting to contact the Zets nearby, ships quickly burning to make a closer formation with the newely-arriving fleet that was moving to engage the twin Z-classes. "Greetings, this is Captain Mour of the Carnaithian Void Arms moving to support. Requesting orders," asked a fairly androgenous and somewhat inexperienced, if eager, voice from the cruiser of the formation.
The handler grimaced as the system map updated with ships so close to the zetyan mavericks. Ordering a reposition would be far too much trouble, given the limitations of FTL drives, but something far more helpful was made obvious to him.
<< 5TH QRF FLEET - HEAVY, 8TH QRF FLEET - LIGHT, APPROVED FOR DEPLOYMENT. ETA FOUR HOURS / ASAP >>
A message directly from the command network. Fifty ships, easily, just as another patrol flight announced their support. This might not end up so badly as expected.
Pordish Fleet
The bearded cruiser-leader scowls unhappily at his displays. Rather than reciprocate his gesture, the two Z class vessels powered away towards the Zetyans instead. Wounded quarry attract opportunistic hunters, he considers to himself.
His tactical officer takes notice of the development, only to turn his head upon seeing a number of FTL exit signatures light up across the field. Do you still wish to engage from this range? he questions, while bringing up a number of offensive possibilities, I don't recommend pursuit.
You don't, but I do, the cruiser-leader shakes his head. Look at these forces here and here. We may be able to corner them with all the fleets in the area. I know what I see. He leans back in his seat then stands from the console entirely. Bring us up to speed; engage.
The tactical officer shrugs. That is a distinct possibility, he admits, but given our relative paces, closing will not be easy.
Yes, you are correct on this, the cruiser-leader agrees. The Zetyans will have to slow them. He waves his hand over the displays then seats himself once more.
Now clearly divorced from Iqla and the rest of the Pordish forces, the cruisers settle into their pursuit gait. An initial salvo of missiles enters the fray, composed of varying types, joined by twelve of the formation's heavy redirection probes which lag a pace or two behind them; they target the nearest Z-type as elsewhere two more battalions arrive at hostile interdiction's edge, as close to Iqla's flag as they can manage. The nine rift cruisers of the force fan out swiftly and rush Eyeward ahead of the less agile craft of the contingent: Ülchaaq's Battalion, the heavy cruisers VRZ Chosen Gale, VRZ Snowstorm Modest, and VRZ Low Island.