Post by EmperorMyric on Feb 15, 2022 17:20:58 GMT
Istralan: Orillian Free State Space
It had been almost two weeks now.
Istralan had always been one of the busiest systems in Orillian space outside of Celebranskt, the capital. And yet, now the system saw more traffic than amost all of its combined history. The Orillians had tried (and failed) to build Istralan in secret, using it to pump out their automated fleets and warmachines. And now it continued to do so even as it acted as a massive berthing shipyard for the CONA fleet that had slowly amassed in system to ready itself for the defense of Aedleshaven.
Almost 76,000 ships were present in the Istralan system, all of which were warships. Almost triple that in support elements were also present. Massive and burgeoning Ancerium tankers gathered in shoals like whales while smaller refueling vessels scurried around them transferring fuel to other vessels. Communications and relay squadrons sat, physically connected by massive high bandwidth data wires trying to process information across the fleet. All the while CIC vessels, little more than heavily converted luxury liners sat with entire sections of command staff attempting to ensure that the endeavor between tens of thousands of nations was handled properly and to the letter.
Truly it was one of the largest and most complex set ups in galactic history, and all of it was for one purpose.
War.
At the heart of the CONA formation, which had slowly moved into formation, lay the Orillian fleet. All new and resplendent it would be the core of the native defence force, as final orders were being given out.
Slowly but surely the refueling vessels detached from warships, topping off Ancerium fuel reserves and returning to the massive hauler motherships. Final ammunition stocks were finished unloading into missile magazines as laser optics were cleaned and tested. Crew and personnel transfers were made as the last shuttles whizzed between the vessels and all systems were given the final checks.
Across the entire formation nations and species who had never once fought together and in some cases had never even heard of one another now took position into an almighty wall of vessels. Each one was prepared for combat and had their orders given. The chain of command would struggle to keep up with all the sudden engagements of such a big fleet across so many different forces, and so fallback dumb plans were given, allowing fleets to fall back on rigid and set objectives should the flexible command net collapse.
All the fail safes and more were triple checked as the CONA fleet finally became silent, its supporting elements finishing their tasks and then readying themselves. Only one thing was next.
On a single order every ship in the formation began to charge their FTL drives. Some began plotting Wormhole metrics, some charged their warp drives, some began prepping for a Meridian tear. All would ready themselves as the fleet began to bend space on such a scale that gravitational anomalies of such could be detected across the galaxy.
Finally the order came.
Jump. Target: Aedleshaven Corridor
In a single moment the energy release from so many ships tripped EW systems all across Ancerious as the CONA fleet entered FTL.
It would begin soon.
Celebransk System: Undercity Factories
Uixillo sighed.
It was a deep and exhausted sigh.
The shift had been grueling, standing in the factory for 16 hours straight welding in armour plates to the combat drones they were constructing he almost couldn't feel his arms or his feet. With only one break he had almost pissed himself and this was the 5th day in a row he had pulled these shifts, he barely had time to sleep let alone eat or relax. But it would be over soon, the fleet was leaving and quotas were going to be reduced once more.
He felt solace at that thought.
Uixillo was even drifting off as he waited in line for the food ration. He couldnt even remember a time when there wasnt rations. Looking up at the huge mural above the communal kitchen he stared into the rolling hills and idyllic blue sky that had once been there world. He had never seen that world, born after the days of fire he had heard the elders talk about it. He wondered if there were still blue skies somewhere on other worlds, he had never seen the world's sky he stood on, always hidden underground in the bunker cities to stop the storms that raged above.
He had to jolt himself awake again as he rubbed his aching neck and slowly approached the cafeteria food window. He didnt exactly enjoy the food they were given but it was hot and the only thing he had to look forward to.
He was caught by the holographic image of the state symbol appearing above their heads across the whole eating hall heralding a state news entry.
He could barely focus on the words but the images of the CONA fleet leaving Istralan caused cheers to erupt across the room. He didnt cheer, he was too tired as he got to the hatch.
“Why didnt you cheer?” The server asked. Uixillo scowled.
“Because I am tired as hell, can I have my ration”
“You should have energy to celebrate the state yea here you go” The food that was given was half the size as before. He frowned and looked up.
“Wheres the rest?”
“New rationing rules. Seems stuff is getting tighter. Heard the current shifts will become standard too” Uixillo twitched.
“Move you fuck im hungry” One of the other workers tried to move him out the way as he stood looking down. But Uixillo had enough.
He swung round as soon as the man touched his shoulder, leveraging some of his work tools to smash the man's face in. A moment later he kicked the boiling pot of soup on the hatch into the server's face and then laid into two other men before he was taken down and restrained.
“Fuck the regime! Fuck Yrillix! Fuck the war!” Uixillo screamed as he was beaten unconscious.
Celebransk System: Upper City Spires
It was surprisingly calm outside.
The small slit windows of the high ziggurat spires allowed Yrillix to peer out across the city beyond, all fairly low or squad as they weathered the storms of their ravaged world. Most days she could see little, obscured by driving winds, rain or tornadoes which tried so desperately to destroy them.
But today there was a break between storm systems, and for once she could look out across the city into the small wastes and the towering mountains beyond. It was a nice change of pace, and made her feel like these were the last days of peace. A true calm before the storm if you will.
“Madam, you were saying?” Callvixx, one of the head fleet admirals of the Free State, sat with legs crossed in front of her desk.
“I apologize, it is not everyday we can see our own feats of accomplishment unobscured”
“Indeed”
“With the recent election in Natar I need a small detachment of forces ready to go. We pledged our support and given the situation there we shall be ready to give it. Arcamavir at least is predictable, he will go to the highest bidder. Our negotiations will be swift, as acted upon through our intermediaries, however if things go south and they end up supporting SAGA I want a surgical force to assist in… Changing their minds and helping the right people find their place” Yrillix turned from the window to once again come sit down.
“That can be arranged. I will have an elite group ready to move.”
“Thank you. I also require full updates from the recon sweeps, knowledge is power and with the Ancnet now unreliable we must have our own eyes and ears, are things in place?”
“Already underway. We have recon assets of our own and CONA around virtually all colonial borders keeping an eye on things. Anything happens and we will know about it. Orders if contested or engaged?” Callvixx inquired with a gesture.
“Withdraw, if in a position to engage, do so.”
“Understood I will relay those final orders. Say Madam, were you intending to go through with your claim? About the negotiations with Aedleshaven?” He was of course referring to the Vaplanan meeting.
“No. Aedleshaven would refuse anyway, and this does not benefit us by seeking peace. We can do so after the corridor is secure and SAGA is bled dry. I have other matters now Fleet Admiral I thank you for your efforts and so does the state” Yrillix bowed. Callvixx bowed back.
“For the galaxy, Madam” He replied with a bow.
BREAKING NEWS:
It is with no surprise. But with great reluctance I must highlight this clear inequality.
For so long now the High Imperium has preyed on the galaxy, ethnically cleansing and genociding native peoples from the very moment of their arrival up until the obliteration of many by the so-called ‘renegade’ general Alhergus. Their contempt for life and predominantly native life is a threat to all.
And yet, only when their actions affect the Coalition of Kepler, do they warrant intervention by major powers. Only when their actions affect a COLONIAL, do the colonial powers seek to act. As if the billions and trillions of displaced and dead natives mean nothing to them. Sanctions are their answer to the corpses of untold numbers of our dead. But only a tiny fraction of that in dead colonials heralds full military action against the High Imperium?
They claim to care, they claim to be peacekeeping and yet this supremacy of colonizer outlook is what is destroying this galaxy. Killing its people.
It must be ended.
If this is how long it has taken to step in to stop the High Imperium for their crimes, think of all the silent trillions who have died, unremembered or uncared of in their wars and selfish actions.
Only we can secure our own future.
CONA is the only way.
For the people of this galaxy.
The Orillian Free State stands with you.
Borders of Orillian Space: Deep Void
Orillian space was extremely well monitored.
A whole host of starbases, automated sensor outposts and relay networks dotted its truly gigantic border, almost all of them automated through the huge processing power of Istralan and its output. With the Free state controlling so much of its population it only made sense that its borders would be also controlled and maintained, so that only those dedicated corridors for entry and exit be used.
It was extremely rare to ever see normal Orillians leaving the nation thanks to the harsh measures of border control and surveillance, however it did happen now and again. Defectors made their mark, and in the past years with the punishing routine forced upon its populace more and more had managed to escape, giving their stories and information to the outside galaxy.
One such defector had in the last months identified key relay nodes in the border detection and early warning system, initially managing to escape to Carnaith the information had quickly been passed to close allies and of these the Union who was eager to study the Orillians EW systems.
Little did most of the command structure know that a plan was already underway to inflict it a devastating blow.
Having been first blooded at Aedleshaven the new Ghost Fleet once more slipped its moorings, combining the strike force from several well kept secret locations they swiftly and without fanfare formed up and FTLed away into the void.
The engagement was swift and decisive.
The Orillian relay station acted as a sector hub, protected by five unmanned starships; not a single living soul participated in the battle. The Orillian ships' powerful sensors detected the Ghost fleet as they came in close, still too late but enough to fight back. Truly impressive dogfights erupted as the two fleets, designed around firepower and mobility, engaged. Both were not limited by the constraints of an organic crew and performed incredible maneuvers as they dodged and weaved through fire, the relay station however was knocked out in the opening volleys. Shredded by railgun fire the station now provided a hole in Orillia's defense line, with nothing to defend the automated Orillian ships fought to the last, managing to cripple one of the Ghost fleet cruisers before finally being annihilated.
Unbeknownst to the Orillians however, this was merely the first stage. FTLing through the breach as the first task force withdrew the second Ghost Fleet contingent moved in, now fully in Orillian space and with orders to inflict as much damage as possible.
Ancerious Galaxy: Colonial Holdings
As the clock ticked down to midnight across the galaxy things were in motion.
Across colonial territories the galaxy over Orillian automated reconnaissance assets were deployed. Sitting on the edges of international space they looked in with large arrays of sensors and telescopes, trying to spot fleet movements, military build ups, civilian vessel clumps, important asset locations and potential targets for strikes.
None of these ships strayed into the territories, content to sit back and watch. Of course more were deployed to those known to have declared for SAGA. The Union, Carnaith, RANGSI and Nucleans had the most focus, sensor ships a plenty sat looking in, probing for data and weak points as Orillia compiled the information and used it for their plans.
It would be the first line, if contested the vessels would hold their ground if they could at least possibly fight back, or to withdraw if not. As things progressed they would begin to harass border patrols, ducking into territory lines and zones of actual national control. Each time testing reaction times and seeing what exactly the nations did to counter them. Everything was recorded and relayed.
All would be needed.
It was one minute to midnight.
And shadows were moving at the windows.
It had been almost two weeks now.
Istralan had always been one of the busiest systems in Orillian space outside of Celebranskt, the capital. And yet, now the system saw more traffic than amost all of its combined history. The Orillians had tried (and failed) to build Istralan in secret, using it to pump out their automated fleets and warmachines. And now it continued to do so even as it acted as a massive berthing shipyard for the CONA fleet that had slowly amassed in system to ready itself for the defense of Aedleshaven.
Almost 76,000 ships were present in the Istralan system, all of which were warships. Almost triple that in support elements were also present. Massive and burgeoning Ancerium tankers gathered in shoals like whales while smaller refueling vessels scurried around them transferring fuel to other vessels. Communications and relay squadrons sat, physically connected by massive high bandwidth data wires trying to process information across the fleet. All the while CIC vessels, little more than heavily converted luxury liners sat with entire sections of command staff attempting to ensure that the endeavor between tens of thousands of nations was handled properly and to the letter.
Truly it was one of the largest and most complex set ups in galactic history, and all of it was for one purpose.
War.
At the heart of the CONA formation, which had slowly moved into formation, lay the Orillian fleet. All new and resplendent it would be the core of the native defence force, as final orders were being given out.
Slowly but surely the refueling vessels detached from warships, topping off Ancerium fuel reserves and returning to the massive hauler motherships. Final ammunition stocks were finished unloading into missile magazines as laser optics were cleaned and tested. Crew and personnel transfers were made as the last shuttles whizzed between the vessels and all systems were given the final checks.
Across the entire formation nations and species who had never once fought together and in some cases had never even heard of one another now took position into an almighty wall of vessels. Each one was prepared for combat and had their orders given. The chain of command would struggle to keep up with all the sudden engagements of such a big fleet across so many different forces, and so fallback dumb plans were given, allowing fleets to fall back on rigid and set objectives should the flexible command net collapse.
All the fail safes and more were triple checked as the CONA fleet finally became silent, its supporting elements finishing their tasks and then readying themselves. Only one thing was next.
On a single order every ship in the formation began to charge their FTL drives. Some began plotting Wormhole metrics, some charged their warp drives, some began prepping for a Meridian tear. All would ready themselves as the fleet began to bend space on such a scale that gravitational anomalies of such could be detected across the galaxy.
Finally the order came.
Jump. Target: Aedleshaven Corridor
In a single moment the energy release from so many ships tripped EW systems all across Ancerious as the CONA fleet entered FTL.
It would begin soon.
Celebransk System: Undercity Factories
Uixillo sighed.
It was a deep and exhausted sigh.
The shift had been grueling, standing in the factory for 16 hours straight welding in armour plates to the combat drones they were constructing he almost couldn't feel his arms or his feet. With only one break he had almost pissed himself and this was the 5th day in a row he had pulled these shifts, he barely had time to sleep let alone eat or relax. But it would be over soon, the fleet was leaving and quotas were going to be reduced once more.
He felt solace at that thought.
Uixillo was even drifting off as he waited in line for the food ration. He couldnt even remember a time when there wasnt rations. Looking up at the huge mural above the communal kitchen he stared into the rolling hills and idyllic blue sky that had once been there world. He had never seen that world, born after the days of fire he had heard the elders talk about it. He wondered if there were still blue skies somewhere on other worlds, he had never seen the world's sky he stood on, always hidden underground in the bunker cities to stop the storms that raged above.
He had to jolt himself awake again as he rubbed his aching neck and slowly approached the cafeteria food window. He didnt exactly enjoy the food they were given but it was hot and the only thing he had to look forward to.
He was caught by the holographic image of the state symbol appearing above their heads across the whole eating hall heralding a state news entry.
He could barely focus on the words but the images of the CONA fleet leaving Istralan caused cheers to erupt across the room. He didnt cheer, he was too tired as he got to the hatch.
“Why didnt you cheer?” The server asked. Uixillo scowled.
“Because I am tired as hell, can I have my ration”
“You should have energy to celebrate the state yea here you go” The food that was given was half the size as before. He frowned and looked up.
“Wheres the rest?”
“New rationing rules. Seems stuff is getting tighter. Heard the current shifts will become standard too” Uixillo twitched.
“Move you fuck im hungry” One of the other workers tried to move him out the way as he stood looking down. But Uixillo had enough.
He swung round as soon as the man touched his shoulder, leveraging some of his work tools to smash the man's face in. A moment later he kicked the boiling pot of soup on the hatch into the server's face and then laid into two other men before he was taken down and restrained.
“Fuck the regime! Fuck Yrillix! Fuck the war!” Uixillo screamed as he was beaten unconscious.
Celebransk System: Upper City Spires
It was surprisingly calm outside.
The small slit windows of the high ziggurat spires allowed Yrillix to peer out across the city beyond, all fairly low or squad as they weathered the storms of their ravaged world. Most days she could see little, obscured by driving winds, rain or tornadoes which tried so desperately to destroy them.
But today there was a break between storm systems, and for once she could look out across the city into the small wastes and the towering mountains beyond. It was a nice change of pace, and made her feel like these were the last days of peace. A true calm before the storm if you will.
“Madam, you were saying?” Callvixx, one of the head fleet admirals of the Free State, sat with legs crossed in front of her desk.
“I apologize, it is not everyday we can see our own feats of accomplishment unobscured”
“Indeed”
“With the recent election in Natar I need a small detachment of forces ready to go. We pledged our support and given the situation there we shall be ready to give it. Arcamavir at least is predictable, he will go to the highest bidder. Our negotiations will be swift, as acted upon through our intermediaries, however if things go south and they end up supporting SAGA I want a surgical force to assist in… Changing their minds and helping the right people find their place” Yrillix turned from the window to once again come sit down.
“That can be arranged. I will have an elite group ready to move.”
“Thank you. I also require full updates from the recon sweeps, knowledge is power and with the Ancnet now unreliable we must have our own eyes and ears, are things in place?”
“Already underway. We have recon assets of our own and CONA around virtually all colonial borders keeping an eye on things. Anything happens and we will know about it. Orders if contested or engaged?” Callvixx inquired with a gesture.
“Withdraw, if in a position to engage, do so.”
“Understood I will relay those final orders. Say Madam, were you intending to go through with your claim? About the negotiations with Aedleshaven?” He was of course referring to the Vaplanan meeting.
“No. Aedleshaven would refuse anyway, and this does not benefit us by seeking peace. We can do so after the corridor is secure and SAGA is bled dry. I have other matters now Fleet Admiral I thank you for your efforts and so does the state” Yrillix bowed. Callvixx bowed back.
“For the galaxy, Madam” He replied with a bow.
BREAKING NEWS:
It is with no surprise. But with great reluctance I must highlight this clear inequality.
For so long now the High Imperium has preyed on the galaxy, ethnically cleansing and genociding native peoples from the very moment of their arrival up until the obliteration of many by the so-called ‘renegade’ general Alhergus. Their contempt for life and predominantly native life is a threat to all.
And yet, only when their actions affect the Coalition of Kepler, do they warrant intervention by major powers. Only when their actions affect a COLONIAL, do the colonial powers seek to act. As if the billions and trillions of displaced and dead natives mean nothing to them. Sanctions are their answer to the corpses of untold numbers of our dead. But only a tiny fraction of that in dead colonials heralds full military action against the High Imperium?
They claim to care, they claim to be peacekeeping and yet this supremacy of colonizer outlook is what is destroying this galaxy. Killing its people.
It must be ended.
If this is how long it has taken to step in to stop the High Imperium for their crimes, think of all the silent trillions who have died, unremembered or uncared of in their wars and selfish actions.
Only we can secure our own future.
CONA is the only way.
For the people of this galaxy.
The Orillian Free State stands with you.
Borders of Orillian Space: Deep Void
Orillian space was extremely well monitored.
A whole host of starbases, automated sensor outposts and relay networks dotted its truly gigantic border, almost all of them automated through the huge processing power of Istralan and its output. With the Free state controlling so much of its population it only made sense that its borders would be also controlled and maintained, so that only those dedicated corridors for entry and exit be used.
It was extremely rare to ever see normal Orillians leaving the nation thanks to the harsh measures of border control and surveillance, however it did happen now and again. Defectors made their mark, and in the past years with the punishing routine forced upon its populace more and more had managed to escape, giving their stories and information to the outside galaxy.
One such defector had in the last months identified key relay nodes in the border detection and early warning system, initially managing to escape to Carnaith the information had quickly been passed to close allies and of these the Union who was eager to study the Orillians EW systems.
Little did most of the command structure know that a plan was already underway to inflict it a devastating blow.
Having been first blooded at Aedleshaven the new Ghost Fleet once more slipped its moorings, combining the strike force from several well kept secret locations they swiftly and without fanfare formed up and FTLed away into the void.
The engagement was swift and decisive.
The Orillian relay station acted as a sector hub, protected by five unmanned starships; not a single living soul participated in the battle. The Orillian ships' powerful sensors detected the Ghost fleet as they came in close, still too late but enough to fight back. Truly impressive dogfights erupted as the two fleets, designed around firepower and mobility, engaged. Both were not limited by the constraints of an organic crew and performed incredible maneuvers as they dodged and weaved through fire, the relay station however was knocked out in the opening volleys. Shredded by railgun fire the station now provided a hole in Orillia's defense line, with nothing to defend the automated Orillian ships fought to the last, managing to cripple one of the Ghost fleet cruisers before finally being annihilated.
Unbeknownst to the Orillians however, this was merely the first stage. FTLing through the breach as the first task force withdrew the second Ghost Fleet contingent moved in, now fully in Orillian space and with orders to inflict as much damage as possible.
Ancerious Galaxy: Colonial Holdings
As the clock ticked down to midnight across the galaxy things were in motion.
Across colonial territories the galaxy over Orillian automated reconnaissance assets were deployed. Sitting on the edges of international space they looked in with large arrays of sensors and telescopes, trying to spot fleet movements, military build ups, civilian vessel clumps, important asset locations and potential targets for strikes.
None of these ships strayed into the territories, content to sit back and watch. Of course more were deployed to those known to have declared for SAGA. The Union, Carnaith, RANGSI and Nucleans had the most focus, sensor ships a plenty sat looking in, probing for data and weak points as Orillia compiled the information and used it for their plans.
It would be the first line, if contested the vessels would hold their ground if they could at least possibly fight back, or to withdraw if not. As things progressed they would begin to harass border patrols, ducking into territory lines and zones of actual national control. Each time testing reaction times and seeing what exactly the nations did to counter them. Everything was recorded and relayed.
All would be needed.
It was one minute to midnight.
And shadows were moving at the windows.