Post by EmperorMyric on Jan 24, 2024 11:01:27 GMT
Silver Cradle: Union Space
“...Just over 300 vessels were destroyed, most of the 63rd along with the ICS own 2nd Fleet. Damage to infrastructure in the Hope system is moderate and ICS as well as local assets are assisting as much as they can. Operations in Alluminaria should only be affected by roughly 41% within acceptable parameters although we will have to push back our planned invasion”
The news was reported by Admiral Dewitt. The Cylaurian, one of many key officials in Prime Minister Esmes office representing the Naval military command. While Hargun was taking stock and prepping next moves, Dewitt was here to relay what was known, ever since the Transcendent Angel had taken overwhelming damage in its heroic acts at Aedleshaven the Admiral had to his anger taken a more backseat role.
“Too many lives lost, offer formal condolences to the affected families, they should be awarded the Blue Ribbon for serving their nation.” Esme replied.
“Of course Ma’am, we are consolidating assets in that region now and preparing accordingly”
“Who else was hit?”
“Communications are spotty given the huge uptick in Ancnet activity but through various channels we have ascertained that the Canton was hit-”
“-Expected and admittedly deserved” Esme muttered to interrupted.
“-Sarahbai was hit, RANGSI was hit extremely hard from what we can gather their main capital was wiped out, The Minevans were hit, Noviy was hit, Capitol IRG was hit in their main central system, Rubikon of the National Mandate was hit, the Zetyan clanholds were hit, Imaginarium was struck in TIERZ, the newly founded Free Avarian League was hit, Lavatania has been hit hard, the Echoes have been hit, Liliana Free territory was hit and finally Orillia was struck twice. Once was intercepted by some new defense system however the second strike seems to have crippled Istralan from what long range intelligence can gather. All in all many systems and planets have been wiped out.”
The announcement from the Minister of Intelligence was grim, and the room sat in total silence for a few moments before someone spoke.
“By creation, so many dead…”
“Do we have any estimates?” the comment by the Education Minister in response to the Healthcare Minister caused several grimaces.
“At least several trillion and that's the conservative estimate” The statement was met with yet more silence.
“Send aid to our allies that were hit, no matter what we have available just make sure we can help them somehow, offer aid to those who were hit but did not fire in return.” Esme sighed. The room nodded in agreement.
“That's not all ma’am… We have finally connection to Borealia, the Coronan theatre…” the Minister for Intelligence this time instead of speaking waved a hand and brought up a holographic display. It detailed Pareidolia, images flashed of Army of the Panopticon fleets carving apart all before them, it showed the unending masses of absent Coronans and the approximate territory engulfed by the Old Invaders who were not spawning Eikons and advancing themselves. It ended with simple text.
‘Borealia is lost, rendezvousing to OCCCA to hold the line’
“We should have struck the Army at Rubikon when we had the chance” one growled.
“How can we even fight this power? The Old Invaders are bad enough but if the Army is wielding the power capable of wiping out a galactic sector, with ships as powerful as these… How do we even stand a chance?”
“We have to stand united, impossible given the events that just unfolded”
“Enough. Borealia is still a way away, get a stable connection to our forces when they get to the OCCCA and get a full report, we can make choices then. If needed ready reinforcements, whatever we can spare.” Esme was clearly irritated by the amount of bad news, but it kept coming.
“In addition, we also received this message from the Unmar Expanse” The evidence of the Old Invader break out in Second Dawn space mad everyone shake their heads once more.
“Tarns government really left this galaxy in a mess. You say CONA & ICA are responding along with neutrals?”
“Yes Ma’am we have reports of large fleet deployments and super weapon deployments”
“Then we leave that to them. Unmar is a galaxy away and maybe CONA can blunt some of its fury on the Old Invaders. If it develops further tell me and prepare for contingencies”
“Understood” They replied.
“Until then, I think I need a drink”
Pavonis System: Union HICOM
“Such destruction, not in this galaxies modern memory have we seen anything like this”
Volkus stood next to the huge holoprojection unit at the center of the command room, the massive map of the galaxy arrayed before him, Hargun and Sacule. Red blinking markers showed systems and worlds obliterated by the super weapon exchange along with loosely projected casualty numbers. The numbers of their own ship losses were also displayed in the Hope system. So many dead.
“Capitol opened a real can of worms with the Crucible. If only they hadn't of distributed the plans… Creation be damned Inara’s legacy is still killing untold billions to this day” Sacule was frustrated, so much had been lost.
“While our losses are grim we were lucky. If Orillia or one of its allies had chosen to strike the Silver Cradle…” Hargun shivered “I dread to think of the thought, billions of our citizens dead, it would be akin to Azuras again”
Volkus twitched at the mention, thinking of his dead family, it made him not forget.
“At least we could have intercepted such”
The comment caused Hargun and Sacule to look at each other and raise an eyebrow.
“How? We have no such capabilities?” Volkus immediately stiffened, realizing he had made a mistake talking aloud while distracted.
“Well we could have retrofitted one of the new Kunai-”
“That would have required prior telemetry and forewarning, what did you mean Arran?” Sacule didn't seem to buy his makeshift reply.
“Admiral Volkus, do you know something we don't? We know you, you would not simply make such a steadfast comment off hand” Harguns stern words caused Volkus to sigh, his body slumping.
“Alright, I will tell you, but this must stay between us. The Union has a system capable of intercepting incoming superweapon shots or fleets, it is called ALRIC and was built roughly 10 years ago to prevent another Mirach, another Azuras.” Both Sacule and Hargun stiffened now, looking to each other before turning back. This was major news, a huge defense system that the highest brass in the military did not know about? They knew Volkus was in league with the Reserve Administration but now was the chance to press for answers.
“Who signed off on this system? How does it work?” Volkus was surprised initially that Sacule had not asked him how he knew and why he hadn't told them.
“The military of course, as well as the Eiasten government as far as I know. And well it works using the Far Reach system, an FTL gun capable of firing interception warp bubbles using unmanned drone warships to bog the enemy down and give time for fleet interception” Hargun shook his head in shame.
“I did not like Eiasten but he would never have signed off on using Far Reach technology for military purposes, that was against his very promise to the galaxy! He was a man of principles even if those principles caused problems for others. This was built without him, the question is why, and why not tell the military? How would we respond to an intercept only to find our own supposed drone ships out there? What the hell would they tell us then?”
“I don't know! But it's clear why it was built, to prevent situations like this if we had been hit billions would have died. Even if Eiasten did not sign off on this it was worth building anyway, we cannot have another Azuras James!”
“They betrayed the promise the Union made to the galaxy of not weaponizing Far Reach” Sacule looked exhausted by this news.
“A promise that only serves to hamstring ourselves! If we had been sitting here now learning about ALRIC knowing that billions had been saved you would have been praising the foresight!” Volkus was raising his voice now. Hargun shook his head.
“We as a nation made a promise Arran”
“No. A naive dead man made a promise he couldn't keep, and it would have cost us countless lives. Do not be naive Zephyr, James, ALRIC is a necessary system. Besides, a promise? To whom? Our allies? Like Carnaiths promise during 1AW when they left us to fight alone? Like Restevias promise to destroy the Z1? Or handle the Army of the Panopticon? Like the Alterran Dominion promised us to help against the APP then wiped out Yulunarch and our people? Promises to our allies are not as stable as you think, and to our enemies… They are worthless. Orillia would have struck us had the Canton not fired first believe me”
Harguns face twisted into anger.
“Is this the rhetoric that the Reserve Administration teaches these days?” The voicing of the RA made Volkus falter for a moment.
“How-?”
“Now I ask you not to be naive Arran, I was the leader of this nation for many decades. I am well aware of the Reserve Administration, they were a small branch that handled our darkest secrets and the things that should never be made public, but they were always populated by the unstable kind. Nobody operates behind closed doors that long and understands truly what's beyond in the wider world. To hear they are building such projects without the government's approval and making their own moves tells me they are no longer a small branch and have clearly dug their claws deep into people like yourself.”
“They have a better grasp of the world than both of you, they know we are about to enter a period of darkness far worse than 1AW or 2AW, they are willing to do whatever it takes? The question is are both of you?”
Before both could answer, Volkus turned, saluted and left.
Hargun turned to Sacule, who sighed and nodded.
“Yes. We are”
Deep Space: Golden Cross Trade Lane
“Missile salvo two and three intercepted!”
“Another salvo incoming!”
“Redirect shield systems to cover the transports!”
“Barracuda has taken two direct hits to port, they are reporting heavy damage!”
“Enemy cruiser is crippled and retreating from the battle!”
“Forward interceptors are running hot, 28% reduced capacity!”
“Meson laser four reports overheating lens array!”
“Carnifex reporting heavy drive damage, unable to keep pace!”
“Missile Salvo Four intercepted!”
“Enemy raiding force withdrawing from battle!”
This had been the 4th engagement in 6 hours. The constant running battles between the Union convoy defenders and the Orillian raiders had taken their toll. Several civilian and military ships had been destroyed, it appeared like the Free State was not bothering about distinctions anymore. Once more the crew of the Adamant took stock, damage repair teams got to work, ammunition and fuel were noted and ships which had taken too much fire were ordered to return to home territory. This was only one defense taskforce, out of roughly 80. Each one given a designated convoy of hundreds of ships to protect on the way into or out of Union space. Ever since the superweapon exchange the Orillians had stopped only targeting the Union owned Takeema vessels but had started targeting the civilian vessels wholesale regardless of their allegiance or origin.
To deal with the Union now or any colonial, painted a target on your back from the Free State.
Still the Union Navy Core would do all it could to keep its trade lanes open and protect those ships who plied them.
These were dark times.
And already the call of a 5th enemy attack run was sounding over the ships intercom.
BREAKING NEWS: UNIONS RESPONSE TO ESCALATION
UNN Silver Cradle- Following the awful exchange of numerous WSDs, which has been confirmed to have killed at least trillions of lives, the Prime Minister has finally spoken out to make an official statement and give an official stance.
This was followed by a snap vote as well in the Talcit Accords, an emergency session in response to the crisis.
```”Citizens of the Union of Worlds. No, citizens of the galaxy. No matter what walk of life you come from whether it be colonial or native, the events which have transpired before us are unprecedented. Such a massive escalation of the war was unthinkable until just yesterday, and has resulted in the ending of uncountable lives, lives which should never have been lost in the first place. While my nation once used and possessed WSDs, we disposed of them after 2AW, now we are surrounded by those who do not just possess them but outright have used them. The Union condemns in the strongest terms those who have used such terrible weapons and stands with the vote of the Talcit Accords in its entirety. The Union will, immediately, move to aid nations aiming to disarm WSD armed states and will sanction all those who have used such weapons unilaterally as well as removing all diplomatic ties with said nations.```
```”In addition, the Union calls for Sarabhai, the Canton, Second Dawn, and Orillia to be declared a pariah states, removed from SAGA as well as CONA and condemned by all parties on both sides of the conflict. For clear incitement of not just the war in Orillias case but for starting this escalation in regards to Canton and Sarahbai. Not only this, but given the terrible threat of what faces us in Borealia and the future of the galaxy the Union of Worlds will be officially withdrawing from SAGA entirely. So many have died due to this war between colonials and natives, and yet the true enemies stand tall, those who seek to divide us against the greatest threats to life. The Union of Worlds will stay on war footing, but will not seek conflict with CONA or SAGA, instead we will be doing what we should have done years ago. Target the threats to this galaxy's peace, these include the Old Invaders, the Orillian Free State, Yogg Narr and of course the Army of the Panopticon. All of these pose undeniable threats to galactic stability and have contributed to this galaxy's downfall, we call on those both SAGA & CONA to stand with us in removing these threats. The Union has always striven to uphold peace in the galaxy, and while we hesitated during the so called ‘Age of Disorder’ and the start of this conflict we will not hesitate now. For the citizens of the galaxy.”```
Already the Union has expelled Sarahbai and Canton diplomats from its space and placed sanctions on all nations who fired during the conflict, cutting economic ties with those involved. The withdrawal from SAGA however comes as a shock, with some supporting the move following the exchange while others see it as running from the colonial problem.
Only the weeks ahead will determine how this bold move plays out.
Oralsk System: Orillian Space
It was no longer safe out on the streets.
Vy’Tillix did not want to go, the latest riots had only just subsided and he could still hear shouting outside of his apartment complex. Despite the danger, he couldn't wait. He needed his rations and he had already gone two days without eating so that he could extend the amount of rations he would get. The lines would be long but he didn't have a choice, it was now or he would start to seriously suffer even more than current.
Vy’Tillix was not an ideological person, he didn't care for the ongoing war or the state, he just wanted to survive. Down here in the subterranean cities of Celebransk he had grown up with a scarce existence, but now he was practically destitute. The State had procured all of his funding, had taken various objects from him for their parts and had increasingly rationed food and water. The lights flickered in his windowless cell, a square of space barely 15ft across in which he called home. They were rationing the power now too, they had dedicated blackout days.
Vy’Tillix was an engineer, he knew the announcements about power rationing due to Istralans damage were lies. Istralan in its entirety had more than enough energy capacity even when crippled to provide for Celebransks energy needs many times over. No this was just another method of fear and control. He worked in the reactors down on the base geothermal level, the truth was the State had been stripping those for everything they could use elsewhere. He was just forbidden to discuss it.
Gunfire sounded once again outside his bare steel door, the riots and protests now we're almost constant. Entire work shift groups refusing to work, entire neighborhoods rising up in protest. Sometimes the State robotic forces abandoned whole sections of the cities, only to deploy mass knock out gas in the ventilation system before moving in. They controlled everything here, even the air you breathed. Vy’Tillix steeled himself before standing up, backpack on and took several steps towards the door. Placing his hand upon the cold metal handle, he stood for a moment before opening.
The large open concrete courtyard for the social space was clear of the living. But not the dead. Three bodies all had been shot, and left strewn to one of the sides. Sounds of commotion and anger could be heard down one of the passageways to the left, but he rapidly locked the door and moved on. He couldnt take the open public ways to the food distribution center, that would be suicide unless he wanted to run into the mob or the security forces that were very clearly on shoot to kill curfew mode. Vy’Tillix didn't want to die, but he didn't want to starve either. Taking one of the small passages he made his way over to one of the ventilation grates and began to work his tools.
Removing the grate took effort, but gently placing it down against the wall he climbed on in. Better to go this way than to die in the open streets. Most of the vents and shafts for the air were large, large enough to stand and walk in or crawl at worst. He used to play in these as a kid, and knew their layout well. There was a large circulation chamber up ahead, and it would allow him to take a smaller vent out to where the food distribution center was. Making a brisk pace Vy’Tillix took nearly fifteen minutes to reach the chamber, but the voices coming from within made him stop and press himself against the steel pipe.
The chamber was several stories high, with rows upon rows of fans and a huge one in the central chamber, numerous flow outlets connected here and a massive shaft sored from the ceiling upwards beyond the eye could see. All the way to an air vent on the surface. He had never seen the surface, but what concerned him the most was that he did not detect Orillian over the sounds of the fans. It was galactic common.
Vy’Tillix moved up slightly, peering around the vent entrance to try to get a good look at what was going on. It could very well be rebels in which case he couldn't get caught or be thrown into this whole affair, or maybe even killed. The State forces did not use common language though. But when he took a peek his heart froze.
Standing in the chamber were six individuals. Four were huge, hulking power armoured soldiers, all surrounded the other two. One was dressed in a blue military uniform and was very clearly human and wearing sunglasses. The other was a Coronan, but something was off about him. Vy’Tillix had never seen anything like this before, but the designs of the armour… The blue… They reminded him of the Union in the propaganda videos he had seen. Why was the Union here?
He moved back, but slipped ever so slightly on the circular vent side. Instantly the sound of the fans stopped, all sound seemed to stop. Vy’Tillix felt dizzy, he clutched his head as it throbbed and began to hurt.
“Wha-” He managed before his world went black.
—
“Curious, that was rather fateful. You can start with this one. Make sure you dispose of your current form at once”
“Dont fucking think I am some clown I know how to play this game. You did your part of the deal now let me do mine how I do it best.” The Coronan sneered in reply to the man in front, even as they both looked down onto the Orillian man below them who had been dragged by the armoured Fusiliers.
“He's a bit starved but I've had worse. Leave Orillia to me SAH” The Coronan laughed as he made a mock salute.
“Very well then. Until next time Las Osscuridad.”
“For the Union of Worlds SAH” The Voronoi sniggered in mocking amusement.
Unknown Location: Union Space
“Do we have ANY good news?” Esme was irate. Hardly surprising given the major political turn undertaken and the awful news coming out of Borealia and the Unmar.
“Las Osscuridad has been delivered as per agreement. The Orillians are now living on borrowed time” Lumis' calm demeanor was the mirror to Esme, sitting on the bare chair while the Prime Minister paced around the diplomatic meeting room they had acquired.
“Good, the Free State can tear itself apart in insanity. But mark my words we will be there to strike a killing blow”
“Of course Prime Minister”
“Anything else?”
“Production of the second wave of the new fleet is nearing completion. And we have selected several targets of importance including the Second Dawn, Canton and Orillia, preparations for a strike on the Second Dawn are in progress” The Reserve Administration leader recited these lines like she had prepared.
“On whose authority? The situation in the Second Dawn should run its course, let the ICA bleed themselves. No, instead we need the fleet in case of complications in Borealia” Esme looked confused and stopped pacing.
“Our own initiative of course. A fleet is being sent to observe and if necessary intervene” Esme narrowed her eyes. She was already in a foul mood and this was not helping.
“Be careful Reserve Admiral do not overextend your influence, you do not control this nation here I do”
“Quite, Prime Minister. But I don't need to remind you of our massive contributions to your election victory and political power. You are invaluable, yes, but our goals can be completed without civilian interference. We work towards the same goals and thus we can trust each other to act in accord, yes?”
Lumis words this time were tinged with a hint of control, as if trying to pressure Esme.
“Do not hold your actions over me like some sword of damocles, you are still beholden to the civilian government. I will allow your operation, but for now dismissed.” Lumis nodded and left the room, clearly the Prime Minister was in a fragile state of mind.
“For now” Lumis muttered on her way out.
Bridge of the Avenger: Union Space
“Its extremely bad then”
Hargun and Sacule nodded in agreement. They had relayed the information to Sapphire, who now stood with a finger on her lips in contemplation.
The Princess had recently gotten back from Natar, the nightmarish person that Tetlisun had become haunted her but that was just one iota of darkness in a veritable sea. And the tide was practically thundering in it seemed, confirmed given the fact she had just carried out a fully clandestine mission to the outer halo alongside other entities to fight the Panopticon.
“Volkus is certainly working for the Reserve Administration although I don't think he had the full picture” Sacule added.
“None of us do. I am trying to use all the contacts and people I worked with back in 2AW and 1AW but very little of them remain. It appears the organization has changed greatly and I fear that their corruption runs deep.” Hargun sighed, they had chosen to meet on the bridge of Harguns own command ship, it seemed like the safest place to go at the moment.
“That's not all. While the RA is a major threat we cannot afford to fight them”
“Princess? You mean due to the situation in Corona?”
“Not just that. I just undertook a mission alongside powerful individuals to investigate a potential Panopticon base” Sapphire replied, Hargun and Sacule looked at each other in concern “Their power and technology is beyond anything we can achieve. They have caused truly unthinkable events in Borealia that is certain, but their power extends to places we cannot reach. They have a stronghold in the Outer Halo, maybe Far Reach could get there, but no conventional drives would ever reach it. They are mining Aurastone and Duskstone on a monumental scale and constructing something akin to the Kerali battery. I do not know for what purpose but it is a direct threat to this galaxy, and their commanders are easily threats to even myself and other super powered beings. The Reserve Administration is a threat yes, and they are wormed into the current government. But for now they are focusing on the Army, and I believe we should do the same”
Hargun and Sacule both looked deeply concerned.
“Such power and scale, to think they were given this short a time to expand and advance… 20 plus years and they are a power capable of threatening the galaxy.” Sacule commented.
“What can we do to fight them?” Hargun merely inquired his face darkened.
“We do everything we ca-”
One of the communication terminals seemed to ping.
“That's strange, I specifically locked the system” Hargun went over to the terminal but the holo display that they stood around seemed to glitch slightly. A moment later it displayed the visual form of Par’Lan, captain of the A’Zores.
“C-Captain?” Sacule was totally confused.
“Greetings commanders of the Union of Worlds. I am sorry for the intrusion into your secure systems but this is a matter of emergency.” The tint of genuine concern on the Nakais face and in his tone made even Sapphire worry.
“I am formulating a meeting of the brightest and most trustworthy galactic minds and representatives. I have just returned from the center of the Golden Expanse in an experimental exodus. The Army of the Panopticon as you know them have bypassed the Maddening and have amassed powerful assets within the Expanse's depths along with galactic level threats. My own vessel took substantial damage combatting their new vessel types. I would ask you three to attend at once, bring and contact any who you trust. Forget your galactic war, we have moved far beyond that.”
The image disappeared. Leaving the three in silence.
“It's even worse than we feared.” Sacule whispered.
“Contact Reik, and our closest confidants within our allied nations. If we are going to fight this terror, we should fight it together.”
“...Just over 300 vessels were destroyed, most of the 63rd along with the ICS own 2nd Fleet. Damage to infrastructure in the Hope system is moderate and ICS as well as local assets are assisting as much as they can. Operations in Alluminaria should only be affected by roughly 41% within acceptable parameters although we will have to push back our planned invasion”
The news was reported by Admiral Dewitt. The Cylaurian, one of many key officials in Prime Minister Esmes office representing the Naval military command. While Hargun was taking stock and prepping next moves, Dewitt was here to relay what was known, ever since the Transcendent Angel had taken overwhelming damage in its heroic acts at Aedleshaven the Admiral had to his anger taken a more backseat role.
“Too many lives lost, offer formal condolences to the affected families, they should be awarded the Blue Ribbon for serving their nation.” Esme replied.
“Of course Ma’am, we are consolidating assets in that region now and preparing accordingly”
“Who else was hit?”
“Communications are spotty given the huge uptick in Ancnet activity but through various channels we have ascertained that the Canton was hit-”
“-Expected and admittedly deserved” Esme muttered to interrupted.
“-Sarahbai was hit, RANGSI was hit extremely hard from what we can gather their main capital was wiped out, The Minevans were hit, Noviy was hit, Capitol IRG was hit in their main central system, Rubikon of the National Mandate was hit, the Zetyan clanholds were hit, Imaginarium was struck in TIERZ, the newly founded Free Avarian League was hit, Lavatania has been hit hard, the Echoes have been hit, Liliana Free territory was hit and finally Orillia was struck twice. Once was intercepted by some new defense system however the second strike seems to have crippled Istralan from what long range intelligence can gather. All in all many systems and planets have been wiped out.”
The announcement from the Minister of Intelligence was grim, and the room sat in total silence for a few moments before someone spoke.
“By creation, so many dead…”
“Do we have any estimates?” the comment by the Education Minister in response to the Healthcare Minister caused several grimaces.
“At least several trillion and that's the conservative estimate” The statement was met with yet more silence.
“Send aid to our allies that were hit, no matter what we have available just make sure we can help them somehow, offer aid to those who were hit but did not fire in return.” Esme sighed. The room nodded in agreement.
“That's not all ma’am… We have finally connection to Borealia, the Coronan theatre…” the Minister for Intelligence this time instead of speaking waved a hand and brought up a holographic display. It detailed Pareidolia, images flashed of Army of the Panopticon fleets carving apart all before them, it showed the unending masses of absent Coronans and the approximate territory engulfed by the Old Invaders who were not spawning Eikons and advancing themselves. It ended with simple text.
‘Borealia is lost, rendezvousing to OCCCA to hold the line’
“We should have struck the Army at Rubikon when we had the chance” one growled.
“How can we even fight this power? The Old Invaders are bad enough but if the Army is wielding the power capable of wiping out a galactic sector, with ships as powerful as these… How do we even stand a chance?”
“We have to stand united, impossible given the events that just unfolded”
“Enough. Borealia is still a way away, get a stable connection to our forces when they get to the OCCCA and get a full report, we can make choices then. If needed ready reinforcements, whatever we can spare.” Esme was clearly irritated by the amount of bad news, but it kept coming.
“In addition, we also received this message from the Unmar Expanse” The evidence of the Old Invader break out in Second Dawn space mad everyone shake their heads once more.
“Tarns government really left this galaxy in a mess. You say CONA & ICA are responding along with neutrals?”
“Yes Ma’am we have reports of large fleet deployments and super weapon deployments”
“Then we leave that to them. Unmar is a galaxy away and maybe CONA can blunt some of its fury on the Old Invaders. If it develops further tell me and prepare for contingencies”
“Understood” They replied.
“Until then, I think I need a drink”
Pavonis System: Union HICOM
“Such destruction, not in this galaxies modern memory have we seen anything like this”
Volkus stood next to the huge holoprojection unit at the center of the command room, the massive map of the galaxy arrayed before him, Hargun and Sacule. Red blinking markers showed systems and worlds obliterated by the super weapon exchange along with loosely projected casualty numbers. The numbers of their own ship losses were also displayed in the Hope system. So many dead.
“Capitol opened a real can of worms with the Crucible. If only they hadn't of distributed the plans… Creation be damned Inara’s legacy is still killing untold billions to this day” Sacule was frustrated, so much had been lost.
“While our losses are grim we were lucky. If Orillia or one of its allies had chosen to strike the Silver Cradle…” Hargun shivered “I dread to think of the thought, billions of our citizens dead, it would be akin to Azuras again”
Volkus twitched at the mention, thinking of his dead family, it made him not forget.
“At least we could have intercepted such”
The comment caused Hargun and Sacule to look at each other and raise an eyebrow.
“How? We have no such capabilities?” Volkus immediately stiffened, realizing he had made a mistake talking aloud while distracted.
“Well we could have retrofitted one of the new Kunai-”
“That would have required prior telemetry and forewarning, what did you mean Arran?” Sacule didn't seem to buy his makeshift reply.
“Admiral Volkus, do you know something we don't? We know you, you would not simply make such a steadfast comment off hand” Harguns stern words caused Volkus to sigh, his body slumping.
“Alright, I will tell you, but this must stay between us. The Union has a system capable of intercepting incoming superweapon shots or fleets, it is called ALRIC and was built roughly 10 years ago to prevent another Mirach, another Azuras.” Both Sacule and Hargun stiffened now, looking to each other before turning back. This was major news, a huge defense system that the highest brass in the military did not know about? They knew Volkus was in league with the Reserve Administration but now was the chance to press for answers.
“Who signed off on this system? How does it work?” Volkus was surprised initially that Sacule had not asked him how he knew and why he hadn't told them.
“The military of course, as well as the Eiasten government as far as I know. And well it works using the Far Reach system, an FTL gun capable of firing interception warp bubbles using unmanned drone warships to bog the enemy down and give time for fleet interception” Hargun shook his head in shame.
“I did not like Eiasten but he would never have signed off on using Far Reach technology for military purposes, that was against his very promise to the galaxy! He was a man of principles even if those principles caused problems for others. This was built without him, the question is why, and why not tell the military? How would we respond to an intercept only to find our own supposed drone ships out there? What the hell would they tell us then?”
“I don't know! But it's clear why it was built, to prevent situations like this if we had been hit billions would have died. Even if Eiasten did not sign off on this it was worth building anyway, we cannot have another Azuras James!”
“They betrayed the promise the Union made to the galaxy of not weaponizing Far Reach” Sacule looked exhausted by this news.
“A promise that only serves to hamstring ourselves! If we had been sitting here now learning about ALRIC knowing that billions had been saved you would have been praising the foresight!” Volkus was raising his voice now. Hargun shook his head.
“We as a nation made a promise Arran”
“No. A naive dead man made a promise he couldn't keep, and it would have cost us countless lives. Do not be naive Zephyr, James, ALRIC is a necessary system. Besides, a promise? To whom? Our allies? Like Carnaiths promise during 1AW when they left us to fight alone? Like Restevias promise to destroy the Z1? Or handle the Army of the Panopticon? Like the Alterran Dominion promised us to help against the APP then wiped out Yulunarch and our people? Promises to our allies are not as stable as you think, and to our enemies… They are worthless. Orillia would have struck us had the Canton not fired first believe me”
Harguns face twisted into anger.
“Is this the rhetoric that the Reserve Administration teaches these days?” The voicing of the RA made Volkus falter for a moment.
“How-?”
“Now I ask you not to be naive Arran, I was the leader of this nation for many decades. I am well aware of the Reserve Administration, they were a small branch that handled our darkest secrets and the things that should never be made public, but they were always populated by the unstable kind. Nobody operates behind closed doors that long and understands truly what's beyond in the wider world. To hear they are building such projects without the government's approval and making their own moves tells me they are no longer a small branch and have clearly dug their claws deep into people like yourself.”
“They have a better grasp of the world than both of you, they know we are about to enter a period of darkness far worse than 1AW or 2AW, they are willing to do whatever it takes? The question is are both of you?”
Before both could answer, Volkus turned, saluted and left.
Hargun turned to Sacule, who sighed and nodded.
“Yes. We are”
Deep Space: Golden Cross Trade Lane
“Missile salvo two and three intercepted!”
“Another salvo incoming!”
“Redirect shield systems to cover the transports!”
“Barracuda has taken two direct hits to port, they are reporting heavy damage!”
“Enemy cruiser is crippled and retreating from the battle!”
“Forward interceptors are running hot, 28% reduced capacity!”
“Meson laser four reports overheating lens array!”
“Carnifex reporting heavy drive damage, unable to keep pace!”
“Missile Salvo Four intercepted!”
“Enemy raiding force withdrawing from battle!”
This had been the 4th engagement in 6 hours. The constant running battles between the Union convoy defenders and the Orillian raiders had taken their toll. Several civilian and military ships had been destroyed, it appeared like the Free State was not bothering about distinctions anymore. Once more the crew of the Adamant took stock, damage repair teams got to work, ammunition and fuel were noted and ships which had taken too much fire were ordered to return to home territory. This was only one defense taskforce, out of roughly 80. Each one given a designated convoy of hundreds of ships to protect on the way into or out of Union space. Ever since the superweapon exchange the Orillians had stopped only targeting the Union owned Takeema vessels but had started targeting the civilian vessels wholesale regardless of their allegiance or origin.
To deal with the Union now or any colonial, painted a target on your back from the Free State.
Still the Union Navy Core would do all it could to keep its trade lanes open and protect those ships who plied them.
These were dark times.
And already the call of a 5th enemy attack run was sounding over the ships intercom.
BREAKING NEWS: UNIONS RESPONSE TO ESCALATION
UNN Silver Cradle- Following the awful exchange of numerous WSDs, which has been confirmed to have killed at least trillions of lives, the Prime Minister has finally spoken out to make an official statement and give an official stance.
This was followed by a snap vote as well in the Talcit Accords, an emergency session in response to the crisis.
```”Citizens of the Union of Worlds. No, citizens of the galaxy. No matter what walk of life you come from whether it be colonial or native, the events which have transpired before us are unprecedented. Such a massive escalation of the war was unthinkable until just yesterday, and has resulted in the ending of uncountable lives, lives which should never have been lost in the first place. While my nation once used and possessed WSDs, we disposed of them after 2AW, now we are surrounded by those who do not just possess them but outright have used them. The Union condemns in the strongest terms those who have used such terrible weapons and stands with the vote of the Talcit Accords in its entirety. The Union will, immediately, move to aid nations aiming to disarm WSD armed states and will sanction all those who have used such weapons unilaterally as well as removing all diplomatic ties with said nations.```
```”In addition, the Union calls for Sarabhai, the Canton, Second Dawn, and Orillia to be declared a pariah states, removed from SAGA as well as CONA and condemned by all parties on both sides of the conflict. For clear incitement of not just the war in Orillias case but for starting this escalation in regards to Canton and Sarahbai. Not only this, but given the terrible threat of what faces us in Borealia and the future of the galaxy the Union of Worlds will be officially withdrawing from SAGA entirely. So many have died due to this war between colonials and natives, and yet the true enemies stand tall, those who seek to divide us against the greatest threats to life. The Union of Worlds will stay on war footing, but will not seek conflict with CONA or SAGA, instead we will be doing what we should have done years ago. Target the threats to this galaxy's peace, these include the Old Invaders, the Orillian Free State, Yogg Narr and of course the Army of the Panopticon. All of these pose undeniable threats to galactic stability and have contributed to this galaxy's downfall, we call on those both SAGA & CONA to stand with us in removing these threats. The Union has always striven to uphold peace in the galaxy, and while we hesitated during the so called ‘Age of Disorder’ and the start of this conflict we will not hesitate now. For the citizens of the galaxy.”```
Already the Union has expelled Sarahbai and Canton diplomats from its space and placed sanctions on all nations who fired during the conflict, cutting economic ties with those involved. The withdrawal from SAGA however comes as a shock, with some supporting the move following the exchange while others see it as running from the colonial problem.
Only the weeks ahead will determine how this bold move plays out.
Oralsk System: Orillian Space
It was no longer safe out on the streets.
Vy’Tillix did not want to go, the latest riots had only just subsided and he could still hear shouting outside of his apartment complex. Despite the danger, he couldn't wait. He needed his rations and he had already gone two days without eating so that he could extend the amount of rations he would get. The lines would be long but he didn't have a choice, it was now or he would start to seriously suffer even more than current.
Vy’Tillix was not an ideological person, he didn't care for the ongoing war or the state, he just wanted to survive. Down here in the subterranean cities of Celebransk he had grown up with a scarce existence, but now he was practically destitute. The State had procured all of his funding, had taken various objects from him for their parts and had increasingly rationed food and water. The lights flickered in his windowless cell, a square of space barely 15ft across in which he called home. They were rationing the power now too, they had dedicated blackout days.
Vy’Tillix was an engineer, he knew the announcements about power rationing due to Istralans damage were lies. Istralan in its entirety had more than enough energy capacity even when crippled to provide for Celebransks energy needs many times over. No this was just another method of fear and control. He worked in the reactors down on the base geothermal level, the truth was the State had been stripping those for everything they could use elsewhere. He was just forbidden to discuss it.
Gunfire sounded once again outside his bare steel door, the riots and protests now we're almost constant. Entire work shift groups refusing to work, entire neighborhoods rising up in protest. Sometimes the State robotic forces abandoned whole sections of the cities, only to deploy mass knock out gas in the ventilation system before moving in. They controlled everything here, even the air you breathed. Vy’Tillix steeled himself before standing up, backpack on and took several steps towards the door. Placing his hand upon the cold metal handle, he stood for a moment before opening.
The large open concrete courtyard for the social space was clear of the living. But not the dead. Three bodies all had been shot, and left strewn to one of the sides. Sounds of commotion and anger could be heard down one of the passageways to the left, but he rapidly locked the door and moved on. He couldnt take the open public ways to the food distribution center, that would be suicide unless he wanted to run into the mob or the security forces that were very clearly on shoot to kill curfew mode. Vy’Tillix didn't want to die, but he didn't want to starve either. Taking one of the small passages he made his way over to one of the ventilation grates and began to work his tools.
Removing the grate took effort, but gently placing it down against the wall he climbed on in. Better to go this way than to die in the open streets. Most of the vents and shafts for the air were large, large enough to stand and walk in or crawl at worst. He used to play in these as a kid, and knew their layout well. There was a large circulation chamber up ahead, and it would allow him to take a smaller vent out to where the food distribution center was. Making a brisk pace Vy’Tillix took nearly fifteen minutes to reach the chamber, but the voices coming from within made him stop and press himself against the steel pipe.
The chamber was several stories high, with rows upon rows of fans and a huge one in the central chamber, numerous flow outlets connected here and a massive shaft sored from the ceiling upwards beyond the eye could see. All the way to an air vent on the surface. He had never seen the surface, but what concerned him the most was that he did not detect Orillian over the sounds of the fans. It was galactic common.
Vy’Tillix moved up slightly, peering around the vent entrance to try to get a good look at what was going on. It could very well be rebels in which case he couldn't get caught or be thrown into this whole affair, or maybe even killed. The State forces did not use common language though. But when he took a peek his heart froze.
Standing in the chamber were six individuals. Four were huge, hulking power armoured soldiers, all surrounded the other two. One was dressed in a blue military uniform and was very clearly human and wearing sunglasses. The other was a Coronan, but something was off about him. Vy’Tillix had never seen anything like this before, but the designs of the armour… The blue… They reminded him of the Union in the propaganda videos he had seen. Why was the Union here?
He moved back, but slipped ever so slightly on the circular vent side. Instantly the sound of the fans stopped, all sound seemed to stop. Vy’Tillix felt dizzy, he clutched his head as it throbbed and began to hurt.
“Wha-” He managed before his world went black.
—
“Curious, that was rather fateful. You can start with this one. Make sure you dispose of your current form at once”
“Dont fucking think I am some clown I know how to play this game. You did your part of the deal now let me do mine how I do it best.” The Coronan sneered in reply to the man in front, even as they both looked down onto the Orillian man below them who had been dragged by the armoured Fusiliers.
“He's a bit starved but I've had worse. Leave Orillia to me SAH” The Coronan laughed as he made a mock salute.
“Very well then. Until next time Las Osscuridad.”
“For the Union of Worlds SAH” The Voronoi sniggered in mocking amusement.
Unknown Location: Union Space
“Do we have ANY good news?” Esme was irate. Hardly surprising given the major political turn undertaken and the awful news coming out of Borealia and the Unmar.
“Las Osscuridad has been delivered as per agreement. The Orillians are now living on borrowed time” Lumis' calm demeanor was the mirror to Esme, sitting on the bare chair while the Prime Minister paced around the diplomatic meeting room they had acquired.
“Good, the Free State can tear itself apart in insanity. But mark my words we will be there to strike a killing blow”
“Of course Prime Minister”
“Anything else?”
“Production of the second wave of the new fleet is nearing completion. And we have selected several targets of importance including the Second Dawn, Canton and Orillia, preparations for a strike on the Second Dawn are in progress” The Reserve Administration leader recited these lines like she had prepared.
“On whose authority? The situation in the Second Dawn should run its course, let the ICA bleed themselves. No, instead we need the fleet in case of complications in Borealia” Esme looked confused and stopped pacing.
“Our own initiative of course. A fleet is being sent to observe and if necessary intervene” Esme narrowed her eyes. She was already in a foul mood and this was not helping.
“Be careful Reserve Admiral do not overextend your influence, you do not control this nation here I do”
“Quite, Prime Minister. But I don't need to remind you of our massive contributions to your election victory and political power. You are invaluable, yes, but our goals can be completed without civilian interference. We work towards the same goals and thus we can trust each other to act in accord, yes?”
Lumis words this time were tinged with a hint of control, as if trying to pressure Esme.
“Do not hold your actions over me like some sword of damocles, you are still beholden to the civilian government. I will allow your operation, but for now dismissed.” Lumis nodded and left the room, clearly the Prime Minister was in a fragile state of mind.
“For now” Lumis muttered on her way out.
Bridge of the Avenger: Union Space
“Its extremely bad then”
Hargun and Sacule nodded in agreement. They had relayed the information to Sapphire, who now stood with a finger on her lips in contemplation.
The Princess had recently gotten back from Natar, the nightmarish person that Tetlisun had become haunted her but that was just one iota of darkness in a veritable sea. And the tide was practically thundering in it seemed, confirmed given the fact she had just carried out a fully clandestine mission to the outer halo alongside other entities to fight the Panopticon.
“Volkus is certainly working for the Reserve Administration although I don't think he had the full picture” Sacule added.
“None of us do. I am trying to use all the contacts and people I worked with back in 2AW and 1AW but very little of them remain. It appears the organization has changed greatly and I fear that their corruption runs deep.” Hargun sighed, they had chosen to meet on the bridge of Harguns own command ship, it seemed like the safest place to go at the moment.
“That's not all. While the RA is a major threat we cannot afford to fight them”
“Princess? You mean due to the situation in Corona?”
“Not just that. I just undertook a mission alongside powerful individuals to investigate a potential Panopticon base” Sapphire replied, Hargun and Sacule looked at each other in concern “Their power and technology is beyond anything we can achieve. They have caused truly unthinkable events in Borealia that is certain, but their power extends to places we cannot reach. They have a stronghold in the Outer Halo, maybe Far Reach could get there, but no conventional drives would ever reach it. They are mining Aurastone and Duskstone on a monumental scale and constructing something akin to the Kerali battery. I do not know for what purpose but it is a direct threat to this galaxy, and their commanders are easily threats to even myself and other super powered beings. The Reserve Administration is a threat yes, and they are wormed into the current government. But for now they are focusing on the Army, and I believe we should do the same”
Hargun and Sacule both looked deeply concerned.
“Such power and scale, to think they were given this short a time to expand and advance… 20 plus years and they are a power capable of threatening the galaxy.” Sacule commented.
“What can we do to fight them?” Hargun merely inquired his face darkened.
“We do everything we ca-”
One of the communication terminals seemed to ping.
“That's strange, I specifically locked the system” Hargun went over to the terminal but the holo display that they stood around seemed to glitch slightly. A moment later it displayed the visual form of Par’Lan, captain of the A’Zores.
“C-Captain?” Sacule was totally confused.
“Greetings commanders of the Union of Worlds. I am sorry for the intrusion into your secure systems but this is a matter of emergency.” The tint of genuine concern on the Nakais face and in his tone made even Sapphire worry.
“I am formulating a meeting of the brightest and most trustworthy galactic minds and representatives. I have just returned from the center of the Golden Expanse in an experimental exodus. The Army of the Panopticon as you know them have bypassed the Maddening and have amassed powerful assets within the Expanse's depths along with galactic level threats. My own vessel took substantial damage combatting their new vessel types. I would ask you three to attend at once, bring and contact any who you trust. Forget your galactic war, we have moved far beyond that.”
The image disappeared. Leaving the three in silence.
“It's even worse than we feared.” Sacule whispered.
“Contact Reik, and our closest confidants within our allied nations. If we are going to fight this terror, we should fight it together.”