Post by EmperorMyric on Feb 1, 2024 16:29:00 GMT
Celebransk System: Orillian Space
Devastation.
It had taken several days just to try and reign in the worst of the shrapnel and free floating debris. Thankfully, there hadn't been too many bodies to bring in given the destruction had been targeted at the mostly automated shipyard section, but over a million lives had been lost nonetheless. Istralan, pride of the Free State still lived of course, but a section of its honeycomb hide had been blasted away, turned into a thin ring around the Celebransk star. It was a wound in the heart of the Orillian people, a statement from the colonials that they would tear down everything they held dear. The Free State had labored long and hard to create Istralan, now it was damaged.
It would have been destroyed entirely along with their whole home system and majority of their population too, had their anti-crucible system not worked.
The very notion made Yrillix practically incandescent with rage.
She stood with the other leaders of the council, gazing upon their greatest creation in its wounded state. Blood was running hot, and already broadcasts were being made by other nations calling for a step back from the brink.
The Union had left SAGA, as if that meant or changed anything. SAGA had supposedly ‘changed focus’ away from the natives, as if that made them any less of an existential threat. News from Borealia brought news of destruction unheard of, total loss of Corona to the hideous threats of the Panopticon and Old Invaders.
And now the ICA, those upstart opportunists were seeking to oust Orillia from their own power bloc. Something they had proudly founded to protect all natives.
Traitors the lot of them, this galaxy was going to the dogs because they couldn't see. The colonial threat needed to be ended now, so they could focus on the real problems.
“How long?” one of the counselor asked, assembled around them were representatives from the construction bureau, military, internal affairs and more.
“The damage while not extensive is concentrated, and requires critical materi-”
“How long!” The Orillian was cut off.
“9 months, at the very least.” His curt reply met with angry looks from the counselor.
“Prioritize the repair, up the shift patterns and task the other drydocks to compensate the output”
“Sir, the workers are already working 14 hour shifts if we-”
“Do it. No questions.”
“We have to strike back. How many are rallying around us given the ICA treachery?” Another asked.
“So far we have confirmed support from the Arbessian Jihad, Cahvanna Union, Drejan Empire, Empire of Calsoari, Eneriter Empire, Geirmani Empire, Gizmat State, Grand Unified Talrim, Gui’Dina Republic, International Reconstruction Commission, Laskillion Empire, Lavatania, Leberdiye, Legislature of Ranel, Liangan Oligarchy, Livati Commune, New Salaa, Obalo, Patriotic Provinces of Haruud, Republic of Ramanunjagar, Republic of Gonaro, Republic of Xinshang, Sanctis, Senate of Fancol, Stiadan Empire, Taluvine Directorate, Tatchamar Cabal, United Syndicates of Fengling, Utrana, Quaslon Electorate, NKOZ, Schism of Hengellos, BEDLAM, Contingency of Teran, Council of Dielebe, Free Territories of Panden, Jadek Outer Worlds, Fienland, Kanar Authority and the Royal Family of Kenst. In total 40 states and organizations fully back our vision still.” They listened as the names were listed off. Shakes of heads all round.
“40? After everything we have done! After all, we have bled for this ungrateful galaxy! The traitors will pay!”
“We must make a statement, contest the claim! We made CONA, remove those who do not support us from its ranks. Only true natives would support our existential cause anyway!” Resounding agreement came in return. Yrillix fully agreed.
“In addition, we must make a statement. Target Chainbreaker at Sarahbai, we will assist our allies in Ramanunjagar finally unify the Emerald Republics.” Yrillix added. Some even clapped the idea.
“Yes! We must be strong! Eliminate those who aided in starting this calamity, eliminate those who tried to eradicate our people! Death to the colonials!”
“Death to the colonials!”
Brothers and Sisters of the Galaxy.
My fellow natives.
A tragedy has befallen the galaxy, untold numbers killed including millions of our own, at the hands of the colonials. It was started by them, perpetuated by them, and forced our hand in the escalation of the war. Our very own home system of Celebransk would have been wiped out, and our people genocided had our defenses not worked, and even then it was not enough to stay the colonials hideous need to destroy us. Our hearts go out to those who were affected, and we will provide what help we can as always.
But the greatest pain has not been the strike at our heart, but the strike at our very cause. The ICA has attempted to undermine us, even as the colonials tear themselves apart in a moment of weakness. They claim we are not fit to lead, that there are greater threats in this galaxy. And there are other threats, in Borealia, unimaginable things wait for us, but we must face the threat in front of us. We must eliminate the colonial scourge from this galaxy by ANY means necessary. We cannot build a defence for the horrors in Borealia while the colonials strike our nations and genocide our people, as such the Free State asks all who still support our cause.
Strike now, and by any means. This is no longer a conflict of moral standing or ideology, it is a fight for survival. We announce total war upon the colonial threat and we will do anything to stop them.
As for the traitors who have sought to placate the colonials in a vague and futile attempt for peace, who have bought into their claims of ‘withdrawing’ from the war for ‘peace’ and ‘Greater Threats’ you are dooming our entire galaxy with your appeasement. Now is the time to strike. As such those who are not aligned with our cause are expelled from CONA. The Free State founded the CONA movement, and we will not be ousted from it. We are the true CONA, while the ICA and their lapdogs are merely traitors who seek to see our native peoples crushed under the colonials boot.
Rise now! Fight this scum from every system! Wipe them out by any means!
Fight brothers and sisters, now is our time!
Oralsk System: Orillian Space
“...Rise now! Fight this scu-”
The broadcast was cut as the speaker was destroyed by a thrown rock.
Shouting and cries were all that filled the air as the crowd pushed forward against the automated soldiers. Shields were held tight, their metal feet scraping across the floor as the sheer mass of people pushed them back, heavy batons came down again and again in strokes, knocking protesters unconscious or even outright killing them. The first two rows of rioters were almost certainly dead, killed by strikes or by the sheer crush of people, their bodies kept upright by the pressure preventing them from falling to the floor.
“RETURN TO YOUR HOMES. DISPERSE IMMEDIATELY.”
Repeated again and again the automated message washed over the crowd with no affect. They had enough, the threat of death or arrest meant nothing to them now. 16-18 hour work days, with some shifts mandated as an entire 24+ hours effectively had taken over their entire lives. Added to the stringent rationing program of food, water and now power and the people rebelled. The thin line of automated soldiers surrounded a food distribution hub, its few workers and officials keeping well back from the crowd even as bricks and bottles were hurled at them. The weekly stipend of food had been delivered, in only half its promised quantity. Meaning half of this crowd were not getting fed. They were never going to have that.
“Return- Please just go, we don't have enough food!”
“WE CAN'T EAT, GET US MORE NOW!” Someone shouted in response to the meek attempts by the official overseeing this mess.
“YEA GIVE US YOUR RATIONS YOU UNIFORMED FUCK!”
“EAT HIS FUCKING CORPSE AND HIS FAMILIES! FUCK THE FREE STATE DOWN WITH THE COUNCIL!”
The crowd surged once more, pushing the soldiers back. Again another round of swift attacks by the batons took out more rioters but it was not enough. One of the automated drones lost its footing on a jut out rock, and it teetered for a moment, sensing weakness the crowd seemed to jeer and push again.
It fell.
Like water sensing a gap the people flowed through, causing automated guards to peel off which in turn caused a chain reaction. The line broke within seconds, Orillians mobbing the machines, smashing them with rocks or grasping at exposed servos or wires destroying them one by one. The hub staff tried to flee, but there was no way to run.
“NO! PLEA-”
He didn't even get time to scream as the rioters, stamping over the corpses of their fellows literally tore the official apart, one standing on top of an empty crate with the medal of the Free State military corps held high.
“Death to the Free State! Death to the Council!”
Starlit Passage: Golden Cross
There was absolutely no distinction now.
Orillia before had targeted specific colonial vessels, prioritizing Union, Canton and others over any SAGA inflow.
Now it was free for all. Orillian raiding fleets engaged and destroyed any colonial owned civilian or military vessel they could. From cargo ships all the way down to civilian passenger liners. There was no distinction between military and non-combat, any colonial life was a threat to the natives and would be exterminated.
Only consisting of a handful of vessels each, these raiding forces would always split down, targeting lone vessels or groups of unprotected ships. It was a tactic that had put pressure on many of SAGA so far, with nations like the Union committing a sizable portion to protecting its merchant fleet. It pinned down assets, choked economies and ground down the enemy piece by piece.
But Orillia was now going to step up its game.
Not all of the civilian vessels were destroyed, some were boarded, their contents stolen for the Free State. But the worst fate was a small breach in the hull of a civilian liner before being let go. The passengers were terrified and confused as to why they had been spared. Sadly the reason would become apparent in the hours or days after, as they became deathly ill to viral, biological and nano pathogens spread into their crews and holds. Many would be caught and identified at port, but even if some got through the resulting spread would cause many to die.
It was a horrific tactic, and showed just how far Orillia was willing to go.
Doka System: Sarahbai Space
It had all started in Sarahbai.
Not just the escalation and the start of the super weapon exchange of course, but so much more than that.
Sarahbai had been the founder of SAGA, and it had before the war been the site of a localized conflict flare up which had hinted at the larger 3AW outbreak. One of the two Emerald Republics it had been supported by the AGA and other colonials while Ramanunjagar had been supported by Orillia and natives. Fighting over the disputed territories the conflict had not been resolved and had only smoldered until the outbreak of the war.
But while Ramanunjagar and its strong ties to Orillia deeply believed in the colonial threat and the ideology of the native cause, Sarahbai (despite its founding of SAGA and ties to the colonials) was never engrained in such. It had always been an opportunist, even back in 2AW trying to secure aid from both sides before finally cementing itself in the AGA. Sarahbai as such did not truly care about the colonial cause, merely that it would be supported and win the ethnic struggle against the Ramans, that it would stand tall after the ash settled.
That would not be the case.
Its military was never particularly impressive and this was only exacerbated by losses from the ‘Martyrs War’ as it became known pre 3AW. The Ramans were poised to grind down Sarahbai themselves and with Orillian help they would have been conquered within weeks of the wars start. But the bid to create SAGA had succeeded, and Sarahbai saw a slew of support both economic and military to bolster the frontlines and entirely stalemate Ramanunjagar. When the designs for the Crucible were released, the nation knew it was their only option to try and claw back any kind of military parity with the Ramans, unfortunately its use would not be against their ethnic foes, but a pre-emptive strike at a moment of opportunity against the Orillians. The strike would fail, and spell the end of both their Crucible, and their nation.
As SAGA and countless states across Ancerious declared Sarahbai a pariah state and with almost every native now against them the nation went into full panic.
SAGA forces across the conflicted zone and their own systems disappeared overnight, and all foreign aid was practically cut instantly. Bank runs occurred the very next day, as did riots in the street. Faced with such an overwhelming task the military already stretched thin on the frontline was now forced to put down rebellion and even a major coup attempt.
Sarahbai was alone, and it was counting down the seconds it still had left.
Intar System: Orillian Space
Prerusovac Reťaze had already claimed its first blood.
The Murallo Alto system in Canton space had been a bustling and burgeoning colony world aiding in trade and cultural expansion before its destruction. The surface wiped away by Antimatter fueled annihilation and the resulting impacts of whatever remained from the orbital ring and infrastructure. Millions died in the ensuing destruction, a spiteful retaliation for Marchand and the starting of such a devastating escalation.
But even now, the weapon was already being reloaded and readied for another shot. The ‘Chainbreaker’ as it was called to the Orillians would pave the way for yet another blow, this time to the Sarahbai Republic.
Numerous tugs fired RCS systems as they inserted large antimatter projectiles into the FTL gun. The system was somewhat built off a divergent design for Far Reach, ever jealous of the Unions expertise the Orillians had tried themselves to do so and while having succeeded for weapon purposes the technology was still very much inferior. The weapon could fire a cluster of projectiles out and through a wormhole projector before the warheads, each armored and armed used their own small jump drives to skip around the system, avoiding defenses and striking for any angle desired.
It may be inferior, but it had already worked, and a gun was not useless if it could easily kill.
“Weapon cycling is at 86% capacity. Reloading process is now completed. Begin injection cooling and prepare for the main drive units to finish their cycle. Once that has occurred we have been given new strike orders, we shall as such prepare to fire”
The orders elicited salutes from the assembled control crew, who immediately got back to work at their various stations within the cramped confines of the weapons interior. Dark, illuminated with red and with only a tiny view screen to show them the outside it felt strangely like home. The crew were hand picked and had performed exemplary in the first strike and in the test firings.
They would not fail them now.
Samarth System: Sarabhai Space
Sarabhai burned.
It had started with two more super weapon strikes. As if the escalation and exchange had not been enough.
The Chain Breaker, and Ramanunjagars own weapon Noutsone Hcamsautmhu struck out at once in concert, a planned joint attack to eliminate the nation that had started the horrors of the exchange. The first targeted the Doka system, eliminating the main inhabited world and orbital structure, the second struck Samarth, the capital system.
Within minutes the Republic had quite literally been reduced to a fragment of its former self. Its capital and the entire government who had orchestrated the strike on Orillia were gone, vapourised and irradiated by the power of a focused CME. Its production centers were wiped out, and Sarahb councils in the Common region panicked. Rabid, desperate attempts to contact SAGA nations, or anyone were met with jamming and cold silence. Sarahbai had started a terrible act within the galaxy and now it would pay the price.
Beheaded and scrambling in the dark, the Sarahb military was next to the chopping block. Already fighting internal divisions the thin frontline units who had been abandoned by SAGA were rapidly set upon by Raman and Orillian units, defenses were destroyed, depots bombarded and bases wiped out. Sarahbai was declawed within hours, its few units that could still fight firing back heroically knowing that this was only going to end one way. Ethnic genocide. They would fight even as Sarahb cities were bombarded and Republic held regions in the Common Zone were stormed by combined ground forces in defensive actions that were impossible to win.
Ramanunjagar had been waiting for this day for decades, the final reunification of the Emerald Republics into one and the final eradication of the Sarahb peoples. They had won, and with Orillias aid their foe had been vanquished.
Consolidation, cleansing actions and mop up operations were all that remained now, the knowledge of atrocities committed by the Ramans spreading far and wide.
Sarahbai, the founder of SAGA and the starter of the exchange, who had been declared a pariah state, was no more.
And now its people were being systematically massacred as their worlds burned. Billions of civilians perished in the super weapon strikes, and now more would follow by the hands of their new oppressors.
Was it justice?
Devastation.
It had taken several days just to try and reign in the worst of the shrapnel and free floating debris. Thankfully, there hadn't been too many bodies to bring in given the destruction had been targeted at the mostly automated shipyard section, but over a million lives had been lost nonetheless. Istralan, pride of the Free State still lived of course, but a section of its honeycomb hide had been blasted away, turned into a thin ring around the Celebransk star. It was a wound in the heart of the Orillian people, a statement from the colonials that they would tear down everything they held dear. The Free State had labored long and hard to create Istralan, now it was damaged.
It would have been destroyed entirely along with their whole home system and majority of their population too, had their anti-crucible system not worked.
The very notion made Yrillix practically incandescent with rage.
She stood with the other leaders of the council, gazing upon their greatest creation in its wounded state. Blood was running hot, and already broadcasts were being made by other nations calling for a step back from the brink.
The Union had left SAGA, as if that meant or changed anything. SAGA had supposedly ‘changed focus’ away from the natives, as if that made them any less of an existential threat. News from Borealia brought news of destruction unheard of, total loss of Corona to the hideous threats of the Panopticon and Old Invaders.
And now the ICA, those upstart opportunists were seeking to oust Orillia from their own power bloc. Something they had proudly founded to protect all natives.
Traitors the lot of them, this galaxy was going to the dogs because they couldn't see. The colonial threat needed to be ended now, so they could focus on the real problems.
“How long?” one of the counselor asked, assembled around them were representatives from the construction bureau, military, internal affairs and more.
“The damage while not extensive is concentrated, and requires critical materi-”
“How long!” The Orillian was cut off.
“9 months, at the very least.” His curt reply met with angry looks from the counselor.
“Prioritize the repair, up the shift patterns and task the other drydocks to compensate the output”
“Sir, the workers are already working 14 hour shifts if we-”
“Do it. No questions.”
“We have to strike back. How many are rallying around us given the ICA treachery?” Another asked.
“So far we have confirmed support from the Arbessian Jihad, Cahvanna Union, Drejan Empire, Empire of Calsoari, Eneriter Empire, Geirmani Empire, Gizmat State, Grand Unified Talrim, Gui’Dina Republic, International Reconstruction Commission, Laskillion Empire, Lavatania, Leberdiye, Legislature of Ranel, Liangan Oligarchy, Livati Commune, New Salaa, Obalo, Patriotic Provinces of Haruud, Republic of Ramanunjagar, Republic of Gonaro, Republic of Xinshang, Sanctis, Senate of Fancol, Stiadan Empire, Taluvine Directorate, Tatchamar Cabal, United Syndicates of Fengling, Utrana, Quaslon Electorate, NKOZ, Schism of Hengellos, BEDLAM, Contingency of Teran, Council of Dielebe, Free Territories of Panden, Jadek Outer Worlds, Fienland, Kanar Authority and the Royal Family of Kenst. In total 40 states and organizations fully back our vision still.” They listened as the names were listed off. Shakes of heads all round.
“40? After everything we have done! After all, we have bled for this ungrateful galaxy! The traitors will pay!”
“We must make a statement, contest the claim! We made CONA, remove those who do not support us from its ranks. Only true natives would support our existential cause anyway!” Resounding agreement came in return. Yrillix fully agreed.
“In addition, we must make a statement. Target Chainbreaker at Sarahbai, we will assist our allies in Ramanunjagar finally unify the Emerald Republics.” Yrillix added. Some even clapped the idea.
“Yes! We must be strong! Eliminate those who aided in starting this calamity, eliminate those who tried to eradicate our people! Death to the colonials!”
“Death to the colonials!”
Brothers and Sisters of the Galaxy.
My fellow natives.
A tragedy has befallen the galaxy, untold numbers killed including millions of our own, at the hands of the colonials. It was started by them, perpetuated by them, and forced our hand in the escalation of the war. Our very own home system of Celebransk would have been wiped out, and our people genocided had our defenses not worked, and even then it was not enough to stay the colonials hideous need to destroy us. Our hearts go out to those who were affected, and we will provide what help we can as always.
But the greatest pain has not been the strike at our heart, but the strike at our very cause. The ICA has attempted to undermine us, even as the colonials tear themselves apart in a moment of weakness. They claim we are not fit to lead, that there are greater threats in this galaxy. And there are other threats, in Borealia, unimaginable things wait for us, but we must face the threat in front of us. We must eliminate the colonial scourge from this galaxy by ANY means necessary. We cannot build a defence for the horrors in Borealia while the colonials strike our nations and genocide our people, as such the Free State asks all who still support our cause.
Strike now, and by any means. This is no longer a conflict of moral standing or ideology, it is a fight for survival. We announce total war upon the colonial threat and we will do anything to stop them.
As for the traitors who have sought to placate the colonials in a vague and futile attempt for peace, who have bought into their claims of ‘withdrawing’ from the war for ‘peace’ and ‘Greater Threats’ you are dooming our entire galaxy with your appeasement. Now is the time to strike. As such those who are not aligned with our cause are expelled from CONA. The Free State founded the CONA movement, and we will not be ousted from it. We are the true CONA, while the ICA and their lapdogs are merely traitors who seek to see our native peoples crushed under the colonials boot.
Rise now! Fight this scum from every system! Wipe them out by any means!
Fight brothers and sisters, now is our time!
Oralsk System: Orillian Space
“...Rise now! Fight this scu-”
The broadcast was cut as the speaker was destroyed by a thrown rock.
Shouting and cries were all that filled the air as the crowd pushed forward against the automated soldiers. Shields were held tight, their metal feet scraping across the floor as the sheer mass of people pushed them back, heavy batons came down again and again in strokes, knocking protesters unconscious or even outright killing them. The first two rows of rioters were almost certainly dead, killed by strikes or by the sheer crush of people, their bodies kept upright by the pressure preventing them from falling to the floor.
“RETURN TO YOUR HOMES. DISPERSE IMMEDIATELY.”
Repeated again and again the automated message washed over the crowd with no affect. They had enough, the threat of death or arrest meant nothing to them now. 16-18 hour work days, with some shifts mandated as an entire 24+ hours effectively had taken over their entire lives. Added to the stringent rationing program of food, water and now power and the people rebelled. The thin line of automated soldiers surrounded a food distribution hub, its few workers and officials keeping well back from the crowd even as bricks and bottles were hurled at them. The weekly stipend of food had been delivered, in only half its promised quantity. Meaning half of this crowd were not getting fed. They were never going to have that.
“Return- Please just go, we don't have enough food!”
“WE CAN'T EAT, GET US MORE NOW!” Someone shouted in response to the meek attempts by the official overseeing this mess.
“YEA GIVE US YOUR RATIONS YOU UNIFORMED FUCK!”
“EAT HIS FUCKING CORPSE AND HIS FAMILIES! FUCK THE FREE STATE DOWN WITH THE COUNCIL!”
The crowd surged once more, pushing the soldiers back. Again another round of swift attacks by the batons took out more rioters but it was not enough. One of the automated drones lost its footing on a jut out rock, and it teetered for a moment, sensing weakness the crowd seemed to jeer and push again.
It fell.
Like water sensing a gap the people flowed through, causing automated guards to peel off which in turn caused a chain reaction. The line broke within seconds, Orillians mobbing the machines, smashing them with rocks or grasping at exposed servos or wires destroying them one by one. The hub staff tried to flee, but there was no way to run.
“NO! PLEA-”
He didn't even get time to scream as the rioters, stamping over the corpses of their fellows literally tore the official apart, one standing on top of an empty crate with the medal of the Free State military corps held high.
“Death to the Free State! Death to the Council!”
Starlit Passage: Golden Cross
There was absolutely no distinction now.
Orillia before had targeted specific colonial vessels, prioritizing Union, Canton and others over any SAGA inflow.
Now it was free for all. Orillian raiding fleets engaged and destroyed any colonial owned civilian or military vessel they could. From cargo ships all the way down to civilian passenger liners. There was no distinction between military and non-combat, any colonial life was a threat to the natives and would be exterminated.
Only consisting of a handful of vessels each, these raiding forces would always split down, targeting lone vessels or groups of unprotected ships. It was a tactic that had put pressure on many of SAGA so far, with nations like the Union committing a sizable portion to protecting its merchant fleet. It pinned down assets, choked economies and ground down the enemy piece by piece.
But Orillia was now going to step up its game.
Not all of the civilian vessels were destroyed, some were boarded, their contents stolen for the Free State. But the worst fate was a small breach in the hull of a civilian liner before being let go. The passengers were terrified and confused as to why they had been spared. Sadly the reason would become apparent in the hours or days after, as they became deathly ill to viral, biological and nano pathogens spread into their crews and holds. Many would be caught and identified at port, but even if some got through the resulting spread would cause many to die.
It was a horrific tactic, and showed just how far Orillia was willing to go.
Doka System: Sarahbai Space
It had all started in Sarahbai.
Not just the escalation and the start of the super weapon exchange of course, but so much more than that.
Sarahbai had been the founder of SAGA, and it had before the war been the site of a localized conflict flare up which had hinted at the larger 3AW outbreak. One of the two Emerald Republics it had been supported by the AGA and other colonials while Ramanunjagar had been supported by Orillia and natives. Fighting over the disputed territories the conflict had not been resolved and had only smoldered until the outbreak of the war.
But while Ramanunjagar and its strong ties to Orillia deeply believed in the colonial threat and the ideology of the native cause, Sarahbai (despite its founding of SAGA and ties to the colonials) was never engrained in such. It had always been an opportunist, even back in 2AW trying to secure aid from both sides before finally cementing itself in the AGA. Sarahbai as such did not truly care about the colonial cause, merely that it would be supported and win the ethnic struggle against the Ramans, that it would stand tall after the ash settled.
That would not be the case.
Its military was never particularly impressive and this was only exacerbated by losses from the ‘Martyrs War’ as it became known pre 3AW. The Ramans were poised to grind down Sarahbai themselves and with Orillian help they would have been conquered within weeks of the wars start. But the bid to create SAGA had succeeded, and Sarahbai saw a slew of support both economic and military to bolster the frontlines and entirely stalemate Ramanunjagar. When the designs for the Crucible were released, the nation knew it was their only option to try and claw back any kind of military parity with the Ramans, unfortunately its use would not be against their ethnic foes, but a pre-emptive strike at a moment of opportunity against the Orillians. The strike would fail, and spell the end of both their Crucible, and their nation.
As SAGA and countless states across Ancerious declared Sarahbai a pariah state and with almost every native now against them the nation went into full panic.
SAGA forces across the conflicted zone and their own systems disappeared overnight, and all foreign aid was practically cut instantly. Bank runs occurred the very next day, as did riots in the street. Faced with such an overwhelming task the military already stretched thin on the frontline was now forced to put down rebellion and even a major coup attempt.
Sarahbai was alone, and it was counting down the seconds it still had left.
Intar System: Orillian Space
Prerusovac Reťaze had already claimed its first blood.
The Murallo Alto system in Canton space had been a bustling and burgeoning colony world aiding in trade and cultural expansion before its destruction. The surface wiped away by Antimatter fueled annihilation and the resulting impacts of whatever remained from the orbital ring and infrastructure. Millions died in the ensuing destruction, a spiteful retaliation for Marchand and the starting of such a devastating escalation.
But even now, the weapon was already being reloaded and readied for another shot. The ‘Chainbreaker’ as it was called to the Orillians would pave the way for yet another blow, this time to the Sarahbai Republic.
Numerous tugs fired RCS systems as they inserted large antimatter projectiles into the FTL gun. The system was somewhat built off a divergent design for Far Reach, ever jealous of the Unions expertise the Orillians had tried themselves to do so and while having succeeded for weapon purposes the technology was still very much inferior. The weapon could fire a cluster of projectiles out and through a wormhole projector before the warheads, each armored and armed used their own small jump drives to skip around the system, avoiding defenses and striking for any angle desired.
It may be inferior, but it had already worked, and a gun was not useless if it could easily kill.
“Weapon cycling is at 86% capacity. Reloading process is now completed. Begin injection cooling and prepare for the main drive units to finish their cycle. Once that has occurred we have been given new strike orders, we shall as such prepare to fire”
The orders elicited salutes from the assembled control crew, who immediately got back to work at their various stations within the cramped confines of the weapons interior. Dark, illuminated with red and with only a tiny view screen to show them the outside it felt strangely like home. The crew were hand picked and had performed exemplary in the first strike and in the test firings.
They would not fail them now.
Samarth System: Sarabhai Space
Sarabhai burned.
It had started with two more super weapon strikes. As if the escalation and exchange had not been enough.
The Chain Breaker, and Ramanunjagars own weapon Noutsone Hcamsautmhu struck out at once in concert, a planned joint attack to eliminate the nation that had started the horrors of the exchange. The first targeted the Doka system, eliminating the main inhabited world and orbital structure, the second struck Samarth, the capital system.
Within minutes the Republic had quite literally been reduced to a fragment of its former self. Its capital and the entire government who had orchestrated the strike on Orillia were gone, vapourised and irradiated by the power of a focused CME. Its production centers were wiped out, and Sarahb councils in the Common region panicked. Rabid, desperate attempts to contact SAGA nations, or anyone were met with jamming and cold silence. Sarahbai had started a terrible act within the galaxy and now it would pay the price.
Beheaded and scrambling in the dark, the Sarahb military was next to the chopping block. Already fighting internal divisions the thin frontline units who had been abandoned by SAGA were rapidly set upon by Raman and Orillian units, defenses were destroyed, depots bombarded and bases wiped out. Sarahbai was declawed within hours, its few units that could still fight firing back heroically knowing that this was only going to end one way. Ethnic genocide. They would fight even as Sarahb cities were bombarded and Republic held regions in the Common Zone were stormed by combined ground forces in defensive actions that were impossible to win.
Ramanunjagar had been waiting for this day for decades, the final reunification of the Emerald Republics into one and the final eradication of the Sarahb peoples. They had won, and with Orillias aid their foe had been vanquished.
Consolidation, cleansing actions and mop up operations were all that remained now, the knowledge of atrocities committed by the Ramans spreading far and wide.
Sarahbai, the founder of SAGA and the starter of the exchange, who had been declared a pariah state, was no more.
And now its people were being systematically massacred as their worlds burned. Billions of civilians perished in the super weapon strikes, and now more would follow by the hands of their new oppressors.
Was it justice?