Galactic CrossFire - Peace/War? Victory either Way!

[ArlEammon]

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98647&page=4


This is Galactic Crossfire....
Abraxis Command is, so far, dealing with nomadic peoples migrating from hundreds of light years away, attempting to escape fascistic governments while overrunning the human Pristines of Abraxis.
The war is running well so far... with minimal loss of life on the Abraxis side, and no territory lost.

Science:
Economy: 5
Industry: 10
Metaphysics: 15

Scientists are keeping their toes on the wealth of Abraxis to see if they can keep the infrastructure running well while fighting a war on their home lands at the same time. Meanwhile, they need to find ways to radically improve their manufacturing capabilities.... Genetic engineering research and the creation of supersoldiers is experiencing a Renaissance.

[Greystone]

The Goh are a golden age of exploration and expansion. They have been expanding in all directions steadily for the past fifty years. The province moving the fastest has been Brianna and her fleet.

The Omi-lar System

Princess Brianna stared at the wide holographic view of the new system. Preliminary scouting has revealed five planets, four class B and a class A. She smirked to herself and sat back in her throne-like command chair. Bria wore what was the mix of a silken robe of state and a Commanders uniform. Her very long dark green (almost black) hair fell down past the small of her back.

Commander Verona circled the display with a confident grin on her face. Her commanders uniform was far closer to the norm than Bria's, with black pants and dress uniform. On her throat collar was the pendent of The Goh royal family next to her Commanders pips. Her crimson hair was pulled back in a elegant ponytail. Her pale red skin was flushed in excitement.

"Bria, this is quite the system" The commander said, leaning in to eye the statistical readouts on the class A planet.

"Indeed it is" she consulted a readout "Is Captain Modakai and his colonization detail ready to launch?"

A blue ensign, in charge of communications, spoke up "Govenor, Mordakai is ready for immediate take-off."

"Excellent, tell him to-" a urgent beeping drew her attention to her holo-screen.

Verona moved to where the beeping originated from, she looked up and raised an eyebrow "Well Bria, there appears to be a veritable fleet jumping in from out of system"

Bria rolled her eyes " I swear to the Comet, if that is Melvinar I'll kill him"

Verona shook her head "Oh its not your brothers, the ships came from the wrong side of the system...and their class of starship is unknown." She began tapping the display, zooming and taking in the picture.

Bria turned to the ensign "Contact Commander Direca"

The Blue commander appeared on a different holo-field. Liiza has short black hair and a silken eyepatch covered one of her eyes "Commander, several undocumented ships have entered the system" her voice was cool and professional "Your orders"

Bria pondered momentarily. Commander Direca commanded a Talon class Battleship, only a class below her own Fist Class, and along with one other talon and a variety of smaller craft they seemed to match or outnumber the aliens.

"Take up a Third Sphere and bring up shields to full power, do not engage until the signal is given"

The commander inclined her head "Yes Ma'am"

Bria swiveled to the ensign "Hail the largest alien vessel" he did so and she spoke, through what the technicians assured her was a translator "Unknown vessels, This is Govenor Brianna Goh, of the Goh Empire, Identify yourselves"

Science
Industry:8
Economy:8
Meta-physics:14

The Goh scientists, while keeping other branches well funded, have expanded into Arcanotech, were Magic and Technology mixes. That along with upgrading the military and colonization methods.

[Moral Wiz]

Alone, in the bridge of the lead ship, High Sorcerer Khan was sitting. A large, somewhat menacing figure he made, clawed hands, red scaled skin, cloven feet, gigantic horns… And all of it belied the reality. Yes, Khan was a demon in battle, but outside it, he was a gentle soul. He’d seen too much fighting to be otherwise. The old Touched was relaxed now. He was escorting a colony fleet, on the Investiture, watching the celebrations back home on UNN long range broadcast.

And there is cheering today throughout Charath, and throughout the Union as High Chosen Kerra was formally invested with her office, in a grand ceremony before the Eyes of the Gods themselves. The High Chosen is due to make her initial speech today, from the heights of the First Temple, and there is already a thronging crowd down here waiting

And now to our political correspondent, Rikki Tomaris

High Sorcerer Khan sighed. Most Touched liked watching the diminutive Imp, but Khan had never really been a one for politics. It was good that UNN employed a Touched in such a high position

But in part at least, as a figure of fun. As much as the little guy tries to avoid it.

Still, the “little guy” seemed in fine shape as his face appeared, in front of the crowd at the ground below the balcony.

Thank you Shazza. May the Emphyrian watch over you. The small being tipped his glass of wine with a smile, before continuing.

This’ll be a defining moment for the new High Chosen. She isn’t exactly inheriting the best of positions. True, heresy is at a low, Initiate numbers are rising high, and the economy is more or less balanced, but the wider situation is none too promising. The Khal lurk beyond the Aether, and their threat will be a very real concern for the people on the ground today. Quite a few people have images of the Hound, and plaques proclaiming “Remember the Dead”. They won’t be happy with much less than a large show of strength by the High Chosen

The Imp-Touched looks irritated at this, and Khan knew why. He’d fought the Khal, that day on the Everfire. They were tough, disciplined, and out-there in numbers. And the idiot civilians think that we can go about launching crusades….

Rikki continued Also, Touched Liberties groups are out in force, alongside a brigade of seemingly somewhat rowdy celebrating Initiates. The Authorities have been informed…

What little attention Khan was paying to the broadcast at this point was interrupted by his new second in command, a young Magi, Jal Rann, who came rushing into the room

Sir! Just got a reading of the sensors. I think you’ll want to see this

With a press of a button, the view screen opens. Touched and Aetheri looked out, together in wonder.

A ship…

No. He brought up the magnification, and the view seemed to flow through space, becoming closer, until…

The old touched whistled.

A fleet

They were both stuck at that. Neither spoke for a while. When it happened, Khan was the first to speak, his voice bighting and direct.

Khal?

Rann had anticipated this. His answer is smooth

We’re still checking sir, but probably not. Doesn’t match anything of their kind we’ve seen before.

Also, it’s broadcasting. And not in Khal.

The two stood there in silence as the ship slowly moved forward. Then Khan spoke, voice quiet

Get the crew together. I want every man, woman, touched and demon under my command at the ready to fight. Get the Sorcerers to all put on full armour. Then come meet me in fifteen minuets at the central hall.

Yes sir!

The Magi scurries off, as his old master cries out behind him

And get whatever techs you can find to work on a translation!

There is a muffled grunt from Jal as he flies to his duties, as the old touched is simply left in his command room, looking out at the ship, the sound of the Rikki’s smooth voice still playing in the background.

However, there is another, less obvious omen for this auspicious day. We’ve received reports that some colony ships have been picking out echoes, blips, strange long range transmissions… And they aren’t all Khal.

The gods have made a strange new day for us, Union. Let’s make the most of it.

Oh yes indeed. Thought Kahn. We will honor the gods

With a quick thought to the true controller of the Emperor’s Light, the fleet started heading for the system, matching pace with their new found advisories. The Emperor's light headed for their primary target, the others scattering for theirs. They are to keep in time with their opposite numbers in the alien fleet, though they are somewhat edgy, and liable to see movement when there was none.

Then, a transmission seemed to get through to the command deck. Khan looked slightly surprised, but brought it up. It wasn’t perfect, but he got the gist. He brought up a return transmission, overlayed by his tech's own translation

The Goh leader saw a large, human-like being with red, scaled skin, large horns, and black glittering eyes. He seemed to be wearing armor, a slight glow appeared from beneath the screen. He stands alone upon his bridge, yet his ship still moves

This is High Sorcerer Khan, of the Emphyric Union, commander of this fleet. Who are you, governor and what are you doing this close to Aetheri space?

[Krrth]

Kreel

The Kreel have stabilized their civilization, and spread across the stars. Wary of being attacked, their scout ships investigate star systems while cloaked, leaving as little evidence as possible that they were ever there. Fortunately, the Kreel enjoyed planets that most other races wouldn't even look twice at.

Scout Task Force (STF) # 15
The task force was investigating a likely system for colonization when a strange fleet arrived. Going to full stealth mode, the STF watched and waited. The wisdom of this policy was shown when a second fleet arrived. This fleet looked vaguely familiar, although the databanks had no information on them. Still, the stealthed STF opened recievers and listened to the communications. Translation programs went to work.





Science
Economy:5
Industry:10
Metaphysics:15

The Kreel have no real need for individual wealth, but they still enjoy personal possessions such as artifacts from earlier times. They are increasing industry so that they may be prepared for when the hated demons return.
Major funding is being places into special projects:Planetary shielding,improved cloaking, and Stargates.

[Greystone]

If Bria was surprised at what she saw, it didn't show on her face. The same wasn't the same for the rest of the bridge crew. They began to mutter among themselves. With a flick of her hand, Verona left her side and quieted them.

"I am The Princess Brianna of The Goh, second of the Royal house, commander of this fleet and Govenor of the Loi Province, and I may repeat the same question to you" she replied coolly, emerald eyes not wavering " Who or what the Devil is Aetheri, and why are you near Goh space. What is your meaning interfering with our colonization efforts"

She made several quick hand gestures, speaking in the non-verbal language of the Goh "Move to meet the oncoming ship, but not to close, and contact The Emperor"

[Moral Wiz]

Your colonization efforts?

Kahn seemed surprised, the laughed hard, revealing a large number of pointed teeth.

We are here, I think, for the same purpose. The Aetheri are our people, our kind, the masters of the Emphyrian. The Emphyric Union is our realm, one that stretches across hundreds of worlds....

They look like you, usually. But without the color. I'm an... exception

He smiles

And you are on the edge of our space. Who are the Goh?

A beep comes up, as the Goh obey their mistresses order. Kahn smiles

Heh. A nice trick, Governor. But not one beyond me.

Without a single motion, sound or any such, the flagship heads out to meet the Goh's now moving ship.

[puppyavenger]

The Krin

AS the expansionists and imperialists gained influence within the horde of nations and colonies that is Krin space, expansion projects began, nearby-by systems were found, and locked on too, with colonies quickly being established.

Thirin, 3rd Imperiator-Magus-elect of the MAgocratic republic of Drethin, marked it as the longest lasting interstellar Nation-State in krin history.

The Philosopher Hirek remains the most influential Krin in the entire Sphere, with large numbers of supporters from rim worlds.

Tech

Metaphysical 20, lots of of philosophers
economy 6, luxuries aren't really in high supply
industry 4 as above.

IF you want to meet the Krin, just have one of their colonies land in your territory.

[Greystone]

Bria smirks almost imperceptibly "It wasn't so much a trick, it was a curtesy" she brings her hands up and smiles "I mean this way I don't have to interrupt our conversation."

"Who are the Goh...hmm, well we are the people of the Comet, Servant of The Sun God"

Verona stepped up and spoke to Bria in hand-speak "Maybe I should be the one talking..."

Kane's Palace

Kane was sleeping. Not in his bed, or even in his room...no they would find him there. But they may not find him here. He stretched and rolled over. He was nestled comfortably in a gigantic chandelier. It was easily accessible from a near Balcony.

He was supposed to be in a budget meeting but who would want to go to something like that?

His reverie was broken by the sounds of soft footsteps. He held his breath and willed himself to be smaller.

"Kane, I know your in there" his wife said.

"Damn it" he muttered, then louder "How did you know?"

"It was Bara, she saw you jump in to the chandelier from the entrance hall, she said the damn thing swung for about ten seconds."

"Traitor" He said good-naturadly.

"You should know by now dear you don't scare them as much as I do." she said causing Kane to chuckle.

"Too true"

"Well, you need to get out of the chandelier dear, we have news" Isabel said, an odd hint of excitement entering her voice.

Kane sat up "What?"

"Bria has made contact with aliens" Isabel said matter-off factedly.

Kane winced "I hope she lets Verona talk..."

[Moral Wiz]

Kahn's initial minor irritation at the courtesy turned into bemusement

"Sun god? Comet? Forgive me, there must be something wrong with my translator. You are made of rock, and worship a sun?"

OOCIf you have the instruments, the Aetheri ships are all suffused with magic BTW. An "unknown energy" if you will. In case you didn't know that. :smallwink:

[Greystone]

Brianna opens her mouth then frowns at her adopted sister, she turns back to Khan "I apologize, I am needed urgently elsewhere on the ship, but I will turn you over to Commander Verona Goh, adopted Princess of the Royal family, Commander of my ground forces...The Dragon of Felucian"

Without another word she surrenders her seat to the younger commander. Bria then goes and redies her force personally, making sure her troops are ready for ship-to-ship fighting.

Commander Verona walks up and smiles "Hello Commander, to answer your question simply, hundreds of years ago a great comet and many other smaller comets rained on our home system. It gave us the colors and the" she holds out her arm and a red glow surrounds it "magic we now posess. The Sun God is the one Goh who survived the comet at ground zero. He is a living god, given golden skin and the powers of the sun"

[Moral Wiz]

Mystic energies that change the body, and grant power

Khan smiiles, if only slightly

We have much to discuss. My thanks, Princess. Simply do one favor for me

His voice becomes more serious

Inform the Governor that today is a holy day for the Aetheri. It is this day that our gods are granting their power to their greatest servant on the Material.

The Sorcerer steps back to reveal that he is wearing full power armor. It is finely made, an obsidian black construction, with carved runes that glow light blue.

As is the energy that flows around the head of his massive, bladed staff.

On this day, we will not strike first. But we have learned the lesson of dealing with aliens. You are not the first we have met amongst the stars. We stand more than ready to defend ourselves, if you attempt anything. Do I make myself clear?

You hand over to the commander of the ground forces, whilst approaching another ship. And are known to give secret orders. And Kahn's a bit paranoid on this matter. ;D

[Greystone]

Verona inclines her head "I understand and may I wish your...chosen one a long, healthy reign. I fear I must ask, are you going to be still speaking with me or will you be, err, busy with the ceremony. We must discuss what is going to happen to this system."

She waves her hand quickly. A few moments pass and then the Goh fleet pulls back a little leaving the Fist Cruiser very alone "Will this be enough to assuage your fears Magi?"

On The Talon Battleship, Thokar

Commander Direca was a patient woman. She followed orders and stayed cool, but this order was preposterous. To let her charge, two Princess's of the Royal family be exposed in the middle of unknown territory at the mercy of some alien.

She followed her command, but she turned to a ensign "Push more power into the sensors, I will see if these aliens have anything hidden"

The sensor sweep only took moments "Sir" a green ensign reported "We have strange unknown arcane magiks powering the alien ships" several more sweeps and the ensign growled "These last to sweeps I have picked up what seems to be a ghost signal, what do you think sir?"

Commander Direca locked her eyes on the fleet "their hiding something."

The Fist Cruiser, Liberatia

Verona looked down at a beeping display and smiled grimly "Magi, our sensors have picked up a strange anomaly..almost like a stealthed ship, but we can't seem to pin it down. Do you know anything about that?"

[Moral Wiz]

More or less. We will dock with the central ship. And our fleet will do the same

It does so, seemingly purely at his vocal command. The demon thing smiles at the question about the ceremony.

Heh. No, that's a long way away. No, we're here just to establish colonies in this system. Supposed to be an auspicious day after all. I'm at your disposal till I'm to start talking with your governor. She's docking here after all, right? Or why are we both heading towards each other?

The Kreel put down stealth systems as a strength. And as you haven't put down "Sensory systems" as one... I'm not sure here...

[Greystone]

I should mention, feel free to have various blips and sensor "ghosts" appear on your scanners.

Commander Direca merely is jumping at what most would consider shadows, thinking that it is coincidence.

[Moral Wiz]

As to stealth ships, why the hell would we be using stellated ships to protect colony ships? They'd still come under attack...

He looks it over his monitors, and sighs

I'm getting the same readings. Probably interference. Making a Aetheric-Realspace jump is never easy. But, as we're both now half suspecting the other is going to attack, if someone else decides to crash this affair, they'll be in for a surprise, no?

[Greystone]

Verona smiles "indeed, we are preparing to board to exchange diplomacy face to face." The ship continues to cruise forwards until it is very near, then it stops.

"Can you dock, or will you have to take a shuttle?"

(Is my ship bigger?)

[Moral Wiz]

We're probably about equal, in size if not firepower. The Aetheri don't scrimp on colonies. Not since they met the Khal.

We've got docking equipment. pressurized, void sealed, thrice bound... I'm not sure how computable it'll be though

[Krrth]

Scout Task Force (STF) # 15

They had almost been detected! Such a thing had not happened in a long, long time. It seemed that they had not quite found them, or hard evidence of their existence. This was good. Until such time as they were deemed to not be a threat, it was imperative that they not be revealed. The ships were docking, which could case some difficulty however. One ship would get closer, and attempt to tap into the ships internal communication systems. The rest of the Task Force would move back and see what happens.


One cloaked ship moves closer. Getting too close will degrade the effectiveness of the cloaking. Depending on just how vigilant the crews are, the attempt to tap into communications will may or may not be noticed. If it is noticed, it will quickly become clear that neither party docked is the cause.

[Greystone]

"Let me see" Verona scans the docking equipmwnt "Well its not exactly the same but we can modify ours slightly...give me a moment"

This time he hands moves so fast that most have a hard time following it. After a few minutes of silent orders the ship turns and extends a docking tube.

She smiles "Our technicians say that, that will do. Feel free to come aboard, both I and Brianna will meet you at the bay, feel free to bring guards."

[puppyavenger]

[hope you don't mind Greystone]


Colonist group shining grace

as the two dozen small craft and three hab-ships dropped in around the star, immediate readings were taken. three dead rocks, possibility of minerals, one planet capable of life, asteroid belt, 2 gas giants.

as three of the scout ships went to get better surveys of the habitable planet, the reports quickly streamed back to the Lead Escort. Exarch Xiren Herth read them with mild surprise.

Well, of course sapient races weren't unheard of, there were at least a dozen throughout the Core Worlds, but the planet seemed a bit hostile to evolve sapient life, and he wasn't sure how brightly colored skin with at least three different colors had gotten worked into their DNA. As more of the colonial fleet pulled into the system proper, a salutation was sent out from the ship, along the lines of Greetings, we are the Krin, who are you? in as many different languages and modes of communication as possible.

the fleet pretty much landed in one of those colonies that are only good for holding people and theoretically building up and industry and demand. I'm assuming that something like that wouldn't have a high fleet presence

[Greystone]

Five rapid response frigates, who were on patrol in the system immediatly surround the colony ships. The communication is intercepted and returned.

"This is Captain Ha'nu of the Battle Frigate Sang'la, state your buisness in the territory of Prince Hadrian of the Goh"

[Moral Wiz]

The old touched grins the grin of an old politician.

Oh, don't worry. This is first contact. We have to do it right. I'll be down shortly.

But why don't you head onto our ship? I'm not over keen on the idea of walking blinddly into another ship, though I guess you must be thinking the same. Guards or no, that's the way massacers start

[Greystone]

Verona checks a pad and speaks quietly into it, she waits for a moment then smirks "Heh, you asked for it. We will board your ship, and let me warn you...Princess Brianna is more of a fighter than a diplomat, just don't take what she says to insulting if it gets to that." She grimaces slightly "I'll try to keep her behaved"

[puppyavenger]

Shining Light

After a few scrambled minutes of translations, the reply came back to the frigates, as tall, four-armed, humanoid with an elongated "muzzle" appeared on the vid-screenhmm, that's odd, usually "Prince" means either a small fief or someone higher up the chain...hmm, a planetary principality, Interesting idea....


oh right. We're a colonial fleet commissioned by his Grace King Liddo IV of Calidan. WE came here to found a colony, we were just going through the standardized first contact procedure.

[Greystone]

Brief silence over the channel "Negative, We have been ordered to remove you from Goh territory. Do not resist or we will be forced to cripple you vessels. Any and all colonization must occur out of Goh claimed territory"

The Frigates begin to Shepard the ships out of the system, wary of an attack.

[puppyavenger]

THe response was quick A map of said territory would be useful yes? anyway, we'll just hopping to the next star then.

[Greystone]

"Negative, beyond this star lies the rest of the Goh Empire. Interlopers cannot be allowed into the Empire. You must leave from the same coordinates from which you came. Empreror Kane does not suffer invasions of any type. I repeat, leave to where you came"

The ships begin to form a wedge. The Captain sounds like he is hiding behind his professionalism...perhaps that is fear or an undercurrent of annoyance. Who knows?

[puppyavenger]

the reply was quick So, say we complied with your demands, retreated and our liege did not sponsor any new colonization efforts at all. What of it? what about the dozens of other rim States sending other colonial fleets? Wat about the Technocrats explorator fleets? what about the Impeiators colonization projects? at the very least I'll need a map of your Princes domain and an ambassador to take to someone important, or else someone with a big fleet will just come and colonize the system before you can gather up all the frigates in you Principality to go and try to fight them off.

[Greystone]

That brings a harsh barking laugh "Principality? You will need a map of the entire empire. You will leave the system immediatly, and send back a single vessel. You will ask permission to enter our system. We will supply you with an ambassedor with our maps at that time, no sooner"

[puppyavenger]

The hologram sighs fine all the ships disappear into slip-space and a few seconds later a message comes through Permission to enter system?

[Greystone]

"This is Ambassador Grant of the Vel'naresh permission granted" The frigates are still there, but they have been joined by a smaller, sleek vessel.

[puppyavenger]

A long sleek vessel appears in the system. a harsh, mechanical voice comes in the transmission Send out a shuttle with the ambassador nd the maps. he will be greeted by the Ships Commanding officer

[Greystone]

My sleek vessel movies to parallel your ship. A small three person shuttle exits and docks on the Krin vessel.

Ambassador Grant steps of the ship, his purple skin accentuated by a silken purple and black robe. A large obsidian pin is on his chest. With him are three armed Goh soldiers, two green and one red. All three were in black and blue uniforms.

"Greetings from the Goh Empire" the ambassador says, bringing his arms up.

[puppyavenger]

The Ambassador and his guards are greeted by the CO in full dress uniform and 10 guards the same, they still have weapons First of all, we return your greetings. Secondly, if you would please turn off any tech using anything more advanced then fission batteries and refrain form using magic during a jump. sorry, but we don't know how your techniques interact with slip-space.

Anyway, please follow me, your guards will be given lodgings in a bunk-room for the journey, and you'll be given one of the Guest Cabins. Anyway, the bigwigs want to see you.

[Greystone]

Grant smiles, stepping off the ship followed reluctantly by the three guards "Why certainly, we wouldn't want to cause any damage to the ship or ourselves now would we"

He moves his hand quickly and the leader of the guards replies. Grant does so with more force. Sullenly the guards switch off their weapons.

"Now...show me where to find these bigwigs, eh" he says rubbing his hands together.

[puppyavenger]

The Captain motions with his lower left arm to one of the soldiers with him he'll lead your guards to your lodgings. if you'll follow me. he briskly walks to a conference room, where there's a youngish Krin sitting in the chair at the head of the table, and a sound system that's on. the Krin speaks Greetings, it's nice to meet you. I'm Hirek

[Greystone]

The three guards follow the soldier, muttering about a damned lottery.

Grant follows the other man to the room. He bows to the Krin "Hello, I am Julianus Verita Grant of the Goh Empire" he smiles and takes another seat, sitting easily.

[puppyavenger]

Hirek nodded IF you'd please hand me the map-files. assuming the files are handed over, he looks at them for a few seconds then speaks Well, celebrations are in order I suppose, you're Empire is the first race we've found that has an interstellar drive. Well, I suppose that pushes this out of my jurisdiction, I'll be acting as a translator for the rest of this meeting. his tone and posture are very easy-going, and being a particularly charismatic member of the krin, he's naturally extremely likable and charismatic.

[Greystone]

Grant pulls out the map file, which is on a miniature holodisk "I apologize that it only has the outlines of our Empire, I have no authorization to give you a map of the inner systems yet"

"Well, I hope that we get along well together Harik, and I agree...a celebration is in order!"

[puppyavenger]

quickly reading something on his data slate he replied Well, once word gets out in the Core, we won't have to do anything,. the Explorationists will be crying tears of joy over something liek this. Anyway, a few things first to get an idea of what we're dealing with.

What's you form of government, the expedition leaders said something about princes?
any other races in your land besides your kind?
any trade goods you ave a large surplus of?

[Greystone]

"We are an Empire, who follow our Emperor Kane. From there we have his children as provisional govenors. Then we can elect other officials. No, just the Goh. We have many goods in surplus, erm anything you are looking for specifically?"

[puppyavenger]

he nodded How does succession work? what's your economic model?

nothing in particular, but trades the lifeblood of diplomacy. Anyway, you're going to have a busy few decades ahead of you, seeing as you and your guards are going to have to serve as ambassadors for every Krin state. we'll go meet the largest ones first, The Cathedral on Krin seems like as good a place as any. you might as well get used to celebrity and massive demand right now, until you lord send more diplomats you're the one who will have ot deal with a request form pretty much every nation for trade rights, immigration, land ownership laws, alliances, and so on.

[Greystone]

Grant smirked "Succession is not a problem, our Emperor isn't going to die any time soon, nevertheless it would be the Empress followed by his children. Our Economic model is" he continues to ramble on about economic models and the many items to trade.

"I guess I'll have to suffer being a celebrity" he smirks slightly, but making a mental note to call for aid in diplomacy if necessary.

[puppyavenger]

Hirek kept pace throughout the conversation Excellent, I can probably cut down your work a bit by getting most of the rim states to negotiate as a bloc. I hope you brought some biology and history textbooks, they'll be worth their weight in anti-matter until more of you arrive. Anyway, I suggest you get some sleep, we'll be arriving in 2 or 3 days

The cabin was luxurious,. but a bit off, being built off a Krin.

When they arrive at the Great Cathedral, a long trade discussion begins, focusing on immigration rights for Krin and krin clients, trade deals, rights of passage, military alliances, and so on. Whenever the Goh show themselves, massive crowds arrive to watch.

[Greystone]

"Thank you Hirek"

here is the Goh main points

1) NO immigration as of yet, they don't know each other well enough
2) Trade can begin and special space stations and sections of the city are made for non-Goh
3) The rest is to be decided still

[Moral Wiz]

Kahn smiles

I don't suppose I can insult her back? Much simpler...

He laughs a little at his own joke, before continuing

Very well. And don't worry, Princess. Brianna might just be a little surprised at us.

With that, and a smile, he breaks the link

[Greystone]

"Excellent, Understood" and she cut the connection.

As the docking mechanism sealed, and the doors opened with a hiss, Brianna stepped out. She was in full battle armor, all molded green and black metal. Across her shoulders is a heavy silken cloak which was ebony inside and Green on the outside. She wears no helmet and lets her long dark green hair fall down her back. Bria is tall, around 6'5 and muscled leanly and powerfully. Her exotic face is full of fire. She nods her head, and she puts clawed hands on her hips.

Behind her comes Commander Verona in her dress uniform, pure black with her Goh signet glimmering.

Eight more Goh guards march through decked in their finest combat armor of green and black. Two of each color, one male one female. Longswords grace each ones backs and a handgun at their hips. They draw their swords and salute.

"Consider this an official Greeting from the Goh Sovereignty" Brianna states and signs for the troops to put away their weapons "These are my personal bodyguards, the Oathborn, some people" her eyes glint slyly at Verona "wouldn't let me come aboard without them"

[Moral Wiz]

The docking ramp seems to lead into an unassuming corridor. It seems a bit intricate in it's design, but there doesn't seem to be anything exceptional about it. It doesn't appear that the Aetheri were expecting visitors

Still, the Goh are greeted. A small party of seven stands across from them.

Kahn is at the front as promised. Runic power armor, bladed staff... He's massive in the flesh. Unnaturally so. Over 7' 2, and with wicked, pointed horns above that.

The other five sorcerers there are more normal in size. They are all in helmets, and heavy armor but their physiology and build seems essentially the same as the Goh. Like Kahn, they sport mystic, runic carved armor, and glowing weapons at their backs. They are not uniform however. Their armor is engraved with highly different designs, and they sport a varied assortment of weapons

The only exception to all this is a single figure in green, flowing robes. He looks like the Goh, far more so than Khan, but his skin is clear and pale, and his short hair is raven black

Khan steps forward

And I, High Sorcerer Kahn, bid you welcome to the Aetherlight, on behalf of the Ephyric Union. May our two peoples live long and prosper.

He bows to Brianna, his pointed teeth glinting

Shall we adjourn, and head to the central hall? That will be more fitting for the negotiations.

Kahn doesn't like politics. That doesn't mean he's not good at them. :smallsmile:

[Greystone]

"That will be satisfactory" Brianna nods, and follows Khan to this meeting hall. As they walk Bria glances over and traces the touched body with her eyes "So you are Starborn?"

[Moral Wiz]

Khan smiles, as he and his little cohort move to escort the Goh procession through the Aetherlight

I doubt it. We've never had a comet strike us, and our first homeworld is far from here.

No, we are not creatures of your comet. Our power is of the Emphyrian, and the gods.

Khan didn't say meeting hall. He said central hall... :smallwink:

Would Brie have spotted that?

[Greystone]

"well actually I was commenting on your appearance. Among the Goh, the Starborn are blessed by the Comet with changes. Both I and Verona here are Starborn, it is a great honor" Brianna continues to match his stride.

She would have, I was just getting lazy....Verona definatly would have.

[Moral Wiz]

Ah.

Khan's smile fades

Amongst us, such changes are supposed to be the mark of the gods. Though their honor is... not so simplistic.

He frowns

Sorry. That is a complex issue, and requires a fuller discussion. For now, let us focus on the brightness of this new and peaceful meeting.

As they progress, the "normal" Aetheri asks a question

Why do you ask? Have you encountered others of your kind, but not your Empire?

[Greystone]

Brianna and Verona glance at each other at Khan's reaction "Ooh, touchy subject" Bria signs

"Behave" is Verona's simple response.

"Well yes, the comet showers erradated the entire system, and as ar as we can tell through an entire section of the Solar System. We have encountered eighteen other planets with Goh on them." Bria smirks "They are-"

Verona cut her off "Part of us now" she glances sharply at Bria.

[Moral Wiz]

Ah. A people of conquest. Let us hope they are not as the Khal

They arrive at a large, low ceilinged door. Khan smiles

The central hall

It opened without any of them touching it. The light coming through was somewhat blinding... Something very bright seems to be in the room.

With a bow, Khan and the Aetheri with him walked forward, through, into the room, clearly expecting the Goh to follow. They don't seem to be suprised by the light...

[puppyavenger]

The Krin negotiations move on to scientific collaboration, what cities and worlds they'd be allowed to take up semi-permanent residence in as traders, ship control network protocol and so on.

[Greystone]

Brianna and Verona glance at each other and smirk a little bit. Both of them held the flaw of adventure seeking, which was why Direca was coming along with the fleet so not to have the two risk-takers doing something stupid.

They walk into the light. Four of the Oathborn also enter, while the other four stand guard at the door.

Krin

A world Hadrians and Brianna's sector are chosen, as is well as the Homeworlds moon. The worlds are Korell, Juh'la, and Crystanum. Each will have sectors in the worlds capital city and msjot trade centers. Space stations built with the Krin's help are set up at major trade junctions.

[puppyavenger]

..and the other stuff?

trade shipments of consumer tech, reading, entertainment, and so on begin quickly. strangely, all the nations seem to not accept any deals that are more unfavorable then the ones given to other nations, as if they're all using a single negitating platform.

[Greystone]

Krin

Scientific trade is opened up to a degree, with some of the more advanced Arcanotech not being given away, along with most military Tech. Networking will be overseen by Goh towers and specilists.

Also Grant asks if the Goh can set up the same in Krin territory.

Alliance talk for a mutual defense pact is drawn up.

Emperor's Palace

Kane moved a single piece on the Janik board. Isabel smiled and moved another. She looked at him with her deep black eyes.

"So the talks with the Krin are beginning to take root." she says mildly.

"Excellent, Ambassador Grant is doing a good job I take it" Kane replies attempting to counter her move. He didn't understand it. He was one of the finest tactitians in the galaxy, yet he could never beat his wife at this game.

"Oh yes, from what I hear he is practically a celebrity." Isabel easily side-swiped another piece, causing Kane to groan.

"The egotistical bastard must love that" Kane remarked while willing his move to be solid.

"Oh he does, I'm sending him a retinue of other ambassadors though" Isabel stated foiling Kane's carefully laid trap.

"He asked for help?" Kane asked surprised.

"Oh Heavens no, he'd want all the fame for himself" she took a final drink from her wine glass "But he'll get overwhelmed without help."

Kane chuckled " Good thing you don't let anything like ego's stop you...fill mine up if you get more" he asked holding out his glass.

Isabel smiled and took the glass over to the decanter. While she wasn't looking, Kane rearranged the pieces. "Lets see if she can beat this..."

[puppyavenger]

Most of the nation agree to the MDP, a few can't due to ongoing revolutions and some are just isolationist.

Goh immigration/trading in Krin space is allowed based on the laws o the nations controlling the space, ranging from "no" to the deal with krin in Goh space to "here's 100 km2 of land, pay your taxes"

Krin trade goods consist of entertainment, philosophical texts, other philosophical texts that require a high level degree in metaphysics to understand, baubles, some minor arcane toys, and so on.

The Technarch of Krin asks in one conference about the possibility of comparing FTL drives to see if some improvements can be made based on each other design.

[Greystone]

Krin

Goh goods are primarily actual raw metals, jewelry made of pieces of comet and crystal, and various arcane technology.

Doctor Briba has been sent to discuss and compare FTL drives.

[Moral Wiz]

The Goh step forward to see the bright glowing thing is some sort of red glowing sphere, in the center of the room. It is enclosed in glass, and a large central stage is built over it, combining steel and glass to make an artistic center to the stage. The room itself is no less grandiose. The architecture is intricate, carvings on the steel, countless blue energy lines running up to the celing of the hall...

And a very large number of Aetheri in power armor, well polished guns in hand. Perhaps three hundred. It is a large room.

Ten-Shun!

They stand to attention with a movement. On closer inspection, not all of them are Aetheri. There are... other creatures too. Some that look like Khan, but without the armor. And with an aura of... discomfort.

Still, they made a guard of honor, flanking the path of the visitors to the central stage. There is a large desk there, with eleven seats, five either side, and one larger throne like chair in the middle, beneath a large circular blank screen placed high on the wall., so it could be seen throughout the hall

Khan and the sorcerers are already walking slowly towards the stage...

[puppyavenger]

When Dr. Bribe arrives on Krin, he is greeted by a diplomatic welcome and 10-shot salute by the Technarcs fleet. When his ship lands, he's greeted by Technarc Killen of Krin, head of one of the three major faction (those being Krin technocracy, Thelian Mageocratic republic, and the many Rim States which are all pretty much stooges to Hirek), along with a few dozen techies Hello, I hope you're flight went well?

[Greystone]

Brianna gives a nod to the Aetheri soldiers.

Brianna and Verona follow the Magi, while the honor guard follow them Brianna stays focused, but Verona is obviously fascinated with the room, like a child with a new present.

Krin

Dr. Briba steps of and nods "Yes, yes it was excellent" he is a short blue with black hair tied in a ponytail. He wears a blue labcoat and has black gloves.

[Moral Wiz]

Khan and his cohorts head to the platform. Khan takes a central seat on one side of the table, the green robed Aetheri takes a seat to the Touched's right, and three of the Sorcerers take the remaining seats. The two remaining Sorcerers remain standing, though they fix the robed Aetheri with a look of disdain

[puppyavenger]

Very good, please follow me to the conference room, might as well get some comfortable seating before we start. The Capital of Krin is a bit awe-inspiring, filled with all the best examples are architecture built by the best architects the Krin could find. They go into a comfortable conference room, with a seat specially made for Goh at one end of the table.

[Greystone]

Brianna strode up the steps and seated herself imperiously on the central throne. She adopted the air of one who sat in a throne because she has too, not because she likes too.

Verona took the central seat, while the four guards sat in the remaining seats.

Krin

Brisba took his seat comfortably and leaned back clasping his hand "I do believe we have buisness gentlemen?"

[puppyavenger]

Killen nods Yes, if you could give us a quick summery of your FTL system? then we'll tell you ours and we can work out any similarities or ways to combine the two.

[Greystone]

Dr Brisba nods and taps a small holo device. "Our FTL drive as you call it is the newest of The AC-16D's. They use the finest in mutual Arcane-Science power core in the form of the Arc-8 reactor. How this functions is it fines the natural "holes" in space makes them bigger, following an increasingly complex path"

[Moral Wiz]

Khan looked slightly bemused at Brianna, but does not comment. As the chairs are stationary, he looks across at Verona.

On behalf of the Aetheric Union, I hereby officially bid you welcome to our realm, Governor Brianna and Princess Verona of the Goh.

A small imp flies over, bearing a bottle, as an Aetheri attendant in slightly lighter armor enters, with a plate and eleven glasses. The bottle seems to be filled with some sort of clear, blue substance.

Khan, the sorceries and the robed aide all take deep drinks, but the Imp brought a large bottle. There is more than enough to go around. After he finishes his drought, Khan wipes his mouth, and smiles

Now, to business. We have much to discuss, and we all have many questions. As you are the visitors, you may begin this meeting.

[Greystone]

The oathborn remove their helmets and all of the Goh drink heartily from their glasses. No matter how strong it is, they barely react to it, obviously used to alcohol (if it is...).

Brianna inclines her head to Khan "We thank you Magi Khan"

Verona looks at Brianna hopefully and with a bemused smile Bria waves her hand. Verona turns to Khan "Well, I told you a little bit our religion and leadership structure...how about yours?"

[Blockhead]

Looks like you've got well under way. Anything important that I've missed? Or anything that requires my attention?

Da Orks

'Big Boss' Blokk'ead awoke from his slumber inside a large metal fortress on GorkaMorka. He and his small mob had recently taken control over the Ork forces spanning 300 hundred worlds and 'Big Boss' Blokk'ead had big plans for the rest of the universe. A grot rushed into the room where Blokk'ead was awakening, carrying a small plate of assorted meats. Blokk'ead looked at the grot and grabbed the plate. He then kicked the grot straight out of a nearby window. A huge orky cheer was heard from outside and Blokk'ead quickly devoured the plate and it's meats whole. Heading to a nearby balchony, Blokk'ead looked out over the land of GorkaMorka and was greeted by a green sea of loyal Orks beneath him, chanting his name, 'WAAAAGGHH!!!' and other things. It was obvious a speech was needed. Blokk'ead quietly cleared his throat, then roared:

"SHUT IT, YA GROTS!"

The orky crowd fell silent. "Dat's bettah. Now I'm da Boss ah you lot and youz iz gunna listen ta everytin I say. I gots a plan ta start da biggest WAAAAAGGHHH!!!! in da history a WAAAAAGGGHHH!!!!s." The ork crowd cheered and continued to chant WAAAGGGHHH!!!!. "I AIN'T FINISHED YET!" Roared Blokk'ead. "Now, before we'z go stompin' all da puny races of da univerze, we'z got ta build lotsa orky trukks 'n' guns 'n' spaceships 'n' stuff. We need more dakka 'n' more choppa! ........ Well wot ya still standin' dere for? GET BUSY YA GROTS!" Roared Blokk'ead for the last time before disappearing into his huge metal fortress to consult WAAAAAGGGHHH plans with his nobs.

Science:
Industry: 20
Economy: 5
Metaphysics: 5

[Moral Wiz]

The drink tastes like alcohol... however, it is different. Sweeter, and with an after taste they can't define. Still, drinking it makes any tired Goh feel much better, as though they'd been drinking life, and energy...

It's not a little intoxicating. Still, it's non-lethal, and highly enjoyable

Sorcerer The Aide actually corrects Brianna, if gently

Lord Khan is a Sorcerer. I am a Magi

The young Aetheri smiled slightly

That is a passable starting point Sorcerers are masters of the binding arts, High Magic. Magi, such as I, use healing and banishing. Low magic.

We all have proficiency with magic, though it is a rare person indeed who can master both levels of power. Sorcerers are public officials, elected by communities. They tend to be the greatest masters of their art, either in raw power, or in intelligence and wisdom.

He looks over to Khan, who takes over, smoothly starting a more detailed explanation

All sorcerers hold dominance of their communities, and may administrate them how they wish, subject to the demands of those they represent, and of those above them. The size of their communities tends to vary based on population density. Some hold a planet, others a city They also all technically have a voice at the High Chosen's court, though most tend to stick to their own regions. There are many of them, after all.

Also, Sorcerers elect High Sorcerers, who hold dominance over a larger region. Perhaps a planet, perhaps a system. Depends on the area. High Sorcerers tend to alternate more between their regions and the Court of the High Chosen

And then the ten oldest High Sorcerers, the Most High, when it comes to it, elect the High Chosen. They use both their own judgment and interprate the will of the gods through the Emphyrian. The High Chosen is the hand of all the gods, and the ultimate ruler of the Union, holding absolute power. And wields powers akin to a god themselves.

A new High Chosen, Kerra, has just been elected. Today, she has been imbued with her power, and there are celebrations throughout our union

He looks round his own cohorts

A toast to the High Chosen!

They all raise their glasses, and drink deep. The Imp returns with a second bottle of the strange blue liquid

[Greystone]

Bria raises a single eyebrow and inclines her head, acknowledging her mistake. The Goh drink to the chosen.

Verona clears her throat "Well, then let me explain our governmental system more thoroughly. The Goh Empire is led by Emperor Kane Goh, and he has led us from the time of the comet. His children each rule a province of the Goh Empire under him and his wife, Isabel Goh. He and Isabel are the God of the Sun and Goddess of the moon." she smiles "oddly enough is the celebration of the sun. Anyway, under the Royalty is the Goh citizens right to elect their planetary govenors and all other lesser officials."

Brianna goes next " That is about the entirety of our govermental structure. I am more concerned with your...jumpyness and some other hints you have made. We aren't the first, heh, aliens you have seen are we?"

[Moral Wiz]

No. You are not.

Khan is silent for a moment, before continuing

We have run up against a species known as the Khal. They are bloodthirsty warriors. They attacked one of our colonies, butchering civilians...

We fought them off. With this ship in face. It used to be the High Chosen's flagship. I remember when the Old Man blasted a massive hole in their battleship...

Khan looks... bitter. He clearly dislikes speaking of the Khal. As are the rest of the Aetheri

Haven't finished working out the details. Sorry. :smallfrown:

[Greystone]

Brianna stares at Khan hard "And he died" she guessed, blunt and direct as usual. However in her face is a look of one understanding soldier to another "And you are afraid that we are simply another of barbaric murderers. Well to answer your unspoken query, we are not. It is true that we have a long martial tradition among the Goh, but we fight our wars with honor. If we wanted to attack you, we'd declare it first."

She leans back in the chair and brings her hand to her chin, the taloned hands gliding over the smooth pale chin "Nevertheless we will need to discuss the Khal, perhaps at a later date, to assure the same does not happen to the Goh. Their tactics and Technology level would be appreciated."

Verona clears her throat "Well Sorcerer, it appears that this is a delicate subject. So I suppose we could discuss what we are going to do with this cluster of worlds?"

[Moral Wiz]

Khan nods.

High. They are a warrior people, and their ships are good. We had to draw upon the Emphyrian heavily to be their match.

At Verona's words, Khan smiles

A good question. We were prepared to colonize all five worlds. I assume you were prepared for the same?

[Greystone]

"Indeed" Brianna inclines her head.

"But" Verona is hasty to add "Our scanners have found that there are 4 class B planets. Perhaps we could share?"

Brianna cuts Verona a look, but says nothing.

[ArlEammon]

(Once finished with the diplomatic exchange, put in black)

[Moral Wiz]

Khan smiles at the contention

Four "class Bs", and one superior. I guess you classify that as class A?

How to divide an odd number... well, the class A will be a point of contention. But as to the B worlds... well, either we claim two each, and use twice the inferstructure we intended, or we all colonize each world. That would result in a rather tangles mish-mash of juristictions though....

[Greystone]

" I believe we should each take to class B worlds, the one closet to our respective groups. The class A...well we will need a place to meet. Perhaps we can use it as a sort of Embassy" Verona said heistently.

(Put it in black?)

[Moral Wiz]

Eminently sensible. And thus almost certainly politically unworkable

Khan chuckles.

We'd both settle that one? How'd jurisdiction work? Would we both claim different areas or build one colony, side by side? If we do claim different areas, who gets what?

[Greystone]

Verona sits back and smiles "Well, I'd actually declare it neutral between our two nations. We establish three cities, one Goh, one Aetheri, and one mutual. As for Jurisdiction we would have to establish a set code of rules that go with both of our law structures.

As to resources, unless something phenomenally needed or rare is found, they will only be used for the colonies on the planet until we can suitably map and categorize the resources"

[Moral Wiz]

We have a law maker

Khan smiles back at Verona, seemingly enjoying some private joke

Agreed. We might want more than three cities on a planet, but so long as we keep them in proportion, the principle holds.

Now, who shall colonize which "B world"?

[Greystone]

Verona looks at Bria who shrugs with a shake of her head. Bria thought to herself "Damn she was always was like this, its why I keep her around":smallamused:(her facial expression at the thought).

Verona pulls out a small holo-pad. She puts in certain instruction and toss it between the two tables. A very large 3d image of the solar system (including the opposing fleets) appears. Verona takes out a contol device.

"This area" a section glows "is bordering on your space, and this" another section glows "Is ours. These two planets will be ours and those shall be yours, to keep jurisdictional messes to a minimum" each planet burned with a different color.

[Moral Wiz]

Khan shook his head. Planets are not stationary. The fact that they are there now doesn't mean they will be for very long.

Grey, can you do me a run down on the planets? This was your idea after all, so you should describe what we're talking about. :smallwink: The Aetheri could well be interested in different things than the Goh

Oh, and it's one, large, circular table. They're just seated opposite each other

[Greystone]

Verona continues valiantly "Well yes, but I meant for effectiveness sake. Well let me bring up our preliminary analysis of the planets"

Planet 1- One near the Goh, a highly transient volcano world, but with a abundence of rare natural metals.

Planet 2- Near Goh, A water world, with little of apparent value except for its high amounts of natural food.

Planet 3- Near Aetheri, a Jungle world. It is theorized that a great many valuable plant samples can be found.

Planet 4- A desert world with, again, little value except for a thin band of geothermal vents that give off a strange gas that appears to have healing properties.

A real in-depth analysis of the planets have yet to come in. Oh and then the solar system is hovering above the table

[Moral Wiz]

Khan smiles

Not a world there which either of us should be happy to loose.

He thinks for a moment, then

I'll make our initial offer. We'll take the fire world, and the jungle. We'd accept the sand world instead of the jungle though.

[Greystone]

Now Brianna looks up " I apologize, but my province of the Goh is its military might. We need the metals the volcano offers, and healing wouldn't be too bad. How about this, we take the desert and fire, with desert being interchangeable for water."

[Raz_Fox]

The Lar duthin Hli shot into the new system, followed by the Rillax vor Yn and the light cruiser Hwri rkia Schad. Tchaikoan Ycharr Tvari gave a whoop as the jump-shields were dropped - they had made the jump intact. The FTL travel was known to shake ships apart, but a quick check showed both battleships and the cruiser intact. Pulse Cannons were powered up onboard the ships, and pilots began to deploy to their fighters and transports.

"Koan Talr Voliik, sweep for life in the system." The koan did so, talons clicking on the terminal. "Tchaikoan Tvari, we're showing civilization on both planets here. Orbital defenses, as well. Open fire?" Ycharr Tvari nodded. "Open fire with the pulse cannons, and then descend. We make war tonight!"

[Moral Wiz]

As is my role amongst the Aetheri. And we have the Khal to deal with.

Khan sighs

In an admission to your military role amongst your people, we will let you take the desert world. However, the volcano world is one we also wish.

Would not the water world be a priority for you? Asteroids contain metals, but not fish. Does not an army need food?

[Greystone]

"Hmm, well I could say the same about you, but that is acceptable. Now besides these Khal, would you want to tell us about anything else, any other bad guys you've met. As to the Khal from which way are they hitting you, If they are near the Goh, we could both do well from a defensive pact." Brianna nods her head.

Verona rolls her eyes. She knew that Bria had wanted to ask that since the Khal had been mentioned, so tactless.

[Moral Wiz]

We

Suddenly, the orb beneath them hummed, and started pulsing. Kahn sighed

Ah. Sorry, but the High Chosen is about to give her initial speech. It's now coming in.... We are supposed to watch it.

[Greystone]

Oh your a jerk

Brianna looks disgruntled but both she and the other Goh look at the screen.

[Moral Wiz]

Actually, Brianna can't see the screen. It's directly above the throne, after all. :smallamused:

After a few seconds, an image appears. An image of... a young girl?

She can't be over twenty, at best. She's dressed in a well woven dark blue robe, with golden/silver embroidery, obviously ceremonial. She's got dark brown, somewhat curly hair, middling height, no obvious mutations... she smiles as she addresses the people... The Goh can catch a glimpse of some sort of mountain behind her..

Aetheri. I stand her now, High Chosen. Favored of the Gods, your leader.

She bows to the camera

And I swear to you. I will lead you well. Whatever the dificulty, be it heresy, Khal or simply the uncertianties of the times, I will be there. We will be there.

Today, the Court will announce it's first bill under my rule. One dedicated to expanding our colony program, and ship building industry. Military recruitment is rising throughout the Union, but then so is all recruitment. More and more initiates tread through the meditation gardens. We are growing, Aetheri. And we will grow far yet.

She smiles

I will not pontificate. That shall be all. This is an age of deeds, my friends. May the gods watch over the Aetheri, and may the Emphyrian be with you.

With that, the transmission ends.

[Greystone]

Brianna sets herself back on the throne the proper way after watching the speech in a...unusual pose. She had twisted in her seat and leaned forward, showing off her superhuman flexibleness. She doesn't note the girls age.

"Well, she seems to know what she is talking about I-" but she is cut off as one of the Oathborn rushes in.

"Milady, Commander Direca with an Urgent message" he reports and places another holo-pad on the table. The solar system disappears and is replaced with the holo-visage of Commander Direca.

"Govenor, reports out of the Dai-leok system indicate that an unknown enemy has assaulted them." The commander reports coolly.

Brianna stands and looks into her lietenuts eyes "Do you have a visual?"

Direca nods, and a large holo image replaces her. It shows the two Khal Battleships and cruiser attack the twin planets of Dai and Leok. Direca's voice carries even as the battle is waged.

"Captain Luthas and his battle cluster have engaged and through a series of feints have kept them from landing on the planets, and Commander Vithis is mustering your provinces defeses as we speak."

Verona spoke "Have you already alerted the Capital and our in fleet ships?"

Direca nods "Indeed Princess"

Brianna growls at Khan, not in anger at him he can tell, but the attack "Are these the Khal you spoke about?"

[Moral Wiz]

Khan looks grim himself

Looks like it. Though your Capitan will have his work cut out. Khal are devils in the air. Their ship building technology is first class

A though occurs to him

Can you give us the location of this system? We might be able to send re-enforcements of our own, to back you up.

[Greystone]

Direca spoke, turning to the sorcerer "At the moment he is merely out maneuvering and out-smarting them, but without support he can only last so long."

Brianna looked up "It appears this meeting will have to end. I am needed to protect my people." She begins to walk around the table, before she turned.

She brings up a claw in salute "You can follow us into battle, Liiza" she turns to the holo "Jump immediately, I shall lead the allied battle group to the system"

Dai-Leok

Captain Luthus swore violently. The aliens were giving his battlegroup a beating. He had so far drawn the main force away from Leok, and they were fighting of Dai. The planets orbital cannons fired as quickly as possible, taking a toll on the enemy fleet, but not enough.

He saw a group of landing craft make its way to the guns and he ordered three frigates to eliminate the smaller craft.

Commander Vithis had informed him that they would get reinforcements soon, but the Captain wondered if they would be quick enough. So far only his personal training under Brianna had saved him and his battlegroup.

He turned to an ensign "Fire missile pods and punch through that defensive screen."

He smiled grimly as the ensign reported hits, this wasn't over yet...

[puppyavenger]

Krin conference

Killen replied Well, ours aren't so different, our engines just lock onto a nearby astronomical mass then create a temporary slip-space tunnel to it, very fast, but makes binary systems rather confusing to lock on to. Plus any ship with the right sensors and plating can just follow you. to.

[Greystone]

Dr. Brisba nods "So do you focus on magical or actual energy. Science is an easy thing to replicate, but I unfortunatly have had problems adapting the Magical inducer to anything but magic"

[Raz_Fox]

Dai-Leok

"FIRE!!" Ycharr Tvari whooped in exhilaration as the pulse cannons sounded out again and again, slamming against the enemy. Metkhun Resll Shizar reported, "Streaming live via ansible to the Kaharach himself, Tchaikoan Tvari. I think he'll be interested with their tactics." The ansible crackled - "Tchaikoan, this is Nurkoan Feinari. We have breached the main enemy ship, milady. Orders?" Ycharr Tvari yelped out, "Capture their captain - he's good, and it'll break the rest of the fleet. I want him alive - understood?" Nurkoan Feinari chuckled. "Milady, that's always the right way. Nurkoan out."
Tvari broadcast her ansible across the fleet. Engage the planets! Land the marines and let's spill some blood! Krytonite!


Luthus's ship

An ensign's face grew pale as he glanced at the viewscreen before him. "Ah, captain? We've been breached, and they're heading towards the bridge. Mostly bird-like creatures, but there's also fox-creatures and a... well, sir, if I didn't know better I'd say they're being led by an angel. They're moments away from the bridge, sir - our security forces can't stand!"


Aetheri Space

"Are you certain?" Metkoan of the Army Rann Thnor stood looking at the charts projected on the holo-screen before her. "We need this attack to go off perfectly." Yaikoan Lynor Drell nodded, her pale skin radiant in the glow of the holograms. "We calculated well, Metkoan of the Army. We are ready to fortify our foothold in this space. One full attack with an Army should throw back these... 'Aetheri.' We await your orders, Metkoan of the Army."

Metkoan of the Army Rann Thnor stood for a moment, savoring the moment. "Order the jump. All Tchaikoan are to know their role in the coming battle, and relay it to their leadership corps. We attack now."

[Halna LeGavilk]

Farez stretched out in his seat on the bridge of the Unbreakable. He silently watched a battle play out on the holo-screen, the URF ships crushing the defenses of a small, resource-rich world.

He tapped the screen, and switched to another battle. This one did not involve URF ships. It was between two different species. It was near the edge of some URF controlled worlds, and the council was worried about spill-over combat, so they had sent Farez to deal with it.

One of the species had some sort of FTL travel. Hmm...surprising. Not many species have FTL travel. We need to check this out. Farez turned to a subordinate, a Fleet Admiral."Admiral, send a battlegroup to the battle. Three Python class, and one Monty. Destroy the invaders if necessary."

An hour later, Battlegroup Holy Grail was ready to go. It phased out off existance...

And quickly reappeared near the battle. It sent out a message to all combatents.


This is Battlegroup Holy Grail of the United Fraon Republic Space Force. Invaders, stop combat at once or you WILL be destroyed.

Science:
Industry: 9
Economics: 9
Metaphysical: 12

[Raz_Fox]

Lar duthin Hli

Metkhun Resll Shizar's voice was tinged with excitement. "Tchaikoan, we have another four ships approaching the battle. They're trying to attract our attention... Tchaikoan?" Ycharr Tvari gave a wild laugh. "Nurkoan Sall'yina, I want all pulse cannons trained on the lead ship. OPEN FIRE!!!"

Farez had only a moment to realize the lead battleship was turning towards his ship before space caught on yellow fire. Shields battered by pulse cannons and Khal torpedoes dropped in moments. The full power of the Khal turrets and main cannons was literally stripping the UFR ship down to the core.

Nurkoan Sall'yina frowned. "Tchaikoan, we can't keep up this rate of fire for long. We've launched a quarter of our torpedoes already." Ycharr Tvari chuckled. "We know that - but do they?"

Metkhun Resll Shizar gasped. "Tch-tchaikoan! We're being hailed by the Kaharach himself!! He's watching our live ansible feed, and he's formulating a plan right now!"

[Greystone]

Luthus gritted his teeth as his ship was rocked again. At the ensigns warning, instead of panicking, he grinned. "Well then, as Brianna would say, lets fight dirty."

He keyed a special instruction. As the enemy entered new corridors to the bridge a specially placed charge blew a hole in the wall, causing depressurization, and the enemy to fly out the side of the ship. This happened over and over until only one way was left.

He spoke on the comm "Maximus, Cali are you ready to hold them?"

A very deep voice answered "Yes Captain"

"May the comet be with you"

Captain Luthus turned to his command crew "Now they expect me to keep playing this running game, lets do something unexpected"

He steered his battleship sharply, right into the middle of the three main ships. He fired both broadsides on the momentarily stunned ships as the orbital cannons also took aim at them. One of the enemy battleships erupted in vibrant flame and the other two took a beating.

The cries of joy from the crew turned to groans as a direct hit neatrulized one of his ships thrusters, causing them to slow to a crawl. He slammed his fist down with a curse, where was his damn reinforcements.

Maximus and Cali

The invaders, including their angel leader, finally made it to the final corridor. They stop at a odd sight. Two Goh, one small lanky female purple and one gigantic blue stand ready for battle. Flanking them are what remains of the security force.

With a cry the Khal attack and they are met by stern resistence. Razor sharp beaks that can cut through steel peck Maximus, but his armor is pure magic enhanced Adamentine, as his gigantic glowing axe. The purple moves like a dancer, purple energy around her making her move with the wind. In her hand a sword seemingly made of pure wind move and cuts, passing right through armor.

The purple uses the blue as a shield as she dodges and weaves, keeping the foe of him.

Maximus rumbles bringing his axe to bear against the angel "For Kane and Brianna!"

The Bridge

Luthus hears the transmission and he replies through a translator "Their attacking us, make them stop, then we can talk about territory"

The Planet
4 frigates and many fighters strive to shoot down all of the transports attempting to make its way through the defense grid.

[Moral Wiz]

Meeting

Khan's smile at this opportunity to fight the Khal turned into a sigh

We won't be able to commit all ships. Policy since the Massacre, no civilian colony is to be without an escort.

He brightened then though

However, what ships we can spare are yours. Simply think of this system, and the Aetherlight will prepare to jump there, after sending all our other fighting ships the message.

Below decks

Two of the technicians monitoring comms for the Aetherligh noticed something odd.

Is that... An access attempt!

Can't be. That'd be interesting

It is. Someone's trying to hack our systems!

The lazy one perked up at this. It sounded interesting

Goh?

No, can't be. Their transmissions are differ... look

From their viewscreen, they notice the outline of a stealth ship.

What the hell is it? Shall we tell Khan?

Are you insane? In a big meeting like that?

No, let's return the favor

The unknown signaler received a return broadcast

Who are you?

[Krrth]

Scout Task Force (STF) # 15


They had been detected! It was regrettable, but expected. No matter, the recordings had been clear enough. The two races here seemed friendly enough to help one another against a third. Complete stealth would have been preferred, but the opportunity was here. A signal was sent to both ships.


Greetings, ships of the Goh and the Aetheri. We are the Kreel.

[Greystone]

Brianna nodded, and turned to Verona "You guide the ships to our system, I need to command the flagship."

Verona nodded "Go Bria"

Brianna turns and with a nod of thanks at Khan, returned to her ship. Moments later she dis locked and led began the flight home. Verona focused and gave the Aetheri fleet direction.

Commander Direca

"This is commander Direca of the Goh, Kreel we are at emergency status and cannot speak for the moment, contact us later...unless you want to help.

[Raz_Fox]

Onboard Luthus's ship

Several Khal hung back in the initial attack, and Maximus finds himself hammered by Pulse Rifles. It may not be enough to kill him, or even injure him, but the sheer force and glare is enough to make him stagger back. One Khal leaps forward, talons scything at Maximus's face.

Two Vela knife-fighters leap forward, working as a team against the swordswoman. As they distract her but for a moment, the Spican steps forward and with one swift move locks hilts with her and forces her sword down. Looking up into his bright face, she sees an approving smile. Then the Vela leap upon her, trying to force her down without killing her.


The Planet

Khal warriors board the frigates, trying to capture the Goh ships. A few transports make it down to the surface, where they disgorge Khal warriors.

[Krrth]

Scout Task Force # 15

We have been monitoring you communications, and are aware of your situation. While we would have preferred to stay uninvolved, such as neighbor as the Khal are a danger to all. How may we help?

[Moral Wiz]

The Aetherlight seems to hum as Verona's thoughts gave it direction.

Before too long, after disengaging from it's docking with the Goh ship, the Aetherlight, and two smaller Aetheri cruisers made a unique FTL jump. They seemed to be wreathed in dark red energy as they vanished

Aboard the ship, along with any others who remained, Verona feels... odd. As though something... living is is all around her

Back in the system

The colony ships start to move out, to the agreed upon planets. A smaller military ship hails the Kreel

Greetings Kreel. Congratulations on your stelth systems. Of the first rank

[Krrth]

Scout Task Force #15


We prefer to keep contact with others to a minimum whenever possible. Like you, we were scouting the system for colonization. We find it safer to do so concealed.

[Greystone]

The Ship

Maximus groaned as the plasma hit him. With a growl he roared "FIRE"

The Goh soldiers opened fire on the Khal, scything down several of the Khal, including the one jumping at Maximus, though he get scratched down the face. He runs forward bringing his axe down on one of the Vela swordswoman, cutting her apart.

Cali smirked and shimmered briefly, moving through the Spican and thrusting the sword back to break through the back of the Templar's armor.

The Planet

The frigates are blowing the transports from a distance and attempt to avoid boarding at all costs. The fighters focus on keeping the ships free of borders while the frigares blow ships from the sky.

On the planet AA guns fire and in-planet fighters bring them down. Survivng Khal are surrounded.

Reinforcements

Brianna reenters the system, supported by the Aetheri. The Goh form into two sections. One forms a sphere to surround the Khal, and Brianna spearheads, protecting Luthus with her own ship while she has,bombarding the cruiser with all she's got along with the other ships supporting. A single battleship engages the pre-occupied ship.

[Moral Wiz]

Khan is at the bridge as they re-enter real space. All the Aetheri are ready for battle. Khan sends a transmission to Brianna's ship

This is Khan

He smiles

We're here Governor, as promised. Orders?

[Raz_Fox]

On board Luthus's Ship

Cali realizes her mistake as the pommel of the Spican's sword smashes into her face with all of the knight's force and righteous fury behind it. Then everything goes black.

The remaining Khal and Vela charge towards the Goh and begin to butcher the soldiers as the bloody angel begins to stride around Maximus, sword raised.

[Moral Wiz]

Scout Task Force #15

We prefer to keep contact with others to a minimum whenever possible. Like you, we were scouting the system for colonization. We find it safer to do so concealed.

Oh. Which planets were you interested in?

[Krrth]

Scout Task Force #15

The Volcanic one. It is perfect for our needs.

[Greystone]

"This is Brianna, engage the enemy cruiser and battleship with the Aetherlight and one of the cruisers. With the other assist Goh troops in orbit"

Verona looks to Khan with a grim smirk "and here we go"

Luthus's Ship

The soldiers are ready for the assualt and stand stalwartly with another volley, downing many more Khal. Two Green soldiers summon fire around their hands and attempt to hold back the swordswoman.

Maximus growls in anger and charges the Spican. She side steps him and slashes at him. His armor saves him from a hamstring. The two begin to exchange blows, until finally her sword sinks into Maximus's left shoulder. She pulls it out her sword and easily dodges his counter-attack.

What she does not expect is the gauntleted fist that grasped her throat. He picked her up and shook her until the sword dropped from her hands. He roared again and threw the Spican into a nearby wall, causing her to fall unconcious.

"FOR CALI" and he rushed back into the fight.

The troops rally and follow surge forward.

[Moral Wiz]

@SF 15

sigh We just claimed that. However, I think we can work out a dea...

The Kreel then intercept a transmission heading to the Aetheri ships

Attention. Un-authorized ships have just jumped to the Karithan system. Be alert. Potential Khal attack

The capitan sighs, not realizing what you heard

Sorry about that. So, as I was saying...

[Moral Wiz]

@battle

Oh yes

Khan smiled, as the Aetherlight flew towards the Khal once again. They wouldn't be able to pull the same trick as last time of course, but still... Demons started to appear throughout the Khal battleship, seemingly at random. However, all are ready for a fight...

[Krrth]

Scout Task Force #15

Yes, we heard. It is of no real consequence. Our needs for a planet are few, and there are plenty of planets that other races do not want.

[Moral Wiz]

SF 15

Oh, do not worry. A planet is large, there is room for more than one species to inhabit it. We have no objection to a joint colonization program.

[Krrth]

Scout Task Force #15

Perhaps, but we do not make good neighbors in that regard. We cannot breath in your atmosphere.


Hey, that's even the truth! Of course, they can't breath in any atmosphere, because they don't breath...

[Greystone]

Verona looks at the holo screen of Brianna and nods "She wants you to attack in a reverse star pattern on the cruiser to hit its open defense points"

Khan realizes Brianna's hands had been moving "It is useful" Verona says with a smile "They picked the wrong empire to attack"

[Moral Wiz]

SF 15Oh. Why did you want the world then?

[Krrth]

Scout Task Force #15

As we said, it is perfect for our needs. But so are many other planets. The desert planet, for example. Or the 2nd planet from the sun.

The planet indicated is....undesirable. The temperature is hot enough to kill most creatures, the atmosphere is toxic, there is no water...but it has a lot of metals and sunlight.

[Moral Wiz]

Battle of the Crossroads

Perhaps. But if there's one thing the last battle taught me, it's never underestimate Khal

Khan smiled at the directions

We have different terminology. No matter. Just think how you want that order to play out. The Aetherlight will notice, and interpret better than I ever could. Besides, you don't know our capacity, or how our weapons work, or... well, any number of things.

:smallwink:

[Moral Wiz]

Scout Task Force #15

Hold on. You can't breathe the atmosphere... and yet it's perfect for your needs?

And you want the second planet? Well, no opposition there. We might have added a mine or two, under protection, but nothing more

[Greystone]

"Oh I pride myself on never underestimating a foe" Verona speaks, then pictures the complex maneuver in her mind. The Aetherlight and the other cruiser, assisted by several smaller vessels, all attack the cruiser from its weak points, and blind spots.

[Krrth]

Scout Task Force #15


Perhaps there has been some confusion. We cannot breath any atmosphere. We are not like you in our needs. We have found however, that having other species on the same planet as us can cause problems.

[Moral Wiz]

The cruiser engages it's Khal opposite, alongside Goh re-enforcements, as Verona imagined. Or almost. It makes slight modifications to her vision

But there is a clear reason for that. The Aetherlight continues over, heading to engage the occupied battleship, as per the governor's original orders.

Verona can actually feel the hum of energy as the summonings start. The Aetherlight is suffused with it... as is the Khal ship, as demons appear everywhere. They are as likely to appear in the midst of warriors as technicians operating the longer range guns. However, where'er they end up, they are ready for battle.

[Moral Wiz]

Scout Task Force #15


Oh?

We really need to meet face to face. Unfortunately, all our dignitaries and official lines will be tied up for a while. Khal attack... I ask you...

In other words, I'll probably need some help. :smallwink:

[Greystone]

Verona felt the energy and raised a crimson eyebrow "What is going on Sorceror? What exactly are you doing?"

[Krrth]

Scout Task Force #15


You need help with the Khal? We have perhaps ten scout ships in this system. We can summon more if you need them.

[Moral Wiz]

Fighting those bastards in the best Aetheri fashion

He seems to be focusing on something, but manages a chuckle.

Summoning. All Aetheri can summon demons, and we're summoning them right now, into that Khal battleship

The crash of guns makes Khan laugh

Who needs a boarding shuttle?

[Greystone]

Verona nodded and let him concentrate, but her brow had furrowed. Demons? That was never a good sign. She began to wonder if perhaps they had been hasty in acting as friendly as they did.

[Moral Wiz]

Scout Task Force #15

Most kind, but I'm sure it's noting. Just some joke on Investiture...

The Capitan doesn't sound as confident as his words suggest. The broadcast came from a nearby system, comparatively, that judging from Kreel observations on the Aetheri-Goh talks, is probably at the edge of Aetheri space, or near it. If the Khal are attacking, that's where they'll be. The Kreel could get their on their own...

Yeah, the Capitan's an idiot. Sorry, but he had to be RPd that way for... some reason I forgot. :smallamused:

[Krrth]

Scout Task Force #15

Really? I would have sworn you received a distress call from a nearby system. Perhaps I was mistaken.


And on that note, I have to get some sleep before work tomorrow. Feel free to have some Kreel ships...a few cruisers, a carrier, and perhaps a battleship. All stealthed (including the fighter craft), with rather powerful weapons...show up to help. More details in the Ooc thread.

[Moral Wiz]

Verona nodded and let him concentrate, but her brow had furrowed. Demons? That was never a good sign. She began to wonder if perhaps they had been hasty in acting as friendly as they did.

Khan's smile faded at Verona's silence

I understand. But the demons we bind are bound. They are creatures of the Emphyrian, and are firmly under our control. Not the other way round

Heresy is the the greatest crime in the Aetheri union. And bowing to darkness is the highest heresy imaginable. Might as well worship the Schemer whilst you're at it.

The Aetherlight hits the occupied Khal battleship hard and fast, Aether based guns a blazing. Verona can feel the energy rise with every shot of energy spitting forth.Khan's attack hits the ship before it can stop it's destructive blitzing on the Faaronite ship, leaving it's guns focused there.

The Khal loved that sort of destruction. And the Aetheri knew their foes a bit better now. They knew how to take advantage of a distraction like that.

As the Khal battleship was now fighting three of it's opposite numbers, One Goh, one Faaronite, and one Aetheri it was going to have a hard time indeed surviving this one, superior tech or no.

[Greystone]

"I apologize if I seem rude" Verona continue's to look out across the battle "It just occured to me that if it ever came time to betray the Goh, you would have no problem doing it....easily. Do not take this as an indicator of my trust level, but I will have to report this to Bria and Emperor Kane...they need to know of your power" she winces internally, fearing that she had upset the delegate.

[Emperor Demonking]

Economy: 15
Industry: 15
Metaphysical: 0

Stealth ships were sent out of The Peaceful Empire, going far away from it in some cases but staying close in other cases. The purpose of some of these ships were to hack into systems and gather information about the ships.

Fewer of the ships were there merely in order to supply all the other ships with the materials they need and to take away any rubbish the ship produces and does not want to release, where they are.

Even fewer of these ships were sent out to find out if any other nation had stealth technology of similar effectiveness. Those ships were manned by some of the best "shippies" in the nation.

[Raz_Fox]

Lar duthin Hli

Three fleets against a Khal raiding squadron - the odds were bad, and Tchaikoan Ycharr Tvari was ready to run. Until Metkhun Resll Shizar loped over to her. "My lady, the Kaharach's orders. If you follow them, we might survive." Tvari flipped through the orders and laughed hysterically. "We'll either die or decimate their fleets - I'm for it."

She used the ship's ansible. This is Tchaikoan Ycharr Tvari - disable the ship's shields. Disable them now!

Seeing the Khal ship's shields drop, the Goh battleship opens fire at it with all guns. So do the UCF frigates, with multiple torpedoes and turrets blazing.

At the last moment, the Lar duthin Hli engages full engines and rolls deftly out of the way of the firepower. The same cannot be said of the UCF and the Goh ships, who find themselves opening fire upon each other.

"Raise shields! Yaikoan Avern, I need you to go do this to the torpedoes - Koan Ycharr Szalri, I need us to broadside those ships heading to the cruiser with everything we've got. Open fire!"


Luthus's Ship

Maximus grinned, then realized that the gunfire had stopped. The alarms to the bridge door went off, and Khal and Vela warriors poured into the bridge. He turned with a snarl, ready to avenge his men, and then the Khal Koan hit him hard. Perhaps his talons couldn't rip through the adamantine armor, but one blow from his great wing broke half the ribs in Maximus's body. The Koan grabbed Maximus's wrists and slammed the warrior into the bulkhead wall with enough force to make Maximus scream. Maximus's axe skittered down the corridor, and the Koan began to teach the Goh exactly why Khal warriors were feared.


The Planet

AA turrets and Goh fighters found even large Khal transports were piloted by Khal - almost impossible to be hit in their chosen element. Khal warriors who landed on the planet found themselves surrounded by alien warriors.

In Khal, the word used to describe alien warriors literally means, "Prey."

Khal love to be surrounded - more prey for the killing, and on both sides of you. Goh warriors charging Khal found that Khal didn't charge bloodthirstily into combat, but blasted you with energy rifles until you charged, then ripped you to shreds when you closed.


Kaharach Tichan

He shook his head. Two battleships and a cruiser against three fleets? No, they couldn't stand there. They would have to retreat or die. No. There's always a third option.

He tapped in the ansible code for Metkhun of the Army Rann Thnor. "Metkhun of the Army, this is Kaharach Tichan. I require that you belay your assault upon the Aetheri and change the coordinates on your jump-rings. This -" he rattled off the coordinates for the Dai-Leok system, "is where you need to go. A Khal squadron ran into three alien fleets, and we need an army to break them. Make the jump, they need you now." Rann Thnor's reply: "Your will be done, Kaharach."

[puppyavenger]

Krin Conference

Killen replied Mostly space-time magic I'm afraid. what magics do you use?

[Emperor Demonking]

The Peaceful Empire - Contacting Krin

A before undetetced ship suddenly appears on radar and a message is sent to the head of the Krin planet. "Hello, I speak for our government. You are a large nation, yes? We would like to talk to the person or group in charge of Krin, please."

[Moral Wiz]

Aetherlight

Khan growls at this, his mind clearly on the battle

It's not tha.. FIREFIRE FIRE

But the old commander is too late, as the Khal ship is too fast for the Aetherlight's guns. Khan groans as he sees the after effects on the two other battleships.

Blast those Houndscum. The Khal never run out of tricks in war

He started speaking over the intercom, the first time the Goh had seen it used. His voice is cool, controlled under fire now.

Scramble all starfighter squadrons. Get bombers in the air Keep up concentrated fire, focus on taking out those damn energy guns. Direct summoners...

The green robed Aetheri pulled Verona to one side at this point, gentle but firm. He's smiling

You worry about our powers? You shouldn't. We're only able to pull this because the Khal are so damn close. If we had given them a chance to properly open up with their bigger guns... but never mind that now. How would you like to see a brighter side of the Aetheric Arts?

[Greystone]

The Battle

As the battleship drops its shields Commander Direca senses a trap. In her many years of wartime experiance she could practically taste it when a enemy was trying to trick her. She allowed herself to fire, but she locked in her movement ration to stay in formation due to Brianna's instructions.

The gambit paid off and though her attacks slammed into the UDF ship, her ship only took minor damage. Now she was hovering directly above the ship…with no shields. She let loose with everything, practically ripping the aft section apart and causing a calysmatic explosion in the power supply. She smirked as the ship slowly became cripplied as she blew of sections of the gunnery areas.

Brianna Herself brings the noose to a close on the Khal cruiser as she uses her specially modified underbelly cannon to slam directly into the what her intel tells in the armory full of torpedo’s causing the surrounding space to light up in the resulting blue explosion.

Luthus

Maximus coughs up some blood as he feels a rib collapse. Then he smiles…the Khal had underestimated him. He focused his power and caused his specially made armor to change. Adamentine spikes passed through the Khal and Maximus threw its punctured body aside and picked up his weapon.

There were few Khal on the bridge, most being killed by this point in the assault. Luthus activated his wipe protocol long before they had entered, causing the ship to become inert and unresponsive, all important info destroyed. He turns and raises his pistol, blowing the brains out of the Vela before she can react. The Goh captain moved and around him summoned white shields of divine energy.

Luthus then activates his red water power making it practically impossible to hit him. He begins to end the lives of the Khal around him. His fellow crew members follow him in his choice to fight to the end. He knows that they will never take him alive.

Planet

Goh soldiers surround from a distance, like a contempory army and blow the troops disembarking from transports with tanks and artillery. Their planetary command had long since organized the standard army. Magics are called up and brought down on them. Only the very talented or very foolish actually get involved in a melee fight.

[Greystone]

Krin Conference

"We use a Elemental magic core that is fueled by the eternal enchantments of two or more elements, the more elements the more powerful" Dr. Brisba says.

Aetherlight
Verona nods "I wouldn't mind that if it will be in helping of the battle. You must forgive my impudence, I will need to proberly discuss it with you at a later date"

[Moral Wiz]

Aetherlight

The aide smiled

Oh, it will. Are you and your guard ready to fight?

[Blockhead]

GorkaMorka

The cry to begin massing weaponry and armour for war, or rather WAAAAGGGHHHH!!!! was met with open arms and cheers. The orky population quickly went about construction the crude technology that would be used to aid them in getting them into space and to wage war with. 'Big Boss' Blokk'ead had consulted with his nobs and they had agreed to lead smaller mobs of orks to their own ends as long as they were all eventually loyal to Blokk'ead, as he was afterall the biggest and the strongest.

Soon, great scrap metal hulks lifted off into the air, carrying countless orks, grots, weapons armour and perhaps a few squiggoths too. The ork pilots, if you could call them that, had no idea exactly where they were going, but that didn't bother them or Blokk'ead, just as long as they found a fight and won it.

[Greystone]

Aetherlight

Verona glances to the four Oathborn remaining with her "I may be without my armor, but my powers will keep me in the fight." Her eyes begin to glow a bright red "There is a reason I am known as the Dragon"

[Moral Wiz]

Aetherlight

The white mage looked her over quickly

True. But preparation never hurt. If you wish a suit of armor or weapons, our armory is open to you. We have some powerful mystic weapons you could use...

[Greystone]

Aetherlight

"Agreed, I will take armor that will allow me to retain my movement...and if you have a long serrated blade that has fire properties I won't say no to that either" Verona nods, eyes still glowing.

[Moral Wiz]

Aetherlight

I don't know... hold on

He's been walking all this time, and they've just about reached the armory. He opens it, to reveal a small, intricately organized room. Everything seems to be in it's place, and the aide wasts no time in heading to the correct shelves

A suit of light power armor, enchanted to allow the wearer to move with the speed of the storm....

He hands over the suit to her with a smile, then heads through a back door. Then, with a smile, he returns, and produces from a new found case

A large, wicked looking serrated blade, of some black metal. As Verona picked it up, dark red runes flared along the blade. The aide sighed.

Yes, I know. But... well, try and focus on the blade. Like you did with the Aetherlight. Then channel your powers through it, and... see what happened

Verona's powers will merge with those of the demon. You can consider this a major power boost for her, as she's drawing on both Aetheri and Goh magic...

[Greystone]

Aetherlight

Verona held up the dark sword staring into its runic sylabels, then she focused her power. The blade crackeled with red fire. She grins "Yes, this'll do nicely."

[Moral Wiz]

The aide smiled

Good. Now, quickly, get into that armor. Then meet me at the hanger bay, with that guard of yours. We have work to do.

With that, he's off into the Aetherlight's winding corridors. There don't seem to be any other Aetheri about....

Yes, he's forgetting for a moment she'a an alien. Think for a moment. What's notable about the Aetherlight so far, in it's systems?

[Raz_Fox]

Dai-Leok system

The jump - as always - took eternity and was over in a second. A frigate, shields weakened, smashed apart in the incredible stresses of FTL travel. The rest of the Army made it intact. They emerged above the planet Dai.

Metkhun of the Army Rann Thnor looked out across the battle, to where the Rillax vor Yn was about to explode and the Hwri rkia Schad was withdrawing. Despite the excellent piloting of the Lar duthin Hli, it had been hit by the battleships. Then she saw it.

"Activate the plasma scourge now! This is our chance to destroy the abomination!" As the supercruiser Mith drikn Vwy - twice as long as a Khal battleship - shot towards its nemesis, and the eight Khal battleships flanking the supercruiser shot forward, hundreds of Khal fighters zipping past them, Rann Thnor hissed the alien name. "Aetherlight."


Luthus's bridge

The Khal company that had fought to the bridge was not the only company on that ship. A second company blasted their way through the port bridge door and opened fire on the Goh assembled there, Khal pulse rifles pounding out their yellow beams, Vela light rifles puncturing armor.

In the corridor, Maximus bent to pick up his weapon when two yellow beams blasted through his armor and his body. The Khal Koan was on one knee, but both his claws held powerful pulse pistols set to max power. It rasped out, "Tak xhirn, peethlla d'th krror!"

[Moral Wiz]

Aetherlight

On the bridge, Khan blinks as the battlefleet approach, his shock at this new threat total.

Mreciful Emperor...

After making the Eight Pointed Star, Khan returns to barking out order

Evasive menouvers. Keep that bloody battleship between us and them, make sure they won't have a clear shot.

The Aetherlight responds with a speed mortal hands could not match. Their guns slackened off, focusing only on taking out the Khal guns returning fire. The summonings remain though.

He opens a comm channel to Brianna.

You'd better have re-enforcements on the way, governor....

[Krrth]

Infiltrator #42

The battle had been fierce. It looked like the wisdom of sneaking aboard the ship and placing a beacon had been proven. The infiltrator watched as Maximus and his crew were being gunned down. When Maximus took two bolts through the chest, it was time to act. Suddenly, in a shimmer, a new being was on the bridge.


That's enough of that. I believe it's time for us to go.

At that, the figure disappears...and so do Maximus and the rest of the bridge crew.


Maximus and the other 9 saved are on a cloaked carrier a few systems away. I'll be back on in about an hour. If they just need a rest, they can be send back just as easily(and quickly).

[Greystone]

Aetherlight

Verona thought quickly...then it came to her. She put on her armor then willed the ship to tell her which way to go. The ships lights blinked, almost creating a path. She turned to her men "For Brianna and the Emperor!"

Brianna

The Governor looked out across the battlefield. Her ship fired one last salvo of arcane energy, causing the cruiser to vaporize finally. Then her pale face darkened as she saw the new enemy army.

She heard Khan's message "Indeed, my Commander is almost here and Emperor Kane is mustering the grand fleet, but I don't know how long its going to take to get here"

She turned and issued a fleet-wide command "Form up on me, the only way to take these bastards out is to hit them with a concentration, maneuver Gran'vesh"

All of the Goh ships, barring two frigates protecting the planet, including Commander Direca form into a single three line formation, with smaller ships running interference for them. They move strategically to support the Aetherlight and other Aetheri ships.

The Goh fire volleys of fire into the recently arrived army, attempting to tear apart the smaller craft. Brianna looked grim, even with her knowledge of field tactics she could only do so much. She had under her command five battleships, and many of the smaller craft. Her commander could turn the tide if he hurried.

"Khan, any of your military willing to help us, or is this all we got?" Brianna asks without taking her eyes off the battle.

Luthus

One minute Luthus was chopping down on a Khal, the next he was in a room with the unconscious Cali, the bleeding Maximus, and the remnents of the security and bridge crew.

"What the Devil is going on?" he asks in wonderment...

[Moral Wiz]

Brianna/Aetherlight.

Don't know. We're out of the Emphyrian proper, so I can't contact the High Chosen telepathically. And we're a bit busy here to start with long range transmissions.

You know where our space is roughly. You still hold the ground. Get someone to send a transmission out. If you do...

The transmission breaks off, as the Atherlight goes into a particularly complex roll.

Aetherlight Docks

Things are growing ever more frantic on the Aetherlight as the Goh make their way through it. The hanger bay is totally chaotic as all the smaller ships are scrambling.

The Aide is standing, along with four of the Sorcerers Verona saw earlier, in full armor and six more robed Aetheri by a small, quick and pointed shuttle. They seem to be mounting to get in.

Jal, the aide, turns to greet the Goh. You note he seems to be carrying Khan's glowing bladestaff

There you are. Quickly, into the shuttle. We're going on a little boarding mission

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras & Luthus


My apologies for the abrupt trip, but it didn't look like your commander had much more time.

*At that, a shape appeared from the darkness. At first, it looked like a six-legged insect/reptilian...thing...made of crystal or glass. As it spoke, is shifted to a form resembling that of the Goh, although it still looked like it was made of glass*

I am Emperor Loras XXVI, ruler of the Kreel. Will any of you need emergency treatment?

[Greystone]

Brianna

"You make a point" She cuts the connection and orders the ensign to relay their message to the colony ships still at the colonization zone, who relay it to the Aetheri troops still there.

The Goh ships fire one line at a time, three second intervals, constantly battering back the Khal. Brianna knows she can't keep it up for long and so instructs her fleet on what to do when the enemy finally breaks through. She smiles grimly, her men are the best trained in the Goh Empire and they could hold until Reinforcements arrive.

Aetherlight

Verona nods at Jal "Understood" She turns to her men "Do you understand the risks I put you in?"

The troops as one replied "We are aware your sacrifice, and will honor it with our own"

"Are you prepared to put your lives on the line in order to protect our fellow Goh and newly found allies?" Verona continues what seems to be almost a prayer.

"Your cause is just and our fury is might" The four intoned.

Verona smiles and puts on her helmet, a piece of that covered the top of her head, down past her nose...but kept her mouth clear "Well then, with me"

"FOR THE DRAGON!" and the group quickly enter the landing craft.

Luthus

The crew looks nervous at being in the presence of someone they assume is great. Luthus's face darkens "Sir, several of my crew- especially Maximus, need aid. But I need to be on the battlefield"

Unshed tears gather in his eyes "My men" his tone is clearly one of rage "Must be avenged. Is there anyway I can continue the fight?"

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras & Luthus



Aye, I can send you back. You would most likely die, however.

*A door opens, and several Kreel come running in. They hover over the wounded, glowing, and a musical note is heard*

Is that your wish? To Die? And for what reason?

[Raz_Fox]

On board the Rik'zhell d'nr Pwtath

"War has come again. The circle has come around, the equation has completed. Yet, new data has been added to the equation. We stand pitted against the Aetheri and two races that we have never seen before. They are truly fearsome enemies. However, the Khal Army arrayed against them has a weapon beyond all others - us!"

They had recreated the traditional temple design on board a starship, to better help the chosen of Rik. In the red candlelight, chosen members of the priesthood stood ready to help the fight.

"We stand against the Aetheri - and Metkhun of the Army Rann Thnor has told me that we stand against the Aetherlight! My brethren, we stand against the ultimate perversion of both magic and technology - combined as one unclean whole. My brethren, this should not be. This is blasphemy! This is madness!

But they have laid themselves weak, and their plans will fall to naught. For they depend on magic as much as they depend on their technology. We shall control both, and we shall see who is stronger without crutches! We shall break the weak this day, my brethren!"

He threw off the black robes of Rik's Priesthood, feathers glistening in the candlelight. He gracefully descended down the stairs, talons clicking on the durasteel, onto the carven red star of Rik. His brethren began the formulatic chant, number after number clicking into place in the eldritch equation.

"For science!"

He began the dance, every move careful and calculated perfectly. This was no art - this was a science, and should be regarded as such. He felt the magical disruption immediately. It would spread. Let those who blasphemed the most holy technology beware.


On board the Aetherlight

One of the Aetheri sorcerers began a spell, then stumbled and faltered, drawing his hand to his brow. "It's... strange. The aether seems... distant. The magic is... harder, somehow."

I assume this is possible for "mages" with a focus on Anti-magic, correct, Armin? If you want, it's flexible enough that I can weaken its effect.


Aboard the Mith drikn Vwy

"Divert more power to the plasma scourge and manouver so we can hit it straight on!"
Not a good idea, Metkhun of the Army. Shut down the plasma scourge and divert power to the main cannons.
Rann Thnor shook her head in dismay. Kaharach, we could destroy the Aetherlight this day. Is this wrong?
Look, you can't win by destroying the Aetherlight. You need to break the first alien fleet - they're good. They're very good. Destroy them, and you'll break the defenses. I'm currently stuck in the Dorasian Crusade, but I will arrive in person as soon as possible. This is... intriguing, to say the least. Capture the commander of the first alien fleet, if at all possible. Barring that, capture a high-ranking alien of the first fleet. I will have questions for prisoners.
As you say, Kaharach. Your will be done. Rann Thnor sighed. "Open fire on the alien fleet engaging us - full guns, but shut down the plasma scourge. Prepare the space marines!"


From Luthus's ship

This is Koan Ryll Bxoryn. I need a tech-priest aboard now.

[ArlEammon]

On board the Rik'zhell d'nr Pwtath

"War has come again. The circle has come around, the equation has completed. Yet, new data has been added to the equation. We stand pitted against the Aetheri and two races that we have never seen before. They are truly fearsome enemies. However, the Khal Army arrayed against them has a weapon beyond all others - us!"

They had recreated the traditional temple design on board a starship, to better help the chosen of Rik. In the red candlelight, chosen members of the priesthood stood ready to help the fight.

"We stand against the Aetheri - and Metkhun of the Army Rann Thnor has told me that we stand against the Aetherlight! My brethren, we stand against the ultimate perversion of both magic and technology - combined as one unclean whole. My brethren, this should not be. This is blasphemy! This is madness!

But they have laid themselves weak, and their plans will fall to naught. For they depend on magic as much as they depend on their technology. We shall control both, and we shall see who is stronger without crutches! We shall break the weak this day, my brethren!"

He threw off the black robes of Rik's Priesthood, feathers glistening in the candlelight. He gracefully descended down the stairs, talons clicking on the durasteel, onto the carven red star of Rik. His brethren began the formulatic chant, number after number clicking into place in the eldritch equation.

"For science!"

He began the dance, every move careful and calculated perfectly. This was no art - this was a science, and should be regarded as such. He felt the magical disruption immediately. It would spread. Let those who blasphemed the most holy technology beware.


On board the Aetherlight

One of the Aetheri sorcerers began a spell, then stumbled and faltered, drawing his hand to his brow. "It's... strange. The aether seems... distant. The magic is... harder, somehow."

I assume this is possible for "mages" with a focus on Anti-magic, correct, Armin? If you want, it's flexible enough that I can weaken its effect.


Aboard the Mith drikn Vwy

"Divert more power to the plasma scourge and manouver so we can hit it straight on!"
Not a good idea, Metkhun of the Army. Shut down the plasma scourge and divert power to the main cannons.
Rann Thnor shook her head in dismay. Kaharach, we could destroy the Aetherlight this day. Is this wrong?
Look, you can't win by destroying the Aetherlight. You need to break the first alien fleet - they're good. They're very good. Destroy them, and you'll break the defenses. I'm currently stuck in the Dorasian Crusade, but I will arrive in person as soon as possible. This is... intriguing, to say the least. Capture the commander of the first alien fleet, if at all possible. Barring that, capture a high-ranking alien of the first fleet. I will have questions for prisoners.
As you say, Kaharach. Your will be done. Rann Thnor sighed. "Open fire on the alien fleet engaging us - full guns, but shut down the plasma scourge. Prepare the space marines!"


From Luthus's ship

This is Koan Ryll Bxoryn. I need a tech-priest aboard now.


(Anti magic can work... sort of, if you have a concentration of mages onboard your vessels... )

[Greystone]

Brianna

The Governor cursed as, instead of attacking the Aetherlight, The Khal began to fire at her lines. Her and the enemy began to trade fire, back and forth. Ships on both sides erupted into flames. Due to her superior formation and position she was losing less, but every ship lost was a critical blow to her defense.

A technician looked up "Princess, Captain Luthus has locked down his ship....Protocol 8"

Another comms officer moments later reported "we've intercepted a message from the Captain's ship...and its in Khal"

Brianna slammed her fist down. She knew those men. She had trained Luthos herself and at the battle of Calixan she had fought back to back with Specialist Maximus and Cali. They were now dead, or worse...captured. Her voice was quiet. "Initiate the Gormans code, third level voice transmission."

The crew looked up wide-eyed, the technician stammered "B-But ma'am won't that-"

"I am well aware of what it will do!" she replies sharply "The Khal have taken the ship and we cannot allow it to fall into enemy hands"

The technicians put in the code and she activated it with a somber look on her face. She watched as first the bridge, and then the powerstation exploded violently, ripping Captain Luthus and the invaders apart.

She turned back with a rage at the viewscreen. The enemy would pay. Despite her fleets firepower the enemy punched got pass the safety line and her ships reacted. They split into two groups, one led by her the other by Direca. As the enemy ships spearheaded their way in the two sides faced each other and annihilated the middle group.

Brianna turns to the holo-screen. "Lets see if you can deal with this" after some very specific directions her fleet forms into a gigantic vertical pretzel that continuously moved back and forth, up and doen, overlapping their shields and concentrating firepower. Another of her battleships was critically injured and Brianna cursed.

Suddenly sensors read that a new fleet had jumped into orbit. She smirked as she read the FOF tags, they were her other battleships led by Commander Vithis!

She struck ferociously despite the withering firepower with all the anger and knowledge she had. As the reinforcements engaged the enemies flank, she and her remaining battleships punched straight to the Super-carrier itself.

"Princess Brianna" Vithis crackled over the line "The Sun is coming"

Brianna smiled, this was going to get violent very quickly.

Luthus

The Captain turned away "Yes-I"

Maximus grunted and lifted himself up "No, Brianna would understand. We have done our part and now must only wait"

Others of the crew nod their assent, and Luthus sighs "Very well, but I will have my revenge"

Maximus nods "We all will"

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras



*Pauses for a moment*

Well, I was going to offer to send you back with some of my troops, but it's moot now. The beacon has gone silent. That usually means the beacon was destroyed, along with the scout I had aboard your ship...but that's not really important. No matter. I assume you want to go home, yes?

[Greystone]

Luthus turns and salutes "I apologize for the death of your scout, but yes. We wish to return home...with as much help as you can bring, Sir"

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras


Don't worry about my scout. He'll be fine. It's only death, after all.

You have a choice. My people usually don't get involved with other races. However, we um..."intercepted" your communications. These "Khal" are the worst kind of neighbors. If we don't help you now, they will eventually turn on us.

Anyways, to the choice. I can send you back to the system where you met the Aetheri now. Or, if you wish to stay on board my Command Carrier, you may accompany us back to the fight.

If you do decide to go with us, I have to give you a warning. We do not have the same biological requirements that you do. This room, and the sleeping quarters beyond that door, are the only ones that have any form of life support. If you wish to leave these rooms, you will need some sort of protective gear.

[Greystone]

Luthus nods "I will go with you, Both so Brianna will know you are an ally and so that we can coordinate tactics."

A crewman stands "I speak for the crew when we say, We'll all go sir"

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras

Very well then. The ship is already underway, and we will be back at your planet in about a day.

Do you or your people need life support gear? We can fashion something fairly quickly if you do. You and your people are more than welcome to visit the bridge if you so desire.

[Greystone]

Luthus's eyes practically bulged "A day!? Do you have anything that can help then now, they won't need aid in a day!"

Cali, who had been silently nursing her head spoke up "Please forgive our Captain, he is a bit nerve-wracked at the moment. Breathing apparatus would be an excellent help"

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras

If I detach some of the heavier ships, we can be there sooner. We would have to leave the battleships and dreadnoughts behind, but we can be their in an hour or two if we do.

*pause*

Forgive me, I apparently did not make myself clear. There is NO life support. No heat, no air. The conditions of this ship are very close to vacuum.

[Halna LeGavilk]

Only one battleship phased back to the home system, heavily damaged. The fleet had been focused on another battle in a distant system. A single message had been sent before the ship's systems failed and the crew went catatonic. Send Reinforcements.

Feraz suddenly stood from his command seat on the superdreadnaught, a cold look of fury on his face. He turned to the holo screens, tapping in commands. A voice set appeared over his head. He began to rapidly speak out commands. "Alright everybody, we are going into actual combat, I repeat we are facing an enemy whose forces are equal or greater than ours. Prepare for heavy casualties. I don't think we'll take 'em, but best be prepared. Alright. Prepare for phase. CRUSADERS, PREPARE FOR PHASE! GLORY TO THE REPUBLIC!"

Cries echoed throughout almost fifty ships, the main bulk of the URF Crusader fleet. The ships phased out of existance

and back into it a moment later. The ships immediatelly dispatched into their orders, swirling formations of ships, dodging, ducking, and weaving. Many were mere frigates, almost fifteen cruisers, nine battlehips, two carriers, and the supermassive Superdreadnaught Unbreakable.

As the fleet emerged from phasing, they all auto-locked the Khal fleet and fired, one massive rolling wave of plasma, enough to engulf a small planet. The plasma was controlled by magnetic accelerators hidden in the hull of the ship, making it both deadly and harmless. Without the magnetic accelerators, the plasma would simply dissipate, but with them... the plasma could be guided.

But for all the weaponry of the fleet, the Unbreakable was by far the most dangerous. Gravitic hellbores tore and twisted gravity, causing Khal ships to be, at least, broken in places and slightly, and, at worst, to crush itself in it's own magnetic field. Phase Cannons shot phased solid materials that crashed against the shields of the Khal, outright destroying them. Gatling Magnetic Accelerator Cannons covered PD, shooting down missiles and fighters with the help of battlecomps.

As soon as the plasma stopped dropping, the fleet had phased out and were on another section of the battlefield, filling space with more plasma. Then sections of the fleet began to phase independantly of each other, in a totally random pattern, wherever the captain's whim took him. Soon, individual ships broke free of each other, causing chaos and havoc among the Khal.

Farez smiled at the thought of revenge for his people. He simply smiled.

[Greystone]

A pained exprssion crosses Luthus's face "Ok, life-support suits it is" he thinks for a second "Do you have any ships near the fighting that can help until we arrive?"


Governor
Brianna coughed "What the hell!?" the new arrivals were giving a pounding on the Khal fleet. Despite the magnetic accelerators, several of her ships had to break formation to avoid the plasma.

"Damn it, roll left!" The artificial gravity tried to compensate "To all ships, create a fighting wedge to punch out of the enemy fleet, we can't stay in the middle with this much random firepower!"

Brianna's fleet, supported by Vithis's command, broke through the shaken Khal. She attempted to regain order "All ships to damaged to fight, protect the planets, the rest of you, staggered th'far, immediately!"

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras

Yes, but they are only light units. I have around 20 scout vessels and 3 destroyers that will be there in a few minutes.

[Greystone]

Luthus shrugged "Well, there's no point if were to slow or two weak. I leave it up to your judgement"

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras


They will still enter combat. If they are destroyed, they are destroyed. The crews will know better next time.

[Greystone]

The crew share a perplexed expression, then Luthus sighs "I have the coordinates to the system, do you need them?"

[Krrth]

You seem confused. Is something wrong?


The navigational data would speed things us a bit, yes.

[Greystone]

Cali clears her throat, her voice cool and crisp "Well, we are a little...perplexed at your lack of concern for the deaths of your men, and the mention of "next time"

Luthus speaks up "I will be willing to input the coordinates directly into any computer you have sir"

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras


Lack of concer....AH! I think I understand the confusion. My people are very, very hard to kill permanently. When one of us dies, our personality is "downloaded" into a new body. The process takes a while, but it does mean that we can afford certain....tactics...that might otherwise be undesirable.

*A pure musical note issues forth from Loras. A terminal opens up in the wall*

Feel free to use that terminal. If everything goes well, we can be at the battle within the hour.

[Greystone]

The crew nods, understanding the theory...if not the application.

Luthus walks to the wall and puts in a complex coordinate beacon then he steps back "There, that should take us to them sir"

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras


Very well then. Our computers will translate the data and translate to the rest of the fleet. We should jump within the hour. Which, incidentally enough, is about how long it will take us to provide environmental suits for you.

[Greystone]

"Excellent thank you for the help and our personal aid" Luthus salutes and the crew either salute or bow.

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras


It really isn't that big of an issue. These creatures are near our space as well. I'd rather face them with allies than by myself.

[Greystone]

"Very Well" and Luthus and the others set about morning their dead.

[Krrth]

With the new nav data, the fleet was able to gather together and jump quickly. The fleet entered the system under cloak, and immediately set course for the planet.





Kreel fleet: 1 dreadnought, 2 battleships, 3 battlecruisers, 10 cruisers, 20 destroyers/patrol/scout craft, 1 command (assault) carrier, and 3 carriers.

[Raz_Fox]

Space Battle

The Goh and Aetheri were having difficulties until the arrival of the UCF - their magic was fading, for some unknown reason, and their depowered vessels couldn't compete with the Khal in their chosen theatre.

However, the Khal formation was completely broken when the UCF arrived. Lightning reflexes honed by the ice storms of Syrii helped most ships evade, but some ships were badly damaged and many fighters were obliterated.

Now, the battle was a back-and-forth. Khal battleships exploded into flame, but the Khal skill and firepower was enough to drive back the UCF and show the Farronites some respect for the Khal. Technological terrors may be the talent of these aliens, but the Khal were pilots from the egg.

On the flank with the Goh, the Khal ships began to retreat, and one ship shot forward. The battle-damaged Lar duthin Hli, under orders from the Kaharach himself, stood alone against the UCF fleet.


Lar duthin Hli

As the alien ship exploded, taking the brave marines, Ycharr Tvari nodded. "I guess these aliens aren't as bad as we thought - they certainly know how to truly give a warrior's death!"

She hit the console, every nerve throbbing with anxiety and energy. "Glory or death! Launch the modified torpedoes!"

Ycharr Tvari watched as the bundle was shot towards the alien fleet, torpedoes bound together with heavy-duty cord, their controls sparking. Tichan had better know what he was doing with those instructions, or they were dead.


Mith drikn Vwy

"Metkhun of the Army, we have pinpointed the enemy lead ships. Here - here - here. The last will be tricky, it's teleporting all over the battlefield. However, the marines will persevere." Rann Thnor nodded, then activated the ship's ansible. Launch the marines - their targets are marked as follows. Take prisoners - we wish to learn more of our worthy opponents. Krytonite!


Unbreakable, several moments later

"Did you hear something?" A Farronite on level 72 halted its companion. "Your mind's playing tricks on you. Come on." "No, really, there it is again. Like scraping on the hul-"

A black claw punched through the hull, shocking both. Another claw was extended into the rip, and the Khal on the other side literally ripped the hull open. The Farronites rushed off, trying not to be sucked out of the hull. Two pistol shots later, they lay dead on the floor. Six more space marines followed - the elite of the Khal, unstoppable and deadly. Their gravity-boots clicked against the metallic floor as they blasted door after door open, heading to the bridge, splitting up and heading there one by one.


The same scene replays on the lead ship of the Goh armada - seven deadly warriors, ready to seize command.

[Greystone]

Lead Ship
As the Goh magic began to lesson, Brianna cursed liked the sailor she was. She barked "Set the ships on advanced combustion power, switch from the Arc reactors to the FUK-4"

The Fuk-4's were powerful technology, used as a back-up when the Arc's failed, which happened far to often. The Fuk held three days worth of power, but had to be recharged after every use. The rest of the fleet followed suit.

Brianna
All corridors to the bridge led to one large central room, which acted as a security bulk-head. Being the Princess's flagship, the detail of twenty Oathborn were ready for the Khal, them being alerted by security camera's.

What surprised the Khal the most was the figure in green power armor, silken cloak fluttering. Brianna had given precise instructions to her Second in command, and left to enter the fight.

She pointed to the Khal warriors "I am sure you are uninterested in surrender, and I am uninterested in receiving it" she spoke through a rough translator rigged by a technician "True warriors fight, and die"

With that, as one half of the Oathborn drew their swords. The other half had already had energy rifles drawn. Their volley of fire cut down two of the Elite warriors, who blocked the rest of their comrades from the fire.

With a battlecry, Brianna and her Oathborn charged. They did not surround, but used dual-defense systems, where one would attack while the other would block incoming attacks.

Brianna's first opponent locked arms with her, and gasped in amazement as she rivaled even its great strength "I am Princess of the Goh, daughter of the Sun God, Starborn." her hands light up with green fire "Even your mages cannot stop me, and my strength is threefold of any Goh. Now die!"

(OOC: Just a sidepoint for your next post, The Goh Oathborn are above normal Elite Goh, their the handpicked chosen of the God-Emperor. Also Bria IS that strong, with her bodied severely enhanced by her suit and moreso by her very mutations.

Oathborn will die, but if their were truly on seven, even of these Elite, they are going to be torn down to a man.)

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras


We've entered the system, and will be within firing range shortly. Would you like to contact your ships so that we may co-ordinate tactics?

[Moral Wiz]

Aetherlight

Khan looked over

Yes. I feel it too. As though the Khal were using met...

He is silent for a moment, lost in thought, then barks

That ship! That one, there, look

Simply through meditation, Khan saw the Tech Priest's little ship. The effect was spreading from there, that was the heart of it. The old sorcerer's voice rang out over the ship's comms.

Focus all firepower on that abomination! Keep the Aetherlight locked to current course, use long range guns. Scramble all fighter wings. I want that ship spiraling in the void.

Your will be done, Most High. Shall I inform the Goh?

No. They're busy right now. Take that thing out, quickly, before they know we're onto their little trick.

The Hound would show more mercy, Most High

as I put magic as my primary strength, and the men aboard are serving perhaps my most high ranking sorcerer (short of High Chosen), I'm going to say that the Tech Priest's chant is interfering only thus far. Also, they've been summoning demons onto the Lar duthin Hli for quite a while now, in an attempt to disrupt it's opperation... and will continue to do so. Less demons will pop up right now, but there are quite a few already there, and some still will continue to appear...

Boarding Party

The little band sets out bravely, and in spite of their mission, they have a fighting chance. In this maelstrom of energy, one ship, not broadcasting a single signal, manages to slip through the ropes rather well.

Jal spoke. This is going to be dicey. Fighting Khal directly is not a good occupation. But if we can succeed, we might just be able to turn this whole battle once and for all in our favor.

They speed on through the void, and before long, the small group reach their target, their somewhat distracted target, between the Faaronite fleet and the Aetherlight's actions. The Lar duthin Hli

Back in Aetheri space

The fleet jumped into the system, expecting to find itself under Khal attack, only to find... nothing. The massive Khal fleet that was supposed to be jumping here had failed to materialize

Roger, Capitan. Prepa...

Belay that. I've just received a personal order from the High Chosen

The High Chosen!

There is a clink of a glass, and the first officer sighed.

No more time for celebrating, Brann. We've got a mission. Apparently, the only reason the Khal didn't hit us here is that they were busy hitting somewhere else

The seccond in command looked over the co-ordinates with a confused expression Where the hell is this? It's outside of Aetheri space.

Correct. The Khal aren't the only aliens out there, it appears. And the High Chosen is picking sides for us rather nicely.

The figure in synth-leather coat, light armor and barbed cloak smiled, then turned to fleet wide comms.

Inquisitorial High Fleet, this is Inquisitor Lord Drake. At my direction, we are jumping through the Emphyrian, to head into righteous battle against the Khal. And this time, we'll find the bastards.

Be warned, we are to expect heavy fire. All Initiates are to report to the shield focus room, or summoning room immediately, in preparation for arrival. The High Chosen's Will be done!

There is a great cheer throughout the holy fleet, as they engage to Warp Jump. This'd be a battle to remember.

[Greystone]

Luthus

The Captain stood on the bridge, with both Maximus and Cali. They were awed by the fight. Burning wreckage floated through space and the fleets spat fire and plasma at each other. He saw the Goh Fleet directly opposite, through the Khal.

"Well, at the moment Brianna seems to be in a staggered oval, which allows her ships plenty of room to evade getting hit, but I really couldn't tell you how to attack...Wait that one ship is alone, it must be a trap.

I'd attack the mainfleet by slamming into the flank not being hit by the Goh or the UCF, or barring that if you really feel daring, just fly into the middle cloaked and take out those bigger ships that have been being saved my smaller vessels"

Boarding Party

Verona and her Oathborn sat silently. They were watching the battle through a viewscreen. As Luthus's ship exploded, Verona winced slightly. As other Goh ships fought and died, she turned to a sorcerer.

"Are we going to eliminate the mages wrecking havok with our combined fleets? The Goh magic is innate, so it hasn't been effected nearly as much, but it appears that it has effected our Arc reactors."

Same as Moral. My magic is more of a radiation, a natural part of our bodies. You can make it harder for us to use, but its our primary perk.

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras


Very well then.

*Orders went out, and the fleet went into motion. The first the Khal knew about the Kreel being in the system was when several fighter wings de-cloak while executing a firing run on the capitol ships, just before the first salvo of missiles hit.*

[Emperor Demonking]

The Peaceful Empire contacting the Kreel

A message was sent to the head Kreel of one of the border worlds. "We believe you have cloaked ships. Good cloaked ships. We would like to see your designs. We could take them another way but we believe this to be the most diplomatic."

[Greystone]

Luthus grinned savagely as the surprise attack forced the Khal to scatter, right into the waiting fire of the Goh and the UCF. He activated his communicator "TO Flagship Brutius, this is Captain Luthus. It seems I have found ourselves new allies, they are here to help."

(OOC-About how many ships do you have Raz. At the moment I would put my self at ten fully-functioning or lightly damaged Battleships, 2 cruisers, and three damaged Battleships, and variety of smaller craft. I have three battleships completly destroyed, and one critically injured floating near Dai.)

[puppyavenger]

Krin conference

Killen nodded well, we might be able to work something out then, ours would let you jump between known or nearby stars much more quickly then usual, and yours would allow some maneuvering on a tactical scale.


krin trading post in Goh space.


After some of the krin learned that the Emperor was mustering his grand fleet (kind of hard to keep secret), one f the leading Krin approaches the commanding officer of the local military installation, asking if they'll require krin assistance.

[Raz_Fox]

Mith drikn Vwy

Rann Thnor disliked the orders, but they were from the Kaharach - she had no choice.

All ships fall back. Switch to long-range guns, we need to keep them at a distance until the Armies arrive. She turned to the Chief Gunner. "Power up the Plasma Scourge - we're going to destroy a fleet!"


Space Battle

The Khal began to disengage, ganging up on any ship that dared follow them. They began to arrange themselves around the Mith drikn Vwy and the Rik'zhell d'nr Pwtath.

They were still firing at the assembled fleet, but only with their heavy pulse cannons. However, a new threat was showing itself - a large cannon on the Mith drikn Vwy was crackling with purple lightning, glowing from the inside with sheer power.


Brianna's Ship

The Khal fighting Brianna nodded, then faded back, allowing Brianna to stumble forward. These Khal were graceful as well as strong, and danced through the ranks of the Oathborn with pulse pistols and twin-bladed scisks. The fight was long, chaotic and difficult; the Oathborn were elite, the space marines wouldn't die. They battled on with shredded wings and broken limbs, punctured lungs and slit throats. They flung Goh warriors into walls with bone-shattering force, slashing open armor and Goh alike with their scisks, stepping back and slaying Goh with one accurate pistol shot. Even worse, they worked as a team against the Oathborn.

Finally, six space marines lay dead compared to eight dead Oathborn, with seven more gravely wounded. The last stepped back from the fray and slammed a claw to his chest, then pointed at Brianna. "Tllar vos krithanria mllok todr, Metkoan. Mith todr Krytonite?"


Across the Greater Khalardis Empire

Orders from the Kaharach spread quickly, and several Armies jumped out of the crusades they fought in to the Dai-Leok system. However, no Army was as great as the Swift Wind of Omens. The Kaharach was expected to fight in the greatest wars, and Tichan was happy to do so. The Duchar vul Armach jumped, and so did the battleships of the Swift Wind of Omens. The Khal would win this day.

I would say twelve battleships, including the tenacious Lar duthin Hli. Seven light cruisers, most badly damaged. Eight hundred fighters and bombers. Then there's the Supercarrier Mith drikn Vwy and the Priestship Rik'zhell d'nr Pwtath.

[Moral Wiz]

Boarding party

The Sorcerer smiled No. They're too well defended. But our target will still change the battle.

He points at the Lar duthin Hli, which they were now almost on top of.

We're going to board this isolated ship, the one that started the raid. We need to capture it's bridge, and make sure the capitan doesn't try a dead man's switch kind of thing, then we'll show the Khal a little surprise we've been working on since we last fought them.

The little shuttle speads in to a swift landing, dodging pulse shots, in the hanger of the Lar duthin Hli

Raz, reaction? Remember, the Hli's been under demon attack since before the Army showed up... Hell, is it still facing down the Faaronites?

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras

However, a new threat was showing itself - a large cannon on the Mith drikn Vwy was crackling with purple lightning, glowing from the inside with sheer power.


We can't have that, now can we..

*Reaching out with his will, the Mith drikn Vwy looses all power*

[Greystone]

Command Ship Brutius

Brianna nodded and motioned her soldiers back. A white-robed priest of the sungod hurried in and began to heal the most critically injured. Brianna acknowledged the obvious challenge by stepping forwards. Using faith she walked up, and bowed, trusting in the innate warriors code shared by many militant races.

To her surprise the Khal bowed back. The two then stared at each other. Brianna acted first coming in with a straight attack to the torso, followed by a kick to the knee. The Khal dodged and blocked and reposted. To the combatentys, it went on for hours, but to the assembled troops it was over in minutes.

The Khal was already vaguely tred from the fight, and Brianna's strength seemed limitless as she drew on her reserves as a trained warrior and her innate magic and power. The Khal finally made a mistake. A attack caused Brianna to struggle and thinking it had caught her off her guard he could finish her.

The stumble was a cunning trick and he had no time to dodge the slice that removed his arm, and then another combination and the other joined it. Brianna looked down and said through the translator "A warriors death" and before the Khal could move its head had been severed.

Brianna had not escaped unscathed, a deep wound in her left shoulder caused her some diffculty, and she had at least one broken rib. She ignored the healer and strode to the bridge. Without a word to the command crew she opened up a frequency to what appeared to be the enemy command vessel (before the Kaharach arrived). Her holographic image shivered as she held up the Khal warriors head "I fought and slew your troops commander.They died brave, warrior's deaths, but I will issue you a assurance. Next time, come personally or nor at all. We fight now on a field of battle and if you wish to subdue of kill me, have the honor to do it yourself. Anymore of these marines and I shall simply consider you a coward. So I have spoken"

She takes in the battle and orders her forces to fall back into a single, seperate line parellel from the UCF and Kreel, with the Aetheri, so the Khal could not attack both forces with a single attack force. As she and Commander Direca got ready, she looked towards her screen to see the masses of Khal ships jump in. The Goh ships easily dodged long-range fire and returned it, scoring light hits to both sides.

Brianna was a military genius, and looking at the numbers against her she realized that it was going to take all of her skill and intelligence to get the combined forces out of this. She began to prepare her fleets strategy to survive the inevitable assault.

(OOC- I would like you to do the first boarding party Moral, Verona will follow)

[Raz_Fox]

Brianna's Communication

Brianna did not get an immediate response - the flagship of the commander seemed to be under an attack of some sort. After a few moments, a Khal came over to the holo-terminal and switched on the ansible. The harsh words were roughly translated via the Goh technology.

"Marines? ...Ah - certainly the strategy/plan one of the Rann clan/family would use. The Lar duthin Hli is no longer in command/ordering and is fighting-well/having-fun onboard with warp-things. I'd come assault/charge myself, but I'm busy/fighting. Have-fun/fight-well!"

She grabs something offscreen, and throws it into something else with a crunch. On-screen, you can see several Aetheri demons on the bridge itself.


Aetherlight

"Sir, we're under attack by Khal boarders - they're heading up to the bridge." The ship responded to the Aetheri captain - There are no boarders. The sound of pulse guns and fighting could be heard coming closer. There are no boarders. We cannot detect boarders. We cannot detect boarders.

Five bloodstained Khal blast their way onto the bridge, dripping twin-bladed scisks and pulse pistols in their claws. Black vacuum armor was brightened only by a glowing red star upon their chests.

There are no boarders. There are no boarders. There are no boarders...


Mith drikn Vwy

Shutting down the main reactor and completely restarting the engineering protocols worked - the power returned. However, the reactor was sluggish on the restart, and not enough power could be sent to the Plasma Scourge to open fire.

[Emperor Demonking]

The Peaceful Empire

The Peaceful Empire ships consider to exist in every system, gathering information and setting it back to the home planet. The head of Maps smiled, her knew that when it got down to it, The Peaceful Empire would have the best maps and with the best maps...

[Moral Wiz]

Boarding Party

The Aetheri raiders knew what to expect from Khal. Thoi, a sorcerer with a vicious looking energy based assault rifle exited first, firing a storm of warp energy at everything in sight. His fellow sorcerers came next. They did not carry large guns, as they were not usually deemed fitting for a sorcerer but anyone who'd felt the sting of one of their pistols knew not to take them lightly. To a one, the Sorcerers carried Demon Swords, of varying sizes, and were encased in full Demonic Armor, albiet with a HUD and comm link to the rest of the team.

Jal and the Magi came behind them. They weren't in armor, but carried a variety of weapons. One had a long, barbed spear, another held bladed gauntlets that he swore could cut up any Khal. Jal seemed the leader. He, of course, carried Khan's blade staff. It looked impossible for the comparatively small Aetheri to lift...

All were ready for battle as they descended however. You could find nothing else amongst the Khal.

Aetherlight

Khan blinked as the Khal arrived. His face soured as he saw the blood on their blades. He spoke softly to the Demon of the Ship.

Easy, Old One. Easy...

A long moment, in which Khal and touched simply eyed each other, unsure of who would make the first move. Then

Old One, all available power to me NOW!

Before the Khal could react, the ship obeyed, and a smiling Khan was enwrapped in the energy of the Emphyrian, just for a moment

However, it was all he needed. With a gesture, the Khal were engulfed in a storm of flowing red upon the command deck.

It wracked them with pain, but they could cope with that. Khal were used to pain.

But their armor...

The red lights flared like tiny stars, then burst, as the obsidian black armor fell to pieces...

If it's an energy effect, "Science" or magic alike, it's simply going to get toasted through the obscene amount of power Khan bombarded it with. In other words, anti magic. If it was an anti magic affect, I'll laugh, but it still works. :smallwink:

Magic is our primary strength. If you were fighting us with high technology, you might be doing better...

Khal space

A few alarms go off, almost as though someone is invading... but these alarms are ghost signals. A few patrols go on standby, but no threat materializes

If they'd had the time, some cleaver commander might have been able to trace the path made by the incidents, the path so recently taken by Rann Thorr's fleet. But it was too late...

Battle

A few of the Khal fighters flying runs around the rearward ships of the formation noticed a strange energy reading...

They didn't get a chance to react as the black and gold ships of the Inquisitorial High Fleet jumped in behind them, from Khal Space, with a crack of Emphyric Thunder. Seven battleships, and the flagship... of an unknown design. Somewhat smaller than the Khal Superbattleship, but heavier, and seemingly with every bit as many guns. Their shields flared white, and the fighters cut though the void in their launching as the storm began.

Not just the regular effect of leaving a Warp-Jump, (which alone had sent a number of Khal fighters and a couple of unlucky cruisers to their deaths,) but with a rumble of guns, and the flaring of their engines. The Inquisitors knew what was waiting for them here

And they were charging to meet it. Headlong into the rather surprised Khal fleet, all their weapons firing. Even the Khal are vulnerable to surprise, and a fast attack. And the Inquisition were the Aetheri's finest, their oldest military group, sent against worshipers of the Dark Gods. They know how to seize the moment.

Flagship Magister's Fist

Inquisitor Lord Drake smiled as he looked at the view-screen. An acolyte spoke from one of the terminals.

Weak points of the Khal fleet's current defensive formation isolated, Lord. Beginning attack run now

Excellent. All ships are to hit them head on, full volley and full speed. We have suprise, let us use it - To tear the Khal to shreds. I want to be through their lines, with maximum damage, as fast as possible

There is a cheer from the bridge crew, but one white robed initiate doesn't join it. He simply coughs.

Sir? There is another issue. This ship here

He points to a certain, somewhat unusual looking ship

Is causing some kind of widespread Aetheric disruption. It's going to be irritating trying to fight in that. Warp guns will be operating at sub-optimal, if we're lucky.

Drake looks cold, even in this hallowed place

Yes... I feel it now. What blasphemous little toys the Khal have

The inquisitor is silent for a moment, then smiles

We're the Inquisition. What do we do other than destroy such items of heresy?

There is a resounding cheer, as Drake barks an order over the comms

Change course. May the Crone guide our hand in destroying that abomination.

Soon, the rather large threatening supercruiser is ploughing it's way through the now scattering Khal fleet towards the Rik'zhell d'nr Pwtath. Full guns a-blazing, engines going at maximum,

[Greystone]

Boarding Party

Before the doors to the ships opened each of the Oathborn used their elemental magic to protect themselves. Then Verona went one step further, weaving a web of white magic over herself and her allies.

As the Aetheri moved out, Verona and her men followed suit. Unlike the men on the Brutius, these four were part of a fraternity of eight, who never left the Princess's side. Each was a master of combat in all forms. Three wielded swords. One used it two-handed, another used a pistol, yet another used an odd energy shield. The fourth had a heavy repeating blaster (Think mobile MG-42).

Verona moved out first among her group, and she fell upon the Khal like a horrible storm. Her demonic blade shone blood red as her power of fire fed its power. In return, for every drop of blood split, the demon's power grew as did its blood lust. Even the great Khal warriors fell before Verona. She moved like a violent river. Her sword worked in tandem with her legs and arms to make her a veritable killing machine. Her innate water power and her own skill made her very difficult to even hit.

Soon the landing was clear, the groups surprise was complete and the enemy had given little initial resistance. Verona turned to her allies, who noticed that her eyes still glowed red.

"Which way to the bridge" Her voice was odd, still beautiful, but charged with power. Blood had splattered her armor and face but she took no notice.

Bruitius

Brianna smiled as the new Aetheri fleet jumped in, to hit the back and heart of the enemy. They were confused now, not knowing which way to fight. She made a decision.

"All Allied ships" she made the broadcast to all the new alien vessels and allies "Attack while their confused, though keep some in reserve to cover OUR flank" and she followed her own orders.

She and the Goh spearheaded the way into the very heart of the fleet to meet up with the Inquisitorial one. Her ships noticed the Superships goal and decided to aid. Her battlegroup made a ring around the priest ship that was meant to give the Aetheri ship to destroy it.

"This is Governor Brianna of the Goh" she sent to the lead ship "Thank you for the reinforcements."

[Moral Wiz]

Boarding Party

The Sorcerers were not quite the equal of the Oathborn, but they were still quick and lethal. Their powers ensured that. Their armor was hard to penetrate, and their weapons cut through air and armor with equal ease. Even the Khal have problems with Sorcerors...

The Magi tended to hang back from combat.They greatfully accepted Verona's magic, and buffered it with a few light chants of their own. They would heal the group, react, open doors, and fight when they must, but they were not the sorts to stand in hand to hand against the Khal. Not when provided with alternatives...

Jal smiled, as they started to make their way through the war-zone. Thankfully, between damage, and the distraction of the Aetherlight's demons, most of the Khal were occupied for now.

This way. Front and center, standard for Khal.

They made their way there quickly. As Verona's eyes flared, Jal puts a hand on her shoulder. Verona can feel more of this energy, strengthening her will

Be careful, Princess. Keep your focus. The Demon must remain bound... let it feed, but not too deeply... else it can be deadly to you instead.

Space

Drake smiled at the nice green blood bespattered alien. He himself is a normal Aetheri, if seemingly a rather young one.

This is Inquisitor Drake. Happy to help, Governor. The High Chosen got your message, and thought you could use some help.

[Greystone]

Boarding Party

Verona glanced at the Magi "My eyes always glow mid-battle, but I did feel the demon's presence lurking, constricting around my heart. I will attempt to keep it at bay"

Verona and the Oathborn moved up to the next door. She peered in, then ducked as a plasma shot narrowly missed her head "Gordo, throw me your Nova"

The Oathborn in question tosses a small golden disk to Verona. Without pausing the Princess throws the bomb in. She slams the door, and scurries back. There is no sound, except a Khal's bemused exclamation. Then a intense wave of heat passed over the lot of them.

Verona opened the door to find the room slagged and the corpses of at least ten Khal, burnt to practically ash. At any stunned glances, Verona smiles "Nova bombs, equipped to the Oathborn. Makes a very centralized heatwave that melts or reduces anything else to dust."

She walked into the room, finding it to be bridge security. They were at the bridge. Verona turned to the boarding party "When we are all ready"

Space

"You can send my thanks to the high chosen when we finally meet her. Brianna out" She paused and cursed as the ship had to break to the side to avoid a plasma torpedo.

She contacted Major Ordanis, planetary Military Govenor "Status"

"Sir, the civilians are being taken to nearby systems as quickly as possible" he smiled "the ones that will go, many of them have joined the militia or simply refuse to leave there homes"

Brianna chuckles "Typical stubbornness, well good luck major"

Krin

Dr. Brisba nodded "Indeed, lets see what we can do"

To Krin Ambassador

The military Colonel looks up and contemplates "Sure, Prince Hadrian is watching this border while the other brothers fight, so any help would be very goo"

[Raz_Fox]

Onboard the Magister's Fist

"S-sir, we have multiple ships dropping into warp behind the Aetheri fleet... different in style than the Khal battleships. And... oh, gods preserve us, another fleet dropping in behind us. With another ship the size of that carrier, sir. Only seven ships, however, thank the gods. And they've locked on to the fleet, sir..."


Onboard the Duchar vul Armach

Tichan submitted his battle strategy to the rest of the fleet via ansible, then gave his orders to the ship's Metkhun. Open fire on the ship leading the assault upon Rik's sacred vessel, full cannons. Wipe out this fleet, then assault the first alien fleet with the Mith drikn Vwy. Further orders as necessary.

He girded the Windblades upon his back, and led the Kharlong down to the Kaharach's personal shuttle. Watching the enemy fleet, he had pinpointed one ship as the lynchpin - the Bruitius. He would take the ship personally, as his right as Kaharach.


Onboard the Arrow

The Vela fleet made the Jump in one piece, thankfully. Ahead of them were two alien fleets, slow and ungainly to the eyes of the Vela. They immediately charged up the tachyon cannons and slipped forward, between and around the alien ships, releasing the experimental Spear-class ships - designed to board enemy vessels. Those Khal who served in the Vela fleet were at the forefront of the assault, of course.

Captain Tatheran - technically a Metkhun of the Army, but nobody called him that - lovingly took the helm of the first Spear-class, the Arrow. He shot towards the enemy, aiming for one of the Aetheri battleships. He personally led every assault, for the heart of the Vela was strong in him indeed.

"Alright, men. Let's win a battle."

[Greystone]

(This post is assuming the Kaharach has jumped in)

Brianna saw the largest ship of all jump in, and knew intuitivly that was the leader of this entire fleet. She activated her holo-translator "The is Princess Brianna of the Goh, Governor of this Province" She looks into the eyes of the Kaharach, unflinchingly "I assume that you are the master of this fleet."

She pauses for a second to bark out some orders "Even for what I have heard of the Khal, this seems to be a pointless conflict. Both of our sides have bled and died. I suggest at least a temporary cease-fire." she smiles grimly "It seems wrong to war with someone we haven't even met. If you disagree I assure you that the Goh will fight to the bitter end, honorably as the warriors of old, and by the Sun God we'll make you pay for every step. If not reply immediately"

She stays waiting for an answer.

[Raz_Fox]

Brianna's Communication

Brianna sees no image before the holo-transmitter on the Duchar vul Armach, but a reply crackles over the ansible. The Kaharach's speech is smoother than most of his kind, but his voice occasionally stumbles. "Ah, Metkhun. You caught/ambushed me a bit late, although given a moment we can speak/have-diplomacy in person. Metkhuns of the Army/Commanders are Jumping in as we speak, but if your spirit/soul is peaceful/weak we will accept/grasp surrender and allow you to retreat/flee."

[Greystone]

Brianna laughs "Surrender? No, I think not. I don't think that would be acceptable for either of us. No, merely a discussion on the necessity of this conflict. I like a fight as much as the next warlord but I am against such a wasteful enterprise. No matter who wins this day, it will leavve both sides weakened. It is up to you"

her face hardens "I do not surrender"

[puppyavenger]

Krin conference

excellent

lets just assume that all new ships built from now on have both FTL drives, assuming their big enough

Krin ambassador

Excellent, if you'd just give me the Coordinates for the meet-up system, I'm sure that an expeditionary force could be organized within the week. this flies in the face of previous experience with krin politics.

[Halna LeGavilk]

Space Battle

The Goh and Aetheri were having difficulties until the arrival of the UCF - their magic was fading, for some unknown reason, and their depowered vessels couldn't compete with the Khal in their chosen theatre.

However, the Khal formation was completely broken when the UCF arrived. Lightning reflexes honed by the ice storms of Syrii helped most ships evade, but some ships were badly damaged and many fighters were obliterated.

Now, the battle was a back-and-forth. Khal battleships exploded into flame, but the Khal skill and firepower was enough to drive back the UCF and show the Farronites some respect for the Khal. Technological terrors may be the talent of these aliens, but the Khal were pilots from the egg.

On the flank with the Goh, the Khal ships began to retreat, and one ship shot forward. The battle-damaged Lar duthin Hli, under orders from the Kaharach himself, stood alone against the UCF fleet.


Lar duthin Hli

As the alien ship exploded, taking the brave marines, Ycharr Tvari nodded. "I guess these aliens aren't as bad as we thought - they certainly know how to truly give a warrior's death!"

She hit the console, every nerve throbbing with anxiety and energy. "Glory or death! Launch the modified torpedoes!"

Ycharr Tvari watched as the bundle was shot towards the alien fleet, torpedoes bound together with heavy-duty cord, their controls sparking. Tichan had better know what he was doing with those instructions, or they were dead.


Mith drikn Vwy

"Metkhun of the Army, we have pinpointed the enemy lead ships. Here - here - here. The last will be tricky, it's teleporting all over the battlefield. However, the marines will persevere." Rann Thnor nodded, then activated the ship's ansible. Launch the marines - their targets are marked as follows. Take prisoners - we wish to learn more of our worthy opponents. Krytonite!


Unbreakable, several moments later

"Did you hear something?" A Farronite on level 72 halted its companion. "Your mind's playing tricks on you. Come on." "No, really, there it is again. Like scraping on the hul-"

A black claw punched through the hull, shocking both. Another claw was extended into the rip, and the Khal on the other side literally ripped the hull open. The Farronites rushed off, trying not to be sucked out of the hull. Two pistol shots later, they lay dead on the floor. Six more space marines followed - the elite of the Khal, unstoppable and deadly. Their gravity-boots clicked against the metallic floor as they blasted door after door open, heading to the bridge, splitting up and heading there one by one.


The same scene replays on the lead ship of the Goh armada - seven deadly warriors, ready to seize command.

The URF fleet fought on, the technological edge dulled by the Khal's simply ferocity and born piloting skills. The carriers released swarms of small, expendable drones that fired a large amount of Gatling-MAC rounds at enemy ships, fighter and torpedos.

Ships grouped back together and swirled about in random patterns, phasing when needed. A group of ships would swarm about a single Khal ship until it was destroyed, then move to the next one.

On the Unbreakable

Farez smiled as the ship's systems detected the seven intruders. He walked off the control landing, and turned to the Grand Admiral, Kirat Nurto, and said, "Take the deck." Farez dissapeared.

Farez appeared behind the seven intruders, laughing. "Having a good time? So am I." As the Khal turned to fire at Farez, they found themselves... not wanting too. Their Khal instincts almost made them, but, a full six seconds later, they were bowing to Farez.


Use of the Farez's genetic manipulation ability to make the seven Khal his loyal slaves.

[Moral Wiz]

Boarding Party

Jal smiled

We all are

He finally takes out the bladestaff... It should be too big for him, but he somehow carries it easily, smiling

For the Emperor!

With that, the Aetheri ran briskly onto the bridge, to whatever combination on Demons and Khal awaits.

Magister's Fist

They're trying to lock on? With us this distance from their own fleet?

Drake laughs, grimly

Bloodthirsty fools. Let's show this new arrival why the Inquisition commissioned the Fist.

Inquisitorial High Fleet

With a deft motion, almost the equal of a Khal, the Fist wheels away from the initial broadside round of the Khal lead ship, sending it crashing into the abominable Tech Priest ship. The process continues, no matter how many times the Khal try it, the Fist is just that little bit faster than a heavy capitol ship is supposed to be.

Quickly, not wishing to overstay it's welcome, it moved off past, to resume it's mission of trying to cut through the Khal Fleet already there, though not before giving the abomination next to it a full broadside at point blank range... They tried to keep it between them, and the new arrivals.

The other ships are less lucky, and are taking more stress than expected. But they cut through the weakened forces of Rann Thror's fleet quickly, and in the great maelstrom of ships that resulted, it was hard for Khal outside the immediate area of the fleet to open fire. Those who did were as likely to hit their own fleet as the Inquisition one, targeting systems or no. There was that much confusion...

The Vela shuttle runs work rather better. The Inquisition ships are fast, but the Spears are their equal. Quite a few Vela manage to land.

Kre-Kanith Ascendant

One of those battleships they hit was an old hand aboard the Inquisition. A little battle scarred, a little worn, but still the equal of her sisters. The grizzled Capitan smiled on the bridge as the alarm rang out

All right. Heads up all, we've got boarders. Full ahead as before, defense teams should be in the hanger, ready to meet them. Let's show Drake what we can do.

Curious, are the Vela Warp users? Cause that'll make this interesting...

Stormhand

Aboard the Stormhand, one of the Aetheri Cruisers that had been fighting side by side with the Goh, High Sorceress Rilithe Nathre looked out at the new arrivals, her face set and mind locked in contemplation

This can only be the Kaharach's personal fleet. The Hound's own...

She simply sits in her command chair, lost in thought. She'd never expected to see battle. The Stormhand was modified for speed, of course, and carried armament, well, naturally. But it was a civilian ship and transport, primarily. It wasn't the equal of the other ships here.

And was certainly not the equal of the almighty fleet before it. The Sorceress sighed

We don't stand a chance, do we?

Ma'am.

The crew did not lie to their mistress. She slumped back in her chair, her eyes and mind once more on the battle.

Thought not. Well, then. Let's win what we can.

There is no cheer from the crew, no last gesture. They know what they're going into. But still, they do it.

Full ahead. Give that lead vessel something to remember us by!

Space Battle

Before the Duchar vul Armach's attempt to reach the Brutius can quite succeed, one small, fast cruiser darts between the two, breaking formation, and any chance at protection, opening up with whatever fire it can at the mighty battleship, trying to keep between it and the Brutius

Brutius

A broadcast comes in from the Stormhand

Governor Brianna, listen. This is the personal fleet of the Kaharach. He is the greatest of all Khal, a strategist and master of war. An immortal, chosen of the Hound, and a storm in battle. His arrival will herald that of countless Khal, all of whome will flock to your empire like flies to carrion.

Your Grand Fleet will need all the ships it can get, when it shows up. I beg you. Get out of here. This will be a massacre, not battle, and there is no shame in running from such a thing. We can't win, and being annihilated by this force, and wasting your whole fleet is not...

The broadcast cuts off, suddenly.

Aetherlight

Khan looks over the rather surprised Khal marines, and smiles

Marines have tried to storm this ship before. They got this far too.

His speech is surprisingly fluent, and indisputably Khal

It was in this room that they died. You want to join them?

In absence of his bladestaff, Khan holds the traditional weapons of a Sorcerer. Pistol, and longblade, both demon-bound. One other sorcerer stand there with him, in full armor, helmet and all. Along with him are eleven Aetheri soldiers crewing the bridge. Not all were truly needed though, and now they were pointing their warp rifles at the Khal invaders. They weren't the equal of the marines, but they were selected for this job by the Most High. They were some of the best of the Aetheri military, and all had trained under Khan and other warriors who'd fought Khal before. Well armed, and in full power armor, in Khan's colors of black and light blue... They weren't going to go that quietly...

[Greystone]

(This post was approved by Armin)
Brutius

Brianna sighed, she could see the point. There was no way, even their four fleets combined, could defeat that without aid. Her father simply took to long to get here. She began to pull out, a fighting retreat perhaps, but they were still pulling back. She grimaced and then keyed a transmission.

"Major Ordanis?" She said, trying to get ahold of him.

"Yes Govenor?" he inquired, looking eager for news.

"The battle is not going well, we need the MK IV's to launch" She said stoically.

The major sputtered, apparently at a lost "But Ma'am, on your own orders we would only use...those....in a"

"Time of desperate need, Indeed Major, now launch them" and she signed off.

From the twin planets arose hundred, if not thousands of small sleek craft, each around the size of a frigate. The MK IV's were a last line of defense tactic, piloted entirely by semi-aware and programmed Golems. Their mission was to fly at a enemy ship, unload its armament in merely a few seconds, and then detonate on the ship itself.

Brianna hated to use these...things. She considered them vaguely unhonorable, but as long as the enemy was out-matching them she had no choice. Her jaw dropped as the first wave came within attacking distance of the enemy fleet. They did horrific damage, The Khal completely unready for it. Now that she looked, more of their shots were slamming into the Khal fleet, with better accuracy.

What the devil was going on?

Then the Khal seemed to outstretch itself, chasing the fleeing Goh. It was a sound tactical maneuver, nothing was threatening that flank. Well, wasn't until the entire space there was suddenly filled with the Goh Imperial Navy. It literally filled the edge of the sector. The resulting wave of their arrival caused any Khal ships to go careening into each other or spin off into the distance.

Then the Goh fleet fired and a roiling mass of plasma, torpedo's, and fire scorched and slammed the newly under the attacked flank. This had a devastating effect on the Khal, many of their battleships had been destroyed. Elsewhere they ran out of luck.

The Aetheri managed to score a critical hit on the Tech Priests, even the normally luck Kaharach wasn't so lucky. He wasn't lucky as the torpedo clipped his shuttle, crippling it, so it could only limp back to his flagship. He WAS lucky that he wasn't vaporized like most of the small craft.

Brianna whistled. She was very impressed by the entrance> She turned to her bridge crew "Lets win this battle!"

The Solar Hammer

The Solar Hammer dwarfed even the mighty Khal flagship, and perhaps even had more weaponry. It was extremely slow, but with its cadre of defending ships it didn't seem to mind. Gold and white robed Sun Priests and Mages fired fireballs along with the ship actual weaponry with a uncanny accuracy, many of them attached to the ships sensors. The ships guns fired and did much damage to a nearby Battleship.

Emperor Kane watched the battle unfolding before him with a cool stare, it was what he did, how he stayed calm. He was having trouble staying calm though, how dare these creatures attack the Empire and his daughter.

Brianna's form crackled onto the holo-scree "You always were a showoff father, what did you do, bring the entire Imperial Navy?"

Kane chuckled "As much as I could bring, along with about half of Melvinar's and a good portion of Hadrian's"

Brianna groaned "Please don't say-"

Kane smirked "Melvinar came himself"

Brianna blanched "He is going to be unbearable for the next couple years at least, couldn't you have just taken his army?"

Kane "No, Kane out"

The Sun God had been able to attack so precisely because of a scout ship nobody had noticed in the fighting. hey had waited for the perfect time to strike, and it had payed off.

Isabel's Casting chamber

The room was dark, lit only by candles. In the center of The Solar Hammer she stood with five other black-robed figures. She was in the center of a gigantic pentacle while the other five stood at one of the points.

Isabel was born on a non-unified Goh world. On her planet relics and ancient artifacts of a long-forgotten race were everywhere. When Kane came the populace saw very little reason to oppose him. When he rode into Isabel's village it is said that the two locked eyes, and for the first and last time...The mighty Sun God looked away.

They were married as soon as Kane could woo her. But Isabel's family had a darkside. Generations before, Isabel's great-great grandfather had found a book crafted out of a pure black substance. Its writing was in silver ink. Their family had been called witches, but on her planet Witch meant wise woman and protector.

Well know Isabel and her disciples were weaving a curse on the Khal fleet, the ones who dared to make war on the mighty Goh Empire. They had been casting practically non-stop since they had begun the voyage. None were tired, for the Eldritch ritual filled them all with an innane power.

Isabel read drew her power directly from the book and channeled it. No one could stop her. Even direct hits wouldn't shake the ceremony. They reached a crescendo in the ritual and each of them stretched out their hand, and swiftly cut it. Blood dripped onto the pentacle, further fueling the ritual. Isabel's blood sank directly into the book and the silver lettering glowed with power.

[Greystone]

Boarding party

Verona walked over to the slagged door and drew back her fist. She slammed into it, her enhanced strength causing the already weakened door to collapse. The bridge crew were half fighting demons, half attempting to inflict as many casualties.

The oathborn streamed in a engaged the crew. Verona strode forwards and pointed to the captain "Fight me, I challenge you!"

Brianna to Stormhand

"This is the Flagship Brutius, do you need aid Stormhand. Repeat, do you need aid?"

[Raz_Fox]

Boarding Party

Most demons on the main bridge are dead or wishing that they were, and the intruders were fallen upon by the remmnant of the crew. Bleeding Khal with razor-sharp talons used every part of their body as a weapon; beak, talons, wings, arms, legs...
Several Nebensee had grabbed pulse rifles and augmented them slightly - enough to punch through demon-armor if aimed right. Two Spicans with power-swords stepped forward, like angels of death coming to claim their due. Some Vela still survived, their long knives lashing out at weak points in the enemy's armor.
Lastly came Tchaikoan Ycharr Tvari, armed with two scisks and using them to deflect projectiles and lash open any unwary enemy. When she heard Verona's challenge, she leapt forward, scisks ready.


Duchar vul Armach

What an annoying ship the... Makhester's Fyst was proving to be. The chief gunner began the Hasholo maneuver - when the ship tried to dodge out of the way of one battery's fire, it dodged right into another. And another. The Duchar vul Armach began to weave a net of yellow fire around the Makhester's Fyst, locking on torpedoes and making it dance to their tune. Even if it was still dodging most of the damage, the Khal had cleaved away from the Kaharach's vessel and it had nowhere to go.
Then something new happened. An enemy fleet had jumped in and opened fire. The Duchar vul Armach stood strong through the fulisade, the Mith drikn Vwy by its side. Together, they shot towards the only ship their size - the Solaar Haimmr, the Plasma Scourge charging up, the full power of the Kaharach's ship about to be unleashed.


Stormhand

"Ma'am, we've been boarded by one of the new ships. We've lost Engineering and Security levels, and they're heading to the bridge. Quite quickly, in fact. We're ready to fight, Ma'am."


The Kaharach's Shuttle

The Kharlong pilot spoke out. "Kaharach, we are being fired upon by an enemy vessel. Evasion begun." Tichan simply looked at the holo-projection of the battle and nodded. "Fly past it - it has been boarded by Captain Tatharan. I doubt the guns will be in working order for much longer..."
"Kaharach, another enemy fleet has jumped in - they're opening fire, sir."
Tichan simply closed his eyes, and focused. "Kaharach..." "Wait... wait... now!" Tichan hit the accelerators, dodging them out of the way of multiple torpedoes.
"Pilot, get me to that ship. By any means necessary."

Kre-Kanith Ascendant

Captain Tatheran, this is Lieutenant Shazera. We've boarded the Kre'Kanith Ascen'dant. Resistance encountered, neutralizing. Lieutenant out.

Shazera left cover long enough to hit two Aetheri with her rifle before ducking back. The Vela were skirmishers at heart, and several groups had slipped past the defenses already.


Space Battle

As if connected to the arrival of the Imperial Navy, Khal Armies begin to Jump in. Fleets from across the Greater Khalardis Empire, fuelled by the knowledge that they would have a battle to remember.

As the fleet of the Mith drikn Vwy began to fall back and repair, four more took its place. The Swift Wind of Omens - which had also withstood and evaded the storm - led them into the flank of the Imperial Fleet, guns blazing and Khal piloting at its best.

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras


This isn't right. Too many people are getting involved, and the umber of ships is wrong. Too many for a simple raid. Something else is going on here. I need more information....

*Quickly orders went out. An enemy warrior was to be captured and brought before Loras so they could try to figure out what was going on.

A squadron of Heavy fighters was tasked to find an appropriate target. Since space was a "target rich environment", it didn't take long to find one. A single destroyer, already damaged from the fighting, was temporarily alone.

The fighters targeted both the engines and the weapons, rendering the destroyer unable to move or fight, but keeping (most) of the occupants alive). A transmission was sent to the ship*

Attention vessel! Prepare to receive visitors. We are sending a single shuttle to open communications between visitors! Repeat, prepare to receive visitors! We wish to talk to the officer in charge! If you accept, please indicate docking access point! We will undertake to defend your vessel while we are on board!

[Greystone]

(I will continue my battle when Raz and I are done discussing)

The Krin

The Goh Colonel hands the coordinates of the battle to the Krin ambassedor.

[puppyavenger]

[how long's the battle been going on for?]

a few days later, two dozen ships, mainly cruisers and destroyers with two battleships and one carrier, jumped into the starsystem where the battle was.

I'll put more when I figure out if the battle's still going on by then.

[Emperor Demonking]

The Peaceful Empire

The Peaceful Empire focus on gaining Ship and Cloaking information.

[Greystone]

I'd say by this point its been maybe a day at most, but I'll leave it up to the rest to decide)

[Emperor Demonking]

Its not fair for those not in your battle to have to wait till the end of your battle to advance.

[Krrth]

So go ahead and advance your plotlines. If you aren't in the battle, don't worry about it. It wouldn't be the first time we've had multiple timeframes going on in a game like this. We should also probably keep this in OOC

[Moral Wiz]

Kre-Kanith Ascendant

The boarders discover that they're fighting their own shadows, foes who look for the moment to strike, then hit in strength. Inquisitors too expect to face stronger foes, and fight accordingly Sniping posts are scattered throughout the ship. The only parts of the ship that are fortified are the shield generator room, and the door to the bridge, both of which are covered by snipers from every which way. Snipers with supernaturally skillful aim

This is how skirmishers make war.

Neither of us are really specalized here. The Inquisition have their magic, which is semi-helpful, the Vela have their warfare skill, which is again, semi-helpful. (The Inq also have some fancy tech and experiance, but let's forget that for a moment, as Vela skill in warfare is slightly more useful, in gerrulia combat)

I'm thinking standoff. Work for you?

Boarding Party

Jal ends up fighting the two Spicians, his skill with Khan's bladestaff augmented through his own white magic. Hood down, his black messy hair ends up making it a battle of the angels there...

The smiling laughing Thoi entered into a dance of death with the Nebensee, red and blue energy causing a storm across the room

Four of the Magi engaged the Vela when they could. They didn't wear armor, but they were not without a few tricks. An impressive healing factor to start with... The Claw using Magi danced around, his robe whipping as he steped, looking not unlike a Vela himself.

The three remaining Sorcerers fought the remaining Khal, pistol and sword making a dance of death, giving the wounded Khal the fight of their lives. Two magi stand amidst them, striking quickly in melee, with staff and rapier, and retreating and healing as needed.

Stormhand

Thank you, Lieutenant.

Rilithe took up her iron staff, and looked around her. Her crew may never have expected to see actual combat, they may not be the equals of whatever came through that door, but they were still warriors, soldiers, and true heroes in her eyes. This confirmed it

The High Sorceress' eyes flared

Time to fight. May the Emperor guide us, the Lady show us her grace..

..the Crone her mercy and the Magister his light, at the end.

[Greystone]

Boarding Party

The Goh Oathborn decided to engage the Khal warriors on the bridge, except the one with the machine gun who got into a firefight with the Nebanese.

Very little of that mattered now as Verona and the Captain squared off. Suddenly Verona shot forwards and sword met Scisks. Again and again the two's blades met. As the fight dragged on Tvari realized that instead of getting slower, Verona seemed to be getting faster and stronger.

The runes on her demonic blade glowed with an unholy light, and she brought them done unerringly in complex feints and counter attacks. Her eyes glowed brighter, and she finally managed to slip through the Khal's guard and cut through its hide. Just a flesh wound but Verona grinned savagely.

Her canines had elongated, both upper and lower like a animals. Her blade sang at the taste of blood. Internally she was fighting a war, her inner calm vs the Demons bloodlust.

(Moral, Brianna called the Stormhand before, asking if they need help)

[Blockhead]

Da Orks

The planet or GorkaMorka and indeed, most if not all the Ork inhabited worlds had finished producing enough weaponry and armour to arm a few trillion Orks, which was just as well, as there would likely be that many. 'Big Boss' Blokk'ead had spoken with his retinue of Nobs at length and they had come to an agreement. Each Nob would get a small slice of the Ork army, worlds and armaments in exchange for loyalty and tributes to Blokk'ead. The agreement went as follows:

'Big Boss' Blokk'ead's Lootin' Rights List
'Big Boss' Blokk'ead would control 50% of the army directly, meaning over 150 worlds were at his disposal and his army answered to him only. He maintained ultimate authority over all Orks anyway, however.

The rest of the Nobs (which were 5 in total) would each control 10% of the army, meaning 30 worlds each at their disposal to do what they wished with, as long as Blokk'ead got a share. The Nobs were called:

Nob Thwacka - An Nob that liked to hit things with clubs and prefered melee combat
Nob Rokkits - A Nob that liked space travel and missles, as well as custom made jetpacks, preferred blowing stuff up to anything else
Nob Blazkin - A slightly crazed Nob that liked to burn things
Nob Derakka - Another slightly crazed Nob that loved bullets and big guns and preferred range combat
Nob Mechascrap - Quite a calm Nob by Ork standards, who liked collecting scrap, building things and repairing things, liked using vehicles in combat and collect technology

With each Nob given their own army, they quickly set off for their designated area of space aboard personalised Scrap Metal Flagships, with needless gun turrets and bits of armour everywhere the eye could see. They each had visions of grand WAAAAGGGHHH!!!!s and endless loot and stompin'. Once they had left, Blokk'ead went about readying his own army for space travel.

Thought I'd do this so you'd have more of an opportunity to run into the Orks. I'll have more on the Spaceships later.

[Moral Wiz]

GreystoneTheir comms are down. That message took a while to send

Magestir's Fist

The ship shook as it's shields absorbed a hit. Inquisition or no, that was close. They couldn't take too many like that.

Sir? They're trying to encircle us with their fire. The Khal fleet's surrounding us. We're running out of places to go...

Drake grimaced

They've got us playing to their tune. So let's change the dance.

He barked orders quickly over the comms as the Khal fleet rushed to greet them.

All guns, fire, down and right. Shield focus up and left. Drives to the up and left, full speed. Fighters, give support fire. We're going to cut our way through, one way or the other..

Inquisitorial High Fleet

As the Khal dodged the fire of the Fist's guns, the Inquisition's tactic became clear quickly. They wheeled to the up and left. The incoming fire of the Duchar vul Armach was met by a rush of pure white shields, as the full protective power on the Fist became focused there. Those Khal who could have hit it's vulnerable side on the down and right were still dodging the volley of the ships guns

Those Khal ships that tried to stand in the Supercruiser's way either dodged, or found that the Fist's shields were being bolstered by a large team of initiates. They were strong enough to take even direct hits from a ship. Heretics are fond of suicide runs, after all.

The other ships were looking likely to be in trouble, more and more Khal shots finnaly connecting... until the arivial of the Sun Hammer. As the Khal fleet left, they made good, heading away, each on it's own path, scattering across the battlefield, trying to divide Khal attention

As they did so, pure white veins flowed across the shields of the ships. With luck, they could fully recharge before the Khal fleet attacked. And if they did, the bloodthirsty spawn of the Hound would be distracted from the Solar Hammer, and the Goh. That could cost them the battle...

[Raz_Fox]

Aboard the Aetherlight

The space marines lunge forward regardless, two aiming to kill Khan while the other three battled the crew. Twin-bladed scisks flash as they meet daemonblades, beak and claw against magic and honor.
However, the space marines are badly outnumbered, and they begin to be overwhelmed by the superior numbers of the Aetheri.


Aboard the Stormhand

The boarders had nearly made it to the bridge - predominately Vela light infantry. They moved into position, as Captain Tatheran walked out before them. He waited for the Aetheri counterattack, Khal marines and Vela skirmishers behind him.

"Good evening. Would you care to defend your ship, or simply hand it over now? If you pick the latter - for once - we can skip this whole messy buisness..."


Aboard the Lar duthin Hli

Tvari's eyes widened as her opponent became something... other. She began a frantic defense, catching the demonic blade between the twin blades of her scisks. She flipped back from one attack, kicking Verona in the face with her claws and landing on the deck perfectly. However, Tvari was losing her characteristic energy and vigor, while this beast wouldn't stop.

All around her, her men were dying valiant deaths. Would she join them?


Aboard the Zshar wylri Xirkath

The Khal Saikoan shook his head. "A boarding party! My lord, let us slaughter them if they dare come aboard!" Tchaikoan Silariin shook his head. "There are those with good intentions. They only disabled our guns so that we could not shoot them out of the sky. I will meet them personally - if they attack me, Nthar Lunak, you have permission to open fire upon them."
He turned on the ansible. This is Tchaikoan Silariin of the Kirnanli Army. If your intentions are honorable, you may proceed to the undamaged docking bay 4-9O. I repeat, 4-9O.
"Let us go meet these peacelovers..."


Aboard the battle-damaged Rik'zhell d'nr Pwtath

"That fleet - I am certain of it. They posess the blessing of Rik himself. As brother to brother, we must warn them." "Agreed, brother."

Aboard the Unbreakable, an ansible transmission was picked up. Run through translators, it read as follows:

Brothers [lit. battle brother], we praise the name of [untranslatable=Rik] that you are here to meet the Khal [lit. the one true people]. We must warn you that the Khal are eager to fight [lit. duel in space] and cannot be warned from this path.
As fellow masters of technology and mathematics, we must warn you that the Khal will never stop fighting [lit. a battle eternal] but if you leave, we will not [closest translation=bear grudges, seek vengance]. As brothers and sons of [untranslatable=Rik], we give you [mercy?] and warn you.
The Khal will always war. Will they war against you, [enlightened? smart?] ones, or against the warrior races?


Brutius

Thirteen Kharlong stepped aboard, the best-armed warriors in the fleet. Behind them, the Kaharach himself came aboard. "The sacrifice of the marines was not in vain - we know now the way to the bridge. Let us see how this... 'Breynna' really fights."

[Moral Wiz]

Aetherlight

Khan smiled as the marines charged him

Foolish.

His blade is out in an instant, and he shows himself every bit as strong with it as you'd expect from a seven foot demon-thing, though his grace is a little surprising. His blade sings as it makes contact, though not with bloodlust, meeting the twin blades of the Khal head on, a rare feet...

The others had it little better. The sorcerer's blade stormed in single combat with one marine, having a hard time of it, but not quite dieing yet. Those against the crew might have fared rather better... in their armor. But even with the Khal's incredible strength, there are only so many shots an unarmored body can take...

They close to melee, in spite of the pain and destruction they encounter, their scisks cutting down two of the Aetheri before the warpfire truly makes it's mark....

Stormhand

No counterattack is forth coming. Predominantly because the Stormhand simply hasn't the garrison to make one. Barring the bridge, which still holds the High Sorceress and her personal guard, the ship is under Tatheran's control

A voice called out from behind the fortified bridge door.

The Khal do not surrender. They kill without mercy. Why should we trust you, whoever you are?

Will delay the actions of the INQ till I know more about the fleet battle...

[Raz_Fox]

Stormhand

Tatharan chuckles. "Reason one: I'm technically a Vela, not a Khal. Reason b: it's about the war, not the battle. If I can take this ship with a lack of bloodshed, we will be one step closer to taking the battle. Reason iii:" Tatharan pulls out his pistols, flicking their power gauges to Overload and aims at the door. "I'm the sort of commander who gives the enemy one chance. Now are you going to surrender or will I have to blow the bloody door off?"

Yes, this was approved by Armin. No, this wasn't my idea.
Rik'zhell d'nr Pwtath

"We... cannot break the equation of misfortune placed upon our fleet, brother." High Enginseer Rik'tith screamed his frustration. "Then try harder! Divide their side, multiply our own! Do you require me to personally oversee the simplification?" The Enginseer Rik'zarn cowered, before suddenly widening his eyes. "High Enginseer, an unknown variable has entered the equation... it's value is greater than the alien side of the equation! y + z > a, High Enginseer!" Rik'tith clacked his beak in approval. "Let the approval of Dk'vye fall upon us once more! May Rik grant us knowledge, Dk'vye grant us fortune, and the Kaharach grant us victory!"

[Krrth]

Kreel Cruiser Sapphire Sun


The destroyer Zshar wylri Xirkath agreed. The shuttle containing the "ambassador" followed the blinking docking lights to 4-90. When it docks, the ramp lowers and three figures stand in the doorway.



May we disembark?



ooc:Make them crystalline and this is what they look like (http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr208/Krrth/kreel.jpg).

[Moral Wiz]

Stormhand

The Capitan is saved the bother, as with a sound of thunder, someone else blew the door off first... straight at him

Standing at the forefront of the ten strong Aetheri guard, is High Sorceress Rilithe Nathre, in her light blue battle armor, doing her very best to appear as a true warrior of the Emperor, and mistress of the Magister's art.

Black flames play around her staff, as, with all the scorn she can muster, she calls the Capitan out.

No matter what you call yourself, you side with the Khal. The blood on their hands stains yours too.

No surrender!

With that, the crew at last cheer, and open fire on the doorway, and anything that comes through.

[Greystone]

Aboard the Lar duthin Hli

Verona was losing herself. The kick to the face would of probably incapacitated her earlier but now it merely irritated her. She brought the glowing sword down again and again. Tvari was pushed back, to the wall. A crescendo is reached and her sword breaks throgh Tvari's blade.

The Demon laughed in her head and she laughed as well. The Bloody sword buried itself in the Khal's Shoulder-neck joint, causing blood to spurt. Verona lifted the sword one final time...and stopped. Her body began to shake. Her skin, before the eyes of the assembled audiance, began to blacken to a deep ebony. Her already pointed canines crew longer. Her crimson hair darkened a shade and now her eyes flashed with more than magical fire.

On the inside Verona fought an internal battle. As the onlookers watched, the glowing sword drained of its power and suddenly shattered. The Demon warred against The Goh General's inner light. Her nails grew to claws, rupturing the ends on the gauntlets. With hate filled eyes she began to sink her claws into the Khal.

From behind her she heard a door open and she turned, blood dripping, to see a troop of Khal security, numbering five, burst through another way to the bridge.

The commander acted quickly and ran its blade through Verona's chest, breaking through a weak point in her armor. Verona/The Demon smirked and breathed fire into the Khal reinforcements. The fire was red outlined in an unholy black. The Khal died burning in the evil fire.

Verona turned her eyes back to the bridge...

(I'm going to give at least one of you time to respond Moral and Raz...more later)

[Moral Wiz]

Aboard the Lar duthin Hli

And was met with a bolt of holy, white light in the back, that seemed to spread through the Thing's entire form, causing no harm to it's occupant, but leaving the thing in excruciating pain.

Turning with an effort, the Demon-Verona saw an arrogant little, holy seeming meddl..

Jal. The green robed magi was standing there, chanting, staring the thing that had just been the Goh princess straight in the eyes. One of the Spicians was lieing there, near death, watching, the other was now going up against a sorceror, though both seemed to stop to watch this drama unfold.

Theoi however walks over, and, from a distance, shoots the remains of Tvari's weapon away from her. It's a mirical the viscious blades don't hit anyone. Even he only seems to be paying half attention to his shooting however.

The white mage speaks, each word surprisingly gentle. The light doesn't stop however.

With the Ten Thousand Whispers of the Crone, I call to you
With the Eternal Grace of the Lady, I bless you.
With the Everburning Lights of the Magister, I guide you

And with the Strength of the Emperor, Black One, I bid you BEGONE!

The last words were layered with total power. The demon shrieked at that, as the holy light of the gods surged around it. Jal was sweeting however. It would be a struggle. The demon had power, and the Princess had let it more or less roam free. What had he been thinking in letting her....

No. He had to trust in her. In her inner strength, in her will.

Because if she didn't help him here, they were all, totally and utterly screwed. Probably worse.

Every single magic user, Kreel, Goh, Aetheri or even Tech-Priest could probably feel the sheer power being used here. First, a surge in power, dark as night, heralding a major demonic manifestation... then, an equal sure of opposing power. The two balance each other, creating harmony.

Who says white mages suck? :smallamused: Grey, sorry, but I want Tvari alive. If only so she can hear about what the Aetheri are about to do with her ship. :smallbiggrin:

Oh, and Greystone, Verona will probably suffer some after affects from this. Some degree of the signs of possession will remain... Aetheri magic can cure some portions of the mutation, but probably not all of it, or even most of it.

[Krrth]

Emperor Loras

Dark energy slammed into his psyche. He staggered, momentarily loosing his train of thought. The Light energy that followed quickly thereafter helped sooth the scarring.


What? The Ancient Enemy here? After all this time? This cannot be!

Orders are given. All Kreel ship currently engaged in combat break off and return. Only the squadron around the Zshar wylri Xirkath stayed, as they had to protect both the destroyer and their own people aboard.

The Kreel are not amused. :smallwink: In fact, Loras is kinda worried now.

[Moral Wiz]

Oh dear... the shuttle will have an interesting time upon departure. :smallwink:

[Raz_Fox]

Stormhand

Captain Tatheran groaned as he sidestepped the flying door. "Why do they never surrender?" He aimed his pistols at either side of the door, and fired. Either wall surrounding the door exploded open as both light pulse rifles rip at them and a super-charged pulse bolt slams into each.

Holstering the smoking pistols, he leapt forward to where the smoke was clearing, past the energy pulses from the Vela rifles and the Aetheri guns. The first one of the Aetheri sorceress's guards to stumble forward out of the smoke got Tatheran's elbow to his gut and an armored paw across his chin, and fell dazed. Even though Vela were not as battle-thirsty as the Khal, Tatheran laughed worryingly as he lunged into the middle of the sorceress's bodyguards, tripping one and slamming the Aetheri into another. "Fine then, let's fight!


Ycharr Tvari

Closing her eyes tight as to not be blinded by the holy light, Tvari slowly gets up, pulling herself up on a terminal. "Shards..."

[Krrth]

At least the Kreel didn't pinpoint where it came from. Otherwise, they would be ramming the thing, if nothing else worked.

[Moral Wiz]

Stormhand

The Guard were disunified. Some kept firing at the Vela outside, some tried to shoot at the fast moving Tatheran. The High Sorceress called out, as loudly and as confidently as she could manage

Focus your fire on the ones outside. Leave this one to me

With that, as the guard followed her orders, she stepped down quickly, and brought her staff across in a sideways motion towards the good Capitan's head, black fire coming to meet him. It'd been a long time since training, but surely she could...

[ArlEammon]

(8 pages and no one's posted a summary of their actions at the bottom of their posts.)

[Moral Wiz]

We... Kind of want to know WTH's gonna go on with this great big battle first though. Be fair. (And what actions anyway?)

I could probably do something for the Aetheri soon, but thematically, I'd like to put it off a bit more... You want a summery of our actions on an empire wide level?

[ArlEammon]

We... Kind of want to know WTH's gonna go on with this great big battle first though. Be fair. (And what actions anyway?)

I could probably do something for the Aetheri soon, but thematically, I'd like to put it off a bit more... You want a summery of our actions on an empire wide level?

(I thought I said to post what the hay' was going on with each of your posts. But maybe thats another game I was thinking of. Anyway yeah, from now on post a summary of each action you do at the bottom of the page.)
(It seems I've been slacking off, but I lost track of what was going on. sorry)

[Greystone]

Aboard the Lar duthin Hli

The Demon screeched again and turned away from its prey. The Verona thing turned and forced itself to move closer to Jal. With a cry it let loose a inferno of black fire. Jal was protected from death by the power, but the nearby Spican had no such luck and was thrown into a wall, unclear whether dead or alive.

The demon raised its clawed hand over the Magi "hahahahahaha your puny magic cannot stop this" and it began to bring its claw down.

Suddenly the Goh Oathborn moved in the way of the strike, causing the demon to stop in confusion. Miraculously all four were alive, showing themselves to truly be the best the Goh had, though one was bleeding heavily from a side wound. All four of their glows suffused themselves in a tendril which drilled directly into the Demon's skull. Though it caused no outward damage the she-demon screamed again.

From where Verona's heart would be a blinding white light grew, it spread covering her entire body. With a flash everyone on the bridge flew away from her. When they opened their eyes, Verona still stood.

She was now over 7ft tall, with mucsles rippling. Her skin still was ebony and her hair was still a dark crimson, but her eyes now glowed with a blue fire. Most striking was the pair of wings growing from her back...They were white and feathered. Verona stood with all the regalty of a fallen angel...or an ascended demon.

That is until she collapsed "h...what happened?"

The dark energy suddenly ceases throughout the fleet. A holy magic so blinding it causes many to lose concentration. Then there is nothing but the aint thrum of energy.

[Moral Wiz]

Aboard the Lar duthin Hli

Jal winced, then smiled. He was the only one. The rest of the Aetheri were looking... slightly amazed. Though some seemed grim, now they'd recovered their sense

Jal''s quickly there, the Oathborn by his side, to help Verona up. His touch is gentle, but his strength is well and truly there to help the changed Verona.

We won, more or less.

He puts his bladestaff behind his back, and laughs a little, before muttering under his breath

Khan's so going to kill me for this

He looked around. They had the bridge now. Most of the crew were dead, or near enough to it. Magi bent over the fallen, offering either healing, or a painless end, speaking in patchy Khal.

Ah. But one is still standing.

The, still unarmed Aetheri aide, after making sure the Princess was able to stand, walks slowly over to Ycharr Tvari, his green robe stained with bood on the rim. Grinning, he speaks in passable Khal

Tchaikoan! You're well and truly beaten. Surrender.

[Greystone]

The Space Battle

For up until the Khal counter-spell, The Goh had been gaining serious "ground". Even the two Super-Khal ships had been stymied in their aim by The Solar Hammer's battleship escort. Suddenly the spell was counteracted. The Goh suddenly were put back on equal footing with the Khal...and it wasn't very equal.

On a strategic level, the Goh were still doing well, still pressing the attack, but the Khal began to inflict serious casualties. Especially on a fighter level, where strategy didn't matter nearly as much, were only the Goh aces managed to keep up with their counterparts.

The Solar hammer and its escorts focused on the Mith drikn Vwy. The combined fire, didn't quite destroy it, but knocked out the plasma scourge. Unfortunately the focus allowed the Khal flagship to breakthrough, dealing a decisive blow to a battleship standing in its way.

The Solar Hammer and escorts turned to meet it.

Elsewhere Commander Vithis and Brianna managed to keep the odds even with every trick and magic they could find, attempting to keep the Khal on the defensive.

Brutius

Brianna cursed as she repeatedly lead forays and attacks against the Khal fleet. She had ordered Direca to aid the Aetheri, specifically the StormHand. Suddenly sirens went off and she knew in her gut that her end had come. On the camera's she saw 13 Khal warriors attack her ship, lead by a beast or Storm. She knew that she wouldn't die, like a rat trapped on a sinking vessel, she would die as a warrior.

"Crew, you are some of the finest men and women I have ever fought with. You have all trained under me, and bled for me." she pauses "If I die, or get captured I need you to hold this bridge and turn command of this fleet over to Direca or Vithis, Understood?"

Her men were proud of their brave Commander "Yes Ma'am"

She turned and walked into the Security Bulkhead. Her Oathborn had reassembled, this time with a strength of twenty five, four who were the other half of Verona's eight and The Master of her Oathborn, Knight-Commander Julius Kasti. With them were the ships three mages. They saluted, and so did she.

Her wound had healed, due to her increased metabolism. She stood, tattered cloak fluttering, waiting for the inevitable.

(These Oathborn are MUCH better than normal Oathborn, keep that in mind)

Aboard the Lar duthin Hli

Verona was dizzy. She had only a vague recollection of what had just happened. She looked at the concern on the Aetheri's faces then she looked at herself and gasped in surprise. She began to tremble slightly in shock.

She pulled herself together, self-pity could wait "Well do what you came here to do and lets get off this...ship" she said with false bravado.

(I want to here Khan's reaction to all the magic)

Isabel

Isabel felt her spell begin to unweave and she knew drastic measures needed to be taken. She spoke in a clipped authoritative voice "Bring me the murderer"

Two of her special Moonguard dragged in a older blue Goh, his hands shackled and gagged. The guards set him up on a alter. Isabel walked to him and the others began to start chanting more furiously. Isabel matched their chants and drew back her hand.

She placed it on the prisoners chest and he screamed through the gag as blood began to spill from every orifice. A black substance crawled from his chest ,around her hand and into the air.

With his death her magic fueled the Goh curse into even higher proportions once again causing The tech-priests magic to fail their fleet. She smiled grimly, it was a Magical dual and what the costs!

StormHand

Commander Direca had sent Colonel Spera and a battalion of Goh marines to help the crew of the Stormhand. They hit the Vela from the flank and The Colonel attempted to use his green fire powers to spearhead the way directly to help the Captain.

[Moral Wiz]

Great. Now Raz can post lots of stuff, and then the INQ can start meddling. :smallbiggrin:

Alliance System

The Capitan of a certain ship re-opens his comm channel

Hello Kreel. You still there?

Anyway, we've got confirmation. It seems like it was a Khal attack, but they pulled out to some other battle. Anyway, the Navy's on alert, but it's not quite battle stations now.

We can probably recieve diplomatic visitors now, if you want to dock. Most High Khan went with the Goh, but we can get you comms to anyone in the Union.

He pauses, waiting for a reaction

[Krrth]

Aboard the Zshar wylri Xirkath


The three Kreel stagger for a moment.

What was that?

I don't know, but lets get moving with our mission so we can find out.

Agreed.

Greetings. We are the Kreel. May we speak to the commander of this vessel?


Kreel Scout

We would be happy to dock. Please indicate where, and we will do so. We do not have any trained diplomats on board, but we will do our best.

Attempting diplomacy w/ the Khal

[Raz_Fox]

Space Battle

Unfortunately for the Goh, the Khal were well and truly on the attack. The assault on their flank had broken them, but the independant Khal Tchaikoans had regrouped in small clusters of battleships and now hit the Goh from every direction at once. Small teams ripping apart a bigger enemy - this was truly Khal warfare.


Zshar wylri Xirkath

"Come aboard." Standing before the three Kreel was an angelic being, tall and proud, smiling warmly at them. "Welcome. I am Tchaikoan Silariin, ally of the Khal and commander of this vessel. I understand that your ships have been attacking ours, but your choice to not destroy our damaged ship speaks well for you.
How may I help you, Kreel?"


Brutius

The Kharlong made their way into the room where their lesser brethren, the space marines, had died. Their towering presence and intricately carved armor instilled a germ of fear in every Goh's heart, much as they tried to repress it. Finally, the Kharlong himself walked in, gazing intently upon Brianna.
"I recieved one of your ansible signals - you wished to duel the commander of the Khal? Here he stands before you - Kaharach Tichan, Ruler of the Greater Khalardis Empire and - if my titles are to be believed - scourge of the stars, ruiner of empires and war made flesh. If I recall correctly, you wished to duel me? Look upon me once more - there is still time to recall words said in haste..."

Tichan himself is smaller than most Khal, only a head taller than Brianna and nearly as lean. Any expression on his alien face is blocked by his obsidian helmet, but his tone was slightly mocking. On his back were two mastercrafted katanas, and at his belt were several short scisks.


Lar duthin Hli

"Surrender? A warrior of the Khal may only surrender to a worthy opponent." Tvari reaches out and places one taloned hand upon Jal's shoulder. "And I believe you are a worthy opponent, Aetheri. Would you mind helping me up? It's simply that I'm having trouble moving at the moment..."


Rik'zhell d'nr Pwtath

"High Enginseer, the alien side of the equation has been added to. We no longer posess the greater side of the equation, holy one - even with the unknown variable." "Then if we cannot be greater than their side, we shall be congruent to it. Begin Rkell's Theorem, brother. If we cannot defeat them, we shall mirror them. Harness the magic being sent our way, and reflect it unto them - we are the children of ice, and force applied to us shall move accordingly without friction!"


Stormhand

Tatharan ducked under the wild swing and grabbed it, twisting it out of the sorceress's hands. It still held its black flame in his hands, so he slammed its burning haft into the face of one Aetheri guard and into the chest of one opposite him. "You just can't get the staff, can you?"

Then he noticed the sounds of battle behind him and growled in frustration. "Catch!" He threw the staff back at the sorceress, knocking her over for the minute he needed. He spun around on his good side, smoothly pulling out a pistol and energy cartridge. He locked the cartridge swiftly into the pistol, ignoring the annoying Aetheri trying to shoot him in the back. He ducked forward, under a blow designed to decapitate him, and aimed for an alien with green flames wreathed about his hands.

Krak! Krak!

The mage fell, holes blasted cleanly through chest and forehead. Tatharan spun around and whipped the butt of his pistol across his assailant's face, kicking him back as he reeled. As far as Tatharan could tell, the rear assault was failing fast - and the main assault was doing brilliantly. Barely three Aetheri stood about their commander, who had regained her footing and was... Tatharan sniffed. Interesting indeed. Let's see how she reacts.

Rilithe saw the Vela captain loping towards her and her men again. He stopped as her guards raised their weapons and winked with his one good eye. "Come on then, show me some real fighting. Really, I could have just killed her whenever I wanted to for all the good you lot are doing!"

[Krrth]

Kreel and Tchaikoan Silariin

The Kreel seem unmoved by the appearance of the captain.
Greetings, Ally of the Khal. We came to help stop what appeared to be a senseless attack, on the premise that that if we help someone now, they will help us in the future. However, things do not seem to be....right. We are missing some piece of information. So, we come to talk.

Of course they seem unmoved! They're frikkin crystals! As far as anyone knows, they don't even HAVE facial features!

[Greystone]

Space battle

Goh tactics ranged from the simple to the incredibly complex. That and the slight return of luck had a massive Goh counterattack, led by Commander Direca and Vithis. The battle, no matter how much either side gained or loss stayed in a bloody stalemate.

Brutius

Brianna remained cool, fear having no place in her life or doubt. "I believe our transmission was mis-translated" she said cooly "I merely swore to that Captain that if they sent borders again that they should attack me themselves"

She draws herself to her full, considerable height "It appears that they have honored my request. I shall do no dishonor to myself or you by going back on my word"

She stares back with a calm acceptance into the Kaharach's eyes "Will our men stain the deck with their blood or will it be just you and me" she holds out her hand and smirks just a tad "I make no promise at what my defeat will gain you, for surely my crew will not surrender, but it is your choice"

She bows low, in a sweeping arc meant for only the most formal of rituals.

"To introduce myself, I am Brianna of the Goh, Govenor of this province, The princess of fire, the daughter of the Sun Emperor. I have led thirteen successful campaigns and have felled Empires. You may be far more skilled then I" She falls into a defensive stance "But I will show you that the Goh do not fall easily"

StormHand

The blast did enter his chest, but the bullet to the forhead skipped painfully off a white shield that jumped up and saved the Colonel's life. The blast knocked him back into the wall though, where two Vela surrounded him.

The Goh marines had been briefed for Khal, not the fast moving Fox warriors, but began to at least put up a decent fight, pulling the pressure off the Aetheri a little bit.

(The Colonel isn't a mage, he is a warrior...with magic, like all Goh commanders)

Isabel

Isabel gritted her teeth as the Khal attempted to reflect the spell. She decided it was time to show these Khal what a real Witch was. She began to chant a different spell while her followers kept the weaving luck.

Dark tendrils lifted from the Corpse, and instead of a dead man, a pile of ash remained. Isabel then attacked the Tech-Priests minds directly with tendrils of unholy energy, seeking on sucking their bodies dry, or at the very least disrupt them.

[Raz_Fox]

Space Battle

Khal are extremely unpredictable and wild. Half the time, Goh strategies were foiled by the Khal deciding to do exactly the opposite of what was expected of them. The other half of the time, the Khal stumbled directly into traps and unfavorable positions.


Brutius

Tichan pulled out his twin katanas. "Not all Khal are obsessed with bloodshed - the two of us duelling together would do fine.

One last warning to you... princess. It would be... unwise to assault me with magic. A physical assault is the wisest course of action when facing the child of Syrii itself."


Silariin

"You... have the right of it, for the most part. The Khal are warlike and invaded the system - just to have another war. However, they were counter-attacked, and now I think the battle is going on for the sake of the battle. I would wager that half the Tchaikoans in the fleet have forgotten why they are fighting in the first place.
We certainly were not expecting to fight mages, however. We do not have any strong connection to the warp, and we dislike fighting magic."