Total War: Principia IC II

[St. Justicar]

The Iron Gods of Ur



A Decade of Glory








Reputation: Dreaded, Encryption Level 17

Spoiler: Unity Party

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The Gods hope you found useful work for the witches loaned to you these past years. They found the transaction perfectly satisfactory, and would be quite willing to expand upon it, should the need arise.

They express some curiosity over your intentions to the south, as well. There have been rumours your golems clashed with the starspawn over one of the stars you have claimed. Do you intend to take offence?

Spoiler: Kramagorian Judiciary

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The diplomatic pouch provided to the latest Kramagorian envoy to Haven is simply addressed to ‘The Good Captain’

My compliments to whatever parties unknown mauled the primitivists’ warfleet, if you can pass them along.

My patron’s should be able to spare the resources to enable more private negotiations in the next few years. Something that doesn’t require diverting capital ships, anyway. If yours can do the same? The map’s filling up, and I’d really prefer to have a meal picked out for them when they finish making an example of Lithos, keep things predictable.

Spoiler: Sages of Iettis

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On behalf of the Gods of Ur, I do apologize for the hurried negotiations in the past few years, but I’m happy the Trust seems to be going forward as initially planned. Were there any issues with the commitments of the other parties involved?

Regarding Bheura itself, have the Learned Sages determined how they would prefer to pay for control of the star?

[Writtensanity]

Election Day

“Down with Westpoint!”

“The Election was a LIE!”

“The VANGUARD HACKED THE MACHINES!”

Just outside of the throng pushing against the riot shields of the War Party’s enforcers, Donovan chuckled to himself. The last one was actually true. The M.A.G.I.C.A.L G.I.R.L.S had used their networks to seriously influence the election of the Grand Republic. Of course, like everything that had been fed to the Totalist Party rioters gathered today, it was only half the truth. Enough to get them believing the story, but not enough to give them complete context.

The Believers of the Unwilling God, the Iron Gods and the Sages had all also tried to rig the midterm elections, but rallying people behind four causes was harder than focusing in on one, and if there was one rhetoric the Totalist Voters would hate, it was the idea of protecting the entire galaxy equally.

Behind the riot line, two of the carrier crafts dropping off Enforcers adjusted their position slightly to the right. The first signal to the Gask on either side of the conflict. Escalation one.

Canisters of chemical suppressant flew out from behind the Enforcers, giving them apparent permission to fire their own. Within seconds the crowd was being pelted and smothered by what was supposed to be a variant of tear gas. Unfortunately for the enforcers, the factory had ‘forgotten’ to add the salacilic acid to this batch and all that was left was tragically ineffective aerosols that looked like tear gas.

“THEY’RE GASSING US.”

“**** THE WAR PARTY”

The crowd surged forward in anger and bashed against the Enforcer line. Seconds into the escalation, stun batons were charged and enforcers desperately tried to hold the line in front of the oncoming horde.

Donovan sighed and ran his fingers along the MK11 Reaper on his hip. This was his last day in the Grand Republic Enforcer Uniform, and he was going to miss how he looked in it.

He was the next escalation, and he waited for the signal.

Somewhere else in the city

Brinata was almost done escorting the rest of the senators to their backup governmental location. They’d been tipped off about this attack coming from Totalist supporters weeks ago, but nobody had suspected how vicious it would be. Nor could they have called the sudden sickness that swept through the capital enforcers in the days leading to it. Understaff and under assault, they’d been forced to move.

That worked fine for Brinata, who’d gotten one additional tip, which was that the secondary location wasn’t safe. It wasn’t surrounded, it was infiltrated. The Totalists were radicalized enough to assassinate instead of riot had holed themselves up and were waiting to strike. Brinata just needed to deliver lambs to the slaughter.

“Do we have everyone?” she asked a panicked aide as they assisted one of the older War Party leaders onto one of the transports.

“Almost we’re just,” the old woman stumbled and the aide stopped to ensure she didn’t fall. “We’re just waiting on a few.” The aide handed over a data pad showing the representatives on each of the transports. They’d been carefully set up by the UEO to ensure that the Totalist and War Party, alongside those who voted sympathetically to them across party lines, were positioned to be slaughtered.

There was a glaring absence. “Where is President Westponit?” Brinata pressed.

“He refuses to leave the Warroom while the fleets are in combat with the Crusade.”

“We can’t leave without him,” Brinata snapped, both because it was true to what she should have wanted, and because he was the current top UEO target. Without Westpoint this wouldn’t be a complete dismantling of both the War Party and the Totalist Party. He could be held up as a signal of hope. That couldn’t happen.

Just as Brinata was about to protest again, An enforcer came bursting out of the back door, his black uniform covered in paint and possibly blood. “You’re still here? ****!” He held his ear for a moment to access comms. “Hold the line we have VIPS in the area.”

“We still have VIPS inside.”

“We’ll get them! GO GO GO!”

“I-” Brinata went to question them, but if she blew her cover now she would have been letting dozens of War Party leaders escape. She needed to follow orders here to look like she wasn’t working outside of the chain of command. WIth a curt nod, Brinata left Westpoint behind to help motivate troops during the battle against the Crusade.

The transports took to the air and Brinata could see the riots breaking the enforcer line below, there were too many rioters, and the enforcers were admirably too hesitant to fire on their own people.

As the ships started to take toward the skies, an officer at the back of the protests finally shot a man that had been rushing him.

Within seconds, Democracy Square had erupted into a cacophony of gunfire, explosions and screams.


The Outskirts

Enforcer transports peeled away from the edges of the city, headed to the government buildings to try and quell the riots before they completely consumed the city. A less organized force would have left their substations completely abandoned, but the War Party had proven themselves as an organizational powerhouse in the past decades.

Luckily the Triad had been watching from inside the party the whole time.

Once all the Enforcers that could be spared were officially too far to turn around and help Erivia lined up the scope of her rifle out of the apartment window and lined it up with the connections of the power substation. She just needed time for the crackling energy field around the powerplant to drop.

There were four other riflemen in the same building as her, all ready to take down the substation and start the riot to end all riots in the Capital of the Republic. She almost felt bad for them. She’d been a Triad member for the past 23 years, but these boys were desperate believers in a party that had never really been fighting for them. Erivia would leave the planet and they would be stuck living in a crumbling city threatened by an angry star.

The radicals they’d picked up hadn’t been focused on making life better, they’d just been focused on making it worse for everyone else, which was why it was trivial to inspire them to violence.

The crackling blue shield held and Erivia pulled her eye away from the scope for a moment to septuple check that she’d loaded the right kind of ammunition into the rifle. Only half the boys with her needed to hit their shots, but she had to hit three in a row within seconds.

A flicker of white, and the shield dropped.

BANG

An enforcer head spun around as Erivia’s first shot tore through a power connection and disabled a backup safety system. Blue sparks rained down from the sky as several of the machines within the substation suddenly went critical.

BANG.

Erivia’s second shot slammed into the central processing unit of the station, piercing two walls and three windows to get there. Every control within the station would go down for around twenty seconds until the entire station would swap to an offsite, backup control system.

BANG.

A wired connection meant to raise the speed of the control transfer vaporized and Erivia bought herself an extra twenty two seconds before everything went South. She didn’t bother setting the timer on her watch, she’d memorized exactly how long she had.

The Totalist Extremists in her ear screamed with success until she ripped it out and tossed it to the floor. They didn’t know what came after they disabled the station, but there was a reason that Erivia had put herself on the second floor instead of the roof.

Thirty seconds left. Erivia burst out of the apartment doors and remotely started the bike she’d ensured was in the closest parking spot. By the time her ass was on the seat, the bike was already moving away from the city and towards the substation.

Twenty seconds left. The substation erupted to life, with long arcs of electricity cascading between powerlines and critical systems. Erivia’s bike was already going as fast it could down the adjacent highway.

Ten seconds left. The ground under the powerplant cracked as there was no longer an output for the massive amount of geothermal power that the Republic had been using to run the capital for the past years. This power plant would never operate again.

One second. Erivia passed the threshold to the back half of the substation that faced out away from the city. The crackling blue energy barrier would protect her as long as she was on this side.

Time. The Gask Triad know there were backups to the substation, and that was why their representatives at the backup control station specifically stole controls to MAINTAIN and dominate power output. The point wasn’t to kill the station, the point was to-

There was no describing the sound of billions of volts of energy rocketing off in a catastrophic wave towards the city center. The closest citizens would thankfully drop dead before they had time to process what had happened, but the rest would be left in a dying city that would be without power for years.

Erivia would be the first of the official Gask operatives to reach the transports that would take them off planet, but everyone would get there in the end. A complete success for the Triad, No casualties, and a saber rattling industrial complex shattered beyond reasonable repair for years to come.

This was why they’d left their homes and come to Principia, this was how they were going to change the Galaxy.

On Midonia

“Friends, family, gathered people of the UEO,” the speaker began, “it is with both joy and a heavy heart that I announce our victory within the Republic. Joy because we have enacted change in a Galaxy that feels so much larger than each of us individually. A heavy heart because it should have never come to this.”

“The UEO platform has never been one of War. We have always been outspoken about our desire and drive towards peace and cooperation with those who show that they are willing to embrace something similar to our values. The repeated voting results showed that the Grand Republic wanted war, and as such we gave it to them.”

“I am not announcing our victory today because of the crippled energy of the capital. If that was victory we would be no better than the War Party. Instead I am announcing victory because today is the day we’re offering peace. A new regime is in power, a better regime for a changed Republic.”

“Peace is victory, and it was brave individuals like you that created peace a galaxy away. The galaxy might feel impossibly large, but you are that large to the atoms that build your body, and they make you what you are. EACH and EVERY one of you is an atom of the universe, and together we build the galaxy that we WANT to live in.”

The UEO Offers Peace with No Conditions to the New Options Party

MOR= 6 : REP: Awed

Spoiler: To the Anterean Crusade

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We hope that our retraction from the war isn't seen as slight, we were never at war with the Grand Republic, only certain ideas of theirs.

Our actions should contribute to your war effort, we hope you keep that in mind when considering our actions.

Spoiler: PUBLIC MESSAGE

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The UEO has been attacked out of Wartime by an unidentified attacker. Should they stand up and say who they are, we may be able to accept peace in the name of a cooperative galaxy, should they stay silent, it will mean war, and hopefully our actions with the Grand Republic represent that a fight with the UEO isn't a fight you want.

Based on our knowledge, it was an attack carried out with espionage, and considering the scope of the damage, it would have needed to be a large one, well beyond the capabilities of the majority of the factions within Principia. Without too much imagination it's likely the actions of the Judges, which would be a shocking turn of character away from declared wars, or the Muridun, who would be betraying their consistent pursuit of science.

Once again, in the name of peace and in an effort to avoid a constantly ascending arms race, we ask that the culprit claim their attacks and their moral reasoning.

Thank you.

[kemmotar]

The Judiciary Collective of the Kramagorian Moons
Reputation: Neutral
Morale: 8
Decennial address of the Supreme Justice:
Fellow citizens of the collective. Another decade has passed since the Judiciary collective took over from the previous government. It is our great pleasure today to honour some of these men and women who bravely fought and sacrificed their lives for the prosperity of what now consists of more than one worlds. We have created important relations and the collective will aim to be an instrument of justice outside of our home worlds just as it has within them, to uphold lawfulness and ensure our continued prosperity.
Of course, as you are all aware that we have had some lean years since major production centers of our economy used to be planetside. Yet we have rallied magnificently thanks to the work of many of you and the efforts of our prosecution service in extending the protection of the collective to nearby starsystems.
I would like to tell you that in the wider principia, of which we have been citizens for a very short time, is a peaceful place. We have seen multiple declarations of war, although our borders remain secure. I as Supreme Justice with the help of Jabato, Head of the Prosecution service and hero of the uprising, will maintain vigilance and prioritise the safety of our own citizens.
Unfortunately, the collective has been the victim of an attack. We are uncertain of the origin of the attack…but we promise that the origin will be investigated. Thankfully, the damage caused by the attack was small. It is not clear what the purpose of the attack was. Perhaps, they underestimated our defenses even while they sought to bring them down. Although this has been a small setback in our plans, it does not change our promise.
As a final thought, I would like all of our citizens to observe a minute of silence. Not just for the sacrifices of those in the uprising. But also for the sacrifices each member and citizen of the collective makes every single day as well as those sacrifices to come.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
++++
Kramagorian Moons, Administrative building, 475th floor containing, 2nd order courtrooms for those seeking factual declarations. Also housed on this floor, scientific exports and friends of the court.

The clerk called after the judge had banged his gavel. The hollow sound of wood on wood having sentenced someone to life without parole or perhaps someone was found innocent. Some received a minor fine, another's business would never revive. It was all in a day's work in the court. Please came and went, lawyers, defendants, claimants, witnesses, experts....an endless stream of people. The petitioners to justice served by the instrumnets of justice in her temple.

Docket numer 5674323 his honour Mr Justice Baron Willkins the third presiding.

The society for preservation of Balenoptera Vacuus seeking a declaration of citizenship on behalf of a group incapable of self-representation.

The clerk of the court called in a loud voice.

Ah, miss Bellancort, I see you have not given up your good causes. What interesting request have you brought to my court room today?

The judge seemed to be half frustrated at another inane case and half humouring the elderly, well dressed, mousy woman. Her hair in a tidy bun with more and more grey each time he saw her. Her voice was thin and reedy as she replied.

Your honour, the society for the preservation of balenoptera vacuus seeks a declaration from the court to the effect that they should be declared an intelligent species, granted equal rights and protections under the law in order to prevent and comabit their exploitation.

What exploitation might this be Ms Bellancort?

Your honour, my network of informants has confided in me that a group of....deviant legal practicationers have captured some of these beautiful, sensitive, intelligent creatures...but they are being made to...perform....against their wishes.

The judge was nodding along, he had heard much of this before. The subject of the organisation changed but always it was one species or another that was the victim of abuse from someone. He asked mechanically.

Perform?

The mousy Ms. Belancort hesitated for a second as if trying to find the right word.

...E-exotic....dancing...your honour.

The judge nodded once more sagely, making notes idly on his tile. He frowned.

Did you say....exotic..dancing?

Yes your honour.

I don't quite see how that's...possible. What could possibly be their motivation? I mean...

*cough*cough*

Do you have...evidence of these allegations Ms. Belancort?

N-No your honour.

She replied, downcast.

And do you have any evidence of the existence or...intelligence of these creatures? You seem to be ascribing intelligence above that of animals and the claim here appears to be requesting that this court...pronounce them citizens of the collective and grant them equal protections and rights? Am I reading this correctly?

Yes your honour.

She brightened up, she was more comfortable in this topic than speaking of...exotic dancing balenoptera.

I have many experts, reports and first person accounts of their intelligence. We have a group of scientists who have identified that the pods are able to communicate not only within individual pods but also to other pods accross vast distances. We suspect some kind of telepathic link manifesting through some kind of quantum entanglement. They have passed many tests of intelligence and trule merit...

The judge raised a palm eyeing the thick stack of papers that had appeared in front of Ms. Belancort and her lawyer. He motioned the clerk and he swooped forward taking the stack of papers and moving it behind the bench where it was tagged for review by an expert panel.

The court will review the documents and render judgment.

The judge raised his gavel but hesitated.

Ms. Belancort. Before you go...these deviants...have they figured out how to...

The judge hesitated once more, he made some vague hand gestures, he gave up and just looked at the claimant.

You know...

The woman seemed to blush and stammer for a few seconds before regaining her composure.

It would appear not your honour. However, it is unclear if it is because they don't wish to or because they haven't...figured out the mechanics yet.

+++
A few months later, abandoned mining station broadcasts its new identify. The screen name flashes in red and ping neon colours "The Naughty Cetus".

Anonymous deviant 1: DId you hear? The courts declared them intelligen?
Anonymous deviant 2: What? On what basis?
Anonymous deviant 1: Apparently the old lady actually went ahead with it, she had reports and witnesses and experts...mountains of scientific evidence.
Anonymous deviant 2: Does that mean we have to close? I'll be ruined...I put all my savings into this.
Anonymous deviant 3: Relax....*leaning back on sofa*
Anonymous deviant 2: What do you mean relax? You're swimming in money. Maybe you don't care but I'll be ruined.
Anonymous deviant 3: I said relax....
Anonymous deviant 2: How can you!
Anonymous deviant 3: Because this changes nothing?
Anonymous deviant 1: How can this not change anything? *raised eyebrow*
Anonymous deviant 3: Because...why does it matter if they are intelligent or not? *smirk*
Anonymous deviant 2: They'll shut us down...the'll call us slavers....
Anonymous deviant 3: This is why neither of you will make good lawyers...0 creativity.
Anonymous deviant 2: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!
Anonymous deviant 3: Look you idiot...this is a business. So what if they're intelligent? Do you not feed them?
Anonymous deviant 1,2: *Nod*
Anonymous deviant 3: So...draw up a contract...call it remuneration. Now they're employees.
Anonymous deviant 1,2: *incredulous starting*
Anonymous deviant 2: Do you think that'll work?
Anonymous deviant 3: Of course...just say they're saving for college! It's almost a traditional occupation for that kind of thing.

++++


Docket numer 567434 his honour Mr Justice Baron Willkins the third presiding.

The Kramagorian prosecution service applying for a declaration of section 4, pararph 11 of the laws and procedures of the Judiciary Collective of the Kramagorian Moons.

The clerk of the court called.


Appearing for the prosecution, Ms Felicity Barnes prosecutor general. The prosecution has requested a summary judgment.

I assume you have some evidence? Who is the subject of your declaratory motion?

The judge asked.

Yes your honor. Exhibit A, a report conducted by the prosecution in coordination with the office of the Supreme Justice, the facts speak for themselves and all are public knowledge even beyond this sector. The subject of the motion is the UEO. As part of due dilligence, it is also submitted that they have reached out with an offer of services.

Define the services please.

Ms. Barned rifled through her papers.
Decryption and informational services. It has also been disclosed that these services have been offered gratis to a third party, albeit a limited package. Trade is not possible between any of the involved parties.

The judge looked at the document appearing on his tile. He seemed to skim the document.

The prosecution also asks the declaration be made under schedule 4, paragraph 4 with retroactive application starting from stardate 13.433.79 at which time the motion was originally filed.

The judge considered a while longer.

This is highly irregular Ms Barnes. However, given the unique circumstances, I am inclined to grant the prosecution's request on a non-precedential basis. And tell Jabato to not expect he can pull this stunt again any time soon.

Yes your honor. May the prosecution also request to put forward another motion? This comes straight from the office of the Supreme Justice. The collective has entered into an agreement and would like to submit the charter to the courts in order to proceed with setting up a proper legally recognised instrument in order to receive protections under s.4


The submission is acknowledge, pass the terms of the charter to the clerk.


The judge banged his gavel once more. It was done. Silently one group of people filed out and another filed in.

Spoiler: Iron Gods of UR - MOR 8

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The message received comes heavily encrypted and thoroughly incomprehensible. Only one phrase is comprehensible.

"From your first reply to Jabato, W=word, C=Character"
W1C5 W2C5 W6C3 W10C6 W3C5 W5C6 W2C1 W3C1 // W6C4 W2C3 W3C1 W4C6 W1C2
W1C1 W5C5 W15C1 W6C1 W4C7 W7C2 // W3C1 W10C1 W10C2 W5C1 W6C1 W17C1 W1C1 W2C4 // W12C3 W6C4 W4C2 W6C2 W4C2 W18C1 W10C3

Spoiler

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Spoiler: Space Opera and other foibles

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The only way in which the collective could be accused of levity, and perhaps in some circles precisely so they are not accused for a lack of one, they have given a nod to the cultured past by naming some of their crack squads after ancient operations memorialized through the physical arts.

1) In memory of the battle of the swan conflagration, a crack squad an elite assault squad was created specializing in boarding actions. The pointe berserkers, equipped with the latest in mechanized battle armour (thin but durable) they use rotating monomolecular blades attached to the bottom of their feet to move at incredible speeds along all 3 dimensions (especially in the weightlessness of void warfare). The swan conflagration originates from a small stranded squad of swan vessels (so called because their huge engines built for speed caused an incredibly strong magnetic field that is harmful to all life – As such the cockpit and living area had to be further away from the engine room resulting in a body with a long neck) in enemy territory and being assaulted by the technomages led by Rotbart the Black who sought the superior technology of the lead vessel “Odette”. The standstill was broken by the assault of Segafredo squadron after tipping the scales against Rotbart by destroying his flagship “Odille”, which had been masquerading as an empire vessel. Thankfully the cybernetic warfare module of Segafredo squadron was able to see through the mimicked vessel tags by recognizing the different engine frequency of the inferior Rotbart vessel and blasted to atoms. Then, the squadron let the “Odette” and her attendant vessels back to the empire shipyards. This is commemorated through an ancient piece of music by one Chai-trotsky and the point berserkers are psychoindoctrinated to enter a battle frenzy when they hear his piece of long forgotten music, some say it was written for star crossed shapechanging lovers. What piffle….but the music seemed to engender a certain aggressive reaction in individuals with a certain genetic anomaly.

2) Juliette squadron, a famous wing of the collective's fleet so named after Juliette the oubliette, a famous spy in the times of the pre arco medean era. She is most well known for the events that led to her obtaining the codes for the self destruct sequence for the weapons of mass destruction of a faction of rebels called the Veronese after the controversial decision which had banned the installation of high grade AIs in android bodies that have humanlike skin. The veronese threatened to detonate quantum busters under the server archive holding the names of AIs downloaded already in what would be non-compliant bodies. Juliette, then a little known intelligence agent barely out of the academy took advantage of her young looks and the Veronese terrorist leader Romeo proclivities and managed to insinuate herself into his life as his lover. She was quickly able to make him fall in love with her by adopting a meek persona but she still was unable to extract the necessary information from him. Getting desperate she concocted a plot with the help of another of the agents that had infiltrated the organization posing as a doctor. She would be injected with an agent that would put her in a medically induced coma 12 hours after the injection. She would also be given a vial that was ostensibly poison, but was in fact the counteragent to the injection. By taking it before she went into the coma, she would be able to convince Romeo of her death. The plan was that in his grief, near the end, she would convince him to give up enough information to help the investigation. In fact what she had not been counting on, was Romeo’s unstable mental state, when Juliette drank the poison in front of him claiming that she could no longer live in fear of Romeo one day being capture or worse. In response Romeo, stricken by the loss, committed suicide himself using his own personal weapon just as the incredibly surprised Juliette was slipping into the coma. She awoke a few hours later covered in blood and in a panic. As far as she knew, there was no one alive who knew the full plan and Romeo’s lieutenants had been ordered to never reveal their part of the plan. Her only option now was to use Romeo’s body to bypass biometric protections around his personal quarters. Using his severed hands and removed eyes, she gained access to his computer, through this and by impersonating Romeo in electronic communication she managed to convince his lieutenants that the plan had been compromised. By in turn accusing each one of his lieutenants as being the leak, which she (Romeo) knew because it was each lieutenant’s piece of the puzzle that had been leaked, she managed to gather sufficient information on both the attack and secondary cells spread out all over the system. Finally, she struck gold when in one of the replies of a lieutenant she found an email with the encrypted disarming code. Romeo had always worn an earring that Juliette had never really been able to reconcile with his personality. She snapped the code into her memory cortex and once more returned to her room where she had stashed the body in the lavatory cubicle. After some fiddling she discovered that the earring was in fact a scrambler decoder and after plugging it into her own memory cortex she was able to unscramble the code. Soon after she sent the code to her handler and once she had confirmation that the WMDs had been remotely deactivated, she secretly left the compound. In her honour the cybernetic warfare squadron has been formed by the collective and each year one of the officers of the squadron has the honour of playing the heroic role in a play that is held in the capital.
3) Further text redacted to protect the Collective armed forces and obscure their capabilities.

Spoiler: Articles of Incorporation

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Articles of incorporation, binding upon the collective
1) The collective will never go back on its legal obligations as set out in the relevant agreement.
2) War is a lawful endeavour provided that the rules of alliances and principia are maintained (casus belli provided and announced to senate or privately with notice).
3) The judiciary of the collective shall remain impartial in its judgment of any claim brough before it with the aim of accomplishing restitution against the aggrieved party.
4) The collective may bring a claim internally with itself as the claimant in order to seek the fulfillment of any agreement that has been reneged or pursue any cause of action.
5) Anyone who has retained legal representation from the legal firms of the Kramagorian moons or any other legal body recognized by the judicial body of the collective will benefit from attorney client privilege and all other duties of confidentiality, disclosure of conflict of interest and the best legal defense that the contracted entity
6) The Collective maintains the right to alter its articles of association and any other legal documentation at its absolute discretion without any forewarning, although all agreements shall be honoured on the basis of the version of the relevant legislation applicable at the time.

Spoiler: Laws and procedure, non-exhaustive

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s.1 Rights of the claimant
a.All individuals and/or factions may request intervention from the courts where they believe they have been wronged.
b. In order for a claim to be considered there will be a procedural fee to reflect the labour and process of the courts. This will be decided ad hoc and at the discretion of the courts. The fee will be made known to the potential claimant through their representative to the courts (non refundable)
c. Once the fee has been agreed the courts will send summons to the defendant and initiate due process against them. If the defendant does not respond to the summons, the courts will investigate to the best of their ability the facts in evidence and proceed with any legal action as required by the determination of the courts without recourse.
d.Both parties agree to abide by the decision of the courts, whatever the determination. The courts may decide on the following actions at their absolute discretion but always taking into account the contents of the claim and other circumstances that become evident during the proceedings. Relief that the court may grant at its discretion include but are not limited to:
1) restitution action
2) injunction
3) punitive action
4) ethical restitution
5) any other action considered necessary by the courts for justice and balance to be delivered between parties.

s.2 Judiciary and legal services
a. Barristers, judges below the rank of Supreme Justice or other agents of the court may be retained as required to provide legal services on a prolonged contract or a one-off.
b. the fees for such services will be negotiated and agreed to on an ad-hoc bilateral basis, are non-refundable payable before commencement of the service.
c. Services may include, but are not limited to arbitration of dispute, legal discovery, defensive discovery, legal representation to the Judiciary, alliance maintenance.
d. the collective, any of its department or legal firms and institutions reserve the right to not accept any given business proposal, extension or alteration thereof or to discontinue services giving (1) cycle of notice, without further recourse.
e. A declaration of war by the collective or against the collective during the performance of their duties shall have the immediate, unilateral and irrevocable effect of cessation of contractual performance and immediate return of any of its agents, officers or employees including any goods or materials that have been assigned.
f. A sitting member of the judiciary that is not actively engaged in a case may be retained for services such as dispute arbitration, alliance monitoring, witnesses to contracts or any other service such as may not result in a conflict of interest. Judges employed in this capacity may not sit in judgment of a relevant claim but may provide evidence to the judiciary for any claim that arises related to the services that have been provided.
s.3 Quantum of restitution:
1) Sum under dispute in addition to any ethical damages as quantified the courts at their discretion.
2) Interest charged at 10% per cycle minimum (1) per cycle.
3) Fees paid by the claimant to initiate proceedings.
4) Costs and expenses of determination and enforcement of claim.
b. Reverse order of claim seniority - if full restitution has not been accomplished through legal actions the claimant may pay a small processing fee to extend legal action into the following cycles in order to secure full restitution. The fee is repeatable for each subsequent cycle the restitution action is sought.
c. Should the defendant admit wrongdoing and agree to pay restitution under the original claim then legal action shall be pending full restitution. Once the claimant has confirmed they have been made whole, all claims against the defendant shall be dismissed and
d. Any and all actions in response of judicial action will be carried upon the unilateral determination of the courts without any duty to announce the results prior to the passing of any specific cycle, but has a duty to announce the result after the fact. Action by the courts in accordance with its determination are considered to be done solely at the behest of the claimant and the courts bear no responsibility for any and all outcomes. The action does not constitute a cause of action against the courts or the claimant but may be subject to injunction from the defendant if duly represented and the claim for injunction of any action by the courts passes summary judgment. Through the simple existence of a claim against the defendant the defendant is considered to be on notice of potential action and as such any requirement for a declaration of war before legal action is waiv
sub 1. Summary judgment: upon retention of a legal representative and payment of the processing fee of the courts a defendant may apply for an injunction to delay any action against them provided they have also presented evidence to the judge sitting on judgment of the original claim. Any evidence presented to the former judge will be shared with the latter and may form part of the decision even if the summary judgment for injunction is dismissed. Should the defendant of the original claimant, here the claimant of injunctive relief, present evidence sufficient to show either:
1) Bad faith on the part of the claimant – ie having first caused the creation of a cause of action for the claimant of injunctive relief.
2) That there is insufficient evidence to show wrongdoing and therefore requiring the courts to launch a full investigation into the circumstances of
a. The claimant under the first claim, being the defendant in the second claim, shall be invited to participate in the summary judgment to provide or counter evidence provided by the claimant of the injunction against the first claim unless the claimant of the second claim can demonstrate that there is sufficient reason for such proceedings to be kept private.
b. For this determination to be made, the claimant of the second claim must send a direct representative to the courts. The courts cannot guarantee that a motion for injunction against the first claim will be granted.
c. The courts may at their discretion hear evidence on why a motion for injunction should be kept private in the absence of a direct representative but cannot guarantee that such determination or discussion will be inviolable.
S4.Causes of action (including but not limited to):
1) breach of contract.
2) dealing in bad faith - acting in such a way so as to steer an actual or nominal ally into action or inaction that brings them into the path of harm when the nominal defendant had information of actual or potential action from a third party or parties intent on bringing, causing, conspiring to cause, perpetrating or motivate harm directly or indirectly on the claimant.
3) Non-performance of duties or breach of alliance obligations.
4) Attack without proper and legal declaration or with insufficient notice.
5) Theft or destruction of property between two or more factions that are not at war or with insufficient declaration (Including but not limited to theft of moneys, materiel, information, goods tangible or intangible, planets, sectors, systems etc).
6) Murder, causing the death, unlawful detainment or serious injury of a sentient individual, AI or member of a faction, however defined by the faction without recourse to the rights, laws, regulations or ethical considerations of the actor.
7) Breach of non-aggression pact whether by obvious or hidden means.
8) Frivolous and damaging claims aiming to cause ethical and reputational damage.
9) Attempted bribery.
10) Aiding and abetting any of the above.
11) Being a causal link to the direct or indirect destruction, removal, lowering or making not available permanently or temporarily resources of another faction (stardate 13438.1)
12) Creation of hyperlanes between two non-allied nations without notice prior to the creation of said hyperlane (stardate 13438.5)
s.5
a) all judgments of the court, including the grievance, evidence presented forming the basis of the judge’s determination (ratio decidendi) as well as any legal action deriving from the court’s judgment shall be a matter of public record.
b) a party to another claim may use the ratio decidendi of another claim, where the circumstances of said claim are alike to the current claim (the burden of proof lying with the party seeking to use the prior ratio). The courts must abide by prior decisions of a higher court.

Sch. 1 Any action shall be subject to the rules of proportionality and the quantum of restitution being claimed may be adjusted accordingly to reflect this principle. The courts may at their discretion increase the quantum of the original claim at their discretion to remedy ethical damaged inflicted on the claimant through the defendant's actions, taking into account facts that may not have been in evidence during the original claim.

Sch. 2
a) All fees are considered to be net of any transactional costs, tariffs, restrictions, damage during transit and any other factor or circumstance, foreseen or unforeseen, avoidable or unavoidable that may result in the funds reaching the collective being less than agreed upon fee.
b) The collective retains the right to set-off the balance of the fee remaining unpaid against any funds of the client whether the collective is in possession or not of those funds.

Sch. 3 – The courts
1. Claims shall be considered by a court specializing in the subject matter of the claim. The lower courts must follow all precedent. These are divided between the following chambers:
a. Commercial court
b. Criminal court
c. Arbitration court
d. Ethical court
2. The legal representative of the claimant or defendant may request a higher court to hear the case, although that will only be done once the facts have been established by the specialized court. Higher courts will sit only on the legal matters.
3. The middle ranked courts are the appellate courts. These courts may overrule any decision of the lower courts if an appeal is granted. They may also set precedent at a higher seniority than the lower courts. The appellate courts may also willingly invite a case to their purview.
4. The High Courts act only of their own initiative and may set or ignore precedent at their discretion where the application or misapplication of precedent to the current claim would result in material injustice. They may also decide a case on a non-precedential basis due to unique characteristics of a case.
5. The Supreme Justice may on a non-precedential and discretionary manner to assist any court in deciding a point of law.

Sch. 4 - War
1. a state of war will remain until it has been explicitly rescinded by both parties.
2. While two factions are in a state of war, no action between the two shall be considered unlawful
3. where one is part to an alliance a state of war shall be deemed to exist between the opposing faction, factions, secondary groups, alliance or alliances of the first party and all its allies unless it is shown that the allies of the first party had no foreknowledge of such actions and remove the first party from the alliance and cease any communication/trade with them. Any trade between former allies where the alliance was dissolved shall be considered to be aid in the war and as such, the opposing party or parties as defined earlier shall be considered to be at war with the trading parties.
4. Where a cause of action is made public or is known by all involved, then war is considered to have been declared between the two parties automatically. (stardate 13438.6)

[n0ble]

The Believers of the Unwilling God
Rep: Friendly

Public

Spoiler: Principia

Show

Clad in his armour, the Unwilling God is a black flaw when set against a sun very different to that of Novinus. The crimson sphere at their back radiates harsh, near feral emenations of light. Wild and untamned despite the passage of aeons. It is a light that God holds in His own gaze, the occular organs burning, putting red into what reads as a very thin atmosphere to those quantifying features about the planet. They hang sedate in the air, glancing off to the distance offscreen before turning the skulled helm of their armour to the vidfeed. The artifice collapses in on itself slowly, revealing first their face then the rest of their bodysuit clad form, confining the Kullite to a single black ring worn upon the finger of their right hand. The smile on their face is a sorrowful one. Nostalgic even, if one were to ignore the fact that His people are alien to the concept. Regardless it is an odd expression, one that makes the so-called deity older for how it creases the lines on their face. The only discernable weapon underneath the armor is a simple, toy-like ray gun.

"Principia. War is come to the galaxy. In these times, it may be said that the things which keep us apart are stronger than that which holds us together. But it need not be this way." The Unwilling God raises his arms perpendicular to his body, as though to embrace whoever is viewing Them. Black splinters rise into the sky behind the Unwilling God, each jagged and revealed to be of the same mineral composition as His armour. Spacial drives engage, adding their emissions to the swathe of red light as they add ionization to Kull's atmosphere. Ships. Crude and barbaric to the eye. Blunt and clear in their purpose as warmachines. Ultramite ships. The Unwilling God turns from the vidfeed and lowers their arms as the black Kullite reasserts itself over their form. They depart, a black smear that quickly outpaces the departing navy.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

For those interested, had an LTP idea that might actually be feasible this turn given the current event. The general idea would be: whenever two or more VIPs of equal level work together, be it on an LTP, stat attack or improvment of a stat, they add the levels of the other VIPs they work with. Ex: The Unwilling God (Lvl. 3 Mil) and Antares (Lvl. 3 Psi) work on an LTP together. They would both count as Mil. 3/Psi. 3 for the purposes of the project's investment requirments. It would just be the flat level, no items included in the crossover.

Mostly thinking that it would just add the levels, not actually count as VIPs being at a new lvl (sorry Lvl. 1s) and that once we get a cost estimate back everyone who wants to participate would foot an equal share of the bill. Presumably it will be quite expensive to get it done-open to removing certain conditions for the project in order to make it cheaper. (IE only functions for certain categories of VIPs, only functions for LTPs OR stat attacks OR invasions etc.)

Morale 10

Spoiler: Vanguard Unit-Z358

Show

God's scion sits in a relaxed cross-legged position, a hand on each knee. A sombre smile is plain on their face, evidently trying to hold on to some sort of optimism in the face of the last decade of conflict. Their hair has regrown since the tournament: longer, yet done up in a tighter bun for acquired length. The same Kullite hairpin holds the entire assemblage together. The scar previously sported across their face has all but vanished to a faint line.

A curious object hovers a standard Novinian unit below Nufai's face. A scale replica of an orrey, wrought in the same grey material as the Savior. A small gunmetal sun sits at the centre, with no less than five satellite planets tracking lazy orbits around the device. The system it apes is unknown, but it is clear that the object is a predictive one designed to enhance the latent psioninc potential of whoever uses it. Nufai's smile does not waver.

"Greeting's Vanguard. Excavations of our past have yielded this curio into Novinan hands. While Belief entails an inclusion of all, the paradigms which govern it have been sorley lacking when it comes to matters of the psionic. Perhaps it might be better employed by you."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Have a +1 psi item i would like to trade for Econ/Sci, with an emphasis on the latter rather than the former.

Spoiler: Grand Republic

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Killbot VIII stands much as they have for their past addresses to the GR, hands clasped behind their back and at attention. "Greatings, Republicans. It is good to see that you have fully come into your title, even if it is on the heels of so much destructuction. Such is my purpose in addressing you today. They name me Warmachine. And in this they are correct. Such is the purpose I was forged for. I would not have such existence. I will not."

The vidfeed pans back. In place of golden wheat there is a sprawling refugee camp, clotted with the dredges of those who have fled the GRP, Crusade and UEO's war. The Savior is a statue amongst a veritable sea of hummanity and alien, a tide composed of wretches, beggars and those that have experienced loss. Lone islands of Novinans and Killbots mete out what aid they can. A child, their barrel like ribs plain against skin pulled taught from starvation, walks across the frame, then trips and falls to the ground. Their chest heaves with effort, loosing ragged breath after labored breath into the air. The vidfeed picks up on this, filtering out excess sound so that they wheezing of the child becomes clear. One gets the impression that the vidfeed is filtering out the buzz of carrion insects as well. Open sores wage war for territory against small patches of hale skin and lips, weeping putresence from radiation burns.

The Pankrator stoops from their stature, seemingly ignoring the vidfeed's presence to lift the much muddied child from their knees. "I wish there was more that could be done. That there need not be such waste when it comes to our interactions with life." Without ceremony or pressage the Undying Warmachine drives his fist into the Novinan soil. The vidfeed's frame shakes in reciprocation. On-screen refugees stumble and fall to their backsides or knees. Some begin praying. Time passess. The dust settles. In the wake of the blow a wellspring of clear, blue water burbles up from the epicentre of the strike. The Saviour kneels with the child he'd previously raised to standing. Multiple limbs swirl and ripple outwards from Killbot VIII's chassis, each pair cupping a large handful of water for someone to accept. "Wouldnt you agree?"

A soft blue light emenates from the Saviour's monitor, enveloping the child. Their sores reverse, healing into vague crater like pockmarks. A image flits across Killbot VIII's screen: a cohesive family unit from happier times, clearly the one the child belonged to once. A pair of hands steady the child as they sway in the light, a hand on each shoulder. Another pair offers them water, hands clasped together. Other refugee's take note and begin to mil and mince their way towards the Saviour. They are too tired, to bedraggled, to speak their gratituide aloud. But that does not mean it is absent from their faces. A strange light begins to suffuse the Saviour's chassis, a little bit off-color from the standard Novinian blue.

Constructs-two figures-bleb and coalesce from the light. Repeated ad nauseum for each who approaches the Pankrator. It is the same dark haired woman and child that all the Principia knows as the beings Killbot VIII once called family.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

You'll have to pardon the assumption, but I'm guessing a 3v1 war isnt ideal for you. I'm wholly willing to stay neutral in your conflict v. the UEO & Crusade. But I would like some things in return. Specifically, I would like systems [25] & [26]. Understandably, control of 26 might be a bit contentious given the whole 2v1 war thing. I would like 25 this turn and 26 in say, 2 turns from now. Willing to publically ratify this so the Lawyers dont get uppity over being left out in the cold.

[ArcaneStomper]

The Sages of Iettis VI
Reputation: Adored
Morale: 7

Evolution Complete
The asteroid had once been a piece of a carbon rich rock floating unmolested through the Iettis system. It had existed for millenia in that state, uncaring of the turmoil in the galaxy around it. Until one day young Aakaash had gone hunting for a suitable cocoon. The Observer had provided her a list of all the asteroids in the Iettis system along with their estimated compositions. Of course it could have just told her the most optimal asteroid to use directly, but the choice of cocoon was very personal. And so Aakaash had examined the list with full diligence and personally gone to check the most promising candidates. Already she had eliminated several dozen, but as her tentacles caressed this one and relayed tactile and material data back to her every characteristic glowed purple in her mind. This one was perfect. It would form an ideal cocoon.

Wrapping her find in her grasping tentacles Aakaash instructed her plasma heart to beat at full strength and opened her exhaust sacs to their full width. With all of her might the young sage struggled to pull the asteroid back with her to a safe place for her metamorphosis. However the stubborn rock dwarfed Aakash and she was of delicate psionic caste and lacked the mighty engines of the guardians or engineers. Still Aakaash struggled and so much of her attention was focused on her fierce effort that she could only exult when at last the asteroid began to move. Not noticing that some of the Sculptor’s burly drudges had surreptitiously attached to the back of the rock and were lending their strength to the effort.

It took several cycles of the moons for Aakaash to reach her chosen location. She had already cleared a place in Mother’s ring system so that no moonlets would cross her path while she worked. There were ready sources of ice and gas nearby, and Mother’s fierce songs provided all the energy Aakaash would require. With the asteroid safely tucked away in a stable orbit Aakaash began to burrow into it. Her many beaked mouths chewed into the rock and processed it through her refining stomachs. All the elements were separated and stored carbon and rare elements in her swelling resource nodules, Excess ice and silica mixed and secreted as a fine concrete onto the exterior of the asteroid. Layer after layer of shining white concrete soon encased it completely and sealed Aakaash into her cocoon.

After a final check of the seal Aakaash began outgassing to fill her cocoon with atmosphere and liquid water. When the interior had reached levels appropriate for life she opened her hatches and allowed her countless symbiotes to pour out. In such ideal conditions they multiplied and their ever increasing generations quickly surpassed what Aakaash could carry in her own environs. Now that Aakaash had ample biological material and a swarm of helpers at long last the real work could begin.

Over the course of years the young sage combed through her own body. Entire new species of drones were created. Their standard genetic templates were tweaked and modified to fit her idiocentric needs. Her resource nodules deflated as their contents were used to grow new redundant organs. New memory towers grew from their buds and her plasma heart was stimulated to grow larger. Finally the most delicate part of the procedure. With great care Aakaash grew a new psionic antenna. Carefully monitoring its fractal growths she pruned away excess branches and carefully spliced in more robust frames. She hummed as she worked and knew she had succeeded when the flowery branches began to resonate in time with her song.

At last she was finished. Her resource nodules were empty and nothing remained of the asteroid but the final concrete shell. As much as she wished to continue improving there was nothing left with which to grow. What was once an abundant and protective cocoon was now a prison separating her from the stars. And so Aakaash splayed her tentacles across the interior of the shell and sprayed it with potent acids. Flexing she tensed certain hydraulic muscles and then unleashed them in one swift burst that shattered a vast stretch of the white wall.

Digging through the debris Aakaash squeezed her bulk out of the confines of the cocoon. Finally free she was able to unfurl her new grown antenna to its full length for the first time. With new clarity she heard the songs of her parents and elders. No longer confined to the simplistic tones of children she now could hear traces of complex harmonies the mature sages wove into their songs. She long to join them, but she still lacked the capability to sing with such depth. So instead she broadcast her own theme. The simple melody of her childhood now overlaid with new patterns of her evolution. One by one the songs of the symposium quieted as the other sages listened intently. Finally the entire symposium rang out with a united chorus as every sage in the system sang their congratulations. From the deep tones of the Eldest all the way down to the piping notes of still immature Weaver.

The Grand Conference
For the third time the Eldest invited the representatives of the Principia Sector to visit its moon and mingle with each other. With war not just on the horizon, but actively fighting it was more important than ever for a forum to be open for diplomacy and negotiation.

Spoiler: The Iron Gods of Ur (Morale: 8)

Show

Everything has proceeded very smoothly with the Trust. We have established a headquarters for it, and have received all the expected investments. In fact we thank you for your additional contribution.

As to the matter of Bheura Prime we have thought long on the matter in the past decade. As well we have considered your conquests and the grumbles of our own dear Garuda. For we admit to some disquiet at the way you treat your conquered populaces. As well our Garuda has been clamoring to prove its might after its defeat in the Fotuan Tournament. And we think these three things could have a mutual resolution.

So we propose this alternative. We are sure you are planning to deal with the Numinous Secretariat of the Lithos. And even for you their defenses are quite resolute. Allow Garuda to join your efforts and both prove itself and take some of the focus off your own forces. In exchange we ask for Bheura Prime, and since Garuda is quite a bit more powerful than what we agreed to before we also ask for your consideration in allowing us to evacuate those of the Lithos who are less useful to you.

If you are not amenable to this proposal we are still willing to pursue our previous agreement.

(OOC: The new offer is 7 mil to help conquer (60) in exchange for (77) and (1 Mor stat). I’d be willing to make the same offer of assistance for the conquest of (68) for (77) and any stat, but that would be wasting some of Garuda’s strength.

Actually since I want to evacuate people I'd take a VIP instead, but I don't know if the Lithos have one.)

Spoiler: The Iron Gods, the Muridun, and the Judiciary Collective (Morale: 8)

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We are pleased to announce that the Trust is on schedule and one third complete. And the current popular opinion in the sector should make its completion far easier than originally estimated. We ask if everyone is still prepared to make their investments this decade.

Spoiler: The Believers of the Unwilling God (Public)

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We of Iettis are always open to cooperation. We would be happy to collaborate with the people of Novinus and any other participants in this effort.

Spoiler: The Chronarkate of Miron (Morale: 8)

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Greetings to the Covenant of the Ninety,

I am ready to serve as the bridge between our peoples. If you are still willing as well, then please relay the coordinates of your emissary.

To a Connected Present
The Weaver

Spoiler: The Judiciary Collective of the Kragmorian Moons (Public)

Show

Greetings Trade representative Iapetus Smithson Forge the 4th, LLB DDC Bar,

We have been watching your public proceedings as we find them to be an enlightening insight into the minds and drama of your people as well as a valuable source of news about the local sector. And we have questions regarding Docket Number 567434 as regarding your legal code.

We have questions regarding your organization of a legal instrument under s.4. As S4 regards the causes for action and does have provisions regarding protection or services. We would expect any such instrument to be organized under s.2.

We also attach here a request form for the amendment of typo and grammatical errors as we see that "S4.Causes of action (including but not limited to)" does not match the section layout of the other sections and feel that clarification is required in order to allow for a clear and correct reading of your legal code.

To a Legal Future
The Eldest

Attachment:
See proposed changes in red.

Spoiler: Laws and procedure, non-exhaustive

Show

Sections
(Eldest: We believe that using the form S.# would be more orderly than s.#, but leave this to the discretion of the collective.)
s.1 Rights of the claimant
a. All individuals and/or factions may request intervention from the courts where they believe they have been wronged.
b. In order for a claim to be considered there will be a procedural fee to reflect the labour and process of the courts. This will be decided ad hoc and at the discretion of the courts. The fee will be made known to the potential claimant through their representative to the courts (non refundable)
c. Once the fee has been agreed the courts will send summons to the defendant and initiate due process against them. If the defendant does not respond to the summons, the courts will investigate to the best of their ability the facts in evidence and proceed with any legal action as required by the determination of the courts without recourse.
d. Both parties agree to abide by the decision of the courts, whatever the determination. The courts may decide on the following actions at their absolute discretion but always taking into account the contents of the claim and other circumstances that become evident during the proceedings. Relief that the court may grant at its discretion include but are not limited to:
1) rRestitution action
2) iInjunction
3) pPunitive action
4) eEthical restitution
5) aAny other action considered necessary by the courts for justice and balance to be delivered between parties.

s.2 Judiciary and legal services
a. Barristers, judges below the rank of Supreme Justice or other agents of the court may be retained as required to provide legal services on a prolonged contract or a one-off.
b. tThe fees for such services will be negotiated and agreed to on an ad-hoc bilateral basis, are non-refundable payable before commencement of the service.
c. Services may include, but are not limited to arbitration of dispute, legal discovery, defensive discovery, legal representation to the Judiciary, alliance maintenance.
d. tThe collective, any of its department or legal firms and institutions reserve the right to not accept any given business proposal, extension or alteration thereof or to discontinue services giving (1) cycle of notice, without further recourse.
e. A declaration of war by the collective or against the collective during the performance of their duties shall have the immediate, unilateral and irrevocable effect of cessation of contractual performance and immediate return of any of its agents, officers or employees including any goods or materials that have been assigned.
f. A sitting member of the judiciary that is not actively engaged in a case may be retained for services such as dispute arbitration, alliance monitoring, witnesses to contracts or any other service such as may not result in a conflict of interest. Judges employed in this capacity may not sit in judgment of a relevant claim but may provide evidence to the judiciary for any claim that arises related to the services that have been provided.

s.3 Quantum of restitution:
1) Sum under dispute in addition to any ethical damages as quantified the courts at their discretion.
2) Interest charged at 10% per cycle minimum (1) per cycle.
3) Fees paid by the claimant to initiate proceedings.
4) Costs and expenses of determination and enforcement of claim.
b. Reverse order of claim seniority - if full restitution has not been accomplished through legal actions the claimant may pay a small processing fee to extend legal action into the following cycles in order to secure full restitution. The fee is repeatable for each subsequent cycle the restitution action is sought. (Eldest: We do not see what this has to do with reverse order of claim seniority. It appears to cover the Extension of Services)
c. Should the defendant admit wrongdoing and agree to pay restitution under the original claim then legal action shall be pending full restitution. Once the claimant has confirmed they have been made whole, all claims against the defendant shall be dismissed. and
d. Any and all actions in response of judicial action will be carried upon the unilateral determination of the courts without any duty to announce the results prior to the passing of any specific cycle, but has a duty to announce the result after the fact. Action by the courts in accordance with its determination are considered to be done solely at the behest of the claimant and the courts bear no responsibility for any and all outcomes. The action does not constitute a cause of action against the courts or the claimant but may be subject to injunction from the defendant if duly represented and the claim for injunction of any action by the courts passes summary judgment. Through the simple existence of a claim against the defendant the defendant is considered to be on notice of potential action and as such any requirement for a declaration of war before legal action is waived.
sub 1. Summary judgment: upon retention of a legal representative and payment of the processing fee of the courts a defendant may apply for an injunction to delay any action against them provided they have also presented evidence to the judge sitting on judgment of the original claim. Any evidence presented to the former judge will be shared with the latter and may form part of the decision even if the summary judgment for injunction is dismissed. Should the defendant of the original claimant, here the claimant of injunctive relief, present evidence sufficient to show either:
1) Bad faith on the part of the claimant – ie having first caused the creation of a cause of action for the claimant of injunctive relief.
2) That there is insufficient evidence to show wrongdoing and therefore requiring the courts to launch a full investigation into the circumstances of
a. The claimant under the first claim, being the defendant in the second claim, shall be invited to participate in the summary judgment to provide or counter evidence provided by the claimant of the injunction against the first claim unless the claimant of the second claim can demonstrate that there is sufficient reason for such proceedings to be kept private.
b. For this determination to be made, the claimant of the second claim must send a direct representative to the courts. The courts cannot guarantee that a motion for injunction against the first claim will be granted.
c. The courts may at their discretion hear evidence on why a motion for injunction should be kept private in the absence of a direct representative but cannot guarantee that such determination or discussion will be inviolable.

S4.s.4 Causes of action (including but not limited to):
1) bBreach of contract.
2) dDealing in bad faith - acting in such a way so as to steer an actual or nominal ally into action or inaction that brings them into the path of harm when the nominal defendant had information of actual or potential action from a third party or parties intent on bringing, causing, conspiring to cause, perpetrating or motivate harm directly or indirectly on the claimant.
3) Non-performance of duties or breach of alliance obligations.
4) Attack without proper and legal declaration or with insufficient notice.
5) Theft or destruction of property between two or more factions that are not at war or with insufficient declaration (Including but not limited to theft of moneys, materiel, information, goods tangible or intangible, planets, sectors, systems etc).
6) Murder, causing the death, unlawful detainment or serious injury of a sentient individual, AI or member of a faction, however defined by the faction without recourse to the rights, laws, regulations or ethical considerations of the actor.
7) Breach of non-aggression pact whether by obvious or hidden means.
8) Frivolous and damaging claims aiming to cause ethical and reputational damage.
9) Attempted bribery.
10) Aiding and abetting any of the above.
11) Being a causal link to the direct or indirect destruction, removal, lowering or making not available permanently or temporarily resources of another faction (stardate 13438.1)
12) Creation of hyperlanes between two non-allied nations without notice prior to the creation of said hyperlane (stardate 13438.5)

s.5 Precedence
a) aAll judgments of the court, including the grievance, evidence presented forming the basis of the judge’s determination (ratio decidendi) as well as any legal action deriving from the court’s judgment shall be a matter of public record.
b) aA party to another claim may use the ratio decidendi of another claim, where the circumstances of said claim are alike to the current claim (the burden of proof lying with the party seeking to use the prior ratio). The courts must abide by prior decisions of a higher court.

Schedules
Sch. 1 - Proportionality
a) Any action shall be subject to the rules of proportionality and the quantum of restitution being claimed may be adjusted accordingly to reflect this principle. The courts may at their discretion increase the quantum of the original claim at their discretion to remedy ethical damaged inflicted on the claimant through the defendant's actions, taking into account facts that may not have been in evidence during the original claim.

Sch. 2 - Fees
a) All fees are considered to be net of any transactional costs, tariffs, restrictions, damage during transit and any other factor or circumstance, foreseen or unforeseen, avoidable or unavoidable that may result in the funds reaching the collective being less than the agreed upon fee.
b) The collective retains the right to set-off the balance of the fee remaining unpaid against any funds of the client whether the collective is in possession or not of those funds.

Sch. 3 – The cCourts
1. Claims shall be considered by a court specializing in the subject matter of the claim. The lower courts must follow all precedent. These are divided between the following chambers:
a. Commercial court
b. Criminal court
c. Arbitration court
d. Ethical court
2. The legal representative of the claimant or defendant may request a higher court to hear the case, although that will only be done once the facts have been established by the specialized court. Higher courts will sit only on the legal matters.
3. The middle ranked courts are the appellate courts. These courts may overrule any decision of the lower courts if an appeal is granted. They may also set precedent at a higher seniority than the lower courts. The appellate courts may also willingly invite a case to their purview.
4. The High Courts act only of their own initiative and may set or ignore precedent at their discretion where the application or misapplication of precedent to the current claim would result in material injustice. They may also decide a case on a non-precedential basis due to unique characteristics of a case.
5. The Supreme Justice may, oin a non-precedential and discretionary manner, to assist any court in deciding a point of law.

Sch. 4 - War
1. aA state of war will remain until it has been explicitly rescinded by both parties.
2. While two factions are in a state of war, no action between the two shall be considered unlawful
3. wWhere one faction is party to an alliance a state of war shall be deemed to exist between the opposing faction, factions, secondary groups, alliance or alliances of the first party and all its allies unless it is shown that the allies of the first party had no foreknowledge of such actions and remove the first party from the alliance and cease any communication/trade with them. Any trade between former allies where the alliance was dissolved shall be considered to be aid in the war and as such, the opposing party or parties as defined earlier shall be considered to be at war with the trading parties.
4. Where a cause of action is made public or is known by all involved, then war is considered to have been declared between the two parties automatically. (stardate 13438.6)

[St. Justicar]

The Iron Gods of Ur



Reputation: Dreaded. Encryption Level: 17

Spoiler: Kramagorian Judiciary

Show

Well, that was physically painful to read. Though I’m sure it was worse to write, so I won’t hold a grudge. I’ll be sure to use more qs in the future. (You missed an h in the second word, by the way).

I’m a complete loss as to what the last word is supposed to mean, though. Which makes the whole message a bit of a mess. So, allow me to provide an alternate cipher

sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow

There, every character you’ll need. So what sort of advice were you trying to give, exactly?

[Either you made a typo or I’m being an idiot, but either way I don’t have a clue what ‘planatk’ is supposed to mean]

Spoiler: Murudin, Judiciary, Sages

Show

The exact proportions depend upon the results of certain upcoming expeditions, but no issue is foreseen.

However, the current economic climate should reduce the contributions significantly, should it not?

Spoiler: Sages of Iettis

Show

That should be acceptable to the Gods, but I’m afraid that there’s another message I’m waiting for a reply to before I can truly commit to it. My apologies.

[Eldan]

Muridun [Mor 7, Reputation: Neutral]

The Incarnation
"And what is your name, Djinn?", Ghufran asked.
"Nkosiphendule ", came the voice from the speaker.
"Good, good. You remember. And can you describe your body to me, Djinn?"
"My brow is uncreased, for I have no doubt. My eye is bright, for I see only prey. My arm is a blade that cuts the world, and cuts my soul into an ever-sharper angle. In my hearts burn the fires, red and white and black. My feet are as of burnished bronze and the pillars of heaven quake at my step. Strength is my God, and I will kill him.
"... yeees. More... physical perhaps? Less metaphorical?"
Below them, the new flesh pulsed and took shape.

Ghufran and the Council
Five years ago
"Brother Ghufran, we are... concerned."
Ghufran was sweating rivers. He wasn't a nervous student anymore, he should be more self-assured than this, but the fact that the five kindly, smiling elders in front of him could have him executed or exiled at any time destroyed any notion of calmness.
"O-oh?", he stammered.
The second judge was stroking his moustaches. "Bashar of House Sekh believes that you are fashioning bodies for the dead, to create Ghuls. It is necromancy."
Ghufran's eyes widened. He hadn't considered it like that.
"N-no. They aren't...I have brought them back as Djinn, but... they aren't ensouled... They are medusoids, living flesh directly grown around the Djinn, perfectly soulless and fashioned to their memories... there is no possession! It's just Incarnation!"
The second judge puffed on her pipe, then said: "The writings of the third council say that "thou shalt not incarnate the Djinn, for it is an abomination that scars the soul of the necromancer and the Djinn both."
"But, but... this is different! They knew the journey of soul! They weren't like those who died in Doomsday, unprepared, scared, confused, ripped half-apart by the death throes of the Demiurge! I can migrate them whole and unharmed!"
The third judge slowly stirred sugar into his tea.
"Even if so. Are they not unbelievers?"
"How can they be unbelievers! They know of the journey of the soul, and how it is charged in the eye of God to charge and become greater! Is it not written, the Exaltation of the Soul is the essence of all Faith, all else is words on the wind?"
"But why do this? No things end, save through the hand of God", the fourth judge asked, cross-legged in her acceleration harness.
"Because... because this was an injustice! It was horrible! A travesty! Genocide! Wrong! How... how can we stand by and let this happen!"
The fifth judge spoke, for the first time, and the other judges fell silent. Only their voice could be heard, quiet over the distant thrumming of the generators and the humming of the atmospherics.
"All things happen as God wills them, but still, we must act when we see injustice. For when we feel that there is injustice, it is God's will acting through us. Young Ghufran saw an injustice, and he acted to reverse it. That is just."
The other judges just nodded, and Ghufran silently prayed thanks.

The Boy and Mars

The Man who had been Mars von Quet strolled through the flower palace. He enjoyed his retirement, his new body, the quiet. He still wore expensive suits, but he had made some concessions to local fashion, exchanged leather shoes for the more common magnetic sandals. Of course he still worked, but he was a senior analyst now, an investment advisor, not an executive. It was a nice change of pace. He thought about writing a book. By himself, too. No ghost writers this time.
Something ran across the path, from one bush to another, lighting fast. Mars frowned slightly, but not very concerned, then stepped off the path himself, parting the leaves.
It was a young child, naked save for a loincloth, skin black as the void, whipcord-thin, all sinew and lean muscle. Holding a short spear just below the head, the weapon faintly humming and emitting a blue glow.
"Hello there. I don't believe we have met. I am Mars, of House Sekh."
The child stared at him for several seconds. He could see the enhancements, now, shuttering lenses behind cat-pupilled eyes, faint circuits under the skin.
"Thembisile Buyisiwe First to Return", the child finally said. The stare like a dissecting microscope.
"And what are you doing here?"
"I am awaiting my bond. She will soon be here again."
Suspicion narrowed Mars' eyes.
"How... old are you?"
"I am 497 years old. This is my soul's 29th body."

***

The Announcement
In long-practised ritual, the man steps forward, plants his spear in the soil, unslings the long plasma rifle from his back and leans it against hte podium. With a series of clicks, his gilded helm unfolds like flower petals, then retracts into the rest of his armor.
There is something old in his's eyes, then his glasses, even though his body is less than twenty years old.


"Principia, hear my words."
His voice is deep, sonorous, calm.

"I am Mandlenkosi Fist of God and I am here to speak for my people. You believed us gone. You were wrong.
We are Clan Buyisiwe, Returned from Annihilation. We were the Aksum, and the Ibezi. We were betrayed. We are the Zultar, true and sublime. Through Violence, we have reached Heaven, and through Violence, we have returned to paint the void in blood.
And the night came alive with the roar of the saurians.

Official Press Statement:
The Muridun Houses have entered confederation with the true Zultari clans, for mutual protection of all faithful in a dangerous sector. It is our belief that no culture shall suffer genocide, no people be wiped from existence, save by the hand of God. And so, we shall preserve all who are unjustly destroyed.

[Writtensanity]

MOR= 6 : REP: Awed

Spoiler: To the Believers of the Unwilling God

Show

Your message to the Grand Republic is intriguing. Considering you were offering them to avoid a war on three fronts, you would require our front to still be operational, and it currently isn’t.

Simply put, the UEO is no longer at war with the Grand Republic, should you determine that their current government is not fit to lead, we would be willing to reinstate the war against their people as both support to you and vengeance for the Crusade. We would simply need confirmation that you will support us as we would be supporting you, and light compensation to avoid it looking like the UEO goes back on their peace at the Whims of the Unwilling God.

Finally, if you are paid, try to keep in mind that it was our actions that assured you were in the position to make such a bargain.

Wildflower.

Spoiler: To the Iron Gods

Show

Bureaucrats, Planets and Angel Worshippers. It really does seem like an appropriate bridal trail to follow around the Gods.

Now trust us when we say we weren’t trying to poison the well last time around. We were simply trying to ensure that everyone was on the up and up with the trust. Frankly we’re reading mail waiting for the moment that someone attempts to turn on you simply because it will be interesting to watch and survey.

Until then, we enjoy our peace reliant almost completely on MAD.

For business, we are obviously in the business of knowing who attacked us. If it’s someone you would prefer to see gone anyway, know that anything we save on investigation will be pointed toward their destruction.

Thank you,

Dr. Lithany.

Spoiler: To the Muridun

Show

Welcome back to the Zultari, forever changed by the burning light of the stars.

Do you plan to retrieve your home from the jaws of the Republic, who stole it from your conquers?

Should that be the case… well we are neighbors afterall, perhaps something can be arranged in terms of resources.

Zenithair.

Spoiler: To the Unity Party

Show

Thank goodness we aren’t sending these by traditional mail, we would hate to waste proper paper.

Despite the lack of communication the UEO is happy to assist you in preparing for the arrival of the Iron Gods. Though for tactical reasons we would not engage them in a direct offensive at this time.

What is your stance in the war of the Crusade?”

Spoiler: To the Grand Republic: New Options Party

Show

Good evening to the newly minted peace network between the UEO and the New Options Party. Should you accept our peace, we hope this message finds you well and without too many worries beyond your borders.

The Unwilling Gods have certainly put you into a bind. Considering that, we’re going to be frank. We have asked the Unwilling Gods what their intentions are considering our peace. If they, in theory, offered the UEO an impossible to ignore amount of resources we would rejoin the war against you as long as you were in some of the …. Less positive options.

Considering that we strongly consider you either convince either Unwilling God to back down, or possibly prepare for a bidding war over our neutrality.

We are simply trying to be kind with this knowledge. Message us in private to receive some keys to read critical faction’s messages between each other.

Wildflower

Spoiler: To the Sages

Show

Being frank, our public message is intentionally obtuse. We understand that your planets would have the psionic ability to cause the damage that was done to us, but we figured that pointing those figures publicly would potentially marr in the image of the planets.

That considered, if you’re that against us we’d like to know why and how with a war. Otherwise we are curious to know where your hand falls in the war between the Republic and the Stars. It seems to be the current dividing line in the Galaxy.

[ArcaneStomper]

The Sages of Iettis VI
Reputation: Adored
Morale: 8

Spoiler: Murudin, Judiciary, Sages (Morale: 8)

Show

Indeed, though unfortunately the distributed nature of the Trust means that we will not benefit as much as we might have. These are the current projected numbers needed to complete investment in the Trust. We have included the actual and increased investment.

Muridun: 4 (6)
Iron Gods: 3 (4)
Sages: 7 (10)
Judiciary: 7 (10) Trade Penalty: -2

Total: 23 (30)

Though we do note that this might be a good time to add additional investment as even a few points could yield dividends. We are also uncertain if the Judiciary will be able to meet their investment target as they suffer somewhat from extended trade routes. We would be willing to provide them a loan if that case is the case. Given these factors we project this as being a more optimal investment pattern.

Muridun: 4 (6)
Iron Gods: 4 (6)
Sages: 10 (15)
Judiciary: 4 (6) Trade Penalty: -1

Total: 23 (33)

Spoiler: The United Ecological Order (Public)

Show

We have no animosity against you, and did not attack your worlds. Though we do admit we are somewhat disappointed in your ready resort to violence rather than negotiation. We hope you will make some effort to assist the civilians you have harmed through efforts in the Grand Republic of Principia.

As to our stance towards the Antarean and Grand Republic war we are neutral. The Grand Republic has shown alarming volatility and declared their war unprompted. However the Antareans invaded the Zultari with no declaration at all. They have also conquered a system already claimed by the Unity Party, which implies they do not recognize territorial claims of others as valid.

If anything we hope they will be able to resolve their differences in a negotiated settlement. Something we will be happy to offer our services as mediators for.

To a Peaceful Future,
The Eldest

Spoiler: The Antarean Crusade and the Grand Republic of Principia (Public)

Show

We are saddened to see your factions at war and hope that this conflict can be resolved quickly with a minimum of casualties on both sides. As such we offer our services as mediators in the hopes of a quick settlement. If you are interested we would be pleased to offer our moons as a neutral ground for peace talks.

To a Peaceful Future
The Eldest

[Writtensanity]

MOR= 6 : REP: Awed

Dr. Lithay took a knee in her office and carefully misted the Lastrodoia Flower she’d harvested from Peridian Beta before she’d come to Principia. This might have been the last of its species in the Universe. On its home planet, it had been too sparse to be a viable species after the deforestation of its natural Poliada trees, so she’d adopted one to try to clone it.

So far cloning had been unsuccessful but it had been a pleasant office mate in the meantime.

Watering the plant herself was innifiencet in several ways. The first of all was her time, the second was that she couldn’t apply exact water with the tools she used, and the final was that the Lastrodoia flower took up more brainspace than she intended to admit to anyone within the Triad. Focus on raw efficiency had been a Fotuan idea though, she watered as a way to wind down and god she needed it.

“That’s better isn’t it?” she asked as she patted the side of the small containment system the Lastrodoia bloomed in. “Just happier.” There was nobody else in the room, so it was unclear if the Doctor was speaking to the silent flower or herself.

“Incoming call,” a digital assistant chimed from its corner in the room.

“Internal?” Lithany asked.

“External. Signature isn’t from a Pricipian Craft.”

“Fine,” Dr. Lithany waved a hand and the call came through.

“Well, I thought someone wasn’t going to fight again,” the smooth voice came from the other side of the call before the video connected. The wall display came to life and standing in the void of the video call was a mirror image of Dr. Lithany, now surveying the room she was being patched through to.

“I don’t have anything to say to you,” Lithany said.

“What? I was going to say congratulations on placing!” the woman said the word ‘placing’ like it was poisonous, “it’s been a while since a Fotuan did anything in Principia. Losing Neptune really was a shame for Seldvia.”

“I don’t care.”

“People said the channel wasn’t going to come back from the original getting caught in the Warp, but look what happened! They’re back, there is always someone new and you can-”

“I don’t care.”

“Really count on the Meritorcracy to always expand. It’s a shame about Conquest though. Let me tell you, I loved that show back in the day, getting onto it was just an absolut-

“I don’t Ferro-”

“Progenitor Ferro,” the woman snapped. “You’re still a fotuan.”

“Unfortunately.”

“Please,” Ferro sighed, “you’re just wasting your talents on a tantrum while having the luckiest genes in the galaxy. A de-aging mutation of Victorya. There is a reason that I keep coming back as the progenitor.”

“You’re not my anything.”

“Would it make you feel better to call me Mom?” Ferro asked. She took a half step forward, like she was going to enter the room and confront Lithany, but no matter how far forward she moved, she stayed in the same place on the wall. “You keep trying to deny where you come from but I saw you out there. The fight.”

“Not my thing.”

“It’s what we were made for Lithany,” Ferro corrected, “no matter how much you say it. You can’t deny how much it gets to you.”

“I hate it.”

“You hate how much you like it,” Ferro corrected, “there is a reason that all of the things you make with that brain of yours are so damn good at killing. You can conquer planets because-”

“The natural order-”

“Futans-”

“-is”

“-are”

“Strong.” The two women finished together. Ferro with a smirk and Lithany with a scowl. The look betrayed too much to Ferro, but critically it told her that she was right. Lithany had moved on from the meritocracy, but she couldn't kick how she felt when she’d strapped back into her Valkyrie.

“You should know what an Apex predator is,” Ferro continued, clicking her tongue twice after it, “you’re letting yourself get bossed around by a rich boy and a flower. They’re telling-”

“I’m not letting you poison this well.”

“The Entradi Liberation Movement made the Meritocracy sweat,” Ferro pointed out, “and now you’re part of a larger organization throwing tantrums because someone half-way across the system voted wrong a couple times in a row.”

“The UEO is changing the galaxy a planet at a tim-”

“So is the Meritocracy, we’re just better at knowing how to do it-” Ferro hissed, “don’t get too soft Lithany, we’re still going to need you in the Empire after you’re done this little ‘studdy abroad’ program of yours.”

“I’m not coming back,” Lithany corrected.

“Sure you’re not,” Ferro countered while ending the call.

“****-” Lithany yelled before smashing the watering apparatus she’d been using agains the floor. That bitch could get her riled up so quickly. She didn’t know what she should be doing, but she knew what she wanted to do. Lithany was going to declare war on the cowards that had tried to bomb the UEO when she was going. She was coming to their doorstep and they were going to-

Lithany shook her head. She knew better than that. The UEO was different.

It was different this time.

Spoiler: To the Judges: MOR 6

Show

To those who survived the attack from the unknown.

We are both facing the same threat right now, daggers that are unwilling to declare war before turning their blades toward us. Cowards who are willing to kill for their cause, but not willing to stand for it.

We suggest a simple offer: The Gask Triad will declare war on whomever comes up as the result of our investigation into the attacks on the UEO, and we are willing to commit to the same idea for the attack against you, assuming you would do the same to our culprit.

Simply put, those who are willing to attempt a strike against two of the most dedicated intelligence agencies in the galaxy should be ready to face the consequences. Without our promised might combined they might instead be willing to accept a trade for our lack of action instead.

Are you with us in this? We figure it’s a small enough commitment to begin a possible collaboration with.

Wildflower.

Spoiler: To the Vanguard MOR =6

Show

There, we have put some actual actions behind our words. Though it looks like, based on our intelligence, that we were on opposite sides of this war. Honestly we had figured that you wouldn’t side with the declarants unless you were completely sure that the Totalists weren’t going to take over again and decide to throw as many bombs around as they could.

Either way, what side do you really think should be winning this crusade, because if it lasts too long it’s only a matter of time before the Iron Gods start picking off the defenseless, one by one.

Zenithair.

[St. Justicar]

The Iron Gods of Ur



Haven

Despite the passing decades, Ashara still didn't seem to have aged a day, despite her apparently organic appearance (there was a running bet in certain quarters that she was actually a whole lineage of clones, disposed of and replaced as the wear began to show).

But that's not to say the years hadn't changed the God's delegation - her party now boasted a half-dozen attendants at all times, trophies of their conquests. Two of the new additions were Oashans - spiders the size of large dogs, one of the more successful uplift programs to ever arise from the descendants of Earth - their chitin painted in purples and golds as they crouched on either side of the Urrite priestess, shifting and twitching with every step taken or other minute tremor in the ground.

The other two newcomes were Mri, golden-skinned humanoids, naturally taller, faster, and far more lethal than nature had ever equipped humanity to be. Wielding archaic blades and dressed in cloth robes, they were still as statues behind her, serving as something between bodyguard and object d'art.

Addressing the newly convened summit, Ashara began "War is an honorable calling, and I would not dream of mouthing some empty platitude in the hope of denying a conqueror their rightful spoils. But some twenty years ago those of us who had assembled here agreed that the universe was a more orderly and virtuous place when all knew what they were fighting for.

And so in the name of the Gods, I demand of the Starspawn and the Anarchists, or those who would deign to speak for them. For what do you fight? What surrender shall you accept? What conquests do you seek to claim? As a sector we have done quite well delineating our spheres of interest. I see no reason why that should cease simply because they clash."

Reputation: Dreaded. Encryption Level: 17

Spoiler: Unity Party

Show

A more specific offer, if you'll forgive the presumption. The Gods have need for a greater number of specialists than in previous years to complete a project with a certain amount of urgency [2 Sci]. As compensation, I have given the discretion to offer the continued services of our witches [1 Psi] and either a certain amount of those rare elements your golems require in such absurd amounts [1 Eco], the entire value in those elements [2 Eco] or, should you feel at risk from the starspawn, labor battalions and overseers to prepare for defense and reconstruction [3 Mor]. There is instead the possibility of payment in kind with a detachment of heavy cruisers and droneships [2 mil], but in such a case you would be expecting to pay a full blood price for any causalities suffered by them.

Do any offers appeal, oh ghost of the machines?

Spoiler: Kramagorian Judiciary

Show

The Secretariat has repeatedly blasphemed against the Gods, and spurned their offered protection. More concretely, they control the last remaining system of any worth in the cluster, and securing it will improve our hold over the entire piece immeasurably. Conquest will be glorious and profitable, and control of Kantus will improve our long-term security immeasurably, the sooner we have it the better

I like you, so I'll be blunt here - what's your better offer? The bribe will need to be significant.

Spoiler: UEO

Show

I have my assumptions - one of the two you mention, as it happens - but as a matter of policy the Gods neither know nor care who sabotaged your fleets. Well, they might want to give them a medal, we are technically at war, but you understand.

Consider whatever you can extort out of the nomads and wildcats working in the demilitarized zone my personal contribution, if you like [[[because that's the best explanation I can think of for where you're getting the eco when I respond privately]]]

Spoiler: The Trust

Show

To ensure I understand - satisfying the Gods' commitment will at present require [3 eco], but by instead investing [4 eco] we can take advantage of the present climate to gain permanently great dividends going forward? I, at least, am not opposed.

[neriractor]

Vanguard Unit Z-358

The bright light of the Delian's star shone, only obscured by the usual radiation/light dimmers upon X-20 "Ordivite", A wide crescent-shaped ship adapted to the same doctrinal role as a Novinite wrecker and as such it shone upon the people inside.

The banquet, an elegant affair with the trappings that the guests from The Delian Rings expected of their wealthy new patrons, was held for many reasons: To celebrate X-20 and other of its kind finally leaving the dockyards, as a small reward for the people in charge who lost some power on integration, and many other reasons of statecraft.

For the two beings who held the highest ranks in the ship, there was nothing but a game. the floor was even where it could be (the ship was primarily a military vessel after all) and all tables equally decorated but the Vanguard diplomats had chosen to sit near the walls, allowing The Ring's own to enjoy the view.

In one such table, an archaic stone figurine clanked against a light metal panel, causing general Komenos to wince and his opponent to twitch his auditory receptors, the men were not of the same species but both were acquainted enough that the equivalent of a ****-eating grin wasn't spared to Komenos

"This is ridiculous" called the second player, seemingly contradicting his clear advantage.

Komenos replied apologetic, causing another satisfying clank with a movement of his hand "I have barely just learned this game, spare me a couple mistakes"

The player made a pass at a furrowed brow "You know what I mean, there is no time for such vagantries" the piece was moved with not a second thought.

Komenos narrowed his eyes, perplexed and pondered the move for a few minutes, while the impatient man across from him tapped the table, only turning from the game to note a passing moon from the nearby gas giant as it's shockingly fast movement started to cover the ship's access to the sun "Do Tell me then, Udarix, What is it the Vanguard needs?"

Udarix, for the first time had to take some time to think over his next movement, the moon covering in its totality the light coming throgh the ship's window, muffled comments all across as scarce few lights illuminated the walls, leaving them close to darkness "Versatility, Komenos, I'm surprised you wouldn't know", with a last move he raised two fingers and perked his auditory receptors again, it was his win.

Komenos' face elongated at the defeat, a second of silence passed in the now darkened table "You spent too much time with too low stakes my, friend, what you need..." he let the phrase linger another second more before he spoke again, and as planned, a literally earth-shattering explosion was heard as the moon that blocked the sun did just that, causing shock and concern from most, including Udarix, at least until he noticed Komenos' calm "...Is power..." a few concerned faces showed as a number of shards and pieces approached the ship rather quickly for their distance, but behind them a blinding dark pink to rival the sun's light beat them to the race, shattering them before contact and then revealing the humanoid form of Alerax, close enough to wave back hello "...And we have it."

The room erupted into cheers and claps at the expectacle, with Komenos' smug slow claps crowned by a few words "Care for another game?"

Udarix mused for a moment, before the idea of a reluctant smile was visible in his face "...Sure"

Lettis VI - Conference.

Theophania once again represented The Vanguard, taking the stage when allowed "It is tragic how, as we are, even those less alive of us..." she didn't turn to anyone in particular "...trapped by our emotions, our imperfect wishes, or simply by thinking in our heads 'no more!' when the subject brought forth is peace. It is tragic, but expected, and know that while we call for peace and we condemn the wars that threaten to unravel Principia, and the project of stability we came here to ensure with it, we do not condemn the just who resist, even if they had not been mortally wounded beforehand. No, we condemn only those who made resistance a necessity."

Reputation: adored
Morale: 6

Spoiler: Believers of the Unwilling God

Show

Jul, a mighty beard (for his species), grown as did his overall fitneess, was the more than a bit shocked at his new correspondent, almost knocking over a few papers before catching himself "Greetings heir, Alerax is out of the sector, if you meant to invi..."

He was quickly distracted by the object and then by the words of the Ultrumite "Impressive, our own diggings seem unable to gather any such thing, at least in a usable state" he inspects it visually for a few moments "And what would you have for it?"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I'll save the discussion about LTPs until Cultist tells you or me (just asked) how much it costs, but if it is too pricy or too cheap we may be better off using the boost to confederate the stewards and saving this one for later.

Spoiler: UEO (Public)

Show

You overdid it, but I suppose all that pent up energy had to go somewhere.

The Grand Republic, flawed as its current democratic institutions are, was apparently worth a gamble, even if I wasn't for it, a totalist victory would have left us looking pretty bad after all. Anyway, no time to argue if the results came from your sticks or our carrots, given what our intelligence says about bombs in your backyard you have some rather more pressing problems but I do admit that on the whole you are right, we need action, if perhaps with better targeting.

As for the last question, we would have the GRP win, as I personally would have you win, and that means both will.

Pleasant hunt,
Theophania, Tutor of applied thaumatology .

[ArcaneStomper]

The Sages of Iettis VI
Reputation: Adored
Morale: 8

Spoiler: The Trust (Morale: 8)

Show

Essentially yes, though we would not want to overstate the benefits of a [3] to [4] change. It requires [4 points] of investment to return [1 point] of dividends. Our example is that going from [3] to [4] is an increase of one, but yields two. So it is good value. We were referring more to the fact that if anyone wishes to increase their investment now would be the time to do so given the prevailing trends.

To a Cooperative Future
The Eldest

Spoiler: The Judiciary Collective (Morale: 8)

Show

Now that we are at last in contact we wish to revist the process of sending scientific aid to assist in your archeological projects. Since it has been some time since you gave your initial terms we would prefer that you restate them in case you have changed any points since the initial discussion.

To a Cooperative Future
The Eldest

Spoiler: The Vanguard (Morale: 8)

Show

We are now connected and able to assist you and the Lunara Collective. However although it is somewhat embarrassing for us to say it our current respective positions make actually working with the Lunara somewhat infeasible. We very much wish to assist their work, but the majority of any aid we sent would be lost to theft, bribes, and wastage before it reached their part of the sector.

We are still willing to contemplate some method of indirect aid. For instance by working with the Vanguard instead. We also anticipate that our position will be better in the next decade as the Iron Gods should provide us with (77). If you would allow it we would also be able to set up a temporary base of operations in (39).

To a Cooperative Future
The Eldest

Spoiler: The Numinous Secretariat of Lithos (Morale: 8)

Show

Based on our understanding of the Iron Gods of Ur and your still extant war with them we believe that you are in a somewhat precarious position. They have nearly completed their conquest of their claimed territory and we are sure you aware that Lithos sadly resides within that territory.

We do not believe that we can prevent this entirely. However if you are willing we offer to work with both you and the Iron Gods to come to a mutually beneficial surrender of the Kantus system and offer a haven for your work on the Codex Efficatus to continue.

To a Continuing Future
The Eldest

[Eldan]

Muridun [Mor 7, Rep neutral]

To The Numinous Secretariat of Lithos

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We apologize for the delayed response, honoured Keepers. Of course your message to us had the highest possible priority, but it still needed to be cleared on many levels.

We are of course infinitely honoured that you would consider an exchange with us. Please find attached triplicate copies of the writings of the wise among the Muridun and their collected sayings and debates. If in exchange, you should send us even a single page, a word, from the Codex, we would consider it a larger step to enlightenment than we have had in thousands of years.

To the Trust (Iron Gods, Sages, Judiciary Collective)

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We still intend to make all payments.

To the United Ecological Order

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An interesting and proposal, and we are indeed considering what should be done about Zultar, the monument of the Zultari's currently greatest war. Perhaps we should talk more privately?

-Mariana bint-Naiwal

To the Grand Republic

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You are at war. We have common enemies. We should talk in private.
-Mandlenkosi Fist of God

[kemmotar]

The Judiciary Collective of the Kramagorian Moons
Reputation: Neutral
Morale: 8

Spoiler: Iron Gods of UR - MOR 8

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The first is well understood. The second refers to the other one which has blasphemed.

It is an opportunity, the first blasphemer could be excused and the benefit to us both would be increased, we would even go so far as to offer formal alliance in the coming decades (we hope you understand being the subject of an attack has created an issue with resources). We also have the chip to call in per our agreement on Bheura. We may find some common cause against the one who attacked us if that fits with your plans. We feel this kind of agreement creates much benefit for both of us.

Apologies for somewhat obtuse message. The Supreme Justice has become very security conscious. We suggest some yes/no questions would enable a somewhat clearer but longer communication. We also very much appreciate your increased encryption capabilities.

Spoiler: Sages of iettis VI - MOR 8

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Dear Eldest,

Thank you for reaching out. On the topic of docket 567434, the trust itself being an independent legal entity not set up within the jurisdiction of the Collective does not have any legal standing or legal protections unless it is properly registered. This is done via the courts, they review the documentation for any breaches or conflicts of interest and then the application is filed in the archives of the court, where it is maintained in quintuplicate with different archival departments for different purposes. Through this process, the Trust becomes a legally recognised entity and shareholders may address any potential causes of action to the courts of the Collective and therefore be protected against any causes of action under s.4.

We also thank you for the list of corrections, unfortunately it is always the case that through transcription and different departments and editing by different people, mistakes may occur. We have submitted this through a clarification on the existing application in order to avoid the administrative fee.

On your question re scientific exploration, we would be happy to recap the proposed terms and would like to note that in order to take advantage of the current situation, it would be very helpful to us to discuss some loans in addition to your scientific expeditions. As you may have gleaned the collective was recently attacked and our priorities have shifted somewhat towards enhancing our defence. Please find attached to this message the recap of the terms with minor formatting amendments. Ad-Hoc arrangements can also be made on a case by case basis to be discussed.

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We agree on an amount of sci to be used on midturn by me to explore, you send it on the EOT. We split stats equally (50/50) sent at EoT. I get right of first refusal on artifacts, but have to give up this floor's stats in exchange, if you receive the artifact instead then I receive the stats. In case of "bad consequences" I can use the proceeds of that turn's exploration to deal with the consequences, provided I use my share first. If the consequences require specific stats and the exploration of that turn has provided those stats I have to select those stats for my share.

1/acro medean site, you can veto my right of first refusal to claim the artifact for yourself for artifacts up to tier 2, but you give up all stats as normal. Tier 3 archeotech, we must come to mutual agreement and there will be no dibs or veto.

Spoiler: Vanguard Unit Z-358 - MOR 8

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To: Most Active Guardian's of Innocent Creature's, Vanguard corps.

As we have been neighbours for a while and have finally managed to connect for potential trade, we would like to invite you to a closer cooperation. We have many installations and therefore interesting opportunities but unfortunately, we have a limited capability to explore them. We would like to offer you the opportunity to enter into a profit share with us. Although we lack the resources, we would be willing to split any gains from exploration and come to an arrangement regarding any archeotech that may be found. If interested, we can lay out the basic agreement for your consideration.

Additionally, you may be aware that we have reached an interesting arrangement with the Iron gods, Muridun and Sages. It is an investment venture. We would be happy to discuss with the Trust the possibility of adding new shareholders and introduce you given our existing treaties and hope for mutually beneficial trade, this could be especially profitable given recent events. Please advise any interest.

Spoiler: Iron Gods, Sages, Muridun - MOR 8

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Dear all,

The collective would like to enter a request for a minor modification of the Trust's charter before it is in full operation. With a view to new developments making investment into the trust more profitable than originally anticipated, we would like to open up the possibility of new shareholders. However, we would like to change the charter so that expulsion of new shareholders (class B shares) requires the unanimous approval of the founding shareholders (class A shares). We have also made a non binding inquiry to the vanguard to gauge interest. We already have a non-aggression treaty with them and believe them to be trustworthy.

As a subclause of the expulsion of shareholders, we would also suggest that any resources that become available post expulsion will be split equitably between class A shareholders. The methodology to be mutually agreed.

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Spoiler: Space Opera and other foibles

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The only way in which the collective could be accused of levity, and perhaps in some circles precisely so they are not accused for a lack of one, they have given a nod to the cultured past by naming some of their crack squads after ancient operations memorialized through the physical arts.

1) In memory of the battle of the swan conflagration, a crack squad an elite assault squad was created specializing in boarding actions. The pointe berserkers, equipped with the latest in mechanized battle armour (thin but durable) they use rotating monomolecular blades attached to the bottom of their feet to move at incredible speeds along all 3 dimensions (especially in the weightlessness of void warfare). The swan conflagration originates from a small stranded squad of swan vessels (so called because their huge engines built for speed caused an incredibly strong magnetic field that is harmful to all life – As such the cockpit and living area had to be further away from the engine room resulting in a body with a long neck) in enemy territory and being assaulted by the technomages led by Rotbart the Black who sought the superior technology of the lead vessel “Odette”. The standstill was broken by the assault of Segafredo squadron after tipping the scales against Rotbart by destroying his flagship “Odille”, which had been masquerading as an empire vessel. Thankfully the cybernetic warfare module of Segafredo squadron was able to see through the mimicked vessel tags by recognizing the different engine frequency of the inferior Rotbart vessel and blasted to atoms. Then, the squadron let the “Odette” and her attendant vessels back to the empire shipyards. This is commemorated through an ancient piece of music by one Chai-trotsky and the point berserkers are psychoindoctrinated to enter a battle frenzy when they hear his piece of long forgotten music, some say it was written for star crossed shapechanging lovers. What piffle….but the music seemed to engender a certain aggressive reaction in individuals with a certain genetic anomaly.

2) Juliette squadron, a famous wing of the collective's fleet so named after Juliette the oubliette, a famous spy in the times of the pre arco medean era. She is most well known for the events that led to her obtaining the codes for the self destruct sequence for the weapons of mass destruction of a faction of rebels called the Veronese after the controversial decision which had banned the installation of high grade AIs in android bodies that have humanlike skin. The veronese threatened to detonate quantum busters under the server archive holding the names of AIs downloaded already in what would be non-compliant bodies. Juliette, then a little known intelligence agent barely out of the academy took advantage of her young looks and the Veronese terrorist leader Romeo proclivities and managed to insinuate herself into his life as his lover. She was quickly able to make him fall in love with her by adopting a meek persona but she still was unable to extract the necessary information from him. Getting desperate she concocted a plot with the help of another of the agents that had infiltrated the organization posing as a doctor. She would be injected with an agent that would put her in a medically induced coma 12 hours after the injection. She would also be given a vial that was ostensibly poison, but was in fact the counteragent to the injection. By taking it before she went into the coma, she would be able to convince Romeo of her death. The plan was that in his grief, near the end, she would convince him to give up enough information to help the investigation. In fact what she had not been counting on, was Romeo’s unstable mental state, when Juliette drank the poison in front of him claiming that she could no longer live in fear of Romeo one day being capture or worse. In response Romeo, stricken by the loss, committed suicide himself using his own personal weapon just as the incredibly surprised Juliette was slipping into the coma. She awoke a few hours later covered in blood and in a panic. As far as she knew, there was no one alive who knew the full plan and Romeo’s lieutenants had been ordered to never reveal their part of the plan. Her only option now was to use Romeo’s body to bypass biometric protections around his personal quarters. Using his severed hands and removed eyes, she gained access to his computer, through this and by impersonating Romeo in electronic communication she managed to convince his lieutenants that the plan had been compromised. By in turn accusing each one of his lieutenants as being the leak, which she (Romeo) knew because it was each lieutenant’s piece of the puzzle that had been leaked, she managed to gather sufficient information on both the attack and secondary cells spread out all over the system. Finally, she struck gold when in one of the replies of a lieutenant she found an email with the encrypted disarming code. Romeo had always worn an earring that Juliette had never really been able to reconcile with his personality. She snapped the code into her memory cortex and once more returned to her room where she had stashed the body in the lavatory cubicle. After some fiddling she discovered that the earring was in fact a scrambler decoder and after plugging it into her own memory cortex she was able to unscramble the code. Soon after she sent the code to her handler and once she had confirmation that the WMDs had been remotely deactivated, she secretly left the compound. In her honour the cybernetic warfare squadron has been formed by the collective and each year one of the officers of the squadron has the honour of playing the heroic role in a play that is held in the capital.
3) Further text redacted to protect the Collective armed forces and obscure their capabilities.

Spoiler: Articles of Incorporation

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Articles of incorporation, binding upon the collective
1) The collective will never go back on its legal obligations as set out in the relevant agreement.
2) War is a lawful endeavour provided that the rules of alliances and principia are maintained (casus belli provided and announced to senate or privately with notice).
3) The judiciary of the collective shall remain impartial in its judgment of any claim brough before it with the aim of accomplishing restitution against the aggrieved party.
4) The collective may bring a claim internally with itself as the claimant in order to seek the fulfillment of any agreement that has been reneged or pursue any cause of action.
5) Anyone who has retained legal representation from the legal firms of the Kramagorian moons or any other legal body recognized by the judicial body of the collective will benefit from attorney client privilege and all other duties of confidentiality, disclosure of conflict of interest and the best legal defense that the contracted entity
6) The Collective maintains the right to alter its articles of association and any other legal documentation at its absolute discretion without any forewarning, although all agreements shall be honoured on the basis of the version of the relevant legislation applicable at the time.

Spoiler: Laws and procedure, non-exhaustive

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s.1 Rights of the claimant
a.All individuals and/or factions may request intervention from the courts where they believe they have been wronged.
b. In order for a claim to be considered there will be a procedural fee to reflect the labour and process of the courts. This will be decided ad hoc and at the discretion of the courts. The fee will be made known to the potential claimant through their representative to the courts (non refundable)
c. Once the fee has been agreed the courts will send summons to the defendant and initiate due process against them. If the defendant does not respond to the summons, the courts will investigate to the best of their ability the facts in evidence and proceed with any legal action as required by the determination of the courts without recourse.
d.Both parties agree to abide by the decision of the courts, whatever the determination. The courts may decide on the following actions at their absolute discretion but always taking into account the contents of the claim and other circumstances that become evident during the proceedings. Relief that the court may grant at its discretion include but are not limited to:
1) restitution action
2) injunction
3) punitive action
4) ethical restitution
5) any other action considered necessary by the courts for justice and balance to be delivered between parties.

s.2 Judiciary and legal services
a. Barristers, judges below the rank of Supreme Justice or other agents of the court may be retained as required to provide legal services on a prolonged contract or a one-off.
b. the fees for such services will be negotiated and agreed to on an ad-hoc bilateral basis, are non-refundable payable before commencement of the service.
c. Services may include, but are not limited to arbitration of dispute, legal discovery, defensive discovery, legal representation to the Judiciary, alliance maintenance.
d. the collective, any of its department or legal firms and institutions reserve the right to not accept any given business proposal, extension or alteration thereof or to discontinue services giving (1) cycle of notice, without further recourse.
e. A declaration of war by the collective or against the collective during the performance of their duties shall have the immediate, unilateral and irrevocable effect of cessation of contractual performance and immediate return of any of its agents, officers or employees including any goods or materials that have been assigned.
f. A sitting member of the judiciary that is not actively engaged in a case may be retained for services such as dispute arbitration, alliance monitoring, witnesses to contracts or any other service such as may not result in a conflict of interest. Judges employed in this capacity may not sit in judgment of a relevant claim but may provide evidence to the judiciary for any claim that arises related to the services that have been provided.
s.3 Quantum of restitution:
1) Sum under dispute in addition to any ethical damages as quantified the courts at their discretion.
2) Interest charged at 10% per cycle minimum (1) per cycle.
3) Fees paid by the claimant to initiate proceedings.
4) Costs and expenses of determination and enforcement of claim.
b. Reverse order of claim seniority - if full restitution has not been accomplished through legal actions the claimant may pay a small processing fee to extend legal action into the following cycles in order to secure full restitution. The fee is repeatable for each subsequent cycle the restitution action is sought.
c. Should the defendant admit wrongdoing and agree to pay restitution under the original claim then legal action shall be pending full restitution. Once the claimant has confirmed they have been made whole, all claims against the defendant shall be dismissed and
d. Any and all actions in response of judicial action will be carried upon the unilateral determination of the courts without any duty to announce the results prior to the passing of any specific cycle, but has a duty to announce the result after the fact. Action by the courts in accordance with its determination are considered to be done solely at the behest of the claimant and the courts bear no responsibility for any and all outcomes. The action does not constitute a cause of action against the courts or the claimant but may be subject to injunction from the defendant if duly represented and the claim for injunction of any action by the courts passes summary judgment. Through the simple existence of a claim against the defendant the defendant is considered to be on notice of potential action and as such any requirement for a declaration of war before legal action is waiv
sub 1. Summary judgment: upon retention of a legal representative and payment of the processing fee of the courts a defendant may apply for an injunction to delay any action against them provided they have also presented evidence to the judge sitting on judgment of the original claim. Any evidence presented to the former judge will be shared with the latter and may form part of the decision even if the summary judgment for injunction is dismissed. Should the defendant of the original claimant, here the claimant of injunctive relief, present evidence sufficient to show either:
1) Bad faith on the part of the claimant – ie having first caused the creation of a cause of action for the claimant of injunctive relief.
2) That there is insufficient evidence to show wrongdoing and therefore requiring the courts to launch a full investigation into the circumstances of
a. The claimant under the first claim, being the defendant in the second claim, shall be invited to participate in the summary judgment to provide or counter evidence provided by the claimant of the injunction against the first claim unless the claimant of the second claim can demonstrate that there is sufficient reason for such proceedings to be kept private.
b. For this determination to be made, the claimant of the second claim must send a direct representative to the courts. The courts cannot guarantee that a motion for injunction against the first claim will be granted.
c. The courts may at their discretion hear evidence on why a motion for injunction should be kept private in the absence of a direct representative but cannot guarantee that such determination or discussion will be inviolable.
S4.Causes of action (including but not limited to):
1) breach of contract.
2) dealing in bad faith - acting in such a way so as to steer an actual or nominal ally into action or inaction that brings them into the path of harm when the nominal defendant had information of actual or potential action from a third party or parties intent on bringing, causing, conspiring to cause, perpetrating or motivate harm directly or indirectly on the claimant.
3) Non-performance of duties or breach of alliance obligations.
4) Attack without proper and legal declaration or with insufficient notice.
5) Theft or destruction of property between two or more factions that are not at war or with insufficient declaration (Including but not limited to theft of moneys, materiel, information, goods tangible or intangible, planets, sectors, systems etc).
6) Murder, causing the death, unlawful detainment or serious injury of a sentient individual, AI or member of a faction, however defined by the faction without recourse to the rights, laws, regulations or ethical considerations of the actor.
7) Breach of non-aggression pact whether by obvious or hidden means.
8) Frivolous and damaging claims aiming to cause ethical and reputational damage.
9) Attempted bribery.
10) Aiding and abetting any of the above.
11) Being a causal link to the direct or indirect destruction, removal, lowering or making not available permanently or temporarily resources of another faction (stardate 13438.1)
12) Creation of hyperlanes between two non-allied nations without notice prior to the creation of said hyperlane (stardate 13438.5)
s.5
a) all judgments of the court, including the grievance, evidence presented forming the basis of the judge’s determination (ratio decidendi) as well as any legal action deriving from the court’s judgment shall be a matter of public record.
b) a party to another claim may use the ratio decidendi of another claim, where the circumstances of said claim are alike to the current claim (the burden of proof lying with the party seeking to use the prior ratio). The courts must abide by prior decisions of a higher court.

Sch. 1 Any action shall be subject to the rules of proportionality and the quantum of restitution being claimed may be adjusted accordingly to reflect this principle. The courts may at their discretion increase the quantum of the original claim at their discretion to remedy ethical damaged inflicted on the claimant through the defendant's actions, taking into account facts that may not have been in evidence during the original claim.

Sch. 2
a) All fees are considered to be net of any transactional costs, tariffs, restrictions, damage during transit and any other factor or circumstance, foreseen or unforeseen, avoidable or unavoidable that may result in the funds reaching the collective being less than agreed upon fee.
b) The collective retains the right to set-off the balance of the fee remaining unpaid against any funds of the client whether the collective is in possession or not of those funds.

Sch. 3 – The courts
1. Claims shall be considered by a court specializing in the subject matter of the claim. The lower courts must follow all precedent. These are divided between the following chambers:
a. Commercial court
b. Criminal court
c. Arbitration court
d. Ethical court
2. The legal representative of the claimant or defendant may request a higher court to hear the case, although that will only be done once the facts have been established by the specialized court. Higher courts will sit only on the legal matters.
3. The middle ranked courts are the appellate courts. These courts may overrule any decision of the lower courts if an appeal is granted. They may also set precedent at a higher seniority than the lower courts. The appellate courts may also willingly invite a case to their purview.
4. The High Courts act only of their own initiative and may set or ignore precedent at their discretion where the application or misapplication of precedent to the current claim would result in material injustice. They may also decide a case on a non-precedential basis due to unique characteristics of a case.
5. The Supreme Justice may on a non-precedential and discretionary manner to assist any court in deciding a point of law.

Sch. 4 - War
1. a state of war will remain until it has been explicitly rescinded by both parties.
2. While two factions are in a state of war, no action between the two shall be considered unlawful
3. where one is part to an alliance a state of war shall be deemed to exist between the opposing faction, factions, secondary groups, alliance or alliances of the first party and all its allies unless it is shown that the allies of the first party had no foreknowledge of such actions and remove the first party from the alliance and cease any communication/trade with them. Any trade between former allies where the alliance was dissolved shall be considered to be aid in the war and as such, the opposing party or parties as defined earlier shall be considered to be at war with the trading parties.
4. Where a cause of action is made public or is known by all involved, then war is considered to have been declared between the two parties automatically. (stardate 13438.6)

[ArcaneStomper]

Spoiler: The Judiciary Collective of the Kramagorian Moons (Morale: 8)

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For clarity we have broken up your proposal into points, along with our replies to them.

Spoiler: OOC

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1. We agree on an amount of sci to be used on midturn by me to explore, you send it on the EOT.
-The way exploration works I'm pretty sure I would need to send the sci at midturn.

2. We split stats equally (50/50) sent at EoT.
-This is fine. We might be able to split the stats at midturn as well since that's when everything happens.

3. I get right of first refusal on artifacts, but have to give up this floor's stats in exchange, if you receive the artifact instead then I receive the stats.
- Given the variance in stats received and artifact effects I feel like we should set up some standards of value weighting rather than just make it either or. Note also that there are items which are not artifacts, but also not stats.

4. In case of "bad consequences" I can use the proceeds of that turn's exploration to deal with the consequences, provided I use my share first. If the consequences require specific stats and the exploration of that turn has provided those stats I have to select those stats for my share.
- I see no obvious problems with this, but I have only encountered one bad consequence so I don't know exactly what might happen. The one thing that did happen disabled my VIP for a turn which raises the question of whose VIP would get disabled in this case. It's not really something we get to decide on.

5. 1/arco medean site, you can veto my right of first refusal to claim the artifact for yourself for artifacts up to tier 2, but you give up all stats as normal.
- See point 3. I think we should make an artifact price list.

6. Tier 3 archeotech, we must come to mutual agreement and there will be no dibs or veto.
- I am fine with this.

As a final note everything will be subject to the -1 penalty because we aren't directly bordering. Hopefully that will only be this turn though.

To a Prosperous Future
The Eldest

Spoiler: The Trust (Morale: 8)

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Greetings,

We don't see anything inherently wrong in making two classes of voting shares. However we disagree with the subclause. This will heavily incentivize the founding members to expel new members, works against the original intent of the Trust shareholders to equally distribute dividends, and would be an extra layer of bookkeeping to separate equal dividends and reclaimed shares.

As it stands these changes would provide no guarantee for future members. Given that many of our previous issues arose because of a lack of guarantees we believe this would essentially repel future investors.

In short we see two potential obstacles to allowing new shareholders to join.
1. Original members of the Trust will not wish to see their share diminished by new members.
2. New members will require guarantees that they will not lose their own investments.

Now this could be solved by some additional clause governing voting and buy in agreements. However we feel the solution is much simpler. All shareholders must be unanimous to allow new members. So just have an agreement that everyone will vote yes if the new member offers to match the investment of the current shareholders. This way current shares won't be affected and new members will receive the same guarantees as old members.

To a Prosperous Future
The Eldest

[kemmotar]

The Judiciary Collective of the Kramagorian Moons
Reputation: Neutral
Morale: 8

Spoiler: Sages of iettis VI - MOR 8

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Please find attached mark-up of your counter offer:

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1. We agree on an amount of sci to be used on midturn by me to explore, you send it on the EOT.
-The way exploration works I'm pretty sure I would need to send the sci at midturn. yes but you need to note it also on your eot I think.

2. We split stats equally (50/50) sent at EoT.
-This is fine. We might be able to split the stats at midturn as well since that's when everything happens.I believe the stats are available at EOT, plus the amount sent will depend on damaging consequences.

3. I get right of first refusal on artifacts, but have to give up this floor's stats in exchange, if you receive the artifact instead then I receive the stats.
- Given the variance in stats received and artifact effects I feel like we should set up some standards of value weighting rather than just make it either or. Note also that there are items which are not artifacts, but also not stats.
The turn system will be applies to T1/T2 archeotech findings on a separate counter for Tier 1 and Tier 2, so as to maintain fairness. Items not conforming to raw resources or archeotech shall be valued at their equivalent price.

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+1 stat items will be valued at X of the same stat where this is the cost of increasing that stat by 1. E.g. +1 eco item is valued at 4 eco.

4. In case of "bad consequences" I can use the proceeds of that turn's exploration to deal with the consequences, provided I use my share first. If the consequences require specific stats and the exploration of that turn has provided those stats I have to select those stats for my share.
- I see no obvious problems with this, but I have only encountered one bad consequence so I don't know exactly what might happen. The one thing that did happen disabled my VIP for a turn which raises the question of whose VIP would get disabled in this case. It's not really something we get to decide on. Bad consequences usually take the form of X mil/sci is required to combat X threat that appeared out of the installation in order to prevent X stat damage (lesser, medium, major threat). Ammendment: in cases where the stats are impossible to be used in combating appearing threats from the installation, JCKM will reserve the right to keep discovered raw resources on a 1:1 basis up to the amount discovered. Exploration of 10th or 20th floor will almost always result in significant bad consequences. Sages must agree to assist JCKM in combatting said threats to a reasonable degree given the higher risk/reward profile. Exploration of 10th/20th floor to be pre-agreed to ensure resources are available.

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E.g. lesser threat requires 5 mil/sci to prevent 2 random stat damage. The exploration uncovered 5 eco. Eco cannot be used. JCKM to use own mil and retain 5 eco.
JCKM accepts the risk that the discovered resources may not be sufficient to cover the needs to prevent damage

5. 1/arco medean site, you can veto my right of first refusal to claim the artifact for yourself for artifacts up to tier 2, but you give up all stats as normal.
- See point 3. I think we should make an artifact price list. Delete

6. Tier 3 archeotech, we must come to mutual agreement and there will be no dibs or veto.
- I am fine with this.
T3 usually comes from 10th/20th floor and is accompanied by a major threat almost always. See 4. If it has been agreed that the 10th/20th floor will be explored and sages do not contribute to combatting the threat they will lose the right to claim the archeotech. Contribution shall be required where the resources uncovered in that instance of exploration are insufficient to cover he cost of combatting the threat. 50% of total if no resources discovered, 25% if some resources discovered.

As a final note everything will be subject to the -1 penalty because we aren't directly bordering. Hopefully that will only be this turn though.

Spoiler

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Spoiler: Space Opera and other foibles

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The only way in which the collective could be accused of levity, and perhaps in some circles precisely so they are not accused for a lack of one, they have given a nod to the cultured past by naming some of their crack squads after ancient operations memorialized through the physical arts.

1) In memory of the battle of the swan conflagration, a crack squad an elite assault squad was created specializing in boarding actions. The pointe berserkers, equipped with the latest in mechanized battle armour (thin but durable) they use rotating monomolecular blades attached to the bottom of their feet to move at incredible speeds along all 3 dimensions (especially in the weightlessness of void warfare). The swan conflagration originates from a small stranded squad of swan vessels (so called because their huge engines built for speed caused an incredibly strong magnetic field that is harmful to all life – As such the cockpit and living area had to be further away from the engine room resulting in a body with a long neck) in enemy territory and being assaulted by the technomages led by Rotbart the Black who sought the superior technology of the lead vessel “Odette”. The standstill was broken by the assault of Segafredo squadron after tipping the scales against Rotbart by destroying his flagship “Odille”, which had been masquerading as an empire vessel. Thankfully the cybernetic warfare module of Segafredo squadron was able to see through the mimicked vessel tags by recognizing the different engine frequency of the inferior Rotbart vessel and blasted to atoms. Then, the squadron let the “Odette” and her attendant vessels back to the empire shipyards. This is commemorated through an ancient piece of music by one Chai-trotsky and the point berserkers are psychoindoctrinated to enter a battle frenzy when they hear his piece of long forgotten music, some say it was written for star crossed shapechanging lovers. What piffle….but the music seemed to engender a certain aggressive reaction in individuals with a certain genetic anomaly.

2) Juliette squadron, a famous wing of the collective's fleet so named after Juliette the oubliette, a famous spy in the times of the pre arco medean era. She is most well known for the events that led to her obtaining the codes for the self destruct sequence for the weapons of mass destruction of a faction of rebels called the Veronese after the controversial decision which had banned the installation of high grade AIs in android bodies that have humanlike skin. The veronese threatened to detonate quantum busters under the server archive holding the names of AIs downloaded already in what would be non-compliant bodies. Juliette, then a little known intelligence agent barely out of the academy took advantage of her young looks and the Veronese terrorist leader Romeo proclivities and managed to insinuate herself into his life as his lover. She was quickly able to make him fall in love with her by adopting a meek persona but she still was unable to extract the necessary information from him. Getting desperate she concocted a plot with the help of another of the agents that had infiltrated the organization posing as a doctor. She would be injected with an agent that would put her in a medically induced coma 12 hours after the injection. She would also be given a vial that was ostensibly poison, but was in fact the counteragent to the injection. By taking it before she went into the coma, she would be able to convince Romeo of her death. The plan was that in his grief, near the end, she would convince him to give up enough information to help the investigation. In fact what she had not been counting on, was Romeo’s unstable mental state, when Juliette drank the poison in front of him claiming that she could no longer live in fear of Romeo one day being capture or worse. In response Romeo, stricken by the loss, committed suicide himself using his own personal weapon just as the incredibly surprised Juliette was slipping into the coma. She awoke a few hours later covered in blood and in a panic. As far as she knew, there was no one alive who knew the full plan and Romeo’s lieutenants had been ordered to never reveal their part of the plan. Her only option now was to use Romeo’s body to bypass biometric protections around his personal quarters. Using his severed hands and removed eyes, she gained access to his computer, through this and by impersonating Romeo in electronic communication she managed to convince his lieutenants that the plan had been compromised. By in turn accusing each one of his lieutenants as being the leak, which she (Romeo) knew because it was each lieutenant’s piece of the puzzle that had been leaked, she managed to gather sufficient information on both the attack and secondary cells spread out all over the system. Finally, she struck gold when in one of the replies of a lieutenant she found an email with the encrypted disarming code. Romeo had always worn an earring that Juliette had never really been able to reconcile with his personality. She snapped the code into her memory cortex and once more returned to her room where she had stashed the body in the lavatory cubicle. After some fiddling she discovered that the earring was in fact a scrambler decoder and after plugging it into her own memory cortex she was able to unscramble the code. Soon after she sent the code to her handler and once she had confirmation that the WMDs had been remotely deactivated, she secretly left the compound. In her honour the cybernetic warfare squadron has been formed by the collective and each year one of the officers of the squadron has the honour of playing the heroic role in a play that is held in the capital.
3) Further text redacted to protect the Collective armed forces and obscure their capabilities.

Spoiler: Articles of Incorporation

Show

Articles of incorporation, binding upon the collective
1) The collective will never go back on its legal obligations as set out in the relevant agreement.
2) War is a lawful endeavour provided that the rules of alliances and principia are maintained (casus belli provided and announced to senate or privately with notice).
3) The judiciary of the collective shall remain impartial in its judgment of any claim brough before it with the aim of accomplishing restitution against the aggrieved party.
4) The collective may bring a claim internally with itself as the claimant in order to seek the fulfillment of any agreement that has been reneged or pursue any cause of action.
5) Anyone who has retained legal representation from the legal firms of the Kramagorian moons or any other legal body recognized by the judicial body of the collective will benefit from attorney client privilege and all other duties of confidentiality, disclosure of conflict of interest and the best legal defense that the contracted entity
6) The Collective maintains the right to alter its articles of association and any other legal documentation at its absolute discretion without any forewarning, although all agreements shall be honoured on the basis of the version of the relevant legislation applicable at the time.

Spoiler: Laws and procedure, non-exhaustive

Show

s.1 Rights of the claimant
a.All individuals and/or factions may request intervention from the courts where they believe they have been wronged.
b. In order for a claim to be considered there will be a procedural fee to reflect the labour and process of the courts. This will be decided ad hoc and at the discretion of the courts. The fee will be made known to the potential claimant through their representative to the courts (non refundable)
c. Once the fee has been agreed the courts will send summons to the defendant and initiate due process against them. If the defendant does not respond to the summons, the courts will investigate to the best of their ability the facts in evidence and proceed with any legal action as required by the determination of the courts without recourse.
d.Both parties agree to abide by the decision of the courts, whatever the determination. The courts may decide on the following actions at their absolute discretion but always taking into account the contents of the claim and other circumstances that become evident during the proceedings. Relief that the court may grant at its discretion include but are not limited to:
1) restitution action
2) injunction
3) punitive action
4) ethical restitution
5) any other action considered necessary by the courts for justice and balance to be delivered between parties.

s.2 Judiciary and legal services
a. Barristers, judges below the rank of Supreme Justice or other agents of the court may be retained as required to provide legal services on a prolonged contract or a one-off.
b. the fees for such services will be negotiated and agreed to on an ad-hoc bilateral basis, are non-refundable payable before commencement of the service.
c. Services may include, but are not limited to arbitration of dispute, legal discovery, defensive discovery, legal representation to the Judiciary, alliance maintenance.
d. the collective, any of its department or legal firms and institutions reserve the right to not accept any given business proposal, extension or alteration thereof or to discontinue services giving (1) cycle of notice, without further recourse.
e. A declaration of war by the collective or against the collective during the performance of their duties shall have the immediate, unilateral and irrevocable effect of cessation of contractual performance and immediate return of any of its agents, officers or employees including any goods or materials that have been assigned.
f. A sitting member of the judiciary that is not actively engaged in a case may be retained for services such as dispute arbitration, alliance monitoring, witnesses to contracts or any other service such as may not result in a conflict of interest. Judges employed in this capacity may not sit in judgment of a relevant claim but may provide evidence to the judiciary for any claim that arises related to the services that have been provided.
s.3 Quantum of restitution:
1) Sum under dispute in addition to any ethical damages as quantified the courts at their discretion.
2) Interest charged at 10% per cycle minimum (1) per cycle.
3) Fees paid by the claimant to initiate proceedings.
4) Costs and expenses of determination and enforcement of claim.
b. Reverse order of claim seniority - if full restitution has not been accomplished through legal actions the claimant may pay a small processing fee to extend legal action into the following cycles in order to secure full restitution. The fee is repeatable for each subsequent cycle the restitution action is sought.
c. Should the defendant admit wrongdoing and agree to pay restitution under the original claim then legal action shall be pending full restitution. Once the claimant has confirmed they have been made whole, all claims against the defendant shall be dismissed and
d. Any and all actions in response of judicial action will be carried upon the unilateral determination of the courts without any duty to announce the results prior to the passing of any specific cycle, but has a duty to announce the result after the fact. Action by the courts in accordance with its determination are considered to be done solely at the behest of the claimant and the courts bear no responsibility for any and all outcomes. The action does not constitute a cause of action against the courts or the claimant but may be subject to injunction from the defendant if duly represented and the claim for injunction of any action by the courts passes summary judgment. Through the simple existence of a claim against the defendant the defendant is considered to be on notice of potential action and as such any requirement for a declaration of war before legal action is waiv
sub 1. Summary judgment: upon retention of a legal representative and payment of the processing fee of the courts a defendant may apply for an injunction to delay any action against them provided they have also presented evidence to the judge sitting on judgment of the original claim. Any evidence presented to the former judge will be shared with the latter and may form part of the decision even if the summary judgment for injunction is dismissed. Should the defendant of the original claimant, here the claimant of injunctive relief, present evidence sufficient to show either:
1) Bad faith on the part of the claimant – ie having first caused the creation of a cause of action for the claimant of injunctive relief.
2) That there is insufficient evidence to show wrongdoing and therefore requiring the courts to launch a full investigation into the circumstances of
a. The claimant under the first claim, being the defendant in the second claim, shall be invited to participate in the summary judgment to provide or counter evidence provided by the claimant of the injunction against the first claim unless the claimant of the second claim can demonstrate that there is sufficient reason for such proceedings to be kept private.
b. For this determination to be made, the claimant of the second claim must send a direct representative to the courts. The courts cannot guarantee that a motion for injunction against the first claim will be granted.
c. The courts may at their discretion hear evidence on why a motion for injunction should be kept private in the absence of a direct representative but cannot guarantee that such determination or discussion will be inviolable.
S4.Causes of action (including but not limited to):
1) breach of contract.
2) dealing in bad faith - acting in such a way so as to steer an actual or nominal ally into action or inaction that brings them into the path of harm when the nominal defendant had information of actual or potential action from a third party or parties intent on bringing, causing, conspiring to cause, perpetrating or motivate harm directly or indirectly on the claimant.
3) Non-performance of duties or breach of alliance obligations.
4) Attack without proper and legal declaration or with insufficient notice.
5) Theft or destruction of property between two or more factions that are not at war or with insufficient declaration (Including but not limited to theft of moneys, materiel, information, goods tangible or intangible, planets, sectors, systems etc).
6) Murder, causing the death, unlawful detainment or serious injury of a sentient individual, AI or member of a faction, however defined by the faction without recourse to the rights, laws, regulations or ethical considerations of the actor.
7) Breach of non-aggression pact whether by obvious or hidden means.
8) Frivolous and damaging claims aiming to cause ethical and reputational damage.
9) Attempted bribery.
10) Aiding and abetting any of the above.
11) Being a causal link to the direct or indirect destruction, removal, lowering or making not available permanently or temporarily resources of another faction (stardate 13438.1)
12) Creation of hyperlanes between two non-allied nations without notice prior to the creation of said hyperlane (stardate 13438.5)
s.5
a) all judgments of the court, including the grievance, evidence presented forming the basis of the judge’s determination (ratio decidendi) as well as any legal action deriving from the court’s judgment shall be a matter of public record.
b) a party to another claim may use the ratio decidendi of another claim, where the circumstances of said claim are alike to the current claim (the burden of proof lying with the party seeking to use the prior ratio). The courts must abide by prior decisions of a higher court.

Sch. 1 Any action shall be subject to the rules of proportionality and the quantum of restitution being claimed may be adjusted accordingly to reflect this principle. The courts may at their discretion increase the quantum of the original claim at their discretion to remedy ethical damaged inflicted on the claimant through the defendant's actions, taking into account facts that may not have been in evidence during the original claim.

Sch. 2
a) All fees are considered to be net of any transactional costs, tariffs, restrictions, damage during transit and any other factor or circumstance, foreseen or unforeseen, avoidable or unavoidable that may result in the funds reaching the collective being less than agreed upon fee.
b) The collective retains the right to set-off the balance of the fee remaining unpaid against any funds of the client whether the collective is in possession or not of those funds.

Sch. 3 – The courts
1. Claims shall be considered by a court specializing in the subject matter of the claim. The lower courts must follow all precedent. These are divided between the following chambers:
a. Commercial court
b. Criminal court
c. Arbitration court
d. Ethical court
2. The legal representative of the claimant or defendant may request a higher court to hear the case, although that will only be done once the facts have been established by the specialized court. Higher courts will sit only on the legal matters.
3. The middle ranked courts are the appellate courts. These courts may overrule any decision of the lower courts if an appeal is granted. They may also set precedent at a higher seniority than the lower courts. The appellate courts may also willingly invite a case to their purview.
4. The High Courts act only of their own initiative and may set or ignore precedent at their discretion where the application or misapplication of precedent to the current claim would result in material injustice. They may also decide a case on a non-precedential basis due to unique characteristics of a case.
5. The Supreme Justice may on a non-precedential and discretionary manner to assist any court in deciding a point of law.

Sch. 4 - War
1. a state of war will remain until it has been explicitly rescinded by both parties.
2. While two factions are in a state of war, no action between the two shall be considered unlawful
3. where one is part to an alliance a state of war shall be deemed to exist between the opposing faction, factions, secondary groups, alliance or alliances of the first party and all its allies unless it is shown that the allies of the first party had no foreknowledge of such actions and remove the first party from the alliance and cease any communication/trade with them. Any trade between former allies where the alliance was dissolved shall be considered to be aid in the war and as such, the opposing party or parties as defined earlier shall be considered to be at war with the trading parties.
4. Where a cause of action is made public or is known by all involved, then war is considered to have been declared between the two parties automatically. (stardate 13438.6)

[ArcaneStomper]

Spoiler: The Judiciary Collective of the Kramagorian Moons (Morale: 8)

Show

This is acceptable to us. As a first effort let us explore five floors of one of your sites. We can provide [3 sci] to this. Can you provide the additional [2 sci]?

[kemmotar]

The Judiciary Collective of the Kramagorian Moons
Reputation: Neutral
Morale: 8

Spoiler: Sages of iettis VI - MOR 8

Show

We can provide 1, also take into account trade penalties. We can only explore with the resources that reach us.

Spoiler

Show

Spoiler: Space Opera and other foibles

Show

The only way in which the collective could be accused of levity, and perhaps in some circles precisely so they are not accused for a lack of one, they have given a nod to the cultured past by naming some of their crack squads after ancient operations memorialized through the physical arts.

1) In memory of the battle of the swan conflagration, a crack squad an elite assault squad was created specializing in boarding actions. The pointe berserkers, equipped with the latest in mechanized battle armour (thin but durable) they use rotating monomolecular blades attached to the bottom of their feet to move at incredible speeds along all 3 dimensions (especially in the weightlessness of void warfare). The swan conflagration originates from a small stranded squad of swan vessels (so called because their huge engines built for speed caused an incredibly strong magnetic field that is harmful to all life – As such the cockpit and living area had to be further away from the engine room resulting in a body with a long neck) in enemy territory and being assaulted by the technomages led by Rotbart the Black who sought the superior technology of the lead vessel “Odette”. The standstill was broken by the assault of Segafredo squadron after tipping the scales against Rotbart by destroying his flagship “Odille”, which had been masquerading as an empire vessel. Thankfully the cybernetic warfare module of Segafredo squadron was able to see through the mimicked vessel tags by recognizing the different engine frequency of the inferior Rotbart vessel and blasted to atoms. Then, the squadron let the “Odette” and her attendant vessels back to the empire shipyards. This is commemorated through an ancient piece of music by one Chai-trotsky and the point berserkers are psychoindoctrinated to enter a battle frenzy when they hear his piece of long forgotten music, some say it was written for star crossed shapechanging lovers. What piffle….but the music seemed to engender a certain aggressive reaction in individuals with a certain genetic anomaly.

2) Juliette squadron, a famous wing of the collective's fleet so named after Juliette the oubliette, a famous spy in the times of the pre arco medean era. She is most well known for the events that led to her obtaining the codes for the self destruct sequence for the weapons of mass destruction of a faction of rebels called the Veronese after the controversial decision which had banned the installation of high grade AIs in android bodies that have humanlike skin. The veronese threatened to detonate quantum busters under the server archive holding the names of AIs downloaded already in what would be non-compliant bodies. Juliette, then a little known intelligence agent barely out of the academy took advantage of her young looks and the Veronese terrorist leader Romeo proclivities and managed to insinuate herself into his life as his lover. She was quickly able to make him fall in love with her by adopting a meek persona but she still was unable to extract the necessary information from him. Getting desperate she concocted a plot with the help of another of the agents that had infiltrated the organization posing as a doctor. She would be injected with an agent that would put her in a medically induced coma 12 hours after the injection. She would also be given a vial that was ostensibly poison, but was in fact the counteragent to the injection. By taking it before she went into the coma, she would be able to convince Romeo of her death. The plan was that in his grief, near the end, she would convince him to give up enough information to help the investigation. In fact what she had not been counting on, was Romeo’s unstable mental state, when Juliette drank the poison in front of him claiming that she could no longer live in fear of Romeo one day being capture or worse. In response Romeo, stricken by the loss, committed suicide himself using his own personal weapon just as the incredibly surprised Juliette was slipping into the coma. She awoke a few hours later covered in blood and in a panic. As far as she knew, there was no one alive who knew the full plan and Romeo’s lieutenants had been ordered to never reveal their part of the plan. Her only option now was to use Romeo’s body to bypass biometric protections around his personal quarters. Using his severed hands and removed eyes, she gained access to his computer, through this and by impersonating Romeo in electronic communication she managed to convince his lieutenants that the plan had been compromised. By in turn accusing each one of his lieutenants as being the leak, which she (Romeo) knew because it was each lieutenant’s piece of the puzzle that had been leaked, she managed to gather sufficient information on both the attack and secondary cells spread out all over the system. Finally, she struck gold when in one of the replies of a lieutenant she found an email with the encrypted disarming code. Romeo had always worn an earring that Juliette had never really been able to reconcile with his personality. She snapped the code into her memory cortex and once more returned to her room where she had stashed the body in the lavatory cubicle. After some fiddling she discovered that the earring was in fact a scrambler decoder and after plugging it into her own memory cortex she was able to unscramble the code. Soon after she sent the code to her handler and once she had confirmation that the WMDs had been remotely deactivated, she secretly left the compound. In her honour the cybernetic warfare squadron has been formed by the collective and each year one of the officers of the squadron has the honour of playing the heroic role in a play that is held in the capital.
3) Further text redacted to protect the Collective armed forces and obscure their capabilities.

Spoiler: Articles of Incorporation

Show

Articles of incorporation, binding upon the collective
1) The collective will never go back on its legal obligations as set out in the relevant agreement.
2) War is a lawful endeavour provided that the rules of alliances and principia are maintained (casus belli provided and announced to senate or privately with notice).
3) The judiciary of the collective shall remain impartial in its judgment of any claim brough before it with the aim of accomplishing restitution against the aggrieved party.
4) The collective may bring a claim internally with itself as the claimant in order to seek the fulfillment of any agreement that has been reneged or pursue any cause of action.
5) Anyone who has retained legal representation from the legal firms of the Kramagorian moons or any other legal body recognized by the judicial body of the collective will benefit from attorney client privilege and all other duties of confidentiality, disclosure of conflict of interest and the best legal defense that the contracted entity
6) The Collective maintains the right to alter its articles of association and any other legal documentation at its absolute discretion without any forewarning, although all agreements shall be honoured on the basis of the version of the relevant legislation applicable at the time.

Spoiler: Laws and procedure, non-exhaustive

Show

s.1 Rights of the claimant
a.All individuals and/or factions may request intervention from the courts where they believe they have been wronged.
b. In order for a claim to be considered there will be a procedural fee to reflect the labour and process of the courts. This will be decided ad hoc and at the discretion of the courts. The fee will be made known to the potential claimant through their representative to the courts (non refundable)
c. Once the fee has been agreed the courts will send summons to the defendant and initiate due process against them. If the defendant does not respond to the summons, the courts will investigate to the best of their ability the facts in evidence and proceed with any legal action as required by the determination of the courts without recourse.
d.Both parties agree to abide by the decision of the courts, whatever the determination. The courts may decide on the following actions at their absolute discretion but always taking into account the contents of the claim and other circumstances that become evident during the proceedings. Relief that the court may grant at its discretion include but are not limited to:
1) restitution action
2) injunction
3) punitive action
4) ethical restitution
5) any other action considered necessary by the courts for justice and balance to be delivered between parties.

s.2 Judiciary and legal services
a. Barristers, judges below the rank of Supreme Justice or other agents of the court may be retained as required to provide legal services on a prolonged contract or a one-off.
b. the fees for such services will be negotiated and agreed to on an ad-hoc bilateral basis, are non-refundable payable before commencement of the service.
c. Services may include, but are not limited to arbitration of dispute, legal discovery, defensive discovery, legal representation to the Judiciary, alliance maintenance.
d. the collective, any of its department or legal firms and institutions reserve the right to not accept any given business proposal, extension or alteration thereof or to discontinue services giving (1) cycle of notice, without further recourse.
e. A declaration of war by the collective or against the collective during the performance of their duties shall have the immediate, unilateral and irrevocable effect of cessation of contractual performance and immediate return of any of its agents, officers or employees including any goods or materials that have been assigned.
f. A sitting member of the judiciary that is not actively engaged in a case may be retained for services such as dispute arbitration, alliance monitoring, witnesses to contracts or any other service such as may not result in a conflict of interest. Judges employed in this capacity may not sit in judgment of a relevant claim but may provide evidence to the judiciary for any claim that arises related to the services that have been provided.
s.3 Quantum of restitution:
1) Sum under dispute in addition to any ethical damages as quantified the courts at their discretion.
2) Interest charged at 10% per cycle minimum (1) per cycle.
3) Fees paid by the claimant to initiate proceedings.
4) Costs and expenses of determination and enforcement of claim.
b. Reverse order of claim seniority - if full restitution has not been accomplished through legal actions the claimant may pay a small processing fee to extend legal action into the following cycles in order to secure full restitution. The fee is repeatable for each subsequent cycle the restitution action is sought.
c. Should the defendant admit wrongdoing and agree to pay restitution under the original claim then legal action shall be pending full restitution. Once the claimant has confirmed they have been made whole, all claims against the defendant shall be dismissed and
d. Any and all actions in response of judicial action will be carried upon the unilateral determination of the courts without any duty to announce the results prior to the passing of any specific cycle, but has a duty to announce the result after the fact. Action by the courts in accordance with its determination are considered to be done solely at the behest of the claimant and the courts bear no responsibility for any and all outcomes. The action does not constitute a cause of action against the courts or the claimant but may be subject to injunction from the defendant if duly represented and the claim for injunction of any action by the courts passes summary judgment. Through the simple existence of a claim against the defendant the defendant is considered to be on notice of potential action and as such any requirement for a declaration of war before legal action is waiv
sub 1. Summary judgment: upon retention of a legal representative and payment of the processing fee of the courts a defendant may apply for an injunction to delay any action against them provided they have also presented evidence to the judge sitting on judgment of the original claim. Any evidence presented to the former judge will be shared with the latter and may form part of the decision even if the summary judgment for injunction is dismissed. Should the defendant of the original claimant, here the claimant of injunctive relief, present evidence sufficient to show either:
1) Bad faith on the part of the claimant – ie having first caused the creation of a cause of action for the claimant of injunctive relief.
2) That there is insufficient evidence to show wrongdoing and therefore requiring the courts to launch a full investigation into the circumstances of
a. The claimant under the first claim, being the defendant in the second claim, shall be invited to participate in the summary judgment to provide or counter evidence provided by the claimant of the injunction against the first claim unless the claimant of the second claim can demonstrate that there is sufficient reason for such proceedings to be kept private.
b. For this determination to be made, the claimant of the second claim must send a direct representative to the courts. The courts cannot guarantee that a motion for injunction against the first claim will be granted.
c. The courts may at their discretion hear evidence on why a motion for injunction should be kept private in the absence of a direct representative but cannot guarantee that such determination or discussion will be inviolable.
S4.Causes of action (including but not limited to):
1) breach of contract.
2) dealing in bad faith - acting in such a way so as to steer an actual or nominal ally into action or inaction that brings them into the path of harm when the nominal defendant had information of actual or potential action from a third party or parties intent on bringing, causing, conspiring to cause, perpetrating or motivate harm directly or indirectly on the claimant.
3) Non-performance of duties or breach of alliance obligations.
4) Attack without proper and legal declaration or with insufficient notice.
5) Theft or destruction of property between two or more factions that are not at war or with insufficient declaration (Including but not limited to theft of moneys, materiel, information, goods tangible or intangible, planets, sectors, systems etc).
6) Murder, causing the death, unlawful detainment or serious injury of a sentient individual, AI or member of a faction, however defined by the faction without recourse to the rights, laws, regulations or ethical considerations of the actor.
7) Breach of non-aggression pact whether by obvious or hidden means.
8) Frivolous and damaging claims aiming to cause ethical and reputational damage.
9) Attempted bribery.
10) Aiding and abetting any of the above.
11) Being a causal link to the direct or indirect destruction, removal, lowering or making not available permanently or temporarily resources of another faction (stardate 13438.1)
12) Creation of hyperlanes between two non-allied nations without notice prior to the creation of said hyperlane (stardate 13438.5)
s.5
a) all judgments of the court, including the grievance, evidence presented forming the basis of the judge’s determination (ratio decidendi) as well as any legal action deriving from the court’s judgment shall be a matter of public record.
b) a party to another claim may use the ratio decidendi of another claim, where the circumstances of said claim are alike to the current claim (the burden of proof lying with the party seeking to use the prior ratio). The courts must abide by prior decisions of a higher court.

Sch. 1 Any action shall be subject to the rules of proportionality and the quantum of restitution being claimed may be adjusted accordingly to reflect this principle. The courts may at their discretion increase the quantum of the original claim at their discretion to remedy ethical damaged inflicted on the claimant through the defendant's actions, taking into account facts that may not have been in evidence during the original claim.

Sch. 2
a) All fees are considered to be net of any transactional costs, tariffs, restrictions, damage during transit and any other factor or circumstance, foreseen or unforeseen, avoidable or unavoidable that may result in the funds reaching the collective being less than agreed upon fee.
b) The collective retains the right to set-off the balance of the fee remaining unpaid against any funds of the client whether the collective is in possession or not of those funds.

Sch. 3 – The courts
1. Claims shall be considered by a court specializing in the subject matter of the claim. The lower courts must follow all precedent. These are divided between the following chambers:
a. Commercial court
b. Criminal court
c. Arbitration court
d. Ethical court
2. The legal representative of the claimant or defendant may request a higher court to hear the case, although that will only be done once the facts have been established by the specialized court. Higher courts will sit only on the legal matters.
3. The middle ranked courts are the appellate courts. These courts may overrule any decision of the lower courts if an appeal is granted. They may also set precedent at a higher seniority than the lower courts. The appellate courts may also willingly invite a case to their purview.
4. The High Courts act only of their own initiative and may set or ignore precedent at their discretion where the application or misapplication of precedent to the current claim would result in material injustice. They may also decide a case on a non-precedential basis due to unique characteristics of a case.
5. The Supreme Justice may on a non-precedential and discretionary manner to assist any court in deciding a point of law.

Sch. 4 - War
1. a state of war will remain until it has been explicitly rescinded by both parties.
2. While two factions are in a state of war, no action between the two shall be considered unlawful
3. where one is part to an alliance a state of war shall be deemed to exist between the opposing faction, factions, secondary groups, alliance or alliances of the first party and all its allies unless it is shown that the allies of the first party had no foreknowledge of such actions and remove the first party from the alliance and cease any communication/trade with them. Any trade between former allies where the alliance was dissolved shall be considered to be aid in the war and as such, the opposing party or parties as defined earlier shall be considered to be at war with the trading parties.
4. Where a cause of action is made public or is known by all involved, then war is considered to have been declared between the two parties automatically. (stardate 13438.6)

[ArcaneStomper]

Spoiler: The Judiciary Collective of the Kramagorian Moons (Morale: 8)

Show

Very well we will send [4 Sci], and we have taken the inefficiencies of the current routes into account. We will send additional [Eco] to cover expenses.

[kemmotar]

The Judiciary Collective of the Kramagorian Moons
Reputation: Neutral
Morale: 8

Spoiler: Sages of Iettis VI - MOR 8

Show

Done.

Spoiler: Midturn - GM

Show

Explore Human Resources installation // 1 SCI + 4 to be received from sages.
Maintain reputation.

Spoiler

Show

Spoiler: Space Opera and other foibles

Show

The only way in which the collective could be accused of levity, and perhaps in some circles precisely so they are not accused for a lack of one, they have given a nod to the cultured past by naming some of their crack squads after ancient operations memorialized through the physical arts.

1) In memory of the battle of the swan conflagration, a crack squad an elite assault squad was created specializing in boarding actions. The pointe berserkers, equipped with the latest in mechanized battle armour (thin but durable) they use rotating monomolecular blades attached to the bottom of their feet to move at incredible speeds along all 3 dimensions (especially in the weightlessness of void warfare). The swan conflagration originates from a small stranded squad of swan vessels (so called because their huge engines built for speed caused an incredibly strong magnetic field that is harmful to all life – As such the cockpit and living area had to be further away from the engine room resulting in a body with a long neck) in enemy territory and being assaulted by the technomages led by Rotbart the Black who sought the superior technology of the lead vessel “Odette”. The standstill was broken by the assault of Segafredo squadron after tipping the scales against Rotbart by destroying his flagship “Odille”, which had been masquerading as an empire vessel. Thankfully the cybernetic warfare module of Segafredo squadron was able to see through the mimicked vessel tags by recognizing the different engine frequency of the inferior Rotbart vessel and blasted to atoms. Then, the squadron let the “Odette” and her attendant vessels back to the empire shipyards. This is commemorated through an ancient piece of music by one Chai-trotsky and the point berserkers are psychoindoctrinated to enter a battle frenzy when they hear his piece of long forgotten music, some say it was written for star crossed shapechanging lovers. What piffle….but the music seemed to engender a certain aggressive reaction in individuals with a certain genetic anomaly.

2) Juliette squadron, a famous wing of the collective's fleet so named after Juliette the oubliette, a famous spy in the times of the pre arco medean era. She is most well known for the events that led to her obtaining the codes for the self destruct sequence for the weapons of mass destruction of a faction of rebels called the Veronese after the controversial decision which had banned the installation of high grade AIs in android bodies that have humanlike skin. The veronese threatened to detonate quantum busters under the server archive holding the names of AIs downloaded already in what would be non-compliant bodies. Juliette, then a little known intelligence agent barely out of the academy took advantage of her young looks and the Veronese terrorist leader Romeo proclivities and managed to insinuate herself into his life as his lover. She was quickly able to make him fall in love with her by adopting a meek persona but she still was unable to extract the necessary information from him. Getting desperate she concocted a plot with the help of another of the agents that had infiltrated the organization posing as a doctor. She would be injected with an agent that would put her in a medically induced coma 12 hours after the injection. She would also be given a vial that was ostensibly poison, but was in fact the counteragent to the injection. By taking it before she went into the coma, she would be able to convince Romeo of her death. The plan was that in his grief, near the end, she would convince him to give up enough information to help the investigation. In fact what she had not been counting on, was Romeo’s unstable mental state, when Juliette drank the poison in front of him claiming that she could no longer live in fear of Romeo one day being capture or worse. In response Romeo, stricken by the loss, committed suicide himself using his own personal weapon just as the incredibly surprised Juliette was slipping into the coma. She awoke a few hours later covered in blood and in a panic. As far as she knew, there was no one alive who knew the full plan and Romeo’s lieutenants had been ordered to never reveal their part of the plan. Her only option now was to use Romeo’s body to bypass biometric protections around his personal quarters. Using his severed hands and removed eyes, she gained access to his computer, through this and by impersonating Romeo in electronic communication she managed to convince his lieutenants that the plan had been compromised. By in turn accusing each one of his lieutenants as being the leak, which she (Romeo) knew because it was each lieutenant’s piece of the puzzle that had been leaked, she managed to gather sufficient information on both the attack and secondary cells spread out all over the system. Finally, she struck gold when in one of the replies of a lieutenant she found an email with the encrypted disarming code. Romeo had always worn an earring that Juliette had never really been able to reconcile with his personality. She snapped the code into her memory cortex and once more returned to her room where she had stashed the body in the lavatory cubicle. After some fiddling she discovered that the earring was in fact a scrambler decoder and after plugging it into her own memory cortex she was able to unscramble the code. Soon after she sent the code to her handler and once she had confirmation that the WMDs had been remotely deactivated, she secretly left the compound. In her honour the cybernetic warfare squadron has been formed by the collective and each year one of the officers of the squadron has the honour of playing the heroic role in a play that is held in the capital.
3) Further text redacted to protect the Collective armed forces and obscure their capabilities.

Spoiler: Articles of Incorporation

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Articles of incorporation, binding upon the collective
1) The collective will never go back on its legal obligations as set out in the relevant agreement.
2) War is a lawful endeavour provided that the rules of alliances and principia are maintained (casus belli provided and announced to senate or privately with notice).
3) The judiciary of the collective shall remain impartial in its judgment of any claim brough before it with the aim of accomplishing restitution against the aggrieved party.
4) The collective may bring a claim internally with itself as the claimant in order to seek the fulfillment of any agreement that has been reneged or pursue any cause of action.
5) Anyone who has retained legal representation from the legal firms of the Kramagorian moons or any other legal body recognized by the judicial body of the collective will benefit from attorney client privilege and all other duties of confidentiality, disclosure of conflict of interest and the best legal defense that the contracted entity
6) The Collective maintains the right to alter its articles of association and any other legal documentation at its absolute discretion without any forewarning, although all agreements shall be honoured on the basis of the version of the relevant legislation applicable at the time.

Spoiler: Laws and procedure, non-exhaustive

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s.1 Rights of the claimant
a.All individuals and/or factions may request intervention from the courts where they believe they have been wronged.
b. In order for a claim to be considered there will be a procedural fee to reflect the labour and process of the courts. This will be decided ad hoc and at the discretion of the courts. The fee will be made known to the potential claimant through their representative to the courts (non refundable)
c. Once the fee has been agreed the courts will send summons to the defendant and initiate due process against them. If the defendant does not respond to the summons, the courts will investigate to the best of their ability the facts in evidence and proceed with any legal action as required by the determination of the courts without recourse.
d.Both parties agree to abide by the decision of the courts, whatever the determination. The courts may decide on the following actions at their absolute discretion but always taking into account the contents of the claim and other circumstances that become evident during the proceedings. Relief that the court may grant at its discretion include but are not limited to:
1) restitution action
2) injunction
3) punitive action
4) ethical restitution
5) any other action considered necessary by the courts for justice and balance to be delivered between parties.

s.2 Judiciary and legal services
a. Barristers, judges below the rank of Supreme Justice or other agents of the court may be retained as required to provide legal services on a prolonged contract or a one-off.
b. the fees for such services will be negotiated and agreed to on an ad-hoc bilateral basis, are non-refundable payable before commencement of the service.
c. Services may include, but are not limited to arbitration of dispute, legal discovery, defensive discovery, legal representation to the Judiciary, alliance maintenance.
d. the collective, any of its department or legal firms and institutions reserve the right to not accept any given business proposal, extension or alteration thereof or to discontinue services giving (1) cycle of notice, without further recourse.
e. A declaration of war by the collective or against the collective during the performance of their duties shall have the immediate, unilateral and irrevocable effect of cessation of contractual performance and immediate return of any of its agents, officers or employees including any goods or materials that have been assigned.
f. A sitting member of the judiciary that is not actively engaged in a case may be retained for services such as dispute arbitration, alliance monitoring, witnesses to contracts or any other service such as may not result in a conflict of interest. Judges employed in this capacity may not sit in judgment of a relevant claim but may provide evidence to the judiciary for any claim that arises related to the services that have been provided.
s.3 Quantum of restitution:
1) Sum under dispute in addition to any ethical damages as quantified the courts at their discretion.
2) Interest charged at 10% per cycle minimum (1) per cycle.
3) Fees paid by the claimant to initiate proceedings.
4) Costs and expenses of determination and enforcement of claim.
b. Reverse order of claim seniority - if full restitution has not been accomplished through legal actions the claimant may pay a small processing fee to extend legal action into the following cycles in order to secure full restitution. The fee is repeatable for each subsequent cycle the restitution action is sought.
c. Should the defendant admit wrongdoing and agree to pay restitution under the original claim then legal action shall be pending full restitution. Once the claimant has confirmed they have been made whole, all claims against the defendant shall be dismissed and
d. Any and all actions in response of judicial action will be carried upon the unilateral determination of the courts without any duty to announce the results prior to the passing of any specific cycle, but has a duty to announce the result after the fact. Action by the courts in accordance with its determination are considered to be done solely at the behest of the claimant and the courts bear no responsibility for any and all outcomes. The action does not constitute a cause of action against the courts or the claimant but may be subject to injunction from the defendant if duly represented and the claim for injunction of any action by the courts passes summary judgment. Through the simple existence of a claim against the defendant the defendant is considered to be on notice of potential action and as such any requirement for a declaration of war before legal action is waiv
sub 1. Summary judgment: upon retention of a legal representative and payment of the processing fee of the courts a defendant may apply for an injunction to delay any action against them provided they have also presented evidence to the judge sitting on judgment of the original claim. Any evidence presented to the former judge will be shared with the latter and may form part of the decision even if the summary judgment for injunction is dismissed. Should the defendant of the original claimant, here the claimant of injunctive relief, present evidence sufficient to show either:
1) Bad faith on the part of the claimant – ie having first caused the creation of a cause of action for the claimant of injunctive relief.
2) That there is insufficient evidence to show wrongdoing and therefore requiring the courts to launch a full investigation into the circumstances of
a. The claimant under the first claim, being the defendant in the second claim, shall be invited to participate in the summary judgment to provide or counter evidence provided by the claimant of the injunction against the first claim unless the claimant of the second claim can demonstrate that there is sufficient reason for such proceedings to be kept private.
b. For this determination to be made, the claimant of the second claim must send a direct representative to the courts. The courts cannot guarantee that a motion for injunction against the first claim will be granted.
c. The courts may at their discretion hear evidence on why a motion for injunction should be kept private in the absence of a direct representative but cannot guarantee that such determination or discussion will be inviolable.
S4.Causes of action (including but not limited to):
1) breach of contract.
2) dealing in bad faith - acting in such a way so as to steer an actual or nominal ally into action or inaction that brings them into the path of harm when the nominal defendant had information of actual or potential action from a third party or parties intent on bringing, causing, conspiring to cause, perpetrating or motivate harm directly or indirectly on the claimant.
3) Non-performance of duties or breach of alliance obligations.
4) Attack without proper and legal declaration or with insufficient notice.
5) Theft or destruction of property between two or more factions that are not at war or with insufficient declaration (Including but not limited to theft of moneys, materiel, information, goods tangible or intangible, planets, sectors, systems etc).
6) Murder, causing the death, unlawful detainment or serious injury of a sentient individual, AI or member of a faction, however defined by the faction without recourse to the rights, laws, regulations or ethical considerations of the actor.
7) Breach of non-aggression pact whether by obvious or hidden means.
8) Frivolous and damaging claims aiming to cause ethical and reputational damage.
9) Attempted bribery.
10) Aiding and abetting any of the above.
11) Being a causal link to the direct or indirect destruction, removal, lowering or making not available permanently or temporarily resources of another faction (stardate 13438.1)
12) Creation of hyperlanes between two non-allied nations without notice prior to the creation of said hyperlane (stardate 13438.5)
s.5
a) all judgments of the court, including the grievance, evidence presented forming the basis of the judge’s determination (ratio decidendi) as well as any legal action deriving from the court’s judgment shall be a matter of public record.
b) a party to another claim may use the ratio decidendi of another claim, where the circumstances of said claim are alike to the current claim (the burden of proof lying with the party seeking to use the prior ratio). The courts must abide by prior decisions of a higher court.

Sch. 1 Any action shall be subject to the rules of proportionality and the quantum of restitution being claimed may be adjusted accordingly to reflect this principle. The courts may at their discretion increase the quantum of the original claim at their discretion to remedy ethical damaged inflicted on the claimant through the defendant's actions, taking into account facts that may not have been in evidence during the original claim.

Sch. 2
a) All fees are considered to be net of any transactional costs, tariffs, restrictions, damage during transit and any other factor or circumstance, foreseen or unforeseen, avoidable or unavoidable that may result in the funds reaching the collective being less than agreed upon fee.
b) The collective retains the right to set-off the balance of the fee remaining unpaid against any funds of the client whether the collective is in possession or not of those funds.

Sch. 3 – The courts
1. Claims shall be considered by a court specializing in the subject matter of the claim. The lower courts must follow all precedent. These are divided between the following chambers:
a. Commercial court
b. Criminal court
c. Arbitration court
d. Ethical court
2. The legal representative of the claimant or defendant may request a higher court to hear the case, although that will only be done once the facts have been established by the specialized court. Higher courts will sit only on the legal matters.
3. The middle ranked courts are the appellate courts. These courts may overrule any decision of the lower courts if an appeal is granted. They may also set precedent at a higher seniority than the lower courts. The appellate courts may also willingly invite a case to their purview.
4. The High Courts act only of their own initiative and may set or ignore precedent at their discretion where the application or misapplication of precedent to the current claim would result in material injustice. They may also decide a case on a non-precedential basis due to unique characteristics of a case.
5. The Supreme Justice may on a non-precedential and discretionary manner to assist any court in deciding a point of law.

Sch. 4 - War
1. a state of war will remain until it has been explicitly rescinded by both parties.
2. While two factions are in a state of war, no action between the two shall be considered unlawful
3. where one is part to an alliance a state of war shall be deemed to exist between the opposing faction, factions, secondary groups, alliance or alliances of the first party and all its allies unless it is shown that the allies of the first party had no foreknowledge of such actions and remove the first party from the alliance and cease any communication/trade with them. Any trade between former allies where the alliance was dissolved shall be considered to be aid in the war and as such, the opposing party or parties as defined earlier shall be considered to be at war with the trading parties.
4. Where a cause of action is made public or is known by all involved, then war is considered to have been declared between the two parties automatically. (stardate 13438.6)

[GameOfChampions]

Antarean Crusade
Mor 10
Rep: Feared

Spoiler: Grand Republic

Show

Hail Conquerors,

Your war on us was a result of other powers meddling in your so called election process to bring the war party back and your own war mongering. We had agreed to leave the republic alone and let you be yet you then come at us with fire and destruction. We did not launch an attack on you at all bringing only our defenses to bear. Defenses you destroyed to steal Zultar from us.

We will give you a single chance to rectify this horror or we will come for you with the full force of the crusade. We will take back our lands and our armies will take back threefold. You can make your deal or you can deal with our armies. Your choice.

Spoiler: UEO

Show

Greetings,

We are sorry to see you go from this war but understand you have greater worries. We will continue on in this unjust war of the Republic until we reclaim the Zultari home. Let us know if there is anything regarding the war you wish to inform us of or if you need any aid.

Regards,
Antares

Spoiler: Sages

Show

We thank you for your offer of mediation and will get back to you on whether or not that is needed. Know this though, we will have our system back from the Repbulic one way or another.

Spoiler: Unity

Show

Greetings,

We apologize for the mix up this recent year. It was not our intention to fight over the system with you. We realize that it was within your 'claimed sphere' and did plan to take it anyway. We needed to take four systems to aid in our defense from the GR since we suspected they would be invading us.

Our original plan was to take the territory and then offer you territory 7 instead or offer you access to our Installations. We understand if you feel this must be answered with war but war was not our intention.

Regards,
Antares

Spoiler: Midturn

Show

Create route from 20 to 22 and 20 to 23.

Lower Rep to Dreaded

[St. Justicar]

The Iron Gods of Ur



Reputation: Dreaded, Encryption Level 17

Spoiler: Kramagorian Judiciary

Show

Some points, then.

1- The law of empire is one of motion – stasis in an evolving world is synonymous with decay.

2- The Secretariet is a thoroughly deserving target, and their conquest and its spoils shall preserve the advantage in morale and material my patrons have so precariously obtained, their control over the cluster, and the strength of their voice when the future of the system is decided.

3- The remaining systems otherwise unclaimed by any great power within our reach do not require anything but a fraction of our fleets to take, leaving the rest idle.

4- Your investigations into the culprit who struck you will take at minimum a decade to unfold, and will not provide an alternate target until that point.

5- Once Kantus is secured the same laws of motion will compel my patrons to set upon new prey, and I’m certain they will happily hear any petition you enter to turn their eyes against those who have wronged you

6- But that means nothing for the present, or the need for a campaign in the coming years. Do you have some alternative to propose?

7- And if so, do you have some compensation to offer, in light of the surely greater risk and likely lesser rewards for taking it?

8- Now, an unrelated matter – my patrons suffered some significant losses themselves in the past decade, which are proving to be an issue in completing their exploration of the find in the Bheura system in a timely manner. I’d like to purchase some aid to make up for them if possible, [2 eco, mil, or esp] in exchange for [2 sci this midturn]

Spoiler: Sages

Show

There should be no issue with the proposed solution. I’m sure your Garuda will be put to great use, in the coming years.

If possible, there’s an additional matter of trade to be discussed – due to the losses suffered in the last decade’s excavations, there is simply not enough material and expertise available to fully secure the discovery made in the Bheura system. So, if possible, the Gods propose a trade of [2 eco] or [2 mil] to be paid by the end of the decade, in exchange for [2 Sci] worth of surveyors and researchers from Iettis, to ensure that it is possible to turn over the Bheura system within the next ten years.

Spoiler: The Trust

Show

Regarding new entrants into the agreement, the position of the Gods is simple

1. The completion of the project and the first dividend payment shall not be delayed
2. The absolute value of dividends heading to Ur shall either remain constant or increase over time.

Therefor, it is the Gods’ position that any new member, in additional to receiving the unanimous agreement of all founding members, be required to pay a lump sum into the trust of sufficient value that their inclusion in no way reduces payments to founding members before they can be considered to be members in any real sense.

[Hamste]

Unity Party
Morale 6
Rep Awed

Spoiler: The Iron Gods of Ur

Show

It's true they ignored the declared systems and took an area at the same time we did. We believe the losses were similar on both sides but it does not bode well. They claim it was accidental but we have our doubts. We would like the labor battalions and would be happy to trade the researchers you need for it.

Spoiler: Antarean Crusade

Show

We are willing to make the exchange of territory 16 for your 7 but we ask for an offer of restitution for the delay and unneeded violence. We can talk about us trading you for installation access as well at a later date. We should be good for a few decades still but once we are out we would be more than happy to buy access to them.

Spoiler: UEO

Show

We are not overly concerned about the Iron Gods arrival close to us but if you wish to trade for ways to construct defenses we are open to hearing offers. It will be difficult to trade unless Muridun is open to it but we are open.

[kemmotar]

The Judiciary Collective of the Kramagorian Moons
Reputation: Neutral
Morale: 8

Spoiler: Iron Gods of Ur - MOR 8

Show

1. we will take that as a compliment and agree with you.
2. we would not deny this. However, conquest outright will ultimately destroy something more valuable. We can obtain this and then deliver punishment for past sins in a manner befitting. Upon acquisition of course, we would not be so incosiderate as to not provide some compensation for the opportunity. However, we did stand down from Bheura, as you had asked. We hope you will return the favour.
3. That will soon not be the case with your proposed course of action.
4. The wheels of justice are slow but that is why they require foresight. The captain hopes you will return the favour.
5. See 4.
6. See 4.
7. We consider the reward of the long game to be superior to outright compensation. Especially when it would be of mutual benefit.
8. As we have mentioned to out common friends the sages, our resources are stressed. Because of the Trust and of course due to 4. That perhaps gives you more insight on what is required for that venture.

Spoiler

Show

Spoiler: Space Opera and other foibles

Show

The only way in which the collective could be accused of levity, and perhaps in some circles precisely so they are not accused for a lack of one, they have given a nod to the cultured past by naming some of their crack squads after ancient operations memorialized through the physical arts.

1) In memory of the battle of the swan conflagration, a crack squad an elite assault squad was created specializing in boarding actions. The pointe berserkers, equipped with the latest in mechanized battle armour (thin but durable) they use rotating monomolecular blades attached to the bottom of their feet to move at incredible speeds along all 3 dimensions (especially in the weightlessness of void warfare). The swan conflagration originates from a small stranded squad of swan vessels (so called because their huge engines built for speed caused an incredibly strong magnetic field that is harmful to all life – As such the cockpit and living area had to be further away from the engine room resulting in a body with a long neck) in enemy territory and being assaulted by the technomages led by Rotbart the Black who sought the superior technology of the lead vessel “Odette”. The standstill was broken by the assault of Segafredo squadron after tipping the scales against Rotbart by destroying his flagship “Odille”, which had been masquerading as an empire vessel. Thankfully the cybernetic warfare module of Segafredo squadron was able to see through the mimicked vessel tags by recognizing the different engine frequency of the inferior Rotbart vessel and blasted to atoms. Then, the squadron let the “Odette” and her attendant vessels back to the empire shipyards. This is commemorated through an ancient piece of music by one Chai-trotsky and the point berserkers are psychoindoctrinated to enter a battle frenzy when they hear his piece of long forgotten music, some say it was written for star crossed shapechanging lovers. What piffle….but the music seemed to engender a certain aggressive reaction in individuals with a certain genetic anomaly.

2) Juliette squadron, a famous wing of the collective's fleet so named after Juliette the oubliette, a famous spy in the times of the pre arco medean era. She is most well known for the events that led to her obtaining the codes for the self destruct sequence for the weapons of mass destruction of a faction of rebels called the Veronese after the controversial decision which had banned the installation of high grade AIs in android bodies that have humanlike skin. The veronese threatened to detonate quantum busters under the server archive holding the names of AIs downloaded already in what would be non-compliant bodies. Juliette, then a little known intelligence agent barely out of the academy took advantage of her young looks and the Veronese terrorist leader Romeo proclivities and managed to insinuate herself into his life as his lover. She was quickly able to make him fall in love with her by adopting a meek persona but she still was unable to extract the necessary information from him. Getting desperate she concocted a plot with the help of another of the agents that had infiltrated the organization posing as a doctor. She would be injected with an agent that would put her in a medically induced coma 12 hours after the injection. She would also be given a vial that was ostensibly poison, but was in fact the counteragent to the injection. By taking it before she went into the coma, she would be able to convince Romeo of her death. The plan was that in his grief, near the end, she would convince him to give up enough information to help the investigation. In fact what she had not been counting on, was Romeo’s unstable mental state, when Juliette drank the poison in front of him claiming that she could no longer live in fear of Romeo one day being capture or worse. In response Romeo, stricken by the loss, committed suicide himself using his own personal weapon just as the incredibly surprised Juliette was slipping into the coma. She awoke a few hours later covered in blood and in a panic. As far as she knew, there was no one alive who knew the full plan and Romeo’s lieutenants had been ordered to never reveal their part of the plan. Her only option now was to use Romeo’s body to bypass biometric protections around his personal quarters. Using his severed hands and removed eyes, she gained access to his computer, through this and by impersonating Romeo in electronic communication she managed to convince his lieutenants that the plan had been compromised. By in turn accusing each one of his lieutenants as being the leak, which she (Romeo) knew because it was each lieutenant’s piece of the puzzle that had been leaked, she managed to gather sufficient information on both the attack and secondary cells spread out all over the system. Finally, she struck gold when in one of the replies of a lieutenant she found an email with the encrypted disarming code. Romeo had always worn an earring that Juliette had never really been able to reconcile with his personality. She snapped the code into her memory cortex and once more returned to her room where she had stashed the body in the lavatory cubicle. After some fiddling she discovered that the earring was in fact a scrambler decoder and after plugging it into her own memory cortex she was able to unscramble the code. Soon after she sent the code to her handler and once she had confirmation that the WMDs had been remotely deactivated, she secretly left the compound. In her honour the cybernetic warfare squadron has been formed by the collective and each year one of the officers of the squadron has the honour of playing the heroic role in a play that is held in the capital.
3) Further text redacted to protect the Collective armed forces and obscure their capabilities.

Spoiler: Articles of Incorporation

Show

Articles of incorporation, binding upon the collective
1) The collective will never go back on its legal obligations as set out in the relevant agreement.
2) War is a lawful endeavour provided that the rules of alliances and principia are maintained (casus belli provided and announced to senate or privately with notice).
3) The judiciary of the collective shall remain impartial in its judgment of any claim brough before it with the aim of accomplishing restitution against the aggrieved party.
4) The collective may bring a claim internally with itself as the claimant in order to seek the fulfillment of any agreement that has been reneged or pursue any cause of action.
5) Anyone who has retained legal representation from the legal firms of the Kramagorian moons or any other legal body recognized by the judicial body of the collective will benefit from attorney client privilege and all other duties of confidentiality, disclosure of conflict of interest and the best legal defense that the contracted entity
6) The Collective maintains the right to alter its articles of association and any other legal documentation at its absolute discretion without any forewarning, although all agreements shall be honoured on the basis of the version of the relevant legislation applicable at the time.

Spoiler: Laws and procedure, non-exhaustive

Show

s.1 Rights of the claimant
a.All individuals and/or factions may request intervention from the courts where they believe they have been wronged.
b. In order for a claim to be considered there will be a procedural fee to reflect the labour and process of the courts. This will be decided ad hoc and at the discretion of the courts. The fee will be made known to the potential claimant through their representative to the courts (non refundable)
c. Once the fee has been agreed the courts will send summons to the defendant and initiate due process against them. If the defendant does not respond to the summons, the courts will investigate to the best of their ability the facts in evidence and proceed with any legal action as required by the determination of the courts without recourse.
d.Both parties agree to abide by the decision of the courts, whatever the determination. The courts may decide on the following actions at their absolute discretion but always taking into account the contents of the claim and other circumstances that become evident during the proceedings. Relief that the court may grant at its discretion include but are not limited to:
1) restitution action
2) injunction
3) punitive action
4) ethical restitution
5) any other action considered necessary by the courts for justice and balance to be delivered between parties.

s.2 Judiciary and legal services
a. Barristers, judges below the rank of Supreme Justice or other agents of the court may be retained as required to provide legal services on a prolonged contract or a one-off.
b. the fees for such services will be negotiated and agreed to on an ad-hoc bilateral basis, are non-refundable payable before commencement of the service.
c. Services may include, but are not limited to arbitration of dispute, legal discovery, defensive discovery, legal representation to the Judiciary, alliance maintenance.
d. the collective, any of its department or legal firms and institutions reserve the right to not accept any given business proposal, extension or alteration thereof or to discontinue services giving (1) cycle of notice, without further recourse.
e. A declaration of war by the collective or against the collective during the performance of their duties shall have the immediate, unilateral and irrevocable effect of cessation of contractual performance and immediate return of any of its agents, officers or employees including any goods or materials that have been assigned.
f. A sitting member of the judiciary that is not actively engaged in a case may be retained for services such as dispute arbitration, alliance monitoring, witnesses to contracts or any other service such as may not result in a conflict of interest. Judges employed in this capacity may not sit in judgment of a relevant claim but may provide evidence to the judiciary for any claim that arises related to the services that have been provided.
s.3 Quantum of restitution:
1) Sum under dispute in addition to any ethical damages as quantified the courts at their discretion.
2) Interest charged at 10% per cycle minimum (1) per cycle.
3) Fees paid by the claimant to initiate proceedings.
4) Costs and expenses of determination and enforcement of claim.
b. Reverse order of claim seniority - if full restitution has not been accomplished through legal actions the claimant may pay a small processing fee to extend legal action into the following cycles in order to secure full restitution. The fee is repeatable for each subsequent cycle the restitution action is sought.
c. Should the defendant admit wrongdoing and agree to pay restitution under the original claim then legal action shall be pending full restitution. Once the claimant has confirmed they have been made whole, all claims against the defendant shall be dismissed and
d. Any and all actions in response of judicial action will be carried upon the unilateral determination of the courts without any duty to announce the results prior to the passing of any specific cycle, but has a duty to announce the result after the fact. Action by the courts in accordance with its determination are considered to be done solely at the behest of the claimant and the courts bear no responsibility for any and all outcomes. The action does not constitute a cause of action against the courts or the claimant but may be subject to injunction from the defendant if duly represented and the claim for injunction of any action by the courts passes summary judgment. Through the simple existence of a claim against the defendant the defendant is considered to be on notice of potential action and as such any requirement for a declaration of war before legal action is waiv
sub 1. Summary judgment: upon retention of a legal representative and payment of the processing fee of the courts a defendant may apply for an injunction to delay any action against them provided they have also presented evidence to the judge sitting on judgment of the original claim. Any evidence presented to the former judge will be shared with the latter and may form part of the decision even if the summary judgment for injunction is dismissed. Should the defendant of the original claimant, here the claimant of injunctive relief, present evidence sufficient to show either:
1) Bad faith on the part of the claimant – ie having first caused the creation of a cause of action for the claimant of injunctive relief.
2) That there is insufficient evidence to show wrongdoing and therefore requiring the courts to launch a full investigation into the circumstances of
a. The claimant under the first claim, being the defendant in the second claim, shall be invited to participate in the summary judgment to provide or counter evidence provided by the claimant of the injunction against the first claim unless the claimant of the second claim can demonstrate that there is sufficient reason for such proceedings to be kept private.
b. For this determination to be made, the claimant of the second claim must send a direct representative to the courts. The courts cannot guarantee that a motion for injunction against the first claim will be granted.
c. The courts may at their discretion hear evidence on why a motion for injunction should be kept private in the absence of a direct representative but cannot guarantee that such determination or discussion will be inviolable.
S4.Causes of action (including but not limited to):
1) breach of contract.
2) dealing in bad faith - acting in such a way so as to steer an actual or nominal ally into action or inaction that brings them into the path of harm when the nominal defendant had information of actual or potential action from a third party or parties intent on bringing, causing, conspiring to cause, perpetrating or motivate harm directly or indirectly on the claimant.
3) Non-performance of duties or breach of alliance obligations.
4) Attack without proper and legal declaration or with insufficient notice.
5) Theft or destruction of property between two or more factions that are not at war or with insufficient declaration (Including but not limited to theft of moneys, materiel, information, goods tangible or intangible, planets, sectors, systems etc).
6) Murder, causing the death, unlawful detainment or serious injury of a sentient individual, AI or member of a faction, however defined by the faction without recourse to the rights, laws, regulations or ethical considerations of the actor.
7) Breach of non-aggression pact whether by obvious or hidden means.
8) Frivolous and damaging claims aiming to cause ethical and reputational damage.
9) Attempted bribery.
10) Aiding and abetting any of the above.
11) Being a causal link to the direct or indirect destruction, removal, lowering or making not available permanently or temporarily resources of another faction (stardate 13438.1)
12) Creation of hyperlanes between two non-allied nations without notice prior to the creation of said hyperlane (stardate 13438.5)
s.5
a) all judgments of the court, including the grievance, evidence presented forming the basis of the judge’s determination (ratio decidendi) as well as any legal action deriving from the court’s judgment shall be a matter of public record.
b) a party to another claim may use the ratio decidendi of another claim, where the circumstances of said claim are alike to the current claim (the burden of proof lying with the party seeking to use the prior ratio). The courts must abide by prior decisions of a higher court.

Sch. 1 Any action shall be subject to the rules of proportionality and the quantum of restitution being claimed may be adjusted accordingly to reflect this principle. The courts may at their discretion increase the quantum of the original claim at their discretion to remedy ethical damaged inflicted on the claimant through the defendant's actions, taking into account facts that may not have been in evidence during the original claim.

Sch. 2
a) All fees are considered to be net of any transactional costs, tariffs, restrictions, damage during transit and any other factor or circumstance, foreseen or unforeseen, avoidable or unavoidable that may result in the funds reaching the collective being less than agreed upon fee.
b) The collective retains the right to set-off the balance of the fee remaining unpaid against any funds of the client whether the collective is in possession or not of those funds.

Sch. 3 – The courts
1. Claims shall be considered by a court specializing in the subject matter of the claim. The lower courts must follow all precedent. These are divided between the following chambers:
a. Commercial court
b. Criminal court
c. Arbitration court
d. Ethical court
2. The legal representative of the claimant or defendant may request a higher court to hear the case, although that will only be done once the facts have been established by the specialized court. Higher courts will sit only on the legal matters.
3. The middle ranked courts are the appellate courts. These courts may overrule any decision of the lower courts if an appeal is granted. They may also set precedent at a higher seniority than the lower courts. The appellate courts may also willingly invite a case to their purview.
4. The High Courts act only of their own initiative and may set or ignore precedent at their discretion where the application or misapplication of precedent to the current claim would result in material injustice. They may also decide a case on a non-precedential basis due to unique characteristics of a case.
5. The Supreme Justice may on a non-precedential and discretionary manner to assist any court in deciding a point of law.

Sch. 4 - War
1. a state of war will remain until it has been explicitly rescinded by both parties.
2. While two factions are in a state of war, no action between the two shall be considered unlawful
3. where one is part to an alliance a state of war shall be deemed to exist between the opposing faction, factions, secondary groups, alliance or alliances of the first party and all its allies unless it is shown that the allies of the first party had no foreknowledge of such actions and remove the first party from the alliance and cease any communication/trade with them. Any trade between former allies where the alliance was dissolved shall be considered to be aid in the war and as such, the opposing party or parties as defined earlier shall be considered to be at war with the trading parties.
4. Where a cause of action is made public or is known by all involved, then war is considered to have been declared between the two parties automatically. (stardate 13438.6)

[ArcaneStomper]

The Sages of Iettis VI
Reputation: Adored
Morale: 8

Spoiler: Iron Gods of Ur (Morale: 8)

Show

Unfortunately we have already promised the Judiciary Collective the greater portion of our archeologists. So while we can provide the [2 sci] you ask for it will stretch our resources, and as such we wish for a greater commitment on your part. In addition to [1 eco, 1 mil] we want a guarantee that the Bheura Prime system will be transferred to us this decade. It's lack is hampering our trade with the eastern part of the sector.

[St. Justicar]

The Iron Gods of Ur



Reputation: Dreaded, Encryption Level 17

Spoiler: Unity Party

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A pleasure then. Just like last time, please provide the researchers in time to take part in this decade’s expositions, and the labourers will be yours.

Spoiler: Sages of Iettis

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If you can provide the support then I can happily make that commitment without any qualms. Just send the [2 sci] into the system in time to help with this decade’s exploration and it will be yours as soon as they’re done.

Spoiler: Midturn

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Recieving 2 Science from Sages of Iettis, 2 Science from Unity Party.

10 Science to fully explore the last 10 floors of the Black Altar in Bheura/77

2 Science to begin exploring the Birdcage in 62

Maintain Dreaded Reputation

[kemmotar]

The Judiciary Collective of the Kramagorian Moons
Reputation: Neutral
Morale: 8

Spoiler: Iron Gods of Ur - MOR 8

Show

The resources promised to us by the sages we would not deny you but they are not ours to give or to use beyond the use agreed upon. But, should you join us in the other venture, for which confirmation is required promptly if you are to join, we would not be opposed if the sages sent us fewer resources. We may also be successful in our exploration and able to share the wealth we find therein.

Spoiler

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Spoiler: Space Opera and other foibles

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The only way in which the collective could be accused of levity, and perhaps in some circles precisely so they are not accused for a lack of one, they have given a nod to the cultured past by naming some of their crack squads after ancient operations memorialized through the physical arts.

1) In memory of the battle of the swan conflagration, a crack squad an elite assault squad was created specializing in boarding actions. The pointe berserkers, equipped with the latest in mechanized battle armour (thin but durable) they use rotating monomolecular blades attached to the bottom of their feet to move at incredible speeds along all 3 dimensions (especially in the weightlessness of void warfare). The swan conflagration originates from a small stranded squad of swan vessels (so called because their huge engines built for speed caused an incredibly strong magnetic field that is harmful to all life – As such the cockpit and living area had to be further away from the engine room resulting in a body with a long neck) in enemy territory and being assaulted by the technomages led by Rotbart the Black who sought the superior technology of the lead vessel “Odette”. The standstill was broken by the assault of Segafredo squadron after tipping the scales against Rotbart by destroying his flagship “Odille”, which had been masquerading as an empire vessel. Thankfully the cybernetic warfare module of Segafredo squadron was able to see through the mimicked vessel tags by recognizing the different engine frequency of the inferior Rotbart vessel and blasted to atoms. Then, the squadron let the “Odette” and her attendant vessels back to the empire shipyards. This is commemorated through an ancient piece of music by one Chai-trotsky and the point berserkers are psychoindoctrinated to enter a battle frenzy when they hear his piece of long forgotten music, some say it was written for star crossed shapechanging lovers. What piffle….but the music seemed to engender a certain aggressive reaction in individuals with a certain genetic anomaly.

2) Juliette squadron, a famous wing of the collective's fleet so named after Juliette the oubliette, a famous spy in the times of the pre arco medean era. She is most well known for the events that led to her obtaining the codes for the self destruct sequence for the weapons of mass destruction of a faction of rebels called the Veronese after the controversial decision which had banned the installation of high grade AIs in android bodies that have humanlike skin. The veronese threatened to detonate quantum busters under the server archive holding the names of AIs downloaded already in what would be non-compliant bodies. Juliette, then a little known intelligence agent barely out of the academy took advantage of her young looks and the Veronese terrorist leader Romeo proclivities and managed to insinuate herself into his life as his lover. She was quickly able to make him fall in love with her by adopting a meek persona but she still was unable to extract the necessary information from him. Getting desperate she concocted a plot with the help of another of the agents that had infiltrated the organization posing as a doctor. She would be injected with an agent that would put her in a medically induced coma 12 hours after the injection. She would also be given a vial that was ostensibly poison, but was in fact the counteragent to the injection. By taking it before she went into the coma, she would be able to convince Romeo of her death. The plan was that in his grief, near the end, she would convince him to give up enough information to help the investigation. In fact what she had not been counting on, was Romeo’s unstable mental state, when Juliette drank the poison in front of him claiming that she could no longer live in fear of Romeo one day being capture or worse. In response Romeo, stricken by the loss, committed suicide himself using his own personal weapon just as the incredibly surprised Juliette was slipping into the coma. She awoke a few hours later covered in blood and in a panic. As far as she knew, there was no one alive who knew the full plan and Romeo’s lieutenants had been ordered to never reveal their part of the plan. Her only option now was to use Romeo’s body to bypass biometric protections around his personal quarters. Using his severed hands and removed eyes, she gained access to his computer, through this and by impersonating Romeo in electronic communication she managed to convince his lieutenants that the plan had been compromised. By in turn accusing each one of his lieutenants as being the leak, which she (Romeo) knew because it was each lieutenant’s piece of the puzzle that had been leaked, she managed to gather sufficient information on both the attack and secondary cells spread out all over the system. Finally, she struck gold when in one of the replies of a lieutenant she found an email with the encrypted disarming code. Romeo had always worn an earring that Juliette had never really been able to reconcile with his personality. She snapped the code into her memory cortex and once more returned to her room where she had stashed the body in the lavatory cubicle. After some fiddling she discovered that the earring was in fact a scrambler decoder and after plugging it into her own memory cortex she was able to unscramble the code. Soon after she sent the code to her handler and once she had confirmation that the WMDs had been remotely deactivated, she secretly left the compound. In her honour the cybernetic warfare squadron has been formed by the collective and each year one of the officers of the squadron has the honour of playing the heroic role in a play that is held in the capital.
3) Further text redacted to protect the Collective armed forces and obscure their capabilities.

Spoiler: Articles of Incorporation

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Articles of incorporation, binding upon the collective
1) The collective will never go back on its legal obligations as set out in the relevant agreement.
2) War is a lawful endeavour provided that the rules of alliances and principia are maintained (casus belli provided and announced to senate or privately with notice).
3) The judiciary of the collective shall remain impartial in its judgment of any claim brough before it with the aim of accomplishing restitution against the aggrieved party.
4) The collective may bring a claim internally with itself as the claimant in order to seek the fulfillment of any agreement that has been reneged or pursue any cause of action.
5) Anyone who has retained legal representation from the legal firms of the Kramagorian moons or any other legal body recognized by the judicial body of the collective will benefit from attorney client privilege and all other duties of confidentiality, disclosure of conflict of interest and the best legal defense that the contracted entity
6) The Collective maintains the right to alter its articles of association and any other legal documentation at its absolute discretion without any forewarning, although all agreements shall be honoured on the basis of the version of the relevant legislation applicable at the time.

Spoiler: Laws and procedure, non-exhaustive

Show

s.1 Rights of the claimant
a.All individuals and/or factions may request intervention from the courts where they believe they have been wronged.
b. In order for a claim to be considered there will be a procedural fee to reflect the labour and process of the courts. This will be decided ad hoc and at the discretion of the courts. The fee will be made known to the potential claimant through their representative to the courts (non refundable)
c. Once the fee has been agreed the courts will send summons to the defendant and initiate due process against them. If the defendant does not respond to the summons, the courts will investigate to the best of their ability the facts in evidence and proceed with any legal action as required by the determination of the courts without recourse.
d.Both parties agree to abide by the decision of the courts, whatever the determination. The courts may decide on the following actions at their absolute discretion but always taking into account the contents of the claim and other circumstances that become evident during the proceedings. Relief that the court may grant at its discretion include but are not limited to:
1) restitution action
2) injunction
3) punitive action
4) ethical restitution
5) any other action considered necessary by the courts for justice and balance to be delivered between parties.

s.2 Judiciary and legal services
a. Barristers, judges below the rank of Supreme Justice or other agents of the court may be retained as required to provide legal services on a prolonged contract or a one-off.
b. the fees for such services will be negotiated and agreed to on an ad-hoc bilateral basis, are non-refundable payable before commencement of the service.
c. Services may include, but are not limited to arbitration of dispute, legal discovery, defensive discovery, legal representation to the Judiciary, alliance maintenance.
d. the collective, any of its department or legal firms and institutions reserve the right to not accept any given business proposal, extension or alteration thereof or to discontinue services giving (1) cycle of notice, without further recourse.
e. A declaration of war by the collective or against the collective during the performance of their duties shall have the immediate, unilateral and irrevocable effect of cessation of contractual performance and immediate return of any of its agents, officers or employees including any goods or materials that have been assigned.
f. A sitting member of the judiciary that is not actively engaged in a case may be retained for services such as dispute arbitration, alliance monitoring, witnesses to contracts or any other service such as may not result in a conflict of interest. Judges employed in this capacity may not sit in judgment of a relevant claim but may provide evidence to the judiciary for any claim that arises related to the services that have been provided.
s.3 Quantum of restitution:
1) Sum under dispute in addition to any ethical damages as quantified the courts at their discretion.
2) Interest charged at 10% per cycle minimum (1) per cycle.
3) Fees paid by the claimant to initiate proceedings.
4) Costs and expenses of determination and enforcement of claim.
b. Reverse order of claim seniority - if full restitution has not been accomplished through legal actions the claimant may pay a small processing fee to extend legal action into the following cycles in order to secure full restitution. The fee is repeatable for each subsequent cycle the restitution action is sought.
c. Should the defendant admit wrongdoing and agree to pay restitution under the original claim then legal action shall be pending full restitution. Once the claimant has confirmed they have been made whole, all claims against the defendant shall be dismissed and
d. Any and all actions in response of judicial action will be carried upon the unilateral determination of the courts without any duty to announce the results prior to the passing of any specific cycle, but has a duty to announce the result after the fact. Action by the courts in accordance with its determination are considered to be done solely at the behest of the claimant and the courts bear no responsibility for any and all outcomes. The action does not constitute a cause of action against the courts or the claimant but may be subject to injunction from the defendant if duly represented and the claim for injunction of any action by the courts passes summary judgment. Through the simple existence of a claim against the defendant the defendant is considered to be on notice of potential action and as such any requirement for a declaration of war before legal action is waiv
sub 1. Summary judgment: upon retention of a legal representative and payment of the processing fee of the courts a defendant may apply for an injunction to delay any action against them provided they have also presented evidence to the judge sitting on judgment of the original claim. Any evidence presented to the former judge will be shared with the latter and may form part of the decision even if the summary judgment for injunction is dismissed. Should the defendant of the original claimant, here the claimant of injunctive relief, present evidence sufficient to show either:
1) Bad faith on the part of the claimant – ie having first caused the creation of a cause of action for the claimant of injunctive relief.
2) That there is insufficient evidence to show wrongdoing and therefore requiring the courts to launch a full investigation into the circumstances of
a. The claimant under the first claim, being the defendant in the second claim, shall be invited to participate in the summary judgment to provide or counter evidence provided by the claimant of the injunction against the first claim unless the claimant of the second claim can demonstrate that there is sufficient reason for such proceedings to be kept private.
b. For this determination to be made, the claimant of the second claim must send a direct representative to the courts. The courts cannot guarantee that a motion for injunction against the first claim will be granted.
c. The courts may at their discretion hear evidence on why a motion for injunction should be kept private in the absence of a direct representative but cannot guarantee that such determination or discussion will be inviolable.
S4.Causes of action (including but not limited to):
1) breach of contract.
2) dealing in bad faith - acting in such a way so as to steer an actual or nominal ally into action or inaction that brings them into the path of harm when the nominal defendant had information of actual or potential action from a third party or parties intent on bringing, causing, conspiring to cause, perpetrating or motivate harm directly or indirectly on the claimant.
3) Non-performance of duties or breach of alliance obligations.
4) Attack without proper and legal declaration or with insufficient notice.
5) Theft or destruction of property between two or more factions that are not at war or with insufficient declaration (Including but not limited to theft of moneys, materiel, information, goods tangible or intangible, planets, sectors, systems etc).
6) Murder, causing the death, unlawful detainment or serious injury of a sentient individual, AI or member of a faction, however defined by the faction without recourse to the rights, laws, regulations or ethical considerations of the actor.
7) Breach of non-aggression pact whether by obvious or hidden means.
8) Frivolous and damaging claims aiming to cause ethical and reputational damage.
9) Attempted bribery.
10) Aiding and abetting any of the above.
11) Being a causal link to the direct or indirect destruction, removal, lowering or making not available permanently or temporarily resources of another faction (stardate 13438.1)
12) Creation of hyperlanes between two non-allied nations without notice prior to the creation of said hyperlane (stardate 13438.5)
s.5
a) all judgments of the court, including the grievance, evidence presented forming the basis of the judge’s determination (ratio decidendi) as well as any legal action deriving from the court’s judgment shall be a matter of public record.
b) a party to another claim may use the ratio decidendi of another claim, where the circumstances of said claim are alike to the current claim (the burden of proof lying with the party seeking to use the prior ratio). The courts must abide by prior decisions of a higher court.

Sch. 1 Any action shall be subject to the rules of proportionality and the quantum of restitution being claimed may be adjusted accordingly to reflect this principle. The courts may at their discretion increase the quantum of the original claim at their discretion to remedy ethical damaged inflicted on the claimant through the defendant's actions, taking into account facts that may not have been in evidence during the original claim.

Sch. 2
a) All fees are considered to be net of any transactional costs, tariffs, restrictions, damage during transit and any other factor or circumstance, foreseen or unforeseen, avoidable or unavoidable that may result in the funds reaching the collective being less than agreed upon fee.
b) The collective retains the right to set-off the balance of the fee remaining unpaid against any funds of the client whether the collective is in possession or not of those funds.

Sch. 3 – The courts
1. Claims shall be considered by a court specializing in the subject matter of the claim. The lower courts must follow all precedent. These are divided between the following chambers:
a. Commercial court
b. Criminal court
c. Arbitration court
d. Ethical court
2. The legal representative of the claimant or defendant may request a higher court to hear the case, although that will only be done once the facts have been established by the specialized court. Higher courts will sit only on the legal matters.
3. The middle ranked courts are the appellate courts. These courts may overrule any decision of the lower courts if an appeal is granted. They may also set precedent at a higher seniority than the lower courts. The appellate courts may also willingly invite a case to their purview.
4. The High Courts act only of their own initiative and may set or ignore precedent at their discretion where the application or misapplication of precedent to the current claim would result in material injustice. They may also decide a case on a non-precedential basis due to unique characteristics of a case.
5. The Supreme Justice may on a non-precedential and discretionary manner to assist any court in deciding a point of law.

Sch. 4 - War
1. a state of war will remain until it has been explicitly rescinded by both parties.
2. While two factions are in a state of war, no action between the two shall be considered unlawful
3. where one is part to an alliance a state of war shall be deemed to exist between the opposing faction, factions, secondary groups, alliance or alliances of the first party and all its allies unless it is shown that the allies of the first party had no foreknowledge of such actions and remove the first party from the alliance and cease any communication/trade with them. Any trade between former allies where the alliance was dissolved shall be considered to be aid in the war and as such, the opposing party or parties as defined earlier shall be considered to be at war with the trading parties.
4. Where a cause of action is made public or is known by all involved, then war is considered to have been declared between the two parties automatically. (stardate 13438.6)

[Writtensanity]

Magnet nets had been carefully placed around the orbit of Barakan 2 to recover the planet for the UEO. When the attack against the organization occurred, a plurality of their public defense system had been idle in orbit. The sabotaged ships had been turned into deadly shrapnel now, orbiting the moon at thousands of kilometers an hour, prepared to tear into any ship entering or exiting the atmosphere.

Barakan 2 wasn’t a self-sufficient resource colony. The recycling programs stationed on the moon to retrofit lithium extraction factories had nearly run out of food on the planet despite heavy rationing. That ticking clock sat in the back of engineers’ minds as they attempted to solve this lethal problem.

The orbital force around Barakan 2 made it near impossible to remove the metal barriers. Simply put, most magnets that would be strong enough to overcome the lateral movement of the wreckage would also risk affecting the natural orbit of the lithium moon.

The solution was difficult to execute and expensive, but simple in concept. By spacing the magnets in a perfect pattern, they could provide uniform force to all sides of the moon, leaving its space intact. In practice this had been a marvel of engineering. 7200 independently powered magnetic satellites that needed to maintain perfect position alongside a orbiting moon.

On orders, the network moved inches closer to the moon every few minutes. Soon the first pieces of shrapnel were pulled out from the storm and flew toward the satellites. As the metal approached, the electromagnets reversed, slowing down the shrapnel enough that it wouldn’t destroy the satellites as they collected it.

Further in the Primodono system, a room of engineers stopped holding their breath, and cheered.

MOR= 6 : REP: Awed

Spoiler: To the Muridun

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We will not be meeting you in private. Considering we are still at war with the Iron Gods and are primed to enter a second war with those who attacked us, all of our critical players are needed in current operations.

We admittedly find it odd that you completely ignored our public message which specifically mentioned you as one of our main suspects for the attack. We expected a flat denial, true or false, but the abject silence is… disquieting.

Allow us to restate our promise. Admission and a mild commitment to stabilizing our systems will be met with kindness. If nobody comes forward, then those discovered to be at fault will be unceremoniously dismantled in a way this Galaxy has not seen before.

We will not have started that war, but we’ve already proven we can end them.

Spoiler: To the Vanguard

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Considering the tone of your message, we look forward to working with you to dismantle whomever is discovered to be behind the attacks against us.

Pardon our reputation shift in the past years, War does that to a nation. It should be rectified in the coming months as we return to our peacetime state of affairs.

Spoiler: To the Crusade

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Intelligence suggests that the general stance in the Galaxy is neutrality over the war. That said, some players have suggested they would prefer the republic to win. A quick victory will likely be favorable to a Total Victory to avoid intervention.

If you would like both, the Unwilling Gods seem to be bidding for their neutrality, reaching out and offering a bounty for their inclusion in the war would be in your favor.

Should the Grand Republic ask for similar knowledge about the status of the war, we will provide it. We would like to avoid a dragged out conflict.

Spoiler: MIDTURN: GM ONLY

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Move Iron Gods Reputation to Feared.

2 SCI sent into Vendence Unbound to clear floors 5 and 6.

RETURN MIDTURN at MOR 6

[Eldan]

Muridun to the UEO [7]

Spoiler

Show

What point is there in denial? We have no reason to attack you, especially when you are at war with the Demiurges of Ur. Our distaste for them has been made plain for decades now. Beyond that, words are dust. We could tell you we didn't do it, and you could believe those words or not, but no more truth would be added to the universe beyond what is already either clear to you, or will never be evident.

Your war with Ur is one of the reasons we wished to speak with you. Their growth is concerning, their nature is abominable and their methods are vile. But then, when one faction in a war is literally made up of encryption engines who see themselves as Gods, one should not discuss plans openly.