Depths of Space (IC, OPEN, FT)

[Aterrian Union]

(Cadian tactics inbound!)

While the Martells attempted to distance themselves from the Imperium, their tactics was all the Martells knew.

The lead rebel made an "L" sign with a curled middle finger, the Cadian sign for the "Tip of the Spear" maneuver.

The rebel ships headed right at the Dreadnought, and then split up, raking the surface of the ship with laser blasts.

"Shields on full" The Captain Says.
Shields flicker at areas of impact.
"All point defense auto-projectors ready".
"Fire."
All of a sudden energy bolts pour from all over the ship, downing quite a few fighters.
"Those guys got a learn. Nano-Composite Tritanium is meant to deal with energy weapons! Plus, who uses fighters against large ships?"

[The United Tributational Territories]

(Cadian tactics inbound!)

While the Martells attempted to distance themselves from the Imperium, their tactics was all the Martells knew.

The lead rebel made an "L" sign with a curled middle finger, the Cadian sign for the "Tip of the Spear" maneuver.

The rebel ships headed right at the Dreadnought, and then split up, raking the surface of the ship with laser blasts.

"Shields on full" The Captain Says.
Shields flicker at areas of impact.
"All point defense auto-projectors ready".
"Fire."
All of a sudden energy bolts pour from all over the ship, downing quite a few fighters.
"Those guys got a learn. Nano-Composite Tritanium is meant to deal with energy weapons! Plus, who uses fighters against large ships?"

Just then, the 17th UTT Armada jumps into the system.

"Brace for attack, men!" Braken calls over the UTT channel.

The Raging Bolt unleashes all the fighters, and they jump into the fray, blasting each Martell ship they find.

[Aterrian Union]

"Shields on full" The Captain Says.
Shields flicker at areas of impact.
"All point defense auto-projectors ready".
"Fire."
All of a sudden energy bolts pour from all over the ship, downing quite a few fighters.
"Those guys got a learn. Nano-Composite Tritanium is meant to deal with energy weapons! Plus, who uses fighters against large ships?"

Just then, the 17th UTT Armada jumps into the system.

"Brace for attack, men!" Braken calls over the UTT channel.

The Raging Bolt unleashes all the fighters, and they jump into the fray, blasting each Martell ship they find.

Big Brother's Might advances with terrifying speed for such a large ship.

[Delta Eridanus]

"Shields on full" The Captain Says.
Shields flicker at areas of impact.
"All point defense auto-projectors ready".
"Fire."
All of a sudden energy bolts pour from all over the ship, downing quite a few fighters.
"Those guys got a learn. Nano-Composite Tritanium is meant to deal with energy weapons! Plus, who uses fighters against large ships?"

Just then, the 17th UTT Armada jumps into the system.

"Brace for attack, men!" Braken calls over the UTT channel.

The Raging Bolt unleashes all the fighters, and they jump into the fray, blasting each Martell ship they find.

The main Imperial fleet jumped into the system at the same time the UTT did.

"NOW FOR WRATH!" Darius shouted over the Imperium channels. "NOW FOR RUIN, AND THE RED DAWN! FOR CADIA!"

"FOR CADIA!"

The fleet rushed into battle, except for the ships of House Argenteus...

---

"Reinforcements inbound!" A rebel yelled.

5 Draconis-class rebel warships jumped into the system, and darted for the Dreadnought.

[The United Tributational Territories]

"Shields on full" The Captain Says.
Shields flicker at areas of impact.
"All point defense auto-projectors ready".
"Fire."
All of a sudden energy bolts pour from all over the ship, downing quite a few fighters.
"Those guys got a learn. Nano-Composite Tritanium is meant to deal with energy weapons! Plus, who uses fighters against large ships?"

Just then, the 17th UTT Armada jumps into the system.

"Brace for attack, men!" Braken calls over the UTT channel.

The Raging Bolt unleashes all the fighters, and they jump into the fray, blasting each Martell ship they find.

The main Imperial fleet jumped into the system at the same time the UTT did.

"NOW FOR WRATH!" Darius shouted over the Imperium channels. "NOW FOR RUIN, AND THE RED DAWN! FOR CADIA!"

"FOR CADIA!"

The fleet rushed into battle, except for the ships of House Argenteus...

---

"Reinforcements inbound!" A rebel yelled.

5 Draconis-class rebel warships jumped into the system, and darted for the Dreadnought.

Right behind the Dreadnought was the Raging Bolt, and more ships poured out to block out the warships. Like bees, the Novakids lined up and shot off blasts of solar energy at the warships. It was worse than a beam from the Death Star. 80 Suns, all focusing energy towards one ship. Devastating.

[Aterrian Union]

"Hold fire!" Says the captain.
"I want shielding layers 3-6 turned on for extra protection."
"Fire the side 150k MACs".
The Massive MAC cannons aim.
*BAM!!!* -MAC #32
Enemy vessel splits in half and explodes due to sheer power of 150,000 ton shell.

[Delta Eridanus]

The ICS Corinthian Valor fell back to help defend the Dreadnought, while the ICS Hyperion, Sword of the Morning and Forge of Mechanus pressed the assault.

Out of the three, the Sword of the Morning under Allyria's command seemed to be doing the best. It had taken down five Tartarus-class ships and was now battling the Spear of the Sun.

---

Oberyn Martell nodded at his crewman, who sent two messages.

"Done, sir."

"Very well. We will see who are the true heretics now."

[The United Tributational Territories]

The ICS Corinthian Valor fell back to help defend the Dreadnought, while the ICS Hyperion, Sword of the Morning and Forge of Mechanus pressed the assault.

Out of the three, the Sword of the Morning under Allyria's command seemed to be doing the best. It had taken down five Tartarus-class ships and was now battling the Spear of the Sun.

---

Oberyn Martell nodded at his crewman, who sent two messages.

"Done, sir."

"Very well. We will see who are the true heretics now."

The Thirty Battleships, all Bolt Class, stayed in the middle of the pack. Each time a ship was hit, a Bolt class would jump forward to defend. Bolt classes are known for their speed, and they showed it in this fight. The 5 frigates kept pouring out the Fighters, and the Fighters would retreat immediately after making a hit. This kind of push-pull offensive is what the UTT was known for. They kept moving forward with the Cadian and Atterian ships, moving steadily towards the objective.

[The United Tributational Territories]

Meanwhile, the Novakid were pushing in the front with the warships, coagulating like water to shoot off blasts.

[Aterrian Union]

Entire Union fleet arrives, totaling 101 ships, with super-carrier. Union forces advance at moderate pace.

[Delta Eridanus]

Still aboard the ICS Hyperion, Darius kept barking orders.

This was one of Darius' greatest gifts: to find calm amid the chaos of war.

"Allyria! Fighters on your left!"

"Decius! More inbound!"

"Marcus! Focus your fire on the Spear!"

Darius kept at it, until he saw something that gave him pause.

"Talos, have mercy on us."

---

Achernar, instead of building their own ship, had captured the other Valhalla-class ship in the Imperium: the ICS Valhalla. This ship was the most powerful one in the Cadian Navy, and had just arrived in Theta Eridani, piloted by no other than Dorian Martell.

The rebel Lord opened a public channel to every ship in the system.

"Darius Caridin. Backstabber. Heretic. Enemy. I will come for you, and I will torment you."

Dorian then closed the channel, and the ICS Valhalla began advancing on the ICS Hyperion .

---

It was at this moment in time that Lady Daenerys decided to make her allegiance known.

House Argenteus turned on the Imperium, as the fighters and smaller frigates attacked the UTT. The warships and the house flagship ICS Silverblood joined the assault on the ICS Hyperion.

[Aterrian Union]

Union command breaks down as the inexperienced commanders don't know what to do. Some ships open fire randomly before the Admiral can reorganize everything. Union fleet stops advancing.

[Delta Eridanus]

The Cadian Fleet starts falling apart as Lupercal ships begin falling to the newly rebelled House Argenteus.

Dayne falls under attack, but is able to push back the rebels.

Fellhorn recovers, but the ICS Forge of Mechanus has lost power.

Caridin bears the brunt of the attack. Nearly a quarter of their ships fall, but the ICS Hyperion still fights valiantly, giving hope to the rest of the fleet.

---

Amid the chaos, Darius sent out a message to all allied ships.

"House Argenteus has rebelled. Take them out!"

[Korhal IVV]

[Aterrian Union]

Union ships advance at maximum pace to shield loyalist forces. One dreadnaught rams through a few frigates. All ships open up with mass MAC volleys, countless anti-matter torpedoes and plasma blasts.

[Delta Eridanus]

[The United Tributational Territories]

The Cadian Fleet starts falling apart as Lupercal ships begin falling to the newly rebelled House Argenteus.

Dayne falls under attack, but is able to push back the rebels.

Fellhorn recovers, but the ICS Forge of Mechanus has lost power.

Caridin bears the brunt of the attack. Nearly a quarter of their ships fall, but the ICS Hyperion still fights valiantly, giving hope to the rest of the fleet.

---

Amid the chaos, Darius sent out a message to all allied ships.

"House Argenteus has rebelled. Take them out!"

The UTT took light damage, loosing a small squadron of fighters. The Battleships were able to turn quickly enough to engage shields and start firing. Zipping around like asps, the UTT understood the side change from Argenteus as soon as it happened. The Novakid flew around, blasting at the ships in coordination with the UTT.

[The Greater Gambia]

Jakala
New Talveria
Banquet Halls


Lahira soon regained her composer as Solia left. She looked around and noticed that everyone was gone, save for a few Home Guard Soldiers. She went outside and Found Korz,standing out of earshot of the crowd that had gathered outside of the banquet hall. She noticed two Home Guard Officers comforting Representative Shila.

"I'd like you to hold off on your operations for the time being." Lahira said. Korz gave her a quizzical look.

"I never took you as one to take pity on a enemy."

"I'm not, a new avenue has shown itself. She was just held hostage by someone she could call a friend. She'll be re-evaluating her priorities and alliances. She'll need someone to point her in the right direction. She is also in position where she will gain sympathy for what has gone down tonight. She'll be a great asset in the days to come." Korz grunted.

"Good to see that incident didn't make you weak. However, my brothers in the Bloodied Sand will need compensation. These operations take countless hours of planning."

"Don't worry. For your troubles, I'll pay you double. As for me, this isn't the first time I've killed someone. I was a Huntress after all. There are many Poachers out in the wilderness that fire back when you tell them that they're under arrest. I just thought that I left all that behind once I became Consul."

"Thoughts like that kill, Consul Lahira." Korz said. "You'd do best to prepare for any situation, even the worst. Anyway, I must be off. I have to tell my brethren to hold off on our targets. They will be mad, but their spirits will lighten at the sound of double the pay. May the Dune Mother embrace you." Korz bowed before leaving for his shuttle. Lahira picked Lethox out of the crowd, "standing" next to Sindra. She decided to finish their discussion. As Lahira made her way towards him, the Medical shuttle arrived. Home Guard Officers came out, carrying three people on stretchers. One of them was Riiva, still unconscious and bruised but looking in better shape. The other too she could not say the same for the other two. She knew the first one was Kemir, as it was the obvious choice. His body was covered with a white sheet, hiding it from the crowd. The second she could only assume was Riiva's assailant. Both sheets were covered in blood from the wounds. The crowd was silent as they were loaded onto the Medical shuttle.

Lahira walked next to Lethox.

"I apologize for the events that have transpired here tonight. I hope this hasn't changed your mind about what we discussed."

Lethox chuckled. "Oh no. no its perfectly fine. I suppose all societies have their rough patches. either way, its of no consequence to me." He said, trying to reassure her.

"Perhaps we could set up a meeting tomorrow? Go over the specifications for entry into the Federation?"

[Delta Eridanus]

Union ships advance at maximum pace to shield loyalist forces. One dreadnaught rams through a few frigates. All ships open up with mass MAC volleys, countless anti-matter torpedoes and plasma blasts.

The UTT took light damage, loosing a small squadron of fighters. The Battleships were able to turn quickly enough to engage shields and start firing. Zipping around like asps, the UTT understood the side change from Argenteus as soon as it happened. The Novakid flew around, blasting at the ships in coordination with the UTT.

In a few moments, most of House Argenteus' frigates are destroyed.

However, the warships are still pressing the attack on the ICS Hyperion, as the Valhalla and Silverblood advance.

---

Allyria, having succeeded in cutting power to the Spear's weapons and engines, asked for a status report.

"House Argenteus and Martell are ganging up on House Caridin. They have the Hyperion pinned."

Allyria's heart skipped a beat. "Crap. How soon can we get over there?"

"Now." The Sword of the Morning turned and began heading toward the Hyperion.

Don't die on me, Darius. Allyria thought. We both know it is too soon for that.

[The Moscow Metro Red Line]

Sol System - Orbit Around Mars - Battle Group Sol - I.O.S. Relentless Zeal, Crown Prince Joseph Marx's Flagship - Audience Chamber - 2138 Earth Hours - 62-63 Hours after Awakening

Joseph was silent for a few moments even after Ophius and John spoke to him. "We will stay." Joseph spoke solemnly. "Just don't expect any extra reinforcements from the Ostian Imperium." He looked around at the remaining patrons, "If you don't mind. I would like to close this meeting now. I need some time to contemplate the death of my brother." Joseph left and room and as he left, the crewmen from before took away the dirty dishes and refilled the glasses of the patrons. Chatter was heard outside from the audience chamber, talk between the crew about the Emperor's message and the latest war. A Royal Guardsman appeared at the door. "I will escort you back to the hanger when you are ready." He spoke calmly.

[The V O I D]

Euphemia felt her heart plummet at Lyson's words. She'd forgotten about...that. That he was the same Taari who had attacked her at the ball all those months ago. It seemed like so far away when that had happened. He'd been so different. She sighed and shook her head, gently teasing a knot out of her hair and wincing every time she tugged too hard. She couldn't just leave him here, without anything to do but brood...she made her decision and gave up on the knot, tying her hair back in a quick bun.

"Alright, come with me for today. We can sort out a permanent fixture for you at the personnel meeting."

The Imperator's Might
Capital Dreadnought of All Remnant Fleets
The Taari Armada / Remnant

Lyson nodded simply. He followed her as she began leading him to wherever it was she had to go first. Lyson was silent as he waked with her. The look on his face said he was contemplating something. Lyson looked over at her, smiling suddenly. Whatever he was thinking, it had to do with her and it made him happy. That could mean many things. Many. Things. Lyson continued walking alongside her, before pausing for a moment.

"I fell in love with you a long time ago, you know. There was... probably even a part of me which scorned me deeply when I thought I hated you.", he mumbled. Lyson wasn't sure what compelled him to share that, but he did. It felt right. It felt like he had to share it. And so, he did. Lyson waited for her response to that, not sure if they should keep walking or not.

[Spindle]

Euphemia stopped at Lyson's words, a lump appearing in her throat. She hadn't wanted to tell Lyson, but...

"I know." She began hesitantly, "That's why I treated you like I did. I knew you were too valuable an asset to lose and if you treat someone better than they would treat you in the situation, they'll usually start displaying positive emotions towards you and I..."

She trailed off, her face burning in shame. She'd used him. Manipulated him without him knowing, and now her manipulation had bloomed into this. She stood there awkwardly, eyes fixed on the floor and brimming with tears. Oh God, would he trust her after this? She'd just told him she'd twisted his emotions for her own gain. If he didn't forgive her...

---

Ceto's grip on the fire control systems slipped slightly at the Floran's offer. Repairs? How would they do that? They were plants! Then again, they were plants that could move planets, so perhaps it would best to just assume they could make repairs. Unfortunately, Ceto knew she couldn't accept. Spindle's position with the UTT was too important for her to risk out here, even if it would get her back to Sol quicker. On the other hand, the longer she stalled them, the more time Scorpius would have to receive her message, and her data, and get back to Sol. It was a knife-edge she was dancing on here.

Thanks for the offer, but the ship can still make it back to the hyper limit within a day. We'll be fine. But, if you want to start peace negotiations with the UTT, we could act as a third party.

She hoped they would at least spend time considering it. The more time they spent on it, the better.

---

Ophius closed her eyes, trying to filter past the images of those...things to figure out what she could about them. They seemed almost purely biological, for one thing, and they seemed to be infectious to some degree. But it was the Ostians turning on each other that had her the most worried. If that were done more subtly...she shuddered. A network greater than the Sparatoi could be being built up without anyone knowing.

She shook her head to clear it of the images and stood up, half a glass of wine left on the table in front of her. She curtsied lightly to the others then left with the Royal Guardsman, her face dark. She'd discovered more than she had hoped about the others here, and their capabilities, but she was worried now. Spindle would be barely capable of handling one war of this scale, and now they were about to be thrown into two, probably at the same time. She sighed deeply as she entered the hangar, indicating for the Guardsman to leave. Now she had to write a report to Armillius and explain that the situation had just changed for the worse. Not something she was savouring the thought of.

[The V O I D]

Euphemia stopped at Lyson's words, a lump appearing in her throat. She hadn't wanted to tell Lyson, but...

"I know." She began hesitantly, "That's why I treated you like I did. I knew you were too valuable an asset to lose and if you treat someone better than they would treat you in the situation, they'll usually start displaying positive emotions towards you and I..."

She trailed off, her face burning in shame. She'd used him. Manipulated him without him knowing, and now her manipulation had bloomed into this. She stood there awkwardly, eyes fixed on the floor and brimming with tears. Oh God, would he trust her after this? She'd just told him she'd twisted his emotions for her own gain. If he didn't forgive her...

The Imperator's Might
Capital Dreadnought of All Remnant Fleets
The Taari Armada / Remnant

Lyson felt something pierce through him like a spear. And it hurt. She had used him? She had manipulated him? Lyson stumbled away from her, unsure of himself. His heart hurt. It yearned to be with her, but at the same time, she had betrayed him... without him knowing it. Lyson stared at her, the hurt painfully obvious within his eyes. Lyson felt himself unravel. Of course she'd use him! She's a xeno! No. No. No. She's his. She loved him. He loved her. BLOODY XENO! No! She... Lyson couldn't figure this out.

"You... yo- how? How could you? I- I-", he stuttered. He then roared in frustration with himself, with his emotions, and with his thoughts. Lyson moved over to her, kissing her suddenly. He held her close as he kissed her. The kiss was exploded his emotion through her, and she could feel all he felt; the disgust, the rage, the love, the pain, the betrayal... all of it. And it was directed at himself, at her... at everything. Lyson stepped back after parting it... he stared into her eyes. He stepped back, afraid... stumbling. He slid down and leaned against the wall, looking away from her... trying to hide the tears.

[Spindle]

Euphemia felt her heart freeze as Lyson fell away from her as if she'd hit him. Her chest had an empty, aching numbness to it, a void where Lyson had been. Where Lyson's trust had been. The confusion, the pain and the loss in his eyes were like lead weights dropping into the pit of her stomach. And throughout, her face burned red as the shame washed through her body, hot fire contrasting sickeningly with the cold emptiness in her heart. The floor underneath her feet seemed to be sticking to her feet, preventing them from moving. Even when Lyson kissed her, it only intensified the feelings coiling through her.

"I never thought this would happen." She choked eventually, "But I wouldn't change a thing if I could. I couldn't just leave you...leave you like you were."

[The V O I D]

Euphemia felt her heart freeze as Lyson fell away from her as if she'd hit him. Her chest had an empty, aching numbness to it, a void where Lyson had been. Where Lyson's trust had been. The confusion, the pain and the loss in his eyes were like lead weights dropping into the pit of her stomach. And throughout, her face burned red as the shame washed through her body, hot fire contrasting sickeningly with the cold emptiness in her heart. The floor underneath her feet seemed to be sticking to her feet, preventing them from moving. Even when Lyson kissed her, it only intensified the feelings coiling through her.

"I never thought this would happen." She choked eventually, "But I wouldn't change a thing if I could. I couldn't just leave you...leave you like you were."

The Imperator's Might
Capital Dreadnought of All Remnant Fleets
The Taari Armada / Remnant

Lyson looked over at her, seeing that she was feeling ashamed and in pain. Good, a vile voice spat, Let the xeno suffer for trying to corrupt me. Lyson shook his head at that. No. He loved her too much... he couldn't let her suffer. Could he? No, no. Stop that. Lyson made a move, slowly, to hold Euphemia. Eventually, he had Euphemia in his arms, holding her in a hug. He hugged her tightly. Her words as they choked out made the voice within him speak up again.

Kill this wretched thing! It tricked you! It hurt you! WHY DO YOU LOVE IT?, the voice's venom slithered through Lyson's mind. Lyson ignored it, promptly, and continued to hug Euphemia tightly, lovingly. Forgivingly. Lyson would forgive her, and she needed him. He needed her. He couldn't ruin this... love. He couldn't. It'd hurt him more than help him, he knew. He spoke to her.

"I still... love you. But it... hurts... that you used me.", he spoke to her. Lyson's mind was unraveling, but he wasn't going to let the paranoia control him. Never again, not with her. The voice was screeching at him in the background, calling for a thousand deaths to befall Euphemia and for him to throw himself out the airlock for corrupting himself with this xeno's touch. But he didn't listen. Lyson wouldn't. The voice continued screeching. His mind was unraveling, but he wasn't going down without a fight. The Voice was winning... slowly, though. He began to doubt Euphemia, silently. Began to question her... Lyson tried to stop that, but he couldn't. And it felt like a hot, fiery vibroknife twisting in his heart.