Depths of Space: The Uncertain Future (IC, Open)

[Laurvier]

Edge of Covenant Space

Expeditions into space to seek explore the galaxy was a regular undertaking by the Rakarans. It was needed to find hospital worlds and new civilizations to bring into the fold. Without this sustained effort, the Holy Imperium risked courting the ire of God. Long range exploration vessels had brought back evidence of high levels of sentient activity near the galactic core. There were the tell tale signs of civilization. Perhaps even more advanced and larger than their own. This excited Deacon Sator aboard the HDV Inquisitor XV. It was destroyer that had been retrofitted to go on long range exploration missions and have more advanced scanners. Sator himself served as Commanding Officer of the ship though mostly left the technical duties to the ship's captain. His job on the other hand was to analyze civilizations they came across and serve as a diplomat to speak on behalf of the Holy Curia. On the very edges of Covenant space, they transmitted a communique back to the Divine Fleet Headquarters to relay their find. Then the Inquisitor XV began long range transmissions rotating over many frequencies. Of course, being foreign their unencrypted transmissions and language would take time to decipher but supercomputers would eventually be able to make it out. To help the Rakarans transmitted their Sacred Scriptures for the Covenant so the language could be analyzed as well as spread the word of God as all good Rakarans are obligated to do if able.

I am an emissary from the Holy Rakaran Imperium blessed by God. I wish to establish first contact with your civilization on behalf of the Holy Curia and Archon Treyar, anointed by the angels to rule over our divine Imperium.

Edge of the Tagali Federation

Many light years away, the HDV Inquisitor LXIV under the command of Deacon Flaris did the same thing on the edges of the Tagali Federation. Flaris took a few inhales from his mask that assisted his breathing then put it away. He smoothed out his brown robes that identified him as a member of the clergy before standing to face the young captain of the ship. "Keep the weapons disarmed. We must show that we come in peace, for now."

"Journey forth into the stars to spread my light across the galaxy for it is your sacred duty to bring all to God's embrace." Flaris said, quoting the Sacred Scriptures then touched both hands to his head and then heart. He bowed his head to say a prayer of thanks for this opportunity.

[The Orson Empire]

Sol Campaign

The climatic battle for the Sol System continued. With the Oort Cloud and the Kuiper Belt being secured, the Covenant advance was stalled at Saturn, where the Covenant forces encountered 92,000 vessels of the Alliance Navy. Part of the Covenant force had been left behind to secure Neptune and Uranus, and thus, some 100,000 Covenant vessels engaged the Alliance forces. The Alliance put up a very successful fight at Saturn, dealing significant damage to the Covenant forces with their new Typhoon cannons. The Covenant forces regrouped, launching a massive counter-bombardment at the Alliance vessels in order to shatter their fleets and divide them so that they could be picked off individually. Covenant ships used their tractor beams to trap Alliance ships so that they could move and increased the power to their weaponry so that they could quickly destroy the enemy vessel. Thousands of starfighters were deployed to engage the Alliance fighters and mech units, and thousands of cluster drones (an anti-starfighter weapon) were also deployed. They would swarm the enemy fighters and mechs in large groups and use their numerous power tools to drill into their armor and destroy their life support systems, power systems and engines.

At Earth, the situation for the Covenant was somewhat better. The 145,000 Covenant vessels outnumbered the 97,000 Alliance vessels defending Earth, although thousands of civilian vessels were now assisting the Covenant. This complicated the battle, as a small Tagali force had entered the system and called for a ceasefire so that they could evacuate Federation civilians on Earth. The admirals found this to be very foolish of the Tagali, as they attempted to evacuate two million civilians in the middle of the most chaotic engagement of the war. The admirals had been forced to ignore the call for a ceasefire, and it appeared that the Alliance had ignored the Tagali as well. Though, the admirals advised Covenant ships to try to avoid targeting any Tagali vessels.

While most of the armada was focused on engaging and destroying the Alliance forces and the network of space stations around Earth, a smaller portion of the armada was focused on Luna and Earth. The Covenant knew that in order to secure Earth, they would have to secure Luna. Already, thousands of artillery placements on Luna lit up the Covenant armada, doing significant damage to many ships. The Covenant ships bombarded Luna with their railgun batteries, using the shear power of the railguns to pierce through the Lunar rock and destroy what appeared to be tractor beams that prevented Covenant ships from even entering the orbit of Luna.

Meanwhile, thousands of ships had turned their plasma projectors towards the surface of Earth and had begun to bombard Earth's major cities. Beams of plasma rained down on the surface, causing blasts similar to a nuclear detonation which would blast away anything in their path and create massive firestorms that engulfed entire cities and killed millions. The topsoil of the blast zones became molten, causing the silica in the soil to fuse into glass. Earth's atmosphere began to be saturated with millions of tons of ash, debris, and soot, and as the siege of Earth went on, the admirals believed that the pollution would block out the sun and cause a nuclear winter across Earth, killing much of the planet's life and making it even easier for the Covenant to win the siege. The Covenant ship crews looked on in excitement as the capital of the Alliance was razed to the ground, as they believed that the Alliance was no more at this point. With Earth devastated, the Alliance would surely crumble.

Dronis Sector

200,000 Covenant warships and 1.5 billion Covenant personnel had been organizing over the past several days in several border systems in the Dronis Sector. The Covenant's jump gate network had allowed the massive armada to assemble rapidly, as these ships had been removed from garrisons across Covenant space to begin offensives in Alliance space and provide reinforcements for the Sol Campaign. However, this order had been quickly cancelled by Zena herself, leaving the Covenant admirals perplexed as to why Zena had suddenly backed out of sending much needed reinforcements to Alliance space. Soon enough, they would receive their answer.

High Admiral Lo's dreadnought exited warp in one of the border systems, as he had left his former base of operations in the Xianus Sector. The armada, having already been informed that Lo would be leading them, immediately sent him reports that all fleets in the armada were accounted for and that the armada was ready for combat. He was also bombarded with inquiries as to where exactly the armada was to be deployed, since their former order to enter Alliance space had been cancelled.

Lo decided to answer this question, and he spoke in his com-link to all ships in the armada. "Attention all warships, this is the High Admiral speaking," Lo replied. "I understand how...sudden and extreme this new offensive will seem, but I am under orders by Zena herself to carry it out. The Covenant is now in a state of war with Ostia- as the lower admirals likely know, Ostia has been supplying warships to assist the Alliance in their efforts to defeat the Covenant, and they were also involved in that recent incident in the Zobus Nebula. Zena has activated War Plan Ostia and demands that the Ostians be subjugated as quickly as possible before their allies can gain the advantage, as I am sure they will enter the war. War Plan Ostia must be executed properly- we cannot afford to be stalled or bogged down, or the entire plan may crumble. We do not have any time to waste, and thus, we will be launching soon. I will be providing your ships with coordinates for our rendezvous point outside of Ostian space. Good luck, and may the Covenant prevail."

Everyone was shocked at the massive change in plans. Zena was now going to drag the Covenant into a multi-front war with the galaxy's major powers in a bid to get revenge on Ostia for assisting the Alliance. They feared the outcome of the Covenant in such a massive war, but they nevertheless knew they had to do their job. After programming their navigational computers with the coordinates, the fleets began warping out of their systems and into deep space.

Deep Space, near the border of the Aicury Sector

Listening posts near the edge of Covenant space detected an unidentified ship approaching the Covenant's borders. The listening posts did not recognize the model of the ship, as it was not recorded in the Covenant database. An alert was immediately sent back to the sector capital of Ziosh, where Covenant personnel immediately began to analyze images of the ship. Then, suddenly, the listening posts detected numerous transmissions over multiple frequencies coming from the ship. The ship had sent multiple messages, and supercomputers immediately began to analyze the language and try to translate it. They did not recognize the language at all, and it became apparent that the Covenant had made contact with yet another alien civilization.

A small force of some five destroyers was scrambled above Ziosh. They departed into war, towards the location of the unidentified ship.

[Laurvier]

Deep Space, near the border of the Aicury Sector

Inquisitor XV continued its broadcasts even as the ships arrived. As far as you could detect things in space, the ship was being overly conspicuous. Loud even. The idea was to announce their presence openly in a showing of good faith. When the destroyers arrived Sator remained collected and did not arm the ship's weapons systems or raise the shields. Exploratory Doctrine decreed that hostilities were not to begin right away in any First Contact situation. If so, it would be on part of the encountered civilization not the Rakarans. Despite the Imperium's burgeoning size, the Order of Crusade felt it unwise to engage in too many conflicts at once. Especially with powers yet unknown. Only once had they met a civilization that matched their own might in the form of the Aurelian Federation. In all their expansions no civilization had been around as large, as militarily powerful and more technologically advanced all at the same time. They were defeated in a long half century war at great cost but in the end the Rakarans prevailed through the aid of God Almighty or so they believed. That war was over a century ago. But the Holy Curia took steps to make sure they would be prepared should it happen again.

[Ubaria]

Aboard the Nights Cradle - 1st Diplomatic Flotilla
Fleet Commander Zhar-Cull Azif Callur
Orbit of Eto - Faul System

The low band scanners picked up the series of pings transmitted by the Faulian forward scouts, a simple binarized form of communication rather than text or voice, but it carried the same weight. They had arrived. After the communications officer had confirmed the source and intent of the code, the independent sections of the bridge all began carrying out their various duties which had been rehearsed several times beforehand. Slowly the Nights Cradle and the numerous supporting vessels began arising from the mists, the powerful set of ionic thrusters provided ample power to push them out of the gravity well at speed, although it would take them some time to clear the electromagnetic interference and become fully operational. This would give the Loyalist fleet some time to draw closer for a close quarters attack, as far as naval battles were concerned.

"Hostile fleet composition?" Azif questioned as previous to now, the enemy force strength had been an unknown.

"Two Yerak Rhok Class, the Nemezdia Blue and Volant Wraith, supported by three Vlang Uhn class and two supporting Yemek Zarh craft."

The Commander would have grinned if he could.

"Really? I feel insulted they didn't send more."

---

2nd Holy Inquest Flotilla.
Flagship - Nemezdia Blue
Entering Faulian Space


“This is the Nomu. You are entering territory belonging to the Republic. You will follow the orders of Space Traffic Control or you will be ejected from the system. Do you comply?”

There was a brief pause from the Nemezdia as they took the time to translate the words, and then potentially to laugh a little before sending their short but potent reply.

"No..."

Undeterred, the Inquest Flotilla pushed forwards and towards the gas giant, luckily the Faulian guise had worked and so far, the hostile fleet were clueless to the presence of a heavier force lurking away from their prying eyes. Its attention instead focused towards the Nomu, as far as they were concerned, a weak vessel that posed no threat whatsoever, the lead battleship began warming up its plasma repeaters and turned broadside to unleash the full potential of its barrage, a fatal mistake. It had presented its weaker side to the approach of the Nights Cradle, the Nekt and the Lesher, along with their warships in tow. By the time the scanners on the Nemezdia or the Volant had picked up the large, three kilometer silver spire on its scanners, the Nights Cradle had already attained gun solutions.

---

"Fire!"

With the single command, a whole battery of a dozen plasma turrets opened up in earnest, spitting projectiles hotter than the surface of the sun towards the lead battleship in the flotilla, pelting the port flank with a hail of fire that put a test to its shields and forced half the guns trained on the Nomu to turn to engage the new threat. One of the light supports quickly reacted with a flurry of missile strikes which twirled to avoid the stream of counter fire sent their way, however at least 20 missiles made its way through the defensive screen and hit the Nights Cradle directly on the nose, weakening a significant section of shielding.

"Focus your fire to their guns. They cannot bite without fangs."

The Volant Wraith had begun rolling on the spot to better train the guns along its spline towards the Nekt and her fleet, whilst two of the three frigates moved into better position to fire on the Nomu and Lesher respectively.

---

Nights Cradle Flotilla
1x - Nights Cradle (Battleship) - 100% Efficiency
6x - Logistics Cruisers - 100% Efficiency

2nd Inquest Flotilla
1x - Nemezdia Blue (Battleship) - 100% Efficiency
1x - Volant Wraith (Battleship) - 100% Efficiency
3x - Frigate Class - 100% Efficiency
2x - Light Support Class - 100% Efficiency

[Ava Ire]

The Holy Empire

Theta Sector
Holy Rakaran Imperium starspace

Approaching Rakaran Prime

Just outside the orbit of the Rakaran home world, a lone ship exited out of warp drive. The great pyramidal vessel, belonging to the Holy Empire, had just recently departed from Enda, its directive only known as being "classified" and of "top importance." The vessel, referred to as the UMV Headwind, carried a small delegation of Doulas ambassadors, each with the intent of entering into serious discussions with the Holy Rakaran Imperium.

The hulking Fright ship coasted to a halt near the planet. The commander of the ship would send out a telegram to their new, potential ally. It was time to do business.

-TRANSMISSION-
From: United Military Vessel Headwind
~Greetings from the purest of all nations, the Holy Empire. We come in peace and with good tidings to this mighty empire, the Holy Rakaran Imperium. Yes, the esteemed Endarian delegation has finally arrived at your very doorstep to do business with your people. Are we cleared for a landing?~

[Laurvier]

Rakara Prime

Rakara Prime was no fleet staging ground, nevertheless it received around the clock protection from the Divine Fleet. Thousands of ships with golden hulls from battleships, battlecruisers, cruisers, destroyers and frigates orbiting over the world recognized that the unknown vessel did not have the proper clearance and locked on. In case the firepower was not enough, Dreadnoughts could be called in from nearby Fleet staging grounds. To add to its defense, a colossal combat capable orbiting station which served as the headquarters of the Home Guard Fleet was present as well. Below, a planet with brown green clouds with numerous lights that could be seen from space showed signs from the naked eye of having a massive population. Where the surface was visible one could see the sources where smog was being pumped into the atmosphere from factories. Communications scans would have revealed radio broadcasts of religiously charged sermons and lectures coming from the Order of Faith.

To: UMV Headwind
From: Home Guard Fleet - Port Authority

This is Home Guard Fleet transmitting to UMV Headwind. Keep your weapons powered down and approach these coordinates on the planet. A delegation will be waiting once you land. Your appointment is with his grace High Cardinal Behlasi of the Holy Curia. Know that your arrival has been blessed by his holiness Archon Treyar. May God grant you salvation.

[Beiarusia]

Faul Republic
Nell Breaya
HDF Nomu, Eto Prime, Eto, Faux System

"No..."

Not the answer Nell expected. “No? What do they mean no!?”

“Alien ships moving to intercept!” announced an ensign from her station. “Confirming energy spike. We’re being targeted!”

Things were not going as planned per se. The Nomu wasn’t meant to engage the hostile ships, being more an observer of the situation than anything else – as well as keeping the human vessels away from the conflict – and yet the Zhong Vey had purposefully moved to obliterate the HDF ship and all her crew. An unwarranted act of aggression that chilled the young captain to her core. No wonder Azif had been worried. But Nell didn’t have the time to consider the how’s and why’s of the situation. Hostile ships were pushing close to Eto Prime, the Faulian homeworld. The Nomu had no choice but to move against the Zhong Vey in an effort to push the battle away from civilian space.

It was the young captain’s time to step into her role as leader, whether she liked it or not. Her less than forceful orders were broadcasted to all ships in the flotilla. “Don’t let them get any closer. Spread out and-”

Her words were cut off as superheated plasma slammed into the Zhong Vey flagship, its shields flaring in an effort to absorb the sudden blow. With little warning the Night’s Cradle engaged the enemy ships, supported by the Nekt and the Lesher, and in the blink of an eye pitched battle had taken hold.

---

The Nekt wasted no time in joining in on the attack, leading with its heavy MAG (Magnetic Accelerated Gun) and sending a dense slug into the Zhong Vey battleship, the Volant Wraith. The shields flared but were unable to stop the projectile traveling at over 30km a second. It tunneled through the outer hull, fragmenting and failing to punch through the other side, embedding itself somewhere inside the ship after tearing through several decks. A damaging blow but not enough to knock out the ship. The two light gunships (1000-model) moved into a defensive pattern between the Nekt and the Night’s Cradle, using their point-defense-guns to target any missile that strayed too close. The four heavy gunships (1100-model) joined the two corvettes in an attack against the Zhong Vey frigates. The MAG on each corvette was of a lighter caliber and unable to cause the same penetrating damage as the destroyer, but they were enough to force an opening for the gunships, the four of which pushed through in an effort to target the missile boats. Lacking any heavy armament the gunships would rely on missiles to screen their approach until they were close enough to turn their PDG’s against the lighter armor.

The Lesher moved perpendicular to the Zhong Vey flagship as it moved to join with the Nomu. Unable to utilize its heave MAG the destroyer trained its port artillery (three on either side) on the battleship, the weapons relying more on explosive damage to chip away at enemy armor as opposed to piercing power. The Lesher unleashed a barrage against the Zhong Vey battleship, the two corvettes in its flotilla joining in with their own artillery and missiles, but the weapons were having trouble against the heavy armor of the battleship. Behind them the two carriers were moving to a safer location under the escort of four light gunships. Drones were deployed and, while not capable of causing damage to a capital ship, would be useful in maintaining multiple views of the situation, and given their optics could be used to coordinate more precise attacks.

Plasma erupted from the Zhong Vey frigates as they joined the fray, burning ahead through space and striking the Lesher, melting a large portion of its outer hull and destroying two of its three port artillery guns. The destroyer had absorbed the blow rather well, enough so to shrug off most of the superficial damage, but another direct hit would be disastrous. The corvettes, continuing their barrage, most definitely wouldn’t survive such an attack.

The plasma repeaters were charging for another attack against the Lesher when the Nomu entered a firing solution. The heavy MAG round was fired with pinpoint accuracy – using triangulation from the drones – and struck the lead frigate, tearing into the plasma repeater and unleashing the energy in an undirected blast against the side of the ship. Its hull breached, the HDF artillery could now strike with devastating results, several shells striking and furthering the damage already done. The Nomu took position, its own flotilla merging with that of the Lesher while the damaged destroyer pulled away to bring its MAG to bear.

---

Flotilla Nekt
- Destroyer x1
- Corvette x2
- 1000 Light Gunship x2
- 1100 Heavy Gunship x4

Flotilla Lesher
- Destroyer x1 - 70% Efficiency
- Corvette x2
- 1000 Light Gunship x4
- Carrier x2
- Scout Drone x15
- Light Fighter x4

Flotilla Nomu
- Destroyer x1
- Corvette x3
- 1000 Light Gunship x5

[The Greater Gambia]

Edge of the Tagali Federation

Many light years away, the HDV Inquisitor LXIV under the command of Deacon Flaris did the same thing on the edges of the Tagali Federation. Flaris took a few inhales from his mask that assisted his breathing then put it away. He smoothed out his brown robes that identified him as a member of the clergy before standing to face the young captain of the ship. "Keep the weapons disarmed. We must show that we come in peace, for now."

"Journey forth into the stars to spread my light across the galaxy for it is your sacred duty to bring all to God's embrace." Flaris said, quoting the Sacred Scriptures then touched both hands to his head and then heart. He bowed his head to say a prayer of thanks for this opportunity.

Sargassi Star Cluster
Tagali Federation, Nata System
Territory of Yongmee Queen "Mother of the Red Brood"


The Nata System was the same as many other systems in the Galaxy. A few dead planets spare a single planet in the inner part of the system, Cordazza. The planet's native lifeforms were Eelmat, a race of nomads that wandered the planet's pangea. The species was just one of the thousands that made up the Federation, though due to technological limits and general isolation, they stayed to themselves continuing the way of life they have kept for thousands of years. The only true settlement on the planet was a small mining settlement established to maintain the automated mines on the planet, only estimated at 2,000 population. Under the surfaces of the planets of Nata were a different matter entirely.

Deep below the surfaces of these planets were vast catacombs of tunnels, made by the Yongmee. The Yongmee are one of the founding members of the Federation, serving as its Engineers an general maintenance workers. The Yongmee also serve in combat roles as well, using their flight and large numbers to swarm enemies. As the Federation allows colonisation of "uncivilized" systems, laying out agreements with any local species to benefit both parties, the Yongmee have spread amongst the Federation, as their home system has become overcrowded as new Queens are born. Generally the Yongmee agree to keep their settlements underground, while aiding surface dwellers with mining resources and creating infrastructure suited for Federation technology.

Deep in the caverns of the habitable planet Cordaz. The Queen managed the many hives of the system from her throne room, psionically connected to the Yongmee of her brood. A Yongmee drone soon entered her sanctum.

"My queen, scans have detected an unknown vessel that has entered the system." The drone said through a series of chirps and wing flutter. The Queen didn't have the same mode of communication, instead speaking to the mind of this drone via her psionic abilities. While the Kelraaza bestowed the gift of psionics to all members of the other native species of the Star Cluster, only the Yongmee Queens have this gift, if only to control their broods.

"Send a message, inquire what they are. If they are allies of the Covenant, dispatch a fleet to apprehend these tresspassers."

The following message was soon transmitted from an unknown source inside the system.

"You have entered Tagali Federation Space and the Territory of the Queen of the Red Brood. State your business.

[Laurvier]

Sargassi Star Cluster
Tagali Federation, Nata System

Upon receiving a reply, Deacon Flaris perked up in excitement to read it. The Inquisitor LXIV maintained its position and peaceful stance. While the ship was combat capable it was not designed for such. "The Tagali Federation..." He mouthed wondering what the extent of their civilization was. To make sure, he ran a quick check through the ship's databases. Nothing familiar returned on the check. The communications officer was waiting at her console to draft a reply. Flaris paced around the CIC which looked similar to the CIC's of submarines of old. The lighting was dark with most illumination coming from people's screens. A variety of analog control switches and dials were all over the bulkheads.

"The holy mission of the Imperium I represent is to spread the light of God throughout the galaxy. My mission, as an agent of the Holy Curia is to establish diplomatic relations with the Tagali Federation so that together we can work together in furthering God's plan. I request the opportunity to meet with representatives of your government. Should you refuse, I will turn my ship around and return to Imperium space."

"...where I will report your Federation's lack of cooperation in the sacred undertaking and it's insult to the Enlightenment." Flaris thought but he left that part out of the message.

[The Orson Empire]

Deep Space, near the border of the Aicury Sector

Inquisitor XV continued its broadcasts even as the ships arrived. As far as you could detect things in space, the ship was being overly conspicuous. Loud even. The idea was to announce their presence openly in a showing of good faith. When the destroyers arrived Sator remained collected and did not arm the ship's weapons systems or raise the shields. Exploratory Doctrine decreed that hostilities were not to begin right away in any First Contact situation. If so, it would be on part of the encountered civilization not the Rakarans. Despite the Imperium's burgeoning size, the Order of Crusade felt it unwise to engage in too many conflicts at once. Especially with powers yet unknown. Only once had they met a civilization that matched their own might in the form of the Aurelian Federation. In all their expansions no civilization had been around as large, as militarily powerful and more technologically advanced all at the same time. They were defeated in a long half century war at great cost but in the end the Rakarans prevailed through the aid of God Almighty or so they believed. That war was over a century ago. But the Holy Curia took steps to make sure they would be prepared should it happen again.

The five destroyers arrive out of warp. They quickly broke out of their formation and began to surround the alien ship on all sides.

The captain of the small division of ships sat on the bridge of his destroyer, viewing the alien ship.

"Sir, the translation of their language has been completed," one of his officers would say. "We can now communicate with them."

"What exactly are we dealing with?" The captain asked.

"They call their nation the Holy Rakaran Imperium. They wish to establish first contact with us."

"Initiate the standard protocol," the captain ordered through his com-link. All five destroyers fired their tractor beams at the alien ship so that it could not escape. A message was then transmitted to the ship:

Attention unidentified vessel: you have entered a restricted zone of Covenant space. Please prepare your ship to be boarded by Covenant personnel. Due to the ongoing war with the Solis Alliance and the nature of this contact, all personnel aboard your ship must be taken into custody and interrogated in order to ensure that they present no threat to Covenant space. Your ship will be impounded until it is proven that you present no threat. No harm will come to you if you comply.

[Ubaria]

Aboard the Nights Cradle - 1st Diplomatic Flotilla
Fleet Commander Zhar-Cull Azif Callur
Engaged in Combat - Faul System

Space was ablaze with the hues of red, purple and green as the multiple ships exchanged bouts of fire across the expanse that separated them. A flurry of purple bolts headed one way and a reply came swiftly in the form of pricks of red light, from somewhere in the middle the glow of missile thrusts danced throughout, some exploding in brilliant curls of yellow and white and others making their way all to close for comfort. The Nights Cradle had sustained a nasty missile strike on the bow and debris billowed from the hole carved in its side, carried by the current of leaking atmosphere through the break like blood flowing through a wound. Though the damage wasn't as critical as they first thought, and the bulkheads managed to plug the seal.

"Confirming large hit sustained in multiple bow sectors. Decks 3 through 9 are gone. We've lost some control thrusters and point defense guns"

Azif growled lowly and quickly darted his eyes from the information his command console was feeding him, and the bigger picture that was unfolding through a large projection beamed onto the walls of the bridge. It seemed the Volant Wraith had sustained an equally as damaging hit from a solid kinetic round puncturing a sizable hole in its gut, enough to knock out several defensive turrets and torpedo launchers but otherwise maintained the same volume of fire as before. With the Volant Wraith distracted by the Faulian destroyer, its counterpart had managed to turn and bring its full compliment of broadside guns to bear including the heavier turrets running along the spine and deck of the ship, pointed towards the Nights Cradle. The only thing that Azif could do was make his ship a smaller target as possible to minimize any more incoming damage, a difficult task considering its size.

Meanwhile, the smaller enemy Frigates had used their sizable amount of point defense lasers to put up enough of a screen to keep any missiles from reaching the battleships, but they could do little about the incredibly fast moving slugs, one found its way through the bow and out through the roof, dragging a lot of fragmented metal with it, practically gutting the ship from the inside. It continued to fight but was hampered by the fact half of its guns had been blown apart.

---

2nd Holy Inquest Flotilla.
Flagship - Nemezdia Blue
Engaging Hostile Forces


The Captain let out a string of obscenities, watching as the frigate on his starboard flank was almost cracked completely in half. He had been quick to underestimate the creatures and their ships, but was even quicker to issue bouts of orders to the forces under his command to return the fire in kind. The guns that were not firing at the Nights Cradle were trained on the Nomu and her fleet, which in fact was almost an equal amount. Those that had firing solution quickly let off a stream of fire towards the flagship, hoping to score hits on their cannons which now, had been identified as a major threat. The two defending Light Support Craft had been using their superior maneuverability to avoid incoming rounds, every so often letting off a group of clustered missiles towards the Gunships that had been harassing them, hoping to score a lucky hit.

---

Nights Cradle Flotilla
1x - Nights Cradle (Battleship) - 85% Efficiency - Medium Bow Damage, Several Turrets and maneuver thrusters lost
6x - Logistics Cruisers - 100% Efficiency

2nd Inquest Flotilla
1x - Nemezdia Blue (Battleship) - 97% Efficiency - Light Plasma Damage
1x - Volant Wraith (Battleship) - 75% Efficiency - Medium Kinetic Damage - Some Point Defense Turrets and Torpedo Launchers Lost
3x - Frigate Class - 68% Efficiency - 1 Frigate Heavily Damaged, Bleeding Atmosphere, Few Guns Remaining
2x - Light Support Class - 100% Efficiency - Undamaged. Harassed by gunship attack.

[Laurvier]

Deep Space, near the border of the Aicury Sector

Affirmative Covenant vessel, we will comply.

Sator sent back the response. Outsiders upon learning the history of the Imperium would have found them to be an aggressive, fanatical and expansionist civilization. However, upon first contact the protocol from the Divine Fleet - Exploration Corps was to be peaceful. This came directly from the Order of War and Crusade of the Holy Curia. Spreading the word of God had to be done in such way if it could be so says the Sacred Scriptures. If they were to die in the custody of the Covenant they would become martyrs destined for paradise.

"It appears we are to be boarded." Said Sator.

The officers in the CIC looked to him incredulously. In hostile situations where they were outnumbered and could not flee, Divine Fleet Naval Doctrine dictated that they were to fight to the death then use their impulse engines to ram an enemy ship. But this was not a hostile situation. At least not yet. Plus, their findings had already been transmitted back to Divine Fleet Headquarters who would bring the Lord's retribution. Sator took comfort in that. But the complacency was just a ruse. Sator ordered the Chief Engineer to rig their anti-matter reactor to be a button mash away from exploding and had engineering sealed off. The blast would disintegrate Inquisitor XV in less than a second, martyring all Rakarans on board and killing the rest. Although Sator had every intention of being diplomatic, he would do it from an equal position or he would die. He certainly would not be taken prisoner by an unknown civilization.

Upon entrance to the Inquisitor XV, the first thing the Covenant personnel would notice if their olfactory senses were anything similar to humans was the smell. The ship's interior stank of stale air, grease and oil. Commander Gadadi would greet them in his tan uniform with red insignias and epaulets. Divine Fleet ships, despite their opulent aesthetic beauty on the outside rickety in the interior. Exposed piping of tarnished metal lay along every dimly lit corridor. Were they to analyze the ship's technological capabilities, the Covenant would have found their sensors, propulsion and energy reactor systems to be of standard quality (but this is hardly the case for many Rakaran ships). The control suites, many of which were still analog and the ship's computer they would have thought outdated. As well as its weapons for the Inquisitor XV was meant to be an exploration ship and command had not bothered to outfit it with the excellent laser cannons many Divine Fleet ships fielded. What they would have found of superb quality and engineering relative to any civilization in the galaxy was the ship's armoring. Covish engineers had long ago designed the Rakaran's nano-hardened and energized reactive armor plating that would withstand all manner of punishment.

[The Orson Empire]

Deep Space

Onboard the destroyers, several squads of marines boarded their transports, and the transports departed the hangars of the Covenant ships. The transports eventually landed in the hangar of the Inquisitor XV. The marines, who were a mixture of Cho'Dosans and humans, exited their transports. They were dressed in metallic black armor and armed to the teeth with plasma cannons and magneto cannons, as well as numerous battery packs to recharge their weaponry. As they looked around, the marines were somewhat shocked at what they saw. While the ship looked beautiful on the outside, the ship was a complete mess on the inside. The air reeked of grease and oil, and their was exposed piping everywhere. It looked as if the ship had never been cleaned since the day it was commissioned, and as if every component was long outdated. The marines kept their helmets on in order to filter out the smell.

Joining the marines was Doma S'Kra, a young female Cho'Dosan who was an agent of the Covenant Inquisition. While the Inquisition operated as the secret police of the Covenant, they also acted as both an intelligence and research organization, as they were responsible for identifying and destroying threats to either the Covenant or the Reformer government. Thus, Doma had been sent along with the destroyers in order to interrogate whoever was in charge of the ship. Doma was dressed in her sleek uniform and was armed with a magneto cannon and a laser pistol.

Upon exiting her transport, Doma looked around the ship and was immediately disgusted by both the smell and the sight of the interior. She moved forward with the marines, and spotted Commander Gadadi greeting them. She began to move towards him.

[Laurvier]

Commander Gadadi hoped the Covenant boarding his ship would have some kind of universal translator which they programmed with the Rakaran language that was newly analyzed. They had yet to be provided enough samples to understand the Covenant people. Hands behind his back, Gadadi looked stern and confident. He was unarmed though he was flanked by a squad of Divine Marines clad in standard issue battle armor with their personal energy shields activated and wielding energy rifles. As far as security went, the Inquisitor XV like many Rakaran ships relied on automated turrets that could be activated when boarded. For the time being, they were powered down.

"On behalf of the Holy Rakaran Imperium, I greet you warmly. My name is Commander Gadadi, second-in-command of this vessel." Gadadi said to them.

Doors nearby opened revealing another humanoid figure clad in brown robes. A pendant hung around his chest that was the symbol of the Church. Only clergy were allowed to wear it and it identified them as such. The hood was pulled over and it obscured the man's face where you could only see his mouth. He had his hands together which were covered by the baggy sleeves of robe.

"This is Deacon Sator, Commander of this vessel." Gadadi introduced him.

Sator nodded his head then stepped forward. "Greetings to you all. Rest assured, we come in peace and are ready to conduct diplomacy in good faith. But I will have to refuse to turn over this ship. Nor will I allow any of this crew to be taken into custody save for myself. If only that I may meet with your leaders or their representatives to discuss the future of our two nations as God will have it. His omniscient wisdom guides the Holy Imperium in all matters." He said politely.

[The Greater Gambia]

Sol System
3rd Ostia Patrol Fleet
"Battle Group Sensha"



"Admiral, we've received no word from either side about our proposal." The Apri Comms Officer said. Admiral Juarez was stunned. He expected some insult from the Covenant or some sort of "not one step backwards" mentality from the Alliance, but complete radio silence from both?

"Carry on with the mission and stay out of the fighting. The Alliance and the Covenant should both know the consequences on firing on a peaceful Federation ship." At this order, the Evac Ship descended to the surface of Earth. They landed in their designated areas around the globe, deploying Federation Marines and the Federation's mainstay battle Suit, the TF-BS2-"Ukata" to secure the area and assist in evacuation efforts. In areas like New Lagos or Osaka, the evacuation went as planned, as the Covenant seemed to have been focusing on targets in Northern Europe. In the inflicted Continent, however, there were very few people to evacuate, as they had either perished in the initial bombardment or the resulting firestorms.

The cost of life they had seen had resulted in the Feds not really caring who came to be evacuated, either Federation or Alliance, the Marines never turned anyone away, letting anyone on board.


Earth
Detroit ruins
FIS PsyOps team "Kol"



A Federation TF-APC "Krogmar" drove through the crumbling ruins of Detroit. While Detroit had been bombarded, its fate was nowhere near the scale of Europe's massacre. The Evacuation force was still able to find scattered survivors among the ruins. PysOps Team "Kol" had specific VIPs to collect. An order from the top of the FIS said that they were collect the Wife and Daughter of Captain Daniel Maxson of the Task Force, although a single look to the surrounding city put doubts on their success.

The "Krogmar" stopped in front of what used to be their residence. Four PsyOps Operatives clad in FIS Operative BDUs hopped out of the APC, looking around the wreckage.

"Damn, Covvies sure gave this place Hell." A distinct human voice said, the next one to talk sounded more alien to anyone passing by.

"You think this is bad, did you hear the reports from the Paris EVAC site? They say there's barely a city left." A distinct Tagali voice then spoke up.

"Enough you two, we have a job to do so I suggest you start looking for the VIPs." The Operatives nodded before turning on their thermal scans, searching for any sources of heat.

[True Refuge]

Captain Syrinx Saldana & Oenone of the Ruined Navy
Faux, Faulian Republic

wrote:...

2 Sol days ago, in Faux

Oenone had been escorted to the Second Chance, among much whining of having guns basically pointed at it and how slow they were going. Syrinx was quick to chide the voidhawk for its immaturity as the stranded ship loomed closer.
Come on, Ony. You're annoying the whole crew with your constant complaints.
Sly-minx, this is boring! it had responded impetuously, I have to deal with a bunch of messy punishment soldiers messing up everything in here...

Syrinx had sighed. She loved Oenone, but it could be ridiculously childish at times. This attitude would disappear in a few years, as its fellow hawks put some sense into it. Thankfully, it didn't take too long before the docking procedures were initiated, quelling the ship as the crew's technicians took over. Overrides were sent to the Second Chance's computers, and the airlock, an artificial structure over the voidhawk's bitek tissue, engaged. Syrinx stood outside the airlock regally, although a young smile took form on her face as the exasperated crew of the other ship walked through. She nodded to each of them, and when they had all passed through the cramped tube, she greeted the Tactician in charge of the squad with a grin. Ky Cranel gave her a quizzical look in return, but a firm handshake nonetheless.

"Tough mission, hmm?" she asked the sagging captain warmly, a sparkle in her eyes.
"Can't do too well with this sorry bunch. Not at all,” the serious military voice replied, unsure how to deal with the cheeriness. He hadn’t met Captain Syrinx, or even really seen her. Her actions and her antics were basically the stuff of legend among the Ruin, embellished beyond belief. None of the rumours depicted her as a cheery girlish woman. “I thought I recommended the Lord of Ruin not to intervene.”
“Oh, shut up, Cranel. We’ll get Udat and Captain Meyer to swallow you out. Michael knows what he’s doing.”

Ky had to have his nanonics order his eyebrow to stop rising to maintain his composure. The top captain of the Ruined Navy was on a first-name basis with the Lord of Ruin? Not that anyone wasn’t, but it was a heavy tradition from the respect citizens of the Ruin had for him, but it was still interesting to see Captain Syrinx act abnormally. “Very well, the crew will be safe. What are you going to do about the Second Chance? Also, why is Udat here? I thought you and Oenone were coming for diplomacy…”

The ship mused through his nanonics, I wish we did end up doing that, it’d be more exciting than this…
Syrinx scratched her chin and pouted, ignoring Oenone. “It’s an old wreck, a relic from before I was born. It’s falling to pieces, isn’t it? I haven’t really thought too much about what to do with it.”

Ky really did raise his eyebrow this time. The rumours painted Syrinx as a master of her craft, and cold. Not an inexperienced girl prancing around the stars enjoying herself. He struggled to form an answer, for he knew little of how hawks actually worked. “Um… if the voidhawks can handle expanding their distortion fields, perhaps you could take it with you in a swallow? I’m not too sure, but the equipment on board isn’t worth anything, and it is a relic, as you said.”

“Nah, we’ll take it with us. Michael will enjoy having something for a museum or whatever of the Kulus,” the young captain replied cheerfully. “We haven’t got enough artefacts in his house anyway, maybe this will finally convince him to set something up.”
“Right…” Ky replied uncertainly, unsure how to responds to her constant cheerfulness. He quickly data-vised Oenone, Sorry for not responding to you immediately. Thank you for giving us the pleasure of travelling with you

It’s nice to have someone new on board, Oenone said through the ship’s equipment. Although, it’s nicer if they have affinity it replied meekly, It’s hard going through the computer for nanonics…
I’ve been trying to get affinity for a while, but there’s such a long wait… not everyone got it when they were handing it out like crazy, when everyone was sceptical of it…
“Anyway,” Syrinx said , taking back control of the conversation, “Want to make yourself and your crew at home?”
Ky nodded, and was turning around to leave for whatever quarters they were given, but he flipped round and narrowed his eyes slightly. “Captain, you didn’t answer my question. Why is the Udat with you?”
Syrinx responded by transmitting him a feed of the three other voidhawks and the blackhawk sitting at the edge of the system, waiting for her to say something. “They’re silent for now.”
“Is this about that alert that made us cut our meeting with the Faulians short? You know something about that?”
“No, but I suspect some sort of hostile force or problem that will get us caught in the crossfire is appearing.”
Which is exactly what Syrinx and I want to happen, Oenone chipped in.

“Jeez… A bit headstrong, aren’t you? The fact you have four sleeping warships in their system might make the Faulians angry…”
Syrinx flashed him a grin as she walked off towards the bridge. “All worth it for a bit of fun!” she said, leaving Ky bemused.
Aww, Sly-minx, he was nice, Oenone affinity linked her cheekily. Give me a chance!
Focus, Ony. There’s going to be something big happening to the Faulians in a little while, and I don’t want you acting all like this when we find out what it is…
You mean stop being me?
Argh…
Joking…

---

Present, Hour before Second Inquest incursion (2 days after Second Chance arrival in Faulian Republic)

Michael Saldana, Lord of Ruin
Tranquillity, Pacem System, The Ruin

The whole issue was creating just as much stress for the Lord of Ruin, despite being many more light-years away from Faux and the Zhong Vey and the rapidly worsening situation, so much even the beautiful view of the stars failed to quell the worries. He had spent hours discussing it with the habitat personality, yet Tranquillity and he had yet to come to a choice. This indecision was soon to end, as Tranquillity connected once again over affinity.
Squadron of voidhawks and the Udat are ready to investigate. I suggest deploying them or at least their reconnaissance drones to understand the status of the ‘problem’ the Faulians have called an alert on.
What about the crew of the Second Chance?
I already dispatched a small ship to collect them, it should be on its return trip now. I’ve also organized a
I suppose we’re ready then.
Yes.

Zero-width transmit Oenone with orders to discreetly move into the system.
Shall I accompany it with a ‘good luck’? the habitat asked cheerily.
Of course, Tranquillity. Onwards we go…
On one of the SD platforms, the laser usually meant for firing weaponized beams instead activated an old wormhole drive, that slowly hummed away within the tiny artificial atmosphere, ancient technology taking a very long time to activate.
We won’t hear from then until it’s done.

---

Present, minutes after initial Second Inquest attack

Captain Syrinx and Oenone
Deep Space, Near Faux System

It had been quite a while since they had left the system under the guise of a short swallow, instead travelling out a somewhat short distance away from the furthest planet. As per Syrinx’s directive, many tiny drones had been sent out just before they had left Faux. They had played dead in the same manner while the other four hawks followed Syrinx, and then activated, slowly spreading. They hadn’t reached out too far yet, but enough to give them a somewhat decent picture of the planet Outreach station orbited, and perhaps a small idea of elsewhere.

Syrinx stood in the centre of the bridge, where many of the crew were busy monitoring the readouts from the drones. Thankfully, Oenone’s whining had disappeared when the tension proved enough to sate its boredom. The other, more mature, hawks had sat in silence, keeping to themselves in preparation for orders.
Syrinx, Tranquillity’s sent in orders. the hawk mentioned to Syrinx.
That so? Alright, prepare to jump in-system, switch off emissions. Also, start the Consensus, will you? The other hawks aren’t very talkative…
They aren’t, are they? Oenone focused on the other hawks, prompting several queries into what its concern was. This is a bit too quiet. I convene the 1st Ruined Consensus. A Consensus convened by the flagship hawk, or any collection of bitek organisms, forced the hawks to agree on the battle to come, mostly interrupting the serene environment on each of the ships.
The blackhawk quickly responded with irritation, in a similar manner to the other voidhawks. Orders are here, then?
Yes, they are.
Very well.
Oenone was the first to swallow, space-time distorting around it as it disappeared and reappeared, followed by each of the squadron. It didn’t take too long when they emerged to notice the battle appearing. Syrinx quickly ordered a speedy deactivation of the communication equipment and anything else that would get them seen, and the launch of several sensor drones.

“Holy crap,” one of Oenone’s crew muttered, “There’s two fleets fighting it out…”
“What’s the size?”
“There appears to be ships of the same basic design fighting each other, I make it seven or six on either side. There’s also another fleet, looks a little like the Faulians, with at least 25…”
“That’s a change. Weapons, prep the combat wasps.”
Another crew member replied gravely, “Doing so now.”

Captain Meyer, the leader of Udat’s crew, weighed into Syrinx’s affinity. What do you suggest we do?
Announce our presence to the Faulians? I’m not sure.
Jesus, Syrinx.
Give me time, please.

A sizeable distance away, several missiles' guidance system malfunctioned, shifting them towards the arriving Ruined ships.
“Captain, we’ve got munitions on a trajectory towards us…”
“We mustn’t have shut down fast enough. Alright, everyone stop playing dead, launch the combat wasps.”

At that moment, all five of the hawks made themselves known, equipment reactivating, and combat wasps sliding into launch tubes.
“Do we have a lock on which ships are attacking the Faulians?”
“Already on it.”
Fire.
Several infrared lasers shot out from the squadron, heating the missile until it’s structure couldn’t handle it, and it exploded.
Combat wasps, move. First salvo. Move in at three gees. Crews, settle into acceleration couches. Out went the orders, and Syrinx laid down on the spongy material of the couch, designed to hopefully mitigate the effects of high gee acceleration.

Dozens of combat wasp drones flew out of their launch tubes on each of the hawks, quickly accelerating to twenty gees, flying rapidly towards the Second Inquest ships. When they reached their target of the two light support vessels after barely a minute, the drones released a barrage of sub-munitions including missiles, masers, lasers, and EMPs that each travelled towards the ships. The sheer barrage of projectiles and electronic warfare that reduce the efficiency of counter-fire, took large chunks out of the ship, spraying metal and debris everywhere.
Syrinx and Oenone hailed the Nomu, and transmitted in inappropriately cheery voices while the hawks flew closer to the battle.
“This is Captain Syrinx of the Ruin.”
And this is Oenone. Need some help?

---

Voidhawks:
Oenone- Undamaged.
Ombey- Undamaged
Montia- Undamaged
Este- Undamaged
Blackhawk:
Udat- Undamaged

[Ava Ire]

The Holy Empire

Theta Sector
Holy Rakaran Imperium starspace

Approaching Rakaran Prime

Rakara Prime

Rakara Prime was no fleet staging ground, nevertheless it received around the clock protection from the Divine Fleet. Thousands of ships with golden hulls from battleships, battlecruisers, cruisers, destroyers and frigates orbiting over the world recognized that the unknown vessel did not have the proper clearance and locked on. In case the firepower was not enough, Dreadnoughts could be called in from nearby Fleet staging grounds. To add to its defense, a colossal combat capable orbiting station which served as the headquarters of the Home Guard Fleet was present as well. Below, a planet with brown green clouds with numerous lights that could be seen from space showed signs from the naked eye of having a massive population. Where the surface was visible one could see the sources where smog was being pumped into the atmosphere from factories. Communications scans would have revealed radio broadcasts of religiously charged sermons and lectures coming from the Order of Faith.

To: UMV Headwind
From: Home Guard Fleet - Port Authority

This is Home Guard Fleet transmitting to UMV Headwind. Keep your weapons powered down and approach these coordinates on the planet. A delegation will be waiting once you land. Your appointment is with his grace High Cardinal Behlasi of the Holy Curia. Know that your arrival has been blessed by his holiness Archon Treyar. May God grant you salvation.

-TRANSMISSION-
~We will be sure to power down our weapons upon approaching. Thank you for receiving us. May the White Star bless your empire.~

The ship's thrusters were activated, and it began its descent towards Rankara Prime. As the UMV Headwind pushed past the dull brown smog that clouded the upper atmosphere, the ship's communication devices were assaulted with a blast of oncoming white noise. The crew on the bridge looked around in mild confusion, before realizing that the noise was originating from the planet itself. They were picking up the stray radio signals from Rankara Prime. As the ship blazed brightly in the atmosphere, the noise became more coherent, until at last its was possible to detect voices among the inane babble and static. The sounds of religious sermons and patriotic messages were heard from high above the planet's surface. The Doulas delegation noted with interest that the people of Rankara Prime were just as devout as they were. Surely they'd be wonderful business partners.

Finally, the Commander of the UMV Headwind reduced the speed of his ship as their destination came into view. The crew and the delegation peered out their windows in awe. They had arrived at the Archon Nirsyas Space Port. Above the city, the sky was impossible to see beyond the clouds of brownish green smog. Even the skyline of the city itself was shrouded in a thick haze. It would most definitely be difficult for the Doulas delegation to breathe here.

The Headwind pushed on, until at last it docked at the port.

[Laurvier]

Holy Rakaran Imperium
Rakara Prime


The spaceport was massive. It served as a way for the government to regulate customs, traffic and provide for ship maintenance. There was also very little in the way of space to land for Rakara Prime was an ecumenopolis. Most ships had to dock at the space station above and then take a shuttle down. This spaceport was reserved for the privileged. A traffic controller guided them to a landing area spot. When the Headwind touched down, the doors closed sealing the bay. Within the spaceport and most buildings air was filtered, purified and could be safely inhaled. Waiting to greet the Holy Empire's representatives was a squadron of Divine Guards clad in their white armor to symbolize their purity. As far as the Rakaran military went, they were elite soldiers. Leading them was a man in brown robes with the hood drawn over to obscure his face. Along with the robes, the pendant he wore identified him as a member of the clergy. He was a Priest. Several monks accompanied the man though they kept their silence.

When the Doulas disembarked the Priest greeted them then presented air filtration masks. It was a simple thing to be worn over the lower part of the face over the nose and mouth. "God's blessings to you. The air outside this building is not safe to breath I am afraid. These are for your own safety. Once we arrive at the Citadel of Light your security must surrender their weapons. Fear not, for his holiness the Archon who's word is beyond contest has declared your person's sacrosanct and under his protection throughout your stay in the Imperium."

After that they were led outside to several anti-grav speeders that convoyed to the Citadel of Light. At this point the clergymen took the time to put on their own breather masks. The Divine Guards had on helmets which worked well enough. It allowed the Doulas to get an impression of Rakara Prime. In the distance they could see the source of the brown-green clouds. Towering smoke stacks from factories pumped pollution into the atmosphere. Skyscrapers reached out towards the skies. They passed crowds of people who wore different shades of earthly colors with dirty faces. These were the regular citizens of the Imperium. Like them, they wore the air filtration masks and looked solemn as they walked.

The Citadel of Light could be seen from a far. It was a massive structure of ancient architecture that had been renovated several times to account for modern advancements. At the front, Divine Guards collected any weapons they might have had. Upon entrance, first chamber was impressive. Here their clergy guides took off their masks and told the Doulas they could safely do the same now. There were many pillars lining the sides which were engraved with passages from the Sacred Scriptures. Groups of monks walked around talking to each other in whispers and glancing at the newcomers. They too wore the brown robes and had their hoods pulled over.

"We must keep quiet while in the Citadel of Light. There are many here who are trying to hear the voice of God." Said their Priest guide in a hushed tone.

Talking was meant to be done in whispers but singing or prayer could be done loudly. They passed groups of monks, deacons and priests singing psalms. Others were knelt down in prayer before different religious iconography located throughout. Finally there were a few walking around in orderly groups waving thuribles burning incense and chanting prayers. An antechamber to where they were going held a number of computer work stations with holographic interfaces manned by monks. Finally, they arrived at their destination which was a set of double doors two stories high. Divine Guards were posted on the ends of a large room that contained many old books. There was a large wooden desk in the back but the person who usually manned it sat on a high backed chair towards the middle of the room. Before him were a number of comfortable sofas. High Cardinal Behlasi in charge of the Order of Foreign Affairs was clad in his red cardinal robes. An ornate golden necklace hung from his neck leading to a large pendant similar to the one the monks and priests wore. Only his was larger and made of a far more precious metal. Like many of the other High Cardinals, cybernetic implants were used to keep Behlasi alive. They kept his heart and liver from failing. Others allowed his intestines to properly digest food. All those were embedded inside him and could not be seen. What could have been seen if they were not under his robes was the apparatus around his legs that allowed him to stand for he no longer had the power to do so on his own. There was also the intravenous tube going into his arm attached to a bag on a stand which held some kind of blue liquid. Two white skinned and white haired humanoid females, Covish, stood near him with their heads bowed low.

Behlasi nodded to the Priest that were with the Doulas. "His grace, High Cardinal Behlasi of the Holy Curia. Head of the Order of State. He invites you to sit." The Priest said and beckoned them forward.

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Nine Lives Club
Eriathe

---

The crowd roared in excitement as the body hit the floor. The former crowd-favorite had at long last been defeated, Rastko the Mighty no longer as Mighty as he had once claimed to be. Nobody knew, of course, that the woman that had defeated him, whom was now reveling in her victory, had cheated - and even if they would know, they wouldn't care anyway. They had witnessed a good fight, had won or lost their money, and had drank their drinks, which was all the Nine Lives Club's customers asked for. As such, when she climbed down the stage and took a deep breath of relief, it came as quite a surprise when she was approached by a shady-looking man, even more so as he actually began speaking. "Excuse me, miss Lethia," he began, stopping the fighter in her tracks, "but I've been an admirer of your... work for a long time. This, truly, is a new step in your career. That is why I've come to speak to you. You see, me and some of my friends can be of help in launching your career into even higher places." Running a hand through her hair, the woman looked at him. "Continue." He smiled, and seemingly suppressed the desire to rub his hands together. "Hmm, yes. Excellent. Might we continue elsewhere? Not everything I'm offering you is... err, conforming to what some would like to remain law." The woman nodded.

ERIA Headquarters
Eriathe

---

"Oh, fuck yeah." Gaut kicked back in his chair, away from his desk, causing no small amount of annoyed looks in his general direction. "What is it?" One of his direct colleagues asked. Giving what could only be described as a smug smile, the intelligence officer replied. "Just had a field agent informing me of a lead. She's posing as one of those shady club pit fighters, got into contact just now with some big ass dealer. Not just drugs, other stuff as well. Weapons, illegal enhancements, fuckin' slaves. The lot is bringing all that stuff in from some place outside of our borders, she got offered a job there. She managed to get us the exact fucking location. Which means," he stood up, pointing with two fingers at his colleague, "that I'm going away to some distant pirate hideout, while you're going to stay right here in this office. Don't get too jealous."

Gaut walked off, waving his hand as he got out of the room, slowly going through a list of things he'd have to take care of. Money, a ship, a crew, food... Finally, a chance had arrived for him to get out of the Headquarters and into the field. Pirates hiding in some massive asteroid field - clearly nothing that he couldn't handle! Aye, he'd show that blasted crime syndicate how things were done - and quite clearly receive a promotion for his valiant efforts as a reward. Good times ahead for him, he concluded, or at least after he'd been to the administration to get the required papers...

[The NAR]

-SOLIS ALLIANCE-

---

---

Sol System // Alliance Space
Battle for the Sol

---

The Battle for Saturn intensified as the Covenant became more and more aggressive, using any and all means to break the Alliance's will to fight. A massive assault began as a huge chunk of the Covenant Fleet grouped together, but the placement of the Alliance fleets was strategically brilliant. The rings of Saturn protected them from much Covenant fire, and allowed them to engage on a wide spectrum. Typhoon Cannons decimated entire Cruisers and even Battleships in single blows, and it wasn't long before the Covenant attack would be torn apart. While losses weren't entirely high on either side, the Alliance had put the Covenant in a position of which they wouldn't be able to win, and would be forced to retreat. (This will occur often between the Alliance and Covenant).

At Earth, the situation became more and more intense, but strategically, the Alliance had the upper hand. Covenant forces targeted Luna, but jammers tucked deep below it's surface in the many magma tubes were protected. The massive weapons placed on the Moon's surface carved through the attacking Covenant forces, but in orbit, Alliance ships were losing. Apollo Station, the "web" around Earth, was being shredded, and holes were opening up in their defensive lines. Orbital and Surface Cannons fired on the Covenant but there were simply too many ships to get them all... it became apparent that this battle would also be fought on Earth's surface. The Alliance would send a short message to the Federation, saying merely, "Don't let our people burn".

Detroit Ruins

A small convoy of three Alliance Armored Trucks drove slowly down the street - rocks and glass cracking beneath it's tires. In the distance, the city of Detroit was in flames. The once-elegant skyscrapers were now pillars of fire, and as night befell the city, they illuminated the surrounding area for miles. Occasionally, beams from Covenant ships would come down and shake the ground as they hit Downtown Detroit. In the lead car, the Marines looked back at the flaming city and cursed themselves. "Fucking Covvies, man" said one Marine, clenching his fists. "How I'd love to get my hands on that Blue Monkey Zena..."

"You hear about London?" asked another, the driver, who glanced back.

"What about it?" a Marine asked.

"It practically doesn't exist anymore" he answered.

"Yeah I heard things were rough over in Europe" a Marine added, shaking his head.

"We lost contact with UK Command about an hour ago - rumor has it that Freedman got burnt" the gunner said while continuing to scan his surroundings. His eyes widened as he saw lights down the street, and pointed it out to the men. "Yo we got zeros right ahead". The convoy stopped only about 20 yards from the unknown truck, and the Marines hopped out, rifles leveled, and mounted gatling guns ready to fire.

"Hold up!" the officer shouted at the Federation troops, still not recognizing them. "What the hell are you people doing out here!?"

[The Moscow Metro Red Line]

War Room - Ministry of War Building - Nue Berlin - Ostia - Ostia System

"Heh, they're not even trying to be subtle about it. They're really going to invade Ostian territory." Marshall Kruger mused as he looked at the projected numbers of Covenant ship massing near the borders. Marshall Theodore Kruger was no stranger to war, he had served in the Sovik-Ostian War and the Highbreed War in his career. His best friend was the late Emperor Karl Engels the Seventh which led him to the position he is now. However with the recent years and the downsizing of the military, Kruger had hoped that it was time for him to retire. But retirement would have to wait.

"The Covenant are going to try and use their numbers to overwhelm our defenses. We may have to bleed them out if we're going to have a slight chance of victory. Have all commands report in. The border systems in the path of the Covenant invasion force must evacuate their citizens to the Northern sector immediately. The Displeoa garrison is to be reinforced and be ordered to begin siege preparations. I want some insurance that they won't try anything rash." As the Marshall spoke the operators around the war room begin their work and relaying orders to the Sector Commands and numerous military forces. "Alert our under strength forces near the border to have an active defense pattern and have the rest prepare their static defenses. I want all our military to be mobilized and prepare to reinforce areas that are under-attack. The Covenant won't try to move through the Maw, so we can relocate ships from there. Has the Imperial Commander and the Lord Inquisitor arrived yet?"

An operator began speaking, "The Lord Inquisitor has just walked into the lobby and should be here in two minutes. The Imperial Commander-"

"Has arrived." Spoke Ida as she walked into the War Room, flanked at both sides by four Royal Guard Commanders. "The Royal Guard will be ready whenever they are needed whether for practical purposes or morale boosters. Just remember that we will be helping evacuate the nobility and such."

"Understood, we're going to need as many ships as we can get to repel the Covenant navy. We may be forced to use our thalaron weapons if they reach the Inner Core."

"Why wait?" Yelled an malicious voice from the entrance of the War Room. A few eyes turned to see an rather tall and unusually thin figure wearing a long black overcoat flanked by four large power armored soldiers. "Lord Inquisitor Erich Mielke of the Typhoon Echelon, at your service." He snapped his finger and one of the black power armored soldiers handed a flask to him. "We should use such weapons sparingly but where they would be most effective. I don't have to reeducate you on how long it takes to gather enough thalaron to make useable weapon now do I?"

Everybody in the room was intimidated by the presence of the Lord Inquisitor. While everyone in the military knew such a branch existed, the Inquisition had an demoralizing effect on the average soldier. As long as they were not traitors, everyone would be fine but yet, their appearance and their aura is very imposing and eerie. Everyone in the room was intimidated, except for Kruger and Schmeling who were both unfazed. "I disagree," spoke Kruger with firm conviction. "If we resort to our superweapons so quickly, that will give us a bad impression. We should only use them as a last resort and that goes for the same for the stockpile at Sovik."

"Tch. So what will the Inquisition be doing then? Making sure the homefront is secure again?" Mielke mused and afterwards took a sip from his flask.

"No, you are going to be sending some starships to the front. If I recall correctly, the Inquisition did not take many losses during the Highbreed War. So the manpower you have should be enough to suffice", Kruger replied.

Mielke was somewhat irritated at the Marshall's steadfastness, "I will have to correct you, Marshall Kruger, according to the-"

"The Empress herself has given me authority to order the Inquisition temporarily in this crisis." Kruger interrupted before Mielke could finish his statement, "If you need evidence, perhaps you should contact the Empress herself or read the following transmission I received from the Empress giving me full authority on the matter."

"Mmmph," Mielke grunted. "Fine, I shall contact the Neman and Charybis echelons immediately. Do you require ground troops as well or will that be not necessary at the moment?"

"Not necessary, and thank you for your cooperation, Inquisitor."

---

Main Chamber - Palace of the Protectorate - Nue Berlin - Ostia - Ostia System

The previous five minutes were spent between Chancellor Wieck and the leader of the NPP as they argued back and forth over the policy of the administration. While this miniature debate was occurring, an attache from the Ostian military walked into the rear door of the chamber and walked over to the Minister of War, Erwin Ackerman. The attache whispered something into Erwin's ear and gave him the data-slate. Erwin read it quickly and thoroughly, his eyes focused on the data-slate given to him.

"Mister Pfaff, this debate has gone on far enough. This delay of our voting procedures regarding the acceptance of an alliance with the Tagali Federation is wasting precious time," Wieck spoke annoyingly.

"Chancellor Wieck," Percival spoke condescendingly, "The war that we could embark upon would be dangerous for the Protectorate as a whole. You keep talking about progress and peace and rebuilding, but your administration may have invited doom to our shores. This is why the NPP...."

Before Percival could blabber anymore, Erwin immediately turned on his intercom. "The Covenant Navy ships have been spotted and are massing across the border", He spoke calmly and clearly into his intercom. This statement immediately caused the whole chamber to become silent. "According to the initial estimates from the Military Headquarters, their numbers could be from 10,000 to 115,000 ships near the border. More information is coming in and the military is going on full alert."

".........."

".........."

Percival broke the silence, "This is exactly why-"

"Enough!" Yelled Chancellor Wieck, "You are delaying what is the inevitable. The Covenant had been planning to take Ostia since the inception of their latest administration. Now they are at our shores and we need the help of our allies! The voting shall begin now!"

A chorus of thousands of clicks were sounded throughout the chamber. A few seconds passed the following was the result of the voting. 16,321 for the Alliance. 1,179 against the alliance. The following motion had been passed by an overwhelming majority, the Autocratic Ostian Protectorate has agreed to an military alliance with the Tagali Federation, effective immediately.

[The Greater Gambia]

(Image)

-SOLIS ALLIANCE-

---

---

[i]Sol System // Alliance Space
Battle for the Sol

---

The Battle for Saturn intensified as the Covenant became more and more aggressive, using any and all means to break the Alliance's will to fight. A massive assault began as a huge chunk of the Covenant Fleet grouped together, but the placement of the Alliance fleets was strategically brilliant. The rings of Saturn protected them from much Covenant fire, and allowed them to engage on a wide spectrum. Typhoon Cannons decimated entire Cruisers and even Battleships in single blows, and it wasn't long before the Covenant attack would be torn apart. While losses weren't entirely high on either side, the Alliance had put the Covenant in a position of which they wouldn't be able to win, and would be forced to retreat. (This will occur often between the Alliance and Covenant).

At Earth, the situation became more and more intense, but strategically, the Alliance had the upper hand. Covenant forces targeted Luna, but jammers tucked deep below it's surface in the many magma tubes were protected. The massive weapons placed on the Moon's surface carved through the attacking Covenant forces, but in orbit, Alliance ships were losing. Apollo Station, the "web" around Earth, was being shredded, and holes were opening up in their defensive lines. Orbital and Surface Cannons fired on the Covenant but there were simply too many ships to get them all... it became apparent that this battle would also be fought on Earth's surface. The Alliance would send a short message to the Federation, saying merely, "Don't let our people burn".

Detroit Ruins

A small convoy of three Alliance Armored Trucks drove slowly down the street - rocks and glass cracking beneath it's tires. In the distance, the city of Detroit was in flames. The once-elegant skyscrapers were now pillars of fire, and as night befell the city, they illuminated the surrounding area for miles. Occasionally, beams from Covenant ships would come down and shake the ground as they hit Downtown Detroit. In the lead car, the Marines looked back at the flaming city and cursed themselves. "Fucking Covvies, man" said one Marine, clenching his fists. "How I'd love to get my hands on that Blue Monkey Zena..."

"You hear about London?" asked another, the driver, who glanced back.

"What about it?" a Marine asked.

"It practically doesn't exist anymore" he answered.

"Yeah I heard things were rough over in Europe" a Marine added, shaking his head.

"We lost contact with UK Command about an hour ago - rumor has it that Freedman got burnt" the gunner said while continuing to scan his surroundings. His eyes widened as he saw lights down the street, and pointed it out to the men. "Yo we got zeros right ahead". The convoy stopped only about 20 yards from the unknown truck, and the Marines hopped out, rifles leveled, and mounted gatling guns ready to fire.

"Hold up!" the officer shouted at the Federation troops, still not recognizing them. "What the hell are you people doing out here!?"

The PsyOps Operatives quickly turned around to the Officer, weapons raised but soon lowered as they saw they were simply Alliance Soldiers. Their leader ordered them to stand down.

"Stand Down, Kol." The leader spoke in a Jakalan Tagali accent. He then looked back at the Alliance Officer. "FIS PsyOps Operative "Kol-01". We've been brought along with the EVAC team to locate two people in particular." Kol-01 began to type something into the device on his shoulder. A holographic panel showing two Humans, a Mother and her child.

"It's imperative to our mission that we locate these two and see that they are evacuated off world."

[The NAR]

(Image)

-SOLIS ALLIANCE-

---

---

Sol System // Alliance Space
Battle for the Sol

---

The Battle for Saturn intensified as the Covenant became more and more aggressive, using any and all means to break the Alliance's will to fight. A massive assault began as a huge chunk of the Covenant Fleet grouped together, but the placement of the Alliance fleets was strategically brilliant. The rings of Saturn protected them from much Covenant fire, and allowed them to engage on a wide spectrum. Typhoon Cannons decimated entire Cruisers and even Battleships in single blows, and it wasn't long before the Covenant attack would be torn apart. While losses weren't entirely high on either side, the Alliance had put the Covenant in a position of which they wouldn't be able to win, and would be forced to retreat. (This will occur often between the Alliance and Covenant).

At Earth, the situation became more and more intense, but strategically, the Alliance had the upper hand. Covenant forces targeted Luna, but jammers tucked deep below it's surface in the many magma tubes were protected. The massive weapons placed on the Moon's surface carved through the attacking Covenant forces, but in orbit, Alliance ships were losing. Apollo Station, the "web" around Earth, was being shredded, and holes were opening up in their defensive lines. Orbital and Surface Cannons fired on the Covenant but there were simply too many ships to get them all... it became apparent that this battle would also be fought on Earth's surface. The Alliance would send a short message to the Federation, saying merely, "Don't let our people burn".

Detroit Ruins

A small convoy of three Alliance Armored Trucks drove slowly down the street - rocks and glass cracking beneath it's tires. In the distance, the city of Detroit was in flames. The once-elegant skyscrapers were now pillars of fire, and as night befell the city, they illuminated the surrounding area for miles. Occasionally, beams from Covenant ships would come down and shake the ground as they hit Downtown Detroit. In the lead car, the Marines looked back at the flaming city and cursed themselves. "Fucking Covvies, man" said one Marine, clenching his fists. "How I'd love to get my hands on that Blue Monkey Zena..."

"You hear about London?" asked another, the driver, who glanced back.

"What about it?" a Marine asked.

"It practically doesn't exist anymore" he answered.

"Yeah I heard things were rough over in Europe" a Marine added, shaking his head.

"We lost contact with UK Command about an hour ago - rumor has it that Freedman got burnt" the gunner said while continuing to scan his surroundings. His eyes widened as he saw lights down the street, and pointed it out to the men. "Yo we got zeros right ahead". The convoy stopped only about 20 yards from the unknown truck, and the Marines hopped out, rifles leveled, and mounted gatling guns ready to fire.

"Hold up!" the officer shouted at the Federation troops, still not recognizing them. "What the hell are you people doing out here!?"

The PsyOps Operatives quickly turned around to the Officer, weapons raised but soon lowered as they saw they were simply Alliance Soldiers. Their leader ordered them to stand down.

"Stand Down, Kol." The leader spoke in a Jakalan Tagali accent. He then looked back at the Alliance Officer. "FIS PsyOps Operative "Kol-01". We've been brought along with the EVAC team to locate two people in particular." Kol-01 began to type something into the device on his shoulder. A holographic panel showing two Humans, a Mother and her child.

"It's imperative to our mission that we locate these two and see that they are evacuated off world."

"Well you aren't gonna find 'em here" the officer said, motioning for his men to lower their weapons. [i]These neighborhoods were evacuated about 4 hours ago - a few clicks north to the main EVAC site. We're headed there now, if you want to follow us"

[The Greater Gambia]

"Well you aren't gonna find 'em here" the officer said, motioning for his men to lower their weapons. These neighborhoods were evacuated about 4 hours ago - a few clicks north to the main EVAC site. We're headed there now, if you want to follow us"

"Thanks for the tip. These were the coordinates given to us, but I take it that you would know more about the situation than a recon drone. Lead the way." The PsyOps Operatives proceeded to get back into the "Krogmar". Unlike other large armored vehicles, the APC started up almost immediately, lifting up to hover over the ground a few feet. The APC moved over to let the Alliance patrol pass to get to their destination.

[Beiarusia]

Faul Republic
Nell Breaya
HDF Nomu, Eto Prime, Eto, Faux System

...

“We’re being targeted!” yelled out an ensign as the Zhong Vey flagship turned its attention to the HDF destroyer and its flotilla. A burst of light erupted from the alien ship as it fired its primary weapon, the superheated plasma scorching the space as it tore for the Nomu. The slow moving ship attempted to avoid the incoming attack but was unable to do so, however, being that it was already facing the alien battleship it was just able to escape with a glancing blow. Plasma washed over the starboard side, melting through the outer layer of the hull and destroying the three artillery cannons.

Nell held on tight to the captain’s chair as the ship shook ever slightly from the hit. Somehow still alive she called out to the crew. “Status!?”

“Hull is still intact but we’ve lost our starboard weapons,” alerted the Operations Officer.

“We’re still being targeted!” yelled another crewmember.

True enough the Zhong Vey battleship was preparing to fire another burst of plasma, however, before it could unleash its devastating attack a corvette, the Nigel, intervened, firing its MAG before following up with an artillery barrage. The heavy slug, a lighter caliber than those used by the destroyer, struck the lead plasma repeater, ruining the weapon but doing little else against the far larger vessel. The Zhong Vey battleship switched targets and fired at the corvette, melting the side of the ship and burning into the interior decks.

“The Nigel has gone silent,” Vera said with a sense of dread, a moment of despair that lasted for only the briefest of moments before she was alerted to a new development. “We have multiple ships jumping in-system! They’re humans!”

“This is Captain Syrinx of the Ruin.”
And this is Oenone. Need some help?

It was unexpected, and most definitely not part of the plan, but who were they to turn down the offer. Nell sent the reply, trying not to sound desperate but failing somewhat. “Yes! We need help.”

---

The Nekt was continuing its assault against the Zhong Vey battleship Volant Wraith, sending another slug deep into the ship and scoring a hit close to the engines. The two ships were approaching one another now and, too close to continue its attack without exposing itself, the Nekt instead increased speed in an effort to push pass the alien battleship and into open space where it would turn around to re-engage. In the meantime it brought its starboard artillery to bear, unleashing a barrage of explosive shells as it passed, targeting the weakened sections in the hull already damaged by the two MAG hits. Moving at an odd angle the Nekt could likely avoid most of the dangerous plasma repeaters but would be in range for the battleship’s smaller armament.

The two light gunships remained behind to screen the Night’s Cradle, using their PDG’s to target any missile that entered their kill range. Elsewhere the four heavy gunships of the flotilla were engaging the missile boats with little success, neither side being able to score a definite hit. That changed with the involvement of the humans. One missile boat was able to scrape by with only minimal damage, but the second took a heavy hit and was slowed, allowing two of the HDF gunships to close in. In range, the ships opened up with their point-defense-guns, the small weapons tearing into the lightly armored ship, shredding the outer hull and exposing important internal systems. Heavier AAA struck deep in a fatal attack that left the missile boat dead in the water. The HDF gunships then rejoined to engage the remaining missile boat.

On the other side of the engagement the Lesher and the Nomu were engaging the main force of the Zhong Vey fleet. The two destroyer were damaged, and one corvette was unresponsive, but the HDF was still in the fight. The Lesher had completed its turn and was now facing the Zhong Vey flagship, bringing its heavy MAG to bear alongside the Nomu, both destroyer firing into the Nemezdia Blue. Neither struck a fatal blow but the dorsal hull did take some damage. The two remaining corvettes of the Nomu flotilla joined in with their own MAG’s followed by another artillery barrage, the smaller and faster ships making to push under the enemy battleship to attack from below. The other corvettes were engaging the frigates, finishing off the already damaged ship with artillery before moving against the others. Several flights of fighters had been launched from the carriers by now, and though the lightly armed Nell-class were little more than support the heavier Vale-class carried torpedoes that could harass smaller vessels, something they were now doing with the support of the lighter gunships.

---

Flotilla Nekt
- Destroyer - 100%
- Corvette - 100%
- Corvette - 100%
- Light Gunship - 100%
- Light Gunship - 100%
- Heavy Gunship - 100%
- Heavy Gunship - 100%
- Heavy Gunship - 100%
- Heavy Gunship - 100%

Flotilla Lesher
- Destroyer - 70% Efficiency
- Corvette - 100%
- Corvette - 100%
- Light Gunship - 100%
- Light Gunship - 100%
- Light Gunship - 100%
- Light Gunship - 100%
- Carrier - 100%
- Carrier - 100%
- Scout Drone x15
- Light Fighter x12
- Heavy Figher x6

Flotilla Nomu
- Destroyer - 70%
- Corvette - 100%
- Corvette - 100%
- Corvette - 0% Unresponsive
- Light Gunship - 100%
- Light Gunship - 100%
- Light Gunship - 100%
- Light Gunship - 100%
- Light Gunship - 100%