The Star March(FT; CLOSED)

[Sjuormar]

The Sjuormarian vessels had busied themselves with repairs and preparation and thus had chosen to remain silent and isolated while they busied themselves with their work.
"Sir, we have some news. The Soviets have finally aligned themselves with the rest of the fleet."
"Excellent." Under his calm exterior, Jacinto was fuming. Who were they to take up this cause now? They had sat by and watched while his people perished at the hands of the Dakini. Perhaps many more of his countrymen would be alive if they had intervened. But the Soviets had done nothing. To the Commodore they did not deserve to fight alongside Sjuormar. Of course, he would never voice these thoughts. Yet he knew that within each and every Imperial soul nestled this passive resentment for the newcomers. They had a long way to go to prove themselves.

Sjuormarians are known to be blunt. And Jacinto fit into this stereotype like a key to its lock. He sent no flamboyant greeting the Soviets or any message for that fact. All of the Imperial fleet refused to communicate or acknowledge the recent addition through any means. Thus did they show their disapproval without publicly proclaiming it. But there was work to do. The fleet still had preparations for the next journey, especially the Myrmidon and Orion. Once these arduous tasks were completed, the Sjuormarians followed in the wake of their recently departed allies for what they hoped to be a welcome sanctuary amidst the storm.

[Dakini Femina]

"Drive out, commencing now", Shion reported as the atmosphere in the Elsior chanced once again. That light, hazy feeling crew members experienced in the midst of hyperspace quickly faded away, and the heavy feeling of reality and ream-time space set in.

"Hyperspace jump successful", exclaimed Lt. Almo as the steel blinders that would unfold over large glass panels were raised, and for the first time, the exiles were able to catch a glimpse of the White Moon as it orbited the Planet Transbaal, third planet of the Braxis system, with the actual planet Braxis itself only one trade lane away.

"I wouldn't have believed we were the masters of such wondrous spectacles if I had never seen it", Shion said with a smile as the bridge fell silent. the White Moon was one of the many planetoid weapon systems the old hegemony had at its disposal. Weighing in at approximately the same size as pluto with the colossal Transbaal as its progenitor planet, energy readings from it dropped as its shields powered down to accommodate the arriving armada. Multiple corvettes and ramming frigates began to exit from its massive hangars to to once again tug the allies into dock, which would be at full capacity after all those ships would be able to securely land inside the moon.

A hail was broadcasted to the allies, to which an immaculately beautiful Femina appeared onscreen. Her exceptional and exquisite appearance suggested that she was a native of the galaxy and not part of the fraction that had gone into exile on earth, which would imply she had no human blood to speak of. She fit the description, "daughter of the stars" perfectly, her beauty, like many others, only matched by so few outside the galaxy.

"The Transbaal Revolutionary Government and the White Moon Administration welcomes the exiles back home, and their allies to the Aurora. I am Administrator Noah, head chief of the White Moon Orbital Weapons Platform. Please allow my servants to tend to your ships, and you will be brought in to dock at the White Moon.

The White Moon and Transbaal were one of the first planets that the galactic revolution liberated from the Dakini, so rest assured that your stay here will be pleasant. Noah out." And with that, the onscreen image cut, but on every channel the allies would tune into, propaganda and news were was being blasted all across the system, of planetary wars being fought and won over in the nearby star systems.

"Song being broadcasted on all Braxis Channels"

"It does my heart well to see our brethren alive and well in these troubling times", remarked Kanade.

"Shields down, movers locked on", reported Almo.

"Alright then", said Capt. Shion, "let's all get some well deserved R&R for the time being. Have the movers began tugging at the allied ships?"

"Confirmed captain, they're being brought into the docks as well."

Multiple smaller squadrons of ships were parked around the white moon, they were the detachments that would accompany the armada to Nubia after their short intermission here. A multitude of things had to be done while they where here however, such as finishing the repairs to their ships and resupplying. The Dakini commander of the blockade at the outer rim would also have to be interrogated, and Lady Tachibana had a meeting scheduled with rest of the allied commanders.

As the Elsior finally rested inside the White Moon, crews began alighting and the moon's superb engineering teams began to work on repairs, modifications and gearing improvements to the ship's systems. The alien technology they had mastered as artisans of war and progress was to be incorporated into these Earth-based ships and technologies, the result of which was still unknown.

[The Imperial Republic of New Kyoto]

Fujimoto entered Lady Tachibana's briefing room noting the presence of the station's Femina commander. As much as she prided herself on her heritage, she was now seeing the full flower of Femina blood. Then she brought herself up short. Her human blood as important as the Femina blood and she was here as a representative of ALL her forebearers AND her cousin, the Empress as well. And she had work to do. She had authorized shore leave for her crews and they had certainly earned it. Her Flag Lieutenant was on the verge of locking Fujimoto herself out of the the ship until she took a little breather.

"I should have you arrested for mutiny Ukyo." She told her lieutenant threateningly.

"Yes but in this fleet, no board would ever convict me. You need a full 24 hours to rest after your meetings today and if I have to get a medical order from Doctor Boyce then I will." Ukyo stood her ground.

"And I DO need my Flag Lieutenant. Even if she forgets her bounds." Susan warned.

Ukyo dismissed this with a brush of the hand. "Only in the name of my duty, your excellency." She then double checked her paperwork. "I can't allow you to over stress yourself you know. Breaking in a new Admiral would be a pain."

"

[Sjuormar]

Sczar was breathless. As the fleet ended its jump cycle, the White Moon came into view. He had never even dreamt of such a place much less that he would see it in his lifetime. There was a nock on his chamber door.
"Come in."
Commodore Jacinto, in full cerimonial garb, entered.
"I need you with me. We are to meet with the other allied commanders and you know very well that I have only so much patience for politics."
Sczar drew out his answer, as if in deep thought, in accord with his habit. "Of course, old friend. Just let me prepare."
"You have ten minutes."
As the military leader left, the religious head sat down and began to meditate. He sought for a glimpse of the future and what he aught to do. But most of all, he was honing his instincts to guide him correctly, like every Chaplain and Priest was trained to do.

The Sjuormarians were quick to make themselves at home. Those who played no role in the resupply or repair of the fleet decided to explore the Femina shipyard. They were astounded and on edge by the surreal and alien nature of not only the technology and architecture, but also the inhabitants. Groups would gawk at passing Femina natives as they wandered. Their absolutely foreign nature sparked a profound curiosity within the Imperials.

Sczar was no exception. He had not taken long to prepare, despite the time allotted, and had departed long before the official delegation to get a taste for the nature of their hosts. While at first he was content to just observe as his countrymen, his intrigue eventually overtook him. He would strike up conversion by any means with anyone he could. This was not just to satisfy his curiosity. It served to take the edge off and make sure that when the meeting came, he would be comfortable in this environment. The Chaplain had spent much of his youth in the Imperial Courts and so was no stranger to the life of politics. But until the gathering came, he would prepare himself by laying the foundations for diplomatic relations with these natives, a valuable cause.

[Dakini Femina]

The atmosphere aboard the White Moon seemed to differ from that of your normal human ship. Things seemed lighter, and although the technology applied to the design of this space station was alien, the architecture into which it was incorporated seemed all too similar. As crew members looked closely at may of the columns that lined the grand lobbies and mess halls as well as the walls of pathways, corridors seemed to have imprinted on them different sigils and runes, that appeared to glow and light up a someone walked pass them. The design of the White Moon's interior seemed reminiscent of Roman architecture, elegant yet simple. There was a certain, near heavenly air to the White Moon. Once inside, pilots that remained in the cockpits of their fighters and the bridges of capital ships saw their counters go haywire and read outs blink out as large energy signatures seemed to spike from the moon's core in patterns, almost like a pulse.

The native Femina who worked aboard the White Moon were no less alien and eccentric in their appearance. Untouched by anything outside their galaxy, anything and everything about them seemed to radiate that shimmering beauty and brilliance the exiled Femina gave off tenfold. The suffering they had endured for so long seemed to have no effect on their absolutely angelic appearances, one of the many wonders of the galaxy that seemed so alive amidst its trial and tribulation. Although their body constructs seemed human as did their facial expressions, every time a crew member would attempt to talk to them to strike up light conversation, the difference in culture and even origin would show. They would find that they barely had anything to talk about, save for the situation in the galaxy or the nature of the moon. They were very polite though, and would always greet and smile any fellow Femina or human that they passed. They were as graceful as they were mysteriously alien. The similarities they held with humans were a mystery to most, and was at large a theological and philosophical secret for the galaxy's brightest.

Even the crew and marines aboard the Femina ships from the Trireme found themselves amazed at the sheer brilliance of the moon, which seemed to close in around them like a warm protective blanket. Everyone felt this sense of solemnity and sentimentality in them, as if the air they breathed was able to inject emotion into them, a kind of ecstasy that toyed with you and caused you to feel protected, enlightened and guided.

As the officers made their way to the command room as they were escorted by Femina guards, their ships were being resupplied and some where having runes etched on their outer hulls, the effects of which were still unknown. Lady Tachibana waited in the lavishly prepared room, lights dimmed and a large 3-D holographic map in the middle projecting a map of the galaxy and the positions of different fleets. Star systems were tagged with number beacons, and lines indicating jump lanes and trade routes stretched across the galaxy. The stars were like still fireflies that froze as they danced their evening cotillions. She was discussing plans and logistics with Administrator Noah as she awaited for the allied commanders to arrive.

[The Soviet Union of Mother Russia]

Like Cossacks we shall strike down on our Enemies, Like Cossacks we shall die honorably in battle, And like Cossacks, We shall perish these Dakini, For the Mother Russia ! - Alex
Makrovski on the Dakinis.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Soviet Ships arrived from their Hyperdrive, The Soviet Ships reformed in a line toggether with their ships. The Admiral was just reciving the Admirals to the Officer Quaters shortly after they arrived to the Scene. The Admirals went inside, Looking over at the Great Hero, Commisar Vladmire Sergig, Alex Makrovski was the Cousin of him, Smiling seeing an Familiar face at the battlefield. '' Eh, Wasnt you suppose to be at the Femina Frontlines and flirting with Captain Lumina, Hahaha '' The Admirals slowly laughed aswell, It wasnt any Secret of the Relationship. The Commisar Smiled, Walking to the Front of the table, Overlooking the Admirals that slowly changed their look towards him. '' Alright Comrades, This is it. We have gathered enough Strength to attack the Dakini Blockade, I know you will think we should wait on the Femina to help us, But we gotten enough Strength to do this, Yes, We may Suffer losses and Damages on our ships, But so be it, We will show all the Nations and Races that the Human Race is just as powerfull as them, And so forth the Soviet Union !. We have gathered intel that the Dakini will not expect a Attack at the moment, We will have the Suprise advantage. The Femina and our Allied fleet must know the Soviet Bear is powerfull enough to devast the Dakini alone. '' The Commisar nods, Showing the Weapons schematics of the Destroyers arrived at the Fleet. '' You remeber the Tesla systems we devolpled ?, Well, Our Soviet masterminds just recently devolpled a way to do this in space, We can use Tesla cannons on the Dakini, One burst is enough to shut down their Shields and cause large amount of damage on their Systems, That can cause their weapons systems to jam, Imagine that. '' The Admirals of the Destoyers smiles abit, Being delighted of the Weapons systems they may command. The Admiral look' at the Commisar with attention, Impressed of the Capablities on the Soviet Fleet he wasnt even informed off.

The Commisar look's at the Map overlooking the Blockade. [b]'' Now, After judging by our Weapons capablities we must first attack the front ships in the Bloackade with our Tesla systems, The Mothership have Rocket Barrage pods over it, It can fire a Hail of Missles down upon the Dakinis, However to maximize the Effect we must first take out their Shields and Weapons systems, That is why we will use the Tesla systems. Afterwards the Battlecruisers will Deploy Fighers from hangar, As most likely as this point the Dakini will have done it too. Now, Our Ships are we have in our Fleet is Giants, That will cause our Speed, Agility to be lower in a high extent, So we will remain at our Positions at the battle and fire our weapons at them. However no worries, Our thick shells and Shields will take a beating before going down, However we must finish them off quickly to remain un-harm, Who knows what weapons they are using. ''

[The Imperial Republic of New Kyoto]

Admiral Fujimoto and Lieutenant Kuonji entered the command room. They fixed their eyes intently on the holographic display. Noting the positions of the burning red icons that marked the reported or estimated locations of Dakini forces drove home the scope of their quest. The allies could in themselves never produce a fleet capable of simply massing and overwhelming the Dakini Imperial Fleet. Indeed, if the Dakini were able to mass any significant part of their forces in one battle against the allies then they would crush the liberation quite decisively.

No. Shrewd planning would carry this campaign. Fujimoto WAS buoyed by the knowledge that her requested reinforcements had been dispatched. The four Yagami class plus 2nd squadron's eight ships did not give decisive mass. But they would provide options.

[Dakini Femina]

".... And that's how I think things would pan out." Kanade had just finished discussing a battle plan with Administrator Noah when Susan Fujimoto walked in. The room as located at the edge of the corridor, and one entire side of the square room was a large reinforced glass panel, offering a beautiful view of Transbaal and the ships that lay docked or moored in high orbit.

The planet itself was quite the sight - a gentle hue of aqua covered its entirety, and three different pairs of rings encircled the planet at different trajectories. The massive cities below, actually one colossal supercity with multiple "atriums" as the Femina called them, illuminated their millions of lights skyward. Down on the ground, people were rejoicing the planet's liberation, one of the first major victories for the Femina.

"Vice Admiral Fujimoto, good to see you again", Tachibana calmly said with a small smile as she glanced at the New Kyotian. "I take it your ships are in good condition as always?"

Noah simply looked at Fujimoto with her soft eyes and a half smile, as if she was contemplating something with joy. "Stranger", she began, "Are you perchance Femina in some way or another?" Her voice was comforting, near angelic yet reserved somehow.

[The Imperial Republic of New Kyoto]

Susan smiled. "As a matter of fact, My mother is Femina." She then turned to Lady Tachibana. "Yes Milady. Izumo is being repaired and reconfigured but everyone else is at full operational status. I have fortunate news in that Fleet Central has responded to my request for more ships. Most of them are small but they're being led by the Battleship Texas. They'll arrive the day after tomorrow. Fleet is trying to scrounge up a few more ships but that's it for now. Oh! And a request from Commodore Ross to see about installing shield generators on Saratoga and Yorktown. And we're hoping to recruit some volunteers to help us man up Guerriere and Macedonian

"Other than that, my crews are just grateful to stretch their legs and explore such a wondrous place! It's one thing to know mentally what you're fighting for. It's another to see and feel it first hand."

"Now we have to maintain the momentum."

[Dakini Femina]

"Oh, what's this?", Administrator Noah then said with much poise as she made out a series of tiny beacons on the holographic map.

"I see Soviets", Kanade stated.

"Soviets? What galaxy are the from?"

"The Milky Way", Kanade replied. "They're human, much like the Sjuormarians and the Denegrad folk."

"I see", the Femina said as she simply looked on at the now amassing red dots that seemed to hang in middle air. The radar shows that they were a considerable distance from the White Moon, so sending them here would be illogical.

"Admiral Shino should be able to contact them. I can have her tell them that they need to regroup with us somehow." Kanade was convinced, and her instincts told her that any nation on its own would find itself ratted out by the Dakini. Their numbers were many, so the alliance had to resort to the same tactic. In addition to that, they also had the slave colonies and rebellions the Femina were instigating throughout the galaxy, putting much strain on the Dakini wherever the Femina and the allied armada went.

"The Moon", Noah then said as she turned to Vice Admiral Fujimoto,"Hears you, lady Fujimoto. What is it that you plan to do with your new ships?" The administrator could very much communicate with the moon itself, but was no psyker. She still had to use conventional means of communication and introspect to process and analyze information. But considering the caliber that Lady Tachibana's allies had proven themselves to be of, she was positive it was going to be worthwhile.

[Denengrad]

The Polity fleet erupted from Transition space in a vast explosion of blue light. All ships still docked about the massive bulk of Goblin. Slowly the huge radiation and visual shields began to slide back from each of the domes exposing the pin pricks of light inside, along with the different biospheres within each, Desert, Tundra, Forrest and even deep ocean. The same happened on the bridge of each ship, meter thick slots of armour slowly retracting to show the awesome view before them of the White Moon.
Slowly each ship began to undock from Goblin, letting the smaller tug’s help them manoeuvre into the White Moon while Goblin took up a parking orbit, her sensor systems on maximum as they began sweeping the system for any sign of the much needed Bose Crystals for the PT engines.
Thunder Child drifted silently within the White Moon, a small tug pushing and manoeuvring it to a docking station. The captain could not help noticing however that all Polity ships were by far the smallest things around.

“Christ John, look at these things. I thought our Cosmos’s were big, we’re just minnows in this sea.”
“Not to sorry sir, size doesn’t matter, it’s what you do that counts.”
“John, shut up. Well, I suppose with our size we have the advantage of speed and manoeuvrability, less mass to shift. And if we fired all ten cannons at once we could blow a hole though this moon.”
“We could, we would then drift in space with no power and a burn out weapons system.”
“Check mate.”
“By the way. Sensors have been getting some very strange readings from the core of this thing. So far off our own scale that I cant actually begin to explain the difference. A Savage AI core is crunching the numbers now, but not getting very far.”
“Hmmm, forward them to Scythe, the AI over there, King. He should be able to crunch them in no time!”
“An AI core called King, and a he?”
“Don’t even ask. Anyway, I suppose I had better be off. I don’t want to keep up the habit of never leaving our ships, tell the crew they are free for R&R. But make sure that Amadeus and Sniper get their engines installed quick sharp.”
“Will do sir, Sniper already has hers, they are just making all the connections to the Jump Computer, Amadeus will be another day.”
“Very good, you have the bridge.”

Within his own small and crampt quarters Noboru Tenkawa selected a fresh uniform from his supply locker, one of the finer dress one’s. Much similar to the standard uniform expect the red detail was much deeper with double the braid, as well as all the medals he had acquired over the years pinned to his left breast. A fresh cap was selected with the Polity logo proudly displayed in polished silver showing prominently. And then it seemed that before any time had passed at all he was making his way down the extended docking tube, one hand resting in a pocket while the other clutched at his pipe that smoked lightly at his side.
Moments after leaving the tube and entering the Moon proper he was lost in a mental sense, the place was enormous, he felt hopelessly out of place on this station with it’s strange and awesome design. Not to mention that the whole crew were Femina. He had a very strong feeling he was the only person on the entire station who had a beard. Reaching for his palm top he checked the display, attempting to follow the directions it gave him.

“Christ, this place is like a citywide planet!”

[The Imperial Republic of New Kyoto]

"Oh, what's this?", Administrator Noah then said with much poise as she made out a series of tiny beacons on the holographic map.

"I see Soviets", Kanade stated.

"Soviets? What galaxy are the from?"

"The Milky Way", Kanade replied. "They're human, much like the Sjuormarians and the Denegrad folk."

"I see", the Femina said as she simply looked on at the now amassing red dots that seemed to hang in middle air. The radar shows that they were a considerable distance from the White Moon, so sending them here would be illogical.

"Admiral Shino should be able to contact them. I can have her tell them that they need to regroup with us somehow." Kanade was convinced, and her instincts told her that any nation on its own would find itself ratted out by the Dakini. Their numbers were many, so the alliance had to resort to the same tactic. In addition to that, they also had the slave colonies and rebellions the Femina were instigating throughout the galaxy, putting much strain on the Dakini wherever the Femina and the allied armada went.

"The Moon", Noah then said as she turned to Vice Admiral Fujimoto,"Hears you, lady Fujimoto. What is it that you plan to do with your new ships?" The administrator could very much communicate with the moon itself, but was no psyker. She still had to use conventional means of communication and introspect to process and analyze information. But considering the caliber that Lady Tachibana's allies had proven themselves to be of, she was positive it was going to be worthwhile.

"For now, Captain Garret's Second Squadron will merely beef up my own command." Susan acknowledged. "But Macedonian and Guerriere will take Izumo and three more corvettes and begin raiding the Dakini trade lanes. The plan is simple. There is no evidence that the Empire has ever had to institute what we call a convoy system. So there are thousands of merchant ships sailing fairly much alone. We can destroy them easily enough but the real trick is to do more than destroy or even capture a few merchant ships. The trick is to force the Dakini to react to our moves. to dissipate their strength across this vast galaxy. Suppose that you command a small unarmed ship and were threatened by a small armed ship obviously foreign to everything you know. The first thing you would do would be run and call for help."

"Our corvettes could easily take such ships but could only take so many, therefore instead they will be assigned to flush out our prey. Izumo is being equipped with a powerful transmitter which will actively jam their communications. But their cries for help WILL be answered. By OUR Star Destroyers. Anxious for protection, these merchants will be easy to board and capture without needing to damage any of them. Soon, our enemies will be forced to gather their trade in convoys guarded by valuable warships for safety. And if we allow one or two merchants escape, they will report that friendly looking vessels were attacking them. It will sow the seeds of mistrust between the Dakini Navy and the merchants they must protect. In the short run, we will take large amounts of supplies and resources. In the long run we will force the enemy to disperse rather than concentrate his forces."

"Plus we are hoping to quickly acquire at least one ship suitable to lay mines. Both to disrupt commerce and to bait a trap or two."

Nuclear Space Mine

Fujimoto smiled darkly. "It is the basis of our training that while a commander must account for the actions of the enemy, she must always focus upon what she needs to do TO him. We can force them to react. No matter how the Dakini react, there will be penalties:

First: They may choose to ignore the problem. If they are that foolish to have forgotten one of the cardinal reasons for HAVING a fleet, then we can and will cripple their commerce. Empires are founded on trade just as much as by conquest. Neglect trade and your empire withers and dies."

Second: They may and probably will after a time organize convoys. Large ones may prove too powerful to attack but they must gather; which takes time, and they must be escorted by an escort sufficient to defend it. This would result in weakening their battle squadrons facing our fleets directly. Small Convoys will merely convenience us by gathering our targets for us. If they gather only small convoys, I have already drawn up contingency plans to take advantage of this.

Third: Eventually we expect that at least a few merchants will be replaced with armed auxiliary cruisers. This will still divert equipment and manpower from the regular navy and we are well versed in the roles and handling of such craft including the arming of such ships ourselves. This being so, they cannot rely solely on such ships to protect their commerce. If they do, we will still neutralize them. Auxiliaries cannot carry the weapons to fight real warships. If they decide to be serious about stopping us from strangling their trade then they must use real warships. Even a fleet the size of the Dakini Navy dispersing ships over an entire galaxy will be stretched thin. This will add to our initiative when choosing where to strike with our own fleets."

[Sjuormar]

The small column of Sjuormarians looked completely out of place as they marched through the Femina base. Although only a dozen individuals in total, they were the best the Empire had to offer. From Jacinto to Sczar to all the others, the group bore the honor of their nation aloft with pride as they made for the meeting. Their striking black base colors with dark green highlights in their various uniforms seemed almost sinister with their hydra and serpent motifs amongst the serene elegance of the Femina. Nevertheless, they were in a hurry as they were slightly late to the meeting.

Their rush was well concealed as they entered the room with some semblance of composure. Jacinto waited for all of his countrymen to file into the room behind him before speaking.
"Greetings valiant allies and gracious hosts."
As one the group, in a very militaristic manner and precision, drew their right arms across their chest so that the hands were above the heart, clenched their fists, and said, "Live and Die in the North!" This was the social equivalent of a bow for in Sjuormar a man never bends his knee to another lest he insult him gravely. What the group had performed was their acceptable form of displaying public respect.

With the official greeting done with, Sczar stepped forward, this was his game after all.
"Forgive us for our tardiness. There were many matters yet to be attended to aboard our vessels, especially concerning our latest acquisition."
He slowly removed his hood of his robe and felt the gaze of the room fall upon him. The serpentine eyes, the tattoos running across his bald skull, and the elongated teeth and fangs were obviously not features the assembled were not used to seeing on a human. He was a costumed to this and carried on.
"Now I sense that we interrupted some important matter. Do not let us disturb your thoughts on the campaign as I take it from the holographic projection. Proceed as you were."
Sczar drew a smile, hideous in comparison to what the Femina could produce but well-intentioend nonetheless, as the Chaplain awaited eagerly the response.

[Dakini Femina]

As Commander Jacinto and Capt. Tenkawa finally found their way into the command room, and after proper greetings had been given, all eyes turned again to the holographic map projected at the center of the room. Administrator Noah had been busy plotting lines for what she thought would be the Dakini squadrons' lines of operation. The large number of revolutions around the galaxy were finally beginning to wear the blockade out, and a few reports of mutiny were beginning to sift in through the intelligence arrays.

She had also drawn up lines of operation for the supply convoys the empire so desperately relied on to continue the war effort, to complement Vice Admiral Fujimoto's plan of intercepting these supply trains. "We suspect that a large number of them should be traversing the lanes without the protection of corvettes or frigates", she stated. "Your mines and ambush zones would apply to many of the points throughout the Aurora". As she continued, blue dots that represented these potential zones, most of which directly perpendicular to the lanes or proximal to them, began to pop up.

"I'd say it'd negatively affect fleet morale too", added Tachibana. There was nothing worse for a ship's complement of officers than to have a hungry or poorly equipped crew on their hands.

Noah nodded. "Precisely." She then turned to the Denengrad captain and the Sjuormarian commander. "This means that your forces will be able to openly engage the Dakini blockades with minimized worry about reinforcements." Turning then to Fujimoto she asked, "will these ambush units be detachments or will you be splitting from the main group?"

It was all coming into place. If things were planned out properly prior to execution, rather than just charging headlong into the fray, things would always be stacked up evenly. Although the Dakini possessed a far greater number of ships, the stress Segmentum Command was under was overwhelming. Relief crews and marines had stopped coming, and they were now having to make do with less. They faced the Femina Coalition forces which were well-armed, supplied and now more organized than they were.

Meanwhile. Admiral Huang of the Mississippi had just entered hyperspace to rendezvous with the alliance at the White Moon. Admiral Shino of the Donau, on the other hand, took several cruisers and two carriers with her, and began a sector scan to track down where the Soviets were. Under orders from Lady Tachibana herself, she would escort them and act as a guide in navigating through the galaxy.

[The Imperial Republic of New Kyoto]

As Commander Jacinto and Capt. Tenkawa finally found their way into the command room, and after proper greetings had been given, all eyes turned again to the holographic map projected at the center of the room. Administrator Noah had been busy plotting lines for what she thought would be the Dakini squadrons' lines of operation. The large number of revolutions around the galaxy were finally beginning to wear the blockade out, and a few reports of mutiny were beginning to sift in through the intelligence arrays.

She had also drawn up lines of operation for the supply convoys the empire so desperately relied on to continue the war effort, to complement Vice Admiral Fujimoto's plan of intercepting these supply trains. "We suspect that a large number of them should be traversing the lanes without the protection of corvettes or frigates", she stated. "Your mines and ambush zones would apply to many of the points throughout the Aurora". As she continued, blue dots that represented these potential zones, most of which directly perpendicular to the lanes or proximal to them, began to pop up.

"I'd say it'd negatively affect fleet morale too", added Tachibana. There was nothing worse for a ship's complement of officers than to have a hungry or poorly equipped crew on their hands.

Noah nodded. "Precisely." She then turned to the Denengrad captain and the Sjuormarian commander. "This means that your forces will be able to openly engage the Dakini blockades with minimized worry about reinforcements." Turning then to Fujimoto she asked, "will these ambush units be detachments or will you be splitting from the main group?"

It was all coming into place. If things were planned out properly prior to execution, rather than just charging headlong into the fray, things would always be stacked up evenly. Although the Dakini possessed a far greater number of ships, the stress Segmentum Command was under was overwhelming. Relief crews and marines had stopped coming, and they were now having to make do with less. They faced the Femina Coalition forces which were well-armed, supplied and now more organized than they were.

Meanwhile. Admiral Huang of the Mississippi had just entered hyperspace to rendezvous with the alliance at the White Moon. Admiral Shino of the Donau, on the other hand, took several cruisers and two carriers with her, and began a sector scan to track down where the Soviets were. Under orders from Lady Tachibana herself, she would escort them and act as a guide in navigating through the galaxy.

"My original operational plan had been to detach Guerriere and Macedonian with Izumo and three more Yagamis as a single raiding force operating under local discretion. In light of your current information, I will detach Second Squadron to operate under similar orders while maintaining the rest of my battle force intact." She paused and then added,

"Additionally, I would like to requisition three or four freighters. Preferably ones with large shuttle bays or similar space accessible pallet bays. These we will convert for minelaying duty at this time."

[Sjuormar]

"Might I make a suggestion?" Jacinto spoke up for the first time since his formal greeting. "It was plain in the first engagement that our ships cannot hold their own for long in elongated, upfront conflicts. However, I think we proved our maneuverability. Our methods of travel combined with the respective tactics would be put to their best use if we were utilized as raiders or auxiliaries to compliment a greater offensive." He paused. He in no way wanted to feel as if he did not want to fully commit his forces to the cause. "Of course, that is just the ideal situations that we could operate within as I see it. If we are needed to play other roles, so be it."

Meanwhile the Commodore's fleet was being prepared for launch. The ease of repair aboard the Sjuormarian vessels was blatant in the speed that the crews were achieving. Some of the Imperials who had completed their tasks turned to lend their hands to the allied crews. It was not a Sjuormarian's way to sit and watch others work. No, some deep seeded, ancestral compulsion drove them on. However, this served a dual purpose. While it did speed up the overall progress of reparation for the fleet, it also gave the Imperials an opportunity to meet their allies personally. Even where help was not needed the crews would linger about, getting to know their brothers and sisters in arms. This would give them a more personal reason to fight if their friends were aboard the otherwise alien vessels. The sons and daughters of Sjuormar were loyal and emotional individuals. Their famed fanaticism, fostered from those traits, would be evident in the days to come through their sacrifice and devotion.

[The Imperial Republic of New Kyoto]

"Might I make a suggestion?" Jacinto spoke up for the first time since his formal greeting. "It was plain in the first engagement that our ships cannot hold their own for long in elongated, upfront conflicts. However, I think we proved our maneuverability. Our methods of travel combined with the respective tactics would be put to their best use if we were utilized as raiders or auxiliaries to compliment a greater offensive." He paused. He in no way wanted to feel as if he did not want to fully commit his forces to the cause. "Of course, that is just the ideal situations that we could operate within as I see it. If we are needed to play other roles, so be it."

Meanwhile the Commodore's fleet was being prepared for launch. The ease of repair aboard the Sjuormarian vessels was blatant in the speed that the crews were achieving. Some of the Imperials who had completed their tasks turned to lend their hands to the allied crews. It was not a Sjuormarian's way to sit and watch others work. No, some deep seeded, ancestral compulsion drove them on. However, this served a dual purpose. While it did speed up the overall progress of reparation for the fleet, it also gave the Imperials an opportunity to meet their allies personally. Even where help was not needed the crews would linger about, getting to know their brothers and sisters in arms. This would give them a more personal reason to fight if their friends were aboard the otherwise alien vessels. The sons and daughters of Sjuormar were loyal and emotional individuals. Their famed fanaticism, fostered from those traits, would be evident in the days to come through their sacrifice and devotion.

"Then perhaps we could substitute your Sjuomarian ships for Second Battle Squadron?" Fujimoto considered. "Wave Motion Guns ARE something of a waste on freighters after all."

[Dakini Femina]

"So the essence of what we are arriving at is the split of our forces into a main force and a detachment which is to carry out raids against convoys and reserves?" Administrator Noah, being a native of the galaxy and having no experience of human tact or methodology, found these strategies fairly new. Up until then, battle had been done head on, in space as in on the ground, in the air and across the seas.

"In theory", Kanade then said as she eyed everybody in the room, before returning her gaze to the holographic map. "I can see how this woud be advantageous. We'll split Sjuormar and send them with the detachment to lead the strikes on the Dakini convoys and reinforcements behind enemy lines, preferably elsewhere in the galaxy."

She then, with her finger, drew out several more points by simply tapping onto the map. "We can rendezvous with the Soviet Union and use them to fill in the gap that is to be created by the Sjuormarian detachment from the main armada. Vice Admiral Fujimoto, are you willing to allow Commander Jacinto temporary rights as commander for your two new ships?"

Continuing, "Basically, you and Commander Jacinto will have to coordinate so that we can efficiently conduct ambushes timed with our main operations."

Noah then finally understood the plan. "To harass the Dakini until they are no longer able to function?"

"Correct. It will be risky because then we will have two lines of operations, so that means if they manage to isolate either, the other fails. Teamwork and cooperation is a must."

"So that would mean Vice Admiral Fujimoto, Lady Tachibana, Capt. Tenkawa and the Soviet Commander will lead the main strike group, while Commander Jacinto leads the ambush unit?", Noah pretty much tried to sum up. "Then he will have my assistance", she finished with a smile.

"The administrator is capable of such things?" Kanade was nearly appalled.

Noah simply smiled. "What service would I be if I was unable to render it at such a crucial moment? I am a daughter of the Turan. Remember Kanade, and as it says in your Torumin, we are the hawks of the Aurora."

Invincibility was never the case, as Kanade understood it. The Turanic Femina were ace pilots and unbelievably zealous in combat. Their numbers were small and their ships limited to fighters and corvettes with the exception of the occasional ion frigate and the mother carrier, but their pilots were like spiders in the night.

"Commander Jacinto, will you allow me the privilege of accompanying you on this perilous operation?", she asked as she turned to face him, with a gentle smile on her face and a calm look with those pristine eyes of hers.

[The Imperial Republic of New Kyoto]

Fujimoto concurred. "In the meantime, we will continue deployment of our original raider force and the minelayers. While Second Squadron will serve better on the line, Guerriere's group will serve us best as marauders. We will authorize prize shares for any volunteers who join the crews of these ships."

[The Imperial Republic of New Kyoto]

Susan then remembered a detail from Engineer Tucker's report. "Lady Tachibana? One of my senior engineers took some readings on your shield generators and came up with an interesting suggestion..."

[Dakini Femina]

"Oh?, Do tell", the young white-haired, yellow eyed Femina said with some curiosity. It was not everyday someone had grasped Femina technology. For the most part, it was alien and relied heavily on mystic methods of charging energies, and thus eluded the understanding of many a Mon-keigh.

The idea of prizing spoils was another new idea for Noah. "These humans are an interesting species", she thought. "They seem to have so many motives for going to war, or so many stipulations that make that same motivation possible."

[The Imperial Republic of New Kyoto]

"Oh?, Do tell", the young white-haired, yellow eyed Femina said with some curiosity. It was not everyday someone had grasped Femina technology. For the most part, it was alien and relied heavily on mystic methods of charging energies, and thus eluded the understanding of many a Mon-keigh.

The idea of prizing spoils was another new idea for Noah. "These humans are an interesting species", she thought. "They seem to have so many motives for going to war, or so many stipulations that make that same motivation possible."

"Yes. Commander Tucker believes that by using a number of smaller shield generators set to create localized disruptions in your main shields and synchronized to your weapons controls, you should be able to maintain shields and fire Elsior's weapons at the same time."

[Denengrad]

Noboru Tenkawa had listened to most of the conversation in silence, listening to the options being thrown around as the battle plan formulated and became something workable, even if it was one that he personal disapproved of.

“I must say, that I personally do not approve of the raiding of trade and supply routes, there is no honour in fighting someone who is unable to shoot back at you. But as I am not taking part in such actions this is were my protest against such things will end, As for spoils of war, such things do not matter to us, we don’t have the personal to take control of any other ships, and the Polity is currently happy with it’s technological development.”

He sighed lightly, and lifted the pip to his mouth letting it rest between his lips even though it was not currently lit.

“Currently my technicians are pulling all the limiters from our Savage’s, as well as there sense of fair play. That basically means they will continue to attack a target until it registers zero power readings and biological activity. One of our disabled ships has now been restored to full working capability with the installation of a new PT engine. The second ship will be online within twenty hours. As for the upcoming battles, I must say that the Polity ships under my command do not have any form of real protection beyond armour plating. We have Distortion fields, but they are only effective against beam weapons, it’s a magnetic shroud that disrupts the flow of electrons, forcing beam weapons to refract and disperse on contact. Against physical missiles, slugs and shells we have no defence, but this does not mean we will not be on the front line. You’ll also get to see our Sorcerer Fighters in action, as well as Savages with no limits.”

He gave a thin smile to all those present, before tipping his pipe softly as if suddenly remembering something vitally important.

“Ah! My ships can only perform one more Transition Space Jump. After that we will have exhausted our supply of Bose Crystals. We will need to find more, or we will not be going any ware after the next jump I’m afraid…”

[The Imperial Republic of New Kyoto]

Noboru Tenkawa had listened to most of the conversation in silence, listening to the options being thrown around as the battle plan formulated and became something workable, even if it was one that he personal disapproved of.

“I must say, that I personally do not approve of the raiding of trade and supply routes, there is no honour in fighting someone who is unable to shoot back at you. But as I am not taking part in such actions this is were my protest against such things will end, As for spoils of war, such things do not matter to us, we don’t have the personal to take control of any other ships, and the Polity is currently happy with it’s technological development.”

He sighed lightly, and lifted the pip to his mouth letting it rest between his lips even though it was not currently lit.

“Currently my technicians are pulling all the limiters from our Savage’s, as well as there sense of fair play. That basically means they will continue to attack a target until it registers zero power readings and biological activity. One of our disabled ships has now been restored to full working capability with the installation of a new PT engine. The second ship will be online within twenty hours. As for the upcoming battles, I must say that the Polity ships under my command do not have any form of real protection beyond armour plating. We have Distortion fields, but they are only effective against beam weapons, it’s a magnetic shroud that disrupts the flow of electrons, forcing beam weapons to refract and disperse on contact. Against physical missiles, slugs and shells we have no defence, but this does not mean we will not be on the front line. You’ll also get to see our Sorcerer Fighters in action, as well as Savages with no limits.”

He gave a thin smile to all those present, before tipping his pipe softly as if suddenly remembering something vitally important.

“Ah! My ships can only perform one more Transition Space Jump. After that we will have exhausted our supply of Bose Crystals. We will need to find more, or we will not be going any ware after the next jump I’m afraid…”

Fujimoto addressed Tenkawa politely: "I can understand your distaste for my proposed tactics, and no. We New Kyotians do not see glory in shooting at defenseless ships. Our tactics are designed to minimize the loss of innocent lives. But winning this war as expediently as possible and with the least loss of life among all of our people is my primary concern. I do not know a gentle way to kill. There is no kind way to destroy. There is nothing so terrible as a war won except a war lost my dear Captain. I regret if my suggested course of action dishonors myself in your eyes but I cannot regret having made this proposal. It is my sincerest hope that you and your crews find great honor and glory in this war. It is my even greater hope that you live long lives to be esteemed in that honor and glory."

[Sjuormar]

"I think that would be excellent." Jacinto replied politely to Noah. "Your help and familiarity with the territory would be most welcome. And we relish the prospect of fighting alongside you."
His expression, ill hidden, turned sour as he turned to the other commanders amidst this talk of honorable combat. "I see through your honeyed words. By calling the tactics we deploy dishonorable you call us the same. We know more of the value and cost of honor than any here. Are you willing to lead your people to slaughter over the false pride that is honor? War is not kind. Any solider who has been in the thick, brutal aspect of it will tell you the same. Ultimately it is a choice between you and other man. The honor comes from being the one who lives to tell the tale. Honor doesn't do you any good if you're dead. We are the ones willing to make the hard choices here, to play the part with the greatest guilt. Now tell me there is no honor in that."
Sczar was quietly panicking at his superior's words. As feared, his emotions were getting the better of him, something the fleet did not need right now. All the Chaplain hoped for was that they would soon be on their way and that he would have the opportunity to patch up what Jacinto was tearing at.