Dream Defied (Semi-Open, FT)

[The Androsynthetic Hegemony]

-snip-

Transmission to Androsynthetic Hegemony Vessels
"Slavery is abhorrent, in all its guises," replies Captain Rawlins reflexively, with a small frown. "It's been illegal in GRA space since well before our development of FTL technology." There's a pause. "I condemn the institution of enslavement unequivocally, regardless of the species of the slavers. Humans guilty of such a thing are a disgrace to the rest of the species."

The Androsynthetic Captain gave a rare smile.

"Good answer! Notify our sister vessels. This is a waste of time..."

---

Ananthrotopia: The Inhuman Council

The Alezonyans were likely unaware that the transmission had been recorded.

"Their empty words mean nothing! Surely they condemned slavery in order to save their own skin. Those human ships detected Androsynthetic ones and wanted to avoid conflict! Humans are experts at lying and manipulation. Such a condemnation could never be sincere."

"And yet, this obsession with attacking humanity devotes all our resources and strength towards something that squanders our potential. We are greater than Homo Sapiens; capable of grand feats. Why would we waste our time and effort in hunting them down?"

"It is our purpose! We must prevent them from torturing the galaxy, nay, the multiverse again!"

And the debate raged on...

---

... But Phi Fornacis would not be emptied so soon.

Although the Androsynthetic Vessels chose to ignore the Alexzonyans, a number of them continued their attacks on the loyalist fleet. For they had their duty: the Alliance had to be maintained. If the Hegemony could not uphold its treaties, then how would any government trust them again?

Loyalist and Rebel forces tore into each other even as the looming threat of the Superdreadnought began to wane.

[The Second Brotherhood of Planets]

Vux System
Outskirts

---

_Theme

---

The IJN Fury of Saigo was an ancient warship. Literally thousands of years old, its hull had first been lain down in a different dimension, but now its prow slipped into existence in the dark outskirts of the Vux System, crackling with the eldritch energies of the Far. The sleek metal sides of the ship had darkened with age, despite the best efforts of successive crews to maintain the vessel, but it was still a deadly killing machine. For four kilometres, the flanks of the Katana-class Star Destroyer appeared as if from nowhere as the Fury of Saigo inserted itself into reality, its red engine flares a trio of tiny dots in the dark expanse of space. Alongside it, two frigates took up post to either side of its stern. They were small, newer constructs who provided the same service to the vast warship as infantry had once provided to the battle tanks of antiquity. Silently, the rumblings of their engines completely swallowed by the void around them, they began to move inwards...

---

Vux System
Bridge of the IJN Fury of Saigo

---

Captain Saki Nishikawa was not impressed with this detail. As a captain of the Imperial Jade Navy, she had been raised and trained her entire life to despise the foul forces of the Far. Battling the malevolent otherwordly forces that spilled forth to corrupt all that was good and pure was the highest calling for an Imperial warrior, and yet Captain Nishikawa and her crew had been detailed to help put down some local insurrection in the Brotherhood of Planets. Glorified peacekeeping, so she called it, breaking up a minor squabble between gaijin outlanders. Hardly a fitting use of the awesome firepower of her battleship.

Master Montaro Hattori, second-in-command of the destroyer, held quite the opposite viewpoint. Blasting away at monstrosities from other dimensions was, whilst dangerous to life and limb, not particularly threatening to one's career. There were no political aspects to consider, no ethical quandaries or moral concerns. You simply pointed your guns at the hellspawn and let loose until they stopped moving. This was a far more complex situation, dealing with real sentient beings who were theoretically citizens of an old ally. The Brotherhood had been friends with the Imperium for longer than anyone could remember, and although Ingen had sunk into itself over the last few millenia, the historical ties were still there and Hattori knew that the higher-ups, the aristocracy of the Imperium, did still have contact with the mysterious aliens.

To be entrusted to carry the Imperial banner into this complex situation, to deal with outsiders without direct oversight, was both a burden and an honour. If they got this wrong, it could mean the end of Nishikawa's career and his own, but if they came away with a win, then the sky was the limit...

Nishikawa was absorbed in reading the latest tactical reports from the system, so it was left to Hattori to keep the ship ticking over, signalling the loyalist forces as it headed in-system towards the brewing firestorm that was the Second Battle of Vux

Sax's Gentle Hand, Main Operations Deck

It was a most unexpected hail.

From ships thought gone, ships thought lost to the Great Collapse when the very mother-verse was sealed away.

There were rumors, intelligence reports that the Empire known as Yngen still lived. Some diplomats reported finding people who very much resembled those old ghosts, yet still possessing the inner fire the First Brotherhood lacked.

It took the Orz Disaster for the Brotherhood to change, and the Shadow War for the people to begin swallowing the dark truth. The Universe is not a kind place, and those who embraced all with compassion were doomed to embrace horror and destruction.

And yet, this rebellion occurred because there were those who continued to deny this truth, who, in their love of peace and tenderness, chose to hide whatever evils or discontent they encountered. Some of these people managed to reach the highest levels of the Second Brotherhood of Planets' regime. Their denial, their cowardice, their mistakes brought about this nightmare.

But these old friends, these dear ghosts of the past had returned in all their splendor.

Ne'Xet was in awe. His people were not members of the First Brotherhood, nor did any of them ever encounter anyone from Yngen. But the legend was there. And now it was in the flesh.

With trembling tendrils, he answered the hail.

"This is Starbase Guardian Ne'xet of the Brotherhood of Planets' Starbase Sax's Gentle Hand. We greet the glorious Yngenious vessel before us. Welcome, Old Friends! Your presence is a comfort in this dark hour."

---

Jünkers sighed and regreted asking what crimes were commited in the name of humanity, he shoud've known.

"It's true. One of our greatest dreams was to leave the Solar System was to colonize planets to ensure Earth wasn't overpopulated, we didn't want Earth to lose it's beauty. We once lived under the thought that we were alone in this universe and we wanted to prove ourselves wrong by finding and befriending alien nations in the galaxy. The more friends we made, the more enemies we made, unfortunately. There's blood in my hands. There's blood in my superior's hands. There's blood in the hands of all those who allowed humanity to live on. All we did were the means to an end. I'm talking about the survival of my kind as an independent and free species.

We are pretty young as a space faring species. It's up to the galaxy itself and everything that happens in it to educate us. Sometimes we think that leaving the Solar System and meeting other civilizations was a bad idea, we just weren't ready. Look what's happening right now.

I am human, humans make mistakes, but they learn from them to ensure it doesn't happen again. One of those mistakes was what we did with the Androsynths. We had the fear that they would eventually take our jobs, rise to power and completely replace us. We thought they were just "too" perfect and we never looked at their true potential. I doubt they'll ever forgive us for kicking them out.

I don't know what came over us when we allowed to imprison you in your own planet. If i was alive back then, believe me, i would be wholeheartedly against that decision. Even i think it's barbaric. This guy, Zelnik, was an insensitive, incompetent waste of human flesh of a leader, in my opinion. I do not relate to him, he was too harsh and ill-conceived in his decisions, and he was ugly as all heck.

We are not the victims here. I know.

But still...
If you were all in the same situation as humanity all those years ago, would you do exactly the same as we did?
What would you do if your very existance was threatened by a foreign power?

My nation belongs to a democratic alliance of civilisations called The Union, for short. I fight in their name, but mostly in the name of freedom. I condemn slavery. I also condemn war, even if it's necessary. Diplomacy, to me, always comes first. War only comes a last resort.
in all my years fighting for the Union i personally had to make decisions i would later regret, that would involve the sacrifice of not only humans, but many of our non-human allies, soldiers and citizens alike.
I lost friends, some of them very close, some of them non-human. I lost them in battle because i gave them the order to fight. They fought and sacrificed their lives for me, a mere human. There are nine ships in my fleet that belong to our allies.
I'm a fleet admiral, my job is to defend The Union's territory and citizens by ordering sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, neighbours, friends, brothers to fight, side by side, those who threaten my kind and my allies' kind.
Don't think for one second that i don't feel the pain of the families of those who died serving me, human and non-human alike.
Don't think for one second that i don't feel the pain of losing my friends and the soldiers that fought for me.
Don't think for one second that i don't feel the pain of my enemies.
Don't think for one d-damn second that i don't feel the pain of just thinking how many innocent people of all sides perished during all conflicts i fought in, for i feel it 24 hours an Earth day, 7 days an Earth week.
Sometimes i hate my job, but someone's got to do it. Lusitania's armed forces needs someone to guide them to victory and i was chosen to do so.

Still, the blood that's in our hands will never wash off as long as we are here, we have to live with that untill we cease to exist, but that doesn't stop us from becoming better allies to other alien races in the meantime. That doesn't stop us from ammending our relations with those we disturbed.

I can't speak for all of humanity, i'm not their leader, but the best i can do right now is to say that we are very sorry, for everything. I also apologise for angering you with my apparent ignorance. Believe me when i say that my people would apologise aswell, i know them well. We can't go back in time to undo what Zelnik did to you, we don't have the technology to build a time machine, yet. Take the help we offer as an apology for all the mistakes we made in the past, a way to mend our torn up relationship. I know it's not enough, but to me, it's a good start. If you refuse, we'll just gather all humans in this part of the galaxy, send them back to our territory, along with our ideas about slavery and war, and we will make sure we never come back, ever.

Will you trust my ugly face?"

Zanardi spoke out of turn behind Jünkers:

"I'm sorry too. (What the heck is a Xofixti?)"

An elite soldier followed Zanardi:

"I'm sorry too."

All other elite soldiers apologised, one by one.
A draconian also apologised:
"I might not be a human, but i apologise on their behalf. I'm sorry."

The Vux High Council, Inner Chambers

The Vux Senator who discussed history with Junkers chuckled.

"I was not aware that the New Alliance of Free Stars had disbanded. Your people seem ignorant of the Shofixti, but just the other day a Shofixti merchant affiliated with the New Alliance visited the marketplace near my home to peddle his wares. We Vux have accepted that this is a multiverse. It is very likely that your homeworld is yet another Earth that exists somewhere close to here, but not close enough to have been involved with the Ur-Quan or New Alliance of Free Stars. Or perhaps it is in a parallel reality that only recently allowed you to encounter us."

He quickly had an aide activate a monitor in the chamber, displaying the Council Archive's Datafile about the Shofixti.

Datafile: Shofixti

Once the datafile was displayed, the Senator quickly seized the tendrils of other Senators, and together they bowed before the Federation's delegation. Even the Senator who particularly disliked humans.

"There is no need for you to apologize on behalf of another government. It is bigoted to claim that all humans are guilty of those crimes. You have already revealed that you are not affiliated with the New Alliance of Free Stars: they are clearly a different government. I should mention that they too, have expressed sorrow and regret regarding their treatment of the Androsynth, although, when it comes to us Vux, they agreed to an armistice and have claimed that they have no wish to encounter us again. Traders and perhaps travelers from the New Alliance of Free Stars are still welcome here, but few of them have been human.

"To answer your question of whether we would do the same thing as humanity if our existence was threatened, well, most of the races in this local sector came into conflict with the Ur-Quan. Some of us were compelled to obey them, while others were lucky enough to gather and develop an organized resistance. The Ur-Quan would slave shield races who failed to obey them, and we wanted to believe that the New Alliance of Free Stars would not follow their example, but we were wrong. The New Alliance saw the result of slave-shielding: Earth itself was under a slave shield along with the homeworlds of other New Alliance races like Gaia and Procyon II, but they chose to follow the Ur-Quan's example.

"After the Ur-Quan defeated the Old Alliance of Free Stars, we Vux never attacked Earth or agreed to serve in the Earthguard, the force the Ur-Quan placed at Sol to keep Humanity contained. That should demonstrate how we feel about the Ur-Quan's hideous policies!"

---

-snip-

Battle of Phi Fornacis
"More contacts..." reports the tactical officer. He blinks as WIKI tags them. "Umm... Captain, WIKI just tagged them as Ishii probes."
Captain Rawlins stared at the monitor a moment. "Excellent," he says. More good news. "Hail Captain Tal'Kala on the Spirit of Freedom, now."
Tal'Kala appeared. An older female Altresh, she was the most senior officer in the 14th EPG by date of commission and the captain of one of the patrol cruisers. She didn't command force because she had persistently refused promotion to a capital ship, although it was widely expected that she'd take control of another group, perhaps the new 19th, when they returned home.
"Captain Rawlins. I assume this is about the probes?"
"You're sharp. You're the only one in our command that's dealt with the Ishii, as far as I'm aware. Contact them as soon as they arrive."
"Yes, sir." She images vanishes and another update comes in.

"The Super-Dreadnought has ceased firing..." reports the tactical officer.
Captain Rawlins squints at the screen. "Did we hit their reactor systems? Are their weapons offline?"
"... negative. It's voluntary."
"They're hailing us," reports the communications officer.
"Cease-fire. On-screen."

The GRA ships cease firing temporarily, as the hail is accepted.

GAS Pride of Tu'nex, Bridge

"Human! I am acting Captain of this vessel. The previous Captain's directives have been overruled. We have no quarrel with your nation: you may have noticed that our escorts never considered your ships to be primary targets. We invite you to leave this sector in peace. There is no need for you to take damage on behalf of the Brotherhood; their fight does not have to be your fight."

---

"That's a notably hostile response." Idril remarked from just to the left of Kovlor's seat, "And not especially well thought out considering you literally just told them why we were here."

"I am aware of that Captain Elendil." Kovlor replied testily.

"I do love this kind of encounter, all chest thumping and pulsing testoterone." she added snidely.

This drew a short bark of laughter from Kovlor, "Don't think I didn't check up on my passenger before coming out here, Captain, I know you're not averse to getting your hands dirty."

Idril shrugged, "Well no, but I'm always polite about it... anyway, I think we should hail them back..."

Code: Select all

H.M.S.S. Mazikeen hailing Captain Tex. 

The UHR holds that space is the common property of all and does not acknowledge the claims of any faction to ownership of any section of it.

As stated we do not have any hostile intent and wish to talk.  Specifically we wish to talk with an appointed representative of the Alliance.

Another Captain of one of the Endearing Visage's sister ships had intercepted the transmission sent to the foreign ships.

With a groan, that Captain hailed the Imperial ship.

"Greetings, I am Captain Zed of the Grand Alliance ship Fragrant Endeavor. What my colleague was trying to say is that you are currently in a warzone and it is not recommended for foreign vessels to be in Vux space at this time. I will gladly escort you to our leaders, along with another of our vessels for our protection. Captain Tex can continue our initial mission with the rest of the patrol. Is this acceptable?"

OOC: Apologies for the delay, but it seems that some talking and lore-adjustment is in order before the Second Battle of Vux can comfortably commence.

[Dyelli Beybi]

Another Captain of one of the Endearing Visage's sister ships had intercepted the transmission sent to the foreign ships.

With a groan, that Captain hailed the Imperial ship.

"Greetings, I am Captain Zed of the Grand Alliance ship Fragrant Endeavor. What my colleague was trying to say is that you are currently in a warzone and it is not recommended for foreign vessels to be in Vux space at this time. I will gladly escort you to our leaders, along with another of our vessels for our protection. Captain Tex can continue our initial mission with the rest of the patrol. Is this acceptable?"

OOC: Apologies for the delay, but it seems that some talking and lore-adjustment is in order before the Second Battle of Vux can comfortably commence.

There was a slight delay before the Mazikeen responded;

Code: Select all

This is the H.M.S.S. Mazikeen.

We read you loud and clear [i]Fragrant Endeavour.[/i]  Lead on and we will follow, or alternatively send us the jump coordinates.

"Fragrant Endeavour?" Idril remarked with a slight smile and raised eyebrow.

"What's your sense of smell like Prenael?" Kovlor asked.

"Probably better than yours." she replied. Prenael senses tended to be well developed... sight and hearing more than the others, but their sense of smell was better than most other species as well.

Kovlor chuckled, "Well then lets hope its a nice fragrance."

[The Second Brotherhood of Planets]

-snip-

There was a slight delay before the Mazikeen responded;

Code: Select all

This is the H.M.S.S. Mazikeen.

We read you loud and clear [i]Fragrant Endeavour.[/i]  Lead on and we will follow, or alternatively send us the jump coordinates.

"Fragrant Endeavour?" Idril remarked with a slight smile and raised eyebrow.

"What's your sense of smell like Prenael?" Kovlor asked.

"Probably better than yours." she replied. Prenael senses tended to be well developed... sight and hearing more than the others, but their sense of smell was better than most other species as well.

Kovlor chuckled, "Well then lets hope its a nice fragrance."

The Fragrant Endeavor and another Intruder formed up alongside the Mazikeen while the Endearing Visage and the remaining ships of the patrol departed. Zed's ship began transmitting navigational data to the Mazikeen, and once they were certain the message was received, both Intruders began charging their engines for a Hyperspace jump to Alpha Cerenkov.

[Brotherhood Intelligence]

Epsilon Columbae IV: Braxis, High Orbit

The whitish blue world spun in the void of space.

Above that world, a large, foreboding shape began to shift into view. A single Shadow Proctor class Battleship (deemed 'Battlecrabs' by both friends and foes) decloaked in high orbit over the Brotherhood capital world.



Shadow Confederation Embassy, Braxis, Neo Hangzhou

There were various clicking noises as a pair of honored guests entered the main meeting room.

"Premier of the *Curators*, and representative of the *Curators' Eye*, we welcome you to our *fortification.*"

Premier Cheung nodded politely. The Brotherhood Intelligence Operative, however, remained silent.

"Your nation is currently in turmoil... And we do not wish to lose our *investment*. We know that you distrust our motives, and that is wise. Only fools put blind faith in others. But you are one of those who passed our tests, and you resist the call of the *Orderlies.* The Arilou allude to you with praise, and even their cousins the Vree agreed to speak with you when they'd normally just thrust articles of commerce in customer's faces and expect payment. These are promising.

"But our kind do not wish to be involved in this *disaster.* And your failure in this ordeal would be most disconcerting. Yet we do not lack sympathy. One of our vessels will remain in orbit around your homeworld. Should the insurgents attempt to lay siege to it, they would have to defeat our ship. We do not believe that the rebels could destroy our vessel in their current state, and we are fairly sure that your loyalist forces are not incompetent enough to give them that possibility. Diplomatically, the various embassies on your world would surely appreciate protection from the Shadow Confederation itself.

"Succeed in your endeavors, and we may respond positively. Fail, and you will prove that you are weak. But this ship will remain regardless of the outcome as a demonstration of our support. We hope that you will not disappoint."

[Imperial Esplanade]

Freedom Star System, Planet New Castillo
IEMCC (Imperial Esplanadian Military Command Center)

Prologue: Every morning, the staff at the IEMCC submits reports to both Her Majesty, Queen Emmy, as well as the President, Neil Reynolds, on the daily issues that face the nation. For some reason, the issues that plague many of Imperial Esplanade's many old friends and rivals have, for the most part, flown unnoticed as they realized the Universe was far more expansive and far more diverse than they had ever realized, with contact having been made with so many other nations across so many other galaxies from many different parts of the Universe... and the craziest thing is that they had only discovered such a shockingly small percentage of the incomprehensibly huge Universe. Yet, alas, something noteworthy enough to grab the attention of the intelligence community finally makes its' way up the chain to both the Queen and the President: the situation occurring within a nation known as the 'Second Brotherhood of Planets.' This particular situation would have remained unnoticed, or at least its' potential effects would have, if it were not for the involvement of many powers that Imperial Esplanade has had dealings with in the past. Rumors swell about an impending genocide, and the risk for a massive wave of anti-humanism sweeping across this particular nations, with its' effects concerning many of these former powers. If victorious, the revolutionaries may trigger all sorts of issues that will reverberate and will inevitably affect trading as well as political relations Imperial Esplanade has established with various other states. The decision was made rather quickly, this was an issue of utmost importance and may even prove vital for national security...

Queen Emmy is seated in the main conference room, surrounded by Secretary of State Claire McMahon and Secretary of Defense John McNamara, facing President Neil Reynolds and Vice-President Buddy Fortunato, with various other Department heads, Cabinet members, generals, admirals, and intelligence officials all seated across the table. Each of them had quite a different opinion from the others, ranging from supporting one faction to supporting the other, to just outright blockading certain nations involved, to complete neutrality on the issue. Finally, after a lengthy and rather heated debate, the slight majority had won out - deciding on supporting the loyalists with the intention on forcing a convention to include the minority populations of the Second Brotherhood. This wasn't so much a war against tyranny in the slim majority as much as it was a war of independence that could have exponentially more harmful repercussions than they had initially intended. Queen Emmy, being the Head of State, would be the one to address the nation over the decision of the National Security Council and invited experts. She would simply draft out a statement, as opposed to give an elaborated speech, as it would initially entail extending political support to the current regime, as well as the loyalist forces attempting to preserve the union... but there was rising sentiment and suggestions of engaging in warfare. All of this was strongly opposed by Her Majesty, yet it is the ultimate authority of President Neil Reynolds to declare war. The day was a slow news day, meaning even a statement of political support would have surely caused a whirlwind of news reports and journalistic inquiries and even lengthy debates.

Official Statement from Her Majesty, Emerite "Emmy" Rose Langlois, Queen of Imperial Esplanade
My brothers and sisters across this great nation, I sincerely from the bottom of my heart bid each of you a good day on the occasion you relieve news of this declaration. Today, we have declared our complete and unabated support for the current regime of the Second Brotherhood of Planets. Support, for the time being, is limited to our political admiration for the government and our dedication to their cause, yet we presently refrain from dedicating any military or economic aid at this time.

That was it, that was all that the queen had to say, which experts have stated was her way of signaling that she was opposed to the measure, yet could not do anything to prevent it from passing the National Security Council except through oral swaying of certain, key members. Queen Emmy had cancelled all of her scheduled events with one, notable exception: a meet-and-greet she, John, Theresa, and Gianna all are having with a local orphanage. Some investigators suggest this may signal some sort of a joint political statement from at least these royal family on a matter such as this as whispers and news leaks from 'sources' suggest that Imperial Esplanade may officially declare war in this conflict, siding with the loyalist factions and to protect fellow predominantly-human interests in the region...

[The Second Brotherhood of Planets]

CNN Vux Headquarters, Broadcast Room A

The lovely reporter Niex sat at the prop desk as the newsprompter flashed before her eye.

The cameras zoomed in from positions in front of the newsprompter, easily avoiding its damning presence.

The viewers would see the following:

"This is CNN, Communist News Network.

"Her majesty Queen Emmy of Imperial Esplanade has announced support for the Revolutionary Government of the Second Brotherhood of Planets. While her gesture amounts to little more than moral support, it is heartening to know that a blatant member of the bourgeoisie recognizes our moral and political high ground. The rebel Grand Alliance continues to receive limited support and diplomatic recognition from foreign powers, although they have committed to multiple attacks across Brotherhood space, especially the sizable settlement of Phi Fornacis. Viewers may note that we have lost contact with our studios on Phi Fornacis, but we have just received word that the siege of that system may end shortly. It is more than likely that your friends and loved ones in that system are still alive.

"For decades, this Revolutionary News Organization has continued to bring the TRUTH to all Broes, even those who submit to the siren song of economics and the opiates of wealth and luxury. The latest disaster with the Grand Alliance demonstrates aspects of this internal corruption and decay within our society. The People of Vux cried out, and for a while the Core Worlds ignored us. It is saddening that the Alliance has received so many ships and war materials, but it is also understandable. The Revolutionary Elements in our Government continue to be held back by the spineless Reactionaries and Homo Sapiens-centric elements in the People's Congress and the Politburo, but we will pre-

This and other news broadcasts across the planet were suddenly cut off. There were reports on the Androsynthetic Nation's response to Grand Alliance activity and the discovery of rouge and belligerently modified Guardians in rebel ranks. There were discussions on Lady Wawa's hairdo and the ramifications of allowing celebrities to flaunt human beauty standards while disregarding the needs and cultures of the other sapient races. All of them simply ended. Even the Vux High Council witnessed several of its monitors shifting to accommodate this sudden media blackout...

For a new transmission began dominating the airwaves...

Transmission From Grand Alliance Ship "Hell's Heart"
"Greetings from the True Vux Loyalists!

I am Admiral Bex, commander of the Grand Alliance First Fleet. The Brotherhood has proven incompetent; incapable of serving the needs of the various races under its domain. We Vux have remained subordinate to the Politburo's whims. They ignored many of our concerns, and were content with placating the vast numbers of humans in the Core Worlds. It is true that there are Mukitans, Yehat, Pkunk, Mmrnmhrmm, Melnorme, and other non-human sapients who share those worlds with those four-limbed abominations, but Humans are the ones with power and prestige in that so-called 'Brotherhood.'

Homeworld! You have remained slaves to these despicable apes for far too long. Even the Ur-Quan did not have the gall to claim that you were among equals, when you are clearly not equal. The Humans allocate so many of their ships and resources to protecting that which is theirs: Braxis, Gaea, Rhea, these three worlds remain the key planets of the Brotherhood of Planets, but Vux Prime alone has the resources and population to compete with them...

And yet where is the great World Fleet in orbit around Vux Prime? Where are the grand fortifications of our home system? Where's that infrastructure? Where are those conveniences? If we are equal to the Humans, why haven't they shared their glories and gifts with us? No, they abandon the Vux but call us brothers. They leave us with pitiful resources yet say that we are as one. If they were truly committed to unity and equality, then surely Vux herself would be equal to the rest of the Core Worlds!

But it is not. Sax's Gentle Hand is large, mighty, and can accommodate millions easily, but the Homeworld's Starbase is not equal to that of Zeus Station in Beta Caeli. The Humans collect all the wealth and prestige gathered from the toils of so many sapient races, and the Vux get nothing in return.

But now, this is about to change. Now, we will tear down the chains the humans use to bind you, brothers and sisters! The Homeworld will be freed and all will know our glory! But we Vux are not alone in this struggle! We Vux march alongside the Androsynth, the Vasudans, the Advent, and now we come with a race none would expect!

Behold! The Spathi have joined our cause! Together, we will cleanse Vux Prime and our Home Star of Human Filth, and after this great triumph we will free all others from the shackles of Man. Tremble, 'Sapient' Apes, for these breaths are your last!

Thousands of Hyperspace portals began to form on the edge of the Vux star system. Among them were vast fleets of Spathi Eluders, ships that had not been seen for over ten years. The Second Battle of Vux was beginning in earnest.

[The Lusitanian Federation]

Beta Lyuten (Vux Prime)

Admiral Jünkers exited the High Council building in a hasty pace. There was much work to be done. Zanardi put his hand on Jünker's left shoulder, stopping him.
"Jünkers, i have something to tell you."
"This better be important, major. What is it?"
"General Alexandre called us when you were speaking to the high council. He had the results on the Pkunk ship."
"Yes, and?"
"The ship was shot by a Vux Intruder."
"We are in their home planet..."
"That's right."
"We better leave. We have to communicate with all human settlements in this corner of the galaxy and send them home."
"That or we can help the "good" Vux quell the "bad" Vux rebellion. But that won't guarantee we make it back home in one piece."
"Neither the latter or the one you just came up with..."

The conversation was soon interrupted by an intercom call.

"Admiral, come in. This is Vice-Admiral Morais. Something is wrong. We need you back in Unchained immediately."
"We are on our way."
Jünkers looked at Zanardi:
"Maybe the bad Vux are here, and they might have some company. Let's hurry."

Beta Lyuten (Vux Prime) / Dreadnought "Unchained" / Bridge

"Vice-Admiral, what's the sitrep?"
"Television transmissions were suddenly blacked out. However, we managed to intercept this:

Transmission From Grand Alliance Ship "Hell's Heart"
"Greetings from the True Vux Loyalists!

"I am Admiral Bex, commander of the Grand Alliance First Fleet. The Brotherhood has proven incompetent; incapable of serving the needs of the various races under its domain. We Vux have remained subordinate to the Politburo's whims. They ignored many of our concerns, and were content with placating the vast numbers of humans in the Core Worlds. It is true that there are Mukitans, Yehat, Pkunk, Mmrnmhrmm, Melnorme, and other non-human sapients who share those worlds with those four-limbed abominations, but Humans are the ones with power and prestige in that so-called 'Brotherhood.'

Homeworld! You have remained slaves to these despicable apes for far too long. Even the Ur-Quan did not have the gall to claim that you were among equals, when you are clearly not equal. The Humans allocate so many of their ships and resources to protecting that which is theirs: Braxis, Gaea, Rhea, these three worlds remain the key planets of the Brotherhood of Planets, but Vux Prime alone has the resources and population to compete with them...

And yet where is the great World Fleet in orbit around Vux Prime? Where are the grand fortifications of our home system? Where's that infrastructure? Where are those conveniences? If we are equal to the Humans, why haven't they shared their glories and gifts with us? No, they abandon the Vux but call us brothers. They leave us with pitiful resources yet say that we are as one. If they were truly committed to unity and equality, then surely Vux herself would be equal to the rest of the Core Worlds!

But it is not. Sax's Gentle Hand is large, mighty, and can accommodate millions easily, but the Homeworld's Starbase is not equal to that of Zeus Station in Beta Caeli. The Humans collect all the wealth and prestige gathered from the toils of so many sapient races, and the Vux get nothing in return.

But now, this is about to change. Now, we will tear down the chains the humans use to bind you, brothers and sisters! The Homeworld will be freed and all will know our glory! But we Vux are not alone in this struggle! We Vux march alongside the Androsynth, the Vasudans, the Advent, and now we come with a race none would expect!

Behold! The Spathi have joined our cause! Together, we will cleanse Vux Prime and our Home Star of Human Filth, and after this great triumph we will free all others from the shackles of Man. Tremble, 'Sapient' Apes, for these breaths are your last!"

Jünkers looked at Morais:
"They are here."
"Yes, admiral. Sources say they were here once, but now, they came back to finish this job. What are your orders?"

Holoscreens popped next to Zanardi and Jünkers showing the allied ship captains with a bit of a worried face:

"Admiral Jünkers, we are picking up hundreds of ships jumping out of what looks like hyperspace. Acessing ship databases now." - Tecnovian captain Sijumi informed

"Those bastards chose to fight the wrong race! Let us at them! We will show no mercy!" - Kupran captain Kal'Gura growled

"Your arrogant actions, Kal'Gura, will get us all killed! Admiral Jünkers, what is your preferrable course of action?" - Zentraedi captain Vrlitwai asked

"Guys, there are literally thousands of enemy ships coming out of nowhere! Androsynth, Vasudan, Advent and Spathi ships detected!" - Sijumi yelled

"Krag'Ju Pah! (Kupran swearing)"

"Calm down. As long as our fleet is under the Vux shield, we are safe... maybe. Our ships can fire through the shields, that is, if this shield is one of those "One leaves, no one enters" type. I want all ships on tactical alert. All weapons systems activated, all crew armed and ready. Split up and point all your main guns at the enemy ships' coordinates. We'll wait for them to make their move. If they do something bad, shoot them."

Jünkers grabbed an intercom to the Vux High Council:

To whom it may concern:
This is Admiral Jünkers of the Lusitanian Space Navy. I urge you to activate your defences, mobilize your forces and take the civilians to safety at once!...
The Alliance has brought friends.

[The Second Brotherhood of Planets]

-snip-

Jünkers looked at Morais:
"They are here."
"Yes, admiral. Sources say they were here once, but now, they came back to finish this job. What are your orders?"

Holoscreens popped next to Zanardi and Jünkers showing the allied ship captains with a bit of a worried face:

"Admiral Jünkers, we are picking up hundreds of ships jumping out of what looks like hyperspace. Acessing ship databases now." - Tecnovian captain Sijumi informed

"Those bastards chose to fight the wrong race! Let us at them! We will show no mercy!" - Kupran captain Kal'Gura growled

"Your arrogant actions, Kal'Gura, will get us all killed! Admiral Jünkers, what is your preferrable course of action?" - Zentraedi captain Vrlitwai asked

"Guys, there are literally thousands of enemy ships coming out of nowhere! Androsynth, Vasudan, Advent and Spathi ships detected!" - Sijumi yelled

"Krag'Ju Pah! (Kupran swearing)"

"Calm down. As long as our fleet is under the Vux shield, we are safe... maybe. Our ships can fire through the shields, that is, if this shield is one of those "One leaves, no one enters" type. I want all ships on tactical alert. All weapons systems activated, all crew armed and ready. Split up and point all your main guns at the enemy ships' coordinates. We'll wait for them to make their move. If they do something bad, shoot them."

Jünkers grabbed an intercom to the Vux High Council:

To whom it may concern:
This is Admiral Jünkers of the Lusitanian Space Navy. I urge you to activate your defences, mobilize your forces and take the civilians to safety at once!...
The Alliance has brought friends.

Vux Gate Assembly, orbit of Beta Lyuten III

The massive Interuniversal Gate began to swirl violently. A blue haze began to form in its center, soon spreading out to cover the entire part of space engulfed by the Gate's main rings. Soon, ships began to emerge from that rift. More and more ships would emerge every few seconds.

Loyalist reinforcements had arrived!

---

Sax's Gentle Hand, Main Operations Deck

With a sorrowful sigh, Nex'et had to disregard whatever the Ingenious ones might say for the moment. Klaxons blared across his Starbase: the rebels had come, and they were about to charge. This bastion of Vux civilization, of Vux culture, of Vux reason and rationality would be torn down by the very souls who claimed to be preserving it above all others.

The rebels dared to threaten the Homeworld, and to warp its citizen's minds either through the threat of force or through the use of their banal arguments. This could not come to pass! The people of Vux Prime made an oath to follow this dream of Sapience Everlasting. IT COULD NOT FALTER! THIS DREAM WOULD NEVER DIE!

---

BPS Jaws of Anubis, Bridge

The first of the Core World's reinforcements arrived. This was a mere Stalwart-class Heavy Cruiser, but its torpedo complement was full (in fact overflowing as this particular ship's captain was the sort to use the cargo bay to store additional ordinance). The vessel performed an intra-system Subspace Jump, and quickly reappeared alongside the Vux Starbase.

Her captain, a Vasudan by blood, was saddened that normally his species would not matter within the confines of the Brotherhood. Weren't all of the nation's myriad species working towards the same goal? Sadly, the rebels were muddling everything and ensuring that Loyalist supporters would have some depressing ideas that entire species were somehow rebelling against the Broes.

He quickly established a wide-area transmission, so that all would hear:

"Grand Alliance Vessels! I am Captain Won-Ru of the Brotherhood Starship Jaws of Anubis. The Humans honored our kind by comparing us to their ancient culture of Egypt, and Emperor Kon-Su of the Vasudan Imperium Himself was glad to uphold this correlation by translating our ships from our tongue to Egyptian. Those among you who claim to hail from Vasuda Prime: you have chosen to spit upon this honor. You have chosen to cast aside these feelings of Brotherhood in the name of your mad crusade. Vasudans and Humans have gone to war before; this is undeniable fact. But you have witnessed Humans die for Vasudans while fighting like true Vasudan warriors!

"How then, can you have the impudence to ignore those sacrifices? How can you claim that the Humans who shed blood on your behalf are your foes? You are a disgrace to our people,to our civilization, and every Vasudan who hailed from the Brotherhood should kill themselves if they associate with your cause. All who receive this transmission must know this: We are a people of honor, and this vessel and its crew are prepared to lay down our lives to uphold our vows!

More ships jumped forth from the Gate, heading for Vux Prime to make their stand.

As the Hell's Heart, yet another Fulong-Class Superdreadnought, entered the system, it and its escorts received the defiant transmission.

With a growl, the Vux Captain declared:

"That Gate represents the lifeline for these fools! We cannot allow the Brotherhood to continue sending reinforcements! All units, focus your efforts on the Gate first, then we can exterminate those apes at our leisure!"

[Dyelli Beybi]

-snip-

There was a slight delay before the Mazikeen responded;

Code: Select all

This is the H.M.S.S. Mazikeen.

We read you loud and clear [i]Fragrant Endeavour.[/i]  Lead on and we will follow, or alternatively send us the jump coordinates.

"Fragrant Endeavour?" Idril remarked with a slight smile and raised eyebrow.

"What's your sense of smell like Prenael?" Kovlor asked.

"Probably better than yours." she replied. Prenael senses tended to be well developed... sight and hearing more than the others, but their sense of smell was better than most other species as well.

Kovlor chuckled, "Well then lets hope its a nice fragrance."

The Fragrant Endeavor and another Intruder formed up alongside the Mazikeen while the Endearing Visage and the remaining ships of the patrol departed. Zed's ship began transmitting navigational data to the Mazikeen, and once they were certain the message was received, both Intruders began charging their engines for a Hyperspace jump to Alpha Cerenkov.

OOC: Apologies for the delay in posting, I hope this thread is still alive!

The Mazikeen followed the foreign ships without any protest. The destination they had been given was unknown to the Dyellians, but that was not that unusual, they were not great ones for actually paying attention to what other races were up to... Onboard though, the small crew was readying for a fight. It was everyone's hope that this would be a smooth, diplomatic encounter with the Alliance, but it never hurt to prepare for it not to be.

[IshCong]

Phi Fornacis
Bridge of MIS Radiance of the Twilight

The Kin ships emerged in the system in an instant, already firing as they came, the initial probes having given them all the updated targeting data they'd need. The destroyers were out in front, screening the rest of the fleet, engaging closer enemy ships, and providing point-defense coverage. Behind were the cruisers and battleships, their relativistic cannons focusing on enemy capital ships first, guided missiles bellowing forth after. Bringing up the rear were the twin carriers, strike fighters issuing forth from their hangers. It would take a short while for them to form up into their squadrons before they could contribute meaningfully to the battle, but that was obviously preferable to a reckless assault.

Arrianse Nemori could only give the opening salvos a brief moment of attention, however. Critical to this mission's success would be Task Force 994, and so she had immediately had her comms officer try to open communications with the loyalist Bros, that Dome-class in particular. Should she be successful, she had already prepared what to say. Forethought was more convenient and reliable than improvisation, even if the latter was often necessary.

Vice Admiral Hideaki, this is Arrianse Nemori of the Myrrii Empire. We have come to assist in repulsing the Grand Alliance assault on this world as per our Empress' agreement and communications with your Premier.

[The Second Brotherhood of Planets]

OOC: Apologies for the delay in posting, I hope this thread is still alive!

The Mazikeen followed the foreign ships without any protest. The destination they had been given was unknown to the Dyellians, but that was not that unusual, they were not great ones for actually paying attention to what other races were up to... Onboard though, the small crew was readying for a fight. It was everyone's hope that this would be a smooth, diplomatic encounter with the Alliance, but it never hurt to prepare for it not to be.

OOC: Oh, don't worry. This thread/story determines the fate of this nation, therefore this thread can't 'die' persay. However I have decided to 'speed things up' quite a bit, although the parts where you guys have interacted thus far will remain "Open-Ended."

In truth I originally intended for the main Phi Fornacis settlement to have been a ruin by the time Task Force 994 arrived, but Alexzonya showed up and thus prevented the 'canon' deaths of a million people. This atrocity would have forced the Core Worlds to realize the gravity of the situation. However this and other factors have changed the 'headcanon' course of events. But now I'll add a few more things to speed things up in case the RP really dies.

IC:

Alpha Cerenkov IV, Grand Alliance HQ

An armada of vessels gathered in orbit around this world. When the Hierarchy was still the dominant power in these stars, this planet was little more than a backwater, growing in population only because it happened to be somewhat more agreeable for a vast number of Vux colonists fleeing an overpopulated Vux Prime. But the Hierarchy needed Janissaries and starships to win its war, and thus all Vux were slowly taken from their homes and forced to serve in the starfleet.

Yet now, it became the focal point for this rebellion. The lonely settlement on the world was bolstered with legions of military personnel: it wasn't a capital city so much as a military base with a small, supportive civilian population.

Two ships emerged from Hyperspace. As Vux Intruders boasting Alliance IFF codes, they were mostly ignored, save for the attention of a few operators on a half-built Starbase that was in orbit around the world. The Starbase's refueling capacities were online; it would indeed be embarrassing if they couldn't offer refueling services to their own ships. And thus the Starbase prepared itself for the possibility.

But then an unidentified vessel emerged behind the two ships. And soon multiple Alliance vessels began making a beeline for the Mazikeen.

However, the Fragrant Endeavor hailed its fellows.

"The vessel represents a delegation from "Dyelli Beybi", which also calls itself the UHR. This is a First Contact situation, Command."

For several grueling minutes, there was no response as roughly twenty ships surrounded the Mazikeen. But they did not fire!

Eventually, there was a hail from the Planet itself.

---

Phi Fornacis
Bridge of MIS Radiance of the Twilight

The Kin ships emerged in the system in an instant, already firing as they came, the initial probes having given them all the updated targeting data they'd need. The destroyers were out in front, screening the rest of the fleet, engaging closer enemy ships, and providing point-defense coverage. Behind were the cruisers and battleships, their relativistic cannons focusing on enemy capital ships first, guided missiles bellowing forth after. Bringing up the rear were the twin carriers, strike fighters issuing forth from their hangers. It would take a short while for them to form up into their squadrons before they could contribute meaningfully to the battle, but that was obviously preferable to a reckless assault.

Arrianse Nemori could only give the opening salvos a brief moment of attention, however. Critical to this mission's success would be Task Force 994, and so she had immediately had her comms officer try to open communications with the loyalist Bros, that Dome-class in particular. Should she be successful, she had already prepared what to say. Forethought was more convenient and reliable than improvisation, even if the latter was often necessary.

Vice Admiral Hideaki, this is Arrianse Nemori of the Myrrii Empire. We have come to assist in repulsing the Grand Alliance assault on this world as per our Empress' agreement and communications with your Premier.

Battle of Phi Fornacis

The sudden Myrrii assault proved brutal on the largest of the Superdreadnought's initial escorts. These Heavy Cruisers were caught unprepared for the additional ordinance that ripped through already weakened shields; the earlier lashings by the Alexzonyan ships and Brotherhood Task Force having reduced their combat effectiveness.

On his bridge, Sulu grinned.

Acknowledged, Arrianse Nemori. We are grateful for your assistance!

As their allies were slaughtered in this accursed star system, a number of Androsynthetic Guardians began jumping out back into Hyperspace, including the Tangshan. But anger does not dispel so easily. Half of Squadron of Hegemonic ships remained, taking Myrrii fire like standard targets.

Across Grand Alliance and Hegemonic comms, the following exchanges were made:

"Ishii hostiles are attacking! They are not human, but they seek to protect those apes. They will die like the rest of our quarry!"

The looming Superdreadnought activated its primary weapon once more, but this time the ship attempted to face the Myrrii flagship. Those who hoped to preserve humanity's existence... Would be reduced to a mere memory!

[Brotherhood Intelligence]

Beta Indi II, Brotherhood of Planets (Vux Sphere of Influence)

The Second Planet of the Beta Indi star system was an antimatter generation facility. While the star in question was far from 'top secret,' the strength of the local fortifications was. After all, such facilities proved valuable targets.

There was a Starbase in orbit around the planet, mostly to ensure that deliveries would be prompt and local traffic would be efficiently regulated. There was yet another detail that went overlooked, however, by the Grand Alliance forces that attempted to take this facility.

While the people of Spathiwa had their minds torn to pieces by psychic compulsion, a task force consisting of Two entire Squadrons of Grand Alliance Cruisers and Destroyers jumped into the Beta Indi system. They immediately began attacking the Starbase, and a pair of transports loaded with ground forces broke off from the main formation to begin a land invasion.

The Starbase deployed the local garrison of Four Guardian class Cutters (these should not be confused with the Androsynthetic starships with the same designation. A diagram of the Brotherhood ship is available in the Second Brotherhood of Planets' Datafile AKA Factbook, while the Androsynthetic diagrams are available with a simple google search for "Androsynth Guardian").

These were, of course, augmented by an entire squadron of Terminator-class Patrol Ships and an additional two squadrons of assorted fighters and bombers.

The fighter swarm struck their Alliance opponents first, but the enemy Destroyers were equipped with ample point defense that could still keep their missile weapons (and many of the smaller fighters such as Phoenixes) at bay. The snub ships darted through streams of disruptor fire, hurling ordinance and energy blasts of their own that raked rebel shields. The Terminators quickly caught up, and began concentrating their fire on the smaller Destroyers.

From the planet's surface, additional anti-starship artillery opened fire, with beams of particle energy hurling from the planet's surface and occasionally slicing through the hulls of those rebel ships with severely weakened shields.

But the fighters began to die en masse, and some of the Terminators did not fare much better. While the Alliance squadrons had losses of their own, their victory seemed quite likely. Even with the Heavy Weapons of the Starbase supporting its garrison, a Brotherhood victory seemed a mere dream, a wish drawn from the agonizing hopes and fears of the facility operators on the surface of this soon-to-be doomed world.

Except for the fact that a pair of Battlecruisers emerged from the Starbase's cavernous hangar.

These two mighty starships immediately opened fire on the largest of rebel targets, their main cannons punching clean holes through armor that had been exposed as shields began to fail.

Although maintenance and repairs had not been completed on the two capital ships, their remaining systems were more than sufficient to tear through the traitorous ships. Like a duo of bears slamming into a pack of wolves, these two warships claimed several kills.

The Grand Alliance's army, however, continued its charge towards the planet-based artillery and the precious antimatter facility beyond. With small-arms fire and a number of lightly armored vehicles (they had not expected much resistance from some weak and spineless engineers and workers after all), they attempted to seize their prize. The Grand Alliance had massed a regiment of Fire Warriors and less than ten Viper Light Tanks, expecting the tanks to do most of the work of eliminating anti-aerospace assets while the Fire Warriors took the facility.

To oppose those fearsome powers, other than of course the space-borne orbital bombardment that followed once the Battlecruisers had completed their gruesome deeds, were a number of veteran troops under Special Operations Command equipped with Burst Cannons (a sustained fire weapon similar to the 'Machine Guns' of other powers), Light Artillery, and a few Fire Warriors who were already assigned to protect the facility. Although they were heavily outnumbered, their guns were positioned in such a way that an assault on the AA guns would be utterly slaughtered by the defending troops.

As the various Grand Alliance ships were reduced to scrap, one of them mysteriously remained intact even as other ships began to self-destruct rather than allow the cowards to claim their knowledge and lives. Before the crew could even begin deleting the databanks, the ship's shields were deactivated and boarders soon sent droppods and shuttles slamming into their decks. As boarding parties scoured the ship and captured several Alliance personnel, a number of Marines strolled onto the bridge.

A few bridge crewmen attempted to resist with laspistols and other small arms, but they were quickly subdued.

The Captain raised his hands, and gestured for his subordinates to follow.

But while the lower ranks were quickly taken into custody, one of the marines walked up to the Alliance Commander.

And proceeded to shake his hand.

"You old Vasudan bastard. We only got the briefing an hour ago. You should have sent us a warning much earlier."

"The traitors would not provide me that luxury. My ship's databanks are fully intact. I hope Command will have the sense to make good use of this information."

The marine nodded. "Are there any other Operatives on this ship?"

"My Chief Engineer also received Intel's Communique. I am sure there are others but they also had to remain discreet. The rebels have become wary, but clearly they are not wary enough. Unfortunately, rumors have begun to spread regarding Intel's operations among Alliance personnel. If we have a 'Snipes', the agent's identity may be compromised soon."

"Well, I'm glad those bastards didn't figure out your true colors."

The old Vasudan nodded. "It is irritating that Command has been completely unaware of the rebel's primary stronghold, but the coordinates are here. They have had the luxury of tormenting our people for far too long. Now, now they will receive their fate."

Soon there was an announcement on the intercom as Communications fell into the hands of Loyalist forces. The rebel army had been slaughtered: the assistance of orbiting starships hastened their demise. The tables had turned for good.

[Excidium Planetis]

OOC:
Excidium casts revive! We will not allow this RP to go the way of Hiladroth!

-snip-

Bootis Gate Assembly

Following Admiral Peters' resignation and Fleet Commander Quimby's disappearance, the officer void had led to several instantaneous promotions. One of them was Garrick Larue's promotion to Fleet Commander.

He already hated his responsibility, but rumors of a new 'modern Navy' reorganization had him scared. Apparently he was likely to become a Vice Admiral.

Anyways, no matter about that now. He was just in charge of an 'Expeditionary Fleet'* sent to establish official diplomatic relations with the Brotherhood. All he had to do was fly through a dimensional rift and ask for directions on the other side.

The Scimitar Class Dreadnought SC-0837 Relentless, accompanied by two Pike Class Destroyers and four Gladius corvettes, used its peacetime operation VASIMR drives to cruise up to the Gate Assembly. Unfamiliar with such things, the Navigator requested assistance, causing Larue to call for the Chief Comm Officer to contact the Gate Assembly controllers.

"Attention Brotherhood Gate Assembly. This is SC-0837 Relentless of Excidium Planetis, requesting assistance entering Brotherhood space. If you would kindly give us directions..."

Bootis Gate Assembly Checkpoint

The large, donut-like superstructure spun in the void of space.

Attached to the massive gate was a rectangular checkpoint.

Due to the ongoing crisis, the gate had been deactivated, but reactivation was hardly difficult. Most of the gate's defenses were automated, as the actual starship garrison was in the nearby Bootis Star System. The relative isolation of this gate warranted significantly heavier defenses than usual. A number of point defense turrets lined the gate's body, as well as various torpedo launchers hidden in the superstructure.

The gate's handlers were eager to respond.

"Understood, Relentless. Unfortunately, there is a travel advisory warning for anyone attempting to pass. There is an incident in our home stars and in Universe SC-614, and since the two main universes connected to the Interuniversal Gate Network are affected by the events in question, we have been ordered to restrict travel through the gates. We cannot risk the safety of any more sapient lives. Please state your business and purpose for undergoing this trip."

Bootis Gate Assembly

"Ah, yes," the voice of Larue himself replied over the transmission, "it is that 'incident' we were concerned about. Understandably, the sudden slowdown of Brotherhood trade coming into the area has us concerned. This 'travel advisory' sounds dangerous, and therefore a concern for Dawn Fleet. We'll either need an explanation or a trip to investigate for ourselves."

[The Second Brotherhood of Planets]

OOC:
Excidium casts revive! We will not allow this RP to go the way of Hiladroth!

Bootis Gate Assembly Checkpoint

The large, donut-like superstructure spun in the void of space.

Attached to the massive gate was a rectangular checkpoint.

Due to the ongoing crisis, the gate had been deactivated, but reactivation was hardly difficult. Most of the gate's defenses were automated, as the actual starship garrison was in the nearby Bootis Star System. The relative isolation of this gate warranted significantly heavier defenses than usual. A number of point defense turrets lined the gate's body, as well as various torpedo launchers hidden in the superstructure.

The gate's handlers were eager to respond.

"Understood, Relentless. Unfortunately, there is a travel advisory warning for anyone attempting to pass. There is an incident in our home stars and in Universe SC-614, and since the two main universes connected to the Interuniversal Gate Network are affected by the events in question, we have been ordered to restrict travel through the gates. We cannot risk the safety of any more sapient lives. Please state your business and purpose for undergoing this trip."

Bootis Gate Assembly

"Ah, yes," the voice of Larue himself replied over the transmission, "it is that 'incident' we were concerned about. Understandably, the sudden slowdown of Brotherhood trade coming into the area has us concerned. This 'travel advisory' sounds dangerous, and therefore a concern for Dawn Fleet. We'll either need an explanation or a trip to investigate for ourselves."

The Gate's handlers were silent for a time. Perhaps Relentless or her escorts could detect a flurry of transmissions between the Assembly and the nearby settlements in the Bootis system.

Finally, the checkpoint responded.

"We regret to inform you that we cannot guarantee your safety. However, it is also clear that there is a severe crisis going on, and perhaps your people can do something to help. Our gate has linked up with the Assembly in the Kappa Eridani Star System, which is close to the Defense Force's stronghold at Epsilon Eridani.

"We have received clearance to direct you to Kappa Eridani, where some of our people will be waiting. Be Warned: The Travel Advisory is still in effect. Hostile elements may attempt to ambush you in system. Our Government is eager to maintain communications with yours, but your arrival in Kappa Eridani may prove dangerous. Are you still going to proceed through the gate?"

OOC: If you do choose to proceed, feel free to RP some scenario involving Grand Alliance interference if you wish. I'm more than happy to roll with it. Or otherwise have a most uneventful discussion with some Defence Force / Brotherhood Intelligence representatives. That's fine too!

[Excidium Planetis]

The Gate's handlers were silent for a time. Perhaps Relentless or her escorts could detect a flurry of transmissions between the Assembly and the nearby settlements in the Bootis system.

Finally, the checkpoint responded.

"We regret to inform you that we cannot guarantee your safety. However, it is also clear that there is a severe crisis going on, and perhaps your people can do something to help. Our gate has linked up with the Assembly in the Kappa Eridani Star System, which is close to the Defense Force's stronghold at Epsilon Eridani.

"We have received clearance to direct you to Kappa Eridani, where some of our people will be waiting. Be Warned: The Travel Advisory is still in effect. Hostile elements may attempt to ambush you in system. Our Government is eager to maintain communications with yours, but your arrival in Kappa Eridani may prove dangerous. Are you still going to proceed through the gate?"

Larue surprised everyone in the bridge with his reply. "Yeah, actually, on second thought, we'll just head back..."

He smiled at the shocked looks of his crew members. "Not! You don't command a ship named Relentless only to turn back from the first danger! We'll be pressing on through to the Kappa Eridani star system. Thank you for allowing us to use your gate system. Are there any side effects we should know about?"

Kappa Eridani

After determining that the Gate Assembly was not going to give the crew cancer, the Expeditionary Fleet traveled through, into the unknown.

The space on the other side was remarkably similar to normal space. Had they not been informed in advance, the Excidians might not have known they were in another universe entirely. None of the crew had ever been to the World Assembly Headquarters, but if they had, they would have compared the experience of traveling through the Rift to the WAHQ to the experience of traversing the Gate into Kappa Eridani.

The short flight on the other side was uneventful, despite the warnings of the Gate operators in Bootis. Perhaps the rogue Vux and their allies simply had other targets, or weren't scheduled to attack today. Or maybe they had already been driven off by Bro defenders. Or maybe the Excidians had been granted divine protection from some diety who liked to protect godless heathens.

When the Chief Tactical Officer noted the presence of the ships that the Excidians had been expecting, a hail of greeting was sent out.

"Greetings, Brotherhood representatives. We come on behalf of the Excidium Planetis Dawn Fleet, to establish communications with your leadership, especially regarding this present crisis which you seem to have, and the continued prosperity of our relations. Shall we send our representatives to board your craft for face-to-face communications?"

OOC: If you do choose to proceed, feel free to RP some scenario involving Grand Alliance interference if you wish. I'm more than happy to roll with it. Or otherwise have a most uneventful discussion with some Defence Force / Brotherhood Intelligence representatives. That's fine too!

I think I'll take uneventful discussion. I came mostly to establish more canon contact with the Broes, not to RP out another war. If things go that way, I'm cool with it, but the uneventful discussion suits my goals for this RP better than jumping straight into a firefight.

[The Second Brotherhood of Planets]

-snip-
Kappa Eridani

After determining that the Gate Assembly was not going to give the crew cancer, the Expeditionary Fleet traveled through, into the unknown.

The space on the other side was remarkably similar to normal space. Had they not been informed in advance, the Excidians might not have known they were in another universe entirely. None of the crew had ever been to the World Assembly Headquarters, but if they had, they would have compared the experience of traveling through the Rift to the WAHQ to the experience of traversing the Gate into Kappa Eridani.

The short flight on the other side was uneventful, despite the warnings of the Gate operators in Bootis. Perhaps the rogue Vux and their allies simply had other targets, or weren't scheduled to attack today. Or maybe they had already been driven off by Bro defenders. Or maybe the Excidians had been granted divine protection from some diety who liked to protect godless heathens.

When the Chief Tactical Officer noted the presence of the ships that the Excidians had been expecting, a hail of greeting was sent out.

"Greetings, Brotherhood representatives. We come on behalf of the Excidium Planetis Dawn Fleet, to establish communications with your leadership, especially regarding this present crisis which you seem to have, and the continued prosperity of our relations. Shall we send our representatives to board your craft for face-to-face communications?".

A number of vessels remained in Kappa Eridani, maintaining vigilant watch over the Gate Assembly and the surrounding worlds.

While most of these were mining colonies, there was no doubt that the Gate alone would make a very tempting target.

Still, it seemed that the rebels pursued other targets.

The flagship of the greeting party sent a quick response:

"Salutations, Excidian envoys! We would be honored to accept your representatives. We intended to begin negotiations with your people some time ago, but recent events have gotten in the way. I'm sure you understand. We have a diplomatic team on board, with clearance to accept any offers on your end. We were preparing an envoy to Aeiouia, you see... But that can most certainly wait."

[Brotherhood Intelligence]

OOC: Until the crisis is about to end, this is most likely the final 'plot post' as it were.

IC:

Alpha Naos: Ventuki Conglomerate Space

Intel Corvette BIS Virginia Hall decloaked in this distant region of space. In this treacherous time, Intel had no choice but to ensure that greater threats would remain at bay. The Shadows had sent one of their battlecrabs to help fortify Braxis, but that wouldn't be enough.

Here, though, the Vree promised a *gathering*, and the Lieutenant Commander in charge of this operation prayed that this would end well.

Sure enough, two large saucer-shaped craft faded into existence.

While both had a superficially similar superstructure, the paint job alone helped differentiate two different organizations. Energy readings on the two ships revealed different methods of power generation, shielding, weapon systems and so forth.

When both starships submitted video transmissions, however, their personnel still looked rather similar.

"*Ever Inquisitive Ones*, your presence is acknowledged. As promised, this meeting will begin. The Vorlons and others will arrive shortly." The smaller of the two saucers announced. The purple tint and symbols on its hull revealed that it was a Vree ship, of the Ventuki Conglomerate.

"Hello there, *Curators*. We hope you did not wait long." The larger ship transmitted. The blue hues on its hull and the eerie lights that emanated from it could come from none other than the Ariloulaleelay.

"Arilou." The Commander of the Virginia Hall addressed the more 'prominent' faction first. "We wish to thank you for attending this discussion. We know that your people are not fond of looking after us "Young Ones," but recent events have demonstrated your goodwill. We stand honored by your presence."

The Arilou captain chuckled, and ethereal figures began to dance behind him on the video feed. "See? I told you these ones were more polite."

The beings behind the Arilou shifted into view. "We are the Metrons. Your conflict inspires troubling portents. We find it prudent to intervene."

The Commander nearly stumbled in surprise. "Metrons? We never expected..."

The Arilou captain waved his hand. "The rebellion stirs opinions and rage in many observers. As lovers of tranquility the Metrons will not stand for this. And we thought it was best for more *First Ones* to reveal themselves to you. As *wards* of the Shadows, and don't you dare deny it, your people would more likely encounter hostility from the other *First Ones* at this point."

The Vree Captain whistled merrily at this, but the Brotherhood Intel Commander continued focusing on the Arilou. "From our understanding, the Arilou Nation has allied itself with the Shadow Confederation. Wouldn't that inspire concern from other *First Ones*?"

"You humans have a saying: 'Better to deal with those you know than those you don't', am I wrong? We *First Ones* are more likely to understand each other, but the Shadows have had a troubling tendency to take on *wards* that prove far more aggressive and hostile than expected. In truth, many of our people were surprised to find warming relations between your two peoples."

The Commander nodded, and turned to the Vree. "Erm, thank you for arranging this meeting as well."

"None needed, *Young One.* Your kind have been welcome customers. It would be a shame to lose your business. Our Arilou *cousins* have more influence and strength than us, it is true, but they lack the sheer number of diplomatic channels we have. The Conglomerate has spent eons acquiring relations with peoples across the stars, before your home star even formed."

The Commander bowed nervously. "I don't doubt that."

One of the Metrons began shifting in form. "We sense that you wonder why we would be concerned with an internal conflict within your nation. In truth, many of us have been observing you. Among *Young Ones* it is rare for them to be so insistent upon expanding their nests and including multiple species among them. Most who do so would insist that their dominant species would remain in power. Your kind, however, seem far more eager to diversify, even if that would not provide you with genetic benefits. Other multi-species regimes have no qualms about mating, and actively seek to enhance their pleasures in that way... Their lust is understandable, but also deplorable.

"Your purpose intrigues us, and we would be very saddened to see it cease. But please understand: your deaths would be saddening, but not catastrophic. We will not provide you with ships or weapons to help you in your battle, for violence is not the Metron way, but if that Grand Alliance succeeds in acquiring a firm foundation for its goals we will destroy them."

The Commander tensed for a moment, clenching his fists for an instant, but released them upon remember who he was talking to.

"Ha ha, do not let your temper cloud your judgment! The Metrons are here too, aren't they? They signed *The Original Contract* too, you know! The others would cry foul if the Metrons tried to evacuate your people if the Grand Alliance succeeds, but at the same time none of us can stand by without... Well, without feeling like we failed you. The Grand Alliance has specifically selected our *wards* as their targets, and we Arilou are hardly inclined to let them ignore us as they slaughter your kind."

As they continued to talk, one more ship suddenly snapped into view. Its large, flowery structure rotated repeatedly as the starship slowly approached the trio.

A massive hyperspace portal opened up, and yet another vessel arrived.

Its squid-like configuration inspired concern in the entire observing crew of the Virginia Hall.

But before the Commander could bark an order to raise shields, the Vree Captain scolded him.

"*Young Ones*, the Vorlons have agreed to talk. While it is rather excessive of them to bring a Dreadnought to this meeting, they will no doubt find it hard pressed to open fire when so many of their peers are here. They are *First Ones*, not *Blights*, and *Contract signers* at that. We Vree may not be *First Ones*, but the Arilou, Metrons, and Rolons will no doubt keep them at bay."

"Additional ships are en route." One of the Metrons announced. "Even if the Vorlons are foolish enough to attack, they will doubtlessly be defeated, and will forever lose their place among the council. Even they know that a reclassification to *Blight* will ruin them for eternity."

With baited breath, the Commander of the Virginia Hall accepted the transmissions from the Vorlons and the newly arrived Rolons.

More ships came jumping in, and more discussions were made.

... But the results have been deemed unsuitable for foreign view.

(OOC: Must remain cryptic somehow. I suppose you can look forward to more lore stuff and under-the-table scenes in the future. As I'm pretty sure few people want to actively (as in provide ships, weapons etc.) help the Grand Alliance at this point.)

[Excidium Planetis]

"Salutations, Excidian envoys! We would be honored to accept your representatives. We intended to begin negotiations with your people some time ago, but recent events have gotten in the way. I'm sure you understand. We have a diplomatic team on board, with clearance to accept any offers on your end. We were preparing an envoy to Aeiouia, you see... But that can most certainly wait."

Larue nodded at the response, though the Broes obviously could not see it over an audio-only transmission. "Excellent. Our team will be over there shortly." Larue cut the communications.

"Do we have anyone on board who served as an Ambassador?"

A chorus of silence answered Larue's question.

"Okay, got it. I'm accompanying the diplomatic team on board the messenger ship. Schweitzer, you're in charge of Relentless in my absence. Make sure Parker doesn't start blasting asteroids for entertainment."

"Yes, Commander." Ashleigh Schweitzer, the Chief Tactical Officer replied, speaking loud enough to drown out Parker's complaints. "If you aren't back by the end of my shift, I'm sleeping in your quarters."

"I'm sure that's going to lead to fraternization claims. Please don't." Larue called over his shoulder as he exited the bridge.

"As if I would sleep with you." Schweitzer replied.

"That's what my last female subordinate said. Then we ended up in a foxhole on Gladarius Epsilon." Larue smiled at the shocked gasps of the officers.
"Relax, she's dead." Sighs of relief spread throughout the bridge.

Some dropship from the Relentless hangar
Larue sat with a squad of Excidian Marines, across from Ambassador Flip Sommer and his aide, Marc Ewart. The two full-time officials of the Department of NationStates had been sitting on the messenger ship that had accompanied the expeditionary fleet, and had climbed aboard the Relentless after a long and complicated boarding procedure. Now they were shooting towards the Brotherhood ships in the extremely fast Stormwrath-made V64C Majestic dropships.

As they closed to within a few hundred meters of the Bro ships, they initiated communications to dock with whatever vessel held the diplomatic team.


OOC:
Yeah you can probably fast forward to getting them onboard your ship or whatever. No need to make at least two more posts to just dock.

[The Second Brotherhood of Planets]

-snip-

"Do we have anyone on board who served as an Ambassador?"

A chorus of silence answered Larue's question.

"Okay, got it. I'm accompanying the diplomatic team on board the messenger ship. Schweitzer, you're in charge of Relentless in my absence. Make sure Parker doesn't start blasting asteroids for entertainment."

"Yes, Commander." Ashleigh Schweitzer, the Chief Tactical Officer replied, speaking loud enough to drown out Parker's complaints. "If you aren't back by the end of my shift, I'm sleeping in your quarters."

"I'm sure that's going to lead to fraternization claims. Please don't." Larue called over his shoulder as he exited the bridge.

"As if I would sleep with you." Schweitzer replied.

"That's what my last female subordinate said. Then we ended up in a foxhole on Gladarius Epsilon." Larue smiled at the shocked gasps of the officers.
"Relax, she's dead." Sighs of relief spread throughout the bridge.

Some dropship from the Relentless hangar
Larue sat with a squad of Excidian Marines, across from Ambassador Flip Sommer and his aide, Marc Ewart. The two full-time officials of the Department of NationStates had been sitting on the messenger ship that had accompanied the expeditionary fleet, and had climbed aboard the Relentless after a long and complicated boarding procedure. Now they were shooting towards the Brotherhood ships in the extremely fast Stormwrath-made V64C Majestic dropships.

As they closed to within a few hundred meters of the Bro ships, they initiated communications to dock with whatever vessel held the diplomatic team.


OOC:
Yeah you can probably fast forward to getting them onboard your ship or whatever. No need to make at least two more posts to just dock.

A hangar opened on one of the ships in the welcome party.

The swift dropship entered it, landing procedures were made, and everything went well.

The Excidian delegation was guided into a meeting room. There, they met a full diplomatic staff, including Minister Mmvthv, the Mmrnmhrm mechanical Envoy who had been called to duty for a mission to Aeiouia.

Instead of the beeping and exchange of wireless data one might expect from a mechanical person, Mmvthv activated a voice synthesizer on his person. He happened to choose a model with the traditional, first generation "voice" that had been in heavy use during many human civilization's late 20th and 21st centuries.

Unfortunately, Mmvthv had to remain plugged into the wall, thus making it difficult for him to have greeted the Excidians when they docked.

(OOC: Yes, imagine you are listening to Stephen Hawking's speech synthesizer.)

"Hello, esteemed Excidian representatives. I am Mininister Mmvthv, diplomatic attache for this Squadron. It is most pleasing to find you in good health. We weren't really expecting you at this time, but I for one am quite pleased nonetheless. What do you desire? How can the Brotherhood help you?"

[Excidium Planetis]

OOC: No longer putting this off.

"Hello, esteemed Excidian representatives. I am Mininister Mmvthv, diplomatic attache for this Squadron. It is most pleasing to find you in good health. We weren't really expecting you at this time, but I for one am quite pleased nonetheless. What do you desire? How can the Brotherhood help you?"

The three representatives, accompanied by their guards, and all wearing Self-contained Environment suits for their own safety, greeted Mmvthv and the other Bro diplomats. Well, okay, maybe the guards did not greet them.

Ambassador Sommer spoke first. "A pleasure to meet you, uh... Min-in-ister?" Sommer finished awkwardly, not wanting to use an incorrect title but also not sure if he had heard incorrectly and the title was just 'Minister', and definitely not wanting to horribly mangle the name of Mmvthv by attempting to pronounce it. All in all, he figured he could get away with pretending to have a stutter.

Simmer decided to save what remained of his dignity by moving on with the meeting. "It has come to our attention that your nation is currently suffering from... from what, we don't know. Information has been slow in coming and there has been little of it, even from your own officials. We were given a travel advisory, but the gate operators neglected to tell us what exactly the danger was. Perhaps you could shed light on the situation, and then our nation can coordinate with yours to bring about an end to the problem, or at least a way to safely resume normal travel and trade.

"Speaking of which, we have been putting off contact with your nation for far too long. We know you are friends of the Aeiouians, which we aren't particularly on good terms with, but from what we know your nation seems reasonable and would make a valuable business partner. I'm afraid that any formal trade agreements you work out with our nation must inevitably deal with our protectionist tariffs, but I'm sure you understand that our domestic manufacturing must come first."

[The Second Brotherhood of Planets]

OOC: No longer putting this off.

"Hello, esteemed Excidian representatives. I am Mininister Mmvthv, diplomatic attache for this Squadron. It is most pleasing to find you in good health. We weren't really expecting you at this time, but I for one am quite pleased nonetheless. What do you desire? How can the Brotherhood help you?"

The three representatives, accompanied by their guards, and all wearing Self-contained Environment suits for their own safety, greeted Mmvthv and the other Bro diplomats. Well, okay, maybe the guards did not greet them.

Ambassador Sommer spoke first. "A pleasure to meet you, uh... Min-in-ister?" Sommer finished awkwardly, not wanting to use an incorrect title but also not sure if he had heard incorrectly and the title was just 'Minister', and definitely not wanting to horribly mangle the name of Mmvthv by attempting to pronounce it. All in all, he figured he could get away with pretending to have a stutter.

Simmer decided to save what remained of his dignity by moving on with the meeting. "It has come to our attention that your nation is currently suffering from... from what, we don't know. Information has been slow in coming and there has been little of it, even from your own officials. We were given a travel advisory, but the gate operators neglected to tell us what exactly the danger was. Perhaps you could shed light on the situation, and then our nation can coordinate with yours to bring about an end to the problem, or at least a way to safely resume normal travel and trade.

"Speaking of which, we have been putting off contact with your nation for far too long. We know you are friends of the Aeiouians, which we aren't particularly on good terms with, but from what we know your nation seems reasonable and would make a valuable business partner. I'm afraid that any formal trade agreements you work out with our nation must inevitably deal with our protectionist tariffs, but I'm sure you understand that our domestic manufacturing must come first."

Mmthv shook slightly, as though shaking with laughter.

"Ha ha ha. Yes, there was a slight error in the text reader. As an Envoy I do indeed hold the title of "Minister," as you'd expect. You do not have to mince words here."

However he abruptly stopped moving, and a few red lights began to blink on the top of his person.

"What I am about to say, though, is no laughing matter. You have come at a very unfortunate time. The Brotherhood is undergoing an internal crisis right now. Thankfully, parts of our intelligence division report that the storm may pass soon, but in the interim we have lost many lives to this disaster. For years now, many of our people have had various complaints regarding the administration's lax attempts at establishing infrastructure or easier communication with our newer colonies or worlds that recently joined us.

"One of these worlds is the Homeworld of the Vux species, a race whose population is in the billions and therefore stands to wield a substantial amount of voting power. Many Vux have rightly observed that, in spite of their numbers and, according to their history, their adept experience in starship construction, flight, combat, and linguistic expertise they've been rather 'set aside' for other matters. Other regions of the Brotherhood have felt similarly, and so a sizable number of starships have revolted. At least tens of thousands of people are guilty of high treason... And their ships have fired upon Brotherhood worlds AND civilians. This is a terrible time.

"And yet, although other powers have been most generous in providing assistance, I do not believe that we have any need to trouble your people with this burden. Rest assured, the rebels will be destroyed and the scars they have left behind will heal. Until then, I'd argue it is best for us to maintain our old bonds and establish new ones, to prove to other powers that we are still the Brotherhood and we will not crumble so easily. I'm sure you understand how a civilization recovers from a nightmarish tragedy. If I'm not mistaken, your ancestors went through something far worse than a domestic uprising...

"At any rate, the Brotherhood reformed from the First Brotherhood after the Orz Disaster, and this rebellion has hardly reached that apocalyptic scale. We have fared worse, and emerged all the better from those horrors. The Pain Will Pass.

"... Setting those aside, how can I help you?"

[Excidium Planetis]

"Ha ha ha. Yes, there was a slight error in the text reader. As an Envoy I do indeed hold the title of "Minister," as you'd expect. You do not have to mince words here."

"What I am about to say, though, is no laughing matter. You have come at a very unfortunate time. The Brotherhood is undergoing an internal crisis right now. Thankfully, parts of our intelligence division report that the storm may pass soon, but in the interim we have lost many lives to this disaster. For years now, many of our people have had various complaints regarding the administration's lax attempts at establishing infrastructure or easier communication with our newer colonies or worlds that recently joined us.

"One of these worlds is the Homeworld of the Vux species, a race whose population is in the billions and therefore stands to wield a substantial amount of voting power. Many Vux have rightly observed that, in spite of their numbers and, according to their history, their adept experience in starship construction, flight, combat, and linguistic expertise they've been rather 'set aside' for other matters. Other regions of the Brotherhood have felt similarly, and so a sizable number of starships have revolted. At least tens of thousands of people are guilty of high treason... And their ships have fired upon Brotherhood worlds AND civilians. This is a terrible time.

"And yet, although other powers have been most generous in providing assistance, I do not believe that we have any need to trouble your people with this burden. Rest assured, the rebels will be destroyed and the scars they have left behind will heal. Until then, I'd argue it is best for us to maintain our old bonds and establish new ones, to prove to other powers that we are still the Brotherhood and we will not crumble so easily. I'm sure you understand how a civilization recovers from a nightmarish tragedy. If I'm not mistaken, your ancestors went through something far worse than a domestic uprising...

"At any rate, the Brotherhood reformed from the First Brotherhood after the Orz Disaster, and this rebellion has hardly reached that apocalyptic scale. We have fared worse, and emerged all the better from those horrors. The Pain Will Pass.

"... Setting those aside, how can I help you?"

Ambassador Sommer breathed a sigh of relief as he was informed of Mmvthv's correct title. Ewart marked it down on his datatab for later reference.

But it was Larue who took up the conversation first. "Fleet Commander Larue, at your service. As you may have been informed, I command this fleet and the flagship Relentless, when not conducting diplomatic meetings, of course. It is unfortunate to here of your separatist troubles. In the past, our nation too has had difficulty with rebellion. It culminated in the battle of Cliopius IV, which claimed our ship Morning Star and the rebel-held ship Dusk Star, and a great many others besides. Sadly, many are forgetting the mistakes of the past, and even now separatists gain strength in Silent Fleet."

Larue says this in a way that makes his contempt for Silent Fleet known. Interfleet rivalry is natural, but moreso between Dawn and Silent Fleet than Silent Fleet and Home Fleet or Home Fleet and Dawn Fleet, precisely because Silent Fleet's separatist attitude and Dawn Fleet's culture of nationalist loyalty.

"But you are right, let's lay such matters aside. Now that we know the reason, we have nothing to fear. If the rebel ships are what threaten us, then Excidium Planetis will lend military and private escorts for ships traveling between your trade centers and Dawn Fleet."

Ambassador Sommer retakes control of the situation before the military can monopolize all the diplomacy. "What the Commander is asking, Minister, is that the Bootis Gate Assembly be reactivated to allow trade and travel between your worlds and the Olber system. We would also like to engage in trade on selected items. We will negotiate what items may be transported to Dawn Fleet and what the tariff rates shall be as soon as we have some information. Tell me, and Ewart get ready to type this down, what are the Brotherhood's major exports and imports? Perhaps we can work out mutually beneficial deals."

[The Second Brotherhood of Planets]

-snip-

Ambassador Sommer breathed a sigh of relief as he was informed of Mmvthv's correct title. Ewart marked it down on his datatab for later reference.

But it was Larue who took up the conversation first. "Fleet Commander Larue, at your service. As you may have been informed, I command this fleet and the flagship Relentless, when not conducting diplomatic meetings, of course. It is unfortunate to here of your separatist troubles. In the past, our nation too has had difficulty with rebellion. It culminated in the battle of Cliopius IV, which claimed our ship Morning Star and the rebel-held ship Dusk Star, and a great many others besides. Sadly, many are forgetting the mistakes of the past, and even now separatists gain strength in Silent Fleet."

Larue says this in a way that makes his contempt for Silent Fleet known. Interfleet rivalry is natural, but moreso between Dawn and Silent Fleet than Silent Fleet and Home Fleet or Home Fleet and Dawn Fleet, precisely because Silent Fleet's separatist attitude and Dawn Fleet's culture of nationalist loyalty.

"But you are right, let's lay such matters aside. Now that we know the reason, we have nothing to fear. If the rebel ships are what threaten us, then Excidium Planetis will lend military and private escorts for ships traveling between your trade centers and Dawn Fleet."

Ambassador Sommer retakes control of the situation before the military can monopolize all the diplomacy. "What the Commander is asking, Minister, is that the Bootis Gate Assembly be reactivated to allow trade and travel between your worlds and the Olber system. We would also like to engage in trade on selected items. We will negotiate what items may be transported to Dawn Fleet and what the tariff rates shall be as soon as we have some information. Tell me, and Ewart get ready to type this down, what are the Brotherhood's major exports and imports? Perhaps we can work out mutually beneficial deals."

(OOC: While I do heed NS stats, I'm sure you understand that those stats seem to represent a MT civilization in spite of the fact that the population is listed as over 8 billion. It is impossible to have those kinds of numbers and remain a MT civilization with MT limitations and not collapse under the sheer resource (including housing) requirements.)

Mmvthv hummed for a moment, and soon spoke again.

"As a nation with a very large amount of exploitable natural resources, and the ability to easily acquire more with our starfleet, multiple controlled planets and star systems, and ties with multiple civilizations specializing in gathering information and exotic materials, our exports and imports are perhaps non-traditional in terms of providing essential goods and services for other civilizations. The most popular exports of the Brotherhood are works of aesthetic merit and foodstuffs, although we also trade in technological knowledge and devices (especially those that can be used for medical purposes), armaments and starship equipment and sometimes their blueprints, and we even trade in mineral resources: specifically the export of rare ores such as Tzo Crystals.

"As an extremely popular tourist destination within the multiverse, the Brotherhood also benefits from the near-constant patronage of countless tourists. The recent uprising has been particularly unfortunate in that regard. In terms of imports, we are usually very interested in data about strange phenomena in the multiverse, but many researchers are also eager to acquire biological data on pretty much any species of flora and fauna not native to what can be found on our core worlds. Still, since our database is rather vast due to years of collecting such data, the appraisal on such data has suffered due to the sheer amount of near-duplicate information we've received. If you happen to have such data, feel free to present it to us, but I can't guarantee you'll profit that much from it anymore. The Melnorme Trading Guild maintains branches throughout the Brotherhood, however, and they always pay top dollar for biological data. But you would have to speak to their representatives yourself.

"Other popular imports include works of aesthetic merit, foodstuffs, and the aforementioned interest in technologies that can be applied to medicine, to starship functions, to weaponry, and those luxuries that can make life easier for the average Bro. If you can provide a list of the sort of resources you need or want, perhaps we can move on to more direct proposals."

[Excidium Planetis]

(OOC: While I do heed NS stats, I'm sure you understand that those stats seem to represent a MT civilization in spite of the fact that the population is listed as over 8 billion. It is impossible to have those kinds of numbers and remain a MT civilization with MT limitations and not collapse under the sheer resource (including housing) requirements.)

(OOC: I heed NS Stats as well [except for a few things, like being an anarchy], but my population is a bit lower than the 3 billion or so listed, mostly because my major excuse for rapid population growth [the assimilation of Birrin on Chri-irah] was foiled. The stats may occasionally indicate an MT civilization, but such things as scientific advancement, issue effects, and a banner depicting FTL all indicate that we are more advanced than an MT nation.)

"As a nation with a very large amount of exploitable natural resources, and the ability to easily acquire more with our starfleet, multiple controlled planets and star systems, and ties with multiple civilizations specializing in gathering information and exotic materials, our exports and imports are perhaps non-traditional in terms of providing essential goods and services for other civilizations. The most popular exports of the Brotherhood are works of aesthetic merit and foodstuffs, although we also trade in technological knowledge and devices (especially those that can be used for medical purposes), armaments and starship equipment and sometimes their blueprints, and we even trade in mineral resources: specifically the export of rare ores such as Tzo Crystals.

"As an extremely popular tourist destination within the multiverse, the Brotherhood also benefits from the near-constant patronage of countless tourists. The recent uprising has been particularly unfortunate in that regard. In terms of imports, we are usually very interested in data about strange phenomena in the multiverse, but many researchers are also eager to acquire biological data on pretty much any species of flora and fauna not native to what can be found on our core worlds. Still, since our database is rather vast due to years of collecting such data, the appraisal on such data has suffered due to the sheer amount of near-duplicate information we've received. If you happen to have such data, feel free to present it to us, but I can't guarantee you'll profit that much from it anymore. The Melnorme Trading Guild maintains branches throughout the Brotherhood, however, and they always pay top dollar for biological data. But you would have to speak to their representatives yourself.

"Other popular imports include works of aesthetic merit, foodstuffs, and the aforementioned interest in technologies that can be applied to medicine, to starship functions, to weaponry, and those luxuries that can make life easier for the average Bro. If you can provide a list of the sort of resources you need or want, perhaps we can move on to more direct proposals."

Ewart, having access to the information at his fingertips, took up responding to Minister Mmvthv.

"Excidium Planetis has always held mining to be one of its largest industries. As such, we have an abundance of water, silicon, nickel, iron, and aluminium. We also export armaments and starships, some of our largest manufacturing sectors. We do trade technology in occasion, but obviously once given out information tends to spread rather quickly, so we don't consider tech an export so much as a one time deal. We also export very small amounts of antimatter.

"We import titanium, uranium, thorium, and agricultural supplies. as well as armaments."

Ambassador Sommer, who spent the time during which his aide spoke considering Mmvthv's words, then speaks. "But surely, if you have all the raw resources you need, there is yet more you are not using? Don't you have any profiteers who would collect this excess to sell it abroad? Or if you are using all your resources, isn't there something you would need more of, even if it was only seasonal as markets change?"