The Iapetan Reach (1) -IC-Reboot-

[Harmonic Empire]

✜ THE IAPETAN REACH ✜
If you're not part of the Iapetan Reach canon, you should not post in this thread.

---

St. Ariels island, the current Imperial Harmonic headquarter in this operation.

In the months following the coup and subsequent exile of the Emperor, Supreme Chancellor Ylva Raymryt began the transformation of the Harmonic Empire into the most advanced nation in the World, with significant advancement in technological industries, agriculture, medicine and the sciences. During the first annual Unity Day Parade held in the capital city of Osakia, with the leaders of the allied nations of Aseluhm and the South Westmarch Dominion were undoubtedly impressed, however she had fears of being not able to increase the size of her military, being not able to provide it with the newest in vehicles, armaments, aircraft and vessels in the near future due to a lack of resources as well as a supply shortage.

During a summit between the leaders of the Harmonic Empire, Aseluhm and South Westmarch Dominion, Supreme Chancellor Ylva Raymryt proposed an invasion and annexation of the Central Region, citing the need for its raw resources as the reasoning for the invasion. Both allied nations accepted the proposal with zero hesitance. At dawn, Supreme Chancellor Ylva Raymryt dispatched three naval battlegroups, under command of Spearhead General Gunilla Germaynth, the battlegroups proceeding straight for the Central Region with the intentions of initiating a campaign of bombardment and precision strikes against the urban centers of the Central Region.

Harmonic Empire (Permanently out, August, 25 2017)	Hashirajima	The New Earth Federation (New OP)
Dushan	The Canadian North-West	Genomita
---	---	---

*Important : I promoted NEF as Current OP*

[The New Earth Federation]

NEF Colony, Colonial HQ

It was a slightly humid day on the New Earth Federation colonial Capital named Citadel, however there was a nice cool ocean breeze coming off the bay. Most people had just awoken and now we're heading to work within the colony, there was a total of five major cities all across the NEF colony three of which where located in mineral rich mountains across the bay from the capital. The Governor of the Colony who was also the High Major of the Corps stationed here on Valhalla which was the NEF name of the planet was name Arnold Von Himmel he was a shorter dracoian with black face paint in the form of a delta. He stood on the edge of the balcony and looked out into the sea the cool air was quite refreshing he stood there a few minutes before one of his aides stood behind him and did a polite cough.

"Sir"

"Yes, lieutenant?"

"I need you to sign off on the paper work for the new solar array that needs to be installed as well as the scouting probes"

"Ah yes....I'll get to that....however it's a nice day"

"Yes sir it is" she said doing an about face and leaving the room.

Ft. Haven, Outside Citadel

The NEF fort was now bustling which activity as Troopers began there patrols around he base as well as ready their equipment for inspection or maintenance. After inspection and maintenance the High Capitans began to order three soldiers around, hand out requests, and verify R&R schedules. On the far side of the base mechanics began to repair the tanks, IFVs LRV, and other machinery that was battered by the storm that hit them last night, storms weren't common in this area as bay made it difficult for storms to creep up. However, every once in awhile they would come up.

Mining Reconnaissance Department

From the roof third largest building which was the MRD (as the first largest was the colonial capital complex and the second one was the military HQ.) three 3 meter drones lifted off and flew northward, southward, and eastward. As the passed over the land they began to take geographic pictures and samples of the regions determining mining sites and possible areas of future colonization.

Orbit above Valhalla

In orbit above the planet four ships stood in geosynchronous orbit the fleet was made up a cruiser, a carrier and two destroyers. While it was unusual for ships to be in orbit while the colony was less then 30 years old and had no space station, something on the surface called for these ships....however what it could be it devastating in the future.....

[Hashirajima]

Date: June 10, 2009
Location: Lunar Orbit
> HQ Transmission: Descend on lunar surface.
> Target missed, beginning trajectory projection.

> Calculation complete. Trajectory projected towards outer rim of Solar System. Referencing planetary movement database...

> No planets projected to intersect pathway. Returning findings to HQ.

---

Date: April 23, 2045
Location: Edge of Solar System
> Location transmitted to HQ. [WARNING: Signal strength weak]

---

Date: November 12, 2058
Location: Unknown planet, unknown system
> Impact at 0346H, JST.
> Power online, battery at 5% [CRITICAL - CHARGING]
> Solar panel online, 35% efficacy.
> Navigation offline.
> Establishing connection to HQ.

> Connection failed.
> Sensors online.

---

Date: December 25, 2059
Location: Unknown planet, unknown system
> Power online, battery at 35%
> Solar panel online, 35% efficacy
> Navigation offline
> Establishing connection to HQ.

> Connection failed.
> Visual sensor array online.
> Auditory sensor array online.
> Upper structural extension online.
> Lower structural extension onl-

'What? Hold on. What are these....' The girl, sitting in a desert, looked at her own limbs as if they weren't supposed to be there. Which... actually is the case. Satellites, in general, *don't* have limbs.

Then, a flood of faint memories washed over her. The engineers constructing her refuelling - eating from little boxes - bentos. Drinking coffee. Something about toilet breaks... She looked around, and an endless sea of sand dunes looked back silently.

'What is thi-... a desert? Crap! I need to get outta here.' Standing up somewhat weakly, she headed for a random direction. Around her neck, an amulet, shaped like a compass, glinted in the harsh sunlight.

---

Date: May 1, 2058
Location: Unknown planet, unknown system
> Power online, battery at 5% [CRITICAL - CHARGING]. Oh crap... 4%
> Solar panel online, 35% efficacy. Not enough, shucks.
> Navigation offline. Definitely not Earth. And what is it, CPU? I'm not this Dorothy! Where even is Kansa- oh USA.
> Establishing connection to HQ.

> Connection failed. Duh. Not on Earth. Or even the Solar System.
> Visual sensor array online. I spy something yellow. ... Sand. I spy... something small.... sand. I spy... something dry. Sand. I spy... Sand. Sand. More sand. Some more sand. ALL THE SAND!
> Auditory sensor array online. I hear.... the sea? Oh GOOD!

She started scampering, and a vast ocean greeted her as she crested the last dune.

> Upper structural extension online. Not that I have anything to hold. Or anything, period.
> Lower structural extension onl- Ah screw it. Strutural integrity: 85- wait, 77%. My feet hurt. My tongue is dry. I'm tired.
> WARNING: BATTERY <1%

Holding onto the mysterious amulet on instinct, the girl collapsed and tumbled down the dune. As she slowly lost consciousness, she idly noted that her hair is now wet.

> Help.... me....

[Location: Hashirajima Space Agency]

"And this, commanders, is the last transmission of Lunar Probe Kaguya. Apparently the interdimensional beacon works on the same dimension over greater-than-lightyear distances." Closing the screenshot, Director Shinonono looked at the gathered military and government officials. "Clearly, we have on our hands a case of the off-world manifestation of a satellite girl. I recommend... no, I plead you. Bring the poor girl back home."

"Nonsense, we don't even know where-" Started the JAXA representative...

"Beacon, remember? We can hone in on the signal using the GATE device. Same reason why we finally managed to obtain the black box logs." ... who was cut off swiftly by Yuubari. "According to the Kure Accords, unless the individual wishes otherwise, all humanoid manifestations of such nature falls under the jurisdiction of Hashirajima. Furthermore, the Kaguya lunar probe was a joint venture between the HSA and JAXA. We have a say too."

"The JSDF will not be willing to spare the men for a wild goose chase. And definitely not off-planet."

"Are you really willing to let a living being die just for... convenience? Besides, we never asked for your help." Muttered Marshal-Admiral Fubuki. "We'll bring her back ourselves. Commanders, who do we have on hand?"

"... everyone? We never actually de-mobbed fully after the war."

"Good point, Munakata. Oda, start planning the retrival mission for Satellite Kaguya. Codename of the operation shall be TSUKIYOMI, I want deployment in 12 hours. What forces are we looking at, for now?"

The Chief of Army, General Munechika Miyoshi answered first. "I can ready, for now, the Bering Expeditionary Command. That would be the Akutan and Araido Armies."

"Carrrier Division Two, escorted by Destroyer Flotillas 13, 14, and Escort Flotilla 22. Also three submarines are free for OA access denial."

"I'll check the patrol roster. I think Hiryuu and Souryuu mentioned something about coming back onto the field. Nimu, Iku, Imuya, and Goya are also due for reservice, I don't think they've opted for retirement yet. I'll ask them."

[Location: World 2 - Planet 1]

A bright green spot sparked into being off the coast where the signal was last received, swirling and expanding into an oval portal. From within, the Nakashima-class carrier HS Kuwaji cruised out, followed by her sister ship Newaji and the rest of Carrier Division 2. Bringing up the rear are the two landing crafts of the Hashirajima Army. HS Zenryu, a LHA, and behind her HS Satsuma, a LST. From the bridge of Kuwaji, VADM Koharu Watabe surveyed the island before her, before reaching for the intercomm handset.

"All units, listen up. We are approaching the landmass where the signal originated. All vessels, begin cordon operation. Carriers, begin aerial reconnaissance and BARCAP. Operation TSUKUYOMI begins now. Let's find our lost moon princess, shall we?"

[Shortly after...]

As they passed by the island coast on their assigned recon route up north, Kirishima frowned after glancing at the coastline. Taking off her glasses for cleaning, she slowed down and took another glance. Noticing this, her sister ships as well as the rest of the Northern Task Force turned back towards her.

"What's the matter?" asked Nagara.

"I think I saw something on the beach. Seems to be a person lying down, not too sure. I'm gonna send a scout plane over."

A few moments after the palm-sized Shiun took off, a report came back. "One unidentified individual. Approximately 1.5m tall, female, long dark hair, red kimono with floral motif. No riggings sighted."

"I think we got her."

[Location: HS Zenryu]

"Sir, Ma'am. The troops are ready to disembark. All heavy assets have been transferred successfully to the Satsuma."

"Very good." Adjusting his glasses, LG Keiji Fujiwara looked over at his much more petite fellow army commander. "What's the plan, Shimada?"

"We'll split the island up. My men will go north, your men south. Sweep the island for the girl, and secure it as a base of operation. The protocol for any GATE operation is to establish a sustainable base after all. And just wondering, who's involved in the reinforcement deployment?"

"TSUKUYOMI KAI? Last briefing mentioned the Northern Expeditionary Command, 1st Orbital Combat Group, and CarDiv 1. Well, BOTH CarDiv 1s."

"Akagi and Kaga too? That's.... a lot of reshuffling..."

"Oda's the one planning, don't ask me what that old geezer is plotting."

"Fair enough. Shall we go?"

"After you, mi'lady."

"... you're lame you know that, Fujiwara?"

"And you're a Boku fan."

"... that's not a bad thing."

"So you say..."

Then, the PA system blared out. "ALL UNITS, ALERT! We have sighting of the Moon Princess. I repeat, we have sighting of the Moon Princess. Location is the beach. Condition unknown. All troops prepare for retrieval operation, all medical staff be on standby."

Looking at each other, the two lieutenant-generals rushed out of the ops room.

[Location: Northern tip of the archipelago]

"This is Kongo, BatDiv 3. We are looking at the northern hinterland coast now, dess. Proceeding to set up a forward recon base on the northernmost island."

[Location: Southeastern tip of the archipelago]

"This is Souryuu. Recon planes have reported sightings of settlements on the easterly opposite coastline. We'll start preparing the base and maintain recon sorties. Also, you guys might wanna look up. We're DEFINITELY not alone."

[Dushan]

Old Antioch, Principality of Dushan:

It was a dark and rainy Day with warm summer rain, maybe 15 degree celsius in what was the closest thing comparable to a winter on this mostly arid world. The rain crackled onto the roof of the MB limousine that was carrying the noble guest towards the destination across the gigantic airfield. Transparent umbrellas were opened, held by sad faced maids.

They seemed to miss her already, despite her relationship with them was not always without flaws and tensions, to put it very mildly. But ever since the establishment of the Dictatorship the old palace rivalries and intrigues had become history. He had undoubtly suceeded in this aspect.

Huge floodlights were pointed at the Voidcraft that stood in front of her on the airfield, maintainance technicans and robots moved around and performed last duties, as it was ready to lift off in a few hours.

Regardless, it was in all but name an exile. Once again. The Grand Duchy of Esteria. It was not even marked on most charts, an forgotten and technologically underdeveloped semi-autonoumous terretory. Estimated roughly 50 Million inhabitants. Acquired a long time ago, in the late imperial area under the stipulations of a obscure feudal treaty which put it under dushani administration in the name of the Empire.... which was no longer existing. The position of the General-Governor had been vacant since at least three Years. Contact was at best sparsingly maintained.

For all info the Duchy could have become lost, overrun by barbarians or gone independent...

(To be continued...)

[Harmonic Empire]

CVN Asger, Westmarch Sea
Afternoon, November 01 2050

---

Current operation.

Spearhead General Gunilla Germaynth sat in her command office, filling out the last of her reports to the Imperial Harmonic and looked at the battlegroup's position in the holo-map. A message was recieved by the Harmonicus Officer from St. Ariels Headquarter. The message was immediately passed on to Spearhead General Gunilla Germaynth.

"Ma'am!" the man rushing into the Gunilla's command office "We recieved a message from the Headquarter."

"Read it for me." She stood.

"Uh, Headquarter ordered us to storm Ternca city-state and while other battlegroups secure the archipelago from the native forces. What is your order, ma'am?"

*Set alarm for 8 PM* "Hmm, We will bomb them in 10 PM and do several raids from Midnight 11 PM until Early Morning 4 AM." *grabs a wine bottle* "As reward for reading the message for me, take this wine and leave.."

"T-...thanks ma'am!" he left the room

OOC: I had not time to write a detailed post

[Dushan]

Near the asterian west coast, Sea of Tethys

Two supersonic Jets of the Royal Esterian Air Force (REAF) were on recon mission at the western coast to the Tethys Sea. Various reports of unknown ships off the coast had been circulated. Orders for visual identification were given and the planes raced at low altitude over the sea, there in the distant a few dots. They would not remain undetected for long...

While this was by no means an uncommon occurance, this time it was different. Of all the places the Bulgan preinsula was one of the most calm and peaceful spots of the realm. The appearence of the ships had caused a general nervousness, the garrison had been alerted but then... nothing happened. The capital city was far away, and for the most part People were content to be left out of the Duke's ever changing plans and the uncertainities that plagued the lands.

Royal Palace at Bulgan, Grand Duchy of Esteria, Continent of Lesrun

"Arrggh! Who are they? What do they want?" spoke the Duke as he walked up and down in the long corridor, surrounded by his advisors and other members of the court. "We need to be prepared for the worst"

He turned to his adjutant "Our forces shall to be ready for all possibilities, we're got to be prepared. Send message to Lords and Magistrates, they shall report the status of the levy by the Week". He looked down on the interactive map which was displaying the positions of various troops and units. Realms and Empires in the north, and endless ocean in the south. His finger went along the Lesruna river, the natural northern Border set by his anscestors. The situation on Iepetan was getting in motion, interesting times where laying ahead. So many things to do, and so little time.

His eyes wandered down the Map, towards the desert desters and the Toglan Fortress. Where the Garrison was deployed. Someday they would likely leave, and even if not.

May they rot in their Fortress and Bunkers for all eternity, they were only relicts of a long distant past. The future would be his!

[The New Earth Federation]

Citadel, NEF Colonial Capital

The CIC was a buzz of movement and chaos as officers moved too and fro moving reports, troop deployments and other information from one side to another as well as checking on holomap. High Major Von Himmel looked at the holomap and zoomed in on the ships entering atmosphere he silently cursed to himself as he pushed off the table and walked out, no one was expecting this on the NEF side. They spent two years on this rock colonizing the area and determining possible locations of civilizations as well as listen in on radio chatter and determine there was a few nations on this planet that could be friendly. But another space faring empire coming here? That was unexpected, and these ships already seems to be on the surface before the warships in orbit could intercept them which was also disturbing. But nevertheless a destroyer moved over the archipelago where the ships landed.

"Sir, should we try first contact?"

"Yes, have that destroyer send a dropship to the surface....I want a squad of Troopers with a diplomat on the ground in forty"

"Yes sir" the aide walked away heaving the High Major to himself but now there was more Aries bringing him reports and other documents. It seems that the new arrival has deployed their ships onto the archipelago to the west of the NEF colony this would interesting....

NEF Raptor, Diplomatic Team, Western Archipelago

Thai is Raptor Delta 2-4 we are entering atmo now" radioed the pilot as she guided that dropship into the atmosphere, the underside of the craft then began to glow a nice red. Meanwhile inside of the Troop bay there was a diplomatic team which consisted of three diplomats and a squad of Troopers normally a squad of Troopers wouldn't be necessary but first the NEF is on a new planet and it's a jungle weird shit happens in the jungle. After a few minutes of flying the Raptor touched down on a clearing and the doors opened the first off was the Troopers as they rushed forward and began to secure the LZ for the rest of the team, once that was done the Raptor lifted off and the Troopers began to more towards one of the nearby possible LZ sites.

[Harmonic Empire]

CVN Asger, Westmarch Sea

Spearhead General Gunilla rethinking her choice about attacking Ternca will cause economical chaos within the Empire and trigger the international community to invade her homeland but her superior relative, Supreme Chancellor Ylva Raymryt most likely dont really care it if she perform this plan. She performed an alternate plan inorder to save her empire from upcoming bad issues.

*writes a new plan* "Hmmm"

"Ma'am, what are you doing?" Say guard who standing behind her

"A new plan, i'm trying to save our empire from Ylva's mad plan.."

"Uh new plan? What is it about?"

"Invade the southern continent, Lesrun. It is quite simple..right?"

"Uh but ma'am, I heard many stories about mysteries of the southern continent jungle; like mysterious creatures that only lurking in night and strange structures deep in the woods, are you really going to invade it?"

"Ofcourse, do you really afraid with those human stories? if you afraid, then you are just another weak dragon-human who cant do anything to protect his homeland."

"I'm not afraid with it." *sweating*

"Oh, nice." *gives the letter to the guard* "give it to communication hub office, it is pretty easy order"

"Alright ma'am" *left the command office*

*thinking about good stuffs from ternca while looking at holomap* "Hmmmm, they got really nice stuffs including slaves and drugs to enhance our combat capability. I must see their goods..and buy it.."

OOC: T-I-R-E-D

[Dushan]

Onboard DOKARI, heavy class-V voidcruiser, enroute to Iapetan

She reclined at the huge green bed as she was going through some reading material about her destination, the far distant world of Iapetan. Her pet dragon slept not far away on a elevated position, from where he could see the entire room. Luxuries and comfort were not a miss in her quarters. Possibly a converted freight or storage room as she thought as dushani vassals did usually not have this kind of accomdondation. Especially not military ones. Not that she would have it minded if she had to sleep in a bunk.

Dushani voidcraft were often said to be notoriously dense and convoluted design. With many corridors, various niches and other corners. It would confuse and sometimes frighten unsuspecting visitors who would be prone to get lost. The Dushan however considered this comfy and efficient.

Most members of the crew opted to pass the time in the stasis chambers until arrival She went up a bit earlier. Those weeks were a good time to deal with unfinished business and to contemplate. Only a rump crew remained active during that time.

A maid stepped to the bed and greeted the resting Brigadier-General, with making a small bow with her head and her clenched right fist on the left side of the chest as it was the traditional salute.

"My Lady, the DOKARI is about to arrive at destination within the next hours. As ordered, the shuttle has been prepared..."

(To be continued...)

[Genomita]

Deep in the jungles of Les Run

Kaija Jokela adjusted her grip on the hunting rifle she carried, raising her free hand to pull down her deep green raincoat's hood. The morning mist had began to dissipate, slowly revealing more of their surroundings. Kaija and her alien companion had followed the riverbank for much of the night as they headed towards the eastern coastline, and now they were almost there. Pale green eyes scanned their surroundings from an angular face that had been weathered by years spent outdoors. The young woman couldn't help but chuckle as she retraced the path to the coast. Coming here still felt so unreal. It had been almost a year since she came this close to the coast.

Back then she had been a fisherwoman living on the southernmost island that was still considered part of the harmonic empire. Having lost good friends and loved ones in the violence of the coup and fearing persecution for being distantly related to some of the loyalists, she had packed everything she needed in her small fishing boat and set off, never looking back. As fate would have it her small vessel had been caught in one of the worst storms she had ever seen and had capsized and sunk roughly half a mile away from Les Run, forcing her to leave everything she couldn't stuff in a waterprood backpack and swim the rest of the way. Tired, soaked to the bone and swearing like a sailor she had dragged herself out of the water, only pausing long enough to catch her breath before setting off inland to seek shelter.

She had spent the next several days foraging for food and travelling inland, always keeping close to the river to avoid losing her way. At the evening of the third day she could no longer shake the feeling that she was being watched, that something stalked her through the jungle, unseen and unheard. At first she had dismissed it as paranoia resulting from her flight from the harmonic empire and the strenuous journey, but as it turned out they had been watching her ever since her first night in the jungle. She had finally met them when, in calling out to her unseen pursuers she had misstepped and slid down a rain-slick slope, ending up face-first in the bog at the foot of the slope. When she had managed to right herself, she had found herself face to face with a thoroughly inhuman bog body, it's dead eyes staring back at her as she backed away from it. Only then had her pursuers finally revealed themselves to approach her.

Kaija's chuckle turned into a low, relieved laugh that drew the attention of her companion. "What's so funny young one?" The alien's voice was rich and full in a way that made Kaija wonder how long he had spent fine-tuning his vocal implants until it sounded just right. Only the fact that her companion's lips didn't move as he spoke betrayed the fact that there were no real vocal cords at work. She turned to find Jhaime regarding her from the shadow of a large tree, the pupil of the large, sideways-facing eye looking in her direction narrowed into slits to keep out the worst of the daylight. He was clad in the same strange, symbiotic bodysuit she had seen on other members of this colony. It reached from his neck to the tip of the eel-like tail that supported him and was of the same dark green as his skin, making it somewhat difficult to tell where one ended and the other began. Above the robes he wore the black and brown robes of a shaman, and a leather band holding a small spherical gem hung around his neck.

"Oh, I just remembered how we first met. I was sure you and your friends were going to kill me for desecrating one of your burial sites, but you actually took me with you, heard me out and even offered to let me join your people. That entire experience was pretty surreal."

"It was only right to take you in, and I am grateful that you opted to join my clan after undergoin the trials of calling even though you would've fared well in some of the others as well. Jhaime blinked and stifled a jawn before briefly shaking his head to fight off the sleepiness. He had told her his people were nocturnal, and most of the other Diran were probably asleep at this time of day, yet the shaman had decided to accompany her. She nodded and continued down the path to the coast, deciding to get there as soon as possible so he could get some well-deserved sleep afterwards.
-----

The clear blue waters of the Omneca sea stretched before her as Kaija peeked out behind the trees. Jhaime had elected to stay in the shadows of of the trees, roughly ten feet away from the coastline. They were just north of were the river flowed into the sea and Kaija had a good view of the nearby islands and the peninsula to the north while Jhaime splashed cold river water in his face to keep himself awake. She could see a number of different sea bird species soaring through the sky and was glad to breathe salty air again. She tried to guess if any of the birds she saw were actually living recon drones created by the Genomitans to watch for attacks from the sea, but it seemed they had grown quite adapt at mimicking the appearance and behaviour of the local wildlife. Once in a while one of the birds would make a nosedive into the water to snatch one of the fish living near the coast and she would follow it with her eyes.

When one of the smaller birds came back up again she kept following it until she saw something that left her breath caught in her throat. Far in the distance she could see a large number of ships. She hurriedly lifted her binoculars to her eyes to confirm her suspicion, and indeed, it seemed they were warships from the harmonic empire, and quite a number of them as well. She quickly ducked behind a tree, her free hand closing around the gem she carried around her neck as she muttered a silent prayer. "Oh Aade preserve us, we have to get out of here. Jhaine, there are warships from the HE out there, and I think they're headed this way!"

Jhaine responded with a quick nod, gesturing for her to follow her deeper into the jungle where they would remain unseen. The two quickly retreated further behind the treeline, hoping none of the ships would come their way.

As they went into hiding some of the birds drifting in the breeze began to head further south as if to take a closer look at the new arrivals...

[Dushan]

Toglan Fortress, restricted area, great lesruni desert

The two dushani flags hung limp in the windstill Toglan desert, on top of the Fortress of the same name which was home to the local Garrison of the Dushan Armed Forces. Half-derelict of bigger structures and fortifications surrounded the area.

If it were not for a few details in flora and fauna this could by all means be a place somewhere on the dushani Homeworld itself. Most of the buildings and the fortifications seemed to be abandoned, only here and there a few mummed figures moved across the scenerey that looked more than a yunkyard than a active military installations.

In the distance a roaring could be heared as a little object appeared on the cloudless Sky. The roaring closed in and the mummed figures suddenly broke out in hectic activity as spotlights were activated and rusty doors and mechanisms were set in motion. Dust was blown away from a nearby field and a procession of more figures and vehicles, were enroute as the small hovering vassel was slowly extending it's landing gear towards the ground.

There was no red-carpet this time, Colonel Melbar Rhantar - Garrison commander and veteran of the Zi'ruk Wars - had been in communication with the visitor before and had made sure that it would remain low profile for now. There was no need that the locals needed to be alerted for now.

"Welcome on Iapetan, General...!"

"Bassun. Starlight-Bassun" Irene said with a smile as the two exchanged some small talk and Raktan told her about the local situation. She listened and it didn seemed so bad as it may have looked, the garrison was - as it was from beginning - undermanned but equipped with enough supplies of its own to hold out a long time of its own. There was only limited contact with the local authorities of the Duchy, especially since the last governor had been departed and little word had been received from home ever since.

Over the course of the Day it didn took her long to figure out that the Garrison was unaffected by developments at Home or other tendencies that might have been of concern. The true dushani spirit was sometimes most alive not at the heart but at the periphery, where it was confronted with vast wilderness and the unknown.

There would be enough other Business to worry about, soon enough...

Royal Palace at Bulgan, Grand Duchy of Esteria, Continent of Lesrun

"A unschleduled arrival, at the Fortress?"

The Duke raised the eyebrow, it was slightly flickering.

"Yes my Lord, 36 Hours ago. Our radars and air control have detected. It had authorization by the DAF.... it was not one of their occassional supply flights either"
The Duke slammed the fist into his hands. This could mean a lot of trouble for him and his future projects. The Dushan had reawaken, and the dushani dragon was hissing at him. If there weren't be enough worries with the Harmonic Empire flexing it's muscle, who was also related to dragons. Somehow.

Yes! Dragons would haunt him in his sleep, follow him in his dreams where they would swirl around and try to snatch the septre of power away from him.

[Hashirajima]

[Location: Fourth island south of the largest]

"... Are you sure they'll be fine?"

"Yup yup! Kiku-chan won't let us down, pyon! Besides, Sacchin's bunch is coming over to relieve us."

"If you say so then, sis..." Ever the worrywart, Yuzuki nonetheless kept glancing back. And all around. And, coincidentally... up. Which led her to spotting the dropship. The VERY FOREIGN dropship, considering Hashirajima... doesn't really possess or need dropships. "Unknown flier, just landed on the island to the west."

"Yep, I saw that too, pyon. Let's go check it out!"

[Location: Southern Recon Base]

"- right. We've got that." Nodding, Souryuu clicked her earpiece again. "HQ, Southern Task Force reporting. Site is secured and ready for infrastructure receiving. Also, unknown air unit sighted by Desdiv 23. Redirecting air recon to projected landing site, over."

"Roger that. We'll send a few jets on a flypass too. HQ out."

[Location: Airspace above dropship landing site]

"You see that, Recon-Actual?"

"Yep, definitely- DID IT JUST..."

"... yes. We've got orbitals, confirmed."

[Location: Beachhead, Main Island]

"Orbitals, you're sure? Alright." Cursing, LG Fujiwara glanced over at his Araido Army counterpart. "So... 1st Interceptor?"

"Yes. I'll call up Kanno. Time to send them in."

[The New Earth Federation]

Citadel
Naval Base
July 2nd, 2892 (NEF Calander)

The wet Navy destroyer of Hell's Fury sat in port, her crew had begun to board and supplies had began to loaded on too. With long range communications had intercepted a series of transmission originating from the Eastern part of the continent, the language was complex and was in the process of being decrypted however that would take time. In the meantime Colonial High Command decided to investigate the signal as well as other signals coming from the strait to their southern flank, while normally a small group of destroyers would be used most where still being rearmed and inspected and the Hell's Furry was the only available fast destroyer that could get to the straits in the timeframe that the CHC set forth. Within a few hours the ship was ready and headed off to the strait...

Later

The destroyer slowly moved through the strait, the deck was full of movement as a squad of Troopers moved to a patrol raft and within minutes they where ashore. Slowly they began to make there way through the jungle....

NEF Diplomatic Team

"Echo 2-1, this is Delta 2-4 we got fliers in bound on my position...might need to ditch if they find us how copy?"

"This is Echo 2-1 we copy Delta 2-4, ditch if necessary" replied the High Sergeant of the squad that was protecting the diplomatic team. She clicked off her mike and looked at the other Troopers, they had enough food on them for about a week which was helpful however if the dropship has to ditch then they just lost their way back. "Alright squad, break time is over we move in five"

"High Sergeant, one of out SPDs reported in....we got structures or what appears to be structures 60 clicks from us." Reported one of the sergeants

"Mm....night will be falling soon so let's move to those structures"

"Yes ma'am" the sergeant saluted and walked off as the rest if the Troopers began to ready their equipment for the long march.

[Harmonic Empire]

CVN Asger, Les-Run Coast

Asger Battlegroup anchored off the coast of Lesrun, Speardhead General Gunilla immediately dispatch reconnaissance special troop to survey the area from possible enemy contact. While she waiting for a report from special troop, CVN Asger picked up a signal from an unknown ship at north west coast of Les-run. She alerts ship's crew to prepare the worst situation.

Edit: Summer Fever lol

[Dushan]

Aboard DOKARI, near Valhalla

Captain Banu Kassun looked down on the holomap. There were no doubt various things happening both on the terrestial surface as well in orbit around Valhalla. The sensor scans of the DOKARI had detected several vassels that were believed belonging to the New Earth Federation - a star nation with whom the Principality had diplomatic relations - who in turn were probably aware of the presence of the DOKARI by now.

Banu stood in close touch with Irene on the surface, apparently the political situation was more complicated than it seemed. The local Duchy had gone their own ways, freed from imperial control their ambitions grew. The orders were clear.... reinforcements were in any case far away. Still it was all within the Administrix discretion how to proceed, so far she had been decided to observe. But this could not go on forever...

Great Ballroom of Royal Palace at Bulgan, Grand Duchy of Esteria, Continent of Lesrun

"We're such delighted to enjoy your presence here on Iapetan, Countessa! Please you must tell us... how are things going in the cluster, what is the Triangulum doing..."

Irene listened to the questions with calmness as she was greeted with hand kisses and at one point her maids had to remove a particular obessive greeter who had clung to her lower leg, just to get kicked to the side being dragged away by her entourage. It was to no surprise, that such customs were present on this remote world, they would be considered embarassing even at Principessa Zelinas court in Kashgaria. But here it seemed to be part of the show. In one way to another. She was on too many worlds to not to know different customs nor about the likes of Duke Zuron who a typical planetary lord, bent on his own independence and ambitions. Objectives that were not always in the line with the wishes of the empire, and not necessarily with the Principality either.

Her little dragon, that was resting on her shoulder, seemed to get increasingly nervous. It's instinct did seldom betray and she neither liked the situation. She knew it all too well, there was little to gain for the Dushan on this world. The room was full of People, swarming around. The security measures were lax.

Lord Zuron was about to raise his glass and speak a toast. Some arisocrat lady laughed next to him. The Dragon let out a shrill scream and Irene's hand instinctively rushed to her force absorber...

The fire errupted near the banquet, the laughing one burst into pieces and her body was thrown against the wall while Zuron swirled aside as the whole room turned erupted into a complete mayham of salvos fired, hitting walls, causing wood to split and bodyguards rushing around and throwing themself over each other. The assassilant was immediatly approached, but another explosion rocked the building.

Irene had realized, the Duke was the target and this was far from over. Her maids had already surrounded her, and roughly made their way through the guests who would meet their leather gloves or boots one way to another if they didn made way. Screams echoed across the halls and people ran around, guards and guest ran around in mayham, it did not seemed apparent who was the attacker or the attacked. It was absolute chaos. In the distance explosions and the occassional "pop pop pop" of gunfire could be heared.

Swords and guns were drawn out of their holsters as she reached her vehicle, a hover chariot borrowed from the DAF garrison onto which one of her maid-bodyguards stood already, hands at the defense battery firing into a nearby area. Several shots aiming into the direction of Irenes entourage were only deflected by the force absorbers, and even that would be no guarantee... She had to get away here and fast, she thought as she took the drivers seat, with maids clustering around her holding shield projectors and guns pointed everywhere...

Toglan Fortress, Continent of Les-run

"Troop movements? here?" said Colonel Melbar as his aide was showing him the nearby graphs. Several units were detected moving in to Toglan Fortress, the radar had detected unusual air activity. This was reason to concern.

"There is no doubt sir, a coup against Duke Zeron is underway. It's straight there on Television... yes... I have been talking to the Administrix, shes alright. However it will take a while to.. no we have no hyperspace relay here, we cannot inform antioch as of now... yes the DOKARI is informed, will be in high orbit soon..."

"Activate the blastshields, and evacuate non-essential personal and material into the fortified bunkers. We have to consider the worst... yes the Duchy has a household arsenal of nuclear weapons... no i do not believe they are going to use them on their own terretory... no we have neither any reason to believe this is happening because of the visit of Lady Bassun..."

Slowly Melbar hang up the phone.

By all Gods, it seemed the Esterians had entirely lost their minds.

[Genomita]

Kaija and Jhaime cautiously retreated deeper into the jungle, making slow but steady progress while covering their tracks to the best of their ability. Kaija thought she had seen a group of soldiers leave one of the ships near the coast on a raft and the thought still sent a chill down her spine. She wasn't sure wether the soldiers she had seen belonged to the empire or an allied nation, but neither of them wanted to take any risks of discovery. Her rifle's exterior of genetically-engineered coral felt cool and relaxing in her hands but she doubted it would do her much good against trained soldiers. Nevertheless, she was determined to use it if it came to it.

Jhaime was always a bit ahead of her, keeping to the shadows and silently slithering through the underbrush, almost eerily calm and focused despite the soldiers behind them. She was deeply grateful he was here to guide her with his knowledge of the increasingly dense and swampy terrain, and she had little doubt that he could disappear from her vision without a trade if he wished to leave her behind. The fact that he hadn't done so and in fact made sure she could keep up with her raised her opinion of her clan-mate all the more. The Diran shaman stopped without warning, seemingly pondering something as he scanned the surrounding terrain.

"What's wrong Jhaime, which way should we go now?" asked Kaija. Even though her voice was a mere whisper she inwardly cursed herself for neglecting to receive the bio-modifications that would've allowed her to see and project infrared light like the Diran could. She knew many Diran considered verbal communication to be noisy, inefficient and prone to miscommunication, though Jhaime and all the others she had met so far had been polite enough not to chide her for her decision. She had since learned to speak at a lower conversational volume and had even adopted the Genomitan custom to hold the -very few- arguments she had so far in writing to avoid bothering uninvolved bystanders.

"Just a bit further down this way lies the outermost spirit pagoda of our colony. Aside from being a sacred place where the spirits we worship can gather away from the harsh light of day, it will have a small honour guard and provisions. Plus, their reaction to the temple and it's surroundings will allow us to gauge who we are dealing with. If these are soldiers of the N.E.F. or another nation we had contact with they might be familiar with it and what it means, while soldiers of the empire likely won't."

"Good idea. And we won't lead them right to the colony like that. Let's head there right away."

Jhaime gave abarely perceptibe nod before darting down the subtle trail to the sacred site. She had to increase her pace somewhat to keep up with him, but it wasn't long until she saw the layered roof that span across a clearing in the jungle's canopy. When she arrived she could see Diran armed with rifles and likely ceremonial spears emerge from the water ahead of the structure. She couldn't see or hear what Jhaime told the others, but they nodded at her before gesturing for her to follow them to the back of the structure. There, once she had some time to sit down on the carved wooden floor in the pagoda's back and wiped off the mud that clung to her boots she took some time to appreciate her surroundings.

The wide and flat roof was artfully carved with abstract representations of the strange spirits her new clan-mates believed in. She recognized Aade, the loving yet stern and demanding mother spirit of the Diran who was portrayed giving birth to other spirits. Sadhai the Mistwalker, the spirit of the hunt and the closest the Genomitans had to a god of war was depicted as a shadowy entity barely visible in the thick mists of Dira, with just the barest hint of fangs and stinger visible. She saw Danthu, the spirit of death and new life sacrificing Itself to distract the forces of chaos as a new world took shape behind it, shaped by the raw elemental forces they hurled at the great spirit as It weaved a curse against them. Another image showed the reborn Danthu rising from the ground of the new world while surrounded by Its siblings. She saw images of other spirits she wasn't familiar with, but it was beautiful, deeply alien and vaguely unsettling all the same.

"Come." said Jhaime from a fallen log behind her. "Let's take cover and wait for those strangers."
-----

Two biodrones disguised as local seabirds glided above the ships of the harmonic empire, clear avian eyes taking in every detail as they drofted in the wind, occasionally giving voice to a high-pitched call. There was no trace of antennas or anything of the sort as they transmitted encoded recordings of what they saw to the living submarine that quietly lay on the seafloor. It's dimly lit and cramped insides were crewed by a small number of Diran sailors who barely shifted in their seats as they observed their instruments. With no crew members dependent on verbal communication there was no need to cause noise as they communicated each other, with brief flickers of infrared light, subtle shifts of body language and equally subtle gestures being the only indicators that any communcation took place at all. The captain was a large, dignified female Diran, her skin the color of fresh coffe beans and light brown eyes, her head crest raising slghtly as she regarded her screen.

"Report."

The smaller Diran in front of the communication console bowed in his seat, patterns of infrared light shifting across his body as he responded. "Our recon drones spotted several battlegroups that appear to belong to the native nation we know as the harmonic empire, as well as a destroyer that matches the patterns used by the N.E.F. One of the imperial battlegroups is currently anchored off the coast of Lesrun while the others are still moving. Your orders?"

The captain shifted lightly in her seat, her sidways-facing eyes taking in the screens surrounding her. "Maintain our position for now and continue to observe. If the battlegroups initiate hostilities we shall interfere as needed. And wake up the combat divers and drone pilots, we will need them if this situation turns violent. Only passive sonar for now though."

"Understood. Initiating yellow alert, waking combat divers and pilots." With a push of a button the submarine's insides were cast into a faint yellow light while pheromone dispensers mounted in the ceilings of the living quarters began to release chemical signals that would awaken the remaining cew and drive away their drowsiness.

"The drones will have sent a copy of this message to the colony government as well. We shall remain here and await their instructions unless we're attacked or otherwise need to interfere."

[The Canadian North-West]

Point Alpha Geothermal Power Control Station
Mt. Ohm, Einnfit

Mika walked around the station, flicking switches and recording data as he went along. This was supposed to be a big day for him, last day working as the station's primary operator. Next day, *flick,* he would be bringing in his successor, after which he would show the kid the ropes for about a week, *flick,* then a much needed leave-of-work before going into a much more fulfilling role at the nation's space administration. *flick* Yup, just gotta...

Mika: "Huh. That's funny."

Mika gives the screen a few experimental taps, making sure it's on and functional, before reaching for the radio strapped to his belt.

Mika: "Eh, boss?"

Cauta: "Yeah?"

Mika: "One of the power stations on the, eh..." *checks the screen* "Southern side of the Volcano isn't responding."

Cauta: "Let me guess: the one just North of Alters, right? We've been having problems with that one on-and-off all season, remember? Probably nothing."

Mika: "Normally I'd agree, but I just want to make sure, this is the facility with our early warning system, remember... I'm want to go take the 'chopper up, mind calling Ben?"

Cuata: "If you think that it's worth it, go ahead, but remember that this is on you if it's nothing."

Within five minutes of the call, the small state helicopter touches down. In that time, Mika had grabbed some portable measuring equipment. The scientist hopped into the familiar copilot's seat, and the helicopter lifted off. Another 30 minutes, and they arrived outside of where Point Alters Power Station used to be...

Mika: "Wha... what happened here?"

Alters, Einnfit

Minutes after Mika put in the call, the local Firefighting force had arrived on the scene, with a blue fire engine parked next to the now landed helicopter. Soon after, the local police force arrived, and before long had to set up a perimeter to keep curious townspeople a safe distance away from what had turned into an impromptu landing site as several helicopters worth of utterly baffled scientists arrived to the scene.

At the front of the group are a pacing Mika, flustered Cuata, and the fire chief of the small town.

Mika: "Why couldn't this have waited a week? Now I've got this to investigate, papers to file, and I'm probably looking at an extension of my term through to this winter at least. That's just great. Perfec-"

Fire chief Abram: "Calm, you two. We've got a hazard unit coming up shortly, and we'll get you and a team suited up and in there."

He points to the facility: well, the half-melted, sunken building that used to be the facility. The roof had partially melted, the somewhat cheap metal surfaces on the outside glowed red-hot, the communications antennae poking out the top having folded in on themselves. The fire marshall who had first arrived on the scene said that, from the vantage point he had taken, the building looked like it would hold out long enough for a team to get in, record data, and salvage some equipment, but only if they did it soon. In the meantime, the fire team there had been periodically spraying down the melty building, enough to keep it cool so the team could get in, but not cool enough that the building becomes brittle.

Minutes later, the promised van rolls up to the scene, and is given the go-ahead to drive through the police barrier. As soon as it stops, it is crowded by the chosen team of scientists and emergency-response officers, and protective equipment is passed around. Suited up and ready to go, the team of 12 heads into the facility.

Inside, Mika immediately goes for the early warning system and temperature gauges. Sure enough, the system reported a concerning and steady increase of volcanic activity, and a cursory glance at the temperature gauge confirmed a temperature of nearly 100 degrees celsius, more than enough to melt the plastic radio antennae. Finishing his duty by recording the rest of the data in the facility before being the first person out. The rest of the team diligently removes and salvages piece of equipment after piece of equipment before, after 30 minutes straight, the original marshall returns and orders the team out. Not a minute too soon, it seems, as mere moments after the last crew member exits, a sudden flare in temperature causes the roof to collapse in on itself. No doubt about it now, the volcano was going to erupt soon... well, soon in geological terms.

The city of Alter is put under an immediate evacuation order, but until the data from the early warning system could be thoroughly analyzed, life continued in the nation of Einnfit as normally as it could...

[The New Earth Federation]

NEF Diplomatic Team, Southern continent

The group of Troopers continued to walk through the jungle, the lead Trooper had drawn his combat knife had begun to cut through some vegetation before they set up a small camp so they can rest. The sergeant of the NEF Trooper squad looked around while he wore standard NEF camouflage he had a blue stripe running down the middle of his helmet and on his right shoulder pad, he felt like there was something out there watching them. A corporal walked over and nodded to him the sergeant looked at her

"Be ready to move in five, we are being watched but I'm not sure by who....something is off-" he was cut off when a Trooper walked up

"Sir!" He started "One of our lookouts said he saw something moving in the bushes, when he went to investigate it moved away"

"Which way to it head?"

"South sir"

"Mm" started the sergeant as he tapped his helmet "We move now, prepare the men"

The corporal nodded and left to ready the other Troopers as well as the diplomatic team. Something was strange about this place it seemed, something very strange. When the Troopers where ready the marched on to follow the anomaly. After a few hours of marching the team came across what seemed to be a group of ruins and temples, the sergeant ordered everyone to divide up into there fire teams and search the area.

Orbit, NEF Battlegroup

The captain looked at the data tablet and then back at the sailor, the tablet had detailed a burst transmission from what appeared to be the southern ocean of the planet. It originated from a small set of volcanic islands, it seemed like the nation was ordering evacuations due to some recent volcanic eruptions or lava spillage. He sat back in his chair and thought about the situation, if the did nothing the inhabitants would surely die or become displaced. If he tried to help he would revealing to these people the NEF and it's assests. He decided to take the gamble and help them, he ordered the Hell's Fury to establish geosynchronous orbit around the stand and drop an entire trooper battalion to help assist the locals in both evacuation and prevention. A pod of engineers was also deployed to help the Troopers and the locals. The pods all landed safely together save one of the pods which was a mix of Humans, Dracoians, Kitsune, and Nekos, that pod landed what seemed to be a small military communications outpost, the squad disembarked the pod and quickly gathered there stuff hopefully before the soldiers noticed them and retaliated.

[Dushan]

Inner City of Bulgan, Grand Duchy of Esteria, Continent of Lesrun

From one moment to another, Irene's perception of the world had entirely shifted. Every corner, every object around her had become a three-dimensional area in her mind. With her moving around, calculating various angles, possibly escape routes, obstacles and attack vectors. She did not thought, but acted based on her instincts, expierience and training.

She didn remember how much time it took, how much rooms and halls had to be crossed but now she pressed her feet onto the gas of the hover chariot, and with once the vehicle's engines had powered up and it raced across the huge parking lots. Making it's way through the opened doors of the Palace gardens, various uniformed man standing aside near a deserted checkpoints. Smoke and bodies around, burning cars. They were too busy, too distracted and a hover chariot was an unusual view for them. The entire palace and city seemed to be in flames.

And too fast. Various people jumped aside, into cover as the vehicle hovered across them leaving a trail of swirling air turbulences behind it. Gun fire errupting behind, being responded in kind by the leather gloved Maid who unloaded the remaining magazine onto the surprised checkpoint. The chariot driving with maximum speed away from the dangerzone, street after street. There were no more checkpoints here by now just civilian vehicles and normal traffic. Gunfire became distant. Nobody paid attention to them. Good for now, but this wouldn be lasting forever.

Their problems could be as well just beginning.

Royal Palace at Bulgan, Grand Duchy of Esteria, Continent of Lesrun

Slowly one of his aides wished the blood from the Dukes mouth aside. He had been injured. A huge amount of blood was spread across the ground. Slowly the situation had been started to resolve, but his thoughts were blurry. How could this have happened... he thought... that the situation... his thoughts slipped away as he felt his life. Some grave miscalculation, gruding nobles... the Lesruna League... yes they must have been done it...

In the outside shoots were still fired, after the initial confusion something akin to a frontline had been formed. It was still not clear who was behind the attack, but it seemed that several formations of the Esterian Military had gone rogue and joined the coup, revolution or whatever was ongoing. Communications had been suffering a complete breakdown, but news poured in that in several cities fighting was intense and ongoing. Especially in the south...

Duke Zeron, Lord of Esteria, Vassal to Kashgaria was declared death on 14:44 local standard time.

[The New Earth Federation]

Orbit NEF Battlegoup

The Capitan was handed another data pad this time it was about another nation a vassal or protectorate of the Dushan Government. It seems the entire country has been involved in some sort of coup and which has led to a massive civil unrest, reports finally came in about the situation and the death of this Duke Zeron. It seems that civilians where caught in the crossfire and everything for lack of a better term had gone to complete shit which would be dangerous as anything could happen and later in could threaten the colony, the Captain looked at the data pad then forwarded it to Governor of Citadel who authorized the deployment of a battalion of drop Troopers to Esteria in order to assist Dushan forces and establish contact.

Drop pod chambers

"We drop in thirty so get you gear ready. Our goal is to establish a beachhead and evaluate the situation. If need be we will engage hostile forces, we follow first contact protocols until we are encountered by hostile force or fire. Understood?" Bellowed the Senior Capitan as he looked at his Troopers under his command. A very hardy "Yes Sir" cane from the huge group of Troopers, the air was heavy with adrenaline, determination, as well as fear. As for Orbital drops where some of the fastest ways down but also the most dangerous as flak fire could destroy the pod and kill the occupants as well. When there prep time was over the Troopers boarded their pods and dropped toward the surface....of course this moment was made even better as they dropped some on had the bright idea to play "High way to Hell" by AC/DC, which it did fit however most considered it out of style but nevertheless the Troopers went down knowing they might be going into a complex shitshow

Surface
The drop battalion had divided up into their companies and dropped toward the surface, companies A and B where to land to the east of a nearby fortress and try to establish a communication relay, however the face the task of possibly replelling enemy forces from the city. As far as NEF intelligence could tell the fortress was still in Dushan hands, the remaining companies C, D, E where to drop right on top of the rebel forces that where surrounding the Fortress. Companies A and B landed with out a hitch and had begun to set up their gear for communication however things where getting a bit messy for C, D, E companies as they had dropped on top of a rebel artillery emplacement.

"Contact left!" Yelled a Trooper as she fired her rifle at a group of rebels then sprinting up to them and engaging in CQC, it must have been terrifying to the rebels seeing these soldiers drop from the sky and land here only to be thrown around like rag dolls.

"Copy" yelled the sergeant as he sunk his combat knife into one before flipping that one over and throwing him at his comrades. "Jackson! Lewis! Get some more fire support on the left, I don't want any of them getting over hear while we set these explosives. Hans! Get us some transport" over the radio several copies could be heard as the trio did their tasks.

[Dushan]

Toglan Fortress, Continent of Les-run

"There they start it again" said Colonel Melbar to himself. A slight roaring went through the sheltered command room dozens of Artillery pieces launched another strike at Toglan fortress. The SHELL-Shield that had been activated did hold, but it had disadvantages and was out of maintainance. It could not hold out forever against a massive attack, and at some point the Garrison would be forced to strike back, something they had been carefully avoided to do so.

"Several unindentified droppods have been entering atmossphere, less than 10 km. Entry vector traced back to orbital NEF positions." screamed the aide across the room. "No... do not engage, they're heading towards the rebels... yes prepare a break out... towards hostile positions...." slowly a huge blastdoors of the fortress opened as fire rained upon enemy position and a growling sound of motors and engines echoed out of the depths of the fortress...

The esterian infantry detachments were involved into skirmishes with what to be appeared to be power-armored soldiers, whom they mistakenly believed to be belonging to the Garrison. Despite numerial superiority, they had pinned them down. And then, all hell broke loose as fire rained down comming from the fortress, shells and blasterbolts flew across the battlefields. The crews had, running for their very lifes, deserted their Artillery guns that were soon ingulfed in a series of green explosions, being teared apart or reduced to molten slag. Within a matter of minutes, their whole position had broken down, with the remnants of the detachment rushing towards trucks and APC in what resembled an uncoordinated and hastly withdrawl. Black smoke emitted over what was once a position of the Estarian Army, with occassional gunfire here and there to be heared as more of them were entrenched nearby, holding out or taking cover against the onslaught that was unleashed at them...


Great Assembly Hall of Bulgan, Grand Duchy of Esteria, Continent of Lesrun

"...and thus it is time for Lesruna to rise once again and claim it's rightful place, free from the clutches of the corrupt usurpator Zerun and his dushani overlords, no longer we will tolerate them within our rightful realm... they're the arm of a decadent and evil order that has held our nation for too long at a leash, it is time for the free man of Lesruna to rise..."

Of course, the Free Man were - how it could else be? - only those who were considered nobles, no commoners included. Yet they were expected to follow their new masters of the Lesruna League of Nobles, who had been long resented the centralization attempts of Lord Zerun and his indescisive politics. No longer he would interfere with their plans... no longer would he stand in the way of progress and greatness.

As the speaker slowly left the podium, he met with his group of co-conspirators soon afterwards. They had planning this for a long time. It came to a now or never situation, their conspiracy soon to be uncovered. However noble or low their intentions had been, now they were bound by the crime, the killing of Duke Zeron by an disgruntled noble at the presence of a dushani emissary. This was the worst of all outcomes.

But now it was all too late, they had no choice but to go with the way they had been choosen.

The presence of the Dushan came a cold surprise. For decades they had not shown up on this World, despite some were rumored to be stationed at Toglan Fortress. A neglible and obscure factor. One that hadn appeared... until now. He shook her hand hours before the plan was about to commence, having learned about her presence only briefly before. She seemed like a demon from a far distant burning star, more than a human. He could not but to hate and admire her at the same time.

He looked at the papers, Toglan Fortress... Slowly the leader wished some of the sweat from his forehead and sank down on his chair "Where is the desert whore?" he asked, knowing that nobody knew the answer.

[The New Earth Federation]

Tolgan Fortress, Les-run, C,D,E companies

With the hasty retreat of the rebel forces the NEF Troopers pushed forward with fury and determination, often clearing out entire swaths of secondary fortifications and killing all of the rebels who where in the fortifications. As they did that fire support from the Fortress rained down upon the retreating forces which was now helpful as it began to slow down the retreat. They had been debriefed that several military units had abandoned their oath of defense and had joined the coup which would be classified as treason by NEF standards which to them was dishonorable and traitorous. E-Company's Senior Lieutenant who was a dracoian one of several within his company, looked around at his Troopers analyzing the situation and then poked his head out the shell crater, the rebels had a small fortified building uphead and the most recent engagement left some of this Troopers injured or critical, the major problem was that HMG that was sitting there which was trained on them he sighed and looked at his heavy weapons specialist

"How many rockets do. we have left?"

"Four sir, Daniels had the majority of the rockets and there over near that wrecked car where he got hit"

"Damnit, alright distributed those rockets and have them ready them to fire at the building. Fire one at a time, if the first one doesn't go through then fire the next one."

"Yes sir" the specialist crawled away and handed out the rockets, then a few minutes later a several riflemen Troopers popped up and fired at the building trying to draw its fire away from a trooper who popped up and fire a rocket at the building. The rocket detonated where the HMG was and knocked it out, the troopers then jumped up and entered the building. That was an hour ago and the Troopers took the building and raised the NEF Banner over the building, they where about to move out when a group of Dushan vehicles arrived and the Senior Lieutenant walked up to the lead vehicle

"Who is your commander?"

A and B companies, Les-run

"Sir, we have established the communications relay." Replied A-Companies Senior Lieutenant, the Senior Capitan turned around and nodded, which they had seen little action their duty was important as without this relay communications between NEF ground troops and Orbital support would be spotty at best and it would provide the Dushan Garrison a much needed asset to help coordinate their loyal forces. After all what happened here was truly a shit show.

[Harmonic Empire]

North Coast of the Les-Run, Asger Battlegroup

Imperial soldiers steps on Les-run coast, they were amazed with the beach and jungle beauty. They were equipped with various light and deadly equipments.. typical common imperial soldiers focused in speed and agility. They are waiting for someone and *BOOM* ..Heavy-looking battleamor came from above well actually they hopped from the Carrier, oh well it is Berzerker; heavy armored imperial soldiers with small zero reactor that look like a bagpack, it can provide decent force shield in limited time and armed with heavy badass-looking weaponry. Only pure human-dragon breed can wear this equipments and they are ready for Gun-Blazing Battle. In fornt of them, Nice-looking girl looking to the jungle and wondering 'what lies in the forest..'

"Captain, what is your order? I cant wait blaze my gun at natives" said one of Berzerkers

She smirks and unsheate her machete "Soldiers! our mission is to explore this jungle and secure the area from the possible danger that can be a serious threat to the second wave!" pointing her machete to the jungle "March into the jungle!"

While they marching into the jungle, one of Berzerkers smells human presence and something fishy "Hmmm Captain, I think somebody ran away into the deeper region.." *sniffing* "There are 2 persons, one smells like you and one.. eh maybe smells like a mud fish"

She looking at him while cutting the bush with machete "You sure about that?"

"Yeah, im pretty sure about it" *sniffing* "They ran to this way.." *he pointing it*

"Huh ok" *shouts* "Soldiers! this way!"

"Roger that!"

Meanwhile, Inside Command Office of CVN Asger

Everyone seem panic including Spearhead General Gunilla Germaynth about one unidentified destroyer with unknown technologies and capabilites but one person at the corner seem pretty calm about this issue, oh it is Vermelho / Rayet special soldier and he is here to observe Gunilla Germaynth activities.

"You little brat, stop smoking! Can you see what happening right now? Are you blind?!!!" She shouts to Vermelho soldier.

"Watch out with your mouth, you talking to important person, you know?" *continues smoking*

"Uh important.. wait dont tell me.. you are damd Vermelho, sent by Rayet to spy my activies?!"

"Oh you wrong bastard, she sent me because she worried with your poor command style in this big ass battlegroup, Im here to give you some advices and tips." *smokes smokes*

"If you here to give some advices, why you standing on there like a stone statue?!"

"Because you didnt call me?"

*she smacks a table with her palm hand* "Come with me, i need your damd help and dont be a lazy bastard!"

"Alright then." He follows her

OOC: pouring my recycled ideas, btw good night

[Genomita]

Kaija and Jhaime watched from their hiding place in the underbrush outside the temple as the soldiers split up. "Do these look like imperial soldiers to you?" whispered Jhaime as he noticed Khaija nervously finger her rifle, though thankfully she made sure to keep her finger away from the trigger. "Er- I don't think so. Their equipment looks different, at least from over here and I don't see any dragonfolk among them." She kept her eyes on the unknown soldiers, but it seemed she had calmed down for the moment, as if voicing her opinion had also reaffirmed her belief that it had to be so. Jhaime responded with a slow nod. From his position he could see the members of the honour guard, or at least the infrared light signals they sent him and each other as they silently discussed the situation. It seemed some of them were getting quite irate at the trespassing and the uncertainty of the current situation while others first and foremost wanted to confirm the identity of the unknown troopers. Although he knew that the soldiers of the honour guard were disciplined and well-trained he knew he had to do something before one of the humans stumbled over one of them or the situation got too tense.

"Very well Kaija. Stay here or come with me if you like, but keep calm and don't shoot anyone unless you have to."

With that said, the shaman rose from his crouching position, straightened his robes and began to slither towards the clearing where everyone could see him. At first Kaija was stunned by the Diran' display of boldness, but then she swallowed her worry and moved to catch up with him, making sure to keep her rifle low and her finger away from the trigger for now. The strange pair moved until they were sure they were visible to everybody near the temple, practically feeling the eyes of the soldiers and the incredulous, still hidden honour guard on them. Their hands were visible to all as well, a gesture of trust to the strangers. The shaman took a deep breath, silently praying to the spirits that his boldness would pay off.

"Greetings soldiers! I am Jhaime of the Aadessa clan, shaman of my people and representative of the Star Community of Genomita. Though I am required to inform you that you are currently treading on sacred ground consecrated in the name of the great spirits, I offer you our hospitality in accordance with our customs. If you indeed are soldiers of the New Earth Federation as I believe, then there is no cause for alarm or bloodshed between us! Though we may not know very much about each other relations between our nations and our colonies on this world are peaceful, and I would wish to preserve this peace."

Kaija could feel a smile tugging at the edges of her mouth. He had a adressed the soldiers in galactic standard, a language she had spent much of her waking time learning since she had joined the Genomitans. And while she had not understood every word he said, she had understood enough to have a good feeling about this situation. She cleared her throat, taking a step forward to adress the soldiers herself.

"I am Kaija, formerly Jokela, of the Aadessa clan, clanmate and friend of shaman Jhaime. We are not your enemies." As she finished both she and Jhaime bowed in the direction of the soldiers as she had learned from her clanmates, hoping the soldiers would see that they meant no harm.

[Dushan]

Near Bulgan, Grand Duchy of Esteria, Continent of Lesrun

"Did he had a sucessor?" asked Irene her Adjutant as she was racing towards the Airport, where the small ship was awaiting. The alternative would be request reinforcements from the Garrison or the DOKARI.

"Yes but nobody knows where he is... the Prince..." the maid giggled while showing Irene some pictures that showed him appear like a useless degenerate. At least by dushani standards. For sure this world was primitive and so was their culture, he was clearly in need of a good education.

By all chances he was probably dead or under arrest by now. She had to find him. Holdouts were still actively resisting the Lesruna League who, so they had learned, was now being in charge of Esteria as masterminds of the coup. The grip of the new regime onto their land had yet to be solidified. As long as things were in the flow, they could always be turned around. Otherwise more heavy headed measures would be necessary.

"Y'STON!" Irene cursed in her dushani mother language, as she had been gotten to take a look at the Airfield where her small shuttle was being waiting. Tanks stood at the airfield and huge-guns were pointed at the small ship which had laid under the proetective energy SHELL-shield... they could not reach it without drawing attention from the entire City. No, it was not yet time to leave. Something else had to be done, as long as she was on the ground and things were still in motion.

"We need to find him..." she spoke much to the horror of her adjutant but to the excitement of her maid-guards who seemed to enjoy the carnage for some twisted reason. For true, the dushani blood ran strong in them.

Classified location, Grand Duchy of Esteria, Continent of Lesrun

"We have been receiving reports that today at 0400 Hours, units of the Toglan Garrison of the Dushan Armed Forces aided by spaceborne elements of the New Earth Federation have launched an attack on our troops deployed nearby the fortress.... The esterian Army has been put on high alert level, currently the 11th Brigade is enroute to the region... long range missiles and artillery are moved into firing positions as we speak..."

Of all the Wars he'd ever imagined Esteria had to fight, this was the least and unlikelist he'd ever expected. They simply didn knew what they had at the Fortress, but it could have been everything or nothing. The estarian military was meanwhile preparing for the worst. In those minutes, sealed doors and caches were opened in various bunkers. Fear had taken command, amidst confusion. Fear of a massive retiliation and the slowly emerging feeling that a horrible mistake had been done, that could not be undo. How long could they kept the exact details of the crime a secret, blame the botched coup on a lone wolf assassin?

His thoughts returned to the situation at Toglan; The only realistic option was indeed a massive barrage against the Fortress to break through their shields and meter thick walls... but as things stood nobody was there or willing to give such an order...