Fire Among the Stars (Ended)

[Gagium]

OOC here

---

Interplanetary Capitol Building, Federation Capital of Renia

The various senators of the Federation filed into the large dome structure throughout it's several openings, awaiting the hearing that was to come. Senate Speaker Abel Chevalier, from the Eolia system, entered the large chamber after a several minute break, alongside Senator Sabina Švecová, from the planet Maglone. The two figures crossed the large room, finally residing at the large podium that overlooked the room.

After a brief introduction, the Senate begun, "The chair recognizes Senator Sabina from Maglone. Senator?"

Senator Sabina adjusted her headset slightly, before starting, "Thank you, Speaker Abel. I would like to call into attention the situation on my home world, Maglone. We've always had a small fleet, as we've never had the need for a large defense force. However, in the past month alone, half of our fleet has been decimated by extraordinarily well-armed pirates."

"However, I'd like to thank the senate for voting to sanction the People's Republic of Jackania, who has been funding these attacks on our trade vessels and our small fleet. This isn't enough. I've been asked to propose to the senate that we take more action."

"Even though we've recognized the mastermind behind the pirates that have destroyed my planet's economy, they still roam in orbit of our planet, and the People's Republic remains relatively unharmed."

"That is why I am proposing to the senate that we immediately begin heavy trade sanctions on the People's Republic, and we blockade them where it'll hurt them."

Cheers erupted from a few senators, while a few senators were visibly appalled at the idea of these aggressive plans.

Senator Sabrina continued, "The People's Republic-aligned planet of Miron. A major exporter of Spectrium, which we ourselves use for many things. We ought to take appropriate action against their hostile regime and launch a blockade against Miron, showing them that we aren't going to put up with their actions."

Several boos were audible from the left-wing bloc of the senate, while the right-wing bloc, of which Senator Sabrina was affiliated with, cheered this plan on.

"Order! We'll grant Senator Sabrina the courtesy of a hearing!" the Speaker yelled.

"Additionally, we need to reinforce my planet with our warships, putting an end to the assault on my home world and it's trade. We cannot allow these criminals to get away with their crimes unchecked."

At this, a larger portion of the senate cheered, most senators in agreement that reinforcements were needed to stop these criminals.

The Senate Speaker announced, "The Senate thanks Senator Sabrina for her hearing. We will now move to recognize Howard Roth of Muchiri."

Senator Howard Roth moved his way to the podium, looking at various senators with disgust along the way. As he reached the podium, he begun, "Senator Sabrina's proposal is absurd! There is no need to provoke the People's Republic, who we have co-existed with for so long! I still dispute the Senate committee's legitimacy that testified that those pirates were funded by the People's Republic of Jackania. We need to unite together against our common enemies, not slaughter each other in the name of death!"

Arguing erupted in the chamber, as usually happens when any military-related proposal is suggested within the Federation's senate...

Several million kilometers from Miron, People's Republic

The small intelligence corvette around 60m long pulled out of hyperspace a formidable distance from Miron, and released several small probes that would track any military activity from the People's Republic on Miron. Once the probes were released, the corvette prepared to enter hyperspace to return back to Snapelia...

[Prussian Polish Commonwealth]

tag

[Higher Intelligence]

---

"Distance is Illusory; Truth - Deception."

---

The Preceptor's Councellors

LOCATION: UNIVERSE 554993-647

Five signals course through the myriad realm-fabrics of Universe 554993-647. They alight from the distant universal edges to stretches of void far removed from the impressive barriers that guard reality from expansion into what lay beyond perception. Within moments they are arrived over a large barred spiral galaxy - hover above it - and come to watch the sorrowful displays wrought forth by the primordial creatures plying its numerous space-lanes and voidways.

"There is nothing here of value, Grand Preceptor. I have created this map for your convenience." The Lesser Councellor presents his counterpart with a map of the worlds beneath them. Perhaps billions in number, their quantity is an expected value.

"Thank you."

"By all means, Grand Preceptor. I have been keeping an eye on this galaxy as per our initial proposal. Do you think it is time that we adjust our proceedings here?

The entourage remain in remote orbit of the body-conglomeration; they watch for signs of intelligence or enlightenment. After some time, the Grand Preceptor makes his judgment. "Do you recall the last time we encountered life? I think our course of action here is obvious. We will begin here," he proclaims, "ready our forces."

The Lesser Councellor finds himself in agreement. "It has been countless cycles, hasn't it? The mulitverse is empty." He chuckles softly with the thought. "We should begin post-haste."

A vast blue stream propagates across the void and collects itself into coherence. The battlements of the Fabricworks Whisper of Trepidation take form above the galactic plane and claim dominion over the region. The Grand Preceptor, witnessed of its advent, calls upon his eager soldier, Intellect #321909.

"You hailed, my leige?"

The Grand Preceptor nods; Intellect #321909 finishes materializing before him.

"We have come across the tenuous endeavours of lesser beings," the Grand Preceptor explains: he raises his hand; knowledge permeates Intellect #321909's lower form.

"Very well then," the lower intellect nods. "Are we to shelve our prior plans?"

"This will be an extension of our previous designs for Universe 554993-647."

"By your command."

The Grand Preceptor places his arms behind his back as Intellect #321909 deconstructs himself and beams to his waiting warship; soon the form of this warship, too, is but rendered unto code and whisked beyond the vast extrapolations of Whisper of Trepidation.

Before the Heliopause of Miron, People's Republic

The familiar field effects and tesseracts of Intellect #321909's Transendence - type voidcraft amalgamate from the nature that is their superluminal transit. Beyond the trappings of momentum, they come to a halt immediately and settle into orbit. The far-off star shines dimly - kaleidoscoping through the ethereal warship - and cascades over the control console from which Intellect #321909 commands.

"We are stable, 321909," the ship confirms. "Subluminal drives are operating within acceptable parameters. Lower domain sensory suites are re-establishing themselves."

"Let's make a thorough sweep of this system. Search for anomalies and irregularities. We will proceed from there."

"Of course," the ship replies.

A general higher-order examination of the system begins; considering the limited area of operations, it should not take long.

Intellect #321909 moves a few items on his display. "We should be ready to move if we find anything."

The ship accedes to his wishes; "By your command."

[Notovasian Tsardom]

t a g

[Elvectica]

Introduction


Stillness. Bright, piercing white-light. A moving stem of turquoise fluorescence, pure energy, waving and weaving, and with it, tiny specs of white seem to sail inside of its flow, like small, powerless tadpoles in a fast stream. It winds and curves through a vast empty space, surrounded by an endless expanse of light. As if it was just a two-dimensional sheet of plain paper. In the centre of it, a small feminine figure protruded from seemingly out of nowhere. She wore a witch’s hat, pointed at the top, and plump in the midst section. Her bright outfit was rather obscure, as it exposed much of her skin, and leads the average viewer uncomfortable. Her blonde hair flowed without resistance, as if she bypassed the physical laws of reality. She speaks, aware of another’s presence;

“Greetings, Minister. I hope you bring the Council good tidings?”

Another women, of the same dexterity, bowed in response. She too had flowing hair of the same calibur, only hers was red. As red as the glow from a fierce Red Giant star, as some describe her. She looked young. Perhaps even nearing the teens rather than late twenties.

“Grand Sorceress Eudoxia, it is an honour to be at your domain,” she replies nervously, carefully picking out words in her head, “It seems the multiverses are uneasy. Unfortunately, the government voted to participate in observation. Obviously the witchcraft community stands by your attitudes-- well, most of them, at least. In relevancy, the corporates want to interfere again. They say they already claimed parts of that supercluster for future endeavors. A large force awaits the NDF General’s commands.”

The Sorceress lowers her head and closes her eyes. Her eyelashes glow a dim blue luminosity. She frowns, but keeps her still composure; mimicking the surrounding endless environment.

“The Crown Council senses a large omnipotent power of dynamism.” her voice as smooth as silk and as warm as the Sun,

“Mortals have no sense to comprehend such complexity. If they must, be it out of the natural cycle of the Universes instead. It is possible they are of an equal power to VEXA. Take heed of my warning. Send my regards to the National Defence Front, and their primordial weaponry.” She scoffs at the later.

“Of course. Right away.” The Minister’s response is short and quick, making sure not to disturb the fair lady.

Elvectica was still reeling in the calamity that unfolded in the January Crisis. And while VEXA Corporation’s omnipotent presence was felt beyond the scope of reality, Elvectica held its ground. Elvectica was unique in that it holds power in other dimensions of existence. Even if Elvectica’s Universe (Universe-2AN) was created by BNL, it easily surpassed them in the race of transcendence and knowledge. Even so, they’re bound by an agreement. BNL Peace Accord mandates that member states represent them in the face of adversity. In this case, it was Elvectica’s turn. It was to be judged by all.

---

BNL Catalogued Time; 09:20; Virgo-directional
Universe-6422 (Exotic, Un-contacted)
Classification: Barred Spiral Galaxy, Hubble Catalogued Name: UGC-5.68x10^5

Pure darkness, and an endless void confronted a ship of many. Surrounding them were hundreds of similar ships of the cosmos, but to the naked eye, nothing for seemingly forever. In a blink of an eye, they arrive at the corridor between two Universes and nothingness. Brillant arrays of galaxies burst into the scene. At 326.16 million light years per second, they represent bars of flashing lights, whizzing past the observer. Spacetime Distortion Drives. They were millenia old. Perhaps the minds of Elvectica and the creativeness of its witchcraft community could establish capital-ship wide portals that would render a tiring journey obsolete. But, such purposes for wizardry and research is considered immoral and wasteful. For the profiteers of VEXA and BNL on the other hand, this was another story.

“EG-562, bound for U-6422” a toneless robotic voice interrupts the serenity, as a video from a floating sphere of holographics appears,

“Please relay current on-board information.” Quantum Entanglement communications such as these, easily bypasses the limits of spacetime, and instantaneous information sharing is possible.

“Of course, Traffic Control.” a hoarse voice responds in hesitance,

“Cruising speed at 326.16 Mly/sec, BNL Delegation craft in escort with the fleet. Heading Virgo-directional, defenses are activated.”

A large towering muscular man glances at the hologram as its cold blue aura lights his face. He was battle-worn, scars decorated his skin. As a veteran who served in the January Crisis, he was no stranger to facing unusual foes. This time however, he would have to prove his diplomatic skills. Suddenly, the fleet drops out of its space-altering trek. Above them laid a captivating scene of light. A spiral galaxy. With various amounts of nebulae and arms wrapping around the core. It seemed to be a living, breathing creature. Star-struck, the crew attempts to establish first contact towards any living intelligence in that Universe.

The Minister of Magicial Affairs, Cilla Marilou, from before, stands parallel to a large window, overseeing the galaxy and the local supercluster along with it. She reconciles her thoughts. A large omnipotent power of dynamism, she remembers from her meeting. As she does so, they begin to create and relay messages towards the celestial body above.

[New yugoslavaia]

Miron

On the dead surface of a near dead world, nothing stirred...or at least, not on the exposed service. Across the burgundy skin of the globe lay many constructs made to support life, even if only at a basic level. At one of the settlements lay a large tower, one which, when not looking at the top, appeared to just be a bland, thick rectangular skyscraper piercing the dark purple-red sky. However, looking from above revealed a pyramid like slope with a bright yellow light at the centre. A small craft descended into the heart of this slope and was engulfed by the light...

Somewhere in the upper floors of the building a door slide open. Afterwards a man, tall, thin and pale with black hair and yellow eyes walked into the corridor, illuminated by lights the same colour as his eyes which did next to nothing to lighten the dark grey metal of the corridor. After making many turns and taking a few lifts he reached his destination. Before him was a circular door, being semi-transparent. He put out his right hand and made contact with a glowing pad next to door, causing it split in two and push apart. After he came in those parts reunited.

The room was dominated by a incredibly long window overlooking the city and the wasteland stretching into the distance. The walls were also dominated, but this time by extensive controls and screens. In front of the window was a desk, made of traditional dark wood. There was no one sitting at the desk. Then, the man walked right up to the desk and spoke...

"Sir, I wish to speak to you."

Suddenly, a floating orb materialised above the desk, with a fuzzy form around the edges.

"Why have you summoned me?" Spoke the orb in a deep, but not aggressive voice.

"Sir, the Federation of Gagium has sent probes to this planet. I believe they might be preparing an invasion. Should I let the probes pass?"

"Let them pass, I see no threat in them searching us. We do not want to further stain our relations with them. They are tense to say the least."

"Did we really hire those pirates?"

"What pirates...oh, those pirates. They were hired by a rogue group in the council, one that takes great issue with the Federation not supplying us with food and minerals to solve the famine problems on the new worlds. They will be dealt with, and will not tarnish are relations any further."

"Well, I assume we must make haste if they plan to do that. I fear if they are sending probes they do mean to attack, although I have already said this."

"Yes, this part of the council will be dissolved, maybe even purged if they continue to aid the pirates. I will not let this alliance crumble and our republic to suffer."

"I will send the Federation a message to tell them of this, it could improve our relations."

"Very well then, may Jack be with you."

The orb faded away. The man proceeded to leave the room and turn a corner...

Dear Gagium Federation senate.

I am here to inform you that the entire bussiness surrounding the piracy problems you have been facing has been commited by us, but by a rogue group inside the council. We are already working to dissolve and possibly purge that part of the council as you read this, maybe it is already gone. Anyway, we are sorry for the inconvience caused by "us". It seems they take grivence with you not supplying us food and minerals to help support our newly colonised planets, which we did ranging from a centruy to half of that ago. Hopefully these attacks will stop and we can fix relations. You will be updated on any further problems.

From
-Anonymous.

[Gagium]

Interplanetary Capitol Building, Federation Capital of Renia

The day after the previous senate meeting, the senators once again arrived at the large dome capitol building that housed the government, shuffling into the large senate chamber to continue discussion on the subject. This time, Senate Speaker Abel Chevalier begun today's session by projecting a holographic message, which was then played by several small speakers located throughout the dome:

Dear Gagium Federation senate.

I am here to inform you that the entire business surrounding the piracy problems you have been facing has been committed by us, but by a rogue group inside the council. We are already working to dissolve and possibly purge that part of the council as you read this, maybe it is already gone. Anyway, we are sorry for the inconvenience caused by "us". It seems they take grievance with you not supplying us food and minerals to help support our newly colonised planets, which we did ranging from a century to half of that ago. Hopefully these attacks will stop and we can fix relations. You will be updated on any further problems.

From
-Anonymous.

This message threw the chamber into chaos, until all the eyes turned towards a specific senator, Hatsu Seiji:

"THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A PLOY! Do any of you not see? 'FROM ANONYMOUS'! Who the hell is 'anonymous'? NOBODY, that's who!"

Another senator stood up, yelling, "Whoever sent this message is obviously within their government and knows what they're talking about! This is a gesture of peace!"

"Order, order!" The Senate Speaker yelled. "Our planetary communications office, who has received this message, has noted that the message was transmitted from Miron. That may clear up any questions many of you have, and we can finally get to discussing the matter in an orderly fashion."

Another senator stood up and asked, "Miron? Why would any leader of theirs be on Miron?"

This debating and questioning continued for several minutes, until the topic gradually turned back to the potential blockade plans, with Senator Sabrina from Maglone taking charge.

"This bickering and debating about a message from an 'anonymous' will do us no good. I believe we've all received word that one of our frigates has dropped some probes several million kilometers from Miron, and we should be able to pinpoint the exact origin of the transmission."

"Today, I have come forth to the Senate Speaker & the War Committee with a draft of the order to blockade Miron, as well as send some aid to my people on Maglone. I hope that we shall be able to vote on it soon enough, as urgent as the matter is. I think we can easily disregard that transmission we've received earlier, and begin discussion on more important matters."

Communications Office, Federation Capital of Renia

The transmission from a certain 'anonymous' was not the only one of importance received today by the communications office. Comms Director Nathaniel Meyers was informed over an hour before the message was received that they had picked up on another message, originating several thousand light years away, apparently below the Galaxy itself. The message was picked up by one of the Federation's many communications probes, which were scattered across the far reaches of the Galaxy with the purpose of observing the ongoings of the far reaches, as well as to relay communications quickly to exploration fleets and outposts. The probe, quickly inspecting the message, encrypted it and marked it as sent from other intelligent beings, before sending it to the Communications Office, where it would be received.

The aide that had informed the Director of the message asked him curiously, "What are you going to do with it? We have no idea what-"

Director Meyers cut him off, saying, "We're going to send back a message. That's what we are going to do for the moment."

Within minutes, a message was relayed back through the network of comms probes, to where it would be relayed to the approximate location of the sender. The message was a simple one, consisting only of the words, 'Welcome to our galaxy'. The message was relayed in several prominent forms of language and communication.

[Gagium]

Interplanetary Capitol Building, Federation Capital of Renia

Yet another day passed, and the senators shuffled into the large chamber. After the Senate Speaker read the official proposal on the blockade & sanctions of the People's Republic of Jackania, the vote begun. One by one, the hundreds of senators began casting their votes, until the vote came to Senator Budimir Škara, a senator from some little-known fringe planet. The vote was exactly 1068-1068-18, with 18 senators abstaining and exactly 1068 voting for the proposal and against it. Budimir Škara was a hardcore centrist, with his vote being unpredictable for most proposals that popped up.

The nervous senators from both sides stared at him, as Škara thought about his course of action. A vote that was tied like this has never happened for the past several decades. He could abstain, and face the fury of both sides for doing so. Or, he could vote with one side, and the other side would hate him for it. Senator Škara looked around him, realizing that the hundreds of senators were waiting on him. Various spectators and journalists around the chamber were focused on him.

Škara looked directly at Senate Speaker Abel Chevalier, finally deciding on what he would do. He announced, "I vote in favor of the proposal." Half the senate cheered while the other half sat down quietly as the outcome of the vote was read by the Speaker: "1069-1068-18".

Shipyard District, Federation Capital of Renia

Senate Speaker Abel Chevalier was a rather short man, being about 5'4" tall. He wasn't exactly strong either, being below average in weight. He was only senate speaker for a couple of months, and his term happened to be the one in which the long-lasting peace between the two powers
would be broken. His green eyes looked downwards at the fleet that was preparing to take off. Several smaller ships, 20 heavy cruisers, 5 battleships, and 3 carriers were on the surface below him, with thousands of crew on the metal platforms leaving and entering their ships. Scenes like this were occurring on several other planets. Abel leaned against the railing as the ships began to rise, the rumble of their engines audible for kilometers. Finally, the ships began moving into the sky and away from the balcony. He walked back inside as the noises of their engines died off.

Miron Orbit, People's Republic Space

Several hundred thousand kilometers from Miron, the Blockade Fleet, led by Grand Admiral Vicente Aguirre, jumped into orbit. The combined fleet consisted of 12 carriers, 40 battleships, 400 heavy cruisers, and several more light cruisers, destroyers, & frigates. About 5,000 fighters total were contained within the fleet. The Federation vessels began the blockade immediately, preparing to shoot down any transports that would attempt to escape from the planet. Only small vessels that didn't carry anything of economic value were allowed to leave, though they were thoroughly searched after docking with one of the carriers in orbit.

[Fardhin]

Tag

[Telros]

Milky Way Galaxy, Delta Quadrant
People's Republic of Jackania, Task Force Orioth

“We have a problem, Fleet Admiral.”

Tábornok turned his eye towards the speaker, whirring of the tiny gears and servos in his ocular implant providing a slight noise, though only one with hearing given by augments could catch it. Black and silver met his eye. The colors of the Strategic Intelligence Bureau, advanced information, black ops and reconnaissance arm of the Imperium; they had gotten very powerful, both in budget and scope, after the CASM War. The Archon had decided, while the mission still had them aiding the galaxy and doing what they needed to help, they needed to use some subterfuge to gain every advantage now. So SI agents had spread far and wide across the galaxy, as far as they could maintain, concentrated in Gamma, with isolated outposts in Delta, Alpha and Beta. And it was one such outpost that had gotten them into this particular thorn bush. The Admiral grunted and turned back to the holographic display, showing the People's Republic territories, with known trade routes, hard points for bases, and military force deployments and strengths, at least that was known.

“I'm well aware, Agent Arnyék, and it continues to get worse. Still, we have a mission to continue, a treaty-enforced mandate from the Archon, do we not?”

The operative stepped forward, scaled lizard skin poking out from wherever the uniform didn't cover, slitted eyes staring at him, as one would a potential meal perhaps, and occasionally the second eyelid flickering to maintain the moisture. “As correct as that is, the situation continues to grow more unstable; reports coming from the Federation indicate that the debate for putting forth the blockade on Miron are heading towards the right-wing faction in the Senate, and rumors are becoming more solidified of their auxiliary states bringing forces to their aid.”

“As I said before, I'm aware. We're coordinating with the Aumanii to determine what course of action we take if that situation crosses the final line. However, we still need to pursue the path of peace, which is the best course of action for our interests and this region. Every diplomatic option has to be pursued, to show that we tried and to buy us time to prepare. HIGHCOM is still scrambling the rest of the Realm Fleet, but we need more time to get it up and at full strength. What about your agents in the Federation? Can they give us anything else?”

The agent snorted, eyes rolling at the suggestion. “The Director only told us of the intent to start embedding more agents in the Federation a week ago, and most of that time was spent getting the appropriate agents, backstories, papers, and identities in place. We're filtering in slowly: tourists, traders, some semi-permanent new residents, investors, etc, etc. We have an idea of the pulse of Federation society and information, but its all public information. We'll most likely be deep in the coming war, before we can expect any real penetration. Besides, the real problem is that the Jackanians are accused of supporting pirates with weapons and funding to harass a Federation world, and they haven't exactly been quick to disabuse this cluster that the notion is correct. People back home are starting to grumble that we may be supporting a pirate haven.

Tábornok sighed and pushed himself up from the projector and a mental command had it turn off, becoming an inert shapleess blob of color, slowly shifting as it waited in standby for further commands. “Then we have to let the diplomat do his job, and try to get a conference between New Jackania and the Federation together to talk this out like responsible adults. It's really amazing, now matter how far out you go, you find entire cultures behaving like children.”

Arnyék quietly replied. “Not everyone has lost what we have and gained a measure of wisdom from it.”

“Hrmh.”

The Admiral closed his eyes and extended his implants connection to one of his officers, who immediately noticed and began responding to him.

Sir?

Send a message to the New Jackanian government. Inform them of the Imperium's repeated commitment to their defense and guaranteed independence and ask for permission to begin patrolling the reaches around Miron. Hopefully, we could deter the Federation and their allies a bit and give the People's Republic a stronger hand in the situation.

Message will be sent. Also, we received a report from one of our border outposts; probes have appeared in the Miron system. Scans are being run to determine their origin, but all bets are on the Federation.

I see. Keep me informed.

Aye, sir.

Eyes opened and faced the operative, who was waiting. “I trust you got the same news as I, Admiral?

“Afraid so, Agent.”

“Then we'd better hope Makacs can work his magic again, or we'll be in one hell of a war.”

The door opened, drawing their gaze to a panting officer. Both felt their guts drop into that infinite chasm of what was coming.

“Priority message from our outposts. The Federation has begun the blockade of Mirion.”

The Admiral and Agent were already moving as he spoke; the Jackanians would be getting the information even before they did and they needed to confer to find out what they wanted their next step to be. And their Aumanii allies had to be informed, to see what they wanted the next step to be.

*************

Said Diplomat was working his damnedest to deliver an impossible reality; messages were sent to the Federation Embassy, similar to the following:

To Esteemed Ambassador for the Federation of Gagium,

On behalf of the Tezekian Imperium, I send you this invitation in the hopes that the situation both the Federation and the People's Republic find themselves in can be fixed, not by ships and weapons, but by words and discussion. We are working with the Jackanian government, but we would like to organize an arbitration summit, to be hosted by a third party that both government's can agree is suitable. Here, we wish to help find a solution for both sides that is agreeable to both and can deescalate the tension we find ourselves in. Please respond back to this missive to set up a meeting, physical or over a channel, where we can discuss further details. We have a treaty with the People's Republic but we have no wish for this to turn to violence, and we believe the Federation shares this same ideal.

Thank you for your time,

Diplomat Makacs

Nodding to himself that the message was where he wanted it to be, he sent it over for the Task Force to forward it, while he walked over to their embassy granted by the Jackanian government, to meet with their ambassador. A request for a meeting had been forwarded and a time and place established; it was time to work both ends and see if they could turn back the clock on this impending disaster. All cross the Imperial forces in the region, one thought was shared:

I hope the Aumanii are having better luck than we are thus far...

[The Coalition Theomilitary]

---

A Rude Awakening
Planet Miron, Low Orbit, Aboard the HAS Onset Recession

---

"Why. Why am I here?"

Captain Tharen Vin'Trovan laid in his bed, fitfully trying to wrest some sleep from his consciousness. The past few weeks had been altogether far too long and hectic. What had initially began as an extremely lucerative trading opportunity had slowly spiraled down into complete madness. Delays, issues with the port authorities, poorly handled paperwork, misfiled credentials, and even critical mechanical failures aboard some of the other freighters had slowed the entire operation down to a crawl. Now there were rumors spreading of government funded pirates terrorizing the local trade lanes, and rising tensions between the Gagium Federation and the Jackanian Republic have given rise to trade sanctions that have all but shut down any hope of making any profit off of this excursion. He was stuck above this terrible smog-choked world with cargo he'd have to go all the way across the sector to even sell.

He shook his head trying to clear his mind, and turned on his side. "I can still make this work", He thought. "At least I'm not empty handed. At least I CAN take all this to the next sector over and try to sell it." He closed his eyes, finally beginning to feel the weight of sleep overtake him as he contemplated what he was going to do to get out of this mess. "At least... as bad as things are now, they couldn't get any worse, could it?"

His eyes shot open, feeling a sudden, dreadful weight settle into the pit of his stomach. "I did not just-"

A pleasant ding sounded on his personal intercom, followed by a woman's voice. "Captain, we need you up on the bridge ASAP. We have a situation."

Oh no.

---

Several minutes later...
HAS Onset Recession, Bridge

---

"What do you MEAN, they've blockaded the planet?!"

Tharen Vin'Trovan stared in horror at the navigation screens. He couldn't believe his eyes. A large Gagium fleet had closed in orbit around the planet, shutting down any transit to and from the vicinity of the planet. "They can't DO this! They can't! Doesn't this violate some kind of interstellar trade law?!" He stopped for a moment, trying to regain his composure while taking a sip of some flavor of imported Olimpiadan coffee. It didn't help. If anything, the reheated sludge of genetically engineered caffiene just brought clarity to his anger.

"You know what? No. I'm not standing for this bullshit!" He gesticulated angrily. "Damn the port authorities, damn this blockade! I'm taking what I have and leaving this cosmic cesspool whether they like it or not!"

One of the bridge officers stood up to object. "Sir, you can't be serious, we'll be-"

"NO!" Tharen bellowed. "I did NOT come this far and get through ALL of this trouble to be stopped now! If we submit to the blockade, heavens knows how long we'll be trapped here! I'll be a damn laughing stock by the time I return to port! I'm making a stand here and NOW! If ANY of you have a problem with that, you are more than welcome to leave this ship and ROT on this god forsaken SMOGBALL!"

There was a long and uncomforatble silence.

"No one? Good. Get ready to leave, we're disembarking as soon as we're able to."

Not terribly long later, the multi-kilometer long frame of the HAS Onset Recession began to break port, departing from low orbit. As the ship approached the Federation blockade, a communication was sent, signifying the ship's intent to leave the system.

This is the House Amaris Tradeship, Onset Recession.

I don't know what the hell you guys think you are trying to accomplish by blockading this system, but I want no part in whatever this nonsense is about. We have a small fortune in legitimately acquired trade goods here, and I'll be damned if I'm going to sit here with my thumb up my ass because some government funded thugs show up and decide to ruin everyone's travel plan.

You WILL let us pass, or there will be hell to pay, mark my god damn words!

[Prussian Polish Commonwealth]

Warpspace-Route 97B
Admiral Harker stared at the display. He could order the metal shadings to be withdrawn, but he didn't for two reasons; A, it was considered bad luck, and B, it was nothing but pitch dark anyway.
He sighed and sipped his coffee as the bridge crew bustled about.
To rise from a mere commodore fighting pirates to a High Admiral who could call upon an entire system's fleet if necessary was no small feat, especially when one considered the average lifespan of a member of the Imperial Navy.
He squinted his eyes as the display changed.

CHANGE COURSE TO "GAGIUMISH FEDERATION", ESTABLISH CONTACT AND ACERTAIN SITUATION. YOU ARE AUTHORIZED TO TAKE ANY SIDE IN THE CONFLICT AND WE WILL BACK YOU UP.
DEO VINDICE.*

*(With) God (as our) protector

Harker smirked. This would certainly be more intresting than chasing down pirates.

Between Gagium and New Yugo

1 Fidelity-class Battleship
2 Judgement-class heavy cruisers
4 Sabre-class light cruisers
8 Sword-class Rapid Strike Vessels(Destroyers)
5 Kaiserin Erika armed transport vessels
1 Imperator-class Inquisitorial Rapid Strike Vessel
500,000 Iron Guardsmen
5,000 Inquisitorial Stormtroopers
700,000 Death Korps(Todkorps)

The task force erupted out of slipspace and immediately began broadcasting messages to both nations. The messages all had the same content:

xxx begin This is Detached Squadron C15 stop Explain situation stop we will provide assisstance stop

OOC:Gagium just mention that New Yugo are commies and he'll start raising all manner of hell.

[Korhal IVV]

Unité, paix et égalité

Unity, Peace, and Equality

Slava Class Battlecruisers leave Serion Ultima

Seventh Expedition Fleet
Aragane Class Dreadnought “Yamato”
Serion Ultima
Grand Commander Leila Breisgau
Rear Admiral Juzo Okita
Commodore Hans Von Fegelein
Battlesuit Army 7 Commander Yorick Lamperouge
Battlesuit Army 9 Commander Andrea Otero
103rd Armored Regiment Commander Edvard Von Henschel
2 Iosif Stalin Class Battleships(Moskau, Vladivostok)
6 Slava Class Battlecruisers(Sevastapol, Baikal, Caspian, Adriati, Murasame, Ashigara)
20 Andromeda Class Heavy Cruisers
10 Zleni Class Transport Ships

*More to Come as Conflict Ensues*



The Grand Commander stared at the screen. The Colonial Alliance Joint Government has just informed them that the Federation has began blockading Miron, a barren yet somehow important planet of the People’s Republic. She and her 7th Expedition Fleet are to prepare for conflict, and should hostilities break out between the Federation and the People’s Republic, the Colonial Alliance of Europa United is predictably going to side with the Federation. Their ideals are rather the same, but more importantly, the Interplanetary Federation of Gagium is both an important military ally and trade partner. Much of the CAEU’s wealth is derived from the lucrative trade that Europan traders and investors take part with the Federation. The Seventh are to deter Jackanian ships and their allies from attempting to break the blockade around Miron. And should conflict break out, it should not be forgotten that though the CAEU forces are invariably outnumbered, they are perhaps of some of the highest quality. Even an Andromeda Heavy Cruiser can destroy several enemy ships weaker than itself before succumbing, and the CAEU fleets are small for a good reason. Their ships are highly expensive, more so than most, and focus primarily on quality. In addition, the Seventh Expedition just happens to be armed with the most modern ships that the CAEU has, the Generation Nine ships.

Leila Breisgau bowed to the screen as it went black, heralding the end of the live transmission. She announced to the rest of her small fleet that the time is now.

“All ships, we are to warp to planet Miron and deter anyone from breaking the Federal blockade. High Command has already ensured reinforcements in the event that this escalates into a war.”, Breisgau ordered to the entire fleet. Rear Admiral Juzo Okita scoffed as he sat on his commander’s chair in his ship, the Iosif Stalin Class Battleship “Moskau.” “A war is just what the CAEU is waiting for.”, he laughed as the fleet began warp sequence. “That way we can have an excuse to mobilize our scuttled ships and expand in all directions. How naive and yet how brilliant our Grand Commander is…”, he went on as the energies of the warp raged around the fleet.

After ten minutes, they arrived in the Miron System.


A message was sent to the Federation fleet. “This is CAEUS Yamato of the Colonial Alliance of Europa United. We are here to aid you in reprimanding those that dare defile our shared trade routes.”

[New yugoslavaia]

High council ship, Azure orbit.

As the spherical form of the council ship lay in orbit of the grey-blue-green globe, tensions were rising. At the very heart of the ship, tensions were right on the verge of boiling point...

In a room shaped somewhat like a hemisphere (or at least, from a 2D view, it was actually rather long), there was a dark grey metal table bordering on black. In place of the chairs were glowing orbs similar to the one on Miros, but of various colours.

"This is an outrage. First they refuse to give us food and now they blockade us?" Said the chairman of the socialist party, represented by a orange orb.

"Well, this travesty wouldn't of happened if your commie friends over there didn't throw a hissy fit and hire those pirates." Said the Chairman of the conservative party, represented by a blue orb.

"Well, they should understand the plight of our people and help us. The act of them refusing to supply aid proves they are just greedy, corrupt, bourgouise scum. Jack would not be pleased." Replied the chairman of the communist party, represented by a red orb.

"Why should we listen to you, arn't you suppose to be excluded because of that very action of yours?" Said the chairman of the national party, represented by a purple orb.

"Well, if we could all stop squabbling among each other we could realise that the best way to go about this is to talk with the Federation and devise a peaceful outcome." Said the chairman of the centrist party, otherwise known as the social democrats party, represented by a yellow orb.

"Look, we wouldn't have this damn trouble if you had listened to us and spent more money of agriculture rather than military assests." Said the chairmen of the green party, represented fittiling by a green orb.

"We need those ships and weapons to defend us from hostile attack." Said the red orb.

"We don't need them, not in this quantity at least. We haven't had a major conflict for nearly a century. If I didn't know any better, I would say you want this war to happen. Then again, you are far-left." Said the yellow orb.

"Calling us far-left, ha! You're mind has been poisoned by the capitalists. We are the heart and soul of the republic."

"Ah yes, defiantly far winged. Very egotistical."

"Enough." Spoke a voice belonging to a man sitting at the very end of the table, blanketed by darkness. "The communist and national party are barred from this meeting, since their views are too radical. Terminating communications."

As soon as he said this, the red and purple orbs vanished, imploding in on themselves.

"Now, we can continue the meeting."

"I still don't know how this should go, they blockaded one of our most important systems after all just for the actions of a few "radicals". I do think we should take some actions against them but not too extreme." Said the orange orb.

"I think we should have a vote, this is a semi-democracy after all. It would be nice to see what the people have to say." Said the yellow sphere.

"I think that will be a good idea. After all, the votes will come in quick thanks to advancements in technology." Said the man.

"Could help. Maybe if we start do proper voting we can finnaly see if people want money diverted to agriculture." Said the green orb.

"That will be considered, but as of now this is a one off. The vote will be organised.

"What if our "allies" act and screw everything up by attacking the blockade?" Said the blue orb.

"Then if they do, we will declare war anyway. Right now...the people will decide."

[Gagium]

High Command Bunker, Federation Planet of Snapelia

Grand Admiral Vicente Aguirre walked into the sleek metallic room, immediately looking at the several holographic displays on the walls of the room. His eyes rested on the single large holographic display in the middle of the metallic room, several chairs and devices located around the circular table in which the hologram rested on. Several Admirals and officers were already in the room, issuing commands to the respective fleets they controlled from this room.

The Grand Admiral took his seat, and began inspecting the holographic display of Miron, zooming in on various Federation ships and fighter patrols. The hologram immediately adjusted as several battleships and cruisers warped into orbit, being identified as Europa United vessels...

A message was relayed from the fleet's location and was played in the room:

This is CAEUS Yamato of the Colonial Alliance of Europa United. We are here to aid you in reprimanding those that dare defile our shared trade routes.

Grand Admiral Vicente looked across at the Fleet Comms Officer, an Admiral who was recently promoted and assigned this position, who in turn nodded and began working on a message. After a minute or so, he relayed the message back to the fleet, who relayed it to the CAEUS Yamato:

We are gracious in your support for keeping the trade routes of the galaxy open and secure. As such, we wish to open a communications channel between our fleets high command in approximately 1400 hours.

The Grand Admiral noticed something else, a several-kilometer long freighter moving away from the planet...he adjusted the holographic projector slightly, and it began playing a message relayed from the freighter:

This is the House Amaris Tradeship, Onset Recession.

I don't know what the hell you guys think you are trying to accomplish by blockading this system, but I want no part in whatever this nonsense is about. We have a small fortune in legitimately acquired trade goods here, and I'll be damned if I'm going to sit here with my thumb up my ass because some government funded thugs show up and decide to ruin everyone's travel plan.

You WILL let us pass, or there will be hell to pay, mark my god damn words!

Grand Admiral Vicente chuckled at this apparent threat, and again looked at his Fleet Comms Officer, who quickly sent a reply to this, checking back up on the blockade orders for reference:

We would wish to know more about the cargo your ship is containing, and we require that your freighter dock with Carrier 041, which this message has been relayed from. Additionally, we will detach a squadron of several fighters to ensure that your freighter reaches our carrier and docks with it correctly. The searching process can range from a couple of hours to a day. I'm sure you won't mind this delay, as your freighter will eventually make it out of this system if you go through out blockade. More instructions will be relayed to our ship as you approach Carrier 041.

At around the same time, a message was sent to the Imperial Republic of Christendom:

ESTEEMED OFFICERS OF THE CHRISTENDOM FORCE:
If the situation has not been explained to you by your superiors that sent your task force here, then we will be pleased to notify you of the situation. For the past few months, a gang of unusually-equipped pirates have been trespassing on our trade routes and decimating our economy on the planet Maglone. A committee has discovered them to be funded heavily by the People's Republic of Jackania, and we have taken appropriate action by blockading their planet of Miron. That is why our blockade fleet is here.

Trading Lanes between Maglone and Renia, Federation Space

The 400 meter-long freighter Grace of God, built on Maglone itself, was delivering a quantity of processed ores and exotic minerals from Maglone, the destination being the weapons factories on Renia. As the freighter jumped out of hyperspace to dock with a refueling station & trading outpost, several pirate frigates around 60 meters long and an old Federation cruiser, painted with pirate symbols, jumped out of hyperspace and demanded for the freighter to dock with their cruiser.

Captain Alina Bialek, a woman of around 35 years old who had grown up on Maglone and has evaded the pirates time after time, prepared to dock with the pirate cruiser, with guns pointed at her freighter from nearly every angle. However, just as she prepared to give the order to dock with them, several Federation heavy cruisers and destroyers appeared around the pirate fleet, opening fire. Alina smiled, preparing to jump to hyperspace while the pirate fleet and the federation armada battled it out.

Several fighters were dispatched to escort her freighter as she prepared to flee the scene, and her ship eventually escaped the pirates as it has many times, reaching Renia safely.

Federation Embassy to the Tezekian Imperium
Ambassador Egon Smith received the message within a few minutes, reading it on his holographic device and then, after consulting with some other embassy staff, wrote up a reply and transmitted it to the Tezekian diplomat:

To the Revered Ambassador for the Tezekian Imperium,

We graciously accept your invitation for a summit, and we wish for it to occur in person on the planet of Maglone, the center of our troubles caused more or less directly by the People's Republic. We will dispatch some frigates to escort the vessels carrying the Tezekian and People's Republic diplomats as to ensure they arrive safely. The time and date of this meeting can be discussed further.

[Higher Intelligence]

---

"Introspection is to be Bound by Time."

---

Intellect #321909

LOCATION: UNIVERSE 554993-647 - HELIOPAUSE MIRON'S, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC

The gathering collection of motley voidcraft fail to escape the directed notice of the Transendence - type vessel. Now laden with this knowledge, however malodorous it might be, Intellect #321909 feels no compulsion to remain here in the distant reaches of the system.

"What do you make of these new parties blockading this system?"

"They appear to serve no true purpose, 321909. I am detecting no continuum anchors or superluminal dampening in effect. Do you wish to move closer to observe them in person?"

"Naturally," Intellect #321909 replies.

The distance, paltry, is far from vast enough to require the Transcendence - type to deconstruct and whisk through far more convenient methods of domain transit. The two transmissions merely, in unison, elect to engage the lesser drives. To their own heightened perception the action takes hours, but to casual observer the craft seems to appear over Miron before fully disappearing from the previously held position past the Heliopause.

"We are 154,926,301.94 leagues from the nearest blockading forces. No status change within the myriad fleet-signatures. No higher-order anomalies or domain peturbances. Shall we proceed as normal?"

Intellect #321909 agrees with the prospect. If they are to make headway here they must reveal themselves to the soon-to-be aggrieved parties. While one might ordinarily brush aside an anthill without so much as a rogue thought, these beings, though trapped within deplorable states of existence, are still capable of hosting discourse; actions without full consideration for the rights of the insignificant are as crude as the insignificant are primitive. "Search for compatible frequencies. Adjust for interference. I am ready to being transmitting when you are."

"As you command," the ship readies, "you may begin at your leisure."

"On-screen-"

Across the system, on radios and holographic displays, televisions, computers, and phones and tablets - any and all electronic devices capable of receiving signal - Intellect #321909 relays the good news of their arrival:

BY THE ASCENDANT INEVITABILITY OF THE ADVENT OF REASON, WE HAVE COME TO HASTEN THE EVOLUTION OF PROFOUND THOUGHT. WITNESS MY NAME, INTELLECT #321909, AND THAT OF MY COMPANION VOIDCRAFT, TRANSMISSION #506^48, AND BEHOLD PROOF OF YOUR IMMINENT EXALTATION.

Images of space and time, higher realities and lower domains, stars, planets, galaxies, and superclusters accompany the magnificent words of 321909. As he nears completion the images shift in focus to his craft of arrival, the Transendence - type voidcraft inhabited by Transmission #506^48.

"Very well put, 321909. You have chosen your words wisely."

The Intellect bows his head towards the illusory floor and grins sheepishly. "I try."

"In order to proceed in this sector we will need to eliminate locales capable of providing resistance to our work."

"And you think there are parties here capable of offering resistance?"

The ship does not nod, but the two nevertheless are joined of conclusion.

"You are right. There is always a possibility. But from what we have been able to gather..." He looks over all of the data they have collected since their arrival; they have collected an impressive volume and it courses through his mind with alacritous pace.

"I will raise our gravitic, digitic, and temporal-phasic barriers."

"Keep some power in reserve for weaponry," the Intellect advises. "Let's skim past the northern reaches of this planet."

"You wish to test this blockade?"

"Bring us up to 8 Au/h. You are correct."

The ship acquiesces - shunts power into propulsion and holds a quantity in reserve for weaponry - compelling the amalgamation of field effects and tesseracts to assume a swift pace about the void. It barrels inward towards the planet, seemingly devoid of wake or visible propulsion, and impends with a course that will take it past the northern pole of Miron.

[Elvectica]

Come From Away

---

BNL Catalogued Time; 00:20; Virgo-directional
Universe-6422 (Exotic, Contacted)
Classification: Barred Spiral Galaxy, Hubble Catalogued Name: UGC-5.68x10^5

In the midst of the calming view, the bridge onboard the NDF Indagator mimicked that of its eerie silence. The Indagator was one of several hundred destroyers part of the operation. In a sense, Elvectica evaluates different regions of space and galaxies, to see which has the most probability of containing intelligence that could be comparable to homo sapien sapiens back on Earth. The thing is, Universes of similar conditions produce similar outcomes-- this particular Universe was essentially a parallel one to that of Universe-1. In a previous BNL Peace Accord Summit, several leaders claimed invaluable superclusters and traded off several different astral bodies with one another. With admiration, the Elvectican government persuaded them to withhold any activities until a full survey/mapping is complete, in order to prove that there was beings of higher intelligence. According to certain agreements, the megacorporations couldn't get a foothold of a galaxy that already has an interstellar species inhabiting it. First contact with intelligence of a different origin is remarkable to say the least, but not unheard of. Many species from across the galaxies-- and even the Universes-- inhabit the multicultural melting pot of the capital, Orbis Terrarum City. As such, Elvectica strives for self preservation.

Meanwhile, small shuttlecraft started scanning the differing regions of UGC-5.68x10^5-- a name designated to the galaxy in this context. Most onboard the fleets were experienced in establishing first contact with particular civilizations. A flurry of communications intercepted by several survey craft picks up troubling information; as it would turn out, the peaceful scenery of the galaxy above was anything but.

A solar day goes by, with no responses to the fleet’s series of codes. Only mere hours later however, a direct response is located. Apparently by some coincidence it was in the same frequency that Elvectica’s regulators once used hundreds of years ago. The message read simply: “Welcome to our Galaxy.” A rapturous applause erupts throughout the Indagator. Cheers hollered at the bridge, and the captain’s face broke into a grin. A success.

“Brilliant!”

A lower ranked officer patted the captain, “Captain Stonebridge,” he laughs in excitement, “We should respond immediately! We should establish relations--”

“We shall. But enough!” he barks back, silencing the cheers, “Let’s follow protocol. Standard regulation replies, nothing more.”

“Of course, sir. I got carried away.”

“Never let the glamour of the Universe get the better of you. Soon they’ll turn on you once you least expect it.”

Captain Avent Stonebridge was an avid xenophobe. Sceptics such as him are rare in Elvectica, but the ones that do exist are fierce and influential.

He slumps back on his seat. The bridge was pitch black, and only light emanating from the neon blue screens, distant stars and nebulae dimly lit the bridge. The long wait for a response was undoubtedly killing the Captain’s withering patience. He had little to begin with. Sooner or later they’ll come and see us, he thinks in his head, better start early. The troubling communications that surveycraft intercepted told worrying details about a potential powderkeg that could erupt into a full blown war. Stonebridge detested the idea of defusing tensions between star empires, but it was the only thing they could do. Little was known about them and little was cared for by the Crown Council.

“Computer,” he swivels his chair in the direction of his holographics, “Set course for the source of the message. Establish visual contact.”

The ship’s AI replied in a feminine voice:
Yes captain. Setting course for outer quadrant. 15 minutes to ju--

“Stonebridge.” A soft but authoritative voice protruded from the bridge’s main holographic sphere. A video call started and its white background lit the entire room. It was General Carnealous Constantine, commanding officer onboard the NDF Kimberly. The ship itself was a Class-A Supremacy, on loan from the VEXA Corporation. It dwarfed all of the other warships in size, scale, technology, and authority.

“General.” He salutes, “I was authorized by Parliament to take whatever steps I see fit in order to make immediate contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. I see you have your doubts about this notion.”

“Yes, Captain.” she scoffs at the mention of his title, “According to findings it is highly likely they are engaged in a war with different factions within the galaxy. Your job is to deescalate tensions, my job is to control the fleet. We are to follow standard and send a message back. Are we clear?”

Without hesitation, the General stops the hyperjump, “Stop.” she waves her hand, “I have control.”

“You have control.” he grumbled in response.

Greetings. It is with the most utmost and sincere gratitude that we may express salutations to your kind as well. We have intercepted several communications that was of interest, and your galaxy was the most profound of all. Our scientific community will be abuzz in excitement.

Do enlighten us. Who do you call yourselves?; What territory do you acclaim?; What tales from your humble abode do you wish to share with us? We are eager to introduce you to our culture, as we are sure you are as well.

It seemed like a personalized message of goodwill, but alas, it was per standard ‘welcoming’ protocol. They were seekers of peace after all. Sending hundreds of warships into alien territory was out of the question. Diplomacy over war, as they say back home.

[Fardhin]

Mundo, Sol System
What was known to many as Earth, now known to Fardhin as Mundo orbits around it's sun; now named Araw. Above the planet, a metal shell stretches miles and miles; less than a 4th into completion. The 1st Shell, as it is called; is made up of giant metal Hexes and triangles as big as cities locked together.

Each triangle or hex is by itself, a functioning community. One might call it a city, a collective or a sector; either way, no matter how it is called, it is commonly known as Eitsoti, derived "H or T". The shell would protect the planet from outside threats like asteroids, solar flares, comets and the like; and right under the shell, is an artificial atmosphere and artificial sunlight maintained by those operating the shell.

As of the moment, it hovers above Asya, where lies the heart of the Fardhine Empire. For centuries past, the Empire has been in decline ever since its loss to the communists of The Srivijayan Communists; but as of recent, it rises.

Espirong Bakal, Marso, Sol System
In Espirong Bakal, the heart of the Fardhine presence on the red planet of Marso; factories and shipyards move gears as many weapons of war are produced. A mighty fleet, newly built to be even larger and more impressive than the Florentine Fleet, had been commissioned by Emperador Birhilio Fardo, who and recently restored the absolute monarchy.

Above the skies they fly, surrounding the one that they call the black dragon reborn. The Makahambus, otherwise known as the Martian Chariot. A powerful warship, capable of destroying entire fleet's in one blast with its 6 powerful Marcos Cannons, while carrying the largest arsenal and other warships as well.

The ship, begins to move in a different course. Followed by the fleet, it ascends.

Space
The Birhilian Fleet, takes it course. It receives it's orders, and it jumps to its destination.

[Korhal IVV]

CAEU Seventh Expedition
Miron System

As the message from the Federation fleet came in, Breisgau relayed it to the CAEU Naval High Command.

"Oh? So they want a few words exchanged, hmm?", the Lord Commander of the Colonial Alliance of Europa United Naval High Command said from the other side. It was Rudolf Hess, a middle aged veteran whose combat experience stretches from the war against the Zoltarians to the present day. He had graying yet long hair that reached down well into his waist. Hess wore the standard Admiral's uniform of the CAEU, a blue jacket with the insignia of the CAEU on the right shoulder. Under his direct command is the 1st CAEU Armada, composed of well over 750 warships. In its center was the star fortress Aknolojia, and it was flanked by two of the six Aragane Class Dreadnoughts in service to the Colonial Alliance, Musashi and Shinano. "Very well then, a communications channel will be open between us and them.", he went on the communications officer to his right worked on establishing the link.

Thus, a channel was opened between the Federation navy high command and that of the Europa United.

"So, what does the High Command of the esteemed Federation wish to tell us here in the CAEU?"

CAEU Orbital Fortress "Verteidiger Von Morgen" (Defender of Tomorrow)
CAEU Fleet Port

As tensions begin to escalate between the People's Republic and the Federation, the Colonial Alliance is not at all idle. Indeed, it would seem that the Alliance government has presumed that war is what will happen, and has already taken steps to be ready in the eve of battle. Though Europa United claims that it is a pacifistic state, it is not in accordance with what much of the Alliance One Thousand and One Hundred Man Committee truly wants. The truth is, the CAEU seeks to have enormous profits in the event of war, as many factions would pay many sums to access CAEU built weapons and ships. Truth be told, because the CAEU has been so immersed in war, they have perfected the art of weaponry and ship building, making their products some of the most advanced and dangerous (yet expensive and rare) in the galaxy. Their very founding was one built on the blood of many warriors, as the Zoltarian aliens sought to push out the ancestors of the Europans from their colonies through violence. Forced to survive on their own, the Europan colonists were able to defeat the Zoltarians at great cost. They have long since sworn that their people never suffer in the hands of conquerors again, so the Colonial Alliance was founded with "speak softly and carry a big stick" in mind. However, it now seems that the CAEU will begin to mobilize its long scuttled ships some time soon...

[New yugoslavaia]

Dear imperium of Tezekian

We will send a Ambassador to the summit. We have not forgotten your contributions in the 2nd great semi-galactic war, which helped the alliance win the conflict. I guess you could consider this a thank you in return of some sort. Hopefully we can pull this off and stop a conflict. Just tell us where it will be.

--The chancellor of the peoples republic of Jackania, David Zen.

Dear Federation of Gagium

An ambassorder will be sent to the sumit you and other powers will be attending. Hopefully you will see at the end the pirates were hired by a far-left faction of our government. We discuss this further at the actual summit. We want to avoid this war as much as possible. We don't our new worlds to suffer anymore then they already do due to poverty and famine. See you there. Make luck be on both of our sides.

-The chancellor of the peoples republic of Jackania, David Zen.

[Gagium]

High Command Bunker, Federation Planet of Snapelia
Admiral Vykopal, who was directed to be the face of the Federation Navy in this meeting, looked at the holographic projection of the room on the other side of the channel. He said, "Hello. We wish to discuss your involvement in this

Communications Office, Federation Capital of Renia
Comms Director Nathaniel Meyers was alerted to the transmission from Elvectica, and ordered his lower officers to begin organizing a response to the foreign power. After over an hour, the officers presented their response, which the Director approved and had transmitted to their fleet. He sighed and read over their message again, curious about where they came from..

We would be pleased to enlighten your kind on ourselves. This transmission has attached to it several of our public archives, which detail the daily life of the Federation, our territory and place in the Galaxy, details on ourselves and our biology, as well as archives of the history of ourselves and the several thousand planets and colonies in which we live on. We would wish to hear of the culture of your kind as well.

High Command Bunker, Federation Planet of Snapelia

ERROR | SHIP PROJECTION SYSTEM OVERRIDE FAILURE

Grand Admiral Vicente Aguirre cursed as he had his maintenance officers type furiously, attempting to override the message of the so-called 'Intellect #321909'. After a few minutes or so, the thousands of screens and holographic projectors of the blockade fleet flicked and returned back to normal, showing their regular screens. However, this was not after the Intellect's message appeared on nearly every screen, as well as the transmitted 'images', which showed the craft the Intellect was on...

The holographic projection in the middle of the command bunker highlighted an apparent anomaly of gravitational and electromagnetic waves. This 'anomaly' was moving at an incredibly fast speed, and was soon linked to the Intellect's ship. The officers in the bunker stared at the Grand Admiral, waiting for him to make a decision on whatever the hell the anomaly was. The Grand Admiral voiced his order to the crew of the closest ship, Carrier 010.

Carrier 010, Miron Orbit, People's Republic Space
The several hundred thousand crew aboard the ships had witnessed something spectacular, the message of the apparent higher being. Their commanding officers soon snapped them back to attention and doing their jobs, as the crew of Carrier 010 received the Grand Admiral's order. With a roughly-estimated trajectory of the Intellect's course, ten fighters flew out of one of the several hangar bays of the ship, and prepared a hyperspace jump which would bring it ahead of the voidcraft's trajectory. Then, they would attempt to fire ion torpedoes at where the voidcraft was predicted to be, before returning to the hangar bay.

The fighters made the small jump with ease, and fired their projectiles at the location...

[The Coalition Theomilitary]

---

The Light at the End of the Tunnel
HAS Onset Recession, Bridge

---

Tharen rubbed at his chin thoughtfully, contemplating the message they just received from the Federation blockade:

We would wish to know more about the cargo your ship is containing, and we require that your freighter dock with Carrier 041, which this message has been relayed from. Additionally, we will detach a squadron of several fighters to ensure that your freighter reaches our carrier and docks with it correctly. The searching process can range from a couple of hours to a day. I'm sure you won't mind this delay, as your freighter will eventually make it out of this system if you go through out blockade. More instructions will be relayed to our ship as you approach Carrier 041.

"That could have gone worse." He muttered to himself. "I wouldn't put it past these military types to start shooting things up at any moment, this looks more like an invasion than anything." He took a sip of coffee, relishing the bitter taste like it's his only comfort in this world, before resigning himself to the diplomatic task of formulating a reply.

Very well. Requesting navigation data for rendezvous with Carrier-Zero-Four-One so that we may submit for inspection as requested. Our cargo manifest shall be made available for your perusal as well. If you have any problems, please let us know.

I don't know what's going on here. I just want to get out of here before the shooting inevitably starts and we get caught in the crossfire. So I would appreciate if the inspection is performed quickly.

Tradeship Onset Recession
2,216 out of 2,400 Cargo Pods in use.

• 47 Pods containing Food Products: Assorted [Earmarked as Personal ship store]
• 60 Pods containing Purified Water [Earmarked as Personal ship store]
• 64 Pods containing Nutrient Enhanced Water
• 254 Pods containing Proccessed Minerals: Assorted
• 78 Pods containing Luxury goods: Assorted
• 4 Pods containing Data Disks: Entertainment Media
• 1 Pod containing Data Disks: Adult Media [Earmarked as Personal ship store] [No.]
• 8 Pods containing Recreational Beverages: Assorted
• 6 Pods containing Coffee: Olimpiadan Imports [Earmarked as Personal ship store]
• 420 Pods containing Organic Tetrahydrocannabinol [Earmarked as Personal ship store] [No means NO.]
• 1 Pod containing Live Specimens: Capra aegagrus hircus [DO NOT OPEN]
• 20 Pods containing Chlorine Trifluoride: Stasis Preserved
• 1 Pod containing Potato Substitute: EXPIRED [WARNING: BIOHAZARD QUARANTINE IN EFFECT.]
• 9 Pods containing RECLAIMABLE PROTEIN [Keep this as FAR away from the Potato Substitute as possible. I don't want another "Incident".]
• 11 Pods containing COMPOUND: OCTANITROCUBANE [EMERGENCY USE ONLY]
• 156 Pods containing ORGANIC COMPOUND: DEEZIUM
• 1,076 Pods containing EXOTIC MINERAL: CLASSIFICATION SPECTRIUM

He sighed heavily. "This is going to take forever. I just know it." That familiar feeling of dread began to settle in his stomach again as he began to plot a course to dock with the Federation carrier.

The indomitable bulk of the freighter began to lurch as it began to decelerate and change course, soon aided by the escort and guidance of a squadron of fighters towards it's new destination. As the Onset Recession approached Carrier 041, the freighter's elephantine expanse began to cast a shadow over the Federation ship, eventually eclipsing the vessel entirely as the Onset Recession finally abstained from it's momentum.

Of course, things weren't going to go as planned. About now was the time that INTELLECT #321909's message of "IMMINENT EXALTATION" began overriding nearly every electronic device within the vicinity of the system. Alarms across the freighter began blaring before being rendered silent and overridden by the audio from the transmission. Lights flickered and died out before emergency lights kicked in, bathing the ship's interior in an ominous, red light. Displays became unresponsive before, all in perfect unison, began displaying headache inducing visions of greater realms! Yet, all too soon this conveyance of such profound, sublime enlightenment had self-terminated, leaving the freighter in the dark and temporarily inoperable as systems began to recover and reboot from this all too thorough electronic violation.

All Tharen could do was gaze listlessly at nothing in particular as he struggled to comprehend the scale and scope of what just happened, and what was likely to come.

[Prussian Polish Commonwealth]

RoC Vanguard fleet
Harker was preparing to fire up a response when a message from a 'higher being' overrode the screen. After a few moments it ended. He snarled and turned to his subordinate. "Find out the fuckers who did this."
A response was prepared-a section of the ship's chat logs.

Gunner's Mate Jonathan MacKenzie: pls mock by the ascendant inevitability of the advent of reason, we have come to hasten of evolution of profound thought. witness my name, intellect #321909, and that of my companion voidcraft, transmission #506^48, and behold proof of your imminent exaltation

mockbot:bY ThE AsKeNdAnT InEcItAbIlItY Of tHe aDcEnT Of rEaSoN, wE HaCe kOmE To hAsTeN Of eCoLuTiOn oF PrOfOuNd tHoUgHt. WiTnEsS My nAmE, iNtElLeKt #321909, AnD ThAt oF My kOmPaNiOn cOiDkRaFt, TrAnSmIsSiOn #506^48, AnD BeHoLd pRoOf oF YoUr iMmInEnT ExAlTaTiOn

He then turned back to the console and replied to the Gagiumish

Rogered. Do you require assistance enforcing the blockade?

"Sir!"
Harker's head snapped up to see a young ensign standing at attention.
"At ease. What's going on?"
"Message from...someone, sir. Not sure what it is."
Harker sighed. "Send one back stating who we are, what the hell they're doing there."
The ensign saluted and went off.

This is the IV Vanguard Corps of Battlefleet Retalition, of the Imperial Republic of Christendom. State your buisness and your identity.

OOC: Is my involvement with that clusterfuck with VEXA canon here or no?
Also, yes, the message I'm responding to it yours, Elvectica.

[Outer Planets]

Message To The People's Republic
Greetings! We have been watching the situation with you and Gagium, and have decided to side with you. Starting a blockade is a act of war under the international law, even if it is a very old law. We can see that war is creeping around the corner, and are willing to support you militarily with the 1st and 2nd Fleet. They are both on standby for a deceleration of war, but if you become the aggressor and declare war, we will have to withdraw support. We hope we can find a diplomatic solution to the problem, as it would be a shame to have such a large war.
(Size of Military Force Inserted Here)

-Foreign Affairs Department of the Federation of Outer Planets
James Mcallan Head of Foreign affairs.

Message to Gagium
Greetings! We have been watching the situation with you and Jackania, and we think it would be best if you stopped the blockade of the region, as many would consider it a act of war. War is around the corner, and if you declare war onto Jackania, we will support them. Militarily against your nation, you must stop this, as it could end the lives of millions of civilians and soldiers. Please consider this, as it is in the best interests of both of our Nations.

-Foreign Affairs Department of the Federation of Outer Planets
James Mcallan Head of Foreign affairs.

[Aureumterra]

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