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#Post#: 187--------------------------------------------------
The Road to War (Background and Opening Story)
By: MichaelH23 Date: November 1, 2015, 11:53 am
---------------------------------------------------------
The Backstory
The Trekylon Civil War had cost the lives of almost 125,000
people on both sides. Whole planets had been laid waste either
as a consequence of occupation by the opposing faction, or from
the battles that liberated them from said occupation. While the
Imperial Starfleet remained essentially intact, there had been a
shortfall in the number of officers and crewmen due to the
battles and to collaboration with the rebel faction. Section 31
was protected, although its former rogue agent is under arrest
awaiting trial for sedition and treason. Trekylon drew closer to
many of the nonaligned states and independent star-systems as a
result of the Civil War. And Drake I, who at one point in the
Civil War faced the very real danger of capture and overthrow,
is now beginning his new role as a married man, marrying
Princess Jade Masawa, the adopted daughter of former emperor
Michael I and reigning empress Rebecca I of Inuyashia.
But even as Drake I is beginning his new role as married man,
settling remaining issues stemming from the Civil War, such as
the final resettlement of millions of displaced persons (DPs)
going back to the Great Exodus, and the arrest of high ranking
rebel officers continue, he has learned through the
interrogation of the former Section 31 agent-gone-rogue of the
involvement of several Barlat Concordiat powers in the Civil War
on the side of the rebels. Prominent among them is the Great
Houses of Xie, which had nearly pulled off a [i]fait accompli
with the rebel detentions on Azuria before the arrival of an
Inuyashian fleet of observation forced them to pull back.
Secretly, even as the Great Houses assisted overtly in the
Azuria crackdown of rebel sympathizers, covertly, they were also
providing weapons to the rebels through both the rogue former 31
agent and a cadre of smugglers who align with nobody, but profit
from all. As the investigation into the weapons smuggling
continues, Drake I resolves to settle the long-simmering but not
forgotten rivalry with the Concordiat and potentially open a
path for the children of the deposed former emperor to succeed
him or his own children...[/i]
The Beginning..
Drake I has been informed of the Great Houses' supplying of
weapons to the rebels thanks to the interrogations of former 31
agent Harris. Utilizing the protocols of international law, he
demanded an explanation from the emissary of the Great Houses,
only to be told that the Great Houses had no knowledge of such
activity and accusing Drake I of trying to instigate a new war.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the smuggling continues apace
with the diplomatic wrangling. Recognizing that any accusations
brought against one member of the Concordiat would prompt an
immediate and less-than-diplomatic response from the Concordiat
as a whole, Drake I made it easy to access the data-files on the
investigation. Now, just four days after the investigation
began, a most disturbing find has prompted Drake I to summon the
Xie emissary to the Imperial Palace..
Imperial Palace, Gaia. Z-Minus 2 Days From War
Drake I sat on the Ruby Throne, flanked by his elite Panther
Guard. These hardy, courageous, and vicious guardsmen and
soldiers were a holdover from the reign of Michael I, who first
created the Panther Guard during the Directorate Wars. Their
expressions were unknown, as they were hidden beneath
frightening, imposing helmets and face-masks. Their staffs,
largely ceremonial, were still capable of inflicting an
extremely painful shock to any who dared move against their
master. They were on hand as Drake I had just summoned the
emissary from the Great Houses of Xie, Lord Fujiro. The
double-doors opened and the herald burst onto the floor, but
before he could announce his guest, the swaggering Xie emissary
strode in, kicking the herald hard enough to send him scurrying
out of the way. Lord Fujiro wore his best military uniform,
decked out with medals from various Barlat allies as well as Xie
military command. The thirty-five-year-old bore himself with a
regality that was both impressive and pompous.
Fujiro - "Well well. So the arrogant pup of an emperor has
finally come to his senses and wants to apologize for stirring
the hornet's nest. Too bad it comes too late."
Drake I - "Yea, I already know about your fleet that's sitting
on the edge of Imperial space. You had them withdrawn after
Inuyashia spoiled your attempt to honk off my empire one system
at a time."
Fujiro - "You really think your Inuyashian allies would've
stopped us if we really wanted that planet? They would've been
brushed aside so easily, it would be embarrassing to even engage
them."
Drake I - "Actually, the reason you were summoned here is not to
receive an apology, but if you're willing to issue one, I will
consider the matter settled."
Fujiro - "Apologize for what? Threatening to conquer your
pathetic empire? Conquerors do not apologize to the weak for
destroying them. Just ask Nationale Einheit."
Drake I - "No. For your actions in the Greater Empire of Showa,
as well as your acting as suppliers to the rebels while also
pretending to assist us."
cont'd >
#Post#: 188--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Road to War (Background and Opening Story)
By: MichaelH23 Date: November 1, 2015, 3:22 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
<cont'd
Fujiro - "You have no proof of that, and even if you did, my
government would deny it. The Concordiat would consider it an
act of war, and six nations would be descending on you within
two days."
Drake I - "Its funny you should mention the rest of your
Concordiat buddies. I've been sending Alexzonya and Ish'Cong
data regarding the investigation. Both their emissaries have
concluded that it is substantial enough to warrant bringing it
before the Concordiat Council. Now, if I remember correctly,
Ish'Cong, Kira's Kingdom, and your government were the main
Barlat powers that attacked Trekylon without provocation."
Fujiro - "You should've minded your own business when we were
punishing the USSR. But you chose to blockade their systems to
keep us from exacting justice."
Drake I - "You had no grounds to attack the USSR. Plus, we were
attempting to bring Ish'Cong and USSR to the negotiating table
as honest mediators. You and the Kirans twisted that to your
advantages."
Fujiro - "None of which has anything to do with the current
situation that you are again provoking."
Drake I walked toward Lord Fujiro, with his Panther Guard all
around him, hands above their pistols as if expecting Fujiro to
make a hostile move. Fujiro held his ground, maintaining his
pompous expression.
Drake I - "In this case. there is a difference. Ish'Cong and
Alexzonya both feel that a matter this serious could be legally
viewed by my government as a hostile act."
Fujiro - "You are bluffing. You know that they will attack you
instantly once we disprove your accusations and false data."
Drake I nodded to one of his Guardsmen. Moments later several
Legionnaires marched in behind Lord Fujiro. They took up
position all around the emissary, whose expression now changed
to outrage.
Drake I - "I should also tell you..I still have contacts on
Verulon Prime. They tell me of the policies your government has
enacted ever since you took over the planet and took apart the
independent republican government that was in charge."
Fujiro - "Spies? Thank you for telling me. We will hunt them
down and execute them. As to the reports you've been receiving,
they are false. Nothing more than further attempts to enrage us
into conquering the rest of your little empire, even though
destroying it would be the preferred choice."
Drake I - "Those contacts are people I trust from the days when
I was leader of the Merchants' Guild. You see, in the Guild, we
have a code of honor. We hide nothing from our fellow Guilders,
nor do we make false statements. Your accusation of falsehood
can rightly be seen as an insult to every member of the
Merchants Guild."
Fujiro - "Take it as an insult because it is one. I am no Guild
member and feel no fealty to that cadre of fools."
Drake I - "I thought you might say that."
Drake I turned and walked back to the Ruby Throne. His Panther
Guard stayed in place, ever ready to forcibly detain Lord
Fujiro. Drake I relished the look of apprehension on the Xie
emissary's face as he took his seat again.
Drake I - "In 26 hours, you will receive a document from the
Ministry of Intelligence with the final report on our findings.
I will expect a reply from your government, delivered by you
once you receive the report. In the meantime, you will be
confined to Diplomats Square, and your own consulate. No contact
will be allowed with any other Barlat consulate, or any
embassies within. You will be watched 26 hours a day."
Fujiro - "This is an outrage. You realize that I will
communicate this to my government. You thought your new galactic
home would be safe from us, but you will soon learn the error of
provoking us."
Drake I - "That is where you're wrong, My Lord. You were the
ones provoking us, and even your Barlat friends are in agreement
with us. Now, they could join you in your foolish response, but
then they'd be in the wrong. But please inform them of your
suspicions."
Fujiro - "We'll see. Send your false data and be prepared to
face the full wrath of Barlat vengeance led by the Great
Houses."
Drake I gestured for the Legionnaires to escort the Xie emissary
back out. Fujiro turned arrogantly and marched away, ignoring
the Legionnaires as they escorted him.
#Post#: 189--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Road to War (Background and Opening Story)
By: MichaelH23 Date: November 1, 2015, 3:58 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Verulon Prime: Backstory
In the intervening years between the Xie annexation of the
formerly independent Verulon Star Republic and the ending of the
Trekylon Civil War, the Verulon Star Republic tried to balance
the economic demands of its new Xie trade partners with the
cultural and economic connections to its former benefactor,
Trekylon. At the time of the Convention of V'borrona, Verulon
had been guaranteed its cultural ties to Trekylon even as they
agreed to open trade relations with the Great Houses. Verulon's
fortunes soon followed a course similar to Trekylon. As its
former benefactor became weighed down by the Twist and Atlantis
treaties and struggled to return to economic fortune, Verulon
was gradually isolated from Trekylon.
It first began when the various trade networks Verulon utilized
in its commerce with Trekylon were closed down by the Great
Houses, exercising their edict with the full backing of the rest
of the Concordiat as a further punishment to Trekylon. One by
one, merchants who only two stellar cycles before had been
prosperous now found themselves becoming poor. Some took to
piracy, which resulted in frequent and gradually more lethal
clashes with the Great Houses and Concordiat forces. Others
became smugglers, running previously accepted humanitarian goods
such as food and medicine as contraband.
As Trekylon recovered, then was victimized again by the USOA
conflict, the Great Houses passed a series of acts which forced
the citizens of the Star Republic to either become citizens of
the Great Houses or leave the system. Nearly the entire
population did so, rather than be forced from their homes, but a
few scattered groups took to the Maquis. In fact about 23% of
the Maquis that died in the attack on Gamma Centauri III were
from Verulon Prime. The Xie edicts became more repressive,
censoring or shutting down news agencies, prohibiting the
freedom of movement, and imposing the languages of Xie. Schools
were restructured to conform to the Xie standards. The last
vestiges of Verulon independence were stripped away when the
government of the former Star Republic was replaced by a more
subservient government that was more Xie-friendly, thus
rendering Verulon as a mere puppet-state of the Great Houses
with a heavy military presence.
Many Veruloni, who hated the way in which the Great Houses had
sneakily absorbed their world into their empire, began a mass
insurrection against Xie authority. As the stellar cycles
stretched on, a ragtag group of freedom fighters formed around
an obscure fifty-five-year-old Jack O'Dowd. He was known to his
compatriots as "Smilin Captain Jack" because of his cheery
disposition amongst his comrades-in-arms. The Xie authorities
had another nickname for O'Dowd: "Burakkukyaputen" or 'The Black
Captain' for the untold number of Xie casualties and damages he
inflicted in his hit-and-run attacks. The Xie High Command had
now set out on a new mission to crush Captain Jack and his group
of freedom fighters and bring the banner of the Great Houses to
Verulon Prime once and for all.
#Post#: 190--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Road to War (Background and Opening Story)
By: MichaelH23 Date: November 1, 2015, 8:23 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Dilson Swamp, 20 miles west of V'borrona
Captain Jack loved the fact that there was only one way into the
swamp, which was between the Tall Oaks. The Tall Oaks were so
named because they were the tallest trees just outside the swamp
and served as an easily identifiable landmark even in the dense
fog, which was all too common here. Dilson Swamp was so
fog-shrouded that when Captain Jack first arrived, he didn't
realize it was a swamp until his hovercycle began to sink into
the peat and mud once he set it down. It did not take long for
him and his gang of 50 freedom fighters to adapt to the
environment. They located a collection of rocky outcroppings in
the deepest, darkest part of the swamp and carved them out into
living quarters and a war-room, nicknamed "the war-rock". Xie
sensors, for all their advanced sophistication, could not
penetrate the fog, nor could Xie war vehicles penetrate the
mushy wastes without sinking in and becoming nothing more than
armored targets. Isolation and a boggy barrier provided almost
all the security from Xie patrols. Armed drones protected them
from air surveillance. Jack frowned at his massive girth,
wondering how he had not sunken into the mud and peat. He used
to be a leaner, more muscular figure of a man before age
combined with years at the center chair of a series of
cargo-haulers increased his weight and destroyed the muscular
youth. He pulled out a recorder and began to speak into the
microphone as he verbally made his journal entry.
O'Dowd - "Day 141. The Blaccard Gang took out another 15 Xie
weapons depots in the capital city today. I couldn't be more
proud of my boys and girls. We lost no one in the strikes and
took out another 79 Xie soldiers in the process. I'm wondering
if the Xie puppets in the capital are peeing on themselves with
worry that their overlords will execute them. They should be
worried. I'm looking forward to another day of
hide-and-go-****up-the-Xie."
He put away his recorder and made his way to his cot inside the
stone-cave, shedding his weapons belt, ammo baldric, and vest.
He flopped down on the cot and felt it sink slightly with his
weight. Swinging his legs up onto the cot, O'Dowd laid back and
felt his body relax. While he knew his night would be a short
one, with the next series of strikes set to commence in four
hours, even a four-hour catnap was preferable to the alternative
of collapsing from exhaustion in the midst of combat. He sighed,
releasing the last bit of tension from his body, then closed his
eyes and dreamed of a liberated Verulon Prime.
[hr]
Office of the Governor-Commander, V'borrona. Capital of Verulon
Prime and Former Capital of the Star Republic
Governor-Commander Jerarudo of House Meiji had better days.
Today was obviously not one of them.
Ever since he was appointed by the Governor-General and the
Ruling Body of the Great Houses, he struggled to maintain the
absolute authority imposed by the General Commissioner of Xie
Military Command Verulon, who was of House Tokugawa. Being from
House Meiji did instill fear in the population of Verulon,
thanks to Trekylonian reports of past dealings with that
particular Great House, but thanks to the exploits of
Burakkukyaputen and his gang of terrorists, Jerarudo had been
forced to become even more ruthless than any other Meiji since
the Great House wars in the days pre-union. Decked out in a
crisp military uniform, saber in its sheath on his belt,
Jerarudo cut an imposing figure, typical of House Meiji. He was
known as the loudest Meiji not on the Ruling Body with a
reputation for ruthlessness and ferocity that would've impressed
a Klingon. He was utilizing that ferocity now, brow-beating and
shouting at his inferior, Lieutenant Tombogiri of House
Sonozaki.
Jerarudo - "Are you telling me that we cannot even get a tank
into that thrice-damned swamp to hunt down Burakkukyaputen?"
Tombogiri - "I'm sorry, My Lord. That swamp is so deep and
fog-hidden that our tank drivers are afraid they'll fall into
oblivion if they drive into the swamp."
Jerarudo - "COWARDS, ALL OF THEM! I shall have their heads
adorning the city gates before nightfall. Have them brought to
the City Square in irons and get me men actually willing to risk
death! I want Burakkukyaputen found!"
Tombogiri - "My Lord, its possible that some of the citizens
might know of people that supply Burakkukyaputen and his
terrorists. It might be wise to round up 500 at random and
subject them to intensive interrogation techniques."
Jerarudo - "If you have to slice babies in half in front of
their mothers to get them to talk, then do so. But I want
Burakkukyaputen in chains! And don't bring me any more news
unless it is that Burakkukyaputen is either in chains or in the
ground, otherwise your existence will be extremely short."
Tombogiri - "My Lord, I can only provide you with news. It is
you who decides whether it is good or ill. If you execute me,
the next person you choose will be no different than I.
Executing me is therefore not logical or prudent."
Jerarudo unsheathed his rapier and pushed the point to the skin
of Tombogiri's neck, causing a tiny dot of red to appear.
Jerarudo's lips pulled back in a sneer of hate-filled rage.
Jerarudo - "If you ever start talking like a damned Trekkie
again, you will be executed and your skin made into an adornment
on my wall. Now get out of my face!"
Tombogiri stepped back, rubbing his neck. He pulled his hand
away and saw the blood on his fingertips. Without further
protest, he backed away until he was through the door, then
disappeared, his running footfalls retreating into the backdrop.
Jerarudo sheathed his rapier with a growl, then brought his fist
down on the desk. This was not a good day for him.
#Post#: 191--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Road to War (Background and Opening Story)
By: MichaelH23 Date: November 1, 2015, 9:33 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Imperial Palace, Gaia. 2530 Hours Gaia Time (0230 hours Earth
Time)
Intelligence Minister Luther Sloan, Foreign Minister Odan, and
War Minister Martok all stood before the Ruby Throne, expectant,
as Drake I read over the final report on the investigation into
the Xie weapons smuggling to the rebels during the Civil War. As
expected, Drake I wanted to see the results as soon as they were
compiled. Next to him, on the armrest of his throne, a second
padd contained reports from his colleagues from the Merchants
Guild serving as spies on Verulon Prime. Drake I had already
read the news of a new crackdown set to begin under a new and
more vicious Governor-Commander, from the Great House of Meiji.
Drake I did not know much about this particular House, aside
from the scattered reports left by his predecessor, the late
Baron Matthew Godwin (Michael II).
Drake I *to Sloan* - "These findings are accurate?"
Sloan - "I triple-checked them myself for verification. It was
indeed the Great Houses that hired the smugglers to send the
weapons to the rebels, using Agent Harris as their middleman."
Drake I - "Harris will pay for his treason and sedition soon
enough. But now I have two problems on my hands: the smugglers
and the Great Houses."
Martok - "I believe the Breen know where the smugglers'
stronghold is located. I can contact Thot Lor and give him your
approval to go after them."
Drake I - "That solves the smuggler problem. Now what to do
about the Great Houses. Lord Fujiro is waiting to refute this
data and declare his intention of sending the Xie sword to slice
my carotid artery."
Odan - "Sire, I can only account for 20% of the weapons sent to
the rebels being of Xie origin. The rest could be from anyone,
even Laptev."
Drake I - "Considering how deeply involved they were in
assisting us during the Big Fight, its doubtful they would play
both sides. Even though Trekylon is no longer in the Milky Way,
they don't want a power vacuum any more than the rest, including
Barlat. It would likely provoke another round of fighting
between them. We know the Great Houses are involved, and we also
know what they plan to do on Verulon Prime."
Odan - "Should I summon Lord Fujiro to the Palace?"
Drake I - "Indeed. I'll want you present as well. I expect this
will be a very interesting conversation coming soon."
Sloan - "What are my orders?"
Drake I - "I want an intensive espionage program established on
the Great Houses. I want their systems information, status of
their fleets, locations of their fleets, and plans to deal with
any intervention on their behalf by any one or group of Barlat
nations. I want to make sure we're ready, just in case."
Odan - "Just in case of what?"
Drake I - "War. I would rather not be forced to fight a new war
when we still have wounds to lick from the Civil War, but
knowing the Great Houses as I do, I won't have a choice in the
matter, so forewarned is forearmed."
Martok - "I can have five fleets on standby to move as soon as
you give me the order, Majesty."
Drake I - "That's fine, but for a major battle against the Great
Houses alone, nevermind any intervention on their behalf by the
rest of the Concordiat, we'll need more than just the Imperial
Starfleet. I'll bring the reports from Verulon Prime to the
Intergalactic Federacy Diet. Actions in regard to Verulon would
need to be an IGF-controlled action. Thank you gentlemen."
Sloan and Martok bowed their heads and left the main audience
chamber. Odan activated his communication channel to Diplomats
Square to summon Lord Fujiro. Drake I leaned back on his throne,
prepared to face the arrogant bastard once again.
#Post#: 192--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Road to War (Background and Opening Story)
By: MichaelH23 Date: November 2, 2015, 4:21 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
0115 Hours Gaia Time (0415 Hours Earth Time), Imperial Palace.
Drake I had the Panther Legion waiting by the double-doors and
his Guard around his Ruby Throne as he awaited the arrival of
Lord Fujiro. It didn't take long for the arrogant emissary to
burst through the doors. He halted as soon as his eyes fell on
the Legionnaires on either side. Drake I rose from his seat and
took two steps down from the dais before stopping.
Drake I - "I wanted you to know your government has been given
the final report."
Fujiro - "And I'm here to attempt to accept your apology, is
that it?"
Drake I - "Not quite. You will be receiving a reply from your
government, however. You are here to provide that reply. Since
the report was sent over an hour ago, we should be getting back
a response anytime now."
Fujiro - "Why the guards? Afraid I'll kill you? I would still
pose a threat to you, even if you had this room filled with
guards."
Drake I - "Truthfully, I don't really need them. I'm an
excellent swordsman, and I have the means to neutralize any
bombs or directed-energy weapons you may have. Plus this room is
designed to sterilize everything if you should employ a
bio-agent or chemical weapon."
Fujiro - "You bluff again, but then I've come to expect that of
you, Emperor."
Just then the emissary's padd beeped, receiving the
transmission. Drake I simply stood and waited while Lord Fujiro
read the contents silently. He looked up at Drake I with a
predatory glean in his eyes and a smile on his face.
Fujiro - "My government has denounced your findings as false and
heinous. They want me to convey to you their universal anger at
your accusations and vow to retaliate with full force. They also
vow to bring this to the Concordiat Council and you can be
assured that your little empire will fall before the end of the
week. I must give you credit for trying to play tiger to our
lion, but you failed. Now you will swept into the dustbin of
history."
Drake I - "Now that you had your say, I shall have mine. As of
this moment, your government has left me no choice. You have 24
hours to leave Imperial territory, after which, failing to do
so, you will be held as a POW. Your fleet on the edge of
Imperial space is hereby Imperial property and their crew are
also to be made POWs. The Intergalactic Federacy will be sending
your government a notice within 3 hours, after which your
government will receive a formal declaration of war."
Fujiro was not at all impressed with Drake I's
matter-of-factness. In fact, Fujiro chuckled.
Fujiro - "That pathetic faction will be swept aside as easily as
your nation will be. You are now a dead man walking. I hope you
can live with the lives you are about to sacrifice, for as long
as my government allows you to live."
Drake I - "Guards, take him back to his Consulate. If he fails
to leave Gaia within 24 hours, arrest him."
The guards moved to seize Fujiro. He initially tried to struggle
against them, but as they surrounded him and deprived him of his
rapier, he realized that he was in no position to fight back.
The guards grabbed his wrists and dragged him from the main
audience chamber.
#Post#: 193--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Road to War (Background and Opening Story)
By: MichaelH23 Date: November 2, 2015, 4:25 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
IGF Diet, Silver Dome. Genesis, central planet of the
Intergalactic Federacy. An hour earlier
Ryven Tobaras loved the IGF Diet when it was in full session.
The panopoly of races and nations represented made him think of
the Vulcan concept of IDIC: Infinite Diversity in Infinite
Combinations. As he took his seat, Trekylon's foreign minister,
Odan, walked to the podium. He had no papers or padds but still
looked ready to deliver his speech.
Odan - "Moments ago, we sent our findings into the weapons
smuggling to both the Barlat and Laptev representatives. We've
also sent them reports on the situation on Verulon Prime. As you
know, the Verulon government negotiated a treaty with the Great
Houses of Xie which allowed for a nominal Xie presence on the
planet while still retaining the planet's freedom of action in
regard to trade and cultural ties. Unfortunately, the Great
Houses have failed to follow up on their agreement, even going
so far as to overthrow the independent government and installing
a puppet-regime with a policy which is more in-line with Xie
policy."
The crowd muttered and mumbled among themselves. Tobaras was
shocked. Odan raised his hand and the Diet silenced.
Odan - "Now, while I know that the IGF will not enter a conflict
simply because of the weapon smuggling violation, which is
within the purview of Trekylon and hence a matter for the empire
alone to pursue, Verulon Prime has become a prison planet.
Citizens are being rounded up and executed at random due to a
group of freedom fighters whose only crime is reminding the
Great Houses of their treaty obligations. If the Great Houses
cannot meet the obligations of their own treaty, then Verulon
Prime has every right to seek to change their status. Therefore,
as a matter of humanity and in the name of Verulon Prime, I ask
that the IGF declare hostilities with the Great Houses and any
in the Barlat Concordiat who join them."
The various representatives began chattering so loudly that
Tobaras couldn't hear himself think. Before the pitch could rise
to unbearable levels, a Cherokee walked to the podium. Tobaras
recognized him as Chief William Beartooth, the 35-year-old
president of the IGF Diet chosen by Trekylon, Inuyashia, and the
Irish Empire as a matter of pragmatism. Tobaras knew that the
IGF Consul nations would not accept the role of president of the
Diet unless no other viable choice could be made, as this would
give the appearance of the Diet being dominated by one of them.
Beartooth was the logical choice, not just because of the
Cherokee membership, but because his warrior stance and bearing
would command thousands.
Beartooth - "We will recess to consider all the facts. We meet
again in five minutes."
Tobaras rose from his seat as the various delegates began filing
from the chamber. Tobaras approached Odan, who was conferring
with Beartooth.
Tobaras - "Any idea how the Diet will vote?"
Beartooth - "I know how my people will cast their vote. Verulon
Prime has been violated. If the means to reversing that
violation is a war, then we will fight it. But we'd be better
off if this were a universal decision."
Odan - "As I said, Trekylon will take care of the smuggling
aspect. Verulon Prime needs the help of the entirety of the
Intergalactic Federacy."
Beartooth - "We will see soon enough how the vote goes."
[hr]
Five minutes later, the delegates began streaming back into the
chamber. Beartooth and Odan stood on the stage, while Tobaras
had returned to his seat. When the last delegate took his seat,
Beartooth approached the podium.
Beartooth - "How does the Diet vote on the matter of Verulon
Prime and war on the Great Houses of Xie?"
A Trekylonian delegate, a woman with blonde hair and squat frame
whom Tobaras did not know, rose from her seat and addressed the
Diet. It was obvious she was chosen to speak for all the
delegates.
Woman - "The vote is 598 in favor, one opposed, and one
abstaining."
Beartooth - "Then the matter is decided. A document drawing up
the declaration of the Intergalactic Federacy to go to war with
the Great Houses will be drafted immediately."
As the delegates began chattering among themselves, Beartooth
turned to Odan.
Beartooth - "You'll have our Resolution within the hour."
Odan - "I understand."
cont'd>
#Post#: 194--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Road to War (Background and Opening Story)
By: MichaelH23 Date: November 2, 2015, 5:16 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
<cont'd
Martok received the news of the Resolution of the IGF at the
same time as he also received the news of the declaration of war
against the Great Houses. He chuckled as he thought of the
arrogant and pompous Lord Fujiro being strong-armed from the
Imperial Palace after Drake I delivered the news to him. He set
to work sending new orders to the first of two solely
Trekylonian fleets to converge on the Xie fleet on the border
and seize it. Once the order was acknowledged, he issued a
second set of orders to the other fleet to secure the far-end of
the hyperspace tunnel connecting Galaxy 23-A with the Milky Way.
This meant securing the Galaxy Gate on the Milky Way side and
assessing the condition of the Galaxy-1 space station which used
to guard the Gate.
Having already formed three additional fleets to hold in
reserve, Martok now set to work coordinating with the various
Founder Race fleet commanders to build a truly international
armada that would then be scattered among the Earther ships of
the various fleets.
[hr]
Resolution of the Intergalactic Federacy Concerning State of War
with Great Houses of Xie
The Diet of the Intergalactic Federacy of Nations, having
unanimously and comprehensively reached a decision regarding the
state of affairs on the independent world of Verulon Prime, have
declared that a state of hostilities hereby exists between the
Intergalactic Federacy of Nations and the Great Houses of Xie.
This state of hostility will remain in effect until the
immediate reason behind the state is resolved to the
satisfaction of the Intergalactic Federacy as a whole and the
beneficence of the people of the independent world of Verulon
Prime. This state of hostility is open to expansion should a
nation aligned with and/or allied to the Great Houses of Xie
declares a state of hostility with any nation within the
Intergalactic Federacy of Nations.
Declaration of War By Intergalactic Empire and Federal
Commonwealth of Trekylon Against Great Houses of Xie
The Intergalactic Empire and Federal Commonwealth of Trekylon,
with the full support of the Imperial Parliament and His
Imperial Majesty Drake I, hereby proclaim that a state of war
exists between the Empire and the Great Houses of Xie, citing
records of interference by the Great Houses in the recent Civil
War and their activities on the independent world of Verulon
Prime. The Imperial Parliament and His Imperial Majesty Drake I
jointly proclaim that the state of war will remain until such
time as the grievances for which the state of war has been
declared is resolved to the satisfaction of emperor, government,
and people.
[hr]
[i]Within minutes of the declarations by the Intergalactic
Federacy and Trekylon, the 3rd Imperial Fleet achieved its first
victory, employing FTLi to trap the Xie fleet. After a
fifteen-minute engagement which saw the loss of two Xie ships
and three Imperial starships, the Xie fleet was captured. Xie
civilians traveling across Trekylon were given their visas and
escorted to the border for security reasons, with any remaining
civilians detained where they were found. But already, ripples
were being felt within the Barlat Concordiat. Neutrals like
Alexzonya pulled their personnel from all Barlat-administered
space-stations and outposts. Ishii defense systems were
activated, and the Great Houses unified in the face of conflict
with their hated enemy. But they would no longer be alone, for
soon other actors would make their appearance...[/b]
#Post#: 196--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Road to War (Background and Opening Story)
By: MichaelH23 Date: November 4, 2015, 1:04 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Z+2 Days. Imperial Palace
Drake I was in his private office, having resolved not to lead
the campaign against the Great Houses as he led the forces that
ended the Civil War. Two days had passed since the start of the
war, and already historians were starting to give it nicknames.
Two of the most popular ones were 'The Retribution War' and the
'IGF-Barlat War'. The first nickname's popularity was obvious.
People had been looking forward to exacting revenge against one
of the main Barlat nations responsible for the Sundering and
Exodus. Providing them with data implicating Xie involvement in
the rebel cause during the Civil War while also trying to play
the role of ally to the central government. To such a deliberate
slap to the face of Imperial pride and dignity (not to mention
the direct threat to Imperial security), no other such response
was deemed logical. The other nickname's popularity was more due
to the historians who would soon record all the coming bloodshed
in vivid, three-dimensional detail. For them, the weapon
smuggling and playing off of both sides was secondary to their
offenses against the good people of Verulon Prime.
At that moment, as Drake I was mentally summarizing the
conflict, Martok burst into the room, with Odan close on his
heels. Both men looked a mixture of concerned and determined.
Drake I rose from his chair but didn't move from behind his
desk.
Drake I - "Gentlemen, I have a feeling that your arrival
portends bad news from the looks on your faces. Skip the usual
greeting and just get to it."
Martok - "I bear good news. Our 3rd Fleet has successfully
captured the Xie fleet on our border. They lost three ships to
the Xie's two, but the Xie crews are now under lock and key."
Drake I - "This means the 1st and 2nd fleets can enter the
Galaxy Gate and travel to the Milky Way to secure that terminus
and the Galaxy-1 station."
Martok - "I have already issued the orders. I also have the 4th,
5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th fleets on their way to the Milky Way
galaxy. They will receive new orders upon arrival at Galaxy-1."
Drake I - "Now that you delivered the good news, I believe Odan
is about to drop the other shoe."
Odan - "Other shoe, sire?"
Martok *to Odan* - "You have the bad news."
Odan - "Right. Yes, I have bad news. Just as I expected, the
Great Houses have received ally support. We just received
notification from Serdaristan, Rhamos, Jovepenia, and the New
Terran Republic that a state of war now exists between us and
them. Serdari forces are gathering in their space and we expect
that they'll converge with a Jovepenian and Rhamosian force
before moving on the Galaxy Gate Milky Way terminus. It is
likely that they will secure the Galaxy 23-A terminus and attack
the independent systems close to that sector before a Xie fleet
joins them for an invasion."
Drake I - "What is the response of the other Barlat nations?"
Odan - "The only bit of good news we have is that both Ish'Cong
and Alexzonya have declared their neutrality. They have made it
clear, however, that any offensive action taken by either our
fleets or the IGF will bring them into the war as belligerents."
Drake I - "Then they'll need to evacuate their ships and people
from any world controlled by the warring nations in the
Concordiat. Otherwise, I can't guarantee that they won't come
under fire."
Odan - "I can ask that they do so, in order to protect their
neutrality."
Drake I - "Do so, and make sure to have copies for the Laptev,
ARN, and Systems Commonwealth nations as well. I want to have
records in case the Great Houses or its allies try to claim that
we targeted noncombatants."
Martok - "Should you also inform the IGF Chief of War about
this?"
Drake I - "I will. They need to be ready for possible combat
with other players."
Both men left the office, and Drake I dropped back into his
chair, feeling the weight of millions upon him.
#Post#: 197--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Road to War (Background and Opening Story)
By: MichaelH23 Date: November 4, 2015, 1:17 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
The announcement of hostilities with Serdaristan, Rhamos, New
Terran Republic and Jovepenia came as no surprise to anyone,
given their close ties to the Great Houses. Their joint
denouncements of the smuggling data provided by the Imperial
Intelligence Ministry angered the Council of Ministers and the
Imperial Parliament to such a degree that, for the first time in
Imperial history, they issued a reciprocal declaration of
hostilities without waiting for the emperor to address the
issue. Jovepenian citizens on holiday were handed their visas
abruptly and told to leave Imperial space within 48 hours. A spy
working for Rhamos was arrested and executed after trying to
break into the armory in Imperiopolis. Recruits into the
Imperial Starfleet and Imperial Military increased by 90% as
people eager to give the Concordiat what they felt it deserved
for all the hardship they endured, including the recent civil
war, were determined to be on hand to deliver. Even with the
4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th fleets on the move into the Milky
Way galaxy, six additional fleets were pulled together as
reserves, and even the Founder Races contributed heavily to the
military effort.
The Intergalactic Federacy was more subdued at the news of the
hostilities from the four Barlat powers, but they determined to
join Trekylon in punishing the Great Houses for their actions on
Verulon Prime. Inuyashia contributed men and ships. Cherokee
contributed Braves. Even the nonaligned powers who had observer
status in the IGF Diet joined the war effort. Mongolistan
contributed fleets and weapons. Greater Showa contributed
samurai. The Zulu contributed bases and men. No one in the IGF
had any illusions of conquering the Concordiat. But all agreed
that the time had come to show the Concordiat the error of
waking the sleeping dragon.
*****************************************************