(Newbie) Galactic Combat 3 - Story Thread

[Alneyan]

Turn 2405.8, The NethernoS Empire.

It was not even dawn when the meeting started in the Council Hall. One by one, the Ministers entered, tall beings quite similar nevertheless to mankind. But on this peculiar day, their features, usually so composed, were marked with weariness and anxiety. Extraordinary meetings were seldom called, especially at such an hour, and so they could not help pondering on the reasons of their presence here. The Hall itself would have been described as being barely functional by someone not belonging to the Nethernos, but according to their standards, it was luxurious as there were a few decorations and even tapestries hanged on the bare walls.

The answer would come too soon for their taste. When all the Ministers sat down, a slightly shorter Nethernos spoke in a hoarse voice: “Greetings Ministers and Representatives. You have been summoned at my orders, as a situation is developing in our remote systems.”

The man who talked was Chancelor Narzlon R'ah Tresna, a rather different Nethernos. Unlike the majority, he had little taste to battle, but was even more encline to plot and much more wary. Above all, he believed battles were not the only way of dealing with unexpected problems. As a result, he was not too popular among the Council, which usually preferred more traditionalist individuals. We are here to discuss about the line of conduct to adopt about such matters and...

- Would you mind to deal with internal politics in the first place, Chancelor?” [/i] One of the Ministers broke in angrily, his voice revealing bluntly his feelings.

- “Really Arknalor Pt'ah Nirtur? Are you trying to raise once again your petty quarrel when our very lives are threatened? I should have expected nothing more from you.” Chancelor Narzlon replied in the same tone and did not even granted the Minister a glance. “Don't you know that unfortunately our beloved Emperor is no longer able to rule our Empire, and has appointed us to act while he is unavailable? How dare you question his wisdom?” His voice was suddenly becoming sweeter as he challenged his opponent.

- “Who do you expect to deceive? Acting is the proper word, we are pretending to be part of the power when you are seizing it for yourself. We all know the Emperor is nothing but a puppet, begging for having his pleasures.” He gave a snort of disdain before resuming: “You lie, lie, lie, as usual, I warned them but...”

- “ That's enough.” Narzlon spoke very calmly, but his voice was cooler than the arctic winds. He nodded at one of the guards , and the bodyguard fired at Arknalor mechanically. His target fell to the floor without even realizing what occurred. “He is merely stunned for a few hours, the strength of the discharge was not enough to kill him.” The voice of the soldier was emotionless, as if he was talking about a casual subject like the weather.

- “I will never let anyone here criticize or worse, dishonour, the Emperor. Now we can resume our conversation without being disturbed this time.” Narzlon indulged in a sly smile as the other Ministers were staring at him, startled, not realizing what had just happened. “So. We had just received reports warning us of the presence of several light cruisers near our systems. We believe they could launch an offensive against our homeworld in less than five months. I suppose I don't have to explain why such news are quite troublesome?

If the Council has been baffled by the cold treatment inflicted on their fellow, they were now astonished by such news. Warships threatening to destroy their worlds! That was unheard in the Nethernos history. It took a minute to the Ministers to recover from their shock, and only one of them managed to speak aloud, albeit stammering:

- “But what are we waiting for to send our own ships to prevent them from attacking? We always used this strategy, and now...”

- “And now it is no longer working. But perhaps you would like to attack their cruisers with stones, as our fleet is not ready to war? Above all, we do not have enough firepower to challenge our potential enemies, and our people is not prepared to fight. Narzlon was speaking slowly as if he was explaining something obvious to a child.

- “But we cannot remain hidden, shivering at the sight of warships!” another Minister broke in. “Do you expect us to remain in our systems, waiting for our doom? Never! Our ancestors did not wage wars to give us the few systems we are holding simply to see us abandoning these territories!” He looked shocked and his cheeks were turning red with anger.

- “Then we will give you a frigate for you to defeat single-handedly all their cruisers. Does that sound agreeable to you?” The Chancelor gave a bitter laugh before resuming his speech, as if he has not been interrupted. “ We are having trade treaties with our neighbours, and some of these other Empires have even promised to help us if a war was to be started. However, we are reluctant to trust such allies, as they are likely to betray us at the first occasion.”

Most of the Council suddenly spoke at the same time, arguing about the proper conduct to adopt. “You can't even evoke such a thing, trading or depending on someone else protection!” one Minister was saying, bewildered. “We are surrendering without even fighting, what is becoming our once proud nation?” said another, chiming in. But amidst the overwhelming noise, High Trader Sarsila was trying to get the attention of the audience.

- [i] “Please listen to me! Listen!” she shouted in her most bass voice. When they were listening listlessly to her, she exclaimed: “Do you realize we are fighting each other when we should remain united against such threads? How do you expect to win against foreigners if we cannot even decide of a common attitude? Although I hate to have to resort to such measures, necessity is a harsh mistress. The times did change since the time of our glorious ancestors, and only fools keep on using the same tactics when the circumstances are no longer comparable.” She gasped for a little while, but when one of the representative wanted to say something, she did not let him do so.

- “ I don't know how you are feeling, but I, for one, would rather be living on my homeworld, after having negotiated with strangers rather than being dead, ashamed of the destruction of our home because of our unwarranted pride! And finally, please set aside your differences as such times are not requiring plotting and schemes!” It was a long speech to make, but it has been effective given the looks on the faces of her audience.

- “Now that you heard to the words of foresight and sagacity, you might want to reflect for a night or so. You are dismissed.” Chancelor Narzlon wanted to regain the control of the situation, though the intervention of Sarsila was more than welcome. He had not expect such help from her, or from anyone in the Council for that matter.

As the Ministers were leaving, whispering to each other excitingly, Narzlon asked for the High Trader to remain in the Council Hall for a moment. He told her matter-of-factly: “I will have to present other matters to the Trade Assembly. Would you mind to summon them? The Assembly is due to gather in no more than two hours. No, not know, he said as he saw her already leaving.

Before that, I also need to ask you to keep an eye on my Ministers. You saw how stubborn they are, and how difficult it is to sway them to adhere to the good sense. If one of them was thinking of turning traitor... Well, I would like to know about such a case. I wished our society was not that focused on plotting, it would be so much easier. They would see I am acting for their best interests”

Wisely she did not point out that the Chancelor came to power thanks to the aforementioned plots, but instead she said: “Very well, it shall be done. We will be waiting for you in the Trade Chamber as soon as possible. I have to admit I am quite interested in examining these trade proposals from our neighbours, and I am sure the Traders will be more conciliatory than the Council.”

OOC: It is my first attempt at an in-game story, so you are more than welcome to send your criticisms, accusations, or other comments, and if you spot a mistake or a typo, please point it out, preferably via an email so as to not encumber this thread. Thanks in advance.

[Cyrien]

2405.9

The messenger found the First Speaker engaged in other matters. He made a light inquiry and recieved the ok from the First Speaker.

The messenger made his report.
-Several members of an alien species have been found attempting to engage in questionable activities within our borders. We are unsure of how to proceed.

The First Speaker contemplated this before replying.
-Send the following message to the species...
We have caught several of your species in questionable activities. We shall return them to you but they and others like them are not to return within our borders uninvited.

The messenger agreed but had a single question.
-What should we do if more are found?

The First Speaker already had the answer.
-We will decide then.

The messenger departed and on a border world five warp jumps away from the First Speakers physical body returned to his own to carry out his instructions.

The First Speaker returned his full attention to the discussion at hand. It seemed the alien ruins of planet sized shields that had been so sucessfully implemented on several key worlds had finally been miniaturized down to a size acceptable for a ship. The possibilities were staggering...

[ September 14, 2003, 02:44: Message edited by: Cyrien ]

[Cyrien]

Hehe... someone tried intel against me for the first time (that I know of) but I was prepared(I think)!

[Alneyan]

2407.4 The Free Democratic Socialist Republic

For the attention of all sapient beings, this is a message coming from the General-Pope-President of our Glorious Free Nation.

As you may have heard, we have recently suffered from plots and other conspiracies coming from alien species, which in turn resulted in our isolation while we dealt with these petty threats. For more than three of our years, we broke all contacts with the Outside, which was responsible for our current troubles. And even as we speak, the infamous Xorlian Alliance is attempting to attack our systems, its white warships endangering our colonies. In all colonies of the Republic, we pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters, from the remote worlds of Zoghad to the Most Magnificent World of Haven, Centre of the Republic.

However, it is our belief that the time for complete withdrawal has come to its end. We are now resuming our contacts with the Outside, with the due caution because of the nuisances we suffered. With the help of the One Above, we will, in the following months, resume our diplomacy efforts, as long as these contacts do not jeopardize our unique culture, beliefs and values. It is the will of the One Who Knows that we shall open ourselves to the Outside once again, as we used to, before these incidents. And I, the General-Pope-President, relay this wish and ask you to do so.

In the mean time, the issue of the Xorlian Alliance shall be solved, with as few consequences as possible. It is our hope that this species can found the inner peace of the One Who Knows as well, and we are praying for their own salvation even as we are still holding their advance in H'Plaghu system. But if they dare to reject our disinterested offer, they will have to face the consequences of their choice. Every sapient being in the universe shall know than none, none at all, will be allowed to defy the Free Democratic Socialist Republic in impunity! All the might the One Who Knows can give us will be used to punish such an individual, in whatever darkness he may lurk, desperately hiding from our retribution.

To my beloved people, I send all my prayers for your safety, in the hardships to come. But rest assured that the One Above shall protect us for all the torments that lie ahead of us, while our Keepers protect us from the more mundane threats, such as this Xorlian Alliance. Of that I can give you my pledge. Nobody will even attempt to hurt you, lest the Republic would retaliate with all its might. May our God grants us the strength we may all need in the future, if our enemies manage to imperial our spiritual essence. We fear this most grievous threat may be the most likely one as well.

Thus spoke the General-Pope-President of the Free Democratic Socialist Republic, acknowledged as leader of five billion faithfuls present on over fifty worlds, representative of the One Who Knows, and all shall hear his message.

[Ruatha]

Greetings all aliens.
The Swedish explorers now have established contact with all alien species in the galaxy.

We know where you live!
Whoa ha ha ha!


Welcome back Alneyan!

[ October 28, 2003, 14:13: Message edited by: Ruatha ]

[Alneyan]

*Brings the thread back to life* A good month later, here is the promised story. *Grumbles* I cannot say I do like it either, even if I had quite a lot of time to think over this text. There *should* be a sequel with the more recent events, hopefully in a few days. *Winks at Ruatha* So without any more addendum:

2407.9 The Free Democratic Socialist Republic

Outside Councillor Dtleberi glanced at the little, private room he was led to. It was located in the left wing of the Basilica, near the suits dedicated to the highest officials in the Republic. Through the bay window, the only opening in the room, he could see the Ceremony of Teaching taking place somewhere else in the Basilica. The well-known words came to his ears, and he found himself reciting the usual prayer along with the acolytes.

After the ceremony ended, only an acolyte raised his hand: “I am not sure how I should put it Noble Voice... Why, the One Above tends to be represented as an androgynous being. Does the One Who Knows have a specific gender?” The apprentice looked ill-at-ease from having asked such a question, but he was comforted by the Holder:

“It is a good question indeed, and I am glad to see you are sharp-witted enough to ask it. The One Above created our people, composed of both females and males, and thus belongs to both genders and to neither. Besides, no human representation can truthfully evince the true nature of the One Above, and what physical body we may give to the One is merely a pretence. But they are other fields in which...” Dtleberi recalled from his politics courses this change took place so that the godhood would encompass all aspects of the society, instead of leaving some individual outside. The same reasoning could be used for the assimilation of aliens beings as well, he thought.

[i] “Would you like to go back to these days of schooling Dtleberi? If so, I believe it could be arranged.” The gentle voice of the Elder Voice came, a sly smile on his usually stern features.

Dtleberi turned at once, startled, and knelt before the Elder Voice, without giving it a thought: “Stand up, such formalities are not required. Not now.” he commanded.

As the Councillor rose, he cast a quick glance at the Voice adamant face and noticed unusual wrinkles running along his forehead. The Elder Voice resumed as though he had been reading the thoughts which occurred to Dtleberi: “Yes, the Republic is suffering from a few problems, here and there, the occasional little bothers you would expect in a government of such a scale. But before we speak of politics, may I inquire your opinion about a most peculiar topic?” Even if the question was rhetorical, a mere courtesy, the Councillor notice this mark of care and attention.

“What do you think of our Republic, and all good it brought with the course of the years?” The query came, unexpected, on a personal matter rather than some question with regards to the *others*, the Outside. He was reminded of the improvements done by the Republic to these outer colony worlds since they came to power, and above all, of the highly advanced technology available on Haven, the Seat of the Republic. Besides, they gave to these depraved worlds values to follow, and a cultural standard. Convinced by the fairness of the Republic, his voice was steady when he answered: “It is my belief the fate of our denizens is as good as one could expect, and the Republic promoted many technological advances ensuring our citizens a decent standard of living. And we managed to avoid the moral decay encountered among other peoples.”

The Elder Voice nodded his approval. “It comforts me to see you share my views about the necessity and the justice of a government such as our Republic. Unfortunately, as you may know, our values are not shared by all, and a few are even plotting the fall of the Republic. *Our* fall, and the tumble of civilization as we know it.” A look of concern passed on his face as he pointed at a projection on the wall. The hologram was of a tall being, with fair complexion and blonde hair.

“ The Swedes,” Dtleberi muttered. “Our relationship with their Democracy has always been tense, as they do not share our agenda on religion and left aside this path,” he mused aloud. “ But I had not expected a war with them, not in my lifetime at the very least, even if we do not pursue the same aims.”

The Elder Voice gave a bitter laugh. “We are not at war with them. Not yet. But our relations are deep rooted in mistrust and misunderstanding and a conflict seems unavoidable. We may have a few months to brace ourselves, but they might strike even as we speak.” Dtleberi heard the deafening din of a spacecraft take-off from one of the remote spaceports. Another dartship northbound, ordered to reinforce the north defences, the most vulnerable border of the Republic.

“Extraordinary circumstances enquire extraordinary measures,” the Voice resumed, in a forbidding tone. “The One Who Knows prevent us from struggling against the Swedes, but we cannot take any chance with our protection. As per an ordonnance of the High Seat, the whole Republic is to fall under martial law. The Order of the Candle will be tasked with enforcing this new rule while the Outside Council will be held responsible for the control of our border worlds. Likewise, all space yards will be called for production of dartships to ensure the safety of the Circle. It is our unfortunate duty to fully militarise the Republic as otherwise a weak military might spell our end.”

Councillor Dtleberi was taken aback by such harsh decisions, as he slowly grasped what it meant. Martial law. All power handed back to the military, and to a lesser extent, to the High Seat, rather than to the civil servants. He was still lost in thoughts when the voice of the Elder, this time gentler, came to his ears: “I do know this prospect can be quite depressing for you Dtleberi, but you know as well as I do that no alternatives are left. Even if we can concur to a pacific resolution with the Swedes, a powerful and efficient fleet will be required. Contrary to our earlier beliefs, we are not alone in this galaxy, and worse, other Empires follow the path of the Faith such as the Nyxians. We can safely assume they have access to the so-called Talisman as well, which means our Republic is no longer a special nation. And as they are rumoured to be stronger than us, they might even surpass the Republic in all its glory. Thus we have to strengthen our military power so that the Republic can remain a Power in this galaxy, while waiting for our opportunity to reclaim what is rightfully ours. Do you now see why such measures are required, even if you do not accept them?”

No answer was needed, and Dtleberi merely shook his head in approval. “But I did not summon you to discuss and to bore with such considerations or our current strategies,” the Elder Voice continued. “Instead, I wished to entrust you with a grave responsibility. As you know, we still have a Trade agreement with the Swedes. We would like to break this treaty, if only to state our independence from the Outside. However, we would have to be wary when doing so, for the Swedes might interpret our decision as a preparation to war. You are to contact them and to explain to them why it is our belief this agreement should be cancelled, while guaranteeing we have no hostilities with them.”

“I shall handle this diplomacy effort,” answered Dtleberi. “But I am reluctant to trust the Swedes, and their disposition tends to be fairly inconstant according to our previous communications. It is my worry they might seize our decree as a pretence to launch their offensive. Nonetheless, I will do as you ask, my Elder.”

“So do I Dtleberi, but once again we have to challenge them to figure out whether they are trustworthy or not. It is why I personally required your assistance in this matter, as all your skill in diplomacy will be needed to treat this request without causing any incident. I will be leaving to attend the Circle Assembly, and will be looking forward to reading your message at your earliest convenience.”

Dtleberi bowed deeply as the Elder Voice left the room, and was left to wonder why he had been designed to see to this delicate relation. It was uncommon for the High Seat to give any scrap of true power, let alone important responsibilities. Perhaps it was due to the tense situation, which required more skilled individuals to solve. He scolded himself sternly for meddling in someone else's affairs, and dismissed the thought with a shrug.

Thus the following message was sent afterwards to the Sweden Tingsrads:
“Greetings Ruatha of the Swedes,
We do understand your concerns about our agenda, and your consequent refusal of our technological exchange. However, you would have to take into consideration our own reluctance to trade raw materials with an Empire which does not follow our path and our values. Distrust and doubts are too well rooted in our relationship to allow any efficient trade agreement between us. Therefore, the Free Democratic Socialist Republic had to decide to cancel all trade with the Swedes. All Republican personnel is to leave Sweden space as soon as possible, and our ships will henceforth stay away from your worlds.
Please rest assured we have no intention of attacking or threatening the Swedes, and our decree is a mere security measure and our attempt to prevent any misunderstanding from occurring again. Our hope is to live in shared peace with the Swedes, but we cannot open our worlds to the Sweden Democracy for the time being. Nevertheless, this decision will be reconsidered at the earliest possible opportunity once we can assure the safety of our Republic, both physical and moral, as our worlds follow what we believe to be a righteous path.
Respectfully, Outside Councillor Dtleberi.”

[ December 24, 2003, 16:05: Message edited by: Alneyan ]

[Ruatha]

*Goodie* I'll have to start writing myself again, soon...