[aldo_14]

Vega system, 0500h
BWCv Libertie, Ops desk


The Libertie, a Sabre class corvette, silently cruised into low orbit around Cthulu, 3d planet in the Vega system.  On board, Captain Serge Basualdo disconnected his comms link with his superiors, and strode back to the main ops room.  Inside, the commanding officers of the Libertie and the Scimatar wing based onboard were waiting.  Basualdo entered, and flipped on the holgraphic display for the briefing.  A schematic map of Vega appeared, showing the positions of GTVA and government forces.  This was not going to be an easy briefing, but it was inevitable.  Everything had a price to pay.

"Welcome gentlemen.  I've just confirmed our orders with Command.  We are to proceed to point Gamma-Delta-9 and wait there for further instructions." Understandably, this upset the officers surrounding.  Most vocal was the leader of the Libertie's Scimitar squadron, Lt. Nihopolous. "With all due respect, sir, what the hell are we doing fannying about waiting for the Warlocks beck and call?  We came here to fight for our Capellan brothers and sisters , not to chase shadows at their behest!".  Basualdo took a deep breath.  Nihopolous was a skilled pilot, but he'd never adjusted to the military lifestyle.  The 'with all due respect' was the best Basualdo could expect from him. "Lieutenant, I understand your concerns.  But we are operating under strict operational security, and I can only do so much.  When the time comes, you will be made aware of our plans, but until then i expect a professional demenour".  "Yes, sir", an obviously pissed-off Nihopolous replied.

As Basualdo moved into the rest of the days daily brief - drill schedules, repair work, and other mundane activites - his mind was already turning to his other orders, the ones sitting in a sealed red envelope under his bunk.  Throughout the day, even into the sleepness night, he repeated his mantra.  Everything has a price to pay.  He just hoped the price wouldn't be as steep as he, as they all, feared.

[HeX]

Wolf 259
January 29th

The Echelon's bridge had been given the nickname beehive by it's constructors. The command center consisted of a hollow ovoid around the inner walls of which were row upon row of circular walkways. Terminals were set into niches in the walls where crisp uniformed officers and technicians murmered into headsets. Forming the top and bottom points of the room were masses of cable snaking into hemisphereical pods. These were the two computer brains for the center, processing the terrabytes of information that flowed through the room and out along data conduits to other computer brains within the massive vessel.

Jutting out from a midpoint down the outter wall, a platform held a single large command chair, encircled by consoles and HUD systems. Sitting amid the controls like a king on his throne, Trellor watched and listened to the hum of voices echoing in the beehive. Standing just behind him, Hishmal stared off towards some distant part of the command center, occupyed in his own thoughts.

"Well Hishmal," Trellor cycled through an HUD showing status reports, "I must admit that was one of the cleanest coups I've ever witnessed." Hishmal made no reply. Trellor smiled and brought up a fact-sheet of casualties from the previous day. "Only 37 security personnel killed and 47 wounded. Some light civilian and technician casaulties but nothing to worry about. I have to commend you and your men."

"They did as they were instructed," Hishmal finally replied, "I ask no more."

The command chair turned 180 degrees and Trellor clasped his hands over his stomach, "Indeed but without the training of their ex-GTVI General do you think they would have done so well so quickly?" He shook a finger slowly at the Vasudan as he turned back to the consoles, "Doubt not your own capablilites my friend. That is the first step towards error."

"Perhaps."

Ignoring the less-then-optimistic retort, Trellor flipped on the shipwide communications channel and cleared his throat, "Attention all officers, technicians, civilian populance and honored guests. As you know your ship has been taken over. Do not panic. We are not holding any of you hostage for randsom or for acts of terrorism. This is...let's call it a radical change in government."

"I am Octavius Trellor. Once I was an Admiral of the Galactic Terran-Vasudan Intelligence agency. Many of those who aided this time of change yesterday were also once members of the GTVA in some form or another. But today, we are no longer allied with the failing government that lost not one but two worlds to the Shivan menace. We are not a part of that seathing morass of beaurocracy that fights it's own wherever they desire change.

Today, on this ship, the GTVA rules no longer. Today this ship becomes the center of a new Empire! A new law! A new purpose! Today we are all a part of the Terran Imperium!" Trellor switched off the comm. system and sat back. From around the command chamber came the occasional cheer or whistle of approval.

"Interesting speech," Hishmal said.

"Thank you Hishmal your applause is always a comfort I'm sure," Trellor's voice held a mocking tone. He rose from his chair, "Come now old friend. Perhaps it's time we toured our new home. After all, when the fleet arrives we will want to give the commanders a tour of our new captial."

"Of course." Hishmal fell into step behind the new self-appointed Admiral. He wondered secretly if this new order was as new as his friend and commanding-officer claimed it to be.

[Eishtmo]

Let the fun begin.

Beta Aquilea
GTS La Cava
January 29, 2385

Captain Albert Nelson leaned back in his chair and stared out the great panaramic window of his dark office.  Outside, an old Demios corvette, old meaning not new.  Compared to La Cava, it was a mere child.

Galactic Terran Station La Cava was old, very, very old, and there was only one other that was like it anywhere.  Once, there were dozens of the Boyington class stations all over the Allied systems, mostly in the old GTA, where they started after all.  Before contact with the Vasudans was even made, Boyingtons were being constructed in every Terran system.  Not any particular design was given for them, just a hodgepodge of parts and station pieces that managed to get out of Sol.  Over time, a general "design" was settled on, but no two were exactly alike.

La Cava was one of the first, stationed over a rather desolate moon in Beta Aquilea, its mission was to protect mining ships as they deposited their cargo into large transports for shipment back to Sol.  When the 14 Year War started, the military took over operations, and it became the military HQ for the system, until the Arcadia was built.  Even afterwards, it served as the primary military supply base.  As the war dragged on, it changed hands several times, serving both Terran and Vasudan alike.  When the eventual stalemate started, it was firmly in Terran hands, and was considered quite a prize by Command.

The Great War made it even more important when the Arcadia fell to the Lucifer.  It and several other Boyingtons, located in out of the way areas of other systems, were the only surviving outposts of the GTA behind the Shivan front lines.  After the Great War, it was once again the center of military activity in Beta Aquilea, serving as security check point for the BETAC talks.

As the years went by, however, La Cava became less and less important.  By the Second Incursion, it was almost forgotten, until the newly built Arcadia became overwhelmed in moving personal and supplies to the front.  And then, nothing.  For the last 20 years, it did little but host the occasional warship and transport, even its mining job had long ago been rendered obsolute.

Three years ago, Nelson, near retirement age, was assigned here.  About then, talks began about scrapping the old station, it's usefullness over.  Nelson fought it, having fallen in love with the antique station.  Hope of keeping it in service collapsed six months ago, but there was always the historical socities.  After all, what group could reject the preservation of a station that hosted the likes of the Sagitarius, the Reliant, the Patton, the Galatea, the Bastion, the Aquitaine, the Vasudan Vengence, Hope, Psamtik and Memphis?  Every major ship since humainty escaped the bounds of Sol through the present save the Colossus?

Apparently, all of them.  At the beginning of the year, the battle ended.  La Cava would be scrapped.  Three weeks ago, the retrofitted beam cannon, a weapon that fired only in tests, and even then caused more damage to the station than it would ever inflict, was removed and likely scrapped as worthless.  Last week, the remaining weapons were pulled from the station, leaving it defenseless, not that it needed defending.  Even the small squadron of fighters were removed, as well as all the personal that supported them.  Only a skeleton crew remained, and they were to leave when the scrapper arrived, on the first of the month.

So there was nothing to do, and nothing to pack now.  Well, almost nothing, only a picture of Nelson's dearly departed wife, who died some three years ago now, and few pens and papers.  The rest was stowed in a box next to the desk, ready for the trip.  Silently, Nelson blamed Captian Gavin of the only other Boyington, McMurphy, out in Ribos.  The bastard had been doing the same things as Nelson in protecting his station, only he had lied and cheated to get it.  There's no way the Lucifer visited McMurphy and left without turning it into scrap!

"Sir, the First Light is leaving."  The only other thing on the desk was a small screen connected with the central control room.  On there was the face of a young Lieutenant who's first assignment was to oversee the shut down of the station.

"Thank you Lieutenant."  He watched as the Sobek moved into the field of the window on the opposite side of the Deimos.  The Terran warship would be the last, offload what supplies the Vasudan one didn't take, and the Sobek had taken an awful lot of supplies.  Nelson wondered what the Vasudans were planning to do with all that stuff, its not like they were getting ready for war or anything, just getting the stuff off the station before it was turned into soda cans or something.  No matter, there wasn't much point to the mess anymore, Nelson was ready to retire with the old station.  Too bad it had to go before he did.

"Sir."  That Lieutenant again.

"What?"

"We're getting a strange signal from the First Light.  Have a listen."

We are the Neo-Hammer of Light.  Those who follow the Eishtmo will be spared, Unbelievers will die.  Surrender now.

"What the hell?"

"It's aimed at the Deimos sir."

Suddenly the room brightened as a beam shot out at the Terran corvette, scowering the hull.  The ship rattled, but didn't open fire, its weapons powered down for the docking with La Cava.  The First Light fired again, tearing deeper into the ship.

"Get out a signal to Command!"  Nelson yelled, barely taking his eyes off the scene.  The Deimos finally fired its own beam, nicking the Sobek, but doing little else.  The targeting system must have been damaged, the Terrans were firing blind.

"I can't sir."

"Why not!?"

"Well, its just not possible."  The tone wasn't angry, or frustrated, but resigned.  Nelson may have been old, but the hint was obvious.  He threw open the top drawer of the desk revealing the only thing in the whole desk, a small pistol.  Outside, a bright flash went off as the Deimos met its fate.  Nelson turned away and opened the door into the central control room.

"Put your weapon down Captain."  A Vasudan soldier, probably off the Sobek, stood pointing a large, powerful rifle at his chest.  Nelson shook his head slightly and handed the soldier his weapon.

He was escorted down to the control room floor where the rest of the crew was lined up against a wall.  He settled next to the Lieutenant.  "Sorry sir."

"It's alright," Nelson said.  A thought then occured to him, and a smile ripped across his face.  He even chuckled a little.

"Sir?"

"They can't shut us down now Lieutenant."

"I don't understand."

Nelson looked at him.  "We've got history behind us now boy.  We're at the start of a revolution!"

[Dark_4ce]

The Slimy Shivan
January 30

The music raged on at an unfavorable volume. Many of the patrons happily nodding their heads to it, while others straining to listen to what their friends had to say. Buck raised his head, smelling the foul stink of alcohol and sweat and shook his head awake.

"Uugh... What the hell?" Buck said to the himself in a heavy scottish accent, as he raised his head fully from the bar table. He looked down at a unconscious women sleeping on his lap and prodded her to see if she was still alive. She groaned as Buck poked at her, but didn't move an inch. Unceremouneously Buck pushed the unconscious woman off his lap and she fell with a thud to the pubs floor. Distant laughter above the loud music was heard from behind him. Buck grabbed a couple of peanuts from a bowl next to him and popped them all in his mouth. I need some protein. I need to stay awake... Ugh...

He stood up from his bar stool and held onto the bar table for ballance. He was certain that he was stationary and the rest of the world was spinning around him, being the stuborn prick he was. Closing his eyes, he tried to steady the planet.

"Heh, heh. Careful there buddy, or you'll spew your peanuts all over my bar table!" came a voice next to him.

"Ugh..." was Bucks only reply as he opened his eyes again. The world was steady again and he ventured foward towards the exit, bumping into a few patrons.

"Hey watch it!" Buck heard. He panned around and stared up at a looming bald headed freak of man. The guy stared down at him with a pissed off look and a giant ring hanging from his nose.

"Sorry there pal. Your nose ring distracted me." Buck replied.

"Oh really? How about I distract you with my FIST!" The music seemed to quiet down and many of the patrons turned around. Buck smiled broadly. Aah, a good way to sober up...

                                                ***

The streets were usually nice and quiet around this time. A perfect time to take out your girlfriend and show her the beauties of the city. Unfortunately sometimes you happen to get lost yourself in the vastness of the city you've grown up in.

Feeling rather embarrased with himself, Darren tried to figure out where he was, without alarming his girlfriend. He knew he took a wrong turn from the movie theater when he wanted to show her some of the darker streets of the city. What he wasn't counting on was actually getting lost in them. All around him he could see walls blackened by pollution and high rises of poverty stricken buildings. He knew about the place but never actually came here. Many people were living in the streets, shunned from the higher classed people. As a couple of bums walked by he noticed that some of them were even old pilots for the GTVA. Darren turned to see that they were happily talking about the glory days and their vast adventures.

Darren had always wanted to be a pilot. But he was forced to go to law school and then work for his father. His friends had gone, seeking glory and adventure. A couple of months later they were sent back in boxes. This made Darren change his mind rather fast. Now he worked for his father and happily lives in the middle of the city.

"Sweetie, where are we?" He turned around to stare into questioning eyes.

"Oh, were in the slums. But don't worry, this place is safe," Darren looked around and spotted a lone pub at a street corner. "Lets go inside and ask for directions."

Right then a huge bald man with a nose ring burst out of the window and crashed into the ground unconscious. Loud shouts were heard from inside followed by screams. Out of the door burst a man covered in flames running around trying to douse them, but onfortunately loses interest and just stops and collapses. Close behind him came a flow of people panicking to get out of the pub, with many of them bloodied and screaming.

Darren held his girlfriend close, who was screaming her head off as another man flew out of the window. A fire was lit inside the pub and it soon filled with acrid smoke that spewed out of the door and window. Finally, as the last panicked person left screaming the bar with a bloodied nose cursing "You burned my pub!", out of the smoke emerged a man carying a woman over his shoulder. He carried the woman to the closest street bench and dropped her there as the fire behind him raged on.

The man happily lit a cigarette and sat next to the unconcious woman, rubbing a big red welp on his temple. He then turned around and saw Darren and his girlfriend standing there, both holding each other in a death grip. Being polite the man stood up and walked over, offering a cigarette.

"So- Sorry... Don't smoke..." Darren replied as the man shrugged and pocketed his cigarettes.

The man eyed them and noticed their clothing was not of the area. "You guys seem to be lost eh, need any help?"

"no-no... Just directions..."

"You sure? I can give you a ride. My ships right over there.  Just a couple of blocks down."

Darren eyed the burning corpse behind the man, and then quietly shook his head.

"Oh come on. It won't be problem. You guys are lucky to get out here without being raped! Least I can do is get you safely out."

The man grinned and Darren finally reluctantly agreed. His girlfriend however was shacking her head frantically.

"Oh by the way, whats yer name?" The man asked, stepping over the unconscious bald man as he began walking to his ship.

"Darren... Darren Fritz."

"Fritz eh? Heh, knew a Fritz in the GTVA long way back. But probably not related to you. I'm Buck. Buck "nine lives" Mcgregor."

The name flared something in Darrens memory but he couldn't remember it. But somehow he felt a bit more calmer, and a bit more scared.

"Why 'nine lives' ?" Darren looked down to see Linda manage to speak finally.

"Heheh... Thats a long story little las. Aye. Well, to put it in a nutshell it was my first day in the GTVA as a fully fledged fighter pilot. What should have been a rutine patrol ended up being a fight for survival ye has never seen! My whole wing was blown away in minutes but I managed to stay in the fight and blow away an entire convoy before the fleet realised I was still alive. I thought it was just an exercise or something. Oh well. After they found me bloodied and surrounded by shivan debris. After they scanned the flight recorders they were amased that I even survived. No one should have survived! But I did! Aye! So they called me nine lives after that. Like a cat ya see? Oh the days of old." Buck smiled to himself as they walked to his ship. Finally they turned a block and gazed upon a large ship that seemed to be a cross between a fighter and freighter.

"That ship doesen't seem to look... Legal..." Darren said.

"Aye, it aint. But me an the local force have an agreement ya know. I'm a bond collector." Buck said with a grin, running up the ramp of his ship.

It all came flooding back to Darren now and he gulped. Linda looked up at him confused.

"What is it honey? What is he?"

"He's a bounty hunter."


    To Be Continued...

[aldo_14]

The Warlock, Vega System
1200 hours

Captain, we've had some intelligence reports from Beta Aquilae.  The cool, semi-feminine voice of the Warlock broke into Captain McGregors sleep ritual.  It'd only been a few days since he'd been picked up by the destroyer, but a lot had happened in that time.  Including a somewaht hasty commissioning as a captain in the so-called Black Watch - largely due to his friendship with a certain Admiral 20 years before.  Of course, he'd been told Admiral Cobb was dead, but since when did you believe what intel told you?

The rank - Captain - was a grade above his old SOC rank, but in a ship largely crewed by former elite GTVI officers it wasn't that high.  For some reason, he'd been chosen as a replacement for Major Cunningham (the Watch used a strange hybrid of Army and Fleet ranks for some reason).  According to Admiral Cobb 'the ship liked him'.  Of course, if the ship liked him so much, why the hell was it interrupting his sleep?

"Understood, patch it through - summaries only, though" I understand.  The text flashed on screen - rumours of an attack in Beta Aquilae on the GTS La Cava (currently unconfirmed), and a few messages from the rest of the fleet regarding heavy mobiliisation of the fleet in Vega.  The latter concerned McGregor a lot.  He didn't want the fleet on red alert, but if they moved into Beta Aquilae..... regardless, it was interesting and worrying.

"Um, do we have any names of involved ships?" We have accounts of a docking Deimos class vessel, name unconfirmed, and an unconfirmed rumour of a Sobek class corvette involved. McGregor scanned the report text again... no communications from the La Cava (hardly unusual, the station was due to be scrapped), but none from the Deimos corvette there, either.  Although the Black Watch couldn't care less about the systems outside Vega, something about the reports worried McGregor.   He hastily made up his mind, and summoned the Command staff.

1615 hours, BWCv Libertie

Captain Basualdo was growing impatient with command when the orders arrived in. Settling in front of the comms terminal, he opened up the coded transmission channel.  "Cpt. Basualdo, BWCv Libertie, code Alpha-Gamma-Delta-6-3.  Line is secured, go ahead Command."
"We have your signal locked down, Captain.  You are to proceed to the Beta Aquilae jump node, and travel into the system itself.  Once inside Beta Aquilae, conceal yourself and await further orders"

Basualdo was somewhat taken aback  - the Black Watch had never operated outside Vega, nor had ever needed to.

"Command - why?"
"We believe there is a potential threat to the region in Beta Aquilae.  Details are hazy, but we believe there is an emerging hostile force in the system.  We'll transmit the intelligence we have at the end of this transmission."

"The BWCv Independence will accompany you.  The Warlock will move into the vacinity of the node, and provide fighter escort when required."

"Understood.  I'll prepare the crew myself."  Basualdo knew the Warlock had never shown face in over 20 years, so it's moving to a highly visible location was a clear statement of support and intent.

"One thing, Captain.  Prepare your crew to be battle ready, and prepare for engagement.  Out."

The Libertie powered up it's subspace drive, and moved silently away from Cthulu.

[Mr. Vega]

January 30, 2385
Beta Cygni System
Cold Harbor Base
35 Kilometers from the Antares Jump Node
0900 hours

Nyx smiled. His latest report from his subordinate Relenir was favorable. The Baorin pirates had pledged their support for the coming operation. Other, smaller factions were sure to follow. The GTVA had thought that Beta Cygni was under effective control. In 3 days, they would be proved horribly wrong.

1700 hours

The mining group was escorted by nothing more than a cruiser and 2 fighter wings. Which was to be expected. There had been remarkably pirate little activity in Cygni for that past 7 months, so patrols and escorts had been stepped down. Some in the Security Council had even considered moving fleet assets out of Beta Cygni and into more problematic systems.

The Baorin wings began the fighting, attempting to draw the two wings into combat but being careful to avoid the Leviathan. The fighters were not taking the bait.

Three Herc II wings appeared and began to open fire on the civillian ships at the edge of the convoy. Another Baorin wing convinced the GTVA fighters to attack. With its two fighter wings tied up, the Leviathan called for backup and moved to engage. Straight into the trap.

A Noctis Aeolus jumped in behind the Leviathan and fired, causing massive damage to the port hull of the cruiser. A minute passed and the Leviathan's reactor was breached, destroying what was left of the ship. Three Satis gunboats belonging to Relenir's force jumped in and docked with three of the now completly disabled, disarmed, and unescorted mining ships.

The GTVA reinforcements jumped in just in time to see the pirates escape three ships plus.

The forces in Cygni would now have to step up patrols and escorts from rapidly increasing attacks, distracted away from the real operation that was to commence much deeper in the system...

[neo_hermes]

January 30,2385
Beta Aquilae System


"Captian we ready to get under way." said John he gives a crewman a pda and pushes him away. Capt Victor Gorgola was sitting in his chair reading the latest reports. "ok john." he stares at the navigations officer "Mao head for the Laramis System. Full speed."
Mao entered the coordinates took out a calculator and said "ETA 5days 2hrs."
"Thank you!" replied Victor
now we have to wait.

[Dark_4ce]

Inside the BERSERKER
January 30

They had taken off about 10 minutes ago when suddenly Darren felt the ship shudder. Buck looked up to his console as he was in the midst of a conversation and cursed. He scrambled into the cockpit seat and adjusted his belt.

"Better buckle up kids," He shouted behind him. Darren and Linda did so with no argument. " we got a little company."

His ship, the  Beserker  was a true wonder to see in flight. He easily dodged the incoming fire as he veered up into orbit. Buck took a glance at his aft viewscreen and noticed that they were only two old merc fighters. However, both had old military markings that caught Buck's eye.  Hmm, interesting... He barrel rolled to port as a missle shot right past his bow, glancing his starboard wing. Hey! That wasn't merc weaponry! He assesed the situation and took a quick starboard turn as they come up behind him. The mercs began their turn when suddenly one exploded into pieces as the top "hidden" turret of the Beserker  came alive. The remaining merc veered off from his exploding wingman.

All the while, Darren and Linda were holding onto dear life as Buck controlled his ship with an almost satanic grin.

"Honey, who the hell is he?!" Darren looked over her shoulder to see if Buck heard, thankfully he didnt.

"He's a bounty hunter! THE bounty hunter! He captured Avant and his Six Thieves! He was the one that blew away the Dogs of War pirate base!" He saw her eyes widen in shock taking in what he just said.

"You mean he's the one who managed to rescue that Vasudan chancellor and his family from those anti-vasudan criminals? Didn't he go up against dozens of pirates and atleast two of their capital ships before discovering he was at the wrong place?" She said with a whisper. "And then when he finally freed them they gave him a country to own?"

"Aye! But it was hundreds not dozens. And they gave me a planet. Too big I told them, so I accepted the cash reward alone." Buck said as he flew his ship.

Both Darren and Linda looked towards Buck, in shock that he actually heard them, as he blew away the last merc. Finally, rubbing his hands, Buck stood up from his cockpit chair and came over to them.

"Now then, anyone want something to drink?"

[Eishtmo]

Antares
NHD Psomething

A volley of beams echoed across the gap between the warships.  On one side, a Terran destroyer fought a losing battle against the agressors, an NHOL destroyer and her escorts.  In the valley between the battling beasts, fighters twisted and exploded in their own personal dances of death.

Aboard the Psomething, Keef smiled.  The GTVA wasn't ready for them, as expected.  Also a great number of his people were on the Neo-Hammer of Light's side in this war.  It did his heart good to know that Lord Eishtmo's message had been well received.  Only a few hours earlier had it begun to spread, the Eishtmo was coming, and the Unbelievers must be destroyed at his bidding.

Keef, a code name he had taken to protect himself and his followers, had gotten his message sometime ago to prepare, laying the ground work for the Eishtmo's arrival.  A loyal member of the Hammer of Light, he had been a priest only five years ago, doing his duty to the Empire aboard ship.  Then the call came, and within those five years he went from a Captain, chief priest of the GVD Psomething, to its commanding Admiral, thanks in no small part to the efforts of other Hammer of Light members.

The destroyer suddenly flashed, dying in a massive explosion that shook even the Psomething.  This battle was over, and another waited ahead of him.

"Set course for the next target," Keef said.  That's all these ships were to him, targets.  They weren't even enemy ships, simply objects to be removed.  The count was now at three corvettes, a destroyer, several cruisers and many, many fighters.  Soon another batch of ships and fighters would join that toll.

But even his fleet, now moving away from the debris of the fallen, was nothing compared to what was coming.  Lord Eishtmo had told him that there was a much more powerful force coming, one that would ensure victory for the NHOL, regardless of what the GTVA did.  For now, though, he was to recruit from within the GTVA, and he did that by destroying Terrans, as many as he could.  Soon the ranks of the Believers would swell until no one could oppose them, even without the special help the Eishtmo promised.

"Sir, a small battlegroup has been spotted on an intercept course," the Psomething's Captain said.

"What is it?"

"A destroyer and two corvette escorts, full compliment of fighters."

"Very well, we'll take them first, then move on to the Terran instillation.  Order the fleet to form up and call in our support.  Let us show them the true power of the NHOL!"

[Grey Wolf]

Vasuda
Bridge of the GTC Lugh
January 30th

Captain O'Reilly entered the bridge, just back from a meeting with Rear Admiral McCormick.
Commander Johnson, the XO, rose out of the captain's chair. "So Captain, where are we being shipped off to?"
O'Reilly sat in his chair and turned to face his exec. "We're being deployed to Antares. Apparently, the Hammer of Light is back. At least one destroyer is definitely there, possibly more."
Within the hour, the task force had departed for Antares.

Antares
The 18 ships of the task force entered into the system.
Lieutenant Commander Kelly looked up from his console. "Sensors have picked up a Vasudan destroyer with escorts attacking a Terran destroyer, which appears to be greatly outnumbered."
The captain relayed this information to the Rear Admiral, who ordered him to engage the Vasudan destroyer.
In order to present more targets, the task force broke up into 6 groups, each containing a Lugh-class battlecruiser, designed to fill the gap between corvettes and destroyers, and 2 Fenris-class Light Cruisers to provide additional antifighter support.
They then set their engines to full, and attempted to engage the NHOL.

[HeX]

Wolf 359
January 30th

"So what's our plan of attack?"

Trellor, wearing a long black cloak about his uniform, glanced at the speaker, a short clean-shaven man wearing an Admiral's uniform. He glanced down again at the large system map layed out over the table-screen, "Well my good Jevolius that is what we are here to determine."

Hishmal pointed to Luyten which expanded to fill the screen, "I would suggest here Emperor. It is known commonly as the bottleneck. A place that would cut off the GTVA from accessing Wolf 359 and Barnard's star."

"Excellent Hishmal. A perfect place to blockade at. We will set up ships here," Trellor pointed to the Laramis node, "And deploy the RBC's we aquired from the good Admiral Kahmsu. We will deploy again at Dubhe. Thus securing the "Backwater Systems" from our enemies."

A female Vasudan Admiral leaned forward over the map, "And what about the shipyards in Barnard's Star?"

"Plans are already in motion," Hishmal replied, "My operatives will have it in our control soon. Communication outside of theses systems has been carefully filtered to provide the GTVA no indication of our activities here."

Trellor clasped his hands behind his back and walked slowly around the circumfrence of the raised dais that the table sat on. He glanced casually out the high windows that over-looked the city from the heights of the Tactical Command Center. "The new Dominator class destroyers will be arriving shortly. They were not easy to aquired but will be most useful in the soon-to-come conflicts."

He looked over his shoulder at the congregation of renegade Admirals and Generals around the table-screen, "It won't be much longer before the GTVA takes note of our activities. A few days at most. We need to be ready for them."

"I may be able to assist in that matter," Hishmal dropped a small data pad on the table, "My agents recently aquired some interesting news. The GTVI have moved their latest version of the Upsilon Device to a remote station in Ross 128."

"An Upsilon Device? Interesting," Trellor raised an eyebrow, "Can it be acquired."

"Yes. With time and resources."

"Take what you need my friend. Such a device could be...useful. How is the progress on the new weapons projects?"

Jevolius, the man who had spoken first, cleared his throat, "They are almost ready sir. Another week at most."

"Good," Trellor turned back to face the group, "In the meantime get your forces into position. Use the nesessary means to ensure that no one suspects you are anything but routine GTVA patrols. The news of your sudden disappearances won't be noted for at least a few more days. If anyone gets in your way...crush them."

[StratComm]

FWDn Archangel
Sigma Draconis-Tau Ceti Jump Node
Sigma Draconis system
0900 Hours Galactic Standard Time
January 31, 2385

Four days ago, the Avalon had discovered an alien device in Delta Pavonis.  Two days ago, it was decided to mount a recovery and analysis operation, and news of the discovery was spread throughout the FWA.  The scientific community was as excited as Davis could remember it ever being, and a veritable fleet of civilian science vessels and military research craft was already en route to Delta Pavonis.  The recovery operation was temporarily suspended, as many scientists wanted to study the device in its current location.  Even the archelological societies were getting involved; it was suggested, and preliminary evidence supplied by the Avalon's science officers seemed to confirm, that the device was of similar construction to many of the ancient ruins scattered across FWA worlds.  It was known that this race possessed subspace technology, and there were suggestions that this device may act on subspace, though how or why remained a mystery.  The past 72 hours had been very busy, and there seemed to be no relief in sight.  "Sir, the fleet is assembeled," the snappy report from the comms officer on duty broke the Admiral's thoughts.  "Very well," replied Davis, "Helm, take us to Tau Ceti.  We will rondevous with the fleet before making for Delta Pavonis.  Engage subspace drive when ready."

Momentarily a blue glow engulfed the Archangel, as its mighty subspace drives powered up.  The ship slipped into the node, and was gone.

[neo_hermes]

GTC Virginia
Ross 128 System
January 31, 2385


"Everyone to their battlestations. I repeat get to your battlestations." Yelled Loran

Victor ran through the corrider passing crewman on the way to the bridge. Pushing past a few who were to slow.

Victor yells "What the hell is going on!" he sits in his chair

John responds, "We are about to exit subspace to recharge our jumpdrives and well we are going to end up in the middle of an ambush."

Victor eye's his first officer then starts giving commands.

the GTC Virginia exits subspace. A pirate attack group that was sitting in space before awakening with life and started to head straight for the Virginia. The pirate bombers broke off from the rest while attempting to destroy the engine subsystem while triple A beams streak after them.

"Victor there's the Support ship. should we destroy them?" asked Weapon ops

"Fire the Beam cannon and hold off those damn bombers." replied Victor
 
The green beam vaporized the support ship. The Pirate commander watches their support ship blink out of existence. the commander of the pirate Attack group calls for reinforcements. A few minutes later a patched together Leviathen class cruiser jumps in starting to fire lasers and it's main beam cannon. the Leviathen's name  Valkyries Fury was on the engine section of the ship. The Valkyries Beams scorched the Virginia's hull melting through also venting air. The Virginia's beams nearly melted the piranha missile launcher on the Valkyries Fury.

    "Sir, Engines at thirty percent. jump engines are at maximum ready to jump at your command."said John
   
 "Get us the hell out of here,NOW!" yelled Victor
The GTC Virginia jumped out heavily damaged with beam scars near the airlock, air venting. Victor was glad to get out of there.

"Where are we at?" asked Victor

"Ross 128 system, sir!" replies the navigator

"Okay, see if there's an Arcadia Installation near by willing to give us repairs." said John
The navigator and communication officers started searching coming up with one.

the navigator said with a worried tone,"The station that encountered the shivans, sir."

"Exit subspace and commit to microjumps to the installation. Hope, hope to whomever you praise that the installation isn't occupied by the pirates." said Victor

[Eishtmo]

OCC:  Sorry I'm late Grey Wolf, but duty called.  Of course, you may regret it after this.

Antares
NHD Psomething

The first flashes of death went off as the fighters of the two battle groups advanced on each other.  The small ships dipped and weaved through each other and the weapons fire trying to break through to the otherside, guiding their bomber charges to their targets.  Sweeps of missiles flooded the now crowded battlefield.

And then came the cruisers.  Two NHOL cruisers jumped out into the middle of the furball, knocking any and all out of the way as they exited their portals.  Now anti-fighter weaponary came to bear, cutting bombers to shreads.

The GTVA commander wasn't a fool, though.  A second flight of bombers and fighters jumped in nearly on top of the advancing, and seemingly defensless, NHOL forces.  The bombs dropped from their bays, and screamed toward the NHD Psomething, the largest sitting duck in all history.  That is, until the bombers fighter cover shot forward and destroyed the bombs.  Half of the fighter escort turned on the bombers, tearing them to ribbons.

While GTVA Command tried to figure what was going on, more portals opened.  Corvettes and cruisers of a dozen different types appeared right beside the GTVA forces, funnelling them toward the Psomething and her small battlegroup.  In all, nearly thirty ships had appeared, and the chances of a GTVA victory nearly vanished into nothingness.

Keef smiled at the sight.  "And just think Captain," he said quietly.  "We are just a small part of the advance force!"

Alpha Centauri
NHD Vengence

"Milord," Ma'thon said with a short bow.

"Yes," Eishtmo said without looking up.  His desk was covered in papers and report tablets, most dealing with their destination and the status of Ice Heart's fleet.

"Keef is engaging a sizable GTVA fleet in Antares."

"That's good," Eishtmo said.  "That will keep the GTVA busy for a bit."  He stopped a moment, then began digging through the various paperwork.  "Ah.  Yes, this would be a good time."

"What would that be my lord?"

"Order the 5th Fleet to Attack Vasuda Prime," Eishtmo said.  "Time to send the Emperor a message."

[Eishtmo]

OOC:  Since he's taking his time, I'll play with Vasuda

Vasuda

Ten thousand years ago, the various factions of the Vasudan race were brought under a single flag and name, the Empire.  From the Imperial capitol, Vasudan Emperors have commanded billions.  Times changed, a Parlament was established, and they commanded the Vasudan people until the Great War.

When Vasuda was destroyed.

Not really destroyed.  The Lucifer destroyed every major city and monument on the planet, rendering 90% of it more uninhabitable than it already was.  Still, a small fraction remained, and when the Shivans had been drivin away, and the Emperor disolved the Parliment, a new capitol was built on that fraction.

The Imperial City of Vasuda.  It is here, for the last 50 years, the Vasudan people rally to a cause greater than themselves, rebuilding a demolished civilization, and comming out stronger because of it.  A symbol of the power of the Emperor, and a target of hate of the Vasudans.

Followers of the Neo-Terran Front, whose weapons and ships were destroyed by the GTVA after the Second Incursion, chose to make this their target.  Bombings were frequent in those later years.  Today, they are all but forgotten by all but the oldest, and they believed it would never happen again.

And then the bombs of the Neo-Hammer of Light fell.  The battle above the Imperial City raged, viewable by those on the ground.  Flashes of dying ships and the streaks of beam cannons were watched like fireworks against the cold desert night.  When the fighters of the NHOL finally managed to break through, the horrors began again.  The people screamed in terror, fled their homes in a mass panic.  Even the Emperor fled, moving to an underground system that pulled him far from the capitol to a shelter in the middle of the wastelands.

When the fear subsided, and the NHOL had been driven away, the people returned, the Emperor returned.  They re-exaimined their reactions, and were appaled by it.  The message of the Eishtmo had been sent, and hundreds of thousands were convereted by it.

On that day, only three bombs fell, and they hit nothing.

[StratComm]

FWSC Vespucci
Sigma Draconis-Tau Ceti Jump Node
Sigma Draconis system
1115 Hours Galactic Standard Time
February 3, 2385

Professor Blake, formerly the head of the archeological team on Epsilon Eridani IV, had been studiously working over a collection of alien transcripts in an attempt to decifer their meaning.  (OOC: my faction never encountered the Vasudans, and thus have had more difficulty in translating ancient texts.)  He glanced out the porthole of his quarters, only to see the massive hull of the archangel not two kilomaters away.  Blake never had liked the military.  While he understood its purpose even when there was no hostile force capable of touching the FWA, Blake still felt uncomfortable when he saw the massive FWA warships.  It was only with hesitancy that he had boarded even this barely armed science cruiser less than a week ago.  How he wanted to see these ships jump out and leave a scientific expedition to its own devices.  "That's it!" he said aloud.  He pressed the comm switch on his desk, and said "Bridge, I need a secure comlink to the Archangel.  I must speak with Admiral Davis as soon as possible.

FWDn Archangel

Admiral Davis heard the message from across the bridge, despite all of the noise and commotion that always engulfed it.  It wasn't even very loud, but Davis knew it would only be a matter of time until he started getting requests from the scientists to experiment on the alien device.  He walked up to the comm to see a balding man in a white coat in the viewer, having a terse conversation with Leiutenent Belle.  "Academia," Davis thought.  He never could take the air of superiority assumed by so many scientists.  He nodded to Belle, and she switched the transmission to Davis.

"What can I help you with, professor?"  Davis asked, hiding his annoyance.

"Admiral," Blake responded, "I have some information on this device that we cannot afford to pass up.  I have recently translated a piece of alien text which refers to a 'star gate', something which I was about to take as a misinterpretation.  The text describes activation and deactivation codes for an alien device of some kind.  I think we have found one of these 'star gates', powered down from millinia of disuse but probably still operational.  I would like to try the activation codes on the gate if I may."

"Where will it lead?" Davis asked.

"We don't know.  Your guess would be as good as mine.  We do think that it works on subspace, possibly on natural nodes too unstable or weak for our use.  There does seem to be enough subspace distortion in this region to indicate the presence of such a node, though granted not a very strong indication of one."

"If true," Davis replied, "this could lead to some dangerous situations indeed.  I would prefer to try this on a node that we know leads to secure space."

"We know of no such node, sir" was the scientist's response.

"But we do.  It's history now, since no one can find even a remote trace of it, but we still know exactly where the node to Sol was located.  Can we move this device - this 'gate'?"

"I'm not the subspace scientist, but I've run into passages about constructing these 'star gates' in my research.  The were built in planetary orbit, so I would think that they could be moved."

"Thank you professor, I will have to insist that you accompany this operation until we set up in Sigma Draconis.  Admiral Davis out."

Davis turned back to Belle.  "Have the transports ready themselves for towing.  We're going to move this thing back to our space."

[Eishtmo]

OOC - I'm running out of filler ideas.  Hurry up Grey Wolf, or I'll just blow your fleet to hell and move on.

Zeta Pegasi
NHD Iron Fist

Admiral "Ice Heart" Harak Chontamentet stared out across the fleet of the Neo-Hammer of Light.  Everyone who enters space, he had long ago concluded, eventually stares at the stars from a large window like he was doing at the moment.  The Private Observation deck of the Iron Fist was dark, as usual, so Harak could see the dark bodies of the fleet moving against the planet outside.  This was his fleet, not just under his command, but litterarly his.  He had built it, molded it with his own hands.  They were loyal to him, and him alone.

Save for the Eishtmo, to whom they were all loyal.  Harak could remember the first time he heard the message of the Eishtmo, as a young pilot aboard the Iron Fist, fighting the Shivans during the Second Incursion.  The call had come, and with many others, more than he could count, they had taken over the mighty destroyer, and disappeared into the night.  They left evidence of its destruction, even a few of their number stayed behind to "tell the tale."

Then they arriaved at Zeta Pegasi, one of the two hidden and distant Hammer of Light colonies.  Depression was all that Harak felt when he saw it.  These were not holy warriors, but religious zelots, weak, undesiplined, yet totally loyal.  It took time, but the relativily small crew of the Iron Fist transformed them, and as the years passed, Harak became their leader.

And then he built his fleet.  The Ramses was first, the mighty destroyer that would be the model for an entire class named after it.  A hybrid of Vasudan and Shivan technology, it had the weapons and armor to make it next to invincible on the battlefield.

The Ramses class was the first, followed by the  Imhotep corvette and the Snefru cruiser.  All three were twisted mixes of Vasudan and Shivan technology, all three were the deadliest the Vasudan people had ever built.  Yet they were all overshadowed by the modifications to the Iron Fist.  The mighty Hatshepsut was changed, modified, improved.  It no longer even looked like any other member of its class.  And what power.  At his fingertips was the power of a juggernaut, with nary a rival to its power as far as the eye could see.

As far as Harak's eye could see.  There was another Hammer of Light colony, out in Cassiopiea 528.  It was well known to most of his people, as they had been transfered here soon after the Iron Fist had begun its work.  But many were still there, building something, something powerful.  It was to be the Eishtmo's flagship, and would lead them to victory.  That's why it was called the Victorious.

"Admiral."  Vice Admiral Temara Ryksos, Commander of the Ramses NHD Abydos entered the room quietly.

"What is it my friend?"

"A report from GTVA space.  The Eishtmo is on the move, and the first phase of the plan is in action."

"Excellent.  How long before he reaches Cass 528?"

"Three or four days, perhaps as much as a week."

Harak thought on this for a moment.  "Good.  Perpare the fleet for another set of manuevers.  I want to be ready when the call comes."

"There's something else sir."  Ryksos handed a small tablet to Harak.  "This just arrived from Cass 528.  We are to retool the shipyards to produce them."

The Ice Heart examined the images.  Blueprints and specifications for three new ships, unlike any he had seen before.  Few details revielded themselves to him, but there was much that was unfamiliar.

"They also included plans for the advanced portions of the ships.  Our engineers are examining them as we speak."

"There are no names."

"No sir, as per Lord Eishtmo's orders."  Ryksos moved unconfortably.  "Apparently he believes many heroes will be made, and these ships are to be named after the greatest."  A pause, a moment for his words to sink in.

"I see."

"However, I think our fellow Believers may already have a name in mind for the destroyer.  Though there is no official name, a nickname has already been given to it."  The Vice Admiral scrolled the screen to a hand written phrase at the bottom of the main blueprints.

"The Voice of God."

[Mr. Vega]

February 4th, 2385
Beta Cygni System
Fredericksburg Base

Alexis Relenir was anxious. Preparing for the attack had taken far longer than he had expected. Fornunately, to compensate, this gave his forces extra time to draw away greater and greater assets of the Beta Cygni fleet away from the inner system. Now only the Troiana, an Orion, and the Phobos and Hestia, two corvettes remained in "The Deep Red", as the region was called. Soon one would be destroyed and the other captured.

February 5th, 2385
GTCv Hestia

"All right, all right, what is it?" said Lieutenant Commander Seret Kallon, XO of the Hestia. He was desperately trying to get some sleep while he had the chance.
"We just picked up a distress call. Captain wants you here immediately."
"Oh, great..." He hurredly put on his uniform shirt and ran to the bridge.
"I'm here, what's this about a distress call." His eyes were immediately immersed in the blue-white hue of subspace.
"A freighter, near Cygni 3. They reported that pirates have disabled them. We are about 15 seconds away."
"How many pirates were there?"
"They didn't say, their comm was breaking up- The blue white hue was replaced by the pitch black of space.
And to greet the Hestia were five cruiser, and countless number of fighters. There was no freighter to be found. The sensored screamed of hostile contacts.
"Oh ****."

NC Balrog

"Dammit, those bomber's need more cover!" said Relenir. The battle was going badly. They expected just a quick strike, only to find a much better protected Troiana than expected. Her hull integrity was still at 45% and her reinforcemetns had arrived. Meanwhile his bomber which he had worked so hard to obtain were being torn to bits.
"This is never going to work, we've already lost 4 times as many people as we were supposed to." He sighed. "Withdraw."
Well, we still have something to claim as a victory. She's badly wounded and it will take a while to repair her. And there still is the Hestia... Relenir waited anxiously for news on that front.

Kallon had barely made it out of the rapidly decompressing bridge before the doors closed when the blast shield ruptured from extremely accurrate fire. They wanted someone to survive from the bridge, they want to capture us...
"Sir, Commander!" yelled one of the crew rushing to Kallon. "Is the Captain dead?"
"Yes, he's dead... he was right behind me, he almost made it out. It appears I'm captain now. Damn those pirates! Where did they get all that firepower?"
"We've recived a transmission from them. They're ordering us to surrender."
Ordering us? Still, we have no chance. Well...
"Tell them we surrender."

[HeX]

Wolf 259
February 5th

"They know," Hishmal said as he walked up to the raised dais at the head of the large chamber. Through the tall windows, a single chair looked out with Trellor perched like a predator.

Trellor didn't turn from his view over the glowing lights below but nodded slightly, "It was bound to happen sooner or later."

"The GTVA itself hasn't released the information to it's regular corps, but the GTVI is mobile."

"The GTVI?" at this Trellor stood and turned, his face contorted with a scowl, "They are sending the intelligence corps after us?"

Hishmal blinked, "Worse then that. They are sending Robertson."

"Robertson," Trellor's voice was like ice, "Admiral Robertson. So they decided the only way to stop me is to send in my former partner. That means they know it's me and that means, we have an insider." Trellor began to pace slowly across the dais. He took off his Admiral's cap and ran his hand through his silvery hair.

Hishmal didn't move from his position near the stairs, "Shall I have the intelligence teams begin a sweep?"

Trellor stopped as though the question had stunned him. A moment later he resumed pacing, "No. That will arouse suspicion and the GTVI will move their timetable up. For now we simply go on as planned. What is the status of our forces?"

"The weak GTVA presence in these systems was no match for our ships. We destroyed the GTC Amok, GTC Cypher and GTCv Adonis without trouble. We lost the TIC Forge to a fighter squadron however."

"Replaceable."

Hishmal nodded, "Yes. Replaceable. The shipyards are in our possession and the blockades have been established as requested. The RBC platforms will be online within 24 hours. Also, the GTD Imperium, GTD Brimstone, and GTD Damoclese have arrived."

Trellor smiled, "The new Dominator class destroyers. Excellent. Have the Imperium take command in Dubhe, the Damoclese in Luyten and have the Imperium remain here."

"As you wish. The Dwarf fighters will be ready for a trial run in a week. The Upsilon Device aquisition is taking a little longer then anticipated but will be ours before two weeks is though. Lastly...there is one other delicate matter..."

"Cerberus?"

"Yes sir. Cerberus. The notes your father gave you are not specific enough to the hiding place. It make take us some time to sift through the nebula and locate it."

"Just find me that ship Hishmal. It is important that you find that ship."

"To the Imperium or to you sir?"

Trellor sat back in his chair, looking out over the city once more, "There is no difference."

[Mr. Vega]

Februrary 6th, 2385
Beta Cygni System
Fredericksburg Base

"With our capture of the Hestia, I beleive it is time to discuss our long term plans."
Relenir began the briefing. He would have liked to have waited to begin discussing permanent partnership with these pirates, but Nyx had insisted it be done now.
"Before we can attempt to really begin pushing for control of Beta Cygni, we must realize two things."
"One, the GTVA simply does not have enough resources to properly guard anywhere outside the inner regions. They have approxamately 50 ships on patrol or escort, with enough strength to effective guard one-fourth of the area they must cover now."
"Two, our intelligence and probably those of your forces also can see that we are outnumbered and outgunned 15 to one, even with the Hestia. Understand that we can never win any large engagement."
The leader of the Baorin Pirates, "Warlord" Joseph Hadur interrupted him.
"Still, we must increase the pressure on them. Now is the time to begin attacking their heart."
"Hadur, just as the GTVA does not have the resources to control the outer regions, we simply do not have the firepower to begin attacking the inner region. The attack on the Troiana has cost us dearly."
"An attack which you commanded! You were overly cautious with the Orion's escorts, and we lost too much time because of it."
Those fools! They have no grasp of strategy. We would have lost half our attack force if they had been commanding.....
"Hadur, this is not small convoy and wings of fighters we are attacking! This is the GTVA fleet we are talking about. Destroyers, not cruisers. It would be fatal to be too aggressive too early."
"Than what is our plan? I am waiting."
"We must convince the GTVA that they simply cannot control the belt and force them inward. With the Hestia, I believe we do have enough firepower for such an operation...