[Eishtmo]

A lot of you kids probably have no clue what the Neo-Hammer of Light is/was, or why this is 3 and not 1 or 2, so I'll tell you.

Way, way, way back during the vbb days, I made a joke.  We were always being asked who we would side with, the NTF, the HoL, GTA, PVN, GTVA, Shivans, whatever, and I decided to declare my alligence to the might Neo-Hammer of Light (NHOL).  This spun out of control and into the first ever vbb story thread that wasn't 'that' thread.  If you don't know what 'that' thread is, good, better that you not know.

That ended pretty quickly with lots of explosions and what not, and I got the idea to start another NHOL thread, a more focused story thread, NHOL 2.  That went alright, it showed lots of potential at the very least, even if it was more chaotic than anything else.  It also ended with the destruction of Earth, which didn't go over too well.

So now comes the third edition, which I'm actually going to repost for all of you to see.  I still consider it some of my best writing, though I have personally gotten a lot better with time.  There are still some stupid, childish things in it, not just from me but many of the other posters in it.  No matter, it's still pretty good, especially the buildup to the conclusion.

But you'll have to wait to see it.  I'm going to try to post a few posts a day from it, copied directly from the original files, with some editing, if only to clear up confusions and errors.  Feel free to make comments and ask questions (I doubt many of you will, but go ahead).  Enjoy.

[Eishtmo]

Eishtmo,  04-18-2000 01:57 PM

Neo-Hammer of Light 3:  Legacy of the Eishtmo

. . . it was gone.

It has been two years since Earth was destroyed by the Eishtmo and his ship the NHJ Victorious. The initial reaction was swift and violent. Dozens of "anti-NHOL" groups were founded and set off on a quest to destroy the Neo-Hammer of Light. But they were foiled when the NHOL, following the Eishtmo's final orders, vanished from GTVA space. After six months, most of the groups were torn apart by internal divisions. Soon, the different groups began fighting among themselves. The worst of these conficts was that involving the former members of the Outcast Sentient Front, whose war destroyed many of the pirate Clans.

Most of the "anti-NHOL" groups have been forgotten, but conflict still exists. The Galactic Terran-Vasudan Alliance is facing fierce pressure from the Sol Defense Force, the military governing body of Sol, to track down the NHOL, wherever they are. The GTVA has done its best, but the SDF is nowhere near being satisfied. Many high level members of the SDF have accused the Vasudan Empire of harboring NHOL criminals, and some have accused them of outright collaboration. This has caused a major strain between the two groups, leaving the Terran half of the GTVA stuck in the middle.

Recently, mysterious raiders have been attacking Vasudan colonies and installations, killing anyone and everyone, especially Vasudan citizens. The Vasudan goverment has recalled most of their fleets to guard agianst such attacks, yet they continue. Rumor has it that the SDF is behind the attacks, and is attempting to start a war with the Vasudan Empire. Most everyone is in anticipation of a new Terran-Vasudan war, and fear now grips the people of the GTVA. However, some are continuing their missions, assigned to them so long ago. . .

---------

Sol System - GTC Horan

The bright sun is, for a moment, blocked out by a large asteroid as the rock hurtles through space. It is one of the remaining pieces of Earth, the third planet from the star called Sol. A huge field of boulders and asteroids tumble through the sky, following the orbit of the planet they once were. Far off, the sphere of light that is the moon, continues on its path through the sky, no longer held by its larger parent.

Suddenly, a blast of green light shoots across the sky, striking one of the boulders, shattering it into dust. The GTC Horan and her two Argo transport escorts, Alpha and Omega, move through the field in a search pattern. The small group is finishing the quest set forth by Captian Bud Alered two years ago, when the Neo-Hammer of Light first invaded.

Captian Todd Ripper looked out the window of the cramped captian's quarters. He sighed as another rock was shattered by laser fire from one of the transports.

"Computer, begin recording log," he said. The computer responded with a beep.

Captian's Log Entry: 04/15/2384
Captian Todd Ripper, GTC Horan

It's like the Leaning Tower of Pisa fell down. That's an old saying a friend of mine used after a great event, when everyone was gone. I didn't think it would be the same with Earth, but I guess it is. Once it's gone, people just stop coming, for there's nothing to see.

I had half expected the crew to go into an uproar when we first got here, but they didn't. Even having devote members of the NHOL on board, and thus in Sol, didn't set them off. I guess we've worked togeather too long, and see too many atrocities. Fortunatly, this is the last one. When we're done here, we will report our findings to the War Crimes Tribunial at Beta Aquiliea, and then go home. I hope our friends can leave with us, but I doubt it. The SDF has been on a witch hunt as of late, and if they discover they are members of the Neo-Hammer of Light, they'll never see their homes again.

End of Log

"Captian," Commander Su'mit spoke over the comm.

"Computer, end log," Ripper said. "Yes, what is it?"

"We've discovered something. I would like you to take a look."

"I'll be there in a moment." Ripper squeezed throught the small door and into the hallway. As he moved down the hall, stepping over the knee-knockers of the airtight doors, he looked at each member of the crew he passed. Mostly Terrans, a few Vasudans, all in GTVA uniforms, despite the fact that most of the Vasudans were members of the NHOL. To keep the crew of the Horan from firing on Alpha and Omega, some had been transfered to the transports, while Vasudans had been transfered aboard the old Leviatian. It probably wasn't necessary anymore, but it was still in the groups best interest.

Ripper walked onto the bridge finally. "What have you got?"

"Listen," Su'mit said. A strange noise now began to vibrate through the bridge.

"What is it?" Ripper asked.

"An NHOL distress signal," said the comm officer.

"Here?" Ripper said with astonishment. "That's not possible."

"Possible or not, it is there," Vasudan commander said. "I believe it may be from a Victorious escape pod."

"What else could it be from?" Ripper said. "Can you locate the signal?"

"Yes sir," said the comm officer.

"Good, once you have, give the Sandra the coordinates. Sandra."

"Sir," said Lieutenant Sandra.

"Plot a course that will take us through as few rocks as possible," Ripper said.

"Aye, aye sir," said Sandra.

---------

Eishtmo, 04-18-2000 02:30 PM

Sol System - GVT Omega

The small port into the escape pod flopped open, into the confines of the small craft. A Vasudan solider, a NHOL patch on his shoulder shouted down into the pod.

"We are of the Neo-Hammer of Light, is anyone on board?" The only reply the Vasudan got was the beeping of dozen systems, and the low hum of the escape pod's small reactor. "It looks safe," he said to a young Terran, his helmet translator allowing the Terran to hear what he said.

"Nevertheless," said the Terran. "You go first."

The Vasudan stared at him for a moment. "Very well," he said, and he dropped down into the pod.

The escape pod was small, really only big enough to carry about 10 adult Vasudans, and then only for two or three days. In this one, however, were two cases, one much larger than the other, and the larger having many lights flashing on it's surface.

"What's all this for?" the Terran asked.

"I do not know," the Vasudan responded.

"Damn these things are small," said another Terran as he recovered from his landing.

"Keep it down Erik," the first Terran said.

Another Vasudan entered the pod. The group now began to examine the contents of the pod. Erik made his way to the front, where the smaller of the two cases lay.

"So what's it all mean Ch'ie?" the Terran officer asked the first Vasudan.

Ch'ie looked over the screen. Symbols appeared on the screen, in a language unfamilier, even to a Terran living in the GTVA. "It is written in Eishtmatic," Ch'ie said. "I cannot read it."

"Eishtmatic?" the Terran asked. "What is that?"

"It is the language of the NHOL," the other Vasudan responded. "We never had a chance to learn it."

"Sorry," the Terran responded.

"Hey Lt. Bradley," Erik said. "What do you make of this?" Erik indicated to the small case. It's top was glass, a glow from inside lighting up the contents. There lay a tube, about a meter long, and the diameter of a human arm. It's ends were rounded, and it was perfectly seemless, nothing to indicate it was anything but solid metal.

"I don't know," Bradley said as he examined the tube.

"Look at this," said the other Vasudan. The group gathered around a small port on the side of the larger container.

"Oh my," said Ch'ie.

"Is he alive," asked Bradley.

Ch'ie looked at the various controls, looking for an indicator he could read. "Uh, I think so."

"I didn't know you guys had, uh, whatever these are," said Erik.

"We do not," said Ch'ie. "But apparently, the Eishtmo did."

Bradley looked at the body inside the pod. "Could this be him?"

Ch'ie looked at his Terran counterpart. "We won't know until he wakes up."

---------

PeachE, 04-18-2000 02:33 PM

Mission Recording
Talnia System
04/15/2384
1600 hours.

This Is Lt. Commander Daniels of Alpha Wing, 195th Buccaneers Squadron calling Vasudan Science Installation Kebechet. We're 5 clicks out and closing. Awaiting permission to dock. Over.

*static*

Vasudan Installation Kebechet, this is Lt Commander Daniels of Alpha Wing. Please respond.

*static*

"Command said they had lost contact with the Installation, sir. Maybe, they just can't respond."

Or maybe they've been hit by the raiders. Let's do a fly-by before we dock.

"Yes sir"

I don't see any signs of life. They could just be playing dead, though. Go in for dock, Alpha wing...
Wait a minute. I'm getting some more signals on my scanner. Appears to be friendly but there are some deviations. Be careful pilots. Could be raiders.
...
They've opened fire, Alpha. Break formation and spread out. Don't open fire yet. It could be a mistake.

"Sir. They're firing on the Installation."

Defend that base at all costs, people. Move in for the kills.
...
That's 2 enemy fighters down, 2 bombers. Only four left.

Bombs heading for the istallation!!! Fighters, intercept... Almost there...

"Sir, those bombs aren't being recognized by my computer. There unknowns... "

*Daniels Fires his primaries at the bombs spiralling towards the Installation.*

Damn. Those there's too many of them. Use all fire-power to stop the bombs.
...
It's too late. We can't do anything. Fighters, pull up. Now. Now. Now.

*Multitudes of bombs hit the various subsystems of the Installation, each one going up upon impact. Like a chain reaction, the explosions travel down the side of the base. And with a brilliant flash of light and a forciful, shockwave, it's gone.*

The other ships are turning back. They've completed their mission. Pilots, report in.

"Alpha four went down in the shockwave."

And three went down from the fighters. Okay, Alpha 2. This mission was a failure. Prepare to engage your jump drives.

"There'll be hell to pay back at headquarters, sir"

I know... Engage.

End Log
Mission Classification: Failure.
Mission Security Level: Rho.

---------

PeachE, 04-18-2000 02:35 PM

Mission Debriefing
Talnia Fleet Headquarters
4/15/2384
1800 Hours

*Debriefing Recorded at the request of Vice-Admiral Ashe*

"So, what exactly went wrong out there, Daniels?"

We investigated the base as ordered, sir. It looked to me like the installation was playing dead to avoid detection. Raiders must have detected us though, because almost as soon as we got there, they jumped in. They bombed the hell out of that installation, sir. We just couldn't stop them all.

"Did you even bother to call for backup? What about the weapons on the installation"

No sir. There was no time to call for backup. And in our fly-by, it looked like the Installation had already undergone a small attack. Only minor damage was suffered, but the weapons looked shot to hell.

"No time for backup?!? Mission recordings show at least three minutes between the time the enemy jumped in and the bombs were being fired. Now, are you going to sit there and tell me you had no time?"

Yes sir! There weren't just bombers out there. There were fighters, and they were taking out my pilots! I had my hands full just staying alive, much less calling for backup.

"Maybe next time, I should just send a more qualified pilot."

Maybe next time, you should just send more ships! One wing won't cut it!!!

"Are you raising your voice to a superior officer?!?"

Sorry. No sir.

"That's better. Now, there are two troop transports coming through next week. I intend for you to be on one of them, depending on the success of your next mission. If you fail, in spite of your previous good record, you will be on transport back to Delta Serpentis..."

To do what?!? Pick up garbage?

"Funny. That's what we've been doing lately, whenever you fail a mission... If you succeed in your mission, we will look on these last three losses as a fluke, and you will be on transport to Epsilon Pegasi."

What's there?

"Apparently, some of the old Clans are starting to rebuild in the surrounding systems. As to what's actually in Epsilon Pegasi, it's beyond your level of clearance."

So I either get to be a janitor or a suicide-mission runner? Great...

"Silence. As for your next mission. You're to escort some transports, freighters, and medical ships to a small Vasudan colony in Vega."

Yes sir, I know the colony you're talking about. Shouldn't be a problem. There's no activity in that sector.

"And there was no activity at Kebechet either. Command agrees with you though. But expect the worse. The ships will be arriving here in two days time. When they get here, you and your Squad will begin escort. From here, they will move on to the colony. You will oversee the transferral of goods and medical staff and then you will escort the ships back here. I suggest you brief you squad tomorrow. That's all, Daniels. But remember, this is your last chance."

Yes, sir. Good Day.


End Recording.

---------

Ice Heart, 04-18-2000 02:42 PM

Zeta Prime
NHD Iron Fist

Vice Admiral "Ice Heart" Harak Chontamentet glared out the viewport of his flagship, the NHD Iron Fist, at the planet below. The Iron Fist and (aside from a few cruisers, corvettes, and fighter wings on routine patrols) all of the NHOL fleet, as well as most of the NHOL's extensive ship construction facilities, were in orbit above the world of Zeta Prime. A habitable world that was very well suited to Vasudan life, a world populated by the NHOL. The Vice Admiral had followed the Eishtmo's final orders and returned to the NHOL colony system with what was left of his fleet. In trying to follow those orders completely, the Vice Admiral had collapsed the two jump nodes which led from Zeta Prime to two other systems which bore only survey numbers, and from each of those systems to the GTVA. From the NG12 system, a jump node existed that went to the Gienah Cygni system, a lightly populated GTVA system. The other node had led to Y789 and from there to Kaus Borealis, another small GTVA system. The Zeta Prime to NG12 and Zeta Prime to Y789 nodes had been collapsed as Ice Heart's fleet retreated, and in such a fashion that it would be almost impossible to determine that a node to Zeta Prime had ever existed in those two numbered systems. However, that still left a node leading to another system that was identified only by a number, the M342 system, this system was in the opposite direction of GTVA space and if the NHOL eventually grew large enough to expand, it would be through that single node from Zeta Prime to M342 and beyond, away from the GTVA.

The Vice Admiral planned to follow the Eishtmo's orders to live in peace at their colony as well as he could, to this end he had ensured that they could not return to GTVA space, though there was of course a chance that somewhere beyond M342 there existed a system with a node that did lead to GTVA space.

With that thought, a familiar small knot of worry formed in the Vice Admiral's stomach. He knew that that node would have to be collapsed as well, and hopefully before the GTVA realized that the NHOL had bumped into them again. He knew that if ever the GTVA and NHOL fought again, it would be a war of genocide, of extinction. One side would not survive it, there was no doubt that the GTVA would not accept any surrender, any offer; and the Vasudan elements in the GTVA would gladly help the Terrans exact their vengeance upon the NHOL for the destruction of Terra. And so he had continued to build up his military, knowing that some day it would be inevitable that the two would clash again. They could never truly live in peace and the Eishtmo had wanted. Of course, the Vice Admiral thought with a scowl on his face that assumes we don't tear ourselves apart first.

He turned from the viewport and its stunning vista of the blue-green world of Zeta Prime in disgust and went to his desk, almost wishing he could use his fleet to obliterate the beautiful planet. A mere two years (actually, this should be 6 months - Eishtmo) after the Eishtmo's death, there was dissent among the NHOL followers. Vice Admiral Ice Heart had reluctantly taken up the responsibilities of leader of the NHOL two years ago with the death of the Eishtmo and the departure of Keef on a quest of some sort. The Admiral still did not enjoy the role, but he knew that he was better suited than the challenger which now threatened to usurp him.

The worst thing was that the challenger was also blasphemous. This usurper claimed to be the Eishtmo, miraculously escaped from the GTVA and returned to lead his people again to destroy the Unbeliever GTVA. The Admiral laughed at this thought, but there was no humor to it. If this pretender knew what the Eishtmo really was, he would likely recoil in horror. The Admiral still did not understand how a Terran could bring himself to destroy his own homeworld, but the Eishtmo had done just that. This Pretender was no more the Eishtmo than a brick was.
Though the majority of his people still believed that Harak was truly following the Eishtmo's orders and living in peace as best they could, there was a growing minority that believed the Eishtmo had returned. Indeed, the Admiral would have believed this pretender and the familiar rhetoric of destruction had not he heard the Eishtmo's orders himself. This minority was becoming increasingly militant as well. The Vice Admiral feared there would soon be civil war on the planet below, and civil war in space as well as he had overheard even on his flagship some murmurings of doubt in his leadership.

The Vice Admiral had just been starting on the bearueacratic paperwork he so despised when his Executive Officer, Ba-Pef Khentimentiu, commed him. "Yes?" He said, slightly thankful that he had been saved from the ornerous task. His relief faded when he saw the XO's expression in the vid screen, it was a grim, worried one.

"Sir, the NHCv Duamutef has just destroyed the NHC Enkidu while they patrolled near Zeta X, the Duamutef claim that they are only doing the bidding of the Eishtmo."

The Vice Admiral cursed, damn the Pretender! There had been various individual incidents on the planet and in the construction yards, but nothing of this magnitude. Could it be the civil war that Harak knew was coming had just begun?

"Inform Rear Admiral Kraken aboard the NHD Anubis that he is now in command here. Make certain you contact him on a secure channel, I can trust him, I want no one beyond the three of us and the communications officer here on the Iron Fist to know of this. We will deal with the Duamutef ourselves."

Khentimentiu understood, they had to keep as tight a lid on this as possible else the Pretender would use it to whip up even more followers and discontent with Harak's rule. The crew of the Iron Fist was almost unquestioningly loyal to him so he would take only the Iron Fist to deal with the little rebellious vessel...

---------

Ice Heart, 04-18-2000 02:43 PM

The NHD Iron Fist exited its intra-system subspace jump near the NHCv Duamutef. The Iron Fist was 2000 meters away from the Duamutef when it finally came to a complete stop, its massive forward beam cannon pointed directly at the little corvette. The main cannon was of the sort that belonged on a juggernaut class vessel, the largest and most powerful ever mounted on an NHOL destroyer-class vessel. Only two vessels in the NHOL fleet mounted the cannon, the Iron Fist itself, a Hatshepsut destroyer so heavily modified its silhouette was no longer recognizable as such; and the NHD Anubis, the last remaining NHOL Hatshepsut-class destroyer. Harak had long ago ordered that construction of the Hatshepsut-class cease since the NHOL’s Ramses-class destroyers were better armed and armored. The Duamutef was dwarfed by the massive NHOL flagship.

Just ahead of the little Sobek corvette was a small cloud of debris that had been the Mentu-class cruiser Enkidu. The Vice Admiral sat at the communications officer’s terminal. "Corvette Duamutef, this is Vice Admiral Harak Chontamentet of the NHD Iron Fist. Power down and prepare to receive a boarding party at once!"

A Vasudan face appeared on the vidscreen and replied. "Negative! It is you whom should power down, usurper! Perhaps if you surrender now, the Eishtmo will take leniency on.." The unknown Vasudan never finished his rant, his head disappeared in a spray of blood.

A few moments later, another Vasudan, this one bleeding from a wound at his shoulder appeared on the vidscreen. "Iron Fist, do not fire! Do not fire! This is Executive Officer Gulrhan, Captain Thakur led a mutiny by Pretender followers. We have regained control of the bridge and most of the turret stations from them."

Harak exhaled a very relieved breath. "Thank the Prophets. Do you require any assistance? We have a marine boarding party ready for deployment."

"The assistance would be greatly appreciated, Vice Admiral. Send them along ASAP."

Harak allowed the communications officer to retake his console. The marine transports had been launched and were enroute to the Duamutef, ETA two minutes. It was several seconds after letting the communications officer have his station back that disaster struck. As the Admiral was walking back to his command chair, he heard from commscreen behind him. "What!? They’re in the reactor room!? We can’t let the..." Gulrhan said in shock.

That unfinished sentence was Gulrhan’s last words. The Duamutef was rippled with explosions as the delicate fusion bottle of the reactor was punctured by the fanatical followers. The ship burst a moment later, scattering debris in all directions. Fortunately, none of the transports were near enough to be damaged by the flying debris and shockwave, but the Duamutef was gone. The fanatics had destroyed the ship and themselves rather than let it be retaken.

The Admiral slowly sat down in his command chair, just as shocked as anyone else on the bridge. Such fanaticism had not been seen since the long ago days of the Great War when the original HOL had made its kamikaze attacks. Such a fervent devotion was dangerous, for it showed that the Pretender’s followers were not at all afraid to sacrifice lives, including their own, in pursuit of their cause.

"Target those debris with our beam weapons, I want all of that debris vaporized. We cannot let what has happened here be known beyond the crew of this vessel, the Pretender would use such information as this to his advantage."

He turned to his Executive Officer and spoke quietly so that none aside from the XO would hear. "Khentimentiu, I want you to enact our cover up plan."

The XO nodded his understanding and departed. Harak and Ba-Pef had known something like this was likely for quite some time. They had prepared a number of false documents and other covering materials specifying a number of different excuses for a ship’s disappearance. The moment they returned, a select few of Harak’s completely trusted personnel in governmental positions on the planet would be notified of what had happened and would be given the cover story that Khentimentiu was gathering. The Duamutef’s demise would be unknown as long as possible, though relatives and friends of crew members would eventually want to know why their loved ones had not contacted them in awhile.

"Helm, prepare for jump back to Zeta Prime orbit." The Admiral said quietly.

---------

That should be enough to start.

[Taristin]

I miss the good ol' hammer of light... :{

[CP5670]

The first post seems familiar but I don't remember anything from the rest of it. Interesting stuff.

Captain Thakur led a mutiny by Pretender followers.

Never expected to see myself in here, and as a fanatical Vasudan too. Sweetness.

[Eishtmo]

You might have only read the first post.  In the end, the whole thing is 7 pages long, and the average post is huge (espeically mine).  Incidently, if you email me I can send you a zip of NHOL 2 and 3 (original html pages).  I'm posting it for fun honestly.

---------

Ice Heart, 04-18-2000 02:49 PM

TWO DAYS LATER

The Admiral sat in his cabin and watched the telecast from the planet below with a grim frown on his face. On the screen, the Pretender harangued a crowd of supporters. How he wished he could simply order the Pretender killed. He could do so, but that would only vindicate his followers and there was no doubt that would only convince more to follow the Pretender. Somehow, a small word of what had really happened to the Duamutef and Enkidu had been leaked to the Pretender and he had certainly used that information. Harak was just catching the last of the broadcast. "...and the liar Chontamentet would tell us that the Duamutef suffered an accidental core breach and the Enkidu was destroyed in the blast as well. No, it was not that! The Duamutef carried out my orders and destroyed the Enkidu, crewed by the followers of Chontamentet the False. It was for this righteous act that Chontamentet and his ship destroyed the Duamutef! They allowed it no chance to surrender, but mercilessly destroyed it in order that you, True Believers, would not know of this! This is the final insult, we can no longer tolerate this repression, the time for our ascension has arrived!"

With those last words, Chontamentet knew that the Pretender would no longer be a mere annoyance, a simple thorn in the side. He knew that a full scale war was about to erupt, it was now just a matter of time...

ONE DAY LATER

Harak sat in his command chair, watching reports on the main screen from the war torn planet below. There was geurilla warfare in the streets and the countryside, it had begun the night of the Pretender's speech denouncing the Vice Admiral. A small group of supporters of Harak had opened fire on the crowd of Pretender followers and that had been the spark that lit the powder keg. As news of the incident spread, supporters of both parties instigated violence. Harak had ordered his ground soldiers to stay out of the fighting and contain it as much as possible, but no small number had defected to the Pretender's side and an almost equal number were just as fanatically loyal to Chontamentet, a lethal combination when units with devote loyalists and devote Pretender followers were deployed to contain a situation. At least, thought Harak, this blasted fighting hasn't yet spread to the fleet.

The NHD Djebauti, positioned just below the Iron Fist, suddenly opened fire on the Iron Fist, its forward and aft anti-capital ship beams able to track upward as well as fore and aft, tore into the ship's belly. As the Djebauti opened fire, the NHD Behedti and NHD Ennead opened fire as well, along with a number of corvettes, against a number of other ships in Harak's fleet. Harak was caught completely off guard for a couple of seconds, but quickly regained himself. "Sensors, designate NHD Djebauti, NHD Behedti, and NHD Ennead hostile targets. Communications, contact all other fleet destroyers, cruisers, and corvettes. Order them to break engagement and pull back to the Iron Fist and the Anubis, if they refuse, designate as hostile. Gunnery, charge main gun and fire on the Djebauti. Communications, tell all ships loyal to us to defend themselves if attacked. Flightdeck, scramble all fighters and bombers. Communications, relay that to the other destroyers!"

The Admiral was still in a state of shock, but he had recovered sufficiently to give orders. He hadn't expected the fighting to spread to his fleet so quickly, the Pretender must have had a stronger presence in the space forces than was previously known. Of his total fleet of nine Ramses destroyers, sixteen Sobek corvettes, eighteen Mentu cruisers, and two Aten cruisers; three Ramses destroyers, eight Sobek corvettes, and six Mentu cruisers had refused and were forming up themselves as well. A few seconds later, the main gun was powered and fired. The beam slammed into the side of the Djebauti and carved a hole into it, but the ship's tough armor plating held fast and did not allow the beam to penetrate, testament to the ship's excellent internal structure. The Anubis's main gun lanced out a mere second later, but its beam missed the spine of the NHD Ennead by mere meters.

By now, the first wings from Harak's destroyers were beginning to emerge, fighters came out first and held near their ships waiting for the slower bombers that would be their charges. As the bombers came out, the fighters formed up with them to escort them on their runs. It was then that Harak noted the other side had yet to launch any fighter or bomber wings. He swore again, this time for not seeing what should have been obvious. The rebellious ships had a strong presence, but not strong enough to defeat Harak's loyalists. A second later, the whole of the rebellious Pretender followers leapt into subspace.

Harak knew their destination: the two shipyards that were not directly in Zeta Prime orbit but were over the arid, semi-habitable world of Zeta X. "Helm, set course for Zeta X shipyards, we cannot allow them to take those yards."

The communications officer, a quiver in his voice, replied. "Sir, its too late." Harak knew what had happened even before the comm officer put the message from the commanding officer of the outer yards on the screen. The yard officer laughed harshly at Harak's shock before cutting the connection.

Chontamentet sat down in his chair slowly and cancelled the jump order. The yard's stationary defenses would equalize the Pretender forces' smaller numbers to his own. There was nothing he could do for the moment. In the space of a few minutes, Harak had lost close to half his fleet to mutiny and one third of his total yards. At least the remaining four were concentrated over Zeta Prime where Harak’s fleet could remained massed to defend them. "So it begins." The Admiral muttered to himself quietly...

---------

PeachE,  04-18-2000 03:23 PM

\\//My New One\\//

Office of Vice-Admiral Ashe
Talnia Fleet Headquarters
04/18/2384
1320 Hours

*Vice-Admiral Ashe is speaking to another officer*
*Meeting recorded at the request of Vice-Admiral Ashe*

"Play the last few minutes again, officer."
"But sir..."
"DO IT!!!"

*Tape Playing*
*Explosions*

"Damn it. Delta 1, what the hell was that?"
"Sir. We just lost three members of Epsilon wing. Their ships just blew. Epsilon 4 is dead in the water, but it looks like he still has life support."
"Philemon, you out there? You have any idea what just happened?"
"We read you, Beta. No, it's a mystery to us. We think it may have been a jump-drive malfunction. We'll check it out. Meanwhile, since Command has given us authorization over your ships, we're going to disable your jump drives for now. We don't want them interfering with the rest of your systems."
"All right. I guess we're better safe than sorry."

*static*

"I'm getting those signals on my scanners again. Command says their not the raiders but some sort of anti-NHOL group. Look sharp people. These guys mean business... There they are. Lock on and fire. We're not going to lose this convoy... What is that?"
"Looks like a cruiser of some sort."
"Okay, here's the plan. That cruiser is out of range for now. Gamma wing, take out the engines. Beta, go for the fighters. Delta, you're flying intercept. Go!!!."

*static*

"Engines out on that cruiser."
"Good. Look out for the beams and get out of range."
"Gamma 4 down."
"Heeeelpppp Meeeeeeeeee!"
"There goes Delta 3"
"Sh*t. Pilots, regroup. Concentrate on the bombers. The fighters can wait."

*static*

"Sir. Enemy on your six. Watch your back."
"Get this fighter off my tail."
"Roger tha... Noooooooo!"
"This resistance is too much sir. We're not going to make it."
"Yes we will. I'm not going to have another failure... Somebody from Beta get these fighters off me."
"There goes one of the transports sir... and that's two"
"And we have nine pilots still in commission. That's just great."

*long period of static*

"Philemon, wh*** *** **** *re you? We're n** ***** ** *ast much lon***... Philemon! Drag ***r Vas**** *ss out he**. I** **** *** a few pil*** lef*... "
"Lt Commander Daniels. We're barely reading you. Check your communications system."

*Tape Stops*

"That's it?"
"Yes sir."
"So what, exactly, happened there at the end?
"Apparently, Daniels' communications system was blown. By the time the Philemon got there, there was nothing but a large field of debri"
"The convoy?"
"Actually, after hearing this, we were surprised. Turns out half the convoy made it to the colony. The ships that made it refuse to turn around and come back until we've secured the area."
"And the mystery cruiser?"
"No idea. No wreckage. No disabled cruiser found. No nothing."
"Daniels?"
"Well, we can't be sure. No debri from his ship was found but the odds of him making it are... well, slim at best. After that last communication, the Philemon brought all jump drives back on line..."
"So he could have escaped?"
"Doubtful. The jump drives hadn't been analyzed yet, much less fixed. And we should have heard from him by now if he was still out there. Odds are he died trying to jump back to base."
"Okay. Label him MIA for now... That's all for now."
"Yes sir. Good Day."

End Recording

---------

Assassin, 04-18-2000 10:16 PM

VAD Axion
Adhara
4/9/84


The bridge of the Axion gleamed a dusty pride. Being one of the few remaining pirate groups remaining in existance, it deserved to be so. While the other groups crumbled to old dust, only the Forsaken One's Orion Force and Barry Hart's Vali Alliance remain.


"Incoming jump signature! Hostile configuration!" yelled Officer Julia Clemmens, Communications engineer for the Axion.


"Two wings of GTVA bombers, closing in at 69m/s. They'll be in visual range in 3...2....1...now."

As if by cue, four old Medusa bombers are four of the newer Boanerges class became visible as small dots against the pink Adhara background.

"Tell patrol fighters to skirmish with those bombers. I want the 509th's Alpha wing out there ASAP. Deploy them in Interceptors.


The fighterbay on the Axion faced downwards towards the planet of Adhara III. The bay was grey and various ships were lines up against the walls, including some of the newer Habaek class fighters, based upon the Valkryie design but better in every aspect.

"Whoo! Time to go!" Ace Stalwart shouted over his mic.

Ace looked over his wingmate's craft; all Habaek class. Just himself and three others.

"Launch in 3...2....1...launch."

Without even moving the controls, the clamps on Ace's Habaek, Alpha 3, rotated and pitched Ace towards space. With a clunk, they released and Ace applied pressure to the thruster.

"Ok guys, we have six incoming hostiles. two have been taken down by Skirmishers, but it's up to us to clean those pigs outta the sty."

Alpha lead chimed, "All units, form up behind my wing. We're going in fast, and coming out fast. Just like you're used to."

Alpha wing and the dodging bombers closed to each other, within 5 clicks...4...3...
two clicks and Ace began to aquire a lock with his Corsair missile. Setting them to dual fire, he fired off two burst from his missile bay. The Boanerges rolled and pulled up, dodging diagonally out of Ace's HUD. One missile struck the Boanerges and it's right shield flashed blue, but the other missed. The second pair closed in on the bomber. The Boanerges insanely tried to dodge, but it was to no avail. The two missile slammed into the bomber, destroying it in an explosion of sparks.

Suddenly, a blue/white vortex swelled up and rippled outwards. The shape of a Vasudan Sobek emerged from the gap in space/time.

"This is the GVCv Bunio. Power down and surrender your craft."

Seconds passed. Lasers pulsed as bombers exploded,

"All bombers down. Further order?"

"Stand down, Alpha. We will deal with this situation," Admiral Hart commanded personally.

"GVCv Bunio, are you even aware of the Vali Alliance's agenda in this space?" Barry asked.

"Your agenda was to protect Knossos Point from the NHOL attacks. You failed. You then broke away from us in search of retribution. But, the only revenge you need is on yourself." The Vasudan's translator responded emotionlessly.

Barry responded quickly and icily, "Listen buddy, you have no idea what you are getting involved with. I have seen battle but hvae you? You are a new captain to the Tatenen. heck, you havn't even seen active duty. And you're telling me about battle? What a load of crap that is. I would have liked to see you handle that situation any better. We are out after the NHOL for you and you want us to stand down? What the hell is your problem, Vasudan? Can't you get into your thick head, or whatever you use for thinking, that we are here to help you?"

The Vasudan seemed shaken, and tensed his face, growling in his speach,

"Terran, if you so much as..." The Vasudan droned on.

"Lieutenant Bramner," Barry began, "Power up Railgun and Ion Cannon, and open fire."

"....and you think that you have the right to bring up them to us, to dare defy us? We will bury you first, by the soul of Vasu.....what? What are you doing??"
A blue glow powered up largely, omnious. The beam glowed with the evil of a thousand blue devils... and then it fired.
The blue beam slammed into the bottom of the Sobek. The beam punctured through, burning fires inside. Then, a blue spiral left and hit the Tateten at the same time, and a massive explosion rocked the mid-section of the old Sobek. Two BGreens then powered up and smahed into the front of the Bunio, leaving the bridge a charred mass, falling apart.

"All fighters," Barry sighed, "Return to base,"

Cheers eachoed across the room, and Barry smiled slightly. Since the second NHOL incursion, Barry had grown a deeper respect for life. The idea of death made his stomach knot in fear and his throat tighten. But still, Hart had to be ruthless for his own safety. Thinking this, he stood up,

Officer Stacy Pareen walked up to him, smiling.

"You did a great job out there, sir," Pareen congratulated him with a warm rosy smile.

"Thank you. You did a good job modulating those Reverse thrusters to line us up so quickly. Only once have we ever done something that well."

"When was that, sir?" Stacy inquired,

"You weren't with us then. Let's just say, Harak's entire fleet had picked a fight with my ship and a few escorts. Anyway, i'm off now."

"Where are you going?" Stacy said light-heartidly.

"To congratulate a friend." Barry said, hastily moving away off the bridge.


"Yeah, nice work guy! You did a great job out there!" Ace chimed in with the various bellowings of a successful mission.

"Hey Jones! You did a great job with those two Artemis! I mean, using the Morning Star to knock the rear one just when it launched it's bombs to slam into the front one, blowing both up! You deserve a commendation with that!"

A femanine voice whispered, "Honny, i'm so glad you're back in one piece."
Barry swirled round to see the comforting face of Maria Rouvielle(roo-vee-ay), Ace's girlfriend. Her smooth brown hair was cut to her shoulders, and her soft features calmed Ace's worries. Smiling, Ace embraced her.

"And I you" Ace spoke,

Maria had gone to see her Grandmother in Sol whom she had not seen at all, for she was born in Ribos shortly before the first Lucifer attack in which her mother perished. This had been the first time she had even got to see her Grandmother, who had lived on Io.

"So," Ace coughed, "How is your Grandmother?"

"She's great! She told me all about what's been going on in Sol all this time that the News didn't tell us about! Did you know that they still have cats? Yep, still! They got some in Mars dome and she was able to buy one. They're so cute!"

Ace had never seen a cat, but he had heard rumour that they were small, vicious creatures with long claws and sharp teeth,

"Cute?" Ace laughed, "I thought they were vicious killing machines!"

Maria laughed louder, "They're not nearly as bad as they'd have you think."

Ace and Maria walked along the flightdeck, Ace's left arm draped around Maria's shoulder, and vica versa.

"Alpha wing," a voice called out,

"This is Barry Hart, congratulating you on a job well done against those bombers. And Alpha 3, Ensign Jones, I am pleased to announce that you have attained an Ace after todays flight!"

The pilots all cheered at Barry and Jones.

"Oh, and Ace Stalwart, wait up." he called, stepping off his place and walking towards Ace.

"Looks like you've been a naughty boy," Maria whispered in his ear. Ace smile at Barry, his old friend, but still he had to hold up military posture.

"Sir," Ace saluted,

The Admiral smiled, "At ease"

Ace relaxed his posture as he listened to Barry speak,

"I want to congratulate you on your excellent service with the GTVA, and with the VA. If I could choose a top 10 list of people I trust the most, you'd be on it. However, what I am about to tell you must remain a secret. Are you prepared to keep a level Xi secret?"

Ace was taken back, "Sir, level Xi? That's along the lines of security that the rogue GTI had about Shivan research!"

"Yes, I am aware of that. But, are you aware of those Habaek fighters?"

"Yes," Barry said, curious.

"Well, Shivan research led to them being produced. They have Shivan reactors, and that's why they can handle such speed with the strength of shielding and weapons that they have,"

"Wow, I knew it!" Maria hissed.

"And also, the UD-8 Kayser is down to Shivan research, but I believe Pilots already know that. But the biggie.... Ion Cannons come from Shivan research, as do Railguns. It seems that all the tech we have is reversed from Shivan technology. I trusted you with this information, and don't forget it."

Ace was in awe, "Everything? it's all Shivan tech?" he asked meekly.

"Well," Barry said, "Not everything, although the original Hades was based on the Lucifer. We've changed the Interface and several design components, but you're stepping on a one-third Shivan ship."

"Whoa," Ace muttered, "Sorry sir but i've got a bit of a headache, so I'm gonna go run down to Sig bay. Maria, wanna tag along?"

Maria wrinkled her nose,

"Sorry Ace, but Sig Bay isn't the place for me"

Ace smiled and hugged her again,

"Well, I'll be seeing you!"


Little did he know, that deep in the reaches of space, everything he had built up over the past two years... was going to come under threat...

--------

Mattouf, 04-19-2000 04:47 AM

Adhara System, WBD Black Panther

Supreme General's Log
-------Begin Log--------

It seems that my whole purpose of life changes with each incident in space that occurs. When the Eishtmo and his NHOL destroyed my homeworld of Earth, myself, and the few ships I had command over, vowed, with many other GTVA officers and pilots, to extract revenge because this atrocity was allowed to occur.

I placed all blame on the Vasudans, but that was out of sheer rage. I then focused my anger towards the GTVA. My campaign of rudeness and refusal to obey orders made life difficult for them, but it was not enough. I had to do something more. But just as I was about to, the NHOL just disappeared. The whole reason behind my quest was gone, and I was left puzzled.

With the remaining ships that were still loyal to me, I slowly made my way to the Adhara system, where my small fleet is now based. We are raiders. We take what we need from whatever and whoever we find and then dissapear again.

This has allowed me to dream of a new goal. One that I can be sure will happen. With my new EMP beam weapon development and other technological improvments, I can see that my dream will not be far off.

Supreme General Brian Lockhart, Wolf's Brigade

----End Log----

---------

Mad Jonesy, 04-19-2000 06:19 AM

Commodore Roberts grew restless, sure, it was a important mission, but if he screwed it up, he could wave his career good-bye.
After the NHOL-GTVA second conflict, new ships were needed, and these were in production, however, engineers needed ways to test technology configurations under certain conditions. A modified Hectate class destroyer was the dream.

The GTVD Vesuvius was the result. However, after 6 months of testing the engineers had learned everything they needed about new systems. Most of the most powerful systems had been stripped, including the Shield system for the ship, which was branded a failed project due to the lack of examples for engineers to study, and the loss of the Deneb Research Facility during the Second NHOL conflict.

Commodore Roberts watched the action on the ships large viewscreen as it waited in Subspace. Minutes ago, he had sent in a large group of fighters to attack the hidden facility, and they had reported large numbers of Remote Beam Cannons. Just as he had expected.

'COMMAND', a Ares pilot screamed, 'we need more fighters, either that or bring in the goddamn destroyer right NOW'
'I'll make that descision pilot, you clear out another two RBCs, leaving 3, I'll jump in and give you a hand'
'Goddamn it, Command, I've just lost another two pilots, its a massacre out here'

Roberts stared at the viewscreen, the chaos shown through the window into that pilots nightmare seemed a million miles away from the quietness of subspace where the GTVD Vesuvius was sitting with its two escorts.

'Ok, lets go, all pilots move out of the way of that facility, those raider shipyards are going to suffer'

The ship moved forwards, and a maw opened in front of it, its escorts followed suit, two Deimos class ships, definately too little for a mission of this importance Roberts had earlier thought, but it was not their fault, the losses during the second NHOL engangement for the GTVA had been tremendous.

The ship exited the maw and entered the Pit of Acheron, a fighter pilots term for any battle taking place around the raiders heavily defended facility.

As it slowed from its exit, it flew past the fighting between pilots and beam cannons and went straight into the heart of the facility. It kept on going, colliding and shattering several containers.

Beams from the now two remaining long range RBCs licked at its hull and at the escorts, carving trenches into its hull. However, the damage was minimal, and everything was going to plan.

'All guns, Fire'

A deep glow filled the guns on the Vesuvius, then, it fired. Lines of fire sliced through the chaos, destroying struts and facilities, worst was yet to come. Expensive destroyers had been spotted, crewless, and defenceless.

A few seconds later fire appeared across the empty hulks hulls, slices, then trenches, then just fire.
Half-completed warships burst into flames, and then shortly, when the GTVD Vesuvius jumped out with its escorts, it left leaving a deep legacy.

It looked like Commodore Roberts was going to hold onto his job after all.

---------

Artimus, 04-19-2000 09:47 AM

Beta 135
GTSC Caerus

Captain Paul Bush reclined in his chair on the cramped bridge, starring aimlessly forward. The captain hated his job. Like the rest of his family, he was career military. He thought of his relatives, of his family's accomplishments. His grandfather fought during the Great War, his father fought during the Second Great War, his uncle was a highly decorated pilot of the same conflict, and his two brothers had served with distinction during the NHOL wars. I served during the NHOL wars too, he thought, behind a desk. He thought of his brothers now. One had command of a destroyer, the name of which he didn't care to remember, and the other had taken a job as a test pilot for GTVI. But here he sat, on the bridge of a cramped and old science ship. He hated it.

"Captain," Commander Jefsies said, "we have finished our scans."

"Very well," he replied. "Set course for the next node."

"Yes sir," she replied smartly, "setting course for node 245."

He laughed to himself. Here he was, stuck in some god-forsaken side of the galaxy, mapping jump nodes. He thought of Commander Elizabeth Jefsies, fresh out of the academy, a commander to boot, and full of love for her job. He thought to him self, her dreams haven't been destroyed by government cynicism. The small craft began to shudder as it's jump drives powered up. As the Caerus disappeared into the blue vortex, he thought, there's got to be something better than this.

---------

Artimus, 04-19-2000 10:26 AM

Subspace/N245/Luyten
GTSC Caerus

Bush glanced out the window of his stateroom. It wasn't as much a stateroom as it was closet, but on the small Caerus, it was as good as it got. The room consisted of a small bed, a desk with computer, a small dresser, and a real privilege-a private window. The rest of the 30 crew members has to share two bunkrooms; only the Captain and the Commander got private rooms. He liked subspace. There was something in the swirling blue and white chaos that he found pleasing. The computer on the desk beeped, drawing Captain Bush's attention to the screen. He was receiving a transmission from GTVA command. He was waiting for this one. Every year for the past ten years, he had applied for a new command. Every year for ten years, he had been rejected. He hoped that with the recent NHOL war there would be empty spaces to fill in the fleet. This is my year he thought, as the message opened.

"D--- it!" he swore as he pounded his fist on the desk. "Rejection number eleven," he said to himself, "Why do I even bother? Every time, it's the same reply."

He picked up a model Orion off the desk and studied it. He knew every system and passage way on an Orion. He had studied the Orion class since he was a small boy. It had always been his dream to command an Orion. Someday, he thought, I will command one.

He looked back out the window.

Perhaps it's good that I'm not too close to the GTVA right now, he thought. After the recent war and the destruction of Earth, the GTVA has teetered precariously on the brink of civil war. If civil war did come, a small ship and a small crew could easily drop out of the GTVA without being caught up in the madness. If civil war came he thought, that just might save me.

He stood up and walked the two steps to the window. He placed his hand on the glass. The chaos of subspace is almost within reach he thought.

---------

PeachE, 04-19-2000 10:45 AM

TMC Ninurta
En Route to Aldeberran
04/19/2384
1615 Hours

Navigator. We're about to reach Alpha Centauri. When we get there, we're to join up with two more Kingu's and proceed to Aldeberran. Enemies on all fronts have been inactive in that region. There, we will join the rest of the Marauder Battle Group. The Admiral will give us instructions from their. Although, I imagine, for now, the Group will be heading for Tegmen.

"Affirmitive, Commander Daniels."

Commander Daniels. I like that. It's about time I got a promotion... If I'm needed, I'll be in my quarters.

"Right sir."

Computer, begin log.

----------------------------
Log Entry: 04/19/2384
Log Time: 1630 Hours
Commander Pehace Daniels, TMBG

As expected, my defection from the GTVA went off without a hitch. Scuttlebutt in the Alliance is that I died trying to get back to base. Good. Better thought dead then thought a traitor.

The operation was a clean sweep. The GTVA pilots with me were neutralized and the Ninurta managed to get out before the GTCv Philemon arrived. Everything is going just as planned.

We are running one day late to Aldeberran due to much needed repairs on the Ninurta. But it hasn't lowered morale one notch. Spirits are high and tempers are low, just as a good crew should be. But then, I've known most of this crew for some time. I've flown with at least half of them on previous missions and I trained with quite a few others.

As for these attacks on Vasudans: I've flown with many of them. After what the NHOL did though, I don't know. I can't bring myself to trust them. According to the Admiral, our mission is to harrass the NHOL. But even to him, the difference between the two seems blurred tears of rage...

"Sir. We're within communications range of the Group in Aldeberran. You might want to be on deck."

Right.

... Oh well, Down with the NHOL and whatever people harbors them.

Here's to the success of the Terran Marrauders!

Computer, End Log.

---------

Eishtmo, 04-19-2000 01:17 PM

Sol System - GTC Horan

The beep of the heart monitor filled the small med bay of the Horan. The body of a Vasudan filled the entire bed, wires and other things coming out of it's body. Dr. Margarette shook her head and turned to the two officers standing at the door.

"How's he doing?" Ripper asked. All his time serving with Vasudans had helped him learn how to identify a male from a female Vasudan, though occasionally, he still made mistakes.

"I don't know what the Eishtmo did to him, but he's completely stable," she looked at the captian for a moment. "Hell, I'd say he's going to not only live, but outlive the lot of us."

"I am at a loss," Su'mit said. "What did they do to him exactly?"

"Some type of suspended animation," Margarette replied. "I've never seen anything remotely like it, though. Most GTVA attempts at this kind of thing usually resulted in severe damage to the subject. This one is fine."

"I wonder how he ended up like that," Su'mit said dreamily.

"There's a more important question to answer," Ripper said. "Is he the Eishtmo?"

Suddenly a blood curdling scream came from inside the room. The group turned to see the Vasudan grab a nurse and hold a scapel to his neck. He then began speaking in his native tongue.

"Call security," Margerette yelled.

"What's he saying?" Ripper said quickly.

"He want's the 'pod' or he will kill his hostage," Su'mit replied.

"The escape pod?" As soon as Ripper said that, the Vausdan began yelling at him from behind his hostage. "I think he understood me."

"He did," said Su'mit. "He says he wants the data pod."

A group of security personal came down the hall. Ripper turned and motioned for them to lower their weapons. He then turned to Su'mit. "Do you think he means the tube we found?"

"I can think of nothing else."

Ripper nodded, and cautiously turned on the intercomm. "Marcuson," he said.

"Aye sir," the chief engineers said.

"Send that tube we found on the escape pod to med bay immedatly."

"Yes sir."

The Vasudan now began speaking again, less stressed than the last time.

Su'mit was a bit taken aback by the Vasudan's words. "Uh, he wants my translator, as well as the opertunity to present himself before you confine him."

Ripper looked at the Vasudan for a moment. "Do it."

Su'mit removed the translator from his neck and carefully placed it on the bed next to the Vasudan. At that moment, a crewman entered the room, carrying the tube. "Put it on the bed, carefully," ordered Ripper. The crewman did has he was told.

The Vasudan smiled and released his hostage, who quickly ran behind the security personal. The Vasudan now laid the scapel down on the bed, and attached the translator to his neck. He then lifted the tube up, and slung its strap across his chest. "My apologies Captian," he said. "It is vital that I and this data pod not be seperated."

"Then give me a good reason not to have you killed where you stand," said Ripper.

"Of course. I am Ma'thon, personal messanger of my Lord Eishtmo," the Vasudan said. "I have a great deal to tell you, but I believe this will do for a start." Ma'thon now removed the pod from his back and grasped one end. All the security personal quickly raised and cocked their weapons. "It is alright," Ma'thon said calmly. "I mean you no harm." He then twisted the end and, like magic, it slid upward revealing hundreds of slots. The Vasudan flicked one of the many switches which dispense a small disk. He placed the disk on the table and closed the pod. "This disk may generate more questions than answers," he said. "But we must start somewhere. I will now go to your brig, if you do not mind."

------------

"I've completely disconnected this terminal from the rest of the ship," Marcuson said. "If there's a virus on it, it won't get very far."

"Alright then," Ripper said. "Let's see what's on it."

He and the rest of the command staff sat down and watched the screen. A stat screen appeared with the words 'the Eishtmo, personal record.'

"This should be intersting," said Su'mit.

On the screen a picture appeared with the vital statistics of the person next to it. Everyone was left with their jaws hanging open.

LAZERUS, QUINN A.K.A. "THE EISHTMO"

SPECIES: TERRAN

---------

I'm going to try to post a day's worth of posts from now on (I posted about once a day, so it should end with mine).  Of special note is the writer Artimus, who's signature says he was the original artist of Freakspace, FS's first comic.

[Eishtmo]

I'll actually do a couple days worth this time I think.

kamikaze,  04-19-2000 05:42 PM

Zeta Prime
Shipyards


Ir'vise the Eishtmo(Pretender) smiled as he watched his new ship the NHD Jagganath being built, it was already 49% complete and he could see the hull of the ship shining in the light of the sun. He was smiling even more when he thought of his recent accomplishments.

"Sir we have a messages from spies from NHOL ships should I let them talk to you?" The Eisshtmos communications officer said.
"Vel'rah I thought I told you not to communicate with me at the moment," The Eishtmo questioned.
"But, sir it's important."
"Fine let them talk."

"----static---- Sir this is Victor 4 on the NHD Iron Fist I have heard the ship is jumping to Zeta X shipyards,"
"Do not worry, I have already sent a large strikeforce to capture the yards and their ships."
"I understand, sorry to bother you Eishtmo Victor 4 out,"---beeep----
And now he looked out his window and smiled again at the thought that he will rule this section of the galaxy and then then more.

---------

StumpyZilla Rex, 04-19-2000 05:51 PM

Log Admiral StumpyZilla Rex
Commander GTD Iapetus
Regules

Today the GTD Iapetus powered up it's engins and departed the drydock for the first time. Due to the recent tension between the Terrans ans Vasudans we are forgoing the standard runddown period and are instead being imeaditly sent on patroll. Command hopes that a ship such as the Iapetus will be a powerful deterent to all of the pirat groups that are currently plauging the GTVA. We are first heading from Regules to Sirus to pick up our fighter compliment. After that we have been ordered to procede to Aldebarran and eventually to Delphi, the site of recent pirate activity.

---------

PeachE, 04-19-2000 06:09 PM

TMC Ninurta
Aldeberran System
Log Date: 04/19/2384
Log Time: 2356 Hours
Log of: Commander Daniels

We have recieved our orders from the Admiral. We are pulling our ships out now and moving to a yet undesignated location.

The Admiral has also reported of several spies within the ranks. All three have been tried and executed. I don't understand the attempts of the GTVA to infiltrate our group. We pose little threat to Terrans and are devoted to the harrassment of the GTVA enemy, the NHOL. It seems like this latest movement by the GTVA is a betrayal. We have yet to attack any GTVA facilities.

Perhaps they just don't understand our cause... Perhaps they do and don't understand we're right.

End Log.

---------

Eishtmo, 04-20-2000 07:40 PM

Sol System - GTC Horan

Ripper slammed the brig door closed. "What the hell was that!?" he yelled at Ma'thon.

"The truth," Ma'thon said quietly. He sat on the small cot in the cell, the data pod still strapped to his back.

"There is no way that a Terran would destroy Earth," Ripper contiuned. "He would have to be out of his mind!"

"I do not know the sanity of the Eishtmo, but I do know the species," he looked at Ripper. "The Eishtmo was a Terran named Quinn Lazerus. He was raised by former members of the Hammer of Light, and he was my master, and friend."

Ripper shook his head. "I just don't believe it," he said. "Assuming that this is true, how many others know."

"Only Ice Heart and keef know the truth besides those on this ship, the rest went down with the Victorious."

Ripper sat down next to Ma'thon and placed his head in his hands. "If only we had known this earlier. Two years of bloodshed could have been avoided."

"Two years!" Ma'thon said with a start. "It's been two years?"

Ripper looked at him for a moment. "You didn't know?"

"No, no one told me," Ma'thon got the Vasudan equivilant of a surprised look on his face. "Lord Eishtmo told me that I would be out for perhaps a month, no longer."

"Well, it didn't happen," Ripper said. "The last two years have been full of atorcities and war. God, I haven't even been home in all that time."

"What have you been doing all this time?" Ma'thon asked.

"Investegaing war crimes, lots of war crimes."

Ma'thon's eye's widened. "Then there is a war crimes court?"

"Yes, in Beta Aquilea, why?"

Ma'thon stood straight up. "You must take me there."

"What? Why?"

"I have a great deal of information they must have."

Ripper shook his head. "Trust me on this, the SDF will never let you out of Sol. If they find out about you, they may just kill you."

"Then give me my escape pod, and I will go alone," Ma'thon said with determination.

Ripper sighed. "I can't let you do that." He looked at the Vasudan for a moment. "Let me discuss it with the senior staff, we'll see if we can help you."

"Thank you."

---------

Artimus, 04-20-2000 09:32 PM

"The alliance is in bad shape," Lieutenant Commander Droski commented.

"That it is," Bush said as he took a sip of coffee. "I heard from command this morning. Our request for transfer has been denied." He took another sip of coffee.

Lieutenant Commander James Droski and Captain Paul Bush had graduated from the academy together. They entered the service on the Caerus 20 years ago. They had been there ever sense.

"Our one year cruse has taken quite a bit longer then we were told, hasn't it?" Droski said.

"Indeed. I've been thinking -- I believe now's the right time. We've talked about it for years, and I don't think that we'd get a better opportunity than this," Bush said. He took another sip.

"I think you're right. If the GTVA wanted any of us, we wouldn't have been out here for 20 years."

"Do we have the crew's support?" Bush asked.

"All except for the commander."

"It's a shame that Edwards had that heart attack. He would have loved to see us pull this off."

"I know. He dies, and command replaces him with her."

"So, what are we going to do with Jefsies?"

"I say we should give her a chance. She's smart. Naive, but smart," Droski said.

"She's too green," Bush replied. "Although, since she would stand alone, it wouldn't hurt to give her a chance."

"So it's decided then. We're going to do it?"

"Yes." He took another sip.

"I'll start to spread the word man to man. We don't want this getting to the commander just yet."

Droski bid the Captain good night, and exited the Captain's room. Bush looked at his watch-22:00. He hit the intercom on his computer.

"Helm here," a voice replied.

"Set course for Alphard," Bush said.

"Yes Captain," the helmsman replied. "Am I to assum..."

"Yes," Bush cut him off. "It has begun."

---------

Mattouf, 04-21-2000 10:53 AM

Adhara System
WBD Black Panther
Command Deck/Bridge

"Sir, it appears that we have a ship heading towards us, it's name is the Princeton, Aeolus Class." said the Recon/Sensors officer.

"Is a GTVA patrol ship?" asked the Supreme General, Brian Lockhart.

"Negative sir," replied the Sensors officer, looking at his console, "It appears to be of the Vali Allience."

"Hmmm...never heard of them, must be some defecting group or something. But in any case, we cannot let them know we are here." Lockhart thought outloud.

"Yes sir, but if we just jump in, there is a chance the cruiser might get off a warning message."

"I understand that Lieutenant, but there are certain things that you do not know we have. Communications, inform the Sea Fox to prepare to jump to the coordinates of the Princeton, and to ready their weapons."

"Aye sir." said the Comm officer.

"Brian, do you really think we need the Sea Fox? A destroyer is plenty enough to destroy a cruiser. Why do we need one of the Corvettes?" said Lockhart's second in command, General Todd Blackman.

"Just in case Todd, just in case. Helm, engage subspace drive."

The Black Panther and the Sea Fox dissapeared into the blue and white swirls."

---------------
VAC Princeton
Adhara System

"Incomming! Two ships, unknown identity! One modified Hecate and a modified Deimos, designation Vulcan!" screamed the sensors officer on the Princeton.

"Fire all guns! We need to warn the rest of the fl----"

He was cut off as a giant blue beam from the Black Panther hit the cruiser. All of the lights faded, all subsystems were temporarily disabled. Then the cruiser was nothing more than space junk as three beams from the Sea Fox hit it.

--------
Control Deck, WBD Black Panther

"Sir, the EMP beam disabled most of the subsystems on the cruiser, including Comm, so they never got a chance to get a message out." the Weapons officer stated proudly. "However, the EMP beam temporarily disabled our own weapons for about 10 seconds. It was a good thing the Sea Fox was there, or else they may have had a chance to recover."

"I see. So we know that the EMP beam has an effect of about 10 seconds, maybe more, maybe less. That would give us enough time to disable the engines with regular beams, and send on a boarding party. This is good. Let's see if we can work on some sheilding to take care of disabling ourselves though. Helm, take us home." Lockhart cracked a small smile at Blackman as the Black Panther once again entered the familiar swirling blue and white vortex.

---------

AssAssIn, 04-21-2000 01:06 PM

Adhara
3 hours after Princeton incident


The sprawling shape of the Axion cruised passed the wreckage of the Princeton. The crew dead, and half the hull blown off.

Engineering officer Joe Harris continued to the Admiral,

"Sir, it appears that the Princeton's wreckage is riddled with EMP and electrons. Whatever destroyed this, it wasn't standard weaponry. We do not know who is behind this"

Hart thought carefully,

"Divide our fleet into three segments. I want the Axion with the VACv Amulius and the VACs Edusa and Galli to form the 1st fleet. The VAD Summoner, our Hecate will team up with the VACv Feronia, VAC Moneta and VAC Illimium.

Our 3rd fleet will be our elite force, consisting of the VAC Rucina and VACv Priapus, aswell as the VAA Devera.

1st fleet bojectives are to hold in Adhara. 3rd fleet objectives are to find the causers of this group that fired on the Princeton, and the 2nd fleet objective is to destroy them."


The fleets were organized, and the search begun.

(All Corvettes are Aurora class) (No, I don't remember the details of the Aurora class corvette, don't ask)

---------

Eishtmo, 04-21-2000 09:35 PM

Delta Serprentis/Sol Jump Node - SDD Olympus

Admiral Anthony Hamilton shifted in the bridge chair. He didn't mind the long hours patroling a jump node, but patroling the GTVA side of the jump node was what really bothered him. Despite the destruction of Earth, the GTVA hadn't done nearly enough to track down the Neo-Hammer of Light, at least to him.

An officer stepped up to him. "Sir."

"Yes, what is it?" Hamilton moaned.

"I have the report from our, uh, units," the officer said as he held out a folder of papers.

Hamilton smiled. "Give them here." He opened the folder and examined the contents. His smile grew as he read each line. "Very good Commander," he said. "Comm!"

"Sir," said the comm officer.

"Transmit these to SDF Command, top priority, max classification."

The comm officer took the folder and quickly skimmed the work. "Yes sir," he said with a smile.

"Admiral," the sensor operator spoke up. "Warship coming through the node."

"On screen," Hamilton said. The main screen switched from the starfield to the image of the Knossos device. Even though the GTVA knew that the orginal device had managed to permently establish a jump node, they were less sure of their own technology. A blue vortex opened and a Leviation class cruiser followed by a pair of Argo transports.

"It's the GTC Horan," the sensor operator said. "Along with her escorts."

"A crusier being escorted by transports, just like the GTVA," Hamilton muttered. "Check their orders."

"Sir," the Commander said. "We checked their orders when they went in, why should we do it again?"

"Just do it Harris," Hamilton said with annoyance.

"Aye sir, Comm."

The Comm officer had been paying attention, and quickly opened a channel. "GTC Horan, please confirm orders."

The Horan's Comm officer wasn't pleased with the idea. "What do you mean confirm orders? We did that already. Hell, you were the guy who did it."

"GTC Horan, confirm orders," the Olympus' officer repeated.

The Horan's officer sighed. "SDD Olympus, transmitting orders."

Hamilton leaned over and examined the digital copy of the orders. "Admiral Jack Waspe, the great hero," he said with disgust.

"He did ram the Victorious," Harris said.

"If he had been a real hero, he would have let the Victorious go and destroy the Knossos, we would be better off," Hamilton hissed.

"Sir, look at this," said the sensor operator.

"What is it?" Hamilton said as he leaned over and examined the image the operator indicated.

"It looks like an escape pod."

"Did they have it when they went in?"

"I'll have to check sir," the sensor operator said.

"You do that Louis," Hamilton said. "York, contact GVT Alpha, ask them where they got that escape pod."

"Aye sir," responded the Comm officer. "GVT Alpha, please confirm orgin of escape pod."

There was a brief silence. "We picked it up over DS V. It's evidence for the Beta Aquilea War Crimes Tribuinal," the pilot said.

"Sir, they didn't have it when they went in," Louis said.

"Send a fighter to get a better look," Hamilton said. "York."

"Yes sir," York turned around. "That's a negative Alpha, we have no record of an escape pod being brought into the Sol. Please re-confirm."

Another Comm officer spoke up. "Sir, Beta two indicates that the pod has NHOL markings."

Hamilton angerliy grabed the mic from York. "GVT Alpha, this is Admiral Hamilton. You are taking Victorious debris from Sol. This is in violation of SDF directive 1459-9A. You will turn over that escape pod and any of it's content immedatly!"

"This is Captian Ripper of the GTC Horan, that escape pod is evidence in a War Crime investigation. We have GTVA authorized orders to collect and transport any and all War Crime evidence. We sent the orders to you, review them, sir."

Hamilton growled. "Negative Captian. GTVA authority stops at the jump node. You will power down your ship and transports and prepare to be boarded." Hamilton slammed down the head set and turned to Harris. "Launch fighters and transports to capture the Horan and her transports. York, order the Albatros to cut of that ship."

"Aye sir," both York and Harris responded.

Outside, the GTC Albatros, one of the new SDF designed cruisers, moved into the path of the Horan. Fighters charged forward, disrupters blazing. The Horan didn't just sit there, it's anti-fighter beam went off, shreding several of the fighters quickly. Laser and flak turrets on the transports and the Horan began knocking the fighters around.

Hamilton was now fuming. "Order the Albatros to open fire!"

The Albatros did as it was told, and opened fire with flux cannon. The Horan shook for a moment, then fired off it's Ion Beam. The Albatros exploded almost immediatly. The Horan then opened a subspace vortex and she and the two transports vanished. Just then, the GTD Falcon jumped into the area.

"What the hell do you think your doing Olympus?" screamed the Falcon's commander. "Stand down now!" The Olympus and the rest of the SDF ships did as they were told. The Falcon's commander still wasn't pleased. "Admiral Hamilton, you have a lot of explaining to do. Take the Olympus to Wolfe Station and report to the base commander."

"Yes sir," said Hamilton.

Harris looked at his commander. "So what do we do now?"

"Order the fighters to search the Albatros debris for surviors, and tell them to take their time," Hamilton replied.

"What for sir?" Harris asked.

"We're going after that ship."

---------

Eishtmo, 04-22-2000 09:54 PM

Beta Aquilea - War Crimes Tribunal Prosecuter's Office

"So all the damage should be repaired by the time you get back, sir," Lieutenant Commader Thomas said. The vid phone lit up Rippers face, highlighting the wrinkles that had formed over the last two years.

"Did they ask what happened?" Ripper asked quietly.

"Yes sir," Thomas said. "We told them we encountered some raiders near the node. They seemed to buy that."

Ripper smiled. "Yeah, that should work. Did they ask about the cannon?"

Thomas took a deep breath. "Yeah, we told them that the GTVA was experimenting with a new weapon system for crusiers. Then we said the rest was classified."

"Good work," Ripper said. "Now make sure you load up on supplies. Fill every nook and crany on the ship."

"But sir, we're going home after this, aren't we?"

Ripper sighed. "I've got a bad feeling about this. I've been waiting here an hour. Something's not quite right."

"Well, we turned in of evidence, it would take a while to go through."

"With what we put on top, I should have been in there five minutes after they started to review it," Ripper said angerily. Ripper stopped himself and took a deep breath. "Just load the supplies. Make sure you get enough small arms for the whole crew."

Thomas looked at Ripper with concern. "Yes sir," he said quietly.

Ripper turned hung up the vid phone and sat back down in a seat next to Ma'thon. Ma'thon looked at the captian for moment. "Bad news?"

"No," replied Ripper. "Not yet."

"Captian Ripper," said the seceratary. "Ms. Louis will see you now."

Ripper stood up and with Ma'thon, entered the doors to the office of the Prosecuters office.

"It's nice to see you again Todd," Ms. Louis said as she held out her hand.

"Judy, how's it going?" Ripper grabbed her hand and shook it.

"Not bad," she said. "And this is?"

"Ma'thon Eng'a, Personal Messanger of my Lord Eishtmo," Ma'thon said as he shook her hand. "A pleasure to meet you Madam Prosecuter."

"Very formal," Judy said. "Please, have a seat." She picked up a small folder off her desk, flipped it open, and then closed it again. "I read over your report, especially the part about the Eishtmo. Unfortuantly, I can't do anything with it."

"Excuse me?" Ripper said wiht shock. "What do you mean you can't do anything? Dear God, I just discovered the greatest secret of the NHOL and you're telling me it's worthless!"

"Todd, calm down."

"Calm down? You tell me to calm down! I have spent two years of my life chasing the pain and suffering caused by that man and you tell me to calm down! How dare you!" Ripper stood up quickly and with a single swoop, knocked papers, books and trinkets off the desk. He then marched to the nearby window and pouted.

Ma'thon watched Ripper's temper tantrum, then turned to Judy. "I have far more information on the Eishtmo then was in the report. I could. . ."

"That's not it," Judy interupted. "There is no way the tribunal is ever going to believe the Eishtmo was Terran based on your information alone."

"But he was Terran," Ma'thon said forcefully.

"I believe you. Hell, it makes perfect sense, but I need outside evidence. More specifically, GTVA evidence."

Ripper contiuned to look out the window. "So what are we suppose to do?" he said angerily.

Judy leaned back in the chair. "All the other evidence you brought me was great. I can use it. But if you want to convince the world that the Eishtmo was Terran, you need to get GTVA proof." She pointed to the folder. "If you can prove that this 'Quinn Lazerus' did exist, and that he may have had a connection to the Neo-Hammer of Light, however vague, then I can present it."

Ripper walked over to the desk, and leaned on it. "Do we get any help this time?"

"Who else knows about this?" Judy asked.

"Besides the crew of the Horan and the transports, only Ice Heart and keef," said Ma'thon.

"And I left orders that it wasn't to be discussed at all," Ripper added.

"Then that's the way it must stay," Judy said. Ripper glared at her. "I'm sorry Todd. If anyone else finds out about this, especially the SDF, we could all end up dead, understood?"

Ripper contiuned to stare at her. "Damn you," he said.

---------

That's it for tonight.  Come back tomorrow for more.

[Gortef]

Hmm... NHOL... reminds me of my small campaign I made several years back...

Oh your story? I need to read it first, looks good though with a quick glance.

[Eishtmo]

My story?  Well, the frame work is at the very least, and the ending especially is.  That said, this was a group project, and everyone got their own bits and pieces to play with.  I suggest, however, that you read it sooner rather than later.  You see, I'm not even off the first page of the old thread yet, and if I remember right, the thing lasted 3 weeks.

---------

Artimus, 04-22-2000 10:59 PM

Alphard
GTSC Caerus

The banging on Captain Bush's door reverberated throughout most of the deck. The captain sat up in his chair and looked at his watch. It took her longer than I expected, he thought.

"Enter," He said.

The door opened, and Commander Jefsies stormed in.

"Why wasn't I informed of our course change!" She demanded.

"You're forgetting yourself commander," Bush calmly replied.

"Why wasn't I informed sir?" She replied.

Her devotion to GTVA protocol was annoying to Bush, but he loved to play with it.

"I didn't feel that it was necessary for you to know," he answered.

"Sir, we were due at Laramis Station this morning! Now we are late! I'll be forced to report the breach of protocol to command immediately." She stated.

He now know that she would never join them. She was too devoted to the GTVA. bush let his hand fall from his lap to the side of his chair.

"Command doesn't know what they are doing," he said.

Her face flushed red. Bush let a small smile appear on his hard face. He reached under the chair.

"I will report this insubordination at once!"

She turned to leave.

"Commander." He pulled the gun from under his chair and pointed it at her head. "You do that."

Shortly there after, the commander's body floated slowly away from the Caerus.

---------

Ice Heart, 04-23-2000 09:25 AM

(Zeta Prime Orbit)

Personal Log
4/23/XX
Vice Admiral "Ice Heart" Harak Chontamentet

It has finally happened. The Pretender has finally made his bid for power, the colony world is being ripped asunder by warfare. We have greater numbers of ground troops and have been winning most of the battles, but the Pretender's followers on Zeta Prime have proven to be skilled in geurilla tactics and they are elusive and difficult to bring to decisive battles. Worse, they often fight us in the cities, where we must take care to avoid injuring civilians, lest we turn more of the populance against us.

But an even greater threat looms in orbit over Zeta X. There the ships which have defected to the Pretender's side have gathered and remain so. Though we outnumber them rather well and could likely defeat them if we could draw them out, they are on a par with us so long as they stay near their shipyards and the defenses of those yards. That, and the evidence that they are far more fanatical than our own troops makes them a most dangerous foe. I have no doubt that if we were to attack them, we would encounter not only enemy fightercraft, but possibly craft that have no weapons, craft loaded with explosives and mounting a fast engine, built for the sole purpose of being pilotted by a kamikaze. Additionally, the Pretender's forces have resumed work on the ships in the yards that have defected, which will add even more to his forces. That is what our spies tell me, at least.

Spies...there are spies everywhere now, spies for our side, spies for the Pretender, there is virtually no one I can trust aside from my Executive Officer, Ba-Pef Khentimentiu, and Rear Admiral Aris Kraken, my second in command aboard his flagship, the NHD Anubis. Virtually no one is not a suspect. Worse still is the threat of assassination. Yesterday the helmsman, a crewman whom has been with me since my long ago days as an Ensign in the NHOL, pulled his sidearm and opened fire, screaming that I was "the False One leading our people astray", the Pretender's rhetoric. I am fortunate that his aim was apparently awful, else I might be dead now, but the shots meant for me killed two loyal crewmembers before the helmsman himself was gunned down.

Tommarrow we move against the Pretender's shipyards. We must attempt to strike before he can complete his additional ships. I suspect that even if we should pull the offensive off without any problems that it will cost us dearly. The fanatical followers will not die easily.

End Log

---------

Eishtmo, 04-23-2000 06:50 PM

Beta Aquilea - GTC Horan

"So that's the situation," Ripper said sadly. The rest of his command staff had a similar look of dispair.

"I don't believe it," Thomas said. "They can't do this to us!"

"Sadly, I believe they can," Su'mit said, his translator giving off a hint of sadness.

Marcuson slammed his fist on the table in frustration. "Damn it," he said.

"The crew is not going to like this," Margarette stated. "Hell, they may mutiny."

Ripper closed his eyes. "If that happens, we'll do what we believe is right. But for the time being, we're going to complete our mission." The captian turned to Ma'thon who was standing in the corner. "Why don't you tell us everything you know about the Eishtmo."

"I cannot," the Vasudan said.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Thomas shouted.

"Calm down," Ripper said. He turned back to Ma'thon. "Why not?"

"Because I know next to nothing," Ma'thon said. "However, some information may be contained on the orginal disk I gave you."

"The stats," Su'mit said. Marcuson didn't even wait for the order and activated the screen. The Eishtmo's bio quickly came up listing what little information was available:

LAZERUS, QUINN A.K.A. "THE EISHTMO"

SPECIES: TERRAN
BIRTHDATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2330
BIRTHPLACE: SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, EARTH
PARENTS: DANIAL G. AND SAMANTHA L. LAZERUS
LAST KNOWN LOCATION/DATE: ARMSTRONG, VEGA PRIME/SEPTEMBER 3, 2335

"Vega's one jump away, that shouldn't be too hard," Thomas said.

"Yes, but it says last 'known' location," Ripper said. "We need to know where he was up until the rise of the NHOL in '67."

"The Eishtmo once told me," Ma'thon said. "That his adoptive parents were former members of the Hammer of Light. Perhaps if we found them, we could discover all else we needed to know."

"How would a little kid end up with the Hammer of Light?" Margarette asked.

"Good question," Su'mit said. "Maybe we can find something at the Antares archives. They would have records from before the Great War."

"Any objections?" Ripper asked. No one seemed to object. "Very well, we'll go to Antares first, and see what they have."

------------

Vega VII - Corbet Station

"When will the last componet be finished?" a Terran Admiral asked.

"In approximatily two weeks, one if we hurry, sir," a young Lieutenant responded.

"Just make sure it works," the Admiral said. "We can't afford for it to fail."

"I wonder if we should be doing it at all, Admiral" a captain said.

The Admiral looked at him. "We must know what happened," he said quitely. "Besides, if anything should go wrong, we have a backup plan."

"And what if that fails?" the captian asked.

"It won't," the Admiral said. "But if it does, God help us all."

---------

PeachE, 04-23-2000 09:47 PM

TMC Ninurta
En Route to Ross 128
04/23/2384
Personal Log:
Commander Pehace Daniels

The Admiral has given the order to move. The Battle Group is moving to Ross 128. His motives can only be assumed.

Ever since the incident during the Great War, Ross 128 has been considerred holy ground by Terrans in the GTVA. Signals are reported in from the system almost daily, all of them false, all of them conjured up by the imagination of overly supersticious pilots.

It is thought by much of the crew and commanding officers that any signals given off by our Battle Group in Ross 128 will be quickly dismissed as more ghosts in the tomb of space. Quite likely, they are right.

"Commander, Now Arriving in Ross 128"

*Commander Daniels gets up from his desk and stares out of his window*

There it is, The Riviera. The installation dessimated so many years ago. Still preserved in all of its horror, preserved by the deadly calm of space. What is left of her is an eerie calm, a terrible peace, a patience.

In her belly, freighters still wait to be loaded. In her once noisy halls, pilots still wait for their orders. On her bridge, the captain still stares into the void of space waiting for help. They wait in this once mighty installation, wait with the patience of death. And they will continue to wait, forever...

It is here we will hold up, at least temporarily. Until we are given the order to move again. Then, we will move on.

As I look upon the ruins of the Riviera, I cannot help but wonder. This is where the Shivans first appeared. This is where they invaded. We cut them off at Capella, but this is where it all began. Why have they not returned? Are they finished with us? Perhaps, it was not us they were at war with after all. Perhaps, they were just taking care of a speck in their eye, a minor nuisance, no longer strong enough to bother with.

But until we have once again grown into a justifiable problem, we need not worry about the Shivans. Right now, we're too busy fighting amongst ourselves. The GTVA has shattered into a multitude of pieces, all trying to fight one another. It reminds me a lot of Terran history. Three hundred years ago, the Terrans were divided into over two-hundred separate nations, each one looking out for the best interest of themselves. Perhaps, the situation today is history's little joke on us. Because we have failed to learn from our history, we are doomed to repeat it...

"Captain, a communication from the Admiral."
I'll be right there...

Or perhaps, we are doomed to repeat it, regardless.


End Log.

---------

AssAssIn, 04-24-2000 05:42 AM

It was outside the orbit of a large habitable world, Adhara III. The large blue and green world slowly twirled in it's cosmic destiny...

An old Fenris Cruiser came into view from behind the planet's bulk, shortly followed by a Charybdis AWACS, and followed up by an Aurora Corvette covering the rear.
It was a long night, and the crew on the AWACS Devera grew tired and sleepy.
For the four crewmen, they were off-duty, being on the first shift. However, in such an AWACS, there was not enough room to sleep comfortably, so these four tended to while away the hours by playing long games of cards and Poker into the night.

Steven and Gary had already lost out. Only two players remained

Lisa spoke, "Yeah, i'll see that. And I think.. that I may just raise you twenty!"

John, the nav officer resigned with smiling sheepishly, "I fold," he said sheepishly.

Lisa greedily scooped up the chips.

"While I would take two hundred credits off you lot, I'll settle for twenty!"

"Great!" chimed in Gary, handing over ten credits.

Someone clambered down the stairs. The young male spoke up, "Uh, guys.. we're picking something up!"


The Aeolus cruiser turned away quickly, avoiding the Ion Cannon blast.

"weaponry, power up Ion Cannon 2. Lock on... Power up... Fire!"

Another blue bolts powered up and lashed out at the Aelous, hitting and slicing off the front. The surviving part of the Aelous jumped into Subspace.

"Communications, alert Admiral Hart. We have found the causers of the Princeton's destruction!"

---------

Mattouf, 04-24-2000 03:10 PM

WBD Black Panther
Adhara System

The subspace vortex opened as half of the WBC Domino returned from it's patrol The Domino had been ordered to be a scout in case the Vali Allience had decided to find out who destroyed the Princeton.

"What happened, Domino? How many people did we lose?" asked a concerned Lockhart to Captain Daily of the Domino.

"We were attacking by the Vali Allience, an AWACS, Fenris, and some sort of Corvette, designation Aurora found us. We pulled out as quickly as we could, but we lost the 10 crew members in the front half of the ship, and it's still drifting out there."

"I see. We will go back to your last location to deal with the situation, and try to salvage that front half if possible. Our makeshift shipyard is quite busy at the moment. Captain Daily, keep the Domino here and try to repair as much as possible, if we can't salvage that front half, we'll have to scrap her."

"Aye, sir. Daily OUT."

Lockhart turns toward the Science officer. "How have the shielding from the EMP beam comming along?"

"We're making progress sir, but we will still have no weapons for 5 seconds after we fire it."

"Well, I guess that's better than 10." Lockhart sighed.

"Comm, alert the WBC Trident and the WBCv Nova Cat that we are to jump to the Domino's patrol area in five minutes. Inform them of our weapons situation, and we are not sure of exactly how many ships we will be facing. The WBD Red Dragon and the WBCv Sea Fox and all the other cruisers will remain here and guard the WBCv Jaguar, under contruction in our shipyard."

"Yes, Sir." said the Comm officer.

"Weapons, arm the EMP beam, and fire at the weapons sub-system at the first enemy ship we see when we exit subspace. Make sure you are ready to fire the main beams five seconds later. We have to be prepared for the unexpected."

"Readying EMP beam now sir."

-------

The Black Panther, Domino, and Nova Cat entered subspace simultaneously. The Black Panther emerged first into the combat zone, and the thick blue beam of the EMP beam shot out into the enemy. They had 10 seconds to make the best of it......

---------

Eishtmo, 04-24-2000 06:49 PM

Beta Aquilea/Antares node - SDD Olympus

"Sir," Louis piped up. "The Horan is jumping in."

"Good work," Hamiltion said evilly. "York, order the Horan to stand down or be fired on. Harris, put it on the main screen."

The main view screen switched to a view of the GTC Horan and her two escorts exiting subspace.

"GTC Horan, by order of the Sol Defense Force, come to a halt and stand down your weapons," York said.

"What the hell are you doing here?" the Horan's comm officer yelled. "The SDF has no jurisdiction beyond the Sol jump node."

Hamilton grabbed the mic from York. "This is Admiral William Hamilton. You violated SDF jurisdiction when you removed a NHOL escape pod from Sol. You will stand down now or be fired upon."

"Sir, they're targeting us," Louis cried out.

"Don't worry, they can't hope to win against us," Harris said.

Hamilton smiled. "Horan, stand down now or we will open fire." He turned to the weapons officer. "Begin charging the Flux cannons and target the Horan."

"Aye sir," the weapons officer said.

Just as the officer was preparing to charge the Olympus' weapons, Louis cried out again. "Sir, they're firing!"

Suddenly the Olympus shook as the Horan's Ion Cannon slammed into the side of the ship.

"Damage report!" Hamilton yelled.

"Lost 3% on the hull and. . ."

Hamilton interupted. "Open fire."

"Sir, I can't," the weapons officer said.

"And why not?"

"Admiral, they took out the weapon subsystem, we couldn't lock on to them even if we tried," Harris finished.

Hamilton fumed. He turned to his helmsmen. "Set an intercept course, ramming speed. White, manually target the Flux Cannons."

"Manually?" the weapons officer said. "That'll take almost three minutes."

"Do it!" Hamilton screamed.

The Olympus bared down on the tiny cruiser and her escorts, both on a direct course for the jump node.

"I have a firing solution," White said triuphantly.

"What are you waiting for, fire!" Hamilton yelled.

"It's too late," Harris said. Outside, the Horan entered the jump node and jumped out.

Hamilton slammed his fist on the nearest counter. He was breathing a heavy, angry beat. Then he suddenly took a deep breath and smiled. "How long before the weapon system is fully operational?"

"Three hours sir, provided we go into port," Harris responded. "Other wise it'll be six."

"Very well," Hamilton said. "York, I have a message I want you to transmit for me."

------------

TO: ALL SOL DEFENSE FORCE RAIDERS AND OTHER ANTI-NHOL GROUPS
FROM: ADMIRAL WILLIAM HAMILTON, SDD OLYMPUS
SUBJECT: GTC HORAN

MESSAGE: To all warships fighting against the Neo-Hammer of Light. At 1300 hours on 4/19 the GTC Horan was caught moving contraband out of the Sol system. Contraband consisted of one (1) NHOL escape pod from the NHJ Victorious. The ship and her escort transports escaped capture and were last seen entering Antares. It is believed that the escape pod held the Eishtmo himself. Capture the Horan and her escorts and return them to Sol for trial. Use all force necessary.

Hamilton out.

---------

I'm tired, so that's it for tonight.

[Eishtmo]

Back to posting.  I'll finish up the posts of the first page of the old thread today and start on the next tomorrow.

---------

PeachE, 04-24-2000 07:41 PM

TMC Ninurta
Delta Serpentis/Beta Aquilae
Personal Log:
Commander Pehace Daniels

During one of our intersystem maneuvers, the Admiral gave us some rather strange news. It appears that the SDF has put a bounty on the GTC Horan. It has sent out a communication to all SDF and Anti-NHOL groups.

We are more than willing to do our part. The Admiral is awaiting confirmation from other factions before we act. But he has ordered the Ninurta begin making way for Antares. I believe that if we do not encounter any resistance along the way, we should be able to catch them. And a Leviathan should not prove a difficult encounter.

End Log.

---------

AssAssIn, 04-25-2000 10:43 AM

Adhara System
VAD Axion


"Reading three jump signatures... terran configuration and coming in fast!"

Stacy raised her voice.

One large blue vortex swirled open and the cube front of the Hecate began to came into view. The vortex gave way as the rest of the Destroyer emerged. A second vortex opened as a Deimos became to spill out, but before it could finish an Aelous jumped out of a third warphole.


"These must be our previous attackers. Gunnery, target that Aelous with the Railgun and knock the forwards guns off. Scramble the 509th and the 48th. Get the 48th to bomb that Hectae and the 509th to provide cover. Bring the Ion Cannon to bear on the Deimos' forward turrets. Bring our Auxillary beams to bear on the Hecate's fighter bays. These bastards have picked the wrong people to mess with!"

Fighters began leaving from both ships but the number of fighters from the Black Panther were limited as two green beams from the lower "wings" of the Axion crashed into the Fighterbays.

The Axion's supporting Iceni, now named as an Aroura class and fitted with two Ion Cannons at the front, the VACv Amuliis, opened fire with btoh forward Ion Cannons at the enemy Deimos. Two large holes were punched into the left side of the Deimos.

Suddenly, a blue beam powered up from the Black Panther and struck out at the Axion. The blue beam hit into the shields of the Axion in a massive blue glow, spreading over the entire Shielding system.

"Sir,"

Weapons officer Terrance Castillo declared,

"Forward shields have been taken out! All other shield segments at approximately twenty percent! Our Navigation and Sensors subsystems are out of action!"

"We still have weapons?" Barry asked as sparks flashed out of a Console behind him, showering him with sparks,

"Sir, yes, sir!" Terrance shouted,

"Priorotise Railgun and Ion Cannon onto that lead Hecate! Get the Alamulius to supress the enemy cruisers. Gunnery, begin Ionic insertion... load uranium slugs... fire!"

From the rear top gunport of the Hades-based craft, a Uranium slug fired out at supersonic speeds, leaving a slighlt blue swirling trail. As soon as it left the Axion it hit the Black Panther. The underneath forward armour was pierced, leaving a hole and fires raged inside.

However, the Trident Aelous recovered for the Hecate by firing a beam into the Axion's front. The beam smashed into the front of the Axion's nose, blasting off armour and wrecking conduits.

"Hart, we've taken heavy damage to our front! We can't take much more of this!"

"Don't give me that Bull****, Commander. You and I both know this ship can take a lot more punishment than the regulations say!"

The Ion Cannon built up and erupted from the forward top gunports, smashing into the Black Panther at the bottom. The bottom became charred and riddled with small fires as it turned away,

"Sir! They are retreating! Awaiting orders!" Terrance turned from his position, looking away from the viewscreen at Barry.

Barry watched behind Castillo's beack as two more Ion beams from the Alamulius struck into the retreating Deimos, making the rear half collapse in fire,

"Contact all fighters to return to base. We did a good job out there."


Barry sighed. This new adversary was obviously challenging. He had lost several important crewmen. he was hardly comforted by the fact that the enemy had taken more...

---------

Mattouf, 04-25-2000 04:38 PM

Adhara System
WBD Black Panther

Supreme General's Log:

Our attack on the Vali Allience was in a way a surprise for us both. The Allience's flagship, whith their commander, Barry Hart, was in the fleet we attacked. Both sides suffered damage. The corvette Nova Cat can be repaired, although it will take time to repair the badly damaged back half.

The Black Panther suffered some damage, but none of it threatening. We still need to work on the EMP beam. It worked, but neutrialized the shields instead of the weapons subsystem. We will outfit the Black Panther with another EMP beam. Hopefully two beams will give us more of an advantage.

The Domino will unfourtunatley have to be scrapped. Her remaining crew and parts will be used to finish the WBCv Jaguar, which should be done within the next few days. I have all my science crew either working on the EMP shielding, or another weapon that will be mounted on the Jaguar, codenammed Project Timberwolf. I will report to the rest of my crew what exactly it is upon it's completion and successful test.

Until then, we will repair, and fortify out position around the planet of Adhara VI, and it's moon.


Brian Lockhart signing off.


--------End Log---------

---------

Eishtmo, 04-25-2000 07:22 PM

Antares System - GTVA Record Archive

The Record Archive had been established just after the Great War to allow family members to track down soliders that were missing, killed, or captured during the 14 Year War. Ever since then, the Record Archive became the official information storage depot for both Terrans and Vasudans. Unfortuantly, with such a large operation came a massive and confusing buracracy.

"I'm sorry, I can't give you that information," the Clerk said.

"What do you mean you can't?" Ripper yelled.

"Without proper authorization, I cannot release any information," the Clerk said calmly.

"Damn it," Ripper yelled. "This may be the most important thing ever to happen to the GTVA and you're telling me you're going to let a few God-forsaken rules stop us."

"Yes," the Clerk said.

Ripper readied himself to lunge at the Clerk when Su'mit grabbed him. "Allow me to try," the Vasudand said. He walked up to the Clerk and pulled a small slip of paper from his bag. "Perhaps this will clear everything up."

The Clerk gave him a questioning smerk and examined the paper. His eye's widened in surprise. "Um, I'll have to talk to my superior about this," he said. He then turned and went into the back room with the paper.

Ripper looked on in bewilderment. "What the hell did you give him?" he asked Su'mit.

"A copy of our orders signed by Admiral Waspe," Su'mit said. "Honestly Captian, you should learn to control that temper of yours."

Ripper just looked at his friend. At that moment, the Clerk returned. "I'm so sorry about the misunderstanding," the Clerk said. "How can I help you?"

"We need information on a Terran named Quinn Lazerus," Ripper said.

"Could you spell that please," the Clerk said as his fingers moved across the keyboard.

"Uh, Lazerus, L-A-Z-E-R-U-S. And Quinn has two N's," Ripper replied.

The Clerk nodded and began typing furiously. "Ah, here we go," he said. "Do you have more information, there's at least nine thousand Quinn Lazerus' listed."

"Nine thousand?" Su'mit said in suprise. "I did not know that the name was so popular."

"Nine thousand is nothing," the Clerk replied. "You should see how many Smiths there are."

Ripper smiled. "I believe his parents were named Danial G. and Samantha L."

The Clerk entered the new data. "Here we go. The parents are currently living on Delta Serprentis III. However, it appears Quinn is listed as dead."

"Dead," Ripper said sadly. "Are you sure?"

The Clerk looked through the files. "Yeah, no wait." He looked at the screen closely. "He isn't dead-dead, just assumed dead. Apparently the transport he was on was taken over by the old Hammer of Light in 2335."

"Is there any way to know who took that transport?" Su'mit asked.

"Unfortuantly no," the Clerk replied.

"Of course not," said Ripper. "Most of the HoL was taken down during Templar."

"Actually," said the Clerk. "We did have the records, there's even a reference to it. However, after Templar, the Emperor ordered all files relating to the Hammer of Light destroyed."

"Why would he do that?" asked Ripper.

"Who knows with Vasudans?" the Clerk replied. "No offense."

"None taken," said Su'mit. "But why did the family not follow up?"

"Probably the same reason you almost gave up hope," the Clerk replied. "Lucky for you, I was nice enough to confirm it."

"It still doesn't help us," said Ripper.

The Clerk looked at them, and then motioned them closer. "You know, that information may still exist."

"Where?" said Su'mit.

"How much?" added Ripper.

"Nothing," the Clerk said. "But, Vasudans are meticulas record keepers. It's possible that the one who filled out the orginal forms might still have a copy."

"Can you give us the name?" Ripper said.

"Sure, just don't tell anyone I did this, I could get canned," the Clerk said with a smile.

"Captain!" Commander Thomas came down the hall waving a message in his hands. "Captian."

"What is it Thomas?" Ripper said as he took the message from him.

"We picked this up on a secured SDF channel," Thomas said. "It's very bad."

Ripper read through it, Su'mit looking over his shoulder. "Oh dear," said Su'mit.

"You just said a mouthful," Ripper said quietly.

---------

VR7, 04-25-2000 08:54 PM

Sol System, HRJ Armaggedon

It has past two years since our dirty work had been done for us. Our plan had worked sucessfully. But there is no time to rest. I sought revenge against the GTVA for destroying my father, commander of the first GTD Hades ever built. My vengeance is not done. Little will the traitor know I had used him in my little plan.

Terran Squadrons swearing loyalty to me have attacked vasudan fleets, claiming to be members of the Sol Defense Force, a new obstacle in my plan to conquer the galaxy. Starting tommorow at 0900 hours, most of these squads will dispatch in vasudan vessels, firing upon the SDF forces. Once either nation declares a murderous war, they will destroy each other, with no knowledge that they are to die by my hand.

My ship, the HRJ Armageddon, exceeds even the power of the NHJ Victorious. It is an army of a thousand beam cannons, anti-fighter flak guns and missile banks. If all these weapons were to be fired at once, only my ship will survive. The ship also carries 500 fighter squadrons. Nothing can penetrate its massive armor.

With a dream I have made from a crippled, lifeless SJ Sathanas, nothing can stop me now, not even the last hope for the Terran-Vasudan Alliance: The most wanted criminal in mankind, leader of the terrorist band NHOL(Neo-Hammer of Light), Quinn Lazerus, also known as the legendary Eishtmo.

-----Admiral Korith Jr.
-----HRJ Armageddon

---------

Velocity7, 04-25-2000 09:16 PM

4/25/2384
Regulus/Sirius

"Computer, begin log."
"RECORDING STARTED"

I have just heard word that the GTC Horan had discovered what seems to be evidence regarding Eishtmo. With my curiosity in mind, I kept wondering if I should search out the Horan. With my authorization to command the GTC Redway, I have decided to bring it towards Beta Aquilae. My crew is gathering supplies from Regulus before we make our long way towards the War Crimes Court. Also, I have just heard some more news from the GTVA Channel saying that the SDD Olympus is going to capture the Horan. For now, I will hold back my ship just to Beta Aquilae. There, I will try to get some information regarding Eishtmo from 2335. Hopefully, this information will not mean death for me.

"END LOG"

---------

PeachE, 04-25-2000 11:06 PM

TMC Ninurta - Antares
Damage Report!!!

"That last ion charge hit our engines. This baby is dead in the water. Sir, we need to call for back-up."
Negative! The Admiral knows what he's doing.

"Sir. All fighters have been deployed. But our weapons are beginning to fail. Without our backup, the fighters won't do anything."

*A plan begins to formulate in Daniel's mind*
Commander to ship bay. Ready my fighter.

"Sir?"
You heard me, Lieutennant! Get my fighter ready! Do not, under any circumstances, call in the rest of the Battle Group!

... Some time late...
*Ion cannons and beams rip the Ninurta to pieces. Explosions travel down the hull in a grand fireworks display. With the destruction of his ship, Daniels knew what he had to do*

Ripper, Lt. Commander Daniels reporting to Ripper, of the Horan. Requesting sanctuary.

"Daniels. Your fighter is flying for the TMB. One of the TMB cruisers just tried to attack the Horan. Why should I offer sanctuary?"

I have been prisoner of the TMB for some time now, since my "disappearance" in Talnia. I could offer you some important information.

"If you were a prisoner, what the hell are you doing in an enemy fighter."

With the imminent distruction of the ship, security around me was loosened immensely. I managed to get to the fighter bay and steal a ship... Ripper, please, sanctuary?

*silence*

Ripper?

---------

More tomorrow.  Later.

[Gortef]

My story?  Well, the frame work is at the very least, and the ending especially is.  That said, this was a group project, and everyone got their own bits and pieces to play with.  I suggest, however, that you read it sooner rather than later.  You see, I'm not even off the first page of the old thread yet, and if I remember right, the thing lasted 3 weeks.

Three  weeks... uh, yea I should propably start it asap since I don't remember this at all anymore

[Eishtmo]

I think it was about 3 weeks.  Maybe longer.  That means at least 21 posts for me since I posted every day. . .

Much longer than 3 weeks.  I think it was nearly 5.  Anyway, the point is that the thing ended up being very, very long.  Your best bet may be to just pick one set of posts to read and read it to the end then go back.  They cross in the end, but they're all seperate.  Anyway, on to the second page.

---------

AssAssIn, 04-26-2000 04:56 AM

Adhara System
D M Y
3 5 82

Adhara VII B

--------------------------------------------
Personal Log
Admiral Barry Hart
VAD Axion

Classified: Level Rho
Subject: Shipyards and Project Ajax

Today, we have started setting up Shipyards outside the orbit of a moon orbitting Adhaar VII. The moon is lifeless and a wasteland, incapabale of containing life and brown, dingy. The perfect place for our spaceyards. Our shipyards will consist of over four Ganymede installations and dozens of other pylons. The place is being guarded by my 1st fleet, consisting of my very won Axion, the VACv Alamulius as well as two other cruisers. Not all of our ships patrol at once, it is taken in shifts. The two cruisers patrol together.

The enemy faction that has been attacking us still havn't announced themselves, we will have to look into it. If they do strike again, I know fully well that our Project Ajax will take them down quickly and decisively.

End log.
----------------------------------------

---------

Velocity7,  04-26-2000 05:20 PM

4/26/2384
Deneb

"GTVA Command," Velocity 7 said on the transmitter, "We wish to contact the Horan. Please open a comm channel for us."

"I am sorry, but we cannot allow you to do that."

"What?!"

"If you continue to request this same order like the last 10 times you have, you will be court-martialed and sent to a tribunal!"

Velocity 7 switched the transmitter off. "Damn it!"

The door slowly opened in front of the commander's desk. "Commander, we've got a situation."

"What is it?"

On the bridge, Velocity 7 could see a Mentu class cruiser staring right in front of him as if a starship from Star Trek was watching him before they started firing their weapons of death.

"You are not authorized to proceed to Beta Aquilae. They are currently making changes there." A Vasudan said.

"Well, in that case, would you like to know about Eishtmo?" Velocity 7 bribed.

The Vasudan was surprised for a moment. Hesitating, he said, "Terran, I do not know why you wish to know about the Eishtmo. What does he have to do with you?"

"He was the one who destroyed the ship that saved me in the Gamma Draconis nebula. You know the GTD Aquitane from 3rd Fleet, right?"

"Yes. I know it well. It was rather upsetting that Admiral Petrach had to suffer a violent death from the Eishtmo."

"Did you have any friends there?"

"....Yes. My loyal comrades Yu'tes and Re'njk were destroyed on that day..."

"Then will you join us in search of information regarding Eishtmo? I know it's not like destroying Eishtmo as a revenge for your friends, but I believe if we get enough information, we could calm down the entire GTVA government and then we could forget about the whole thing--"

"Very well Terran. I am Captain B'tok of the GVC Afyror. We will join you."

---------

Eishtmo, 04-26-2000 08:01 PM

Antares - GVT Omega

"Sit down!" the Terran solider said as he shoved Daniels into a small chair. Daniels looked around to see the transport stacked wall to wall with supplies: Food, medicine, weapons. The solider grabed his hands and in a quick motion applied the quick cuffs.

"Hey," Daniels said in surprise. "I'm on your side."

"I'm afraid we can't be sure of that," said a Terran officer. "Greetings Lt. Daniels, I am Lt. Commander Bradley, the Terran representive aboard the GVT Omega."

"I want to see Captian Ripper," Daniels said angerily.

"Aw," Bradley said sacastically. "I'm afraid the Captian doesn't want to see you. He has this thing about people who attack his ship."

"But I didn't do it," Daniels protested.

"Shut up," the solider said pointing his rifle right in Daniels face.

"Erik," Bradley said. "That's no way to treat a guest." He paused for a moment and looked over Daniels. "Or a prisoner."

"Prisoner?" Daniels said. "Now wait a damn second!"

"Lieutenant," said a Vasudan. "The Captian would like to speak to you."

"I'll be right there," said Bradley. He grabed Daniels cheek like an old aunt. "Now don't go anywhere."

Daniels glared at him in frustration. He looked at Erik for a moment. "So what the hell is all this about, anyway?"

"I'm afraid I can't tell you," said Erik.

Daniels noted the enlisted rank emblem on Erik's shoulder. "Well, I order you to, how's that sound Sargent?"

"I still can't tell you," said Erik. "For two reasons: One, I have orders from a higher power. And two, you'd never believe me if I told you."

"Erik," Bradley called from the forward section. "Get up here."

"What about this guy?" Erik yelled back.

"Don't worry about him, just get up here."

Erik turned to Daniels. "If you try to escape, I'll blow off your head, understood?" Daniels glared at him. "Good." And with that, Erik hurried to the front.

Daniels now sat there, very alone. That is, until a strange Vasudan stepped from the shadows. Slung across his back was a large metal tube with rounded ends. The Vasudan looked at Daniels for a moment. Then it leaned closer, taking a deeper look.

"What are you looking at?" Daniels said.

The Vasudan said nothing. He only stared at the Terran. He then cocked his head to his left, left it there for a few seconds, then cocked it to his right. Finally he stood straight up and looked down onto Daniels. "You are not ready," he said through his translator. He then turned toward the door.

"Ready for what?" Daniels called after.

The Vasudan stopped. "For the truth," he said without looking back. He then exited the small room.

Several minutes went by, then Bradley and Erik reentered the room. "Well, it looks like this is your lucky day," Bradley said.

Erik cut the quick cuffs off Daniels. "You mean I'm going to see Ripper?" Daniels asked hopefully.

"Nope," said Erik. "We're not gonna kill you."

Daniels rubbed his wrists. "Then what are you going to do with me?" he asked.

"Captain Ripper has ordered that you take your fighter and report to the nearest GTVA base," said Bradley. "Now take your fighter and go."

"But I have information you might need," Daniels protested.

Bradley shook his head. "Whatever it is, we don't want it. Now get out of here before Erik vents his sexual frustrations out on you."

Erik looked at Bradley. "I don't have any sexual frustrations," he said.

Bradley chuckled. "Just take him to his fighter you knucklehead." Erik grabbed Daniels arm and began to drag him out of the opposite door to the cargo bay where his fighter now sat. "Oh and Daniels," Bradley added. "Just so you know, we've recorded your IFF. If you decide to come back with, unpleasent intentions, your fighter will be the first to go down. Ta ta."

---------

PeachE, 04-27-2000 02:20 PM

Talnia Fleet Headquarters

"Vice-Admiral Ashe, a transport from the Antares system has arrived. They say they have a 'special delivery' for you."

"What is it?"

"Lt Commander Daniels. Apparently, the local Terran Installation picked him up a few days ago flying a TMB fighter."

"The Marauders?"

"According to Antares, he requested he be taken prisoner by Ripper of the Horan. Ripper responded by turning him and his fighter loose in space, ordering Daniels to report to the first base he came to, Antares."

"Well, get him on board immediately. And bring him to my office."

....

"Lt Commander, Daniels."

Yes, Sir!

"So, exactly, where have you been?"

Sir. On last recorded mission, my wingman were eliminated and I was taken prisoner by the TMB, on the TMC Ninurta. When the Ninurta attacked the Horan, she started to go down and security started falling apart. I managed to make it to the hangar and grab a fighter. That's when I requested I be taken prisoner by the Horan.

"I see... So, why did the Ninurta capture you when they had already killed all of your wingmen?"

I suspect that they thought that my being an Officer and flight leader would give me access to restricted materials or that I would have some information they could use.

"But the TMB is made up of GTVA deserters. They know a Lt Commander doesn't have that much pull."

I don't know then, sir.

"And did you?"

Did I what, Sir?

"Did you supply them with any information?"

Of course not.

"What do I do with you, Daniels? I don't have any proof either way. I can't prove you were fighting for the TMB and I don't have proof that you weren't. Your story is definitely possible, but... Oh, what do I do with you?"

Slap on the wrist and reassignment.

"Shut up, Daniels. No, this will require an investigation. I will go to the War Crimes Investigation Division and recommend they decide."

Sir? I didn't do anything!

"It doesn't matter. You know procedure. Besides, what are you afraid of? If you're clear, they'll say so. But I'm afraid until you're cleared, I'm going to have to strip you of all your priviledges."

You're going to imprison me, Sir ?!

"No. I trust you, Daniels. But, I am going to temporarily break you. You understand? Until this is over, you're civilian."

Yes sir.

"And one more thing. Even though you're not a prisoner, you are confined to this base. And if you try to escape, I will have no choice but to stop you, with deadly force if necessary."

Affirmative sir.

---------

Velocity7,  04-27-2000 10:07 PM

4/27/2384
Vasuda

The Afyror and the Redway finally made it into Vasuda. Believing that there could be more GTVA forces that could stall them for too long, they decided to take a break here.

"B'tok, you sure Vasuda is a good place to be? With the GTVA ships and all..." Velocity 7 was a bit freaked out.

"Terran, when do I ever know if I'm wrong?" B'tok said.

With those words, the ships took a route to an installation, the GTI Refella, for rearming and resupplying.

"Commander Velocity 7?" B'tok called out.

"Yes?"

"After asking me that question, it is my turn to ask you that question. What can we gain by reaching the Horan?"

"Actually, I'm not so sure."

"How about the GVT Omega that recently arrived here in Vasuda? I'm certain they could have some information..."

"Hmm...you could be right. I'll go in a Pegasus fighter and--"

"Terran, how could you make it there?"

"Because I've done a lot of reconnaisance missions back in 2335. Mainly doing a lot of scanning on some Shivan cargo and nearly got myself killed. Quite a couple of times I was face to face with death." Velocity 7 bragged.

"Enough of this Terran, just get the information as soon as you can." B'tok replied.

Velocity 7 took off in a Pegasus and headed towards the GVT Omega. There, he found a fighter that had just left the Omega.

Hmm...better scan it behind quickly, he thought.

After taking a few snapshots at the ship, he went for the Omega and got a few last shots before returning to the Redway for scanning his data.

---------

Mad Jonesy, 04-28-2000 01:23 PM
                 
It had been a few days since the attack on the ship yards, and the results had been disappointing, the facility that they had hit had only been a secondary facility.

It was more than likely a heavy blow on the ship producing facilities, but a major oversight. Admirals always look for a scapegoat when they make a mistake, and Roberts had a burning suspicion he would be it.. The losses in the battle had been anything but light, and the Admirals would undoubtably blame this on him entering into the battle late.

Roberts was now sat in front of Admiral
Nar-Charook, one of the youngest, high-ranking officers in the GTVA, he was also a Vasudan, which made his position even more exemplary.

'Sit down Commodore if you please' the Vasudans translator blurbed out in its monotone voice.

Roberts sat down, feeling like he once did in the Headmasters office after a major rumble in a corridor with several others.

'Commodore, its my duty as a officer of the GTVA..'

Roberts closed his eyes and swallowed deeply.

'..to inform you of your promotion to Vice Admiral, with immediate effect, Congratulations'.

Roberts opened his eyes, blinked again, and then said 'Thank you sir'.

'As you have now achieved this rank, it is customary to give someone of this rank a small fleet to command'.

'A fleet?' Roberts slurred slightly

'Yes, I have your orders right here, you will take the GTVD Vesuvius to the front line system of Regulus and meet with four GTCv Deimos-Class ships and two GSTCc Atlas Class..'

'Atlas?' Roberts was pretty familiar with most GTVA and SDF ships, but he'd never heard of that class.. but then it dawned on him..

'Atlas is a project to create a heavy Fighter/Bomber Carrier class ship and was originally started a decade ago, but was then canned due to costs and lack of production ability. Due to the Orbital Mars Construction facilities in Sol, we have been able to finish this project, Six ships exist, however, you will not have complete command over them.'

'I guess that means that the SDF doesn't trust us GTVA Jockeys with their expensive ships?'

'No, I do not believe so, your orders and Specification of the Atlas class ships are in your quarters on the GTVD Vesuvius'

Roberts stood up, brushed himself down, and then headed for the door without a word.

---------

Mattouf, 04-28-2000 06:15 PM
                 
Adhara System
Adhara VI

From his Perseus interceptor, Commander William Karns of the 13th Wolf Gaurds could see the once glorius WBC Domino prepare for it's last mission. Most of the systems aboard the Domino had been taken off for use on the WBCv Jaguar, which was due to be complete any time. Supreme General Lockhart had offered the whole Domino crew positions aboard the Jaguar, and many accepted. But a few crew members refused to leave their ship. A skeleton crew was now onboard the Domino, preparing their suicide attack on the Vali Allience's shipyards.

The Domino's orders were to jump to Adhara VII B, the location of the Vali Allience's shipyards. All power would be directed to one remaining beam, and it would fire into the shipyard. It would not destroy anything, but it would make a noticible dent in progress of whatever was being built or repaired there. Once that is done, power to the weapons systems should be disabled, and the ship should begin to drift, and a message is to be transmitted. That is all of what Karns knew what was going on. He doesn't know what this message or what it means. All he knows is that the Domino will be lost after this mission.

Karns and his wing have been ordered to protect the Domino and eleminate fighters they run into. As soon as the Domino is done, they can return to base.

"This is Alpha 1, Commander Karns of the 13th Wolf Gaurds to Domino, are you guys ready to jump?"

"This is the Domino," said Captain Daily. "We're ready. Engaging jump drives now."

Karns watched as the subspace vortex opened up around the Domino for the last time. "Godspeed Domino, Godspeed. Alpha wing, engage jump drives. We've got a job to do."

-------

Adhara VII B

Alpha wing exited subspace right behind the Domino. "This is Alpha 1, the shipyards are about 3 klicks out. A hostile wing of Herculed Mark II's heading toward us. Let's take them out Alpha." Karns reported to his wing.

"Alpha 3 here, moving to intercept. Let's kick some Vali *** !"

"Enemy down!" Karns announced. He and the rest of his wing quickly had the same results. Their faster and more manuverable Perseus fighters had no trouble against the slower Herc 2s. Karns was glad that he had flown them.

"This is the Domino. Firing beam cannon now."

"Roger that Domino, we're gonna miss ya." Karns almost let a tear roll down his face. "Alpha, let's stick around a little longer, if they try to attack, we'll bail out."

From the right side of the Domino, the green swirl began to swell. It continued to grow past conventional limits. Suddenly, it lanced out and hit a ship in the shipyards. As ordered, all systems except life support and comm shut down, and the Domino began playing it's message:

"This is the WBC Domino of the Wolf's Brigade. The Domino surrenders. We have lost all power and are using backup to transmit this. Please provide assistance. We can provide you information about our forces. We surrender."

---------

Velocity7, 04-28-2000 09:51 PM
                 
4/28/2384
Vasuda

"What'd you get?" Velocity 7 asked.

"A lot of the data you scanned was a bit screwed up. All I could get is escort logs on the Horan and--"

"Horan?! This ship I just scanned had something to do with the Horan?!"

"Well, just a little, probably just for supplying it with foodstuffs, and we found this little HOL symbol here."

"Hmm...what does it mean???" Velocity 7 pondered for a moment. "Keep trying. See if you can descramble this code."

"I will try, but I cannot make any promises."

Entering the brig, Velocity 7 was stunned by the fact that the GVT Omega had some relation in-between to the Horan--but what? In either case, he actually did find what he wanted--but only a little bit of it, as if it were a puzzle.

Better I contact B'tok about this, he thought.

"Comm," Velocity 7 called.

"Yes?"

"Open a channel with the Afyror."

"Yes sir."

The screen in front of him flashed before his eyes.

"What is it?" B'tok asked.

"About scanning that Omega, I discovered it has some relation to the Horan."

"This is strange news, Terran. It looks like we won't have to go after the Horan after all."

"I'm going to sneak behind the GVT Omega slowly and carefully without blowing my--err, our, cover." Velocity 7 stuttered.

B'tok pondered. "Hmm...your plan seems well, Terran. But how do I know that the Omega is related to our reason of being here?"

"I'll send you the information as soon as my agents are finished with the data."

"Very well, Velocity 7. I shall see to it that our plans will not balk."

---------

Eishtmo, 04-28-2000 11:33 PM
                 
Sorry I didn't post earlier, it's been one hell of a day.

Vasuda Prime - The Imperial City

Vasuda Prime, the homeworld of the Vasudan species. During the Great War, the Lucifer attacked this world with intense fierocity. After 13 hours, ninty percent of the surface was uninhabital. Yet that still left ten percent. It was on part of this that the Imperial City of Vasuda was built, the capitol of the Vasudan Empire.

The Emperor made this his home. He decorated it with beautiful buildings, replicas of structures destroyed by the Lucifer so long ago. When the Earth was destroyed by the Victorious, the Emperor began to build the great buildings of Earth, starting with the Pyramids of Giza. It truly is the greatest city of all time.

But regardless of it's greatness, the Imperial City was on shaky ground. It was the Emperor's will alone that kept the city going an a world that was all but wasteland. Those who live there live a hard, unrelenting life. But the proximity to Emperor is a great pull, so they stay, despite the hardships they must endure.

Captian Ripper jiggled the translator attached to his neck. He now understood why the Vasudans hated the devices. He rubbed the skin underneath the device. "How much longer," he asked Su'mit.

"We are here," said the Vausdan. He reached out his hand, and began the ritual known as the Conversation. There are many Conversation rituals, at least one blamed for the 14 Year War, a conflict that is only a distant memory now. Su'mit knocked on the door as the ritual perscribed.

"Two bits," Ripper said under his breath. Su'mit looked at him for a moment. That's when the door flung open.

"What do you want?" said a craggy Vasudan. Ripper took one look at the Vasudan, and quickly figured out this was a very old Vasudan. His skin was wrinkled and spotted, even more so than regular Vasudans. He had a large cane which he leaned on for support, as well as a pair of Vasudan "glasses," something only rarely seen by Terrans.

"We are seeking P'st Sm'ly," said Su'mit. "Are you he?"

The old Vasudan looked at him. "Oh," he said. "Yeah, I'm him. Come on in."

Su'mit frowned. The two of them walked into the small apartment. Even by Vasudan standards, it was very small.

"Sit, sit," said P'st as he pointed to a large couch like object. Su'mit's frown got bigger.

"What is it?" Ripper asked quietly.

"He's mad at me," said P'st. "I'm not following the ritual. Hell, I'm not even speaking the correct language."

"You dishonor the Emperor," said Su'mit.

"Listen kid," P'st said, poking Su'mit with his cane. "I've been preforming these damned rituals since before you were born. And personally, I'm sick of them. I'm old too, so I really don't give a damn." He turned to Ripper. "So what do you want, Terran?"

Ripper was taken aback, he had expected that Su'mit would do most of the talking. He quickly tried to figure out what to say. "We're, uh, here for some information."

"From an old Zod like me," P'st said. "What would want from me." Su'mit glared at P'st. So did Ripper. The Terran captian had never heard a Vasudan say 'Zod' before. "Didn't expect me to say Zod, did you Terran?" Ripper shook his head. "Well like I said, I don't care anymore. It's just a word to me. Now, what exactly do you want?"

Ripper was still stuned by the Zod thing. "Uh, we're looking for information on the Hammer of Light."

"You won't find anything here," said P'st. "The Emperor ordered all that information destroyed after Templar."

"We were told you may still have some of this information," Su'mit said between his teeth.

"Were you know?" said P'st. "Well, if you give me some names, maybe I can remember something."

"Quinn Lazerus," Ripper said.

P'st stopped cold, his cane fell to the floor. "No, never heard of that name," he said as he picked up his cane.

"I think you have," Ripper said.

"No, haven't," said P'st. "Now leave, or I'll call the authorities."

"I think you know who he is," said Ripper.

"I tell ya, I don't know," P'st said getting angrier every moment. "Now leave!"

Su'mit shot straight up. "You know he is the Eishtmo," he accused.

P'st stood there for a moment, stunned himself. He looked at his two visitors. "I guess you aren't going to leave, are you?" Ripper and Su'mit continued to stare at the old Vasudan. "Alright." He pushed the two away from the couch, ripped up one of the cushions and reached deep inside. After some feeling around, his eyes lit up and he pulled out a folder. He held it out to Ripper. "It has all you need in there. Now go, and don't tell anyone where you got it."

"Thank you," said Ripper.

------------

Vasudan Prime - GTC Horan

"Vega VII," mutter Ripper. "We would have never found this place if we had gone to Vega first."

"Perhaps," said Su'mit. "Then agian, how are we to know for sure."

"Captian," said the comm officer. "We're reciving a message from a GTC Redway. They're requesting to join us in our quest."

"Since when have we been on a quest?" asked Lt. Sandra.

"I fear we have always been on a quest," said Su'mit.

"Well," said Ripper. "We can always the help. Tell them we agree and. . ."

"Sir," interupted the Sensor operator. "I'm picking up large subspace signatures. It's the Olympus!"

The SDD Olympus exited subspace still some distance from the Horan.

"Has Hamilton gone mad?" asked Ripper. "Entering Vasudan space is suicide."

"He's contacting us sir," said the comm officer. "He's demanding we surrender, or die."

"Get those jump drives online," Ripper yelled. "Helm get us out of here."

"Sir, another destoryer is jumping in!"

"SDD Olympus, this is the GVD Blade, you have illeagally entered Vasudan space. Leave now or be destroyed."

The Olympus didn't even respond with a message, it simply fired. Soon the two ships were caught in a death struggle. More Vasudan ship appeared, as did the SDF ships who once posed as mysterious raiders. Fighters and bombers flooded the field. The Horan didn't stick around to watch the battle.

"Send a message to the Redway, tell them to make sure the GTVA knows about this and help them anyway they can," said Ripper. He turned to Sandra. "Plot a course for Vega."

---------

All for tonight.  Toodles.

[Eishtmo]

Back to posting after a couple day pause for the server move

---------

AssAssIn, 04-29-2000 05:17 AM                 

"Incoming just signature! It's an enemy Aelous! snesors match it to the one our 3rd fleet discovered. Enemy fighters also inbound!"

Commander O'Neil of the VAC Edusa grimaced,

"How many fighters do we have on patrol?"

"Just 4, flying old Herc II's and rookie pilots."

"Damnit. Contact Admiral Hart, ask him for permission to use the Ajax prototype!"

"Sir, it's too late! They're powering up beam cannons."

"What are they targetting?"

"Sensors indicate that it's the VAC Gilla!"

"Damnit! Fire a Class 3 beam at the enemy cruiser"

"Roger that, sir! Also, Hart has authorized use of the Ajax!"

"Cancel beam shot. I want to see this new toy the Admiral has." The Captain said with a grin.


The Ajax launched, a smooth, sleek, design which was as wide as it was long, but not tall. Only 100 metres in length and width it was suprisingly well armed.

It launched as it sped towards the Aelous, but it was too late.

The beam fired out, slicing into the Gilla. The Vali Alliance's 1st fleet Aelous was cut into, a massive hole gaping through the side.

The Ajax dodged the beam and pwoered up one of it's own. A thin beam of laser powered up from the Ajax's forward gunbank and fired. The Aelous scored a direct hit to the front of the Aelous, charring and breaking the middle front.

"Good shot, Ajax 1." The Captain commended.

"Sir, incoming communique from the cruiser. Audio only." the officer delcared.

"Put it on" The captain spoke.

"This is the WBC Domino of the Wolf's Brigade. The Domino surrenders. We have lost all power and are using backup to transmit this. Please provide assistance. We can provide you information about our forces. We surrender."

"Alert Admiral Hart of this, and await further orders."

"It's a trap, I know it." Hart spoke up,

"Why else would they open fire with all their strength, and then surrender? It's such an obvious ploy."

"But sir, we lost the Gilla. Isn't there even a chance we could replace it with this new cruiser?" An advisor said.

"No, I will not permit that attrocity among my forces. We will deploy the Axion to destroy it immediately," Barry spoke.

"Engineering, sub-space jump us to the location of the Aelous. Weapons, power up the Railgun."


About 200 clicks from the shipyards was the dormant Aelous, designated Domino. It's shape was made a faint sillhouette by the massive blue hole opening up, the Hades bounding out from it like an overlord.

"Railgun, aquire lock on the Domino. Fire on my mark." Barry commanded.

"But sir, please reconsider," The Advisor spoke again. "Send a boarding party down now!"

Suddenly, it struck him.
"Guards, place Advisor Thomson Mahes under house arrest. He is obvi-"

"You ******* !" Thomson swore, withdrawing a small black object from his ankle holder.

Thomson pointed the object at Barry.
"Fire Railgun."

A blue trail once again emerged from the rear top gunport, ripping into the Aelous, crushing armour plates inwards and blasting a hole through the Aelous.

"You'll pay for this,"

Thomson swore again, poiting what was now obviously a gun at Barry.

For Marine Seth Green, this was a brilliant chance, but with great risk. In his armour suit it was hard to keep quiet, but Seth did so with great skill while sneaking up behind the spy.

Seth pulled his Garrot wire out, and suddenly slipped it over Thomson's head and pulled hard. Thomson began to fall backwards as he fired his first shot hitting into the thick top of the bridge.

Seth relased his grip on the Garrot wire, and bent Thomson's head back while smashing Thomson's hand with his own. The gun fell out of his grasp as Seth swung Thomson into the wall. Seth grabbed Thomson's hands and forced them behind his back and pressed his face into the wall.

Another guard ran up and applied hand-cuffs.

Barry sighed. It was getting harder by the day.

---------

Ice Heart, 04-29-2000 12:58 PM                 

Personal Log
Vice Admiral "Ice Heart" Harak Chontamentet
4/24/XX

The offensive begins in one hour. The NHD Iron Fist, NHD Anubis, NHD Anhur, NHD Abydos, plus four corvettes and six cruisers will jump into the area of Zeta X, near the Pretender's shipyards. I would prefer to bring my entire strength to bear here to crush the Pretender and his space forces decisively, but I cannot. The Pretender and his generals are no fools, they would most certainly take advantage of the situation to ravage the lightly defended shipyards loyal to me in orbit above Zeta Prime. Thus, the rest of my loyal fleet will remain there to guard the shipyards against a possible counter-strike. I can only hope that through planning and surprise that we can overcome the Pretender's forces here.

We will not merely arrive in front of the yard, to do so would be near certain death, the Tutankamen anti-capital ship beam platforms would likely shred our forces. The Tutankamens have been placed so that the bases are defended from virtually all sides...except from a small portion directly below the station. There only a few of the platforms can successfully bring their weapons to bear on us, so we will have the upper hand from that direction. However, the ships which have defected to the Pretender's forces will present a threat to us as they can turn about to bring their weapons to bear.

Our fighter and bomber wings are ready for scramble launch the moment we exit subspace, gunnery crews are prepared, subspace drives are all fully operational. All I need do is give the word and it will begin. I am confident that we will succeed, and yet I fear the coming operation. Could it be that our informants on the yards have missed something vital? There is no turning back now, we must do something. To sit idle is to lend the Pretender more time to prepare defenses.

End Log


Pretender's Shipyards Near Zeta X

Four large subspace vortexes opened, accompanied by ten smaller ones. Harak's fleet poured out of them and immediately began to open fire. The few Tutankamen RBCs that could bear on them fired, only to be cut to ribbons by the beams of the Loyalist ships. Fighters and bombers of all classes began to pour out of the fighter bays of the four destroyers, swarming forward to engage the Ankh and Edjo sentry guns and the enemy fighters and bombers that were emerging even now from the hangar bays of the Pretender's destroyers and installations. Harak was disturbed at the speed with which they were able to respond, they should have taken at least one precious minute longer to get ANY fighters out of the hangar bay. Had they known the attack would be so soon? The Admiral put the thought out of his mind ofr the moment, he had more pressing matters to worry about. Just as he had planned, the NHD Djebauti was directly ahead of the Iron Fist and the Anubis. The gunnery crews of the heavy forward mounted beams on the two ships had been well briefed and knew what to do. The massive juggernaut-class beams on the front of both destroyers powered up and shot out towards the Djebauti, which had been somewhat damaged by the Iron Fist's main gun when it defected. The two large beams had been aimed at that spot and both hit dead center. The tough armor plating collapsed and the beams bore into the destroyer, but did not blow out the side of the ship. However, the Ramses-class vessel began to spew a large amount of gasses and debris from the hole. A ragged cheer went up on the Iron Fist's bridge as this happened, but Harak and his XO did not share the crew's enthusiasm. Harak had helped design the Ramses-class and he knew that the ship still had a very lethal amount of firepower. He also knew that, though the damage was severe, it looked much worse than it actually was. It would take far more of a pounding than that to finish the Djebauti off. The Djebauti and a Pretender Mentu returned the favor a moment later, the Mentu lashing out with its slashing beams and the Djebauti slamming two of its main beams into the fore segment of the Iron Fist.

Now the first of both sides fighters and bombers engaged each other. The fighters twisted about, trying to gain lock or get a clear shot. The bombers flew steadily towards their targets, or attempted to maneuver when enemy fighters found them. Already the death toll amongst Harak's fighters had climbed to fifty persons, in just the first few minutes. The fact that the Pretender's fighter and bomber groups were suffering just as much as small consolation to the Admiral for his loss of valuable trained veteran personel.

Yet the battle seemed to be going rather well. The Pretender's destroyers were being engaged by Harak's forces, they were being pushed back towards their vulnerable shipyard facilities. Facilities which Ice Heart hoped to capture rather than destroy, those construction yards were vital and difficult to replace. As the Admiral watched, a Pretender Mentu was carved in half by two Loyalist Sobeks, yet the battle was not without loss. One of the two Sobeks went down a bare two seconds later under a hail of beam fire and bombs from the NHD Ennead and a wing of Pretender-allied bombers.

It was just then, as the Admiral was beginning to feel that perhaps the plan would be successful, that things began to fall apart. A subspace vortex opened up and a destroyer emerged, a Typhon-class destroyer. The Admiral was shocked, there had been no Typhon-class ships which defected to the Pretender's forces, where had that thing come from? The ship jumped in directly in front of two Loyalist Sobeks and opened fire on them. Though a Typhon, it had obviously been heavily modified, for it lanced out with four large anti-capital ship beams rather than the standard two, pounding the two Sobeks hard. That vessel made the Pretender's slightly out-numbered forces on equal footing with Harak's

Now the enemy pressed forward, having nearly equal firepower save the two large juggernaut-class beams mounted on the Iron Fist and Anubis respectively. Though powerful, the beams had the draw back of requiring three minutes to recharge since a destroyer could not provide the power that a juggernaut could. The Admiral ordered the two Sobeks to clear the area and ordered firepower be concentrated on that Typhon. He had few enough vessels as it was, that Typhon had plenty of firepower to destroy the Sobeks easily. It was too late, though. As beams from several of Harak's ships began to pelt the newly arrived Typhon, the Typhon fired its main guns yet again, obliterating one of the corvettes and disabling the other. Now two of the Pretender's Ramses destroyers concentrated fire on the helpless corvette and finished the job.

Harak swore. He looked at his tactical display and could see the attack was crumbling. Though he could still fight on, he could see it was useless. He might even win, but the cost would be too high. "Communications," He said, "transmit the order to retreat."

"But sir..." The officer began.

"Do not question my orders, do it!" The Admiral cut him off harshly.

The officer did so and a moment later the Loyalist corvettes and cruisers entered subspace. The two Loyalist Ramses destroyers followed a moment later, and the Anubis and Iron Fist took time to fire their large main beams on the Djebauti one more time before making the jump. After that, the fighters and bombers made their own intra-system jump back to Zeta Prime orbit. In less than five minutes, Harak's offensive had been blunted and crumbled. The Pretender had sustained moderate damage to one Ramses-class vessel, the Djebauti, and had lost a Sobek and a Mentu. Harak had sustained moderate damage to his own vessel and one of his Ramses destroyers, plus he had lost three of his four Sobeks which had been in the attack. The Pretender had won a decisive victory, a victory that would undoubtedly cause even more uncertainty in the ranks of Harak's followers...

---------

Eishtmo, 04-29-2000 07:04 PM                 

GTV (Galactic Television) News

"So I guess you could call it a case of Man bites dog," said the news Anchor. Suddenly an arm shot across the screen, a paper cluctched in it's hand. "What the hell?" the Anchor said, grabing the paper. "Uh, this just in at 2330 hours GTVA time last night the. . ." he trailed off for a moment. "Are you sure?" he said. The floor director nodded his head. "Um, at 2330 hours, the Sol Defense Force Destroyer Olympus attacked the Galactic Vasudan Destroyer Blade. We don't have information on the results of the battle, but the Vasudan Empire has called it an act of war." The Anchor cleared his throat. "The GTVA is demanding an explination from the SDF as to why one of their warships was in the Vasudan system. We're not quite sure of the current state of relations, but negotiations regarding the hand over and prosecution of Neo-Hammer of Light war criminals has completely broken down. We'll make sure to update you as events develop." The Anchor looked right into the camera. "Ladies and Gentalmen, I believe that the GTVA may now be at war with the SDF."

NOTE:  This was the first of the 'unconventional' posts I made during the story.  This, incidently, wasn't one of the best, but there are some later that become damn good.

---------

VR7, 04-29-2000 08:22 PM 

GTD Dominator, Alpha Centauri Orbit

-----

"Admiral! Unknown vessel entering the area!" The helmsman reported as a massive juggernaut emerged from the azure portal of light. It passed by the viewscreen, saluting with red beams.

"All hands to battle stations! Get all our pilots out there!!" The Admiral yelled out in reaction to the superdestroyer.

Several miniature spacecraft were dispatched from the Dominator. Although powerful, all of them were wiped in a matter of seconds.

"What the hell....? All guns, open fire!" Several sections of the GTD began to glow, and beam cannons slashed at the enormous darkness. All beams had missed the massive spacecraft.

"Is that your best shot? How pathetic." A transmission opened, followed by a low-pitched, voice of evil.

"Sir, we've just been contacted by the unknown vessel!"

"This is Admiral Johnson, GTD Dominator. Unknown vessel, identify yourself!"

"You should know of the dead Admiral Korith."

"Korith? It can't be you! You were destroyed decades ago onboard GTI base Jotunheim!"

The dark admiral laughed. "No, I am not Korith, but the fact that you believed I was had flattered me."

"Then....Who are you??"

"I am the son of Korith, Korith Jr. I have returned to avenge my father's death. I have planned the destruction of Earth since I had received reports of the Neo-Hammer of Light. Eishtmo, the most wanted criminal in the GTVA, was used to destroy the Earth for me."

"Liar! Eishtmo wanted to destroy Terra!"

"Even if he wished to, his job is done now. The only part left of my job, is declaring war with the GTVA and SDF. Once they've declared this murderous war, they will be exhausted beyond reconstruction. If you wish to surrender, that would be futile."

"NEVER!" Johnson yelled. "I will never join you!"

"You're lucky you didn't want to." Korith Jr. grinned. "Any last words before I destroy you?"

"Once the GTVA and SDF discover you, this war will be a thing of the past!"

"The GTVA and SDF will never know of my coming, until it is too late. Now, you will feel the power of the HRJ Armageddon. Korith Jr. out."

Johnson, angered over the lack of power, yelled out "FIRE ALL BEAM GUNS! BLAST THAT THING TO HELL!!!!"

The beam cannons attempted to rip the powerhouse in half. "Direct hit, sir!" A crewman called out. "Sir, target has suffered extremely low damage."

"WHAT?!?"

-----

Korith grinned evilly as he looked out at the GTD Dominator.

"At last, I will have my revenge." He turned to a freightened man punching keys on the control panel. "Fire all beam cannons, Lieutenant."

"But sir, our heat sinks will overload!"

"You didn't count how many heat sinks were onboard this piece of junk?"

"84, sir." The Lieutenant's knees were shaking.

"It wasn't 84, imbecile!" Korith spat out. "All guns, open fire!"

"Are you crazy, Admiral?!"

"You want to argue with me? One more word and you get a field trip to the brig, officer!"

"Yes sir..." The Lieutenant muttered.

-----

"That can't be! Our weapons are as powerful as the Lucifer! How can we be beaten?" Johnson screamed.

"Uh, sir, I think that's our answer." An officer pointed at the HRJ Armageddon, which began glowing white.

Johnson finally said his last words, "Dear God..." and the entire ship was incinerated.

---------

Artimus, 04-29-2000 09:08 PM                 

Alphard
GTSC Caerus

It took some time, but Captain Bush finally managed to contact one of his old friends. The shuttles carrying General Swintal and his comrades approached the Caerus. The docking clamps locked with a deep rumble, and the airlock slid open. The general stepped onboard, and greeted his old friend.

"I'm glad you made it," Bush said.

"As am I," Swintal replied, "We've waited for this for a long time."

The two began to walk down the hall, while the shuttles were unloaded. General Swintal is the commander of one of the GTVA's best assault squads. He and his twenty man squad had received numerous commendations, and the squad is held in high regard among the GTVA's ground forces.

"Am I to assume that the transport is en-route?" Swintal asked?

"I put in the request this morning," Bush answered. "The GTVA core worlds may be slipping into civil war, but it will take some time before the war spreads out this far. Swintal nodded in approval. "The transport should arrive in a few hours."

"My squad and I are off on leave. I've also altered the base's depot records. Our equipment wont be missed until we're done with it.," Swintal said.

---------

Velocity 7, 04-29-2000 09:24 PM                 

4/29/2384
Vasuda

"Sir!" a comm officer yelled.

Velocity 7 looked up. "What is it?"

"The Horan has just contacted us!"

Well, it's about time they finally started to agree with us, he thought, I wonder if the Horan has any other complements escorting the sh--

"The transmission reads out as this sir:"

"This is the GTC Horan. Redway, if you can receive this message, warn GTVA forces immediately! The SDD Olympus is currently in our vicinity," the message flashed and scrambled a bit, "we believe they have hostile intent. They are planning to attack the GVD Blade. Contact any GTVA ships you may find in the area--"

"The transmission ends there sir. Sir?"

Velocity 7 thought for a moment. "Comm, contact GTVA Command like they said. Ask them for reinforcements as soon as possible."

A video transmission came clear to GTVA Command. On screen was someone blurred out with the picture a bit shaken up.

"What is it now? You want to request more info again?"

"Not this time. Instead, I'm requesting you send reinforcements!"

"Heh heh. What for?"

Velocity 7 played back the message for Command.

"Oooookay...you've got a point there. I'll try to get the GTD Grefes and the GVCv Ewasengor around." Command replied.

"Thanks." Velocity 7 turned to his console as soon as the message was done. "I hope the Blade is doing well."

"Sir, the last part of the transmission has been fixed," the comm officer said, "they are heading for Vega. They have also agreed to accept our help."

"Okay, hold on." Velocity 7 turned on his console and opened a channel to the Afyror. "B'tok, the Horan has agreed to have us join them. By the way, they've recently sent us a transmission regarding a battle between the GVD Blade and the SDD Ol--"

"I already know, Terran."

"How do you know?"

"I've got spies in your sight."

Velocity 7 chuckled a little. "Well, anyways, will you be heading to Vega with us?"

"I am sorry Terran. Since the GVD Blade is being attacked, I must go and aid them. I will return as soon as I can."

"Very well, B'tok. Farewell."

With that, the Mentu cruiser took a deep dive into a subspace tunnel. A few minutes later, the Redway entered the tunnel as well, but it was heading for Vega this time.

---------

Brief pause.  It is here that we had a bit of an issue with someone thinking this was just like 'that' thread and posting crap.  After a bit of trying to explain it, he edited his posts to read "HESE STORIES SUCK *** WHO WOULD WANT TO READ THIS CRAP ANYWAY YOU F*CKED UP TWATS??!!"  Not everyone was a fan of NHOL.

---------

Mad Jonesy, 04-30-2000 07:31 AM                 

The GTVD Vesuvius was on its way to Regulas and was currently in the Deneb system when news of the battle was received.

Almost instantly Vice-Admiral Roberts knew what he had to do, he jumped to Vasuda.

The GTVD Vesuvius shot out of the vortex and armed its weapons as soon as beams were seen to be firing, they were not going to be fired yet. It was only going to be a incentive for all ships to stop firing, but that soon changed.

'This is Vice-Admiral Roberts of the GTVD Vesuvius, all ships and fighters, you are ordered to stop firing or face prosecution under the GTVA treaty section 94'

A voice, muffled by explosions and yelling voices crackled back over the communication network.

'The SDF is not a member of that treaty, we are hunting Neo-Hammer of Light forces in this sector.. retreat Admiral, or else we will have to consider you a enemy of..'

Roberts had cut him off, he now knew what he had to do.

'Launch all fighters, order them to target weapons systems and engines'

He then spoke to the Vasudans
'All Vasudans, please target weapons and engines ONLY on all SDF ships'

'Negative Terran, they are enemies of Vasuda, we will destroy them'

'Message Command and tell them that we are in desparate need of re-inforcements' Roberts barked at a ensign, his morning had just got a lot worse..

---------

Eishtmo, 04-30-2000 10:04 PM                 

Vasuda/Deneb Jump Node - GTC Horan

"Fire!" Ripper yelled.

The blue light of the Horan's Ion Beam flashed across the sky. The SDF cruiser that had been sent to stop it from leaving Vasuda, exploded as the beam hit it. Cheers went up throughout the Horan.

"Reconcentrate fire on those fighters," Ripper ordered.

The nimble fighters of the SDD Olympus fluttered around the Horan like flies around rotted flesh. The cruisers anti-fighter beam shot out, smacking the unlucky around like toys and tearing at least one to pieces.

"How long until we reach the node?" Thomas asked.

"Thirty seconds," replied Sandra. The Horan shock as a missile hit it's side.

"Tell the transports to make for the node," Ripper said. "We'll catch up."

"Aye sir," said the comm officer.

Alpha and Omega throttled up and broke with the Horan. Within moments, both had reached the node and jumped. The Horan followed suit. The fighters, now with no one left to fight, returned to base.

The crew of the Horan breathed a sigh of relief. They had survived yet another battle.

"Get me a damage report," Ripper said.

"Yes sir," said Thomas and he hurried off.

Ripper slumped into his chair. 'I'm getting too old for this,' he thought to himself.

"Sir," said the comm officer.

"Yes, what is it Sission?"

"We've recieved another transmition from the Redway," Sission replied. "They want to help us on our mission."

Ripper thought for a moment. "I suppose we could use all the help we can get," he said quietly. "Tell the Redway to meet us at," he looked over to Sandra for an answer.

"Deneb XII should be safe," Sandra said.

"Deneb XII it is," said Ripper. "Tell them we'll wait twenty-four hours, no more."

"Yes sir," said Sission.

"Oh," Ripper added. "If they ask us about what we're doing, tell them nothing."

"Nothing sir."

"Nothing."

"Yes sir," and Sission turned to her panel. Suddenly she turned back to the Captian. "Sir, we're getting a priorty message from Command!"

Ripper looked up in surprise. "Put it on screen."

The face of Command was somber. He looked up, almost right into Ripper's eyes. Regardless, it was easy to tell it wasn't to anyone specifically. "All GTVA ships. At 1100 hours today, the GTVA Security Council declared war on the Sol Defense Force. All orders and leave are canceled. All ships are to report to the nearest GTVA facility to recive new orders. Repeating. . ."

"Shut it off," Ripper said. He closed his eyes in dispair.

"Should I plot a new course?" Sandra asked.

Ripper looked at her. "No, we're going to Vega."

"But sir," Sandra protested.

"The sooner we get to Vega, the sooner the war will be over," Ripper interrupted. "Besides, if we get in trouble, I'll take all the blame." He looked around at his bridge crew. "Is that understood?" No one seemed to object. "Very well then, make for Deneb XII so we can meet the Redway, then on to Vega."

---------

Enough for tonight.  Later.

[Eishtmo]

Mad Jonesy, 05-01-2000 12:48 PM                 

The GTVD Vesuvius was disabling a small SDF Fenris class cruiser when a subspace rift opened and a Atlas class ship shot out.
The shape of it was very distinct, a large, egg-shaped ship which the main feature of it was its hanger.. Unlike most ships, the hanger, because of its size was required to be covered by doors, because of the large target it would make if it was left open.

'What ship is that?' Roberts asked a ensign.

'Its the.. GSTCc Atlas sir.'

Roberts grew worried, things could be getting a lot worse, he knew that the Atlas class were formidable.

'Finish off that Fenris now, has its crew escaped?' he asked his gunnery control officer.

A confirmation led to a wide beam slashing diagonally across the battered cruiser, slicing it in half, a missile then shot out from the GTVD Vesuvius as hit the largest piece of debris. The SDF ships history ended there and then.

'Hail the Atlas'
'we've got a reply, shall I put it on speakers?'
'Yes, of course'
A audio reply echoed around the inside of the ship, everything was silent, other than the occasion lump of bleeps from computers.

'Ah, Vice-Admiral Roberts, sorry to say, the GTVA just announced that we are at war. It may have been nice serving with you, but now we'll never have that chance,
Captain Stevens out'

The Atlas' slowed, then stopped, and then it happened, its hanger opened and 10 fighters shot out, then another ten and so on, till a swarm of fighters filled the skies between the Vesuvius and the Atlas.

Roberts knew he was in trouble.. but he had to fight.. he couldn't leave the Atlas in a position to attack Vasudan convoys.

The engines on the Vesuvius burst into life, and the ship started to gradually accelerate.

'I'm going to need all the AA fire we can get..'

The Vesuvius and the Fighters gradually grew closer.. the fighters moved apart slightly, which made them a more difficult target..

The Ship and swarm met in a ball of fire.

---------

PeachE, 05-01-2000 01:13 PM                 

Talnia Fleet Headquarters

"Name, sir?"
Lt Commander Rick Eisson.
"Clearance code, sir?"
Alpha Seven Gamma Omega Niner.

"Orders?... Thank you. So, transferring to Delta Serpentis shipyards?"

Yes. The orders from Vice-Admiral Ashe are right there in front of you.

"I take it this isn't a friendly visit then?"

I just don't feel like chatting. I'm in a bit of a hurry. Now, can we just get on with this?

"Yes, sir. The next transport to Delta Serpentis comes through in a few hours. After the retinal scan, you can just wait in the hangar."

Retinal scan? I thought...

"Yeah. Usually we're pretty lax about such things. But apparently there's some nut Daniels, or something like that. Anyway, scuttlebutt is that he deserted to the TMB and was caught a few days ago. It's thought that he might try to escape."

Funny. I thought he said he was captured. Anyway, you say I've got a few hours? I'll just hang around for a while.

"Sir, the retinal scan?"

Oh, of course. Slipped my mind.

"Okay. 98% match with.... Lt Commander Pehace Daniels... Daniels?!"

[Daniels draws a sidearm he could only have stolen and fires it at the young Lieutennant... The officer falls to the floor. Daniels holsters his sidearm and points down the corridor he just came from]

He went that way. C'mon. We can't let him get away.

[The officers in the immediate area flocked to Daniels side as the group ran down the hall. Daniels slowly distances himself from the group, falling behind untill he is finally alone, and turns around to head back to the hangar]

Idiots. All of them.

"Idiots, Daniels? Idiots?"
[Vice-Admiral Ashe was waiting in the Hangar]

Vice-Admiral Ashe...

"Save it, Daniels. This is no longer just a suspicion of treason charge. That man you shot back there is going to die. You are hereby arrested for the charge of murder... Officers, take this man to the brig."

---------

Eishtmo, 05-01-2000 06:59 PM                 

Vega VII - Corbet Station

People rushed around the deck, carrying everything from boxes to rifles. A sense of panic filled the air.

"How much longer?" the Admiral said impatiently.

"At least three hours," the Commander said. "Plus, we still have to orginize a security force for the station."

"Screw the station," the Admiral said. "We need everyone."

"But what about. . ."

"Forget about them, we don't need them anymore."

The Commander looked at his superior. "Need I remind you of the secrecy of this project?"

"Damn it," the Admiral yelled. "I know what I'm doing!"

"But what if someone comes here," the Commander retorted.

"This place is listed as abandonded, there's not a chance in hell anyone's gonna come here," the Admiral said. "Besides, they have more important issues right now."

The Commander turned to the window that opened onto the construction yard. He sighed. "How long before it gets here?"

"At least three days," said the Admiral. "Don't worry, we'll stop it long before it gets here."

"What if we don't. Will we tell them about it?"

"Not while I'm alive," said the Admiral.

The Commander turned and looked the Admiral in the eyes. "Then do we do it when you're dead?"

That last line makes me laugh.

---------

VR7, 05-01-2000 08:40 PM                 

HRJ Armageddon, Alpha Centauri

-----

"So....This is the power of the GTD Hecate. It will be amusing for a helpless fleet once they find us. They'll be wiped in a matter of seconds!"

"Admiral, sir." The communications operator called for Korith Jr.

The villian turned to the communications officer. "What is it, Henry?" he requested.

"I got something I'd think everyone's gonna be happy to see- We intercepted a transmission from allied command." The rebel officer activated the screen.

"All GTVA ships. At 1100 hours today, the GTVA Security Council declared war on the Sol Defense Force. All orders and leave are canceled. All ships are to report to the nearest GTVA facility to recive new orders. Repeating. . ."

Korith was amazed at the footage. "All is going as I planned!"

"Yes, sir, but we have a single problem that could ruin our plans."

"What would that be?"

"The GTC Horan and the GTC Redway are on a quest to end the war earlier than we expect. They will rendezvous in Deneb XII."

Korith, didn't seem disappointed with the results. "Set a course," he ordered.

"Uh, sir?" The helmsman turned to Korith.

"If we don't make it in time, deploy my ship, the HRF BlackJack."

"Uh, sir, they're getting there in 24 hours. We can only make it in 72."

"Just set coordinates!"

"Aye, sir."

---------

Velocity7, 05-01-2000 08:53 PM                 

Aware of the situation at hand, Velocity 7 turned to the window to see the subspatial tunnel ahead of him. It had only been a few hours since his transmission from the Horan to rendezvous in Deneb XII.

"Computer, begin log."

A beeping noise could be heard.

5/1/2384

Commander's Log

Things rather strange have been going on recently. First, I join up with B'tok's ship in search of the Horan, then I scan some transports that lead to the Horan yet again, with the added thing that the Horan contacted me to warn GTVA Command. Now, the GTVA has declared war against the SDF. I don't know why GTVA would go against their own homeworld, but in any case, I have already re-rendezvouzed with the Afyror and we both are headed through the portal to Deneb. Hopefully, I'll find some answers there...

Another beeping noise was heard. As the Redway exited Subspace, the Horan could be seen from a far distance.

"Horan, this is the Redway. We are also bringing along the Afyror. What is your status?" Velocity 7 asked on the communications transmitter.

---------

AssAssIn, 05-03-2000 11:42 AM                 

The four Myrmidons cruised slowly pass an ice planet in the Adhara system. This far from the sun, it was far beyond freezing on any planets.

Flying for the Wolf's brigade, the distant Ajax Radar officer snarled. The fully operational and elite crew onboard the "Ajax 3", the third to be constructed.
The ships were not individually named, but were simply called Ajax 1, 2, 3, etc.

Only five Ajax class were currently constructed, including the Prototype Ajax P.

"Captain," he spoke up, "We have four old Myrmidons patrolling by Adhara XI. Should we intercept?"

"Affirative," The combat loving Captain replied, "I wanna see what this thing is capable of"

"Entering subspace" the young female Engineering Bridge officer spoke.

Five seconds later, the blue tunnel of subspace broke open at the end, revealing open space. Ajax 3 poured out within 3 clicks of the fighters, pointing straight into the right side of the ships.

Instantly, a small beam bolt from Ajax 3 powered up and smashed into the side of one fighter, blasting it apart instantly.

The captain could see the Fighters breaking formation in shock, and struggling to regain. Ajax 3 swirved left slightly to chase one of the fleeing fighters.

"Lock Aqquired!" Weaponry shouted

"Fire!" The Captain shouted

Another small green beam at the front powered up and lanced out the Myrmidon, smashing it in the left side, sending a dead hulk spinning, breaking apart into debris.

"Two down, two to go," Weaponry commented.

"targetting Fighters number 3," Navigation officer spoke, "Moving ship to intercept."

The view from the bridge showed his craft moving upwards, seeing the front of the Myrmidon. The Myrmidon began firing a few shots before breaking off to the left, going off the right of the View.

"Forward shields at 87%" Defence Officer reported.

Navigation spoke again, "Moving again"

The view shifted right, showing the Myrmidon pulling left to evade.

"We've got a lock! Firing!" Weapons commented, antoher green bolt zapping out the hit the Myrmidon in the rear, exploding the engines in fire.

"Sir, target 4 escaped! Target 3 must've been distracting us!"

"Oh well, not bad. We took 3 of them out. Return to the Shipyards."

The Ajax turned and jumped out

---------

Mattouf, 05-03-2000 02:50 PM                 

Adhara
Adhara XI
WBD Black Panther

Supreme General's Log

The Domino's last mission accomplished what I hoped it would. I did not expect the Vali to buy its fake distress message, doing so would be foolish. It is too bad the Domino had to go down. Captain Daily was a good friend of mine.

The Domino did achieve its mission though. The Vali Allience's shipyards have been damaged, and contruction of thier ships has been slowed.

The wing of Perseus fighters sent in reported a new weapon, designation Ajax, as well as the 'Railgun' mounted on their flagship. This Ajax weapon was also used on a wing of my fighters. It is confirmed....

The good news is that the Jaguar and its mass driver weapon, named the Gauss Cannon, are fully completed. As soon as a succesful test is completed, a larger and more powerful Gauss cannon, now under contruction, will be mounted on the WBD Red Dragon. We will now have the firepower to remain here and not have our territory threatened.

Brian Lockhart, signing off.....


---End Log---

WBCv Jaguar, Control Deck

Commodore Phelan Raiko looked around the control deck of the just finished WBCv Jaguar. He felt a surge of pride as the rest of the crew came in the room and saluted. Many of these people were old friends of his who decided to not be with their old ship, the Domino, on its last mission.

"We should all feel honored that we are still alive today, and are at the helm of this great ship. We have in our capacity, a great and powerful weapon, the first of its kind. And we will be the first to test it. Long live the Wolf's Brigade!"

Raiko couldn't hear anything but cheers as he made his way back to his quarters.

---------

Eishtmo, 05-03-2000 07:01 PM                 

Vega System - GTC Horan

The light of Vega shown across the sky. Once, some 17 years ago, a jump node to a system called Capella once existed. And then the Shivans came, for the second time. One of the Capella System's stars was destroyed in a Supernova by that xenophobic race, and the node was destroyed by the GTVA, to protect itself from the Shivans. Ever since, the system has been in an economic depression, void of trade. A wasteland of lost lives, abandoned by so many.

Only hours before, the GTC Horan, GTC Redway, and GVC Afyror had enter this system in search of the truth. Yet, only the Horan's crew knew exactly what they were looking for, the others were just along for the ride.

On board the Horan, Captian Todd Ripper examined the planetary chart for Vega along with Commander Su'mit and the Sensor operator. "Okay, so here is Vega XII C," Ripper said pointing at the small moon of 12th planet. "And the HoL colony is on the side facing away from the planet, right?"

Su'mit examined the folder for a moment. "Yes, it is."

"Good," Ripper looked up. "Sandra, plot a course for Vega XII C, far side."

"Aye sir," replied Sandra.

"Uh, sir," said the Sensor operator.

"Yes?"

"Won't the colonists be spooked when three GTVA ships show up on their doorsteps demanding to speak to them?"

"Jeaninan has a point," said Su'mit. "Perhaps it would be better if only one ship makes contact with the Hammer of Light."

Ripper nodded. "You're right," he said. "And since the Redway and Afyror don't know what's going on, we'll have to do it." He looked to Su'mit who nodded slightly. "The question is, what do we do with those two while we're talking?"

"Maybe we should just tell them what we're doing and that they should stay away," Thomas said.

Ripper looked at his Executive Officer. "No, we can't. We have our orders."

"Screw the orders," Thomas said forcefully. "We're already violating orders by going on this goose hunt as it is. We should be fighting the SDF." Suddenly, a large hand grabbed Thomas' shoulder. He spun around to see Ma'thon standing there.

"You are on a mission more important then any war," the Vasudan said.

"He's right," said Ripper. He turned back towards the chart. "All too right."

"Perhaps we could send them on data gathering missions," said Su'mit. His long, boney finger pointed to icon on the chart. "There is an uncharted moon here we could have them explore."

"We can't send both of them," said Jeaninan. "One ship can chart the whole moon in less than 24 hours. We send both, they'll know we're trying to get rid of them."

"Any suggestions?" Ripper asked Jeaninan.

"Well," Jeaninan started. "We could send the Afyror to scan the moon and the Redway," she moved her finger across the chart to an installation icon. "Here."

Ripper examined her choice. "Corbet station," he said. "Abandoned. I suppose we can come up with a good reason to have the Redway explore the station. Heck, the thing may still have supplies we'll need."

Thomas looked at the chart. "From those postions, they wouldn't have a clue what we were doing." He turned toward Ripper. "Hell, if we wanted to, we could ditch them right quick."

"No Thomas," he said. "We need them for now. Sission, come here, we need to work out a message for the Redway and Ayfror as well as one for the Hammer of Light."

---------

Enough for now.  I likely won't be posting tomorrow (going to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra).  It'll give you a chance to catch up.  Later.

[Eishtmo]

Ah, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, you are so damn good.  If you haven't seen them yet, go the first chance you get.  On with NHOL.

---------

Velocity7, 05-03-2000 08:37 PM                 

5/3/2384

Vega

"So, they've decided to send us off for getting info? Sounds good..." Velocity 7 said. "but it seems like some wild goose chase to me."

"Sir," an officer said, "I've been wondering, have you ever given your real name?"

"Actually, I'd prefer that I keep anonymous," he replied, "if any enemy forces ever figured out I was who I was, I could be tracked down to the farthest stars. I would rather give it out after all this is over and the SDF and GTVA are at peace for good."

"Yes sir."

"Open a transmission with the Afyror," Velocity 7 commanded.

An open channel could be seen.

"What is it, Terran?" B'tok asked.

"Afyror, the Horan has just given us orders. We'll head for Corbet station while you with the Afyror's crew head for an uncharted moon at these co-ordinates," Velocity 7 explained.

"Very well, Terran," B'tok replied, "it is most unfortunate we must depart again."

"Don't worry. As soon as you get the info, head back here. We'll contact the Horan as soon as we can."

"Thank you for your confidence Terran. Good-bye..." the screen flicked off.

The Afyror then jumped out to search out the uncharted moon.

I wonder if this is such a good idea, splitting us up and all, Velocity 7 thought, we could get seriously in trouble for this.

The Redway jumped out, leaving a nav beacon behind it for reference.

"Radar, be sure to check for any subspace readings. I don't want any Shivans, GTVA, or SDF forces on our tails. Got it?"

"Yes sir."

-----

GVC Afyror
Some hours later in Vega...

"B'tok, we are here." an officer said.

"Hmm..." the Vasudan grumbled to himself, "does this ship always have to get the recon job? At least it can bring us some information regarding what the Horan is looking for..."

"Captain, do we begin the scan?"

"Yes. Do so now. We must hurry and get the planet scanned."

Like the Redway would do later, the Afyror began its movement towards the waypoints around the moon.

-----
GTC Redway
Some hours later...

"Well, we're here Velocity," Helm said, "Corbet station."

"Looks pretty damp to me," he said, "be wary. I have a bad feeling about this..."

The Redway began its orbit around the installation, with several escape pods launched to search out the ship. Velocity 7 remained on his ship to monitor the status of the search team.

This will probably take some 14 hours to find any survivors, Velocity 7 thought to himself, and another 8 to get supplies.

---------

VR7, 05-03-2000 09:05 PM                 

Deneb XII

-----

"Lieutenant?" Admiral Korith began to grit his teeth as the tunnel of blue faded, and the ambient space was visible. But none of the cruisers were in sight.

"Oh, ****." The sensors operator swore.

"Lieutenant, you said our friends were in Deneb, playing tag."

"I did, but..."

"No more excuses," Korith grabbed the officer and held him up in the air with a bare hand, gripping the poor officer's neck. "Where are they?!"

"In Vega...I think, sir!" The officer choked out.

"Okay......." The grand master calmed down, and dropped the officer, whom fell a few feet. Rather than giving orders to his Helmsman, he heads for the hangar bay.

"Korith, sir, where are you going? Why leave the ship uncommanded?"

"I'm deploying my personal courier. Helm, take command over the Armageddon while I'm at work. Don't leave the system 'till I'm back." Then the son of the GTI Rebel leader disappeared in the dark hallway.

---------

Eishtmo, 05-04-2000 08:23 PM                 

Vega XII C - Hammer of Light Colony

The wind howled outside. The rattle of the dust on the side of the small hut gave Ripper an uneasy feeling. He shifted in his seat, the large Vasudan couch was very uncomfortable.

"How much longer?" he asked Su'mit quietly.

"Not long," Su'mit replied. A few moments later, an old Vasudan entered the room. He sat down in a seat opposite Ripper and Su'mit.

"Greetings," he said. "I am Da'id Te'pl, spiritual leader of this community."

"And I am Su'mit R'ply, Commander of the NHT Alpha." Su'mit looked at Ripper.

"Uh, I am Todd Ripper, Captian of the GTC Horan."

"Yes, you are," said Da'id. "And you have come about Quinn, correct?"

"Yes," said Ripper. "We know he is the Eishtmo."

"It took you long enough," Da'id said dreamly. "What would you like to know about my son?"

"As much as you can tell us," said Su'mit.

Ripper reached into his pocket and removed a small recorder. "If you don't mind," said to Da'id.

The old Vasudan nodded. "You may, as long as you don't tell anyone where we are."

"You have nothing to fear," said Su'mit. "He can be trusted."

"I'm sure," Da'id said as he leaned back in his chair. "Where should I begin?" Ripper wanted to say "at the begining," but held it back. "When I was young, my mate and I lived far from here." He looked up to the ceiling remembering the past. "I was a priest there, a priest who studied the Book of Light. When the Shivans came, my village was hurded into transports and evacuated. We eventually stopped in this system, to pick up Terran refugees.

"It was on that day that I met Quinn's parents. The female was very ill, and the male wanted to stay with her. Unfortantly, there was only room for two of them on the Terran transport. I pitied them and, for reasons I still do not understand, I offered to watch over the boy for them. During our trip out of this system, we were attacked by members of the Hammer of Light. The Terran transport escaped, but we did not. When the Hammer of Light discovered we were mostly Vasudan, and that I too believed in the Light, they invited us to join them. Many joined the cause, while the rest of us chose to wait for the end. So my mate and I took Quinn and our young son Go'ka and came to this world where we would wait for the end."

"But it never came," said Ripper. "The Lucifer was destroyed on the way to Sol."

"Yes, it was," said Da'id. "By then, I had become the leader here, and I decided we would stay here. I then began reading the Book of Light more intently then ever before to learn why we had not died." He looked at Ripper. "Do you know what Eishtmo really means?"

"I've been told it means Great Warrior or Great Peacemaker."

"That is only partially true," said Da'id. "In reality, it means Great Destroyer. That is what the Lucifer was called by those who follow the Light so long ago. When it was destroyed, I knew it could not be the Eishtmo. So I endevored to discover who and what the Eishtmo really was. My studies led me to believe that the Terran I had brought here was to be the Great Destroyer."

"It looks like you were correct," said Su'mit.

"Now it does," Da'id responded. "But back then, I was not as sure. In any case, it had been years since I had taken Quinn in. I raised him as my own son, and taught him all I knew. He was an increadibly bright boy. He was able to pick up our language very quickly."

"He could speak Vasudan?" Ripper said with astonishment. "I didn't think it was physically possible."

Da'id smiled. "Well, it was never perfect. But for who he was, he did very well. After three years, he was an important part of our community, even if he was young. It was then that I determined that he was to be the Eishtmo. And so I trained him in everything I could possibly could to prepare him. Using the books that had been stored on our transport by the Terrans when we had met up with them, I managed to teach him the ways of your species," he said to Ripper. "It was not easy."

"I'm sure it wasn't," said Ripper.

Da'id nodded. "When the Shivans returned the second time, and were pushed back, Quinn decided it was time for him to take his rightful place in the Universe. He and my son left to conqure the GTVA, and I never saw him again." He looked at Rippper. "I could tell you more, if you like."

Ripper shook his head. "I think we have enough." Ripper stood up. "You have told us much. This testimony will be the last piece of evidence we will need to end this war."

Da'id looked upwards, lifting his hand to silence Ripper. "The sandstorm has stopped," he said. He looked at his two visitors. "Before you leave, I have something to show you."

----------

The desert wastes of Vega XII C streched out into infinity. But what the small group came upon was nothing like the desert. There, standing in a large group, were stone pillars. At least a dozen stood tall against the horizon while many more lay in the sand. Several Vasudans busyed themselves by clearing off the resting pillars while others were busy cutting more out of the nearby rock.

"When we first came here," said Da'id. "We believed we were going to die. But we did not want to be forgotten. So we created these pillars, and carved our names into them."

Ripper walked over to one and placed his hand on one. The smooth rock hardly stalled his moving hand. "But why so many?"

"When Quinn destroyed the Earth, I decided that we should build a monument to all those who died there," said Da'id. "And so for the last two years we have carved these pillars." Da'id looked at the pillars with sadness. "I fear, however, that they will never be complete."

"Because you don't have the names," Ripper said. He looked at the old Vasudan. "We could get you those names."

Da'id looked at him. "Could you?"

"It would be difficult because of the war," Ripper said. "But once it's over, we could make sure you got a copy of the list."

"Why would you do that?" said Da'id. "We wanted your species to die long before the Shivans came. We even created the man who destroyed your world."

"Well," said Ripper. "We have to accept that Earth is gone eventually. Maybe this way, we can begin to heal."

---------

Artimus,  05-05-2000 11:49 AM                 

Alphard


The Elysium emerged from the blue vortex, followed shortly by it's escort wing. Alpha 1 quickly located the transport and formed his wing up on it. Raider attacks had increased dramatically, and he didn't want to lose the transport. Their orders were escort the transport while it docked with the GTSC Caerus and escort it out of the system. He checked his sensors-the Caerus hadn't arrived yet. He glanced at the transport, loaded to the gunwales with compressed oxygen. If raiders did hit, he didn't want to be near the transport if it blew. his sensors beeped. The Caerus had arrived. He listened to the now coming radio chatter.

"This is the GTT Elysium calling Caerus."

He had flown many escorts, but he didn't recognize the transport captain's voice.

"Caerus here. You are cleared to dock."

He didn't recognize that voice either. He heard the transport again.

"What do you guys need all the oxygen for?"

"We're running experiments and need it as a catalyst."

"All right, dock in 5...4...3...2...1...we have hard dock. Estimate it will take 10 minutes to transfer the tanks. Alpha wing, stand watch."

-----------------------------------------

"This is the Caerus, we've it all. Hatches secure, you are clear to leave. Thanks for the assist."

Alpha 1 saw the transport undock, and swing around. He and his wing formed on the transports wing again. After a short run up, the transport disappeared into subspace, followed closely by alpha wing.

---------------------------------------------

"Open the air lock," Bush said.

The outer airlock of the Caerus slid open, and the bodies of the transport crew floated slowly away.

"Helm, set course for the rendezvous point," he ordered.

"Aye sir," The helmsman replied.

The Captain leaned back in his chair. Everything is going my way he thought.

---------

Velocity7, 05-05-2000 08:02 PM                 

5/5/2384
Corbet Station
GTC Redway

---

"Sir, we've found something!" one of the search team captains said on the transmitter.

Velocity 7 looked up from his nap to his console. "Yeah, what is it?"

"We've got a large Shivan beam...possibly a model from the Sathanas. And we've also got some parts of the Sathanas--but it's incomplete. Maybe we could use it for rearming and reparing. Elsewhere, the other teams have picked up some food supplies and weaponry."

"That's good. See to it that you get back to the Redway and the parts with you." Velocity 7 smiled.

"Yes sir."

Hmm...a Shivan beam cannon? Maybe it'll be useful for any SDF forces out there...we ARE at war anyway... Velocity 7 thought, and those Sathanas parts...if Eishtmo could upgrade his ship, then probably the Afyror, Redway, and Horan could too. I'll have to talk to Ripper soon about that.

As soon as all the teams got back onboard, they left the station, totally supply-less, and with nothing left behind.

"Commander," one of the officers said."

"Yes?"

"Before we left, we noticed some traces of shivan weaponry across the hull. It appears to be a Sathanas beam."

"No wonder about the parts and the beam cannon. The station must have been able to destroy one of them but get only a beam cannon and some parts. In any case, they left Corbet station without taking it with them. Oh well..."

The Redway broke its orbit from the station and began its communications with the Horan.

---------

Velocity7, 05-05-2000 08:10 PM                 

5/5/2384
Uncharted Moon
GVC Afyror
----------

It seemed all too quiet. With some scratches on the Mentu cruiser from the battle back with the GVD Blade, the motionless moon had nothing good but minerals and rock across the plains from one side. On the other hand, the other side had some skeletons and some broken-up space farms which had been abandoned probably centuries ago. B'tok, who was unconcerned about the minerals, concentrated on who or what or where the farms and the dead corpses came from.

"Anything yet, officer?" B'tok asked.

"No. Unfortunately, the remains are too old to create a DNA scan for them. Our only conclusion can be that they used to belong to another species."

"The Ancients...but they are dead now, aren't they?"

"Yes. It seems too sad that they were wiped out by the Shivans, who they called 'The Destroyers' long ago..."

B'tok thought for a moment. "Be sure to pick up any technology you can find in those farms. They might seem useful. And be sure to mine some of the minerals. We'll need to repair our ship sooner than we planned."

"Yes, Captain." the officer's bony legs headed off into the darkness of the hallway.

Hours later, the Afyror picked up some parts for what seems to be a transport, and probably a ship with practically no weapons.

"They may seem useful," B'tok said, "let us contact the Horan now."

The communications officer punched in its transmission codes and began its long, subspatial radio across space to the Horan, who is somewhere which the Redway, or the Afyror have no idea of...

---------

Wow, that's the end of page 2 already.  Well, that's good.  See you tomorrow.

[Eishtmo]

Back again.  Love the holidays, don't you?

---------

VR7,  05-05-2000 08:46 PM                 

Vega XII, 5/5/2384
Classified Level Rho

-----

The war started.

Everything is going according to plan, but there is a mistake- One mistake that I must remedy. That mistake is a major threat to my plans, and will end the war sooner than the GTVA and SDF can become exhausted.

This threat is a serious problem, no matter how weak the vessel is compared to my massive juggernaut, the HRJ Armageddon. If this war ends early, then our plan will fail, and a price tag from the Hades Rebels will be placed on Captain Todd Ripper.

--Admiral Korith Jr.
--HRJ Armageddon

---------

Eishtmo, 05-05-2000 10:32 PM                 

Orbit Vega XII C - GTC Horan

Ripper stepped onto the bridge of his ship. He flopped into his seat, exauhsted. It had been a long day.

"Everything alright sir," Thomas asked.

"Yeah," said Ripper. "Just remind me not to investigate war crimes ever again."

"Noted," said Thomas.

Ripper looked out the main screen, the Hammer of Light moon slowly disappeared from the screen as the Horan made her way to the near side. "Sission, what are the chances of getting a list of everyone who died on Earth?"

Sission looked at Ripper curiously. "Do you mean EVERYone?"

Ripper chuckled. "No, just the ones who died when Eishtmo destroyed it."

"Not now," said Sission. "Maybe after the war, if we're still alive by then."

"Make sure you do that as soon as possible," Ripper replied.

"Yes sir," Sission said as she turned back to her panel. Moments later she perked up. "Sir, we're getting a transmission from the Redway."

Ripper sighed. "My work is never done," he said. "What is it?"

"It's encoded sir, give me a moment." Several minutes passed until Sission turned back around. "I think I got it."

"Well it certianly took you long enough," said Ripper. "What is it?"

"Well, read for yourself."

Ripper read through the message on the screen. He stepped back in shock as he reached the addition that had been tacked onto the end of the transmission. "Are you sure this right?"

"That's why it took so long, I was double checking."

"What is it Captain?" asked Thomas.

"You'll never believe," Ripper said quietly.

---------

PeachE, 05-06-2000 02:24 PM                 

Talnia GTVA Fleet Headquarters

"All hands, red alert. Secure emergency stations. Pilots, ready your fighters. All hands, red alert. Secure emergency stations..."

[Daniels was being escorted to his trial]

Guard, what's going on?

"I don't know. Probably nothing. But it doesn't concern you anymore."

[a pilot runs down the corridor and begins yelling at the guard]

"You there. You know how to fly?... Good. Grab a fighter and get out there. The war has hit Talnia."

[The guard takes off down the hall with the pilot, leaving Daniels just standing there. Another pilot runs through. Daniels starts running next to him]

Excuse me. What's going on?

"Three SDF cruisers are attacking the base."

SDF, aren't they on our side?

"Where have you been? The SDF and GTVA are engaged in a civil war. Anyways, for the moment, all but one of our cruisers is out on duty. And that one's under repair. We need every fighter we can out in space right now."

So, how are we doing?

"Beams just cut through Barracks C. The automatic doors sealed to protect the others but the pilots in C are gone. Either burnt to a crips or sucked into space. Man what a na..."

So you need pilots? Get me to the fighter bay.

"No go. You're POW. Besides, as soon as you get out there you're just going to escape."

Listen, before this ordeal, I was one of the best pilots the GTVA had. Now, even if I do try to escape, I'll still be one more target out there. C'mon. Get me to the fighter bay.

"Okay. You'll need my security code to operate the fighter."

....

[Later, in space. Daniels makes a B-line for the jump node. He gets part-way there and looks down at his scanner. The GTVA fighters are dropping like flies. Eight members of his squadron are left. Seven... Six... Five. He maneuvers around and looks at the fight going on. One more time at his scanner. Four... Three...]

[Daniel guns it. Heads straight back for the fight.]

Two...

"Help Meeeeeee..."

Hold on. I'm almost there. Just hold on a few more seconds.

[He sees the problem. Four enemy fighters are chasing down his 2 squadmates. Daniels gets within range and cuts loose on primaries and secondaries like there's no tomorrow. Two enemy fighters down. A missile escapes one of the enemy craft and heads toward his squadmate. Helpless, Daniel looks on as the missile destroys the small craft.]

[The cruisers are still working on the base. They're ripping it to shreds. Disarmed, and without cover, it has only minutes left in its lifespan]

Beta 1, get out of here. Head for the node. Head for Vega. Get to anything friendly and tell them what happened here.

"But..."

Damn it, just do it. That base isn't going to last another five minutes. GO!!!

[The little ship heads for the jump node. Daniels takes care of the 2 following enemy fighters. But, through the smoke, he see's something. A missile!! The SDF b*****d got off a missile. Daniels cuts all power to the engine and begins to chase the missile down. His shields disabled, flak begins to rip away at his backside. But he's almost there..]

[Afterburners engaged. Daniels pulls in front of the missile and dives into it. His damaged ship, unable to take any more damage, is ripped to pieces and goes down in a blaze of glory.]

[Beta 1 sees this last heroic effort of Daniels, as she turns her head to see why the missile suddenly stopped homing. Phased for a second, she continues on the Vega jump node and jumps]

---------

AssAssIn, 05-06-2000 04:10 PM                 

6/5/84
Adhara


"On your six! On your six!" A wingmate screamed

Ace dived his Habaek down quickly, avoiding another shower of laser fire. His Valkryie styled fighter turned right just as more lasers began firing on him.

Ace glanced at his sensors, confirming a report of a hostile Perseus on his tail.

Ace considered for a split second, then turned left slightly cutting his speed. The perseus carried on, the front of it's nose almost hitting the side of Ace's habaek as he swept backwards.

Ace didn't wait to regain speed, he pulled on the fire trigger as bolts of Kayser hit into the Perseus, shattering it into flames.

"509th," a sharp voice cut in,

"This Cruiser is just a distraction! We have the entire Battlegroup under attack by a large Vasudan fleet! Jump to following coordinates!"


"Oh ****," Ace swore, "509th, Command has updated you on your status! Jump!"


Alpha and Beta jumped in upon a visceral scene of Destruction. They looked down apun the situation, but infront of the Axion. The Axion was making a line for the Epsilon Pegasi node, with two Auroras and four cruisers in escort positions around it. However, off the left side of the Axion a Typhon with a Sobek and Mentu were closing in on the fleet

"Axion, with all due respect," Ace's squadron leader spoke up, "That's an aged Vasudan fleet there. Why did you call us back?"

"509th, our forces are dealing with the Vasudan fleet now, but sensors have indicated an incoming Leviathan cruiser the other side of the fleet. We don't want to launch any more fighters than we have to. Your jobs will be to intercept and disable this cruiser. We will send a rescue ship back with marines to capture it,"

"Ah, we get you now. Moving into position,"

Ace glanced slightly right out of his window at the Typhon.

"Sweet mother of jesus," he muttered as twin Vasudan beams began to power up at the front,

"Axion, that's a modified Typhon!"

"We are aware of that! We're pushing all of our energy to engines, we believe the Leviathan as well as another Terran fleet to be here any second! We are abandoning the assault on the Leviathan,"

Twin yellow beams lanced out exploringly at the Axion, causing massive glows of energy where they impacted the shields on the Axion.


"Alpha, your new orders are to form tight escort around the VACv Aurora! Beta, cover the VAC Edusa! We have evacuated our shipyards and have six working Ajax ready to deploy at a critical moment! We are also deplying the 13th and 273rd to assist! Move it!"

A yellow beam shot out from the Vasudan Corvette at one of the Auroras, blasting off a few armour plates and causing meek fires.

A Vali Alliance Aelous turned slightly as two green beams lanced out at the Typhon, blasting off flimsy infrastructure

Suddenly, a small warp hole opened and a Leviathan emerged, firing a blast into a Vali Leviathan, smashing into the engines and causing fires onbaord


Ace's HUD lit up with a warning sound as a GTVA Myrmidon approached. Barry turned left slightly, targetting the Myrmidon. He allowed his Corsair missiles to lock as the Myrmidon fired it's own. Ace pulled up, right, then down and left, avoiding the missile while his own impacted the GTVA fighter, destroying it.

"No more hositles near, Alpha form up on the Aurora."

---------

Velocity7, 05-06-2000 08:36 PM                 

5/6/2384
GTC Redway
Corbet Station

---

"They must be quite shocked to see what we've sent," the comm officer said.

"Yeah, you're right. Especially when we've got massive weapons of destruction--err, one beam cannon anyway," Velocity 7 smiled.

With the Horan startled, the Redway suddenly stopped its course away from the station.

"Hey Velocity," the helmsman asked, "why the sudden stop?"

"We're missing two units. They must still be onboard that station. Let's go back."

"Uhh, you sure about that?"

"Just do it."

"Yes sir."

The Redway made a full 180 degree turn with its nose pointed towards the hangar of Corbet station--the second time it did today. As soon as the Aeolus cruiser had docked, 5 search units were sent in to look for the missing 2.

"Commander," one of the units said, "I can't find anything."

"Keep looking. I don't want to lose any of my crew." Velocity 7 looked concerned.

Sighing, the units searched for hours, and found only a few members who were lost, confused, and a bit freaked out.

Velocity 7 went back into his quarters for a bit, wondering why the Horan had not answered for hours already. Even though the transmission was sent, did they stay and try to communicate, or did they freak out and jump like the cowards they may be?

-----
Personal Log
Velocity 7
5/6/2384, 21:31

With our continued search across Corbet station, I start to realize how important now the Afyror and the Redway have become. Knowing that the Eishtmo did destroy Sol has something to do with this. 2 years ago I vowed vengeance against the Eishtmo, but I did not know he died with Sol's destruction only a few months after. I signed up with the Redway some weeks ago from now, and becoming the "Admiral" of this ship, seems like being a sort of a war hero. I only hope to accomplish what the GTVA will benefit, and heal ourselves from the dramatic attack on Sol.

-----

Velocity 7 looked to the stars and nebulas of the galaxy, only to find nothing but sorrow and pain from the troubles that have gone on for years.

---------

Eishtmo,  05-06-2000 10:12 PM                 

Vega XII - Corbet Station

"We saw them just as we were pulling away," said Velocity. "That's why the message was tacked on."

"It's alright," said Ripper. He looked up at the object through the station's window. "Do you know where the crew is?"

"No," Velocity replied. "We're going through the files now, maybe we can find something there."

"Yeah, maybe," Ripper said. "I just wonder why they would need a Knossos device way out here?"

"Perhaps they wished to reopen the Capella node," Su'mit suggested.

"Are you kidding?" Velocity said with a chuckle. "GTVA ships have been patrolling the node ever since it was sealed."

"We'd better check anyway," Ripper said. He walked over to the nearest comm port and punched in some numbers. "Thomas."

"Sir," Thomas replied from the Horan.

"See if Sission can confirm that the Capella node is still being patroled."

"Yes sir," said Thomas.

Velocity looked at Ripper. "We found some rather advanced weaponary, including Shivan tech. Maybe we could upgrade our ships with them."

"Good idea," said Ripper. "Su'mit, you think your people could help them out with that."

"It would not be a problem," Su'mit said. "We should also upgrade our own ships."

"Of course," Ripper said. He looked out at the Knossos componet.

"Captian," Thomas' voice piped up. "I can confirm that the Capella node was last visited at 1200 hrs today. The 301st entered Sector 09.18.78, made their ususal patrol, and returned to base 30 minuets later."

"Thanks Thomas," said Ripper. He clicked off the comm unit. "Well, I guess that settles that."

"Those coordinates are not right," a voice suddenly said. The small group turned to see Ma'thon standing at the back of the room. "They do not sound correct at all," he added.

"Are you sure?" Ripper asked.

"What are you talking about?" said Velocity. "If the GTVA says those are the coordinates, those are the coordinates."

Ma'thon frowned at Velocity. He then removed his pod and opened. With a flip, he removed a disk and placed it into a nearby terminal. A few clicks on the panal brought up a node map. The view screen centered on the Capella/Vega jump node. "See," he said matter-of-factly. Ripper, Velocity and Su'mit looked at the sector indicator: 09.16.78.

"That's almost two sectors over," said Ripper.

"Where the hell did you get that map?" Velocity asked.

Ma'thon glared at Velocity. "You are not ready."

"Not ready for what?"

"The truth."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Velocity demanded.

"He says that to everybody," Ripper said. "But I trust him, and his map." He looked to Su'mit who nodded. "This is far enough away that if they built a Knossos device, no one would know it was there."

"But why would they do it?" Velocity asked. "And how the hell did the manage to change every GTVA node map."

"Sir," one of Velocity's officers said. "We've discovered who was using the station. Apparently, it was the GTVI."

"I think he just answered your question," said Ripper. "Let's get our ships upgraded, we have a lot of work to do."

---------

Eishtmo, 05-07-2000 09:43 PM                 

Vega XII - GTC Horan

Captians Log Entry
05/07/2384
Captian Todd Ripper - GTC Horan

The discovery of Knossos parts on Corbet Station was truly a shock to everyone. I can't believe anyone would want to try to reopen the node to Capella. After everything that's happened, how could they have even thought of doing it?

I'm going to take the Horan to examine the true location of the Capella jump node. I hope that they closed the operation when the war started, and the pieces here are the last sections. However, I fear that these are just spares.

To aid us, I've ordered the upgrade of all three ships, as well as the Redway and the Afyror. We've found pieces for advanced laser turrets as well as new flak cannons and anti-fighter beams. Hopefully, these upgrades will give us a chance against whoever, or whatever awaits us at the Capella node.

I've thought about skipping this and going home though. We've completed our mission. We've gathered enough evidence to prove that the Eishtmo was the Terran Quinn Lazerus, and then some. I know I still owe Da'id a list of names, but I can do that without the Horan, easily. But I believe it is our duty to check for a Shivan threat. I can only hope that the crew forgives me for what I'm ordering them to do.

End Log

---------

Artimus, 05-08-2000 01:05 PM                 

GTD Socrates
Ross 128

The old Orion class Socrates is one of the GTVA's training ships. The ship, permanently stationed in Ross 128, sees a new trainee crew every month. Only the ship's commander, Admiral Zimmer, is a permanent crew member. The Admiral was enjoying the end of a successful cruse, when the sensor station on the bridge beeped.

"Sir, there's a ship exiting subspace," a cadet said. "Elysium class."

"They're hailing us," another said.

"Let's hear it," the Admiral said.

A blast of static cut the air.

"This i...GTT Elysium calling GT...So...ates. We were attacked...quest permission to dock...we...ve...wounded."

"GTT Elysium, you are cleared to dock. We will have a med team meet you at the airlock," the Admiral said.

"Thank y...ery much. Adma...eed to see you at...ir lock."

"You need to see me at the airlock?"

"Ye..it's urgent."

"All right, I'll be there," he said.

The admiral rushed out of the bridge, and headed for the elevators. As he moved to the main airlock, he wondered what this was all about. He remembered that an Elysium was declared missing a few days ago, and with the increase of raider attacks this ship might have gotten jumped. But he thought, what was it doing way out here? He reached the airlock in time to hear the thunk of the ships docking. He heard the hiss of the airlock pressurizing, and turned to a member to the med team.

"Open it," He said.

As the door slid open, he turned to face the door. His whole body flew back as a bullet tore through his head. A quick burst of automatic weapon's fire dropped the remaining crew members. Bush, Droski, and Swintal all dashed through the airlock, followed by 20 marines.

---------

More later.

[Eishtmo]

Sorry, was visiting relatives yesterday and didn't have the time to post.

---------

Eishtmo, 05-09-2000 12:22 AM   

Former Location of Vega/Capella Jump Node - GTC Horan

The Horan, transports Alpha and Omega, Redway and Afyror dropped out of subspace some distance from the destroyed jump node. Captain Ripper looked out the main screen on a blank plate of stars. "Are we picking anything up on sensors?"

"No sir," Jaminison said.

"Any comm transmissions?"

"Still scaning frequencies sir," Sission said.

Ripper looked over at Thomas. "Should we even try the sensor array?"

"We've come this far," said Thomas. "If there's nothing, then the only thing we will have waste was time."

"I could plot a course that will bring us closer to the node sir," Sandra spoke up.

"No," said Ripper. "We'll try the array first. I don't want to jump into a hornets nest. Sission, contact the others. Tell them we are go for array."

"Aye sir."

The five ships began moving around each other. The Horan moved into the center of the now forming circle. It's dish locked itself down, pointing straight for the former location of the jump node.

"I hope this works," Thomas said.

"It will sir," said Jaminison. She now began punching keys. "Initiaing array. Hold on."

Tension began to fill the bridge. Each of the five ships sensor systems were locked togeather, gathering all their data from a single point and having it recorded and amplified by the Horan's computers. "Holy cow!" Jaminison said with shock.

"What is it?" said Ripper.

"I'm picking up nine, no, ten destroyer sized masses right next to the node," Jaminison said.

"Ten!"

"As well as at least twenty 'vette masses, sixty crusier and some 700 fighters, at least."

"Good lord," Thomas said. "Where the hell did they get such a fleet?"

"I'm more worried as to why they have such a fleet," Ripper said. "Transmit the data to the others. We'll need to decide what to do next. I'll be in my quarters." Ripper turned around to see Ma'thon standing behind him. Ripper looked at him with surprise. "Something wrong?"

"I hope I am," Ma'thon said. "I hope I am."

------------

Velocity7, 05-10-2000 06:38 PM                 
5/10/2384
Damaged Vega/Capella Node
GTC Redway
--------------

Commander Velocity 7's Log, 5/10/2384

---

With the sensor array online, we've detected a giant fleet hovering around the Vega/Capella node. From what my officers tell me, there may be ten destroyers, twenty corvettes, sixty cruisers, and some 700 fighters at least. From what I believe, if we decide to attack such a band of ships, it could mean suicide. Captain Ripper, who is onboard the GTC Horan, is currently planning for our next move. I'm not sure what's going to happen next. More importantly, is the fleet's prescence near the node necessary?

My officers nearly fainted at the sight of such a giant fleet. It seems much bigger than the 3rd Fleet in Vega. I could be wrong, but they could belong to the GTVI. There must be enough evidence to prove that the GTVI is building a Knossos device with this much information. I am considering sending this data to GTVA Command, but my conscience tells me not to. I wonder why. Hopefully I'm doing the right thing. If I'm not, I hope this movement will have been not in vain.

For the next few days, I will be playing this game carefully. I don't think this will be such a good idea, but keeping my crew alive may or will be the last thing I will do in my life. In this ordeal, I hope Ripper is thinking about drawing most of the fleet away before we reach the node and attempt to do something very suicidal.

End Log

---

---------

Ice Heart, 05-11-2000 08:33 AM                 

(Zeta Prime Orbit)

Personal Log
Vice Admiral "Ice Heart" Harak Chontamentet

Our attack was a failure. The assault began well initially, but soon crumbled as reinforcements that had been previously unknown to my fleet appeared. There could be only one explanation as to where that Typhon-class ship had come from, it had obviously been built from the scrapped hulks that were nearby the two shipyards. The Pretender's forces were more resourceful than I had first suspected. This ship's appearance has caused me to order the crews of my own shipyards to carefully search out any hulks amongst the junk areas that could be salvaged. The results have been rather good thus far. It appears that one old Sobek and a Terran Damocles-class frigate, a relic that had been brought back here by my fleet during the Second NHOL conflict, could be salvaged. My yards have just finished turning out the NHC Resheph and the NHCv Somtus and the two shipyards which have completed those vessels are now busy attempting to restore the old Sobek and Damocles to a servicable state.

Worse, I suspect a spy somewhere in our midst. In retrospect, I can see that the Pretender had known all along that we planned to attack. He did not shift his defenses to the place he almost certainly knew we would attack, rather left it wide open in hopes of drawing us into a trap. Why that Typhon was not deployed later behind our forces to be even more effective against us is obvious, the Pretender's forces would have suffered too much damage drawing us nearer to completely seal the trap. Nonetheless, its deployment was successful, it was responsible for the destruction of two loyal Sobek corvettes which otherwise might have escaped with the rest of us. There must be some spies amongst my higher ranked personnel here aboard the Iron Fist. Could it be my Executive Officer? Even Ba-Pef I can no longer trust, though I highly doubt that he was the source of the Pretender's information.

We do have spies of our own, one of which reports a disturbing development. The Pretender is apparently modifying the NHD Wosyet, a partially completed Ramses-class destroyer, into something new. This source tells us it is called the Jagganath-class, which in our language means literally 'death wind'. Perhaps it it merely overconfidence on their part, but I suspect that this ship is being given that name for a reason.

The situation on the planet below is also deteriorating. The Pretender's forces and their geurilla-style tactics are proving tougher to quash than we had previously thought. Though we control most of the cities, the Pretender's forces have gained a following in the rural districts that makes them very hard to fight. We can send out patrols from the hamlets we control, patrols of twenty soldiers who disappear without a trace or their bodies are found a few days later, but patrols of one hundred soldiers whom report back seeing nothing of the enemy. General Sevek, the commander of my ground forces, says he is doing everything he can to root the enemy forces out and bring them to decisive battle, but this is an unfamiliar war to him as well. His fighting experience did not entail such tactics as the Pretender's forces employ, and he is having to adapt. Slowly, however, he is beginning to learn. He has formed several units which will be trained to fight in the same tactics which the Pretender's forces use, hopefully we can come to grips with our foe then.

End Log

---------

PeachE, 05-11-2000 08:40 PM                 

Admirals Log
TMCv Anatu
Subspace

I am starting to question our mission. In the beginning, our noble quest, the fight against the NHOL, was quite evident.

But recently, the line has been blurred. This has turned into a Vasudan witch-hunt. Look at us now. We're on the brink of war with the GTVA. And why?

Because we're bitter about a planet that was no more our home than Vasuda Prime. Until fairly recently, none of us had even been to Sol. Most of us still haven't. Earth is... was not our home, no more than any planet. She held some value, as the origin of our species. But she was not our home. Years ago, the elders of society labelled us the "lost generation".

Perhaps they were right. Perhaps we are lost...

End log.

---------

Velocity7, 05-11-2000 09:43 PM                 

5/11/2384
Vega XII - GTC Afyror
Vega/Capella Node

After the activation of the sensor array, the five GTVA ships stayed in their same orbit as they did a few hours ago, trying to detect any new jump signatures or reinforcements. The crew on the Afyror kept hoping that the fleet would move away while their group would be able to take control of the portal and decide then what to do with it.

"I do not see why these Terrans must try and do something about the fleet," the Vasudan captain said to himself, "it seems aggressive and senseless."

"Would you consider the fact that the Shivans might return from this move if we do not attempt to stop them?" an officer asked.

B'tok wondered for a moment. "If the GTVI thinks they can handle the situation, should we not let them?"

"Don't you remember the Hades Rebellion in 2335? Trying to re-create the Lucifer was a serious threat to the entire GTA and PVE alliance."

"...you must be right." the Vasudan spoke in his language, "We should prevent this from happening again."

B'tok sat down in his chair, awaiting a response from the Horan, but instead received a transmission from the Redway.

"Open the channel," B'tok commanded.

"Yes sir."

The screen flickered on in front of the bony eyes of the lone Vasudan.

---
GTC Redway

"B'tok, you're going to have to stay in the same position you are in now." Velocity 7 said.

"Why, Terran?"

"I don't know, but Captain Ripper said so, so we might as well follow his orders. He's got a lot on his mind, but I'm not so sure what he's going to do next."

"Very well."

The screen flickered off. Velocity 7 stood up from his chair in his quarters and began his movement toward the brig.

Why the whole stall in this orbit? he thought. As soon as he got to his command console at the bridge, he began his announcement:

"Crew of the GTC Redway, please remain calm. We have been given orders to stay in this orbit around the GTC Horan. We do not know what will happen next, but please stay calm. We will get more information later on." Velocity 7 said.

A lot of commotion began running through the halls of the Redway's Aeolus cruiser. Without a doubt, the same would be going on in the Afyror and probably in the Horan as well.

What's Captain Ripper gonna say next? he thought, and what's taking him so long?

---------

Eishtmo, 05-12-2000 01:29 AM                 

Vega/Capella Knossos Device - GTD Monolith

"How long before it's here?" the Admiral shouted.

"We're waiting for an update, sir," said the comm officer.

"If only the shutdown sequence had worked," mutter a commander.

"Well it didn't," said the Admiral. "And now we'll have to take them down."

Outside, the massive fleet of Galactic Terran-Vasudan Intellegence was gathered in a semi-circle around an unmoving Knossos device. There was a sence of panic throughout the many ships, even more so on the destroyers sitting right in front of the Knossos device. Suddenly, a small group of crusiers and transports dropped out of subspace behind the armada.

"Sir, five ships have just entered the area, they're demanding to know what's going on," the comm officer called out.

"Command has found us," the commander said.

The Admiral turned to the commander. "Give them a place on the line and tell them they'll get their answers soon enough."

"What if they refuse?" the commander said.

"Damnit Snipes, do it!"

"Yes sir," Snipes replied.

"Sir, one of our fighters is coming through the node," the comm officer cried.

"Put it on the box," the Admiral said.

"It's thirty seconds behind me, you better get ready," the pilot of the fighter said. The fear in his voice was overpowering.

"Order all ships to prepare to fire on my command," the Admiral shouted.

Everyone stared at the main viewscreen. No one moved for those thirty seconds. No one even breathed. And then, the blue vortex of an opening jump hole appeared. First, came the four forward prongs, followed by the the bulge of the flak cannons, and then the front end of the Sathantas itself.

"Open fire," the Admrial yelled.

At once, every beam from every ship in that massive semi-circle fired on the Sathantas. The wall of beams ripped into the great ships hull, destroying the flak guns, tearing off the arms, riddling the hull with holes. Then, they stopped, the charge spent. The Sathantas continued to move forward, and then exploded. Every ship in the armada shook with the violent force of the shockwave. A cheer rose up on the Monolith's bridge.

The Admiral leaned back in his chair. "We did it," he said with pride.

"What about the rest of them?" Snipes said.

"Good point," the Admiral said. "Order all ships to recharge weapons and stay in formation."

"Sir, a large number of fighters are coming through," the sensor operator said.

"Order our's to engage," Snipes ordered.

"I'm reciving a message from our forces in Capella," the comm officer said. "At least two more juggernauts have made the jump."

Outside, fighters buzzed around the capitol ships like hornets. Lasers and beams flashed in the sky like the ulitmate lightshow. Flak bursted like something out of a patriotic film. Everywhere, the bright light of dying pilots could be seen.

"Here comes the first one," the sensor operator said.

"We're not ready," shouted Snipes.

"Fire," the Admrial screamed.

The beams fired again, but this time, only little more than half were up to the challange. The Sathantas turned aside, it's main weapons shattered from the assult. Seconds later, a second Sathantas appeared. The ships that hadn't fired now fired again, only to strike the rear of the first. The second opened up on the nearest ship, and then turned it's massive body towards the far side of the fleet. It's prongs bent over, and nearly touched. The red color of the ship dimmed, and a spark of energy appeared. Then the arms flung open, a pulse of green light flooded out, slamming into anything in it's path, destroying them utterly. The Admiral watched in horror as it now turned toward the Monolith.

"Do we tell GTVA Command now?" Snipes asked.

The Admrial looked at Snipes, his eyes wide with fear. "It's been a pleasure serving with you Christopher," he said.

Snipes turned toward the comm officer. "Tell GTVA Command that the Shivans are coming, now!"

"It's too late," screamed a crewman. Snipes looked up in time to see the red beam of the Sathantas rip through the bridge of the Monolith, vaporizing it.

The rest of the fleet was in panic. More Shivan ships poured through the node, each taking on another ship. Meanwhile, the five new comers jumped out, returning to Corbet Station for the final time.

----------

TO: ALL SHIPS
FROM: CAPTAIN TODD RIPPER, GTC HORAN
SUBJECT: SHIVAN INCURSION

Attention all ships. The Vega/Capella jump node has been reopened. Shivan forces are pouring through the node. At least two juggernaut class vessels are in Vega now. An unknown number may still be coming. All ships, put aside your differences, the greater enemy is upon us. Repeating. . .

---------

Just have to end on a cliffhanger.

[Eishtmo]

Monday Monday. . .

---------

PeachE, 05-12-2000 02:08 AM                 

TO: CAPTAIN TODD RIPPER, GTC HORAN
FROM: ADMIRAL NICHOLAS KOHLER, TMCV ANATU
SUBJECT: SHIVAN INCURSION

Captain Todd Ripper, please Inform the GTVA that the Terran Mirauder Battle-group, and all of her ships are at her disposal. We are prepared to submit to your orders... for the good of all kind.

Admiral Nicholas Kohler
Commander of the TMB

---------

Mattouf, 05-12-2000 11:28 AM                 

Adhara System
Adhara XI
WBD Black Panther, Command Deck

"So, they are back." General Lockhart thought aloud as his Comm officer told him of the message from Captain Ripper. "This may give us the chance we need." I only hope the GTVA will allow it to happen.

"Comm, inform GTVA command of who we are, and where we are located. Tell them that we are ready to help them fight against there enemy, and any other possible treats to them,including the Vali Allience."

"Aye sir. Transmitting now." said the Comm officer.

"Tell the other ships to be ready. We're if they want our assistance, its going to be up to us to make the run to the node to Epsilon Pegasai."

Lockhart sighed. He really wanted to test the new Guass cannon in a skirmish, but time wasn't on his side, and he knew the GTVA would need the help. Even though he once made his unit to find members of the NHOL, Vasudans, he now had a better understanding. This was going to be the chance to acheve his dream, and he wasn't going to let that chance slip away.

---------

Ice Heart, 05-12-2000 02:50 PM                 

(Vega System, GTVI fleet near the reopened Capella node)

Captain Garrett Falstaff listened with a lump of apprehension in his throat as the fighter emerged from the node. "It's thirty seconds behind me, you better get ready." The pilot said, his voice filled with fear.

A moment later, the Admiral ordered all ships to hold fire until he gave the command. For thirty seconds, all sound aside from the noises of the machines on the bridge of the Phobos ceased as the crew, like the crews aboard all the vessels in the massive blockade force, waited for the monster to appear. Then vortex of an opening jump hole appeared. First, came the four forward prongs, followed by the the bulge of the flak cannons, and then the fore section of the monolithic juggernaut.

"Open fire!" the Admiral's shouted command came over the comm, and the Phobos, joining every one of the other ships in the GTVI fleet, fired. Its forward beam cannons slashed out towards the ugly figure of the Sathanas' fore section, beams that were pinpricks to the monstrosity. But his ship was not alone the beams of both the lighter slasher types of corvettes and cruisers and the heavier boring types of destroyers slammed into the emerging juggernaut's fore section simultaneously. The charge of most of the lighter beams had been spent, leaving a jagged crisscrossing of many small trenches burned across the face of the juggernaut, but some of the heavier boring beams continued to fire for a few more seconds. When finally these too had spent their charge, the Sathanas continued to drift forward and for one terrifying moment Falstaff wondered if even that rain of fire had failed to stop the juggernaut. And then the Sathanas exploded, scattering debris and rattling even the multi-megaton destroyers with the force of its shockwave. Falstaff gripped a nearby stanchion to avoid being rattled off of his feet. He did not join in the ragged cheer that went up from his crew and could be heard over the comm with the Monolith, he only smiled grimly at their success, which was lessened by the knowledge that more followed the Sathanas that was now no more than gas and bits of debris.

"Gunnery control!" He had to shout to be heard over the jubilant bridge crew, "Gunnery Control! Shift all the power you can spare to recharging our cannons!"

The cheer began to die down as the rest of this crew heard the order. The gunnery officer, a youngster fresh from training, impetuosly started. "But sir, we took it out, why..."

Falstaff cut him off harshly. "Do you really think they will stop just because we destroyed one of their juggernauts? You may not have been more than a child during the Second Shivan Incursion, but I was there, one destroyed juggernaut is little more than a cruiser loss to them."

The gunnery officer swallowed nervously, realizing that the Captain was right. A moment after the order had been given, the order from the Admiral to do the same had come as well. The Admiral was no fool, he too realized that it would not be finished so easily.

Seconds passed and then Shivan fighters began to swarm through the node, GTVI fighters swarmed out to meet them as well and the anti-fighter beams, turrets, and flak cannons of the gathered capital ships spat at enemy fighters that came near them. Falstaff watched, waiting for what he knew would come next, waiting for the next juggernaut to come for them.

It did, the Admiral's shouted command came again and Falstaff's corvette was one of the approximately half ships that had recharged weapons in time. The fore segment of the juggernaut was shredded, its frightful gargantuan beams shattered, and it turned aside. At least its main weaponry was gone, without it it was not such a threat. And then the second juggernaut appeared. Most of the rest of the fleet fired, only their weapons had been targetted on the first Sathanas and the beams slammed into the retreating juggernaut's rear; leaving the second monster virtually unscathed. Still bleeding off velocity from its jump it fired its massive beams on the GTD Vostok, shredding the destroyer and snuffing out 10,000 lives in less than ten seconds. Then it began to turn to the far side of the fleet and Falstaff watched in fascinated horror as the prong-like arms of the juggernaut closed together, nearly touching, the red lighting of the ship faded out, and a pulsating green light appeared and began to grow. Then, suddenly, the arms flung open and the pulsing blob of light that was larger than any destroyer sped outwards, vaporizing many ships which had been caught in its path. Then it lumbered about to face the GTVI fleet command ship, the Monolith. The juggernaut fired its lethal forward beams, one of the massive red beams lanced through the bridge and the comm with the Monolith became nothing but static.

The juggernaut moved forward, no longer focusing its beams on any one ship or ships, simply lancing out at any ship. A tiny Aeolus was vaporized in the blink of an eye as the lower left beam flicked out at it. A Deimos was literally thrown to one side as the top right beam slammed into it and then through it, leaving only the extreme aft and extreme fore sections and a cloud of gas as any sign that the corvette had ever existed. More Shivan ships, these smaller but still lethal Ravana, Demon, Moloch, Rakshasa, and Lilith-class ships, poured through the node in the juggernaut's wake, assaulting the crumbling GTVI blockade with a swarm of fighters and bombers to back them up.

The gathered ships fought, taking down a number of these ships, but for every Shivan vessel that died it seemed as if two more took its place, and for every GTVI vessel that died, there was nothing to take its place. The blockade was crumbling, Falstaff realized that in five minutes it would be annihilated as still more Shivan ships streamed through the node. "Helm, how long until our jump drive is on-line?"

"One minute, fifteen seconds!" Came the reply.

"Set a course away from the node, we have to get as far away as we can!" Falstaff shouted back. One minute and ten seconds, that was all that he had to survive and he could get out of here. Falstaff was no coward, but he was a realist, if he died here it wouldn't do anything to stop the Shivans; better to escape and hopefully get word to the rest of the GTVA before it was too late. Falstaff saw on the sensor board that some of the other ships were trying to escape, while others fought desperately but ultimately in vain to stop the Shivans. A Ravana's pair of forward beams cut through a Deimos corvette, even as a full broadside from a Terran destroyer punched through the Ravana's back and out its belly. Falstaff considered himself fortunate that, aside from a comparatively weak Moloch, none of the other Shivan capital ships had noticed his fleeing corvette. The Moloch was directly to the left of his ship, slowly losing its ground thanks to the damage that had been inflicted on one of its engines. The lefthand beam of the Phobos slashed out and lengthwise across the Moloch, accompanied by fire from the turrets along the spine and the left side of the Phobos. Even the flak gunners on that side fired, the bursts aimed at punctures in the Moloch's hull to inflict maximum damage. The Moloch returned the favor in kind, firing its single still functioning beam cannon. The red beam obliterated one of the three anti-capital ship turret weapons atop the Phobos' spine, killing ten of Falstaff's crew.

Then the sensor officer alerted Falstaff. "Sir, the Moloch is launching a wing of Nephilim bombers from its hanger!"

"Gunnery!" The captain shouted. "Order our anti-fighter defenses to give top priority to those bombers and their warheads. That Moloch is too damaged to be a significant threat, target those bombers!"

A moment later, a wing of Taurvi emerged from the hangar as well. "Gunnery, target our port beam on that Moloch's launch bay!"

Turrets, flak, and anti-fighter beams slashed out towards the incoming bombers, an anti-fighter beam punched through a Taurvi and a Nephilim went down as a flurry of laser turret shots slapped into its fore. Another Nephilim was literally chewed apart by flak fire. The remaining bombers launched their bombs and pulled up to make another run. The emphasis shifted to shooting down the incoming projectiles. Falstaff felt sweat bead on his forehead as he watched the ten incoming bombs on his sensors. One, two, three, four, five, and finally six of the bombs were destroyed, the other four surviving to impact across the port side of the ship.

"Damage report!" Falstaff shouted.

"Breaches on decks 12 through 15, we've lost one of our flak turrets and two of our anti-fighter laser turrets on port side as well. We've got repair teams on it now." He nodded with a grim frown on his face, his crew was mostly new to this job but his Chief Officer was an old veteran and was seeing to it that these newbies survived.

Falstaff was about to ask his Gunnery Officer how they were doing with that fighterbay when the question was answered. The green beam slashed out and directly into the fighterbay, leaving it a twisted lump of metal when it passed. "Good shooting, Gunnery." Now that the Moloch no longer had a fighter bay, they wouldn't have to worry about more bombs, at least not from it.

Helm informed him the drive would be on-line in fifteen seconds. The bombers were on their next run, this time more wary and managing to avoid suffering any casualties from his gunners. Their bombs came on, one went down two hundred meters from the Phobos, then another one hundred twenty meters from the corvette. Then the Phobos leapt into subspace, the other eight bombs that would have impacted the ship flying harmlessly through the area it had previously occupied...

---------

PeachE, 05-12-2000 07:32 PM                 

Admiral's Log
GTCv Anatu
Ross 128

Latest news reports claim heavy losses at the front in Vega. According to one source, the blockade was ripped through as Sathanas' and Ravana's poured through the jump node.

We have been ordered by the GTVA to await for further orders. How typical. It is obvious that they do not have complete trust in us... but I can't say that I blame them.

I have no intention of remaining in Ross 128 awaiting orders, however. This is where the Shivans first appeared. No one can convince me that they cannot appear there again. I am moving the fleet to Beta Aquilae.

There, and only there, will I continue to wait for my orders. I will also express my fears to some of the GTVA locals. No doubt, they will dismiss it as the banterring of an old fool who, in his heights of madness, separated from the GTVA on some impossible quest.

But at least... I will be heard.

No one can hear you when you're dead.

End Log

---------

Artimus, 05-12-2000 07:54 PM                 

GTD Socrates
Ross 128

The small strike force swept throughout the ship, cutting down the weak resistance when it showed it self. With every passing minute, they made their way to their ultimate goal-the Orion's bridge.

The cadet commander could hear gunfire echoing down the ships halls, getting ever closer. He ordered the bridge's doors sealed.

The team rounded a corner and sighted their objective. The two guards were dropped with head shots, never getting off a shot. A trooper located a computer terminal near the door and inserted a disk. The program ran for a few seconds, while the team took up positions around the door. The computer chirped, and the door opened. As the door slid open, gas containers were fired into the room. The cadets were caught in a dark cloud of poison gas. They hit the floor with a thunk. The team entered, their masks giving them protection, and started to work.

Several troopers dropped packs, and grabbed metal plates and hand welders from them. They then set to work welding them over the bridge vents. The bridge door was closed and re-sealed. As this work progressed, Bush sat at a terminal and inserted the disk. Accessing the disk, he ran program the program it contained. The computer hummed for a minute. A screen cam up -'Run? y/n'

"All done?" Bush asked.

"Sealed," Droski replied.

Bush hit 'Y.' All throughout the ship, doors slid open. The bridge door was the only one to remain closed. As the airlocks slid open, the ship began to de-pressurize. All objects not bolted down were flown out into space, along with the surviving trainee crew. After two minutes, the doors slid closed, and the computer flashed 'finished.'

"Access the reserve tanks." Bush said "Get some air in this thing."

All GTVA ships come with reserve oxygen tanks incase of air loss. However, they are not capable of filling and entire destroyer.

"I have signaled the Caerus," Swintal said. "They're coming with the rest of the air."

Bush smiled. He had his ship.

---------

HeX, 05-12-2000 08:04 PM             

the Anatu
Ross 128 System


Xavier Regalla glared out the view port of the Argo Transport he and the other new officers were being transferred in. Outside lay the bulk of the Anatu, command ship of the TMB. Xavier smiled grimly as the ship loomed before him, to think that the TMB had at one time been the adversaries of the GTVA. He slipped a data pad out of his brand new Engineer uniform's pocket and reviewed his orders from GTVA intelligence. He loved these covert operations, they involved the perfect mix of danger, skill and opportunity for ensuring classified data stayed classifed. Intelligence had ordered him to board a transport along with several new replacement operatives for the Anatu. He had choosen the position of Engineer because of his close proximity to the various inner workings of the Anatu, giving him the ability to make any alterations he needed to personal logs, sensors, and flight assignments as well as the nearness to various people that might need to be "silenced". The TMB may have become the GTVA's new allies but that didn't mean the GTVA didn't want them carefully observed and regulated.

The Argo docked with the Anatu and Regalla, after being welcomed aboard and giving directions to his station, stepped into the behemoth's massive hull. He quickly made his way down towards the engineering deck and found an isolated work station through a nearby doorway. Regalla rolled up his sleeve and removed a small device which he plugged into the station's port. The device quickly overrode the sequrity commands and within moments, Regalla had total viewing of all the information and systems that were contained within the Anatu's main computer. As he scrolled through the various classified data files and stored the important information for transmission back to HQ, the door behind him opened and in stepped one of the ship's other engineering personel.

"Hey there," the young engineer said enthusiasticly, "You must be new here. Welcome aboard!"

"Thanks," Regalla grunted as he tried to shut down the console, "Can I do something for you?"

"Nah just meeting all the new people. Hey! That looks like the main database! How did you access that?"

"Easily! Come and I'll show you," Regalla said motioning the man over to the console. The young engineer stepped forward and Regalla injected him with a powerful poison from an injector hidden in his wrist-communicator. The ensign slumped to the deck and Regalla quickly moved the body where it wouldn't be easily seen. He would dispose of it later but now he had to report to his duty station. There would be time later to alter the man's record, a sudden transfer to a GTVA installation should account for his dissapearance. Regalla re-hid the device he used to access the main database and continued on towards engineering.

---------

Eishtmo, 05-12-2000 09:52 PM                 

Vega XII - GTC Horan

Ripper sat in his office, filling out a full report for Command. In the window behind him floated Vega XII, silent in the darkness of space. Suddenly, the office door beeped. "Come in," said Ripper. Ma'thon entered the room, stooping so he didn't bump his head on the door. Ripper looked up. "What can I do for you Ma'thon?"

The Vasudan stood in front of his desk. "We have much work ahead of us."

"No we don't," Ripper said. "I've done my duty, and now I'm going home."

"What about the Shivans?"

"Screw the Shivans," Ripper said. "Once we deliver the evidence, I'm going home, and there isn't a force in the galaxy that could stop me. Not even the Shivans."

"But there are still many things to be learned," Ma'thon protested.

"We've learned all we need," Ripper said. "We have more than a enough evidence to prove that the Eishtmo is Quinn Lazerus. I don't want to know more about the man."

Ma'thon looked down in dispair. "Not even if it will save your species, and mine."

Ripper put down his pen. "What do you mean?"

"I cannot tell you, yet," Ma'thon said. "However, what I can tell you is that it will be the Eishtmo's absolution, and your salvation."

Ripper looked up at the tall Vasudan. He then closed his eyes and sighed. "Assuming I go along with this, where would we have to go?"

Ma'thon placed a small data disk on the desk. "Fifteen years ago, the Eishtmo left known space. Eventually, he built a home for his people. That is where we must go."

"And where is that?"

"I cannot tell you," Ma'thon said. "However, we must go to where this all started."

Ripper frowned. "Tau Sigma."

----------

Velocity entered the cramped confines of transport Omega. Ripper stood there, a crewman holding a box next to him. "What's up?" Velocity said.

"Velocity," said Ripper. "You've been a big help, but now it's time for us to part." Ripper motioned to the box. "I need you to do one last thing for me. Deliver this box to the Beta Aquilea War Crimes Tribunal, specifically, Lead Prosecuter Judith Louis. Tell her it's from me, she'll know what it is."

"What's going on Ripper?" Velocity asked. "What's in the box? Where are you going?"

"Um," Ripper stalled.

Suddenly, Ma'thon walked forward. "Where we are going, you are not ready to know. What is in the box, only you can decide if you are ready."

"I couldn't have said it better," said Ripper.

Velocity just looked at them both. "I hope you know what you're doing," he said as he ordered one of his crewmembers to take the box.

"Me too," said Ripper.

---------

So, how's everyone who's reading it liking it so far?  There are some of you reading it, aren't there?  Eh, no matter.  Later.

[Eishtmo]

FORWARD!

---------

Ice Heart, 05-12-2000 10:18 PM                 

(Zeta Prime Orbit, bridge of the NHD Iron Fist)

The NHD Djebauti, one of the Pretender's destroyers, was finally destroyed as the Anubis' potent main beam punched through the Djebauti's hull and through the many decks to the reactor room. The battered ship exploded violently, scattering debris in all directions and its shockwave swallowing both Pretender and Loyalist fighters and bombers which had been too near the ship.

Harak's own Iron Fist was engaged in a slugging match with the NHD Ennead, a Pretender Mentu, and a Pretender Sobek. The Pretender's fleet had launched a counter-attack a mere day after Harak's own assault had failed. They had attacked with a large amount of their forces, throwing all three of their Ramses destroyers and three quarters of their smaller Sobek corvettes and Mentu-cruisers against Harak's forces. The remainder of the smaller ships and the Pretender's reconstructed Typhon were left to guard the Pretender's shipyards against any possible counter-assault by Harak's forces. A very good plan, one which ensured Harak was reacting to them, rather than dictating the battle on his own terms.

Harak smiled grimly as the Djebauti finally went down, that ship had taken a severe pounding, just as it was designed to do. It had taken the Anubis combined with the NHD Abydos, NHCv Am-heh, NHCv Imiut, and a steady stream of bombs from the Anubis and Abydos' bomber wings to finally get the ship down. Aside from the Iron Fist, the Ramses was the toughest Vasudan destroyer type every developed, though it lacked the firepower of the ultra-high powered main beams of the Iron Fist and Anubis, it made up for that with being even stronger and having its beams positioned so that at least two to could be brought bear no matter what side the enemy attacked the ship from. This was an advantage over both the Anubis and the Iron Fist, both modified Hatshepsuts which were least defended from their belly and aft areas. The Djebauti's death came at a price, for as he watched the NHD Behedti, a Pretender allied Ramses, fired the four beams it could bring to bear forward into a Loyalist Sobek. The loyal NHCv Amathaunta, which had until then sustained only mild damage, was literally cut in half by the withering beam fire, which had been well aimed on the slim central shaft of the corvette. The two parts drifted away from one another; spewing gas, debris, and bodies out of the gaping holes. The NHC Mert-sekert fired its belly-mounted anti-capital ship beams into the aft segment. The beams hit the exposed area, chewing through the exposed decks and finding the reactor core. The core exploded, vaporizing most of the drifting aft section while the helpless fore segment continued its drift, ignored and no longer a threat.

"Sir, main beam has recharged!" The gunnery officer aboard the Iron Fist shouted.

"Hit the Ennead with it again. Communications, contact the Anubis. Tell them to come about and bring their main beam to bear on the Ennead as well." Harak ordered.

The beam powered up, then flashed out at the Ennead. The Shivan-tech influenced redish-yellow beam slammed into the port side of the Ennead, boring into the tough hull plating. It had beed off target slightly, the shot was meant for the already weakened section where the Iron Fist's first beam shot had landed. Nonetheless, it did some damage to the destroyer. The Ennead returned the favor in kind, firing its two portside beams and the dorsal beam into Iron Fist's face. One hit dangerously close to the bridge, obliterating a flak turret nearby but not penetrating the bridge. Harak flexed his prosthetic arm, a reminder of a similar incident during the Second NHOL Conflict. That beam had hit the bridge, he had lost his arm to a secondary explosion caused by the shot.

The Anubis was slowly lumbering about to bring its own main beam against the Ennead. As it maneuvered, its dorsal and rear mounted beams lanced out at the Ennead, hitting it on its starboard side. Another thirty seconds or so and the Anubis would be lined up to fire its heavy main beam at the Ennead. Excellent, if they could take down another of the Pretender's destroyers, they could turn this surprise attack into a victory.

The seconds ticked by as battle raged around and nearby the Iron Fist. The Anubis was in position, from the bridge of the Iron Fist Harak could see the main beam of the Anubis powering up. Ten seconds after that, Harak's ship should have its own beam recharged. Then, a moment before the Anubis was going to unleash its beam, the Ennead jumped out of the area. The beam meant for it slashed through empty space to slam into a Loyalist Mentu cruiser that had been above and to starboard of the Iron Fist. Harak swore, a clever maneuver that had been. Using one of his own weapons to destroy one of his own ships. Harak noted that the last Pretender destroyer was pulling out, along with almost all of the corvettes and cruisers.

Except one, a tiny Aten that the Pretender's shipyards had obviously pulled from the junkyards. This Aten sped forward at an astounding velocity of 85m/s, sped towards the construction dock that held the NHD Unut, a Ramses-class destroyer under construction. Harak realized the tactic even before he heard the maniacal shout over comm. "Death to the Unbeliever!" A wild-eyed Vasudan shouted into the commscreen on the little Aten.

"Stop that ship!" Harak ordered. Anti-capital ship beams and turrets tried to hit it, any of the beams hitting would have been sufficient to destroy the little cruiser, but it travelled at a velocity above that which the anti-capship beams could effectively track. A few turret rounds hit home, tearing holes in the thin, deteriorating armor of the old ship; but it was not enough. The Aten hit home, it had been stuffed with volatile explosives and its explosion tore into the Unut, through the exposed internal structure which had yet been reinforced or covered with armor. The explosion touched off the reactor and the Unut, along with its construction dock and all the construction vessels nearby, were destroyed in a blast. A large chunk of debris from the construction dock slammed into the nearby Karnak installation and tore a great hole in the facility's side.

Harak slumped into his chair. The Pretender had done it again, Harak had bloodied his nose by destroying the Djebauti, but the Unut, which would likely have made it possible for Harak's forces to simply overrun the Pretender's forces, had been destroyed. Along with the expensive construction dock and the irreplaceable loss of skilled construction personnel.

The Pretender's ground based forces had launched a simultaneous attack on the planet below but fortunately they had been repulsed with heavy losses to the Pretender's forces, thanks to the recent training of General Sevek's special operations units. But the loss of the shipyard more than compensated for the good news of the repulsing of the Pretender's ground offensive.

Harak sighed. This war will not be over in a mere month, or two months. Harak thought. It will drag on, drag on until we have bled ourselves white killing each other. What then should our GTVA foes stumble upon us?.

---------

PeachE, 05-13-2000 12:45 AM                 

Admirals Log
GTVCv Anatu
Beta Aquilae

Right before our scheduled departure from Ross 128, we recieved orders from the GTVA. Apparently, they had heard of some our losses in recent attacks. A troop transport was sent with reenforcements for us, a peace offering if you will.

The orders are quite clear and to the point. Civil strife is to be put aside. The war has begun.

End Log

--------------------

Bridge, put me through on audio to the other ships and activate the intercom on all levels of the Anatu.

"Yes Admiral"

[A communications officer flipped a few dials and raised the other ships in the battle group. The Admiral would speak to his crew.]

My fellow Terrans, as you all know, an alliance has been arranged between us and the GTVA. We have agreed to put aside our differences for the benefit of all kind. What you may not know is the reason why.

A short time ago, the Vega node to Capella was reopened, and Shivan warships have begun to reenter the Vega system, Shivan Juggernauts, known as Sathanas', have come through, as well as several Ravanas and Molochs. Now, some of you have never seen a Shivan, most of you in fact. But this is a new crew. It is to be expected. So, for the benefit of those who have never faced a Shivan, the technical databases and libraries have been updated as necessary. I want you to be familiar with every aspect of a Shivan ship before we get where we're going.

Our orders, for now, are to remain in Beta Aquilae. A GTVA Deimos Class Corvette, the Phobos, will be rendevouzing with us here. From here on in, consider them part of the fleet. New officers and crew arrived yesterday as replacements. Make them feel at home. I don't want any grudges being held in my ships.

When the Phobos arrives, we have been ordered to head immediately for Vega, where we will proceed to hastily wipe every Shivan son of a ***** we find off the starmap.

[The cheers go up in all the ships. The Admiral can hear his crew yelling from the decks below him. He smiles and pauses for a short while]

You should know one thing, there will probably be Vasudans on board the Phobos. Deal with it! Now, I don't expect you to like it. I don't expect you to leap for joy at the prospect of having to work side by side with the species you have come to call your enemy. What I do expect is for you to act like soldiers! We have a mission! You will carry it out! Our survival, the survival of the human race, depends on it.

Let me close by emphasizing the severity of our situation. We are going into battle with the fiercest species man has ever met! If you see a Shivan ship, destroy it. If you hessitate... you're already too late.

That is all.

---------

Ice Heart, 05-13-2000 09:05 AM                 

(Vega System, near the Beta Aquilae jump node)

A subspace vortex opened and the Phobos emerged. The corvette and its crew waited nervously for its subspace drive to recharge for an inter-sytem jump to Beta Aquilae. Beta Aquilae was the most likely route for any other escaping GTVI ships to follow. None emerged. No Shivans emerged either. The sensors on a Deimos corvette were not good enough to sweep an entire system, but they could pick up the area where the losing battle for the node was being fought. It registered as a huge bulge of energy, the energy expended from firing beam and turret weapons.

Falstaff had been in the GTVI most of his life, much of his career had been spent aboard this very ship, but aside from Capella he had never before witnessed a slaughter of such magnitude. The GTVI ships that had remained had inflicted a number of casualties on the Shivan force, but the Shivans could afford the casualties. The GTVI and the Alliance as a whole could not.

Falstaff cursed the stupidity of his superiors. They should have more thoroughly tested the shut down mechanism, else this may not have happened. He agreed that they needed to stay abreast of what was happening in that sealed off system, but he also thought that they should have been much more cautious. Now they had unleashed a third Shivan assault on their worlds at a time when the Alliance was least prepared. They had been weakened by the Second NHOL War, and finally outright war between the quarrelsome Alliance and the SDF had broken out. So much for hindsight, he thought bitterly.

"Helm, how long until we can make the jump to Beta Aquilae?"

"Four minutes, sir."

He turned to his comm officer. "Communications, get a message off to Command ASAP, tell them that Capella is reopened and the Shivans are coming. Record it, set it to loop over and over again until we receive a reply from Command."

"But sir, our operations there were secret." The officer replied.

"I don't give a damn anymore. Do you think they will really care about our rogue operations with the threat of genocide knocking again at the door? They have to be warned."

The officer bent to his task and Garrett glanced back at his sensor display, the intense energy field seemed to be lessening in its intensity, undoubtedly because the final remnants of the GTVI fleet were being mopped up. In another minute or two he imagined that the annihilation would be complete and the Shivans would then spread to leave the system. He only hoped that they would not spread towards the Beta Aquilae node before he left.

A minute later, they received a communication, not from Command but a different source:

TO: ALL SHIPS
FROM: CAPTAIN TODD RIPPER, GTC HORAN
SUBJECT: SHIVAN INCURSION

Attention all ships. The Vega/Capella jump node has been reopened. Shivan forces are pouring through the node. At least two juggernaut class vessels are in Vega now. An unknown number may still be coming. All ships, put aside your differences, the greater enemy is upon us. Repeating. . .

Falstaff remembered hearing about the Horan, it must have been amongst those five ships that had jumped in on the operation shortly before the destruction began. At least there was one more survivor.

Shortly thereafter, they received another communication, this one from a group calling itself the Terran Marauder Battle-group, former enemies now turned allies of the GTVA. They had requested that the Phobos rendezvous with them. Falstaff decided he would follow those orders, but he would enter the area cautiously, ready to depart at the first sign of trouble. He had a few Vasudan crewmembers and he knew of the TMB's hate for Vasudans, if they showed any sign of attacking him, the Phobos would jump out and inform Command ASAP that the TMB was no longer an ally...

---------

Velocity7,  05-13-2000 11:47 AM                 

5/13/2384, 1000 hours
GTC Horan -- Bridge
Vasuda/Antares Jump Node

-----

With the Horan on their journey to Tau Sigma, the Redway and the Afyror left for the Beta Aquilae War Tribunal Court to deliver whatever is inside the box. Although Velocity 7 was curious, his conscience tells him not to open it.

The Aeolus and Mentu cruisers headed towards the Antares jump node when suddenly a transmission popped up in front of the GTC Redway's screen. Also, some corvettes blocked the node.

"You are not authorized to proceed to Antares," a man said.

Velocity 7 frowned. "Who are you?"

"An officer of GTVA Command. Turn your ships around and go back wherever you came from."

"This is the GTC Redway currently coming with the GVC Afyror, delivering something regarding the Eishtmo to the Beta Aquilae War Crimes Tribunal."

"...what is it?"

"I do not know. I haven't even checked inside. All I have been told from Captain Ripper, commander of the GTC Horan, is to bring this to Beta Aquilae by all means."

"Please give me a moment." the screen went on a hold. Then the screen split in half, and a transmission from the Afyror opened.

"Terran," B'tok asked, "why the stall?"

"Command wants us to hold on a second before authorizing us to go ahead. Leaving Vasuda without authorization can be a serious crime, you know."

"I understand, but why send a small box? What does this have to do with...the Eishtmo?"

"Frankly, I don't know. I only hope Captain Ripper makes it to wherever he's going to, and if I'm lucky enough, I'll follow behind him."

"I see."

The screen from GTVA Command went on again. "Redway and Afyror, you may proceed. Be sure not to bring bombs or anything."

"Like I would," Velocity 7 frowned yet again.

After both screens went off, the cruisers broke off their blockade and the Redway and Afyror resumed their journey to Beta Aquilae.

-----
Commander Velocity 7's Log
5/13/2384, 1200 hours

I still do not know why Ma'thon said. "What is in the box, only you can decide if you are ready." What does he mean by that? If I only realized what danger the box holds, then I would ask myself the question, "Am I ready?" Now the Shivans have returned due to the GTVI's idiocy, and with the GTVA and SDF civil wars still going on, we may actually have our second Great War happen again. If the GTVA does not come up with a new super destroyer soon, we may become extinct. In any other case, I will deliver this box to the Beta Aquilae War Crimes Tribunal. Afterwards, I'll contact the Horan using the Beta Aquilae Communications Terminal. Hopefully, I'll find some answers...

End log

-----

---------

Mattouf, 05-13-2000 01:52 PM                 

Adhara System
Adhara XI

WBD Red Dragon

General Todd Blackman entered the bridge of the modified Hecate destroyer. Supreme General Lockhart had given him command of the ship, especially because the GTVA are allowing them to come back and help. However, the Wolf's Brigade has to get there on their own. That means running right through the Vali Allience. He only hoped there would only be a small force guarding the node at Adhara I. Another worry of his was that the ship was only modestly armed. There was an untested Gauss cannon on the corvette Jaguar, and one being installed on his ship. However, it would not be fully functional until a time after they broke though the blockade, if they survived.

"Sir, Supreme General Lockhart has ordered the whole fleet to jump to Adhara I and have all weapons ready."

"Thank you. Engage engines."

"Aye, sir. Engaging." said the helmsman.

The whole Wolf's Brigade fleet slipped into subspace, leaving their home once and for all.

------------
Adhara I

The fleet exited subspace on the far side of a planet. On the other side was the node to Epsilon Pegasi. So far, only a few ships were detected, although the planet most likely blocked the signatures of more of them. Only a destroyer and two Aurora Corvettes of the Vali Allience were detected. Lockhart hoped that there would not be many more than that.


WBCv Jaguar
Bridge
-----------

"Lockhart has granted us permission to test the Gauss cannon. We are permitted to find a lone cruiser if possible, fire, then retreat."

"Thank you," said Commodore Phelan Raiko, "Helm, move us to the other side of the planet, as far away from the node as possible. Weapons, arm the Gauss cannon."

As the Jaguar began to move, two doors began to open up on the front-top of the corvette. A tube-like projection slowly moved out a little, and then lit up to a pale blue, as it waited for its target.

The corvette had not gone far when a stay Vali AWACS ship came around the planet, most likely to find out who just jumped in. Suddenly, the pale blue turned bright red as a huge mass followed by a red brown cloud shot out.

VAAwacs Scouter
Crew Quarters
--------------

Two of the four crew members were unsuccessfuly trying to rest as there two companions took over and took the ship to investigate the mass of ships had jumped in. Life was very boring for the AWACS crew, nothing very interesting ever seemed to happen, until now.

"Joe, Dave, get up here now!" came a desperate voice over the speaker.

"Wha.....you want us wher....?" said Dave as he fell out of the bed.

His fall was harder than usual, because just at that time, the whole ship shook violently, from the shot from the Gauss. He could hear the huge dish on top start to twist off and slice into the bridge. The ship was spinning, he could tell. He also knew that more than half the ship was probably gone now. He could feel the vacuum of space start to pull him out. Then the huge dish came slicing through..........

---------

PeachE, 05-15-2000 10:48 AM                 

GTCv Anatu
Beta Aquilae

Recon, when is that patrol fighter do back?

"Any minute Admiral."

Good. Have Ensign Madison report to me immediately upon his return.

"Yes sir... Sir, enemy ship on scanner! Mara class, coming in fast!"

Only one? That's not right. Run a diagnostics. Mara's never fly alone.

"Diagnostics complete. All systems in order."

Get confirmation. Have the escort fighters fly over there and get visual confirmation

"Negative. Communications with the fighters is failing... Testing... Our system is fine. Attempting to communicate with the intruder... Intruder will not answer."

You mean cannot. That we know, Shivans cannot communicate with us.

"Sir, reading faint EM signatures coming from the fighter. She's firing on us."

Why would a single fighter take on a fleet? She must be attempting a kamikaze. Gunner, point a turret at that thing and blow her out of space.

"Aye sir. Missile away... Direct hit."

"Shivan ship has dissappeared off of scanners. Nothing left but debri."

"Communications have reopened with the escort ships. Something must have been jamming them. I'll get them over there and have them do a full scan of the debri... Full scan complete. Indicates..."

Well, what is it?

"Sir. Scan indicates Terran Debri. It's been confirmed. Ensign Madison's patrol ship."

Get the debri on board. Have the engineering staff take a look at it. Have them investigate the escort fighters when they get back as well. If there's a body, send it to the medical engineers. I want a full investigation... I don't want this getting out. No communications with the other ships except by my authorization! No transports off of this ship without my authorization! When the escort returns, have those pilots confined to quarters until we know what we're dealing with! Bridge, I can count on you all to keep this to yourselves, can't I?... Good. That is all.

---------

HeX, 05-15-2000 11:53 AM             

GTVI OVERIDE COMPLETE
TRANSMISSION SECURED
DESTINATION: GTVI Outpost, Vega System
FROM: Commander Xavier Regalla
RE: Possible Code 6 (detection of operation)

This is Commander Xavier Regalla to GTVI outpost Palomedies, we have a possible code 6 in effect. A patrol ship from the Anatu stumbled upon GTVI CovOp Omicron-45B in the Vega system. Fortunately, through the use of remote altered systems and communication cut-offs onboard the fighter, I was able to cause the elimination of the pilot before he could report his findings. Unfortunately some debris and a few genetic samples survived the incident and while I was able to tamper with the findings to prevent detection, it is possible that they will discover my presence here. I recommend a rendevous point be established somewhere nearby incase of detection where escape may become needed. I will also not transmit any of my findings aboard the Anatu except in person under GTVI Code of Operations 12, the protection of unclassified information.

On another note, I noticed we are being joined by the Phobos. Please inform the captain of my presence here and to think twice before firing in the case of the Anatu going renegade. I will try to transmit again in the near future.

END TRANSMISSION
---------------------------------------------

Regalla shut down the rigged communications port and quickly erased all indications of his activity. He turned and watched below as the pieces of debris from the downed patrol ship were carted off to be stored in the cargo bay. Regalla frowned and left the engineering bay to head for the terminal he had designated as his center of operations. He made a note to alter the data on the crate containing the debris to ensure it was destroyed rather then stored. Slipping into the rarely used room containing the terminal he inserted his de-coding device into the slot and was once again presented with the entire ship's functions. He brought up one of his visual/audio bugs planted in the Admiral's office and waited, soon the Admiral would make one of his log entries concerning the incident. Regalla smiled, with a little tampering that log could be the very thing he was looking for, evidence to bring about the elimination of the TMB...for good.

---------

Eishtmo, 05-15-2000 03:18 PM                 

*GTVA Command Conference Call*

"Nice to see you all could attend," said the GTVA Senior Security Advisor.

"Like we had much of a choice," muttered one of the Admirals.

"You're right," the Advisor said. "You didn't. Well, if you're all ready, I'll begin the briefing session." The screen shifted as a node map display appeared.

"As of 1500 hrs today, the SDF had total control of Delta Serprentis and partial control of Beta Aquilea and Talnia. However, with the recent Shivan incursion, the SDF has offered a cease fire and temporary joint venture against the Shivans. Unfortuantly, many SDF vessels have refused these orders, and are contiuning to attack GTVA vessels, especially Vasudan warships and transports. Primarily amoung these ships is the SDD Olympus, which seems to be leading the rebel forces. SDF Command has made a less than enthusiatic effort to bring these ships under control."

"Just like the SDF," a General said.

The Advisor sighed. "Regardless, their forces are small. Other than them, several mercenary and anti-NHOL groups have offered to join us. The few that have refused seem to have joined the rebel SDF forces. We should be able to handle them. For the time being, our true concern should be the Shivans." The node map closed in on the Vega system. "Currently, the Shivans are gathering their forces in Vega. They have only made minor assults through the Vega nodes to our systems, but we can be assured that they are simply biding their time until their forces can mount a serious attack against us. We have little information about their size and strength in Capella, however messages intercepted between GTVI forces indicate that it is quite large."

"By the way," yelled one of the Admirals. "Why the hell was the GTVI trying to open the node anyways?"

The GTVI chief gulped. "Well, er, it was believed to be necessary."

"Necessary to wipe out our entire species!" the same Admiral yelled.

"Calm down people," the Advisor said. "We'll be able to place blame after we defeat the Shivans."

"If we beat the Shivans," yet another Admiral muttered.

The Advisor looked at the box containing the Admirals face, and then continued. "All of our forces are currently gathering in Deneb, Beta Aquilae, and Talnia to blockade the Shivans in Vega. Our best hope at this point is to contain them until we can get to and destroy the Knossos device, and the Capella node."

"Why don't we just close off the Vega nodes, that would put a stop to them," a fourth Admrial suggested.

"Are you mad?" said a military advisor. "If we close off those nodes, there'd be only the Vasuda/Antares node connecting the two halves of the GTVA, and if something happened to that connection. . ."

"The Security Council has already rejected that plan," the Advisor said. "We've lost two systems to the Shivans, and they'll be damned if they'll lose another." The Security Advisor sat up and took a breath. "We're currently working on a plan to destroy the Capella node much like we did the first time. However, the Shivan forces in Vega have made a direct assult impossible at the moment." One of the Admrials chuckled. "What's so funny Admiral Lucas."

"Well," Lucas said. "I was just thinking that if we had a ship like the Victorious on our side, it would be a cake walk to take out that node."

"We don't have the Victorious," teased the General. "Even if we had the Victorious, the SDF would string us up for even thinking of using the damn thing."

"Actually," said the Advisor. "We may just have the next best thing. Shortly before hostilities between the GTVA and SDF broke out, a cruiser known as the GTC Horan fought it's way out of Sol with an escape pod from the Victorious. A later report indicated that it could be the Eishtmo himself."

All of the Command officers began talking at once. "That's impossible," one finally shouted out.

"Calm down people," said the Advisor. "We don't believe that the Eishtmo is acutally aboard the Horan. However, it is possible that the schematics for the Victorious might be. With those, we can at the very least dublicate the ships main cannon and use it against the Shivans."

"That's one hell of a long shot," the military advisor said.

"Perhaps," said the Advisor. "But we must try at least. As such, I've contacted the VAD Axion and asked that it help track down the Horan, and retrieve any and all information regarding the Eishtmo and the Victorious."

"The Vali Alliance!" shouted the General. "They're almost as bad as the SDF, the damn traitors."

"General!" the Advisor shouted. "You know damn well that at this moment the Axion is one of the most powerful warships in the GTVA. From what we can tell, every ship opposed to the NHOL is after the Horan, and the Axion maybe the only one capable of finding and protecting her." The Advisor sat up again to cool down.

"Still," Lucas said. "With a warship as powerful as the Axion, we should put it on the front lines, where it would be truly productive."

"I wouldn't want that ship on the front lines," said the first Admiral. "Chances are that if our people found out about it, they'd attack the Axion."

"That was our thoughts exactly," said the Advisor. "Now, we will keep you updated on further developments. Remember, the Horan operation is classified. This meeting is dismissed."

---------

PeachE, 05-16-2000 12:37 AM                 

GTCv Anatu
Beta Aquilae

[Admiral Kohler is having a discussion with a Security Officer]

So, what exactly happened this morning?

"A lot."

Well, let's start with the beginning.

"Okay. After a full day of diagnostics testing, we've discovered that the IFF signature of Ensign Madison's ship were changed in the main database to show a Shivan Mara on scanners. He was picked out specifically. It was no glitch. This was deliberate."

What about the escort fighters?

"Apparently, whoever did this figured out who would be flying escort this morning and sabotaged the communications systems of the fighters. That way, we couldn't couldn't ask them to for a visual confirmation."

The shots?

"All reports show the EM signatures on the scanners to be falsified. No damage was done to any ship. The confined escort pilots report they didn't see any shots."

Communication with Madison's fighter?

"Undetermined. The debri tells us next to nothing. However, we have come up with the most probable conclusion. It's impossible that Madison's fighter was sabotaged like the others. Communications were being run between the Anatu and the fighter all morning. We suspect that whoever did this jammed communications while it was actually happening. Which means that the person had access to the communications panel and was on board at the time. So, we ran a check on who was off-duty, who was on board, and who had access to the communications panel at the time. Unfortunately, this proved futile. The list is a couple hundred names long."

So, we don't know.

"No sir."

What do you think?

"I believe it's probably one of the new crew members. We've been having rather strange occurences since the reenforcements arrived. Small thefts. Unidentifiable data accesses, dismissed as glitches until this morning. Things like that. One of the engineering officers was even unexpectedly transferred to Delta Serpentis. Now, if you assume that it is one of the reenforcements, came in one one of the last reenforcements, we can limit the list to a few dozen people."

Hmmm... Interesting. But I don't think we can limit it to the new officers or crew. That was about the same time I announced that we were rejoining the GTVA and that we might be having some Vasudan company... Speaking of which, any news on the Phobos?

"No sir. She's a day late. No word from her since she agreed to join the battle group."

Interesting... No. I don't think we can rule out an angry crew member. Keep me posted on the investigation, and keep all of this to yourself.

"Yes sir. If that is all sir?"

Yes, yes. That's all. Dismissed.

Computer, begin log.

[beep]

-------------------
Admirals Log
GTCv Anatu
Beta Aquilae

The investigation of this morning's incident looks futile. While the list of suspects has been shortened, it is still far too long. Whoever it was, they knew what they were doing. This was a pro. And only Intelligence specializes in this type of thing. What are they up too?

Security thinks that some of the communications jamming was handled from within the Anatu. Tomorrow, I'll order the computer engineering staff to go through the entries one by one. The entries have probably been deleted by now, but there is a chance. Maybe I'll put that new engineer, Mason, on the job. He seems very knowledgable and has an impeccable record. This will be a good job for him to start with.

No matter how much Security doesn't want to admit it, I think it's obvious that this guy got away with it this time. But eventually, I'll get him. And when I do, I'll christen the bow of this ship with his skull.

Computer, End Log.
-------------------

Computer, add a task to the morning duties of Lt Commander Mason, Engineering officer. Have him search the computer entries for evidence on this investigation.

---------

More tomorrow.  Laters.

[Eishtmo]

Ending page 3 today.

---------

HeX, 05-16-2000 07:19 PM             

Regalla smiled to himself as he went through the file system, "searching" for any irregularities. It was a true irony that the Admiral would want Regalla, or Lt. Commander Mason as he was known on the Anatu, to look for the very tampering Regalla himself had caused. Xavier Regalla flipped through the files making sure none of his tampering could be spotted. There was the occasional irregularity but not anything that couldn't be dismissed as a glitch. Regalla looked around to make sure no one was nearby and then pulled out his decoding device and slid it into a slot on the console. With speed and efficiency he brought up copies of the data from the debris analysis and began editing. He didn't try to delete the information but instead tried to make it look deliberately altered and marked by the Admiral's computer signature. Regalla smiled, this would look nice to the higher-ups at GTVI HQ. Regalla edited logs and recordings at lightning speed and saved them to the decoding device. The originals he altered to make them seem tampered with. In this fashion, he quickly incriminated the entire bridge crew of the Anatu.

Regalla removed the decoding device and placed it back on his upper arm under his sleeve. Revenge was finally his for what the TMB had done to his family. Regalla turned at the sound of footsteps and saw before him a Vasudan in a pilot's uniform, his face hidden from view by a mask which was non-standard on a Vasudan flight suit.

"What do you want?" Regalla asked gruffly. He didn't care whether this pilot outranked him or not. Suddenly the pilot raised a pistol and pointed it at Regalla's head. "What is the meaning of this!" Regalla snarled. The Vasudan uncovered his face and removed his headgear. Regalla stared in shock at the person before him, "Ri'sal! What the hell are you doing here?"

"Watching you Regalla," said Ri'Sal, the electronic voice of the translator turning his words into English, "You did not think a man with your background would not go unwatched now did you?"

"I'm supposed to be the only GTVI operative on board!" Regalla shouted still staring at the pistol, "Why did GTVI HQ send you to watch me?"

"You have a personal vendetta against the TMB. When they inadvertantly killed your family you were listed as emotionally unstable. This makes you a security risk. Did you not think we would be watching for signs of attempted revenge?"

"And what proof do you have? As far as I know your doing this just to gain favor with the GTVI higher-ups!" Regalla's eyes flicked to the doorway, searching for a means of escape from this second GTVI operative.

"I would not try that Terran," Ri'Sal said raising the pistol a little higher, "I will not hesitate to kill you if you attempt escape. Remember that I can do the same to your file as what you have done here. Against GTVI Operation Codes I might add." Ri'Sal held up a decoding device similar to Regalla's and inserted it into the console. The screen lit up with a record of Regalla's activities on board the Anatu. Regalla sagged in his chair as the list ended with a message from GTVI HQ listing Regalla as a "rogue agent". That meant any knowledge of his activities and employment had been purged from GTVI databanks and that his tampering had been revealed to the ship's commander, the Admiral.

Ri'Sal retrieved his disk as well as Regalla's and stepped back as the door opened and two security guards entered armed with rifles. They lifted Regalla to his feet and Ri'Sal replaced his pistol in it's holster. "Take him to the brig," Ri'Sal ordered, "We will have no more trouble from this saboteur." Regalla snarled at Ri'Sal as he was led from the room and down the corridor. Ri'Sal smiled, this would definitely earn him a promotion back at GTVI HQ along with that nice out of the way desk job he had requested. Of course, all that would have to wait until he could get away from the Anatu. Easily arranged Ri'Sal thought.

---------

Velocity7, 05-16-2000 07:54 PM                 

5/16/2384
GTC Redway
Beta Aquilae, 2000 hours

---

Velocity 7 concentrated on the box he held before his hand. He nearly made it to the War Crimes Tribunal, but before he handed it over to the GTVA, he finally decided he was ready for what was inside. When he opened it, his mouth opened wide with shock--

The Eishtmo was really Quinn Lazerus.

I...I don't understand, he thought, if he's Terran, he's got to be mad to destroy Sol then! But when he looked at the rest of the information, he finally realized how the Eishtmo became what he became. Sighing to himself, he closed the box, and headed towards the brig.

"Comm", he said, "open a channel."

"Sir, you look pale," the comm officer replied.

Velocity 7 looked him in the eyes. "Just do it."

The comm officer did as he told and opened a channel to the Beta Aquilae War Crimes Tribunal.

"This is Lieutenant Denas," the person in the channel said, "what is it that you need?"

"More like what you need," Velocity 7 said, "you'll have to take this."

"What is it?"

"It's a box from the GTC Horan. From what Captain Ripper said, you'll know what it is."

"Transport it here," Denas commanded, "and bring yourself with you. We need to talk."

---

Stepping into the office of a tribunal was the first for Velocity 7, for he never did commit treason for any reason. He hesitated, wondering what would happen to him when Denas figured out what was inside the box. But he went in anyway, hoping that Captain Ripper's box would let him go right in and right out nice and clean.

Denas examined the box closely. "You sure this is from Captain Ripper?" he asked.

"Yes."

He looked again at the data. "I don't know if I can agree with what Ripper says, about Eishtmo being Terran and all, and I don't know if the SDF or the GTVA can ever agree with it."

"Just take it and analyze it. If you want to overcome this madness from the destruction of Earth, then I recommend you send it to everyone. That's all I have to say for now. If you don't, you can expect a full-blown war not only with the Shivans, but within our inner-selves as well. Now, I must be going."

As Velocity 7 walked through the glowing hallway, he was called by Denas again.

"Okay Velocity 7," Denas called over, "I will try, but I cannot give any promises."

Velocity 7 nodded, as he headed back towards his ship, to tell Captain B'tok the news.

---------

Ice Heart, 05-16-2000 09:25 PM                 

(Beta Aquilae, near Vega jump node)

"Is that the last of them?" Falstaff asked his engineering officer.

"Yes, sir. All of them have activated appropriately and we will receive a transmission should they encounter any hostile targets." The officer replied.

The 'them' the officer spoke of was a cluster of thirty highly modified Alastor sentry guns placed about the jump node. As a standard sentry, the Alastor was moderately effective due to the rapid fire its HL-7s were capable of. GTVI had been experimenting with modifying them to be more effective by replacing the standard HL-7s with a smaller and less powerful version of the flak cannons found on capital ships. Though only approximately half as powerful, these flak cannons were still quite effective against fighters. The only drawback was their limited ammunition, but they had enough ammunition aboard to be able to fire continuosly for five minutes before expending their supply. This was plenty to fulfill their purpose, a cheap and disposable but effective anti-fighter weapon. Though they would be useless against larger Shivan ships, any Shivan fighters that came through would have a rude surprise. The guns had also been modified with a transmitting device that would send out a signal if any vessels matching the specs for any Shivan ship entered the area of the guns' deployment. The Phobos had been carrying a number of them which were supposed to have been deployed for combat evaluation in Gamma Draconis, that was before the Shivans had attacked in force and crushed the GTVI's forces. Deployment of the guns had taken nearly twenty four hours.

Falstaff sighed. He was a day late for his meeting with the TMB fleet, he would have informed them of his actions had his communications systems not failed due to damages suffered during battle at the Capella node. Bitter irony, he thought, here I am surrounded by miniature floating comm sats and I am unable to actually use them to communicate!
The guns were rigged with self-destruct devices if their highly-classified miniaturized comm devices were tampered with, Falsaff had been unwilling to risk losing any of his personnel by trying to get into one of the things.

His helm reported that they were ready to jump out to the TMB's coordinates and they did so, leaving the little bundles of death to wait for the Shivans...

(Beta Aquilae, TMB Fleet)

The Phobos popped out of subspace a moment later before the TMB's gathered fleet. Though not very familiar with the Marauders, Falstaff recognized their command ship, the GTCv Anatu. It was, naturally, the Anatu, that hailed them.

"Corvette, your IFF identifies you as the GTCv Phobos. Where have you been? You were supposed to be here yesterday!" A rather hostile communications officer snarled at them.

Falstaff explained, making a long story short, and the comms officer sneered. "How typical of the GTVA."

Falstaff was tempted to smile at the comm officer's attitude, but decided not to provoke him further. Falstaff really didn't care at all what the TMB's opinion of the GTVA was, if they would at least work with the Alliance long enough to defeat the Shivans. Or be annihilated together., he thought.

When the comm officer, some impetuous kid, saw that he couldn't get the old man aboard the Phobos upset, he shrugged and said. "We've been waiting for you. I'll go get Admiral Kohler."

The comm officer disappeared, and was replaced by the Admiral a short time later. "Phobos, my comm officer tells me you have quite a story concerning your lateness. Lets here it."

Once again Falstaff told the story, and the Admiral nodded. "Your story sounds believable enough, but I'm going to send some fighters to check it out just to be sure of it." Falstaff would have thought the man unprofessional had he not taken such precautionary actions when dealing with a former enemy. He had no doubt that the Anatu, as well as all the other ships, were primed to carve the Phobos into peices if Garrett made one suspect move.

The Admiral then asked. "I understand you were with the GTVI blockading the Capella node when it hit the fan. How bad does it look?"

Garrett replied. "Very bad. We destroyed one Sathanas, heavily damaged another, and maybe scratched the paint a little bit on a third one. In addition to that, there are a large number of Shivan capital ships, everything from Cains and Rakshasas all the way up to Ravanas. I don't know if anyone else from our blockade escaped, but I'm assuming not since no one has heard anything of that yet. As for those whom chose to stay and fight, they might have taken a few more Shivans down with them, but they're undoubtedly all dead."

Kohler nodded. "This is going to be worse than the Capella incursion...much worse."

Then the Admiral asked another question. "Just what was GTVI doing there anyway? What madness could have possessed them to reopen that node?"

Falstaff shrugged. "I'm supposed to tell you that is 'classified information', but whats the point of keeping it secret anymore? We built a Knossos to Capella and we were there just doing our job, gathering intel. We wanted to know what happened to our foe. The Knossos was rigged with a device to collapse the node, but it was not completely tested, the GTVI Command was so full of its own ego that it thought they wouldn't really need the device, thought their 'mighty fleet' could stop the Shivans. They thought the Shivans would send only a light force after us, if we were discovered. Then we found them again, and they followed us again. The device was activated, and failed to collapse the node. The rest is history." Falstaff paused, then. "Just for the record, when this is over and the GTVA is looking for a few GTVI heads to roll, I was one of a number of GTVI officers whom logged formal protests. I have a copy, but the official one burned with our command ship. My crew is witness to it, I'd like your support as well if it ever comes to a court martial." The if we survive this, went unspoken.

The Admiral understood the request, though he and his crew would be useless as witnesses, they could independently view and authenticate Falstaff's copy of his protest and state that they believed it and the date it was filed to be authentic.

Once that was finished, the Admiral assigned the Phobos a place with the rest of his force.

---------

Eishtmo, 05-17-2000 12:09 AM                 

Deneb - SDD Olympus

"Fire!" Hamilton yelled. The bright light of the Olympus' Flux cannon shot out and slammed into a GTVA cruiser. Within seconds, the hopelessly out classed cruiser exlploded.

"All enemy warships destroyed," Harris said. "Our fighters are finishing off the enemy fighters. We can commence the attack on the installation whenever you're ready sir."

"Very well, begin the attack immediatly."

"Sir," York said. "The installation is demanding we respect the current cease-fire with the GTVA."

"We have targeted the stations reactor and are ready to fire," Harris said calmly.

"Sir," York repeated. "They say there are civilans on board."

Hamilton gave an evil smile. "Harris, open fire."

The Olympus fired. The beam of energy slammed into the hull of the station, heating the metal to white hot, then shattering it. Within moments, a fireball lept out of the hole, spewing outwards. Then, the station exploded, killing all aboard.

Harris closed his eyes. "The installation has been destroyed."

"Very good, set course for Deneb IX. We'll begin repairs there," Hamilton said.

"Sir, we've just recived a message from one of our scouts," said York. "They've spotted the Horan."

Hamilton spun around. "Where is it?" he demanded.

"The scout reports that they were seen entering the Deneb/Sirius jump node," York replied.

"It looks like they made it out of Vega," Harris said.

"Well, they sure as hell aren't getting out of Sirius," Hamilton practically screamed. "Helm, set course for Sirius."

"But sir, what about the repairs?" Harris reminded his commander.

"We'll do them en-route," said Hamilton. "I'm not letting that ship escape again."

---------

Ice Heart, 05-17-2000 07:27 AM                 

(NHD Anubis and raiding group, near Zeta IIX)

The Anubis sat concealed in the dense asteroid fields near Zeta IIX with its corvette and cruiser escorts. Rear Admiral Aris Kraken watched as his fighter and bomber wings launched and proceeded towards the gas giant of Zeta IIX. Stealth reconnaisance had revealed a large Pretender gas mining operation in progress in the planet's upper atmosphere, his capital ships could not engage in the atmosphere, but their fighters and bombers could. Kraken knew he had insufficient fighter and bomber forces to destroy the facilities, rather he had simply sent them to raid the facilities. The previous day a large number of gas transports and mining ships had docked with the upper atmosphere facility and were still there, likely being filled with gathered gas. His goal was to destroy as many of those ships as possible to deprive the Pretender of that gas.

Kraken was able to watch the battle through gunnery camera footage from the squadron leaders. He watched as the bombers made their runs, dropping their Cyclops bombs on the vulnerable miners, strafing the large gas mining facility and its defenses. Pretender fighters had launched and were engaging Kraken's forces. In a few minutes, most of the Pretender's fighters would have been launched, which would overpower Kraken's raiding forces. He called his raiders back before they could do so. The raid had been a success, with eight gas transporting vessels destroyed as they were relatively helpless docked to the facility.

(Zeta Prime Orbit, NHD Iron Fist)
Personal Log
Vice Admiral "Ice Heart" Harak Chontamentet

Troubling news comes from our forces on the ground. Apparently, our forces have been responsible for some disturbing behaviour, such as the massacreing of prisoners. The Pretender's forces executed a number of Loyalists they captured, this appears to have been done in retaliation. More disturbing though is the reports of civilians being intentionally attacked by our troops, civilians which may have been sympathetic to our cause. This is just more fire for the Pretender's rhetoric, more useful propaganda material to draw support away from our forces. Though I can sympathize with the troops' frustration at their inability to inflict heavy casualties on the Pretender's hit-and-run attackers, I cannot tolerate this behaviour. As we lose more and more support from the planetary population, we lose more support from family members serving on our ships, the Pretender gains more potential defectors.

Troubling news comes also today from my spies amongst the Pretender's forces, they report that the Jagganath-class ship, of which we have heard so much, is now operational. We too have more ships, the Sobek corvette and Damocles frigate found floating in our own junk areas have been refitted and rearmed, they will prove useful against the Pretender's forces. In addition, another Sobek and a Mentu have been completed and are on-line and operational. Work is also proceeding at a fast pace on additional ships. We have not the time to spend building large destroyer class ships, what we have of them at this time will have to be sufficient. As it stands now, the Pretender is on almost equal footing with our forces when it comes to strength of numbers, the addition of this Jagganath may put his forces on a superior footing.

Some good news comes from Rear Admiral Kraken and his raiding forces, he reports that yesterday they destroyed a number of enemy gas transporting vessels as they were docked at the enemy mining facility on Zeta IIX. While this is quite helpful to our forces, we are in need of a decisive victory, something we can show our population as proof that our cause is not lost. For that reason, I will launch a full scale offensive operation against the Jagganath tommorrow. If what my spies report is accurate, the ship will be rather vulnerable as a fairly large portion of the Pretender's forces are searching for the NHD Anubis and a number of other vessels I have ordered to raid the Pretender's operations, particularly their gas mining operations in the gas giant of Zeta IIX. We will strike with half of our forces against that ship, while the remaining forces will aid the Anubis is engaging the Pretender's searching forces. If we can make this succeed, we will have defeated the Jagganath and taken a significant portion of the Pretender's forces out, plus we will have a decided victory to use for our own propaganda purposes.

End Log

---------

PeachE, 05-17-2000 04:18 PM                 

GTCv Anatu
Outer Vega

"Two Cain class cruisers off the Starboard Bow. About 7 clicks out."

Right. Engine Room, slow to stop. Fighter Bay, ready 2 wings of bombers, 1 wing of fighters. Communications, get word out to the other ships. Have them halt their advance.

"Very well, sir."
"Aye, sir."

"Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Wings ready."

Good. Close to 5 clicks and have the fighters launch.

"Yes, sir."

...

Fighters, those cains are flying side-by-side. Alpha, Destroy the forward and inner beam cannons. Beta, disable the engines of the first Cain. Gamma, disable engines on the second Cain.

"Affirmative, Admiral."

...

"Help Meeeee!"
"Hold on there, Beta 2. I've got you covered. Your ship's looking a bit beat up though. Get back to the Anatu."

...

"Enemy engines disabled and inner and forward beam cannons neutralized, Admiral."

Good. Fighters and Bombers, get back to the fleet. Engine room, full speed ahead. Go right between the two Cains. Communications, have the fleet hold back.

"Aye sir."

"Closing to thirteen hundred meters. We're well withing range, Admiral."

Steady. Wait until we go between them...
There. Starboard beam cannons, open fire! Port beam cannons, open fire!

[The beam cannons on either side of the ship charged and fired. The energy weapons carved through the two Cains with ease. With their beam cannons disabled, the two cains were helpless, desperately firing short-range flak at the Anatu. But it did nothing more than put on a good light show for the rest of the fleet. Fighters were released from the ships, but the trained gunners of the corvette devastated the small Shivan ships, only taking minor damage from a few missiles impacting the hull. And within moments, the ships were gone. Shockwaves slightly rocked the Anatu, and the Admiral up on the bridge began to laugh]

Ladies and Gentlemen, our first kills in the new Shivan incursion. That's the way to get the job done!

[Applause and Cheers filled the Anatu as the Admiral returned to his quarters]

Computer, Begin Log.
-----------------------
Admirals Log
GTCv Anatu
Outer Vega

Our first encounter with the Shivans was a complete success. The Cains never stood a chance against us. Undoubtedly, the Phobos will question sending a capital ship in to do the job, a job that could have very easily been handled by a few more fighter wings. They will certainly question why we sent, of all the capital ships, the Anatu itself.

But this was for show. I didn't want just a victory in our first encounter. I wanted to dessimate them! Already, the morale of the crew seems heightened.

Medical staff reports no fatalities and only a few minor injuries. One of the bombers suffered some small injuries when his ship was hit. His bomber is a little toasted but Sickbay reports he'll be just fine. Also, apparently, one of the shockwaves shook the brig quite a bit and our guest from the GTVI suffered a slight headwound when he was thrown from his bunk. Oh well. No great loss.

Only slight damage was done to the Anatu. Engineers say that no hull breaches were made. Just the same, the fleet will hold over here until repairs can be made.

All in all, a good day. May the rest of our engagements be just as successful.

Computer, End Log.
-----------------------

---------

Velocity7, 05-17-2000 04:50 PM                 

5/17/2384
GTC Redway
Vasuda/Deneb Subspace Tunnel
---

With the Shivans' return, the GTC Redway began its journey back to Vega to counter the attacks and support the GTVA Fleet that is currently trying to bounce back the Sathanas juggernauts. Not only did it bring the GVC Afyror along, it also brought about 5 wings of fighters and bombers each ship, and the GTD Trident that reunited at about 1100 hours.

Velocity 7, onboard the GTC Redway, hoped to find their assault a good one.

---
Vega, Shivan Supply Station
---

"Alpha," Command said to Velocity 7's wing, "concentrate on destroying the cargo supply units and the transports. Nothing more is to be destroyed."

"Why not?" Alpha 2 asked. "If we destroy everything, maybe it'll teach 'em a lesson for taking Capella from us."

"The GTVA is planning another mission for the other corvettes. Proceed with your mission."

Velocity 7 hovered behind an asteroid for a while. "Steady Alpha, we'll wait until the fighter wing makes their next pass."

The Shivan Mara fighters did make their pass alright, and as they moved past the asteroid, Velocity 7 turned his Herc MK II around and fired two Piranhas, taking out the helpless fighters.

"Move, now!" he ordered.

Beta wing made their bombing run on the cargo units while Alpha took their assault on the transports.

"Oh ****," he said to himself, "the cruisers are still there..."

Velocity 7 encountered turbulence under the beams and suddenly his vision went black.

---
GTC Redway
---

"Terran, are you alright?" a Vasudan said.

"Ugh...where am I?" Velocity 7 opened his eyes. "The mission..."

"It was successful, but your ship was hit in the cockpit. We managed to bring you in, but it seems your arm has been injured by the blast from the beam."

"That's alright...ow...see if you can contact the GTD Trident. Tell them I'm quite alive, and I'll be back in my quarters," Velocity 7 stuttered towards the sig bay's door.

---------

Mattouf, 05-17-2000 08:40 PM                 

Epsilon Pegasi
Epsilon Pegasi/Adhara Jump Node

Commander William Karns and the rest of the 13th Wolf Guards were the first ones to arrive from Adhara. By some strange coincidence, the GTVA also needed the help of the Vali Alliance, so there was a mutual agreement between all three of them, for at least until this whole conflict blew over.

"Alpha wing," said Karns from his Perseus, "form on my wing and begin patrol route. There have been reports of SDF attacks on Vasudan transports." Alpha wing formed up, while the rest of the Wolf's Brigade fleet exited subspace.

Alpha wing started to head away from the rest of the fleet, so they could identify any possible threats before the bulk of the fleet got there. After a few minutes, Karns heard some faint noises and static over his radio. It soon became clearer:

"This is the GVT Tu'Cat. We and the GVT Lemnos are under attack from SDF warships. Requesting immediate assistance!"

"Tu'Cat, this is Commander Karns of the 13th Wolf Guards, Wolf's Brigade. We are allied with the GTVA and will arrive shortly to help. Please hang on." "Black Panther, this is Commander Karns, Alpha wing, 13th Wolf Guards. We received a distress call from two unarmed Vasudan ships under attack from the SDF. Transmitting coordinates now....."

--------------

WBD Black Panther
Command Deck

"All ships, engage jump drives." was the command the Comm officer sent out.

"How long until we arrive, helm?" asked Lockhart.

"ETA 3 minutes, sir."

"Thank you. Weapons, arm the EMP beam, and fire at the weapons system of any ship attacking the transports. Comm, inform all ships except the Jaguar that they may fire on any ship that fires upon them. I want to save the Gauss cannon only if we need to use it."

The fleet exited subspace. More fighter wings were launched, in addition to the 13th. As the Black Panther emerged from the vortex, the front of the ship produced a swelling blue beam that hit dead on with the weapons systems of a SDF destroyer. They couldn't fire for about 30 seconds.

"How many ships are there?"

"One Orion destroyer and 2 Corvettes."

"OK, the Orion can't fire at the moment. Order the WBD Red Dragon to engage the two Corvettes along with the WBCv Sea Fox, and the Jaguar to stand by with Gauss cannon aimed at the Orion. The Nova Cat and our two cruisers should stay behind the Black Panther, and put me through to that destroyer."

"Aye sir" said the Comm officer.

"This is Supreme General Brian Lockhart of the Wolf's Brigade, allied with the Galactic Terran-Vasudan Alliance. I demand that you halt your attack on defenseless vessels immediately!"

"This is Rear-Admiral Owens. We will not stop our attack until every last one of those things responsible for the destruction of Earth are dead! You have no reason to fire on or disable our ships!"

"Those are innocent Vasudans. They weren't even ever part of the NHOL! You are mad! This is your final warning! Stand down now or be destroyed!"

"They've cut the connection sir, and are ready to fire at the transport! One more hit and that transport is done!"

"Great, I didn't want to have to do this. Order the Jaguar to fire the Gauss. Order the WBC Trident and Pi to move out and fire their beams."

--------
WBD Red Dragon
Command Deck

"Fire!" ordered General Todd Blackman.

From all sides of the Red Dragon, beams sprang out, hitting both corvettes. Other shots from the Sea Fox finished off one of them, and the other has mass subsystems failures.

"Sir, the Orion is about to fire again! It is going to destroy the transport!"

"Can we get a shot off at it?"

"Negative, sir."

Blackman didn't need to worry. At that time, the Jaguar fired, the huge red mass hurling out of it towards the Orion. It hit dead on with the front of the ship, knocking out the charging beam just in time and incapacitating any beam on the front of the destroyer. More beams from the two cruisers and the WBCv Nova Cat finished it off.


----------
WBCv Jaguar

"The Orion has been destroyed. Good job everyone."

Cheers rang out on the bridge of the Jaguar on another successful use of the Gauss cannon.

Over the intercom came: "This is Supreme General Brian Lockhart. We have destroyed all of the attacking force except for a drifting corvette. Our marines are now capturing the crew and are scavenging for spare parts. The transports report only a few injured and no casualties. They thank us for their help. Prepare for the jump to Polaris. We will no doubt encounter more of these SDF 'renegades' all along our path. Lockhart OUT."

---------

Eishtmo, 05-18-2000 12:25 AM                 

Sirius System - GTC Horan

The swirls of white light from subspace flashed into the main screen of the Horan. The light reflected off the various screens and reflective panels around the bridge. Ripper sat in his seat, observing the scene outside. "ETA to the Sirius/Alpha Centauri node?" he asked spontaneously.

"About three hours sir," Sandra said. "Give me a bit, and I'll shave 30 minutes off that."

Ripper chuckled. "That's alright, we're not in that big of a hurry."

"Yes sir," Sandra said with a smile. She then turned to here charts, and began calculating a new route anyways.

"Sir," Sission snapped. "We're reciving a distress call from a nearby convoy, they're under attack."

"Are we close enough to help?" Ripper said to Sandra.

Sandra glanced at her charts. "Aye sir, but we'll have to use my short cut if we do."

"Fine," Ripper said. "Helm, drop us out."

"Aye sir," said the helmsman.

The Horan dropped out of subspace and right into the middle of a fire fight. A SDF corvette sat pirched infront of the a small collection of transports, while two dozen fighters duked it out around them.

"Order Alpha and Omega to help the transports," Ripper ordered. "Helm, get us in range of that vette. Fire control, charge up the Ion cannon."

The fighters buzzed around each other as the AAA beams of Alpha and Omega began to tear through them. The vette began turning to bring it's mighty Flux cannons to bear on the lone cruiser. Unfortuantly for it, the Horan's range was larger than the vette's. The blue-white light of the Horan's Ion cannon shot off and slammed into weapon subsystem of the corvette.

The fighters now turned from their combat around the transports and dove towards the Horan. The friendly fighters followed, hammering the enemy fighters all the way. When the fighters finally reached the Horan, they were thrown back by the newly acquired flak mark 2 guns. It took a bit, but the Horan's Ion cannon finished charging and fired again, striking the vette's reactor. Seconds later, the reactor melted down, and took the ship with it. The remaining enemy fighters, now truly spooked, bugged out.

Ripper settled back in his chair. "Well, that was easy."

"Sir," Sission said. "The leader of the friendly squadron wants to speak to you."

Ripper smiled and took the headset from Sission. "This is Captian Todd Ripper of the GTC Horan. What can I do for you?"

"This is Captain Tony Nelson of the 6th Freespacers," the squad leader replied. "I just wanted to thank you for your help."

"Not a problem," said Ripper. "With all these rebel SDF ships running around, and the Shivans, we were glad to help."

"Don't I know it," Nelson said. "Listen, if you guys ever need a favor, just call us, we're here to help."

"We'll be okay, you just protect those transports," Ripper laughed.

"Sir," Jaminison said. "I'm picking up a large number of jump sigs coming in."

Outside, a cluster of jump vortecies open, revealing at least thirty fighters and bombers. "GTC Horan," the leader said. "You are ordered to stand down and prepare to be boarded by order of Admiral Hamilton of the SDD Olympus."

"Damnit!" Ripper yelled. "Get Alpha and Omega back here now. How long 'till we can jump?"

"Three minutes sir," answered the Helmsman.

"I guess it looks like we'll be helping you anyways," Nelson's voice came offer the comm. "Let's get 'em Freespacers!"

Ripper watched as the friendly fighters waded into the oncoming hoard of bombers. "Tell Alpha and Omega to stay just long enough to thin that group and jump out. Helm, jump out as soon as we're ready."

---------

Three down, four to go.  At this rate, I think I'll be done long before Christmas.

[Eishtmo]

Page four for you.

---------

HeX, 05-18-2000 05:10 PM             

GTVI Omicron Shipyards
Edge of the Vega System

Admiral Pretala stared out the portal at the construction yard scaffolding and the massive 10 km long GTVIJ Desdemona. The GTVI had made a serious error in opening the node to Capella again, the flood of Shivan ships were quickly over-running the Vega system and GTVI HQ ordered all project Omicron material to be moved to the Beta Aquilae system. Pretala grimaced as one of the new GTVID Dominator's rumbled past his field of view, the name Brimstone emblazoned on the side.

"If only that idiot Regalla hadn't decided to go rogue we could have had the sensor readings of the Anatu by now," the Admiral thought aloud. Regalla was supposed to have delivered the data to give Pretala an indicator of the enemy presence in the system. Now he was in the brig and of no use to anyone. "At least Ri'Sal caught him before he could do any damage." The Admiral turned and walked towards the boarding hatch of the last shuttle departing the station. He sighed and stepped through, the hatch closing behind him. The shuttle de-coupled from the station and roared out towards the Desdemona. The Admiral activated the comm. and addressed the main engineer onboard the Juggernaut.

"Yes sir?" the Chief Engineer asked as he turned to face the comm.

"What is the status of the Desdemona?"

"All engines are at peak efficiency, shields are charged, and all standard weapons are online. The Helix Super Weapon is still offline however."

"Reason?"

"We didn't have time to finish polarizing the Magnetic Field Generator. The process will take at least 48 hours if not more."

"Try and hurry it up a bit. Shields won't do the Desdemona a bit of good if it has no teeth to bite with." The Admiral switched comm. frequencies and his second officer appeared on the vid screen, "Report Captain."

"All systems go sir," Captain Robertson said with a voice that was calm yet commanding, "We have a go to proceed to Beta Aquilae. HQ assures us that revealing the Desdemona is an acceptable security breach due to the risk of waiting for the node to be cleared of observers."

"Good. Prime the engines and set a course. Inform the Gladiator, Brimstone and Unrelenting to warp out as soon as they are ready. Is the station primed?"

"Aye sir. All Nucleonic Explosives are armed and ready. Also, Shadow team reports they have managed to remove the Knossos pieces from Corbet Station undetected. The transports will meet us in Beta Aquilae at the rendezvous point."

The Admiral nodded once and switched off the comm. and waited for the shuttle to dock. A few minutes later he strode onto the massive bridge of the GTVIJ Desdemona and sat in his command chair. With a rumble from the six engines, the Desdemona slid out of the Omicron shipyards and into empty space. When they were a good 3 kilometers from the station, Captain Robertson flipped open a panel on a nearby console and inserted a small key into the slot. He turned to the Admiral who nodded. Robertson turned the key and behind them, multiple Nucleonic Explosives detonated in sequence within the Omicron Shipyards. Scaffolding tore free and control centers were obliterated from the inside. The multiple shock waves shook the Desdemona but its shields held off any hull damage. The embers had barely died before a large subspace portal opened and a Demon class destroyer emerged.

"Sir!" shouted the sensor operator, "Demon class ship to stern! She's powering weapons and heading straight for us."

"All weapons full! Bring us about so we can give that monster a broadside."

"Aye sir!" shouted the helm officer.

The Desdemona slowly turned to reveal it's full length to the closing Demon. The Demon class ship opened fire, it's bright red beams sending ripples across the Desdemona's shields. The Desdemona opened up with half of its many beams. They tore into the Demon's outer hull, leaving ugly scars and wiping out banks of turrets. The Demon seemed to reel from the blow and tried weakly to fire a second volley. Before the beams could even finish charging the Desdemona opened fire with it's remaining beams and obliterated the front portion of the Demon in a tremendous blast. The smoldering remains began to drift and then were vaporized in a terrific explosion as the core overloaded and went critical. The Admiral nodded in approval, even without its Helix Cannon, the Desdemona was a force to be reckoned with. Suddenly more portals began to open and spat forth two more Demons and three Cain class cruisers. This was too much, not even the Desdemona could stand up to this many ships alone.

"Helm!" the Admiral called, "Engage the subspace drive and get us the hell out of here! Quickly!"

The Desdemona surged forward and vanished into the depths of subspace, on it's way to the Beta Aquilae jump node. The Admiral sighed with relief and then smiled, picturing the faces of any ship commanders who might be present when he arrived. He was sure that they were still wondering about the three GTVID Dominator class destroyers that had entered bearing GTVI IFF indicators. Well, they'd all have a chance to see the real prize soon enough.

"Computer, begin recording for transmission to GTVI HQ." The computer beeped an acknowledgement and the Admiral began recording:

--------------------------------------------
FROM: Admiral Tiberius Pretala, Commander of Desdemona Fleet
TO: GTVI Headquarters
RE: Status update

We are on our way from the remains of the Omicron Shipyards. Destruction of the shipyards was completed and all information contained was purged and brought onboard the Desdemona. The Gladiator, Brimstone and Unrelenting also made their jumps ahead of us and should be arriving at the Vega to Beta Aquilae jump node soon. We ran into a portion of the Shivan fleet, three Demons and three Cains, at the shipyard remains. We dispatched one Demon but were forced to retreat. We sustained no damage and all systems are go save for the Helix Cannon which will be ready in approximately 48 hours. We should be arriving in the Beta Aquilae system within the next few hours and should be at the rendezvous shortly thereafter to meet up with the transports carrying the Knossos device pieces. We will be arriving shortly and will await orders before moving again. Admiral Pretala out.

END TRANSMISSION

---------------------------------------------

---------

PeachE, 05-18-2000 07:57 PM                 

GTCv Anatu
Outer Vega

"Sir, massive readings heading towards the Beta Aquilae Jump Node."

Juggernauts?

"No sir. IFF appears to be a Terran variant. They are in conflict with a Shivan grouping though. Three Demons and Three Cains... Admiral, should we intervene?"

Negative. Hold back for now.

"Sir, the Terran ships have destroyed one of the Demons. They are departing, Sir, headed for Beta Aquilae."

Helm, full speed ahead. Communications, have the fleet advance and be ready to attack on my orders. The Shivans will not leave Vega! On my mark, The Anatu, the Phobos, the Ellil, the Belletelli, the Rimmon, the Mardok, and the Kingu will engage the two remaining Demons. The Shallat, the Zakar, the Lamastu, and the Apsu will engage the three Cains. Fighters will be sent in to disable the beam cannons on those ships and to engage fighters sent by the Shivans.

"Admiral, Shivans have turned to engage."

People, do not be decieved. While we have the advantage in numbers, the Shivan Demon class is a powerful Destroyer. Be prepared for a tough fight.

"Closing to beam-range, Admiral."

ENGAGE!!!

[The Anatu (along with the Rimmon and Mardok) moved in first. Opening up with all available turrets upon one of the Demons, flak, missiles and beams were exchanged between the ships. Meanwhile, the Phobos, the Ellil, the Kingu, and Belletelli moved in to attack the other Destroyer.]

On the Anatu:
"Direct hit to the power grid. We're running on half power."

We can't fight a Demon on half power! Get it back up to normal!!!

"Could take some time."

JUST DO IT!!!!

"Power systems back on line... Sir, report from the Brig. Our guest went missing during their outage."

Forget Regalla! Charge up the rest of the beams!

[Beam Cannons, Flak, turret-fire everywhere. The engagement, though small, was quite an impressive sight. The Shivans went to work immediately. Two of the Cains engaged the Apsu. The Lamastu moved in to help her. The final Cain was left to fend itself off of the Shallat and the Zakar.]

[The Anatu, the Rimmon, and the Mardok carved into the first Demon. Engines on the Demon down! Terran bombers move in and clean her of her beam cannons. She's helpless. The Anatu moves in side by side with the Destoyer and opens up all of her Starboard beam cannons. The Rimmon and Mardok follow suit. There was nothing left to prevent imminent destruction. Even the Shivan fighters had been eliminated. Electric charges moved along the hull of the giant ship right up until the end. And then, she was gone.]


[The Shallat and Zakar were more than enough for the lone Cain. The explosion rocked nearby ships as the Shallat and Zakar moved to help finish off the other two Cains. But it was too late for the Apsu. Forced to fend off two Cains alone for a significant amount of time, her hull was ripped to pieces.]

[The Anatu and her two escorts moved in to help the Phobos and hers finish off the second Destroyer. But just as they were getting in range, the Phobos fired a final beam right through the heart of the massive ship. Chains of explosions were visible from space as the ship broke apart and was destroyed.]

[The Shallat, the Zakar, the Lamastu, and the Rimmon (after seeing the Apsu destroyed) moved in to exact revenge upon the two remaining Cains. Forced to recon with overwhelming odds, the two Shivan ships buckled. The Lamastu, after suffering much damage from enemy fighters and beams, went still in the water when the shockwave reached and disabled here engines. ]

On the Anatu:

Status report.

"The Anatu will be needing repairs to the power grid but nothing too time-consuming. The Lemastu will need major repairs. Her engines will need an almost complete rebuild. Her barracks has suffered some damage and sickbay reports that while fatalities are few, there are heavy casualties. The Phobos needs some minor repairs. I think the Demon scratched her paint a little. Most of the other ships need just minor repairs."

What about our fighters?

"We lost quite a few pilots as the battle began, Admiral. I recommend..."

"Communication from the Phobos, sir."

Oh... put him on.

"Admiral Kohler, how is your fleet?"

The Apsu was destroyed by the Cains. Other than that, little that cannot be repaired in time. For that reason, we will remain on the outskirts of Vega a little longer than planned.

"Understood."

So, Garret, how is the Phobos holding up?

"Just fine Kohler. We'll be needing some small repairs. The Demon packs a good punch, even for a Shivan."

Would you like me to send some engineers? Perhaps they could give you a hand with repairs.

"I'm quite sure my crew will be able to handle it, Admiral. But should we need your help, I'll be sure to notify you... Sir, near the beginning of the battle, we registered a small craft leaving the area, leaving from your ship."

Probably Regalla. Don't worry about him. He won't last long out there alone anyway. Well Garret... if that's all?

"Of course, Admiral Kohler. Communications, End Transmission."

Engineering, have a transport of engineers and mechanics sent to the Lemastu. I want that ship repaired as soon as possible.

Today's victory came at a high price, Men. Let us always remember the brave officers and crew who died here today.

---------

Eishtmo,  05-18-2000 09:30 PM                 

Sirius System - SDD Olympus

"Sir," Harris' voice came over the comm. "We've recived a message from our strike force."

"What is it?" Hamilton replied.

"The Horan escaped."

"Damnit," Hamilton said as he hit his desk with his fist.

"Apperantly, a squadron of Allied fighters were helping them," Harris continued.

"I assume they were destroyed," Hamilton said.

"All but two," Harris said. "They managed to jump out with their convoy just before our second wave arrived."

"Very well, Hamilton out." The Admiral turned to his terminal and called up the node map. "Where are you going, Horan?" he muttered. "Regulus seems reasonable, but then they would have been on the other side of the system from where we found them." He tapped on the desk. "Then they must be going to Alpha Centauri. But why?" He examined the node map carefully. "Let's see, Centauri leads to Vasuda and Aldebarran. But they could have gotten to Vasuda from Deneb. So, they're going to Aldebarran and eventually," he traced the route with his finger. "Tau Sigma. Where the Eishtmo came into GTVA space." Hamilton smiled. "I've got you now Horan." He punched the comm button. "Harris, set course for Tau Sigma, best speed."

"Aye sir," Harris said.

-----------

Regulus System - VAD Axion

"Sir, we've recived a report from GTVA Command," a young crewman handed a piece of paper to Admiral Hart.

"Thanks. Dismissed," Hart said. He read through the message. "So, the Horan was spotted in Sirius."

"They could be coming this way sir," the ships XO said.

"Maybe," said Hart. "But this says they were on the far side of the system." He examined the message again. "Apparently, the Olympus has something against the Horan." He looked up. "I bet if we find the Olympus, well find the Horan."

"But our orders are to protect the Horan," the XO said. "If we let the Olympus find her, it might take her down before we can reach them."

"It's a chance we'll have to take," Hart said. "Helm, set course for Sirius."

---------

Ice Heart, 05-19-2000 06:44 PM                 

The Phobos, along with the TMB ships Ellil, Kingu, and Belletelli, moved in on the Shivan destroyer they had been assigned to take out. They attacked the destroyer from all sides, the Belletelli moved in above the ship, the Phobos had the Demon's right flank while the Kingu had the opposite flank, and the Ellil moved in from the bottom. The Phobos and Kingu first targetted the main beams of the Demon, which were mounted one on each side. The beams were quickly burned off, but not before one managed to briefly burn into the Phobos. The Shivan beam had scrapped off one of the forward laser turrets and burned into the hull slightly when the dual main beams slashed over it and burned it off. The weaker topside beam of the Demon burned into the Belletelli, causing only minor damages. The Belletelli returned the favor a short time later and completed the declawing of the destroyer with the topside beam's destruction. Garrett was impressed with the speed and efficiency with which the TMB ships targetted and destroyed enemy defense turrets, weakening the Demon's defenses further. They were well trained.

Deprived of its powerful main beams, the destroyer was relatively an easy target for the attacking ships, which hammered at it not only with beams, but also with turrets and flak fire when they were not busy swatting down Shivan fighters.

The Demon was weakening, the Phobos' beam fire had chewed a hole in the center of the Demon's right hand side. The righthand beam of the Phobos slashed out and into the hole, burning through several decks and touching the volatile reactor core. Explosions began to ripple across the Demon and it began to break up. Garrett smiled ferally, not only at the kill, but also at the thought that this should prove to the TMB that his crew was competent.

"Good shooting, Gunnery." He said, then turned to his Chief. "Damage report." He said simply.

"One forward laser turret down, its bad but I think it can be fixed. Also, the forward dorsal anti-capship turret took a pounding but it should be operational within an hour. We also have a hull breach on decks eight and nine, concentrated turret fire did that. We can patch it up, but it won't be able to take many direct hits."

It was less than he had any right to expect after facing a Demon. The excellent work of the other TMB ships had helped ensure that none of the ships involved in the attack sustained anything much over minor damages.

"Communications, contact the Admiral." He said, he assumed that Kohler would want a report.

"Admiral Kohler, how is your fleet?"

"The Apsu was destroyed by the Cains. Other than that, little that cannot be repaired in time. For that reason, we will remain on the outskirts of Vega a little longer than planned."

"Understood."

"So, Garret, how is the Phobos holding up?"

"Just fine Kohler. We'll be needing some small repairs. The Demon packs a good punch, even for a Shivan."

"Would you like me to send some engineers? Perhaps they could give you a hand with repairs."

"I'm quite sure my crew will be able to handle it, Admiral. But should we need your help, I'll be sure to notify you... Sir, near the beginning of the battle, we registered a small craft leaving the area, leaving from your ship."

"Probably Regalla. Don't worry about him. He won't last long out there alone anyway. Well Garret... if that's all?"

"Of course, Admiral Kohler. Communications, End Transmission."

Garrett would have liked to accept the offer for help with the repairs. It wasn't that his crew couldn't handle it, he just wanted to have his vessel back fully on-line ASAP. However, there were more than a few Vasudans serving aboard the Phobos. While the TMB and Kohler may have agreed to work with the Alliance against the Shivan threat, he did not think it wise to test the ceasefire agreement by placing TMB personnel in close contact with Vasudans. Though he did not doubt that Kohler, as well as most of the TMB was perfectly willing to work together, it was entirely possible that there were those who would not be so willing to put up with Vasudans. All it could take would be one little incident and hostilities might erupt again.

Garrett was sorry to hear of the loss of the Apsu. That was one less ship, several hundred less experienced personnel, that they had available to fight the Shivans.

As the vessels began to repair, two wings of Nephilim bombers and a wing of Basilisk fighters entered the area, then exitted before fighters could reach them. Obviously late arriving reinforcements for the Shivan force that was no more than debris now. Garrett's sensors showed they were making for Beta Aquilae, Kohler was likely preparing to order his own fighters to pursue. "Communications, get me the Admiral again."

Kohler appeared on the commscreen once again. "Admiral, I assume that you are preparing to sortie fighters to chase down those stray Shivans." He replied in the affirmative. "Don't send them...those are slow ships and they won't be expecting anything beyond the Beta Aquilae jump node. The sentry gun cluster will shred them easily and you won't be risking losing any pilots."

Kohler smiled at Garrett's mention of the forgotten sentry guns. "Good idea. Thank you for the advice, Captain. I'm calling the fighters off now."

A short time later, as the repairs continued, Garrett's ship received the transimission from the sentry guns that they were engaging Shivan forces. A few minutes later, another automated transmission came back reporting all Shivan vessels had been destroyed.

---------

Eishtmo, 05-19-2000 08:59 PM                 

Talnia/Vega Jump Node

A Shivan Ravana entered normal space, beam cannons blazing. Unfortunatly for it, a cluster of Remote Beam Cannons were waiting for it and hammered the Shivan ship. Following the RBC's volley came the beam fire of the dozen ships on station. Patroling bombers now entered the fray, adding their deadly payload to the flames that engulfed the Shivan Destroyer. Soon after, the Ravana exploded, but not before it smacked a Vasudan cruiser around.

Shivan fighters now poured through the node, attacking the retreating bombers. The GTVA's own fighters slipped in to provide cover. The furball that followed consumed ships as fast as they entered it. The nearby capitol ships added their anti-fighter beams to the melee, cutting the Shivan, and unlucky GTVA, fighters to pieces.

Shivan bombers now blew through the node, bypassing the furball and charged toward the lead GTVA destroyer. A squadron of SDF fighters jumped in, right behind the attacking bombers. The Shivans were caught between the anti-fighter beams and flak of the GTVA destroyer and the fighters of the SDF. In no time, the bombers were wiped clean from the galaxy.

Moments later, the last Shivan fighter was waxed. Pilots breathed a sigh of relief, and turned back toward their carriers. Suddenly, the jump warning sounded. All turned to see a Shivan Demon enter the system, beam cannons blazing.

---------

Antares System - GTVA Record Archive

"Here are the files you requested sir," the Clerk said as he place a stack of boxes on Commander Leaky's desk.

"What, they don't put these things on the computer?" Leaky asked. His desk was already covered with stacks of files, each the service record of every retired GTVA and SDF ship in existance.

"One day, there will be a paperless socity," said the Clerk. "And that will be the day we lose our jobs."

Leaky chuckled. "You're right Chief," he said. "I just wish they could have found someone else to go through all these files. Or at the very least, they could have just taken one right out of mothballs."

"The SDF would never forgive us if we destroyed a valued piece of GTA history," the Clerk said. "And neither would the Vasudans. I'm sure you'll find one each side could live without."

"I wish I had your confidence," Leaky said. "Well I've got work to do, dismissed."

The Clerk gave a sharp salute. "Yes sir," he said and then left.

Leaky went back to the file in front of him. A quick scan revealed that this was not the ship he wanted. He flipped closed the file and threw it on top of the 'Reject' pile.
The next file down read 'Galactic Terran Destroyer Gaia #00010.' Unlike the dozens of others, the file was very thin. A quick look through the records told why. This had been the ship in charge of defending Earth during the 14 year Terran-Vasudan war. However, despite how close they had come, the Vasudans had come to entering Sol with a substaintial force, they never did. And thusly, the Gaia was more of a GTA power symbol than an effecitve weapon. Millions had been spent cleaning and decorating the ship. A Senator even managed to put his totally unqualified son in command of the ship. It was the butt of many a joke back then, and universally hated by the rest of the GTV fleet.

No history. Most of it's former crew were dead. No one alive liked this symbol of GTA extravagance. It had also been in mothballs for the last 40 years. Leaky smiled. "This is it," he said. "This is the ship that will stop the Shivans but good."

---------

HeX, 05-19-2000 10:05 PM             

GTVIJ Desdemona
Nearing Vega via Subspace

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activating Log Books
Personal Log: Admiral Tiberius Pretala
Log Entry: 1044

After we arrived in the Beta Aquilae system we met up with the rest of our ships. Besides the GTVIJ Desdemona and the GTVID Brimstone, Gladiator and Unrelenting, we also were joined by the GTCv Charon, the GTCv Bane, the GTC Lion Mane and the GTC Ambrosia. This brings our fleet up to eight ships, not much but still better then nothing. We docked with a GTVA Installation and with their help the Helix Cannon is online far ahead of schedual. However, the recharge rate was increased to one hour after each use due to some improvisations made in the completion of the cannon. We have received our orders from GTVI HQ, we are to return to Vega and join up with the forces there. While GTVI ships usually don't enter front line combat, in this situation GTVI feels we have little options. The only other course of action would be to sit here in Beta Aquilae and await destruction. Once in Vega I will have to remember to contact the Admiral onboard the Anatu and offer my thanks for his assistance against the Shivan forces that persued us. Speaking of the Anatu, we encountered it's departing guest, one ex-Commander Regalla. It seems he stole a fighter with inter-system jump capabilities and made it to Beta Aquilae right behind us. That was as far as he made it before he had a run in with one of the Desdemona's beam cannons. It was a death befitting a traitor. We will be arriving in Vega shortly, this may well be my last log so I will say this; whatever happens out there we will face it with courage and dedication. Not dedication to the GTVA but dedication to our species, be it Terran or Vasudan. End of log.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Admiral glanced out the forward view port as the fleet exited subspace. There sat the many ships that would form one of the barriers against armageddon. Pretala turned to face his second in command who stood grim-faced behind him.

"Status?" the Admiral asked in a quiet voice.

"All systems are green," the Captain replied, "Shields are online, weapons are powered and Helix Cannon gunnery control says that the weapon is charged."

"Good. Contact the Admiral of the Anatu and send him our thanks along with a basket of fruit."

The Captain hesitated, "Sir?"

"I was kidding about the fruit Captain," the Admiral said with a thin smile, "Just send our gratitude and tell the rest of the fleet to be ready for anything."

The Captain walked over to the comm. station and began carrying out his orders. The Admiral sighed, this was going to be a tough battle. He just hoped that GTVA could come up with something fast. He stared at the fleet floating in space around the Desdemona's bulk, how many of them would be torn to pieces in the comming storm? How many more lives would be lost to those demons of space? Many times the Terran and Vasudan races had stood here at the brink of annihilation. How many more times would it be before they could live without fear?

---------

PeachE, 05-20-2000 01:26 PM                 

GTCv Anatu
Outer Vega

"Sir. Those massive Terran ships are coming back through the node, this time with several Deimos and Leviathans. Should I hail them?"

No need. But call for a meeting of all officer in the fleet. I intend to give a briefing of the situations. Oh and have visual displays of the ships ready.

...

[In the Anatu's large briefing room, her officers wait for the Admiral to give his speech. Communications displays have been set up around the room so that the Briefing Rooms on the other ships may have the benefit of the visual displays as well. On the massive front screen is a computer image and readout of the new ships.]

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the GTIJ Desdemona. Her three large Dominator class escorts are the GTVID Gladiator, the GTVID Brimstone, and the GTVID Unrelenting. The two Deimos class ships in the rear are the Charon and the Bane. And the two nearby Leviathans are the LionMane and the Ambrosia.

Information on all of these ships has been added to the technical database. However, just to give you some sense of scale, the Anatu, our own large Corvette, is approximately one thousand meters long. In comparison, the GTVIJ Desdemona is ten thousand meters long. The GTVID Dominators are also quite impressive at almost five thousand meters each. And, as you already know, the Deimos is approximately seven hundred meters, while the Leviathan class is comparable to our own small cruisers.

During private communications between myself and Admiral Tiberius Pretala, the commander of this new fleet, we came to a conclusion. The two fleets will join together in an effort to blockade the Shivans from leaving Vega to Beta Aquilae. This means that even once repairs are complete, we will not be leaving outer Vega.

These new ships raise our fleet size from ten ships to eighteen and an impressive force by almost anyone's standards. Command of this large fleet(s) will be somewhat joint. While we will each maintain control of our own individual ships, Admiral Pretala and I will cooperate on all engagements and work together in the making of important decisions.

I've recieved word that repairs on the Lemastu, our most damaged ship, could take anywhere from two days to two weeks, depending on the availability of parts. For this reason and others, I am taking the Anatu back to Beta Aquilae for parts. While I am gone, Admiral Pretala will be in charge. Should trouble arise, you will take your orders from him. Otherwise, just continue your repairs if you still need them.

That is all. Dismissed.

---------

Eishtmo, 05-20-2000 08:30 PM                 

Tau Sigma System - Lah'ro Station

Ripper stared out towards Tau Sigma III. Once, some two years ago, this had been the system he had patroled aboard the Horan under Captian Bud Alered. Those had been boring days, going back and forth, between the various planets of Tau Sigma, conducting drills but little else. He chuckled to himself. All those drills had finally paid off during the last month.

"Captian," Thomas said.

"Yes, what is it?"

"We've finished repairs to the ships," Thomas reported. "As soon as we've finished loading supplies, we'll be ready to go."

"That's good," Ripper said. "Get as many supplies as you can, especially food. We have no idea how far we'll be going."

"Aye sir," Thomas said with a salute.

Ripper watched his executive officer leave, wondering if they would ever come back from where ever Ma'thon was leading them. He sighed, and turned toward the main promanade of the station.

People passed everywhere. Buying, selling, stealing, anything to make a living in this hell hole known as Lah'ro station. Ripper spotted Ma'thon standing on one of the promanade's balconies high above the base floor. A brisk climb up the stairs took him to the side of the Vasudan.

"Whatcha doing?" Ripper asked.

Ma'thon didn't stop staring forward. "That is where he was hung."

Ripper looked out where Ma'thon was. "Who was?"

"Admiral Vo'qan," Ma'thon said. "After the Eishtmo executed him."

Ripper shook his head sadly. "I remember that now," he said. "I also remember all the masacures that occured after the Victorious left."

Ma'thon turned to the Terran. "We did not know about that," he said. "And we did not approve."

"It doesn't matter," said Ripper. "It happened, and we can't change that now."

"You are correct," Ma'thon said. "But, perhaps after we are done, we will have found the Eishtmo's absolution."

"Where are we going anyway Ma'thon?"

"The Eishtmo's colony," the Vasudan said. "I told you this already."

"Yes you did," Ripper said. "But I want to know where we have to go to get there. How many systems must we travel through to reach his colony. I know it isn't beyond Tau Sigma, there's nothing there, not even a jump node."

Ma'thon smiled. "When we get there, I will tell you where to go. You must only be brave enough to attempt the journey."

"That doesn't build my convidence any," Ripper said.

"I suppose it does not," Ma'thon said.

The two stood there in silence. Below, the business of everyday life went on. And beyond the station's walls, Tau Sigma III still turned, silent in the Universe.

---------

Enough for tonight.  During the story we used the node mape for Warzone, thus why you won't find Tau Sigma on a official node map.  Later.