OOC: This is going to be out of order slightly, so I've mentioned when it approximately takes place.
Turn 1-ish
The warm hallways of the Ministry of Defence, decorated with details of gold and royal blue, were buzzing with activity and personnel, aides dashing in and out of doorways and side-halls with what appeared to be not a single person taking a leisurely pace to their destination. If one were to have even attempted a stroll through the building, they would likely have been caught up in the whirlwind that was the forthcoming parade, in celebration of the formation of the Commonwealth, but also in remembrance and celebration of His Royal Highness Jaden Arc Victoria, and the conclusion of the First Sol War.
After concluding another meeting within the gardens of the Ministry, Arc Champion Alq Veers, Commander of the Silver Arrow, and Admiral of the First Commonwealth Royal Fleet, led the way back into his office with one of his close aides following him, while he had taken care to avoid the main hallways, the bustle had reached all corners of the building, which made the short walk considerably longer.
"..and I believe we should also be looking into that source near the Serpens node."
"You worry too much Andrew, Admiral Lorric is already nearby and will be investigating himself."
Alq said calmly, as they rounded the final corner to his office. The Guards snapping to attention as the doors slid open,
"There is no need to deploy additional forces from St. Heira, especially when we have the Parade and Celebrations upon our minds".
He continued, passing a quick nod to the guards as he stepped through the door.
His office overlooked the gardens from the third floor, Alq had chosen this spot in particular for its views and location, rather than taking a more grand office on the higher floors or one closer to the War Room. Andrew had walked over to a large holoscreen off to one side of the room,
"And what of the reports of Delest activity near the Carina-Uuni starlance?, surely we cannot let them continue to probe our borders in such a fashion. It won't be long before they become bolder and resume raiding in our territory".
The room remained silent for several moments, only the pouring of water into a glass could be heard. Alq replied only after resting the jug back down and taking a sip,
"I have complete faith that our border force will keep the situation contained Andrew, and we must have faith in the renewed diplomatic efforts of our government at this time.,
He then slowly crossed the room to join Andrew at the holoscreen,
"Deploying our forces, while justified..." he sighed, "Would just give the wrong impression..."
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn 2&3-ish
It was rather late in the evening, perhaps even early morning now... regardless... the only light source in the room came from an old lamp and the holoscreen that Alq was looking rather intently at.
The latest CRF Intel reports were displayed upon the screen, and more details were on the numerous paper reports he had lying around the desk, some half attached to clipboards. Somehow resembling something short of chaotic organisation.
Muttering to himself as he traced outlines through the map with his fingers.
"Politics deals us the Aldebaran Refinery with the UGC. Alliance for the resources is solid. Good Split. 1st DD enters the area against the announcement. Hostility likely but uncertain.", he traced over to another area,
"Sol has all their fleets in Harcon, interesting. Intentions unknown, trusting of the Delest to stay away from the Sol-Ihefulian starlance."
In such thought, he never noticed the door opening and then closing. They were designed to be silent, but not to the point of being invisible. A young officer had stepped through the door and flipped on the lights,
"Sir?", Alq spun around, eyes squinting against the sudden brightness of the room. The young officer snapped to attention,
"Sorry Sir, I didn't know you were still here. Newest reports from the War Room" he said as he motioned towards the files he was carrying. Alq nodded and returned back to the desk,
"Over here on the desk... Thomas, thank you"
As Thomas walked over and placed them down,
"What news Thomas?, please read them for me" Alq said, eyes not leaving the screen except to bring up the input to make adjustments.
"Well Sir, the 3rd Delest remains at the Uuni-Carina starlance, we have confirmed they have an inhibitor field active but so far nothing else has changed"
Thomas paused for a moment, the screen flickered for a moment as the inhibitor field icon was placed next to the 3rd DD icon. Alq motioned for Thomas to continue.
Several minutes and many adjustments later, Thomas closed the folder and placed it back onto the desk.
"So Sol has initiated a war against the Commerce Guilds.., interesting opponent. And it has played out well for them, they have been able to concentrate their forces with little opposition. Speak your mind at any time Thomas."
"Yes Sir, I think the SF have the opportunity here to knock the UGC out of any galactic participation for some time if they can rout or destroy the 2nd UGC. Even if the UGC can get reinforcements to their capital in time."
Thomas had the map zoom into the Harcon starlance in Fomalhaut, where a long UGC fleet icon stood against the strong SF icons. Alq nodded in agreement,
"And your thoughts on the Delest?, they've moved two fleets into Aldebaran and one fleet directly against the Aldebaran refinery, which we have claimed with the UGC.", he changed the map while speaking.
It now zoomed in to show the refinery drifting within the nebula of Aldebaran, the gaseous cloud reflected nicely against the wall and surrounding room. And would have looked so much nicer if it was not for the lights...
"Well, as you said. They moved in against the refinery even though we had publicly claimed the territory with the UGC. With the SF moving against the UGC, perhaps they hope they can force us to withdraw and not provide any support to the UGC? or perhaps they move to assist Sol or the UGC themselves."
Thomas removed his cap and shook his head, "I'm not the best person to be asking on their intentions, Sir."
"That's quite alright Thomas, You may return to the War Room now"
Thomas rose to attention and promptly left the room. Leaving Alq with the possibility of a new challenge ahead, the reports had also brought forth some interesting changes within the Government and to a degree, the Fleet itself.
OOC: I've cut something like 1/2 of the post out as I need to finish it. Stay Tuned and prepare to throw more things at me! (Flowers preferred, will take booing and empty bottles as well)
![:p](https://www.hard-light.net/forums/Smileys/HLP/tongue.gif)
Edit: Forgot to spell check
Edit2: Forgot to post the spell checked version...