Standard Week 0 - March 15th, 2259

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The unthinkable finally happened. Thing had been going downhill for a while and everyone could see the decline. But there was always hope that it could be fixed, that some how things could magically get better. It was the promise and hope of the Stellar Confederacy after all. Earth and all her children could face down any threat, danger or crisis as long as they were together. If united, they could defeat anything. Except for themselves.

No one knows who fired the first shot but all of Earth burned regardless, taking the Confederate government alongside it. Immediately, the Solar Fleet declared a quarantine of the Sol System to investigate and assist whoever might have survived. Only approved vessels would be allowed into the system; supply and military vessels only. A message is sent to all remaining off world Confederate military and government officials:

Attention to all Confederate military and civilian personnel. As of this moment on March 15th, 2259, Earth has undergone nuclear self annihilation. By Article 33 of the Confederate Law Code I, Grand Admiral Vikar Hederian of the Solar Fleet, am taking over as acting leader of the Confederacy until order and civilian government can be restored. Please remain calm and organized through this turbulent time. As acting leader, I am now declaring martial law across all worlds for the time being. Commanders, you are now allowed to use force to keep planets under control. Any additional request can be forwarded via secure comm channels. Thank you and remember your Oaths. Long live the Confederacy.

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GALATIC EVENTS:

• Death of Earth - Culminating years if not decades of hardship and trouble, Earth has obliterated itself and rocking humanity to its core. Across all worlds of the Confederacy, unrest will explode and allow for fringe or rebel movements to take power unless dealt with. As humanity. The Sol System is now quarantine by the Solar Fleet and will not let anyone they deem suspicious or unworthy through.
• Collapse of the Confederation Stock Exchange - The sudden death of Earth has sent immediate shockwaves across humanity. Once proud and immortal companies have not only experienced a huge collapse, but some have ceased to exist all together. The economic impact of this cannot be understated.
• The Hederian Decree - Acting leader Grand Admiral Vikar Hederian has assumed power and has authorized theoretically temporary martial law. All planets are to report to their respective sector command or governance, those who do not submit will be forced too.

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INDIVIDUAL EVENTS:

@Yam I Am The PULA leadership gets a mysterious visitor with an intriguing offer.
Event: The Mask in Black - A mysterious masked man offers to fulfill your leader's greatest wish all for next to nothing at all.

@Willy Vereb The FFSA over the course of the week receives many requests to dock from modified cargo haulers, their hulls packed with refugees fleeing pirates or instability of their own planet. They do not have much supply left.
Event: Hour of Need - Desperate refugees seek asylum in your territory.

@Taeryn A nearby sector command lead by Governor Adis Arkano asks for assistance in pacifying some of his own planets as well as an agreement to work together. His mandate is to your direct galactic west and contains three rift stations, one civilian shipyard and one military shipyard. Arkano is known to be somewhat paranoid and easy to bribe having taken significant "gifts" from megacorporations.
Event: Alliance Offer (Adis Arkano) - An NPC offers to work with you, sharing resources and power at least for the time being.



(Please give feedback on this style if its good or not and how to improve it.)

The council representative from the C&C, Hubert Raddington, experienced copious amounts of drugs and partying over a two week long vacation. He has been recovering from a last-minute drug binge in a high class brothel under the control of the Ad Honchoes, and just last night he got into his apartment on Earth and collapsed onto his bed. Now the alarm rings and he rubs his head and turns on a coffee machine on his nightstand.

Once a cup was filled, he pushed himself out of bed and added some sugar, brought it up to his nose and inhaled, then gently blew out onto the hot coffee. Doing this cyclically helped him get his mind straight to focus on the matters at hand. Spending nearly two weeks in the C&C has given him confidence that all its issues resolve itself. Just like the human body has white blood cells and antibodies, the C&C had its own way of concluding issues with a pretty bow tie, no matter how dire.

There was much fear after the Black New Years that gave him and a lot of the corporations under him a wake-up call. He had resolved to finally pen in a vacation away from earth, so he could see it with his own eyes. Though his imagination of his time there reminds him of many hallucinations and fractal experiences, he felt safe and that things are going to be OK.

After a small commute on the bus, he made his way to his office and took a seat in his big leather chair. Propping his feet up he pulled the his tablet into his visage and began scrolling news headlines in the C&C sector:



He blinks a few times and does a double take on the title which spots his eyes:


_{A fanatical religious group from the deep recesses of an underground city acquired a Zeluri in the only habitable season…}

He deeply inhaled and assessed his options. He had a brand new D12 agent and a promising private investigator, both of which left emails for him from his correspondence-fasting vacation. He brought up their messages and opened one which was left a week or two ago. The first one that popped out for him was from his private investigator, one that was marked high priority. The subject shined out to him:

From: Todd Fortier

To: Hubert Raddington

Subject: potential problem - keep your eyes on this (High Priority)

Date: March 1st 2259

Message:

Could be something, could be nothing. It’s in the news so people might be betting on it. Keep in touch if you have any concerns.

Here’s the article so you get the gist of it:

Does Penitentiary Planets Pests Fall Under The Geneva-Aceront Accords?

The recent cyber sabotage of prison planet Mannahaj has resulted in all detainees and experiments to break loose and claim many…

Click Here For The Full Article! [+]

Does Penitentiary Planets Pests Fall Under The Geneva-Aceront Accords?

_{2 week ago}

The recent cyber sabotage of prison planet Mannahaj has resulted in all detainees and experiments to break loose and claim many of the regions within the complex. Sources say that there is still a large presence of prison gangs who have sectioned off parts of the prison for themselves. At first these gangs were fractionalized but they unified as a result of the threat of the Zeluri, an illegal necromorphic species of unknown origin. When the companies responsible for managing the planet were questioned they referred us to the top authority in the defense of the penitentiary, Commander Tsagaan.

She stated, “Do not approach the penitentiary planet under any circumstance, vacate the Yasak System if you have the means and take others with you. The risk of it traveling outside this planet or system will exponentially complicate the situation.” and provided assurance that as long as no one interferes, the problem will be resolved. "If you truly wish to assist us, go through the proper channels. Otherwise you just add to their numbers."

The issue of the Geneva-Aceront Accords has come up several times and is starting to become discussed, but the more pressing matters of self-preservation have prerogative as each body lost on the human side seems to add to the others, in frightening detail. A mercenary who has been asked about the accords stated, “These things don’t have a culture, or a society, they’re just fucking monsters and they’re killing a lot of us.”

When the soldier was asked about his confidence in the operation he snorted, “Yeah, as long as we get that trifectum shipment!”

He looks closer into the document and the more he reads the wider his eyes get. He takes a deep breath and sighs, as he begins pondering over it’s contents. From what he could gather from the article, this planet could either be nothing to worry about, or it could be reconcilable only through mass bombardment. Another big, deep sigh before he went to contact the investigator himself.

Dialing the numbers in, there was a ring that went on until the voicemail. Feeling like this matter was rather urgent, Hubert gave Todd another ring. The private investigator's face came into view, with a half-naked woman lying prone on a table among candlelights in the background. Todd, who seemed to be very faintly sweating, gave a tired look but pressed on: “Yes Mister Raddington, what seems to be the emergency?”



The investigator groaned and began feverishly typing and searching through his electronic archives. He took only a minute or two before returning to the councilman. The woman in the background with two large tufts of hair pulled into pigtails looked back longingly as she herself awaited attention. New contact info flashed on the councilman’s screen and the investigator referred to it, “I am, admittingly, quite busy right now Mister Raddington. However, this is the information for contacting the commander of the penitentiary. She is quite a busy dame, though, so make sure you’re prepared when you speak with her.”

The investigator looked back to the woman, and then back to Hubert, “But like I said in the email, it’s a coin flip. Careful when talking to the Commander, she has a live-feed so your correspondence won’t be private. One of those streaming ladies, kinda learned that the hard way myself. I went ahead and let her know you will get in touch with her. Tata for now, Mister Raddington!”



Their face-to-face video ended with a sibilant buzz, and Hubert was already working on the new contact information for the commander of the penitentiary planet. He watched the clock; time was ticking, it was only about ten or so minutes until he needed to assemble on the floor for Parliament.

In a matter of moments, a video-screen with a stern looking woman who was putting her jet black hair into a tight bun popped up. Before her was a bowl of rice and vegetables which had been visually steaming. Beyond that it appeared she was in some kind of control room, with many computer monitors and command center-esque furniture all around. She sighed with tired eyes, while the Parliament member introduced himself;



A dull stillness was present in the commanders eyes, “That is classified.” She stated laconically, and then picked up her chopsticks to begin rapidly devouring her meal. As she tore through her food, Hubert worked in a response,



She finished her bowl and grunted, giving in to him quite easily, “The civilian sector of the planet is protected and under control. About 30 to 40 percent of the penitentiary is controlled by prison gangs, but most of them are listening to me. The rest of the wings are under extreme duress and over-run with experimental hostiles.” Between her words she slurped the soup left from the bowl down and continued, “The AI is still malfeasant, something is off about it. It keeps making human mistakes, so I do not think it is a true AI.”



The commander yawned and got up from her table; the camera automatically re-adjusted itself as she began stretching her arms out, “If things go bad, it would be better for the entire planet to be glassed then to let it fester. There is a greater military out there, yes?” she asked poignantly. The question imbedded itself into the rep, who answered back with hesitation,



The commander's eyes went sideways for a moment before she cleared her throat, “It would be in your best interests to inform your military that there are some troubles in the Yasak System. Best case scenario we get reinforcements and finally clean up. Second-to-last worst case, your military annihilates the planet because of their sickness.” She puts her bowl to the side, “I do not think everything was on the books Mister Raddington. I am only the head of security here, not the lead scientist. You will need to contact Oswald Ambrogia for your ‘on the books’ question, mister Parliament councilman.”



The woman rubbed her eyes, before letting out a sigh and answering him, “I do not know if they have language. They emit gutteral screeches, and attack us, so we attack back. It’s been pretty straightforward.” A wave of static flooded over the commanders screen for just one moment as she hurriedly begins twisting knobs, hitting buttons and looking at the many monitors in the room. Once she got things squared away, she quickly looked back to the face-to-face video, “I am sorry, a time sensitive matter has come up. Hopefully we will speak again.”

Before Hubert could get in his goodbye, the feed was cut off. Looking up to the clock, he only had three minutes to spare; not enough time to contact the scientist himself. This whole business worried him, and though he wished to address it on the floor, he was still flushed with uncertainty. Before he escaped to his seat among his fellow councilman peers, he sent off an email document to the secretary of Julan Bartok, the local admiral who oversaw the region as well as the brand new D12 agent.

Inside this message detailed the contact information of the involved parties, with a small summarized message stating “The issue of safety is not clearly determined in the Yasak System, particularly on the planets Mannahaj and Kahrestin. Here are the accompanying articles and contact information for those who may be of interest. Please review this information and get back to me at your earliest convenience.” He added the recent logs of his interactions with his private investigator, as well as the commander of the facility, and then sent the message before rushing to the floor of the legislative body for another busy day of work.

---

Weeks ago, when Sol was destroyed, the incitement for panic was at an all time high. This happened to be a positive thing for many of the companies in the C&C who took full advantage of the excitement and movement, and capitalized on it fully. The companies which built planetary structures that could withstand a nuclear blasts had their shares increase, as well as the companies which supplied them. They would need a variety of products for a myriad of purposes, such as security, medical, janitorial, engineering, etc so the internal demand for such things went up. Materials, services, and other matters which required the participation of the Sol government stopped, and corporations abruptly began seeking solutions in their neighboring systems. The issue of C&C's adaptability was slightly sickening; its not that they had no remorse for their mother planet, but that the distance desensitized many and those who survived the fervent consternation which came after the Earths destruction had a greater prerogative to look out for themselves first and foremost.

The Conglomerate - the Corporate arm of the sector which was contractually obligated to not self-harm - had a propensity to weather any situation, storm, or malady that they may encounter. The destruction of their home planet, Earth, was certainly not something they were prepared for and as a result many corporations with ties to Sol ended up having to liquidate, or quickly adapt and re-organize. Chess pieces were moved, and assets were re-located, but the position of the Conglomerate remained stable and unwavering. Corporations continued business as usual, worked together to squash out insurrection, rioting, or raiding of major locations as the 'The End Is Nigh' crowd had become pacified. Now two weeks after the event itself, many have found that there is nothing that can be done, except to take reigns on their own lives in front of them, and to take after the example of their corporate overlords.

Understanding that the Confederate as they knew it may potentially be behind them, a 'safety plan' was developed among the corporate bodies who inhabited the two systems to re-establish themselves and maintain operating procedures independent of the greater whole. They still had many neighboring solar systems who accepted their goods, and throughout the last week they even saw a minor bump in cashflow. However an outline for greater, long-term success felt necessary and was discussed at great length between the corporations. While nothing official seemed to be on the books quite yet, and there was no 'primary corporation' which could be trusted to act as a centralized body, the former frontier state continued on as it has been, exploiting and harvesting what they could from their constituents and the lands they owned. With the tensions of the past still fresh on many minds, they pressed forward into a world where only time would tell their demise or prosperity.

Delegates from Asteria arrive at Nefret Station in C&C territory in their yacht-like spaceship, the SS Woodrow, accompanied by a trio of corvettes escorting them. Once they’ve docked into the station, out came the diplomat Dwayne Jefferson, and his retinue, including several security guards and pencil pushers. Surprisingly things were quite bright and jovial at this time and space, it emitted a suspiciously harmonious and positive aura. The team of Asterian officials were welcomed and guided to their appointment within the space station where they would negotiate economic and political agreements. The doors open to the conference room and there are two individuals sitting on the far side in the arrangement of chairs and tables assembled for their team.

They began to introduce themselves once their visitors settled in. The tall, slender man leaning back in his chair finally sat up with a smile, “I’m Rashaad Ulrich, discount manager and deal-broker.” then the other, a woman with freckles and thick-rimmed glasses “Regina Carmine, sales representative and financial advisor.”

Rashaad continued on, “I will be presenting some opportunities, I would like to hear what you have in store for us, and we’ll make business, pronto.” he smiled, looking left to right. Regina casually chimes in while her associate leered, “We both will answer any questions you have, and help make sure things work out how they ought to.”

Mr. Jefferson was somewhat taken back by the chief dealsman’s pushiness but then he was reminded they are living in dire times. Given these extreme circumstances Rashaad’s behavior was entirely justified. “I am Dwayne Jefferson, ambassador representing the Federal Free States of Asteria. This is my attache, Laurie Andersson.” His hands reach in the direction of the woman to his right. “Also I want to introduce Dr. James Collman, our expert in economics. He’d be providing insights and economical advice in regards to the recent crisis.” Mr. Jefferson gestured towards the aging man on his left. Unlike the woman the Collective knew Dr. Collman well enough and Rashaad almost nodded in approval.

After some protocol both sides sat down and began negotiations. “I believe all parties present are aware of what happened and how it’ll impact our economy, if nothing else. So let’s cut to the chase. Asteria wants to freeze the Confederate Credit’s value for the foreseeable future. Our lawmakers are busy accomplishing this at the soonest date possible. Yet Asteria has an extensive list of foreign trade partners so without most of these regions following suit I’m afraid it’d be pointless. I’m aware of the potential benefits for investing in a rapidly devaluing credit. It’d be an attractive gambit which pays back many-fold once the economy restores.”

“That is provided if it actually does. I see your point Mr. Jefferson.” Interjected Rashaad pointedly.

Dwayne continued, “Indeed. We don’t know when or if the Confederacy restores. Until then markets would effectively freeze and trade would slow down to a grinding halt. Such a downturn is good for investors with lots of assets and capital but terrible for anyone who would want to make profit during the interim. Asteria wants none of that so we’re freezing the value of credit instead of icing our economy. As a Federal Ambassador my first priority is to ensure the Collective and the Conglomerate is on a similar page.” He paused and then extended a hand out to the economics advisor on his left, “Dr. Collman, please.”

The so far silent man stood up and activated his holographic projector showing various graphs and future economic predictions. He held a brief 10-minute presentation about the region’s future and potential outcomes. The Conglomerate spoke business so for them empty words held little value. That’s why Dwayne called the famous Dr. James Collman to translate everything to their language. The full details of his research were also transferred to Rashaad’s datapad for future analysis, probably the best gift Asteria could’ve prepared.

Now that Asteria had provided more confidence behind their words, the C&C representatives seemed a lot more receptive to the plans put forth by their neighboring state. They seemed to be in agreement however there seemed to be an elephant in the room which has yet to be discussed. “A temporary freeze would help keep things stable,” remarked Rashaad, “As of now it would be too dangerous to allow it to be manipulated by who-ever, now that Sol is gone.”

With the first issue cleared Dwayne Jefferson was quickly shifting gears. “That being said, economics is far from the only problem we may face. The Confederacy as we speak is shattering into pieces and warlords claiming themselves the representative of the Confederacy will attempt to take the reins.” He took a moment to pause while scanning his audience of two, “While nominally under the Confederacy we Asterians pride ourselves on our freedoms. The Confederacy have abandoned us for decades, little despots trying to order us around would obviously not endear us the slightest. The Collective and Conglomerate may not mind the new regime but as we know the highest ranking Confederate official in the region is none other than this particular figure.”

Dwayne put a tiny holographic device on the table and activated it. The display showed a portrait of a middle aged man with stern eyes alongside his personal details. “Julan Bartok, a hardliner Pro-Earth activist who makes even the most diehard Confederacy supporters question themselves. An accomplished admiral and for some even a local hero. Yet his diplomatic skills are like a blunted axe. I think we all know what’s coming in the near future.” Mr. Jefferson let out a painful smirk. Admiral Bartok was anything but good news for the region. Even if he had a competent staff supporting him Bartok would only bring ruin to any system under his new control.

The Asterian diplomat continued, “Asteria and the Collective always had a cooperative relationship. We may never have been on the best terms but we need each other for continued survival. What I suggest is hardly new or groundbreaking in our relationship. Asteria wants some further cooperation with C&C, now in the military sense. Bartok is a threat to Asteria so my government wants him removed. I have a strong sense this feeling is mutual between us. Further details of our cooperation will be handled through the usual secret channels.”

Both Regina and Rashaad looked at each other for a moment, and then back at Dwayne, with the woman speaking “We must officially present ourselves as neutral and benign to the admiral in public, however there is nothing restricting us from ensuring you get some of the best deals our territories have.” She looked to Rashaad, who opened up a thick binder full of what seemed to be coupons.

The deal-broker continued his associate's statement, “We’ve got tons of opportunities ranging from… oh, could be anything! These discounts are exclusive to nation states, and they pack a wallop - here, look at this one--” he pushes the binder towards Mr. Jefferson and Dr. Collman emphatically, pointing out the many potential deals which range from food, to small arms, to space ships, to components, and so on.

The two groups go through the coupons and Rashaad meticulously notes what piqued the interests of their counterpart and was able to create a bundled deal which fit the needs of their neighbors. After the deal had been arranged, he double-checked with his people outside of the meeting to authorize the discounted deal, and within only ten to fifteen minutes did he get approval. With so many marked-down deals, freebies, and sales being made for both Asterians military and civilian markets, a huge range of access to affordable products and services had become open to them. It was somewhat reminiscent of a ‘relief package’ which long-term intention was to keep customers engaged and exchanging currency between solar systems.

“That’s all very impressive, Mr. Ulrich. I’m certain my government will be rather interested.” Taken aback from the sudden attack Dwayne just barely manages to hide his nervousness. Indeed that’s a military aid but not exactly what he had in mind. Perhaps Rashaad has something to hide? Maybe it’s just in the discount broker’s veins. Either way Dwayne got everything he wanted. The two sides continue the discussion for a while then exchange the usual pleasantries before leaving, being escorted out by the same person who brought them to the conference room. The ambassador vessel SS Woodrow departs Nefret Station in peace. The Asterian ships almost leave Hovno Diera System when Mr. Jefferson’s datapad rings in a strange pattern. Being formerly part of the Secret Service he immediately recognized it as a morse code. It said: “OK”. Dwayne smiled which made his attache Laurie Andersson look puzzled. “What is it, Mr. Jefferson?” She never got her answer.

Marcela Sat on a desk in the capitol congress building of the republic, she was part of the senate as party head of the Modernists. she watched the reports of the newest developments on the files, she sighed looking forward into the television in her room, seeing the news on one of the few tv's that actually work the news were talking, about earth's destruction and the collapse of the economy while in Prabog the economy wasn't hit as bad. She sighed saying “Thank god we are separated from that…” the tv then displayed the protests and riots following the event, she looked out the windows, seeing the ruined capital buildings, rebuilding slowly the window of her room with a few cracks thanks in part to have been bombed in the distant past, she then said “...no surprises this would happen” a phone begins ringing in her desk as she watched extending her arm she grabbed saying taking to her ear “This is the head of the modernists is something wrong?” “Hi this the secretary of the president… um... the president is calling you and other party leaders, together with his cabinet for something ma’am, it's urgent according to him” The secretary of the president of the republic spoke to Marcela. She was accustomed with his voice for a long time hearing that she then raised an eyebrow saying “Is something bad?” “By what i heard” the man answered back “I will be there” she quickly answered she then hung up the phone and walked into the main office of the president, worries growing on her as the president never called the party leaders to a reunion, unless it was something important.
Arriving close to the office doors she saw the line of Republican guards keeping a watch of the situation as she walked she saw. Mikail the leader of the Social humanists walking down the hallway, in the same direction both slowing down their walk stopping completely, realizing where they were going footsteps, continued to be heard as both looked down through the stairs, seeing Sofiya Yanukovich accompanied by Jonatan Mirales the heads of the JDP, stopping as well seeing both of then, behind then there was Leonid Noha who was following closely after a moment of silence Marcela heard Leonid say “Did somebody die?” Before any answer could be made the doors to the president's office were opened by the secretary of the president, a man in his 30´s then said “Welcome gentlemen the president is waiting for you all.” they all nodded to the man worries in their faces as they entered the president's office, a large room with a balcony facing the city, the room is decorated with art from before the war some modern, made before the war, others being renaissance, style art from earth obvious copies, the room president Andrey was sitting on his chair in front of his desk he was an old man in his 60´s above him above the window was a framing of Alexander the Glorious.
Andrey after taking a sip of water from a glass and scratching his grisly long beard he then said with a smile “it's good to see you all leaders of the political parties” Marcella made a silent sight and then said “The honor is mine mr president” “Equally the same feeling” The leaders of the JPD replied in cohesion ‘for the first time they managed’ Marcela thought she soon turned to the other continuing to observe her partners in the senate Mikail said “Equally sir” in a happy smile Leoned did a gentle bow down of respect the president then said “Well let me cut straight forward…” he raised a piece of paper and then said “This is my last proposition that will follow once i enter into negotiations with Governor Jedda Shazzi Marcela hearing that name let out another small sigh while she was in favor of the negotiations she doesn't trust much of the current governor due to some information she read about her but also the potential for a bad deal while her thoughts moved forward at what the president continued to say albeit she ignored the beginning things “... majorly the investments will be fruitful according to my minister of economy… The last part of the bill is… my resignation” Marcella opened her mouth in disbelief, then shaking her feeling away for a moment. she said “Your resignation sir?” he nodded and then said “I worked too long… the bill not only will make term limits something I wanted to add but Alexander pushed me too not to do, until the unification was complete but also the new infrastructure plans after which I will retire.” he raised from his seat walking to the balcony Mikail raised his voice saying “Mr president I don't think its…” “Enough...” Sergey interrupted him raising his hand “I wish only for you to accept this… i am tired of this work…” a silence fell in the room Marcela not able to say something he then said “If you could excuse me gentlemen i need to plan for the meeting and you gentlemen need to plan for the elections” she nodded leaving the room together with the rest in respect she sighed worrying not only on the election but on the future.

After a time Sergey sat in his chair watching, the static of the video comm was annoying him due to the fact that communications were slower than usual especially if they were live after looking at a portrait of Alexander, letting a small sigh. he soon heard “Hello,is anyone there” from the vid-con turning to the screen, the static soon dissipated for both sides showing each other side seeing the governor not missing the time Sergey then said “Misses. Jedda good to see that you still are on your post” a smile appeared on his face trying to be friendly while analyzing the situation “Same to you Mr.President” a small moment of pause followed with Sergey nodding on her she then said “Let us not waste time shall we, have you heard the news from earth?” Sergeys face turned from his smile into a more neutral expression he then said “While our infrastructure is…” he quickly looked back the vid-con could also see the ruins through the balcony of the office “...Abysmal; we were able to get information about earth, we still have some home information giving to say the least” she nodded on that and then said “How is the situation on the ground looking for you? There have been many reports of rioting, uprisings and even renewed pirate attacks following the catastrophe across all worlds. Dangerous times we live in.” Sergey thoughed for a moment and then said “While we been at civil war for nearly a decade and a half, many expected things to return to normalcy once the war ended a few days ago, i guess you can see where the end of earth led the streets to look like, while not as bad as a war zone it's, still something we are having to deal with”

Hearing that she did a gentle nod and then said “I see, count yourself as lucky. Neighboring planets have had it far worse than you so far and pirates just hit nearby…” Sergey then said interrupting her for a moment“Lucky... ah… while i blame the previous administration before the war for the problems we have, i don't think lucky is the best word to use…” she smiled a small gesture Sergey thought she then said “Anyway... I don't know how well your own planet could defend against them, as such I'm going to be leaving a detachment of marines from Admiral Reine's forces to help protect vital infrastructure as well as some fleet assets. Unfortunately, the admiral was on Earth when things went nuclear. Following the Hederian Decree, I've taken temporary control of them until we can sort this mess out” Sergey grew a little worried on his mind while keeping his face normal. He then said “help would come handy there is just one problem. i do not wish my successor having to deal with a lot of things following my exit to say the least so you mind telling me what this 'infrastructure' is because some of our parties are more vocal about protecting the people rather than buildings'' he let out a sigh of stress he was visibly tired he had barely slept due to work especially since it was a real problem on how the socialists, liberals, and conservatives acted noticing that she then said “Road networks, spaceports, government buildings, major factories, civilian centers. The typical things that both pirates and rebels would want. While it is very noble of you to put your people ahead of your property, it's those properties that allow your people to live. People tend not to like living in a bombed out tent with no job and no food and no way to get around, I'm sure you've seen that plenty for yourself” Sergey aligned quite well with that she was saying but he knew how the planet was already a big husk and how she seemed rather a power hungry by her talking he then said “Many places, in our planet, are already bombed-out, i see no reason to bomb then again if they are just ruins, but if you mather answering me on something can a single one of your detachments handle all locations in the planet” she continued analyzing the situation and then said "It's not that they'd want to bomb it more, its that they'd want to take away. at the same time, you have few defenses against pirates who might also take your remaining wealth away speaking of which i will see if i can transfer some scouts to nearby” Sergey´s eyes widened for a moment before returning to normal quickly that was worrying for him he then said “I feel like your forces staying in space would be for the better since your men aren't accustomed with the environment of our world and also our men can handle a little dissent.” leaning forward she then said “The ground forces are there to take care of smaller scale and more local things. Certainly, you wouldn't want an orbital bombardment when a few boots on the ground can do the trick?” A moment of silence fell in the room with Sergey just saying “I agree…” a smile appeared on her face she then said “Very well, thank you for understanding. Hopefully, by working together we can get through this united and stronger. Sashezi out, long live the confederacy." “Long live…” Sergey just answered back before the communication was cut he sighed thinking for a moment he then said “Well i guess the consequences we will see…”

Days after the Earth's destruction. It was a time of great mourning, for the Earth, the billions of people caught in the blaze of a thousand suns, and the countless more faithful of the Church that had taken their own lives in sheer grief. So much death in a matter of days. Arcadia was sent rocking as riots broke out within major cities across the planet. Such a calamity could not be let aside, the Gaian Church leadership having recused themselves from public view since the incident, discussing plans on the future and their next course of action. The Colonial government, however, was insistent that the Church bring their congregation to order, to stop the continued violence gripping Arcadia. The Primarch was much obliged to speak to all the faithful, for them to receive a message of vital importance.

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

Colonial Governor’s Office, Capital City of Athena
Governor Horis, along with the rest of the colonial cabinet huddled around his desk as they all glued their eyes to the large projected screen presented in front of them, live footage of the mass at the Gaian Grand Cathedral in the Capital. Thousands gathered around the structure, all awaiting to hear word from His Holiness. The crowds started roaring once the Primarchal Guard stepped out into the light, quikly followed by the Primarch himself, waving to the people as he made his way to the edge of the balcony, overlooking the large crowd below him. The crowd continued to cheer and holler until the Primarch rasied both arms high up, instant silence filling the air.
" My people.” He begun. “Children of Gaia. we stand on the precipice of a dark, and cruel age. Our homeworld, Gaia’s firstborn, has been taken from us…”

Governor Horis watched with great anticipation and heavy anxiety, sweat creeping down his face. “Get on with it.” The governor mumbled to himself.

“I understand your pain, your tears.” The primach continued. “And in the days past, we have lost too many brothers and sisters out of grief and violence.” He paused a moment, to gulp, and resumed. “The Prophet Tobias, my dear mentor, would teach that tragedy should be a time of both mourning, and meditation. To shut oneself out from the world, and find inner peace, and forgiveness.”
In a premature moment, the Governor and his cabinet celebrated, clapping and wooing. “The old man may just saved us one hell of a headache. “ The top Commander of the colonial militia spoke.

Governor Horis stood up from his chair to stretch the stress away. “Alright ladies and gents, get to your stations and resume as normal.” Horis ordered. “Once we settle things here, I’ll get in contact with whoever’s left in Sol for any vital updates, we got one hell of restructuring to follow.”

“However..” The Primach continued, his tone changed.”

“Uh…sir.” One of the cabinet members spoke up. “The feed hasn’t cut..he’s still going.”

“What?..”

“The folly of mankind has brought Earth to her to destruction. This will not stand! The Confederacy has failed as stewards of the Earth, they have failed to prevent such a calamity. The time of meditation is past, my brothers and sisters, the time of the confederacy…has past..”

Governor Horis’ face was invisible red with rage. “That son of a bitch! What the hell does he think he doing?!!?”

“This wasn’t part of the agreement…” The Militia Commander said. The cheers grew even louder, the people chanting “GAIA VULT! GAIA VULT! GAIA VULT!”

“The Great Mother wills it my people!” The Primarch shouted out, almost like he was possessed. “These heathens will know suffering! The Earth will have her vengeance! I call upon all to join me! I declare a crusade upon all who stand in our path! RISE UP! MY PEOPLE! RISE UP AND WE WILL CLAIM THE STARS!”