Isotope

The Restless Fires [Closed]

The Restless Fires [Closed]

Preemptive self-flaggery

A new fun game, fire involved.

I might hop in.

Era of Succession(Closed)

I sense a critical dearth of freedom in you.

Era of Succession(Closed)

Paradise Station, Paradise System, Soverign Star Confederation

Kaela gazed pensively at the wine swishing in her glass with each lazy rotation of her hand. The lights in her office were dimmed to near their minimum, emitting only a dull glow that scarcely illuminated the deep purple liquid, reflecting off it's surface weakly. She'd not done this in a while, but how was one to avoid a migraine after everything that had happened? With a pained smirk she distantly envied that Princess of Musashi whose letter glowed a dim blue on the holographic desk before her, what would it have been like to never worry about migraines? About getting sick before an important meeting? What a boon that must be, genetic modification.

Of course, it wasn't like Yuki's genes had saved her. The scent of the incense that burned by the entrance to Kaela's office was testament enough to that. She leaned back for a moment and sighed, ignoring the splitting pain that threatened the contents of her stomach, after all it was nothing compared to what she knew would follow in the weeks to come. Such cruel irony it was, that the Princess of Musashi would profess her inability to tear her home apart to the one that had been given the responsibility to do so. Kaela hated the taste of it, futility. Yuki had worked for peace, accepted her fate in the pursuit of it, and was surely buried deep by now.

Taking a sip before setting the glass down and burying her face in wrinkled hands, Kaela reflected on how it'd all gone so awry. Isolated incidents, unpredictable happenstance, a thousand meaningless coincidences leading to the death of a reprehensible man. An event that would herald the death of billions. She'd already prepared the speech, and the official missives would be on their way by now. As of an hour ago she was the only First Chancellor in history to have been granted emergency powers twice.

In spite of all the sacrifice, the diplomacy, the assurances, war had come again. It would be her responsibility to tell the people that, to let them know their sons and daughters would be sent off to die in the name of freedom and democracy. How insipid it would sound.

Extracting a small black cylinder from her drawer and pressing it against her neck Kaela breathed deeply. The injector hissed and her vision sharpened, the pain dulled. It would only last for a few hours, but that would be long enough to do her duty.

New Königsberg, Prussia System, Sovereign Star Confederation

With a muttered curse Wilhelm Graf and Heinrich Schreiber stumbled out of the tavern, the burly proprietor watching imposingly from the shadow of the door frame reminding them to be quick about it. With a flip of the bird Wilhelm rubbed the arm he'd been dragged by and scoffed; it was a shitty bar anyway. Sure they'd gotten a little unruly, but who the hell wouldn't? The nation would be properly at war in in a few minutes if he had read the time right, and their proud Germanic Republic had a strong tradition of throwing idiots like him and Hein to their graves without even asking.

So piss on that bar, and the asshole who owned it. With a sigh Wilhelm noted the crowd gathering in the square and nudged Heinrich, “Looks like trials wrapped up buddy, wanna go watch the sentencing?”

Heinrich grinned at the sardonic comment and chuckled, “May as well, ain't like we can run from this one.”

With that the two awkwardly made their way to the square, though from the looks of it they were hardly the only ones who'd been imbibing. Squeezing through the crowd the pair finally made it to a bench and climbed up to gain a head above the throng, making the wall-screen of a nearby apartment visible for the first time.

Contrasted against screen's black background were the ominous words 'Emergency Broadcast – Standby'. The crowd waited with bated breath and simultaneously let out a gasp and cringed when the screen's speakers blared to announce a live broadcast and the image suddenly switched to the face First Chancellor, Kaela Zevaren.

The older woman seemed to gaze down at the crowd like she could see them, even if she was light years away. With a somber expression she began, voice booming through the town from a plethora of speakers, “People of the Confederation, I come to today with grave news. No doubt many of you have already heard, but for those who've not tuned into the news I will reiterate. Mere hours ago our steadfast ally, the Core Imperium, was ruthlessly attacked by the repugnant so called Dominion of Man. ”

Closing her eyes for a moment as if in mediation Sevaren paused before she continued, “We have long condemned the actions of the dictator Faust and his murderous cohorts, but complacency has led us to permit him his atrocities for too long. No longer. No longer will we sit by and watch millions marched to their deaths for the sake of a perverted vision of a 'racially pure' galaxy, this shameless attack on a sovereign nation is the line we draw. As of now we are at war with the failed state known as the Dominion of man.”

The crowed murmured and shared hushed conversations among themselves, but their First Chancellor forged on, “Many will, and already have, mentioned the justification given by the dictator Faust. I let you know now, any explanations given by the Dominion are nothing but a ruse. Petty tricks meant to paralyse us with indecision. A mass murderer has set their mind to killing untold innocents, and they have the temerity to use the unverified death of a single individual as their reason? What further proof of a state and a man's depravity can there be?”

“We will fight tyranny as our forefathers once did, and as their forefathers before them did. We will not be swayed by the insipid words of serpents. As for those nations who have so tragically been ensnared by the Dominion, the Musashi Empire and Varangian Remnants, know that we cannot abide those those who aid and abet evil. Just as we are at war with the dark stain on the galaxy that is the Dominion, we are at war with all who support it. In this we are not alone.”

“Perhaps the time will come when better men and women steer those nations away from the path they have taken, but for now we are resolute. The Confederation we have forged in the name of liberty will defend her ideals to the last, and if that means we must make war upon those who infringe those ideals, then we will make war.”

With a sudden intensity Sevaren added, “However! We must never forget what the ideals we fight for are! We must always abide by the codes we have set for ourselves, we must always fight as the better man, otherwise we become that which we sought to destroy. In the coming days many will call our enemies monsters, beasts, but we must remember that they too are intelligent beings. Mankind just like all the species of this galaxy, is capable of incredible cruelty and evil, and we must keep in mind we too could fall so far if we are to fight this war.”

“So I beseech you, the people of this beloved Confederation, come to your nations aid at its time of need, but do so as citizens, democrats, and the educated would. There is a long conflict ahead, but we will fight it as we are and we have been. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies in the Imperium and Commonwealth, and we will do so in a way we can be proud of when the light of peace shines on us at the end of this dark night.”

“Much will change in the weeks to come,” Sevaren paused and smiled as she emphasized, “But we will meet those changes heads held high, and we will know victory! “

With that the transmission cut out, and the crowd started to cheer, no doubt one shared across thousands of worlds. For his part, Wilhelm pissed himself a little.

Era of Succession(Closed)

@Apollo26You were never on the map in the first place?

As a single planet it was decided adding you to the map would be difficult, so you were put in as part of an area of Unaffiliated Space.

That area is still there, above the totalists.

EDIT: But I did totally forget to number PD, sorry Rhea.

Era of Succession(Closed)

MAP UPDATE

Era of Succession(Closed)

Congrats everyone!

100 posts!

Precipice of War - We Write Under The Sign Of The Goat

Good ol Slime.

Era of Succession(Closed)

The Core Imperium

Second Imperium capital world, Carina Prime

High above the world of Carina, Civilian and Military ships alike had gathered for not only the Funeral of the beloved Regent Lawrence, but the ascension of Uther of the now united Core and Second Imperium. It was a mixture of tension from the revelation and joy from the prospect of unity as some civilian ships utilized their defensive weapons to shoot off fireworks, with warships automated defenses frantically and futilely tracking the high volume of shells. Unknown to the majority of the gathering in orbit was the arrival of one of the Confederations largest warships to date.

With little to no announcement beyond private diplomatic communications SSCSS Article XVI dropped out of warp above the planet alongside its escorts, quickly coming to dominate the space above the world. The Sixteen was a ship built nearly a century ago, but its current appearance belied that purported age. Bristling with weapons and hangar bays the vessel was tremendously vast, a monolithic example of an asset that had simply been too useful to throw away. Quickly broadcasting its intent to observe the festivities the Sixteen settled into a high orbit above most of the civilian vessels, its escorts looking like insects buzzing around their queen.

Then again, as she’d be quick to say herself, Anastasia Kozlovskaya may as well have been the formations queen. That same queen of an Admiral had made her way onto one of the destroyers in her flotilla and was enroute to the planet nearly from the moment their orbit had been established. Watching an external screen idly as the destroyers atmospheric wings unfolded and the atmosphere buffeted the vessel Anastasia reflected with a satisfied grin on how conveniently things had worked out. She wasn’t uncouth enough to celebrate the Regent's death but… Well, it was better this way than if he’d ended up as dust on the vanguard of the defense against Musashi.

The beauty of the city ahead was marred only by the dull gray tones of the darkening skies above. The overcast setting had played on many people’s spirits as they rushed to cover from the small drops of water, knowing the rush that was to follow. All across the destroyer this was evident but still ahead was lights that tore through smoke and fog on a whim, the docking lights that had drew vessels in time and time again.

Carina Vestov United Spaceport was one of the Second Imperiums largest surface docks ever built and seeing it from above would be a clear testament to a builders resolve. On the surface were rows of military ships and one vacant spot that Admiral Anastasia's vessel was destined to park. There were open air ramps on both sides of the dock as well as ports for enclosed walkways. Standing at the leading open air ramp was a small shuttle and four military officers awaiting patiently for the Confederacy’s envoy.

As the ship gently took its place alongside the throng and the ramps extended Anastasia stood and yawned. Taking a second to ensure the condition of her dress whites in a nearby digital mirror she donned her cap and made her way to the docking ramp before descending it with a smile and an amiable wave.

The trip to the Imperial palace was peaceful and upon arriving, She was welcomed graciously by dignitaries and civilians alike, all knew of the Confederacy and its, albeit subtle, assistance to the Core Imperium, assistance that they hoped and prayed would be received to them as well. Hope was hard to come by in this day and age.

“Ah, My Anastasia.” A voice called from the opening door of the Palace. Uther had arrived personally to greet his acquaintance from the Confederacy. “It is a pleasure to meet you once again Admiral. This is indeed a strange time for you to arrive, no? I however am assuming your visit is not about the festivities.”

“You’re right to assume, Uther.” Taking her cap off and holding it under her left arm Anastasia extended a hand and smiled genuinely, “Though I’m sure I and my men will enjoy them to their fullest while we’re guests on your world.”

Uther nodded, “Indeed they will.” He motioned towards a smaller door at the side of a set of grand stairs. It was an unassuming one that was shaded by a single white tree. Inside the door was another simple hallway that ended with a small, simple room. Adorned with various pictures and weapons along the walls. It was Lawrence’s private room in life, “Cozy in here, reminiscent of our first meeting in my flagship. Wouldn’t you agree? I suppose we should get to the nature of your visit.”

He motioned to a seat for the Confederacy Admiral before seating himself. As he placed his now clasped hands upon the table, he rose a brow, “What is it you wished to discuss.”

Anastasia glanced around the homely room before fixing on Uther, “Nothing less than the very thing we’ve already discussed. The unity of the Imperiums under your person has all but ended any debate as to whether Musashi has legal cause to condemn our association and cooperation. I am again offering you a formal alliance Uther, for it seems that no matter how regrettably it has come about, our ‘one day’ has already arrived.”

Uther nodded again and withdrew his hands from the table. “An Alliance.” he said. “I will pose a similar question this time then, if you do not mind.” He strummed his fingers on the table for a moment, “As of now I have no formal agreement with Musashi and their aspirations of ‘invading’ the second imperium are still fresh in my mind. If war were to occur between my nation, and Musashi, what side would you choose?”

Her smile grew almost wicked, “Why Uther, formal or not the Princess Yuki gave you certain assurances did she not? Perhaps the Emperor can disavow her and claim she never acted in his name, but it cannot be refuted that in your meeting she acted with equal authority to when she signed a peace treaty with my nation. Second Imperium or just Imperium, she promised you aid and peace, and if the Emperor disregards that he breaks the same word that once ended the Laioning crises.” Leaning closer Anastasia grinned and took care to articulate every word clearly, “My government cannot trust a man that breaks the word of his representatives, and we cannot abide unwarranted aggression from our neighbours. Should Yamamoto Ryu act so incautiously as to declare war upon you, for the first time in his pampered life he will learn the consequences of one’s actions.”

Uther slowly pinched his nose, “You see, back during your conflict, you had not only Yuki’s blessing but also the Emperor’s. In this case, who is more powerful? The deposed princess that controls little or the Emperor who controls the military.” He lowered his hand and leaned back. “By technicality, he never broke his word as by sending Yuki away made any pact null. The reason I continue to bring this point up is that I need allies that will legitimately support me in times of war, not be torn between two nations.” He sighed, “I understand politics in your nation is difficult due to the democratic process but I need an absolute. With Barbarians on one hand, A Psychopath on the other, I have to have solidarity in any decision or pact made.”

“Obviously there are extreme circumstances that if I were in your shoes I’d break a pact, things like Genocide. But I must ask again, If there is a war between the Imperium and Musashi, Who will the Confederacy side with.”

Anastasia met Uthers gaze and spoke calmly, but with conviction, “If there can be no peace, then the Confederation will fight with those who have not shed the blood of its children. My government was clear on this, if it comes to open conflict you will have the full might of the Sovereign Confederate Armed Forces behind you. I can assure you of that. We have a man in Musashi who will try and talk them off doing something as foolish as you propose, but should war come and your Imperium fall it will mean nothing less than the beginning of the end for the Confederation. First Chancellor Sevaren sees this for what it is, and it is on her orders I am here today.”

There was no emotion on Uthers’ face as he pondered this thought. “Let us discuss the terms of said Alliance, seeing as we have come to an understanding. What of trade tarrifs, what of shared embargos against universal failures like Faust for example. How committed is this Alliance in regards to economic sanctions.”

Laying her folded hands in her lap and leaning back a tad Anastasia looked as if she’d been freed of some great stress, “Tariffs will be lowered, across the board, save for specific luxury goods in some of the Confederations member states, but those are of little concern. As for embargoes, my government sees Faust’s actions over the past decade as an atrocity beyond comprehension, in his case and in regard to all who would follow his footsteps we are totally committed to sanctions.”

Uther smiled genuine, something he hadn’t himself done in a long time. “I see these terms as acceptable. Far greater than I had initially imagined they would be. I will claim this not to be as they say, brown nosing, however, I am, and have been very thankful for your nations assistance over the years. God knows these second Imperium folks need the help.”

He sighed, “There is one last thing I would request of my future ally. If it is not too much to ask. My second Imperium allies possesses many powerful weapons that have saved their lives time and time again, however with the movements of the horde now unchecked through the northern borders, they find themselves desperately outnumbered and overwhelmed. Honest, they are drawing their very reserves.. Ships from before the imperium fell.. Would the Confederacy supply arms and ships to the beleaguered men and women of those areas?”

Anastasia raised a brow and rested her chin on an open palm, “Do recall Uther, we previously agreed to eliminate the restrictions on your Imperium buying arms… That said,” she grinned again, “I’m quite certain my government would be more than willing to offer you as much as we we can spare on loan, interest free given our new relationship. The Barbarians are a problem we need to address as urgently as Faust, after all for years we have ended up receiving the bulk of those refugees Musashi took in from the conflict.”

“You bring a fair point. Seeing as I’ve yet to see much in regards to the imperium arms deal accomplished so far. To be honest, It is mostly my fault as other things had preoccupied my time.. The death of my dear friend being the front and foremost.” He shook his head and gazed about the room. Pictures not only of military nature but also what would be obviously Lawrence’s family seemed to draw Uther in. “It’s amazing how short of a life we all truly have. But enough sentimentality, was there any other good news you wished to bestow upon me today?”

Her smile fell for a moment and Anastasia looked vacantly to the rooms ceiling, “That was all I was sent to ask of you today Uther and perhaps in time we’ll meet again, but for now I imagine you wish to mourn and prepare. As you once said, what’s coming is inevitable, but I don’t see a reason for us to fret over it relentlessly until it happens.” Looking back to Uther she beamed warmly, “Once the celebration of your ascension wraps up I’ll make my departure, but it was good to meet with you, especially to realize what our last encounter had failed to accomplish.”

“Indeed. I wasn’t quite confident that meeting you would accomplish anything, as was the outcome before. Though now I feel as if we found our common ground. Not leader to leader but soldier to soldier.” He outreached his hand, “It has been a pleasure, Now go enjoy the festivities. I fear that this may be among the last we are privileged to.”

She took his hand and stood, “And I fear you may be right.”