Sigma

Ashes of the Old World (A Dieselpunk Nation Roleplay)

I'll start working on a sheet soon.

Edit: Ok, in progress sheet is up.

WIP

Unified Republic of Greater Talania

Type of Government:
Autocracy
Head(s) of Government:
Lord Chancellor Zelimir Bartos
Economy:
Due to the Ongoing Unification War, Talania has slowly become more militarized, focusing more on Arms Manufacturing, Heavy Mining and Extraction of Metals, Minerals, and Hydrium. Unfortunately, Oil is more scarce in Greater Talania, having to be imported from their new ally, Hastur, as well as other necessitates such as food stuffs, and luxury goods, and in exchange, Talania ships it's surplus of weapons to the Empire.
Primary Species:

Human

Forest Elf

Orc

Gomiri

Population: 72 Million
Culture:
Religion and Other Beliefs:
Location/Territories:

Climate:
Military:

Army

The Mighty Sword and Shield of Talania. The Talanian Army is by far the most well-equipped, and most numerous out of both the Navy and Air Corps.

Infantry

Army Regulars

The beating heart of the Talanian Military, these valiant patriots proven to be the most versatile, fulfilling whatever roles that are needed on the battlefield.

Standard Gear


Winter Gear


Officers


Desert Gear

Stormtroopers

An Elite formation within the Army, the Talanian Stormtroopers act as elite shock troops, utilizing thick combat armor and higher grade weapons compared to the army regulars.

Stormtrooper Light Combat Armor


Stormtrooper Heavy Armor

Arcane Division

Established after the declaration of the Unification War, Bartos was inspired by the Rankani's use of magical shock troops during their invasion, their use partially the cause of such massive pushbacks. However, once Talania moved on the offensive, Bartos gathered many volunteers strong in magic, using their talents to great effect. However, as the years pass, Magic became more increasingly nationalized, the Lord Chancellor forbidding magic outside the Military's control. Eventually, Magic users were no longer given a choice, and forcibly conscripted into the Military's Arcane Divisions.

Armor

AC-15


AC-19


T-24


T-60

Air Corps

The Talanian Air Corps lie between the threshold of the Army's favoritism and the neglected Navy. Like the Navy, the Air Corp is a far smaller beast compared to the army, however, recent military innovations have made the Air Corps something to be feared and respected with the advent of aerial warships, Talania trying their hand at such marvels of warfare, able to go where the Navy simply cannot, and rain death upon Talania's enemies.
F-25 Razor


FB-12 Talon


HB-30 Claw


Peacemaker -class Support Airship


Supremacy-class Aerial Battleship


TT-2 Mini-Zeppelin Transport

Navy

Although years of warfare has severely reduced Talania's naval capabilities, but even in such a reduced state, the Talanian Navy can still make a formidable foe, fulfilling its basic goals of coastal domination over their immediate neighbors.
Dominance-class Battleship


Unity-class Cruiser


Patriot-class Destroyer


Lance-class Corvette

Republican Guard

An Elite, near-fanatical Corps separate from the Army, the Talanian Republican Guard serve as Bartos' chief enforcers in Talainia, with the aid of the National Militia, the Republican Guard keep the citizenry in line and are to crush any semblance of rebellion.

National Militia

Alongside the Republican Guard, the National Militia act as Talania's last line of defense in the case of invasion, acting both as a military force, and as law enforcement, although not as well equipped compared to the Army, the Militia make up their failings in their devotion to the Chancellor and Country.

Magic Prevalence/Usage:
Magic is quite abundant in Greater Talania, however, its usage in the hands of ordinary citizens is outlawed, and any person gifted with magic is to be immediately collected and conscripted into Talania's Arcane Divisions.
History/ Background Info:
The current state of Talania can be traced over twenty five years ago, the young, fledgling Republic of Talania struggled through years of warfare against their larger, more aggressive neighbor, The Rankan Empire. The leadership proving ineffectual in the face of such a dire opponent. As the conflict drew on, famine had plagued the land, not unlike the one that would be suffered years later. All seemed lost, until a General in the Talanian Army, Zelimir Bartos, grew tired of the chaos, set in motion his own plans that would effect both the war, and the nation as a whole.

General Bartos, along with his loyal troops, instigated a bloody coup in the capital city of Sajoszgrad, storming the streets, gunning down any who would stand against them, and had managed to rally desperate citizens who saw this coup as their salvation. Before long, Bartos and his men stormed the Parliament building, executing all members of the previous government, and declaring himself Lord Chancellor of Talania.

With a renewed sense of vigor and morale, Talania within a year, had managed to push out the Rankani past their border, for some, this would be more then enough, however, Bartos had other plans. The next day after their great victory over the Empire, Bartos had personally traveled to the border, gathering several army groups and citizen militias for a grand speech, many assuming this would be the sign of the war's end.

However, it was far from over. Bartos stood, given speech of a long lost legacy of the old Kingdom, how it once stood as a powerhouse in the region in ancient times, the King himself declaring the land as part of Greater Talania. The patriotic need to honor that legacy permeated the soldiers witnessing the speech as Bartos became more and more passionate. It was then and there, the war would never be over until the Old King's decree was finalized, until the land would at long last be united under the banner of Greater Talania, no matter the cost.

It was there that Bartos declared this a War of Unification, a war that would wage on to this day. For the the next decade, Greater Talania, fought battle after battle against their neighbors, first to fall was the Rankani Empire, their smaller, weaker neighbors were to follow and for the time being, both sides were in a fierce stalemate, however, the Century of Ash would change it all for the worse. For over a decade the world was covered in ash, crops withered and died, temperatures dropping, the war became a desperate fight for survival.

Several attempts at a truce would repeatedly be ignored as the talanians made their advance, even as people starved, Bartos kept the war going, convincing his generals that this crisis was the ample opportunity they needed, even if the Talanians suffered the most.

Nation Relations:

• Hastur: Relations within the last century had been turbulent, the defunct Kingdom of Talania participating in a Crusade upon a weakened Hastur, besieging and occupying the Port City of Merzifon. For over a century the the previous governments and for a limited time, its current successor had held the city until Hastur took an opportune moment and retook the city amid the chaos of the Century of Ash. In the aftermath, the Hasturi leadership, impressed by the efforts of the talanians, had hired out the services a number of veterans of the battle to train their soldiers.
• Soven-Ampara: Relations with Soven and Ampara are rather poor, both countries forming their pact in response to Talania's imperialistic ambitions, Soven more so, as they lay within the drawn borders of "Greater Talania".
• Andria: Like Soven and Ampara, relations between Andria and Greater Talania are poor, moreso for Andria as currently, the two countries are in a state of war as Talania invades Andria's shores.
• Usoma: Due to their frigid climates, and the strain of decades of war, Talania uncharacteristically is in open talks with the Usoman Empire, of course, such attitudes are but a temporary facade as Talania bids her time when the resources are more readily available to strike.
• Ocreau: For now, Talania has very limited contact with the Ocreau Commonwealth, but once the opportunity rises, the Commonwealth too will fall under the banner of Greater Talania.
• Acrad: Although parts of Acrad lie within the Greater Talanian Region, Talania has formed a Non-aggression pact with the Acradian Republic, and have agreed upon a partition between Soven and Ampara if victory over the Federal State is achieved.

The Fading Light of V'landriel [Ended, Reboot in Progress]

Still a work in progress, but the sheet so far, more will be added later.

NS

Union of Free Dathanari States

Type of Government: Confederation
Head(s) of Government: The Council of Dathanar, currently headed by High Councilor Valter Ohlson
Economy: (Main imports, exports, industries, technology level, etc.)
Demographics:
Population: 25 Million

Human

Dathan – Descendants of the Avalian human refugees, although nearly two centuries of separation had changed the Avalian population over time, recognizing themselves as the Dathan. Although they've incorporated Old World, namely Avalian, culture of the time period, the Dathan have developed their own identity, creating new traditions and reforming the old into some new and of their own design.


Tzücomen – Humans native to much of the southern half of the New World, where they've been roaming as herdsmen and nomads since time immemorial. They are distinguished from other humans by their swarthy complexion and artificially deformed cone-shaped skulls, achieved through ritual head binding. Militarily they are competent light cavalry and skirmishers, that have allied and sporadically warred with the Dathanari. Today, they work alongside them as auxiliaries to fight their common enemies.

Gardonian –
Population:

Harpy

Male


Female
Harpy –

Grogar

Male


Female
Grogar –

Jakai

Jakai – Insectoids native to Ukan Badlands, the Jakai are the distant cousins of the Tervigen, sharing biological and cultural traits, with their own set of differences of course. For instance, the build of a jakai is considered much more weak and frail compared to the toughened hide of a Tervigen. From a distance, it would be difficult to tell between a male and female Jakai, but upon closer inspection, males posses wings. Culturally, the Jakai generally take a more conservative approach in their ventures, while males are indeed outgoing, and adventurous, most of the time it is to an limited extent, for many, not wanting to venture too far from their home Warren.

However, there indeed exists many more males, and even females that have ventured beyond their Warren, beyond Dathanar. The more adventurous ones that stay within Dathanar are among the few to enlist in the Combined Defense Forces, particularity the Sky Corps.

Yeshai

Yeshai –

Amrean

Amrean –

Gnoll

Gnülonlar –

Culture:
Due to the harsh past of the original refugees, the Dathanari are a people that value Independence, autonomy and equality above all else, slavery and the likes long since been outlawed by the Ruling Council of the Free States. The traditional divides of the Old World, that of Noble and Commoner, became more and more blurred in Dathanari Society, replaced by one of finical standing, a position that can be obtained and lost by any and all on a whim, no matter of their birth status.

Religious and Other Beliefs:
While officially there is no State Religion, the most dominant religious institution in Dathanar would be the Church of the Sky King, a faith brought over and held onto by the Humans of Avalia during their cruel enslavement under the Dragons. Now forever free, the faith was able to blossom, spreading the prophecies of the Sky King to the savage peoples of the land, embracing his light.
Location/Territories:
Climate:
Military:
Magic Prevalence/Usage and Elemental Alignment:
Magic is common occurrence in Dathanari society, were it not for the mages among the refugees, life in the New World would be more harsh, unforgiving and Dathanar as a whole would be a far different beast then in the present. Three schools of magic are the most prominent within Dathanar: Solid, Liquid, and Plasma.

History/Background Info:

The Dathanari Rebellion:
The beginnings of the Nation of Dathanar can be traced back to the Old World, at the heart of the Yllendyr Imperium hundred eighty-Two years ago, in the massive Slave Slum that came to be known as Dathanar, one so large, that it was itself considered a separate settlement from the City it was attached to. The word "Dathanar" came to be a word the Elves have come to adopt as a scathing insult, the word often associated with "worthlessness", "Nothing" and "Less then Dirt", a word that at first, came to dishearten and break down the population. However, over the years, resentment grew, and in turn, the fires of revolution.

It all begun in May 3rd of 4719, the day the ill-fated Dathanari Rebellion took place. It begun as it would end, in bloodshed. A group of determined slaves, led by a man named Firgus Holen, had ambushed and brutally murdered their elven guards, taking their equipment, this act alone was more then enough to rally the other slaves, as more and more guards were killed in the first few nights, their weapons and armor taken off their fresh bodies, this eventually invited unwanted attention by the Regional Viceroy, who had immediately ordered several battalions to restore order in the Slums, once they stormed the streets, the soldiers were greeted by mobs of of armed slaves, soon fierce fighting had erupted throughout the slums, several days the slaves fought for all their worth, unfortunately their causalities were far outnumbering that of the imperials.

The short-lived rebellion would come to a bloody end, as the elven soldiers had received unexpected reinforcements, a flight of Dragons came souring in the sky as they begun to lit the slums aflame. The original instigators of the rebellion, Firgus Holen, his cohort and the rest of the rebels made their last stand, and held off the encroaching elves, the fires raging on as the whole slum was consumed in flame.

In the aftermath of the battle, the Slum was burnt to ashes, charred corpses littering the streets as more soldiers arrived to the grizzly scene, and were greeted by the sight of thousands upon thousands of now homeless slaves, surrounded by the armed soldiers.

The Exodus:
Despite their crimes committed, the Imperial Viceroy had saw it wasteful to simply slaughter the now defeated rebels, and instead opted for a more creative punishment, the rebels were to be sent to fight and eventually die against the Zeeborg-Fallian Union as cannon fodder.

The affair would last two weeks as ships from across the Imperium were converging to on a nearby port city, the rebels and an abundance of other defiant slaves now were housed in a massive makeshift prison camp, awaiting for their inevitable deaths. However, Firgus and his allies had seen this as a grand, "once in a lifetime" opportunity, and the time to wait for the arrival of the entire fleet was more the enough to organize with the other groups. For their entire stay in the camp, the Dathanari rebels had discussed their plans to the other slave groups, some more welcoming then others of the plan, regardless though, they would be involved one way or another, the plan? Instigate a fleet-wide mutiny against their captors and if successful set sail for the west, far from the Imperium, it was a suicidal plan, if it fails? Their deaths are more then assured before they even reach enemy territory, if it succeeds? Death is still a certainty, as tales of the Cursed West had spread to even the slave slums, any ships that sail beyond the Imperium's borders were never to be seen again.

Regardless, the possibility of true freedom from the Imperium was too alluring, and even if they were to perish to the cursed western seas, at least they would die free men.

And so the plan was set in motion, the Dathanari forging alliances with fellow humans, and reluctantly, a flock of harpy slaves, although in these uncertain times, any help is needed. After weeks of planning and preparation, the fleet had finally arrived, the slaves herded into cramped spaces, a tactic to further demoralize the slaves, unaware of the mutiny soon to take hold.

Once a few days had passed, the time had finally arrived, Firgus' group was the first to instigate the mutiny, slaves assigned as cleaning personnel had abandoned their positions and overwhelmed a few guards, repeating what they had done in the Dathanar Slums, relinquishing them of their weapons, and keys to the holding pens, this act along was enough to trigger chaos among the ranks as the slaves aboard the first ship swarmed every corner, fighting tooth and nail against the ship's crew, many dying in the process, in the chaos, several slaves gathered smashed piles of wood, burning it as they lit the signal for the other slaves to revolt, one after the other, the fleet was complete disarray as the slave rose up once more, some succeeding, others failing, but the fight drew on until all was silent, in the end, the slaves emerged victorious for the first time in centuries, however their own dead was far too great, thousands of their own lying dead.

With no time to spare, the best burial to be given was to be tossed overboard alongside with their enemy, as Firgus took charge as their new leader, his first decree, setting sail for the Cursed West, and braced themselves for whatever challenges and terrors it may hold for the battered refugees.

The New World:
Journey through the Western Seas would be on of death, fear and desperation. As the refugee fleet was beset be vicious storms, starvation, infighting and even cannibalism on a number of vessels, and worst yet, monstrous beasts, the dreaded Kraken, would drag whole ships down to the depths with their massive tendrils, one by one, a refugee ships would sink and be claimed by the Cursed Sea, until only a small handful of ships remained, it seemed death was inevitable for the many survivors, as hope of finding land drifted away from their collective minds, however, that day sooner then expected. The Day has finally come, after months of hardship and death, what's left of the refugee fleet had finally crossed to the other side, a whole New World for the taking.

Rise of Dathanar
Although True Freedom has been tasted, tensions run high among the thousands of survivors as past wrongs spring up, especially towards the Harpies, or had committed most of the cannibalistic acts during their voyage. Tensions rose further as fights broke out, the harpies forced to flee south. Over the first few decades, the refugees, who now proclaimed this land as Dathanar, slowly built up their fragile and divided civilization, settlements dotting the landscape north to south, slowly growing larger, this growth however, was met with harsh resistance, the land, as they soon came to realize, had its own set of inhabitance, some less then welcoming.

For years, human settlements would be besieged by native tribes, having to contend with each other over past rivalries and dealing with a resurgent flock of Harpies as they made their move north. Fortunately for a select few settlements, not all the natives were hostile, meeting like-minded humans in the Dry North, and meeting with envoys from the Amrean Celestial Empire, assuring alliances with a number of coastal and northern colonies, while colonies down south were less then fortunate.

Regardless, for decades Dathanar was both a land of opportunity and of bloodshed, a true test of will for the settlers as they fought for the very soil, however, their true test was to come as force with a dark, insatiable appetite was over the horizon.

The Striogi War and Present
It is quite obvious the arrival of the Dathanari did mot come unnoticed, for quite sometime, the lands of Dathanar being under heavy watch by the Strigoi of the Realms of Wulfram, making the occasional incursions in their territory, harvesting whole villages, however, this was not enough.

On August 14th, 4752, a cabal of Strigoi Lords bordering Dathanar had conspired together, mustering their personal armies to march into the new fertile lands, conquering and enslaving many villages and settlements, regardless if they were Dathanari or Native, for a month they moved virtually unopposed, crushing all who be bold enough to stand in their way.

Eventually, once they had gathered allies in neighboring lands, the Dathanari were able to repel the Strigoi after several years of warfare. The aftermath of the Strigoi War led to the formation of the Union of Free Dathanari States as they are known today.

Characters

Valter Ohlson, recently elected High Councilor of the UFDS.
Alexander Syren, Supreme Commander of the Union Combined Defense Forces.

The Fading Light of V'landriel (Closed for Soft Reboot)

Still a work in progress, but the sheet so far, more will be added later.

NS

Confederation of Free Dathanari States

Type of Government: Confederation
Head(s) of Government: The Council of Dathanar, currently headed by High Councilor Grawdrin Imeise
Economy: (Main imports, exports, industries, technology level, etc.)
Demographics:

Anhreinn

Anhreinn –
Population: 7 Million

Tzücomen

Tzücomen – Humans native to much of the southern half of the New World, where they've been roaming as herdsmen and nomads since time immemorial. They are distinguished from other humans by their swarthy complexion and artificially deformed cone-shaped skulls, achieved through ritual head binding. Militarily they are competent light cavalry and skirmishers, that have allied and sporadically warred with the Dathanari. Today, they work alongside them as auxiliaries to fight their common enemies.
Population: 4 Million

Ellempyr

Ellempyr –
Population: 50,000

Harpy

Male


Female
Harpy –
Population: 250,000

Valkyrian

Valkyrian –
Population: 100,000

Grogar

Male


Female
Grogar –
Population: 3 Million

Jakai

Jakai – Insectoids native to Dathanar's Badlands, the boundary between the dry north and the lush south, unlike the Gnulonlar and Grogar, the Jakai are considered "civilized" among the peoples of the wastelands, their weak and frail build lending to their more cooperative nature, and their rather large groupings. Regarding gender, one can easily differentiate between males and females, Male Jakai possessing wings, while the the females have none.
Population: 2 Million

Amrean

Amrean –
Population: 3200

Half-Ellempyr

Half-Breed –
Population: 50,000

Culture:
Due to the unfortunate past of segment of the population, the Dathaari are a people that value Independence, autonomy and equality above all else, slavery and the likes long since been outlawed by the Ruling Council of the Free States. The traditional divides of the Old World, that of Noble and Commoner, became more blurred in Dathanari Society, replaced by one of finical standing, a position that can be obtained and lost by any and all on a whim, no matter of their birth status.

Religious and Other Beliefs:
There is no single dominant religion in Dathanar, rather it is home to a multitude of differing faiths, many brought over from the Old World. The more prominent of these Old World faiths is the Church of the Forge Father, a third iteration of Cromism, shortly after their arrival, the people of Dathanar would undo the Dragon's revisions, and for the most part, had restored the faith.
Location/Territories:
Climate:
Military:
Magic Prevalence/Usage and Elemental Alignment:
History/Background Info:

Characters

Grawdrin Imeise, recently elected High Councilor of the CFDS.
Erthius Urial, Supreme Commander of the Combined Defense Forces of the Free States

The Makings of History

WIP

The United Provinces of Aberys

Government Type: Although Aberys officially classifies as a "Republic" Its democratic process is far from fair, the legislative body, the Elector Assembly being under the rulership of many minor and major Noble Houses of Old Arthana, the lowborn and non-human populace cut off from any representation. Every fifteen years the Noble Houses of the Elector Assembly congregate in the Capital City of New Lorimir, the founding city of the Arthanan Refugees, once the Assembly is called, the Nobles Houses must decide on a vote on which House Patriarch is chosen to lead as High Chancellor of the United Provinces, the Patriarch elected to be High Chancellor of the UPA therefor must relinquish authority of his former holdings to his next of kin as he is moved to New Lorimir.

Culture: (No nation is without culture, in fact culture is usually what makes a nation. Explain yours.)

History: (How did your nation get here? What wars did it fight? What intrigue has shaped it? Try and collaborate on this.)

Military: (Mostly optional, this can be fleshed out IC. If you have the time, provide an overview of your military and its capabilities.)

Persons of Importance:

Dark Matters (Open)

Aurolia
Orbital Dock 14

Several days had passed since Gaius' fateful encounter with Agent Severis, enough time to have his own affairs set in order. He of course couldn't divulge the true details of his mission to his family, all that could be said however, was that this would be his final tour of duty along with announcing his well-deserved retirement from naval service, much to the pleasure of his children and grandchildren.

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

Gaius sat alone in the troop bay of a razorwing combat dropship, the only company being the pilots, his luggage, and a service droid provided by the Agency. In his boredom, Gaius enjoyed some small talk with the pilots, exchanging some terrible jokes here and there, and the pilots pestering him once or twice about his time in the war, but eventually, they had finally arrived. "Captain, we're on approach to Orbital Dock 14." one of the pilots announced. Following this, Gaius stood up and walked over to the cockpit, flanking the pilots as they all took in the view as they drew closer to the installation, the docked Dawnhammer coming into view. One of the pilots let out a loud whistle. "Impressive ship."

"Well she oughtta." Gaius said. "Been at my side since the war."

The dropship continued its approach, moments passing as they finally entered the Dawnhamer's massive hanger bay, making it's slow descent to the floor, the interior of the ship making a "thump" sensation. "Well Gentlemen. Gaius spoke. "That's my que."

"Captain, it's been an honor." One of the pilots said.

"And...good luck." The other pilot said.

"..Thanks" Gaius said, walking away, signaling his service droid to pack up his things, with a simple nod, the droid complied and grab a hold of two heavy suitcases. The loading ramp lowered, revealing a his XO, young man in an officer's uniform, plus a two squads of marine standing at an orderly attention, greeting their captain. "Welcome back aboard, sir." The Officer saluted Gaius with a smirk. "I see shore leave was cut short?"

"Good to be back Janus." Gaius saluted back. "Ready for our last round?"

Janus' smirk swiftly became a slight frown, the realization sinking in. "Yeah..we're gonna miss you, sir.."

"Ooh don't give me that look." Gaius said, giving off a wide grin. "I ain't dying, not yet at least." He joked, although considering the mission, it's partial to truth. "These bones are startin' to get old, I feel I've done enough in my lifetime."

"Understood, sir." Janus said, who signaled the marines to disperse, as they retired for the day, one thought had almost been forgotten."Oh, sir, you have some "Guests", I'll meet you in the bridge when you're ready."

"Guests?" Gaius was puzzled, twisting around before one particular group stood out among the uniformed crew, his wife and wing filght mates standing near another dropship. Gaius walked over, still puzzled, why were they even here? But before any questions were asked, Gaius gave each of the old starhounds a tight hug, and an intimate kiss for Isana. "Little much to see me off huh?"

"Well, yes." Isana replied. "Did you think you'd be going in this alone?"

"If this is your last mission, we want in." Caris said followed by a fist pump.

"Just like old times, right?" Giddy said.

Gaius wanted to object, this mission was unlike anything back in he war, the consequences of any mishap would be disastrous for them and for the Republic...but, if all goes according to plan, this would be their final mission together, and honestly? He wouldn't have any other way. "..Yeah, just like old times."

"That's it? No bitching about protocol?" Isana jested.

"Who the hell do you thin I am?" Gaius jested back. "Besides, the mission itself is very unorthodox and I'll take any good help I can get."

"The last flight of the Starhounds!' Caris shouted joyously. "Let's make it count."

Dark Matters (Open)

Collab between me and Yen.

-----


Norma Expanse
Deep Space
For six decades, they've been left to rot, to be forever forgotten in the cold embrace of the void. Although the Expanse War had long been over and done with, the scars and signs left behind still lingered, moving aimlessly through the void. A large graveyard of starship wreckage had accumulated over the years, warships of Aurolian, Astranan and even Volkadian designs were slowly melding together to form this vast graveyard, an ever present and sore reminder of a conflict long ago, and of past sins.

The crackling sound of the comms unit on the Valkyrie vessel emitted across the entirety of its halls, and rooms. “All personnel prepare for docking with a MVDA. Attachment crews ready yourselves at airlocks.” The science vessel drifted closer to the wreckage graveyard, normally they’d explore these sorts of space anomalies simply for the chance to possibly develop new technology, but this time they’d been paid to do so.

As the vessel reached the optimal range it’s thrust rotated so that it brought its port to the combination of warship remnants. Doors opened across the port side of the ship, hissing as the airlock released. Women wearing thrusters on their backs traversed the space between the wreckage and the science vessel, trailing behind them thick cables with self welding pads. The women attached the pads to the wreckage, and immediately the pads turned a bright orange as steel bubbled and melted together.

A voice came over the comms once more as one of the women involved in the attachment gave the all clear to reel themselves in safely to the dead vessel. Captain Viola stepped to the long range communications console and tapped in several passcodes and finally a frequency. “This is Science Lab Vessel Alpha of the Starburst Valkyrie Corporation, we are in contact with the MVDA, requesting final mission parameters from the URAS.”

Several moments passed before they received a response. "This is Seventh Fleet Command." Spoke a masculine voice. "Your recovery teams are to thoroughly search the ARS Vanquisher for the aforementioned object, once the weapon as has been retrieved and is secured, you are to immediately link up with the Seventh Fleet to the assigned rendezvous point." There was a brief pause before the voice spoke up. "Good Luck."

The long range communicator was switched off and Viola returned to her Captain’s seat on the bridge. She ran her fingers along the console on the arm of her seat and opened up communications to her own ship once more. “I need four retrieval teams to head over to the MVDA, Carlyle, Sanchez, Baily, and Davis you will lead the teams. Ten security troopers, and an engineer each. Midfield, i want security details at every airlock in case we run into any nasties and they try to get on board with us. Be careful ladies.” Viola closed the comms and gave a sigh as she stared at her screen. “We’re supposed to be researchers, not field operatives.”

The four teams had already suited up, wearing the traditional combat gear for void troopers. Using the cables they pulled themselves to the void wreckage, and activated their magnetic boots and worked their way inside either using holes already available, or by using magna cutters to remove door shaped plates. Flashlights on their helmets illuminated the areas, the troopers taking point as their HUDs fed information to them on their surroundings, and their current firearms condition.

Once the light pushed away the darkness within the corridors of the derelict vessel, the troopers witnessed a rather troublesome sight, a horde of Void Leeches latching onto nearly every corner of the hall, the flashlights disturbing the beasts as a number of the leeches detached themselves from the walls and begun angrily floating towards the intruders.

“We have void leeches.”

“We do too”

Confirmation from all four teams down came about the void leeches, though this was quickly followed by shooting, the weaponry of the teams tearing through the creatures in the hall, using the funneling effect there to make quick work of the ones before them. “Clear!” Came from Alpha team and was echoed by the rest along with a report of no casualties. The teams continued down the halls clearing any side rooms as they went.

Once the excitement of the skirmish had died down, and as the troopers moved deeper into the insides of the Vanquishers, the atmosphere slowly grew more...isolated, the recovery teams passing by floating corpses of the long dead crew, their bodies disturbingly preserved in the dark void, their faces frozen in anguish, their final painful moments on display for all to see. It was an unsettling sight to behold. In one section of the ship, a trooper had begun to notice...shadows moving on the corner of her eye.

Alpha team stopped as the comms opened up, and apparently Davis team had located the target. Davis began to punch codes into the container for the bomb slowly working through its passwords, and pins so that she could get the core removed. Meanwhile the rest of the troops had begun setting up to leave, Alpha team being the first to start heading for the exit. “Returning to homeship Captain eta ten minutes” Sanchez reported over the comms. Everyone though was on edge, still looking around for whatever those fleeting shadows were.

The "shadows" that had briefly stalked the halls, following the recovery teams had soon made themselves known, old, rusted Republic Warbots had emerged from darkened halls, several entering the same room as the recovery team that had found the bomb. One of the old warbots raised its rifle towards one of the troops, discharging its weapon as chemrails shot through the nozzle, tearing through one of the troopers, the other bots follow suit as they fired their weapons. "In the name of the Republic! Stand down!" the warbots chanted through the comm channels.
.
“Son of a bitch we have malfunction droids!” Suddenly flooded the channel, Davis moved down behind the bomb to keep some cover as she fired her pistol from around the corner. The rest of the troopers taking covered behind what they could returning fire and knocking down a few of the rusted robots. The rest of the teams began moving towards Davis position tactically, shooting through whatever warbots were in their way as they went. However Bailey’s team got pinned up in the cafeteria, where there seemed to be a large amount of the warbots.

“We’re pinned we can’t make it to Davis team, we’ll be fine though we can hold them off!” Bailey shouted over the comms as two of her troopers now lay dead on the floor having been shot through by the chemrail guns.

Several squads of the malfunctioning warbots continued their advance on the pinned mercenaries, weapons fire peppering the walls of the kitchen. "In the name of the Republic! s-ssxzsddzzzs" The voice box of the robot begun to screech over the comm channel as it broke down from the wear and tear.

Bravo and charlie teams began to tear through the Robots attacking Davis position burning through them as she was finally able to remove the bomb core. “Let’s go! Everyone out!” She yelled over the comm system. Alpha team remained quiet for a moment as they continued to fire at the Robots piling in the room.

“We aren’t going to get out of here! Complete the mission!” Another trooper fell, that was four so far, plus the engineer had gone down in the hallway. Bailey stood up and threw a chaff grenade, it distorted the troopers heads up displays, but also played with the Robots targeting systems. Though it wasn’t enough as a shot made it through her chest and sent her to the floor gasping for a few fleeting moments as the vacuum collapsed her lungs and crushed her heart.

The rest of the teams were rushing towards the exit, and began using their thrusters to clear the space between the wreckage and the science vessel. Any robots that followed were torn apart by Midfield’s teams waiting at the airlocks.

More and more of the warbots had converged on the retreating mercenaries, fruitlessly assault the airlocks in waves, their wreaked bodies piling up to the point of blockage. "sZZZZHHHHH" Was all that could be heard now, the warbots overworking themselves to fend off the intruders, but to no avail.

As the last of Bravo, Charlie, and Delta teams got inside the science vessel, and Midfield shut the airlocks, they could hear the cries of the remaining troopers in the wreckage as they were murdered. Viola growled. “Fire broadside turrets I don’t want those piles of junk getting on my ship!” The Science vessel using what little firepower it had began to fire into the openings the robots were coming out of, it wasn’t strong enough to destroy a ship but it was easily enough to destroy the robots.

The warbot bodies poured out from the hole made upon their forceful entry, those warbots that still functioned floated out, making themselves easy targets as the Science Vessel's guns begun tearing through them into scrap metal until they stopped their advance all together.

The science vessel veered away and put distance between itself and the wreckage, already an officer tallying up the dead, and placing price markers next to their names as assets lost. Viola gave a sigh. “Plot a course for the Seventh Fleet, we have a package to deliver.” The nav officer tapped into the console plotting the course, and finally the FTL drive kick into life and with a small popping sound the science vessel was moving as quickly as possible to rendezvous with Seventh fleet.


Aurolian Border
Corona System
Some hours had passed since the mission, the Science vessel closing in on the rendezvous point as it emerged from a Warp Gate, met with oncoming space traffic, ships lining up for Warp Gate travel. The Seventh Fleet however, was not too far behind, as over a hundred warships cluttered together, circling around the Corona Warp Gate as they awaited for the arrival of their package.

As the Science vessel got closer a shuttle release from it’s bay. Within was Midfield and a small security team along with the bomb core. Rather gracefully it docked with the flagship of the Seventh Fleet, Midfield and the security team walking down the shuttle’s ramp with the package in tow on a hover cart. “Release package into your custody as requested.”

A rather imposing Scorpine dressed in an Admiral's uniform approached Valkyrie with several marine guards. The Scorpine made an attempt to "smile" to show his appreciation for this dire task. "Excellent work." The Scropine spoke. "And as agreed, you will be paid handsomely for your troubles and further compensated for any casualties and damages taken." The Admiral motioned to the marines to take the core, without a word spoken, the marines walked over, the security team moving out of their way to as they took the core elsewhere within the dreadnought. "A pleasure doing business, as always." The Admiral said as he took his leave. He hesitated for a moment, turning to face Midfield. “And I trust this stays between us?”

Midfield gave a nod, handing over the device without even a word. “What stays between us Admiral?” She says with a nod and steps back into the shuttle followed by the security detail. They were off and back to the science vessel in seconds flat.

Dark Matters (Open)

@Slagar A few links in OOC, but I'll PM it to you.

Dark Matters (Open)

@Slagar No problem, and in the mean time, hop on in the discord when you got time, most of the RP planning and discussing goes in there.

Dark Matters (Open)

@Super Grandpa We sure are! :)

Dark Matters (Open)

Aurolia
Star Port City of Pavliu
Neon Tipsy Bar, Upper levels

Gaius Vikir, a tired and worn out human in his early sixties laid against the wall of a moving elevator as it made it's ascent to the Neon Tipsy, the classiest and most expensive bar you could find in this city, the occasion? Gaius had just returned from rather somber get together, a real close friend, practically a younger brother, had recently passed away, attending his funeral with his family, friends and surviving members of their squadron, and after that depressing reminder of all their mortality, he needed one hell of a drink, so he and rest of the crew had decided to throw a little drinking party in his honor,

The aged Gaius maintaining his balance as he heard the "bing" sound from elevator, the doors sliding open to reveal bright neon lights, they really wanted to put an emphasis on the bar name that's for sure, all the while some jazz-like music was booming, filing the air and atmosphere of the bar. The bar was half-full, the bar patrons were a varied sort, ranging from "fellow" navy officers, though by the looks of them, they were a bunch of coreworlder suits, to more suits of the business variety, both shady and legitimate sat in another corner, all drinking to their hearts content. All the while, in left corner stood a little stage of sorts, two young, quite attractive Laadaruua women had begun to sing in their native tongue, it was a rather calming melody to an extent.

Gaius continued scanning the room until he took notice of aged Xuhajann man hand waving at him, turning to that direction to see a trio waiting for him, the aforementioned Xuhajann, a human woman, and an Aldzir. Gaius walked over as he grabbed a glass, he was fashionably late enough to have his drink ready. "Glad you could make it, Suit." the aged woman, Isana Vikir, his wife spoke, followed by hearty chuckles from the other two

"Yeah yeah, very funny." Gaius replied mildly annoyed, the two then lovingly embracing each other, followed by a short but passionate kiss. "Love you too darling." She said.

"With that." Caris, the Xuhajann spoke, raising a glass. "A toast to Sanders."

"May he find peace in Spiritus." Giddy, the Aldzir spoke mechanically through his translator.

"To the Starhounds." Both Isana and Gaius said, the four of them clashing their glasses together and begun gulping down their drinks. An hour had passed, the festivities of Remembrance Day still raging across the planet, however, the four former pilots felt hollow, their latest loss hitting them hard in their old age. "So, how's the family doing?" Caris asked the couple.

Gaius and Isana looked to one another before turning their attention to their old friend. "Doing well." Gauis replied. "Called Jade an hour ago, we were going to celebrate the holiday together..." Gaius paused, once more looking to his wife. "...but me and Isana agreed now wasn't the best time...the grandkids were mighty disappointed."

"Yeah..not in a festive mood either." Giddy said, dunking his trunk into the glass, siphoning the alcohol. Some more time passes as the starhounds took it all at a slowed pace, a large hologram screen brightened up as the daily news reports came in, a Janari Anchor appearing. "Our on-site teams have reported mass causalities numbering in the millions as recent as last week as the Resurrectionist Offensive pushes deeper into Scropine Lin-"

"Thank Spiritus we're not in that mess..." Gauis said, chugging down another drink. "I feel miserable enough as is.."

"I heard some rumors from passing by merchants." Caris said. "Mars is already itching to make a move on the Rezz."

"And if true, I guess we all know what that means." Isana said, her tone matching the mood in the air around the group.

"They can do whatever they please." Gaius said disgruntly. "Just keep it a Martian Operation I'd say. Last thing we need is another war on our hands."

While the Starhounds were busy watching the screen, they had failed to notice a young stranger approaching from behind, having just arrived from the elevator. "Careful there old man." the stranger spoke. "You'll just jinx yourself with that kind of talk."

The four turned to see a human man in his mid thirties, wearing a fine suit often associated with the Republic Intelligence Service. "Gaius Vikir?" The stranger begun. "The name's Leon Severis, I'm with Intelligence."

"We know that much." Isana spoke up.

"Could you and your associates come with me for but a moment?" Leon requested of the group. "It won't take long."

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

Some time had past, the group driving around the city in a rather spacious truck, often used as mobile listing posts by Intelligence. The Starhounds sat rather comfortably one one end of the truck, all the troubling spying gear gutted out in favor of more comfy seats, facing them on the other end was Agent Severis. "So, why'd you drag us here." Gaius asked, honestly intrigued by this point.

"As you're quite well aware, the war between the Neo-Scorpine Empire and the Resurrectionists is going less then swimmingly for the Scorpines. It's not public knowledge as of yet, but the Martians have begun operations to covertly back the Empire, the Martian Commander General has requested the Chancellor herself to lend aid in this operation."

Gaius had quickly shifted from intrigued, to less then interested. "...Son, Why'd you bring that up?"

"I'll get to the point, your country is in need of your services Captain." Leion said. "Your former post as a pilot has made you a maverick among your peers, men and women serving under you have commented on your unorthodox, but efficient command. Such an officer would be-"

"Let me stop you right there." Gaius interrupted. "I've already survived a war, I've done my country a great service as is, I won't be thrown in to start another."

"Gaius..lets at least hear him out." Isana said, gripping onto his arm, locking into each other gaze. "Fine...continue."

"Thank you." Leon said. "An Officer of your talent would be of great use in an operation such as this." He paused a moment, catching his breath. "Officially, we're not in a state of war with the Resurrectionists, however, their stated goals do run counter to the Coalition as a whole, and we would rather avoid open war with the Resurrectionists and their allies."

"...What do you want me to do exactly?" Gaius asked, still skeptical.

"Put up a good Facade of course." Leon replied. "Officially, we're sending your ship under the guise of Humanitarian Aid, your vessel would be provided with surplus Mercy-class ships to back that up." Leon paused once more. "Unofficially, you are to assist the martians in training and supplying the various anti-res militia groups to properly fight this war. Unless pressed by the enemy, you're to avoid combat as much as possible."

The group remained silent, seemingly not convinced, however, Gaius spoke up. "So My crew and I would be the only ones sent in? Not to fight a war or anything, but get others to do it for us?"

"That's the original plan, yes." Leon answered. "If the operation goes well that is."

Gaius remained silent and pondered, he could possibly do some do some good, helping the locals to help themselves, and possibly not drag Aurolia into this unpleasant war. "...Dammit all, fine." He reluctantly agreed. "I'll do this under one condition though, after this Op, I request an early retirement from Navy service."

"That can be arranged, captain." Leon said, extending his hand towards him, Gaius grabbed a hold of it and shook. "Glad we can come to an understanding."