ST:TTV618 | "The Battle of Calahadon Pt. I"

Stardate 98135.7

The Coalition's efforts are finally put to the test when the in-numerous Horde fleet arrives at Calahadon...

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Keliaya@anncaris FX | We see an old bridge with visible patchwork repairs and mismatching consoles, giving the impression of a raider or scavenger ship. Five Toroki beam down onto the bridge, two of them armed - Keliaya@anncaris - with rifles and the rest with pistols. Three Harcseen stand to greet them, with many more working across the bridge. One of the Toroki steps up and scans the Harcseen. The scanner beeps, - Keliaya@anncaris - flashing a red message: HORDE INFLUENCE DETECTED Keliaya@anncaris | The Toroki turns to inform the others when the foremost Harcseen draws his pistol and blasts him. The two rifle-wielding Toroki quickly return fire, downing two of them while a third Toroki - Keliaya@anncaris:- lunges at the one who had just fired, her tail swiping the pistol out of his grip before she lands on the large reptilian, clawing and mauling Keliaya@anncaris | The bridge breaks into an all-out fight. The surviving Toroki dart around, crawling over the walls and ceiling and outmaneuvering the larger lizard-people. However, their claws and teeth are - Keliaya@anncaris:- not as effective against the heavy scales and thick hide of the Harcseen, and one is grabbed by the tail and overpowered by a brutish lizard, while another is shot down from the ceiling Keliaya@anncaris | The Toroki take out a good number of Harcseen, but the fight is over when reinforcements arrive on the bridge, spraying fire indiscriminately and taking out two Harcseen along with the last - Keliaya@anncaris - two Toroki Keliaya@anncaris | The camera pans out of the Harcseen ship to reveal a second one just like it, flanked by two smaller ships of similar design. They open fire on a Colonial Fleet battleship and two Toroki - Keliaya@anncaris:- raiders in front of them, who immediately go into evasive. One of the Toroki ships, presumably the one who beamed over the team, has no time to raise shields and a beam punctures a hole straight - Keliaya@anncaris:- through it while a second finishes it off. The two smaller ships immediately break off to pursue the remaining raider while the two cruisers focus fire on the battleship Keliaya@anncaris | The camera zooms into the battleship's CIC, where a number of Arshai and a few Orions work frantically away at the consoles Keliaya@anncaris | Tactical Orion: "Shields at 75% and dropping!" Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "Get the ship out of here! Set course away from Colonial Space and call for assistance!" Keliaya@anncaris | A male Orion pilot taps away at his console and the ship begins to turn away Keliaya@anncaris | Comms Arshai: "Commander, if the ship moves away from Colonial Space, reinforcements will also be further away." Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "Better than to lead Horde-influenced raiders into Colonial Space. This ship might be able to outrun the Harcseen yet. But if not, at least the Fleet will know this group is - Keliaya@anncaris:- not seeking refuge and work as mercenaries." Keliaya@anncaris | Warp streaks come into view on the screen. The CIC shakes several times as they fly Keliaya@anncaris | Tactical Orion: "Shields at 50%! 45!" Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "Push beyond maximum warp speed." Keliaya@anncaris | Engineering Arshai: "The ship will not be able to keep this up for long, Commander!" Keliaya@anncaris | Tactical Orion: "The Toroki can't keep up!" Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "Can the Toroki cloak?" Keliaya@anncaris | Tactical Orion: "Yes, but they'll have to drop shields and they're still in range of the Harcseen weapons." Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "Grab the raider with a tractor beam and cover the Toroki with this ship's warp bubble." Keliaya@anncaris | Engineering Arshai: "The ship is having enough difficulty maintaining this speed already!" Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "And if the Harcseen do catch up, the ship will do better with a raider for assistance than alone." Keliaya@anncaris | The camera shows the battleship as it drops out of warp briefly with the Toroki raider after it. The raider is tractored along before the two warp away together. Keliaya@anncaris | A short while later on the CIC, the Arshai Commander asks, "How long can the ship continue like this?" Keliaya@anncaris | Engineering Arshai: "Sixteen minutes, maximum." Keliaya@anncaris | Comm Arshai: "That may be enough. Someone is answering the call for assistance." Keliaya@anncaris | Science Arshai: "Sensors show nine Irishai vessels and one Coalition friendly." Keliaya@anncaris | Engineering Arshai: "Irishai ships, coming to the Colonial Fleet's assistance?" Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "Alter course towards the incoming vessels." Keliaya@anncaris | The battleship and towed raider turns, with the Harcseen ship following behind. Before long, the warp bubble begins to destabilize, and the two drop out of warp Keliaya@anncaris | The camera cuts to the CIC once again, where the Commander announces, "All remaining power to shields. Have the Toroki ready to run interference." Keliaya@anncaris | On the central holotable of the CIC, the four Harcseen ships are depicted as 3D live holos as they drop out of warp behind the battleship, advancing in formation Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "Brace!" Keliaya@anncaris | Before the Harcseen can fire though, the viewscreen lights up with the appearance of even more ships dropping out of warp... Keliaya@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/gSE3ZK2.jpg Keliaya@anncaris | One of the massive Lodzki dreadnoughts appear, flanked by heavy and medium cruisers. At the centre of the battle group sits the Valley Forge, its design standing out from the rest despite - Keliaya@anncaris - most of the ships around it being of similar size Keliaya@anncaris | The Lodzki ships open fire, blue phasers and flashing torpedoes cutting apart the Harcseen pirates in seconds. The fight is over instantly, with a debris field sitting where the four Harcseen - Keliaya@anncaris - ships were moments ago Keliaya@anncaris | Comm Arshai: "The Valley Forge is opening hailing frequencies." Keliaya@anncaris | The Arshai Commander gives the comm officer a nod and looks to the viewscreen. Keelah@crystyl:<C> Arshai vessel, this is Captain Se'Lai on the Valley Forge. We got here as quick as we could, what is the situation over there? Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "Captain Se'Lai. This one is pleased for the assistance. These Horde-influenced raiders have been attempting to reach the New World shortly after the destruction of Terminu." Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "The Horde are attempting to undermine the defenses here by any means possible." Keelah@crystyl:"Troubling, but to be expected. I have medical and engineering teams standing by to provide assistance if required" Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "That will not be necessary. One Toroki ship was lost in the initial combat, but the remaining raider and this battleship are undamaged. The Valley Forge must be passing - Keliaya@anncaris:- nearby with the Irishai evacuation fleet, yes?" Keelah@crystyl nods, "Correct. We have the Lodzki evacuation en route to Vue En before escorting their combat ready vessels to rendezvous with the Coalition fleet" Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "This vessel may be able to assist with bringing the civilians to Vue-En. The Valley Forge and Irishai military leaders can proceed to Calahadon sooner. Most of the - Keliaya@anncaris:- Coalition forces, including the Guardian reinforcements, are already gathered there." Keelah@crystyl:"Your assistance is most appreciated. There is more however; the Horde main fleet is not far behind us" Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "The Coalition is aware. The Regulators have reported that the Horde fleet visited the system with the pre-warp civilization the Regulator vessels are concealing. The Horde - Keliaya@anncaris:- does not appear to be able to detect the planet and surrounding ships and have decided to move on." Keelah@crystyl:"That is reassuring at least" she glances to Lennie who also seems relieved Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "This vessel will follow the Valley Forge to the Irishai fleet to lead the civilians to safety. Calahadon is not far away for the ones proceeding there." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Thank you Commander" Keliaya@anncaris | Arshai Commander: "This one owes Captain Se'Lai and the Valley Forge thanks for the rescue. The rest is only the duty of any Colonial Fleet ship." Keliaya@anncaris | The Commander looks to the Orion pilot, "Form up with the Valley Forge and the Irishai vessels." Keliaya@anncaris | The camera zooms out to show the battleship and raider joining the Valley Forge and Lodzki battle group as they turn and warp away... Keliaya@anncaris FX | https://youtu.be/Zoz6yMM8mkk --- Keliaya@anncaris FX | Some time after coming to the aid of the Colonial patrol, Keelah returns to the bridge as the VF approaches Calahadon... Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "ETA five minutes, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Very good. How is it looking on long range sensors?" Keliaya@anncaris:"There's a lot more signatures than the last time we were here. It does look like most of the Coalition is gathered in the system." Keelah@crystyl:"Let us hope it is enough..." Keliaya@anncaris | Eva: "A lot of comm traffic as well. And we're receiving a hail from the planet." Keelah@crystyl:"Put it through" Keliaya@anncaris | The visage of the Chosen Emperor appears on the viewscreen, "Welcome back to Calahadon, Tarros." Keelah@crystyl:"Emperor. You honour us with your personal welcome" Keliaya@anncaris | Emperor: "I had hoped you welcome you again under better circumstances, but it appears the situation has grown even more dire since our last meeting." Keelah@crystyl:"Regrettably so. The time to make a stand is upon us" Keliaya@anncaris | Emperor: "And the Supreme Commander has chosen my world to be the site of this stand. While you have been evacuating these Felmorans, Calahadon has been vacated in preparation for the Horde's - Keliaya@anncaris:- arrival." Keelah@crystyl:"At least your people are clear of the front lines. But should you not be with them?" Keliaya@anncaris | Emperor: "I have been equipped with one of your implants, so the Horde's presence will not put me at risk. I do intend to travel to Vue-En before the battle is underway, but I am presently - Keliaya@anncaris:- here to represent the Chosen at the Coalition meeting. The majority of the Solar Fleet will not be participating in the battle, but the crew of our flagship the Sunguard have been equipped with - Keliaya@anncaris:- implants and will remain with our homeworld." Keelah@crystyl:"This is /the/ meeting I assume. I do hope not to have kept you all waiting" she smiles faintly Keliaya@anncaris | Emperor: "Do not worry. The meeting has been scheduled for first light at the capital the next day. The sun has not yet set here today, and you have time." Keelah@crystyl:"Good. It has been a long journey and I am eager to get all the work done we can on preparing the Valley Forge. It would also be nice to catch up with everyone" Keliaya@anncaris | Emperor: "Indeed. I believe there are many here who wish to speak with you." Keliaya@anncaris | Eva nods, looking to Keelah, "We have...quite a few incoming communications lined up." Keelah@crystyl glances to Eva with a chuckle and looks back, "Well, it is certainly nice to feel so popular. We should be making orbit momentarily Emperor, I trust I will see you soon thereafter" Keliaya@anncaris | The Emperor nods, "I will see you on the surface, at the meeting or before." Keelah@crystyl:"Before with luck" she smiles Keliaya@anncaris | Emperor: "I hope so. Until then, Tarros." Keelah@crystyl bows her head in parting Keliaya@anncaris | The comm ends and Eva announces, "Next comm in line is from Baseship One of the Colonial Fleet." Keelah@crystyl:"And here I thought the day was coming to an end. Something tells this is far from the back of the queue..." she takes a quick pause for breath and nods, "Open channel" Keliaya@anncaris | Vora appears on the viewscreen, "Keelah. I heard you saved one of my patrols near the border." Keelah@crystyl:"We were fortunate enough to be in range to assist" she smiles, "It is good to see you again Vora, you seem to have been busy in our absence" Keliaya@anncaris | Vora: "As have you. I've never had much dealings with the Felmorans myself, but I've been told their politics is a mess- more so than usual that is, politics always ends up a mess one way or - Keliaya@anncaris:- another. But you managed to convince all of them to evacuate, and get them all here in time." Keelah@crystyl nods, "It is true that the situation is... delicate. The Horde were attempting to divide the people out there as they were at Vue En, so there was civil conflict between the fections. But..." she - Keelah@crystyl:- smiles, "Even with their long lifespan leading to a natural penchant for indecisiveness, they have found remarkable resolve to settle their differences in short time even by our standards" Keliaya@anncaris | Vora smiles as well, "Impressive work as always, Keelah. Now this is officially Coalition business, but it's better if we get a start on it before the meeting. As useful as it would be to have - Keliaya@anncaris:- the entire Felmoran fleet for the battle, there's no way we can equip all their crews with the implants on time. We're ready to start implanting immediately, and providing their own staff with - Keliaya@anncaris:- implants so they can assist. I presume we'll want to prioritize getting all their dreadnoughts into the fight, but you know their modern ship designs better than anyone now." Keelah@crystyl nods, "We've been working with them this whole time to make a start, and they are primed and ready to expedite the effort" Keliaya@anncaris | Vora: "I'll get my people here to work on them immediately, and the Regulators and An are standing by to assist as well." Keelah@crystyl:"By my calculations, the joint efforts should be sufficient to bring all of the Lodzki vessels with us into the safety margin. The remainder of the fleet has held back with the civilian population" Keliaya@anncaris | Vora smiles, "Excellent. I believe the Guardian-Commander wanted to speak with you as well, so I won't keep him any longer. It's good to have you back, Keelah." Keelah@crystyl:"I understand we have some time before the meeting, hopefully we'll get the chance to catch up properly on the surface" Keliaya@anncaris | Vora: "Hopefully, Captain." She gives a nod of farewell, and the comm ends Keliaya@anncaris | Eva: "The next comm in line is indeed from one of the Guardian ships." Keelah@crystyl takes another quick pause for breath, "On with the show" Issandros@anncaris FX | The visage that appears on the screen is not that of Guardian-Commander Skormir, but instead a middle-aged Klingon with brown hair, a full brown beard and a ridge covered with scars Issandros@anncaris | Klingon: "So, you're the one I've heard so much about." Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, "I hope it is nothing too bad that you've heard. Apologies but you seem to have me at the disadvantage, I was anticipating a conversation with Guardian-Commander Skormir" Issandros@anncaris | Klingon: "Skormir probably chose to debrief the captain of the Light of Arindol first- Daian, I believe. I am Captain Issandros of the Eruxan Chapter of Guardians." Keelah@crystyl:"It is an honour to meet you Captain. And yes, I imagine Daian has a lot to debrief on as well" Issandros@anncaris:"Evacuating planets is never as straightforward a task as it sounds. You have done well, I hear." Keelah@crystyl:"I am satisfied with the mission outcome" she nods in agreement Issandros@anncaris:"That is good. It's not something every Guardian can say about their first evacuation. And you played a central role in the formation of this Coalition as well?" Keelah@crystyl:"That is correct. My crew and I have be central to may events which brought the Coalition together" Issandros@anncaris:"Impressive. I've never seen such a force assembled against the Horde before, and I've participated in some of the larger engagements of recent years." Keelah@crystyl:"I only hope it is enough. We have had a glimpse of the Horde fleet that approaches and I fear it is at least on par with the grandest of fleets faced in Guardian history" Issandros@anncaris:"That it is. With a force like this, we may stand a chance. I will not lie, it is a small chance, and it will be a difficult battle even if we prevail." Keelah@crystyl nods grimly Issandros@anncaris:"I have also heard from some of the Guardians in Skormir's Chapter of the small attack vessel you travel with." Keelah@crystyl:"I had a feeling that would be a point of interest for you" Issandros@anncaris:"That was one of the reasons I have come here, though you can certainly use the additional ships." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed. Well if wish it, I would be happy to put you in touch with Captain Vix" Issandros@anncaris nods, "That will be appreciated.” Keelah@crystyl:"It is the least I can do for an honoured ally" Issandros@anncaris:"Thank you, Captain. I will await contact from Captain Vix." Keelah@crystyl dips her head in parting again before looking to Eva in the assumption of more to come Issandros@anncaris | The call ends and Eva announces, "Three more comm requests on queue, Captain." Keelah@crystyl sighs, "Patch the rest through to my ready room. Vrolmacht, you have the bridge; get repairs and restock underway" she stands, making her way out. --- Issandros@anncaris | Meanwhile on the QanwI', the comms officer informs Lexi of Issandros' contact with the VF... Lexi@crystyl leans back in her chair, "Well, this should be interesting at least. Sure beats all the politics buzzing around this place. Hail this Guardian Commander then" Issandros@anncaris | A few moments later, Issandros appears on QanwI's viewscreen, eyeing Lexi, "You do not look like a female of my species." Lexi@crystyl grins, "Yes, unfortunately ridges just don't go well with the spots. But appearances aside, I am Captain Vix; Vanguard of House Dronurr and loyal servant of the Empire" Issandros@anncaris:"I am Captain Issandros of the Eruxan Chapter of Guardians, known also as Issandros the Viper of the Feral Four." Lexi@crystyl:"Quite the title. I hope it comes with a glorious story!" Issandros@anncaris grins, "More than one." Lexi@crystyl:"Grand! I assume you wanted to meet because you have learned of our connection to your lost heritage. Why don't you come on board and we can exchange stories of glory, like only a Klingon can!" Issandros@anncaris:"That I have. I'll be on my way." Lexi@crystyl:"Excellent! I look forward to seeing you shortly then" Issandros@anncaris nods, "As do I." Lexi@crystyl stands, stretching a little, "Well, this is why we play second fiddle to Starfleet. While Keelah gets bogged down by diplomats, we break open the bloodwine! HA!" Issandros@anncaris FX | Not long after, Issandros beams over to the QanwI', materializing on the transporter pad. He is not the tallest Klingon, though still taller than Lexi. His red-black armour is of similar - Issandros@anncaris - design to that of other Guardians, but appears to be lighter than the standard gear of the Guardians seen so far, with minimal restrictions on most of the joint regions. Even underneath the - Issandros@anncaris:- armour, the bulk of the very heavily built Klingon is clearly visible. On his back, the Guardian-Captain carries not one but two rifles, and what seem to be two hilts hang from his belt Lexi@crystyl:Qapla', Issandros! Lexi@crystyl salutes Issandros with respect Lexi@crystyl snaps a rigid Klingon salute, "Welcome to the QanwI'" Issandros@anncaris steps off the pad, "It's my pleasure to be here. I see you fly a small and nimble ship." Lexi@crystyl:"Yes, the QanwI' is Raptor class vessel. Like many Klingon designs she is built for combat" Issandros@anncaris:"An impressive vessel. I prefer smaller and faster ships myself. My squadron has a dreadnought, one of the few we Guardians field, but I rarely command from it. It is a useful tool to have, but - Issandros@anncaris:- a fast ship takes more tact to command." Lexi@crystyl:"Indeed! A warrior's place is in the heat of battle, not tucked away in a dreadnought where they can not share the punches with their brethren! But please, come! We must drink to this occasion!" Issandros@anncaris:"Lead the way." Lexi@crystyl turns and leads him through to their modest little social corner Issandros@anncaris follows along, examining the ship as they go, "A very minimalist design. A true warship." Lexi@crystyl has a bottle of bloodwine on the counter waiting for them which she pours out, "She truly is. This ship was commissioned to defend the homestead of our House back on Qo'noS - the Klingon Homeworld. - Lexi@crystyl:- We have had to make some accommodations on board to adapt it for long term deployment" she grins, sliding the drink over to him, "Bloodwine, the drink of warriors!" Issandros@anncaris takes the drink with a nod and tries it, "A good drink. And this Qo'noS, is that where my species come from?" Lexi@crystyl nods, "It is the birthplace of your people; a world as proud as noble as the warriors known throughout the quadrant to herald from it" Issandros@anncaris:"It sounds like an impressive place. Do the warriors from there fight for the group that Keelah's vessel belongs to?" Lexi@crystyl:"Some. Her first officer is a Klingon in fact, but most serve the KDF like this vessel" Issandros@anncaris:"And this KDF, it is a separate group? How did you find yourself travelling with Keelah's vessel, then?" Lexi@crystyl:"The Klingons have a long and bloody history with Starfleet. There have been multiple wars between them over the centuries, but they are now allies in a a greater alliance. Not unlike this Coalition" Lexi@crystyl:"As for our part in all of this; well, the Alliance wanted a presence on the mission as the original goal represents a significant interest to the galactic powers. We volunteered as Dronurr was the - Lexi@crystyl:- primary House to field the fleet which first ventured out here generations ago. The one your forebears came from" Issandros@anncaris:"And that fleet, it was composed only of KDF ships? Of ships from House Dronurr?" Lexi@crystyl:"There were ships from other Houses as well, but Dronurr was the main body of the mission, yes" Issandros@anncaris nods, drinking from his tankard, "I never thought I would learn more about my people, let alone that there would be so much to learn. At most, I thought we may discover something in an old ruin - Issandros@anncaris:- somewhere, long since overrun by Horde thralls." Lexi@crystyl:"Yes, I have learned from others that the Guardians believed you to be survivors of a long dead race to have fallen to them. This is why since I first learned of you all, I have made it a priority - Lexi@crystyl:- to share our knowledge with you all and reacquaint you with your lost past" Issandros@anncaris:"The Guardians had no way of knowing where we came from, and it would not have been the first time we only learned of a race after the Horde had already consumed most of their members." Lexi@crystyl:"Of course, and to join their cause as you all have is an honourable existence. Your ancestors would be proud to see how you have survived" Issandros@anncaris:"If they were warriors like you, then we have not changed much from them. The only difference is that we fight with the techniques of the Renlore." Lexi@crystyl:"Indeed! Dronurr has always been a proud House of the warrior caste. And it seems your techniques still favour a more personal approach" she ventures, eyeing the blade hilts at his belt Issandros@anncaris:"That I do. Every Guardian is trained with melee weapons, even if we prefer ranged ones, thralls don't always give us a choice. But those of us among the Feral Four were known for our - Issandros@anncaris:- close quarters skill." Issandros@anncaris takes one of the hilts from his belt, handing it to Lexi Lexi@crystyl takes it for a considered evaluation, "A fine weapon. You know this is in you blood too; Klingons also favour bladed weapons. So what is the story of the Feral Four?" she asks with intrigue, - Lexi@crystyl:- returning his blade Issandros@anncaris:"We began as members of an ordinary Guardian fireteam. We were deployed to Tyssal IV, a world where the Horde arrived before the evacuation could be completed. Our mission was to destroy locations - Issandros@anncaris:- with value to the Horde, primarily shipbuilding facilities. Our ship was destroyed and the rest of the squadron was forced to fall back, leaving us on the planet. We remained there for three - Issandros@anncaris:- months, sneaking through Horde territory and continuing to carry out our mission. We lost team members, regrouped with other surviving Guardians. By the time all the targets were destroyed, there - Issandros@anncaris:- were five of us left. We snuck on a Horde ship, lost one taking it over. The Horde set a dampening field through the whole ship when they realized we were on board, so we fought our way through - Issandros@anncaris:- with nothing but melee and improvised weapons." Issandros@anncaris:"When we took the ship and returned to the Guardians, all they found were the bodies of thralls- cut apart, impaled, beheaded. The entire ship was a bloody mess. And that's how we got our names." Lexi@crystyl grins, raising her drink, "A glorious victory for the Guardians!" Issandros@anncaris grins back, "Indeed. It wasn't a big ship, about the size of yours. Still, taking it over with just five Guardians was no easy task." Issandros@anncaris:"From then on we became an elite close-quarters team. We were each named after a type of animal for our fighting style. I'm the Viper because- I might not look it, but I'm fast, and I close the - Issandros@anncaris:- distance before my enemy can hit me. And I prefer using a pair of shorter weapons, like fangs." Issandros@anncaris draws both his hilts and presses a button, causing two red blades of energy to spring to life. Lexi@crystyl:"Aha, very fitting then! And that gives me an idea too" she barks at one of the warriors in the room in Klingon and he promptly heads out on his new orders Issandros@anncaris looks from the warrior to Lexi, "Oh? What's that?" Lexi@crystyl:"You'll see! So tell me, has the information I gave the first Klingon Guardians reached you as well?" Issandros@anncaris nods, "They have. That's how I heard of you." Lexi@crystyl:"That is good. It is all we have in the terms of cultural and historical information. Unlike Starfleet, we are not in the habit of carrying around all that information to readily launch at - Lexi@crystyl:- every prospective new ally we encounter" she scoffs, "That said, if you wish to explore things further then the Valley Forge does have merit. Their holodecks can allow you to see a lot of the - Lexi@crystyl:- things you have read about" Issandros@anncaris nods, "Perhaps when the battle is over, I shall see what they have to offer." Lexi@crystyl | The warrior returns with a small box that he hands to Lexi Lexi@crystyl grins, thanking him and turning to offer it to Issandros, "Here you. A small gift that you might appreciate" Issandros@anncaris takes the box, opening it to check what's inside Lexi@crystyl | It's a pair of mek'leth blades Issandros@anncaris picks up one of the mek'leths, examining it, "A fine blade. Is this of...Klingon design?" Lexi@crystyl:"These are traditional Klingon short blades called mek'leth. They have been used by great warriors of legend throughout Klingon history. A skilled weapon favoured by few, with most leaning towards - Lexi@crystyl:- the more traditional long single bladed bat'leth. But after seeing your weapons, I thought you might appreciate those" Issandros@anncaris smiles, "They seem to be my type of weapon indeed. Thank you for the gift, Captain Vix." Lexi@crystyl:"May they serve you well" she raises her drink Issandros@anncaris sets the mek'leth back in the box and raises his drink as well, "I am sure they will taste the blood of many thralls. It is always good to have proper blades on hand, though the energy ones are - Issandros@anncaris - useful for cutting through large groups of thralls." Lexi@crystyl:"No doubt! Personally I favour a bat'leth, though depending on circumstances I am also fond of simpler swords" Issandros@anncaris:"Fighting with a proper blade is more visceral, but they are more easily stuck in flesh and bone. And when facing down a number of thralls, the chances of that increasing goes up with every thrall - Issandros@anncaris:- you kill. That's why I carry the energy blades. But energy can't parry." Lexi@crystyl:"Maybe you should try a bat'leth then. They are incredibly powerful weapons and I certainly can't recall a time when my weapon got stuck" Issandros@anncaris nods, "It happens more often with smaller blades. Larger ones strike with more force and tend to cut through easily." Lexi@crystyl grins, "Exactly. There's a reason most Klingon's favour the bat'leth; you have seen my crew, you are not a petite people" Issandros@anncaris:"But you're quite small. Why did you choose a bat'leth?" Lexi@crystyl:"I am also ferociously stubborn. As hard as it can be for a Klingon warrior to prove themself in the Empire; for an outsider to do the same in unreasonably more challenging. I chose the bat'leth - Lexi@crystyl:- /because/ it is a stronger and heavier weapon, more difficult to master and more signature of the warrior caste" she grins, "It made it all the more glorious when I cut down my trainer at the - Lexi@crystyl:- academy!" Issandros@anncaris grins, "I suppose two short blades isn't the type of weapon one would expect someone like me to prefer either. But I've always been fast, and able to use both hands with equal skill." Issandros@anncaris:"Are outsiders not common in the Empire? I see quite a few here that aren't of my species. They are usually quite large, though." Lexi@crystyl:"There are outsiders, but not like the Federation. The few non-Klingons on this ship are mercenaries we took on to bolster our numbers during the mission" Issandros@anncaris nods, "But there are a small number of non-Klingons who are serving as more than mercenaries like you?" Lexi@crystyl:"It is known to happen, mostly from vassal states like the Orions. But even then; they are rare enough to earn a place in the warrior caste, let alone a distinguished role" she grins, "But, I am - Lexi@crystyl:- rather special! HA!" Issandros@anncaris grins, "I presume it is exceedingly rare for one of you to become a Captain." Lexi@crystyl:"Rare enough, but I my true position is not that of a mere ship captain in the fleet. Back on QonoS I was captain of House Dronurr's Honour Guard" Issandros@anncaris:"Even more impressive, then. What brought you out here? I presume as Honour Guard, you were to guard the leadership of the House?" Lexi@crystyl:"Yes, well..." she sighs, "That is a less glorious story that is yet to find it's final chapter…” Issandros@anncaris:"How so?" Lexi@crystyl:"The Empire has it's flaws just like all great civilizations. There are dishonourable Houses who utilize underhanded dirty political games to gain power. Regrettably, House Dronurr fell foul of one - Lexi@crystyl:- such enemy. The head of the House was killed fighting to defend our people, and I fulfilled his last command by evacuating his family and heir to safety on the QanwI'. I am still bound by blood - Lexi@crystyl:- oath to fulfill my final promise to him and cut down the betrayer with his family blade. Another reason for our mission out here, as this mystery betrayer began to target the QanwI' after we gained- Lexi@crystyl:- a high profile fighting for the Empire. It was implied that learning about your ancestors mission would lead us to the truth of this betrayal and give me the ability to restore honour to our House" Issandros@anncaris:"I am afraid we do not have much information to offer you. We wouldn't even know who our ancestors were and where we came from without your information. The ship the Guardians liberated us from is - Issandros@anncaris:- long gone, but it is possible that some ships from the expedition still serve the Horde, or their wreckage may be intact enough to contain something of their computer cores." Lexi@crystyl:"Indeed. We have already found some evidence of their presence elsewhere so I am not without hope" Issandros@anncaris:"I will let you know if we find anything. So far, the Guardians have not seen any Klingon ships among the Horde after the initial encounter, but the Horde is large, and they may surface yet." Lexi@crystyl:"And we may find evidence of their presence elsewhere as well" Issandros@anncaris:"I hope so. But for now, you are the ones providing us information, and for that you have our gratitude." --- Keliaya@anncaris | A short while after arriving at Calahadon, the doorbell to Observer Rianni's quarters rings... Rianni@crystyl opens the door, "Commander Keliaya. Is my presence required for something?" Keliaya@anncaris smiles and shakes her head, "Not yet, but that's what I was coming to check on. May I come in?" Rianni@crystyl:"Um, sure... yeah" she steps back into the room, uncertain of Kelly's motive in being here Keliaya@anncaris steps inside, "You're aware of the Coalition meeting coming up shortly, I assume?" Rianni@crystyl replicates two cups of tea and presents one to Kelly, "Not in any specific terms, but it was the natural progression upon our arrival" Keliaya@anncaris takes the tea with a smile, "Thank you. Well, we're going to present your plan- technically the other you's plan, but I was wondering if you would like to represent your Creators there." Rianni@crystyl:"It would make sense for me to, as I am the only Junayd representative here. I am curious as to the specifics of my plan too" Keliaya@anncaris:"Great! You've been speaking for them so far, so I thought you'd want to represent them among the Coalition too. What about after the battle? The Junayd will be staying with the Coalition for the - Keliaya@anncaris:- time being, I assume?" Rianni@crystyl:"Until the Azedi threat is neutralized along with your Horde threat, yes" Keliaya@anncaris:"The entire Horde threat, or just this incoming fleet?" Rianni@crystyl:"That remains to be seen. The Creators - our - trust is stretched beyond comfort already just in reaching out this far. I can not say what such broad strokes of the future may hold. It is possible - Rianni@crystyl:- however that our exodus will lead to continued mutual support. Though I find it equally likely if not moreso, that the Creators will want for us to find a new place to call home far from the - Rianni@crystyl:- prying eyes of Children" Keliaya@anncaris nods and takes a sip of her tea, "That makes sense. But for the moment, you'll serve as their representative here and with the Coalition, while the Junayd are working with us." Rianni@crystyl nods, "I shall" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "Good to hear it. How're you settling in here so far, by the way? You have the memories from your...prior version of being here, don't you?" Rianni@crystyl:"I do" she looks around, "I was more familiar with the starbase of course, but it is familiar enough. It is the life I was programmed to lead so it is naturally... welcome to be back. Even with my - Rianni@crystyl:- misgivings" Keliaya@anncaris:"I know the feeling. I've served on Starfleet ships and installations half my life. It feels like home being on a Starfleet ship." Rianni@crystyl:"You are a curious one as well, aren't you. I see a lot of me - the other me - in you. I am glad to see she has found other good souls to surround herself with, even in Starfleet" Keliaya@anncaris smirks, "Well I did want to be a scientist when I was young. Besides, just about every Starfleet officer has a curious side, that's why a lot of us enlisted." Rianni@crystyl:"Yes, curiosity. But it is what you do with that curiosity that gives cause for concern" Keliaya@anncaris:"You're afraid we might go somewhere we shouldn't be? Uncover something better left undisturbed?" Rianni@crystyl:"It is entirely possible. But no, my concern is what you people will do with such uncovered things" Keliaya@anncaris:"You don't think we're responsible enough. Like the Regulators and their enforcement of technology?" Rianni@crystyl:"The Regulators are spoiled children holding on to all of their toys. No, Starfleet are different... unpredictable, volatile. That is what makes you dangerous" Keliaya@anncaris:"I suppose you do have a point. We try to do our best, but every once in a while someone inevitably ends up doing something that goes against what we stand for. But that's not always bad. People - Keliaya@anncaris:- shouldn't outright betray their ideals, but we can't predict everything that could happen either. Sometimes we have to be flexible to adapt to the circumstances." Keliaya@anncaris:"It does make us difficult to deal with at times, but if we were predictable, our enemies would've predicted us long ago and we would never have made it this far." Rianni@crystyl:"I suppose you're right when it comes down to it. But I just cannot comprehend how one people can have so many contradicting ideals" Keliaya@anncaris:"They're more guidelines than strict rules. As in, most instances it's good or not good to do something, and if you go against the ideal then you should think about it and be sure. But it's not a - Keliaya@anncaris:- rule and we understand there are situations where we do have to do something that doesn't quite align with one ideal for the sake of another." Rianni@crystyl:"You misunderstand I think. I do not refer to your Prime Directive and the way you conduct yourselves around the galaxy. It is more about your core values and morality; and your unique capacity to - Rianni@crystyl:- say - even believe - one thing, but do something completely contradictory and still feel justified in it. It is this ability that keeps us wary of you" Keliaya@anncaris:"It's similar in concept. Sometimes people are forced to go against one thing they believe or value for the sake of something else. It's a fine line to walk- sometimes people go too far and believe - Keliaya@anncaris:- they're justified in going against their core values when they're not. But if that line isn't there and we just blindly follow a set list of values, then we're inevitably going to run into - Keliaya@anncaris:- something we didn't see coming, something the list doesn't cover or recommends the wrong thing for." Rianni@crystyl nods and smiles, "Don't misunderstand, I do have faith; that is why we are here after all. However it is not as blind as it once was; tempered now by caution of my own betrayal" Keliaya@anncaris:"That's only natural. There's always people who stray too far from their values or give them up when they shouldn't. I won't try to defend what they did, but we're only people after all. We make - Keliaya@anncaris:- mistakes, and often times we can't fully see the consequences of our choices until it's too late." Rianni@crystyl:"And that is what makes you dangerous, and why we can not so easily trust you" Keliaya@anncaris:"True, but we're imperfect. The best we can do is learn from our mistakes, and if we get a second chance, we'll try to do better. If a civilization keeps making the same mistake over and over - Keliaya@anncaris:- again, then you know there's a problem. Your Creators aren't free from mistakes either. The Azedi managed to get their hands on their technology, so now they're more careful in contacting other - Keliaya@anncaris:- civilizations. We're not so different. Maybe more...childish by your standards, with more things to learn, but we need time to get there." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Exactly as I first reported to the Creators during my assessment" Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, "It's inevitable we'll make more mistakes on our way there, but some lessons have to be learned the hard way. Your Creators shouldn't take one or two mistakes as definitive proof - Keliaya@anncaris:- that we can't be trusted. After all, we at least have seen civilizations bounce back from many more mistakes than that." Rianni@crystyl:"True and perhaps a proper relationship between the Junayd and Starfleet will be something good to come out of all of this" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "I hope so. Speaking of curiosity and failures of civilizations...has anyone told you the reason we're out here?" Rianni@crystyl:"It was an exploration expedition right?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "More or less. I was wondering if the Junayd might know anything about the Iconians. Your Creators have been around for a long time, haven't they?" Rianni@crystyl:"They have" she hrms, "It is possible they have knowledge of the Iconians, though I do not know if it surpasses that of Starfleet or not as the Creators have never gone searching for relics of that - Rianni@crystyl:- lost civilization. So that is why you are out here, searching for Iconians? Seems rather... excessive as there are plenty of Iconian sites within Federation territory" Keliaya@anncaris:"There are, but we're looking for a specific Iconian site. One that if activated could link to a gateway on the edge of Federation space, and maybe even ones inside it, so it's best for us to - Keliaya@anncaris:- locate it first, especially with the Horde out here in this region. It could also serve as a very useful asset against the Horde if we can find and reactivate it." Rianni@crystyl:"Makes sense" she nods, "And any Iconian facility that still operates a functional starship gate - assuming you are talking those larger ones and not the pedestrian portals - would certainly be a - Rianni@crystyl:- major asset. If one such asset still exists it could well provide a distinct advantage against the Horde" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Exactly! We do have some experts on board, but Iconian technology is more advanced than our own in some parts or simply just different in others. Though I imagine it's the same way for - Keliaya@anncaris:- the Junayd, at least for the different part." Keliaya@anncaris:"You said you never went searching for relics. Did your Creators explore much at all, or were you one of those civilizations that largely operated only in the region around your homeworld?" Rianni@crystyl:"The Creators explored a little in the immediate area, but the Azedi were their first real contact with another species and they withdrew afterwards" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "That's understandable. Where do you think they'd be if they never met the Azedi?" Rianni@crystyl hrms, "An interesting prose. Had they not met the Azedi first, chances are they would have encountered the EereE. There is insufficient data on that society to gauge an outcome" Keliaya@anncaris:"From what Mana has told me of the EereE before they created the Overseer AI network, it might not have gone that much better either. The Carrans might be the closest first contact with your people - Keliaya@anncaris:- that could have ended peacefully, unless you contacted one of the pre-warp civilizations." Rianni@crystyl:"Quite possibly" she nods, "An interesting hypothetical" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I thought it would be interesting to consider, seeing how much the Azedi dominates the Junayd's present history. And speaking of the Carrans, now there's a civilization that adheres a - Keliaya@anncaris:- little too strongly to established rules. You said it was on Underworld where you encountered that Lupan, right?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "Yes indeed. The Carrans themselves might have been a good fit for the Creators of old, but their associates now would certainly not be!" Keliaya@anncaris:"On the one hand they're strictly neutral, which means they don't seek to cause trouble with others like the Azedi and early EereE did. But they do have a habit of going through everything to - Keliaya@anncaris:- enforce a contract just because it's been made, even if letting it go would be a better thing to do. There's a sense of certainty when dealing with the Carrans, or having them mediate a deal, and - Keliaya@anncaris:- I suppose that's why they've been so successful in business. On the other hand, they're very inflexible." Rianni@crystyl:"Exactly, that consistency would have been attractive to the Creators; reassured their belief in the honesty of others, as opposed to the Azedi who greeted them in friendship but then destroyed them- Rianni@crystyl:- to obtain knowledge beyond their means" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Things would be very different if they encountered the Carrans first, then, wouldn't it?" Rianni@crystyl:"Most likely, yes" Keliaya@anncaris:"Do you think they might still deal with the Carrans now? Or are their current business associates too unsavory for them to visit?" Rianni@crystyl:"The Creators would not likely deal directly with them, but may use a proxy representative like me to deal with the Carrans. Carran contracts would be a preferred method of engaging with - Rianni@crystyl:- other societies too as outside resources will become increasingly needed when rebuilding a new home" Keliaya@anncaris:"That's a good idea. And as you said, Carran contracts would offer them the certainty few others can." Rianni@crystyl:"But we are a long way from that yet. First we have to secure a future where that is viable" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Let's hope the other you's plan works out, then." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "If I came up with it, I'm sure it will work. Though I must confess to being somewhat biased in my opinion on the matter..." Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "Hey, I'm also confident in it. Your plans have seen us through a number of engagements so far on this journey, and we would all be in a worse place without you...her." Rianni@crystyl laughs, "I would love to hear all about them" Keliaya@anncaris:"I can fill you in on them sometime. Or maybe you can," she chuckles Rianni@crystyl:"Yeah... I'd like that, but it's still a little weird. For both of us. I'm not sure the other me is comfortable enough to talk properly with me yet" Keliaya@anncaris:"It's a strange experience, looking at and talking with yourself. I had a little taste of that experience when I switched with Eva by accident." Rianni@crystyl:"Yet another fun story by the sounds of it!" Keliaya@anncaris:"That it certainly is! Not quite the same thing as meeting a copy of yourself, but I'll be sure to tell you about it at some point as well!" Keliaya@anncaris:"I should leave you to prepare for the meeting- if there's anything you want to prepare for. Maybe talking to the other you about the plan, familiarizing yourself with the other Coalition members?" Rianni@crystyl:"I will continue to prepare as best I can" she nods Keliaya@anncaris:"Just let me know if you need anything, like information about the Coalition and who's involved." Rianni@crystyl:"I shall do Commander, thank you" Keliaya@anncaris smiles and nods before turning to head out --- NPC@annpc#557 FX | The next Calahadon day, Keelah and other representatives beam down from the VF to the palace in the capital city NPC@annpc#557 | They materialize on a transporter pad, where a Dunishai awaits them Keelah@crystyl steps off the pad NPC@annpc#557 | Dunishai: "Captain Keelah and other representatives from the Valley Forge. Come with me." NPC@annpc#557 | The Dunishai lead the way out of the transporter pad and through the palace. It is a very different aesthetic from the Lodzki palaces Keelah had been visiting of late. The halls are almost - NPC@annpc#557 - just as large, but they do not give off the same atmosphere of luxury, elegance and opulence as the Lodzki palaces. Instead, there's a focus on an almost oppressive grandeur, like that of a - NPC@annpc#557 - massive cathedral designed to make an individual feel small. The building is also comprised almost entirely of curves and arches in a way that almost resembles Iconian architecture, but with a - NPC@annpc#557 - greater focus on natural rather than artificial lighting. The engineering is done in a way that seems to capture the light, giving the early hours of dawn in the palace a mystical atmosphere - NPC@annpc#557 - as the rays of sunlight stream in through masterfully positioned windows Keelah@crystyl takes it all in, appreciating the aesthetic NPC@annpc#557 | As Keelah takes in the aesthetic, she notices Vora in one of the chambers, standing before a large carved relief on one of the walls Keelah@crystyl smiles, diverting to join her, "Impressive isn't it" she comments by way of announcing her arrival behind Vora NPC@annpc#557 | Vora nods, turning to Keelah, "Captain. I thought you would be one to admire the works in the palace. For all the Chosen's flaws, their aesthetic is truly breathtaking." NPC@annpc#557 | She smirks, "Rivals even the Orions at their height, I dare say." Keelah@crystyl:"I would concur. Not that I am intimately familiar with High Orion aesthetics, but I have learned enough to appreciate the concept" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora looks back to the giant relief, "I wondered whether not evacuating as I originally intended was the right thing, now that the Horde are so close to my people. But being here, it reminds - NPC@annpc#557 - me of what I'm fighting for. Before I came to the New World, I used to think it was life. Survival. But we'd technically still be alive if we just give in to the Horde. Alive as thralls under - NPC@annpc#557:- their control, but alive nonetheless. I've lived as a slave, gave everything for the slightest advantage, the slightest extra scrap. At the time, I had only the primal instinct to stay alive, to - NPC@annpc#557:- further my own need by any means necessary. But when I look back, I realize that's not a life worth living." Keelah@crystyl:"It is true; being alive is a very different thing from simply living. And that is what we fight for" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora nods, "If we fight for survival, fight to further our own power, fight because we hate our enemy, then we're no better than the Horde." She looks up at the relief again. "This is what - NPC@annpc#557:- sets us apart from them. Our culture.” NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "I never was the biggest fan of your Federation. I'm sure you could tell from our early meetings," she chuckles slightly Keelah@crystyl hrms, "Yes I recall" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "You probably think you've brought together a second Federation out here. And are rather proud of it, no doubt," she smirks Keelah@crystyl:"I won't deny seeing similarity between the Federation and this Coalition. Even the nature of their founding is not without comparison. As for my personal pride..." she shakes her head, "Maybe once - Keelah@crystyl:- we have stopped the Horde" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora chuckles, "If you ask me though, I think you've built something better than the Federation. True, the Federation was initially founded to stand against a common threat, but the Federation - NPC@annpc#557:- came together in spite of the differences between its members. The Coalition exists precisely because of our differences. We're not just fighting against an enemy that seeks to conquer us but to - NPC@annpc#557:- wipe away our very identity, and we came together to preserve our culture and our differences. The Federation accepts differences, but it doesn't truly embrace them. That's why you've never been - NPC@annpc#557:- able to get the Klingons or Romulans or Orions or any number of other civilizations to join. They're too proud to do so." NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "And so are the Arshai, the Felmorans, the Regulators. There's something your Federation can learn from the Coalition." Keelah@crystyl gazes up at the relief as well with a moment's consideration, "I believe you are right Vora. The Federation is built upon ideals which hold true universally, but the implementation is too narrow for- Keelah@crystyl:- a whole galaxy to fit within. But perhaps what we have started to build out here is something that the Federation itself can fit within instead" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora smiles, "I'm glad you can see that. My problem isn't with the Federation, really. The Federation's pretty good by the standards of most civilizations I've come across. My problem is those - NPC@annpc#557:- people in the Federation who think it's perfect, that it's the final form of civilization. You still have much room for improvement." Keelah@crystyl nods, "That we most certainly do. I considered myself reasonably experienced when we set out on this mission but..." shakes her head, "I knew nothing. I often still feel that I know nothing" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora grins, "You're starting to get old like me, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"For the first time in my life I am starting to feel it" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Vora chuckles, "But in all seriousness, you don't truly appreciate how small you are in the universe until you push beyond the known and explored places. I guess that's why some of you in - NPC@annpc#557:- Starfleet are actually sensible. It's easy to think you're the toughest until you meet someone who can move a star system with a snap of their fingers." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed. The things we have learned since embarking on this mission, the things we have seen... it has challenged our very understanding of the universe" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "Let's just hope you manage to share some of that newfound wisdom with the rest of your people. The Federation in general I mean, though I suppose you of all people will agree that the - NPC@annpc#557:- Vulcans need to undergo some changes too." Keelah@crystyl:"Perhaps. Though I have my doubts as to how much change we are likely to see within the Federation at it's core. After all, experiencing something is a far cry from reading about it" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "Indeed. Unfortunately most of your Starfleet isn't out here. We certainly could use them about now." Keelah@crystyl:"With what we know of facing the Horde, I... can't believe I'm even saying this - but I wish we had the Klingons out here" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora chuckles, "You and me both. They have the reputation of the best warriors in the quadrant for a reason. The leader of the Guardian group that arrived not long before you is a Klingon, - NPC@annpc#557:- though. And from what I've heard of him, he'd make any young warrior back in the Empire jealous." Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, we have met" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "He's only brought about a dozen ships, but it's better than nothing. And the Guardians seem to hold him in high regard, so his presence is good for their morale." Keelah@crystyl:"An important factor in a battle like that which awaits us" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora nods, "Speaking of which, the meeting should be starting soon. Let's make our way to the chamber." Keelah@crystyl nods and turns, "This should be... interesting" --- NPC@annpc#557 FX | Keelah and Vora enter the meeting chamber, once again a huge circular area, this one in the grand Dunishai and appearing to be less technologically advanced than the Nuhar venue, though - NPC@annpc#557 - there are holoprojectors allowing the Nuhar participants to call in. Along with everyone from the previous meeting on Waystation, there are additional Arshai, Regulator and Guardian presence - NPC@annpc#557 - as well as representatives from the Dunishai, Toroki and the Lodzki kingdoms. There are even a few familiar faces from the Sibellan refugee fleet, including Queen Eliana and the USDF ship - NPC@annpc#557:- captains. Keelah spots a few newcomers she is not familiar with too, one of the bat-like Morving, a mysterious figure in full body armour including a helmet but distinct from that of Guardian - NPC@annpc#557:- styles and a member of a species unknown to the VF. There are only one of them present, and do not seem to represent any substantial force NPC@annpc#557 | Vora makes her way over to the Arshai representatives. Keelah@crystyl follows Vora for the moment. NPC@annpc#557 | As they walk through the chamber, Keelah spots where the other people from the VF are seated, including the Observer Keelah@crystyl joins her people NPC@annpc#557 | As Keelah and Vora are seated and the meeting is about to begin, one final latecomer enters the chamber. To Keelah's surprise, it appears to be the Zihil Mouth, or a variant of it with a more - NPC@annpc#557 - armoured exoskeleton Keelah@crystyl perks a brow as she watches the Zihil Mouth curiously NPC@annpc#557 | The Zihil Mouth strides into the chamber in its almost mechanical-like way. It doesn't take a seat, simply standing as it watches NPC@annpc#557 | Vora meanwhile gives the Chosen Emperor a nod and he stands to speak, "Honoured members of the Coalition. Welcome to Calahadon, and more importantly, thank you for coming here to help defend - NPC@annpc#557 - our space and our home from the Horde. Some of us here have fought this threat for years, decades, their entire lives. Others have not even heard of it until just a few months or years ago." NPC@annpc#557 | Emperor: "That does not matter now. All of us are here because we know what we are facing. The question we have come to discuss is how we are to stand against this foe." NPC@annpc#557 | Skormir: "Let us begin with what may be done /before/ the threat reaches here. We do not have much time to conduct our usual guerilla strikes against this fleet. I will deploy some forces to - NPC@annpc#557:- see what can be done about thinning down their numbers, but I fear the Guardians will not be able to make a significant difference prior to the fleet's arrival in Colonial Space." NPC@annpc#557 | Marshal Solan: "We will assist where we can with our recon vessels, as will several Toroki mercenary groups. If anyone else has any ideas on weakening the fleet before they get here, now's the - NPC@annpc#557:- time." Keelah@crystyl:"We have something" she looks to the two Rianni's NPC@annpc#557 | Vora smiles, "I was hoping you would." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni stands, looking around nervously, "There are additional assets not yet accounted for in this theater. Namely the Junayd and Azedi fleets who we recently became aware of" NPC@annpc#557 | Marshal Solan: "We're not familiar with these names. Who are they, and how will they be able to assist?" Keelah@crystyl | Observer stands beside Rianni, "The Junayd are my creators. I would not expect you to know of them as even the species who border their home did not know of them. They are reclusive, but not - Keelah@crystyl:- xenophobic. The Azedi are a neighbouring species who - until fairly recently - though they had wiped the Junayd out after deceiving them during first contact and stealing the Creators technology" NPC@annpc#557 | Skormir: "And /both/ of them are our assets? It does not sound like the two would be particularly keen on working alongside one another." Keelah@crystyl shakes her head, "Allow me to explain; this Junayd representative-" she indicates Observer, "- recently sought us out to seek aid as the Junayd were driven from their home by the Azedi who now - Keelah@crystyl:- pursue them across the galaxy" Keelah@crystyl:"And to be clear; she is a clone of my officer, they are not both Junayd constructs" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "That explains it. I was pretty sure she was one of yours. And I was pretty sure we did not clone her." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed, but that is another story. Ensign, your proposal" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni nods, "Well the important thing to note here is that neither Junayd or Azedi are Children species. To coin a phrase of my people; we propose to kill two birds with one stone by luring the - Keelah@crystyl:- Azedi into a conflict with the Horde fleet" NPC@annpc#557 | Marshal Solan: "A cunning plan, if you are able to execute it successfully. How do you plan on pulling it off?" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "By capitalizing on the Junayd's proficient use of artificial wormholes, and the Azedi's appropriation of that technology. There is a large nebula along the Horde's projected path here-" - Keelah@crystyl:- she summons a holo showing the starmap, "- the Junayd fleet will open a portal to this region, drawing the Azedi along with them. Once the Horde comes into range, the Junayd will fall back to the - Keelah@crystyl:-safety of the nebula while the Azedi will engage the Horde upon sight" NPC@annpc#557 | Skormir: "The Horde fleet will certainly not hesitate before attacking these Azedi. The clone representative- you know your technology and that of your enemy's. If you think you can bait them - NPC@annpc#557:- into the nebula, then do so." Keelah@crystyl | Observer: "The Junayd fleet will take shelter in the nebula feigning an attempt to hide from the Azedi. This will ensure their presence long enough to engage the Horde as they too will attack on - Keelah@crystyl:- sight. However, I will also be awaiting them in the nebula beforehand with a strike force to neutralize the Azedi wormhole generators before they get a sense of the odds against them and attempt - Keelah@crystyl:- to flee" NPC@annpc#557 | Marshal Solan nods, "That should help inflict maximum damage on both groups." Keelah@crystyl | Observer: "It needs to wipe the Azedi out. If it does not, then this whole vicious cycle will continue. However-" she looks to Keelah, "-I have been reassured that your Horde fleet is numerous - Keelah@crystyl:- enough to overwhelm the Azedi and achieve this. So we are putting our fate in the hands of your Coalition" NPC@annpc#557 | Regulator Supervisor: "What of the wreckage left behind by these Azedi ships? There may be a risk that this wormhole technology can be obtained by the Horde." NPC@annpc#557 | Skormir: "There is, but the Horde cannot instantly understand the technology if they cannot take control of the minds of the Azedi. They will have to study it like any other group." Keelah@crystyl | Observer nods: "It is a risk, but it is the Creators technology originally. We have already developed a means to overwhelm the generators and we will freely share knowledge of this with your - Keelah@crystyl:- Coalition so that you may also circumvent it's use. And you are correct; even if they do stop to salvage any technology they will lack the means to comprehend it" NPC@annpc#557 | Skormir: "We need to crush this fleet before it reaches Vue-En, and if we do, they will have no time to study the technology. If they somehow manage to, this means will mitigate the risk." NPC@annpc#557 | Unwavering Defender: "The risk of executing this plan is less than the risk of failure by facing the entire strength of the Horde fleet here." NPC@annpc#557 | The Supervisor nods, "Very well." Keelah@crystyl:"Yes. We acknowledge the possibility of this technology falling into the Horde's hands. But the mitigation along with our need to destroy the fleet more than account for any short term risk" NPC@annpc#557 | Skormir: "Well spoken, Captain. Stopping this fleet must be our first priority. If they take Vue-En, they will have even more new technologies at their disposal." Keelah@crystyl nods, indicating the Rianni's to sit down again NPC@annpc#557 | Vora nods, "It seems we're all in agreement here. You may execute your plan once the Horde is in the right position." NPC@annpc#557 | Marshal Solan: "As for other preparations, we should be able to equip all the Felmoran forces who have come here with implants in time before the battle." NPC@annpc#557 | Mihal: "It is far from the entirety of our combat-capable vessels, but it will serve to bolster your forces." NPC@annpc#557 | Skormir: "We have also received reinforcements from a variety of other sources. Not enough to even the numbers against the Horde, but it is support nonetheless." NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "There's a reason I chose Calahadon as the site of the battle. Obviously, we can't make our stand at Vue-En. The orbital platforms will help, but we're holding too many refugees there, - NPC@annpc#557:- and by the time the Horde come in range of the orbital facilities, anyone who isn't shielded from influence will be under their control already. But of course if proximity is the only thing I was - NPC@annpc#557:- concerned about, we could've chosen any spot by the border of Colonial Space. There is something here that could help even the odds." NPC@annpc#557 | Vora looks over to Keelah, "As some of us here already know, the Calahadon sun is home to a plasma-based lifeform known as the Calmina." Keelah@crystyl nods, "And you plan to use the Calmina as a weapon against the Horde fleet then, I assume" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "Not use, Captain. The Calmina will be willing participants in the battle." Keelah@crystyl smiles, "I am glad to hear it" NPC@annpc#557 | Chosen Emperor: "The Sunguard made contact with the Calmina after your departure. They understand that if Colonial Space falls to the Horde, it will only be a matter of time before they are - NPC@annpc#557:- destroyed. It is in their best interests as well as ours to stop the Horde, but as you are aware, they cannot travel far from the sun." Keelah@crystyl:"Hence making this system the arena. I understand" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "The problem is, the Horde can simply bypass the system. That's why this battle is going to be unconventional. We're going to have to do the exact opposite of most battles fought inside - NPC@annpc#557:- a planetary system. The objective isn't to protect Calahadon from the enemy. We need to funnel them /into/ the system." Keelah@crystyl nods, "What is our strategy to achieve that?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "The current plan is to hit the Horde fleet before they reach the Calahadon system with the bulk of our forces, and then feign a retreat towards the system. There'll be a smaller force - NPC@annpc#557:- inside the system to make it look like we've set it up as a fallback point. Skormir, do you think the fleet is likely to pursue?" NPC@annpc#557 | Skormir: "They are. While Vue-En is their primary target, they will identify Coalition forces as a threat that is better to eliminate first. If they do not immediately destroy us, any - NPC@annpc#557:- remaining ships will be able to conduct guerilla warfare and prove to be troublesome to the Horde when they capture Colonial Space and begin using your shipyards to repair and rebuild. That said, - NPC@annpc#557:- they will likely attempt to divert ships towards the New World like they did to Terminu when they attacked the Progenitor station." NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "That's what the third group will be for. Stealth-capable ships will remain cloaked, ready to intercept any Horde that break off. Hopefully, the Regulator survey ships will be able to - NPC@annpc#557:- hold back or at least divert the Horde trying to slip away towards Calahadon, with the supporter of smaller raider craft like the An and Toroki ships." Keelah@crystyl:"I recommend gearing that stealth fleet to utilize the neutralizer burst as well. That should maximize their capacity to handle Horde numbers" NPC@annpc#557 | Regulator Supervisor: "An excellent suggestion. Our vessels are well-geared towards utilizing them as we focus on energy manipulation rather than directly utilizing energy to deal raw damage, - NPC@annpc#557:- and the dark matter generators will provide us with the power to use these pulses more than your ships. The smaller Toroki, An and other cloak-capable ships can support us in quickly intercepting - NPC@annpc#557:- and finishing off ships." Keelah@crystyl nods, "I concur" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "Once the Horde takes the bait, the main fleet will turn back around and focus on attempting to keep their fleet in proximity of the system, with the secondary objective of taking out as - NPC@annpc#557:- many Horde ships as we can while keeping them contained. For the ships remaining in the system, I recommend the An Mothership, the Sunguard, one of our Colonial Baseships and the non-combat - NPC@annpc#557:- orientated Construct types, tough but non-offensive focused ships that can make for a convincing backup line." NPC@annpc#557 | Marshal Solan nods, "Our Mothership won't be able to deal too much damage, but it'll make the system a more appealing target for the Horde to hit." NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "Anyone have anything else to add or suggest?" Keelah@crystyl looks around, wondering if Zihil will be adding anything beyond a curious presence NPC@annpc#557 | The Zihil Mouth does not say anything, but Marshal Niavi speaks up, "I recommend the Zihil vessels also remain in the system. They don't have much offensive capability and are primarily here - NPC@annpc#557:- to provide ground support. If any of the Horde make it to the surface of the planets, they can assist in clearing them out." NPC@annpc#557 | The Chosen Emperor nods, "That will be much appreciated. My people intend on returning to Calahadon once the battle is over." Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, "I'm sorry, Zihil... vessels? This is new" NPC@annpc#557 | Zihil Mouth: "Not precisely. We are a separate entity from our parent. Zihil is unable to control its defenders from any distance. We were created to serve as a control hub on board vessels - NPC@annpc#557:- acquired by the Zihil." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed? An impressive degree of evolution since the tournament" NPC@annpc#557 | Marshal Solan: "That it is. Apparently there were problems too, the first prototype didn't work as intended. This current version isn't entirely sentient, either. It's more self-aware than the - NPC@annpc#557:- Zihil defenders, somewhere between them and the actual Zihil lifeform from what we've determined. Like a sophisticated but not truly independent AI. It can do its job of coordinating the smaller - NPC@annpc#557:- Zihil units well enough, though." Keelah@crystyl:"A welcome boon to this effort" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Marshal Solan nods, "They've only been able to ready two carriers, but it's still something." NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "Anyone have any other suggestions or additions to the plan?" Keelah@crystyl looks around again NPC@annpc#557 | Queen Eliana: "Will there be any ships at the New World, just in case?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "Yes and no. We need every combat ready ship with a crew immune against Horde influence out here in the field. But there are still a number of Colonial Fleet, Chosen Empire, Commune, - NPC@annpc#557:- Felmoran and mercenary ships that have not had their crews fitted with implants. While the Coalition works on equipping the Felmoran crews here, the Researcher's Guild and Colonial Fleet at - NPC@annpc#557:- Vue-En will continue to equip some of those ships. All the ones that have not yet set out for Calahadon will be unlikely to reach here in the battle in time, but they will be prepared for combat - NPC@annpc#557:- against the Horde. They will be our last line of defense, should any enemy ships slip through towards Vue-En." NPC@annpc#557 | Regulator Supervisor: "Our ships are also capable of traversing the distance between Calahadon and Vue-En rapidly, and we will be able to jump back to join these ships if the Horde slip past us.” Keelah@crystyl | Observer: "The civilian Junayd vessels will also be there. They are sufficiently defended and only held back as they house the body of the surviving population" NPC@annpc#557 | Queen Eliana nods, "It sounds like we have it covered then. Three separate lines of defense, that will hopefully be enough." Keelah@crystyl:"It is up to all of us here to ensure that it is enough" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "Let's go make sure it is then. If there's nothing else," she looks to Keelah, "Get your Junayd friends ready and let's see how much we can thin the Horde." Keelah@crystyl nods NPC@annpc#557 | The Chosen Emperor stands again, "Thank you all again for assembling here. Let us proceed with what we have planned, and I pray for a victory, for all our sakes." NPC@annpc#557 FX | Everyone stands and begins to either disperse from the meeting chamber or break into smaller groups to continue discussions. As people move through the circular chamber, Lexi finds the - NPC@annpc#557 - mysterious helmeted warrior beside her, "So, you're Captain Vix." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi turns, eyeing the mystery figure, "In the flesh" NPC@annpc#557 | Mysterious Warrior: "I thought you'd be taller." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi scoffs, "Yeah, I get that a lot. Other acceptable responses include 'you're not a Klingong' and 'what's with the spots'. For future reference" she grins. "So what, you boys fans of the - Keelah@crystyl - tournament or something? Hard to tell if I know you or not. You know, with the whole..." she gestures vaguely to the helmets NPC@annpc#557 | Mysterious Warrior: "Not quite. I've watched some of the fights there before, but that Zihil guy won't let me enter. Unfair advantage, they say." His helmet slides back, but not into his - NPC@annpc#557:- armour like the Regulators, but into the rear of the helmet, which appears cybernetically implanted into his head. His face seems to be that of a fairly typical bipedal alien, though - NPC@annpc#557:- his eyes are clearly cybernetic in nature Keelah@crystyl | Lexi watches, "...no kidding..." NPC@annpc#557 | Mysterious Warrior: "Didn't know you fought in the tournament, actually. I saw the bounty on your head, but Relentless Hunter here," he thumbs back at the holographic Lupan avatar speaking - NPC@annpc#557:- with several real Lupan across the chamber, "beat me to it and lost. So I thought, if you could best the Nuhar, it wasn't worth the risk." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi grins as she peers over, "Aah yes, that old goat and I sure had some fun. So your bounty hunters then? And what; you came over all sentimental after learning about the Horde and decided to - Keelah@crystyl:- chip in? Or is the Coalition just making it worth your while?" NPC@annpc#557 | The cyborg warrior smirks, "Bounty hunter, mercenary, soldier of fortune, even assassin, if I get paid enough to be discreet about it. The Branded Lady put out a curious offer for people with - NPC@annpc#557:- combat capable ships willing to take an implant for a tough fight. As you can see, implants are nothing new to me, and the Branded Lady always pays well." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi: "Bought and paid for just like my mercenary platoon" she shrugs, disinterested, "Well I hope at least your 'combat capable ship' doesn't offer the Horde any useful new technology. Or your - Keelah@crystyl:- bodies for that matter..." NPC@annpc#557 | Cyborg Warrior: "Don't worry, I've got no intention of dying here. Just curious to see what exactly you can do with that massive bounty you racked up. And see if I made the right call not - NPC@annpc#557:- going after you." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi smirks, "Out of curiosity, just how much has it climbed to now? Been a while since I got to exchange pleasantries with someone sent to claim it" NPC@annpc#557 | Cyborg Warrior: "Not sure. I haven't thought about going after it since you won against Relentless Hunter. Think it was past ten thousand Carran Credits last I checked. Enough to get a ship - NPC@annpc#557:- with or something like that." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi: "Pfft, is that all?! It is /so/ much harder to piss people off when you're years away from known territory..." she sighs NPC@annpc#557 | Cyborg Warrior: "You actually /want/ the high bounty? You're what, looking to challenge all the best hunters this side of the galaxy?" Keelah@crystyl | Lexi laughs and shrugs, "I just enjoy a good fight! But I figure if I'm going to have a bounty on my head, may as well be the best it can be too" NPC@annpc#557 | The Cyborg Warrior grins, "Well, there's not many people with more than 10,000 credit bounties. Not many that are still alive, that is." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi smiles, "Aww, you know just the right thing to say don't you. That silver tongue an upgrade too?" NPC@annpc#557 | The Cyborg smirks, "Nah, just part of my natural charm." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi: "Well I'll be sure to keep that in mind. So you guys just work the Underworld circuit? Can't say I'm familiar with your species. Not that I can even tell what that is under all the - Keelah@crystyl:- implants..." NPC@annpc#557 | Cyborg Warrior: "We do on occasion, but my people are probably better known for working through proxies. You've probably heard of the Corporations out here." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi nods, "We've had our dealings" NPC@annpc#557 | Cyborg Warrior: "Well, most of 'em are run by my people. At least my people are the execs. Not that many of us willing to get our own hands dirty anymore. With a few exceptions, old fashioned - NPC@annpc#557:- guys like myself," he smiles. "Nowadays it's all police mechs and colonization and exploitation. If we keep this up, we're gonna go the way of the Nuhar sooner or later." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi, "Huh. So how come the rest of your people ain't out here helping too?" NPC@annpc#557 | Cyborg Warrior: "The Corporations? Even the Branded Lady can't afford to hire them out. And they don't care about anything unless it makes a big enough impact on their bottom line, and right - NPC@annpc#557:- now all the Horde's done is boost business. Demand for weapons and defense systems are higher than ever. The short-term profits have blinded 'em. Never seen greedier people in all my travels. By - NPC@annpc#557:- the time the Horde actually starts to threaten our worlds, it'll be too late for the Corporations to do much about it. So I guess you'll have to settle for just me and my crew." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi: "Better than nothing I guess. Just seems incredibly short sighted for a people so business orientated" NPC@annpc#557 | Cyborg Warrior: "Tell that to the Corporations. They're not business orientated. They're greed-orientated. The Carrans- they know how to do good business. Hells, even those Ferengin rodents - NPC@annpc#557:- everyone loves to hate on is better, or at least the ones I've dealt with understood what was a good deal." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi laughs, "Yeah, those little trolls ain't stupid for the most part. They'd turn a profit from warmongering sure, but they'd also be cute enough to protect their assets" NPC@annpc#557 | The Cyborg laughs as well, "That they are. Somebody ought to teach the Corpses a lesson. I just hope one of you Coalition fellas manage it before the Horde eats us all up." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi grins, "I'll keep that in mind" NPC@annpc#557 | Cyborg Warrior: "But for now, we got a battle to win here. I look forward to seeing you and your ship on the field, Captain Vix. Haven't seen a bounty this high in action before." Keelah@crystyl | Lexi grins, "I'll make sure to put on a good show then. Just for you!" NPC@annpc#557 | The Cyborg grins back, "Can't wait. Good luck out there." His cybernetic helmet slides back across his face as he turns to walk off Keelah@crystyl | Lexi watches with an amused smile before turning back to her warriors. --- Keliaya@anncaris FX | After the meeting, the Observer's ship is prepared in the hangar to execute Rianni's daring plan... Keliaya@anncaris steps into the hangar, greeting the deck crew while looking around for the Observer Rianni@crystyl pops out of the ship door, calling over to a deck hand as she runs some checks Keliaya@anncaris steps over to the ship, "How's the preparation going?" Rianni@crystyl looks back, "Oh hello Commander. Yes, just replacing the relays we blew out in testing. Will be good to go in no time" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Great. You're sure you'll be okay out here?" Rianni@crystyl:"I have stood alone against Azedi attacks for a long time now, this is no different" Keliaya@anncaris:"But the Junayd can't make any more copies of you without the original Rianni, right?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "That's right" Keliaya@anncaris:"Be careful, then. We don't want to lose you." Rianni@crystyl:"Trust me Commander, I don't want to lose me either. But this has always been the nature of my existence, I was the last recreation of this model from day 1 so self-preservation has always been of - Rianni@crystyl:- importance" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Just don't try to pet any of the Lupan, then. Even the ones here in the Coalition. I don't think they'll take nicely to being petted," she chuckles Rianni@crystyl smiles, "That is one mistake I won't repeat!" Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, "Glad to hear it! Be safe out there, and hopefully we'll see you back here soon." Rianni@crystyl:"I look forward to it Commander, thank you" Keliaya@anncaris nods and turns to head off and leave the Observer to her preparations. --- Keliaya@anncaris FX | It is not long before the preparations are finished and Observer Rianni gets the go-ahead to launch... Rianni@crystyl would fly out to a safe distance from VF before opening a wormhole to the ambush point Keliaya@anncaris | The Observer opens the wormhole without incident, traversing through it to the ambush point, a sizable purplish nebula Rianni@crystyl signals the Junayd fleet of her readiness and moves into position, disappearing into the gasses of the nebula Keliaya@anncaris | As planned, the Junayd fleet enters the nebula as well through a large wormhole, moving into the nebula to look like they are on the run and trying to hide. The sensors read the Horde fleet - Keliaya@anncaris - nearing the nebula in the distance. The Azedi fleet follow not long afterwards, beginning to search the nebula for the Junayd Keliaya@anncaris | The sensors quickly read the Horde fleet slowly changing their vector as they detect the Azedi's arrival... Keliaya@anncaris | The Azedi ships detect it as well, and the sensors show them powering up and preparing to generate their portals to escape, as anticipated... Rianni@crystyl informs the fleet that she's engaging the Azedi and moves into position; darting into the heart of the Azedi forces to target their flagship with the burst Keliaya@anncaris | The Azedi ships notice as she darts in, a few of the ships opening fire, but the Observer's smaller craft is able to dodge and weave between them as it advances to the flagship and fires the - Keliaya@anncaris - pulse. Like during the testing, the energy ripples back into Azedi ship before exploding outwards, the released energy being much larger this time, quickly enveloping ship after ship and - Keliaya@anncaris - threatening to catch the Observer's as well... Rianni@crystyl ducks and weaves frantically through the Azedi fleet as the edge of the shockwave laps at the tail of the small ship. Keliaya@anncaris | The Observer manages to evade the worst of the shockwave, but edge of the energy discharge covers her. Fortunately, it is too dissipated this far out to be harmful, like the shockwave - Keliaya@anncaris - generated by the completed wormhole. The little ship darts out of the energy, clear from the shockwave and the Azedi fleet Rianni@crystyl keeps trying to evade the Azedi while running for the nebula Keliaya@anncaris | On her sensors, she sees the Horde fleet closing in on the Azedi fleet. The space beside her lights up brighter than any fireworks show ever seen as the Horde enter weapons range and open fire Keliaya@anncaris | Most of the Azedi are too preoccupied with the new threat to pursue, though a few ships on the edge of the fleet try to catch the sneaky little ship. The chase quickly becomes a flight for - Keliaya@anncaris - their lives however as the Horde continue closing in. The Azedi ships whose power grids aren't totally fried by the shockwave fire back at the incoming fleet, and for a brief moment the Horde - Keliaya@anncaris - ships are kept at bay. It doesn't take long before it becomes apparent that the Azedi are trying to hold back a rushing tide with an umbrella, however, and the sheer volume of the Horde fleet - Keliaya@anncaris - begins to overwhelm them. The Azedi ships simply don't have enough weapon arrays, and for every ship they destroy several make it past and fire back on the Azedi ships Rianni@crystyl tries to hold position right on the cusp of the nebula so she can maintain a sensor picture of the unfolding battle Keliaya@anncaris | The Horde sweep over the Azedi fleet like a tsunami, and the ones chasing after the Observer soon give up any semblance of chasing as they frantically try to flee, but with the wormhole - Keliaya@anncaris:- generators down, they only delay the inevitable as the Horde begin to decimate their friends and coming closer and closer for them...and closer towards the edge of the nebula Rianni@crystyl holds position, determined to ascertain the end of the Azedi threat at any cost Keliaya@anncaris | The readings of the Azedi ships begin quickly blinking out. The fireworks die down save for the occasional flashes of weapons fire and explosions, looking more like lightning strikes in the - Keliaya@anncaris - midst of the dark, ominous storm that is the Horde fleet. The last remaining Azedi ships are picked off, either by the main fleet or a few ships who break off and give chase before reforming - Keliaya@anncaris:- with the rest of the ships. By the time the last Azedi ship disappears from sensors, the Horde fleet is looking more like a swarm of insects, the separate ships visibly distinct from one another - Keliaya@anncaris:- but still maintaining an uncanny, fluid-like synchronization Rianni@crystyl continues to watch on minimal power as long it seems like the Horde aren't coming for her, knowing she can quickly back up into the cloud on thrusters if she needs to move Keliaya@anncaris | The Horde don't immediately see her, but a few moments later they do seem to notice as a few of the smaller ships break off from the main fleet towards the Observer's location... Rianni@crystyl turns tail and heads back into the nebula, relying on the gas to obscure her from their sensors long enough to initialize her own wormhole and get out of there Keliaya@anncaris | The smaller Horde ships follow her into the nebula, but the gasses indeed throw off their sensors and they are unable to sense her presence. They quickly draw back to the main fleet, which - Keliaya@anncaris - turns to the nebula in its entirety, but the Observer has more than enough time to generate a wormhole and escape before the Horde fleet closes in Rianni@crystyl would reappear beside the VF where she first departed from. --- Keliaya@anncaris | Meanwhile on the bridge of the VF, Kelly announces, "The Observer's ship is back. No sign of damage." Keelah@crystyl breathes a small sigh of relief, "Open a channel" Keliaya@anncaris | Eva nods, tapping her console and opening a channel to the Observer's ship Keelah@crystyl | Observer appears on the viewscreen, close up in her small cockpit, "Mission success Valley Forge. The Azedi fleet has been neutralized" Keelah@crystyl smiles faintly, "Congratulations Observer, your plan was a success. What do you have to report on the Horde fleet?" Keelah@crystyl | Observer taps a console, "I took all the sensor data I could before my position was compromised, sending it over now" Keliaya@anncaris | Eva nods, confirming that they've received the data. Vrolmacht meanwhile taps away at his console, looking through it Keelah@crystyl meanwhile looks back to the viewscreen, "What of the Junayd fleet?" Keelah@crystyl | Observer: "They are holding position at standy coordinates. With your permission, I will signal them the all clear to begin dispersing to designated RV points" Keelah@crystyl nods, "Very good" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "The Horde fleet appears to be down more than one thousand ships from the numbers we have seen through the Lodzki surveillance network. However, there are still over five and a half - Keliaya@anncaris - thousand vessels remaining." Keelah@crystyl:"That is still a significant reduction in their numbers. What does the Observers sensor data show of their composition and movements - anything more to aid us beyond what we already have from the - Keelah@crystyl:- Lodzki network?" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Nothing new in terms of composition. We can see the tactics, or rather lack of them, employed by the fleet, however. They seem to have simply overwhelmed the Azedi fleet using - Keliaya@anncaris - sheer numbers. Though I do not believe this was due to a lack of intelligence." Keelah@crystyl:"Interesting. Might be worth taking a good look through that data with your team, anything we can determine may be of use" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "From a preliminary evaluation, any other tactic may have resulted in more losses for the Horde. They chose to sacrifice the ships they lost to overrun the enemy with their superior - Keliaya@anncaris:- numbers and end the fight quickly. Taking these losses rather than drawing out the fight was likely the most effective approach. I'll have to run simulations to confirm, of course." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Of course" looking back to the screen, "Good work Observer" Keelah@crystyl | Observer: "Thank you Captain. The Junayd fleet is dispersing accordingly now, I will be docked momentarily" Keelah@crystyl nods Keliaya@anncaris:"There is one more thing...I don't think the Horde have the capability to resist the Azedi's beams, like Starfleet didn't in our early encounters. Their ships were being taken out with one or two - Keliaya@anncaris:- hits from the Azedi with their defenses making almost no difference from what this data shows. That must be why they chose the aggressive approach to end the battle quickly." Keliaya@anncaris | Eva: "They always seem to know and choose the most effective approach, even if it seems like a brute force one..." Keelah@crystyl:"I see. Those are reportedly based on Junayd technology so Eva; update the task group commanders with this intel. It may prove beneficial once the Junayd join them" Keliaya@anncaris | Eva nods, "On it, Captain." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "If only there was time to equip Coalition ships with that technology." Keelah@crystyl:"Perhaps once we get a closer look at the Junayd vessels we will see what it is about them that makes them so effective against the Horde. I don't know much about Starfleet's action against them, - Keelah@crystyl:- but weren't they AP based? If so the Nuhar weapons may be close enough that they can be adapted" Keliaya@anncaris:"As are everyone who's taken technology from the Nuhar, including some Lupan packs. We'll look into it." Keelah@crystyl:"That may well include our fighter wing as well. Alright, let's get to work"