Chapter Two

[Quantum Rain]

First topic message reminder :

As the forum auto-splits topics every 50 pages, the next topics will be named further chapters accordingly. This is chapter two, guys, KEEP IT UP!

Post.
POST.
POST!

---

Reeds just kept on whistling as guards and crew cleared out of his path. Eventually, he stopped at a door, the label addressing it as 'Science Lab 2A.' He smiled as he opened the door and Lae saw that the science lab was not small by any means. It was massive, in fact, taking up at least five rooms and two floors entirely on its own. It also seemed to host a massive range of equipment, some of which were entirely foreign to him. With all of the technology, equipment, and stores here, one could only wonder what Reeds' intention was with this lab.

He rolled the cart up next to two others and then proceeded to rummage around for a datapad. "Sit down, my fine lab rat." He said friendly still as he finally found his desired object, turning it own and turning toward Lae, a mischievous grin on his face.

[Quantum Rain]

--Palaven--

Fedorian: Of course, Ambassador. Such help would be welcome--your people have far more experience dealing with the Collective.

*The plans for the mission are thus laid down.* Your mustering point is the Baurus system in the Oculon Nebula. May the Spirits be with you. *The mission's commanders leave. While Fields and Tiamat send word to their respective peoples, Fedorian turns to Chellick.* Chellick, check if any of the War Faction's Primarchs are on Palaven.

*Chellick consults his omni-tool.* Chellick: None, sir. Looks like they're all home.

Fedorian: I thought so. Call an emergency meeting with every other Primarch. And have the evidence that we've gathered ready to present.

Chellick: I'm on it, Primarch. Anything else?

Fedorian (nods): Call Admiral Coronati. He's to begin planning an invasion of the War F--*He breaks off.* Of the rebel worlds.

Chellick: Rebels, sir?

Fedorian: Yes. They are no longer a faction of the opposition, but an open rebellion against the Hierarchy. *He voice suddenly turns cold.* They have betrayed everything that it means to be turian. If the Primarchs don't see that, then they are fools at best and fellow traitors at worst.

Chellick: Consider it done, Primarch. The meeting will begin in one hour's time.

Fedorian: Thank you, Chellick. Ambassador, Your Majesty--would you please come with me to the meeting with the Primarchs? Your support would be invaluable in helping them see the truth of the rebels' treason.

Tiamat: We will, if helps our people.

Fedorian: Trust me, it will.

*Meanwhile, two dozen Blackwatch ships leave Palaven and set a course for Baurus.*

One cruiser fakes limping out of the system, and also fakes barely entering PS space, in favor of images. The other two cruisers power up and speed out of the system on a different course than the Blackwatch ships. They would arrive at Baurus later, cloaked, and waiting for the Blackwatch ships to arrive.

Fields smiles to himself for a second, reveling in the success of the moment, and then follows Fedorian, calm and resolute once more.

[darthme]

--Alba--

*Addrson is disappointed, but presses on.* Alba: I'll take your word for it, High Senator. If you don't mind indulging my curiosity a little, what are the states of your military and defenses? Hypothetically, how well could they hold off a Primitus attack?

Norrmar ponders the question for a moment, also picking up on Addrson's disappointment. "If you'd like to see it for yourself, I could show you. We're just as aggravated as you are about the data corruption. And as for our military and defenses, we'd like to think that we could fend off an attack. I don't think anyone could defend against a Primitus onslaught. Many of our youth sign up for the military and navy after they complete schooling, whether it be university or grade school. We have a strong sense of loyalty to the state and are willing to fight for our freedom." Norrmar takes a break and motions for Addrson to look out the window. "It may not look like it, but we have plenty of planetary turbolaser defense platforms hidden all throughout the city and planet. As for offense, most of our attacks would be equally physical and electronic. You know, radar jamming, releasing viruses, and the like. As long as we have time to gain a compatability with a Primitus computer -and we have- we can mess with their systems all day long, effectively stopping any major weapons systems from firing. While they try to regain control of their ship, we would move in and destroy it."

[Roach]

--Palaven--

Roach returns to the Balmorra, where he sends word to the 14th Scout Line in the Near by Hussar System to be on standby should they require reinforcement. The compliment of marines on the Balmorra arm themselves and suit up in their battle gear. The Balmorra would arrive shortly at the rendezvous point, sitting while cloaked.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Aves--

Aves Traffic Control (more friendly): Traders, eh? Ordinarily, we'd welcome you, but you're not registered on our trade partners. You'll have to go through the usual diplomatic hoops to trade with us. Go ahead to Bladnir Station and dock your ships at Berth A, then be ready to send a diplomatic representative to meet with our government. Also, your ships will be searched as a routine precaution. Nothing personal. Cruisers Resolute and Chionus, escort them into dock.

*The Marzeronian ships receive a beacon signal leading them to the correct berth, while the two cruisers take up position ahead and behind them. The other avian warships return to their patrol.*

--Alba--

(Why the hell did I say "Alba" instead of "Addrson?!)

*Addrson grows quiet as Norrmar mentions the sense of loyalty to the state. He murmurs something at the very edge of the Gal'Gai's hearning.* Addrson: We, too, were taught to be loyal to the state...until we learned that that loyalty meant murdering defenseless innocents and committing genocide. *After a moment, he nods seriously.* We've been preparing as best we can as well. But back to the reason I'm here. I'd like to request on behalf of the Galactic Avian Union to establish a fully-staffed embassy here for the purpose of keeping our peoples on good terms and negotiating further agreements between our governments. May we do so, High Senator?

--Oculon Nebula, Baurus System--

*The IS vessels arrive first, followed by the Balmorra. About an hour later, the Blackwatch squadron comes out of FTL at the system's edge, and four Rachni frigate-sized ships appear soon afterward. With all the mission participants on-site, the lead Blackwatch ship opens a channel to the Rachni and the IS.*

Praetorius: Alright, I know the people on the Balmorra well enough, but I don't know you. Who's in charge?

Marduk: I lead the Great Singers on this mission. In your low spaces, you may call me Marduk.

Praetorius: Good. And you, Sovereignty ships?

--Palaven--

*An hour later, every non-rebel Primarch is crowded into Tiamat's room, which Fedorian has ordered to remain untouched so they can see the evidence for themselves. Tiamat and Fields stand at Fedorian's side, while his fellow Primarchs watch him expectantly. However, he has yet to inform them of the War Faction's treachery.* Fedorian: I have to play this very carefully. One wrong word and this rebellion could become much harder to squash, or worse, it could spread. Spirit of Decinus, please help me summon up the power of speech like never before. My fellow Primarchs, today saw attempts upon the lives of Ambassador Fields and Her Majesty Queen Tiamat, both distinguished diplomatic guests of the Hierarchy, and upon myself. But it gets worse, my friends. These despicable actions were willingly carried out by none other than the so-called "War Faction", with aid from a shadowy foreign party who is violating our lands, our rights, and our people even as we speak.

*His words instantly cause a sensation as the Primarchs whisper furiously amongst each other.* Fedorian: Silence! Before you start asking for proof, I have more than enough. First, security footage from Her Majesty's room. *He brings up an enormous holographic vidscreen that displays the events of just a few hours ago.* Your Grace?

*The Queen steps forward and corroborates Fedorian's account, supplementing it by imprinting the relevant memory visions into the Primarchs' minds. Some recoil from the act, but fall in line at a glare from Fedorian. The Primarch of Palaven goes on.* Fedorian: The would-be assassin was in possession of a device of completely alien origin. It was badly damaged in his scuffle with Her Grace, but it was able to block her telepathy when active. I had Ambassador Fields's people analyze it. (to Fields) Ambassador, would you please tell them what you learned?

[Quantum Rain]

--Oculon Nebula, Baurus System--

The IS captain wonders at how this all had even happened in the span of a few days, but then pushes that aside when the Turian asked for her name. " I am captain Veronica Steros, part of the Imperial Fifth fleet." She stated confidently. It's best not to wonder about things beyond my ability anyway, and who knows, maybe this is fate? She thought to herself, answering her own curiosity.

---

--Palaven--

Fields steps forward to answer Fedorian's request. "We scanned the device and cross-referenced it with our own intelligence data. The results we got back link to the Astrum Collective, a human hive-mind that has, in the past, sought out war and conquest to satiate their cultist beliefs."

---

--Hiigara--

A quantum slipstream wake erupts at a fair distance from the planet, releasing an average sized VID fleet. Their shields are powered, but their weapons are not, and they had already hailed the planet.

"This is the Verusian Second Armada requesting permission to dock a diplomatic envoy with an escort." Spoke a female operator rather evenly.

[darthme]

--Alba--

(Why the hell did I say "Alba" instead of "Addrson?!)

*Addrson grows quiet as Norrmar mentions the sense of loyalty to the state. He murmurs something at the very edge of the Gal'Gai's hearning.* Addrson: We, too, were taught to be loyal to the state...until we learned that that loyalty meant murdering defenseless innocents and committing genocide. *After a moment, he nods seriously.* We've been preparing as best we can as well. But back to the reason I'm here. I'd like to request on behalf of the Galactic Avian Union to establish a fully-staffed embassy here for the purpose of keeping our peoples on good terms and negotiating further agreements between our governments. May we do so, High Senator?

(I didn't even notice)

"Of course! As a High Senator, I have say over these matters, and I would be delighted for the Union to have an embassy here! I will work on procuring embassy grounds as soon as we finish here. And our loyalty is completely out of free will, not because the state demands it. There are many who would give anything to have total anarchy, but we keep them in line. And as a precaution against tyranny, our constitution allows the people to remove any official from office as long as the majority agrees that they are unfit to rule. Now, are there any specific requirements that you would like to have taken into account when placing you in an embassy?"

[Jediluigi]

Planet B22 "Aves", System Beta 02, Beta Galactic Outer Rim:

//Received...Loading Message...

=< Confirmed, Designated Unit "Aves Traffic Control", proceeding to "Bladnir Station", "Berth A". Have a good day. >=

//End Message...

After the communique is sent, the ships turn, the transports lining up one behind the other, with the escort frigates on both flanks, and they move to the berth, in unison. The avians might begin to wonder if all the ships were piloted by droids.

Once the ships arrive, they proceed to dock, save the two escort frigates. They turn around, and move to the sides of the berth entrance, waiting.

Once all is said and done, the loading door lowers on the AMS Explorer, and smoke slowly spills from the entrance...

[darthme]

~Fey Systäm, Lakunije Klustr, Kindonn Konstelazion~

(?)(=)(///)Fey System(,)Demon Cluster(,)The Child Constellation()

Jeg er Viljelm Jån Thorsson af Heldiggur Einann. Vi er Strandi pa Kjallonn Feys Tange, Lune. Vi hafen nög Byfirpakks fyr Ein Är, enn De villan ekki i sasten fyr elltid. Hjalp Oss vinnsemmlegast! Jeg Endurar, Hjalp Oss vinnsemmlegast!

(?)(=)(///)I am William John Thorsson of The Lucky One(.) We are stranded on the planet Fey's moon, Lune(.) We have enough supplies for one year(,) but they will not last forever(.) Help us please(!) I repeat, help us please(!)

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Oculon Nebula--

Praetorius: Thank you. Now, everyone, what are the capabilities of your ships? Any special or exotic functions?

Rachni: These Dark Singers are living souls in and of themselves. *He imprints a sensation of their capabilities into Praetorius's mind.*

Praetorius: Good. Admiral, Captain, what about you? *He indicates Veronica and Roach.*

--Palaven--

Fedorian: There is your shadowy foreign party, my friends. The Astrum Collective, which seeks to impose its hegemony over all of Hierarchy territory as we speak. But there is more. I had Security run a background check on our assassin, and at first it came up clean. But then they found traces of deleted records, and pieced them together to find that the bastard was born on Gahlven and was part of the Primarch's inner circle before his death in the Battle of New Song. *He displays the records before the demands for proof can begin.* He was ordered to perform these acts by Primarch Portia herself. My fellow Primarchs, there can no longer be any doubt. The War Faction has forsaken what's left of its claims to legitimacy in its shady dealings with foreign parties and conspiracies to murder diplomatic guests. Worse, they are now helping a depraved hivemind gobble turian minds to its fold! They are no longer the War Faction, my fellows, but an open rebellion against the Hierarchy and its principals. They have betrayed everything that it means to be turian, and so they must be disciplined.

*No-one dares to dispute Fedorian's words. He sighs inwardly with relief.* At long last, something is going right... Let us have a vote, my friends. I propose to declare the so-called War Faction in rebellion against the Hierarchy and to mobilize our military might to stamp out this rebellion. All in favor?

*The hands rise at varying speed, but eventually, all those present vote to approve the measure.* This reminds me of Taetrus. But it's not just one planet now...it's an entire portion of the Hierarchy. But it must be done. So be it. As of now, the Turian Civil War has begun.

*A shiver runs through the room.* You are dismissed, my fellow Primarchs. Return to your homes and prepare for war.

*The Primarchs leave. Fedorian rubs his fringe with a sigh.* I thought I'd feel satisfied now that things have finally gone as we planned, but...now I just can't wait for this war to be over. *Pause.* Ambassador, Your Grace, I have a war to begin. I'll be in my office if you need me.

--Hiigara--

*After a few seconds, the Verusians receive a reply.*

Hiigaran Orbital Command: Greetings, Verusian Second Armada. We weren't expecting you, but we'll prep a berth as fast as we can.

*A half-hour later, a single dock is available.* Sorry, Verusians. Just send the one ship. Next time, please tell us you're coming. Here are the coordinates. *They receive a beacon signal leading them to the berth.*

--Alba--

Addrson: Just one, High Senator: that we build the Embassy ourselves and you don't mind a little avian architecture spoofing up your skyline.

--Aves--

*A crane beats her large wings, clearing the smoke away. Behind her stands a small group of runner soldiers in full security gear, tense and wary at what may be waiting for them.*

[Quantum Rain]

--Hiigara--

"We appreciate your welcoming, and we apologize for the inconvenience we have caused. The urgency will be explained later." The operator says, logging out of the comm frequency. A capital class vessel moves ahead of the fleet, which remains in formation, awaiting further orders.

---

--Palaven--

"..." Fields sits down on the couch, holding his head in his hands. "This is a nightmare." He says, when he's certain that Fedorian is out of earshot.

---

--Occulon Nebula--

Veronica smiles, a mixture of pride and a sort of childish enthusiasm emerging. She enjoyed the wonders of ingenuity and technology, that was certain. "I could make a mile long list for you, but as it stands, we're short on time. Our ships are more than capable of overwhelming any Collective presence, even if we are outnumbered. I will relay important, and relevant , information upon our journey for your dissemination."

[darthme]

--Alba--
Addrson: Just one, High Senator: that we build the Embassy ourselves and you don't mind a little avian architecture spoofing up your skyline.

"I don't mind it one bit, Hjergesend Addrson. I'll let you confer with one of the city officials to obtain building rights and a location."

[Roach]

Roach: This little vessel is armored like a battle cruiser and packs the punch of heavy cruiser it is equipped with a cloaking device and is quite fast if you need a ship kept busy and very agrivated we are up for it.

[Jediluigi]

Bladnir Station - Berth A, Planet B22 "Aves" Orbit, System Beta 02, Beta Galactic Outer Rim:

For the moment, the smoke cleared away from the area near the ship, the only mist left was the trails and wisps that leaked from the loading ramp of the ship. Hisses of smoke and steam could be heard within, unnerving and strange. Finally, they heard several clicking noises, and the sound of metal grinding on metal. The sounds of their approach were far ahead of them, the sound of boots stepping in unison to a beat no one could hear.

The first creature appeared from the smoke like a ghost in the night, its form and that of the fog blending in strange ways, until the specter separated itself from the mist. Standing almost six feet tall, the armored thing glanced around the landing zone, the blue lights on the suit giving the fog an eerie blue glow. Several clicks and whistles could be heard, from deep within the suit, and a hiss of smoke from some sort of pipe might have surprised the avians. It turned it's head back to the mist, waiting.

The second thing appeared, armor tailored differently then the first, with more tubes protruding from it's back and neck, and with two glowing lights on its visor. The new creature made several clicking noises and hisses, stepping forward to stand by the second.

The final two aliens arrived, stepping together and taking up positions behind the first two. They wore simpler suits then the other two, less personalized and more uniform. They both held strange, bulky weapons, but the grip was relaxed and not threatening.

The four of them stood there, silent save for the occasional clicking noise, waiting for the avians to speak first.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Hiigara--

*The ship is tugged into dock, and the Verusians' representative(s) sent to S'jet City on a shuttle. There, they are then escorted to the Daiamid Chambers, which are currently empty--no meeting is in session. A small spider-bot scuttles up and projects a holographic image around itself of Karan.* Karan: Greetings. Whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?

--Palaven--

*Fedorian may be out of earshot, but Tiamat is not. She is puzzled by his melancholy.* Tiamat: We do not understand, Ambassador Fields. What saddens your Song?

--Oculon Nebula, Baurus System--

Praetorius: Good. I've already sent scouts ahead to Gothis--it's in the Kothaal System, at the other end of the cluster. Let's head over there and see what they've come up with. I'm sure I don't have to remind you to activate whatever stealth system you use so we're not detected. See you there--Praetorius out.

*The Blackwatch ships head to the system's edge and jump out.*

--Alba--

Addrson: Most excellent! But unfortunately, High Senator, your city official will have to take that matter up with another avian. It has been good meeting and talking with you, but my duties to my people mean that I must return to Aves. There is so much work to do. In a few days' time, another avian shall arrive to close the deal--they will be the appointed Avian Ambassador to the SRI. *He wipes his beak with a napkin and stands, extending his foot in a handshake gesture.* Aves bless you for your hospitality, High Senator.

--Aves--

*The crane waits until all the creatures are on deck.* Kara (Basic): Do you understand me? *She waits for a response.*

[Quantum Rain]

--Hiigara--
Admiral Azarov looked curiously at the hologram, and, though unseen by Karan, was a little disappointed. "I am Admiral Leonid Azarov. I assume that you are the Karan S'jet mentioned in Admiral Mercer's report?" He answered in a stately manner. Unlike most others, his eyes never wandered from the hologram to examine the massive chamber, or any of the scenery on his way there. He was oddly focused.

---

--Palaven--

"Queen, while I respect your desire for vengeance, I did not come here to wage war, or find it... This was the last thing I ever desired to happen. The last thing that should have happened, and yet, here I am, once more. In a nightmare, as others would call it." Fields replies to the Queen, now lifting his head up to the ceiling. It was clear that there was more stress than that caused by the current events. He sighed deeply, looking back to the Queen, waiting for her response.

---

--Oculon Nebula--

The IS ships waste no time in departing, still cloaked from sensors and visuals as they enter and traverse Phase Shift space.

[darthme]

--Alba--

Addrson: Most excellent! But unfortunately, High Senator, your city official will have to take that matter up with another avian. It has been good meeting and talking with you, but my duties to my people mean that I must return to Aves. There is so much work to do. In a few days' time, another avian shall arrive to close the deal--they will be the appointed Avian Ambassador to the SRI. *He wipes his beak with a napkin and stands, extending his foot in a handshake gesture.* Aves bless you for your hospitality, High Senator.

Norrmar takes the foot and gives it a firm shake. "Well I will await the next avian, then. And thank you for coming here, Ambassador! It was a pleasure to talk with you. Farewell, and Goth Veilsing!

[Jediluigi]

Bladnir Station - Berth A, Planet B22 "Aves" Orbit, System Beta 02, Beta Galactic Outer Rim:

The lead creature, the one with the clothing trailing from its back like a cloak, takes a step forward, bowing and gesturing with its hand. After a moment, the avians hear several clicks and hisses, followed by several garbled and strange words. It repeats this cycle several times, until the voice finally spoke. "...Yes..." The thing said, its voice crackling and obviously synthesized. "We are the Anjia." It said something else, but it didn't translate through.

It gestured to itself, rising. "I am the Ambassador." It gestures to the other Anjian, with the tubes and wires. "This is the Trader."

The Ambassador pauses, waiting for the avian reply.

[Roach]

The Balmorra cloaks and jumps to hyperspace.

[darthme]

Jeg er Viljelm Jån Thorsson af Heldiggur Einann. Vi er Strandi pa Kjallonn Feys Tange, Lune. Vi hafen nøg Byfirpakks fyr Ein Är, enn De villan ekki i sasten fyr elltid. Hjalp Oss vinnsemmlegast! Jeg Endurar, Hjalp Oss vinnsemmlegast!

I am William John Thorsson of The Lucky One. We er stranded on the planet Fey's moon, Lune. We have enough supplies for a year, but they will not last forever. Help us please! I repeat, help up please!

If someone would treat this as a real distress call and respond, it would be great.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Hiigara--

*The hologram nods, and seems to pick up on Azarov's disappointment.* Karan: I am. Sorry about this. It's the closest I can come to talking to you in person, unless you want to talk to a big damn ship. Jacking oneself into Sajuuk is kind of a permanent arrangement, which is what I did during that Primitus [censored]-storm a few weeks back. Thanks again for Admiral Mercer's help. But what brings you here, Admiral?

--Palaven--

*Tiamat thinks on his words.* Tiamat: Why was war "not supposed to happen"?

--Alba--

*Addrson takes his leave, then boards a shuttle back to the station where the avian cruiser is docked. He returns to the ship, which soon departs from Alba.

[Quantum Rain]

--Hiigara--

"Things that I would be more comfortable speaking about in private, Sajuuk-Khar." He says rather bluntly, but obviously not joking about it either. "I trust this is at least a secure channel you are transmitting through?" He asked.

---

--Palaven--

Fields sighs. "Queen, I do not come here to seek or wage war. A war between my people. I come here to make sure others don't make that same mistake, and I just failed in doing so. No, I helped it." He stands up, a sort of anger flaring deep beneath, but tempered by a calm serenity, a discipline of experience. "I do not enjoy the thought or sight of that. To be honest, Queen, neither should you, even given what they have done. There should always be another way... if only." He walks to the door, on his way to his quarters, awaiting to be called. "I hope they understand that before it's too late."

[SGOS]

Poseidon's Chariot is seen speeding towards the Georgian coast, she had taken a short-cut to reach her a wee bit faster.

[Roach]

--Black Sea Near the Georgian coast--

Poseidon's chariot would see all the smoke from the battle and see the Austrian and Russian flags hovering over the privateer's ships both astride a Turkish merchant vessel.

The captain of the merchant vessel is drug before Dmitri and Karl he shakes mumbling prayer to Allah in his own language. The crew of the Ataman's Bounty Sets about searching the cargo of the ship.

Dmitri: "Your heathen god will not save you from me Turk you were a fool to fire at my ship.. now i muss effect repairs and you better hope to your heathen god that my men do not find any pirated Russian good in your cargo or any Russian prisoners if they do i will have your head."

The Turkish ships captain breaks down in tears his prayers intensifying in speed.

"Captain!" one of Karl's men shouts "Sir i found some document in the captains quarters apparently this ship was a Dutch Fluyt this man must be very rich there is a bill of sale from the Dutch ship yard turning this ship over to him."

[Sir Noret]

Yaga Minor---

Slavik: Yes believe it or not running freight from our galaxy to here is not longer very difficult. We have many things to offer food stuffs precious metals weapon all of witch we would be happy to trade.

"I see, I am somewhat skeptical to the extent of the possibility of intergalactic trade, but if it can be done, then who am I to comment. Regardless, the Empire is not interested in trade of that sort as an entity; if you would like access to our civilian markets that could be arranged after the current... issue is resolved," Captain Orto responds somewhat nonpulsed.

/Unknown|Unknown System|Unknown Region\

Leon looks ahead of them to see the same mass of creatures. "What in the third Kaiser's name is this...?" He speaks out of disbelief. "They look like abominations from a reactor waste dump, and this is from a distance, ma'am." He states, barely remembering to acknowledge rank at the end of his sentence.

"Yes... I wonder if this has anything to do with the Mnggal-Mnggal I've heard about from the Rakata. I doubt it though, they don't seem aware enough, not that I'd like to test that theory. I believe it would be best if we got out of here, it seems highly unlikely that those... things will be of any use to us."

--Black Sea Near the Georgian coast--

Poseidon's chariot would see all the smoke from the battle and see the Austrian and Russian flags hovering over the privateer's ships both astride a Turkish merchant vessel.

The captain of the merchant vessel is drug before Dmitri and Karl he shakes mumbling prayer to Allah in his own language. The crew of the Ataman's Bounty Sets about searching the cargo of the ship.

Dmitri: "Your heathen god will not save you from me Turk you were a fool to fire at my ship.. now i muss effect repairs and you better hope to your heathen god that my men do not find any pirated Russian good in your cargo or any Russian prisoners if they do i will have your head."

The Turkish ships captain breaks down in tears his prayers intensifying in speed.

"Captain!" one of Karl's men shouts "Sir i found some document in the captains quarters apparently this ship was a Dutch Fluyt this man must be very rich there is a bill of sale from the Dutch ship yard turning this ship over to him."

"Not working for the Ottoman government then? Interesting, I guess that's the consequence of culture wars, that or this one is just a want to be pirate. Regardless, if he's rich he'll fetch a decent ransom as will his ship; I see no reason to keep either," Karl responds, looking at the Turkish captain with something approaching disdain.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Aves--

*The crane nods.* Hallia: Greetings. I'm Administrator Hallia of Bladnir Station. Welcome to Aves. If you don't mind my asking, are you robots or organics in enviro-suits?

--Hiigara--

Karan: Of course it's secure. Heavily encrypted too. Honestly, do you think I'm stupid or something? Nevermind, don't answer that. Let's just cut to the chase, Admiral--what do you want?

--Palaven--

*Nihlus is waiting outside the door.* Nihlus: Hello, Ambassador. If you don't mind, I'll walk with you to your quarters. (As they proceed) We're grateful for your help and I understand your concern about the war. But the rebels have forced our hand. We gave them so many chances, and they squandered them all. Now they have to pay the price. *Pause.* This isn't the first time the Hierarchy has had a civil war, Ambassador. A hundred years ago, separatist terrorists on Taetrus killed over half a million innocents by blowing up half of Vallum City. They couldn't get what they wanted--secession--through normal means because most of the population supported the Hierarchy. And so they resorted to violence. These rebels are the same, and they must be crushed.

--Oculon Nebula, Kothaal System--

*The allied forces quietly arrive in the Kothaal system, link up, and proceed to Gothis, the fifth planet. They enter the planet's orbit undetected. Praetorius hails the others.*

Praetorius: Thanks to the limitations of our own technology, our ships will have to stay up here to remain undetected. However, we brought shuttles, so they'll take us down there while the ships keep an eye on things in orbit. *He forwards the facility's coordinates to the others.* Here's the place where the prisoners are being kept. It's under the ocean, like we discussed in the briefing, so I hope you came prepared. See you in the water.

*The Blackwatch ships launch their complement of shuttles, which enter the planet's atmosphere and head towards the middle of the ocean in question.*

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