Eyes of Fire
Chapter 13: Propaganda
Green Tower
"Alright people, it seems we have a situation about 100 parsecs out. Take a look at this." Zathe manipulated a control on his console and displayed the message that had originated in Zidagar space. "It's courtesy of the Alliance Decryption Agency that we can even read this. I'm not so sure that everyone meant to read this will be able to decrypt it, but our boys managed it. Go ahead, peruse it."
(-Transmission: Incoming-)
(-Recipients: All Free Species-)
(-Source: Zidagar Admiralty-)
(-Message:
A galactic threat has arisen. The Igazdra, a corrupt species has preformed brutal methods against the people of both the azdigari and the Igazdra. They have systematically executed everyone that stands against them (even some that do not). They have tortured our people that have surrendered and killed those that have trod upon our land. I assume the azdiagari people have been treated the same perhaps worse (how I cannot imagine). They have even killed miranu/ Zachit/ unknown traders. The Azdigari and I were attacking a threat to every one; the renegades of the rock were being destroyed. However, while we were doing service to all they sprung upon us, with no regard of honor or decency. They have no regard for life (military or civilian). I know that I said that our alliance would not be military (to those that we have allied to) but this will effect every one. I will leave now knowing that each moment I spend could effect the out come of every peace-loving creature. No matter what they tell you they can only think of death, deception, and chaos.
The Igazdra are monsters their rain would be hell.
-End Message-)
General Kon chuckled.
"What's so funny, ek Gael?" demanded Admiral Vichama.
"The Zidagar still managed to slant the Azdgari, even as they asked for a reply for help. They misspelled their name." Kon looked at it again. "Several times, and in different ways." He laughed again.
"On a more serious note," cut in Arza in her deadly calm voice, "let's look at what this means. The Igadzra have obviously attacked the Zidagar. That they would make this knowledge public to everyone within receiving range means that they must be on at least tenuous peace terms with the Azdgari, otherwise they would be proclaiming weakness to the raiders. Note that they cooperated with the Azdgari against the renegades, which likely means both Strands' fleets were weakened when the Igadzra attacked. We can likely deduce that the Azdgari are under assault as well, but we can't know that for sure."
Zathe nodded. "Note also the accusation that the Igadzra have assaulted the Miranu and the Zachit. I doubt that statement holds any merit, and I deem it a lie meant to arouse hatred against the Igadzra, rather than sympathy for the Zidagar. How hypocritical of them to speak of deception from the Igadzra. Despicable. We'll ignore the Zidagar and leave them to their fate. If the Igadzra end the Strand War, then future lives will be saved. Let's move on the Consolidation Effort. Go ahead, Vichama."
"Thank you sir. Our shipyards on Tibidat, Duios, Bakoom, Unobot and Groned have been fully refitted. We'll be making an additional 2 Crescent Warships and 3 Laziras each galactic standard week from this point on. The engineering directorates and construction guilds are most pleased, as it has allowed mass employment of the new citizens of the Alliance. Unemployment levels on all Alliance worlds have now reached 0%."
"Excellent. Morale is high. Keep it that way."
"Yes sir. The propagandists have already taken complete control of all broadcast centers and have installed hyperwave relays in all regions of their control. Within the month we'll have complete loyalty from everyone in the area."
"Excellent. Now, let's move on to the recent military technology developments. Researcher Inti, would you report in the swarm missiles?"
"Certainly. The cycleswarm launchers and the corresponding ammunition has been fully developed. The fleets are already outfitted with the weapons, at the cost of some other, less effective weapon systems."
"Well done," applauded General Kon. "Sir, shall we consult the Plan for what to do next?"
"Indeed," replied Zathe as he called up a new image on the display: the Ten Year Plan, guiding force of the Alliance. Already it was ahead of schedule. "It looks like it's time to make our cloak even more effective. Initiate the Emerald Fire and Modamakum Projects. I want them done, with the new technology outfitted on the fleet by the time we are to assault Mavs."
"Yes sir."
"Speaking of which, let's get planning on this attack against the renegades. Bring in Planner Malsuth."
The green-uniformed strategist walked into the conference chamber and saluted his leaders before taking a seat next to Arza. She smiled at him, although the Planner couldn't tell whether it was malicious or amiable in nature. He chose to ignore her for the moment, although he knew that could be equally deadly as paying attention to the beautiful Kayan.
"Sirs," he began, "the assault on Mavs will likely cost many lives. I propose that we scrap the idea of a simultaneous assault on Mavs and on Neslaut. Instead, we should concentrate our forces and use both our technological superiority and numerical advantages. Just for clarification, we wish to take Histiri Station intact, yes?"
"Aye Planner Malsuth. Please continue."
"Right sir. Well, I recommend that we use the cycleswarm launchers right away. Empty them completely against the enemy light craft, so that we don't have to face as many guns. I'd recommend complete annihilation of all fighters and renegade aradas in the system from swarm missile fire alone, if it's possible. Then we can use our light craft, supported by the laziras and warships, to wipe out their heavy craft. Troops will then take the station."
"I'll be leading the Death Commandos in that action," commented General Kon absently.
"I agree with your plan Malsuth," stated Arza. "Care to join me for a meal?"
Zathe saw the meeting had ended. "Thank you everybody. Dismissed."
===================
Gerec Research Directorate
Emerald Fire: Codename for a highly efficient reactor designed to be installed on all Alliance ships. It can facilitate one of the following at any timebut never more than one at once. The Emerald Fire Reactor can boost shield recharge by a moderate amount, increase the overall power of Alliance energy weaponry, or increase fuel regeneration. It is to the latter end that it is mostly being designed, so the reactor will allow highly efficient fuel regeneration. An upgrade to the reactor will likely follow this, but the Supreme Commander wants first generation reactors on all ships when the attacks on Mavs and Neslaut are made. (Begun: 4/16/03) (End: 4/21/03) (This includes the outfitting of all ships with the reactor. It will be installed on all ships built following this point.)
STS Engineering Directorate
Modamakum: The term used by Inti to describe an ambitious effort to make nanominiaturization effective for the Alliance military. After it is complete, swarm missiles and any other weapon it may apply to will become significantly lighter, due to the efficiency of nanoconstruction. (Begun: 4/16/03) (End: 4/21/03)
Prometheus Flamus
Inferno Arsenal: Work progresses smoothly, with the initial prototypes of the weapons being built and tested even now. Several engineering chiefs have been dispatched across the Alliance to instruct industrialists as to how to refit their factories for construction of the new weapons. The power cores have been fully designed, but Inti wants to see slightly more damage coming out of the tests, and has also made sure that the Inferno Arsenal has significantly longer range than phase weaponry. (Begun: 4/11/03) (End: 4/21/03)
Current Production: 3 CW, 5 Lazira, 5 Arada, 10 CF per RTD
8 Crescent Warship, 27 Laziras, 95 Aradas, and 140 Crescent Fighters total.
Fleet positions:
6 Crescent Warship, 18 Laziras, 45 Aradas and 67 Crescent Fighters on High-Alert Patrol in DSN-4611.
2 Crescent Fighters on patrol in Bakoom.
3 Aradas on patrol in DSN-5651.
1 Arada, 1 Crescent Fighter on patrol/standby in Akrayhek.
1 Crescent Warship, 3 Laziras, 12 Aradas, 11 Crescent Fighters on patrol in Unobot.
1 Crescent Warship, 2 Laziras, 5 Aradas, 10 Crescent Fighters on patrol in Duios.
2 Laziras, 14 Aradas, 24 Crescent Fighters on High-Alert Patrol in Groned.
2 Laziras, 15 Aradas, 25 Crescent Fighters on High-Alert Patrol in Tibidat.
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All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.
J. R. R. Tolkien
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(This message has been edited by Solel (edited 04-16-2003).)