Cheble
After emerging victorious from the battle, the Strand League were greatly dismayed to learn that the Teh'Rak had already been forced to surrender to the Horosk. With the Star-Docks disabled but otherwise intact, they raided the planet and were able to retrieve numerous Teh'Rak technologies - anti-matter weaponry and the TEP being the foremost among them. Bound by the Galactic Community, Aluyiel andher Igadzran counterpart left the rest of Cheble intact and returned to the Arkadi system to regroup and rearm.
(From: Aluyiel of the ZSN, A.W. Force)
(To: Horosk 2nd Grand Navy)
We are displeased by the Teh'Rak's surrender, but recognise that you were only in accordance to plans. I will warn you, however, that we will only leave the Valanor for your pickings. The Strand League have very special plans for Tronoak, Thalleon and Gamaera which involve death and destruction foremost.
If you're looking for a little light entertainment, I'd advise, personally, you pay more attention to your own galaxy. I mean no insult, but we tend to get unexplicably annoyed with people who steal our "kills". It's silly, of course, but unavoidable.
Apologies that you were denied the fight - we've sent you the readings from ours if its of any interest to you.
-Aluyiel, ZSN Commodore
(end transmission)
Gateway
Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Celestion Tower, overlooking the Threshold
Theyll be making the appearance at the Threshold in about fifteen minutes, sir, the competent-looking Igadzran officer stated formally, standing to attention.
At ease, Ryianos. If I didnt know better, Id say that Federation formality is rubbing off on you, replied the Igadzran he was addressing, who was sunk into a comfortable chair behind a spartan desk in a spartan room, his eyes shadowed with a lack of sleep and his voice wearied.
No, sir, replied the officer with a perfectly straight face. I assure you it is not.
The names Lariat. Pleased to meet you, the weary Igadzran replied with a faint smile, offering his hand mockingly.
Apologies, sir Lariat, the officer answered again, still without the faintest trace of humour in his face. Lariat was about the push the matter further, when he realised that it was of little use. The officer was a member of the Ministry of Defence rather than actually part of any Igadzra division, and hed noted numerous times that the Ministries kept to a firm and rather silly formality, for some reason he had yet to fathom.
Lariat sighed deeply, more out of a combination of fatigue and worry than of any annoyance at the officers behaviour. He leaned back further, almost disappearing into the high backed seat marked with the emblem of the Igadzra and the ensignia of the Strand League. Everything in place? The officer nodded. Dont just nod at me, man! Lariat spat out. Whats the situation?
ICO agents are in position all over Gateway, and scouts are making patrols regularly throughout the distrada. Lockdown has already occured - no-one else will be coming in. The officers reply was as seemingly without emotion as before, although Lariat began to suspect that his crisp tone of voice was his own way of hiding his worry.
Theyre already inside, then, or else theyre very stupid, Lariat noted. What about the Threshold itself?
As ordered, agents are spread out across the Threshold, equipped with personnel sensors. Any energy weapons they managed to sneak past will be picked up immediately.
Our security is too tight... theres no way they could have managed to get a weapon into the Threshold, and since we swept the entire area clean beforehand, nothing was already there. What are they up to? Lariat muttered to himself.
The reply came from the third Igadzran in the room, a muscular man beginning to show slight signs of the end of his long prime. Unlike Lariat, he wore the uniform of his position as a general, leader of the 59th IMA battalion. Their position on Tetra-Alpha was not a particularly tactially apt one, especially since information of their movement was picked up so easily. Id assume that they never intended to remain on Tetra-Alpha and then move into position for the beginning of festival. That could have very well been a ploy to keep us from looking too closely at our own internal ranks.
Its what I would do, Lariat mused, but its impossible.
And whys that?
There are no spies within our ranks, Lariat replied confidently.
The general simply looked at him, for some time. Commander Lariat, I apologise in advance for what I am about to say, but you are naďve when things become any more detailed than the battlefield, and idealistic on top of that. I assure you, it would be quite possible for a spy to exist within our ranks. Perhaps not so for the major military divisions, but have you considered the Magistrates Militia? Or the personal guard of the Council of Four? How about the Ministry of D... The general broke off with a glance at the lower officer, a lieutenant, from the Ministry. ...well, anyway.
Lariat was immensely grateful to the Ministrys overtraining of their officers for once, when the lieutenant said absolutely nothing. Perhaps, perhaps, Lariat replied doubtfully, in which case, its already too late. The Council of Four will be making their appearance any time now. Theyll be... eight elite guards present, as well as a representative from each Ministry and two ambassadors from the Igadzra and Zidagar domestic political departments. And a crack troop from each division. Lariat ticked each group off as he said it. Twenty two, then. Plus the Council itself.
And the lower members of the Strand League tribunal will make an apperance later on, as well as various other officials, the general added, deep in thought. Weve prepared for as much as we can, and as is always said in the IMA, if you cant predict something, take every precaution possible and then ignore it.
The IGNA prefer trying to predict everything, Ive found, Lariat replied.
Doesnt that get difficult now and then?
We like a challenge.
Apparently so.
Lariat paused to stand up to look out of the large window out onto the Threshold beyond. From the activity at its centre, it was quite apparent that the Council were about to make their appearance and thus start the festival. Without turning, he spoke to the general. Would you mind getting over to the Alakryon Tower as quickly as possible to make sure your sniper know what hes doing? Ask him to keep his sights on the western column of elite guards if he would do so.
I suppose youre taking the sniper here? the general questioned him critically.
I can shoot as well as he, I bet.
Its a she.
Well, I guess thats a different matter... Lariat muttered to himself.
Gateway
The Threshold
The Threshold lay at the very centre of the Gateway, and was, at least to the public, the place where everything happened. Surrounded by a complex of towers and domes, the Threshold was a flat disc three miles in diameter, with something vaguely resembling a stage jutting out in the centre, almost as high as the towers surrounding the entire area, with the exception of four - Alakryon and Celestion being the northern and southern of those - which soared above all. It was from this stage, at the centre of the Threshold, that the Council of Four, leaders of the United Strand League of New Gadzair, made their appearance, accompanied by a number of mostly ceremonial figures.
When the crowd had once again returned to quiet after a long and deafening cheer, the first among the Council of Four, one of the few Triunes alive, began to speak, his voice carried by technological means to the mass in the Threshold.
Igadzrans, Zidagar, citizens of the United Strand League of New Gadzair. I am pleased to announce to you today that upon this day, twenty years ago, the Strand League was formed in the union of the Zidagar and Igadzra. Twenty years ago marked the beginning of the greatest alliance in existance - two Strands of Gadzair finally laid aside their ancient emnities for the good of this galaxy. The Strand League has only grown in power and reputation over its comparatively few years, and now I can proudly say that we are fastest advancing government in the history of the Milky Way and Large Megellanic Cloud. Mention not the Federation Alliance - for even they must now admit that we are easily their equals in everything they hold to be important, without the need for obscene taxes or a hereditory democracy to do so. I predict this: in another twenty years, the Strand League could be the most powerful and prominent government in all the galaxies ever discovered.
Note that I said could be, however - because this festival is not simply rejoice of the Strand Leagues twenty years, but is also important as it marks another event. The end of the Strand League as we know it. My friends, you all know of what I speak. We have shown this galaxy what we are capable of, and it is now time for us to let it go - and in that help make the dream of all free governments in the LArge Megellanic Cloud come true.
The Galactic Community has been formed, and in that one formation lies the greatest change for the good we shall face in this millenia. However, the Galactic Community is still little more than a glorified alliance. It has yet to reach its full potential - it has yet to become the true Galactic Community. One step must be crossed before it can reach that. Our petty differences must be put aside for the greater good of each other. And thus I ask you to allow me to resign as council member, and to allow the Strand League to become the Galactic Community.
Put aside your fears; put aside your doubts; put aside all that stands in the way of greatness. This is a bold step, but no bolder than we made twenty years ago. We will change nothing - in the same way that nothing really changed in the formation of the Strand League. The Zidagar keep their own laws, customs and religions, as do the Igadzra. The Strand League simply unifies them -- and so will the Galactic Community.
Gateway
Celestion Tower
Lariat looked out of the Celestion tower, neural sniper waiting for any sign of an attempt on the life of the Council. He already knew everything that was being said, so he was not so much distracted by the shocking announcement being made. He was, however, becoming quite frustrated. No sign had been made of an attempt on their lives. Minutes passed, and Lariat began to realise slowly, but with increasing surety, that no attempt was to be made. When the speech was over and the Council of Four disappeared, Lariat found himself cursing. He knew it was somewhat strange that he was so disappointed that nothing had been attempted, but the fact that it hadnt meant he could not yet sleep - not until the assassins were caught.
Hurling his sniper angrily on the ground, Lariat straightened, pushing away the weariness created by days of work. If they were to strike, it would be before the second appearance in the Nexus or during it. For now, the situation was, hopefully, safe, though.
(From: Council of Four, Gateway)
(To: Miranu, Azdgari, Kayan Governments)
No doubt the news of our announcement will soon flood through your space. A general vote will be cast all throughout Strand League space, as although we are not entirely as democratic as perhaps our friends the Kayans may be, we will not make such a decision without consulting the populace.
However, as of now, our shipyards are open to your demands. By examining your fleet construction requirements, we are proud to announce that the Azdgari will be able to build 8000 more vessels with our shipyards, the Kayans and Miranu 9000 due to their lighter vessels.
Due to events that will follow with the change of government, we will be unable to make any major actions over the next few months, and likely research will not be advanced much. I assure you, as part of the Galactic Community feel free to commandeer our forces if we are unable to respond in time.
Our military forces will meet soon and discuss their future within the Galactic Community, preferably as a form of judicial force for you all. Until a vote can be held, Lariat of the IGNA will stand as Interim First Judicator, as the highest ranking military official within our ranks.
Thank you,
Council of Four
(end transmission)
Athena
Ionar blushed at Dr. Kalin's comment, overwhelmed by the entire situation. "We produce the kyhdronium artificially, and thus the impurity is for the most part none - at least, not at the production stage. I'm not positive as to the actual procedure involved in making kyhdronium sheets, although I don't believe it's very complicated."
"The next stage will be finding something we can use to make kyhdronium stronger, and therefore create an effective armour for use on our ships. Kydronium is Proton-287, developed with an elemental synthesiser and, surprisingly, absolutely stable. It's not very strong at all, however. If our calculations are in anyway correct, a very stable and suitable element would be Proton-337, if we establish the right structure." He paused. "It could take some time, and we won't be able to start for a while, I don't think. It would be extremely beneficial, however."
*Technology
Pailgun Railgun Upgrade / P-Rail: 7/10 -halted-
Kayan Supercruiser: 6/18
Hyper-velocity Rocket: 6/12
5 Aries Colonisation: 2/4
*Naval Stats
ZSN: 238,500
IGNA: 238,500
IXD: 50,000
ZEN: 120,000
(Special: 1500 Igazradas)
------------------
-Lyat Esponer Corsair
(This message has been edited by SilverDragon (edited 06-28-2002).)