South Tip Conclave
The Razsaegul Flies
It seems to me, Mathuin interjected, silencing the Conclave, that our position is yet far too unsatisfactory for us to be considering such things yet. It was another meeting of the Conclave - the fourth in the last ten days, in fact, and the third of those called by Varian. Recently, these meetings were beginning to tire Mathuin. He was the governor of the Conclave, by law, but Varians prominence was undeniable, at least among the other members, and lately he had been commandeering Mathuins position. Technically, Mathuin had the power to veto any proposal put forward, other than the proposal for Mathuins forced resignation, but unless he was in any particular rush to have that proposal suggested, he had to accept the will of the Conclave, under the suggestion of Varian or otherwise.
It is always advantageous to plan ahead, Mathuin, Varian replied coolly. That old bugger gets on my nerves. Mathuin held his palm towards Varian. There was a brief pause, almost as if Varian was weighing up the situation, before he nodded and fell silent.
This is our situation, Mathuin announced strongly, rising to his feet and stepping into the centre of ring of seats. The Conclaves military power is seriously outmatched. Ive had reports that only yesterday, two Crescent warships - pirates, not specifically loyal to Histiri Stations loose hierarchy - entered DSN-4611. Lieutenant Nhada, whose forces were on standby on the system, lost two pilots in the engagement. Two pilots, two vessels, of only several score. We cannot afford to lose ships to an enemy unseen, as we have been doing.
Constructing Nachaurrez, Mathuin continued, will not immediately strengthen our fleet. We will still lose brave warriors, like we did in DSN-4611 so recently. Granted, we will have more ships at our disposal, but that is besides the point. And what of out vaunted shield mask? It gives us no field advantage other our opponents, merely provides us with a means of attacking by stealth. And do not tell me of your designs for a Crescent fighter-bomber, Taikaenor; I am not interested. Such a project would take time. Time that we do not have.
We must consolidate our power, of course. We must strengthen our defences, scourge the renegades out of our own territories, and work on unifying the people of Kayia and Bakoom so that this does not all fall apart on us. That comment was addressed to what was currently an outer circle of the Conclave, where the Bakamese sat - the chamber would not have supported a single larger circle, so grudgingly the Bakamese had allowed themselves to form a second.
However , these pirates that plague us, whether or not they hail to Histiri Station, rely on the station to support their ships. Should the station fall, they will have no reason to come here. They will go someplace else. So what must we do? There is no question, there should be no question. Mavs must fall to the Conclave. If we do not do this, then we will fail. The Conclave will live or die depending on what we choose to do now. Would you allow Taikaenor to continue with his designs? I had no doubt that they would result in our fleet being the premier fleet in this sector, but we do not have the time for this. Soon, but not now.
Mathuin paused for a moment, to gauge the reaction of the Conclave. He had not said so much since Varian had begun to take unofficial command. Varian himself looked perturbed, his lips tightened slightly. There was no expression on Taikaenors face. One of the other prominent members of the Conclave, the shadowy Kayan Kataon, looked bemused. The expressions on the faces of the others varied too wildly to tell what the majority would say.
What would you suggest? Taikaenor asked suddenly. His speaking up was almost as much a surprise as Mathuins speech.
We assault Histiri Station. Within ten days, we mount an assault, Mathuin replied, uncertainty flickering into his mind. Dyunar said that it could be done, but Dyunar was a fleet strategist, and Taikaenor the Conclaves premier general. If he said it was impossible, then it would not happen, regardless of rank or the vote of the Conclave.
And to Mathuins shock, Taikaenor nodded. I will back this.
This is absurd! Varian exclaimed. Taikaenor, you are an accomplished military officer. You know that this cannot be done. Besides, from what we have heard from the Tibidatan League, there are renegades to the-
I will back this, Taikaenor repeated.
The shield mask will be completed within a day or now, all it needs is several alpha and beta tests. Our fleet has been preparing for re-calibration. Give it six days, and every ship in the fleet will have the masked phase shield implemented, noted one of the other Conclave members, who had taken up upon himself the task of monitoring the progress of the shield mask. I will back Mathuins proposal.
Nachaurrez will be operational within ten days. Reinforcements will be en route as soon as is possible, Taikaenor added.
I do not understand, Varian confessed, standing up, why anyone is willing to support an attack on Histiri Station now. It is not time yet. We may lose, and if we lose there, all will be lost.
It is simple, Varian, Kataon begun. You of all people should see this. Since two decades after the Strandless came to Kayia, the renegades have plagued us. Billions of people, spread across the South Tip, have suffered at their hands. And here, in Kayia, epitaphs are raised every week, with lists of the dead. This is not a question of logic. This is not a question of technology. This is a question of revenge, and an easy victory would taste foul in our mouths, would be a mockery of all that died. Politics must be laid aside for once. The Kayans have their reputation, and it is not one of peace and prosperity. Perhaps we can lay our reputation aside soon... peace favour them, the Strandless certainly showed us the way... but that reputation remains. We must fight.
And locked within the cobweb-ridden depths of Varians mind, at the baser instincts of his very being, the part of him that made him Kayan, those words awoke within him something he had not known. It was madness, and he knew it, but he also knew that it must be so. And the fates know, a Strandless recognised it before I did.
The attack will commence in nine days from now, Dyunar stated, by which time, the fleet will be refitted with the shield mask, and thus be undetectable by the renegade forces. This will give us little advantage: the renegades will attack us regardless. However, without knowing how damaged our ships are, they will be unable to co-ordinate their counter-attack as efficiently as they might like. Were also going to have to hope that as many of their forces as possible are in dock.
How many vessels are they likely to have on patrol? asked Nhada, recently returned from patrol on DSN-4611 upon hearing of the plans.
They have sixty vessels in total. A long-term analysis by sensors on the South Tip Station suggest that they will have between ten and fifteen of those ships on patrol, with at worst six more independant pirates moving to and from the station. I dont think you need to know, any pirates we encounter will have to be eliminated also.
A Kayan with raven-black hair laughed. Unorganised rabble. And the pirates will likely be worse, she grinned, winking at Nhada, who joined in. They were both fleet lieutenants, although while Nhada had been on patrol in DSN-4611, Jenras squadron had been on standby back on Kayia.
Indeed, Dyunar responded, the pirates wont be very organised, but I wouldnt underestimate the renegades too much. Im sure theyll be capable of dressing themselves, dont you think?
I wouldnt count on it, Jenra jested.
Yes... well... Dyunar coughed.
Whats the general attack plan, Dyunar? Nhada asked, glancing at Jenra with a look both disapproving and rather amused.
Originally, plans were drawn up for a pre-emptive assault on the alien renegade system of Riomor, but continued tactical analysis seems to suggest that wouldnt be successful. The Obutes Federal Directorate wont let us move through their system with force, so were going to have to move in through DSN-4611. Nhada, Jenra, you are to lead your fighter squadrons to eliminate their standing forces. The Strandless Azemir will lead a wing of Aradas towards the station, and destroy as many vessels in port as possible before they launch. A second wing of Aradas, led by Karatis, will support your squadrons, specifically targetting Laziras and Crescent warships.
It could be successful, Azemir, a tall, veteran Strandless, murmured to himself. I believe that significant damage could be dealt to enemy vessels in port before they are able to launch. He looked down upon a datapad, studying the layout of the Histiri Station. I shall personally attempt to knock out the stations command dome, where many of the captains will be situated. Without a centralised command, they will fail.
Nhada nodded quickly. If you are successful, it will make our work much easier. I intend to organise my forces in triplets of Crescent fighters, one group to an enemy Arada, or two to a Lazira or Crescent warship. There are four fighter pilots in my squadron who are of an elite standard. I believe they would perform better travelling in a hunter-killer group.
There are five in my squadron who perform at an elite standard, Jenra interjected with a smile. I suggest that the nine form this hunter-killer group of yours. With my pilots, they shall be unstoppable.
Now, now... Dyunar murmured. Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?
Oh yes, Jenra said. Nhada and I need to decide whos taking the vanguard.
I think Ill leave now. Azemir, Karatis?
I will remain, Dyunar, Karatis replied, waving a hand to shoo the strategist. For I believe that I would be better suited to lead the fleet. He too winked then.
Kayans tire me so... Azemir sighed, downing a shot of a massively alcoholic beverage.
(- Source: Halls of the Conclave, Alpha Nexus, Vardamaught, Kayia; South Tip Conclave -)
(- Recipient(s): SRL House of Electives, Tibidat; Strandless Redemption League -)
(- Priority: 4 -)
Leaders of the SRL,
We will be unable to send an emissary to your capital planet, unfortunately, as we have other business that we must attend to. The never-ending onslaught that the renegades provide us with is not easily stopped, and the Obutes Federal Directorate is refusing to let Conclave vessels part through its space.
Thus, communication will have to remain via hyper comm. forwarded to Bakoom and then to Tibidat. Delays may be common; vessels need to carry a message from Bakoom to Akrayhek and back, and this procedure takes four days not including time to respond.
Firstly, we would explain the purpose of the Conclave. Set up fourty six years ago in light of the increasingly predominant renegade influence, the Conclave has sought since its creation to free the South Tip of the renegade threat and, as the situation allows, unify the South Tip under a common nation or alliance. This remains our goal. It should be made clear that the Conclave is not interested in seeking revenge against the Strands. We are not predominantly a Strandless government, far from it, and what is more, the Strandless who do live on Kayia and Bakoom are, for the most part, first generation Strandless. They are not exiles from the Strands, like so many are, but rather self-imposed outcasts upon the strand of the Strand War, or even those who refused to unify with the Strand governments in the first place. The Conclave has no quarrel with the Strands; none of them. We would rather not become involved in the whirlpool that is the Strand War, although at a later date we may attempt to end it by non-forceful means.
It should also be made clear that we are not fools. We will not become anyone's slave, and we will not exchange military technology before we are convinced of the integrity and purpose of the other party. We mean no insult to the Strandless Redemption League, but we cannot yet be convinced of your good intent.
Regards.
Governor Mathuin
South Tip Conclave
(- end transmission -)
Meanwhile, a number of other communications were sent to various governments. While the Obutes Federal Directorate were not contacted, in regards to their hostility, messages were sent to the governments of Feviry and Hrinix regarding the Conclave and its purposes to unite the South Tip.
An extensive cyber conference between Feviry quickly ensued, and data was given regarding the "Miranu", of which the Conclave had heard very little, and did not previously have the co-ordinates of their homeworld.
(- Source: Halls of the Conclave, Alpha Nexus, Vardamaught, Kayia; South Tip Conclave -)
(- Recipient(s): High Council, Mira; Miranu Star League -)
(- Priority: 3 -)
Trademaster Corzun Dah,
We send regards from the South Tip Conclave. Our government is a democratic and eudemonic in a similar way to your own, and we strive to free our people from the renegades which terrorise the South Tip. This territory had no equivalent to your Zachit. We say had, as we intend to change that. Under the banner of the Razsaegul , a winged creature from ancient Kayan mythology, the Conclave's fleets seek to be the Zachit of the South Tip.
The Conclave is unsure as to how to proceed. We would have you know that we wish to learn more of your people, but we are unable to arrange for an emissary, as currently renegades block our path, and long-range scouts have revealed that we would not be able to reach your space without passing through Igadzra space to the north. It is also our wish to write up a peace treaty with your government, and perhaps when a more direct link is possible, a trade pact.
Enclosed within this communication is our most recent spacial map. Sensors on our two planets are able to disclose detailed data of the Mavs and Unobot systems, you will notice. We will be attacking Mavs, a renegade system, shortly, while something must also be done at a later date about the Obutes Federal Directorate present in Unobot, who rule by tyranny and oppression. If in any way you can provide aid in our attack on Mavs (we realise that we are asking much of you in this), we would appreciate it greatly. Many Kayans and Strandless will die.
Regards,
Governor Mathuin
South Tip Conclave
(- end transmission -)
Conclave Shipyards
Eight Crescent fighters constructed, four Aradas constructed. (1/12/02 - 2/12/02 construction)
Two Crescent fighters destroyed in DSN-4611 against <NPC renegade; roaming>.
Fleet Status: 54 Crescent fighters, 32 Aradas in total. 30 Crescent fighters and 18 Aradas in Akrayhek on patrol, on standby, or being prepared to accept the new shield mask (4 fighters and 2 Aradas in port.) 12 Crescent fighters and 7 Aradas in DSN-4611 on patrol. 12 Crescent fighters and 7 Aradas in Bakoom on high alert (in space.)
Conclave R &D; Department
Shield Mask; a modification to the phase shield grid which will result in the vessel being undetectable to sensors while shields are operational (and also make it impossible to read the status of the ships shields.)
Begun: 30/11/2002
Completed: 3/12/2002
Conclave Production Line
Nachaurrez; an orbital shipyard facility based in Akrayhek, facilitating the construction of one Lazira and an additional Crescent fighter and Arada per realtime day.
Begun: 30/11/2002
Completed: 5/12/2002
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-Esponer
(This message has been edited by SilverDragon (edited 12-02-2002).)