Saga of the Guild: Chapter 16
Mira
"This meeting of the Miranu High Council is now in session," annouced Trademaster Corzun Dah. "We have much to discuss today. High Councilor Lelos Somm, Researcher of Station Pybin, will now explain to us the recent achievements of his constituents. Researcher?"
Lelos Somm stood and drew a data crystal from the sleeve of his flowing red roves. He cradled it in his worn hands for some time, then inserted it into the main translation circuit. His hands flew across the control console, bringing up several large holographic schematics. Two of them the council had already seen. With the three others they were completely unfamiliar.
"As you can see, the Ra Gunships and the Sokar Carrier fleets are beginning to enter full usage. We already have a sizeable group of these ships stationed in Dewe. Once the battle group there is fully assembled, however, we should begin strengthening our borders with complements of these ships. The High Council should look into the execution of this matter most carefully. Perhaps we should focus first on defending our northern and eastern borders; the north will hold back the renegades since they are bolstered by Zachit forces; the eastern systems of Himgro and Blaga hold much of our trading infrastructure. Before we address these matters, allow me to explain the signifiicance of these other holograms," said Somm as he deactivated the holograms. He then reactivated one and enlarged its dimensions. Turning to face the trademaster, Researcher Somm resumed his speech. "As you can see, this is a normal pursuit missile chassis, completely indistingquishable from all others like it. This one, however, holds in its casing the modified Zidagar warhead. We have toned down its power so as to sacrifice no speed nor accuracy on the part of the missile itself, but the warhead and its guidance systems weigh one metric ton. The Lightninghammer missile will thus weigh twice as much as a standard pursuit missile. Since it makes use of the standard pursuit missile architecture, the Lightninghammer can be fired from our standard launching mechanisms, particularly on our future carriers."
"When this missile is ready, will all future carriers built from that time forth be equipped with Lightninghammers intead of pursuit missiles?" interrupted High Councilor Marig.
Lelos nodded gravely. We will be able to do just that. Priat's Engineers should be able to refit all ships made before then over the course of a galactic standard week. The cost to modernize our starships will be substantial, but I believe these recent developments warrant the expenditures. Now," he continued, "let us have a look at the NPD."
The holoprojector shifted to display a large device with obvious roots in a Miranu sensor array despite numerous new rectennas, receiving panels, and sensor dishes across it. It was whit with two blue and violet stripes and appeared quite compact for the amount of material it included.
High Councilor Imir of Blaga motioned to be recognized. Trademaster Dah waved his hand in acknowledgement and gestured for her to speak. She rose, displaying the blue-violet robes of the Miranu Trade Conglomerate with her house crest emblazoned on the front. Imir was of House Nazdor, and by Blaga name laws she wore the official name of High Councilor Imir al Nazdor kel Blaga. The swirling golden galaxy that was the symbol of the powerful Nazdor banking family spiraled across her robes nd up her arms. She gazed around the meeting hall, eyeing each high councilor until absolute silence reigned. Finally, she spoke.
"The Miranu Trade Conglomerate is under tremendous pressure by the people of Blaga to show results in our long term investments. Naturally, they have foisted that pressure on to my shoulders. As the MTC provided massive capital to the Nebula Penetration Devioce project, they want to see results. Tangible results. So, I ask the High Council," she continued, "when can we expect returns?"
"In approximately one galactic standard week," announced Somm. The reply was prompt; Imir detected no hesitation whatsoever in the Researcher's reply. I shouldn't attempt to read him, thought Imir uneasily. He's had much more experience than I at this. She observed Somm relax again. I should confront him later about this, she decided.
The Researcher took control again. "We have fit the device to a Ra gunship. That ships will not be engaging the renegades in battle. It has already been stationed in Dewe in preparation for Action: Dust Sweep. Does that satisfy the MTC's question?" Imir nodded. Somm continued by bringing up a final schematic.
The new design was immediately recognized as the familiar hull of an arada. None present failed to notice the distinct violet color of the starship. After the hologram began orbiting the room and demonstrating its capabilitied. All the high councilors were intrigued. Marig tired of the inquisitive silence first.
"Alright Lelos, you've piqued our collective curiosity. What is the purpose of this new arada?"
"This is the design of the Zidagar missile arada. This is merely a simulation of its capabilities, so it will still be some time until the Engineers are ready to hand it over to the Zidagar with absolute confidence that there is nothing with with it. As you can see, we did a fair job of fulfilling our part of the bargain with the Zidagar. We have yet to see if they will deliver on the last part of the deal. We can only hope they send us aid in assaulting The Door."
"And if the Zidagar renege on their side?" demanded a high councilor. "Do we still turn over the plans for this powerful new ship, even if part of the contract is void?"
There was little hesitation in Somm's voice this time, and Imir wondered if anyone else besides the trademaster had noticed. Still, the fact remained that it was there. "We will still stay to the course we plotted when we drew up this treaty. We will stay true to our word to honor our people," Somm stated flatly, his eyes blazing a fiery green which suddenly cooled to a tidal blue as his mind regained control. "We will have the plans transmitted on schedule."
"Very good, Researcher," applauded Trademaster Corzun Dah. "Now, let us address the issue of the North Tip threat."
The meeting continued for several more hours. The Supreme Admiral was invited to speak with Trademaster Dah, but he apologized and said he could not arrive in until the end of the session of the Miranu High Council. Now he arrived in the office of the trademaster, to be greeted not just by Corzun Dah, but also by Lelos Somm and Imir al Nazdor as well.
"Welcome Supreme Admiral Sunrunner," began Trademaster Dah, only to be cut off by the admiral.
"No time for pleasantries sir. We have a war to plan," stated Shek Sunrunner factually. He turned to face Researcher Somm. "I am most appreciative that you have provided me with the rudiments of a fleet with which to live up to my rank. The Ra gunships provide excellent support to the carriers in simulation." He then turned to Imir and Corzun Dah. "You have my thanks as well for fronting the research grants and approving the legislation that made this all possible. I swear to you today that the Star League's fleet wil become a navy to be proud of."
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Station Pybin
There is a room at the edge of Station Pybin's reactor core which houses the work of the Researcher himself. Only his most trusted Scientists, his most loyal Engineers, his most adept Pilot have access to it. Only three Miranu were present in the room known as the Abyss: Scientist Loeugith, Engineer Aenig, and Pilot Regaul. Loeugith wore the red of the Scientist, Aenig sported Engineer blue, and Regaul was arrayed in his green Pilot uniform. Currently, the three were in a heated debate over how to proceed in their Researcher's plan.
"I have said it five hundred times and I will say it a five hundred and first," roared Regaul. "We have his plans right here. There is no reason not to proceed. The stealth field will become the best defence the Star League has. Let us design and implement it immediately!"
Engineer Aenig glared at him. "You of the Pilot caste would do well to learn the doctrine of patience," he grated. "Our resources in this matter are large, I'll admit, but stealth technology is a relatively new field to be pioneered. It will be difficult to create a truly worthy deisgn, Regaul. But make no mistake; our stealth field will be an advance to take pride in."
"This quibbling wastes time," growled Loeugith. "We must honor Lelos Somm and complete as much of his project as possible before he returns. He is depending on our efforts to meet his efficiency requirements. Researcher Somm confided that he has something special planned for the immediate future."
The Pilot sighed. Aenig exhaled in relief. Regaul looked up from his thoughts, saying, "Let's get on with it then."
The three of them threw their full efforts into conducting the planned experiments. Regaul was sent constantly to acquire starship materials to put to Somm's tests; Aenig, head of the Engineer caste, ran errands for his Scientist friend locating metals and parts of every variety. When all the materials were assembled in the Abyss, Loeugith announced readiness. Three Miranu transformed into three whirlwinds of activity, becoming spinning Coriolis storms of efficiency. The Loeugith-storm would call "Molecular knife!" and a gloved hand holding the tool would emerge from the Regaul-cyclone. Aenig would merge with Loeugith, Regaul with Aenig, and soon the three established a rhythm so complete that Loeugith could merely gesture at the others and they would know which tool he needed. Soon all three switched to working in the Miranu hand language code, all three totally immersed in the deepest of Miranu active thought trances. Nothing could disturb them now; they were immune to outside disturbances as long as the trance would last.
With luck, the trance would continue long enough to provide impressive results by the Researcher's return.
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Himgro
The Miranu governor of Himgor stood before the Igadzra and his platoon. He was fiercely tapping his left temple. Finally, he looked up at the Igadzra commander and spoke.
"Very well. I will have to get clearance from my government on Mira. It will take some time before they can reach an agreement in a meeting of the High Council. Please wait here while I make the call."
The Igadzran commander slammed his rifle onto the pavement. "Make it quick," he hissed.
The governer looked back in his direction and gave a short nod. He marched off to his residence which also functioned as a research lab for the Engineers of Priat on loan from Station Pybin as part of a complex trade agreement between Himgro and Priat. As he entered, the doors closing silently behind him, he waved over his two most trusted techs and ordered them to follow him. They descended to the communication room and sent the following message to Mira.
(Transmission...encoding...(Encryption Level Theta)
To: Miranu High Councilor
From: Dorok Von, Himgro Governor
Subject: Igadzra coercion
The Igadzra have assaulted our world and are demanding the turnover of a tractor beam and a repulsor beam on the threat they will murder Miranu citizens if we fail to comply with this demand. Please send instructions back as soon as possible.
Anxiously,
Dorok Von
End Transmission)
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Mira
Researcher Somm stormed into the High Council meeting hall. He immediately slammed his fist onto the conference table and motioned to be recognized. Trademaster Dah called on him.
"Leave this matter of the Igadzra to me. I designed the tractor beam and I know the repulsor beams from experience with the gunships better than anyone in the galaxy. I ask this council to allow me to send the message detailing to Governor Dork Von exactly what to do. They must be handled with extreme care in every situation in which they must be moved." He continued standing to show that he was expecting full cooperation and that he was ready to run off to send the message immediately.
Fourteen green lights flickered to life.
Somm left the room at a dead run. He keyed up his docuscribe and with amazing speed composed a plan with precise instructions as to what exactly Governor Von and his techs should do.
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Himgro
After several hours of waiting for design specifications to come back from Mira, Governor Dorok Von received the plans. He and his techs immediately got to work, and Miranu techs scrambled into the Himgro research labs and snatched the two beams from the design shelves. After several hours of verifying the weapons were prepared properly, the Miranu emerged and handed one repulsor beam and one tractor beam to the impatient Igadzra platoon.
Outpost Sentinel, STC Space
Neve Ashak nodded his assent. He had much to learn from the intriguing Varian, and quickly followed him to the docks where his courier was berthed.
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(EDIT): Fixed Sokar production.
Star League Construction Guild Report:
Constructed/Built/Completed: 20 Ra-class Gunships, 8 Sokar-class Carriers, 10 M. Freighters, 5 M. H. Freighters
(All these warships will be stationed in Dewe. The Dewe System now looks like this. The freighters and heavy freighters go to Himgro):
Munb (Dewe System)
60 Ra Gunships
45 Sokar Carriers
30 Miranu Heavy Freighters
47 Miranu Freighters
Himgro (Himgro System)
30 Miranu Heavy Freighters
47 Miranu Freighters
Station Pybin Research Directorate:
Research: Miranu Cloaking Device: The MCD works on the principle of a one-way cloak. Namely, the Miranu cannot be seen nor detected by enemy vessels and sensors, but the Miranu still have the ability to use sensors to see outside the cloak. Extensive research will allow weapons to be fired from the ship while it is under cloak. The downside is that the cloak drains fuel, and once all of a vessel's fuel is consumed, the cloak suddenly deactivates. (Begun: 12/6/02) (End: 12/13/02)
Project: Zidagar Missile Arada design:
Standard Arada Chassis
Weaponry:
2 Pursuit Missile Launchers: 15 Pursuit Missiles
3 Phase Cannons
(Begun: 12/6/02) (End: 12/9/02)
Project: Lightninghammer Missile: Utilizing the recently acquired plans from the Zidagar, the missile will be based on the following design. A pursuit missile chassis will be equipped with the Miranu-modified warhead, keeping the same speed and accuracy as the original missile at the cost of increased mass. It can still be fired from the standard pursuit missile launcher. It will weigh 2 tons and causes both moderate shield and armor damage. (Begun: 12/6/02) (End: 12/9/02)
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Cogito Ergo Cogito
United we stand, so I wandered off and got me a chair.
(This message has been edited by Solel (edited 12-10-2002).)
