Total War 2260 (IC)

[Ganurath]

Conference Room Attack

Matriarch Tia Lilienne and her surviving bodyguard are shivering despite their thick layers of clothing as things settle back down, in cold-induced stupor until the environment stabilizes. When Tia composes herself, she looks around for the delegates from the pirate factions. "We aren't all under suspicion. Only a few have motive to attack an anti-piracy discussion."

With that, she scavenges the wrist beamer from her fallen escort. A microwave weapon, it was entirely nonlethal and extraordinarily painful. "I'm sure our hosts got a good look at the culprits."

[RationalGoblin]

Erik shakes his head at the Venusian Matriarch's remarks and obvious glance at the pirate representatives.

"Few would have motive, yes, but now that I think over my earlier remarks, the less I think that it was a mistake that they were let in the conference, and the more I think that someone's trying to frame the piratical factions.

They could have arranged for the admittance of DANPART and the Consortium to the conference to have a scapegoat for undertaking some sort of military action, or a seizure of power. Or even simply a distractive maneuver. So, unfortunately, Matriarch, you are incorrect. All of us are under suspicion, because any faction could have orchestrated this. Most likely an off-Earth faction, though."

[Ganurath]

The Matriarch nods in understanding, a gesture that helps cover up an eyeroll. "All the same, the remaining pirate representative may have insights as to who is responsible. Eyes on the relevant resources, and all that. So, if either our benevolent hosts or the representative of DANPART would be so kind as to present what information they may have available, it would be appreciated. And rewarded, if incentive is neccesary."

[Edwin]

Attack on the Conference

You are both in part, correct.

The General fixed his eyes upon Erik and the Matriarch.

"Correct that everyone is under suspicion, but also correct that we got a good look at the "culprits", as you so nicely put it."

GFC-0112 made a gesture towards the robotic officer besides. "Bring Captain Lemming to the my private quarters."

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

Before following GFC-0112, Harry has 1 thing to say: "Why would pirates attack an anti-piracy conference? It would encourage more extreme anti-piracy measures, and that would be counter-intuitive. Besides, Lord Nax himself said not to attack the conference; no pirate in DANPART is stupid enough to go against him. The perpetrator of this crime is quite clearly either merchants or somebody who really hates piracy." He follows quite docilely. "Do you mind if I send for a mechanic to repair my guard? He is important to me; stole him from an illegal robot gladiator ring and he's saved my life many times."

[IrrationalSpork]

"Matters very pressing now General, If I may go I would be happy to return, if any light is shed on the subject." Saladin stands up from his chair. "May I?"

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

Saladin

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Yes, you may go. I have no reason to believe you responsible. Don't do anything to change that, if I may say so.

Captain Lemming

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I will have one my best mechanics bring him back up and running, meanwhile I expect you to remain on this ship until you're excused. Also, I am in full confidence that there will be no more attacks, yes?

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

To Edwin, whose acronym eludes me

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"I cannot garantee no more attacks; DANPART was not behind it. I assure you, it was either rogues or somebody setting up pirates."

[kopout]

In order to determine who would be most likely to have launched the attack we have to consider who would have been so callus as to risk killing one of there own diplomats. Both the SC and DANPART but also the Empire of Mankind. It would not be out of the ordinary for them to consider killing their own citizens for a preceved gain. Indeed they have the most motive. As the commissar himself said the shaman king wishes to destroy robots and religion. Our esteemed host are robotic in nature and almost no country today lakes one or the other. What better way to get rid of multiple foes than to have them fight each other?

[RationalGoblin]

Erik laughs at the newest argument about "Who did it?".

"My friend, you must learn to be less naive. Any of our factions would easily sacrifice a diplomat or two to achieve their goals. To be frank, I wouldn't put it past the Society to sacrifice me!

Furthermore, I have it on good conscience that the Empire of 'Mankind' did not plan this attack. It doesn't fit their nation's paradigm. They're more of the 'brute force is the best force' sort of nation. In fact, if there is further fighting on the Earth, they'd probably be an effective mercenary force for any side.

But a conflict on the ground hasn't happened yet, and will probably not happen, possibly thanks to the quick response of our robotic hosts, which I thank them for."

[IrrationalSpork]

Aboard the Goldenfever:

Saladin smirks at the comment made by Erik, and laughes silently. " I thank you for your, um support, but I hope that brute force will never happen. Well I must be off I have a Shaman to crush, and a civil war to stop.Saladin speaks this as if just another day, He motions Ferik to fallow. All the other diplomats seem to cringe at the smell that fallows Ferik as he enters and exits the room fallowing Saladin, even the general seems to notice the smell.

[Earl of Purple]

Solar System as a whole

In all of DANPART's hidden colonies and sent to all the Pirate Lords, Nomad Chiefs and Rogue Traders under DANPART's control is sent a message. It is also posted on walls in public places in all nations, but rarely was anybody seen posting it.

There is a Ransom on the ship meeting the following description: (insert description of the ship which attacked the conference here). The Captain is wanted ALIVE OR DEAD, preferably ALIVE, the crew do not matter. The ship meeting this description can be used however the capturer of this ship wishes; it is also suggested that a WHITE CROSS is painted on to the front. All sightings of this ship with a white cross are to be reported IMMEDIATELY so the Existing Captain cannot cheat Our justice that way. Signed,
Lord Nax the Junior of the Multifarious Titles

[RationalGoblin]

"So I suppose I'm free to go, then? You haven't mentioned the Society as being under suspicion, so I assume we aren't being considered for that."

If not stopped, Erik goes back to his shuttle, and then back to the SRS's estates, waiting to be called again for a diplomatic action.

[kopout]

If it is alright with you I would also like to leave. Would it be alright if I left this suit here in case I need to visit again?

[Sayn]

End of Turn 1 - Start of Turn 2

The system takes a collective breath as the peace conference is attacked. Even the civilians can understand how much more complicated the relationships between the different factions just became.

The search for the ship that did the deed itself, however, is not going as well as many had hoped. Not even the ransom put out by DANPART helped find it. Searches across the system is still underway, but finding one small ship in this large region will be difficult.

The Karagatan regions see a superb increase in wealth as their trade relations increase to unprecedented levels. The use of the recently acquired wealth to help less fortunate around the world certainly helps their image with the people.

The tense relationship between UNE and NRE just got tenser, as the NRE makes its first truly hostile move in years. Not toward the UNE, but to the east. They quickly seize Greece and the parts of Croatia that are positioned along the Mediterranean. They have already begun to dig themselves in, to better improve their defensive positions.

The government in Switzerland, notoriously against letting religion influence their rule, has started to shift toward a more lenient position towards letting religious groups take part in their politics. Why this change has suddenly come about no one yet knows, except maybe some select politicians.

And, while on the subject of religion, this has been a few really religious months with several new converts for both the Karagatan faith, and the Church of the Sun God. No comments from the Papal State as of yet.

Severe internal instability breaks out in the Empire of Mankind's regions. As of yet little is known of the origin of the split, but whispers of an old leader waking up spreads quickly amongst the population.

Over in UAL the discontent is growing. The people are beginning to lose faith in their now splintered leaders. So far it has only been words, and not actions, but if the UAL doesn't work hard on restoring order, there might be further complications.

[Earl of Purple]

Antarctic Republic

Outside one of the many city-states a ship lands. It was once the pleasure space-yacht belonging to a company president; now it is battered, oft-repaired and nearing ramshackle. It was originally shining stainless steel; and it still is in places, where aluminium, rusting steel, titanium and plastics haven't been used to patch it. The captain disembarks; wearing a tattered, yet expensive-looking, suit, he wouldn't be out of place in a company boardroom. "I would like to speak with the Town Council of this city. This is an entirely unofficial visit, so any higher authorities need not be told."

[IrrationalSpork]

Newscast Live from ENN (Empire News Network):

Fires overwhelm the streets near the Empires Palace in which fighting has broke out between loyalist forces (Saladin) and RSG Forces (Royal Shaman Guard) The loyalists have seen moderate losses numbering it in the 10,000s some where and the RSG have seen serve losses. Estimates put it at roughly 1/3 of their force. The Empire and the Outcast have yet to confront, but when they do it will be a bloody battle.

Battles have also brokeout in space near MCU Ships. Saladin is fighting hard to assure nothing is caught in the crossing fire between the Omega and the Alpha(RSG Controlled). The Alpha has been disabled, the Omega is perparing boarding assults as we speak,

That is all for now folks, we'll update you on any new breakthroughs as they appear. The newscaster stares at the camera for a few seconds before it goes black.

[puppyavenger]

Military Deployment in the Belt

Due to the surprising attack on the Congress, as well as generally increased Piracy in the Region, His Holiness has announced the redeployment of the Dreadnought Gabriel from from diplomatic work to one of the main bases in the Belt. It's stated mission is to "secure the safety of the main trade routes in the region, and ascertain the safety of the settlements that have accepted the Churches Protection". It will be shortly joined by the Newly Christened Carrier Charity in its role as flagship of the the newly extant 4th fleet.

Sayn

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the ships built last turn are being deployed on anti-piracy operations in the belt basically

Rearmament of Asteroid Protectorates

The State council has recently released a statement informing any "interested parties" that due to the current circumstances the autonomous defense forces that have theoretically existed in the asteroid protectorates for some time are being called into service for training and arming.




also UNE

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what's your opinion on the recent NRE aggression

[Sayn]

UNE to Papal State

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We are arming our forces, in preparation for the worst. Sadly we do not have the forces to dispute NRE:s claim on their new conquests.

[RationalGoblin]

UNE Headquarters

The notoriously sarcastic diplomat Erik Ironside is sent out again, this time sent to the capital of the UNE (OOC: Don't know where it is, I assume in Berlin?).

He requests a meeting with the rulers of the leading members of the UNE, including Pandora. He says it concerns the NRE.

[Sayn]

UNE Headquarters

The notoriously sarcastic diplomat Erik Ironside is sent out again, this time sent to the capital of the UNE (OOC: Don't know where it is, I assume in Berlin?).

He requests a meeting with the rulers of the leading members of the UNE, including Pandora. He says it concerns the NRE.

(OOC: It's actually been moved to London, since that location is more easily defended and located further away from the NRE.)

UNE to SRS

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A meeting room is prepared, with all leaders present. (You may present what you want to discuss now.)

[SurlySeraph]

Karagatan

The High Conclave immediately passes a measure to condemn the NRE's "unprovoked attack on the innocent peoples of eastern Europe." The measure also accuses the NRE of "holding an important part of the world's cultural heritage hostage," and threatens economic sanctions should they damage historic sites in Greece.

After returning from Earth, Archbishop Ibrahim expresses a strong anti-piracy position, and endorses the Pope's efforts to protect interplanetary trade routes.

Karagatan takes no official position on the unfolding civil war in Midgard. The only public statement on the matter is when Ibrahim answers a reporter's question on the issue: "I pray that a virtuous and tolerant leader will return to control in the Empire."
A few pundits argue over which side he's supporting. Most agree that he's hedging his bets.

SRS

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I'm sure you're as concerned about the NRE's actions as we are. While we thought that Midgard could provide an effective counterbalance to Roman power, in light of recent events this may no longer hold true. Please quietly inform the UNE that we will take steps to forestall Umberto's agression if need be.

Though a war in Europe is a distant worst-case scenario, it would be prudent for all involved to prepare. If the UNE wants to strengthen their defenses, we are willing to manufacture weapons for them. Considering the proven quality of your designs, we would be honored to work with you in arming the UNE. If they want to be armed, that is.

[RationalGoblin]

SRS to UNE

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Erik begins speaking.

"My friends, this aggression by the NRE is unacceptable, is it not? This sort of baseless expansion is the stuff of centuries past, not the modern world! The Emperor has attacked innocent nations, laid waste to the poor, war-torn Balkans! Though these lands are not part of the UNE, you must see that Umberto XII must be punished for his insane war!"

Erik speaks passionately, but then his voice turns to an amused tone.

"And of course, you know full well that Umberto probably seeks to claim all the land of the first Roman Empire, which includes most of your own nations. He must be stopped, for the good of all your hides."

Erik smiles at the assembled UNE officials.

"Thus, the Steel Rose Society offers to deal with Umberto. We will stop his expansion, force him to give up the nations and land he's conquered, and strip away his political power, as well as making the NRE simply another nation in the UNE, adding to it's power.

All we want in return is to show the capabilities of the SRS, and to have the right to have your support in placing... Err, I mean electing key SRS officials to Eastern Europe governmental positions. Furthermore, we wish to have temporary command over any UNE forces fighting the NRE.

In return, we shall do as we have said, as well as providing economic aid to the war-torn states, and political support to all of you. After all, isn't the UNE profitable for all your countries? So, what do you say?

If you're still hesitant, I have be asked to tell you that we will also soon be creating many jobs, which your countries will be able to advantage of."

[Sayn]

UNE to SRS

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The gathered leaders look at each other with slightly suspicious eyes. The chairman nods at this and speak up.

"We would like some sort of proof that you can do what you claim you can do. So far, you've done very little publicly, and thus we cannot say for sure if you have the power to stop NRE:s war machine."

[LongVin]

Anti-war protests within the UNE

Tens of thousands gather outside the capitols of the nations of the UNE, led by the priests and the regents of the Church as well as politicians who are members of teh church demanding that the UNE not needlessly go to war with the NRE. Insisting that a peaceful resolution through common unity and understanding be reached by the European brothers.

"Brothers and sisters! War is not the answer! The will of the Sun God is to see peace and unity between all the peoples of the world. We must not give into senseless violence. The time of redemption is at hand. We can not ask for forgiveness and the utopia that is to come if we are at war. Now is the time for peace, understanding and the unity of a common cause. Tell your representatives in the government. We want peace! Open talks with the NRE, do not drop bombs! War is not the way of the Sun God. We must have peace, unity and cooperation in our time!"

The crowds take up the chant "Peace, unity and cooperation!"

OOC: More to come soon. Just running out now.

[kopout]

SC headquarters, London

A box sits on the front steps. On the top of the box is a card that reads "this is not a bomb". X-raying the package shows it contains the message "told ya" written in scrap metal.

[LongVin]

Call for a Peace Conference between UNE and NRE

Grandmaster Borghese has called for the UNE and NRE to both send representatives to Castle Hohenwerfen in order to discuss the current state of Europe and to negiotate a peaceful settlement in order to avoid war and to reduce hostilities between the two main powers of western europe.

It is the hope of the Grandmaster that a deal acceptable to both parties can be reached.


Producing the first batch

Years of knowledge flashed through the interface at a lightning speed being downloaded and stored almost instantly. It was the culmination of years of hard work and patience as the vats drained themselves of liquid and the first sparks of life became apparent.

Men in lab coats exchanged congratulations and toasted champagne to each other. It would be just a momentary respite. For in just a few short hours the vats would be cleaned and they would need to start production on the second generation.


Letter to NRE - Emperor Umberto(Handwriten & hand delivered by inner council member that means NO PEEKING! For Sayn's eyes only!!!)

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Most Glorious God Emperor,

I am writing to you on a matter of grave concern over the Empire's glorious conquest of Croatia and Greece. While this is a matter to celebrate we must also be cautious. The unenlightened nations are attempting to organize their forces against you.

We are now communicating with the remnants of Pandora who are seeking ways in which to limit you powers. We are of course working to circumvent their attempts and use it to our advantage.

It is my most humble suggestion that the NRE ceases all hostile actions in Eastern Europe and instead adopts a policy of 'peaceful' accquisition of territories for the time being.

I also most humbly suggest that your holiness or a duly appointed representative attends the meeting proposed to take place at Castle Hohenwerfen. It will help alleviate fears on this matter and make your cause all the more palptable to the public at large.

As always, your most humble and loyal servant,

-B

[Earl of Purple]

To the UNE:

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If you require weaponry to aid you in your fight against the NRE, then we will be willing to sell some to you. Possibly trade the rights to some of your old mined-out asteroid facilities? In particular, 2 Pallas?

To the NRE:

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If you require weaponry to aid you in your fight against the UNE, then we will be willing to sell some to you. Possibly trade the rights to some of your old mined-out asteroid facilities? In particular, 4 Vesta?

[puppyavenger]

UNE

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While, as we still knowledge our commitment ot come to the defense of our allies, any help, either with arming and logistics or with any fighting if the NRE decides to continue its agressions, we can off er is yours

We also promise our full diplomatic support in any confference

[LongVin]

Communications with the Sanguine Consortium

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The Church of the Sun God would like to purchase any information you may have on politicians from both the UNE and NRE in order to help us better understand the mindsets of those involved as well as any illegal doings that may be occuring within those nations.

It is in the best interest of both our organizations to prevent a war. As a war will greatly restrict the freedom of movement both our groups thrive on.