Galactic CrossFire - Peace/War? Victory either Way!

[Krrth]

Kreel Negotiations

Yes we did. Most interesting. We have, of course, left your computer systems. Now that communications have been opened, we have no need of such things.

[Moral Wiz]

Kreel Negotiations

Kerra shrugs

Not a problem. My speeches are no secret

Anyway, that's the Court frequency. We'll broadcast on that, and can be reached anywhere in Aetheri space with it. That'll open up diplomatic communication

Now, what's this world of yours like anyway?

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Could be anything. Your embassy. You can make it up.

[Krrth]

Kreel Negotiations


We shall see. I will have my ships transmit the coordinates to the rest of my people, and they will send the necessary tools and equipment. Or did you mean our Homeworld? That is a heavy gravity planet, heavy in radioactives and a surface temperature of around 250.


The Kreel ships followed the coordinates and landed. The planet chosen was a low gravity (.7g) planet with a methane atmosphere. Temperatures averaged around 10f. The Kreel simply build a small set of structures: Living quarters for the staff, ambassador, and guards....Communications array, a Beacon, Maintenance facilities, and a small starport.

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I'm assuming the world is uninhabited. If It's not, let me know and I'll edit the post.

[Moral Wiz]

Kreel Negotiations

Kera blinked, then laughed

I assumed you'd run some sort of check on it. It really matters that little to you?

No matter. It's not a world we're particularly suited to, but we can build an orbital station there for interaction if you wish, or send some of our own to whatever facilities you establish. They'd need life support, but it'd give you more direct contact.

Magister's Fist

Drake re-opened the frequency to Kane, smiling

Our ships are ready to burn the void. Say when, and they'll start this little game

[Greystone]

Kane

"This is Emperor Kane" They see him in a different atmosphere, the shuttle most likely "You may begin, my ships have orders to aid you with anything you require."

[Krrth]

Kreel Negotiations

It really matters that little to us. If we can survive the vacuum of space, most planetary environments will not matter.

A space station will be fine, or we can add life support to our buildings. Whichever is easier for you.

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Summary: Building an embassy in Aetheri space

[Moral Wiz]

Inquisitorial High Fleet

Drake bowed, a warrior's gesture.

May the Emphyrian go with you, Emperor Kane.

Then, as the holo fades, he brings up the internal fleet comms

Swift and True, begin attack run on the main Khal flagship. Primary point is a distraction, so lots of noise, but make sure they don't get a lock on you. That's a big ship they've got there.

They won't know what hit 'em, Lord.

The ever eager Swift and True broke off at that, burning lines in the void as it flew into the maelstrom of energy and scrap that was the fleet battle.

Everfire, you, Char, Blade and the Ascendant are to engage the Khal surrounding the Goh flagship Brutius. Co-ordinate strategy amongst yourselves. Capitan Harthran to command

An honor, sir. Bastards'll fall like the Hound spit they are.

Drake laughed as the Ascendant closed comms. Truth be told, he'd been on the verge of ordering the Fist to assist in that attack group. That way, he could take a shuttle down to the Brutius with a few good men, and helping out the Governor himself. Teach those Khal scum a lesson...

But no. He was an Inquisitor after all. He had to remain detached, focus on the larger battle, see the bigger picture.

Much as it pains me.

Blackship? You ready for the fray?

Oh yes, Sir. Containment fields charged and ready.

Drake nods, curtly

Excellent. Just what I'd expect. Sanctum?

There is a sound of chanting over the comm link.

Initiates are beginning the Third Invocation now.

The crew heard that, and cheered, Drake's customary grin back in full force.

Very well. Our target is the heretic filled ship we ran into earlier. For the glory of the High Chosen!

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Yeah. Drake'll feel guilty for his choice later, but this did make more sense for him IC

Space Battle

The Inquisitorial Fleet divides itself in three, and each speed in differing directions

At the start, one ship heads off in the direction of the thickest of the fighting, that around the Solar Hammer, and the Duchar vul Armach, seeming to aim primarily at the Khal ship. It's shields visibly flare, even at it's quite incredible speed, though it's fire seems to be minimal.

Half the fleet, four battleships, head out in unity towards the Khal forces surrounding the Brutius. They're going slowly, but their fire is heavy, and their shields strong. These were battle-scared ships that'd seen more than their share of battles. Even against Khal, they were not going to go down easily, especially with Goh at their backs

The three remaining ships seemed to be some of the heaviest. The ever shining Magister's Fist was center, looking like some avenging spirit, with the fearsome, massive Blackship of the Inquisition to it's left, and the almost church like Sanctumonus Sancti to the right. They originally seemed to be accompanying the Brutius group, but diverted, and are now heading straight for the Rik'zhell d'nr Pwtath Guns a blazing, shields up, and engines burning through the black.

Summery

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One ship distracts the Khal Flagship. Four launch a diversionary attack for Kane's shuttle. Three head off to assault the Tech-Priest ship.

[Greystone]

Space Battle

A enhanced Novaburst (Much stronger version of a fireball) slammed into another Vela ship, rupturing it. The Grand Maester of Kane's Sun Magi La'res smiled.

Unfortunately for the Vela, the majority of mages are deep inside vessels, near the heart. The other, smaller vessels may be boarded but any and all attempts to board the Solar Hammer fail utterly. The amount of Elite soldiers and Mages, best in the Goh Empire, just break any attack with ease.

The rest of the bodyguards and the Hammer itself focus on the Khal Flagship, surrounding and herding it.

[Greystone]

Summary

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The Goh armada is attempting to elminate the biggest Khal threats and defend against the smaller ones. They are using superior tactics and magics to at least keep the battle at a stalemate. To be clear (Since Moral pointed it out) not ALL of my best and Elite troops are on the Hammer, it (Being the Flagship) just has the highest concentration.

[Moral Wiz]

Kreel Negotiations

An open question. Having a staff with your embassy would allow for more direct contact. However, you noted you do not like the presence of others, correct?

Your embassy. Your choice. Oh, do you want us to establish something similar in your space?

[Raz_Fox]

Stormhand

Tatharan was fast - and furious. He grabbed the staff as it swung clumsily past his head and swung it into the wall, smashing it into three splintered pieces with a loud crack. As the pieces rained down to the ground, he wrenched Rilithe up off of the ground with one paw, snarling. "Khuns Lashas'erri, Dix Hakterrn and Nirr'orn, you will escort the High Sorceress to the Arrow's brig. I don't care if she comes quietly or you have to truss her up like a caught beast - she will be in brig awaiting the captain's pleasure by the time I come aboard the Arrow. Understood?" The three high-ranked soldiers nodded, the two Vela grabbing Rilithe's arms and the Nebensee keeping his rifle ready. As the three Khuns took Rilithe to the Arrow and Tatharan stepped into the bridge to give his orders, he called back, "Actually, need you take that last option, I saw some power cords and several poles ten meters before you enter the bridge..."


Silariin

"If you wish, you could stay aboard the Zshar wylri Xirkath until such time as we can contact the Kaharach himself - I do not believe that I could answer such questions with the Empire supporting me, but the Kaharach is the Empire.
However, I would be very interested to hear more about this "ancient enemy."


Brutius

Ignoring the pain in his arm, Tichan continues on the offensive, his strokes uncannily hitting weak points in Brianna's armor, avoiding most of the traps Brianna set for him.

While Brianna was beginning to tire, Tichan seemed invigorated by the duel, moving faster and putting more power behind his blows. At one point, Tichan began driving her back, only for Brianna to slip on one of the floor panels she had damaged. Tichan had raised his katanas - and then stopped, as lights flickered across the obsidian eye-panels of his helm. As she rolled back out of his range, Tichan chuckled. "They say that Kaharach Tichan is the best strategist in the Khalardis Empire - but I would say that Rann Thnor is a close second. I would personally say that the tide has turned..."


Captain Tatheran

As Tatheran stepped back onto the Arrow's bridge, along with most of the crew, the Jump Engine glowed its signature bluish-white, and the stars burned past. Tatheran was knocked to the deck, along with most of the crew.

As the Arrow returned to normal speeds, Tatheran staggered upright. "Where in Lochnagar is that sharded Chief Engineer??" The Khal looked up at Tatheran, eyes wide. "Captain, I did not activate the Jump - it was the fleet-wide sign-" He was interrupted by the ansible's crackle. Armies of the Khal, this is Kharlong Grgor Cl'gane, second in command of the assembled fleets. Together with Metkhun of the Army Rann Thnor, I have decided on a plan. We have jumped out of the main battle, but we are about to reignite it! This is Rann Thnor. All ships are to follow the Duchar vul Armach, the Mith drikn Vwy, the Drakon rach Kristhine, the Winter's Wind, the Zarn kix Rirkjyn, the K'ba siitro Mkorba, the Valathrian and the Rik'zhell d'nr Pwtath. Metkhuns of the Army, announce your presence. Brakra Yran, from the Drakon rach Kristhine. Rann Geltra, from the Zarn kix Rirkjyn. Voruk Eryn, from the K'ba siitro Mkorba. Tatheran was at the ansible in a moment. Tatheran, from the Arrow.

We are going to hit the first alien fleet - the ambushers can be ignored, the Aetheri are weak enough to be easily overthrown once these challengers are gone. They challenge us, claiming to be masters of war, sending our fleets into disarray. Let us show them exactly who the warmasters are! All ships will follow the eight vanguard battleships, striking into the heart of these cowards. Kill! Them! ALL!


Space Battle

The Khal suddenly blink out of existance, leaving Goh and Aetheri ships firing into the void, and at each other. A quick search of the battlefield reveals them to have Jumped back out of the main fray - but they are charging the flank of the Goh fleet at full impulse. Eight of the most imposing Khal ships lead the charge, guns charged and missiles locked.

The battle is far from over.

[Moral Wiz]

Shuttle

The Magi operating the override grins

Tricksy.

The Lar duthin Hli flies straight at the charging Khal Fleet, shields full ahead. Even without suprise, it was fast and had lots of large targets that couldn't dodge easily, the price of holding a formation. It was bound to hit something.

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We will see what happens when hitting one Khal ship with another

Stormhand

High Sorceress Rillithe does not go quietly. She knows little combat magic, and is mostly spent, but she struggles as best she could against the Vela holding her as they march out.

Unfortunately, that wasn't very much. Before too long, she was in the brig, in the darkness, and was as her captor put it "trussed up like a caught beast"

They didn't even need to tie the power cables particularly well. Rillithe was spent after the fight, and just lay there, sobbing a little.

You couldn't even stop them taking you prisoner. What a disgrace to your position...

In vein she listens as the Arrow makes the jump, trying to make out what's going on from the sounds outside, and what little she can see of the crew.

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Actually, she was using a metal staff. Guess the good Capitan really is that badass. actions of the INQ shortly

Edit; That is, shortly after you decide on the ramming. I want to know about that first.

[Greystone]

Commander Direca

Having moved on from the Stormhand after discharging marines, Direca had assumed control of the combined fleet in Kane's place. Direca was a Starborn of the highest caliber, with the gifts of regeneration and premonition. She had been fighting in wars and training for over 300 years and she knew as soon as the Khal began to warp out, something was wrong. On her order all ships sprang forward into the empty void and turned in several directions.

The Goh "luck" continued as most of their fleet managed to aim in the right direction. Their defense was solid, but they gave ground as they had to re-right the fleet.

Direca winced as the attackers still managed to cause at least another battleship to be crippled. This enemy was far superior space wise, but the Goh playbook had just began to come into play. It was still far from over.

Space Battle

The Goh fleet still managed to hold on, push a little and be pushed back. Their shields and armament being top of the line and their magic and tactics keeping it on a level field. It seemed that the two fleets would simply grind each other to nothing.

Stormhand

The Goh marines prepare to make the Vela sell their lives.

(COuld you capture the colonel to give The Magess a little company?)

Brutius

Brianna took coughed, fueled by the comet she could go for hours usually...but this opponent was clearly beyond her. She was bleeding heavily from several wounds, none fatal but...

She was pushed back repeatedly. She drew back her arm, and in an instant, the entire arm was swathed in green flame...except for the hand. The ship turned throwing the Kaharach of balance, but Bria had expected it (Her second telling her silently through a disguised ear-piece. She hit him him.

"I'd personally say that my general's could defeat your's in a strategm any day" Hell it was lame, but she was tired.

The magic strengthened her arm and her fist slammed directly into the Obsidian face-mask, right underneath the chin. The stone itself cracked a little under the impact and even the mighty Kaharach was thrown back. Bria sank to the floor, her using all of her remaining energy in that hit.

She winced as the Khal still managed to stand, and she couldn't do anything about it...

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That was simply bravado on her part, she has faith in her commanders

[Moral Wiz]

Magister's Fist

Drake cursed as the Tech Priest's ship vanished. Along with the rest of the Khal. He'd never seen that applied on this scale before, but he'd fought enough Cultists to know what that'd mean

Sure enough, the Khal were charging soon enough. And this time, they charged as one. All the tactics of these Goh would have difficulty in fighting this.

All Inquisitorial Ships, unify on this position.

They all comply, at varying speeds. Now the Khal were ignoring it, Kane should have a clear run to his daughter, the Governor, and the ignored Inquisitorial fleet could soon hit any targets of oppertunity

They may not be the equal of the two massive clashing armadas, but each of them was custom designed and built, with varying aims in mind. They were all magnificent ships. They wouldn't go down easily

Drake was still uneasy though. He could feel the dark magic at work here, even now.

The Schemer is playing with all of us here. She's the only one that will truly win this day..

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Bringing the INQ together

[Greystone]

Transmission to Khal Fleet

"This is Commander Direca of the Goh fleet, warning you to stand down. Your commander is now on the ship Brutius, which is behind our lines. If you do not cease fighting we will eliminate him and the ship. You have seen us do it before and no exceptions will be made. Do not fear, your leader will be soon fighting one of equal strength, a worthy opponent, and we will transmit it via holo-feed to you.

It is the will of the Emperor that the fighting ceases while this duel of Gods is happening"

Direca waits for an answer...

[Moral Wiz]

Magister's Fist

Drake blinks, as the large scale transmission, intended for the Khal comes in.

Firing on their own ship... killing their own people... just to eliminate an enemy commander?

He grits his teeth, then yells.

Bastards. Stupid, dishonorable bastards. Do they think the Khal will fall for that? They just fight! They might stop to watch the match, but still...

He knew then, with an alarming certainty, the source of the dark energy he had felt when they charged the Tech Priest ship

The Solar Hammer.

Black Magic. Demons, curses. A massive fleet. The Inquisitor didn't like any of this. He stood from his command chair.

I'm going down to the Brutius. If the Khal ships keep on firing, hit any targets of opportunity. If possible, land a boarding party on that Heretic ship. Offer them amnesty, and the protection of the Blackship if they'll tell us just what the hell's going on.

Drake sighed as the crew scurried about. He just made for the hanger. He was already in armor, his blade at his side, fist clenched upon the hilt

No matter what these Goh are like, the Governor didn't seem to be the sort to meddle in dark matters. She deserves salvation.

Fleet

A small shuttle leaves the Magister's Fist. In the confusion, and drifting scrap, it's hard to notice. It heads down to the Brutius, swiftly.

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Drake moves to the Brutius. I'll let Greystone and Raz react if they want, before posting further

[Greystone]

Bridge of Brutius

An ensign turned to Jourdi, Bria's Second "Direca has sent out the bluff as per Bria's previous orders"

Jourdi smiled grimly "Do you think they'll fall for it?"

The ensign shook his head "Naw, but I think its only to buy a little time"

Jourdi frowned "I don't like it, but wars war"

Another ensign checked a beeping camera "Sir, more boarders...Their Aetheri!"

Jourdi blinked in surprise and turned on a personal channel to that particular bulkhead [COLOR="Purple"]"This is vice-Captain Jourdi of The Brutius, state your buisness onboard the ship"[/COLOR

[Moral Wiz]

Brutius

The cameras show one Aetheri getting out of the shuttle. A second picture confirms that he was the one flying it. He's in power armor, but no helmet, and he wears a cloak and jacket as well. There's a longblade at his side.

He smiles grimly at the camera

Inquisitor Drake. Here to help the Governor before your bluff gets called.

Then, with a smile, the power circuits of the micraphone and speakers are overloaded. Nothing else goes though, and the bridge crew can see the Inquisitor pick up speed as he makes his way deeper into the ship, threading his way through various corridors.

Three's a powerful soul around here. A great mage, one that shines though the spirits of these Goh. That's where I've got to go.

[Greystone]

Brutius

As the Inquisitor moves through the ship suddenly he runs into none other than Emperor Kane himself, along with his Sun Guard.

The Emperor smiles "Ah Drake, I sensed your coming" he nods towards the Sun Guard attempting to bypass a door "Things have been slow going, this part of the ship is isolated and power fluctuations are impeding our progress to Brianna"

[Moral Wiz]

Brutius

Drake smiles, though he's a bit taken aback as he senses the Emperor's mystic power

He may not be the real one, but damn. I wouldn't want to fight him

Still, he manages to hide it pretty well, striding up to stand next to Kane, confidently

An Inquisitor always has a few tricks for things like this, sir.

The sir isn't that reverential, almost an afterthought. The Inquisitor Lord looks over at the door, thinking.

How are your ships powered?

[Greystone]

Brutius

Kane looks at the Inquisitor "They are powered with a Fuk-4's radiation reactor at the moment. They haven't been able to use the Magical Arc since the anti-magic thing went out, they really haven't had time to switch over"

[Moral Wiz]

Brutius

Drake smiles

The first and greatest skill of the Inquisitor, Emperor Kane

He closes his eyes, and scrunches his forehead in concentration for a moment. There is no visable effect but all Goh cam feel the relief as the TechPriest's anti-magic field is pushed back, at least here.

Grinning, the Inquisitor Lord walks forward to the door panel and places one hand on it, concentrating.

Pure, white energy flowed from his fingertips into the workings of the Brutius. Somewhere, in the depths of the ship, a light on an Ark reactor flickered on...

Spoiler

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Using Anti magic to out the counter magic effect on the Brutius , and provide basic power to the doors, enough to start up the ship's systems. As Aetheri Anti-Magic is more about using energy to counter magic, it makes sense, I think

[Greystone]

Brutius

Kane nodded and strode through the opening doors.

He made idle conversation as they walked "Yes, it seems Bria had focused on life support and weapons systems over little things like door control" he chuckled "The Fuk is a good reactor, but only to a certain point."

[Moral Wiz]

Brutius

Drake sighed as they walked forward

Not my area, I'm afraid. The Fist has quite a few innovations, but we stick to initiates for back up power.

He looked round at the SunGuard, thinking for a moment, then...

Who piloted your shuttle?

Drake is not the best at small talk.

[Greystone]

Brutius

Kane glanced over "Oh, I did. Don't tell my wife though, she'd probably fry me for that"

[Moral Wiz]

Brutius

Drake laughed

I did the same. Seemed simplest

He simply continued in silence, baring Kane asking something. Small talk is not something taught to inquisitors.

[puppyavenger]

Some planet away from the battle and pretty far away from Krin space

A rather large colonial fleet arrived in thew system, being one of the farthest from inhabited space, it was one of the best armed.

The system was quite rich, some mineral-heavy asteroids, a gas giant and three worlds that only needed a bit of terraforming.

High Admiral Dreken looked in amazement over his sensors, the Goh didn't have any borders near here, who were these people? and how had they gotten here in such ramshackle ships?

sending a message to the biggest one as the ships moved over the nearest inhabitable planet Attentions, identify yourselves! you are trespassing in space claimed by the United kingdoms of Jelif!

[Moral Wiz]

Theralonia

Theralonia is a small system. Only three planets orbit it's sun, and two are gas giants. There are a few asteroids, and one world that is primarily mountainous. Good atmosphere for life, but all water is in underground lakes, bar the occasional river or storm.

In short it was a rather unimportant system, though the Aehteri had a colony on Theralonia Prime, the planet. Several high reaching cities dotted the mountaintops, and they descended below too. Some of the caves here were massive, and no one knew all of them.

It also housed the Jophrias Academy, a major mystic training and research complex. This drew some attention to an otherwise more or less unremarkable planet, though still the towns were peaceful.

However, even here thanks to the Khal, there is a small fleet in orbit. A battleship, and three cruisers, all of whome are ready for combat...

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As the Krin fleet sent will have an impact on the Aetheri reaction, I'll let you continue from here.

[puppyavenger]

Theralonia

A small scouting force of a half dozen..well scouts, and 3 frigates appeared at the system edge.

[Moral Wiz]

Theralonia

The tech could hardly believe it

Sir? I've got something

He brings it up on the viewscreen. The young Capitan on the bridge of the Bluerose whistles, standing to look out at the ships himself.

A fleet. Design?

Unknown. Orders?

The young Capitan resumes his seat, giving orders easily and calmly.

All men to standby. Keep comm chatter to minimal. Let's see what they want.