Tharkad
"Clan shuttle, squak Ident and manifest to this station and maintain current course and speed."
Ident: ICWS Dancing Mad, Shuttlecraft AD-103, Type K-1C Shuttlecraft
*Sensors do not detect any emissions from the shuttle's Pulse Lasers(powered down)*
**Shuttle Manifest**
Star Captain Jamie Reinhardt, InterClan Watch, Bondsman of ilKhan Diana Pryde
Star Colonel Jeremiah Icaza, Clan Jade Falcon, Envoy of the ilKhan
Bodyguard Point: 5 Battle Armored troopers of ilKhan Diana's personal bodyguard
Tharkad
"Dancing Mad, you are cleared to land at Hiedelberg Kaserne avoid airspace over Bremen continent. Honors will be rendered."
45 minutes later...
The shuttlecraft landed at the Kaserne, and almost immediatly the ramp was lowered. Two Clan officers in Jade Falcon dress uniforms were escorted out of the shuttle by a point of black-armored Elementals. The two officers walked about 5 paces ahead of the Elementals, who despite not having their customary SRM backpacks, seemed non-plussed about being armed with only pulse lasers when surrounded by such numbers. The Star Captain's intelligence reports had been quite specific, and they knew that their ability to defend their charges would be neigh impossible if a determined assault was undertaken. However, they did not show their apprehension in their movements.
"I am Star Colonel Jeremiah Icaza, this is Star Captain Jamie Reinhardt. We are here to speak with Archon Robert Kelswa-Steiner."
Tharkad
Colonel Avril Reis saluted crisply. "Welcome to Tharkad Star Colonel. The Archon will meet with you shortly. Kommandant General Russell will see you now. If you will follow me please."
The Clanners followed the Colonel inside, the Elementals maintaining a respectful distance from the officers as they went.
Tharkad.
Daniel Russell was seated at his desk he motioned Avril and her guests into his office. He stood up as they entered the room and stepped around his desk.
The elemental bodyguard wisely decided to not attempt to enter the General's office, instead taking up flanking positions along the wall outside the door.
The two Clan officers walked in, both offering the General an old-fashioned salute, fist over heart.
"Kommandant General Russell, I am Star Colonel Jeremiah Icaza, of Clan Jade Falcon. This is Star Captain Jamie Reinhardt, Bondsman to ilKhan Diana Pryde, and Officer of the InterClan Watch. The ilKhan has dispatched me to speak with the Archon, concerning his address to the Inner Sphere. It was sugested by Star Captain Reinhardt that such a broadcast was intended to get the attention of the Clans. In that motive, he has succeeded."
Tharkad
General Russell returned the salute. "The Star Captain is perceptive. That was precisely what Archon Robert intended. His motive is to establish a meaningful dialogue with the Clans as a whole. Personally I find it strange that the Clans changed thier attack plan to a broad front rather than the narrow front used during the initial invasion. According to the data we have recieved in the past 18 years your intent is to prosecute war aganst the supposed blood is it not? If this is the case then attacking on a broad front prolongs the war. The Commonwealth is willing to explore the possibility of facilitating your war with the Terrans."
"I cannot speak for the decisions made so far above my own area of influence, General. I simply command a Cluster in battle, my targets chosen by my Galaxy Commander, or the saKhan or Khan herself. I tend to agree with your assessment. In my eyes, we should be cutting an invasion corridor through to Terra as swiftly as possible. However, strategic doctrine is not the purpose of my visit today.
The ilKhan has charged me and Star Captain Reinhardt with speaking with the Archon. If it is his wish to hasten our march to Terra, I am sure that our talks will bear fruit. In my opinion, the more Inner Sphere realms that realize our war is with the Terrans, and not with them, the better for all involved."
In the space around Tharkad, an emergence wave signals the arrival of another vessel. Once the smoke clears, the active and passive sensor arrays don't take long in getting an ID of the latest arrival - the Monolith-Class JumpShip Foreman, last heard to have shifted its allegiance to Charlamagne Steiner and Clan Star Adder.
Several minutes pass without word, though when it does come, the news of who is aboard does come as a shock to the Command & Control crew, "Tharkad C&C, this is Captain Georgia Foreman of the SACS JS Foreman. I have Charlamagne Steiner, urKhan of the Steiner Protectorate as a passenger, requesting permission to detach and land a single DropShip as he wishes to address the leaders and/or representatives of any other Lyran sub-Factions that may be in attendance."
Tharkad
"Foreman, this is system control. You may send one shuttle weapons powered down to the surface. No more than a single point of battlearmor is allowed for guards. Escort will be provided. You will comply with all instructions of this station. Stand by for escort and further instructions."
General Russell's Office, Tharkad.
Daniel heard the tinny report in the earpiece he was wearing and looked over at Star Colonel Icaza. "It appears we are about to have additional guests. Charlemange Steiner has arrived. It would seem that the Adders wish to join in. They have been cleared to send a single shuttlecraft. Did the ilKhan give you instructions regarding the appearance of other Clan diplomats?"
"She gave no specific instructions, only that we see the Archon privately. Also, I know that the Adders, the Star Colonel specificlly, are not high on the ilKhan's list of preffered persons to deal with at the moment. They seem to enjoy holding up proceedings with banter rather than get anything useful done, with their insistant and unbudging stance."
Quote from: Deathrider6 on October 12, 2010, 01:38:52 PM
Tharkad
"Foreman, this is system control. You may send one shuttle weapons powered down to the surface. No more than a single point of battlearmor is allowed for guards. Escort will be provided. You will comply with all instructions of this station. Stand by for escort and further instructions."
"Copy that Tharkad Control," a brief pause, then an exasperated sigh, "the urKhan agrees and will be departing the
Foreman in fifteen."
Tharkad.
"Escort en route Foreman. You may begin your approach."
Quote from: Deathrider6 on October 13, 2010, 04:35:56 AM
Tharkad.
"Escort en route Foreman. You may begin your approach."
"Roger. Approach underway."
[ooc: not sure if you want to play out the arrival, or just skip straight to a meeting, either works for me]
"Kommandant-General Russel, is there anything we need to be aware of prior to meeting with the Archon? I know that personally, and I believe the ilKhan would agree, I would rather not have the Star Colonel walking into a meeting that he has no business in. Seeing as how it has been his poisiton in the ilKhan's dealings with the Free Worlds Leauge, I can only assume that anything we have to say to the Archon will be a point of contention once he arrives on whatever business he has here. Although I should give the man some credit for walking into the capital of the nation he just stole half of..." The Jade Falcon Star Colonel allowed the words to fester in the Kommandant-General, hoping that perhaps the mere presence of Star Colonel Steiner would cause an issue he couldn't squirm out of.
Tharkad.
"Well as far as Charlemange Steiner is concerned I would have rather not see him here. The nice thing is unless the Archon objects you may deal with him as you see fit. After all he is a Clansman. " The faint buzz of General Russell's headset is heard, he listens briefly then continues. "Apparrently the Ice Hellions decided to hit Summit. The Defenders have gone on alert and have offered to throw a party. Something regarding a beer drinking contest. It appears the Hellions want to be even closer to Terra."
Tharkad.
"Star Colonel Icaza, please inform the ilKhan of the situation on Summit. The garrison command has issued a trial of posession against the Hellions since they decided to forgo a batchall."
[ooc: skipping ahead here to move things along]
Charlamagne Steiner waited patiently in the antechamber outside the office of the new Archon of Tharkad, he's seen the looks, heard the whispers from those that passed back and forth. To each Charlamagne offered a smile and nod of his head, most persons ignored him, but that was as he expected.
He wasn't here to for small talk, his purpose was more serious, one that would likely come as a surprise to the Tharkad Archon and other Lyran Splinter States, of course it is just as probable to cause an uproar and outrage.
Either way, what he had to say would have to be accepted, and the reactions and actions are entirely up to his audience.
Quote from: GraeGor on October 15, 2010, 06:08:43 AM
[ooc: skipping ahead here to move things along]
Charlamagne Steiner waited patiently in the antechamber outside the office of the new Archon of Tharkad, he's seen the looks, heard the whispers from those that passed back and forth. To each Charlamagne offered a smile and nod of his head, most persons ignored him, but that was as he expected.
He wasn't here to for small talk, his purpose was more serious, one that would likely come as a surprise to the Tharkad Archon and other Lyran Splinter States, of course it is just as probable to cause an uproar and outrage.
Either way, what he had to say would have to be accepted, and the reactions and actions are entirely up to his audience.
Two military police and a customs officer walked up to Charlemange. "Star Colonel, may I see your entry papers?"
Quote from: Deathrider6 on October 15, 2010, 06:55:57 AM
Two military police and a customs officer walked up to Charlemange. "Star Colonel, may I see your entry papers?"
Standing up, Charlamagne politely replies, "Neg, I do not. Such was not presented to me when I was picked up at the SpacePort and brought here."
"I was asked to wait, and at no time were myself or my escorts questioned about our presence or destination."
Quote from: GraeGor on October 15, 2010, 08:59:39 AM
Quote from: Deathrider6 on October 15, 2010, 06:55:57 AM
Two military police and a customs officer walked up to Charlemange. "Star Colonel, may I see your entry papers?"
Standing up, Charlamagne politely replies, "Neg, I do not. Such was not presented to me when I was picked up at the SpacePort and brought here."
"I was asked to wait, and at no time were myself or my escorts questioned about our presence or destination."
"You and your escorts will need to come with us, sir. You are in a secure area without authorization." The customs officer shook his head as he interrupted the MP Sergeant. "Star Colonel you did not pass through customs. Who ever picked you up has been explained what they did wrong. The General will see you now. How you managed to get this far with out being shot is a mystery. Follow us sir and we will get this straightend out."
Quote from: Deathrider6 on October 15, 2010, 06:47:18 PM
"You and your escorts will need to come with us, sir. You are in a secure area without authorization." The customs officer shook his head as he interrupted the MP Sergeant. "Star Colonel you did not pass through customs. Who ever picked you up has been explained what they did wrong. The General will see you now. How you managed to get this far with out being shot is a mystery. Follow us sir and we will get this straightend out."
"Then perhaps you should go and locate those escorts. They were not my men, despite being granted permission of an honorguard, I left them on the Shuttle and accepted the detail that was sent for me by someone higher up in the Chain of Command, as a show of good faith on my part."
"And as I said, they brought me here, we were not stopped anywhere along the way, thus no questions were asked by those Officials we passed. They had no problem entering this building, passing all obvious checkpoints, and those not so obvious as well, since none came out to challenge our presence.'
"They asked, rather politely I must add, that I have a seat and wait, then they left. And other than various persons going into and coming out of that office, no one, until you, have questioned my being present."
"And yes, I think seeing the General would be the best way to end this uncomfortable situation as soon as possible. My apologizes for making your day a bit more difficult."
Tharkad.
General Russell looked over at Star Colonel Icaza. "Well Star Colonel it appears that I am going to have to deal with a communication issue once we meet withthe Archon. In any case we will see him after the Free Worlds envoy arrives here and my MP's bring Star Colonel Charlemange here so I can meet him and you can deal with his presence. He's lucky he was not arrested or worse."
The Two MP's and the Customs officer ariived with Star Colonel Steiner in tow.
Charlamagne enters, after one of his new escorts, yet before the other. He is not surprised to see the Jade Falcon Warrior, as he had observed their DropShip as he descended upon the SpacePort, then again later during his ride here.
His manner is relaxed, yet business-like, his uniform is the standard Clan Star Adder fatigues, the only difference, if it's even noticed, are the rank insignias on his collar. No longer are they of a Clan Star Colonel, in fact they are unfamiliar to either of the other persons present. And even after wearing them for a month or more, they are still unfamiliar to Charlamagne himself.
"Good day Gentlemen and Warrior," he says to all those present, before directing his next words to the General, "I offer my regrets General. I had no wish to cause any other undue frustrations beyond those that my presence would bring. The best I can offer are my apologies and to make my stay as brief as possible here."
While Star Colonel Icaza seemed slightly annoyed that the Star Colonel apparently ignored his comrade's rank, Star Captain Reinhardt merely smiled thinly and answered before his Clan-born comrade could mention it.
"Star Colonel, perhaps you failed to noticed that I too am a warrior. I was told you that you were as well, however I do not see an actual rank on your uniform. Tell me, have your exploits above Coventry resulted in your demotion, should I no longer refer to you as Star Colonel?" He said this matter-of-factly, his face showing benign disinterest, although the veiled jab was not lost on Star Colonel Icaza. Deciding they had said all that was required to be said to the Adder, Star Colonel Icaza turned back to the Kommandant-General.
"Kommandant-General, are we to assume that the Archon will be seeing us as a single group, or will there be a chance to speak with him in private? The ilKhan's instructions to me were quite clear that I must endeavor to have a private audience if at all possible."
Tharkad.
"My aide will have final arrangements Star Colonel Icaza. He should be present shortly. He was rather keen on speaking with you I will also be present but it will be as an observer/advisor. With respect Star Colonel Steiner the Archon will see you after he speaks with Star Colonel Icaza and the Free Worlds Ambassador. You were not expected. The Archon will speak with you but you will need to be paitent. "
Richard Tutuola felt odd in his uniform. Looking at the rank insignia, he struggled as if it chaffed him also. He stepped into the antechamber to the office of General Russel.
"Star League Defense Force General Richard Tutuola to see the General."
The administrator working the desk, an enlisted person by the looks of it, recognized Richard and was taken back by the SLDF uniform. It was almost exactly like the original Star League Defense Force uniforms during Kerensky's time. One difference was the small insignia identifying his home nation. The new Star League Wolf insignia showing a Dire Wolf in the old heraldic rampant stance.
Quote from: Daemonknight on October 16, 2010, 06:17:46 AM
While Star Colonel Icaza seemed slightly annoyed that the Star Colonel apparently ignored his comrade's rank, Star Captain Reinhardt merely smiled thinly and answered before his Clan-born comrade could mention it.
"Star Colonel, perhaps you failed to noticed that I too am a warrior. I was told you that you were as well, however I do not see an actual rank on your uniform. Tell me, have your exploits above Coventry resulted in your demotion, should I no longer refer to you as Star Colonel?" He said this matter-of-factly, his face showing benign disinterest, although the veiled jab was not lost on Star Colonel Icaza. Deciding they had said all that was required to be said to the Adder, Star Colonel Icaza turned back to the Kommandant-General.
"I did not fail to notice, I am simply not here to see you. And my exploits at Coventry were and are justified by my victory in the Trial of Grievance over the FWL Admiral, who is now Bondsman to Clan Star Adder."
"And you are correct, I am no longer a Star Colonel, so being called by that rank would be inappropriate. Instead you may address me as urKhan Steiner. The title is new, having recently been voted into existence by the Star Adder Clan Council. I am but one of three such urKhans within my Clan, with each urKhan essentially controling one of the three Protectorates; Truscott, Star and Steiner, that now comprise the Star Adder Commonwealth States."
"Only the whole Warrior Council, Loremaster, saKhan, Khan and Paladin Conclave of Clan Star Adder outrank me."
Quote"Kommandant-General, are we to assume that the Archon will be seeing us as a single group, or will there be a chance to speak with him in private? The ilKhan's instructions to me were quite clear that I must endeavor to have a private audience if at all possible."
Quote from: Deathrider6 on October 16, 2010, 09:32:10 AM
Tharkad.
"My aide will have final arrangements Star Colonel Icaza. He should be present shortly. He was rather keen on speaking with you I will also be present but it will be as an observer/advisor. With respect Star Colonel Steiner the Archon will see you after he speaks with Star Colonel Icaza and the Free Worlds Ambassador. You were not expected. The Archon will speak with you but you will need to be paitent. "
"Patience I have, and waiting I am accustomed to. Shall I retake the seat I had previously, or do you have one situated more closely to where I shall be meeting with the Archon?"
Star Colonel Icaza sneered at the explaination.
"You will still be Star Colonel Charlie to me, Adder." With that, the Falcon officer turned his back to the Adder warrior as if he was not actually there, and waited somewhat impatiently for the General's aide. Star Captain Reinhardt was doing his level best to suppress a smirk at the same time.
"Well now what do we have here. Greetings Star Colonel the Free Worlds League as always is prepared to do with those Clans who possess and display honor."
"Can someone tell me what this meshug poodle is doing among a gathering of honorable men?"
"I don't suppose you have brought the "FWLS Adders Folly" along? Turn it over in neutral territory because your to cowardly to dare show your face at Coventry again. Yes? I mean after the hiding General Singh gave you and yours there I can not blame you."
"Bragging about your victory over Lord Admiral Regal I see. Perhaps I can find another octogenarian for you to face while your here? Prove your still virile to those few worlds that have whored themselves out to your so called military strength."
"Once again Star Colonel Icaza I apologize to you and the General for the delay. No offense was intended. Further I apologize that such circumstances have forced you to be in the same hall as this thing. Though I admire your warrior fortitude in enduring it for the sake of your mission."
Star Colonel Icaza was somewhat suprised to notice the FWL Ambassador had walked in during his exchange with the Adder Star Colonel. However, he recovered quickly.
"Greetings to you aswell, Ambassador." How much longer must i tolerate these filthy freebirths? Why did I ever accept the ilKhan's mission he thought to himself. Because you are a Jade Falcon officer, and you do what you are told, thats why, another part of him said.
"Well now that all are present, perhaps we can get things moving." He gave Star Colonel Steiner one last look of contempt, and once more returned to waiting for the General's promised aide.
Tharkad
Kommandant Dieter Handelmann-Bitburg silpped into the room. "Gentlemen the Archon will see you now..starting with Star Colonel Icaza and General Russell. Star Colonel Steiner you will be seen last. These meetings are semi-formal so there will be a stenographer,myself and Robert's guard detail. I will come for you when it is your turn." He turned and motion General Russell and Star Colonel Icaza to follow him.
Star Colonel Icaza and Star Captain Reinhardt followed the Kommandant, although the Star Colonel made it clear to the elementals accompanying them that they would wait outside the room unless offered entry by the Archon. As that seemed unlikly, they were not to admit anyone entrance unless they were a Lyran, or were escorted by a Lyran soldier.(Icaza glanced at the Adder in the room as he gave them their orders).
[ooc: sorry for the delay in relying back, had to get some sleep for tonight]
Quote from: Daemonknight on October 16, 2010, 05:36:37 PM
Star Colonel Icaza sneered at the explaination.
"You will still be Star Colonel Charlie to me, Adder." With that, the Falcon officer turned his back to the Adder warrior as if he was not actually there, and waited somewhat impatiently for the General's aide. Star Captain Reinhardt was doing his level best to suppress a smirk at the same time.
"Your opinion is duly noted and ignored, since it is contradicted by the fact that I am no longer a Star Colonel."
Quote from: chaosxtreme on October 16, 2010, 06:01:47 PM
"Well now what do we have here. Greetings Star Colonel the Free Worlds League as always is prepared to do with those Clans who possess and display honor."
"Can someone tell me what this meshug poodle is doing among a gathering of honorable men?"
"I don't suppose you have brought the "FWLS Adders Folly" along? Turn it over in neutral territory because your to cowardly to dare show your face at Coventry again. Yes? I mean after the hiding General Singh gave you and yours there I can not blame you."
"Bragging about your victory over Lord Admiral Regal I see. Perhaps I can find another octogenarian for you to face while your here? Prove your still virile to those few worlds that have whored themselves out to your so called military strength."
"I know of no such vessel by that name. And by defeating the
former Admiral, now a bondsman to my Clan, I have proven that my right to void the Trial for the Mjolinir was and is the correct decision. To continue arguing otherwise only serves to prove your lack of knowledge on the Clans."
Quote"Once again Star Colonel Icaza I apologize to you and the General for the delay. No offense was intended. Further I apologize that such circumstances have forced you to be in the same hall as this thing. Though I admire your warrior fortitude in enduring it for the sake of your mission."
"Unlike your Nation which calls for a Truce, proposes a Trial to determine placement of a Truce line, and still launches invasions. An honorable Military and Realm would act in good faith and await the outcome."
"Of course an honorable leader would have continued negotiating with the Clan that they had initiated such talks with in the first place. An honorable leader would have made a counter-proposal instead sulking and pouting like a child who did not get his way. An honorable leader would not have crawled behind the back of the aggrieved Nation in order to have someone else enforce their offered Truce when their first suggestion was denied."
"If my presence so offends you, then good. You and your, what was the term I heard, ah yes, you and your Leech Worlds League will be seeing more of myself and my Clan in the future."
Quote from: Daemonknight on October 16, 2010, 06:49:00 PM
"Well now that all are present, perhaps we can get things moving." He gave Star Colonel Steiner one last look of contempt, and once more returned to waiting for the General's promised aide.
The Star Adder urKhan ignores the Jade Falcon.
As before, he finds an open chair and seats himself upon it to wait, for one does not fight the Winds of Fate, one accepts them and flows with them until They direct other actions.
Star Captain Reinhardt turn to Star Colonel Icaza.
"I wonder how it is that Star Colonel Steiner is so well versed in honorable leadership, having so little honor or leadership qualities himself?" Star Colonel Icaza only smiled as he walked out of the room with the Kommandant.
Ambassador Disreali Martinez smiled at the face Star Colonel Charlie Steiner made as Star Colonel Icaza took his leave of the room.
"Originally, I thought not but now. Meh, I do believe I am going to like that man."
"Run fast little horse thief, We in the Free Worlds League know how to deal with your lot, and we shall be dealing with you very shortly."
Elsewhere...
General of the Armies Nondi Steiner stirred from her brief reverie as the medical orderly entered her dimly lit room.
"Hello, corporal," the General said, "I take it that it is time for my latest treatment?" she inquired in a dry and tired voice.
The enlisted man snapped to attention, "Jawohl, herr General. This should allow you to rest comfortably," he said, nodding to the tray in his hand, which contained a single syringe and a vial of clear liquid.
"I don't recognize you from the regular staff, corporal. Were you assigned here recently?"
"Ja, herr General. I was attached from the 8th Donegal Guards medical staff earlier this week."
Steiner nodded, leaning forward against the pillow she held against her chest, "Ah, that explains it. Very well, corporal, let us get this over with."
The orderly laid his tray down on the bedstand and began charging his syringe from the bottle, but he never completed the action. Instead, he froze as the hiss of a laser beam sizzled through the air. Even as smoke rose from the hole in Steiner's pillow, blood spread over the orderly's white uniform tunic as his heartblood drained through the hole in his chest.
"Ja, herr corporal, I may be a dying old woman, but I still recognize an Arc Royal accent. Keep your poison, just lie down and die like the schwinehund you are."
Steiner had little time to gloat, as the two armed men burst into her quarters.
"Lang lebe der Märtyrer!"
The rest was drowned out in the roar of automatic weapons fire.
The Archon's Throne Room
Even as Archon Kelswa's agents began to move into a protective posture around their charge, the alert on their ear buds was overridden by the shrill sound of Tharkad's air raid alarms. From an adjoining room, a naval officer appeared with troubling news:
"Mein Archon," he announced, "space traffic control reports multiple military JumpShips entering the star system. We have tenatively identified them as Arc Royal registered vessels and they are not answering our challenges. I recommend you relocate to the secure command center, sir."
OOC: Anyone who has forces in Tharkad, please roll initiative.
Association of Tharkad Martyrs
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 6, 1, total 7[/blockquote]
Star Colonel Icaza had spent a lifetime in warzones between Tharkad and the Kerensky Cluster. He did not need the naval officer's report to know what was happening. At the first sound of automatic fire, he had turn his back to Archon Kelswa-Steiner and pulled his service pistol. Reinhardt managed to make a long, thin vibroblade materialize from his uniform, although none seemed to notice this feat.
"Perhaps we should have our discussion elsewhere Archon. Star Commander! No living man passes you unless you are ordered otherwise by myself, Star Captain Reinhardt, or the Archon himself, quiaff?"
The point of black-armored elemental bodyguards pushed their way backwards to the doors to the Archon's chambers, gently but foricbly moving aside the guards who normally stand guard. The largest of the bunch turned halfway into the room while his point placed themselves infront of the door, blocking any view into or out of the room.
"Aff, Star Colonel. You, Lyran warriors." The Star Commander indicated the Lyran bodyguards. "Go with your Archon. We shall hold the honor of rearguard. Load missiles, Inferno rounds." Without another word, the Jade Falcon elementals turned to face down whatever threats might materialize, their auto-loaders chugging as the small, unstable missiles were loaded into their backpack launchers.
Star Colonel Reinhardt turned to face the Archon.
"Archon Robert, perhaps it is time we leave. Those warriors will sell their lives dearly, and should buy us time to escape from this area. Once we are clear of their probable target, it would perhaps be prudent to recall any forces in your area that might be able to assist. I would also relay any message you might have for the ilKhan." Reinhardt sounded less a clan warrior, and more the Lyran intelligence operative he had once been.
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 5, 2, total 7[/blockquote]
Tharkad
LCAF Forces- 4th Royal Guards RCT 43FPGround,6 Aero, 1st Naval Fleet. (53.5 FP)
Colonel Craig Lowell was in the Comms building when the message came through he reacted quickly and opened a comm channel. "All forces stand to prepare for combat. Repel the invaders!." All LCAF forces went to alert.
Georgia grumbles, "Damn."
Her first officer responds, "And what are our plans now Captain?"
"If they come near us, we fight back. Though if by some miracle they ignore us, we let all them," she says with a gesture indicating outside, "beat each other senseless and hope that the urKhan can return in one piece. Then we get the hell out of here."
SACS[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 3, 1, total 4[/blockquote]
LCAF (skye)[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 4, 1, total 5[/blockquote]
Tharkad
As Daniel and his security detacment arrived in the throne room a message was relayed to his ear piece. He looked at Star Colonel Icaza. "Well it appears that the Ice Hellions are deciding not to honor the trial as presented by the Gacrux SPM commander. apparently the Gacrux force had the trial won and the Hellion Commander broke her bid. It would appear as usual that the Clans as a whole are not on the same page. I am not blaming you at all Star Colonel. The Falcons are honorable but apparently the Hellions are not."
He got them into the Archon's 'chambers' and ordered them sealed. "We have communications capacity here so I can control the battle and check the status of General Steiner. I'm sure the Archon will and you have much to talk about."
Tharkad, General Russell's HQ.
Kommandant Dieter Handlmann-Bitburg drew his service pistol and barked into his commlink. "Get the area locked down. No one gets in, no one gets out. The only exception is Colonel Reis if she is near by."
Charlamagne remains silent, sensing the ebb and flow of the energies around him.
Never being the overly assertive type, he rides along in the wake of the others, biding his time when the Universe will reveal an opening and show a sign that such is the time for him to act.
Tharkad
General Russell looked over at the Archon and Colonel Icaza. Then at his security pepole. "Get the Archon clear of here find a nice safe bolt hole hopefully I'll see you after the Martyrs are dealt with. I have to fight this battle even if it ends up being my last." General Russell sounded a lot more confident than he appeared but the stress of combat usually showed on any man. He saluted the Archon and ran out the door as the guards resealed the chamber. He headed to the mech hangers.
ARS Invincible
Silence reigned across the former Lyran Commonwealth flagship as it burned in towards the former capital, flanked by an innumerable collection of fighters and dropships. Half a year ago, the operation might have been unthinkable; even if the reality of the collapse of the Commonwealth reigned all too prominently in the minds of every Arc Royal loyalist present, there was an inescapable sense that this action contravened some fundamental tenent of the LCAF. Henceforth,the highest loyalty would be betrayal.
(OOC: Is A-R init needed? They should be arriving only after the task force arrived at A-R. Just in case.)
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 3, 4, total 7[/blockquote]
(OOC: A-R Naval : 165 FP fighter groups, LCS Invincible group 59.25 FP)
Well August let's fight this out...You won the init so make your attack roll.
(Well, I know that Chaos was looking for an excuse to Megaaero this was someone, and I offered him my spot, if you or another would like to be his opponent. If time is more important, we can just roll it out)
Quote from: august on October 23, 2010, 09:37:20 PM
(Well, I know that Chaos was looking for an excuse to Megaaero this was someone, and I offered him my spot, if you or another would like to be his opponent. If time is more important, we can just roll it out)
I don't mean to be a wet blanket, but is MegaAero practical for this fight? My my eyeball count we are talking thousands and thousands of fighters before even getting into the WarShips. If you guys can make it work, more power to you, but past experience has shown that only the smallest battles are really playable in MA.
I'll open the this for proxy..if no one takes it we'll simpres in 72hours.
Dave has a point - and perhaps best to get this going so that there's time for more RP.
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 3, 5, total 8[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 4, 2, total 6[/blockquote]
Star Colonel Icaza and his troupe made haste for their dropship, intending to be well clear of the Kaserne before the Martyr forces made planetfall. Icaza had no intention of being anywhere near the site of a civil war without a Galaxy surrounding him. They quickly gained liftoff clearence, and made haste for the jump point.
The dropship manuvered past the Martyr fleet, answering hailing calls with its transponder code, and replaying the message recieved by HPG from Tanuyama. Once it attatched to the Dancing Mad, the jumpship swiftly jumped out system, it's computers already programmed for it's destination.
LCAF Naval Forces are wiped out. They inflict 16 FP to the AR forces.
The last of the LCAF defenders destroyed or routed, the Arc-Royal fleet paused its advance momentarily to reform.
"Attention people of Tharkad, due to the unfortunate occupation of your world by the pretender and war criminal Robert Kelswa and his false Estates General, it has become necessary to initiate police action on this world. It is the patriotic duty of all Lyran citizens to rise up against Kelswa and his criminal cronies. Troops are currently moving to the surface. All LCAF units currently on planet are expected to surrender - failure to comply will bring harsh reprisal. No options are off of the table, our objective is clear and our cause is just. For the good of the Lyran people and in their patriotic spirit, we ask for your full cooperation."
With that, the entire A-R fleet began to move towards planetary orbit.
(OOC: 68.25 Ground FP and the remaining 151 FP of fighters make their way planetside. The Invincible is moving to support with orbital strikes, if necessary.)
[ooc: about to log for the day, so forgive my lack of IC-ness and/or detail]
Charlamagne Steiner followed in the wake of the Jade Falcon representative, though diverged once his own shuttle came within view. Once inside, he motioned as the Pilot was abotu to speak, cutting her off before she could utter a word.
He simply says, "It is time to depart, our Fate is not yet tied to Tharkad."
With that, the Star Adder shuttle lifts off, and makes for the SACS Foreman, Charlamagne himself replying to those hails that are directed to the vessel.
Once aboard the Foreman, he sends out one final message to all the forces gathered, "I shall return," shortly after the Ship and its contents vanish from the Tharkad system.
You! You there! Get me a line to the Invincible.
NOW!
"ARS Invincible, this is Gissepi Tamberlane Ambassador to Tharkad of the Free Worlds League. The international criminal Charlemange Steiner is even now is doing all he can to escape justice.
On my authority as Parliaments Representative to Tharkad, and in accordance with our own treaty I am formerly requesting that your elements in orbit detain this individual and turn him over to the Free Worlds League so that he may stand trial for his many crimes of banditry, piracy and other bad acts.
I await your response.
"Attention clan dropships, this is Kommodore Alrans of the ARS Invincible. You were given instructions to move your personnel to on-world safehouses, not to attempt to flee. Your failure to comply with our directions, given freely to assure your safety, gives us reason to mistrust; we will not risk wanted persons escaping on a dropship behaving erratically. You may bring your vessels into formation with the Invincible, and protection will be assured. Failure to comply will result in your destruction."
The defenders will engage incoming attacking forces.
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 5, 2, total 7[/blockquote]
4th Royal Guards inflict 15 points of Damage to AR forces.
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 4, 1, total 5[/blockquote]
Attacking forces deal 54.75 FP in damage to the defenders.
As the Dancing Mad is docking it's dropship, a message is transmitted to the Invincible:
**Transmission Begins**
You have no authority to detain any Clan Jade Falcon dropships in this system. You have no authority to ORDER any Jade Falcon personnel to do anything. Your empty threats are just that: empty. We have already bypassed your formations. So intent were you on destroying the LCAF forces around Tharkad, you did not even setup a picket force. I have orders from my Khan to return to Jade Falcon space, as my mission is essentially a failure, thanks to your invasion. The Archon did not have time to speak with me before your forces arrived and interupted our negotiations.
If you truly wish to see your nation burnt to ashes, then attempt to attack my jumpship. If a single fighter is seen within a hundred thousand kilometers, or a single weapons discharge is discovered, you will be able to consider your previous treaty nullified immediatly. No ammount of nuclear weapons will save your nation from the wrath that Khan Sonoma and ilKhan Pryde will bring down on your foolish heads.
**Transmission Ends**
*CJFS Dancing Mad leaves the system*
((OOC: You have no blockade or interdiction, and therefore no ability to actually prevent us from leaving the system.))
Round 2:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 2, 2, total 4[/blockquote]
LCAF defenders were wiped out to the last man. Roll your salvage.
Naval Salvage:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 4, 1, total 5[/blockquote]
Ground Salvage:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 4, 1, total 5[/blockquote]
That should be enough to repair fully, no?
Outside Heidelberg Kazerne
Tharkad
Major Gormann Werner watched the skies with grim satisfaction as the last of the Arc-Royal aerospace corps' fighters disappeared past the horizon. In their wake, the defenses of Heidelberg Kazerne were left riddled with holes, ruined, inoperative. As the last echoes of the roar of the engines died out, he turned to the gathered men and women of the Association of Tharkad Martyrs Defense Corps. "Martyrs! Today we retake our namesake world for the memory of Archon Peter and for the greatness of our Lyran people! This castle, this last remnant of our decadent nobility, must be cleansed if their stain is to be wiped clean! Forward! Leave no one alive!"
"For Archon Peter!" The chant resounded in the smoky air, any irony escaping all present. With a rush they descended upon the castle, motivated only by madness and blood.
"Attention people of Tharkad, this is Kommodore Alrans, acting governor of this world. We wish to remind all loyal and patriotic citizens that the Estates General of the Lyran Territories has placed a bounty on the head of Robert Kelswa. The individuals who deliver him to the proper authorities, dead or alive, will be rewarded with 25 million Kroner."
The hallways were choked with gunsmoke and the acrid stench of burnt ozone from energy weapons. The walls were bloodstained and pockmarked by weapons discharge. Throughout the chaos of battle, the throne room of the Archon remained silent. There were a handfull of bodyguards barring entrance to the room from the outside, but a lone figure, clad in the regal attire of the Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth stood defiantly within the room.
The figure stood motionless. He held no fear for what came next, his life had been forfeit for quite some time. He had but one last role to play.
The gunfire got steadily louder, the last remnants of Archon Kelswa-Steiner's bodyguards falling just outside the doors.
"He's in here boys. Let's collect that payday!" 6 men in the uniforms of the Tharkad Martyrs burst into the room, sweeping out to ensure no military men were preparing to ambush them. They were somewhat confused when all that greeted them was the nearly empty meeting hall, and the lone figure standing unafraid before them.
Star Captain Jaime Reinhardt of Clan Jade Falcon, bondsman of ilKhan Diana Pryde, smiled at the soldiers bursting into the room. He glanced at the Archon's attire he wore.
"I'm sorry, were you boys expecting someone else here today? The Archon was kind enough to allow me to borrow a few of his things. I can't imagine trying to boost out to the jump point wearing this lot." His unfriendly smile turned into a predatory grin as walked twords the door, the knuckles of his right hand turned white from gripping his sword to tightly.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take up the offer of this Tanuyama fellow and remove myself from the building. You'll understand if I don't stay for the after-action festivities, won't you?" Reinhardt walked past the soldiers, but was keenly aware that he was alone on the planet. That contingency had been planned for also, even if the other players in the game were not wholly aware of it.
((Reinhardt leaves the Kaserne unless you attempt to stop him))
The eager grins of the half-dozen Martyrs turned to consternation, and then a collection of various sneers. As Jaime Reinhardt took his first step, his body was riddled with the offerings of several hundred automatic rounds. As his mutilated body collapsed to the floor, a young and attractive private, seeming almost feminine despite his uniform, approached only to spit on the corpse.
"This is Leutnant Urrens. Looks like Robert took refuge with the Jade Falcons - he's not in the Kazerne. Other objectives have been met - Estates Delegates neutralized."
(GM Note: The text in orange is temporarily suspended pending game mechanical resolution. Please see my ruling in the next post.)
RulingOOC Note: As this is the second time a situation along these lines has come up, the text of this ruling will be added to the rules thread effective immediately to avoid any further complications. Jamie, who is a recurring POV character, meets the threshold to qualify as a VIP, so while he is "In the Power" of Arc-Royal, he is entitled to make an effort at escape. If he fails to prevent you from attacking him (i.e. if you win initiative against him), you may restore your previous orange-flagged RP (presuming he dies -- see the update to the personal combat rules that will be going up in a second regarding gunplay).
Characters and VIPsPlayers may create an unlimited number of characters from their faction to use as narrative devices. Characters may be canon characters, or they may be non-canon; other than the advantage of the notoriety and availability of background information for canon characters, they have no special game mechanical advantage over non-canon player-created characters.
Characters broadly fall into two categories: normal characters and VIPs.
Normal Characters are 'ordinary individuals' created for narrative purposes. Normal chracters are entitled to slightly less built-in rules protection then VIPs but otherwise function in the same manner.
VIPs are particularly important characters who have additional protections under the rules in order to ensure that they cannot be effortlessly killed. To qualify as a VIP, a character must be one of the following:
- A military official in command of a "line item" on the faction's orders sheet.
- A government official who is either head of government, head of a government ministry or department, or the administrator of a planetary or larger region.
- Any character who has become a recurring POV character (i.e. featured in multiple threads or in a large number of posts within a faction's IC roleplaying thread).
At this time, the definitions of VIP characters are somewhat vague. Players are expected to use discretion when declaring VIP status in borderline cases; if this becomes a problem, the GM team will develop explicit, concrete rules and require the tracking of VIPs (an added level of paperwork we are hoping to avoid).
Movement of CharactersCharacters of any type may choose to "hitch a ride" on any of their faction's units or any unit of another faction (only with permission in the latter case).
Characters may move on their own up to five hexes per turn.
VIPs may move up to the maximum command circuit distance their parent faction is able to create. This option does not incur command circuit expenses.
The movement of characters is not impeded by Offensive Interdiction, but is stopped by Blockades. Characters may attempt Blockade Running, but if the results indicate their take damage they are considered to be in the power of the blockading faction and may be injured or killed (see Injuring Characters, below).
Activities of CharactersCharacters are narrative devices; by default they do not have any special game mechanical abilities - their purpose is to carry out roleplaying. This is an aspect of the rule that may be expanded upon in future revisions.
Injuring CharactersA player may injure or kill his or her own characters at will, as long as it does not involve forcing an adverse action on another player's characters. For example, a faction leader may choose for one of their characters to suffer a heart attack, die in a shuttle accident, or be bitten by a snake, but cannot arbitrarily decide that their character is stabbed to death by another faction's ambassador.
A player generally may not injure or kill another player's character's without that player's permission, unless that character is in their power. Exceptions to this are the game mechanical functions of Assassination, Kidnapping, and certain critical hit results.
A character is "
in the power" of another player when:
- The character is on in an uncontested hex owned by the other player, and is not 'hidden' by Clandestine Movement or other game mechanical means.
- The character has been captured or kidnapped by game mechanical means, or by the agreement of the character's owner (such as when a character offers themselves up as a hostage).
- The character's owner explicitly places the character in a location that will be subject to a mass destruction attack such as orbital bombardment or a nuclear explosion.
In these situations, without the permission of the other player, the player who holds the character in their power may:
- Dictate specific injuries or even death for an helpless* character.
- Initiate individual combat with an non-VIP character.
- Attempt to initiate combat with a VIP character.
*A character is "helpless" if they are either physically restrained, held in confinement they lack the means to escape (i.e. in a jail cell or similar imprisonment), or lack the skills or physical condition neccessary to defend themselves (i.e. character has injuries that prevents them from attempting to fight for their life).
VIPs who are not helpless may avoid combat on a successful initiative roll. If they survive the first seven rolls of combat and are still not helpless, they may attempt another initiative roll to escape. Note that this does not allow a VIP to avoid game-mechanical effects such as Assassinations.
well, August rolled a 9 to engage Jaime, so here we go.
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 6, 4, total 10[/blockquote]