Faction Roleplaying Thread(Clan Ghost Bear, Clan Snow Raven, Free Rasalhauge Republic)
Vanirkår Memorial Park
Downtown Erinyes City
Planet Orestes, The New Dominion
26 August 3090
A gentle wind swayed the rows of Cypress trees as Rolf Magnusson mounted the podium, the silver piping on his KungsMarine uniform shining in the afternoon sun; the Elected Prince - Riksföreståndare in the nation's Swedenese tongue - lacked the dramatic black eyepatch and white bearskin cape of his father, but had no shortage of presence in his own right. Between the battle scars earned in his many and extremely public trials of grievance and his powerful physique, there was no denying that Rolf Magnusson was very much his father's son. And to think, Rolf silently told himself, there was a time when I wanted nothing more than to escape my father's path in life.
The holorecorders hummed quietly and a few scattered birds sang; the assembled dignitaries - many of them veterans of the Terran War - shifted in their seats. Barrack and Jaffar Cizek were there in the front row, their black semidress uniforms bedecked with medals, as was the old and long-retired Galaxy Admiral Marcus Bourjon, but many of the heroes of the War were not here today. Too many had found eternal glory on the battlefield, and many more had succumbed to the years. Rolf's father had chosen to immitate his predecessor and largely retire from public life, and many of the top generals and admirals had followed his example when the war ended.
When it finally did end, the rebuilding of the Bottom Seven had begun. Some of the worlds rebounded quickly, almost as if they had never fallen under Terran guns... and later Blakist atomics. Orestes, however, had struggled. The long back-and-forth battle to eject both the regular Terran army and the sinister Shadow Divisions of the maniacal Blood of the Master had turned Erinyes and much of the rest of the planet into wasteland. Slowly but surely however, Orestes had returned to its former glory as the dead were buried and new buildings rose from the ruins. Years ago, the Vanirkår Memorial Park had been known as the Grönland Trädgårdar - before first the Blood-financed Dominion Front and then the Terrans' 32nd Zeta Battalion turned the expansive city park into a field of charcoal and corpses.
It was here, facing down the best 'Mech troops that Planet Outreach's Wolf Dragoons had produced, that the heroes of the Vanirkår gave their lives for the Dominion. In truth, most of them gave their lives for the second time; the men and women of the Vanirkår were not ordinary warriors - maimed in battle (many under the guns of Star Adder warships at Grumium) they were given the choice between a medical discharge or a chance to continue servining the Dominion as part of a top-secret weapons program. With the help of renegade Wolf Clan scientists, the quadruple amputees were joined to battle steel and myomer to become the Free Rasalhague Republic's first ProtoMech warriors.
When the Terrans came to Orestes, the Vanirkår were waiting for them in the dense woods of the Trädgårdar - and there they inflicted terrible losses on the Zeta Battalion invaders before the sheer mass of the Terrans' assault 'Mechs levelled the entire expanse. The original dense foliage never grew back, though in time a soft carpet of grass returned to the park. The Cypress trees were an import, as were the giant figures draped in gray cloth.
Rolf came to attention and the crowd stood, hands raised in salute or held over their hearts, as the Dominion's national anthem broke the silence. An honor guard of Dominion warriors - one of them clearly a Clan descended Elemental - rose the blue and white flag of the Dominion with reverence. A moment later, Magnusson adressed the onlookers.
"Twenty years ago," he spoke gravely, "foreign invaders came to this place. They came here on what they believed was the first step of a crusade to destroy our United Republic, our Dominion. But the Terrans and their Master erred, for they did not understand that the will of free men will always conquer the dreams of tyrants. Here, and in a thousand other places, the free people of our Dominion made their stand. They made their stand and they died, but they did not die in vain; they understood, just as our ancestors understood, that there is no defeat in a martyr's death - for when one free man dies to protect his home, two more step forth to take his place. The Master's dreams for galactic domination died on Dominion soil, and it was warriors like the Vanirkår who drove the sword through the heart of that ambition."
Magnusson paused for a moment, then continued, "Twenty years ago, the Terran invaders were driven from Orestes. The victory came too late for the Vanir, but they will live on in eternal glory. I present to you today the Vanirkår Memorial Park, a place for us to remember the heroes who gave their lives for us, and to reflect upon the price of freedom."
With a whisper of cloth, the drapes fell away to reveal the rows of statues. At the head of the host stood Gordon Jorgensson, larger than life at six meters tall, clad in armor reminiscent of the Gorgon II he had inhabited during his final battle. His hands rested on the hilt of an equally massive greatsword, pointed down into the earth where a stele proclaimed "Gordon Jorgensson: He gave his life for the Republic, and gave it again for the Dominion." In formation behind Jorgensson stood others - Ulric Eide, Miriam Tromp, Gustav Wetterstrom, all of the hundred warriors of the Vanirkår, each memorialized in stone.
Rolf could not help reflect upon the rather distinct resemblance of Hans-Bertil Moberg's sculptures to his own Great Work. Not so surprising, I suppose, the Prince thought, those statues certainly earned their share of fame... and infamy in their time.
"Let us never forget," Rolf spoke to the crowd, "that the prosperity we now enjoy is built on a foundation of sacrifice. Let us never forget the heroes who chose death before dishonor, who chose to lay their lives down for freedom rather than retreat, who in fighting to the last won eternal glory. Let us never forget the words that founded our nation in the fires of Second Tukayyid and in the burning skies over Alshain. Fellow Citizens, let us emulate the valiant dead of the Vanirkår when next the dark clouds of war come to the Dominion - let us fight with blood, fight with steel, die with honor and never yield! For death or glory we shall march forth always! För dödsfall eller ära!"
Reserved for New Dominion Intro.
Dave, please delete this post and repost it below this thread so the Faction info can be on top. ;) TY!
The White Tower
Planet Tamar, The New Dominion
22 December 3090
Freyja Ek examined the small group of men and women before her with a cold expression, "I do not need to congratulate any of you for your achievements. The fact alone that you stand here at the peak of the White Tower should be sufficient reward. You few, out of the many who were recruited for this program, have survived and flourished and grasped victory. You are my Dödsänglarna, and your footsteps will fill the nightmares of our Republic's enemies. You came to me orphans and bastards, attainted by the blood in your veins or the acts of your forebearers, and you have proven your loyalty to the State and to the people beyond every expectation."
"The remainder of this day is yours to enjoy. Take it as a day of rest, a day of celebration, whatever you would make of it. Tomorrow you will have your first assignments, for the work of securing the State is never over. Dödsänglarna, you are dismissed."
The assembled agents took little time in dispersing, though one was held fast by the Director's next words, "Månsdottir, remain here." A moment later, a young woman in plain gray fatigues stood alone before the aging Director's wheelchair.
"I'm sorry to keep you, Hervor. If there is anyone here who deserved a moment of respite it is you... but I'm afraid I have a task for you this night," Freyja Ek paused to appraise the young woman. Hervor Månsdottir had her great-grandfather's narrow face, framed by shoulder-length blonde hair; she also had a feline grace that the lanky old Regent had never had even in his youth. From the other side, I suppose, thought Ek.
"I knew your grandparents when they still used your surname, you know," she continued distantly, "Indeed, had events played out somewhat differently I might have been on Great Bear to share your great-grandfather's fate at Second Tukayyid... oh, ignore my ramblings. Those were different times; in those times you might have lived a normal life... in a few decades you might rule this nation. Tell me, Hervor: are you bitter about your fate?"
Hervor Månsdottir resisted the urge to tell the easy, noble lie, "Director, it would be self-deception for me to deny it. In my grandfather's generation they brought the Dominion to the edge of civil war to put a stop to the Annihilation and yet... what has truly changed? My mother's blood cost me everything; in the eyes of the law I am bastard-born - I cannot even claim my father's name. You have been very kind to me over the years, Director, but I have no doubt that you would sign the kill order yourself if I ever sought to claim my birthright. So yes, I am bitter; but I am also a loyal daughter of the State. Because of the injustice of my birth, I have never had a family other than the State. What else can I do but protect my family?"
Ek nodded slowly, "Though the circumstances were very different, your father once expressed a similar sentiment. In his own way, he was trapped into a life he did not choose; still, he accepted his place in the world and came to master it. I expect the same from you."
Hervor could not repress a narrow, lopsided smile at the praise, "Director, you spoke of a task?"
"Yes... I'm afraid there is a matter I need attended to. As you probably know, we recently rounded up a number of Terran sympathizers; interrogations are ongoing, but we've already discovered the details of the cell here on Tamar. I have a job that you are uniquely suited for, with your particular background. We will not be rolling up the Tamar cell; instead, you are to infiltrate them and discover the identity of their Word of Blake controller. However, that will just be the beginning of your mission..."
Feldman's Cafe
Zh'gak city, Planet Skokie
The New Dominion
26 December 3090
Hervor Månsdottir washed by the bitter-tasting pill with a swish from her beer stein as she waited for her contact. Not surprisingly, hooking up with the Skokie cell of the so-called Hand of Tyr had been a less than easy task. At least, she consoled herself, I haven't caught the Skokie Shivers yet.
"Freden i Tyr vare med er, syster," a male voice spoke in quiet tones. Hervor turned to face the speaker with a subdued smile, "Jag var rädd att du inte skulle komma. I was just getting ready to leave."
"Probably not the worst idea, actually," the man said with a nod towards the Security Police men who had just a little too casually entered the cafe. Hervor smirked as the Säpos did their best to look like they weren't sweeping the room with their eyes. Must be Raven personnel, she thought with an inner eye-roll, purely amateur hour.
Hervor finished her beer then looked to her new acquaintance, an older man with a thick gray moustache dressed in blue-collar laborer's clothes, "Well, that was a pleasant meal," she said with the slightest bit of extra enunciation, "time to get back to work, I think."
Somewhat to her surprise, Hervor almost made it to the door before one of the Säpo men stopped her with a raised hand, "Identity check. Your ID card please, citizens."
Hervor's companion tendered his ID card with deference, and was casualy waved on his way after a brief swipe of the Säpo's scanner. Månsdottir did her best to follow his act, but the Security man was definitely taking too long to scrutinize her credentials. Did she set this up? thought Hervor, Crap, she did set this up. I'm about to get burned for the djävulska mission!
"I'm afraid there's a problem with your card, citizen. Please come with us," he said in a flat tone that betrayed a hint of concern as his eyes flashed over to his partner for an instant.
"But offfffficer," Hervor said in her sweetest voice, batting her eyelashes at the Säpo man, "If I don't get back to work I'll get fiiiiiiiiiired," she pouted.
"Do not, citizen, if you do not go back to work. This will only take a moment, but you must come with us," he smiled condescendingly just before she stuck the neural stud into his crotch. The sight of his partner dropping to the ground and flopping about like a beached fish stunned the second Security Police man just long enough for Hervor to vault over a table, grasp a barstood, and smash it across the side of his head before he could unholster his handgun.
The sudden burst of violence dropped a pall of silence over the bar for a moment, which was quickly replaced with howls of outrage and fear as probably half the patrons all treat to run out the front door at the same time. Hervor, entirely disinterested in staying in the bar a moment later, recovered her ID card from the fallen (still twitching) Säpo man and made her exit.
Once outside, Hervor was pleased to see her companion was waiting for her, "You," she said, "shouldn't have stayed."
He shrugged, "I shouldn't have, but I did. Now come on, we have a lot to talk about and this isn't the place."
Zenith
Jump Ship Caste System
New Caledonia
New Dominion
01 January 3080
A small JumpShip winked into existence in the system that now belonged to the New Dominion, an amalgam of Ghost Bears, Snow Ravens and Rasalhaagians once conquered. Only one Dropship, perhaps the olde Lion Class, could be seen.
"Clan Snow Raven, New Dominion, this is Jump Ship Caste System, I am Star Captain Fredrick. Requesting landing coordinates for the ilChi of Clan Ice Hellion to Clan Snow Raven. We come in peace. Star Captain Fredrick out."
The hail was continued several times.
01 January 3080
Several WarShips scanned the new arrival before a response arrived from the system's main planet.
"Caste System, this is New Caledonia space traffic control. We are transmitting an entry vector for your DropShip. Please do not deviate from your assigned flight path."
01 January 3080
"New Caledonia Space Traffic control, I confirm the entry vector for the Dropship "Friendly Approach" It will not deviate from the flight path. Caste System out. We will jump away as soon as we have recharged."
The Dropship then unlocked and moved to that planet that had been in possession of its passenger's Clan years before. But just for a short time.
Not much happened inbetween except the usual traffic around this important system.
St. Joseph's Spaceport
New Caledonia, Raven Protectorate
New Dominion Territory
15 January 3080
After watching the shuttle touch down on the tarmac, a pair of Tyr infantry support tank stood waiting with an honor guard outside. Much shorter then her Elemental counterparts stook a woman who'se features resembled strongly those of her predecessors. While not the stongest of her line, her taught muscles promised reflexes as swift as any that emerged from a Creche. The Ex-Wolf warrior rose quickly thru the ranks and defied the Raven precept that bondmen never rose above the rank of Star Colonel within the clan. But, she was a Kerensky after all. The new Raven saKhan looked on at the aging ex-Khan of the Ice Hellions and had to stop herself from keeping her usual predatary stare. A habit developed over her lifetime. This was a diplomatic envoy, not someone to be challenged.
Nakita Kerensky showed the Ice Hellion ilChi the respect of her rank but looked quite restless at the duties of the protectorate governer. "Greetings ilChi Raina Montose and welcome to New Caledonia."
The Elemental woman tried a smile but as she knew it would not help her features. Age and the implants did that to an already unremarkable (or worse) face.
"I thank you, saKhan Nakita Kerensky and I hope that my duty here will help to bring our two Clans closer over time. Another point of hope is to learn from you and in a way from the Ghost Bears to integrate the native people into the Clan. Although I specifically am ilChi for your Clan, I am empowered to become ilChi for the whole Dominion if I feel the time is right."
"Your affairs are yours, but should you require it, travel within the New Dominion is easily done." Nakita walked with Raina into the troop carrier. There was plenty of room for the Raina to enter without ducking. After all it was made as a transport for her phenotype. No modifications had been made, the doors hissed closed and the hover lifted off of the sparse combat vehicle. Although the inside had been cleaned up for this ride, certain earmarks still remained that only another Elemental used to living out of a combat transport. Bags were stowed away and strapped down, pictures hung in inconspicuous places, and the smell of a meal recently eaten still hung in the air meaning that the trash hadn't been taken out. It was still nothing compared to the clear view of riding on the outside of a battlemech into combat. "I have been here many times now ilchi. This planet is a prize worth holding onto. I am certain you have been here before quiaff? Before we officially took over and your Clan recieved North Gate stattion?"
"Affirmative, I have been here shortly, before your, our.. deal. I understood why Amy Lynn had made it her Capital. I agreed to the deal because of that importance to you. It was some kind of approach to you, even if we got something out of it, you cannot deny that giving Verthandi and New Caledonia away is nothing any Clan would want. I hope it worked." She smirked a bit.
"Is this one of your Tyrs?"
Nakita had grinned at the though of how politics played out in the Clan. People danced around the subject to avoid having to tell the truth. In her mind she wanted to say "We got New Caledonia because you know you could not keep it from us!" but Nakita has learned much. Still she was almost horrified that the old one would get her jibs in by insinuating she was a tanker. "Neg ilChi. This is just a way to get around. They are swifter then my Dire Wolf. We need not have taken military conveyance, but while we fight with honor, there are those that have not the capacity to face us in trial or open combat. It is for this reason that we take... precautions."
The old Fire Mandril complex had several renavations since Raina had last been to New Caledonia, but very few new constructions. Upon exiting the vehicle it became obvious of one change at least. The howl of the Mandril Totem animal was replaced with the squacks of crows. Strange feeders were placed around to acomidate the avids, but these were not Snow Ravens. They were smaller and Raina could see that the feeders were comprised of complex devices that the birds had to navigate to eat. Obviously these New Caledonian crows had an intellect that was quite advanced.
Nakita walked beside Raina towards the complex and when they reached the top of the stairs, she turned around. The setting sun over the bay reflected harshly off the water, but there was no stopping the local fauna from keeping a prize part in the scene. A warm breeze from the east rustled the trees. "It is not an unpleasant place for your to work from ilChi. If I do not die in battle, I may end up here one day myself." She whirled on the tall woman with finess in her step, the oblong diamond shape of the saKhan glinting off her shoulder. "But that is some time off for me. Enjoy your stay here. There will be a personal shuttle for you and a residence established for your entourage."
Warrior's Hall, Clan Ghost Bear Administrative Mall
Silverdale City, Alshain
07 September, 3090
She was getting too old for this, saKhan Athena Kabrinski reflected as a devastating right hook from a much younger Warrior sent her reeling across the floor of the Warrior Hall antechamber. She had insisted on that. Despite what some of the younger crowd thought, the Warrior's Hall was a place for talking. Warriors could grow as heated as they liked while they exchanged ideas -- and often insults -- in that Hall, but to trade blows in there dishonored not only the Hall but their traditions.
It was bad enough that he'd had the temerity to challenge her in there. But then the young were bold -- and foolish, she reflected, crushing his knee with a vicious side-kick, and there were few younger Warriors in the Touman, yet alone among the Bloodnamed, than nineteen year old Hiyazaki Vong. That made him a Ristar. Derived from "Rising Star," the term referred to anyone advanced beyond their years, and signaled respect in most Clans. In Clan Ghost Bear, the term carried an edge of wry derision, for those advanced beyond their years were often advanced beyond their abilities.
Hiyazaki was a very good young Warrior, and Athena recognized her own meteoritic rise in his early ascension. She had been only nineteen herself when she claimed her genemother's bloodname. Of course, she had not then gone on to challenge the sitting saKhan on the very floor of the Warrior's Hall.
Today was her 48th birthday, and while the years had begun to slow her down -- she was no longer as quick on her feet as she had once been, and recovering from a brawl like this one now took weeks where it had once been a matter of days, and old war wounds never quite healed right, even with the best that Clan trauma medicine could provide. But the years and the scars had given her experience that more that made up for it. He'd never seen the opening she used to take him down.
"I yield!" he managed through tears he could not hold back. Knee injuries brought a pain like no other. She bowed to her erstwhile opponent, and turned to the Giant, Loremaster Paul Vishio, as he acknowledged her win.
"saKhan Athena Kabrinski stands vindicated. Are there any others to challenge her word?"
And it was stupid too. This still happened on a yearly basis, some fool challenging her not over something she was doing today, not over some perceived slight or genuine insult but because of something an elder had told them or something they thought they read in a history book.
Yes, she was in history books -- one of them written by that selfsame Giant, which made him a scholar and her a fossil, despite the two decades he had on her. And they all had their opinions, those scholars. Some thought she had been too soft with the Terrans, too compromising with the Grand Council. Or perhaps she was an advocate of genocide in their minds, or had been too harsh with the Freeminders when they sought to bring down the Warrior Caste, or the Wolves when they turned on the Grand Council, as a poorly-trained mutt or a poorly-made blade turns on its owner. Never mind that the Dominion still stood. Never mind that she had done no more than she had to do.
History books. Yes, she was getting far too old for this.
Hand of Tyr Safehouse
Zh'gak City, Planet Skokie
The New Dominion
28 December 3090
"This," said John Ebon as he pointed to a red circle on the map, "is where we need things to heat up. As you can see, the narrow street directly behind this area will form a bottleneck and prevent the crowd from dispersing; there will be blood on the street - a lot of blood."
Hervor crossed her legs while posing in sardonic tone, "I don't mean to be the wet blanket here, but isn't this set-up going to ensure that most of the blood on the street belongs to our own people? I thought your outfit was going to be taking the fight to the Castes and the Reds, not rolling Blood folk under the bus."
Ebon scowled, "Well, if you don't like the way we operate, maybe you have a better idea? Perhaps we should give them hugs and bouquets of flowers instead?"
"That's enough," Dag Iversen said with finality, "Ajda is only questioning the butchet's bill, not the use of direct action. I can answer the question though, in case any of the rest of you have doubts: this plan, and let me add that I have already approved this plan, will result in many deaths and injuries on our side, but it will be at the hands of the enemy, and it will be all over the chatterweb before the Castes can try to sweep it under the rug."
"Make no mistake, any of you," he looked at the half-dozen operatives sharing the safehouse, "our goal here is to bring to light the plight of the Blood folk here in the Dominion. The more of our kinfolk who are martyred next week, the more likely we will get a reaction from the government. In fact, if we get a real massacre on our hands, we might even succeed in drawing international pressure against the Dominion to stop denying us our rights. That's what this is about, people. This is not a struggle to save individual lives, it is a struggle to save our entire race from slavery."
John Ebon waited a moment more to see if his leader had finished before he resumed his briefing, "Alright, now that that's settled," he said with just a little bit of a pointed look at Hervor, "here is how we are going to get things rolling. Alpha team will be Daniel, Peter, and Ajda..."
Two days earlier
Hervor let off a little sigh of relief as the apartment door closed behind her. Despite the scene she had made earlier, there hadn't been any sign of police pursuit and as best as she could tell her contact had been just as adept as her at blending into the crowds of laborers and merchants milling about the streets of Zh'gak.
"Well now," said Iversen, "that was quite a performance you put on in the cafe. Something tells me it's time for you to dispose of that fake ID card."
"A real shame," Hervor said with a shrug, "I rather liked being Yngvild Frank."
Iversen chuckled dryly, "Keeping an alias for long isn't luxury we get in our line of work, Yngvild... or should I say Ajda? Ajda Larsen?" he said blithely as he held up a noteputer carrying the image of a wanted posted with Hervor's face on it.
Before Hervor could comment, Iversen looked down and narrated from the screen "Ajda Larsen, wanted by the Security Police on Alshain, Satalice, and Grumium for crimes against the State, attempted murder, and violation of the Communications Freedom Law. I'm personally curious how the third one manages to get equal billing with the other two."
Hervor-cum-Ajda grinned, "The bomb was supposed to blow up the dish on an RHP station, but my cell had a mole and things got complicated."
"I can imagine," Iversen said, "but that raises an important point. I hope you don't have anything against polygraph machines."
"As a matter of fact..." she trailed off with a suggestive smile.
"Oh, don't worry," Iversen chuckled, "its not like I'm going to hold a gun to your head about it."
The slide clicked back as Hervor caught sight of motion in her peripheral vision.
"That's John's job."
Downtown Zh'gak City
Planet Skokie
The New Dominion
3 January 3091
Ajda Larsen dodged the trooper's stunstick with the casual grace of a dancer, feeling the electrified field raise the hairs on her head as it swept past. A moment later, she planted the ball of her foot at the base of his abdomen just above his pelvis and push down and back. As the man staggered she pounced, driving him to the ground and leaving him stunned while she delivered a vicious liver punch. In her professional opinion as a terrorist and enemy of the state, Aja was certain the painful strike would incapacitate the young man.
The other part of Ajda Larsen, the part named Hervor Månsdottir, felts a twinge of regret about the brutality she had visited on the trooper. Barely a man in any real sense of the word, the the soldier was obviously from one of the naval infantry sibkos that had been called up for riot duty and couldn't have been more than fifteen years old. We all make sacrifices for the Republic, she told herself, and even though he probably feels like he's been skewered by a hot poker he'll live to fight another day.
The thought passed, and Hervor let herself slip back into Ajda Larsen as if the terrorist was a well-worn pair of slippers. A few meters away, John Ebon hurled a molotov cocktail up and over the increasingly noisy crowd and towards the phalanx of riot troops blocking the intersection. Ajda didn't see the firebomb strike, but she felt the pulse of heat and heart panicked screams from the crowd around her. Even as she returned to her feet, she heard the crack of rifles being fired into the air.
"Phase two accomplished," Ajda muttered into the throat mike cleverly disguised as a tight-fitting necklace.
"You're welcome," John Ebon's voice scratched in her ear, "Someone has these crows on a tight leash. The local cops would have been shooting hours ag-"
"Eyes up," said Iversen's flat voice, "we may be going directly to phase five."
Instantly, Ajda turned her head to the skyline. Sure enough, outlined against the top of the buildings were the unmistakeable profile of Kobold battle armor suits.
"Beta team, launchers up. I want infernos on those suits as soon as they get into range."
Ajda felt her gut clench as she realized that in about thirty seconds, she was going to be in the middle of a genuine massacre.
Downtown Zh'gak City
Planet Skokie
The New Dominion
3 January 3091
Punktfurir Brutus checked the power level on his pulse laser a second time as the troopers on the street below started firing warning shots into the air.
"Four-two, Alert, I am detecting radar lock," cut in the clipped voice Brutus knew belonged to Krigare Madeline.
"Four-one, message acknowledge, spread out and locate the source."
"Four-two, aff. Moving to higher ground."
"Four-four, nothing from the north tower, scann-- savash--! Incoming!"
A moment later, Delta four-four was covered in burning fuel as two inferno missiles exploded in front of him. Even though the trooper's suit was sealed against the attack, the momentarily startled warrior lost his footing and plummeted to the ground like a burning meteor.
"Four-two, targets acquired, moving to terminate."
"Four-one, negative, await clearance from command."
The order came too late as Krigare Madeline sprayed a stream of high-explosive grenades into the second-floor balcony the launches had come from... and into the crowd below.
"Delta four-one, this is command, check fire!" shouted the voice of Delta Star's Stjärnfurir... but Punktfurir Brutus had no time to carry out the order before a laser sliced through his suit. The automatic medkit saved Brutus' life, but any hope of him controlling his troops vanished in a sedative-fueled haze.
By the time the rest of Delta star reached the scene, it was too late.
Downtown Zh'gak City
Planet Skokie
The New Dominion
11 February 3091
The shuttle containing Världherre Mikael Blomkvist and Hertig Otto Åkerstedt touched down effortlessly. Within minutes they were past the port security and was greeted by a point of Elementals. Star Commander Ryan and his team apprached the gentlemen. With a practiced annunciation, Ryan said, "Välkommen hem. I wish it were under better circumstances, but we understand how our members of the Riksdag would wish to leave the active parlimentary session to witness the outcome of events of this magnitude. If you would come to us, we shall take you to the briefing room." Mikael thanked the elemental as he and Otto borded the waiting VTOL. There was no security check, as their bags never went anywhere but from the shuttle to their waiting conveyance, and they were on their way in under two minutes.
Once in the air, Star Commander Ryan directed his point took to take their positions at the doors, then plugged in to the intercom system, he addressed the members of the Världherren who had been handed headsets. "Star Commander, I heard that another member of the planetary Världherren would be meeting us here?" Ryan qued in, "Aff, Star Captain Lisbeth arrived via a command circuit a month ago to take point on the this. She was voted in as a Hertig last year." Otto nodded, "I like the idea that an acitve member of the military is representing the people of Skokie, it's important that those people on the warrior council get an active view of what is going on. We can't all follow a spiritual path now can we Världherre Blomkvist?" The media tychoon found the pudgy priest's attempts to legitamize his relevance to be childish. "You know my mind on the need for spiritual guidance Otto." The priest took offense to his title not being used, but went back to enjoying the flight.
Mikael was amused at the thought of how his compatriot relished his position considering they were not true titles of nobility, in his mind, Otto was filling the unneccassary role in the 3rd House's role in the Riksdag, he had no servant, no manor and the raven's caste system did not include a religeous caste. Despite the desires of the 3rd House to convert members of the lower caste, they had few takers. On the other hand, the ravens play the game of politics well. Their decision to include one of their "Spiritual" advisors on this tour was clever. They would not want to be seen as ignoring the voice of the supersticious people that still weilded the power to vote. Mikael noted that Otto seemed the sort of man that would volunteer for this assignment to gain the perks while Mikael himself had been sequestered for the role by the warrior council.
At first, he thought it odd, but Mikael had put his time as a member of the Hertig to good use and discovered the shrewd nature by which the ravens ran things. When he first was elected, he was suprised he was allowed to bring in his own people from the magazine to witness how things worked. The Ghost Bears had nearly liquidated all their castes into the Republics guild system so it was the first chance to see how the actual Clan caste system operated. Later, when the Ghost Bears announced they were reconsistuting the option for their people to follow the model of efficiency, it was a little suprising, considering how hard certain organizations faught to gain their independance. From his obvservations, there was an air of cooperation that transcended the pride of the individual. Their inclusion of the people in the Raven protectorate was just that. One could feel that once they were claimed by the ravens that it was in their best interest to include them.
While they could have demanded that Michael's people put out good press on the clan, they didn't force him to do anything. There was definately leading involved, like how the transportation was provided that would get him and otto here so quickly, but still, they managed to get their own Hertig here first. The vast transportation system seemed to be ready for anything, an asset to the mechantile nature that exuded the clan as they traded relentlessly, even with people they had no reason to like. Whenever he visited New Caledonia, he marked how the representatives from all the clans came and went, issuing trials that were customary to seal the deal and would also serve as negotiations, each combatant would come in setting a bid price for the goods they needed and there was little haggling. The raven's saw Michael's own media empire as any other commodity and it was this desire for information that elevated him to his current position so that he could use his connections to keep them informed. The thing he admired most is that was no pushing involved, he served a purpose, they respected him for it, unlike Otto who only served one function in their eyes and that was to appease the people, but they did not try to change the nature of the people, they accepted them for who they were and worked within the boundries of the "Old Rasalhauge Republic" without stepping on toes. As long as people followed their rules, things went smoothly. Unfortunately, people weren't following the rules.
The reports about the VEAR protest getting massacred was huge news. His people covering it called the retaliation swift and brutal. Soon, he would get a full report of the extent. As they neared the capitol, he could see the form an unknown mech posted nearby. When they got closer, it showed to be a Clint IIC 2, the chosen vehicle of Hertig Lisbeth. Learning about the ravens had been like learning about a new culture entirely. The Ghost Bears were so similar to the Republic, but the Raven's Bloodhouse Families were another animal all together.
Mikael had taken good notes on the subject. Lisbeth was one of the Clan's Ristars, but had a unique problem. She claimed two equally respected geneparents, while both the Gou and Romero bloodlines both had openings, she had forstalled her right to trial for them because she was waiting the more prestigeous Seigel name. But while there was some unspoken animosity by the rejected bloodhouses, no one questioned her right to do so. The clock was still ticking though and despite her still young age she only had a certain window to hope for one of their limited spots to open up. There as a story there, would she get the spot she desired in this age of peace, or would she wait to long and not even get the nomination of those that she rejected? He'd make sure his people followed up on it. The Clanner's codex records were public domain so all they'd have to do is ask for them. It was too late to have a reality show about the subject, but maybe there could be a wrap up movie later.
Mikael stopped pondering on the subject as the swift craft has already reached it's destination. Star Captain Ryan was already unhooking his intercom unit but Mikael decided to keep the headgear on until the last possible moment.
From: Scientist Renee
To: Point Commander Donovan
Subject: P3TH - Not an asteroid.
Warrior Donovan,
While investigating Asteroid P3TH in sector 2615 to see if it had a stable orbit around the weak gas gaint in this system, we found that not only is this celestial body in orbit, but is in fact able to sustain life in three of the four deeper craters that are located close to each other.
At one time, this was a planet of some dense vegetation, but the loss of atmosphere and polluted water sources in the deep craters have made the water undrinkable. However, that was several millenia ago. The water seems to have developed natural purifiers that absorbed the polutants and set up a system of natural springs that feed the vegetation in the crater. Small non-carnivorous and unintellegent animal life seem to have taken the role of carbon dioxide producers for this region.
In short, the planet would interfere with any space station, but can be used as the base we were sent here to build.
Scientist Renee
Downtown Zh'gak City
Planet Skokie
The New Dominion
10 APR 3091
The VEAR sitution was still on Mikael's mind, he wanted to get a new angle on story, none of his people had as yet been able to crack their security, but a new outbreak of hostilies around the inner sphere drew Världherre Blomkvist concerns in another direction.
As part of the Riksdag, he was constantly being updated on the situations that arose and the new hostilities between Clan Ice Hellion and the Jade Falcons meant that it was moving steadily their way. As a diplimat, he had requested to travel to the conflict and witness the situation firsthand. Permission had been granted to him with the stipulation that Hertig Lizbeth and her unit traveled with him. Being a diplomat meant interfereing socially, pushing your own interests, without interfering physically. Lisbeth was such a hands on person that he wondered if she could be trusted to not interfere physically with the situation.
As his valet packed his bags, he checked the status of the link on his bulky portable computer. Much more powerful then a datapad, the portable unit had serious transmitting capabilities that could reach ships in space without needing to send messages by shuttle. A perk of his position as both Världherre and media mogul.
Satisfied that the unit was packed away properly, he tagged it for diplomatic purposes. That would insure it stayed with him thru the whole trip, as long as the spaceport laborers didn't lose his luggage.
Clan Snow Raven Warrior Council Hall
St. Joseph's City, New Caledonia
New Dominion Territory
18 APR 3091Simon checked the calendar on the wall. Even with a command circuit, it would be a full week before the Khan arrived. Being proactive in his line of work was like walking a tight rope. Sometimes it produces amazing results, sometimes it could lead to your downfall. Calling off the Blackwing and ordering it to move clear across the Inner Sphere as a bit above his comfort zone. The results of their mission had not yet reached back to base and the saKhan had been breathing down their necks for more information. The only option at this point was to prep the orders and get the Loremaster's approval to set them up as a contingency plan so he sat down at his terminal and prepared the orders.
QuoteSolomon,
There may be a Golden opportunity to fix the Lies being spread around. However, it is a long journey to clear things up and may take a full year, but the reasons are sound. I wish you luck in all of your endeavors.
Simon
Office of the Prince Elect
Tamar city, Planet Tamar
The New Dominion
18 June 3091
"I cannot believe that it has come to this. That my war council advises that we invade our neighbors to save them from another, and one of your own Clans of Kerensky! This does not bode well for the state of affairs for the New Dominion. The Vipers seem to have left to abscond all of the Space Stations between here and the Homeworlds so they are not in position to assist plus I am fairly certain the Sharks may be in the same boat. At least we can address this with them if they accept my invitation to the Naval Conference."
"To be fair Rolph, the Hellions did inquire about an allaince before they attacked the Falcons."
"Yes, and because they did attack the Falcons, we could not policitally defend them further because they were the aggressors. It is like Alshain all over again except the Hellions are the ones who will suffer.... What happened!? They were supposedly in talks with the Adders regarding the official alliance we passed on so they could form that connection and keep the balance that was upset when the Lyrans absorbed the Falcons."
"The Adders seem to be busy."
"Too busy to take the help the Hellions were offering? Some quasi-real treaty the Lyrans and Adder started to push and the Hellions were left out in the cold. On top of that, the Adders would not give up their push for Vorzel, so the treaty fell apart anyway!"
"Aff, the Adder Occupation Zone is crumbling, shrinking day by day. The Hellions for all their bravado and success so far have only been facing regular troops. The Falcons misjudged their strength and determination. But if we do not move now, Stars End will be a Falcon enclave by the end of the year."
"What about letting them join the Dominion?"
"I do not see that as an option. They inquired, we refused them. On top of the matter of honor that would lose them to ask again or for us to offer, I do not think that would satisfy the Falcons which could bring us to war with them ourselves."
"What about Absorption, is that an option? I would hate to risk losing so many troops if we did not have to."
"I think we could manage support for it, but every Clan would want their chance at them. There have been two unsuccessful attempts to absorb them in the past due to overly competative bidding... There is however a new precedent in the Grand Council where several Clans have voluntarily submitted to trials of Absorption... but I think the Hellion fighting spirit is very strong. While I admire it, I do not think they would submit to a voluntary absorption."
"We have few options Drasan, I recommend we end the troops, issue the challenge. If they refuse to accept, trail for the worlds. If they refuse that, do what you need to do."
"Aff, I will have to request some naval support from the Raven Protectorate for this. Moving troops up from Arcturus would take too long and my own troops are watching the Draconis Combine border. We have recieved word that when the Blood Spirits sought to raid one of their worlds, they were met with one of their new Yamato Class Battleships. The Dragon has a decided presense and so must we."
"Contact Nakita then, Keigan is busy. By a two-thirds majority decision we do hereby accept the burden of blah blah blah, this date sincerely yours Prince Elect Rolph Magnusson. We shall touch up the official proclamation and hopefully not get any gruff from the Ravens for pushing this forward without their imput."
"I shall advise you what they say when I put in the requistion. If they have issues, they can request an official hearing of the Tribunal to try and change our minds."
"So shall it be. Get a move on Drasan, this dog is not gonna sit."
Somewhere in the New Dominion
September 3091
"Ajda, I don't want to lie to you. This could turn into a suicide mission, but you're the only operative who I think can pull it off. If you turn this down, I'll understand - it won't be held against you."
Ajda Larsen shook her head, "No, sir, I wouldn't dream of turning this down. And you're right, I'm the only one who can pull this off."
The man, hidden in shadows, nodded, "Spoken like one of the Blood. Your McEvedy genes are strong, Ajda. Now go and make the infidels tremble."
Hervor Månsdottir smiled coldly.
Priority Alpha Flass Message to New Caledonia, Clan Snow Raven
To: Khan Keigan Magnus, Clan Snow Raven
From: saKhan Tanya DeLaurel, Horse Alliance, Onverwacht
"Khan Magnus. The continued outage of communications from the Homeworlds is the reason for this message. Khan Dudzinsky is on Strana Mechty as you would know, however in his 'absence', I am dispatching a force here from the Outworlds region and elsewhere to investigate. If you have any information on the situation that you are able to share it would be welcoming. Or do you to intend to dispatch your own force to determine what is happening?"