The Wolf fleet started to reposition, some taking up escort positions for the massive flotilla of Wolf dropships that were preparing to burn to the planet. They rest created a massive arrival cooridor, though no one on the ground initially knew why. That was when the new arrivals begin. Jumpship after jumpship. More lift capacity that many people saw in a lifetime. Nearly all of the jumpships were Terran or Clan Wolf. And, they carried large haulers. This was a movement flotilla, that was clear.
EMERGENCY ORDER 83-KAPPA/ARC_ROYAL
ALL AVAILABLE UNITS ARE TO DEPLOY TO THE OUTSKIRTS OF WOLF CITY. POTENTIAL HOSTILE CLAN WOLF FLEET INBOUND. UNITS ARE NOT TO ENGAGE WITHOUT SPECIFIC COMMAND TO DO SO FROM GENERAL STAFF OR ESTATES LIASON, BUT MAINTAIN FULL READINESS.
LCAF/A_R
While inbound, the Wolf flotilla of naval and ground forces broadcast to SLDF Command on Arc Royal using the coordinated channels, meaning the Lyrans would hear as well.
"SLDF Command, this is Wolf Relief Flotilla. We will be taking up corridor protection positions along our route. Ground forces will be landing at Wolf City to make preparations for the requested evacuations. Arc Royal leadership has refused our request to meet. We will continue our mission as requested. Request liason officers from all nations with forces on Arc Royal meet our forces at Wolf City."
As the Wolf dropships began their descent to the Wolf City spaceport, a Warrior VTOL made its way across the unseasonably chilly air and set itself down in the Spaceport command helipad. A group of professionally poised young Lyran bureaucrats made their way into the building; a few minutes later a message followed.
"Attention incoming Wolf dropships, care to explain why you have chosen to disregard your landing clearance? State your intentions clearly, or you will be opposed. We are prepared to receive your envoy, but no authorization for military landing has been given. Are we to count this an invasion?
Eszterhazi"
From the mass of arriving vessels, a new signal was received. It came from a Hunter class jumpship. However, it was broadcasting SLDF IFF.
"Arc Royal command, this is SLDF Pony Express. The Commanding General is requesting priority landing clearance and a meeting with the planetary government to discuss the threats approaching the Arc Royal system by the clans."
"This is Galaxy Commander Hector Ward. We are here under SLDF orders. If you wish to challenge our arrival, you may take it up with the Commanding General. I believe he has just arrived. We are here to ensure the safety of the people of this world for the Lyran government and the SLDF. Do you wish to challenge the SLDF at this time?"
Quote from: august on July 26, 2010, 03:44:22 PM
As the Wolf dropships began their descent to the Wolf City spaceport, a Warrior VTOL made its way across the unseasonably chilly air and set itself down in the Spaceport command helipad. A group of professionally poised young Lyran bureaucrats made their way into the building; a few minutes later a message followed.
"Attention incoming Wolf dropships, care to explain why you have chosen to disregard your landing clearance? State your intentions clearly, or you will be opposed. We are prepared to receive your envoy, but no authorization for military landing has been given. Are we to count this an invasion?
Esterhazi"
"Pony Express, clearance is granted to the Commanding General. We ask that he make it clear to these Wolves that landing military forces on Arc-Royal without clearance from local authority may be construed as a hostile act."
"Galaxy Commander Ward - are you serious? You tell us that you're here to ensure the safety of the people while completely ignoring local authorities. We've heard lines like that before and recently - perhaps it's true that a clanner is a clanner no matter whose flag they claim to serve."
The message from the Pony Express was quick and terse."Arc Royal Command, those forces are under SLDF flag. Any action to impede them or to take hostile action will be seen as an act of war by your local government. General of the Armies Nondi Steiner has been found and HPG links are now available, if you would like to request her military commands on the matter, I can set up an uplink. I am certain that the
local government of Arc Royal is not interested in adding more enemies to the list they seem to be creating. I repeat, the Wolf forces are under SLDF orders to land and prepare Wolf City for upcoming relief missions. In case you have not heard, the clans continue to push on this theatre and Arc Royal will be under assault in the near future. Now, are you prepared to act reasonably or do I need to order
ALL SLDF forces to high alert to deal with those who refuse to acknowledge the chain of authority to Nondi Steiner?"
Quote from: august on July 26, 2010, 03:51:25 PM
"Pony Express, clearance is granted to the Commanding General. We ask that he make it clear to these Wolves that landing military forces on Arc-Royal without clearance from local authority may be construed as a hostile act."
"Galaxy Commander Ward - are you serious? You tell us that you're here to ensure the safety of the people while completely ignoring local authorities. We've heard lines like that before and recently - perhaps it's true that a clanner is a clanner no matter whose flag they claim to serve."
"Pony Express, in case you haven't realized, the General of the Armies has undertaken no involvement with the defense of Arc-Royal. We'd be happy to have her on board, of course, but until she broadens her horizons from Tharkad we're not going to pretend that we're in any way beholden to her. Her alleged regency is illegal, in case you haven't realized - we've explained this to you before, but perhaps another go at it will be more successful. She was the legal regent after Katrina's death, but that position was terminated with Peter's ascension. No new regent has been ratified by the Estates General since the Archon's murder. Now in case you hadn't realized, it's the Lyran government as member-state of the Star League that gives you authority to operate in our space, and you have blatantly chosen to ignore our sovereignty. It is not the place of the Commanding General to dictate terms to the member-states, and right now you're making Sun-Tzu Liao look like the model of Star League governance."
"We support the Star League to the fullest extent and are prepared to do whatever we can to aid the SLDF in the defense against the clans. What we cannot permit is the SLDF dictating terms to a member-state, in full violation of its government's wishes."
"We have not been in communications with any
legal Estates General. Now, you have a choice. You can allow these forces to land and the SLDF will do what it can to protect the people and infrastructure of this world. Or, quite simply, you can choose to go it alone. Your
leadership is so busy running their mouth and making new enemies that they are ignoring the existing ones. You are right, I do not command the forces on this world. However, the Lyran government did place this theatre under the protection of the SLDF. Your claim that you have the Lyran government here does not make it so. As the Star League has not recognized you as the Lyran government, I am not beholden to your commands. Now, if you still refuse, then we will abide by your wishes. All SLDF forces will depart this world. However, we will still offer relocation to anyone who wishes to. That is the relief effort the Wolves are leading. Arc Royal will fall to the clans, short of a major change in what is happening. So, it is time to choose. Shall I order the evacuation of all of the Star League Defense Forces from Arc Royal and put their efforts to worlds who could careless about making a claim to be the illegitimate Lyran government and are more concerned about being under the heel of one of the clans coming to subjigate you?"
Quote from: august on July 26, 2010, 04:09:39 PM
"Pony Express, in case you haven't realized, the General of the Armies has undertaken no involvement with the defense of Arc-Royal. We'd be happy to have her on board, of course, but until she broadens her horizons from Tharkad we're not going to pretend that we're in any way beholden to her. Her alleged regency is illegal, in case you haven't realized - we've explained this to you before, but perhaps another go at it will be more successful. She was the legal regent after Katrina's death, but that position was terminated with Peter's ascension. No new regent has been ratified by the Estates General since the Archon's murder. Now in case you hadn't realized, it's the Lyran government as member-state of the Star League that gives you authority to operate in our space, and you have blatantly chosen to ignore our sovereignty. It is not the place of the Commanding General to dictate terms to the member-states, and right now you're making Sun-Tzu Liao look like the model of Star League governance."
"We support the Star League to the fullest extent and are prepared to do whatever we can to aid the SLDF in the defense against the clans. What we cannot permit is the SLDF dictating terms to a member-state, in full violation of its government's wishes."
"Well, it appears that with the election of a Commanding General from the clans, piracy has become the modus operandi of the SLDF. Do you really expect us to accept that you have the best interests of the people of Arc-Royal in mind when you refuse to perform a single gesture in good faith? Even if the SLDF refuses to acknowledge the Estates-General, we expect conformity with the interests of the Duchy of Arc-Royal, which despite your allegedly benevolent intentions is under assault one jump from here - things would go much better if you actually fought the clans instead of talked about fighting them while doing nothing. The Commanding General may land, but if any forces loyal to Clan Wolf insist on making landfall without clearance from local authorities, we will have Morgan Kell shot in his prison cell. If full cooperation by the SLDF is obtained, we may release him to your custody. Any attempt to make our offer public will ensure his death. Do we make our position clear?"
"Arc Royal Command, consider carefully your response. Before I take your threat seriously, I require communication with Duke Kell. I am sure you understand, given the nature of politics in the inner sphere and the actions of the Steiner-Davion's in the past."
Some ten minutes later, video feed is broadcast on a tight beam to the Pony Express. The camera first shows Morgan Kell, looking emaciated and much older than his last public appearance. The frame zooms out to reveal that he is strapped to a chair within a prison cell, with two masked and armed members of the Association of the Tharkad Martyrs on either side. Kell speaks, his voice straining from lack of use, "I am Morgan Kell, former Duke of Arc-Royal. My captors have treated me well and I am in good health. For the safety of the people of Arc-Royal, I encourage the soldiers of the SLDF to comply with their reasonable requests." One of the Association members covers Kell's face with a cloth, and the transmission cuts.
Hundreds of mechs, thousands of armored vehicles and countless foot soldiers begin to stir within the Draconis Combine cantonment, followed by multiple wings taking to the air. "This is Tai-sho Isoroku Kurita, commander of the DCMS Task Force assigned to this world, the Dragon owes a great debt to Morgan Kell for his defense of Luthien, so hear me well. If any harm comes to Morgan Kell my troops and i will stop at nothing to avenge his death."
[OCC multiple regiments of mechs begin to take up positions.]
(OOC: I assume that means that the Pony Express informed the SLDF garrison? That message was meant only for Marco Hall. If it's been leaked even to the other Star League forces, Kell's going to get it.)
Other SLDF factions do not know IC from Marco yet.
Marco cursed when he saw the video. He remembered what had happened on Arc Royal previously. For now, his hands were tied. He turned to the dropship captain.
"Begin your decent, slowly. Open communications with all SLDF commands."
"Attention all SLDF commands, please make ready for inspection and stand by in your cantonments. Command Actual should make planetfall in roughly 36 hours. Wolf forces, slow decent. SLDF Naval forces, take up defensive positions. The relief force is to have priority protection. Actual out."
Then, nodding to the commtech, the channel was switched back to the tight beam.
"We will play your game. Wolf forces have slowed their decent. I should arrive in approximately 36 hours. Hall out."
Marco Hall hated the waiting game. He reviewed the assembled 'staff' in front of him. Many held positions he found wasteful. Yet, they were supposed to be the best at what they did. His relations officer was currently speaking.
"I believe we can use this to our advantage. We cannot leak to the public that Morgan is being mistreated, etc. Or the threat. However, we can assure the people of the world that Morgan is in the care of the government. We use some tight clips of the shots, to take the thugs out of the picture. Then, we'll post text with the images of some of his statements. It will make it harder for them to kill him, if people know he is alive."
As soon as the last member of the general staff left the room, he appeared, almost like a ghost. Marco still had not figured out how he managed it. But, he knew there was a reason.
"So, I take it you have seen the video?"
"Aff Marco. And, it begins to explain a lot. We have a new hypothesis to work from. Perhaps it was not the Magistracy that fed the intelligence and commited the attack. There is a strong possibility that all of the events leading up to this, at least on Arc Royal, may have been Mulcahy. However, that does not address the rest of the Lyran state. If this is correct, if Mulcahy is behind it, her hatred of Rowe and Adam would seem to indicate that maybe someone is pulling everyone's strings."
Turning around, the robed figure looked directly at Marco. The non descript robe was meant to not draw attention. There was only a single adornment. A pair of sunglasses, having seen many lightyears, hung from the neck.
"I will be hitching a ride to the surface Marco. I feel a need for some doughnuts."
While the Arc-Royal delegation waited for the SLDF dropship to arrive, Agnes' pager buzzed softly. She drew it from her suit pocket - she had been given to wearing masculine clothing since her assignment to Mulcahy's staff - and gave it a wry smile.
"Joshua, I need you to inform the Landsgrafin and the delegates that they should find their way to their assigned safety sites."
"Ms. Eszterhazi, shall I give a reason? We're not going to tell the delegates about our gambit, are we?"
"No. Just tell them that Tanuyama's security people recommend it; if there are any dissident fools who think that the SLDF is on their side running around, this could be their moment."
"Understood. Message sent."
"Ms. Eszterhazi, a transmission incoming from the Landsgrafin."
Agnes threw a glance around the spaceport's command center, pausing briefly to individually appraise each of the nine men and women gathered therein. In a voice gauged to reach no farther than the walls of the room, she called out, "I tended Archon Peter's garden."
Together, with an almost liturgical character, the others responded in unison, "His blood brought life again to the trees."
Agnes nodded and placed her hand upon Jacob's shoulder. "Go ahead, put her through."
It would take a sight seriously impaired to describe Sharon Mulcahy's visage as one embodying kindness, but her transmitted image seemed to take on a new harshness. "Agnes, I need to know what is going on. The Association has cut my direct feed, and I have red jackets moving all over the estate. I don't know who Tanuyama thinks he is, but I'm of a mind to give him a cell next to our most honored guest!"
"Your grace, everything is under control and going as planned. As you know, the SLDF has been less than tractable in our negotiations. We've been forced to go ahead with one of the Association's contingency scenarios - nothing is out of order, but we need you to have plausible deniability if anything should go wrong. It is for your own safety and that of the Duchy that Tanu-"
"Agnes, this is unacceptable! I've half a mind to consider this treason on both your parts! Nothing that the Wolves have demanded warrants one of Tanuyama's blighted 'scenarios,' and they were never to be enacted without my express permission!"
"Your grace, that is precisely the point. Our behavior is clearly treasonous. If negotiations fail, and the SLDF invades, it will be our necks on their self-righteous chopping block. You may and in fact should denounce us. I would expect no less and would consider it a personal betrayal if you were to do otherwise. For my own part, I have no interest in that happening - my measures are extreme, but I have not been shaken in my commitment to meeting the objectives that you set out. When the SLDF has withdrawn, I will submit fully to your judgment."
Mulcahy stared hard at Eszterhazi's likeness. "Very well, Agnes. I place my trust in you. You may not care for your own person, but I still know what others I need reach in order to shake you. Do not fail the Duchy."
(OOC: Any chance that we could move ahead with this?)
Waiting on Tharkad...
*BUMP*
Quote from: NVA on August 09, 2010, 03:39:11 AM
Waiting on Tharkad...
OOC: And I'm waiting on him cause he's bringing my NPC to the meeting :P
The group finished reviewing the message from General Steiner aboard the dropship, as they neared insertion.
"Yes General Hall, it appears she does give you permission to deal with the situation as needed. Arc Royal is unstable and appears to be a threat to the Star League."
"Thank you Bob. The JAGs opinion is always welcome. You are dismissed."
Turning to the rest, Marco Hall wondered if this weight was what caused Victor to be so short.
"Alright, the Arc Royal theatre is crumbling. Arc Royal is led by what can only be seen as a hostile force. Our presence appears to no longer be welcome and acts of terrorism are being sanctioned by the government. This is a damnable situation. We can not win and hold the world. We can not make peace and hold the world. Arc Royal will fall, as the rest of the Star League is leaving us out to hang. Thoughts?"
"General, I know it goes against your way of thinking and upbringing, but, we cannot save what has already destroyed itself. Most of the senior staff believe that we should pull all Star League Defense Forces back to the Hegemony and deal with the clans there. It is a smaller area to deal with, so the clans will have to collapse together. Also, then the Terrans will have reason to cooperate with us. The UIW situation suggests it may be possible for those remaining Lyran worlds to reach a similar agreement with the clans, though your own experience is greater than ours."
"No. If presented right, the Grand Council may accept such an arrangement. They know they will lose forces trying to fight through the remaining worlds. Very well, I have to prepare to meet with the secretary of a terrorist. I want alpha and omega team on stand by. Others may not see his worth, but...."
With that, the dropship landed and Marco Hall prepared to disembark.
A delegation of LCAF military officers escorted Marco Hall and his delegation to a spaceport lounge that had been cleared for the meeting. In attendance on the Arc-Royal side were a number of men wearing the red jackets of the Association of the Tharkad Martyrs, as well as a youngish woman, attractive, through dressed in a professional manner that sought to downplay her femininity. She rose as General Hall entered the room.
"Greetings, Commanding General Hall. I am Agnes Eszterhazi, appointed delegate of the Duchy of Arc-Royal and the Lyran Commonwealth for this occasion. Forgive the unconventional nature of this meeting - Clan Wolf has backed us into something of a corner by refusing to acknowledge our local sovereignty and so measures have been taken to assure compliance. In the interests of not deluding ourselves, I hope you will allow me to dispense with the usual formalities of a diplomatic visit from a Star League official and allow me to stake out our position in full from the outset."
"It is the opinion of the government of Arc-Royal that the SLDF is not invested in our defense. A number of our worlds have suffered clan attack in preceding days, and rather than come to our defense, the SLDF chooses instead to offer us 'evacuation' of our assets. Simply put, it is our perception that the Star League is not only not interested in defending Arc-Royal, but moreover that they would seek to take the facilities that would enable us to take on the task ourselves without compensation. Cooperation of the local garrisons under the SLDF flag has been minimal at best, with neither the Marik nor Davion forces providing any acknowledgement of local authority. You offer to likewise remove some of the populace, but you could not remove all who are threatened by the Clan Invaders - our responsibility is to all the people of the Duchy and the Commonwealth as a whole and we cannot accept a single Lyran citizen becoming enslaved by the Clans. It appears to us that the esteemed Lords of the Star League intend to use our worlds as a buffer against the invaders, sacrificing our people in order to buy time for their own interests. You will understand that we find this profoundly unacceptable."
"Further, at every turn, the Star League and Clan Wolf have attempted to dictate to us their policy, without bothering to consider the legitimacy of the Estates General of the Lyran Commonwealth or the Duchy of Arc Royal. We would be flexible, if the SLDF seemed interested in working with us to any extent. At present, it is our opinion that the Star League has shown us no more respect than is worthy of a subordinate. I realize that you have, to a certain degree, accepted Nondi's claims to the regency, in violation of Lyran Commonwealth law as they may be. Our position on this matter has already been explained to you, and I have no interest in further debating it. Suffice it to say, even if her position were legally secure, she has shown absolutely no leadership whatsoever, whether as General of the Armies or Head of State. Even if Archon Peter yet lived, God rest his soul, we would be reconsidering our loyalties if he fiddled on Tharkad while the Commonwealth lost worlds to the Free Worlds League, Clans, and separatist movements alike. Tragic attack on Tharkad or no, the capital is not the Commonwealth, and the General of the Armies has allowed an attack on one world to cripple the entire nation via military inaction. This is nothing short of pathetic."
"What we ask of the Star League, in order to secure the safety of our prisoner, is simple. We ask complete withdrawal of the SLDF from the worlds of Arc-Royal - including Morges - and until the Star League acknowledges the Estates General as the representative of a member-state, no movements within our territory will be welcome. Further, we want acknowledgement of the Duchy of Arc-Royal as a sovereign territory. The SLDF will promise no support for the FWL in operations of military action against the FWL and its troops, whose invasion of Commonwealth worlds has lead the Lyran state to declare war. Given that Marik has decided to prosecute this war instead of providing for the mutual interest of the Inner Sphere against the Clans, we consider all Marik troops in Commonwealth space to be hostile, even if they allegedly operate under the banner of the SLDF. Further, we ask that you personally sign a statement to be published condemning the unconscionable war crimes committed by forces loyal to Skye-Donegal on Heperus II call upon the Star League to call a tribunal to try the commanders involved, as well as Robert Kelswa."
"Finally, let it not be said that the Lyran Commonwealth does not appeciate the aid given by the SLDF against the so-called "Rim Worlds separatists. We ask that you declare forces loyal to these criminals to be hostile under the guidelines of the SLDF."
"Oh, and you may rest assured, if you are indeed so concerned with our military facilities falling into the hands of the clans, that we will indeed destroy them before we see them become the property of any foreign power."
Marco Hall turned to Arden Sortek and the DCMS Tai Shu he had just met and asked a question.
"General, what is the position of the previous leadership of the Star League Defense Force when a non member state threatens to commit terrorist acts against a hostage to try to twist the Defense Force into specific actions? Further, what is the official position of the the Star League Defense Force when dealing with a government with ties to known terrorist organizations?"
Behind Marco, his protection details, SLDF and Clan alike, tensed. Clearly, both were ready for trouble. The Elementals looked excited.
"Ahem, General, if I may interrupt just for one moment. While I am pleased to see that the DCMS and the finally the AFFS have taken an interest in the affairs of our worlds, I am unsure why they are at this meeting. I imagine that you have briefed them on our little situation?"
"Well, you are dealing with the Star League Defense Force. While I may be Commanding General, I am not the only person with a vested interest in these matters. The actions of any functionary of the Star League, which I am, can be overviewed by the member states. So, while I may be here in standing, I am representing the Star League. These individuals represent part of my command staff, but also they are responsible for monitoring my action in reprenting the interest of the members of the STar League when dealing with a non Star League member government, such as yours. And, they have not been fully briefed on the details. There was not time."
Quote from: august on August 23, 2010, 12:29:48 AM
"Ahem, General, if I may interrupt just for one moment. While I am pleased to see that the DCMS and the finally the AFFS have taken an interest in the affairs of our worlds, I am unsure why they are at this meeting. I imagine that you have briefed them on our little situation?"
"If they have not been briefed, I respectfully request that they leave the room. This meeting is being recorded by cameras that are part of the standard security apparatus of the spaceport. If there is a need for review of your actions, I assure you that they will be sent a full record of our meeting. By bringing them here, you are already pushing the envelope of our patience."
"General Hall simply ignored the assistant as he waited for an answer from the others."
Agnes tilted her head so as to peer at the Star League's Commanding General without the intervention of her glasses.
"Clearly, General Hall, you refuse to take us seriously and it behooves us to compel you otherwise." Agnes made a slight hand gesture, not immediately noticeable, save to those on the other side of the spaceport's cameras who were waiting for it. "The ante must be upped. We have taken the precaution of setting a nuclear device underneath the building in which we now sit. Nuclear projectiles are also aimed at the fleet with which you arrived. My life, and the those of the agents of the Lyran Commonwealth gathered here are not so important when weighed against the lives of all of those who you would senselessly throw to the clans. Morgan Kell's life clearly means nothing to you, and it is now forfeit. The question is now the well-being of those who have entrusted their lives to your good judgment, to say nothing of your own life. Are you prepared to comply with our reasonable requests, or shall we be exchanging words in hell an hour hence?"
"Forgive me Agnes, I did not have an opportunity to introduce my staff. This is Arden Sortek, of the Federated Suns. He is the over all commander of the large contingent of AFFS forces here at Arc Royal and in the region, as well as serving on my command staff. Hopefully, his name is known to you. This is Tai Sho Isoroku <sp> Kurita. He is cousin to the leader of the Draconis Combine and Warlord of the Dieron District, as well as commander of the large contingent of Draconis troops that have been protecting Arc Royal."
"Ms Eszterhazi" Ardek said bowing his head to the delegate. He was obviously deep in thought as he eyes continuosly looked around the room, never actually landing on Agnes. One watching him might think he'd never seen any of the things in the room and that he was amazed and astounded by them.
"My dear Marco, I didn't know that we were on a first name basis. How soon we become familiar! But in any case, Tai-Sho Kurita, General Sortek (substitute correct title here if in error). Under better circumstances I would say that I was charmed, but I don't think the present circumstances lend much to any sort of charm."
"In any case, gentlemen, esteemed officers of the SLDF, are you prepared to deal with us?"
OOC - Posted after discussing with Holt. This is the TaiSho. If I get the Japanese references wrong, take it OOC, not IC.
"Ms Eszterhazi, it appears that you have an agenda. Let me explain the consequences of that agenda, based on the Honor that dictates our Ways. We recognize Morgan Kell as a hero for his actions against the Clans on Luthien. Should any harm befall him, there will be no holding back the Dragon from falling upon Arc Royal to complete our giri to satisfy our ninjo. Further, should some dishonorable act take me out, the clans will be the least of the worries of your organization. The Dragon is quite adept at dealing with black organizations. Now, if you truly wish to have the support of the Star League and the Defense Force, perhaps you should reconsider your position and the weakness you are showing with such desperate actions. I can guarantee the people of Arc Royal will be free of your rule should either action you have threatened occur. The forces of the Dragon are sufficient to do this. Yet, I am sure we will find the help of the Suns, the Wolves, and the Star League as a whole. So, if you are prepared to make an enemy of the entire Star League, then by all means, continue with your threats and have that device set off. I expect they will find that it is associated with the devices on Tharkad even."
Agnes shifted her glasses before responding to the DCMS officer.
"Tai-Sho, you misunderstand our position. The Draconis Combine has been an ally of Arc-Royal, as demonstrated by the aid provided on Pandora. We have no grudge with you. The rest of the SLDF, however, has been uncooperative to the point where the government no longer wishes that they be present. That is all. Our government was contacted by your own some months ago about wishing to withdraw DCMS forces from Lyran space in order to shore up your own threatened borders; here is your opportunity."
"The SLDF forces have been keen on reminding us that they do not consider the Estates General the legitimate body of the Lyran Commonwealth, nor do they consider Arc-Royal a member-state of the Star League at the present time. That would seem to eliminate your license to operate here besides."
"We will stand on our own against the clans. We ask that you do us the honor of allowing us the attempt - we will not stand for this patronizing hubris any longer."
"You seem to miss my point. You have threatened a hero to the Combine. If reports are accurate, it would almost appear that the charges were trumped up, which helped lead to the fracturing that has occurred. So, if you wish us to depart, then, we will take Morgan Kell with us. He will be off your hands and the Dragon can be certain that your organization will not do anything that would require our return and earn our ire."
"I will see that his body is delivered to you upon your withdrawal?"
(OOC: Maybe there was some miscommunication - Kell is already dead, as of reply #32)
"I am sorry if I my Star League English is sometimes hard to follow, Tai-Sho. It is not my first language, and I know that it is not yours as well. My dear friend your SLDF commanding officer did not dismiss those parties whom we wished not to involve, and now you yourselves, as well as I must serve the role recently vacated by Morgan Kell. I expect he was shot, as was promised."
"Take it up with me, if you must, but I would advise you to first speak with your Commanding General, whose refusal to take us seriously cost the life of the former Duke and continues to place your own in jeopardy."
"If what you say is true, then you are no ally of the Federated Suns and I wish you all the luck being the Adder's lapdog, or worse yet, the Hellions." Arden Sortek turned around. "General Hall, we exercise our option to move under our own accord. I will be taking the 1st Davion Guards along with the rest of our Divisions and our Fleet. Perhaps, we can still meet up with the Free Worlds League Fleet in time to take the fight to the Clans. This, isn't worth our time. They'll stay here, wait for the clans to come, and when they do, they'll make the same veiled threats only instead of leaving the Clans will reign down fire upon them until they are ash."
Looking at all the parties involved, Marco Hall shook his head.
"Then, it appears we are at an impasse. Your threats have already been passed along. The Star League Council will soon be aware of your terrorist actions against Star League members. Tai Sho, General, I believe it is time for us to depart. The people of Arc Royal should be receiving word of what has transpired here. They will decide what to do with these..."
With that, Marco Hall turned and began to exit the room. Stopping to speak to one of his guards, he had a simple command.
"Alex, please notify all commands to prepare to leave. Let General DeSouza know he is free to take whatever action he believes is necessary. If he is prepared to depart with us, then I would ask the Suns and Draconis troops to assist in assuring that the Arc Royal organization not interfere in our departure."
"Generals, Tai-Sho, it has been a pleasure. I will see that all SLDF forces are granted clearance to depart the Arc-Royal region without interference. I wish you well in your endeavors, and trust that you will leave us to our own."
As the foreign officers left the spaceport lounge, Agnes rose to her feet and walked over to the emergency phone. She lifted the receiver, and spoke quietly into it.
"Jó istenem, ez az küfoldi emberek. Nekünk semmit kinálnak, és mégis csodálatos lenni színleltek. De tökéletes van. Folytatjatek 4-A."
After departing, a broadcast was sent from the high power transmitters on the SLDF vessels. THe entire world would receive it. If any listened to it and acted upon it, would remain to be seen.
"Citizens of Arc Royal, this notice is to make you aware of the departure of the Star League Defense Force and allied troops from your world and those controlled by the organization who claims to be in charge here. Your leaders have requested that we depart. After they threatened to kill Morgan Kell to try to get us to acquiese to their commands and the apparently carried that out, they also threatened to detonate a nuclear device on Arc Royal to kill myself and the other allied leaders. Rather than risk them carrying out there threat, we agreed to depart this world. I was in contact with General Nondi Steiner prior to my arrival on planet. I will advise her of the current situation. As Supreme Commander of Lyran Armed Forces, hopefully she can bring some quiet to this situation. I will not lie to you. This act by the organization who leads you has put your planet at peril. The Star League Defense Force has extra lift capacity we brought with us to try to provide for the protection of the people of Arc Royal and its assets. Any who wish to depart with us can contact your local Star League office. Any businesses who wish to see their infrastructure and assets protected from the clans and terrorist organizations on this world can do the same. I cannot promise that we can help everyone. But, we will do what we can, as we always have. Either way, we wish the people of Arc Royal well and hope that the clan who finally removes this organization from power on Arc Royal is one of the more tempered ones. When we can, we will return with the Lyran government's blessings and help on the planet once more."
With that, the transmission from General Hall was set to loop and continually broadcast.
Commited to a landing, at least, the Clan Wolf dropships altered vector slightly to land at the Free World Leagues cantonment. Once grounded, patrols were sent out to ensure the security of the area while technicians prepared for a departure again and logistics crew set about restocking the ships.
A scant ten minutes after the Wolf signal began broadcasting, all radio and holo signals on the world cut silent. Local transmitters began likewise sending out their own signal, designed to interfere with the Wolf signal A horrible cacophony of sounds akin to those that might come from a diseased electronic trumpet were softened every three minutes only for the duration of the following message to be heard.
"Citizens of Arc-Royal, for your safety, your government has enacted Emergency Anti-Sedition protocols. Until further notice, the broadcasting or rebroadcasting of any signal is disallowed until the protection of our worlds can be ensured. Remain calm, remain vigilant, your government salutes your cooperation and understanding."
TEXT ONLY
FROM: TANUYAMA
TO: AToM OFFICER CORPS, ARC-ROYAL
My brothers,
As you may have heard the SLDF is yet again trying to help itself to our resources, vital and otherwise. You are hereby ordered to block all road access to SLDF and Clan Wolf landing sites, maintaining a 3 kilometer distance from said locations. None but identifiable foreign military personnel and assets are to be allowed past. Any suspicious transports may be searched, but you are not to provoke conflict with departing foreign military forces. Use of force against SLDF forces is authorized only in self-defense: any others who attempt to push their way past our blockades are under suspicion of treason and are to be stopped by any available means.
Quote from: NVA on August 27, 2010, 11:56:21 AM
Commited to a landing, at least, the Clan Wolf dropships altered vector slightly to land at the Free World Leagues cantonment. Once grounded, patrols were sent out to ensure the security of the area while technicians prepared for a departure again and logistics crew set about restocking the ships.
I take it from your recent transmission and this fine Vuvenzeula's orchestra they are broadcasting on every channel.
Shame about Morgan one of the few thrice damned elises worth anything in a fight.
That being said General the 9th Regulan Hussars are here on your orders. We remain under your command until such time as directed otherwise by the Prince or possibly the Captain-General.
Where to next?
Quote from: chaosxtreme on August 27, 2010, 03:36:21 PM
I take it from your recent transmission and this fine Vuvenzeula's orchestra they are broadcasting on every channel.
OOC: Yeah. Text should still be able to get through, at least, or I'm assuming it can. If Clan Wolf deploys its email-spammer stars, it should be able to bypass.
OOC: He landed in the FWL cantonnment.
And you started jamming him with the really annoying horns (hence Vuvunzeula's) after he started transmitting. Since we weren't invited to the big meeting the General in command of the 9th Regulan Hussars has limited information and making an assumption. :-)
Actual talk is his words to General Hall once the dropships land in the FWL Cantonnment.
A message was received by all SLDF and allied commands at Arc Royal.
RE: Deployment
Given the deployment of Arc Royal assets to stop those who wish to depart the system, all SLDF and allied commands are requested/ordered to take up a position of safe keeping within range of the Arc Royal forces. Do not engage, unless Arc Royal forces engage either us or Lyran citizens by force of arms. All citizens of Arc Royal are Lyran citizens and under Star League and SLDF protection. The military forces of Arc Royal are refusing to recognize General Steiner as Commander of the Armies, so are to be considered rogue. Escalation should be avoided, if possible, as government leadership has threatened and commited terrorist acts already.
Report all hostilities or situations immediately.
SLDF HQ
PUBLIC STATEMENT OF THE ESTATES GENERAL
PRIORITY A/FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL THE PUBLIC
Citizens of the Arc-Royal territories and other Lyran Territories,
As all are doubtless aware, the Emergency Laws were put into place in order to defend the integrity of the Lyran Commonwealth in August 3069. Under the terms of these Laws, the Articles of Acceptance may be modified or suspended in order to ensure the protection of the State and its people. Lyran citizens across the Commonwealth have patriotically complied with the edicts of the Estates General, in order that our citizenry as a whole may continue to enjoy their high standard of living and fundamental freedoms. Unfortunately, the extent of the crisis was not fully known at the time; between the bickering of the great nobility that provides us with a host of Archon-Pretenders and the failure of our allies to rally to our defense as the Clans continue to advance, the Articles of Acceptance have proven more a hinderance than a guide in these dark times. It is only the gravity of our circumstances that the Estates General has been forced to issue an edict that fills us with regret towards our forebears, but which provides us greatest hopes for the future.
Effectively immediately, the Articles of Acceptance and the Lyran Commonwealth with it is dissolved. The esteemed Delegates of the Estates General are now meeting in order to craft a new constitution that will allow for our worlds to move forward before they are swallowed whole by the tides of darkness. The rights of all are guaranteed in for the interim period, and the document now being determined is being tailored to better serve the people, to provide them representation, protection, and the promise of happiness.
As always, our patriotic citizenry remains vigilant and aware of the threat of subversives who even now work to undermine the state.
THE ABOVE TEXT IS AN OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE LYRAN GOVERNMENT ON ARC ROYAL. TAMPERING OR REMOVAL OF THIS MESSAGE IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE UNDER ITEM 4/B OF THE EMERGENCY LAWS.
Upon receiving the request from SLDF HQ, the Clan Wolf forces at the FWL cantonment unloaded quickly and made ready, in case of escalation. Aerospace forces took up CAP and VTOLs took up monitoring positions on the roads. With over three galaxies of troops now present, the cantonment was busy. A number of the units moved out to take up various strategic positions, not the least of which was directly along the access roads where they could monitor the treasonous forces of Arc Royal. It saddened some to see those that once served the Lyran state proudly, so ignore their duty.
Quote from: NVA on August 27, 2010, 08:14:10 PM
A message was received by all SLDF and allied commands at Arc Royal.
RE: Deployment
Given the deployment of Arc Royal assets to stop those who wish to depart the system, all SLDF and allied commands are requested/ordered to take up a position of safe keeping within range of the Arc Royal forces. Do not engage, unless Arc Royal forces engage either us or Lyran citizens by force of arms. All citizens of Arc Royal are Lyran citizens and under Star League and SLDF protection. The military forces of Arc Royal are refusing to recognize General Steiner as Commander of the Armies, so are to be considered rogue. Escalation should be avoided, if possible, as government leadership has threatened and commited terrorist acts already.
Report all hostilities or situations immediately.
SLDF HQ
It's a damn fool order but its an order go weapons hot. We uphold the Honor of the Brigade or will you let the Green Monster Battalion say they preserved Hussar honor and we shamed it? ordes are as follows the Elsies ignore us we ignore them they wanna fight we show them what it means to be in battle with the Regulan Hussars.
Sir this Chootia Clanner is involving us in a damned civil war!
I know Force Commander and if he has the courage I will have this Kuthri in a circle with Sabers when this is over. But we shall have to wait until this is over to properly punish him.
Tight Beam To Hall's Dropship from General Singh's Perseus.We are with you today General, but rest assured when this is over you will die on my blade, this is not a threat that is my word.
OOC: Translated from hindu Chootia=Dumbass
Kuthri= lets just say for the new standards of the boards I'm going to have to insist you look it up. ;D
General Singh,
Your unit is to hold in base for the time being. Stay ready. However, as this terrorist organization has already declared war upon the FWL, we do not wish to provoke them. We simply want to ensure that the Lyran citizens who wish to leave are given an opportunity. As to your threat, are you seriously threatening a general officer of the Star League Defense Force? I would think the Free Worlds League already has enough enemies, without adding the Star League to the list. I will ignore your threat and expect you will be able to carry out your duty as ordered.
General Marco Hall
Quote from: NVA on August 27, 2010, 08:47:31 PM
General Singh,
Your unit is to hold in base for the time being. Stay ready. However, as this terrorist organization has already declared war upon the FWL, we do not wish to provoke them. We simply want to ensure that the Lyran citizens who wish to leave are given an opportunity. As to your threat, are you seriously threatening a general officer of the Star League Defense Force? I would think the Free Worlds League already has enough enemies, without adding the Star League to the list. I will ignore your threat and expect you will be able to carry out your duty as ordered.
General Marco Hall
Don't you dare you suwar ki aulad kayaar, hide behind the Star League! You sir have broken with the Star League. You have no right to involve the SLDF in a Lyran Civil War! Had you a Council Rit to justify this I would know it.
You asked for Trust and General De Souza gave it, know that you have abused that trust and whatever else happens posthumous or otherwise charges will be filled against you and you WILL be made to answer before the High Council for breach of the oaths of loyalty you have given the Star League!
That you have not the courage to fight me when this is done does not suprise me. All know that without Phelan's blood to strengthen and lead it the Wolf has proven to be a weak whelp.
I have fought for this Star League for over 4 years with the 9th Regulan Hussars and I have defended Arc Royal from the Clans for the better part of over a year. Where have you been Corward? Where are your victories?
When the Terrans attacked the Free Worlds League my men and I remained on the line to prevent the Clans from taking advantage.
Don't you dare speak to me of the Star League you johnny come lately genetic joke. I have more time in the latrine in the SLDF uniform then you have had it on your whole life.
That being said puppy we will abide your orders for now but when this operation ends I will publicly re-invite you to face me with a saber so all may know that a kaayar leads the SLDF.
OOC:
suwar ki aulad = son of a hog
kayaar = coward decided to take the hindu curses down a notch. Regulan or not its a family show. ;-)
Oberleutnant Hieronymus Brakke of the Tharkad Martyrs surveyed his troops, as they were; starry-eyed patriots stood next to barely reconstructed street thugs, those barred from regular LCAF service, and the occasional actual LCAF veteran. A dismal lot, to be sure, but thus far, as a group, they'd displayed the necessary combination of servility and brutality that their task demanded. They milled about behind the hastily erected barricades, smoking, laughing, waving their pistols around. At least this time he'd managed to keep them off drink while on duty.
The factories that surrounded them had been shut down for the duration of the crisis, giving Brakke the unnerving privilege of hearing what might have sounded like an approaching storm save for its uninterruptedness. Throwing his cigarette to the pavement, he assumed his best command posture. "Martyrs! You hear that? It looks like the SLDF has finally noticed that and have sent some friendly observers to make sure we do our job well. You know the orders! No one provokes a conflict! And as long as they're watching, restrain yourselves! Break property if you need to, but no busting heads!"
"Adamic, spray down the pavement, quickly! Anjou, Resmersen, Porokova, get that hulk out of here." He gestured with his head to a smashed-up luxury car whose previous owner had fled in terror back to the city. "The rest of you, stand sharp!"
Brakke reached for another cigarette, hoping that his crew wouldn't be the one responsible for bearding the lion from its den and setting it upon the city.