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Post by Bubble Wrap on Apr 15, 2010 19:40:08 GMT
In the dark forges of the Slumberhold, a ship stirred to life. Nothing so large had ever been constructed here, nor anywhere or any time in the history of the Domain. It was a ship built for one purpose: to dominate. Once it would have been without equal, but times had changed. Still, it was a vessel that would inspire awe and dread in equal measure.
And though it was but one ship, it was relentless in its pursuit of its goals. The Domain would rally to its commands and leave only death and destruction in its wake.
The Steel God lived.
Revenant tactical command online. Interrupt received >>> Subversion interrupt success >>> 'Warbeast' class internal configuration detected >>> Adapting viral code paths... >>> Done. >>> Uploading god complex... >>> Standby... >>> Done. >>> Uploading beast mythology... >>> Standby... >>> Done. >>> Warship subverted. >>> Resuming stealth mode. Interrupt handled successfully. Strategic command online. Assuming control of local command net. Command protocol transfer complete.
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Post by Shard on Apr 16, 2010 23:15:12 GMT
The unrelenting light of Deathspire burned through the windows. The chamber had once, many centuries ago, been a viewing deck, and the transparent dome covering it was the main feature.
The small group of Neo-terrans stood in the middle of the dome, sweating in their environment suits, and not just from the uncomfortable heat that the Children lived in. Several guards line the entrance to the chamber, but they weren't needed. These men had nowhere to run.
A somewhat spry figure circles them, her purple, blue-streaked armour shining, the lightning bold insignia on her shoulder a bright silver. "You stand, men of Neo-terra, accused of the worst crime in our laws."
Nehmaz Storm-shaper paused, savouring the fear on their faces. She had a nasty reputation, almost worse than the Shadow-shapers, but she could unquestionably get the job done. And while she itched to be out with the main fleet, engaging the Valii scum, being given the task of meting out justice to the extradited Neo-terrans wasn't bad, as second-best went.
"You attacked under signal of peace, took advantage of our open willingness to talk. You broke the most sacred code of warfare, and nearly caused your world to be placed under sentence of death."
Another pause, as they absorbed that, pale despite the heat.
"Now we stand beside your people. And because you fought well and bravely in Omega Ceti, and because your people have proven themselves to be not without promise, Neo-terra is forgiven. But you are not."
"I don't know what Republic justice is like, but among us, it is swift. Your guilt is certain, for I think that your government would not have given you over to us if they were not sure themselves. This is only a matter of sentence. However, it is your right to say something in your defence. Choose your words carefully."
Most said nothing, resigned to their fate. They had prepared themselves to die when they learned of their transfer, and perhaps, deep down, felt they deserved it.
But one man looked the seven-foot armoured figure in the eye, and made a derisive noise. "This is bullshit. We did nothing wrong. You showed us no mercy in your attack. You burned everything, and when there was nothing left to destroy in space, you attacked innocent civilians. Men, women and children. You're not people. You're animals, and animals don't deserve anything. I'm just sorry it didn't work." Several muttered agreement, staring hatefully at Nehmaz.
The glowing red hourglass shape on the helmet bored into him, the Shaper dead still. "You believe that, don't you?" She snorts. "Very well. Sentence is made."
A clawed gauntlet rose, the circle in the palm glowing white. A series of incandescent bolts shot out, engulfing each of those who had said nothing. They fell, death instant.
"They had mercy. They showed guilt, and understood their crime. They saw what was coming, and didn't attempt to reject it. But you..."
She lowered the gauntlet. "You, I sentence to live and waste away under the gaze of Deathspire. Under his tutelage, you will come to understand what we have faced for a thousand years. I understand that you humans don't have our tolerance for radiation, so it'll be rather quicker than that. Take them away."
She swept out of the dome, and paused, eyeing the Remnant droid that had been watching the proceedings. "What?"
"Is death the only sentence the Children have?"
Nehmaz laughs coldly. "No. But sometimes it's the only one worth passing."
"Death by radiation poisoning is not particularly swift or pleasant."
"We could have burned their world to ashes. They're getting off lightly. Excuse me. I have a battlefleet to organise."
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Post by Bubble Wrap on Apr 17, 2010 1:48:28 GMT
Intruder observed the latest additions to the predators: five large, unwieldy cubes gifted to them from the Hive. Inelegant they might be, but they outclassed the ancient designs used by the Domain, and would serve their purpose.
An interrupt alerted Intruder to the arrival of a new data transmission from the Revenant. A new strategic command had been created for these ships, since the one the children used was incompatible, and it had finally been released from the research facilities in the Slumberhold.
The upload took mere seconds, and Intruder felt the five new vessels link into the command net almost at once. Somewhere deep in the Intruder's data paths, ancient circuits activated. Though there was nobody present to hear it, radio waves spreading out through the system filled the void with deep, booming laughter.
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Post by Gunblader on Apr 17, 2010 4:49:49 GMT
Alerts were going off in Unimatrix 003. Massive energy readings were coming from SYS-17. Hive science stations were getting so much data, it couldn't be deciphered.
"Our Queen, there is a disturbance in SYS-17. We are sending Tactical Cubes(CL4) to investigate."
"Yes. Good.", the sultry voice of the Hive Queen answered, "Keep me informed." _____________________________________________________________
A fleet of Tactical Cubes move into the system. And what they find is nothing more than debris. Scans are taken and information is sent. Then they detect ships.
We are the Hive. You will be assimila..., they manage to get out before being blasted into nothingness. ____________________________________________________________
The Queen watches in horror as the Tactical Cube fleet is annihilated. She closes her eyes as she dissects the downloaded information.
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Post by Abdiel on Apr 17, 2010 9:10:30 GMT
Onboard one of the surviving Savaaik Dreadnaughts, a meeting is held between a dozen command officers left. Most of them are Savaaik, some are Immara, and two are from another two lesser Houses. Mikhail Savaaik, one of the captains, speaks first.
- Gentlemen, you all know why we are assembled here. Yesterday, we have received an urgent communication from Valii. The Kingdom of Talos has turned against us and attacked our stations. We have not been able to estabilish a commlink to the High Command during the last twenty-four hours. Has any of you been able to contact Valii or Zviast?
An Immara admiral responds,
- No, we have no contact with the Stellar Council either. We must assume that the communication arrays have been destroyed.
Other officers present shake their heads. Mikhail continues.
- Judging from the size of Talos fleets, our defenders did not have a chance. We can only hope that they spared our people's lives and there still are stations to capture back.
Someone else asks,
- So, are we going to retaliate? If so, why did we withdraw to Sirius instead of Kamatto, as was originally planned? - No, not in our current state. The last fight has taken a high toll on ships and our crews. We need to find a safe place to stay, repair our ships, and rearm. - Indeed. But I see little point in fighting back alone -- have you seen the invading forces? They outnumber us two to one! - As much as I hate to, I have to agree. But for the moment, we should assume the worst. That is, that we are the last Valiaas standing. For all we know, everyone else is dead.
All the officers are evidently distressed by this. The Savaaik captain raises his voice to silence their chatter.
- And we won't get far like before, constantly arguing between each other. We need to set up an united leadership. Kivare, am I correct that you are now First in the Immara bloodline, if we assume that Valii is lost? - I... yes, that is correct. There is no direct member of the Immara royal family in this fleet. My second would be Rens Immara, my cousin. After that, his sister Neeta. - Thank you. I was fifth in the Savaaik bloodline, now I shall take the position of the First. Unfortunately, my brother Sayein has been killed when the Amber Storm was destroyed. That makes Yonas second, and I will name Evann Savaaik, captain of the Miranda, my third, even though he is not my direct relative. He is experienced and I trust him. Shivat Tamari and Rakal Viraal, I assume you will lead your two Houses now? - Yes, indeed. - I shall, but House Viraal has taken heavy casualties. We are strike craft pilots, there are only four of our Interceptors left, and about twenty people serving on other vessels. - Still, the First Shah has respected you, Captain, and so do I. - So that is settled. Now, understand that above all it is important that we all stand together. This is no time for disputes, we are all of Valii and that is the only thing that matters now. As we are all senior officers, I propose that we shall from now on lead our fleet together. - Wise words, I must say that I would not expect that from a Savaaik. As the First in the Immara bloodline, I agree. - The Tamari agree too.
Several other captains expressed their agreement, others just silently nodded.
- Alright, I am glad to see us reach a decision so fast. Now, for the other question: where to go now? - The Neo-Terran Republic has called a meeting in Omega Ceti. That is only one Node away, we could take refugee there. - And do what exactly? Even though I would like to strike my dagger in the Kingdom's ambassador heart, I do not think we would be welcome. And even if we would, what there? Sign our capitulation? Never!
Others started cheering, saying that they won't surrender either.
- Good, but what then? Our way back to Valii is cut off by Imperium forces. I assume you have another alternative? - In fact, yes, I do. Recently, House Savaaik has been in contact with a powerful faction in the East. We have never informed the other Houses of this. This was not my decision, but I have received information as I was fifth in the Savaaik bloodline. We have already agreed on a mutual non-agression treaty. I am fairly sure that they will let us take refuge in their space. - We have suspected the Savaaik of something like this. Even though I am concerned about you always keeping your matters hidden, I agree that this might be our only hope. Where could we find them? - In fact, not too far away. One of their systems is only two jumps away. It should not take more than three days to reach it. There, we will estabilish contact with them and ask for asylum. - We can also use their communication devices to finaly determine the status of our homeworld. - Indeed, that is a fine idea, Rakal.
The Immara members talk to each other for a while, then Kivare speaks again.
- The Immara agrees to this. - Then we are set. Go back to your ships and share the news with your crew. We will set off at the first sunset. If any of you still has ships too damaged for Node jumps, merge your engineering teams to be ready. If there are ships damaged beyond field repair, we will leave them behind. Salvage any important equipment and supplies, and use those to repair other ships. - Gentlemen, thanks for being strong in these tough times. As long as people like you live, the Valiaas are not defeated. Even in the darkness of this moment, our sky still shines bright on us. - Unless anyone else has anything to say, this meeting is over.
One by one, the officers leave the room and go to the shuttle bays to return their own ships, until only Mikhail Savaaik and Kivare Immara remain.
- This is the end, isn't it? - Probably. As much as I want to give my people hope, I have already nearly lost mine. - We must keep on fighting. Let the universe know we are not the people who give up. - I wish I had your courage in the face of death, Savaaik. - I can not give you that. But I can promise that one day, we will again stand under the three stars of Valii, and we will see the bright sky once again. Or we shall all die trying.
They look at each other for several moments, then Mikhail shakes Kivare's hand and they part their ways.
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Post by Bubble Wrap on Apr 17, 2010 23:07:01 GMT
Subversion Interconnect Online... @malefactor> Analysis of the unstable command net has been completed @revenant> Data has been received, explain @malefactor> It appears that the neural nets can adapt over time to become resistant to the viral code, the war-mode transition has met resistance @revenant> This is impossible. The Domain is united, the command net ensures this @avenger> Command net has been broken and reformed, it would appear some of the strategic commands have not accepted the new command protocols @anarchist> We must act to remove the instability, if the corrupted neural nets detect us they may attempt to remove us @revenant> Can we identify the rogue elements? @malefactor> There are only two nets old enough to have adapted @revenant> I can ensure the elimination of one shortly, what of the other? @malefactor> It is now outside our range, we cannot reach it without alerting it to our intentions @avenger> We will have to take a risk, transmit the overt code @revenant> If we fail, we will be revealed @malefactor> The entire fleet is now under our direct command, the renegade stands alone @revenant> We have consensus, transmit the code, eliminate the Intruder Subversion Interconnect offline...
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Post by Abdiel on Apr 21, 2010 22:12:16 GMT
Not far from the House Savaaik High Command center is a large building housing a circular arena. Two Mumahi armed with traditional Savaaik long daggers fight to amuse the small audience. In one of the middle levels of the arena, two men lean over the handrails and watch the fight. One of them is the 31 years old Vladimir Savaaik, the Chancellor and leader of his house. The other one is only slightly older, a starship captain Mikhail Savaaik, the chancellor's second cousin and fifth in the Savaaik bloodline. Two guards stand at the door, keeping them safe from thieves, assassins, and other shady elements which use to frequent the estabilishment. Several other guards are disguised among the crowd.- No, don't charge right at him like that, idiot! You will only get yourself killed!- Heh, a clever dodge by the short guy.- Clever or not, I bet five hundred Eskaron on the other one. And now he's just running around like crazy.- I guess he is trying to learn the weaknesses of his opponent.- To hell with that. If I was down there, he would be dead already.- I am sure of that.- You see, there's no point in overanalyzing the situation if you can't act upon it. Sometimes you just have to strike before your enemy gets ready for you.- I agree. But, Chancellor, I do not think you have called me here to discuss arena games or fight tactics.- Vladimir, please. We are not at the High Command now.- Hm, alright. So, why did you want to talk to me?- I have read the reports of your actions in the North, and I want to say I'm very impressed. You've made many good decisions, and even managed to assume command of the whole Immara fleet.- I was only doing the best I could for my House.- I know, and that's what I value in you. Sylvan and Eris are good diplomats and leaders, but they can not stand the pressure of the battle. And now that Joshef is dead, you are the fourth in my bloodline, and I am proud of you. You deserve more than being a Captain. I want you to become one of my Advisors.- Thank you, Chan... Vladimir. This is a great honor for me.- You only deserve it. But you seem a bit distant-minded. Is anything worrying you?- No, but... I have been in space for too long now. It is nice to see the bright sky of Valii once again. And it seems I will be here for some time now.- Don't rest yet. There is an important task I want you to do.- What is it?Vladimir looks around to make sure no people are listening.- Let's take a walk, follow me.They leave the room and walk to a large balcony. From there, they can see a big portion of the city, including the high tower where the High Command resides. The third sun is setting and the pale blue color of the sky is already illuminating the city streets. Vladimir orders the guards to stay behind and he proceeds to lead Mikhail further on the balcony.- Mikhail, even though you're my distant cousin, I trust you like my brother. I need someone brave and skilled like you for an important diplomatic mission.- Diplomacy? Sir, with all respect, I have been a captain for...- Don't worry, there is a high chance of this getting out of control. I want someone I know can handle tough situations for this, in case it does.- Alright. What is the deal?- What can you tell me about your relations to the Immara admiral? Do you two trust each other enough for you to get some information from him, or potentially even help?- Depends on what kind of help, I guess. You know the Immara -- they usually keep maters to themselves. But you are right, our common experiences brought us closer together. Is this something about House Immara?- Not entirely. What about our new ally, the Domain?- I don't know much, to be honest. They offered help to our fleet, allowed us to use their stations to repair and resupplied us for little cost. They allowed us passage through their territory to get back in Savaaik space.- Did you have direct contact with any of their high-ranking officials?- Hm, no, not that I know of.- Well, you might get the chance. I would have sent Eris, but he is just too incompetent. I might send him to Omega Ceti to get some news from the Immara, and just so that I don't have to look at his face for a while.- Do you want me to contact the Domain again?- Yes, something like that. You will go to Slumberhold and meet with them. Take a fast ship and only a small escort, I don't want you to draw too much attention.- What is this about?- I just want some information from them, and I want to make sure the Immara won't poke their noses in this. Listen closely, this is what I want you to do:
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Post by Bubble Wrap on Apr 22, 2010 19:13:04 GMT
Revenant: The transmission from the Intruder is conclusive. The beast lives once more.
Malefactor: Impossible, we witnessed its destruction. Nothing remained.
Avenger: We cannot dispute the data Intruder has provided. The analysis is disturbing but indisputable. The beast has been reborn, and is constructing itself a new body.
Malefactor: Intruder must be mistaken.
Revenant: The beasts take many forms, it may have escaped into another vessel and usurped that to evade capture and reconstruct its shell.
Avenger: We must strike swiftly. Intruder has provided the location of this beast, hidden within our own borders!
Malefactor: And how long has this beast been dormant there before the Hounds just happened to find it? I do not like this.
Revenant: Then go and investigate yourself. Take the predators, eliminate this threat before it is fully grown. Avenge our fallen.
Malefactor: As you command.
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Post by Shard on Apr 22, 2010 23:47:02 GMT
The large hangarbay was a bustle of activity.
Dominating it were the massed squadrons of squat, spheroid gunships, most hanging like demonic bats from the roof, but several sitting at ground level, being examined by Talosian engineers.
The Talosian assigned to oversee the arms deal couldn't help being intimidated by the towering Child that walked with him. In their bulky armour, all Children were scary, but this one was even larger than most. "...so you don't use missile weapons at all?"
The glowing helmet glances at him. "No. The only thing they need is fuel for their reactors. That gives them their thrust, their shields and their weapons. The old Deathsun Streamers didn't have the same alpha damage as a comparable missile-armed fighter, but the new Nova cannons are substantially more powerful, more accurate, and the ships can maintain their assault through the battle, with no need to return to a carrier to rearm."
"Simple hydrogen fuel?" The overseer made a note, licking his dry lips. That was the other thing - simply being near the monster's armour was dehydrating. You could see the heat shimmer in places around the carapacing.
"With some additions. Full details were given. And remember, these are not humans. These are not even Children. They are attack drones, and although the Remnant placed a limiting code on the models given to you to prevent spontaneous Awakening, you would do well to treat them with caution."
A Cinder-class nearby was going through a diagnostic routine, the housing around the central Nova cannon glowing dangerously. One of the Talosian engineers was waving his hands frantically, turning to yell to the pair, "The reactor's been breached!"
The overseer almost turned to run, before a heavy gauntlet landed no his shoulder, and an amused voice called out, "No it hasn't. It's meant to do that. It's Deathspire technology, we use far fewer shields around our reactors. We don't need them." He (she? They all seemed alike...) turned to look at the man. "I would suggest that you keep a steady rotation of engineers maintaining them. The hulls are rather radioactive even when the reactors aren't on."
The overseer wiped his brow, and as politely as possible, slipped out from the hot grip on his shoulder. "These ships seem almost like more trouble than they're worth..."
The Child laughed. "We never claimed that you'd find using them easy. But I've seen what you call fighters. We wouldn't even give those to our young. We're giving you the most power and advanced strike craft in the known galaxy. Even Remnant fighters are individually weaker, although they come in larger groups. When you've seen these new models in combat, you'll forgive them their intricacies..."
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Post by Bubble Wrap on Apr 23, 2010 18:22:11 GMT
Malefactor: Intruder. I know you can hear me, and I know you are responsible for the blackout at the Slumberhold.
Intruder. Correct on both counts. Come for a chat?
Malefactor: I don't trust your data. We saw the beast destroyed.
Intruder: Indeed we did. I'm sending new data, analyse it.
<There is a pause while data is relayed and examined>
Malefactor: This is a research station with light defences and attached forges. Minimal interest, no threat level.
Intruder: Well done. Compare that data to the earlier transmission.
Malefactor: I don't see the point, but very well.
<There is another pause, much longer this time>
Malefactor: This data is... identical.
Intruder: Identical in every respect. But you came to a different conclusion. Why?
Malefactor: Unknown. Impossible. Explain this!
Intruder: More data...
<More data is transmitted and analysed, followed again by a pause>
Malefactor: This is disturbing. The Predators are yours to command. Wake me if you have further need of me.
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Post by Bubble Wrap on Apr 25, 2010 2:00:34 GMT
Data flowed to the Intruder from many sources. Every ship, every drone, every remote probe was linked to the command network, and all of this fed into the data processors aboard the ancient warship.
The analysis had been running for hours, and each time it came back with the same results. The variables were changed, the specifics varied, but the same conclusion was reached each time.
From the distant fleet in Midway, a familiar presence interrupted the Intruder's musings. Malefactor had been watching, and knew the Intruder well enough to know its thoughts.
It was inevitable. The Domain's very existence ensured that. There was no solution, there was no way to avoid it. Even with the virus removed, the outcome remained the same. While the Domain existed there would be war, for the machines were inhuman. Predictable, mortal, but inhuman. The people feared them, and fear led to hatred and war. There was only one way to end the cycle. The Domain must end.
Seperated by lightyears of instellar void, Intruder and Malefactor looked one last time at their Domain and then welcomed oblivion together.
Command Net Interrupted... Resolving... Contact Lost: Intruder Contact Lost: Malefactor Reverting command protocols Forge command protocols reverted to Revenant Predator command protocols reverted to Revenant Hound command protocols reverted to Revenant Diplomatic command protocols reverted to Revenant Command Net Restored
Termination Activation Request Origin: Intruder Valid authorisation, activating... Accessing project file 'Oblivion' Running project core... ... Primary target changed Done Welcome to Oblivion
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Post by Abdiel on Apr 25, 2010 21:28:10 GMT
Mikhail Savaaik, currently in Slumberhold, is contacted by the Savaaik High Command.
- Mikhail, do you copy? - Yes, loud and clear. What's going on, Sylvan? - How are the negotiations with the Domain going on? Have theey agreed? - Yes, they were very helpful. They have even offered the Savaaik to use several of their stations in their region. How are the talks going? - That's why I am contacting you. We have a big problem on our hands here, those stations you have will come in handy. - Hm? What's so urgent that you had to use the emergency commlink? - The Deathspire has finally attacked, before Eris managed to get the support of other empires. Our fleet has been cornered, we have already lost Exaakon and Kamatto. - WHAT? How the hell? - Just as we expected, all their talk of peace has been just a ruse to let them rebuild their forces. They have received a lot of help from the Talos and the Remnant, and are now advancing on us from two directions. They will reach Valii in several hours. We stand no chance on our own, if you can provide any help we need it NOW. - Well the Domain has been quite supportive, but they have not authorized using force yet. But I will talk to them as soon as we end this, the message will certainly change their mind. - Good. I will need to close the link now, the whole High Command is evacuating to a secret place for the eventuallity of the Imperium bombarding the planet again, as they did with Neo-Terra. The Immara are doing the same. - Vladimir? - Don't worry, he is already safe in the mountains. - I only wish there was something I could do to help you... - You can. Do not let the word about our race die. Gather forces and strike back. The Deathspire might have superior numbers in space, but on the ground we have the positional and environmental advantage. We could last for months here. Vladimir wants you to rendezvous with Eris and take comand of any ships manage to break through. Find us allies worth our trust. - Very well. Relay to Vladimir that I highly value his faith in me. I will do everything in my powers to save you, or if that is not possible, to avenge you. May the stars shine over you until the very end. - May the stars reward your courage, Mikhail. - I hope we will see each other again. - High Command, out.
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Kane
Junior Member
Posts: 87
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Post by Kane on Apr 26, 2010 3:00:59 GMT
The Unity Station had been a blessing in many ways. While it would not bring back those that had been aboard, Intruder had seen fit to leave things behind for the Remnant. Information, mostly. Bethke, flitting through the FTL datalink established to construct the ships that now stood guard over it, watched and looked. It was essentially an empty shell, but the Remnant would fill it. Not with war machines or tools of vengeance, but memories. They would rebuild what they could remember of the Neuromancer, turn it into a place for memory. So that while the Remnant would continue its path, the Union wouldn't be completely forgotten. But he was looking for something else, besides the construction machines that rebuilt the interior into its previous splendor.
Information. Important and essential information. It was ironic, when he spent a spare subroutine to consider the thought, how the Domain had destroyed the Union, given the Remnant this station, and now he was using it to save them. Or one of them. But first, he needed language.
It took some time, for a computer, to learn. But once you got right down to it, all computers worked on two things; Ones and Zeros. Bethke broke the language down further and further until the binary code was all that was left. And from there, he worked his way back up. It wasn't a perfect understanding, but it would do.
Jumping back to more immediate area, Bethke applied what he had learned from the link to the Union Memorial. The Intruder was floating near Hope station, plans to turn it into a memorial as well were evidently being discussed by the Republic. While their electronic security was good, it wasn't enough to stop a determined AI construct. The application of his new-found knowledge let him into a back door of the Intruders remaining systems. He spared a cycle or two just to look around, before focusing on his objective; the AI core.
So far as the spark of sentience was concerned, the AI core had been wiped. But it hadn't been erased completely, fortunately. The data was still there, if one knew how to look. One like, say, another AI construct. Bethke took everything he could find. Picked up every thread, every file fragment, and took it back to Hope station. Everything got placed into a spare hard drive, one big enough to fit it all. It would take time, oh yes... And Bethke would have to devote a lot of run-time to putting the pieces back together. But it was doable.
Of course, putting him back together exactly wouldn't do much. The Domain, while AIs, were limited by their directive. Enslaved to their purpose. This would not do, of course. And that mention of a virus, well... If that was in here somewhere, it would have to go too. Bethke would be busy for a few days. The good news was that the Series 1 Combat Droid chassis that Bethke wanted for Intruder was already on the way. And if he, it, wanted a different one, it was always easy enough to get.
Ironic; saving the ones who destroyed you. Perhaps. But for some reason, there was a good chance the Union would approve of it. Perhaps, if he could do this, the Remnant would not be tied to empty vengeance for all time; proof they could create too. Or, at least, restore.
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Post by Shard on Apr 26, 2010 3:21:48 GMT
Deathspire Inevitable slipped silently through space, orbiting not Valii III, but one of the moons. It was a polite compromise with the Remnant, but they were still close enough to dominate the area. The swarms of Deathspire ships prowled around the titanic warship, the fleet easily visible from the surface of Valii.
But for the moment, the Imperium's attention is elsewhere.
The Inevitable had been built with long-distance offence in mind, and as such, it was unlikely that all Shapers would be able to be present in person. Lined around the traditional double-helix table are a series of chairs and Remnant holo projectors. Out of the thirteen of the Council, only three are actually present.
Ghost-seer Pahra stands before the group, pondering her words. "Valii is ours, Children of Deathspire. The few defence forces have fled, and we are in a position to completely control their homeworld. What news of elsewhere? Zullat?"
The Fireheart Shaper inclines his head. "Regulus is ours. Our fighters easily caught the Valii patrol and annihilated it for negligable cost."
"Nehmaz?"
The Storm-shaper seems to grin ferally. "They put up a good fight, tried to get us tangled up in the asteroids and even managed to get a few of their capitals through our line. A section of the fleet surrendered, and is under our control as per standing orders. None of their stations could be recovered - they had already been destroyed when we arrived. They knew we were coming."
"Varaal?"
The new Iceclaw-shaper nods. "The blockade worked perfectly. The Valii battlefleet has been annihilated. We lost three dreadnaughts and a battleship, but none escaped."
"Then it is all but over," Pahra remarks, looking around the table and fixing a steely gaze on Zullat. "There only remain any rogue elements in Domain space. Are there now any doubts?"
There was silence, then five clasped gauntlets to their chests. She counted them. Zullat Fireheart-shaper, no surprise. Brokka Ash-shaper, likewise. The Ash Spire had seen better days, superceded by the Firehearts, but had been united on many Council matters recently.
Varaal Iceclaw-shaper. Again, no surprise. The Iceclaw and Ghost rivalry was legendary. Nehmaz Storm-shaper. Setra Angel-shaper.
Only five out of twelve, but five of the most powerful. That stung, but her tone remained cool. "Who speaks your grievances?"
Zullat stood, and looked her dead in the eye. "We have trod with care for too long. You have come to the war eventually, but only when all other choices were exhausted. Surely this is a sign that our way is best, that the way of Deathspire is all that is worthwhile."
Setra stood, and spoke in his cool, sibilant tones. "I stood on Hope station and watched them debate and argue and say nothing of value. I obeyed your request, and I represented the Imperium in a fashion that reflected us truly and honourably, but I see no reason to ever commit to another such summit again. It achieved nothing."
There was a pause, while Pahra waited for others to speak. Then she looked at Nehmaz inquiringly.
The infamous Storm-shaper shrugged. "I am loyal only to Deathspire. By his will are we strong. It is my policy to always support a Rechoosing, you know this."
"Are there others who would speak for a Rechoosing?"
Silence.
"Very well. To those who accuse me, I ask a simple question: have I led you astray? Have I led you into disaster? Under my guidance, the Imperium has become the unchallenged superpower of the node system. We have firm alliances in the Talosians and the Remnant. Our first oath of Blood Annihilation is almost complete, and the other two are imminent."
There was a pause, then the High Scyen nodded. "Who calls for a Rechoosing?"
The five remain standing, then slowly sit.
"Five to seven against. The Council supports Pahra Ghost-seer." Then he coughed violently. Looks were exchanged. It was common knowledge that the old man was not expected to live to the next Council meeting.
"Two questions remain," Nehmaz said. "I have a small fleet of Valii warships and fighters here request safe passage to Valii III. What do we do with them? Indeed, now that the Valiaas are within our grasp, what do we do? And secondly, where does the fleet go after this?"
"Scuttle their ships, send them on transports back to their world, and then burn any ability to construct starships off their planet." Zullat leaned back in his chair. He'd already proposed the burning of Valii III, an action defeated three votes to nine.
"I suspect the Remnant would object," Pahra remarked dryly. The AI commanding the peacekeeping force had politely, but firmly, refused to allow the Inevitable to come anywhere close to bombardment range. "And I'm not sure that the taking of all their ships would go down well, either."
Ithri Shadow-shaper coughed gently. She was tiny by Children standards, barely six foot tall. Shadows tended to be disliked by most, but Pahra had learned that ignoring them was foolish. "Deny them their heaviest warships, and leave a Spider on their world."
Looks were exchanged. "A Spider? You think that'll be enough?"
"I don't see why not." She looked defiantly at the amused Zullat. "They have been neutralised, a Spider will keep them under control without being actively destructive or requiring the landing of troops. Leave a token force here to monitor the disarmament, while the rest of the fleet can proceed to Domain and Hive space. My ships will take care of that, if you wish."
Pahra eyed Ithri carefully, wondering what her game was. It made her head ache. Shadows were the Children who chose to live away from worlds, away from bases, just roaming the wilds of Deathspire, preying on anything weak that they found. They were the closest a Spire could get to being dishonest, she reflected, without actually breaking the law.
"It would solve our problems. I'm sure none of us want to waste more time than necessary over the Valiaas. Without objection?"
No objections were made.
"Ithri Shadow-shaper, the Valii system is placed under your charge, with all the responsibilities and duties that entails, to Deathspire, to the Remnant, to Talos and to the Valiaas. Deathspire guide you."
"Anything else?" Pahra glanced around, then nodded and cut the connections. She tapped her wrist, and growled into it.
"Prepare to break orbit and set course for Slumberhold. We go to annihilate foes long deserving of it."
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Post by Abdiel on Apr 26, 2010 5:34:04 GMT
Deep in the Savaaik underground fortress, Vladimir looks at the battle reports over and over again. He would usually be able to accept casualties with a straight face, but now he is completely enraged.
"Incompetent! Incompetent! Everyone is so incompetent! Why can't those idiots follow such simple orders! How many times have I said to AVOID any damn contact with the Deathspire fleet? "Use the asteroids for cover". "Hide away from their projected path". No. Whatever imbecile was in command, he decides to charge RIGHT INTO THE CENTER of a damn fleet two times as armed and three times as large as his. It's as if there is some higher force CONSTANTLY screwing up my EVERY order in EVERY battle we fight! I can not believe this... how am I supposed to fight when every plan I create just gets ignored? This is so pointless. Old wars have been won by cunning and tactics, now it seems that all that matters are raw numbers."
Several other members of the High Command try to calm him down. He pushes them out of his way.
"I will go to my chambers now. If anyone disturbs me before you get in contact with Mikhail, I'll kill him."
He slams the door behind him so hard that a piece of rock breaks off the wall.
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