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"Alright, Major Telsnen, we will send an escort ship to lead you back to our capital planet, Toobek. It might take a bit, so stay close to where you are currently." Al Ser informed the Romulan ship. Al Ser went to the spacedocks to prepare an escort ship.
"We are ready, when you give us the signal" the pilot commented.
"You may go" said Al Ser.
The escort ship then took off.

Computer Conversation Records
IRW D'Venorex Elysia
Romulan Orbit at Starbase Romula
"Admiral Pistrix!  What are you doing aboard?"

"If you had bothered to read your mission briefing, Commodore Fabar, you would realise that I am personally leading this Task Force to Toobek.  This mission is of vital importance to the Empire.  You will follow the Caelum in the second position of the formation." 

"No disrespect intended sir, but won't a Falchion-class intimidate them if it just appears outside of their capital world?  That might not be the best idea diplomatically."

"Do you honestly think that the Praetor Aquilex is that incompetent?  We shan't be travelling under cloak once we reach the border of New Witchmond space.  Your lack of confidence worries me, Commodore.  Ready the Task Force for immediate deployment." 

Twenty minutes later, the five D'Deridex Warbirds and sole Falchion battleship cloaked and departed for Toobek...

Imperial Senate, Zuophus

What had appeared to be an easy vote, turned out to become a heated debate. Senators discussed about the possibilities of militarizing. One of the main points being that Acaria has been peaceful for many centuries. So far 42 votes have been casted out of the 150 senators. The votes were 22-20 and Militarization was in the lead. Many were uncertain and it seems the Vote will go on for a few days.

TO: Minister of State Helia Baker
FROM: First Consul William Xavier
We've been in contact with the Aesir and Laurentians for some time now, and as we've discussed with their governments before, it's time to set up an official diplomatic presence in both of their empires.

Send diplomatic missions to both the Aesir and the Laurentian Empires, and provide the necessary security details from the Fleet. One Carpe Diem-class cruiser per embassy should suffice.
TO: First Consul William Xavier
FROM: Minister of Defense
I am pleased to report that construction of new ships and vehicles is slightly ahead of schedule. We should have several more Aphelion-class battleships soon, and construction of other vehicles is seeing similar progress.
Near territories of Allied States of Lernaea
(-15, 6)
An Exploration Fleet task force sailed through space, traveling to the next inhabitable star system. Things were going rather well.

At regular intervals, the Fleet set up outposts to expand Science's territories and support its growing population. Meanwhile, they also made contact with any inhabitants of these systems. Most tended to trace their lineage back to the Frozen Realm, as did the Democratic Empire, after a fashion.

The Fleet made peaceful contact with these smaller nations and welcomed them into Science. Many accepted after seeing the countless benefits, though some nations chose to instead enter an alliance led by Science. Those who refused were allowed to remain independent, but most saw after some time that their choice was only bringing them ruin and hindering them from reaching greater prosperity.

This task force, however, was under a different mission. Under the command of Director-General Kenne Bailey himself, its goal was to contact major powers of the galaxy. Traveling far away from Science's territories, it led the discovery of other important galactic nations.

This time, traveling south of the Aesir Empire, the Exploration Fleet detected signs of a burgeoning civilization. The task force exited its last hyperspace jump into an uninhabited star system near what appeared to be this unknown civilization's border, and began to transmit its standard first contact signal.

The emperor had just finished reading his son's report when Marinia walked in.

"You summoned me, Maxxie," Marinia stated, quite amused at the situation. He proceeded to walk over to the chair in front of Laurentus' desk and leisurely take a seat. The two brothers didn't stand on ceremony.

"Is that how Sarilla put it?" Laurentus chuckled at the dramatic way his niece still did things from time to time. "I suppose being informed by your own daughter that 'the Emperor summons you,' would be rather strange." He proceeded to pull out a cookie jar from under his desk, filled with the creamiest soft chocolate chip cookies they had received as a gift from the Æsir Empire. "Here, try these cookies. They are absolutely delicious. I have half a mind to conquer them just for access to their cookie factories," Laurentus said jokingly.

Marinia tasted one, and had to agree with his brother's assessment. "Gods, that is good. If I have to turn the Æsir Empire into a shining dust cloud, I will just to get access to these cookies." They both chuckled for a few seconds and enjoyed a few moments of silence together, before Marinia spoke again. "I suppose I should caution her against it, but I just can't discipline her. Anytime I've tried, she just looks at me that way she always does, and turns my resolve into jelly. You're lucky to have a son."

"I understand, but she is an heir to the throne. You must attempt to do it. Of course, if father were still the one in charge, she'd have gone through the same training you did. I imagine that would have changed her. Regardless, I requested your presence to discuss recent events, and your opinion on diplomatic missions to the Æsir and Science Empires." Laurentus had taken on a completely different expression now. Now, he was truly the emperor addressing his most trusted military advisor.

Marinia was puzzled. "I assume you're asking me because of how it relates to the reawakening of the Wintrean Remnants?"

"Correct. I'm also concerned our reputation as conquerors might make the other empires less inclined to stand with us."

Marinia didn't know what to say to that. "Well. They'd have reason. But we also have a reputation for being honourable and keeping our word. There is also our history with the Frozen Realm to take into consideration. People know of the bad blood between us. Additionally, I've heard whispers that some of the southern Empires, particularly the Romulans, are looking to expand into the North. These claims are unsubstantiated, of course, since we have no way of collecting information in a reliable and timely manner across such vast distances, at this stage, but we would all be fools to ignore it."

"That is what concerns me, too." Laurentus suddenly switched back into his role as the older brother asking his younger brother for a serious favour. "Marinia, I think it may be time to test the capabilities of Element Zero."

Marinia was puzzled by his brother's expression. "I agree. I'm confused as to why you wanted to discuss it with me, though."

Laurentus steeled himself. He would order this done if he had to, but he hoped he wouldn't have to resort to that. "Marinia, we need people we trust implicitly to head to the Æsir and Science Empires as our ambassadors. What's more, we need to send them in our newly constructed prototype ships."

"Once more, I agree. Get to the point, Maxxie. You obviously feel uncomfortable with whatever it is you want to say."

Laurentus took a deep breath. "I want to send Maximus Junior and Sarilla to the Æsir and Science Empires, respectively. Along with a full crew of undercover military and intelligence personnel armed with the latest eezo weaponry."

Marinia was uncomfortable with the idea, but he knew he couldn't keep Sarilla safe so close to him, either way. He sighed, then responded: "Alright, I agree it's best. Do it."

And so the Laurentian Empire made its first move against what was left of their ancient enemy, the hated Wintrean Remnants.

Ithyr Osman Lyech
Vysenn, Koria System, Capital Sector

“Reports indicate there are several systems to the east that are suitable for mining, sir,” a resources analyst said to the Ithyr. It was a long day; Lyech had spent most of it in his office filling out paperwork and talking with such insignificant underlings as the one speaking now.

“To the east?” he grunted. “The old Hvis systems?”

“Yes sir. Mostly uninhabited now, save for some scattered people. Terraforming and colonization would be a relatively simple matter; many of the planets are already suited to life, and the others shouldn’t take too much work.”

“Very well. Bring me Alcar Renn, and come back with him. Be quick about it, we will discuss this further.” The Ithyr pointed toward the door, and the analyst ran off to fetch the man. Caddus Renn was the Alcar – or Minister – of the newly created Ministry of Peaceful Expansion. Noting the recent expansion by several other empires throughout the galaxy, Lyech had deemed it necessary that Kevarus expand as well. If the trend continued toward intersystem expansion, he would need to align himself with a stronger realm sooner or later. For now, he was content to expand into unclaimed systems, although the nearby presence of the Avonite Enclave did worry him.

Turning in his seat, he looked out of his window. Vysenn was the capital of the Chain, and covered in large part by a sprawling metropolis. From this view, Lyech could see towering skyscrapers and countless government offices. Small ships covered the sky like a flock of birds. And, down below – far down below, for Lyech’s office was high up in one of the tallest buildings on Vysenn – people rushed around like frenzied ants, all with somewhere to be.

Some minutes later, when the old man had grown impatient, his door again opened and the two men he had requested strolled in. Lyech again turned in his seat to face them standing in front of his desk. Renn nodded and said, “Sir.”

“Well? These systems to the east? You know of them?” Lyech asked.

“Yes, I do. Many sectors to our east would function greatly as mining colonies. Several were previously inhabited by the Hvis; so there are ruins of great cultural value as well. I’m not sure why they didn’t exploit the minerals there for themselves. Perhaps they did not want to pollute the worlds they inhabited. Regardless of their reasons, the metals are still there and ripe to be exploited. Many of our ships are out exploring other systems at the moment, but I could easily arrange a small expedition to colonize a few of these systems.”

“And the cost of such an expedition? What would that be?”

“It would be fairly cheap, since the planets are mostly suitable for life as is. Just about the same as the cost of setting up a mining operation anywhere else.”

“Very well. I approve this mission. Take two teams with you – one for mining, and one to explore the old ruins. Perhaps we will find cultural artifacts, or some objects of economic value. Are there any papers I need to sign for this?”

“Just one – a paper that declares the sectors we colonize to be our territory. You don’t need to sign it now, though; I’ll send in the paper once our teams have arrived.”

“Thank the gods. I’m sick of signing papers for today. Very well, then, get to it; you’re dismissed. And, er… I suppose you are, too,” Lyech said, turning his gaze to the analyst, who had been silent this whole time. “Rather pointless of me to call you back here in the first place, come to think of it.”

Both men nodded to the Ithyr and left his room.

Captain Reyalt Krisen
Sector (-17, 17)

The pirate stood in the cockpit of the Zephyr, his own Frigate-class starship. He commanded a small fleet of pirates employed by the Severett Guild. One more Frigate-class ship accompanied him, and three Xebec-class ships rode ahead of the fleet. For several days now, they had been travelling around this area of the galaxy, between the Aesir and Rationalist Science, waiting for an unfortunate convoy to prey upon. Usually, this was not a long assignment; they had been on the job for longer than usual this time around.

Krisen chalked it up to sheer bad luck that they had been gone this long, but today was different. For an hour or two now, the fleet had been tracking some signals they were receiving. They seemed to indicate the presence of 3-5 ships. Krisen’s fleet had gone radio silent immediately upon detecting the signals. The ships they tailed seemed to be unaware of their presence. The signals were close now; soon they would have visual.

“Are you prepared?” Krisen asked the nearby crew. Several nodded or gave affirmations. “And you are ready to take all normal procedures?” More nods and affirmations.

They were visible now. Three ships larger than Krisen’s own Frigate-ships, and two slightly smaller. The pirates were at a disadvantage in terms of weapons, but it was nothing they weren’t used to. The ships, though distant, appeared to be of Aesir make. Few pirates dared go after Aesir ships, but Krisen was no coward.

“Breaking radio silence,” the Captain said into the communications line with the fleet. “Are all ships ready?”

Four replies signified that yes, they were ready.

“As are we. Attack!”

Immediately upon hearing , the Xebec-ships began operating their signal jammers and swooped in to begin harassing the opponents’ shields with their gunfire. Zephyr and the other Frigate-class ship descended upon their targets next.

By now all ships were engaged. No damage had been done yet; all the gunfire from both sides was reflected off of the enemies’ ships. Krisen opened up a communication line to the Aesir.

“This is Captain Reynalt Krisen, of the Severett Guild. We have experience dealing with your kind, and this encounter can only badly for you. Surrender immediately, and we will search your ships and allow you to leave unharmed. Otherwise, no mercy will be shown. This is your only opportunity to surrender.”

The escort arrived, and was intimidated by the massive ship accompanying the group.
"Uh, here, follow me," the escort warily said.

Aesir Diplomatic Convoy to Science
Sector (-17, 17)

The Aesir destroyer AFS Hrothgarr, commanded by Captain Borghildr, was all the Empire could spare from territory defense to escort the three frigates to Rationalist Science. They were traveling through the void of hyperspace.

"Dropping back to normal space," stated the pilot before a hole opened up in front of them. All four ships flew through before the hole closed up again.

Borghildr stood up from her chair. "Scan the area for ships."

"No ships within scanner range," reported tactical officer.

"Order the frigates forward full speed and match their speed. And get the hyperdrive engines recharged. I want to be gone from here as soon as possible."

The four ships were flying for a few minutes before the pilot spoke up.

"Ma'am, five ships have entered scanner range. They're heading for us."

"Send this on all frequencies: change your course or be fired upon. This is an Aesir diplomatic convoy. Repeat, change your course or be fired upon."

The Captain stood there, waiting as the communications officer worked. When the comm officer shook his head she knew what they were. Pirates.

"They're gaining on us, Captain."

"Alert the frigates and tell them to prepare their Drekrekkr for boarders."

The comm officer pressed some buttons but turned towards Borghildr. "Communications are being jammed!"

Borghildr picked up her helmet and put it on. Time for battle. "Battle stations!"

Red lights came on all throughout the ship, and the crew scrambled to their designated posts.

"Signal the frigates with the signal lights! Power weapons and shields! Load the torpedo tubes!"

Three lights on top of the destroyer flashed in a certain order a few times. The three frigates soon powered their weapons and shields.

"They're getting close!"

"Fire aft torpedoes!"

Torpedoes screamed out of all four of the destroyer's aft tubes and went seeking out the enemy ships. All four torpedoes were expertly dodged.

"Cut the plasma drive and fly on inertia! Use maneuvering thrusters to rotate us 90 degrees to port!" The pilot brought the ship around, all port side railguns facing the enemies. "Dodge this, swine! BROADSIDE THEM!"

All port side railguns simultaneously spit out their rounds at the enemy. Most hit, but those that hit bounced off their shields.

"Get those rail-GAH!" The Captain gripped the arms of her chair as the ship shuddered from the enemy weapons impacting its shield.

"They're hailing us!"

"Put it on screen!"

The Pirate Captain's face appeared on the screen. Borghildr removed her helmet to show her face and the pure loathing she had for them.

The Pirate Captain then spoke, saying, "This is Captain Reynalt Krisen, of the Severett Guild. We have experience dealing with your kind, and this encounter can only end badly for you. Surrender immediately, and we will search your ships and allow you to leave unharmed. Otherwise, no mercy will be shown. This is your only opportunity to surrender.”

"We will blast you all to Helheim! And when you get there, tell them Captain Borghildr sent you. Then apologize on my behalf for the inconvenience." Borghildr put her helmet back on then ended the transmission.

Admiral Pistrix smiled at the response of the escort.  "Hail the vessel!  Also, ensure that no hostile movements are made by any Romulan vessel.  Any Captain who disobeys will be court marshalled and shot." 

"Communications now open, Admiral!"  The communications Ensignant stated. 

"Very Good!  Hello New Witchmond escort.  This is Admiral Pistrix of the Imperial Romulan Warbird Caelum, commanding Romulan Diplomatic Temporary Task Force 12.  We are ready to follow you to establish an embassy and further progress diplomatic communications.  We have Ambassador Zentren on board, our liaison to your people.  He is very anxious to meet with your government.  We await your instructions." 

Imperial Senate

In the end, the Militarization got the most votes. Some senators were already envisioning dreams of imperial glory. the vote ended in 87-63. The policy would begin its effects after the Royal Anniversary was over. The Emperor would be notified immediately.

Royal Palace at Night, Zuophus

The Festivities were in full swings. Over 10,000 guests from the realm were invited to the Party inside the Imperial Palace. The Imperial Domain itself was 4,018 acres. This included the gardens, the royal square, and every building the monarch considered part of the Palace Domain. The actual palace itself contains 520,000 square meters of floorspace and consisted of 5 floors and a basement. Acaria boasts to have the largest palace in the galaxy. The architecture is a mix of traditional and modern and is filled with many wonders. One can often get lost in the palace or its huge gardens.

The party was going fantastic and everyone was enjoying themselves. There were many exotic foods and it was a large feast. Millions of Drakoes were spent for this party as the Emperor needs to impress its citizens or other civilizations in the galaxy. The Nation's best Symphony was invited to play as well. There were many activities and games to play as well. Emperor Zemas XVIII was in the ballet room speaking with well acquainted friends. Fortunately, the senate vote managed to end before the party started. Zemas was speaking with the Consul, Thravur, and the Head of Multi-Quadrillionaire company LECI, Chariton Athanasius.

"So, the Militarization vote managed to get through?" asked Zemas.

"Yes. It was a tough debate in the end, but I managed to convince some key senators. This will hopefully tell other nations to be warned not to attack us. And it will help us expand our borders as we control a small part of the galaxy." replied Nicholas.

"Our military tech needs some aid however. Tech has increased since the Great Collapse, plus these are Civilizations we have to deal with now. Our roster of Ships is very small. All we have is a carrier and some attack ship. It just won't do. Thravur, I know you're busy with our current project, but can you get a team of engineers to design us some blueprints for capital ships, frigates and such? We need to have diversity to win major space battles."

Thravur said, "I think I may be able to assemble a team. I have some contacts. However, I will mostly be supervising the Aetherius so you'll have to get someone to supervise them."

Thravur soon got a call through his communicator.

"Sorry, I must go. There's important business regarding a project of mine. Glory to Acaria." said Thravur as he got up and left the party.

"Chariton, will you be able to build more ships, including those blueprints that will be made? Of course we'll pay the appropriate amount of money."

"Sure. But we must relax and enjoy this party. There is plenty of time to do all of this and nations won't declare war on us at this second. The Monarch of this nation has to have some fun after all." answered Chariton who sipped on some Cognac. Nicholas and Zemas decided to heed his advice as the party went on.

Reconnoitre, Vigil Class Corvette

"I was chained to a desk for too long, and I believe that desk work should be left to those who deserve it, not to person who has earned his/her rank. Don't you agree? Anyway, all I had to do was pull rank... they let me slip right in!" replied the admiral with a smile slowly forming across his face.


ISA Headquarters

"Sir, we... our scanners have picked up a signal!" exclaimed Garriot. "It seems that ships have entered our border. I'll send convoy to meet them."

Two Triumph-class battleships were already moving into position in case anything went south, escorting a diplomat.

"As I said before, keep the peace," replied Morrow. "And before the convoy arrives, just patch them through to our headquarters. You can handle the talking for now. Keep me in the loop."
"Yes sir," responded Garriot. He turned to the comms. "Patch me through!"
He then turned away, took a deep breath, put on his game face, and muttered to himself, "I hope this goes well. Two civilizations in such a short period."
He slowly turned back and prepared for diplomacy.

Captain Reyalt Krisen
Sector (-17, 17)

The fire from both sides was now more intense. Torpedoes shot from both sides, but all were dodged. The smaller ships were darting around like hummingbirds, maintaining their hold over enemy signals. So the enemy captain had refused to surrender; Krisen had expected that. The transmission was more of a formality than anything.

“Form a boarding party!” he shouted to his crew. “All able-bodied sailors not on pilot duties get to assigned boarding parties!” Opening up communication lines to his other ships, he repeated the order to the other Frigates and ordered them to position themselves below the enemy.

Another round of enemy fire against his shields brought Krisen to his knees. After a moment, he forced himself back up. He turned to see several sailors fallen on top of each other; it would have been comical if not for the urgency of their mission. “Up, up!” he shouted at them. After they had disentangled themselves, they resumed running toward their positions.

The Captain saw another round of torpedoes incoming. Both frigates dodged without much issue, but Krisen watched as a Xebec was violently ripped apart by one of the projectiles. He winced at the sight. The other two small ships appeared to be in fine condition, and could keep up the signal jamming. They were more likely to momentarily lapse in said jamming, however.

“Fire back! Blast these bastards into oblivion! All torpedoes, go!”

From both frigates were launched several projectiles, but none appeared to make impact. The status quo continued, railgun fire bouncing off of each other’s shields.

“Descend, descend! Get under their ships so we can board!”

The ships began maneuvering into position. A round of railgun fire somehow pierced through the shields as they moved downward. A massive jolt was sent throughout the ship. Krisen nearly fell, but caught himself on a rail.

“What’s the damage?” he asked a crew member poring at a status map of the ship.

“Insignificant, sir; the damage is superficial. Hit us on the hull, all operations are still running without issue.”

“Good, good.”

The undersides of the enemy ships were now visible. They were nearly in position…
Launching the pods would be brutal, Krisen could tell. The enemy gunfire was a continuous downpour now, and while the pods could withstand impressive degrees of gunfire, they were not invincible. The fate of the mission would depend on the success of the launch.

“Are all boarding pods ready?” he asked into the communications life to the other Frigate.

“Aye!” came the response.

“On my count. 3… 2… 1…”

The pods shot out of the ships in unison; and, after a moment more of maneuvering, another group of pods shout out from Zephyr. They were all headed toward the enemy Frigates; the Destroyer could be dealt with after, or hopefully destroyed beforehand by the pirates’ guns.

In their propulsion between shields, they took beatings from gunfire. A few were destroyed in the hail of bullets, but more continued to push through, headed directly for the Aesir landing bays.

Captain Bogdr
AFS Ratatoskr

"Aye, the Captain's chair is the only thing I want. Better to command a starship than command a desk. I apologize for asking, but where did you say you hail from? Lernaea? Our people were unsure if you survived the war."
Aesir Diplomatic Convoy
Sector (-17, 17)

Alarms were going off to signal that the shield generator needed to vent energy. Borghildr gripped her seat tightly as she attempted to figure a course of action.

"Ma'am!" shouted the engineering officer. "If we don't vent the shield now, the generator will explode and disable us!"

The Captain roared in frustration. They're just pirates! "Vent the generator and fire up the plasma drive! Initiate evasive maneuvers!"

The destroyer's shield went offline to vent the excess energy while the plasma drive roared back to life. The destroyer maneuvered up and over the frigates, firing torpedoes back at any pursuants, and came around to the other side of the frigates. The ship took a few hits, but no critical areas were hit and all affected areas were sealed by emergency bulkheads.

"Stop putting holes in my ship!" roared Borghildr.

"Ma'am, they're under the frigates! Boarding pods are prepping to be launched at the landing bays!"

"Yes!" exclaimed the Captain. "Finally something to work with!" She pointed at the pirate frigates on the tactical screen. "Fire all forward torpedoes at their launch point! Hit them while they're launching!"

The pilot brought the destroyer around to face the frigates, and six torpedoes shot out right towards them. All of their hope and the fate of the destroyer rode on this one move.
AFS Jörmungandr
Sector (-19, 13)

Aragonn was watching the massive fleet from the bridge of the AFS Jörmungandr, proud to have such force at his command. Only had such a sight been seen during the days before the War, before he could lift a railrifle. To see the Empire, his home, have this again made him joyful.

Kommander Gunnarr hailed the AFS Jörmungandr from his battleship, the AFS Gungnir. Aragonn answered the hail immediately, and Gunnarr's face came up on the screen.

"Vanir! My brother! What news do you bring?"

Gunnarr had a stone expression. "Sir, we've lost contact with the diplomatic convoy to the Science Empire."

Aragonn's happiness was replaced by worry. "Who is the CO of that fleet?"

"Captain Borghildr of the AFS Hrothgarr."

The Jarl was even more worried now. Damn that woman. Why didn't she accept my offer to be my mate? "How many escorts were sent with that fleet?"

"Just her destroyer. We didn't find it necessary to send any more."

"DIDN'T FIND IT NECESSARY?! THAT'S THE WOMAN I LOVE OUT THERE! GET SOME SHIPS OUT THERE TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON!"

"Aye, sir!" And with that, the Kommander ended the transmission.

He was worried sick about the woman. He was enraged that she be placed in the situation in the first place. He was determined to keep on his mission. He wanted to ensure the safety of the Aesir Empire and all of its citizens.

Aragonn regained his composure and tried to focus on the sight of the fleet. The calming effect helped, but not knowing what was happening to Borghildr remained, a tumor in his mind. The only way to remove the tumor was to make sure she was safe.

He better be sending cruisers...

"Alright then, follow me, Toobek isn't too far from here," the scout informed as it lead the ships to the Capital planet.

Several new blueprints were created by Thravur's engineering team. Soon, these ships will hit the ship yards on Treon. The Emperor was very pleased with their designs.

"We need to get more notice in this galaxy of ours. Send ambassadors to other civilizations and nations!"

Thus, diplomatic fleets were sent out to every corner of the galaxy.