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AFS Jormungandr

Captain Kli Waverider

"Oh, that's OK, Jarl. I'm sure we can..." His emergency com unit beeped in his jacket. "Oh, sorry, just a moment." He pulled it out and looked at the messages with a hint of trepidation. His XO would only contact him in an emergency. Once he saw the message he understood. Damn... Avon burned.

"Uhhh.. That's OK, Jarl, we can figure out specifics at a later date. I dont want to take nore of your time. Now, I really must return to my ship. Who should I contact about setting up an embassy?"

Capital Building, Industries Spirit, Avon

Councilor Jan Lightbringer

"Who are they?" Jan asked Dar, fuming. Kir had help with her. "I don't know, Jan. My scouts didn't get a good look. They did manage to see that they weren't local. But that's not important right now. The Reconciliators want to go back to the High Cathedral. They think that their place is there. I don't know if I can keep them here." Jan picked up a cup and launched it across the room. "SPODEDAMNIT! Who's the ringleader, Dar?" Dar looked at the cup with a hint of annoyance on his face before replying "It's Uyc Heavyheart. Why?" Jan didn't say a word as he walked out.

In the hallway stood Confessor Heavyheart. Jan walked up to him, loudly addressing him " Uyc! I understand you want to leave! Is that right? " Uyc gawped for a moment before replying "Yes, that's right. We must rally the faithful and guide our flock through these troubled times. I hope you understand, Jan." Jan nodded calmly and turned to face Dar Malediction who had just caught up. Then he reached down and before anyone could react he grabbed Dar's Dragoon, pulled it out, turned and shot Uyc Heavyheart in the face. Uyc's body jolted, then dropped into a twitching heap. "Anyone else want to leave? No? Good, because the first person who takes a step out of this building will get as good as he got. Understand?" He turned back to Dar who had a look of shock and fear. "Attack AvCom. Kill Darkcloak and whoever her friends are. Or do you want me to handle that for you to?" Jan shoved the revolver into Dar's belt then left him. Dar was still unable to do little more than stare in shock at Uyc Heavyheart's mangled remains....

Jarl Aragonn
AFS Jörmungandr
Sector (-16, 14)

"I will notify Drekiheimr of your needs. Take your ship to sector -23, 14 and await further instructions."

Diplomatic Convoy to Acarian Fleet
Allied States of Lernaea Border

Rananyus Nosus replied, "I agree to an embassy and free trade agreement. I'll get onto sending a ship to establish an embassy at Acaria immediately."

Diplomatic Convoy to Witchians
Orbiting Protheus

"That would be perfect. Let's go discuss it at New Witchmond!" replied Jones

Wallace White - Diplomat to Aesir
Protheus
Sector (-18, 1)

White saw her cross her arms and apologized. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. And yes, I was asking about your capital world. Sorry for the cumbersome question."

Wintrean Diplomatic Convoy
Near Lernaean Border
Sector (-14, 1)

"That sounds great," replied David. "I'll get these approved immediately."

Zuophus, United Acarian Empires
Foreign Quarter
Sector (5, -19)

The diplomat hurried down the street in the foreign quarter of the city. The order was given out by the government. Soon, the empire will be at war... A large war that will last for a long time. He soon saw the Wintrean Embassy, still in pristine condition, but one look through the windows will see the interior stripped bare of furniture. The Wintreans took or sold most of it after the chaos in the empire...

He soon saw Bergli inside inspecting the embassy and calling down supplies and contacting Wintreath. Nobody even knew (including all of Acaria) that communications were jammed from Bergli to Wintreath.

He opened the door, took out a scroll of paper (Acarians still used the invention of paper even this late in time.) and announced, "The United Acarian Empires, has issued a Declaration of War Against the Wintrean Remnant."

As he said these words, the unnamed diplomat felt sorry for Bergli, as he had a traditional feast within the Imperial Palace. Then he realized, the government did not say what to do with Bergli. He was unsure whether to expel him or arrest him.

He quickly followed with the words, "You shall be placed under house arrest here in this embassy, until High Command makes further decisions to expel you to your homeland."

He waited a minute for Bergli to consume the information he just suddenly announced.

Combined Romulan-Acarian Fleet
North of Acarian Empire

Aedyn Zaegun soon got the signal back from Zuophus that war was declared. This was it, after a long journey back from home, they shall finally fight the remnant. Thanks to the conquest of several planets along the way, the troops were trained enough to not be considered recruits, but regulars. Aedyn Zaegun knew that the times ahead will be tough for the army, and for Acaria.

"Send out the signal to jump. Have the fleet jump to coordinates (6,-6). Also, sound the national anthem for our troops morale."

Aedyn Zaegun hoped for a quick space battle with minimum casualties. After all, ships don't build themselves. He had already created a military theory on how to ensure quick destruction of the Wintrean fleet, with most of their ships destroyed. The fleet would quickly surround the enemy fleet in all directions, preventing any escapes, plus fire from all sides into the enemy's flanks. The formation will be hard to keep together, but in the end, it would result in maximum casualties for the enemy, with minimum escapes.

Soon the FTL engineer announced, "Jumping in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... We are now jumping to sector (6,-6)."

The national anthem also soon ended as the jump began. The troops stayed silent, knowing of the trials ahead of them. Some already lost their comrades on the planets they conquered, and this war would be no different.

Aedyn Zaegun's Fleet
Varno
Sector (6,-6)

Soon the jump ended and they saw the planet of Varno. Aedyn Zaegun would personally deal with Varno, while the other half of the fleet would deal with Dara under commander Filipp Nakhimov of the Acarian Dvesti Dvenadtsat' Datal'ona (Acarian 212 Battalion). Filipp was a relatively young commander, but well skilled and would do well in the conquest of Dara.

The Wintrean fleet was in sight as well, the fastest ships already trying to get around the enemy and get behind them to prevent escape. Aedyn's fleet would form a blockade of the fleet itself to destroy it.  Thanks to the new Pyrrhus Class Cruiser, FTL drives will be easily stopped. A similar tactic will be used in Dara.

While the formation was in affect, Aedyn gave out the signal to fire at will. Nobody knows which ship was the first to fire on the Acarian side, but it was believed to be an Anastasia Capital Class ship. Soon, space erupted into chaos... The war has begun.

Filipp Nakhimov's Fleet
Dara
Sector (6,-6)

Similar tactics would be used in the space battle for Dara. Filipp was pumped for this battle. He would prove that he would be a worthy commander, and maybe even get his own fleet. Currently there was only two fleets, the Offensive one Aedyn Zaegun commands, and a defensive fleet for Acaria (although small). As the war went on, more fleets will be formed as commanders and officers gain more experience in warfare.

However, Filipp began to focus on this battle. The fleet was already initiating its formation around the enemy, and the gravity well generators were beginning to activate on the Pyrrhus Class Cruisers. Filipp gave the order to fire at will after hearing confirmation of Aedyn's attack.

Zuophus, United Acarian Empires
Emperor Zemas XVIII's Speech
Sector (5, -19)

(OOC: Here is a song to set the mood for this speech. Mood Music)

Zemas XVIII was giving a speech after the declaration of war. It will be transmitted throughout the empire, and even into the fleet during battle.

"Comrades and Brothers and Sisters, Legions of Acaria and the Royal Armada, commanders and politicians, workers of the empire, men and women farmers, intellectuals, and the people currently in battle.

On order of the Senate, Duma, and the Monarchy, The United Acarian Empires has declared war on the Wintrean Remnant.

After the anniversary of my dynasty, the Senate has voted for war with Duma and Monarch approval.

Today, at this very moment, your comrades and brothers fight for the glory of our nation. They have initiated the attack on Wintreath, which has fallen so low in power.

There was a time where we have not been united, that we were in seperate kingdoms and empires. That was 1000's of years ago in our long, and rich history.

At that time, many of our people were at each other's throats, man against man, noble against noble, government against government.

And what happened? Our region was about to collapse, when my dynasty rose to power, united Acarian and the Draconian Empires, and soon liberated all of Acaria under a single banner. Now, our people have united into one culture - The Acarian. Where your neighbors were once enemies, now friends.

Today, our country is in a far more powerful position than that time. We have developed a strong industry, and have many resources at our disposal. We have allies assisting us, and our scientists are at the forefront of technology. We have a splendid and glorious army and fleet, defending our freedom, and our people! Against all those who seek destruction upon us.

Our whole country and allies back us up, against the tyrannical Wintrean Remnant. Our reserves in manpower and mechanical power unlimited and inexhaustible. We experience no shortage of food, or equipment, and though our army is large, our factories still lay fully manned. Our ancestors inspire us to deliver this blow to the remnant.

There is no doubt that the Remnant is still strong, but her power wanes each day. They no longer have the manpower or resources as they once had, when they had dominion over most of, if not the entire galaxy.

The Remnant is expanding slowly from the core, seeking to have its lost and old glory. Who's the say we are not next? Once the remnant controls too much, there can be none that would stop them in their final conquests.

But, we shall deliver the first blow! We will stop them, before their power is too strong for the new civilizations in this galaxy to handle.

Even now, the Wintreath remains divided in government! With different parties seeking to take over, while our people stand together as one.

Comrades! Brothers and Sisters! Legionnaires and the Royal Armada Men and Women!

The Galaxy, our people, and our allies, look upon you to crush the remnant! Those conquered by the Remnant in their expansion look upon you to liberate them!

Be worthy of this quest! The war you wage is a war of liberation, a just war. Let the heroic images of our ancestors inspire you! Remember our ancient history, full of glory and heroes.

Let the victorious banner of Acaria fly over your heads!

Utter destruction to the Remnant!

Long live our glorious motherland, her freedom and independence!

Under the banner of Acaria, TO VICTORY!"

Ambassador Herjall
Protheus
Sector (-18, 1)

"Our capitol world is heavily forrested with small towns here and there. The main city, the center of our government, is built inside the mountains of a mountain range. This was done to both hide and armor the city. It's basically one massive bunker that looks like a normal mountain range."

Outside of AvCom
Avon, Avonite Enclave

Commander Gela extended her hand to greet Captain Breadbakker, "Nice to finally meet you in person, captain!  Shall we go inside to meet Councilor Darkcloak?" 

She gestured to the building, then turned to the security contingent of her landing party.  "Centurion, keep the shuttle secure, and at the first sign of trouble, return to the Stellarum at all costs.  Squad 3, you're with me." 

Combined Romulan-Acarian Fleet
North of Acarian Empire

"Praetor!  We have been given the all-clear to begin the assault of the sectors that we have been assigned.  Do I have your permission to flag the fleet to proceed to hyperspace, your excellency?" The Rear Admiral in command of communications questioned. 

"Yes.  Proceed to hyperspace and activate the fleet cloaks.  Keep the Scimitars outside of sensor range until they are required.   And as soon as possible, get the interdiction cruisers' gravity wells active.  We must not let any of them escape.  Transfer control of Sector Fleet 4 to Admiral Crederix and give him permission to attack Trilia.  Signal Sector Fleet 5 to remain back as the primary reserve force for the entire Second Imperial Fleet." 

Fleet Praetor Relatrex responded, then he turned to long-distance communications, "Ensure that Romulus is appraised of our situation, and inform them to dispatch the 6th and 7th Imperial Fleets as soon as is possible by way of the Acarian Empire.  Additionally recommend that the 5th Fleet be assigned convoy protection duty.  The letter from the High Command allowing us to invade has been opened.  The Emperor may proceed with his declaration speech at his pleasure." 

Fleet Command, Romulus
System Imperatoris
Romulan Star Empire 

Praetor Demera was appraised of the situation at the Wintreath border in the early morning, right when the message from Praetor Relatrex arrived.  She informed the Emperor and recommended that he convene an emergency session of the Senate to address the Romulan People.  And he did. 

Speech of Emperor Toridex
Capitoline Senatorial Complex
Romulus, System Imperatoris
Romulan Star Empire

At the closing of the Imperial Anthem, the Emperor, clad in the most iconic Imperial regalia that many in the Empire considered possible, cleared his throat and spoke, knowing full well that scores of cameras from every possible angle were pointed to him, at the podium of the presiding magistrate, with the attention of the full Senate and People of the Romulan Empire. 

"Senators, Fleets, Legions, and People of the Romulan Empire, is is with great pride and confidence that I today inform you all that a state of war now exists between the Romulan Star Empire and the Remant of the oppressors of our people—the Galactic Empire of Wintreath. 

As we speak, our forces, combined with those of our great ally the Acarians, have begun a great offensive into the homelands of those who once razed our great nation to the ground.  Now it is us, those who were oppressed by their once-great empire, that now bring the fight to them, to ensure that they never again rise to menace the entirety of the Galaxy.

As is according to legend, nearly four millennia ago our great empire was founded by Romulus the Great, Unifier of the Peoples.  It was nearly a millennium after that when the Empire finally conquered its last planetary rivals, and moved onward to the stars, and along with our brothers the Vulcans and the Ilúvatari, forged an empire. 

We were conquered by the remorseless and barbaric armies of that galactic Hegemony of Oppressors, ruled from Frosthold, with little autonomy for ourselves, when the Galactic Civil Wars broke out, we were lucky to have a man so great as Emperor Dar'nex I, Resurrector of the Empire, and a new era of Romulan expansion and glory was born. 

Fellow People of Romulus, once more the empire stands on the brink of a brave new era, an era that will vanquish our greatest enemy, and establish a prosperous and secure society. 

Our industry is second to none in the galaxy, our resources growing every day.  Our population grows exponentially, and I know that there is no people in the galaxy with greater pride, determination, and industry that us.  We shall harness this power to drive the final nail into the coffin of the Wintrean Remnant! 

However, this war will be hard, make no mistake of that.  We will fight this spectre for years, and it may very well cost us dearly.  But we shall hold Triumph in the end!!

Long live the Romulan Star Empire, and may the empire continue to prosper and remain worthy of Romulus.  Pro Imperio Romulano!!"

AFS Jormungandr

Captain Kli Waverider

"Thank you, Jarl, now I shall take my leave." Captain Waverider got up, saluted, then left, boarding his ship to proceed to the Aesir Homeworld.

AvCom, Industries Spirit, Avon

Captain Gry Breadbakker

Gry shook hands with the Romulans. They were pretty squishy. He was sure they would be delicious. "Yes, welcome to Avon though trust me when I say that it's not usually this damaged. Let's go inside before we get our heads blown off."

Inside the group met Kir Darkcloak. Gry watched as Kir greeted the Romulans and waited for their response.

Captain Dagfinn
AFS Odin
Sector (-16, 14)

The Aesir battlecruisers dropped out of hyperspace outside the star system and fired up their plasma drives. The two battlecruisers took up positions in front of the Wintrean convoy. Captain Dagfinn sat up in his seat.

"Open comms with the AFS Jörmungandr."

"Sir, comm request was redirected to the AFS Gungnir."

A video feed of Kommander Gunnarr appeared on the screen before Dagfinn. The captain immediately stood up straight and at attention.

"At ease," the Kommander ordered, and Dagfinn sat back down.

"Sir, I have with me a diplomatic convoy from-"

"From Wintreath. I know." Gunnarr looked a bit concerned. "Proceed with caution. The Jarl may order the fleet to engage or capture the Wintreans. If that happens, I'm giving you the orders to get them out of the Empire as much in one piece as possible. Engage any Aesir vessels you need to. Those Wintreans must survive if the Empire is to survive."

"Understood. We will protect the convoy."

"Stay true to our Code. Glory or Valhalla." And the comm link was cut.

Dagfinn looked around at his bridge crew, as the bridge crew looked at him. Dagfinn stood from his seat.

"You heard our orders. I know how you feel. Thinking about carrying out those orders feels like betraying our Empire. Hel, even I feel like a traitor right now. But we're following our Code. We are the righteous ones. If they attack these Wintreans, they are attacking an unarmed opponent with no provocation and therefore are going against our Code. They are the true traitors."

The bridge crew nodded in agreement.

"I couldn't have chosen a better bridge crew." Dagfinn saluted the bridge crew with his fist on his chest, and the crew saluted back.

"Now, return to your work," ordered Dagfinn. "I don't want any surprises."

The crew all turned back to their consoles.

"Helmsman, take us to the fleet. Comm, raise the AFS Jörmungandr again and tell them we're bringing the Wintrean diplomatic convoy."

AvCom
Avon, Avonite Enclave

"It is a great pleasure to meet you, Councilor Darkcloak.  I'm Commander Gela, of the Romulan Star Navy.  We are here to establish connections here in the Avonite Enclave, and to assist in any way possible in the resolution of your, er, current predicament?  What's going on here, anyway?" Commander Gela said, a bit confused by the situation.  She paused, then spoke again, "And in theory, a Tal Shiar Operative will be meeting with us shortly, as well.  At least that's what the Tal Shiar said... they can be... confusing." 

Kommander Brunnhilde
AFS Gjallarhorn
Vanaheim System
Sector (-18, 13)

The Gjallarhorn fleet was massive and spread out around the Space Station Muninn in orbit over the planet of Vanaheim. Aboard the AFS Gjallarhorn was Kommander Brunnhilde, pacing in her room. She was worried about what the other two would think about what she had to say.

The console screen in her desk lit up to show she had an incoming call. She quickly went to her desk and answered, making Kommander Gunnarr's face appear on the screen.

"You said this was of great importance. What is it?" he asked.

"I will say once Siegfried joins the call."

Gunnarr made himself more comfortable in his seat, expecting a bit of a wait. A couple minutes later, a call request came in from the AFS Mjölnir, and Gunnarr's image moved to take up half the screen as Kommander Siegfried took up the other half of the screen.

"Now that both of you are here, I want to propose...that we overthrow Jarl Aragonn."

Siegfried was shocked by what he heard, but Gunnarr looked unfazed by it.

"I was wondering when you would propose that," Gunnarr said with a slight smile. "You love this nation and its people more than anyone else I know, and we've both seen what has been happening."

"Guys, this is lunacy!" declared Siegfried. "He's been our leader for over a century."

Brunnhilde looked at Siegfried. "You've seen what he's doing. He's running us into oblivion! Wintreath is weak right now, yes, but we are much worse off. And for us to commit to a full scale war against Wintreath would be digging our own graves."

"He's changed, Sieg," stated Gunnarr. "He's no longer the Kommander we once knew. He needs to be removed before we all suffer."

"The only way to kick him out is to challenge him and defeat him in combat. You still remember how he became Jarl? He won against the both of us in the arena. Unless you've been training incredibly hard, I don't think he'll lose to you."

"He hasn't fought me yet," stated Brunnhilde, "and I'll be damned if we don't give this a try."

Gunnar sat up in his seat. "You have my support. Sieg?"

Siegfried looked at them both then sighed. "Alright, I'll support it. I just hope you know what you're doing."

"When Aragonn is defeated, who shall take his place? If all three of us fight and win, that becomes unclear."

"Then the answer is obvious. You need to be the one to fight him, alone." Gunnarr looked a bit sad. "As much as I don't want to lose you, you need to be the one who fights. This will be life and death for you, Aragonn, and the Aesir people. Wield that double spear with grace and precision, just like you always do, love."

Brunnhilde smiled a bit at that last part. "Thank you, Gunnarr. Glory or Valhalla." She ended the call then went out onto the bridge. The bridge crew stood at attention upon her entrance. "At ease." They all turned back to their work.

"You have that look on your face, Ma'am," noted the captain. "What is your mission this time?"

"Tell the fleet to follow us out of the system. We're going to see the Jarl."

"Aye, Ma'am. Helm, depart from the system and jump to the Jarl's location in sector -16, 14."

The Odinblessed navigator at the helm nodded and steered the huge battleship to leave the system. The rest of the fleet followed close behind. Upon leaving the system, they all disappeared into hyperspace.

AvCom, Industries Spirit, Avon

Councillor Kir Darkcloak

Kid's face dropped at the Romulans words. "Quite honestly, your guess is as good as mine, Commander Gela. We have the messages from Jan and Des. I've got no idea who's responsible for everything." Irk Flowchaser spoke up from his seat "My money's on Skyflyer. Siding with Yul Deacon? That alone deserves a bullet, the man's a animal. No loyalty, no honour." Kit nodded "Though Jan ain't exactly Mr Peace, is he? Plus, he has the capital. Basically we have no idea. Right now we're just trying to rally the Avonite Armed Forces, get off world reinforcements in, maybe even reinforcements from the other Avon Command Centers. We can figure out who killed who when everyone stops shooting."

Ruins Opposite AvCom, Industries Spirit, Avon

Ascentionist Legate Lis Growler

The burned ruins of a destroyer had narrowly missed AvCom and instead hit a barrack across the road. This is where Lis had assembled her Ascenionists. Her orders were clear, attack and destroy AvCom. She would admit though she was feeling uneasy. The death of Uyc Heavyheart had demoralized the men, but the soldiers under Lightbringer were still loyal. She had to attack. She lifted her binocs and waited....

High Cathedral Of Spode, Industries Spirit, Avon

Councilor Des Skyfler

This damn stalemate. How was she going to take the capital and AvCom? She needed them to cement control. She had men but not enough to take both. Maybe Fir Hannover's marines could help? Or the loyalists in the lower AvCom's? Until she sorted things out, she was staying put...

AES Murphy, in orbit around Avon

Admiral Fir Hannover

Control of the skies was mostly his. A small fleet led by Scarhealer remained entrenched behind the moon, Minmus, but she was to few in number to attack. He decided that the best place for him was on Avon. He prepared a shuttle to go down to the High Cathedral.

Diplomatic Convoy to Avonite Enclave
Border of the Democratic Empire
Sector (-6, 20)

The diplomatic mission to the Aesir had mentioned the Avonite Enclave, and so Minister Baker and Consul Xavier had both agreed to Ambassador Glass's suggestion of opening up relations with them. Consequently, a diplomatic convoy consisting of several cruisers and corvettes departed the borders of Science. From there, they would pass the Laurentian Empire before arriving at the Avonite Enclave.
Diplomatic Mission to Aesir Empire
Drekiheimr
Sector (-23, 14)

After some days of travel, the diplomatic convoy finally arrived at the Aesir homeworld. Ambassador Glass opened communications with the Drekiheimr's traffic control, asking for further instructions.
Scientific Imperial Fleet Observation Task Force
Sector (-17, 18)

The Feynmann-class shuttle left the AFS Draþor and headed back for the task force. As soon as they entered the docking bay of the Carpe Diem-class cruiser, the task force immediately jumped to hyperspace. Mott nodded approvingly at the display of efficiency that he and his crew enjoyed; the crew must have been preparing for the jump since they received news of the shuttle's arrival and the Aesir ships' readiness for departure.

Mott exited the shuttle, and waited for the Aesir ambassador to follow him.
Special Task Force of the Scientific Exploration Fleet
Near Witchian Border
Sector (-15, -13)

"Okay, I'll do that, if you're able to give us authorization to enter your territories," responded Bailey. "Otherwise, I'm afraid I may be breaking quite a few international laws."
Science Diplomatic Convoy
Near Lernaean border
Sector (-15, 8 )

The diplomatic mission finished its short journey between the Aesir Empire and the Allied States of Lernaea. Ambassador Jessica Rogers sent a transmission to the Lernaean border control, requesting entry and directions to the capital, so that they could establish an embassy.

Witchian Fleet Flagship,
Meeting Room,
17 days from Remnant border (-11, -13)

"Very well then, I give you permission to enter, if anyone asks, just tell them that General Krimlo gave you permission."

Diplomatic Convoy to Learnaea
Orbiting Protheus
"Very well then, follow me. Oh, and make sure to start up your hyperdrive." The scout set up it's hyperdrive, preparing for the trip back to New Witchmond.

State Ministry Headquarters
Frostlake City
Sector (-3, 3)

Jarl Jensen responded to the Avonite Admiral's request for elaboration, mentioning the diplomat and Ecstatic who had contacted him before their shuttle's departure.
Wintrean Diplomatic Convoy
Near Lernaean Border
Sector (-14, 1)

"Thank you," replied Øye. "Our convoy is equipped with the necessary resources to build an embassy. May we proceed to your capital so that we can construct one?"
Wintrean Diplomatic Mission to the United Acarian Empires
Zuophus Foreign Quarter
Sector (5, -19)

Bergli took a moment to process the information given to him by the unnamed Acarian. Trying to keep the shock off his face, he responded, "Well, bloody brilliant. I hope that my people and I will be treated well?"
Wintrean CIC
Varno System
Sector (6, -6)

Admiral Martin Løvstad watched as the Acarian ships dropped out of hyperspace near the planet Varno. Classified briefings had already informed him of a likely attack, but the sight of their former friends from days past, returning to begin hostilities, was unsettling, to say the least.

A report from the orbiting group informed him that the Acarians had set up multiple interdiction fields around the planet. They were obviously attempting to trap the Wintreans, but the situation also opened up a whole new world of possibilities. During the Civil War, the Wintreans' tactics involving Interdictors had vastly improved, as they had both used and faced the technology countless times against rebels and secessionists. As the technology became increasingly common, the Wintreans began fitting many of their ships with the now-antiquated warp drives. Løvstad issued an order for all warp-capable ships to begin preparing their warp drives. He knew that most of the ships had probably already done so, but you could never be too sure of anything.

The Acarian ships then began to move toward the Wintrean fleet, seemingly attempting to surround them. Even with the size of the Acarian fleet, though, Løvstad felt that the vastness of space meant that the tactic would likely prove unsuccessful, save for perhaps allowing an attack from all directions. There were simply too many holes to slip through, and that wasn't even taking into account FTL tactics.

Then, one ship fired. Then, another, and the beautiful formation of ships dissolved into the chaos of war.
Wintrean Diplomatic Mission to the Aesir Empire
AFS Jörmungandr
Sector (-16, 14)

As soon as they docked with the Aesir flagship, Representative Lundgren was escorted by a guard through the wide corridors of the ship until they came to a room. An Aesir male, clearly the Jarl Aragonn, was inside.

Lundgren remained standing, and waited for the Aesir leader to speak.
Trilia Scientific Research Station
Sector (5, -6)

Dr. Terttu Lajunen, Director-General of the Trilia Research Program, read the reports of the incoming Romulan fleet. Apparently, the on-site gravitational wave observatory had, in a fluke, detected the massive fleet, and, upon further observation, determined that it was likely a Romulan attack.

At first, she was incredulous, but remembered her studies of history. The Romulans were probably returning to the Core in an act of vengeance, as they had vowed. Her suspicions were proven once news began flooding the Nets of the joint Acarian-Romulan declaration of war on Wintreath. Why does it have to be us? she thought. They were simply a civilian research base, on a useless planet in the middle of nowhere. Their closest thing to a military was their fleet of unarmed snowspeeders! Why would they be targeted?

Maybe the Romulans want to have footage of fighting on an ice planet, to show their victories against the Frozen Realm. Lajunen chuckled morbidly at her own thoughts. She considered herself somewhat knowledgeable about the world, rather than focusing completely on the sciences, and as a result, she knew quite a bit about the Romulans. Lajunen wouldn't call the barbaric, as some of the more xenophobic pundits had done in the past, but she knew that her and her people's chances of surviving this encounter was near nil.

Lajunen opened up the station-wide intercom, and began speaking. "This is Director-General Lajunen speaking. Our sensors have detected what is likely a Romulan fleet entering the system. Although we are civilians, I suspect that it is very possible that we could all die very soon. Thank you, and have a great evening." After all, it might be the last one we will have.
Varno System

Løvstad watched, as the ships began suffering the damage of battle, watched as they broke apart and fell into the planet below. He watched as starfighters and drones were launched and fought and died. He watched as losses mounted on both sides. Of course, the Wintrean group was heavily outnumbered, as their peacetime fleet was already stretched thin in anticipation of the attack, and their losses were thus much more dearly felt.

And then, on Løvstad's order, two things happened, almost simultaneously:

First, the "trapped" warp-capable ships accelerated to superluminal velocities as they sped through the Acarian blockade, finally stopping at the edge of the interdiction field.

Second, the large majority of the Wintrean fleet in Varno System performed a precision hyperspace jump directly to the Acarian fleet.

As per standard doctrine, most of the Wintrean ships in the area were not orbiting Varno Planet itself, but rather dispersed throughout deep space, at the outskirts of Varno System, with power signatures kept low as possible. After all, a few ships might bolster a sense of security, but if a massive fleet would simply arouse fear. Better to simply keep the ships hidden, and then jump them in when needed.

With near-perfect timing only made possible by the Wintreans' powerful navicomps, the Wintrean ships converged onto the enemy fleet, relying on the Acarians' own artificial gravity well to pull them out of hyperspace at the perfect location.

Unlike the Acarians, the Wintreans did not wait to fire.
Undisclosed underground location
Planet Trilia

Column knew that all was lost when she saw the Romulans entering the system. If it were the Acarians, they would have probably been able to remain hidden, but the Romulans had a certain... propensity... for gratuitous killing. Not to mention that their intelligence service—and secret police, the Tal Shiar, had been renowned since antiquity.

No, the Romulans would find this place, and nobody could be allowed to find this place. Column entered her authorization codes into the self-destruct system, and initiated it.

A small matter-annihilation reaction completely wiped out the entire base in an instant, the surrounding rock absorbing nearly all the radiation released by the explosion. The only sign of the destruction on the surface of Trilia was an earthquake and its ensuing avalanche.
Wintrean CIC
Thandio System
Sector (5, -6)

Admiral Dorthe Nielsen watched as the Wintrean ships, civilian and military alike, surrounding Thandio planet were quickly and efficiently destroyed by an unseen threat as an interdiction field prevented escape for all non-warp-capable ships. The Romulans, no doubt, and their lovely cloaking devices.

How the Romulans ever made cloaks the norm was beyond the comprehension of Wintrean analysts. Some suspected the the Romulans held a planet with large stores of cloaking crystals, but others, including Nielsen, felt that an entirely alien technology was more likely. More to the point, however, was that Nielsen's fleet did not have a crystal gravfield trap or any other form of detection system for cloaked ships. One was going to be delivered within the next standard week, but that would of course be too late.

Well, there would be no point chasing after a fleet they could not see. She issued no orders to the rest of her fleet, and waited to see the actions of the Romulan fleet.
Wintrean CIC
Dara System
Sector (6, -6)

Admrial Wilgot Eklund as watched the battle raged over the ecumenopolis of Dara. He would usually be worried for the civilian ships that surrounded Dara, but most had either fled or were already destroyed in the chaos. Now, all he had to push out of his mind was the falling debris that would probably kill millions and injure billions of civilians by the end of the battle.

Before the first shot was even fired, Eklund was receiving intel from Varno. It seemed that the Acarians were attempting to use the exact same strategy in both systems, undoubtedly because they felt it was the best one. Might as well also use the same counterattack.

Eklund timed his fleet's microjumps with Løvstad's, so that the Acarians wouldn't be tipped off by either of their movements. His ships, dispersed throughout the system, jumped into hyperspace at staggered intervals depending on their superluminal speeds, so that they could exit hyperspace at optimal times.

And as his flagship was pulled out of hyperspace with a jolt, Admiral Eklund joined the fray of battle.

Witchian Fleet Flagship,
Meeting Room,
17 days from Remnant border (-11, -13)

After closing the communications link, Krimlo turned to his crew, "Alright, lets get this fleet moving again, we have a war to attend to." The Witchian fleet moved along.