Human Monarchy AAR

[EuropaJupiter]

Parade Ground

Space betwen Military Academy and Royal Space Navy HQ consisted of two, long, richly decorated roads and uncountable amounts of parks at both sides. In old times - that is before huge resource influx from other planets - you could see beautifull statues covered in thin layer of gold or silver standing on both sides every five hundreds meters. Each statue represented person of special historical value, be it great monarch, decorated war hero or famous scientist. Now statues were replaced by holograms, and insted of golden decorations you could see benches made out of stones brought from diffrent planets. Usually roads remain largely unused, as commoners are simply not allowed to enter this part of city unless they are Academy or Royal Navy workers. This time it was diffrent though. It was a special occasion. By Kings grace, those of noble birth have been allowed to enter Space Navy with at rank of Ship Captain. After few months at Military Academy, with all exams and tests passed, they were finnaly allowed to march out of academy, through roads straight to Royal Space Navy HQ - in full uniform. Commoners were allowed on that day to enter in order to watch the parade. Most were just watching, some were waving, others were throwing flowers. A rotten egg maybe here and there - rare incidents and usually strictly punished once police identified wrongdoer.

One of young students... No... Not students anymore. They were all soldiers now - you could call titles as much as you wanted: admiral, general, officer, captain - but soldier was still a soldier whether he served as mobile infantry trooper or at Sea Navy or in Space Navy. Soldier is still a soldier regardless of his rank as well. One of young soldiers, who was marching this day, pround and looking into, what seem for him a bright future was Lord Baltimore from Maryland. Loyal subject of His Majesty. Unlike most others, he had already expirience in serving on a ship... Even if it wasn't a Space Ship but a Sea Ship, expirience was valuable. It definietly was a good day for him.

Parade finnaly camed to an end. Little park in front of RSN HQ, one hour of free time. Their last hour of life on Crown for a long, long time. Last occasion to say goodbyas to the loved ones. Last occasion to look at sunset as it is on this world. Last chance to say her or him what they feel. One last hug with wife. One last kiss from a dauther. Time is running out... One last photo to remember and keep it close. Time is out. Now there is nothing but service for your King, your country and your race...

One day after parrade has ended, all close family of those who entered service as ship captains in RSN has been relocated into inner city, where they could live in luxury and under royal protection, as his guests, for as long as their family members will remain in service.

[USSAmerica]

[8D]

[EuropaJupiter]

Royal Palace - King's office

Sir Magnus and Lady Recca were looking at young man. They knew very well who he was, but they didn't knew him, and neighter he knew them. Lord Antiliusz was standing behind young man. They both bowed gently before the king.

"Father... I came as you ordered. Lord Antiliusz made sure that my jorney from Space Station will be as fast as possible."

"Good. I am glad my son... Thank you Lord Antiliusz for taking care of my son during his years at Collegium Novum. You may now leave."

First Engineer bowed gently "At your will your majesty." and went out of office.

"My son... You were so young when I sent you to academy... And now you stand before me as a man. I am happy to see you. But I would not call for you without a reason. You do realize that I hope."

"Of course father. What is it that you require of me?"

"My time is comming to an end. I can feel it. I want you to slowly take over my duties as a king... boy tried to protest, claiming that is was not time yet but he was quickly silenced by his father. "We will start from something simple. I won't expect you to take over whole kingdome instantly. At first you will start by governing Royal Palace. When you get grasp of this, we will talk about capital. Only after that I will burden you with governing whole Crown. If you manage that for full year than I will officially abdicate. It will be already more expirience than I had when became a king. Now... Come my boy... I want you to meet somebody. This is Sir Magnus. And this here is Lady Recca. Rely on them, and learn from them. Some day their wisdome may save your life and whole kingdom!

Two months after young prince became governor of Crown, his father died out of illnes. Even now there are things that medicine can only delay. Mourning lasted for three days, after which king's son was officially crowned. Sir Magnus and Lady Recca stood by his side during coronation.

King Gudan Bendu XI is dead. Long live King Juran Bendu III!

(uhhh! I finnaly cough up with story to gameplay!)

[Hattori Hanzo]

GREAT AAR so far.. !!!!!

I will continue to follow you [8D]

[EuropaJupiter]

Royal Space Navy HQ

Lights were dim. Most of staff was busy with their duties. Only handfull of high-ranking officers and young king in company of Sir Magnus were standing in middle, watching large hologram showing all nerby star systems that Kingdom officially considered under its influence.

"Here, here and here. We assume that next attack will happen here, but of course we can not be absolutly sure. I already took liberty of sending in our fleets with hopes that we can intercept them and somehow discourage from any further attacks." officer with highest rank pointed at one of systems - one that was very close to Sol System.

"So... The situation is that bad than?"

"Your majesty... It is not really as bad as one may see it. Let me show you." officer pressed some buttons and hologramic display suddenly changed. It still showed same part of universe, but now it looked way more... Lit. It took few second for king and Sir Magnus to realise what it was - a display of existing infrastructure as well as current position of transports and supply ships, military ships and fleets. Every single object that belonged to the Kingdome was showed. "As you can see my liege, bases that were attacked, raided and destroyed don't matter much in greater scope of things. Their absence will not be even noticed at this stage. So it is not time for panick just yet. It is far from it. It is also worth to point out that none of attacked bases were military targets, even though they were equped with some weapons."

"I see..." silence... "Grand Admiral. I am sure that there is something you have on your mind. Surely you didn't called for me without serious reason." Yes, Grand Admiral was the only person in entire Kingdome that had right and duty to "demand" king's presence. Every other office has to ask for an audience. Sure, in some cases an audience can not be refused. But RSN HQ is diffrent. Their work is just too important. Every high ranking officer has strict time table. One that doesn't allow them to leave their place of work. They and their families all live in nerby buildings, which are connected to HQ by underground tunnels. And for anybody with rank of Grand Admiral to leave peremiter of RSN HQ would mean death sentence. They have only one work - to keep danger our of human space. Everything else is secondary. So yes... While King is head of state and actual ruler of whole Kingdome, as well as military leader there is this situation that RSN HQ has right (and duty actually) to summon him, rather than ask for an audience.

"Of course not young King. Of course not... Grand Admiral smiled, while presenting him some documents I said before that I took liberty to move our fleets into system in hopes to intercept pirate raiders. But what I really would like to do is this... he pointed at one system on a map "Pirate base is located here. While their fleets are busy raiding our mostly irrelevant mining stations, I would love to move our ships into their system and take down their base. Without it, they won't be able to hold such strong military presence in our aera. But this is risky plan. I do not dare to execute it without your approval. Ehh... All documents are in your hands now your majesty. My duty calls me now so I am affraid you must excuse me. Untill your approval won't come, I will make sure that raiders are intercepted. And with those words, Grand Admiral left Planning Room, leaving King Juran and Sir Magnus.

"So... Your opinion Sir Magnus?"

Magnus looked through papers, than inserted few codes into hologram machine and there it was - perfect simulation of admiralitys' plan. "It is bold plan for sure. And one that, if worked well, would be greatly beneficial to us. But there is some risk involved. First of all, we don't know how many ships are left and pirate base for protection. We assume they sent most of their assets into raiding fleet. Well, they certanly did sent their ancient battleship. So that is one that won't be guarding their base for sure. But still... If our fleets will go there, they will go in blind. Unlees we send in a scout first...

"Which we can not do. Main part of this plan is to take advantage of their raiding fleet not being present at base. Scout could alert them and make them recall raiding fleet. Not to mention time required for scout to get to place and sent report. And by that time any advantage we have now, may be gone."

"That is correct your majesty. Defending our own system and intercepting their fleet seems like a lot more reliable strategy here. According to reports our fleets managed to intercept their raids two times already. Each time we managed to sink two of their ships while not suffering any looses. This way eventually we will manage to bleed them to death if they won't stop. No major risk involved."

"Yes. Reliable method with no risks.

"In that case I will go and tell Grand Admiral to stick to our territory and.."

"No. Go and give him my permision. Look Magnus. Don't start again. I know we are taking huge risks and may suffer heavy looses. But fact is, whether we like it or not, that base MUST get destroyed. If this is best opportunity we are going to have, I am not going to let it slip. I accept their plan."

"Your majesty, and what if that won't work? What if..."

"Than we will rebuild... We will rebuild and try again. We can afford looses. It is they who will run out of supply before us. And while I hate wars of attrition, I am willing to risk one for solid cahnce to bring that base down."

Five days later new orders camed to both fleets. Twenty Frigates took new target and jumped into hyperspace. Upon their exit to normal space their crew had occasion to see structure bigger than anything they saw so far. Few hours later, they realised that structure in guarded by few pirate ships. Two days later they could see swarms of small craft leave huge structure - fighters and bombers. Battle lasted few days. In the end, Royal Fleets were forced to retreat or face obliteration. Pirate Base's shields were down at that moment. Some of ships guarding it were also destroyed. But it was all good for nothing, for Royal Fleet has been broken and in retreat.

Two more attemtps were made by The Baxter Kingdome to get rid of pirate base. In both cases looses were heavy for both sides. But in both cases Royal Fleet had to retreat from combat. Finnaly RSN had to admit their inability to achieve victory in that way. Missiles has been declared ineffective against pirate threat and Energy Torpedoes took their place. Yet even with that, third assault against pirate base was a failure. After that harsh lesson, King Juran asked (through his ambassador Than Bendu) Teekan Guilds for help. Teekan's answer was fast. Two of their fleets were sent against pirate base. One of them was led by ancient battleship... Yet even their efford was in vain. One after another - Teekan ships were broken, boarded, bowed up or routed.

It looked that for now pirates in their mighty fortress are untouchable. Not for Kingdome and not for Teekan Guilds. But than one, lone trader discovered secret that could turn tieds of war... Or at lest, make it more equall.

[EuropaJupiter]

War with the pirates escalates quickly. Kingdome throws its both fleets at their base for second time in hopes to get upper hand. Every citizen can hear reports of constant pirates attacks at mining bases outside of Sol System. During that turbulent time, there is another story to tell... Story which seem infinitly small when combared to hundreds of lives at stake and tens of space warships clashing with eachother. And yet, those are in the end small things that make history complete...

............................


RSN Investigation Office at Space Port over Crown

Archaic clock was hanging on white wall and ticking all the time. But apart of that, he could hear nothing else (apart of himself). Air smelled clear. Too clear. It smelled so clear that it was obviously not clear at all. Who knows what kind of things they needed to add to it to make it feel so fresh on space station? But still, it was nice change. Than doors suddenly opend and small man entered.

"Excuseme for being so late... With those pirates no we have more work than ever. Allright..." man sat down on other side of desk "What do we have here... Oh my! Where are my manners?! Sir Harrison Brown, Lower Investigator."

"Lord Baltimore from Maryland. Ship Captain." both man exchanged firm handshake.

"Lord? Yes? Right... Seems right. So... Nobility from birth. Serving in Sea Fleet before. Transfered as a volounteer into Royal Space Navy using Right Of Leadership act. How is your wife and children? Daughters from what I see... You haven't seen them for some time now, did you?"

"I... I don't know. You Sir know more than me propably. As you said, it has been some time since we saw each other and transmissions in recent situation were sporadic at best..."

"Yes, yes. From what I can see here, your wife and dauthers are allright. Safe under king's protection. Speaking of which, they should be here in few hours, so after we will be done with it, you will be able to see for yourself. But eoungh of that for now! Let's get to our actual reason of this conversation... Could you explain us" in that moment investigator put down recorder on desk "Could you explain us why your ship retreated from fight at Uganda Prime?"

Silence lasted just few seconds, but for both involved it felt like few hours.

"Because that was only way to avoid bigger looses. Anything else would be sucide. What we faced there was stronger than we could defeat."

"I see... Would you like to describe everything to us? You know... From moment when you knew that starship was incoming."

"Yes. So... Like you said sir, we knew that a ship was comming to us about fifteen minutes before it jumps out of hyperspace. We and two other escorts were orbiting around Uganda Prime. There is primitive civilisation which we tried to protect from pirates. To be more precise, we wanted to stop pirates from obtaining supplies from locals. Three escorts ships was more than eoungh to turn back all traders which were not traveling under any officially recognized banner. We took our possitions, ready for yet another transport... Don't get me wrong! We were ready to face a pirate escort or frigate... Maybe even single destroyer. But this thing... When it emerged from hyperspace... It was like flying fortress! And first thing taht happened, even before we managed to fire our missiles, it targetted my ship with some sort of energy beam."

"Blaster? But stronger?"

"No, no... It was a beam. Real beam. Not like what we used to call a beam... It went through my shields and than melted through armor. At this stage there was nothing I could do. I ordered battlestations to fire their missiles but... It didn't mattered. Nevertheless, we started reloading to fire them once more. Both other escorts also fired their missiles. And than that thing fired volley of energy torpedoes at one of them and hit it with that laser of their. Shields and armor got penetrated instantly. Few hours later torpedoes finished them off. At that stage it was obvious that victory was not possible. It wasn't possible with all three escorts to begin with. So we made decision to retreat. Battle was lost, but we still could serve King in other place, in other way. Unfortunatly before we managed to jump, that thing hit another escort in same way it hit us. Given disparity of our strenght, there was nothing we could make for them. And while I mourn their death, I am also happy to be still alive. And even happer that my crew is still alive. And even my ship... It is still fixable. If I could turn time back I would have done only one thing diffrently. I would call for retreat before first escort got destroyed. That way maybe others would also managed..."

"Allright... Thank you for that description. Hmm... I see that you have good record so far. Scouting Teekans system on direct request of RSN HQ. And few months before that incident you managed by yourself kill Sand Slug opening way for Korriban Spice... Unfortunatly before anybody managed to grab it another Sand Slug came out of planet. But still, doing it by yourself was not small task. Few lesser fights with singular pirate ships... Like I said. Good record Lord Baltimore. Given that, and fact that your description of what happened at Uganda Prime seems to be somewhat supported by recording from black box I am willing to end this inquiry for today. You have freedome to move on board of this station exept docking decks. Standard procedure, you must understand. I wish you happy time with family. Tommorow we will continue investigation.

Investigation took another three days. Lord Baltimore was found innocent. Moreover, HQ agreed with his assesment of situation and decided to recognise his actions by giving him promotion and a new ship.

(USSAmerica - congratulations! Character you created did acomplished few things and I decided it is good time to "level up" him. He is still a ship capitan, but You are free to desighn his ship now - with certian limitations. Max size 250, class is Frigate. Currently Missiles and Torpedoes are most advanced weapon systems I have, with both of them being at baisic level. I have also Blasters and Fighters/Bombers. Baisic armor and shields are an option. As well as first tier reactor and FTL Engine (note that worst reactor and FTL Engine are of tier zero). No damage controll yet. Targeting and Counter aviliable. Life Support and Hab upgraded once. Baisic Trooper Hangar aviliable. Grav Weapons aviliable at baisic level as well as starting railguns. Boarding pods also aviliable at baisic level. Same with Point Defence. Uhh... I hope that is full and good description. Also, you can decide how this ship has to look like. Have fun! )

[EuropaJupiter]

RSN HQ

War with pirates was not going good for the Kingdome so far. And while it was far from loosing it - in fact, despite all the looses, Baxter Kingdome was rising and rising in its strenght - suffered looses certanly slowed down mankind's expansion into space. Not to mention resources could be put elswere than into rebuilding fleets afer every battle. However this time RSN aquired information from one of common traders which could turnd the tide. Both sides suffered looses. Kingdom and Pirates. It was expected to be the case. It was also expected for Kingdome to be able to reinforce and rebuild looses quickly. But nobody expected pirates to posses exacly the same ability to replenish their fleets. How they did that - that was a mystery, untill now.

Patric Burke was a commoner - captain of medium sized freighter. He made good connections with Teekan Guilds and often travelled to their planets and traded. Buying cheap, selling with profit. It was all his life. But on his last trading run he noticed something strange. His sensors detected unidentified vessel to enter atmosphere of Snuira (large Teekan colony). Than it just dissapeared. At first neither he, nor his crew cared about it. Non of their buissnes after all. But later that day, when their cargo was empty, and pockets full, as they were getting ready to direct their ship to one of nerby mining stations - that is where the prices are lowest after all - they detected three unidentified signatures warping. Pirate warships. There was no mistake of it. Insted of jumping toward mining stations, Patric's ship has to perform emergency jump into dead space, and only from them could traven to choosen location. One of officers decided to compare signatures made by three pirate ships with mysterious signature that entered planetary atmosphere and dissapeared. They were identical. With this information at hand, traders decided to inform military.

RSN HQ decided to dispatch few space ships in order to comfirm findings. It wasn't long before they were comfirmed. As it was, whole planet was controlled by pirates. Slowly, but surely they bribed local pack leaders (mayors), established hidden base in mountains, supported bribed individuals so they gained more influence within planetary administration etc, etc. Untill they finnaly found themselfs to be real rulers of planet. And planet was more than capable of supplying pirates for a long time. This could not be tolerated. One fleet was send in orbit of that planet, to secure it. Than on Crown and two smaller colonies new batalions of mobile infantry was quickly mustered. New transport ships were quickly constructed. Without any warning, twenty six batalions begun their assault on Snuira. It was first time in history, when human soldiers were fighting on alien world...

And while mobile infantry was fighting their battles, Kingdom administration was considering very carefully if Teekan Guilds can be trusted and if they aren't secretly cooworking with pirates as well...

[EuropaJupiter]

Planet Snuira 13 days before invasion

Chamber was filled with many, many, many small Teekans. Every one of them had insignia symbolising their pack. They were sitting around huge holographic display showing their planet and space around it. One of Teekans, way bigger - or should I say fatter - and covered by more elegant clothes stood in middle of hologram, which looked as if he would be standing inside of planet.

"Fellow Pack Leaders, we have problems. As you see, humans learned about our cooperation with pirates and saw through our deceptions. Now their fleet is blocking our world." at this moment red dots showed up around planet. Those were obviously Kingdom's warships. "So far they were only blocading us. We tried to contact their alpha male and offer a deal but they refused any contact. We heard they do not understand War Through Trade philosophy, but always thought it was not true. Only mad would not see its benefits. How they manage their packs and guilds without it I have no idea. Regardless, we have detected another eight object comming close to our planet. Unlike those already present here, they seem to be packed together. What is more, they move toward Okasian Oasis - only surfface lake on this planet. Two of those ships seem to be approatching bit faster than the rest. We believe that they carry their pack warriors on board."

At those words every Teekan in chamber started instantly screaming, talking or whispering. Some with non-belief, as they could not imagine that there are races who would choose Trade Of Violence philosophy over War Through Trade. It didn't made any sense for them. Others were just affraid and full of concerns. And some demanded that actions will be taken. None of them was really listining to what other have to say. It was a group lament that lasted for fifteen minutes. But after those fifteen minutes everybody calmed down, as if some dose of anxiety was vented away and reason managed to regain controll.

"We have two more weeks before their pack-carrying ships will close eoungh to land them on our home. In that time I want you all to ready your packs for Trade Of Violence. All guilds are to relinquish their resources. Those will be returned after we deal with situation. I will try to contact our Pirate Investors and plead for help in that time."

Troop Transport - staff meeting. 4 days to invasion.

"Gentelmen... I know we have been through this over hundred times already, but it is our last occasion to have such meeting in full squad. After this transport ships with batalions designated for first wave will need to speed up and personal meeting won't be possible without slowing our plans down. I will try to be brief. Planet on which we are landing is covered mostly in desert. We have detected many smaller and medium sized settlements on its surface. Our assumption is that they were build over underground water reserves. As far as we know, Teekans need less water than we do, but they still need it in large quantities. However, we are not willing to bet succes of invasion on that assumption. Not to mention that enemy may just poison water supplies. For those reasons we will take controll of this region over here. It is the only surfface lake on whole planet. First Wave will land in those locations. We expect them to be lightly guarded, but you never may be sure. As you can see, this region is not urbanized. Few smaller villiges. They say that Teekans do not like to live too close to surfface water. Too much moisture makes them feel bad. You must secure all this location, from here to here and setup base of operation. You will have only four hours for this. After that time rest of batalions will start landing within secured aera. What it means in practice is that you should target any and all anti-air or anti-space batteries first. Last thing we want is their defences shooting down dropship. Idea of separating our invasion into two waves is limit that risk. Now... If enemy resistance will prove to be too strong on ground, than we will try to evacuate you of course, but we all know how such things end, so no promisses here. Is everything clear? Good. Let's move to next stage. After reinforcments will arrive, our first objective will be...

Teekan settlement near Okasian Oassis.

Evening was beautifull. Sands of Snuira were reflecting last rays of light. Soon night will come and stars will become visible. Few tiny clouds were lazily moving behind horizont. And wind... Wind was just wonderfull. Nice. Dry. Warm, but not too warm. One could even feel smell of hot sand in the air. But that serene atmosphere was spoiled but armed Teekans running from place to place, screaming to each-other and carrying more and more equipment in hurry. Some were erecting barricades betwen dwelwings. Others were covering entrances to dwelwings with rock and sand, prepearing good camoflaged possitions. Few were standing on nerby hill with their binoculars, looking into sky. Everybody was in rush... And than, in distance there was a sound of alarm siren. Barely hearable. Than closer - this one must be comming from nerby villige. And another, also nerby, but from diffrent direction... One of soldiers on the hill screamed something through his communicator and moment later entire settlement was also engulfed by terrible noise. There was no mistake here - everyone who looked into sky could see small object falling down. One after another, one after another... There were thousands of them. Tens of thousands... Maybe even hundreds. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! - anti-air batteries started to fire at invadors. Few were hit and destroyed... But for every that was hit, there was thousand of those which continued to land undisturbed...

[Rabidmuskrat]

I'd like to be made a character.

Lord William Wentz, 2nd son of a minor noble who can't afford to split his title in two for both of his sons to inherit. William was chucked off to the Navy to get rid of him, since he was a layabout and a slacker. If there is an illegal gambling ring on the ship that you are after, then you can be certain that William 'knows a guy'. If there is illicit bootlegging, yep, he is involved. If you need to acquire some items that 'fell off the back of a truck' then he's your man.

William does everything in his power to avoid any sort of actual work. If he achieves success, it will be despite his best efforts, not because of them.

[EuropaJupiter]

ORIGINAL: Rabidmuskrat

I'd like to be made a character.

Lord William Wentz, 2nd son of a minor noble who can't afford to split his title in two for both of his sons to inherit. William was chucked off to the Navy to get rid of him, since he was a layabout and a slacker. If there is an illegal gambling ring on the ship that you are after, then you can be certain that William 'knows a guy'. If there is illicit bootlegging, yep, he is involved. If you need to acquire some items that 'fell off the back of a truck' then he's your man.

William does everything in his power to avoid any sort of actual work. If he achieves success, it will be despite his best efforts, not because of them.

Noted. Character will be added at first gaming session and will make it into some of stories every now and than.

[EuropaJupiter]

Snuira - temporary Mobile Infantry HQ. Second week after invasion begun.

"Lord General!" young man entered planning room and saluted.

"At ease Henric. Report for me?" Lord general streched his arm.

"Yes sir." Henric gave data slate to the general and went out of room.

General put in his permision code and data slate allowed him to acces its content. He quickly went through all what was written in there - many young officers didn't read reports. They just liked to plug slate into holografic display and see current situation. But not he. He was old and ugly eoungh to understand that simply looking at simulation doesn't tell him all the details. So he quickly went through report and than inserted data slate into his display. Once he did that symbols and colors on hologram changed so that they could represent current situation. At least according to latest report that is. Who knows how many details are not reported?

But what holographic display was telling now? Mobile Infantry quickly managed to break every resistance in vicinity of landing zone. All small and medium population centers were quickly occupied. Number of casualities was high at Teekans' side and very low at human side. That disparity was so big that at first days Lord General was absolutly sure it must be mistake. But it wasn't. Not only human forces had numerical advantage but also effectivenes of individual soldiers looked greatly in human favour. And that was despite Teekans being at first in fortified possitions. Fighting was going on just for a two weeks, and already large amount of land was under Kingdom's controll.

Another thing that one could notice is that supply lines were already quite streched. Logistic department was simply not prepeared for such fast advancment of human forces. Yet, despite that there was no reason to slow down. Teekans seemed to completly ignore supply transports. They ignored flanking opportunities. They even stopped any tries to counter attack despite odds being every now and than in their favour.

Why was that a case? There were few reasons. First, and main reason was that Teekans seemed to not really understand war correctly. They lacked - as a race - proper expirience in that regard. In their past most of problems were solved with trade and exchanges. Sometimes, when things went very far - with bribes. There were only few instances of war in their history, and even than most of those were rarely fought with deadly weapons. Which leads us to another reason, why Teekans were unable to properly defend their own planet. Their weapons. From technological point of view, Teekans seemed to have upper hand in that regard. But in reality, that advantage simply didn't mattered. Most Teekan small arms were designed to disarm another Teekan. It lacked force to kill in one shoot fully grown human. Even if used against avarange 12 years old boy it wouldn't be able to deliver death with one shoot - unless aiming at some vital organs or in head. Their small arms were ment to injury those on reciving end, so that their life may be yet saved after fighting ends. Were they not capable of building better and more deadly weapons? Of course they could! But way they understood world - it was better to hurt than to kill. And while that philosophy might be right under most circumpstances, in fight against fully grow human being that was just not going to work. In same time, standard issue AR used by Mobile Infantry soldiers was capable of bringing down an elephant with one, well aimed shoot.

It was not equall fight. And Teekans understood it well after first four days of war. According to some prisoners, their pack leaders saw only possibility of victory at sticking to population centers, fortifying them and hoping that it will discourage humans. One can not balme them for that attitude to be honest - they found themselfs fighting beings twice the size of them, equipped with weapons that they would have to either mount on smaller vehicles or deploy on field and numericaly superior. It was brutal.

Yet, despite that, those Teekan units that were defending populated aeras were resisting bravely. They might have no courage to take initiative but when war camed to them - they stood up and fought as hard as they could.



Snuira was a big planet. That alone made fighting last long time. For whole year Teekans were trying to resist. When their effort failed and they had to surrender and accept Kingdom's administration pirates finnaly decided to activate their armed cells. Yet they lacked strenght and discipline to defeat human armies and force them off the planet. In the end, after three months of heavy fighting, pirates' hidden bases and planetary leadership were eradicated. Their organisation was rooted out from Snuira. Six batalions were left as occupation garrisons. It was finest victory in mankind's history for now. It was also new challange that Kingdome had to overcome - how to integrate this alien race into its social structure? It was a new battle - one that was not fought with guns...

[USSAmerica]

ORIGINAL: EuropaJupiter

(USSAmerica - congratulations! Character you created did acomplished few things and I decided it is good time to "level up" him. He is still a ship capitan, but You are free to desighn his ship now - with certian limitations. Max size 250, class is Frigate. Currently Missiles and Torpedoes are most advanced weapon systems I have, with both of them being at baisic level. I have also Blasters and Fighters/Bombers. Baisic armor and shields are an option. As well as first tier reactor and FTL Engine (note that worst reactor and FTL Engine are of tier zero). No damage controll yet. Targeting and Counter aviliable. Life Support and Hab upgraded once. Baisic Trooper Hangar aviliable. Grav Weapons aviliable at baisic level as well as starting railguns. Boarding pods also aviliable at baisic level. Same with Point Defence. Uhh... I hope that is full and good description. Also, you can decide how this ship has to look like. Have fun! )

Very cool!!!

The opportunity to design a ship is a fun one, alas, I don't currently have the game installed. I'll give you my preferences and let you squeeze the most out of the 250 size based on them:

1. Speed! Best available FTL drive is a given, but also sub-light speed is important to me. I'll generally go for more reactors and engines over lots of armor and multiple weapon systems.

2. Shields - the most that are practical to fit into the size.

3. Torpedoes - primary armament.

4. Blasters - a couple for secondary armament.

5. Directional thrusters - key for maneuverability, small and cheap.

6. Armor - maybe some minimal if there is room.

No other weapon systems, fighters, troops, etc. Focus on fast, punch the enemy with torpedoes, enough shields to hold up for an attack run, and then fast enough to turn and open distance if needed. Shields over armor for me, as they can recharge if I'm faster than the enemy. [8D]

[Hattori Hanzo]

I would like to add a character:

Lady Susan Storm, the only daughter of the old Jacob Storm a very small noble from Artemisia, an ancient city home to a famous university.

[EuropaJupiter]

USSAmerica - noted. This is nice and clear list. Hmm... In that case your ship will remain Escort (in my games Frigates and Escorts are of equal size, Escort is fast and agine while Frigate is more beefy and DPSy - and they function on equal standing).

Hattori Hanzo - your character has been also noted and will be added... Well, soon

[USSAmerica]

It's a party in space!

[EuropaJupiter]

RSN HQ - Grand Admiral's private chambers

Lord Nelson Willington was Grand Admiral for as long as Royal Space Navy existed. Before that he was captain of exploration ship. And before that, he was an admiral of sea fleet. He was now well over 100 years old, but thanks to miracles of modern medicine, his biological age was still at his forties. He was lucky in that regard. Avarange person can have their life expanded by thirty to fourty years. His lifespan will be more than doubled as it seem. But than again - there were those whose lifespan could not be extended by gene therapy at all and had to live with what time was given to them by more traditional ways. So even avarange person could call themselfs lucky. He looked at his guest - Dean of Military Academy. They knew each other pretty well, though none of them would call it a friendship. So if Dean decided to pay him private visit, he knew that it was done for a reason related to their work. As custom demanded he made sure his quest had place to sit, glass full of Loros Fruit Wine (one bottle costed him small fortune! Sekurans may not be sharpest traders in sector, but even they knew value of it!) and invitation for a meal - that one was politely refused as dean was a busy person.

"Allright. So... What brings you to me this time? I guess it is related to one of my new cadets. Am I right?"

Dean didn't looked surprised by that question at all."What? He did something already? I swear... I knew he will be troublesome. But on his first day?"

Grand Admiral just laughted hearing it "Relax a bit. Nobody did anything yet. I just guess that is the case, because that is only thing that connect our roles in Kingdom. You produce soldiers and I use them. What else could bring you here? It is not like you have time for social visits and I hardly have time for them either." he poured some of Loros Wine to his glass "So when occasion happens, at least I hope to get best out of it. Cheers! To king's health! May he live long!" both men rose their glass and drunk wine. It was delitious, but that was to be expected. Expensive stuff.

"You like him, don't you? This new king I mean."

"He is still young and unexpirienced. But you are right. I like him. He has guts. He is not affraid to do what needs to be done. And he takes risks, you know? Sometimes it hurts, but believe me. Those who are not taking risks usually suffer most in the end. Beside that, he is persistent. Just look at our situation with pirates. Three months passed and not a single raid! After our third assault at their base... And third failure by the way - most previous monarchs would just give up and paid pirates off. His father would! I know that for sure. But not this kid. He found just another way in. Took pirate planet, setup monitoring stations to have constant intell on what happens in pirate system. Let First Engineer finish new version of torpedoes and than, when fleets got retrofitted he gave me free hand to launch fourth assault at their base. But you know that, don't you? And that is not a reason you are here.."

That was truth. Destruction of pirate base at Andat Prime was covered by all media in the Kingdome. It was major event. Full week of celebration was ordered. During that time only most crutial offices and institution worked. Everybody else - be it noble or commoner - were free of work. Of course, RSN never rests and is always working. Admirality encouraged by their succes quickly launched assaults against other three pirate stations that were further away from human space. Every assault was a major victory. Mankind lost only few destroyers in the process. Pirate's looses were countless. Since then, only type of pirates that showed in human space were smuglers delivering goods otherwise unobtainable. And they were welcomed to do so as far as Kingdom was concerned.

"Yea... You are right of course." dean put on table two data slates "Here are recruits I wanted to talk about with you. Especially this one... Lord William Wentz. Oh gosh, that boy is walking nightmare. Keep an eye on him. His father sent him to us to just get rid of him. He wasn't even trying to hide it! Can you imagine? Look Nelson! Such things happen. Sure. It wasn't first time that nobility wants to get rid of one of their child. Sending them to military is better than causing them to die for many reasons. But most of time they like to keep it hidden behind more ideological reasons... Serving the King! It is our duty for Kingdom! And all that. With William? No. His father visited my office and told me openly that he doesn't care if his good-for-nothing son will live through it or not. He just want him away. He also warned me about his... More shadowy activities so I could pay attention for it. God! I was such a fool to not listen back then!"

"Come on. It can't be that bad... Beside it we have..."

"No Nelson! Don't be like that! It is exacly what I thought when his father spoke to me. Trust me, that boy is just a problem. Keep an eye on him. If your cadets will suddenly have acces to drugs, alcohol or something else that is not acceptable here - I can bet my all money that Lord William either played major part in it OR he knows who did. If one of your cadets will get syphilis than it is almost sure that Lord William opened a borthel in your basement! If somebody will miss his duty - than it was either Lord William himself slacking off, or somebody was slacking off together with him. I can not think what will happen with ship that he will become captain off."

"If things with him are as bad as you are saying than why did you..."

"Why did I let him graduate? I will tell you WHY! Because unlike you I can not just execute him for his incompetency, and because of an Act Of Leadership I cannot sent him home either. So I am giving him to you. He is your problem now. Not mine. Beside, he passed examps with perfect score. I don't know how. I don't even care. I am happy he did so I can push him away. Not my problem. I just need to find out now who accepted bribe, what was bribe and make him expeled. Or give him a raise. Haven't decided yet on that."

"Allright, all right. I get it. I will pay attention to him. I will warn stuff about him and won't underestimate problem. You have my word on it. And what about her?" Lord Nelson points out at second data slate he was given. "Perfect score... In history of warfare she was considered to be above teachers. Science and economy also as if she would be studying in some dedicated scool... What is wrong with her? Also pushing your problems on my shoulders?"

"Oh, stop being annoying will you? That is Lady Susan Storm. Yea... I need to talk to you about her. You see... She doesn't fit into military. I mean... No. That is not what I ment. She fits in very good, but... I think she will waste her potential here. I mean no offence of course. Don't get me wrong. But people with her knowledge and her skills? Lord Antiliusz could make great use of her! Who knows? She might take his possition after him! Or lead science division! But insted she decided to join Space Royal Navy! I don't get it! I tried to convince her to do otherwise. I tried to make her life harder so she would just give up. I even went as far as sending her on duties with William to discourage her. But no. She decided to join navy and die in some backwater system while fighting some nameless low-life pirate. Listen... I failed. If you could find reason to... I don't know. Expel her from miltary and sent to Lord Antiliusz insted... Or just make sure she will not waste her talents here. Anyway! That is all I wanted to talk to you about. I don't want to waste anymore of your time. And it is not as if I have time either. It has been pleassure."

"Wait! Look..." Grand Admiral stood silend for a moment, as if conflicted inside "Listen, this must stay betwen two of us. I appritiate that you come here and warn me about possible problems with some of graduates. You know how many deans did it before? None. So... I wanted to thank you, and also share something with you. But it stays betwen two of us, as I really should not be talking about it to anybody else. We might be needing more new cadets pretty soon. So make sure to put more attention at practical skills than theoretical ones. King and his court gave us instructions. I think that he is seriously considering invading Teekans after that buissnes with pirate colony. We haven't informed public yet, but our fleets are being moved toward the border as we speak. So... Make sure that next month graduates will get as much practical skills as possible in that time. And next month as well... But remember - this conversaion, it stays betwen us. Allright? Good. Take care."

Both men shook their hands, said good byas and get back to their work again.

[Rabidmuskrat]

"You were supposed to make me just barely fail!" William waved his graduation document in the weaselly commoner's face. The man was filthy and far beneath his station, but he was also an excellent sneak-thief with a gambling problem.
"You said to copy Lady Storm's paper! I did that!"
"And then change the answers of 41% of the marks so I just barely fail and have to repeat next year! Weren't you listening?"
The man blinked at him in confustion.
William sighed. "I'll take that as a no. Now I'm going to get saddled with my own ship and sent to the front lines, instead of kept back nice and safe in the Academy. Nicely done, dumbass."
"Is my debt still cancelled?" the man asked with hope in his voice.
"NO ITS THE OPPOSITE OF CANCELLED!"

[EuropaJupiter]

^
I like that! Allright people! If any of you want to add small RPing that includes their characters in various situations (sometimes providing more light to what exacly happened) you are welcomed to do so. But I must ask you to follow two things. First is to follow universe (so for example when describing space battle that your character was in, keep in mind that in DW space battle takes days if not months, projectiles fly for hours or even days betwen targets, phasers hit instantly, but take hours/days to be ready for another shoot etc.), second I would like you to follow pattern of format I do. Which means...

Place of action/Title of post
Narration/description/actions
Thouts/Written Logs etc.
"Speach of characters"

While it is not absolutly needed and in most of times there is no harm in not following it, I believe that following same format is better way of doing things and so I would kindly ask to do so.

[EuropaJupiter]

Royal Pallace - King's office

It was four at the morning. They woke him up at four at the morning. This never happened before. He could tell by that alone that whatever happened, it was serious. Really serious. Sir Magnus was already here, but he knew nothing yet. Lady Recca and few high ranking officers from Internal Security were on their way. Whatever happened, they would be ones to inform him. Internal Security... That was new to him. They usually kept to themselfs, rarely informing anybody about anything. And for most of time everybody (including himself) was happy to leave them alone and let them work their stuff. For many reasons... But this time it was diffrent. This time it must have been serious if they were comming. What scared him more was that Lady Recca took her interest in that to the point that she paid them visit. It had to be really important.

He looked at his desk. It was almost empty beside small table lamp, royal seal and one document lying there. War declaration for Teekan Ambassador. Only thing it missed to be in effect was his royal seal and signature... Why he didn't sighted it yesterday again? Fleets were in possition. RSN HQ was well informed. Land army was ready - reainforced and suplemented by ten armor divisions... He planned to summon Teekan Ambassador tommorow and... Technicly today, and give it to him. But he didn't sighned it yesterday. No. He had strange feeling that made him wait for last moment. And now here he was sitting. Four at the morning... Doors opened. Lady Recca and three other man - Internal Security officers - entered his office. Lady Recca bowed before him, while unknown officers dropped on one knee.

"Stand up please. It is first time I have been woken up so early. So I think it is serious. Let's get to the buissnes."

"Yes your majesty. I am Sir Roland, those are Sir Alexander and Sir Peter. We all work in Office of Internal Security under leadership of Lord Magnus..." young officer must have seen surprise on King's face so he instantly explained "No, not with SIR Magnus that is your adviser. We work with LORD Magnus. Coincidence your majesty..."

Right. It was easy to forget such a details. "Lord" ment that men was from noble family. "Sir" ment that person was of common birth, but was granted position of higher importance, that normally was granted only to those of noble births. It wasn't uncommon practice actually. Especially these days, with size of the Kingdom. More and more people were needed at high positions. And while it never happened that somebody of Noble Birth was working under leadership of commoner, there was more and more commoners at higher possitions - earlier it would be unthinkable. Now it was getting a norm. Diffrent thing was with women. Noble or common in high position - they were just "Lady" and one would have to know noble lines to notice if there is noble blood or common one.

"Look... It is unoficial all here. Just... Just skip to important part please."

"Of course your majesty... Space Port at one of our colonies has been blowed up. From within. We could not find who was responsible by that attack... But than one of our Resort Stations was also targetted. This time security was on alert and managed to capture terrorist alive before he managed to do any damage. He was one of Ketarovs. At first he claimed to be citizen of our Kingdom... One from minority on Snuira. While Teekans made majority of population, there was Ketarov minority living there."

King's face became pale. He just thought of any harm happening to one of resort stations... All those noble families there... All foreighn dignitaries and rich people who like to spend their time in such places... And finnaly, families of those who joined RSN by using Act Of Leadership... If anything would happened to them... How much is worth a King that can't protect his subjects? How would history remembered him? As a coward who wasn't able to protect his people? No. Ne won't stand for that. King Juran made a mental note for himself to severly punish whoever was responsible for that attempt. Not just a person who tried to executed - no. It could not just stop here.

"I understand that you don't believe that story, right?"

"Your majesty, that is no longer matter of belief. Lord Magnus made sure to learn everything from prisoner before he... Expired. As it turns out, he was an agent from Great Ketarov Domain. Bombing Space Port was also their work. And more is incoming, though we have no idea when and where exacly."

Greater Ketarov Domain... But why? It didn't made sense. Both of them had Free Trade Agreement. And shared solid amount of trade income! Though... Lately relations with them grew colder as we refused to trade Crystals with them... It seems that there was some sense in this. Meeting took some more time. Later this day, War Declaration document changed its place from King's Desk to rubbish bin. New document was quickly formed - one that canceled Free Trading agreement. It was formed and delivered to Ketarov Ambassador.

Two months later another sabotage action was stopped by Internal Security agents - this time they didn't managed to capture guilty party. But there was no need to. Everybody knew who was behind it. As a responce official warning was sent to Ketarov's Monarch, demanding that he will stop his covert activity against Baxter Kingdom. When demands were refused, Trade Sanctions were declared on Great Ketarov Domain. During all this time Royal Space Navy was quickly moving it's fleets from southen borders with Teekans toward north and nort-west. Additionally, deep inside of Ketarov territory one ressuply ship has been anchored to serve as refueling point - but also as a spying device since it was equiped with long range scanner. Immidietly after Trade Sanctions camed into effect, both human fleets ("King's Wrath" and "Royal Anger") were moved in orbits of two Ketarov planets, blocking them from trade.

Such actions brought a lot of attention from galactic community and few other empires decided to immidietly intervene. In matter of few days King's Office was filled with demands of lifting Trade Sanctions. This didn't happened though. Baxter Kingdome and Great Ketarov Domain were on crash course and nothing could stop it from happening.

One month after Trade Sanctions were in effect, Baxter Kingdom officially decided to declare war on Great Ketarov Domain. It was first stellar conflict with another empire in history of mankind.

[EuropaJupiter]

Human - Ketarov "Corridor War" (17th December 2158 - 17th August 2161)

"Corridor War" was a conflict betwen Baxter Kingdom and Great Ketarov Domain. At start of war both sides had their advantages and disadvantages, but their military strenght and economic power were on similar levels - with Great Ketarov Domain having upper hand in military and Baxter Kingdom in its economy. Great Ketarov Domain controlled over twenty colonies (for comparison Baxter Kingdom had only six), however humans had larger population, meaning that their worlds were more developed. Ketarov had upper hand when it camed to spy network - they managed succesfull sabotages during the time of war, while two human agents were captured and executed while trying to do so.

One serious advantage however that Baxter Kingdom had over Great Ketarov Domain was its level of readiness for war. The Kingdome was already planning to declare war against Teekans, so its fleets were ressuplied and aproprietly strong. Mobile Infantry was already on troop transport ships, and were supported by ten armored divisions. The only thing that was needed for humans to do, was to change their possition, from south to north-west of the Kingdom, which was quickly done. Additionaly, at very begining of war, two of Ketarov planets were blocaded by Royal Space Navy. Once state of war has been declared, RSN ships began quick and brutal sterilisation of space around those planets. Space superiority was achieved quickly, and ground invasion followed. It was almost bloodless conquest, as enemy was not prepeared to defend its underdeveloped colonies.

Within first three months of war Great Ketarov Domain lost three of its planets without much resistance. This howerver caused Royal Space Navy admirality to grow overconfident and take risks that were not needed - and as time showed, costly in nature. Great Ketarov Domain was large empire, with over twenty colonies. When looked at map, one could notice that it consited of four regions. Its "Core Systems", "Corridor Systems" and two "Rim Sectors" - northen and eastern. Each of those regions were separated by deep space, that took considerable amount of time to travel. "Core Systems" were most developed and highly militarised. They also were composed of six diffrent star systems in close proximity to each-other. "Corridor Systems" composed of four star systems, each possesing one inhabited planet. Like with "Core Systems", "Corridor Systems" were closely packed together. One of planets in "Corridor System" was used as Regional Capital and was protected by medium-sized space port. RSN HQ decided that it would have positive inpact on war effort if "Core Systems" could become also field of battle. This ment that Kingdom's forces needed to be divided. And so, one fleet (King's Wrath) was sent into long jorney toward "Core Systems", while second fleet (Royal Anger) remained in "Corridor Systems" and tried to sieze complete controll over it - three out of four planets were after all occupied so far.

Unfortunatly there were three factors that RSN HQ didn't take into account. Firstly, its admirality underestimated firepower of space port protecting last Ketarov presence in region. Secondly, by that time Ketarov Imperial Fleet managed to organize itself and launch counter-offensive. Thirdly, "Corridor Systems" were in reach of pirate raiders - a problem that humanity managed to forget by that time.

Human assault at last Domain controlled planet in sector was a success - its space port was destroyed and planet was easy to invade. Unfortunatly for RSN, its fleet suffered heavy looses during that battle. One ship was destroyed and over half of ships was damaged. Facing this situation, fleet was ordered to pull back and repair in nerby space port - at Snuira. Without its fleet controlling the space around Ketarov world, invasion fleet could not take a risk and insted was moved into deep space. At that time other fleet (King's Wrath) managed to get into Ketarovs' "Core System" region and begun hitting their mining industry - system after system. They met some resistance from local defence fleets, but those were no match. Unfortunatly, damage caused by them was too small to impact enemy's war economy, while heavy looses suffered by "Royal Anger" fleet and dimnishing fuel supply forced "King's Wrath" to pull back in order to refuel.

In middle of all this, local pirates decided to use situation for their advantage and begun raiding helpless colonies on regullar baisis. In fact, they were so vicious in their raids that Mobile Infantry had to dispatch on every occupied planet four additional divisions just protect civilians from pirates. As if that would be not eoungh of setback, first Ketarov fleet reached their destination - Snuira. Luckily, "Royal Anger" just managed to fully fix their ships and was reinforced with new destroyer. What happened next was biggest space battle of "Corridor War". Both sides fielded equal amount of space warships - fifteen. Human fleet was supported by Snuira's space port - which was lightly armed. On avarange human destroyer had bigger firepower and more shields than Ketarov ships. But Ketarov also had an ace in their sleeve. Three out of fifteen of their ships were Carriers. Those proved to be most deadly and dangerous opponent Royal Space Navy ever met. In fact, four out of six lost ships during that fight was attributed to enemy's fighters and bombers. In addition to that, Snuira lost its space port during fight and was invaded by enemy ground forces. It was second time in history that war has camed directly to planetary surface. Thanksfully most of enemy's troop transports were destroyed before they managed to enter planet's atmosphere, so invading forces were quickly defeted. In space "Royal Anger" managed to force enemy to disengage and retreat, but not before taking heavy looses. It was a costly victory for Baxter Kingdome, but it was a victory nontheless.

At that time it became obvious that this war will not end quickly. Ketarov managed to rebuild spaceport over their last planet in "Corridor Systems". Pirates forced RSN to call in ships that would patrol occupied systems and fend off any potential raider (this task was given to Lord Baltimore, Lord William and Lady Susan Storm - something that will be covered in next post). And second Ketarov fleet finnaly managed to reach "Corridor". Humanity learned from its previous mistake however and as soon as carriers were comfirmed to be part of that enemy fleet - they avoided open battle. War lasted for two years. In that time RSN managed to destroy second space port and completly occupy whole "Corridor Systems", as well as one undefended colony in "Rim Sector". After that both sides agreed to case fighting. Peace Treaty was sighned by both empires. When all dust settled Baxter Kingdome got bigger by five colonies.