Enigmatic Figure's Story

Time: YC123
Galaxy: Ayenee
Constellation: Unknown
Region: Unknown
System: Unknown
Security: Unknown

The room was cloaked in darkness. Faint light shown on great carved lions that sat like guardians at either side of the raise dais and throne. "My actions have yet to ignite their passion for battle. The fire must be stoked", said the male voice.

Another figure wrapped in an even darker shadow than the mere lack of light entered the room. The newcomer bowed their head and then spoke but the voice was modulated and thus the true sex of the newcomer could not be determined. "Why have I been called here? Do we have business", said the newcomer.

"Yes Dúnmharfóir we do have business. I require the death of a notable man. His name is Nobuo Takayama and he is the Emperor of the The Taiyou Empire of Greater Niihama", said the man upon the throne, pausing briefly before continuing. "I also wish his family dead but not his son, the Crown Prince Shimizu Takayama," he finished and waited for the assassin to speak.

The Dúnmharfóir did not answer right away. Perhaps the assassin was collecting all the required information that was needed to make a decision on the job. "The location is quite a distance. I take it you would provide the transportation?", questioned the assassin.

"The arrangements can be made easily", replied the man upon the throne.

"I would expect you know my fees for such a job?", questioned the assassin again.

"I do", nodded the man.

"I want double that sum and an additional five percent to the top for each family member that is killed. Upon me leaving this building and before I set of to Andromeda unmarked Corvinium bars of an amount equal in ISC value to my original fee will be deposited in my personal vault at the station orbiting the fifth planet and second moon in this system. I will collect the remainder when I return to Ayenee", countered the assassin.

The man upon the throne shifted slightly as if the proposition made him uneasy. He took some time to answer. "Very well. We have an accord. I shall send the information you need to your Neocom. Remember that Shimizu must not die.", the man said.

"Does it matter how the rest die?", the assassin replied.

"Make it bloody", the man said in answer and then folded his hands.

The assassin turned and exited the room, the doors shutting.

In the outmost reaches of SEC controlled space the sky lit up as a fairly large amount of ships exited an FTL jump. The space was cold and foreboding and all that appeared to be notable in this sector was the last outpost in the confederation. It was a fairly large asteroid though only two small corvettes were docked and a hanger with one squadron of fighters the force that stopped here though made it look like rush hour as 30 large cargo vessels stood over the station. Around the vessels were a single carrier, three destroyers and about 8 corvettes. The Cargo ships themselves were mostly defenseless minus their two outdated laser cannons.

Fen Tarin stood on the bridge of his carrier, Triumph and looked out over the small trade caravan normally an escort wouldn't be provided but with Lochlyn and other enemies to deal with the enterprise wasn't taking any chances.

"Send a shuttle to deliver the supplies to the station then we depart for Niihama we need to get these supplies to our forces that were sent there on the double" Tarin said. This would be an easy mission or so he thought it would.

Perhaps alarms would sound aboard Triumph's bridge as ships unknown parted the void and slinked into view. Whoever they were, they had been waiting in ambush and long. They had waited just for that moment to attack. Sensor pings and quick scans would immediately pick up materials and technology foreign and yet similar to something the SEC had seen before. There was no attempt at communication. No quarter was given.

Deployment mechanisms on each of the ten rust colored frigates spat forth a spherical device as they dove down at the SEC fleet from directly overhead and as soon as they had appeared. Each frigate launched six large missiles, easily five meters long. These were torpedos specifically designed to destroy and cripple capital ships such as the carrier, Triumph and it was the carrier that the torpedos targeted but these were not the first threat that would need to be dealt with.

The frigates did not stay on the grid to watch the fireworks. The moment they released their payload they were gone, warping directly through the SEC fleet without impact.

Released from one-hundred kilometers away and above the main fleet the spheres shot forth, un-targetable by most as they bent space-time with their warp fields and exited their conduits amidst the SEC fleet. Those ten white banded spheres hung in space for only the tiniest fraction of a second before detonating in a massive and brilliant explosion of titanic force. Each bomb's potential energy at point blank range had been calculated at thirty exajoules, about one-hundred and twenty-three times more powerful than the most powerful nuclear bomb every dropped on Earth. This would disperse across sixty kilometers. There then were very brief, blinding flashes of brilliant light as millions of adamant ball bearings exploded outward to shred ships. These were 30EJ anti-matter and adamant shrapnel bombs.

The torpedoes curled down at anything left of the Triumph armed with one-thousand megaton fission warheads as they picked up speed steadily. Two of the torpedoes were knocked off course due to the wave of semi-solid adamant shrapnel. With no interdiction on the field anything still left of the SEC fleet could flee and likely should baring the arrival of reinforcements.

The fleet was sprung upon with no warning ass alarms sounded but it was already too late. Around the fleet the space would erupt in bright light as the inferno enveloped the cargo and smaller vessels. Thousands of lives would be ended in an instant and the blast would grow larger as the ammunition on board along with the nuclear reactors fueled the explosion. The asteroid station would be knocked off course many of it's crew lost.

On the triumph Grand-Moff Fen Tarin looked up as the alarms went off. "TORPEDOES INCOMING!" An officer screamed "Brace for impact!" Another officer shouted but Tarin knew it was too late they hadn't bothered activating the shields after the jump while still in friendly space. He gripped the rail on the command deck and closed his eyes. What a fall this had been with the loss of Luke he ended up here in this back water position and it appeared this would be where the story would end.

I deserved better than this.He thought as he closed his eyes as the inferno took the entire ship. Besides the damaged outpost nothing would remain of the supply caravan. An entire force had been decimated in the surprise attack.

From the remnants of the station a probe would be launched that would travel directly to Belta-Station. Under a priority-alpha message as the entire military command chain would be informed.

Time: YC123, One day after the shooting...
Galaxy: Eden
Constellation: Coriault
Region: Sinq Laison
System: Inaya
Security: 1.0



"This is Miranda Gray for Express News broadcasting live from the heart of Cathair na Maor on Inaya II. Earlier today the death of Councilor John Rosenthal was confirmed. Like his father Tibus Rosenthal, John refused the Turas implant that would have transferred his consciousness into a clone upon his death. This action did endear him to the population resulting in his original election to the position of councilor within CONCORD but was often a point of contention among his peers. He served meritoriously for six years in this position and is often credited with the continuing peace between the Republic and the Empire.

Mixed feelings as to his tie breaking vote that passed the former and now defunct Conditional Declaration of War against the Aschen Empire and in defense of the SOL system within the Orion Spur of the Milky Way galaxy was and continues to be a topic of heated debate.

The shooter committed suicide after the attack, turning his weapon on himself. We are being told that an unregistered arc pistol was used in the attack and later the use of the weapon was confirmed upon reviewing the video logs. Attempts were made to revive both the councilor and the shooter but both experienced brain death before appropriate action could be taken. The attack is still under investigation and CONCORD has stated they are holding no resource back to uncovering the apparent conspiracy.

In an unrelated event, Councilor Einar Falls passed late last night. Warden Falls had served in his position for eight years and before that served as a warden since CONCORD's creation. Before his death he was thought to be the second oldest Ardenian in the galaxy at the age of 7,871 stellar years only surpassed by Grace Sola who also happens to live in Cathair na Maor.

Warden Falls' will be cremated in accordance to the customs of his people and his own wishes. A funeral pyre date has been set, the turn out of which is expected to number in the thousands. Warden Rosenthal's funeral will be held in private, his body cremated after a small viewing attended by his close friends and family members.

The customary time of mourning will be held before elections to the Republic and Federation positions proceed. Councilor Quennel Chevalle of the State will step into the speaker position. Poles ran across the Republic have placed Alric Rosenthal, younger brother to the late John Rosenthal as a contender in the race for the Republic councilor position. He has not commented on his plans to run or abstain from running for the position.

Alric Rosenthal currently operates as the lead fleet commander for SOCO, the Southern Coalition based in the Wicked Creek region under the well known executor, Melissa Magnus, aka 'Ms. M' who is famous in her own right for being one of the few survivors of the slaughter of Dodixie twenty stellar years ago. This is Miranda Gray for Express News signing off."

www.prima.nota.omnis.alia.verbo.colos.spatium.com

CreoDron
Darieux
Azer

Terrific soulful hollow indubitably ever cabinet year red hurricane stove apple clock volume bear Emmett blue Mary pan yearly purple dog frame anvil bag unicorn rocker godly monkey harp giraffe television puzzle emerald cereal rodeo pink.

Quiver baby unicycle grape effect balloon navel water never book event lego lover red Charles girl harper plate end car vent hen and club loser weight lose baby endless green intense light soda brown apartment orange terrible picture ruby care addition discharge infuse square triangle wheel opal wave Rosa.

Super bag appointment guitar very raisin echo yellow tremble eye hail wheel epic red prude bird elite bottle onyx boy princess vacuum lustful wagon enlighten.

"They have my daughter. Quennel Chevalle is a traitor. Save the people", said EGO.

A video started to play in which John Rosenthal stood at a podium. John, through his persistence and a raised voice managed to calm the chaos. "This conspiracy is far reaching and bares evil intent to the sovereign nations of the Milky Way and Andromeda. I stand here and grieve as greatly as you do for the passing of all those men and women that had been present in that caravan. I am appalled and sickened at these acts of terror and I advise the nations of Andromeda and the Milky Way to gird themselves. As Prime Minister Dauch of UCON has previously stated, 'Stand fast in the face of adversity; for you are not alone.' We, I stand...", he attempted to finish but the crowd stood in a renewed uproar of questions and apparent outrage.

"Liar!", a man called out from the left side of the press section. He pulled out a weapon, a smooth, gold colored pistol and though there was vast commotion he fired to the podium. Some scrambled away from the shooter and some lunged for the assailant and his weapon. John's knees buckled as his body went slack. The laser pistol's discharged had found its mark, his heart. Uniformed officers scrambled both to the gunman and to the downed councilor. Quite suddenly the broadcast terminated.

EGO started to speak after the video. "It is widely accepted by CONCORD that there would have been no contact with Terra or the Milky Way if not for John Rosenthal's intervention as it was Councilor Rosenthal that cast the deciding vote to assist Terra in what many viewed as oppression by a much more powerful Aschen state." She displayed an image made famous by a popular artist on Inaya.



The Ouperia system is not a registered star system in Ayenee. It is believed that Ouperia is a wild space system located in Ayenee or a system located in another galaxy that Yueli Darieux gained access to via a temporary wormhole. Ouperia could also be a fictional system as no actual evidence of Ouperia's existence has been recorded. It is thought by some that Yueli Darieux found archeological relics and created a fictional story containing the presence of undiscovered extra-terrestrials or living representatives and/or descendants of the Talocan Empire to protect his discoveries and use those discoveries for a profitable gain.



The voice of a man started to speak. "Champions of liberty and fierce guardians of the spirit, the Ardenian Federation is the only true democracy in Ayenee and Eden with the exception to CONCORD. Its principles are brotherhood, fraternity, and equal rights to all men and women. Some of the most progressive leaders, scientists, and businessmen of the era have emerged from its diverse peoples. Pioneers of artificial intelligence, the Federation once relied almost entirely on drone fleets to defend its beliefs and borders. But the limitations of this technology and the lack of a living element—both in terms of a military strategy, and as a means of spreading influence— eventually reached a critical point. Today, Ardenian starships are manned by some of the bravest men and women of Ayenee and Eden.

The Ardenian. Self-righteous, meddling, pompous and tiresome, or virile liberalists and defenders of the free world. Love them or hate them, you simply can't ignore them. Everybody has an opinion on the Ardenian Federation, it all depends from which side of the table you view them. For many, it is the Promised Land, where any dream can become a reality. The Federation remains strong believers in free will and the rights of all, despite numerous setbacks in their long history.

Few societies display such stark contrasts. Many of the wealthiest people in Ayenee are Ardenian, creating a constant demand for luxury goods. At the same time, the ranks of the poor number millions, because while the liberal market-driven economy and individual freedom may allow everybody the chance to advance to the top, they make it just as easy to plummet to the very bottom of the social ladder."

"EGO," Stryfe said grimly as she watched the video, "Who is Quennel Chevalle? Where was John Rosenthal's daughter last seen? What's her last known location?" She asked.

"And has the shooter been identified? If so, what's his name? What are any of his affiliations? Any terrorst, criminal, activist, or so one affiliations?" The Invictus leader asked EGO.

"I'd like to know who voiced the most opposition to assisting Terra against the Aschen. Who was the most vocal and angry, things like that, EGO. " Stryfe said, standing from her seat. "Lastly, what has the Ardenian Federation been up to since the bridge attack? I want to know their politics, their military movements, changes to trade routes and foreign relations." The woman said.

"If they're behind any of this, we need to know before they make their move."

A picture was quickly displayed. "Quennel Chevalle is currently the Speaker of CONCORD's council. He formerly and still does hold the council seat for the Zolarian State. He has been a member of CONCORD for seventy-two stellar years and a member of the council for eleven years.

A video started then as Austin Marshal stood at a podium to the front of a raised dais. It was but a small part of the recorded video. "Thank you, then," Austin nodded to them clearing his throat. His gaze turned briefly to Gina, winking mischievously at the hologram before beginning his defense.

"It's absolutely true that Terra was once part of the Aschen Territories, and we absolutely did rebel against their authority. Under their rule, we Terrans were considered lesser beings... a filthy, backwater planet hardly worthy of the same rights given to those pure-bred aristocrats on Langara. Worst of all, perhaps, was Tech Con. Once the Aschen allowed the mega-corporation into our world, they infected our planet like a virus, sucking up our resources, bullying our citizens and staking claims over many major Terran businesses in an effort to further their total command over our planet." The agent shook his head, his tone suddenly taking a stronger, more resolute tone. "Eventually we'd had enough. Eos Paradigm led the Terran Liberation Front, the first of its kind, against the tyranny of the Aschen Confederation. We won our freedom and our sovereignty."

"Of course, all that I just said is irrelevant," Austin smirked, "I represent the Terran National Government, and the Resistance from which the TNG continues to reside in. The TLF and all Terran history before it when it was under the Aschen shouldn't even be a point of issue in this discussion since it is NOT the TLF that the Aschen are at war with, and it is NOT the TLF that I speak for today. If Ms. Inviere wants to reach into deep history and re-open olds wounds that have no bearing on Terran culture today, then I dare say we'll be here an awful long time. Let's keep the discussion timeline to AFTER the TNG was created."

"The Terran National Government was a huge success. After a mere five years after its creation, it had stabilized the world economy, made break-through technological discoveries in energy that benefited its people and persuaded 98% of Terran countries to unite, for the first time in our nation's history, under a single banner. Considering our planet's past of war and primal disagreement, this was an incredible feat. The Terran National Government gave its planet something the Aschen never could: peace and unity. At last we had a government that WASN'T ruled by fat-cat aristocrats light years away who couldn't even BEGIN to understand our plight. At last we were free.

"But the heavy-hand of the Aschen could never allow our prosperity to continue. Let me make something clear: the Terran National Government has NEVER willingly harbored or given support to terrorists. When the criminal Blackjack was wanted by the Confederation, Terran authorities were working side-by-side with the LDA to bring him to justice, and even made breaches in the Xenia Compromise (our nation's foreign policy) for them. When Hataf bombed Langara, our military worked overtime to bring them to justice. I know this because -I- was one of the agents who was sent to infiltrate their ranks." The agent laughed humorously. "...and considering my binding to the National Security Act, I prolly' shouldn't have told you that.

"Anyway, EVERY SINGLE terrorist the Aschen wanted, WE wanted too." Austin bowed his head, a dark gloom covering his face. "...maybe they didn't understand that. Because no how much we assured them that we weren't against them... no matter how hard we tried to be their friends... the Aschen STILL spit on us and massacred our people like livestock.

"In perhaps the single most infamous in Terran history, the Aschen Confederation sent a fleet to our home world and glassed 70% of its surface. Millions of innocent lives were lost. It is a blow we never fully recovered from.

"And WHY did they do this? What could have possibly induced the dignified Empire to act in such a manner?" Austin's eyes flared with anger, "...because they were hunting a terrorist group who had fled to our world and hidden themselves in the mountains. They were hardly more then a thousand men. A thousand! And they killed MILLIONS in exchange! We had no affiliation with them! We were just unlucky enough to have them crash-land on our planet." Austin took a breath, trying to check his emotions.

"No, honorable council. It is the Aschen who are at fault here. And it will be the Terrans who will stand up in blatant defiance and bloody rebellion against them, every time." Austin took a breath and sat down."

Gina Inviere was standing at the other side behind another podium. She laughed a moment, then cleared her throat. "We request recognition, so we can pick apart Mr. Marshal's poorly constructed defense."

Gina Inviere smiled, tapping her pen a moment. "I'm going to dissect your argument here..." She said, going over some papers. "For starters, Billions of people are going to perish because of the act the Terrorist Organization you 'claim' to be fighting, I'm still not convinced, maybe it's because your government is sorely inefficient in allocating it's resources, once again allow me to expound upon the situation with Tech Con." Inviere explained, slowly shifting in her seat. "Capitalism, the Terran Corporations simply couldn't keep up with the goods and services Tech Con was providing, and they were bought out, Tech Con provided jobs, stable incomes, and a flow of money to the people of Terra, see.. they have a history of biting the hand that feeds them, strange, I think." She said, standing up. "And let it be known, Mr. Marshal, that were it not for the arguements of our president at the time, we would have glassed your entire planet!" Inviere shouted, before settling into a low growl.

"The Terrans have always aimed to subvert our designs, even now, our world spirals into the system's sun while the Terrans, sit pretty in some garden zone planet in Coalition space, as we speak, because of the Terrans, millions of lives are going to be sacrificed in the name of Law and Order, because of Terran desire for Anarchy, my soldiers will never get to see their families, as they fight for the Emperor's design, the Terrans never made any efforts to bring any of these terrorists to justice, they may claim to do so, but Langara still continues to spiral into the sun, even recently, Niihama was hit, that's not exactly effort to curtail Terrorism, Mr. Marshall, I'm suprised the Taiyou didn't steamroll your pathetic planet."

"Let's not forget to mention how many Aschen died fighting the Belkans so you and your people could continue to draw breath. Regardless this arguement is pointless, This is not your war, and if you interfere, we'll utilize every cannon, every bomb, every bullet, every weapon I have down to our own eye teeth to defend ourselves from your incursion! You will have to kill every last one of us, because I promise you, future Generations will exact vengeance, no. This Galaxy will be under the veil of Law and Order, and those who resist." She said, staring directly at Austin.

"Will be swept aside."

The video skipped forward and EGO spoke as it picked back up. "The tally and result of the council vote you seek had the following results..."

The Aschen and Terran representatives had left the room and Einar Falls now spoke to the council. "We have heard from both sides; a Terran representative and also a Aschen representative. We are here to vote now if it is in the best interests of all to liberate and assist Terra and her people in regaining their freedom from the Aschen Confederation of Planets. We have found those that lead the Aschen to be guilty of mass genocide, terracide, and exploitation of the Terran people and their planet. We will deploy forces to secure Terra's local region and co-operate with Terra and her allies in this endeavor. We will assist Terra in re-establishing their government so that they can restore order and have responsibility over their own people and the other facets of their lives. Operations will be dictated by the laws of the Inaya Accord. How does the council vote?"

"I am Warden Einar Falls of the Ardenian Federation, Speaker of the Council. For", said the same man on the recording.

"I am Warden Quennel Chevalle of the Zolarian State, Member of the Council. For", said another male voice.

"I am Warden A'dab Durrah of the Sekhmet Empire, Member of the Council. Against", said a female voice.

"I am Warden Von Oron of the Solari Republic, Member of the Council. Against", said a deep male voice.

There was a brief pause and then the voice of John Rosenthal spoke out. "I am Warden John Rosenthal of the Taistealaís, Member of the Council. For", said the male voice.



EGO displayed a picture of the Rosenthal girl. "Grace Rosenthal was last seen boarding a Providence class freighter in the system of Torvi in the Chasnaye constellation of the region, Everyshore from Torvi VII - Moon 1 - Federation Customs Logistic Support thirty-five days before the bombing. She appears to have boarded the freighter of her own accord. The listed destination of the freighter was the Jita system in the Kimotoro constellation of The Forge region and set to arrive at station, Jita IV - Moon 4 - State Business Tribunal Bureau Offices. She did not disembark at that time. The SCC has recorded that no unscheduled stops were made by the freighter."

EGO would continue to provide the requested information unless interrupted...

"Continue, Ego." Stryfe said, "But, when you're finished I'll have another request. I'll want to know where the freighter made it's scheduled stops and where it's been since it left it's last step after Grace boarded." The woman told EGO.

She had some theories of her own about where Grace could be, but she needed to know more before she pursued any of them. Hunches weren't enough when lives were at stake. When war threatened nations and innocents citizens of those nations.

"Fatin." A man's voice, with a distinctly Irish accent, said over Stryfe's office intercom. "It's Kane. We didn't find anything. The room's clean." Kane informed Stryfe, "Thank you, Kane. I'll call you if I need anything else, you're all dismissed for now. But, be ready." Stryfe told the man.

"Aye. Let me know what's going on when you get the chance."

Another image came across the screen as EGO continued to speak. "Prime Minister of the Ardenian Federation, David Cameron publicly voiced displeasure and concern at how CONCORD was handling the ongoing investigation but did not deny the use of Federation Naval assets to facilitate the bridging of UCON personnel into the Quier system of Ayenee when CONCORD requested their use.

The Prime Minister attended a conference a few days ago to arrange the use of the Erebus class titan, Bannockburn and accommodations and transportation for the Apparatus personnel as to assist them with the ongoing investigation. He was quoted as saying, "I am pleased and excited to be the first among the five nations to extend my hand in peace and friendship to those that reside outside of Onyx. It is my solemn wish that we get to the bottom of this atrocity and find the true culprit."

"Military action reflects the following result as far as sovereignty changes occurring in the last month:", EGO said and then displayed the results.
Region, System ..... Former Sovereign Nation --> Current Sovereign Nation
Black Rise, Okagaiken ..... Ardenian Federation --> Sekhmet Empire
Devoid, Sosan ..... Zolarian State --> Solari Republic

EGO displayed another picture. "Alec Egivand was identified via biological records held by the SCC and found to be responsible for the death of John Rosenthal during his press conference. The weapon was registered to Alec Egivand and security was questioned and the incident reviewed to determine if security was at fault. No fault was found with the security detachment or their practices during and leading up to the incident.

Alec Egivand committed suicide during the incident. The SCC informed the DED about a registered clone in the Heimatar region and Oremmulf system on the station, Oremmulf IX - Moon 6 - CreoDron Factory. When DED arrived on scene to make the arrest they found that Alex Egivan's consciousness had not arrived intact and that the clone's Turas implant had been tampered with. Both bodies are awaiting biomass pending the completion of this investigation. Alec Egivand was a registered Taistealaís citizen and no evidence was found to link Egivand to any known terrorist, criminal, or activist groups.

SCC logs indicated that Alec Egivand was a registered frigate pilot and captain for a year and was in danger of loosing his license due to an inability to pay for an extension. He leaves behind two sons, age two and five, and a wife. The family refused to comment and the SCC and DED investigation determined that Egivand's family were unaware of the plot to kill John Rosenthal.

The route followed by the Providence class Freighter is as follows:", EGO said and then started to list the route.
Time Stamp, Region, System, Security, Sovereign Nation
12:32, Everyshore, Torvi, 0.5, Ardenian Federation -- Start -->
12:50, Everyshore, Azer, 0.7, Ardenian Federation -->
13:10, Everyshore, Harerget, 0.8, Ardenian Federation -->
13:32, Sing Laison, Claysson, 0.9, Ardenian Federation -->
13:45, Claysson X - Caldari Business Tribunal Accounting -- Dock -->
15:24, Sing Laison, Stetille, 0.9, Ardenian Federation -->
15:40, Sing Laison, Adiere, 0.8, Ardenian Federation -->
16:01, Sing Laison, Auverulle, 0.8, Ardenian Federation -->
16:23, Sing Laison, Unel, 0.9, Ardenian Federation -->
16:30, Unel IX - Chemal Tech Factory -- Dock -->
18:22, Sing Laison, Chainelant, 0.9, Ardenian Federation -->
18:39, Sing Laison, Dodenvale, 0.7, Ardenian Federation -->
18:55, Sing Laison, Olettiers, 0.4, Ardenian Federation -->
22:33, Sing Laison, Ambeke, 0.5, Ardenian Federation -->
22:50, Sing Laison, Faurent, 0.5, Ardenian Federation -->
23:12, Sing Laison, Iyen-Oursta, 0.8, Ardenian Federation -->
23:27, The Forge, Perimeter, 1.0, Zolarian State -->
23:41, The Forge, Jita, 0.9, Zolarian State -->
24:07, Jita IV - Moon 4 - Caldari Navy Assembly Plant -- Dock -- End

"I took the liberty to covert the units of time to something you would understand. Other than the unit conversion this is directly copied from SCC logs recorded through gate activation and requests to dock", EGO finished.

Time: YC123
Region: Unknown
Constellation: Unknown
System: Unknown
Security Level: Unknown
Sovereignty: Unknown

A man sat on a throne on a raised dais. Great carved cats with the general shape of lions decorated the dark throne room. A voice called and from behind and a man came close to the throne. He spoke to the figure upon it. "The Cáidheach have engaged the Taiyou forces in Wicked Creek but forces of the Southern Coalition are assisting them." The man upon the throne folded his fingers. "Is their hyperspace gate still intact?", asked the seated man. "Yes and their forces gather in Andromeda.", replied the man that was now crouching to the left of the throne. "Should CAID escalate with SOCO?" Upon hearing that the gate was undamaged the man on the throne flashed a toothy smile.

Some time passed as the man pondered the question and the consequences of the two different choices. His smiled faded. "No. Have them withdraw from XEN7-0. Is the CAID bomber wing in position in Andromeda?", he spoke as if the losses suffered by the CAID fleet did not matter, as if they were pawns on a chessboard. The other man just nodded. "Good. Have them harass the Taiyou fleet when the hyperspace gate is activated and have a squad break off to bomb the closest Taiyou settlement. Tell them to kill as many people as they can." The man nodded again and retreated. The seated man just smiled in the darkness. The great stone lions smiled back at him.

Now if only the assassin would do the job he paid for.

On the outskirts of Taiyou space all seemed quiet. On these outer planets the people went about their daily activities. The population was far less dense than that of Niihama. Most of the terrestrial planets out this far from the empire's core were farm planets and these life sustaining worlds imported their rich harvests to feed the empire and so gained profit and honor in service to it.

The grip of the enigmatic figure stretched far and to his desired outcome he would not turn away. He would poke and prod the dragon until it awoke from its slumber fully and visit its wrath upon the people of Ayenee for his nefarious purposes. He would not allow the forces of peace to stall the avalanche he set in motion.

The Ayen stealth bombers, the Hounds decloaked as they moved and from each of their bomb bays was released the round orb so prevalent in this type of attack. Each bomber went into warp, boring through the celestial they had been diving at and vanished as their bomb entered warp and a split second later each would be in the planet's atmosphere.

Each bomb would detonate with the force of nearly twelve-thousand megatons. At the poles and spaced evenly across the surface of the planet. Upon detonation every single microbe would immolate. The seas would boil off and molten rock and dust would be cast off as the planet's crust and mantel cracked. Even the atmosphere was blown away as six huge plumes of liquid rock erupted into space. The planet bleed out its liquid interior.

No person living on the planet would survive and this planet was not alone in its fate. Over the course of the next hour five other planets would be hit with similar results. Millions, perhaps billions would die and once lush worlds would be reduced to smoldering, ash covered remnants that would never again be able to support life. This was only the beginning...

AUK-53 engages a small collection of rockets attached to its body, and moves slowly through space.