Varden Expeditionary Fleet's Story

A small number of frigate, cruiser, and battle ship sized vessels remained separate and observing. Since they were cloaked these covert operations, force recon, and black operation vessels remained undetected and had been there for quite some time now.

Unsure what to say, Josiah would merely sigh, "Even in a peace conference they try crash the party. I am sick of these frivolous interruptions. We are trying to make history here and still a waning empire in it's death throes is begging for attention. Eulogy Bastion shall not be a place for likes of those, only those who can work with others shall be part of the whole deal. I encourage all of you to reply, you are all the beginning of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds an organization like no other, the goal is to preserve peace, encourage dialogue and be a shining light to all others. Each one of you have something to offer to the construction, UCON have proudly accepted they will help crew the station, while my people shall as well, this is something the likes you people never dreams, but it shall be done and in the smoking ruins of the tyrant kings in the destroyed left overs of the xenophobic bastards a new order shall emerge. The days of tyrants and empires end today with the foundations of this group, we are leading stars to all others."

The Pandorian Alliance delegates each listened. Sarasha then spoke after him. "Yes, we shall be a beacon for those who wish to see change and peace, and a stronghold for those who would wish to harm our ideals. However, we will need some of our people to crew the station as well, mainly just to install, manage, and oversee our unique and powerful Rift Tech. Our scientists are required to do research and work that usually spans a decade, maybe two decades, of learning to be deemed suitable to be trusted with handling such technology. You can understand this, this is very powerful tech, and we do not want something bad to happen...". Artemis was quick to agree with her, and so was Hadaksha.

Artemis then added "We will also be providing our extensive medical knowledge and technology. We need to have a place to for people to look to as an example, a place without a bloody history to forge its creation, but a peaceful combination of several different nations who share similar ideals".

Glaorb Nuurk and his fellow representatives landed in the docking bay of the massive piece of technology. He marveled at it's angles on the way in. There weren't many angles anywhere on their home world, and the species preferred to live without most of the time. However, there was something in the sharpness that Glaorb truly appreciated. As they drifted closer, so close that all they could see was the vessel, Glaorb marveled at the Here-ness of it. Nothing they had in their worlds was so solid.

They docked, and were treated of course respectfully as they were escorted to wherever it was among the webwob of halls they were taken. It was a room with the others, diplomats of course.

The doors slid open, and there stood Glaorb. He was a five foot pillar of jelly, contained and moist despite his lack of trail. The bottom of his form was completely ambiguous, shifting to occupy floor space accordingly. He had arms which seemed stable and hands that morphed fingerlings according to his need. Glaorb's eyes were large, black, shining spheres absorbing all light. His race could see most of the color spectrum.

"Goolevenin!" Glaorb Nuurk said to everyone, sludging to an empty seat. "Peas, Peas," He said to everyone, as did the other diplomats that followed him. They were practically identical in construct, with varying consistencies, heights, and general dispositions.

Sadir checked his update quietly. Yes he was aware there were supposed to be no use electronic equipment in the shuttle. He almost jumped in boyish glee at the concept. Holy crap nuggets! He was in SPACE! Where he was exactly was a private space shuttle that had been built with the interior of a luxury airliner. This was a historical event to many, the peace conference was bringing all sorts of people together and it was being televised internationally. Those that could afford a front seat to observe the session were among them now, Sadir looking around seeing leaders in industry, world famous celebrities and Artists, International Spiritual Leaders and Scientists. Was this all a rouse because the world was going to explode? Possibly.

They did have all the brains, talent, muscle and enterprise on this shuttle nearing very close to their destination. Perhaps it was the secret bunker where they would restart society until they all went crazy with Space fever or the super computer managing the whole thing went HAL 2000. He chuckled quietly as he set his phone away. The shuttle was now using fuel to decelerate as it was, the luxury interior was being prepped instructing the large mass of VIPs to return to their seats. Sadir waited quietly bringing his legs back downward. He couldn’t keep the blasted things from not hovering off the ground. Damn 0 Gs.

The shuttle docked and the large crowd of people were being herded over, Sadir could not believe how crowded it was. Packed with all kinds of people and aliens and creatures as the Terrans were being moved to their personal box in the viewing of the session. A large skybox that was built to accommodate the 600-700 individuals that were all influential or rich enough to attend in person; Sadir should have just saved the stacks of credits and just sat on his lazy bum and watched it all at home.

A lexury freighter made it's final FTL jump followed by two SEC corvettes and a convoy of freighter ships. The ship landed in the marvelous docking bay and the small fleet registered with flight control. Luke walked down the ramp followed by a small army of body guards. Time to make my entrance into galactic politics He though smugly as he wondered what type of bargaining they could pull off here. Who ever read the news would recognize the SEC as the corporate conglomerate that, a year ago through a vast amount of threatening and secret warfare took over a few minor planets and reeled in at least one of the medium sized nations in this sector.

Today Luke was not here to make threats or plot galactic domination, no, this was behind him now. With the Aschen on their knees and other powers coming to talk Luke saw this as a business opportunity. Time to sell some guns and make some political alliesHe thought with a small smirk.

Soon he noticed his escort was departed and he was thrust into the group of diplomats as they walked along. He could have sent his own but he wanted this done the right way.

Seated in her VIP space with her camera-man the young reporter appeared out of place with the other delegates who were here to witness this moment, Steve was of course less than happy about this, but here he was off on another gallivanting cause because Clair had nothing stopping her from getting stories. Still this was just insane, most of people here were titans of business, politicians and corporate CEOs. A Terracast reporter would make sense, but this was not even Clair's department which really angered Steve, but of course he followed because his sister was too brain-dead to be allowed on her own and her point of views were controversial at best.

as they sat in their place, Clair was half-dreaming, staring out into the wonders of space this was history in the making and she was going to be report this, this was a moment you would hear echoing through the ages a landmark, a milestone and it was her who would report it. This was news, not some mundane problem on Terra but historical events of this magnitude, that is what her brother did not understand.

Einar Falls accompanied Cain Genesis to this gathering, arriving late but managing to find seats among those present. They sat closest at hand to those that directly represented Terra.

One more ship seemed to lurch fourth from Hyperspace just adjacent to where the Aurora emerged. Though unlike the previous ship, this one was far different, a whitewashed finish trimmed with red adorned the hull of the vessel, which was bristling with cannons. A few moments passed and several dozen more ships emerged, followed by hundreds more, Battleships, Carriers, frigates, cruisers. Until the ship count in this particular fleet numbered 15,000 Ships.

One by one the ships jumped in and settled on a large line like formation across the front of the Station The ship's IFF Broadcasted as Taiyou, with identification codes for each vessel aligned with this massive fleet.

"CNS Carpathia this is the ITN Nagato, you will permit us passage immediately. His Imperial Majesty wishes to attend this delegation that the Aschen so feebly attempted to attend." Admiral Yamamoto's voice echoed on the coms.

"This is non-negotiable. We will be on an approach vector in five minutes."

"Whot..." Glaorb quivvered to another like him at his side. The situation seemed tenser than he had originally planned for.

"Whots gongong?" Glaorb asked the counterpart diplomat gelatinous creature like he, who's orb-eyes circulated around the room. To be honest, they had no idea. Everyone acted as if there was an enemy afoot, yet they had simply arrived to negotiate free trade.

"Whots Gong Ong?" He spoke up, the others like him murmuring in agreement.

The King paced with the word from his ship, and turned to his golem not saying a word, before nodding slowly and returning his attention to the summit, "I see, I am sure all who are gathered here have heard what is taking place and I am sure all are wondering what we shall do. I am King Josiah Liwave first minority King of Mezzadrate and proud half Catraxian, this is our test, this is our chance to prove we can stand up to the old order. We will not waver, we will not worry, we are the David's who shall crush the Goliaths not with conventional or unconventional weapons, but with words and diplomacy. I speak now as your equal in this room we have assembled some of the best and brightest of our time." taking a breath deep trepidation he went on, "The Summit shall continue, let no one snuff out these lights not if one dies, not if two die. We are making history and no intimidation or show of strength shall silence us!" with that he sat himself down.

"Now back to far more pressing matters, "I shall address the Democratic Coalition first in this agreement, I see your concerns and yes maybe we should allow a chance for them to join. But I am of the opinion to respect the losses UCON have faced and give them the final call on the Aschen. As for The Pandorians your offer of technology and medical care is admirable and truly a sign this can work, since this is meant to represent all, we will allow your scientists to do their thing."

Finally he turned to the Forners, "You my Jelly-like friends, you seem resourceful if somewhat naive, I have great plans for this station and you are welcome to be part of this whole thing. I am sure your kind and everyone here, can agree you were brave to come to such a powerfest. I intended not this, but what can I do."

"As for the representatives who have just entered, whether the media or people who represent Terra, I ask only what does your place offer to this construction, for each nation to strengthen our ties must give something in the construction, we are all scared, we are all worried. But this summit will not be a mockery of, broken we are alone, together we are powerful, not with ships, not with massive fleets.... But dreams. I rest my case"

Glaorb Nuurk and his delegates listened intently to the funny clothed man as he spoke. He had a long name, Glaorb Nuurk was only two sounds, but the party didn't dwell on that. They didn't think too much of the strange terms like David and Goliath. David, two knew, was a name. An old name, a true name for humans. Goliath was perplexing to hear, but the ones who knew David nodded along anyway. They assumed they were fighting for a cause by the general tone.

Far more pressing matters? They jiggled with near anticipation, or fear, or lust for what was to come. The Democratic Coalition, that sounded rather fancy. People were discussing treaties, science, trading?

"Trading?" One of Glaorb's advisers jellied his way.
"Trading?" Glaorb spoke up to the room. "Power-fest?" He added on slightly lower, not understanding how this was so.

The media was here? The jellies pillared themselves, and consolidated in form.

"For peas!"

The Pandorian Alliance was not amused with the Taiyou attempting to force their way in. In fact, the Catricarch, their massive Capital ship that was larger then most other Artificially made Space Objects, sent out a signal to have other Pandorian fleets be nearby on standby, but they were sure to use heavy encryptions using encryptors powered by Rift Tech.

Meanwhile the delegates listed to the King's speech. "Excellent, then we can not wait for construction to begin..." Artemis said, while Sarasha added "And I do hope you plan to make the Taiyou ask first. Uniting under peace is best done without the use of force, or a fleet of ridiculously large numbers...".

Hadaksha, for the first time in the meeting, spoke up, saying "Those who use Death Camps have Dark Hearts. A Dark Heart will do Dark Deeds. It would be wise to be cautious with the Taiyou, show we will not be pushed around, but it would also be best to not provoke the fighting. If any fighting is to be done, then let them fire the first shot..."

Artemis agreed to this, and so did Sarasha. Although Artemis added to bolster defenses for safety reasons.

"I believe this can be the start of a glorious alliance...one that will help bring peace to the galaxy..."

EGO coupled with the ghost fleet's numerous ship board AI and advanced sensor technology hard wired into the covert operations vessels easily detected the massive Taiyou battle fleet before it got within ten light years. EGO represented the fleet as a great tsunami, an unstoppable force if just by their sheer numbers. Though the fleet was massive the ghost fleet had chosen well their position and did not have to move to avoid detection or a collision. These were the ship board assassins and watchers of a fleet unknown to all but the Aschen and in conversation, UCON.

Einar spent the following minutes looking about at the different representatives while listening to each speaker in turn. He witnessed strange jellied beings of which he had not seen the like at least in self-aware variety. Though he understood they were confused he could not explain the situation to them because of the distance between them. Every so often the menu pad, now in Cain’s position emitted a low tone as if it was a phone and was ringing. Einar seemed to just ignore it.

King Josiah Liwave spoke and he quickly realized what this conference really pertained to. Though it was possible that the actions of this conference could stabilize the region this conference would not have an immediate and direct impact on Terra’s situation. It would not have an immediate and direct impact on the chaos that had just started to spread through the Cynus arm, through the Aschen Empire.

Einar rose then, attempting to choose his words carefully as he spoke. “Greetings rulers, leaders, dignitaries, ladies, and gentlemen.”, he spoke out in a clear voice so that all could hear. It helped that his voice was magnified. “I am Einar Falls. I represent myself though I am sure there are some here that can represent Terra. It warms my heart to hear that you have all gathered to further the cause of peace. A commitment to design and build such a structure will forge strong bonds between all those present. It could stabilize the local region or constellation. Perhaps it could stabilize the galaxy.”

Cain had noticed the pad 'ringing' in his hands, but he could not offer it any more of his attention in a meeting with such important figures. It would be rude, it would be stupid to turn his ear away from them and to what could easily be nothing. Besides, he was sure if it was an emergency the Varden pad would make a more alarming noise.

Instead, he listened to Einar speak. The man spoke well, he had to admit, probably much better than he did. The things he said, his knowledge, they were likely to cause a stir of agreement in the others present to hear him. Good. Maybe they would actually take his suggestions and get somewhere. But that was only second on his mind; at the forefront was the Taiyou fleet. The huge, ocean-like fleet that he immediately knew was a passive-aggressive show of force. He knew an armada like that had only one purpose at such a delegation: to bully in order to get what they wanted.

After Einar finished speaking, Cain himself stood to speak.

"... I'm not a legal representative of Terra. I have no government authority or position, but that doesn't matter; I am a man who chose to stand up for what he felt was right and tried to provide a support for the rapidly crumbling society. I think I was a little successful in that regard, considering the speech I made on the international news gained me the loyalty of more than a thousand men in Wing City willing to fight, and more than ten thousand civilians willing to trust us with their safety as ships fell from the sky and foreign nations fought in their homes.

"And it is with THAT authority that I look at all of you present and warn you. I warn you that if any of you, or the nations you represent choose to put your boot down on that gravely injured planet, or take advantage of it's people ever again, you will face the wrath of a force so mighty you will crumble in the exrement of your own fear. Especially you, men aboard those Taiyou ships. You are at war with Terra, which makes you my enemy. I highly suggest you ask for peace before you bother opening your mouths to speak any other words. I care not what Emperor you brought with you, or the so-called gallantry of your warriors; your overwhelming numbers mean nothing in the face of such determination to defend ourselves."

With that, he sat down, then looked at the Menu Pad to see what that buzzing was about.

A group of Terran reporters from Express News had set up along the wall. A Japanese looking woman with an English accent started her report, keeping her voice low enough to not interrupt the talks. "This is Azami Kuribayashi live at the UCON peace summit in deep space...", she said and continued on.

Murmuring started, issuing from nearly every seat. Einar stood and spoke quickly after Luke in an attempt to disarm what he viewed as an attempt at sabotage. He had wanted to sit on the sidelines of this summit to observe but at the same time could not leave the outcome to chance if there were those that wished this summit to fail. "I would beg the leaders present to consider this: There need not be a leader, only a speaker to maintain order when chaos reigns. This speaker could be elected by those council members nominated, elected, and representing their own people, organization, or government. Those council members hold their seats for a term and can be re-elected or removed should their people deem them worthy or wanting by a vote of no confidence by their peers or those they represent. If at all possible the number of members in this council should be odd. It is moot until a full accounting has been done for every party that needs to be represented and folly to argue over until nominations have been made."

He continued on with but a slight pause. "All those that wish to be represented and offer assistance in this project should make themselves known. King Josiah Liwave of the Mezzadrate Empire and Artemis and Sarasha of the Pandorian Alliance have spoken wisely and in support of this project. Glaob Nuurk of the Forners seems willing to dedicate and share their love of music and forn. UCON was kind enough to host this meeting and thus we can assume they have interest in it. Darius Ko'Vash of the Democratic Coalition has spoken well in support of this summit and its goals. Even Luke Sullen of the Zar...", he said, paused and reviewed the information. "... I mean the Sullen Enterprises Confederacy has provided valuable input. My good friend, Cain of Terra represents the welfare of Terra and her people as no others have stood among those present." He motioned to all. "He is aware as much as you all are that Terra is an insignificant speck in the grand scheme of things. At the same time he is as aware as are all of you that it is the conflict currently taking place on Terra, in SOL, among a number of great powers that caused the need for this summit. It is not my intent to make Terra the primary topic."

He then turned to Crown Prince Shimizu Gabriel Takayama. "We are honored by your presence Crown Prince of the Taiyou. I am sure that the people of Terra and its government will be relieved to hear that the declaration of war upon them will soon be lifted or already has been. Does your presence here mean that you have interest in the formation of this council or in the project being proposed? You have just said that you wish for the furthering of peace in this galaxy. This would be a brilliant step in that direction." The touch pad continued to beep in a low tone, not audible but to those very close to Cain and him. If Takayama gave a negative then the only other reason for his presence had to deal with the capture of the Aschen leadership and the Aschen surrender. It would likely cause problems if they sought custody of the prisoners of war. Einar returned to his seat.

A single cloaked ship watched and waited without word as the other ship descended until it reached the skies above Caprica City.

Aschen Core Command
Queenstown, Picon

Caprica City;

The rioting continued, and it seemed Defenses were largely unresponsive to the single kilometer long ship. It wasn't until the Aschen High Command finally oriented itself following the surrender to the Coalition that something started to be done. At first the Aschen fleet would have new orders disseminated to it. A Series of bitstream signals broadcast from the Aschen fleet headquarters in Queenstown, Picon.

Queenstown, Picon;

Admiral Inviere had returned from her duties in the Aurora, instructing her fleet to remain so she could return to Aschen space and assume command.

Watching the screens from the main command center, she began to bark orders to various personnel, not before warning screens began to light up across the command room as the Admiral lowered herself into the fortified Bunker.

"Admiral, Unidentified Craft, unknown IFF, they're not UCON or Taiyou." A Lieutenant reported as the Craft moved over Caprica City. "It's positioned itself above Caprica City, intentions are unknown at this time." She said, the Admiral nodding.

"Send hostile challenge and ID." She said, leaning back in her chair. Radio towers in the city broadcasting a single transmission to the unknown alien ship.


"Attention unknown vessel, this is the Aschen Core Command. You are ordered to identify yourself and state your intention immediately, or defenses will be readied against you." She hailed firmly, turning to several other screens.

"This is Admiral Harkin of the Fleet of Rigorous Prayer, we're weapons hot and moving on an Intercept course." Inviere nodded. "Recieved, Admiral. Use caution when engaging the enemy ship, try to avoid Civilian collateral and damage to incoming CPF Assets." She said calmly, bringing up several command codes.

"Admiral." Another Lieutenant reported. "Van Graff Missile base is reporting hot and in the silos, they're ready to launch on your command."

Inviere nodded. "Affirmative." She then brought up the radio. "Commander Milos, hold fire until I give the command. Home fleet is on an intercept course." She radioed.

Milos reported on the phone. "Affirmative, Holding fire." He reported, and then Inviere leaned back, picking up the phone to the Ministry of Defense

"Chaska.." Helene answered.

"Minister Chaska... you're aware we're potentially under attack on top of this rioting?" Inviere said, her tone accusing as she watched the consoles.

Chaska nodded on the phone and replied. "I'm well aware of the situation, I've brought our defenses on high alert, Forces groundside are prepared for a protracted defense."

Inviere nodded. "Very well, I'll route portions of my fleet for an Orbital defense." She reported, then she lowered the phone.

"Lieutenant Mason, Get me SatCom." Inviere demanded, and another wireless phone was handed off to her.

"Commander Harris, I need you to adjust your ODP's axis, two one four carom one one nine, Target that unknown ship, partial power." Inviere ordered, the Commander promptly receiving the order.

"Relay commands to the Ion Cannon defense grid, I want everything we have on that ship." Inviere ordered, surely nothing could withstand the combined firepower of the Aschen's defenses, but with the ship so close to the city, Inviere's options were limited.

"Get the CPF on the line, tell them to quell that looting and to prepare for Evacuations. Caprica City's about to turn into a warzone."

A large ship entered the atmosphere above. Kelby noticed it before Roana did with a gasp. Roana angled her face skyward, eyes glazing as she took in the sight. Somewhere in her pocket, a familiar jingle sounded that she had received a text message. There was no time for that right now, though.

There was a particularly nasty looking mob swelling before them on the street. The girls had done a good job thus far of avoiding other citizens, for most of them had seemingly gone mad, but the crowd ahead looked...Well, troublesome. They both paused, and looked to each other.

"No," Roana shook her head, knowing that getting caught up in that mob was as good as a death sentence. Especially if the police amassed.

"What other options?" Kelby looked from the mob to Roana, to the buildings behind them. She was right, as much as it furrowed Roana's brow to consider it. They would have to push past the angry, screaming mob. With one last squeeze, they headed off down the street.

At first, they were able to finangle their way around the edges. Eventually the girth of the mob was just too large. It swayed and rocked, sometimes surging into a store front, other times filtering around a burning car. Everyone seemed to have something to say about the Divine Shadow, or UCON, or both. Kelby managed to doge in time, but Roana took an elbow to the head. Silently she ducked from the vision of the offender, who had already taken to ranting about exactly what he would do to the xeno that dare get in his way. They squeezed past the perimeter of a grouping of looters planning their next strike and continued through the growing crowd.

Kelby kept her eyes on the prize: her place of employment. Roana kept from glancing at the sky, from getting hit in the head, and from drawing too much attention.