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Expansion
With the destruction of pirate forces across the Atran Empire, colonization efforts have doubled down, with an additional 750 systems being explored and claimed in the name of Sol.
4
“A fascinating origin, we have never encountered magical beings before. What can you tell us of the rest of humanity and the remains of the Empire?”
The Allies || 
New Saharia
The requests to meet with Saharia by diplomatic mission. Unfortunately, much the same as Saharia, the ISF is effectively off limits and unavailable. Completely surrounded by Orellia, the ATO expects that in a not so distant future the ISF will be completely inaccessibe, gate travel aside. Uncharacteristically they dispatch IRW Dividices, a D'Deridex-class Warbird, and have the ship make this rendezvous disarmed of all buts its disruptors for self defense. It'll be on location at a designated time, decloaking on arrival, and with respect to Saharian customs an unarmed envoy may be sent from the Dividices to the Saharians. In fact, they would prefer it. Ending the message is an word from the Federation, making note of serious matters ahead of the ATO, their way of life in peril, and prior difficulties in attempting to reach Saharia in the past. The ECFN was joined by necessity as the burgeoning ATO required short term allies. The knowledge that they in turn would alienate Saharia wasn't apparent until later. They hope that through this meeting, tensions and suspicions between the two groups will be relieved, though they are in for quite a shock when the Saharians inquire about their extragalactic origins. Even more so when it may yet turn out to be correct!
The Allies || 
The Algeron Treaty Organization
Saharia and the ISF was walking on eggshells just attending to regular duties and movement through Orellian space. To the Saharian Diplomatic Corps’s incredible dismay, the Navy was taking over the responsibility of moving diplomats in and out of Orellian space. No better a man could be chosen as the nation’s representative than William Lee, who was fortunately stationed in ISF territory. He was already sent on his way to the meeting site before the official reply was sent to the ATO…
Lee was surprised - and unnerved - to find that when he awoke (he usually found time to sleep on voyages), his ship had docked up at the Tamira Starhold, the main starbase in orbit of the Republic’s premier fortress-world in the Core. With little explanation from the naval personnel who boarded his shuttle to deliver the news, he was placed on a very unfamiliar Republic warship - alongside an Admiral, who informed Lee he would be attending the meeting alongside him. Despite his warm greetings towards Admiral Dietrich, Lee began to get the feeling that he wasn’t walking into a meeting planned around peace…
---
The Saber-class corvette sailed at breathtaking speed toward the meeting point, all while under cloak. Although this brand new stealth-field would be capable of fooling the majority of proprietary sensors of the galaxy’s nations, it would certainly not fool a Romulan warbird. At least, not for long. Upon spotting the lumbering D’Deridex warbird on sensors, the Saharian ship immediately broke stealth and began broadcasting identification.
Admiral Dietrich and Ambassador Lee boarded a… Well, it would be dignified to call it a ‘shuttle,’ due to its tiny size. Moreso a mission-pod docked on the corvettes’ exterior, barely large enough to accommodate three people and still be capable of space and atmospheric flight. A far cry from the luxury accommodations afforded on Lee’s normal shuttle. After some mildly uncomfortable smalltalk with the Admiral, Lee decided to talk about what was really on his mind. “I cannot help but ask - is Central Command assured that this meeting will be nothing more than a discussion of Saharia’s position in the Orellian conflict? Or… are you attending alongside me for another reason..?”
Dietrich was taken aback by his question; he didn’t think the old diplomat had it in him to reach so high and so far, inquiring about military business as a diplomat. Lee was even more surprised when Dietrich gave him a genuine, honest answer. “The Algeron Treaty Organization is reconsidering its position with the ECFN, as well as its role in the current conflict. This meeting is still a first-contact with the ATO. But make no mistake - a day from now, the Republic will be preparing for war.”
---
As the Republic corvette lingers in the background, the shuttle requests clearance to approach and deliver the delegation to the Romulan starship…
First Encounters
The Overseer looked over the monitors. A black hand rising and zooming in on the transmission viewer. Shifting it towards the SOS, another hand moved to the active fleets. A third gripped the keyboard and brought it closer. The black keratin clacked over the plastic buttons, cutting and scratching into them.
Within hours of the SOS going out, repainted Pirate ships would jump into range. The first of them, crewed entirely by humans, would shift closer and closer. Moving within a few hundred meters of the other ship and conducting a much more thorough series of scans.
A shuttle of the best soldiers the pirate band had moved out, and into the ship. Landing in the cargo bay and departing. They looked about, slowly clearing the cargo bay.
"I don't get why the overseer is so worried. Honestly. It just seems like a free ship for them to refit and use for themselves."
"Mhm. I imagine its because of their ideals. Every life has value, or whatever horsepiss they spout."
"Because they see all life as having value, they didn't crush us into paste. Be thankful they're moral."
First Encounters
As the Graven's ship approaches the site, it becomes clear that the SOS is coming from an industrial ship with bulky additional storage units on the sides that were clearly hastily welded on. Additional scans would reveal that all systems aboard the ship are still online and show no signs of fluctuation.
As the soldiers step into the cargo bay, they would be greeted by towering walls of ISO containers on either side of the room, with a path through the middle leading to a door that likely connects to the rest of the ship. Any further inspection of the containers wouldn't reveal much as the hinges had long since rusted to the point of inoperability.
Convoy 8688 || 
Fox Millworks
Without any input from the crew, the entire convoy immediately raised shields and weapons as the failsafes kicked in. Ejected out of lightspeed, the crews aboard the freighters panicked as the few warships escorting them scrambled to battlestations. Saros had dropped his tea, the small lacquerware cup rolling across the floor as he ordered a status report, red lights and the incessant alarm blaring. “Ready all defensive batteries; order the Stormwright and the Dragoon to tighten formation with us! Check short-range sensors; figure out what we’re up against..!”
“Multiple ships, bearing three-zero-zero! Of various make-” before the young officer could finish his sentence, Saros interjected, his lower lip trembling. “Pirates. No doubt. Ready main batteries!”
Without a cue from his superior, the officer continued. “The enemy fleet has not charged weapons. Nor are they moving into formation. Sir.”
A moment of silence aboard the bridge. “Surely they wish to discuss terms…” Again, silence, for what felt like hours. At last, his first officer spoke. “Shall I open a hailing frequency, sir..?”
---
“--Attention unidentified vessels, this is the SRS Dauntless. You have committed an act of aggression against vessels under the flag of the Saharian Republic. State your intent and drop your interdiction field immediately.--”
Bold words for an outmatched convoy dead in the water.
Happy Holiday Wishes || 
Vorgon System
“I…”
That first part basically went in one ear and out the other. Something about the Emperor’s tone seemed… truly genuine. It made Ellecon feel a particular way, one he couldn’t describe. He didn’t know if it was a mix of emotions, or something… all on its own. Dumbfounded - that was at the center of it. How? How could a man like the Emperor, who has seen so much death and chaos, whose own mistakes have borne evil and destruction, who upholds the mantle as the ruler of a nation which embraces slavery- how was he so happy? How was he managing to truly enjoy himself?
How am I any different?
And yet, after searching his feelings for a fraction of a second, there was no trace of negative judgment. But why- Why? Something about the Emperor’s genuine positivity frustrated him for some reason. Ellecon was wrestling with it in his own mind, visibly, for a fraction of a second before pushing the thought away from his mind. “What’s got you in such a great mood, Danvers,” he inquired, as if the Emperor didn’t already answer that question…
Vorgon’s Most Wanted || Vorgon System
The incoming armaments of the hostile ships explode vibrantly beyond the Saharian ships. The bright, resplendent blue flashes of the Starbase’s shields stop the incoming munitions dead in their tracks. The Sern Starhold’s extended shielding array caught every bit of the incoming fire, sacrificing its own shield strength in order to leave its escorting fleet utterly untouched…
---
“Our shields are still holding, Commander..!” an officer announces eagerly. “Enemy ships closing fast,” another immediately follows.
“We need to discourage them from being so bold. Restrict fire to the closest enemy cruisers; order our own ships to divert power from their own shields to weapons - overclock their batteries if they have to!”
---
Thus, the Saharian ships and starfighters seem to be content cowering behind their station’s powerful shield. The ball was still left in the attackers’ court - they must either bet on being able to break the station’s shield with fire from a distance, or attempt to close the gap and pass through the bubble-shield…
Meanwhile, the outnumbered Saharian capital ships and starbase main-battery begin to pummel the rushing light-cruisers. The starfighters are on a tight leash, ready to pounce furiously on any enemy which threatens the fleet at close range…
Vorgon’s Most Wanted (New Saharia)
Sern System
5180 AD
The heavier ships maintain their barrage upon the Saharian shield, slowly creeping closer to their formation. The Light Cruisers at the front of the rush buckle under Saharian fire, but nonetheless, they make it through the bubble-shield, followed close behind by fighter craft of their own as well as a portion of the Heavy Frigates.
Briktarc's Casualties:
4x Light Cruisers (3x destroyed, 1x crippled)
Vorgonian Reinforcements will arrive in:
Three posts
Happy Holiday Wishes (New Saharia)
”--Well one, it's the Holiday Season, two, my birthday was little over a week ago, three, it's Christmas, four I'm on vacation, and five, I got to spend Christmas with my darling wife and got to see my daught…er…--”
The smile drops from Jaxson's face as he realizes Ellecon doesn't know about that.
”--Sh*t, you, weren't supposed to learn about that.--”
Thief’s Honor || 
Ex-Machina 374
Ellecon was wearing his ceremonial armor, which nearly doubled his weight. The impact was barely enough to make him stagger and take a solid step back, leaving Price to take the brunt of it. The Executor had noticed the kid approaching mere moments before impact, not thinking anything of it until it was too late.
Surprisingly, the vaunted Executor immediately moved to help the kid pick up his dropped papers. “It’s alright; I know how that feels,” he reassured the boy, Ellecon’s tone shifting noticeably softer. He almost laughed when Price asked if he was okay, as if he didn’t just watch a boy effectively body-slam a man in full-plated power armor. “I am quite alright; I was more worried about him. He struck me hard.”
Yeah. It seemed… too rough. People had bumped into him before, thanks to the wide frame of the armor making him take up a bit more room in a cramped hallway. People much larger than that kid; full-grown military adults. And they barely budged him. Short of trying to tackle him intentionally, it was… incredibly odd…
He didn’t think too much of it. Maybe that was the strangest thing of all.
The D'Deridex looms ahead. The cavernous negative space in the center of the vessel and beaked prow seen from below seems as though a bird casting a long shadow against the local star. *Dividices* responds to the Corvette's shuttle and, accepting their envoy, opens the dorsal shuttle bay to receive the envoy.
Past the atmospheric containment field, only two figures are there to receive them. Senator Vreenak, who recently made their call to action in the ECFN to intervene in the Core, seems to now seek new allies to achieve his means. A red wearing Starfleet Captain, William Ross, stands to their side. Less bold than the Romulan, this apparent human represents the interests of the ATO, though Vreenak represents himself.
When the shuttle doors open, Vreenak begins the exchange "I suspect I needn't require to give you the tour: Saharian and Romulan Intelligence are more acquainted than I would wish to admit. Your people are wonderfully evasive and secure, and with the case seldom being that a living creature boards a Warbird without our knowledge of their background, I am honored to ask: to whom will we speaking with today?"
A New King
Breen, the Core-Worlds of the Confederacy
"What is the meaning of this?" The Domo Zanos Pran asked with the typical Breen monotonousness speech. To an outsider, one might see a relatively calm conversation, but that was far from the reality. They were outraged, all of them. All of the 99 councilmen and the Domo Pran were steeping mad. Zur knew they were wrathful, wrathful enough that had this failed he would be killed, but it hadn't. Taking a brief glance at the one-way glass above the council room, Zur caught a glimpse of his fleet far in low orbit. He had caught the planetary defenses off guard, warping in not 100 kilometres from the atmosphere. In an action that took all of 5 minutes, Zur's ships had transmitted naval-level codes disabling the orbital platforms and teleportation blockers. One minute later, his troops fazed onto the grounds of the Council-Building, cutting down the Urthak guards in quick order. Two minutes later, more fazed onto the grounds of the Breen Military Headquarters, the Sphere. It took an hour for both locations to be secured. While the Council had sent out a plea for from the other fleets, to aid them and defeat the traitor, none responded, as Zur knew they would. They were either too busy fighting in the core or were the personal friends of Zur.
In that terrible moment it became clear to the council what they had done. Their search for a competent military leader had been hasty, and allowed Zur to turn their very weapon of control against them. Now that same council sat in shock as soldiers flooded into the chamber at Zur's back.
The Planet was his.
"The meaning of this? Simple..."
Zur raised his rifle to Pran's face, a small targeting laser reflecting off his golden helm from across the room. To raise a weapon against the Domo was a crime unthinkable. Yet, Zur's air was steady.
"I will see this right."
"Explain. What is your reasong?" Pran retorted.
"You lie to yourself. Thus, you lie to us all." Zur inched forward
"We were not ready for this war. If you will not negotiate peace, I will."
"You abandon your post to protest? You are diluted-"
*CR-RACK*
Pran's head snapped back as the bolt made impact. A millisecond later, the energy from the bolt diffused, and Pran burned. His suit and body evaporated in a flurry of fire, leaving only scraps of cloth behind.
*CR-RACK*
*CR-RACK*
*CR-RACK* *CR-RACK*
*CR-RACK* *CR-RACK* *CR-RACK*
More shots rang out, his soldiers taking their charge. The councilmen ran, not far. They fell and burst into fire. Some tried to rush the soldiers, but none made it. And soon enough there was silence. A scant dozen councilmen remained, those who had stayed in their seats. As the room's quiet dragged on for a good moment, they then soon all stood up and faced Zur.
"It is done" one said.
"Yes..." Zur responded as he let his rifle fall to his side.
"We are at your service Thot Zur."
"No..." Zur said as he walked from the floor to the now ashy seat of the Domo he had just disintegrated
"Domo Zur... that is who you will serve."
-----------------------------------------------------------
Stars Burn
Camndo, Coreward Annex
The battle was fierce, and while the Breen armada managed to do some damage to the Orellians, taking out their siegebreakers, their concentration on the planet below and the Breen heavy ships led to a mostly disorganized attack. The Breen ships seemed to change tactics then, instead letting their polaron and photonic beams hit the Orellians from afar, using their precision to target PDCs that were hampering the abilities of their fighter.
As the Supermassive Laser carved through the Dreadnaught's shields, it began to superheat and eventually tear away at the hull. Large sections of the Dreadnaught were lost, with almost a quarter of its weapons taken out from the first few blasts of the Rebellion laser alone. The Dreadnaught seemed to seal its fate as it powered its polaron ray, diverting most of its energy to the massive cannon that sat on its "bottom" section. The Dreadnaught turned, angling its polaron ray at the Schloss-class supercapital, and then it fired . . .
Post self-deleted by Fox Millworks.
First Encounters
The ship stayed close to it, sensors scouring over every little detail. Modified factory ship. Operational, reactor at full power. The information was relayed to the team aboard.
~~~~~
Dialing his radio higher, the commander winced at the scratchy transmission.
'ATTENTION CREW: SHIP FULLY ONLINE. BEWARE OF DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS.'
"I doubt they'd even have ammo."
The First Team Leader said. Stepping out of the shuttle and looking about at the cargo bay.
"These designs are ancient. They don't match the new standards at all."
The Second TL said, following the first. She walked to the side of one, brushing some of the rust away. Wiping the gloved hand on her hip, she circled around the container. Getting to the front door of it, she looked at the hinges.
Reaching down, she raised her rifle, pointed to the ceiling. Drawing one of the magazines from her rig she clicked the first one out, only to be interrupted.
"What do you think you're doing?"
The Squad Lead had asked her. Stood right next to her, watching the blonde switch magazines.
"I was gonna open it."
She responded, standing there; Both magazines in one hand, waiting.
"What if its full of a volatile chemical?"
"I have to imagine after enough time for the entire thing to rust itself shut in a controlled environment aboard a fully functional ship, anything volatile will be thousands of years expired."
"Regardless, lieutenant, don't waste your ammo on a crate. Just because you and Tom think that the defenses are down doesn't mean they will be."
She sighed, but still loaded the new magazine anyway. Reaching down to uncinch a pouch on her belt, it rolled open, and she dropped the first magazine into it.
"If you're worried about automated defenses, these Feisen rounds are better for them anyway."
She grumbled, turning and continuing to walk. Both teams gathered near the middle path, the two team leads taking point and opening the door.
With soft footsteps, the group of thirteen entered into the hall. Looking around, rifles ready and shouldered.
Far Far Away
The Wolfinite Ships would stand still relative to the Auerllian ships, seemingly motionless, if someone just got here, they would be untraceable except the lights that gently glow on the each end of the Chevron 'wings' and the steady light of the windows. The message is received, and wouldn't be long before one is sent back.
"We are the Wolfinite Republic. A weapon of yours caused a whole star to implode? Certainly a feat to achieve that. What is your ambitions, goals, diplomatic relations on nearby parts of the Arms of the Galaxy? Is there any maps you can provide for us to chart?"
Expansion
grow beeg
+750 systems
Aftermath - Reconciliation || 
FreeAmericanStates
The Executor’s posture seemed to falter as he listened to her speak; his shoulders dropped slightly, and his gaze was locked to the ground ahead of him. He only turned to face her to receive the gift. Nightwatch didn’t need to convince him it wasn’t a bribe; he already knew it wasn’t. The true point of the conversation was left in their wake. But it wasn’t what mattered right now.
As the pair stood in silence for a moment, Ellecon silently drew in a deep breath as he gathered his thoughts. He didn’t make eye contact, instead staring directly ahead. “Our two peoples are more different than we are alike. But the plight of the Thestral Union is something we empathize with; just as we cling to our past as a species without a homeworld to return to, the people of the Union await the day of reclamation.”
“Many beyond our nations question the true nature of our alliance and collaboration, as if such a thing were shameful. No other nation can comprehend the importance of this similarity. Humanity’s birthplace is gone, and the world we tried to make for ourselves is eternally devastated. We are both peoples without a home. Forced to survive among the stars, lasting on the hope that will doubtlessly bring about our resurgence.”
“The Union’s midnight hour is close at hand. And you will be the leader of this nation when it strikes. Your people’s return to their fabled homeworld as the liberators you were destined to be, edges ever closer. And that simple fact has empowered your nation to unite and stand against the worst excesses this galaxy has to offer.”
“The Thestral Union has survived a test of strength the lowly Solar Empire cannot even begin to comprehend; a War in Heaven which saw your people - once battered and beaten - now as victors in a galactic war. Your nation has again reiterated its uncontested supremacy over your sworn enemy. Long ago, the question of reconquest was made a matter of time rather than certainty.”
“And, regardless of our disagreements and missteps, Saharia still stands as your ally to support you when that day comes - although given what I know, you do not need our help to win without question.”
“My people could not save Earth. Nor could we save Sahar. Maybe, if we help to save yours, we can put our own war to rest.”
Aftermath - Reconciliation || New Saharia
She let out a smile a rather sad smile. As she thinks over the galactic war and while that is technically true it was but the question of was it really a victory contently plagued in her mind and while it was a Victory for Saharia it was if anything for the Thestral Union it was more of a stalemate where outside of claims that are over empty space it just brought her to sadness.
"I know it really is but I am left wondering consistently in the wake of my actions and my predecessors have we crossed the line. To the point we really are just monsters of the dark that need to purged in the light. We have already abandoned our ideals of the New Lunar Republic once, I myself while trying to live up to it feel like I am nothing more then a failure when push came to shove I was willing to send the Union back into the hooves of despotism for what I thought was right. I even then opened up the decision to what I thought was a fair say for everyone only to turn into a tragedy I could have prevented frankly their blood of everyone involved in what happened is on my hooves."
"So yeagh, anyway let me get back on topic.... right so since we finished that after there is a curtain matter I wanted to run by you specifically I was wondering if post liberation if you would be willing to assist on a joint expedition within Equestria propper as given what we have heard about the Universal Empire and the whole when they collapse which does not entirely line up with our records by thousands of years as in our records Equestria itself not whole planet just Equestria was a feudal vassal of a realm from beyond the stars known as to us as the Universal Empire which was populated by Terrans and also known as humans. Well there are some sections of Equis and Equestria that has not been touched in all this time. Most of our theories involve some sort of split or break up of the Empire into subsets with diffract lifespans claiming to be the true realm. However most attempts to look into it further were always blocked by the crown but that would be irrelevant even we reinstate Luna as a constitutional monarch."
A State In Shadow || 
Mirdann
“Yes, the Executor is a young man - however this fact does not detract from his accomplishments or his skill. Even when Ellecon was serving his first term and lacked any meaningful experience as a leader, he took the challenge regardless. He has a strong mind and is deeply passionate for his people, two qualities his predecessors distinctly lacked. He is not without flaw, and he has made significant errors in his judgment in the past.” More than anyone, Shayal was acutely aware of the toll that Ellecon’s leadership had taken on his mental wellbeing. Shayal decided not to reveal that side of the Executor. If Ellecon was watching, he would have breathed a sigh of relief knowing Shayal would not divulge that.
“If you want to look at it from a purely statistical perspective… Ellecon’s rise to power and subsequent rule has coincided with an explosive growth in the quality of life for the average man, the economy, the nation’s international power and presence… A trend which seems to show no sign of stopping.” It was very clear that, at the very least, the much older and wiser Shayal seemed to be quite loyal to the Executor. “Actually, I regret that he could not have been here personally to meet with you. He is currently in the galactic Core conducting diplomatic efforts on behalf of the Republic.”
Only now did the Moff realize he had rambled without at all answering the Rector’s first question. He held his tongue, not wanting to speak for far longer than he was welcome to.
Thief's Honor || New Saharia
Jack watched for a moment as he ran off, before turning back to Ellecon and continuing to walk. "I think he's okay, but I don't know for sure." Then as he finished his sentence, he opened a door to a nice but not overly fancy room; complete with four comfy office chairs and a big but not too big table in the center of the room. quite a few plants were hanging from the ceiling and in pots here and ther all around the room.
Jack then closed the door behind him after Ellecon stepped in then took the chair furthest away, and gestured Ellecon to sit in whichever one he felt like sitting in. After he sat down, Jack spoke again. "Now, to business. My intention with calling you here was to deepen our relations past guaranteeing our independence, especially since now I don't believe it's not needed anymore. As a start, I was thinking something along the lines of what the commonwealth has with you, given the space we share."
Post self-deleted by The Aurelian Empire.
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