Echoes of the Dead

Captain Nuse sat in his cruiser, one of the 5 ready to attack. The 2 bomber squads and other 2 fighter squads readied for their mission. The crew was unsure if this would be a good idea but Nuse was determined, their employers were paying top dollar for this but it was very risky. It isn't vary often you are asked to cause 2 big fleets to attack so unknown men could infiltrate a planet.

"Are you sure of this Captain? This is risky." Asked one of the pilots.

"It is, but think of the money we will be in if we pull this off, we will never have to fight again." Replied the Captain with a smug smile.

"Very well sir."

The target was a Heraklean mining base that had a stationed fleet there to protect their assets. However this was exactly what their employers wanted from the Herakleans, a fleet.

"Okay, before we go in, remember to not accept any hails, go in, give them some scratches, destroy mining bases and go to Paros."

With that the fast attack privateer fleet warped in and noticed the defense fleet lazing around. They used this as an advantage. In the blink of an eye the bomber squads were destroying mining installations and the cruisers bombarded the enemy ships with missiles.

"Remember men, when they start pursuing, warp to Paros."

“ACTION STATIONS, ACTION STATIONS.  SET CONDITION RED THROUGHOUT THE SHIP.”  The order was passed through each ship of the Heraklean task force immediately upon the appearance of the raiders.

“They're refusing hails,” reported the communications officer on board the task group flagship.

“Perimeter breached!  Unidentified vessels are approaching the miners.”

“Light them up.”  The order to commence attack came at the same time the raiding bombers began attacking the miners.  Tachyon and mass driver turrets (intended more for meteor defense than anti-ship combat, but still effective) began tearing into the bombers.  The raider cruisers were quickly targeted and the task group started launching fractal missile salvos.  The missiles rapidly accelerated as their spatial-distortion FTL drives kicked in.

And just as suddenly as the attackers appeared, with the first indication of response from the Herakleans, the raiders began disengaging.  They did not escape entirely unscathed as even at their most lax, Heraklean warships always have weapons crews at the ready.  Despite that fact, before the Herakleans could destroy the force they warped out.

The task group commander wasted no time in ordering a heavy recon force be organized and advised the forces assigned head of the strong likelihood of a trap (after all, no one attacks a Heraklean force and breaks off like that).  A report of the incident was drafted and sent back to fleet, which transmitted it to the rest of the Heraklean pickets and the government.  The government distributed abbreviated reports to the governments of Alpha Centauri and the Ordenreich.

* * * * *

FLASH: OCHI*
HERAKLEAN MINING OPERATION ATTACKED BY RAIDERS OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN NEAR CHRISTANA BORDER REGION.
CASUALTIES SUSTAINED.
RAIDERS RETREATED ACROSS FRONTIER.
CHRISTANAN PROVOKATION POSSIBLE.
HEAVY RECONISSANCE FORCE INVESTIGATING SOURCE OF RAIDERS.

* * * * *

“There is very strong possibility this is a trap,” said the XO of the flotilla’s flagship.  “No one launches raids like that against us unless they want to lure us somewhere.”

“True, but such an attack cannot go unanswered.  We need to find out what's going on so central can make a decision on how to proceed.”

*FLASH: OCHI is a Heraklean priority message code.  FLASH indicates the message is high priority and includes information that may require a strong government response.  OCHI indicates there was an attack on Heraklean sovereignty that has been destroyed or driven off.

[Encrypted]

To: Whomever it may concern
From: Admiral Zahara Carran, the Beowulf Fleet

As the Centauri fleet most closely positioned to the location of the reported attack, I have been tasked with sending this message and the deployment of any Centauri forces as necessary, based on the terms of the Pact of Brotherhood. Border stations and sensors have been set to high alert, and should Centauri involvement be necessary at any point, notify me immediately.

Cordially,
Admiral Zahara Carran
Sent from the Bridge of the UNS Beowulf

TO: Brother Lal
FROM: Jenova Incinerator

We detected encrypted communications between you and the Herakleans, as well as rising military activities in the dividing military camps among the stars. I am unaware of the contents of your communiques, but I can only assume the events are connected.

We hope that you are suing for peace.

But even if you are not, we hope that you understand that despite our friendly relationship, Burnination must remain neutral in armed conflict.

Sincerely,
Jenova

[Encypted]

To: Heraklean High Command
From: Paladin Komtur Maya von Danzig Nova
CC: Brother Lal, Planetary Governor of Alpha Centauri

We have received your report on the attack from Christana and the Ordenreich stands ready to assist. We have positioned several Arcanii Network stealth frigates along the Christana border ready to retaliate with nuclear payloads on similarly sized Christana mining facilities. We await your decision. Additionally, if you will allow it, we will move our ultra-dreadnoughts through your system to the edge of Christana space to begin long range FOAB bombardment of designated targets. All we need is the go ahead to retaliate and your permission to move our ships through your space. We have sent a copy of this message to the Centauri to keep them appraised of any military developments.

Sincerely,
Maya von Danzig Nova
Paladin Komtur, Hierarchy of the Ordenreich

[ENCRYPTED]

TO: Paladin Komtur Maya von Danzig Nova
FROM: Fleet Admiral Meagan Ida, Chief of Naval Operations, Heraklean State Navy
CC: Brother Lal, Planetary Governor, Planetary Governate of Alpha Centauri

Permission to position forces for engagement preparations has been approved. Military access is granted. However, we cannot be certain raiders are of Christanan origin. Intelligence cannot recognize raider vessels as being of known Christanan design. Although proximity and recent trouble makes them the most likely suspect, we cannot be certain there is no third party attempting to provoke this war for their own purposes. As such, do not engage until matter has been investigated.

[Encypted]

To: Heraklean High Command
From: Paladin Komtur Maya von Danzig Nova
CC: Brother Lal, Planetary Governor of Alpha Centauri

Understood. Moving Ordenreich artillery fleets to positions of support for the Heraklean fleet. Our stealth frigates will remain on stand by till you specify otherwise.

Jenova Incinerator asks the Heraklean ambassador to Burnination if she can be privy to any information on what is going on. That is, Burnination currently is able to detect the military buildups, but has no idea why militaries are repositioning en masse.

[Encrypted]

To: Pa'u Jenova Incinerator
From: Brother Pravin Lal

Rest assured that we have no interest in entering into war unless we found it absolutely necessary, and that we would not expect you to violate your new pacifist values in case of an armed conflict. We respect the wishes of your people, and any movement is for purely defensive purposes in accordance with the Pact of Brotherhood.


***

[Encrypted]

To: Fleet Admiral Meagan Ida
From: Admiral Zahara Carren
CC: Paladin Komtur Maya von Danzig Nova

As Centauri support may be found necessary in this situation, the Beowulf Fleet will be moved towards the northern fringes of the Centauri sphere of influence and will be ready for large-scale deployment if found necessary. Additionally, the Odysseus Fleet will begin repositioning towards the north, in case hostilities intensify. For the purposes of the present operation, we can offer a task force of five Chiron-Class Light Frigates should you choose to accept them.

Cordially,
Admiral Zahara Carran
Sent from the Bridge of the UNS Beowulf

"From the reports, ma'am," Commodore Prisca said to Pa'u Jenova Incinerator, "there has been an attack on Heraklea. The source is unknown, but given the state of international relations, we cannot discount the possibility of it was from Christana. Ourselves and our allies are positioning our assets to be able to bring a war to a swift conclusion just in case the Christanan's have decided to pull the trigger on a new war. We will not invade Christana unless we find hard intel that Christana is behind the attack."

In their pirate base off Poras, the Captain paced back and forth. He didn't plan on causing such an international incident but this was still salvageable, he just needed to get the two fleets to engage.

(OOC: Come on, bring it!)

Sensor command thanks Brother Lal for his response to Jenova's inquiry. Burnination is placated on that front.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Ah," Jenova responds to Commodore Prisca. "I understand. What kind of attack are we talking about? Because the general international consensus for much of history has been that terrorist attacks are international crimes, not acts of war.

"But in any case, thank you for freely divulging this information."

“A collection of raiders attacked a Heraklean mining operation near the Christana border regions. That's about as much as my government is willing to share with yours at this time, Pa'u Jenova. Rest assured, however, that Heraklea is familiar with international precedent concerning terrorism, as well as the precedents involving state sponsored terror groups.”

* * * * *

Two heavy cruisers, four light cruisers and four destroyers translated out of hyperspace hot on the heels of the raiders. Whatever the Herakleans had expected, it certainly wasn't this.

The system was teaming with ships traveling this way and that. What they could all be doing here was a mystery as the one small planet in the system couldn't possibly support or warrant this much activity. What could it possibly mean? And why did so many of them seem to be warships?

(OOC: A sound track for your doom, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGGfhGmY40U)

The strange warships started to move towards the recon fleet, more and more came until the Herakleans were surrounded. It was almost unreal how many ships they had, it was getting more and more concerning until a message was sent to the fleet.

"Trespasser, identified as Heraklean State. Act of war, there is now a state of war between us." The voice told the doomed fleet in a robotic voice.

Next thing to approach was a massive ship that looked like it was 2 titans put together however this ship didn't stand still. The ship started to launch what looked like a million balls but at closer look the balls had weapons on them, THEY WERE DRONES!

The entire defense fleet started opening fire on the scouts.

*The Ordenreich had long ago decided that constant reconnaissance was key to the survival of the Ordenreich. That is why the Ordenreich secretly kept many stealth frigates constantly monitoring the situation in their neighbors spheres. While the Arcanii had yet to penetrate Christana space in large numbers the Ordenreich had already put them to work establishing strongholds and key points in Christana's sphere to hit in order to completely cripple the power. This was the same in Heraklea though now the Arcanii network shifted priority from finding the best way to cripple the power to preventing acts of sabotage that would cripple a very important ally. The Arcanii Network was put on high alert after the raid on Heraklea's mining facilities. After battle reports intercepted between the defense fleet and their high command contained nothing special but the Arcanii were suspicious as it seems these raiders were too well armed to be simple pirates and their goal was clearly to destroy the facility, not steal valuable goods from it. An Arcanii stealth ship had been secretly tailing the Heraklean retaliation fleet when they found the hidden base and they as well were surprised by the sheer size of the operation on such a seemingly useless rock. The Arcanii officer in charge of the stealth frigate reported to his command.

Copycat 5 Order Captain: Copycat 5 to Bat cave, we have successfully shadowed target and are sending result data now.

*Bat cave, or Arcanii Network central command, was silent for a full ten seconds before responding.*

Bat cave: We read you Copycat 5, your orders are to move in and begin datamining procedures. Steal every scrap of intel the raiders have. You are also authorized to engage the cyberwarfare suite. Shut down their comms so they cannot report to any higher authority. As soon as you have the data initiate scorched earth protocol.

Copycat 5: Understood going through with orders. Copycat 5 out.

*The stealth frigate engaged its new cyberwarfare suite focusing all of its energy at disabling interstellar communications for the raiders. The raiders wouldn't be able to communicate between systems but they still could talk to each other. The arcanii ship then moved forward and nested itself in the shadow of the rock the raiders were using as a base of operations. They began bombarding the raiders servers trying to force their way through the firewalls to get any data they could. As this was being done the Ordenreich "newest" nuclear weapon for the Arcanii Network was being prepared. This nuke, codenamed "Little Brother," was actually a modified FOAB with half the firepower of a normal FOAB but made smaller so one could be loaded on a stealth frigate. This new weapon, if it worked as intended as the one here was a prototype, would drastically increase the destructive capability of a stealth frigate. Minature FOABs could be dropped on entire enemy colonies and detonated without the enemy knowing where they came from. While this new weapon couldn't devastate a planet like Livenstein like the FOAB accident during the Hildenburen War did this would be more than enough to take out the small raider base and any surrounding ships.

Copycat 5 Order Captain: You have ten minutes to get as much data as you can. After that we are destroying the raiders.

Cyberwarfare Officer: Sir what about the Herakleans, they might close in and get clipped.

Order Captain: Let's hope they don't but we are doing it friendly fire or not.

Officer: Sir.

(OOC: Sorry for the double post. Just wanted to send a response to Sela)

To: Fleet Zahara Carren
From: Paladin Komtur Maya von Danzig Nova
CC: Fleet Admiral Meagan Ida

I just got off the phone with O.S.S.C. Livenstein. The Ordenreich is prepared to accept and allow the passing through of Centauri military vessels to Heraklea space via Ordenreich space and vice versa for the Herakleans. We also extend an offer to attach 5 carrier groups the any Centauri fleets whether they are offensive or defensive fleets should the Centauri deem it necessary.

“Sonuvabitch. Break contact! All ships to hyper!” The Heraklean captain didn't care that when the recording was later reviewed the desperation in his voice would be apparent. When your force was so clearly outmatched by an opposing force, there was no other option but retreat.

The task group immediately began accelerating in the opposite direction, deploying countermeasures en mass in the desperate hope that any of the ships under his command would survive this attack. And even as they ran, the Heraklean ships began launching fractal missile salvos at their maximum fire rate.

As the strange spheres approached the Herakleans, tachyon beam cannons began firing rapidly. Drones were torn apart in the hail of fire, but there numbers were inconceivable and there was no attempt to avoid the fire. Their numbers carried them through into attack range.

Before the Herakleans were able to hyper out, a heavy cruiser, a light cruiser and three destroyers were gone.

[Encrypted]

To: Fleet Admiral Meagan Ida, Paladin Komtur Maya von Danzig Nova
From: Admiral Zahara Carren

Sensors reported engagement at the system at [COORDINATES ATTACHED]. Requesting immediate update on the situation, and Centauri forces are ready for deployment as necessary. Additionally, the military access granted by OrdenReich forces is acknowledged. No carrier compliment is necessary at this time, however.

Cordially,
Admiral Zahara Carran
Sent from the Bridge of the UNS Beowulf

Officer: Sir I'm getting some strange readings... what...? how... sir we are getting backdoored! They are hacking us! Sir I think... its an AI!

Order Captain: What?! Shut it down everything!

Officer: Roger sir! Cyberwarfare suite is completely cold

Order Captain: Good. We aren't leaving without doing something here. Tac Officer are we recording and whats the situation

Tactical Officer: We are recording sir. Our camera feeds and the hacking attempt by the AI has been recorded for future reference. The Heraklean fleet has been completely wiped out. We might have seen one escape pod launched but we can't be sure.

Order Captain: Very well. Drop the little brother. If these... things are going to war with Heraklea we are going to make sure they are crippled while doing it.

Tac Officer: Yes sir little brother is confirmed away and is drifting towards the center of the enemy fleet. Three minutes to detonation.

Order Captain: Gather up that Heraklean space pod. As soon as the Little Brother goes off I want to be away as quickly as possible

Tac Officer: Yes sir.

*Two minutes later the escape pod is secured abroad the stealth frigate but the crew were in such a rush to make sure the stealth frigate gets away that they decide to leave the pod alone till they are away. A minute later the Little Brother detonates forming a temporary miniature star close to the small planet. As soon as the star starts forming the stealth frigate launches into slipspace.*

(OOC: I leave whether you want to RP survivors up to you Heraklea. If you don't I'll just RP that the pod was damaged and the crew inside was exposed to vacuum or something)

Jenova nods, accepting the Heraklean's information, and her unwillingness to share more. "We will remain a place of peace for you, Commodore, blessed with life and its fruits. I pray that all your people may continue to share in these same blessings."

With that, Jenova terminates the conversation with some succulent looking grapes.

“Thank the All Father you were here to catch us,” said Lieutenant Liora Nissa as she exited the pod. “Is your medical bay ready to receive casualties? One of my men suffered a concussion and needs medical attention.”

* * * * *

Even as the wounded reconnaissance force limped back to Heraklean space, the FTL comm burst giving what details were recorded once again put Heraklea on a wartime footing. Two expeditionary fleets were assembling at a rally point near the mining operation attack, waiting on approval from State to launch an invasion of the hostile world. At the same time, the Chief of State informed both the Ordenreich and the Centauri of the most recent developments, including formally invoking Article 3 of the Pact of Blood so shortly after the signing of the treaty. The Chief of State's message included a request to form a joint force to deal with this hostile planet.

[Encrypted]

To: Fleet Admiral Meagan Ida
From: Admiral Zahara Carren
CC: Paladin Komtur Maya von Danzig Nova

The Beowulf Fleet is currently en route to the designated rally point, ETA four standard mission hours. If any information could be provided on the nature of the enemy, it would be greatly appreciated.

Cordially,
Admiral Zahara Carran
Sent from the Bridge of the UNS Beowulf

*Order Lieutenant Pierce, one of the security detail onboard the T.S.F. Darkness Incarnate, codenamed "Copycat 5," watched as the pod was pried open and a female Heraklean lieutenant stepped out. She was pretty in his eyes, for an alien, unluckily his helmet was off so he had to make sure he kept a straight face in front of her. After she spoke he responded.

Pierce: We expected that Lieutenant. I already have a med team on stand by.

*The Order Lieutenant signaled the med team to move in and help the wounded.*

Pierce: Don't worry the Arcanii Network has some of the best medical facilities in the Ordenreich on their stealth frigates. I am Order Lieutenant Pierce, third in command of this ship's security detail. Welcome to the T.S.F. Darkness Incarnate.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: Fleet Admiral Meagan Ida
From: Paladin Komtur Maya von Danzig Nova
CC: Admiral Zahara Carren

O.S.S.C. Livenstein has acknowledged Article 3 of the Pact. Artillery fleets are now being retasked to support the joint fleet with long range FOAB strikes. O.S.S.C. Livenstein has also deployed 1st and 4th fleets along with the recently formed Carrier Group 4. I will be assuming command of the fleet upon their transition into Heraklea space. Fleet group is now designated as Fleet Group Divine Intervention for this operation. ETA 5 hours to rally point.

*For the older races they would know that the 1st and 4th fleets are both veterans of the Hildenburen Invasion of the Ordenreich and the Hildenburen assault of Veridia Prime. The fleet has achieved almost legendary status in the Ordenreich and if O.S.S.C. has tasked them to crush Heraklea's enemies they are taking things seriously. Carrier groups are a new fleet combination in the Ordenreich fleet. Essentially they are 5 carriers along with a number of escort frigates and destroyers. They're role is to basically swarm an enemy fleet with an overwhelming amount of fighters. It should also be noted that in an effort to maintain a massive amount of fighters the Ordenreich has nearly completely removed the human element from the fighters. Almost all fighters are drones controlled by their birth carrier. Only fighters launched from dreadnoughts, ultra-dreadnoughts (which don't carry that many fighters at all because both types of ships are designed for overwhelming firepower), and orbital defense platforms still have human controlled fighters.*

“Thank you, Order Lieutenant.  I am Lieutenant Liora Nissa, of late of the HNS Canid Engineering Department.  Those gods-damned bastards ripped us to shreds.  Were there any other survivors?”

* * * * *

Fleet Admiral Alexandre Alberighi, Commanding Officer, Northern Frontier Forces Command, regarded the holographic display showing the activity in the system.  His post was created in the wake of the war with Christana, and encompassed overall responsibility for the 7^th, 9^th and 10^th Fleets, as well as numerous auxiliary units, including several from the Intelligence Service.  The official description of the command responsibility was to ensure the security of the Heraklean northern frontier, but no one misunderstood its true purpose.  NORFRONTFORCOM existed to form a wall against the Christanan threat.  None of his forces would be directly involved in the retaliatory strike, but since the staging ground was in his bailiwick, it behooved him to provide logistical support for the assembling force.

He was manifestly uncomfortable with the fact that for the first time in the history of the State, Heraklean warships were barely a majority of the warships within one of their systems.  The 5^th and 6^th Expeditionary Fleets and the 3^rd Marine Division had been detailed to the joint force, as well as the HSN's two first Minerva class super-dreadnaughts, the HNS Freya and the HNSNike.  They had been joined by the Centauri Beowulf Fleet and the Ordenreich 1^st and 4^th fleet and 4^th Carrier Group.  The diverse forces had already begun shaking down and establishing the protocols for their joint operations as decisions well above their pay grade were made on the over all chain of command.

Alexandre recognized his discomfort stemmed from the same place from which came his skepticism when Grand Admiral Kirrin had decided to begin making alliances with foreign states.  He believed that Heraklea should always be able to stand on her own, and distrusted anything that made her more reliant on others.  But regardless of his prejudices and reluctances, he was officer first, which meant his duty came before any of his personal feelings and he would obey the orders given to him, even if he did privately question their wisdom.

He returned his attention to the other officers around the table as the analysis of the force found on Paros was discussed.

OOC: Not sure if I'm going to do anything else with this guy, but why pass up an opportunity to examine a Heraklean personality type?

* * * * *

TO: Pa'u Jenova Incinerator
FROM: Commodore Karli Prisca
This is a courtesy notification.  The source of the attack on Heraklea has been discovered.  A joint force is being prepared to retaliate.  Unless you are going to support the retaliatory strike, please do not interfere.

TO: Commodore Prisca
FROM: Jenova

Your presence and attitudes, as well as your conduct here and your willingness to share information with me are duly noted, friend. I entirely understand the situation as it stands. You are correct to note that I feel a need to stop the great violence that I am sure will ensue.

But I am not fool enough to think that my people are strong enough to hold back the tides of a war of this scale.

You have my word, for what it is worth, that there will be no Burninite "interference." I pray, as do all Burninites, and as I feel should we all, that the cost in lives of this war is not too dear. Understand that when I say I wish you luck, I do not hope that you are successful in the slaying of Christanans. I wish life for you and all your people. I hope for justice with as little blood spilled as possible.

Good luck, Commodore.

To life.