Chiron Chronicles: 2200

[[LordLMP]]

OOC: Prez, why is morgan trade minister coming to Safe Haven? He will be inspected for bombs :P Pirates are paranoid about bombs in their seabases, especially since U.N. SeaQuest :P


To: Cha Dawn
From: Captain Svensgaard

Then your Isle of the Deeps have the permission to cross Nautilus waters, but must stay from our bases which the escorts will make sure.

Captain Svensgaard


To: Datajack Sinder Roze
From: Captain Svensgaard

Provide the energy and you'll get your Cruisers, but may take 5 to 20 months before you get all of them. You may also send some of your engineers to surpervise their contruction.

I also sent one of our few cruise liners to Data DeCentral, which should get there in a week or so. And no, its not one of Morgan's which we privateered.

Captain Svensgaard

[Guardian]

U.N. News Network

Chiron Alliance crisis

No official word yet, but the situation is still very tense and there still seems to be much confusion surrounding recent arguments between Chiron Alliance leaders. Sources indicate that the future of the entire alliance could be at stake here. Officials all either refuse to comment or are "not available at this time".


Who will be Planetary Governor??

The question is still out in the blue... Our own Commissioner Lal is supposedly still running, but we have seen very little resembling a campaign so far... What is he waiting for?


Spartan naval buildup

The Spartan Federation appears to be continuing their naval buildup. In an official ceremony at the opening of the new term of the Spartan War College this morning, Colonel Santiago commented on the naval buildup by quoting the Spartan Survival Guide.

"It is altogether fitting that we who have sailed the deeps of
space now return again to the sea. This is in many ways a water
planet, and it can be ruled from the waves. With sea power, rugged
terrain can be bypassed and enemy strongholds isolated. Once
naval superiority is achieved, Planet is ours for the taking."

In spite of this new "aggressive" posturing by the Spartans, U.N. officials are not alarmed. Admiral Evans commented that "The Spartans are mainly concerned with the Pirates, and even if this was not the case, the U.N. Navy remains stronger than the Spartan Navy. However, we may need to take some action soon if we wish to keep things that way."


Forces on alert on the Central Continent

Reports from several independent sources indicate increased readiness and activity by Morganite forces on the Central Continent. Datatech Defense Forces are also reported to have gone on alert. So far, no move has been made and no official word has been spoken in support of our Data Angel allies. There have been some speculations about a possible link between the lack of support for the Angels and the ongoing crisis within the Chiron Alliance. Once again, officials have refused to comment.

[Natan]

From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive
To: Colonel Corazon Santiago of the Spartans and Sister Miriam of the Believers.


Your operational proposal may be acceptable, however, I require further information. My faction does not possess adequtae map data of the target area. If this could be secured, I would be most grateful. (OOC: if you can't tell, I need a map!) I believe that it will be possible to deploy Hive choppers for air support and a small contingent of Hive groundtroops and artillery. Specifically, the third and fifth Hive chopper squadrons, the fourth Hive artillery regiment, and the first and ninth Hive infantry battalions are available for offensive operations on the western continent, and a transport foil for the ground forces is already available.

From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive
To: CEO Morgan of the Morganites

I am contacting you in regards to the upcoming planetary elections. If you could find it in your heart to drop out of the race and support Santiago, I am willing to allow your faction access to the Ascetic Virtues secret project which is in my possession. I believe that this could be quite of great use to you.

[Cyber]

(OOC: Spray, a good attack plan, but as you know Nest of Fear is mainly an airbase, and that means lot of Locust patrols( most of the Cult airforces are located there) around it, so it will be very hard to get any transports near the peninsula, even with the help of air support. The forces in the base are in a constant alert, as they are so near enemy territory. And the Cult army isn´t exactly a massed army, but they spread all amongst of the fungus on the war zone. They rely not on stopping the enemy with forces, but to literally chew the enemy piece by piece
Also, the PK New Hope should be near the place.)


From: Prophet Cha Dawn
To: Lady Deidre Skye

Deidre,

I am once again urging you to help us in some way. Please, your neutral stance is turning into foolishness, no offense. You know that you will be next on the Believer heretic list after us.

Atleast grant us the use of your Pholus Mutagen for the duration of this war, which I´m trying to shorten constantly. We have neither time nor resources for developing our own version, and it would benefit our forces greatly, and you would never have to see the day when Believer forces are oyur new neighbors.

Prophet Cha Dawn

[Cyber]

Cult FungalNet


The mindworm hunters are off...

Today, four Isle of Deep departured home waters, two heading for the central continent, and other two to Free Drone territory.
Each Isle is carrying dozen specialist mindworm hunter teams, with the task of capturing as many as possible wild mindworms, and bringing them here to safety.
New mindworms should be arriving soon, as the mindworm hunters destinations are one of the most polluted in Chiron.

Heavy fungus bloom near Virgin Planet: Military experiment

Today, military officials apologised and calmed down the population of Virgin Planet, by announcing that the fungus bloom nearby that had caused panic in base, was a controlled military experiment, and there is nothing to worry about. Official information about the experiment indicates that the bloom turned out bigger than expected but still within confined limits.

The people of Virgin Planet had a quick wakeup as klaxons all over the base started wailing, warning about a fungus bloom.

[Argonaut]

Angel's Herald

Data Angels To Withdraw From Chiron Alliance!

In an unprecedented and unexpected move, it was announced today that the Data Angels would be withdrawing from the Chiron Alliance. Official statements cited ideological concerns and "trust issues" in regards to certain Alliance leaders. While not confirmed, it is probable that this is all in connection to the continued disagreements between Datajack Roze and Comissoner Lal.

Some raised concerns that certain factions might try to take advantage of this opportunity, seeing the Data Angels in a vulnerable position. To quell those fears, the Department of Defence issued this statement.

"The Datatech military is stronger than it has ever been, and we hold no doubts that our forces will be more than adequate to defend our territory. Far from it, for we will no longer have to commit our self to defending Alliance holdings abroad."

Speculations abound now how this will affect Roze's chances for Planetary Governor, although analysts anticipate a sure win for Comissoner Lal with Alliance support.

Forces Being Recalled

Moments after the announcement that the Data Angels would be leaving the Chiron Alliance, orders were recieved by Datatech forces abroad to return home. Forces stationed in Cybernetic territory, as well as ships patrolling Allied shipping lanes will be returning home for shore leave before being reassigned. Not all patrols have been cancelled, as long range scouting of interfactional waters is to continue.

[DarkCloud]

The University Sun-Governor

Forces go on Alert

"In order to protect our interests on the Central Continent- it is my sad duty to announce a heightened state of awareness for our troops.

The 'interesting' developments in the Chiron Alliance and Planetary Council have forced us to attempt to maintain our presence on the planet."

Zakharov was later quoted as saying that it is good that "the Alliance is breaking up... They had too much power... If all could agree on one alliance, it would be good, but the Alliance's rules were too strictured and it did not deserve to exist."

[Natan]

From: Tsen-ji Huang, Hive minister of Defense
To: General Sawar, commander, Hive forces, southern command.
*encrypted*
By order of the Central Committee, your forces are to be placed on yellow alert. You are therefore authorized to undertake reconaissance and other preparatory operations against enemy forces in your area of operations. The use of air and naval forces in this mission is authorized, and the foremost goal is to ascertain the intentions of Peacekeeper and other enemy forces in the area.

From: Tsen-ji Huang
To: General Naland, commander, Hive forces, northern command
*encrypted*

By order of the Central Committee, your forces are to be placed on blue alert. Reconaissance and anti-infiltration operations against Drone forces in the area are permitted, however Free Drone airspace is not to be violated.

From: Minister of Infrastructure Qin-ji Weng
To: All Hive bases
*encrypted*
All bases are to make preparations for Type II (wartime) production models and schedules. Border areas, however, should make civil defense preparations the first priority. Preparations should be completed two weeks before the Council election of the next Planetary Governor.

(OOC: The Hive doesn't want to be caught off-guard by surprise attack, and it will be doing some "agressive reconaissance" to make sure it's neighbors aren't planning an attack. In case your wondering why everyone has "ji" in their name, I've decided it signifies membership in the Hive Central Committee.

[[LordLMP]]

NAUTILUS SAILOR NEWS

The Central Continent is mobilizing...

Due to increase military activity by the Morganites, the Data Angels prepares their forces followed by the University of Planet. It as recently been confirmed that the Cybernetic Consciousness is doing the same, by reinforcing their borders with University. Tensions may increase and eventually spark a war.

Data Angels breaking off from the Chiron Alliance...

The Data Angels as recently withdrawn from the Alliance after some disputes with Commissioner Lal of the Peacekeepers. So they have recalled their all of their Units. Because of this, our Navy have to replace the Data Angel ships doing escort duty along some major shipping lanes.

TO: Datajack Sinder Roze
FROM: Captain Svensgaard

Sorry for what I before, but are you going as far as cancelling Pact with the Pirates? Do realize, I will have to cancel our recent deal if you do so.

Captain Svensgaard

[Argonaut]

Private Message : Enhanced Encryption
From: Datajack Roze
To: Captain Svensgaard

Captain,

I have withdrawn from the Chiron Alliance, because all of our pacts were agreed as "an attack against one of us, is an attack against us all". As I will no longer risk my people's lives to protect Lal's interests, I have left the Alliance entirely.

However, I do wish to still work with you, as well as Prime Function Aki-Zeta Five and Lady Deirdre. It just means we would have to come to our own arrangements, an Alliance outside of the Chiron Alliance. Is that agreeable to you?

As well, I do still have a need for those cruisers, if not more so.

Roze

[[LordLMP]]

To: Datajack Sinder Roze
From: Captain Svensgaard

It is agreeable, but suggest that your Navy still take care of some of the trade routes after its shore leave. Nautilus Pirates may have big enough Navy to take care of them, but my its Patrols in some areas would suffer.

As for the deal, the first Cruiser should be completed sometime this year.

Captain Svensgaard

OOC: Naval Yards are always building cruiser type ships, so it is pretty change the plans a bit :P

[Mr. President]

OOC: LMP, you and Svensgaard can inspect the Minister for anything you want. Just remember, full body cavity searches are against the Geneva Convention.
---
MorganNet Daily

Main story: Chiron Alliance dissolved!: The Data Angels announced their withdrawal from the powerful Chiron Alliance. It is believed that disagreements between Datajack Sinder Roze and Brother Lal of the Peacekeepers prompted the move. Analysts are uncertain as to how this may affect the race for Planetary Governor...

Developments in University gas sabotage: University of Planet authorities report that Cyborg and Believing tokens were found at the scene of the disaster. With several groups claiming responsibility, the plot seems to be thickening...

[Guardian]

U.N. News Network

Peacekeepers do not recognize Chiron Alliance breakup!

Confusion reigns supreme as the Chiron Alliance appears to have broken up within the last few hours. However, U.N. officials are not prepared to bury the alliance just yet, or even recognize the withdrawal of the Data Angels. It is believed that... Hold on! Wait a second... Our team in U.N. Enforcement Base has managed to get hold of General Braddock! Now let's hear what he has to say about all this...

*New scene: General Braddock and a young female reporter standing outside a gate / military checkpoint. There is a sign saying "U.N. Central Command" and armed guards pacing back and forth.*

Reporter: -General, we're all somewhat perplexed here... It was believed that you were among the people who were angry with the Data Angels, and now you're standing here saying you won't recognize their withdrawal from the alliance??

Braddock: -Well, I'm not saying I won't recognize it, I'm just saying I won't recognize it yet. Such decisions are not taken lightly and I'm far from convinced yet that this is really what they want. I suggest we give everybody a little time to think and then come back to talk things through. If the outcome is still the same, I will accept it.

Reporter: -So, what you're saying is that Roze is overreacting and needs to calm down before making any final decisions?

Braddock: -No, what I'm saying is that we're all overreacting and should go back and think this through one more time before we speak again. If we're really the responsible adults that we all claim to be, then we should be able to sort this out without tearing ourselves apart in the process. If the alliance is to be dissolved, fine. But then let's at least do it properly and not just run out in a huff like this just because somebody said something we didn't like. And I'm not just blaming Roze for what has happend. This applies to our own people as well. Yes, there are those of us who have been pretty pissed off, but it was never our intention to push anyone out of the alliance. As for the Data Angels... (*pause*)

Reporter: -As for the Data Angels...?

Braddock: -Well, basically, what I'm saying is that the Data Angels may think they have withdrawn from the alliance, but as far as I'm concerned this is not over yet. I'm not gonna slam the door on them if they decide they want to come back in.

Reporter: Thank you, General.

(End of interview - return to news desk)


U.N. Forces still support Data Angels

On a related subject, it was officially announced today that the U.N. Peacekeeping Forces will continue to honor their alliance with the Data Angels. Some selected forces have been put on alert for possible transfer overseas while officials warn that any aggressive move against the Data Angels will be considered an act of hostility against U.N. Peacekeepers as well.


General Assembly to meet within the hour

Officials confirm that the U.N. General Assembly has been called together and will meet within the hour. There are reports of some pretty major disagreements within the U.N. system on how this whole alliance crisis should be handled. It is believed that Commissioner Lal seeks to settle these matters in today's meetings. More information to follow as it becomes available.

[Kassiopeia]

Voice of God News Network

Top story:

Internal turmoil in Chiron Alliance

The Data Angels have announced their withdrawal from the Chiron Alliance. Reasons are believed to be continued disagreement with Commissioner Lal, and the internal friction brought up after Sinder Roze announced she would run as Planetary Governor.

University of Planet hints Believer involvement in Gas Incident

According to MorganNet Daily, University has discovered Believer-related items in the investigation of the recent Gas accident.

Sister Miriam informed just twenty minutes ago that a press conference regarding these and other important interfactional matters will be held in the Planetary Council Base in a few hours.

OCC: Hmm.. Maybe the Believer Special Forces have been doing mayhem on their own But shouldn't DarkCloud have a say in this also? I'm ok with it...

[Guardian]

[OOC: Time for some action, huh? I've got a couple of little somethings brewing... ]


Cruiser U.N.S. Unity, somewhere southeast of Peace Anchorage

There was a storm coming.
Dark clouds loomed on the horizon and the waves were growing higher by the minute. The Unity was taking them head on, and with little to no difficulty at that. She was a well-built ship. Instead of fighting the waves, she was riding them. Easing up, sliding over and then gently dropping back down on the other side, just in time to meet the next wave. So far, it was all going along very smoothly.
It would get worse than this. Much worse, probably.
But the Unity and her crew would handle it, as would the rest of their task force. After all, they weren't out here to play. They had a job to do, and going around this storm would have delayed them at least 4 - 6 days. They didn't have that long. So, they had opted to go through it and lose 6 - 12 hours instead.
-Which meant that they'd still arrive behind schedule, but that couldn't be helped.
And it shouldn't be a problem either.

-Not unless someone else was already there...


Armed Merchant Cruiser U.N.S. Apollon II, half a mile behind the Unity

Captain Iris Withfield was standing on the bridge, watching the oncoming storm and the silhouette of the Unity leading her straight into it. Her mind was drifting. The storm she didn't mind. She knew they could handle that. And the mission? Iris didn't know all the details, but she felt confident that they could handle that too.
-Except perhaps one small part of it...
She didn't want to admit it, but there was this one small part of it all that really bothered her. One small, but crucial part. And that was the possibility of meeting Spartans. Even as she was standing there thinking about it, she involuntarily clenched her fists and tensed inwardly. She wondered what it would be like to meet them. She wondered how she would handle it. For one brief, secret moment, she wondered IF she would handle it. Things have changed, she told herself. It is ancient history now. We can't change the past... She knew it was true... And besides... You're a Peacekeeper. You can't be thinking like this. You've got to let her go. Tears welled up in her eyes and she bit her lip as she stood there facing the oncoming storm, watching the sea... She loved the sea...
-And so had Susan...
Lightning flashed in the distance somewhere off to port, momentarily illuminating another dark silhouette riding the waves out there in the distance. She knew that would be the Guardian, watching her flank. And if she walked over to the starboard side and scanned the horizon in that direction, she knew she would see the Liberty, doing the same thing on that side. And there were others behind her as well, although some of them had been forced to go around the storm. The foils couldn't handle this rough weather as well as the cruisers. But they were coming. They'd all be there eventually, and a lot sooner than anybody would have thought. Iris knew she should be feeling proud right now. She was a Peacekeeper. They all were. The U.N. Navy was out in force on this one. They would handle their mission, and they would handle it well. There would be no screw-ups, and there would be no screwing around by anyone else once they'd taken up station and began their screening operation. We're gonna show them what we're made of. We're really going to show them... It didn't work. She was thinking all the right thoughts, but they had none of the comforting effect they were supposed to be having. She was supposed to be feeling strong, proud and confident. But right now she just felt alone... and ashamed... and... -and bitter... The one emotion that a Peacekeeper was not supposed to feel, ever.
-Oh God, no! Now she was crying.
The captain of a ship doesn't cry! The thought only added to her misery. Then she was in motion. Without a word, and trying not to face any of her bridge crew, she walked stiffly over to the port side of the bridge, opened the door and stepped outside to meet the storm face to face...


U.N. Enforcement Base, central command facility, at the beginning of the evening shift

General Braddock walked into the situation room and immediately knew that there was nothing major going down tonight - at least not at the moment. No units were in contact. The Spartan and Hive borders were all quiet, although there were indications of something brewing in the Planetneck area. Nothing unusual had been reported by the navy or air force and the situation on the Western Continent seemed to be more or less under control for the time being. His eyes slid across the various map displays, taking in the information they showed in mere seconds. After checking the strategic map of the Western Continent and the surrounding seas, he concentrated on the tactical map display of the area around the Unity wreckage, centered around the PK outpost called New Hope. Looked like they were having a fairly quiet night over there...


New Hope, outer perimeter, south side, that same night

Another night at the graveyard shift. Now, wasn't it just their luck! It was the third time in less than two weeks! Geez! Wasn't it someone else's turn soon? Ah well! Orders were orders. Just one thing to do about it and that was to keep watch when they were told to. It wouldn't do at all to have the Believers or the Hive or whomever show up in the middle of the base all of a sudden. Especially not tonight. Especially not any night. Tonight was their night though, and so it was their responsibility. And tonight the major was out there with them. In some units, the men might not have liked to have their CO with them on a night watch like this. In this unit, however, having the major with you was a pleasant turn of events, even for the enlisted men. She was that kind of major. She'd be 40 years old later this year, and she had spent half that time in the military. Her reputation probably exceeded her actual abilities, at least a little bit... -but she WAS pretty darned good! Also, she had this special effect on people that he couldn't quite explain, except by using the ancient phrase that "To know her is to love her." He nodded lightly to himself. Yeah. That was it. That was just how she was. -At least as long as you weren't one of the bad guys, and some times even then... He hadn't known her that long, but supposedly, it had always been that way. Ever since she was a cute little corporal outside Data Acquisition, and even before that. To the original landers, she was still just a kid, but for someone her age, she had come a long way.
"Lieutenant!"
There she was right now, coming towards him. Looked like she'd just been over by Bravo company's positions. He straightened just a little and looked up as she came to him. Wow! She still looked pretty darn hot! She was just a few months from 40, but in very good shape. She looked like she could be in her early to mid 30's. -Which was probably how she'd stay for quite some time yet, as High Command had recently put her up for longevity treatment. When she learned, she had laughed a bitter laugh and remarked dryly that the day after her first treatment was done would probably be the day before someone decided to drop a few high explosive shells in her head. He still wasn't sure if she had been joking or not. Johnson was weird that way. Just as you thought you were starting to know her, she would turn around and say something that just... wasn't like her at all! Some times he almost wondered if even she knew what was going on inside her head at times. -But he trusted her with his life and he'd follow her straight into the fiery pits of Hell if she asked him to.
"Lieutenant Nelson."
He stopped his musings and started paying attention as she came up alongside him, holding out a datapad. "Lieutenant, we're clear. No movement reported anywhere. As far as we can tell at the moment, we should be in for another quiet night. However, the air people reported seeing Believers moving through their patrol area earlier this evening. That was southeast of here, about 250 klicks out. When the Believers discovered our flyers eyeballing them, they immediately changed their heading repeatedly and kept doing so as long as our eyes stayed with them, seemingly just trolling around at random. So, we technically don't know where they're headed, but our best guess is that they're gonna pass well south of here some time within the next couple of days. They had some rovers with them that could theoretically be here and giving us trouble within the night, but I can't see why on Chiron they'd want to pull something like that. If they wanted to hit us here, they would have sent a force 10 times bigger. -Or at least that's what we think, but I guess we really don't know for sure, so let's stay sharp anyway, shall we?" Her large dark brown eyes held his gaze for a moment, then smiled as he nodded his agreement. "Any questions lieutenant?" He thought for a moment, then decided to go ahead and ask her. "Well, yes, ma'am, there is one question." She raised an eyebrow, indicating for him to go ahead and ask his question. The look in her eyes was friendly... curious... almost a little amused. "Well, I was wondering what we're going to do if they do show up here. Any new rules of engagement?" The look of amusement quickly faded from her face and her expression momentarily went blank as if she was lost in thought. Then she immediately snapped out of it and quickly shook her head. "No, I haven't heard anything new about that. If something does happen, we will handle things the way we're used to. Anything else?" He cleared his throat, paused for one moment, then decided to go ahead... "What do you make of this mess with the Data Angels?" She frowned, took a deep breath and opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it again, bit her lip and let out a soft sigh. When she tried again, her voice was strangely flat. "I don't know what to make of it yet." The look on her face made it clear that she'd rather not say more about it, at least not tonight. That was it then. They said their good byes and he watched her go, continuing on her round.

So...
If something does happen...
...we will handle things the way we're used to.

That means we do not fire first...

-unless...


U.N.S. Apollon II

She turned to face forward, letting the wind and the rain whip her face for a few moments. There. Now no one could see her cry. She turned back to look north, off to her ship's port side. Through her tears and the stormy night, she could no longer see the Guardian, so she found herself just staring blankly at the spot where it ought to be. She closed her eyes and sighed inwardly. -Good how pathetic I must look! She groaned. If that elegant Pirate captain she had met just a few weeks ago had seen her now, he'd probably be embarrassed about ever speaking to such a pusillanimous wimp. -And to think that she had the nerve to call herself a captain...
She couldn't help it though. Some times it was just too much. She had worked so hard to get over it, and she had almost succeeded... Almost, but never quite... Every once in a while, she would have days like this. Still sobbing, she took a deep breath and tried to calm down. It was time to get back inside. Her crew would be wondering what she was up to out here... "I'm sorry Susan", she whispered to the wind.

Her older sister Susan had been the captain on the original Apollon.


[OOC: In case somebody needs to be filled in on the historical details, the Apollon was the ship involved in the U.N. SeaQuest incident. The PK merchant cruiser found a Unity pod and fished it out of the sea. The captain moved to open the pod, and... well, it was the last thing she ever did. A Spartan probe team was hidden inside. They killed everyone on board and took over the ship, loaded it with explosives and sailed it to U.N. SeaQuest, where they eventually blew it up. Now then, it turns out that the captain of the Apollon had a sister who has somehow managed to wiggle her way into commanding an armed merchant cruiser named after her sister's ship... Could get interesting, don't you think? ]