Week 6 Planet Recovery - The Blockade Diplomacy over Hephaestom

The Fleet of Sector General Deer has blockaded Hephaestom. Due to the treaties involved, violence may cause the first true intergalactic war since the fall of Earth. Can a peaceful plan be found?

Deer is here to enforce the Treaty of 2219 on the EEF, and Field Marshal Strykker has washed his hands of the Uloh Free Confederacy and its worlds. Now its stands on the head of President Ragman to find a solution.

This mission is open to All Players.

Post your plan to this mission on either the defenders or attacker's side here on this thread only. First person to post gets a single extra repost later to launch secret attacks, ambushes etc. All other players get one post only. This thread will be locked at 11pm E.S.T. on Friday June 10th. Only actions listed on this mission thread will count as locked in for player actions.

You are encouraged to set up threads in your own factions to discuss this matter.

PResident RAgman stood on the steps of Governmetn house on Hephaestom. Wondering how long it was going to take SectorGerenal Deers to reply to his messages.

Mor'aye'ahn stood on the bridge of his vessel looking out the view screen as his crew did their best to decipher any means of getting through the blockade without any losses, needless to say they had been doing this when the first ships appeared on screen. "What news of our fleet? Are all stations ready in case of violence?" The commander spoke as he took his unblinking eyes from the central monitor.
A kumfei engineer turned his head from the monitor at her station much more shaken than her leader. "Sir, all hands are on active duty as we speak. With the exception of crewman Francis and those who are still recovering from the battle city event below we are all battle ready... just waiting for orders."

He looked began to toggle the main view screen back down to the planet below. "I owe that man a great deal for helping us retrieve the NESA manufacturer. I am just hoping that my loyalty does not jeopardize us all." Turning to another crew member... an Earther of very young appearance "How many NESA Missiles do we have aboard?"
All work stopped at once as eyes turned around now much more interested in the conversation than studying the blockade. "Sir, we have given your sister 1 and J'khal 2 as per your orders. Surely you do not plan on bartering--"
"I asked how many crewman!" The momentary shift into his true K'ias form showed his annoyance.
An audible gulp was heard above the humming of the electronic equipment "We have 3 recorded left sir."
Everyone remained motionless... Mor'aye'ahn toggled the screen one last time to show the blockade. "I want all hands ready for if this thing turns ugly. Deer is currently using this opportunity to try and show how much power he has and if at all possible use the treaty his government wrote up to take whatever he wants. Be it revenge or satisfaction."
That was good enough to get them back to work but still it did not answer the question why he had mentioned the NESA cargo.

Mor'aye'ahn began to regret the decision to use his favor from J'khal for the battle city... an extra fleet could be very useful right about now. He had very few options left and all of them were dangerous, surrender was one but not much of one, a fighting withdrawal was better but it might still weaken his fleet, and there was surely no way that he would be able to fight a battle and win. The SUARM were not going to be the aggressors in this and they were surely not going to throw the first punch, but the strike they would give back would be their best.

"Crewman, I want two of the three remaining NESA missiles prepped and quadruple scanned I want their coding perfect!" He began to chuckle once again "Ragman did say he wanted a shipyard!"

Another shocked expression fell on everyone's faces. The NESA were designed for turning asteroids and planets into useable structures, they were never meant to be used as a weapon.

"I don't want it to come to this but this is a last resort tactic and I hope that we don't have to use these. If so I want all ships capable to switch to EMP missiles. If this goes bad I don't want any of our ships to be caught in the blast of the NESA." As everyone else began speaking orders through the various comms Mor'aye'ahn looked back to the screen "When this is over we are going home. Refuel, relax, and replenish."

---

Mor'aye'ahn's fleet is around Hephaestom in a defensive position ready to break orbit and escape when at all possible. Every weapon of his fleet is primed just in case diplomacy breaks down and they get brought into it.

Garmin Fe hated the treaty of 2219. It represented a terrible threat to his people. If it had not been for the crippling disaster left in the wake of the Quite, he would certainly of voiced his opinion during its creation, with magi cannons if needed. Yet the time to affect such events from happening had long passed.

No longer thinking to himself, Garmin spoke aloud, "Now there exists a treaty supported by two powerful factions that says that Quall N'Drone can roam our lands freely! Now there is an agreement that says that only EEF and IR forces may orbit the planet of Refuge! Now there is a coalition made of factions non-allied to Beacon City with guns pointed down at our citizens! And now I plan to do what I can to put an end to it!"

The young pilots, startled by his sudden outburst, found themselves in awe of his rage.

[The Arcturus warship will leave the system minutes after Deer announces that the blockade will continue. In the moments between this announcement and their departure, Garmin's ship will hack all available communications on the surface below by utilizing the data collected during the honorable battle between Layne Yr and Mor'aye'ahn. The communication networks down below will be infested with a virus which will prevent any outgoing communication, very much like the way the Quiet shut down communication across the galexy. The Iron Republic doesn't use layes-based communication, and so this will be used to our advantage. The lack of response from the Ragman is designed to unnerve Deer and put a strain on the negotiations.]

Jeremiah was fiddling with his tie when the fleet slipped out of shadow jump over Hephaestom. Message drones had been sent ahead so the IR fleet would know they were coming. It wouldn't pay to have this trip end in a battle.
He grimaced at his reflection as he finally got the tie right and smoothed his jacket. Jeremiah had a deep dislike of his dress uniform. Beyond that he really didn't care for this situation at all.

The whole Treaty of 2219 had never sat well with him. It had been forced on him at gun point really and he knew that sooner or later someone was going to break it. Most likley the Iron Republic when it was finally advantageous to them. Meanwhile he was forced to sit and endure things like this in the name of buying time until the EEF was strong enough to have a chance of beating back the Iron Repbulic. In darker moments he doubted that it would ever be. The Earher Authority couldn't do it. Did Refuge really have any hope at all? Sure they had stopped two half-hearted invasions but that had only been because the boarder wars had been put on hold and the entire planet had stood together against them. Even Falos had been there, by coincidence or design to help. Now the factions had all splintered once more and Falos was dead again. No, if the Republic bought its full weight down on them. The EEF could probably last a few months. Maybe a few years at best, if they scattered and went underground, waging a guerrilla campaign. So instead he was forced to play for time with a treaty that he knew wasn't worth the ink used to sign it. Now to protect it he had to whip one of his men in front of the whole damn Universe.

He left his quarters, a pair of marine guards falling into step behind him as he entered the companion way. He brooded as they walked to the Reliant's hanger deck. Jessica Sumner, the ships X.O. met him just outside the elevator on the hanger deck. She offered a crisp salute as he stepped from the car. He paused and returned the gesture. She fell into step as they resumed walking.
"Sir Captain Torlin sends his regrets for not being here to see you off but with the deployments and all..." Jeremiah waved her apology away. "He has better things to do then see me off."
"At any rate Sir your shuttle is ready to go. The other..items requested are waiting on board as are three of our senior techs." she informed him.
"Good and the disposition of the fleet?"
"Holding in high orbit in a standard security formation. The first CAP is already out." He nodded as they stepped through the open, massive, blast doors that sealed off the hanger deck during combat. Activity continued as they neared the shuttle. They didn't have time for any pomp and Jeremiah was in no mood for it anyway. A New Vorik class assault shuttle sat waiting for him with its engines idling.
"Good, the last thing we need is for this to get more complicated." Sumner stepped aside as they reached the shuttles ramp.
"I hope things go as well as can be expected Sir." He couldn't help but grin at the irony of that.
"I'm sure they'll go just fine. You just make sure to keep the door open in case things do go south." He replied as he walked up the ramp followed by his guards.
The ramp shut behind them and soon the shuttle had lifted and left the hanger behind.

*****
While the fleet (Three CoG class, four Kalvara class, two baronade class, five dusk class and four gunships) maintains orbit and provides security for the proceedings Jeremiah and the three techs will go the surface. The techs will ensure that the broadcast goes off as well as possible. Jeremiah will have a whip and a pair of zela hand cuffs. These will be placed on Ragman before the whipping. Jeremiah will not hold back while whipping Ragman at all. After the whipping Jeremiah will remove the cuffs and once the I.R. leave Ragman will be healed.

Ragman didn't want to this. It was too much like Torture Tuesdays growing up. that was one of the classes he hated the most. But, Loyalty goes both up and down the chain of command. If he was going to do this, then at least it could serve several purposes. the IR gets their pound of flesh. Strykker position as head of EEF forces gets reinforced. And the Galaxy gets to see that the 'evil' uloh aliens had honor and accountabliity for their actions.

He wasn't turning over any of his people to the IR for execution, and that was what would be in store for the commander of the mission that caused this mess. Not because the IR would want to kill him, but their laws say he is to be shot on sight for being a magnavore. The an's career was already ruined, he shouldn't lose his life too.

Ragman waited calmly for the EEF and IR parties to arrive. They were bringing thier own Broadcasting equipment because the normal system for televising events had been corrupted. Now, they had to replace the broadcast system before the next bout at BattleCity. Their linkup with the IREntertainment system had been infected.

He had invited the Ft Lendill leaders to come and watch the event as they were stuck in orbit anyways. If you are going to put on a show, you need an audience. And having a 'nuetral' party there is just good planning.

After welcoming everyone, he lets them know that following the administration of the punishment, there will be a brief break and then a reception. everyone is invited, please let the staff know if you would like the chicken or the steak.

Lil'ye'ahn stood at the bridge of the Chameleon's Grace, staring out at the blockade.
"V'ric, has anyone found a way to slip through yet? I don't want to engage, but we can't sit here forever." She turned to her new XO, as he looked up from the scanners.

"No luck, but we should be prepared to defend ourselves in case things start to go bad." There was that phrase again, she thought to herself. She toyed with her pendant without even realizing, the faint tick of the gears soothing her slightly. V'han and Y'mira had taken a starfighter over to their new duty assignment as Mor'aye'ahn's bodyguards an hour ago. The ship had broadcast it's intent to stay within the blockade upon departure. "And the Dragon's Teeth? Any word from them?"

"We've received confirmation that they arrived without incident, however our scanners show they have two NESA's locked and loaded. They have not responded to any messages since then. The bridge went silent. Lil'ye'ahn was as shocked as the rest. Damn that Dragon! She though, What in the Zela cursed hell was he thinking! She thought back to his last message, and hoped she understood.

"V'ric, stay within the blockade, but move us as far away from the Dragon's Teeth as possible. Mor'aye'ahn won't fire first, but we need to be out of range if he retaliates. If this turns into a fire fight, orders are to defensive measures ONLY, and get this ship the hell out of here."

If the bridge crew was shocked before, it was nothing compared to now. V'ric opened his mouth to protest, but she cut him off. "You have your orders." she sighed, "And I have mine." She stormed off the silent bridge to her office, Y'zine and V'kain followed her.

She sat at the desk, her head in her hands. She looked up at her two friends. "If Mor'aye'ahn sets off even one of those NESA's as a weapon, everyone in the galaxy will see him as a monster. He will become a target for all. Ft Lendill and the SUARM cannot be associated with his actions. I love my brother beyond words, but I MUST put our people first."

V'kain pulled her out of the chair, and looked her in the eye "You do what you must for the greater good. Right now not all may see that, but every leader must make sacrifices for their people. Your brother is an honorable man and does the same, no matter what historians will chose to write of this day." Y'zine pulled her into a hug. "Your mask is slipping, dear." She put a finger to the three rosebuds that had appeared below Lil'ye'ahn's right eye and laughed, it was infectious. Lil'ye'ahn smiled softly. "Let it."

Claptrap entered the office, running a soft imitation cough through his vocal processors. "My Lady, we've received a message from the planet via comcrystal. You've been invited to watch the resolution of the blockade." She brightened immediatly. "They've come to an agreement? Fantastic, tell me!"
"President Ragman will pay reparations to the IR," He paused, "And accept a public flogging to be administed by Field Marshal Stryker."

"What?!" Her full mask showed, branch-like antlers at her forehead, her lovely red locks now emerald vines, her eyes flashing silver. "That's, that's, BARBARIC! How could either of them have agreed to such a thing?" She picked up the tea cup on the desk and threw it at the wall. Claptrap jumped as it shattered. As she reached for something else to throw, V'kain grabbed her arm. "The same way you can turn your back on your brother if need be. For honor and the greater good."

She stopped dead, knowing he was right. She didn't have to like any of this. The horns withdrew and in an instant her hair had returned to it's customary crimson sheen. She let the rosebuds remain, however.
"Was there anything else to the message, Claptrap?" She struggled to keep her emotions in check.

"Only that there would be a reception following the flogging, and requested that you choose either steak or chicken." She shook her head. Her armor morphed into a lovely green and gold gown, her pendant resting above the decolletage. At her wrist wound a razorthorn vine whip, fastened by a rose. "If this turns into a mess down there, Ragman won't be the only one tasting a whip. Tell them that I and my escorts will arrive shortly, and that I'll have a salad."

________________________________________________________________________________________
Lil'ye'ahn, Claptrap, Y'zine and V'kain will board a starfighter and head down to the planet. Lil will be on her best behavior and not interfere UNLESS someone at the gathering is attacked, or the IR behaves less than honorably in regards to the public flogging. V'ric's orders were to get the SHIP the hell out of there if things go bad.

Deer welcomed all. It was a day honoring justice with an air of civility.
Mr Doe would be given all the respect of an officer.
He would be treated well and only disrobe from the waist.

The 17 lashes would be delivered by Field Marshall Strykker.
With a monowhip.
With a Zela bracelet on Mr. Doe's arm.

As agreed
with agreed circumstances.

Then a pleasant meal to celebrate order in the galaxy.
Deer would then thank Mr. Doe for taking the punishment for his subordinates attack on Druzi Prime and announce the Deer and Doe scholarship proudly.

"I will leave peacefully," said Layne Yr, through the comm crystal.

Instead the TRILAT Planet Despoiler ship will obscure itself first, moving in an unoffensive posture. It will deploy a shadow satellite and open a gate. Instead of entering it will deploy an artifact to activate Become Shadow and flee into the side of the planet formerly controlled by Mor'aye'ahn. They are there to make sure Mor'aye'ahn leaves with his S.U.A.R.M. Once they have left they will follow Mor'aye'ahn to confirm he leaves the system. They will drop obscured Energy Bridge artifacts to the plane of awareness all on his side of the planet. Later after the Planet Despoiler has left, Elite Nightmares in Power Armor will arrive via through the energy bridges and take as much factory equipment as they can from Mor'aye'ahn's side only and bring it back through.

Layne Yr sipped a hot cafe and then spilled it down the back of her closest Nightmare.

Mor'aye'ahn would help her build her factory, whether he wanted to or not. Layne Yr wasn't a thief though, "Dolmes get me a box of gold equal to 500,000 ghaz and send that to Mr. Mor'aye'ahn.
In the end he even gets paid."
She said with a gleeful smile.