| [IC] The Ventures of a Prince |
|
Nau Valterra
Capital of the Dunedari Free-Standings J.F.S.S. Relentless 26/06/1620 PD The Relentless had finally arrived in orbit around Nau Valterra, the supposed capital of the Terran Dunedari Free-Standings. When Aurelian looked at if thousands of miles from above, he couldn't help but see its resemblance to Stoinia. The homeworld of the Stoinians was filled with mountain ranges and dense forests. Though the continent on which the Stoinians had settled, Cascanna, had a large section which hosted the planet's largest savannah biome. The Great Plains of Virtue it was called, but Nau Valterra seemed to be far colder than Stoinia as most of it was covered in snow with an occasional green dot in-between the white coat. Aurelian pondered as Virini stood next to him and contemplated. - "Ah, I guess it will be a bit chilly on this planet, eh? Let's hope their Jarla won't have such characteristics." - "Be careful what you wish for Virini. You might just get what that." - "Gah, that would be quite unfortunate and a bad way to do diplomacy. Though from what I've seen so far, these people can learn a bit on the matter from us." - "I'll be sure to recommend you on a post on this planet once we establish formal relations with them." Aurelian then tried to emulate Virini's accent "Show them the finer arts of diplomacy eh?" - "Ah, you're getting the hang of it I hear." The duo laughed as they took a last view of the planet. It was time now for them to actually visit it in person. Chief Captain Setiakar had arranged for Aurelian and his escort to meet the Jarla directly along the Arbiter and the Council of Chieftains. Normally they would be spread out on each of the domains or Free-Standing, but given the coming of age of the Jarla, they had come to Nau Valterra. It seemed that fate once again was smiling on Aurelian. Commodore Tuuc, Aurelian's direct superior, had also arrived from his stand-in diplomatic mission on Salkaan. Aurelian had read the reports from this mission. The Salketh had a unique substance, Koultho, which served as medicinal liquid that could heal severe wounds. The Treecuu Star Empire and the Stoinian Star Kingdom had each received a small dosage as a gift. Scientists aboard Tuuc's ship were already examining the capabilities of the liquid to send the preliminary testing results back home. Further testing would be needed, but the Salketh Sociocracy for now had proven to be a great potential trading partner. With the Dunedari being a Terran star nation right next door to the Sociocracy, it seemed this region of the Territories was becoming a foothold for Treecuu and especially Stoinian interests. His father's plans for a Golden Path where Stoinia would become the dominant power in the Sector began to show great promise to the young Prince. Aurelian's Pelican had just landed after twirling around. The door hissed and Marines exited the shuttle to form two lines. Aurelian was accompanied by Virini and Tuuc. Tuuc would lead the talks for now. He was the superior officer and was still a proud Treecuu Officer who wished to take the glory for his star nation. Despite the two star nations being allies, there were still some tensions between the officers. Slowly talks began about which star nation did the most for the exploration effort. Both Aurelian and Tuuc had accomplished great achievements for this joint cause. The Treecuu Commodore walked forth with the same pride as when he met Aurelian's father little over a year ago. As Aurelian followed Tuuc outside into the chilling city of Valtham, he could hear a low tone played by enormous horns made from sort of animal. The snowflakes took Aurelian by surprise as did the chilling cold wind. Tuuc, being a Limavu, would have felt even more of a shock, but his discipline had prevailed over the shivering elements of Nau Valterra. In front of them were bearded men, easily towering over both Stoinians and Treecuu. Their pale white skin was entuned with the cold weather and their braided beards no doubt helped them keep themselves warm. Though their padded and furred clothing would accomplish that by themselves. The Dunedari entourage wasn't all muscled ginger brutes, tall muscled women with the same blue facial patterns were there as well and then... He saw her. A girl about the same height as him without any facial marks. Her fire-red hair was knotted at the back of her head as she was covered in layers of fur. This gave her a certain roundness which could trick anyone into believing her to be of a more rotund build, but Aurelian gazed at her and noticed that her face was too sharp to suggest that. No, she was astonishing and quite fit indeed. Aurelian smiled at her between the reverbing horns and she reciproked the gesture. Though the glares between the two were interrupted as the horns stopped playing and the grey haired man next to her spoke. - "I'm Arbiter Jeggur Telgeir of the Dunedari Free-Standings. Regent of Jarla Tyri Gelnir and Warden of Nau Valterra. I welcome you outsiders to our world." - "I'm Commodore Tuuc of the Treecuu Star Empire, here on a joint exploration effort together with the Stoinian Star Kingdom. I accept your welcome." - "I was told Captain Stoian was the one who interrupted the Tiyanki hunt. Are you here to apologize for him?" Aurelian then stepped forward and spoke before Tuuc could answer. - "I'm Captain Aurelian Stoian. I'm here to converse not apologize." - "You shouldn't have interfered, you have brought great dishonour to the Jarla." The Arbiter gestured at the red haired girl. "A Tiyanki-Matriarch would have been a great omen for her coming of age." - "I can offer her a better omen. One that will resonate throughout history." - "What might that be?" Aurelian strode forward as both Virini and Tuuc looking on to him with surprise. The Dunedari guards crossed their axes to close off Aurelian's path. Aurelian had no intention to give up so easily and continued to press on with the same tempo. As the guards prepared to halt Aurelian, the Jarla uttered a word with her soft voice. The guards then sheathed their axes, allowing Aurelian to pass through them. Slowing down Aurelian took a careful look at the towering Dunedari who looked sceptical at him. He was still armed with his sword, but he knew that his sword would stand no chance against ten of the giant Dunedari axes. Aurelian speculated they knew that too and that's why they let him so close to the Jarla. He then stopped half a meter in front of her. - "God be my witness, as I, Aurelian Stoian, son of King Andrei Stoian, Protector of Mankind, with the authority bestowed unto me as the Prince of Bloemfontein and Captain in the Stoinian Royal Navy, hand out my hand as a sign of friendship from the Stoinian people and its Star Kingdom. Though we Terrans may be separated by stars, our veins still are of the same blood. You are my brethren and I greet you as such. May God stand as our witness, as we shake our hands as a sign of a new era of eternal friendship." The girl hesitated for a moment. She looked at the old Arbiter who smiled back at her. Aurelian sure was confident and it had payed off. The Arbiter nodded at her and she turned to Aurelian. She gave him a warm smile and took Aurelian's hand. Both of them giving equal strength and not faltering to the other. This was no pompous Ryccian Princess, but a real Dunedari girl which was to tame mountains and slay wolves. Aurelian realized she was like no girl he had met before and felt a weird tingeling in his stomach. - "I accept your offer of eternal friendship. Though your people should prove themselves first. Fate has perhaps brought us together as I have yet to choose a Vinir for my Valsharens Trulai. As a show of eternal friendship between our people, will you stand to my aid during my trials?" - "I will." Aurelian spoke before he thought it true. He had spoken decisively without thought as if under a spell. Was it that smile of hers? Just to what did I agree to? Aurelian thought of the consequences, but he couldn't help but feel the tingeling in his stomach growing. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Nau Valterra
Valtham Royal Complex 29/06/1620 PD The Relentless had been parked in orbit around the cold planet of Nau Valterra. Aurelian however enjoyed the warm halls of the Valtham Royal Complex built from wood and stone. Commodore Tuuc had given him a reprimand about the whole situation as Aurelian had boycotted the chain of command in Tuuc's eyes. However, Tuuc had forgotten the astute Stoinian nature to befriend their Terran brethren. Wherever they may be. Aurelian was offered traditional Dunedari clothes made from fur, not too dissimilar to the Mardakii cloak his father wore during certain ceremonies. Nonetheless he chose to represent his Stoinian people at all times. It was his duty. Despite some of the cultural clashes that were yet to come, he had chosen to improve the relations with these people. These people were warlike and would prove a great source to gain a foothold in these Territories. The Star Kingdom was reaching out its influence and claiming its destiny as the lion of Sector A1-0. Or at least that was what Aurelian thought of the whole situation. Being out her on the frontier, he started more and more to disagree with the likes of Chancellor Adams. The door opened as he fitted his uniform on his body. It was the Jarla escorted by two of her honour guard carrying great axes. They were the Sikkerhält, bound by blood and honour to protect the Jarla until their death. They wore the facial markings of Clan Agulvar which the Jarla will receive after completing her trials just before the feast in her honour. All the clans were looking on this momentous moment and Aurelian realized the pressure the girl felt on her shoulders. She hid it quite well, but being a royalty himself, his eye was trained for the subtleties. The spoke softly which made his ears relax. - "Haven't you gotten cold by now? Just wearing your uniform?" - "Ah, your grace. My homeworld too is of a colder climate than most. Our winters too are cold." - "Than perhaps you're lucky that spring is coming." - "It would seem that I have some impeccable timing as of late." The Jarla chuckled at Aurelian's remarks. He too smiled as he couldn't help but grimace at the sight of her smile. - "Perhaps you'd like to prove your 'impeccable' timing in combat as well?" - "Your grace... I'd be honoured to demonstrate the skills from our people." - "Good, I understand your people once fought giant bears? And that you still hunt them every year." - "Aye, we did and do." - "I also heard that your ancestor slew the greatest of their warriors. A certain Colossus known by your people?" - "Aye, that too. Our first King Alexandru slew the great Colossus himself in the final battle of Sinaia. To commemorate his memory a giant statue was raised depicting him climbing the beast as he slit its throat at King's Square. Its fur was made into a cloak worn by our monarch ever since. I imagine your own cloaks have their own stories." - "Skåggard bear hide, though not quite as legendary as yours." - "Your grace, your words touch me. But I'm sure your people have more than earned their legendary reputation." - "Have they now? Outsiders still calls us ginger pirates. What will your people call us?" - "Terran brethren." The Jarla let the moment sink in for a minute. Aurelian showed great promise with his words. He knew he was more of a man of action rather than words by the looks of him. It was finally time to test that assesment. - "Well then... You must first prove if you're worthy yourselves. Follow me." Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Aurelian was brought inside a pit where he was invited to fight some of the Sikkerhält guards of the Jarla. Armed with only a wooden sword, Aurelian proved more than capable. Being trained by one of the greatest sword masters in the Star Kingdom, Salar Sehat, his skill had proven to stand even against the axe wielding Sikkerhält guards. The Jarla was impressed as was the Arbiter. Drenched in mud Aurelian looked up from where the Dunedari councillors were looking on him.
- "Has the lion proven himself?" He could see the Jarla smile. The Arbiter however kept stern face. - "For now he has. You have proven to be worthy to stand as Vinir during the Jarla's Valsharens Trulai's final phase. Are you ready to stand as Vinir to Jarla Tyri, young Prince?" These Dunedari Trials were harsh and the Jarla had recently completed the first two phases. A period of fasting and night watch which she had completed just a day or so before the arrival of the Joint Fleet. For five days Tyri had prayed and fasted in front of her God Ådar, the Father-God of the Dunedari, as was tradition for each heir. Next was the trial of combat where she'd have to make a 10 mile hike and after it she must overwhelm an opponent without any rest. Each Dunedari had the right to a companion or Vinir during this hike. Aurelian could only speculate as to why the Jarla had chosen him instead of one of her Sikkerhält guardsmen. He intended to find out. - "The Jarla need only say the word." - "Then it is time." Tyri replied with her soft voice. The mountain they were to hike was Sentraltind. A smaller mountain from the region, but one of the most iconic ones of the planet. It had a large cliff which protruded from the mountain and served as a large balcony where the Jarla would be face her opponent. It was early when the duo geared up with fur clothing, ready to hike across the frozen mountain. There would be no paths that would lead them nor any markings to guide them. It was expected that each Dunedari could read a mountain. The Jarla had been born here and already climbed the Sentraltind. The way she saw it, this wasn't a test for her, but rather for Aurelian and the Stoinian people. - "So Aurelian. You ready for the hike?" - "I'll follow you, Jarla. Whatever that mountain will bring to us, we'll overcome it." - "Good thing that you have a positive spirit. I would expect our mountains would brake off-worlders." - "Stoinia has mighty mountains of her own, your majesty." - "So you're trained to climb them then?" - "Well enough to know that the descent is far more tiring than the climbing." - "You're knowledgeable about mountains. It will serve us well. Perhaps I'll even let you go ahead on our hike." - "Your majesty, I believe it would be proper if you'd do that. After all, you are about to lead a whole nation." - "Indeed. We shall see if we can use your knowledge then." The two left to hike on the treacherous mountain. Soon it became quite clear that the seemingly simple task of climbing the mountain would prove far more difficult than initially believed. Tyri had chosen a more treacherous path to test the endurance of the young prince. The two discussed their upbringings and their people during the hike. They spoke of the ancient legendary figures from their history and tales of old Terra and Valterra and how their peoples parted from it. It soon became clear that the two people were much alike to each other. Aurelian knew how rare these similarities were compared to the other Terrans the Stoinians had discovered in the Sector. After hours of hiking, the two had decided to eat their lunch halfway through their voyage. They stopped at a cliff with a beautiful view over Valtham. Aurelian continued to converse with Tyri as they chipped away from the now cold salted bear meat they had taken with them. - "Your majesty, might I ask you a question?" - "Please, Aurelian. Just call me Tyri, you've earned that right by now. As one royalty to another. Go ahead ask your question." She smirked at Aurelian. - "Well... I was wondering why exactly you chose me as your Vinir instead of one of your guards?" - "Ah... You are under the impression that this hike is a test for me." - "I'm sorry, but isn't it the whole point to test you?" - "I know for a fact that I will succeed. I took you along to test your people. You seemed so eager to represent yours after all." - "As is required of my status." - "Good, perhaps you'd like to carry my bags as well. To show my people your people's strength?" - "Tyri... I wouldn't dream of diminishing your Valsharens Trulai." Aurelian took another bite from the salted meat. "Even so, you are to become the Jarla of your people. What kind of a leader would you be, if you didn't bear your own weight on your shoulders?" - "Spoken like a true Stoinian and Dunedari!" She smiled again at Aurelian. He had passed her test. "So your people do know strength." - "If we didn't, we would long be dead." The next half of their hike would be far less treacherous and Tyri let Aurelian decide which way to go. Aurelian was no fool and chose the most traversable path for he knew how to traverse mountains. By the time they were at their destination, the sun had began to set. It was a mighty view they could behold as they were greeted by the Arbiter and a small escort of Sikkerhält guardsmen. The duo stood before the Arbiter who watched over Valtham. - "It took you long enough." The Arbiter replied without turning around. - "Oh you know how I like to keep you waiting, Old Axe." - "Perhaps it's time you finally met the Old Axe." Tyri looked stunned. He couldn't possibly mean it. Aurelian watched her as she looked around in despair. - "You can't possibly mean it." - "Jarla... Huh, you must first prove to be worthy of that title. What better way to claim your birth right than to defeat the one who ruled it in your stead." - "But..." - "This is the way I choose it to be done. Jarla Tyri Gelnir, I, Regent Jeggur Telgeir, proclaim myself as your challenge for the Valsharens Trulai." - "Then let us be quick about it old man." Tyri dropped her bags and took her shield and axe. Jeggur too picked up his shield from one of the guardsmen and grabbed his axe which had been attached to his belt. The two stared at each other preparing for the battle while Aurelian stood on the sides. Tyri jumped towards Jeggur and fierce pounding of shield and axe followed. It seemed that Tyri was winning the duel until she made a mistake which Aurelian saw. She had plunged herself in an attack lowering her guard, allowing for Jeggur to disarm her axe. Jeguur followed it by ramming her over and over until she dropped her shield too. It seemed like the battle was over for her. - "It seems you have failed your trials." - "The Jarla doesn't stand alone." Aurelian marched forward towards Jeggur, but was stopped by two guardsmen. However, he was able to toss his Stoinian honour sword over them towards Tyri. As the blade clattered on the ice and rock, Tyri ran towards it and picked it up. - "The lion has come to serve the eagle." Aurelian cried out before being put to the ground by the two guardsmen. "Dammit Tyri, watch his legs!" With that advice Tyri stood again in front of Jeggur. More determined than ever to claim what was hers. Jeggur ran towards her, though she evaded him just as his axe was to clatter with Aurelian's sword. Turning around him and cutting in his hand with which he held the axe. Tyri may have been told to use an axe, but she had always been more proficient with a sword as she now had demonstrated. Jeggur's axe fell and he dropped his shield. It was over. - "Then the time has come. My regency has ended then. All hail the new Jarla." The guardsmen cheered on Tyri as she held Aurelian's sword high towards the sky for her gods to witness her achievement. Aurelian too stood up as he was released. Tyri approached him too and leaped towards him to give him a hug. - "Thank you, Aurelian for aiding me." - "The honour was all mine, Tyri." - "I didn't expect you to try something so foolish as to come to my aid." - "My sword is yours, Tyr..." Aurelian couldn't finish her name as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. Both of them tried to hide it, but they blushed at the same time. Gazing in each other's eyes and souls as their hearts pounded faster and faster. The cold winds had seemingly disappeared with Tyri's embrace. Jeggur then interrupted them as he stood up again. - "Jarla, it is time to receive your Taðovingr. You'll have more than enough time to celebrate afterwards." - "Very well then Old Axe. As the new Jarla, my first act will be to proclaim you as the Hand of the Jarla. You have proven your loyalty and wisdom during your regency. I'd like to take your advice still during my reign." - "Jarla, you honour me." - "It's what you deserve, old friend." Tyri then turned back to Aurelian. "Take a good look Aurelian... For it will be the last time you'll see my pure white face." Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Nau Valterra,
Valtham Royal Complex, Hall of Jarls, 30/06/1620 PD Aurelian entered the Hall of Jarls. It was a large hall of stone in which could fit an entire church. Thousands of Dunedari noblemen had come to the banquet of the Jarla's Valsharens Trulai. He was greeted by many towering ginger people with various blue facial markings. They looked differently at him now, as if he had earned their respect. He enjoyed the attention, but knew all too well that this feast was for Tyri. Not long after he had chosen a place accompanied by Virini and the senior staff of the Relentless, Tyri entered the room in an elegant brown and green robe. On her face she had the blue facial markings of Tribe Agulvar and now wore the mark of the Jarla on her forehead between the two stripes' connection. The Dunedari, man and woman alike, stood up and began singing a chant while hitting the table with their cups filled with ale. When she arrived at her seat, the singing changed to a cheer which only tempered when the Jarla lowered her hand. - "My Dunedari brethren, my Valsharens Trulai has been completed." Again the Dunedari cheered "I now stand as your proven Jarla and await you all for my coming coronation. I especially wish to accept the friendship of the Stoinian Star Kingdom and the Treecuu Star Empire so eagerly offered by the Prince of Bloemfontein, Aurelian Stoian, who stood next to me as my Vinir. May my reign bring peace and prosperity among our people! Let the feast commence!" The drums began to rumble and the young Dunedari women began to go to the floor, dancing as the men sang from deep within their throats. Ales were served and spilled until the floor reeked of the beverage. Virini had perhaps enjoyed a little too much of the ale. He initially had complained over it, but grew to like it the more he drank from it. Eventually when the party began to settle, Tyri made her way to Aurelian. - "Aurelian, am I glad to see you still standing." - "As am I. How does her majesty fare after such a roaring feast?" - "Oh stop it already. Just call me Tyri, for now. I'm not crowned yet." - "Oh I look forward to it. Be sure to not make any blunders." - "Hard to do so with the Old Axe looking at every detail." - "I'm sure he'll be most helpful the coming days." She smirked again at him while her eyes flared up. - "I was actually thinking... What gift should I offer your people as a show of friendship?" Aurelian smiled at her. He knew just the thing. - "A Skaggard bear cloak will do." - "Skåggard. You still have to work on your pronunciation a bit. But your father already has cloak made from the Mardakii, has he not?" - "Aye, but perhaps the cloak could become the symbol of the Prince of Bloemfontein." The two laughed at the idea and Tyri embraced Aurelian again and lowered her head on his shoulder. - "Aurelian..." - "Yes, Tyri." - "Is there any woman you fancy." - "Aye..." Tyri took a step back in disbelief and was shocked as she expected him to tell her of a girl in some Stoinian royal court. - "She's standing right in front of me." Tyri gave Aurelian a kiss and embraced him more tightly than ever. From the first glance they shared to this very moment, Aurelian knew Tyri would hold a special place in his heart. He would make her a promise. - "I'm yours. From now until the dusk of my life. Right here and across the stars." Kezimite Kingdom, Keffiz, Konshi Royal Palace 16/07/1620 PD Aurelian stepped outside the Konshi Royal Palace on Keffiz, the capital world of the Kezimite Kingdom. It had been two weeks since Tyri's coronation and he now found himself on a tropical and warm planet not too far from Dunedari space. The Kezimite Kingdom was another Terran star nation within the Tiyanki Territories. The Kingdom was in fact a planetary state consisting of two dual planets: Keffiz and Keffix. The planets too was ruled over by a King. Shigar IV Konshi had requested the presence of Aurelian as Kezimite customs required a noble born to sign any agreements, a custom which the Treecuu abhored. The Treecuu were growing more and more frustrated by the Stoinian prince who had taken much of the glory of initiating contact. However, his successful streak would come to an end with one holocall. His father appeared and Aurelian immediately knew by the looks of his father that it was earnest. As he found a quiet spot he spoke with his father. - "Yes, father. What is it?" - "You know my mood, good. I hear you're becoming quite a diplomat." - "With the Terrans out here at least." - "Leave some of the glory to the Treecuu. You must know how they work by now." - "True, especially Commodore Tuuc." - "A good soldier, though I never expected him to be a fitting diplomat." - "Oh, it's quite clear he won't ever quite his military attitude." - "A true shield and sword of the Empire eh." - "That he is... But this isn't just a social call to ask about my CO." - "No, it isn't. I have grave news for you which I wanted to give you personally before the news spreads like wildfire." - "What could it possibly be?" - "Son... We're at war." - "With who? How when?" - "A wormhole was discovered in the Cornucopia system. Grand Admiral Corvousier led an expedition to the other side and found a militant star nation who we expect to come in full force. They... They seem to be Terrans as well." - "What? How come they would attack us? We're their brethren!" - "These are no simple Terrans, son. They are out for blood for their Venterran Federation and we must take arms. You'll finally have a war to fight in." - "But father... We have so much to do in these territories. The Kezimites, Dunedari, Kihi and Salkethi are just the tip of the mountain. We need to press on and seek out our Terran brethren." - "And who will protect them if we are to fall?" Aurelian fell silent "I was wondering when the day would come when you'd stop dreaming of fighting in a war and instead look for peaceful opportunities. It seems fate has some irony to it. Now that a war has come, you wish to seek peaceful solutions. You know we have no choice in the matter. We must protect what is ours. The dream mustn't fade. Stoinia is calling on its horn." - "And we Stoian's must answer." - "I'll be giving you the Invictus. A fine ship to command a squadron from." - "But that would require a Commodore rank!" - "Which you'll have once you take command of Wrath Squadron. Just make sure you arrive in time to join the fight." - 'But I haven't earned the stripes!" - "Make sure that you do in the coming storm. Operation Farsight will continue, but the question remains whether you will still be part of it?" - "I'll join the fight home, father." - "Good, Aurelian. Make sure you don't lose any more time than need be." With that single remark, his father cut off the coms. Aurelian hated it when he did that, but now he had no other choice. He had proven to be a diplomat in the Territories, but the Lion called for his service and he has no choice but to answer. He had reasons to stay, but really couldn't do so. So know the war he so wished for had come at the wrong time. The time for words had seemingly passed and Aurelian put his hand on his sword as he entered the room of King Shagir IV again. For he intended to return at the war front back home... But not alone. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
8:25 shiptime, 25/10/1620 PD
Bridge, HMS Invictus, Élysée, Elysium Sector Wrath Squadron Aurelian looked through the window of his ready room. The Invictus was a state of the art warship and had proven so in recent patrols against Venterran forces. As a Bellator-class command battleship, the Invictus was a true warship aimed to command multiple ships while being in the heat of battle. Finally after months on transport and hearing dreadful reports from the frontlines, he'd made it to a rendezvous point with Grand Admiral Roger III Winton. Grand Admiral Roger III Winton was the Grand Duke of Elysium, but now that the military had taken over the complete governance of the Star Kingdom, he was more useful on the frontlines. The Wintons were close friends of the Stoians from even before Virtue's colonization and the War at home further cemented that relationship. - "Skipper, incoming message from Grand Admiral Winton. Shall I pass it through?" Lieutenant Kyriake Molaki asked over the comms, a cheerful young Hellenic Officer a little older than Aurelian in fact. - "Thank you. Pass it through." Aurelian smiled as he turned around to face the Grand Admiral. He straightened his uniform and then clicked on the computer to project the Grand Admiral. In true military tradition, Aurelian saluted his superior Officer. - "Sir." - "At ease, son. No need for formalities now." Winton replied with his deep voice as he looked down at the young Stoian. Aurelian immediately eased off the tension, but still stood straight as an arrow. His young aptitude hadn't changed on the exploration mission in the Tiyanki territories." - "To what do I owe the please, Sir?" - "Well..." Winton let out a short sigh. "You're new recruits from the Territories are quite stubborn. They refuse to be serve in units that aren't attached to yours. Given the actual numbers of ships, that's quite a difficult task." - "I wasn't aware they were putting up so much trouble." - "I don't blame you. We're still in a first protocol phase with them as a matter of fact." - "Perhaps I should have left them in the Territories... This is our war after all..." - "Don't blame yourself, son. What you were able to do is nothing short of a political feat. How many people at your age were able to bring other star nations under one banner?" - "I... Well not many get the chance to do that, now do they?" - "True, but still... Take the compliment when you get it, Aurelian. Especially when it's from your superior officer." Winton smiled. "I can guarantee you that doesn't happen very often." Aurelian grinned at Winton's comment. He still was as supportive as he'd remembered him. - "All right then, Sir. Thank you." - "Good. Though we're still entangled with your new allies. Fleetmaster Moffisa has shown some concessions, but Commandant Opir remains adamant that he must escort you in battle." - "That's Dunedari stubbornness right there." Fleetmaster Kurros Moffisa was the Kezimite commander that was sent to aid Aurelian. The Kezimite Kingdom was gracious in its offer to aid the Stoinians so soon after barely signing a defensive pact with the Star Kingdom. While their 23 ships were not like Stoinian vessels, they still formed a sizeable patrol force. The Kezimite commander had in fact volunteered for the job and was what some pacifist Kezimites might consider a warhawk. The Venterran Incursion was a perfect opportunity for all sides to appease on the Stoinians' war. Then there were the 32 ships from the Dunedari Free-Standings under Commandant Arehan Opir's leadership. They were noisy and a seemingly brutish bunch compared to the disciplined Stoinians. Aurelian was surprised when Tyri gave him that many ships from her own Royal Defence Fleet. The Dunedari were tribalistic at first, but once you peeled off their deterrent layer, they were among your best friends. Or in Aurelian and Tyri's case, lovers. Commandant Opir was an elderly man who'd seen plenty of combat already against pirates. The man was a cynic from growing so old, but he still was a respectable man. If not a bit vulgar. - "We can't spend any more weeks with such useless bickering however. The victory at Cappadocia is rallying cry with just the right timing. Our forces are mobilized and in position now. We're going to retake our stars." - "So I hear. We're in a Crusade now, last I heard." - "Indeed, that's why I've come up with a solution to the entanglement with the Tiyankians. A Taskforce." - "Flexible enough for a command structure. A wise solution, Sir." - "Now that they're ships have been retrofitted with up to date technology to face the Venterrans at Acarro. They're ready now and I've got to say that their damn hyperspace drives are damn quick." - "Sir... Won't giving them new technology disturb the balance in the Tiyanki Territories?" - "Perhaps, but your father has more planned for the Territories." - "How so?" - "You might be royalty, but I can't discuss classified information with you." - "I understand, Sir. Who'll lead the Tiyanki Taskforce then?" - "I've made my choice. You'll lead the Taskforce. Taskforce Razgriz will be placed under your command and you'll help out the 3rd Fleet Section of the 11th Fleet under Admiral Lysander Andreides. Athos' Fair Duke has also re-joined the Navy. Are you up for the task?" - "I'd be honoured, Sir." - "Half of my admiralty wants them gone, but if they wish to spend their blood in our war, I'll let them. Though I don't see another solution to combine arms." - "I see, Sir." - "Wrath Squadron will still be yours to command and will be part of the Taskforce. The Invictus should prove a capable command ship for your operations." - "Aye, Sir. Though... I don't think I'm familiar with the term Razgriz." - "Ah that... Commandant Arehan Opir boasted that he'll bring Roathorak, some sort of Dunedari world's ending, to the Venterrans and that his ships will be like the Razgriz. From what I've gathered, they are some kind of furies. I liked the brute's poetic side, so the name stuck." - "Interesting, well... I think Commandant Opir'll be delighted to hear his recommendation had some effect." - "That I'm convinced off. I'll leave it up to you to contact them and form up with them. Admiral Andreides we'll brief you in the coming days." - "Yes, Sir." - "Well you better get to it then. Winton, out." Winton's image then disappeared before Aurelian could properly salute his superior. Though his attention then turned back at the door as the bell chimed. - "Come in." Then Aurelian's friend Virini entered the ready room with the same flamboyancy the day they met. - "Ah, Aurelian. Do you know that these Dunedari still won't acknowledge that Bravari is superior to their drinks?" - "We'll convince them otherwise, Virini. I hope you have a bottle to celebrate." - "Of course! But ah... What's the occasion?" - "We're going to kick some Venterran ass." - "Ah, perhaps we should use two bottle then..." - "Maybe four, Opir and Moffisa will join us." - "Now that's absurd! We can't waste that much Bravari to the barbarians!" Virini replied jokingly with an angry tone that could have been heard on the bridge. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
|
| Users browsing this thread: |
| 2 Guest(s) |