Hi I've been working on another chapter, I was going to add a few more pages, but I think it ends well as it is. Ready for the opening to chapter 6!
Prologue
http://www.egosoft.com/x2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=74847
Chapter 1
http://www.egosoft.com/x2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=74982
Chapter 2
http://www.egosoft.com/x2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=75228
Chapter 3
http://www.egosoft.com/x2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=76650
Chapter 4
http://www.egosoft.com/x2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=77078
Chapter 5 –Escalations
Darryl Schmidt paced tensely across the main deck of the command centre of the Black star outpost. Over the past few wozuras reports had been coming in that were disturbing some very important people. He walked back to his seat in the centre of the room and activated his console. He searched through all the red flagged data marked Split trying to find a pattern. Since the Splits’ sudden departure from the trade summit in Home of Light, their outer sector colonies had been a hive of activity. He pulled up several reports. Soon after the conference, the Family Njy fleet had been brought rapidly to full combat status and their reserve fleet was being taken out of mothballs. It would be another wozura or two before these other ships were ready for service but the sudden activation of so much military hardware was unsettling. To create further concern it appeared that Family Ryk had placed their carrier battle groups at full alert. Some agents had suggested that it might be a resurgence of the conflict between these two Split houses, however there was evidence of increased activity and ongoing exercises in the sector of Ghinn’s Escape. The Family Ghinn was not allied to either of the two rival houses so it seemed curious that they would be involved. All the evidence was pointing towards a possible invasion of the much-coveted Boron sectors at the far edge of known space. It was widely believed that the next shift of the space gates would open out sectors beyond this region.
“But why would they open trade negotiations with us?” Schmidt asked out loud.
“Sir?” one of the technicians queried.
“Nothing, just thinking it out loud,” He replied.
His brain hit a mental block as he ran scenarios through his head. The only explanation was for concealment, a maskirova. Yet it made no sense to try to sue for peace yet show blatant military build up. At present Schmidt could only suggest that a limited countering force should be deployed. He prepared a short summary of the evidence with his suggestions and sent it to the secret service headquarters as priority mail. “Let them worry about it.” He thought
“Sir,” One of the technicians called. “We’ve got another red coming in from Njy’s Deception.”
“Let me see it” He ordered.
He scanned through the brief report. It appeared that the patriarch of Family Ryk had requested a meeting with Lord Njy. The outcome of the meeting might decide the fate of the galaxy.
+++
Excitement swept the great hall of the Family Jxu palace. Lord Jxu sat upon his dominating throne awaiting news from his spies throughout the Split Empire. He indicated General Dhjn to join him at the top of the dais.
“How goes the build up of our forces?” The Split Lord asked.
“The main fleet is ready, three destroyers and one carrier.” Informed Dhjn. “We also now have fifteen corvettes and over 300 fighters ready. The fifth, sixth and eighteenth mobile assault battalions have been activated and their assault transports prepped for the station assaults.”
“And what about Ghinn?”
“He has had his troops running exercises for several tazuras, it will appear to all that he fears or is preparing for attacks.”
“Excellent, we are ready to strike. All we need now is news from the outer sectors. We need the diversion to be fully engaged before we can invade.” Replied Lord Jzu.
As the Split Lord finished his sentence a messenger ran into the chamber. His chest was heaving with exhaustion, it was clear he had travelled a long distance at a high speed. The messenger staggered forwards and the crowd of attendants and minor nobles retracted to give him a clear path to the throne. With halting plodding steps he finally reached the dais and bowed low.
“My Lord…Have come… from spaceport... message from agents.” Said the messenger haltingly, gasping for breath. Lord Jzu stalked down the steps and snatched the message scroll from his hands. “Its about time.” He sneered.
The message was short it told of the deployment of large forces along the Split/Boron borders far out in the rim. A grim look of satisfaction drew across Jxu’s face it appeared that the Boron were reacting to the build up by deploying several major fleet elements across the Hila’s Joy and Oceans of Fantasy sectors, nothing overtly offensive and yet it was clear that they were preparing for the perceived impending attack. His agents also had evidence that the Argon were preparing a carrier battle group to support the Boron in Hila’s Joy. The plan was coming to fruition, if only things would escalate, to draw the focus away from the core systems.
“My Lord?” The messenger’s voice was fearful, though he was regaining his strength. “I have another urgent message from our spy in the Ryk ranks.”
“Where is it?” Demanded Jzu
“There was not time to prepare it, so I am here to pass it on.” The Messenger replied
“Well speak up, what is it?”
“Lord Njy has apparently agreed to meet with Lord Ryk.” The messenger paused; the Split had a tradition for execution in the event of bad news. “The spy believes they are going to discuss cessation of the gathering conflict before it begins.”
“WHAT!” Jxu exclaimed. “This could ruin all our plans.” He seethed with rage and began lashing out at his servants.
“My Lord,” Dhjn interrupted. “I think there may be an alternative reason for this meeting.”
“What?” Jxu said with deep anger.
“Njy or Ryk may well have noticed the build up in the Boron sectors. To one who knows about the assassination it might appear that others new about the growing rift between Ryk and Njy.”
“Go on.” Jxu interrupted.
“If this is the case it might appear that the ancient enemy, the Boron are preparing to take advantage of the current crisis and try to expand their territory whilst the two houses are at war. Conversely the Boron will see the build up and negotiations as a step towards a war against their holdings.”
“Excellent, then things are developing nicely, a united front will give greater voice in the great war council and thus assure the deployment of more forces on the border. I see now, thank you Dhjn you are wise, a worthy servant of your master.”
+++
Commander Dentill was in his office with Marcus Gromwell and Loralaminckstros. They were sat in silence glued to a newscast on the vidscreen. It had been a couple of wozuras since Dentill had returned from the home of Light Trade summit. In that time he had brought himself up to speed with his current command. A review of his resources had shown that the GDI had it presence through seven sectors and owned fifteen stations within the Outer Sectors Division. His task over the period had been to organise the defence squadrons to deal effectively with the Khaak hit and fade attacks. The dozen factories, which comprised the main construction capability of the GDI each, now had six medium fighters stationed aboard, either of Busters or Makos. Each of the sectors had also been assigned a flight group of Nova heavy fighters. A pair of Argon discoverer scouts was also stationed aboard each station for reconnaissance and antimissile defence. The new computer plant in Hatikvah’s Fate had come on line two tazuras after the summit. Dentill had been happy to assign Fielding as commander of the new Mamba squadron assigned there for sector defence. He was growing tired of her constant glory seeking and thirst for advancement. Combining all the squadrons together he commanded a formidable force. There were four squadrons of Busters, three of Makos, three Nova squadrons, two Discoverer squadrons, the Manta squadron, and Loralaminckstros had recently had his ships upgraded to the highly advanced Paranid Perseus. All told he now commanded a force of one hundred and seventy eight fighter craft, enough to take on even a carrier group, albeit the ships were scattered across several sectors.
As Dentill looked at the latest report of convoy escorts and minor brushes with pirates or the occasional maintenance issue the News reporter continued in measured tones.
“And the Argon government has released a warning of an impending crisis in the far sectors of the Boron Kingdom. In a recent statement, Senator Bronwe of Black Hole Sun has requested that nonessential traffic avoid the Boron Sectors of Hila’s Joy and Ocean of Fantasy. Our sources have revealed that an alarming build up of forces has been taking place in the Split holdings of Families Njy and Ryk. It is feared that the Split maybe preparing for an invasion of these sectors, the justification for this is unknown.
The Argon government has made a unilateral declaration of condemnation of Split aggression. An undisclosed source within the Split government when invited to comment on the allegations replied that the Split government had no official stance on the current situation but that any action on behalf of the Split people could only be through the need to counter the Imperialist Threat posed by the Boron menace.
ASN will bring further updates on this growing crisis as soon as more information becomes available. Now in other news…”
Dentill switched off the volume and turned to his squadron commanders. “Things aren’t looking good guys. I can’t believe that the Split would be so two faced, requesting free trade and peaceful competition and then behind our backs preparing for invasion of our allies.”
“It does seem a little underhanded for the Split.” Remarked Loralaminckstros, “It would seem more likely that they would threaten their opponents long before being ready to strike in the hope of instilling fear.”
“Maybe they’ve been learning a few things from the Teladi,” suggested Gromwell.
“I hope not, they’re a tough enough opponent without having them unpredictable. Still there must be more to this, it makes no sense to declare war given the Khaak’s constant Harassment of our forces.” Dentill did not sound confident.
“I think we should place our squadrons on higher alert, it is possible that if this powder keg blows we are likely to face raids from the Split Jump fleet.” Gromwell advised.
“Why the hell, did Terracorp have to be so free with their sales of jump drives?” He asked. “No don’t answer that!” he added before Loralaminckstros could reply. “I think I might talk to Shacklock about offering our support to the Navy. It might help free up some ships for the battlefront if we were to take on more of the sector defence role.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea old boy?” Asked Gromwell fingering his scarf. “It seems to me we are already taking frequent losses from the Khaak and the occasional pirate.”
“We have to do something damn it, we can’t just sit about letting others do the dangerous work.” Dentill was getting irate, not with his men, but with the situation, he felt impotent now he was no longer with the fleet. He had to do something.
As Dentill recovered his composure, Shacklock walked into the office. Dentill was about to make his suggestion when he was interrupted. “Good evening gentleman. I think I have found you a mission you might enjoy.”
“Oh,” Replied Dentill, “I was just about to come and see you about something myself, but please fill us in.”
“We have recently completed the development and construction of a new class of warship, which we hope will help fill the gap in the navy between the small corvette and the heavy destroyers.” Shacklock began.
He walked to the nearby briefing wall and after a couple of sezuras he had brought up to display a three-dimensional model of a warship. The ship had a large curved prow, similar to that of the Titan class destroyer and Colossus class carriers currently in the fleet. Whereas on the Titan an elongated body connected the prow to the engines, there was only a small compact habitation ring connecting it to the main engineering deck and its pair of massive engines. Atop the habitation ring sat the standard bridge configuration used on the large fleet vessels. The whole body of the ship seemed to rest above a large flat docking bay, reminiscent of the main bay of the older obsolete class of carriers.
“This is the Ardent, the first of a whole new frigate class of warship. As you can see it is somewhat smaller than a Titan, although we have included docking capabilities for two squadrons of fighters, which is a marked improvement over the destroyer class of ships. The ship has two roles, firstly as an escort carrier for sector defence, freeing up the lager fleet carriers for military operations. It also can be used in an offensive role to spearhead small scale operations against less heavy opposition where destroyers would be overkill.
Shacklock paused to change the screen showing a wire frame model of the ship with the engine system highlighted in red.
“It is powered by an advance version of the current plasma fusion reactors used on all standard interstellar craft. Its engines can produce a similar level of thrust to that of the Titan class and as such produces a proportional increase in engine power. Current tests suggest it is capable of maintaining a speed in excess of two hundred and fifty mps, which finally gives we Argon, a capital ship capable of keeping up with the heavier ships of many of the other races.”
Leaving that information to sink in, he activated the screen again, this time the red highlighting slowly flicked through several areas of the digitally modelled ship.
“In terms of weaponry, it has a forward armament of 4 Gamma Particle Projection Cannons, and uses a new advance loading design allowing it to launch six missiles simultaneously. The four protrusions extending from the main crew decks are topped with anti-fighter turrets, each turret contains two linked gamma particle accelerator cannons. These turrets have overlapping fields of fire giving the ship virtually seven twenty degrees of fire and thus eliminating blind spots which fighter craft might exploit.”
Dentill let out a whistle of appreciation; it was a rare thing for a ship not to have blind spots. Most of the warships in the five races had areas where few if any turrets gave protection an thus allowed enterprising pilots the chance to cause serious damage.
“The ship has recently completed its standard shakedown trials, and all its systems seem to be working at full efficiency. What we want to do now is conduct fleet engagement trials. As such Commander Dentill, I want you to use your military knowledge to develop scenarios to test the ships capabilities against fighter attacks. As it is a carrier too, you may want to try some combined operations too.”
“You weren’t wrong when you said it would be fun Petre.” Spoke up Dentill eagerly. Addressing the other two pilots he said, “Do you two want to join in, it would be great to have your input, especially you Loral. It would be good to test the ships capabilities against non-Argon fighters.”
“Excellent, the Ardent will be testing its Jump drive in Aladna Hill. If you get the mission plans ready for three tazuras time, then you can join up with her there and conduct the exercises.” Said Shacklock.
“We’ll do that, thanks for passing this our way.” Dentill replied.
As Shacklock walked out of the room he could hear Dentill enthusiastically begin planning. “Now Loral, you will play the Opfor with your squadron of Perseii…”
+++
A voice called across the audience chamber. “My Lord, Lord Jxu.” The sound of panting could be heard in the servant’s voice. Lord Jxu turned to see what was so important as to disturb him from his game of Claznar. He was very fond of the Split game of strategy and did not like to be interrupted.
“What is it now” He demanded with venom in his tone. “And be quick can you not see I am busy!”
“Forgive me my liege.” The Split servant abased himself before his master. “The visitors you informed us would be coming has arrived. He is waiting in the foyer, should I let him in?”
“Indeed show the gentlemen in.” Jxu waved the servant away. He indicated Dhjn his gaming opponent to join him at the throne. He had barely sat down when three Argon stalked into the room, led by two of his honour guard.
“Ah Captain Styles, a pleasure to meet you.” He examined each of the three men, dressed in attire, which even the most ignorant of observers would recognize as pirate gear. Each of the men wore a pseudo-uniform jacket, each decorated with unique regalia, medals and insignia, which would make the most pompous general blush. The looks of disdain and lack awe at Lord Jxu’s presence further set them apart from the average Argon in the Split’s eyes.
“Howdy, Jxu, whydya call us here.?” Said Styles in broken Split. Dhjn bridled at his utter lack of respect.
Placing a calming hand on Dhjn’s arm, Lord Jxu began to explain.
“I have requested you presence for our mutual benefit. It has come to my attention that you have recently found yourself cut off from you comrades in Loomankstrats Legacy, thanks to the large bounties being placed on you heads in an attempt to curb pirate activities. I know that the borders through Argon and Boron space have been closed to you for some time.”
“That’s true” replied Styles, “But what’s this to you?”
“It might surprise you to learn then that due to the current crisis in the outer reaches, the Argon and Boron Sectors form Aladna Hill, to Great Trench have been stripped of much of their Naval defences.”
“Its good of you to let us know that, but since now you’ve given this information away, why shouldn’t I just walk out on you?” Styles replied mockingly.
“You might, but things will soon be changing and it is in your best interests to work with me rather than against me. I know you were brought past my fleet on your way here, do you think you could stand against it?” The obvious threat was left hanging.
“I didn’t say I was going to cross you, Lord Jxu.” Styles was slightly more respectful. “I just wanted to let you know I’m not some slave you can kick around. You don’t need to use veiled threats”
“My dear Captain, I don’t need to threaten. I simply want to work with you. There is one obstacle in your way. The Argon are maintaining a pair of heavy fighter squadrons in Aladna Hill, to maintain the embargo on your trade. What I am suggesting is that you use all you ships and try to break the blockade, it would suit both our purposes if the Argon are left on the defensive.”
“You strike an interesting deal Lord J.” A smile crept across Styles’ face. “I think we might have a deal.”
+++
Destiny's Dawn Chapter 5 - Escalations (complete)
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Destiny's Dawn Chapter 5 - Escalations (complete)
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