Post by Carlos on Dec 5, 2012 1:13:52 GMT -6
Several years before the current stardate.
Southern Frontier.
Planet Sasalas and Planet Menchia are in a decades long feud. Stemming from either mining rights disputes or supposedly infringed upon space. No one could really dig up any concrete proof to support either. Nor who started the events that led to this state of aggression. The two planets are in an ongoing privateer war. Civilian ships engaging in piracy in and around the jump gates located between the two star systems. The Emperor has a hands off policy on the frontier. To make up for the lack of protection on the Frontier, they are exempt from taxes, and direct authority of Imperial Authorities. Except for on specific laws. Such as slavery, human rights, dangerous drugs, and genetic experimentation.
However, the current state of the conflict sees privateers acting entirely too independent, resulting in attacks against ships not affiliated by either Planet. While both Planetary Governments claim that any ship captain with a commission are instructed not to attack neutral shipping. Beyond that they do little to stem the greed of the privateers. Who only grow bolder as they reap ever greater rewards.
For that reason a peacekeeping coalition was formed. Half of which is made up of Imperial Navy. The other half of which is formed of volunteer ships from the various Houses of the Empire. Primarily Aurilian, Sarcanus, Gransela, and Sierra Madre Republic. Though Aurilia's ships are fewer in number due to the fact their ships were much too large for the mission at hand. The Sarcanus have much experience in protecting shipping and they always strive to keep providing their ship captains with practical experience. The Gransela provided ships on the basis they could "impound" any privateers that they caught acting unlawfully. And finally the Sierra Madre Republic had thrown it's weight around in the Imperial Court over supposed infringements of Frontier rights.
Despite not having authority in Sasalas and Menchia airspace without due cause or the express word of the Emperor. Imperial Forces have every right to protect civilian shipping. Even so, a formal treaty was signed, stating that all commissioned privateers understood the Imperial Forces would detain any ship attacking neutral shipping. With the trade off being not interfering in the privateer war as long as human rights are respected. Any ship flying a privateer's flag is considered a warship. But non marked ships were considered civilian and as such loss of life was to be minimized.
Darius Sarcanus, Marquis of House Sarcanus, Captain of the carrier "Eisenhorn". His father assigned him, the older of the heirs, to ensure that the Sarcanus forces gave a good showing and to reassure the Emperor of the success of the Peacekeeping operations.
Darius stared out across the bridge, his gaze fixated upon the stars strewn across the screens, a cup of artificial caffeine held firmly in his hand. He cut an imposing figure. Tall, broad shouldered, a strong square jaw. However there was one thing that always was a source of displeasure. His receding hairline. At 28 years old, he felt it was much too early, but at the very least it made him look older.
"Captain, we have a transmission from Commander Tybalt, requesting to speak to you, sir." The young communications officer said in a tone that made him sound far younger then he was.
Darius nodded, gesturing with his free hand to put on the screen, his expression not changing from the quiet contemplation of before. An officer, slightly younger, his hair clipped short in the standard of the Imperial Navy. Average features that did little to make the officer stand out.
"Commander Tybalt. To what do I owe the honor?" Darius inquired, his jaw shifting slightly after speaking.
"Oh no, please, the honor is all mine Marquis de Sarcanus," Commander Tybalt replied with a apologetic gesture of his hand.
"Nonsense, I relish the opportunity to converse with an Imperial Navy officers. And please, I much prefer the title of Captain." Returned Darius, the left of his lip turning into a slight grin.
"Of course, Captain Sarcanus, I meant no-" Tybalt started to say in an apologetic manner, but was cut off by Darius who raised his hand to stay his apologies. Tybalt felt embarrassed, smiling it off with a nod. "I simply wanted to get your take on this assignment. Though I am an Imperial Officer, I and the other Imperial vessels in this ship company were deferred to your command."
Darius eyed the screen, not changing his expression, he knew they had attached these Imperial elements within the House ship companies to ensure everything was kept under the Emperor's watchful eye.
"I feel much like a crosswalk guard. Shepherding children from one side of the street to the other," Darius said gesturing with his free hand to indication one side and the other. "Even so, I intend to keep a close watch on these children."
Commander Tybalt couldn't suppress a smile. Soon nodding in agreement. "Well let us hope that the reports were simply exaggerated." he said with an additional nod, as if to affirm his own statement.
Darius' expression narrowed slightly. But he said nothing further. Just then a communications officer indicated detecting activity.
"Report," Darius said casually, only sparing the man a half glance, that lasted all of a second. The video feed from Tybalt was still up.
"Recon ship 'Cricket' reports Menchia privateer ship closing on Sasalas merchant vessel," The Officer said quickly and clearly.
Darius took a moment, then knocked back his drink in one motion, wiping some of the drink from his chin. Turning to look at his helmsman. "Bring us into visual range at combat speed," His strong voice demanded.
Tybalt was clearly perturbed by this order as they were not to interfere with the privateer war the two planets were engaging in and had formally signed treaties to ensure no actions would be taken against them.
"Just going to see if our mere presence could persuade the children to behave better. Perhaps your destroyer 'Luna Negra', would like to accompany us? The other ships in the area can operate on their own." Darius said so confidently it infected the young Commander.
"It would be an honor sir," Commander Tybalt said as he suppressed a smile, that formed into a slight grin. "Fall into position with 'Eisenhorn'!"
Darius nodded his approval. The young man was trying to impress him. But it would take more then that.
It wasn't long before they were in maximum view range. They did not slow their approach. Darius was intent on possibly making them think they were on an attack run. However, when they neared a range they could observe individual actions being taken, they slowed to a crawl.
"Well, it seems the civilian ship surrendered Captain Sarcanus," Tybalt said nodding empathetically.
Sarcanus shifted his lower jaw to the right a bit. His eyes never leaving the display of the two ships. A few seconds passed then he spoke over his shoulder. "Prep fighters for launch."
"What are you doing Marquis!?" Tybalt couldn't help blurt out.
Back to Marquis already I see, thought Darius.
Instead of replying to Tybalt, he returned his gaze to the ships on the screen, his suspicions were proven soon enough. The Menchian ship began moving away at full speed. However once it was a certain distance away, it opened fire, it's railguns beginning to pelt the merchant ship, followed by four medium missiles. They proceeded to fire indiscriminately as they tried to make good their escape.
"Launch fighters! All ahead full. Prep rescue teams!" Barked Darius, his hands clasping the railing in front of him, leaning forward a bit as he stared at the fleeing ship.
Tybalt did not protest, seeing the Menchian actions for what they were, acts of violence committed against a surrendered civilian vessel. However he did cut the video link and issued orders to his crew to move in as escort.
The Sarcanus squadrons cleared the great distance quickly. Dumping the extra fuel tanks once in combat range. The first wave to do a flyby did so at high speed, aiming to maim the ship a bit, without slowing where they would potentially be too easily tracked. The second wave however was comprised of Sarcanus heavy fighters. Built for armor and payload. Slowing to allow better aim, they picked out targets on the ship, firing their large rockets into key positions on the ship. The engines in particular required skill, as too close to the output would cause the rockets to explode prematurely, too further up would hit thick armor. The pilots were well practiced in aiming at the precise angle to maximize damage.
An explosion rocked the Menchian ship, one of it's engines losing thrust, slowing the ship. It's sensor array was also damaged along with two, of it's three, railgun batteries.
It wasn't much of a threat to begin with as a military asset. It's railguns were illegally attained military equipment, but were of an older model, no longer in use within the militaries of the Empire. And the ship lacked adequate guidance systems to hit the fast moving fighters with missiles. A fabulous lack of anti-aircraft weaponry made it very vulnerable to these attacks.
"Message from the ship, sir. It reads 'You've no business here you dogs of the Emperor,' " Reported the communications officer.
"I've been called worse," Remarked Darius dryly, a bit disappointing, it seemed like such a cliched response. "Order our fighters to pick the weapons apart, batter them for a few seconds with pulse laser fire, see how they feel then."
"Aye sir," replied the officer. Meanwhile the Eisenhorn drew closer to the Sasalas ship, but kept it at a safe distance, should it be rigged to explode. "Sasalas ship reports to have only sustained a few minor breaches and surface damage."
"Very well. Cancel rescues. Instead lets prep for boarding actions," Darius instructed calmly, as if it were business as usual.
"Sir! The Sasalas ship is moving to intercept!"
Darius looked at the projected course. It was going straight for the Mechian Privateer.
"Warn them to stop." Darius said in a low tone, imparting serious nature of their actions.
"Sasalas ship, cease your approach, or you will be fired upon. The Menchian privateer is now considered a war criminal and falls under our purview." The communications officer said in a commanding voice.
The ship increased it's speed, no doubt pushing it's old engines too hard, they desperately wanted to get some licks in.
Darius quickly keyed in his com link. "Echoe 1, Darius speaking, if they fire. Disable their weapons!"
The ship was soon in range. It only had a single turret. A medium dual laser turret. It nonetheless came to life. Surprisingly it struck true, stitching the Menchian ship across the hall, but not to much affect. Armor was visibly lined with a gauge. A few spots showed signs of atmosphere leaking out. However the next thing the ship's Captain knew, a missile struck it's turret, destroying it outright.
"Prepare, two, boarding parties," Darius said with an emphasis on two. Then added. "Inform the Luna Negra of our intentions. Then issue their commander orders to watch our six."
"Aye sir," Replied communications officer.
Darius was about to walk off the bridge when a vid-link request arrived. He gestured for them put it on the nearest console to him.
"Yes, Commander?" Darius asked sounding a bit weary, though not from events of today, just not wanting to explain himself.
"I'm only curious Captain, what tipped you off to their actions?" Tybalt said with a somewhat serious expression.
Darius sighed lightly and shifted his lower jaw to the left. "You've not spent much time in this role, have you?" he didn't wait for a response. "There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter. "
"I understand, they've been in that life too long, so you expected the worst." Tybalt opinioned.
"An accurate assessment, now, if there is nothing else. I will retire to my stateroom." Darius said calmly.
"Ah yes, of course sir," Tybalt replied. Snapping off a quick salute.
Darius returned the salute. Finally leaving the bridge. He'd left instructions for the commander of his marines to notify him if something went awry.
Southern Frontier.
Planet Sasalas and Planet Menchia are in a decades long feud. Stemming from either mining rights disputes or supposedly infringed upon space. No one could really dig up any concrete proof to support either. Nor who started the events that led to this state of aggression. The two planets are in an ongoing privateer war. Civilian ships engaging in piracy in and around the jump gates located between the two star systems. The Emperor has a hands off policy on the frontier. To make up for the lack of protection on the Frontier, they are exempt from taxes, and direct authority of Imperial Authorities. Except for on specific laws. Such as slavery, human rights, dangerous drugs, and genetic experimentation.
However, the current state of the conflict sees privateers acting entirely too independent, resulting in attacks against ships not affiliated by either Planet. While both Planetary Governments claim that any ship captain with a commission are instructed not to attack neutral shipping. Beyond that they do little to stem the greed of the privateers. Who only grow bolder as they reap ever greater rewards.
For that reason a peacekeeping coalition was formed. Half of which is made up of Imperial Navy. The other half of which is formed of volunteer ships from the various Houses of the Empire. Primarily Aurilian, Sarcanus, Gransela, and Sierra Madre Republic. Though Aurilia's ships are fewer in number due to the fact their ships were much too large for the mission at hand. The Sarcanus have much experience in protecting shipping and they always strive to keep providing their ship captains with practical experience. The Gransela provided ships on the basis they could "impound" any privateers that they caught acting unlawfully. And finally the Sierra Madre Republic had thrown it's weight around in the Imperial Court over supposed infringements of Frontier rights.
Despite not having authority in Sasalas and Menchia airspace without due cause or the express word of the Emperor. Imperial Forces have every right to protect civilian shipping. Even so, a formal treaty was signed, stating that all commissioned privateers understood the Imperial Forces would detain any ship attacking neutral shipping. With the trade off being not interfering in the privateer war as long as human rights are respected. Any ship flying a privateer's flag is considered a warship. But non marked ships were considered civilian and as such loss of life was to be minimized.
Darius Sarcanus, Marquis of House Sarcanus, Captain of the carrier "Eisenhorn". His father assigned him, the older of the heirs, to ensure that the Sarcanus forces gave a good showing and to reassure the Emperor of the success of the Peacekeeping operations.
Darius stared out across the bridge, his gaze fixated upon the stars strewn across the screens, a cup of artificial caffeine held firmly in his hand. He cut an imposing figure. Tall, broad shouldered, a strong square jaw. However there was one thing that always was a source of displeasure. His receding hairline. At 28 years old, he felt it was much too early, but at the very least it made him look older.
"Captain, we have a transmission from Commander Tybalt, requesting to speak to you, sir." The young communications officer said in a tone that made him sound far younger then he was.
Darius nodded, gesturing with his free hand to put on the screen, his expression not changing from the quiet contemplation of before. An officer, slightly younger, his hair clipped short in the standard of the Imperial Navy. Average features that did little to make the officer stand out.
"Commander Tybalt. To what do I owe the honor?" Darius inquired, his jaw shifting slightly after speaking.
"Oh no, please, the honor is all mine Marquis de Sarcanus," Commander Tybalt replied with a apologetic gesture of his hand.
"Nonsense, I relish the opportunity to converse with an Imperial Navy officers. And please, I much prefer the title of Captain." Returned Darius, the left of his lip turning into a slight grin.
"Of course, Captain Sarcanus, I meant no-" Tybalt started to say in an apologetic manner, but was cut off by Darius who raised his hand to stay his apologies. Tybalt felt embarrassed, smiling it off with a nod. "I simply wanted to get your take on this assignment. Though I am an Imperial Officer, I and the other Imperial vessels in this ship company were deferred to your command."
Darius eyed the screen, not changing his expression, he knew they had attached these Imperial elements within the House ship companies to ensure everything was kept under the Emperor's watchful eye.
"I feel much like a crosswalk guard. Shepherding children from one side of the street to the other," Darius said gesturing with his free hand to indication one side and the other. "Even so, I intend to keep a close watch on these children."
Commander Tybalt couldn't suppress a smile. Soon nodding in agreement. "Well let us hope that the reports were simply exaggerated." he said with an additional nod, as if to affirm his own statement.
Darius' expression narrowed slightly. But he said nothing further. Just then a communications officer indicated detecting activity.
"Report," Darius said casually, only sparing the man a half glance, that lasted all of a second. The video feed from Tybalt was still up.
"Recon ship 'Cricket' reports Menchia privateer ship closing on Sasalas merchant vessel," The Officer said quickly and clearly.
Darius took a moment, then knocked back his drink in one motion, wiping some of the drink from his chin. Turning to look at his helmsman. "Bring us into visual range at combat speed," His strong voice demanded.
Tybalt was clearly perturbed by this order as they were not to interfere with the privateer war the two planets were engaging in and had formally signed treaties to ensure no actions would be taken against them.
"Just going to see if our mere presence could persuade the children to behave better. Perhaps your destroyer 'Luna Negra', would like to accompany us? The other ships in the area can operate on their own." Darius said so confidently it infected the young Commander.
"It would be an honor sir," Commander Tybalt said as he suppressed a smile, that formed into a slight grin. "Fall into position with 'Eisenhorn'!"
Darius nodded his approval. The young man was trying to impress him. But it would take more then that.
It wasn't long before they were in maximum view range. They did not slow their approach. Darius was intent on possibly making them think they were on an attack run. However, when they neared a range they could observe individual actions being taken, they slowed to a crawl.
"Well, it seems the civilian ship surrendered Captain Sarcanus," Tybalt said nodding empathetically.
Sarcanus shifted his lower jaw to the right a bit. His eyes never leaving the display of the two ships. A few seconds passed then he spoke over his shoulder. "Prep fighters for launch."
"What are you doing Marquis!?" Tybalt couldn't help blurt out.
Back to Marquis already I see, thought Darius.
Instead of replying to Tybalt, he returned his gaze to the ships on the screen, his suspicions were proven soon enough. The Menchian ship began moving away at full speed. However once it was a certain distance away, it opened fire, it's railguns beginning to pelt the merchant ship, followed by four medium missiles. They proceeded to fire indiscriminately as they tried to make good their escape.
"Launch fighters! All ahead full. Prep rescue teams!" Barked Darius, his hands clasping the railing in front of him, leaning forward a bit as he stared at the fleeing ship.
Tybalt did not protest, seeing the Menchian actions for what they were, acts of violence committed against a surrendered civilian vessel. However he did cut the video link and issued orders to his crew to move in as escort.
The Sarcanus squadrons cleared the great distance quickly. Dumping the extra fuel tanks once in combat range. The first wave to do a flyby did so at high speed, aiming to maim the ship a bit, without slowing where they would potentially be too easily tracked. The second wave however was comprised of Sarcanus heavy fighters. Built for armor and payload. Slowing to allow better aim, they picked out targets on the ship, firing their large rockets into key positions on the ship. The engines in particular required skill, as too close to the output would cause the rockets to explode prematurely, too further up would hit thick armor. The pilots were well practiced in aiming at the precise angle to maximize damage.
An explosion rocked the Menchian ship, one of it's engines losing thrust, slowing the ship. It's sensor array was also damaged along with two, of it's three, railgun batteries.
It wasn't much of a threat to begin with as a military asset. It's railguns were illegally attained military equipment, but were of an older model, no longer in use within the militaries of the Empire. And the ship lacked adequate guidance systems to hit the fast moving fighters with missiles. A fabulous lack of anti-aircraft weaponry made it very vulnerable to these attacks.
"Message from the ship, sir. It reads 'You've no business here you dogs of the Emperor,' " Reported the communications officer.
"I've been called worse," Remarked Darius dryly, a bit disappointing, it seemed like such a cliched response. "Order our fighters to pick the weapons apart, batter them for a few seconds with pulse laser fire, see how they feel then."
"Aye sir," replied the officer. Meanwhile the Eisenhorn drew closer to the Sasalas ship, but kept it at a safe distance, should it be rigged to explode. "Sasalas ship reports to have only sustained a few minor breaches and surface damage."
"Very well. Cancel rescues. Instead lets prep for boarding actions," Darius instructed calmly, as if it were business as usual.
"Sir! The Sasalas ship is moving to intercept!"
Darius looked at the projected course. It was going straight for the Mechian Privateer.
"Warn them to stop." Darius said in a low tone, imparting serious nature of their actions.
"Sasalas ship, cease your approach, or you will be fired upon. The Menchian privateer is now considered a war criminal and falls under our purview." The communications officer said in a commanding voice.
The ship increased it's speed, no doubt pushing it's old engines too hard, they desperately wanted to get some licks in.
Darius quickly keyed in his com link. "Echoe 1, Darius speaking, if they fire. Disable their weapons!"
The ship was soon in range. It only had a single turret. A medium dual laser turret. It nonetheless came to life. Surprisingly it struck true, stitching the Menchian ship across the hall, but not to much affect. Armor was visibly lined with a gauge. A few spots showed signs of atmosphere leaking out. However the next thing the ship's Captain knew, a missile struck it's turret, destroying it outright.
"Prepare, two, boarding parties," Darius said with an emphasis on two. Then added. "Inform the Luna Negra of our intentions. Then issue their commander orders to watch our six."
"Aye sir," Replied communications officer.
Darius was about to walk off the bridge when a vid-link request arrived. He gestured for them put it on the nearest console to him.
"Yes, Commander?" Darius asked sounding a bit weary, though not from events of today, just not wanting to explain himself.
"I'm only curious Captain, what tipped you off to their actions?" Tybalt said with a somewhat serious expression.
Darius sighed lightly and shifted his lower jaw to the left. "You've not spent much time in this role, have you?" he didn't wait for a response. "There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter. "
"I understand, they've been in that life too long, so you expected the worst." Tybalt opinioned.
"An accurate assessment, now, if there is nothing else. I will retire to my stateroom." Darius said calmly.
"Ah yes, of course sir," Tybalt replied. Snapping off a quick salute.
Darius returned the salute. Finally leaving the bridge. He'd left instructions for the commander of his marines to notify him if something went awry.