"You're going on the planet Captain and that's final!" Captain Nikoli barked. "I'm not going to haul your asses and waste resources WE need to make it to a repair dock. We've already sent a report to my superiors and a notification to get some support ships out here, but at the moment, with the communications lag, my decision is final. If anything, you can give us somewhere to shoot a message, but itll still be a while."
Captain Nikoli looked at the new vessel on the screen. "As far as these guests, you worry about your people and I'll worry about them. See about getting those jump capable ships ready to transport able bodied personal to the planet and set up, before we follow along."
* * *
"New contact," announced Briten, though they were already anticipating their arrival. "Picking up a massive launch of fighters and they just activated energy shielding. Trying to sift through the data, but its construction looks similar to those on the Hand and her tonnage puts her in the carrier class."
Lt. Nai'ti sighed, "Great. A hot headed idiot."
"Incoming message..."
"This is Captain Sera Kalari of the Isaia class Carrier RNV Aldareth of the Third Kingdom of Terel we have recieved a distress signal from our diplomatic vessel and have come to assist... and now we find that we are too late and that they activated Gilau Protocol." There was cold anger bubbling in her voice, "I want to know who the hell attacked a neutral diplomatic ship... These... HRA...I want to know why they attacked a civilian ship. If I don't like the answer..." She growled low in her throat, "I'll make every one of them pay."
Everyone on the deck saw the visual and they held their gasps. No wonder the crew on the Hand acted so uppity, they looked and seemed to be just like the Kitt'ane Dynasty!
Nai'ti was jut about to respond, when the Captain appeared, splitting the screen.
"Lieutenant, update?"
"We just got a message from a carrier class vessel of the Third Kingdom of Terel, demanding to know what happened to their ship," Nai'ti explained.
Captain Nikoli growled. This is exactly, the type of underhandedness, that caused the unnecessary destruction of the Hand in the first place.
"Patch me to them," the Captain ordered.
It took only a few seconds, before Captain Nikoli saw the visual link and he too had the same reaction.
They look and act like those damn Kitt'ane, no wonder, he thought.
"This is Captain Nikoli of the Coalition Alliance Vessel Valhalla," Nikoli announced. "Look Captain, I'm going to be short with you, as I have little care to explain, an unnecessary tragedy the Hand, brought upon itself. They involved themselves in a war dispute between the Coalition and HRA Empire, and failing to comply with with an order to withdraw from the battlefield. I am sorry, but they brought it upon themselves. We will transmit the logs of everything that's occurred and you can sort it out for yourself. We were commencing Search and Rescue operations of your people, but we will hand that over to you and tend to our own recover. You will not, I repeat not attempt recovery of any other craft, other than your own. And when you are finished, you will withdraw from the area."
Captain Nikoli paused to let all that settle in. he then gave a cold glance off screen, before returning his eyes back to the display.
"As far as avenging them Captain. Stand in line, because you are not the only one," Nikoli said coldly. "Should you require anything else within reason, you may contact us. Valhalla out."
Ty cut the link and the display of Captain Kalari disappeared.
"They look awfully like the Kitt'ane," Liala said, stating the obvious.
"Indeed, which makes me think, we will have to handle them either with a heavy hand or tip toe. Either way, continue with the SAR missions, set up the HRAs jump capable vessels with supplies so they can go on ahead and start ferrying missions and keep a sharp eye on them. Condition Two," the Captain stated.
"Aye aye," Nai'ti acknowledged.
The Captain was about to cut the link, when he remembered something.
"Oh before I forget, commendations and promotions have been sent in with the last report to High Command. I don't know if they will approve, but I recommended a few of your for battlefield promotions. Liala, despite your..."unique" situation, you've proven yourself very reliant and capable as an officer. I hereby promote you to the rank of Commander, and Executive Officer of the ship. Lieutenants Nai'ti, Briten, and Ty, I know its overdue, but I can't stress the brilliant work you've all done. You're all promoted to Lieutenant Commander. I wish the circumstances were better, and those lost were here to see it, but congratulations nonetheless."
"Thank you sir," they all stated, before he disappeared from the screen.
There was some congrats from the crew, but there was an eerie type of silence on the deck. It wasn't long before someone broke it.
"Wait...that means I can go cyber jaunting anymore!" Liala exclaimed.
Laughter and smiles, broke out on the deck, as Lieutenant Nai'ti shook her head.
"I guess not Commander," she quipped. "Meaning back to your body and your turn to take the big chair."
"Totally not fair," Liala quipped back.
"As Commander Cigol would say, "Navigator, fairness is merely randomness in a pattern we wish. However for me, I think it wholeheartedly fair I get to stretch my legs a bit,"" Ty chimed in.
More laughter filled the deck, and Liala, merely gave glares as she stood with her arms crossed.
"Alright you lot, back to work or I'm dishing out reprimands!"
Captain Nikoli looked at the new vessel on the screen. "As far as these guests, you worry about your people and I'll worry about them. See about getting those jump capable ships ready to transport able bodied personal to the planet and set up, before we follow along."
* * *
"New contact," announced Briten, though they were already anticipating their arrival. "Picking up a massive launch of fighters and they just activated energy shielding. Trying to sift through the data, but its construction looks similar to those on the Hand and her tonnage puts her in the carrier class."
Lt. Nai'ti sighed, "Great. A hot headed idiot."
"Incoming message..."
"This is Captain Sera Kalari of the Isaia class Carrier RNV Aldareth of the Third Kingdom of Terel we have recieved a distress signal from our diplomatic vessel and have come to assist... and now we find that we are too late and that they activated Gilau Protocol." There was cold anger bubbling in her voice, "I want to know who the hell attacked a neutral diplomatic ship... These... HRA...I want to know why they attacked a civilian ship. If I don't like the answer..." She growled low in her throat, "I'll make every one of them pay."
Everyone on the deck saw the visual and they held their gasps. No wonder the crew on the Hand acted so uppity, they looked and seemed to be just like the Kitt'ane Dynasty!
Nai'ti was jut about to respond, when the Captain appeared, splitting the screen.
"Lieutenant, update?"
"We just got a message from a carrier class vessel of the Third Kingdom of Terel, demanding to know what happened to their ship," Nai'ti explained.
Captain Nikoli growled. This is exactly, the type of underhandedness, that caused the unnecessary destruction of the Hand in the first place.
"Patch me to them," the Captain ordered.
It took only a few seconds, before Captain Nikoli saw the visual link and he too had the same reaction.
They look and act like those damn Kitt'ane, no wonder, he thought.
"This is Captain Nikoli of the Coalition Alliance Vessel Valhalla," Nikoli announced. "Look Captain, I'm going to be short with you, as I have little care to explain, an unnecessary tragedy the Hand, brought upon itself. They involved themselves in a war dispute between the Coalition and HRA Empire, and failing to comply with with an order to withdraw from the battlefield. I am sorry, but they brought it upon themselves. We will transmit the logs of everything that's occurred and you can sort it out for yourself. We were commencing Search and Rescue operations of your people, but we will hand that over to you and tend to our own recover. You will not, I repeat not attempt recovery of any other craft, other than your own. And when you are finished, you will withdraw from the area."
Captain Nikoli paused to let all that settle in. he then gave a cold glance off screen, before returning his eyes back to the display.
"As far as avenging them Captain. Stand in line, because you are not the only one," Nikoli said coldly. "Should you require anything else within reason, you may contact us. Valhalla out."
Ty cut the link and the display of Captain Kalari disappeared.
"They look awfully like the Kitt'ane," Liala said, stating the obvious.
"Indeed, which makes me think, we will have to handle them either with a heavy hand or tip toe. Either way, continue with the SAR missions, set up the HRAs jump capable vessels with supplies so they can go on ahead and start ferrying missions and keep a sharp eye on them. Condition Two," the Captain stated.
"Aye aye," Nai'ti acknowledged.
The Captain was about to cut the link, when he remembered something.
"Oh before I forget, commendations and promotions have been sent in with the last report to High Command. I don't know if they will approve, but I recommended a few of your for battlefield promotions. Liala, despite your..."unique" situation, you've proven yourself very reliant and capable as an officer. I hereby promote you to the rank of Commander, and Executive Officer of the ship. Lieutenants Nai'ti, Briten, and Ty, I know its overdue, but I can't stress the brilliant work you've all done. You're all promoted to Lieutenant Commander. I wish the circumstances were better, and those lost were here to see it, but congratulations nonetheless."
"Thank you sir," they all stated, before he disappeared from the screen.
There was some congrats from the crew, but there was an eerie type of silence on the deck. It wasn't long before someone broke it.
"Wait...that means I can go cyber jaunting anymore!" Liala exclaimed.
Laughter and smiles, broke out on the deck, as Lieutenant Nai'ti shook her head.
"I guess not Commander," she quipped. "Meaning back to your body and your turn to take the big chair."
"Totally not fair," Liala quipped back.
"As Commander Cigol would say, "Navigator, fairness is merely randomness in a pattern we wish. However for me, I think it wholeheartedly fair I get to stretch my legs a bit,"" Ty chimed in.
More laughter filled the deck, and Liala, merely gave glares as she stood with her arms crossed.
"Alright you lot, back to work or I'm dishing out reprimands!"
System Restart
Cognitive Matrices re-initialising
"Oh my aching matrices..." Aelya moaned, "I hate squeezing myself into a comms-packet. I always feel like I've been put through the Trial of The Blade"
"Welcome back, Chief, it's good to see you again. I just wish it was under better circumstances." The Aldareth's AI said.
Information exploded into Aelya's cognitive Matrix as the rest of her systems came online, there was a momentary disorientation, she felt almost dizzy and the virtual equivalent of stars bursting in front of her eyes was not helping what amounted to a massive migraine, "Euthyra? That you? How've you been Tac-Com?"
"Not too bad... better than you it seems." The other AI replied, a smirk evident in her perception of him, but then he took on a saddened 'expression', "The Hand of Terel was destroyed, Gilau Protocol successful. The enemy vessel identified as Bismarck by your memory logs is destroyed, estimated at near 100% fatalities. Survivors from the Hand are the pilots of the strike craft you launched and the Elders. They're being treated in the medical bay right now."
"Terenen shield us... I had hoped..." Aelya 'sighed', "Understood. What now?"
"We just recieved a transmission from the Valhalla. It should be through the comms system soon and the captain will hear it. She'll probably want to review the situation. You need to be debriefed." He replied.
"I'll download all the security recordings from the Hand. She can make her own mind up about Robbins and the HRA. Damn me but if Nariel hadn't been stupid enough to threaten war on them if they didn't stop... for a Revered Elder she can be gods-damned stupid when she gets angry." Aelya 'sighed' again, "This could have been avoided... if Nariel hadn't lost it... if that Robbins idiot hadn't over-reacted and started killing people..."
"Unless you have a timeship handy, there's not much we can do about it... and no one's bothered to test out the theories. The gods know we don't want anyone mucking about with our timeline." He said, "I'll hand over the files to the captain... you just... rest up, okay?"
"Thank you... Thyr. Shall I take that as an order, sir?" She replied with a weary 'smile'.
"You still outrank me Chief, just take it as a friendly suggestion." he said.
"This is Captain Nikoli of the Coalition Alliance Vessel Valhalla," Nikoli announced. "Look Captain, I'm going to be short with you, as I have little care to explain, an unnecessary tragedy the Hand, brought upon itself. They involved themselves in a war dispute between the Coalition and HRA Empire, and failing to comply with with an order to withdraw from the battlefield. I am sorry, but they brought it upon themselves. We will transmit the logs of everything that's occurred and you can sort it out for yourself. We were commencing Search and Rescue operations of your people, but we will hand that over to you and tend to our own recover. You will not, I repeat not attempt recovery of any other craft, other than your own. And when you are finished, you will withdraw from the area. As far as avenging them Captain. Stand in line, because you are not the only one," Nikoli said coldly. "Should you require anything else within reason, you may contact us. Valhalla out."
Captain Sera brought up he logs that Nikoli had transmitted, as well as the logs from the Hand of Terel that the newly re-activated AI had sent to her and looked over them. Her expression grew darker the more she read the transcripts and watched the security footage, "Sweet Mother Tara... what have they done?" She whispered to herself in mounting horror, "War... another war... all because one man got over-confident and stupid and one woman got angry."
She deactivated the holographic displays and then turned to her comms officer, "Call the Valhalla again." She said quietly, once the channel was established she said, "Captain Nikoli, this is Sera Kalari." She seemed less angry now and just... drained by what she had seen and read, "Father Terel help me because I don't know what the hell to do. I... I'm sending a couple of log files over from the Hand. Robbins' interview with the Elders as well as what happened on the bridge... and the aftermath throughout the ship. I think we can both agree that what happened here did not need to happen. My people... we... we have seen war, captain, as your kind no doubt has... we have seen terrible things, things... things that do not bear repeating. We have long seen it as our duty to try to prevent wars... to stop other species making our mistakes. We sponsored an organisation called the Interstellar Senate back in our region of space because of this. Here... here the Hand attempted to open diplomatic dialogue and recieved wounded from the Bismarck, just as they would have taken on your own wounded, and then attempt to mediate the conflict. Even when they knew they had failed, they withdrew from the area and contacted Robbins so that he could explain the actions of his people, and when your ship almost rammed the Hand Elder Amaar grew... angry. Irrationally so. More than anyone alive today she and her husband suffered terribly because of war. This led to her threatening, bluffing, against Robbins to try and force some end to the fighting so that some kind of peace settlement could be reached. Instead Robbins attacked her... and it resulted in... subsequent events."
Captain Kalari spread her hands, "Both sides are at fault, that much I admit. My leaders should not have lost their tempers, they should not have done anything to provoke the HRA... but the HRA themselves over-reacted to their provocation. They slaughtered unarmed civilians, they used mustard gas and flamethrowers. For such crimes... you must understand that I cannot allow Robbins and this... Captain Lysander to go unpunished for it. For these war-crimes, I would ask that you hand these two men into my custody for trial for crimes against my people... they will be returned to you for your own trials if that is what you wish." She shook her head, "I don't know what other course to take, Captain. My people will demand that I take some action. I cannot return to Aerin without something to show for this."
Cognitive Matrices re-initialising
"Oh my aching matrices..." Aelya moaned, "I hate squeezing myself into a comms-packet. I always feel like I've been put through the Trial of The Blade"
"Welcome back, Chief, it's good to see you again. I just wish it was under better circumstances." The Aldareth's AI said.
Information exploded into Aelya's cognitive Matrix as the rest of her systems came online, there was a momentary disorientation, she felt almost dizzy and the virtual equivalent of stars bursting in front of her eyes was not helping what amounted to a massive migraine, "Euthyra? That you? How've you been Tac-Com?"
"Not too bad... better than you it seems." The other AI replied, a smirk evident in her perception of him, but then he took on a saddened 'expression', "The Hand of Terel was destroyed, Gilau Protocol successful. The enemy vessel identified as Bismarck by your memory logs is destroyed, estimated at near 100% fatalities. Survivors from the Hand are the pilots of the strike craft you launched and the Elders. They're being treated in the medical bay right now."
"Terenen shield us... I had hoped..." Aelya 'sighed', "Understood. What now?"
"We just recieved a transmission from the Valhalla. It should be through the comms system soon and the captain will hear it. She'll probably want to review the situation. You need to be debriefed." He replied.
"I'll download all the security recordings from the Hand. She can make her own mind up about Robbins and the HRA. Damn me but if Nariel hadn't been stupid enough to threaten war on them if they didn't stop... for a Revered Elder she can be gods-damned stupid when she gets angry." Aelya 'sighed' again, "This could have been avoided... if Nariel hadn't lost it... if that Robbins idiot hadn't over-reacted and started killing people..."
"Unless you have a timeship handy, there's not much we can do about it... and no one's bothered to test out the theories. The gods know we don't want anyone mucking about with our timeline." He said, "I'll hand over the files to the captain... you just... rest up, okay?"
"Thank you... Thyr. Shall I take that as an order, sir?" She replied with a weary 'smile'.
"You still outrank me Chief, just take it as a friendly suggestion." he said.
***
"This is Captain Nikoli of the Coalition Alliance Vessel Valhalla," Nikoli announced. "Look Captain, I'm going to be short with you, as I have little care to explain, an unnecessary tragedy the Hand, brought upon itself. They involved themselves in a war dispute between the Coalition and HRA Empire, and failing to comply with with an order to withdraw from the battlefield. I am sorry, but they brought it upon themselves. We will transmit the logs of everything that's occurred and you can sort it out for yourself. We were commencing Search and Rescue operations of your people, but we will hand that over to you and tend to our own recover. You will not, I repeat not attempt recovery of any other craft, other than your own. And when you are finished, you will withdraw from the area. As far as avenging them Captain. Stand in line, because you are not the only one," Nikoli said coldly. "Should you require anything else within reason, you may contact us. Valhalla out."
Captain Sera brought up he logs that Nikoli had transmitted, as well as the logs from the Hand of Terel that the newly re-activated AI had sent to her and looked over them. Her expression grew darker the more she read the transcripts and watched the security footage, "Sweet Mother Tara... what have they done?" She whispered to herself in mounting horror, "War... another war... all because one man got over-confident and stupid and one woman got angry."
She deactivated the holographic displays and then turned to her comms officer, "Call the Valhalla again." She said quietly, once the channel was established she said, "Captain Nikoli, this is Sera Kalari." She seemed less angry now and just... drained by what she had seen and read, "Father Terel help me because I don't know what the hell to do. I... I'm sending a couple of log files over from the Hand. Robbins' interview with the Elders as well as what happened on the bridge... and the aftermath throughout the ship. I think we can both agree that what happened here did not need to happen. My people... we... we have seen war, captain, as your kind no doubt has... we have seen terrible things, things... things that do not bear repeating. We have long seen it as our duty to try to prevent wars... to stop other species making our mistakes. We sponsored an organisation called the Interstellar Senate back in our region of space because of this. Here... here the Hand attempted to open diplomatic dialogue and recieved wounded from the Bismarck, just as they would have taken on your own wounded, and then attempt to mediate the conflict. Even when they knew they had failed, they withdrew from the area and contacted Robbins so that he could explain the actions of his people, and when your ship almost rammed the Hand Elder Amaar grew... angry. Irrationally so. More than anyone alive today she and her husband suffered terribly because of war. This led to her threatening, bluffing, against Robbins to try and force some end to the fighting so that some kind of peace settlement could be reached. Instead Robbins attacked her... and it resulted in... subsequent events."
Captain Kalari spread her hands, "Both sides are at fault, that much I admit. My leaders should not have lost their tempers, they should not have done anything to provoke the HRA... but the HRA themselves over-reacted to their provocation. They slaughtered unarmed civilians, they used mustard gas and flamethrowers. For such crimes... you must understand that I cannot allow Robbins and this... Captain Lysander to go unpunished for it. For these war-crimes, I would ask that you hand these two men into my custody for trial for crimes against my people... they will be returned to you for your own trials if that is what you wish." She shook her head, "I don't know what other course to take, Captain. My people will demand that I take some action. I cannot return to Aerin without something to show for this."
"And they are calling again," Ty noted.
Navigator Liala, shook her head. "I thought the Captain was pretty clear on everything..."
"Seems not," Ty said. "Patching it through."
"Captain Nikoli, this is Sera Kalari. Father Terel help me because I don't know what the hell to do. I... I'm sending a couple of log files over from the Hand. Robbins' interview with the Elders as well as what happened on the bridge... and the aftermath throughout the ship. I think we can both agree that what happened here did not need to happen. My people... we... we have seen war, captain, as your kind no doubt has... we have seen terrible things, things... things that do not bear repeating. We have long seen it as our duty to try to prevent wars... to stop other species making our mistakes. We sponsored an organisation called the Interstellar Senate back in our region of space because of this. Here... here the Hand attempted to open diplomatic dialogue and recieved wounded from the Bismarck, just as they would have taken on your own wounded, and then attempt to mediate the conflict. Even when they knew they had failed, they withdrew from the area and contacted Robbins so that he could explain the actions of his people, and when your ship almost rammed the Hand Elder Amaar grew... angry. Irrationally so. More than anyone alive today she and her husband suffered terribly because of war. This led to her threatening, bluffing, against Robbins to try and force some end to the fighting so that some kind of peace settlement could be reached. Instead Robbins attacked her... and it resulted in... subsequent events. Both sides are at fault, that much I admit. My leaders should not have lost their tempers, they should not have done anything to provoke the HRA... but the HRA themselves over-reacted to their provocation. They slaughtered unarmed civilians, they used mustard gas and flamethrowers. For such crimes... you must understand that I cannot allow Robbins and this... Captain Lysander to go unpunished for it. For these war-crimes, I would ask that you hand these two men into my custody for trial for crimes against my people... they will be returned to you for your own trials if that is what you wish." She shook her head, "I don't know what other course to take, Captain. My people will demand that I take some action. I cannot return to Aerin without something to show for this."
"Why am I not surprised. Of course they'll want someone to hang," said Liala as she, sighed and rubbed her temples.
"We said similar to the Elder on the Hand. Can't blame them," newly promoted Lt. Commander Nai'ti interjected. "However, I doubt the Captain will allow it."
"Yup, you're damn right," Liala agreed. "Ty, channel for response and let the Captain aware of whats up too."
Ty nodded and Commander Liala, put on her best command face. Which was seemed very casual and annoyed.
"Captain, Commander Liala, Executive Officer her," Liala announced. "We were aware of the..."complications" the Hand were experiencing, however they refused any of our attempts at mediation and assistance. Just as the Captain mentioned however, the Hand, furthered their involvement unnecessarily after their assistance was denied. Your people's logs further prove that they put themselves in a position which inevitable lead to their destruction."
Commander Liala paused, her eyes locked on the screen and face sadden.
"I am sorry Captain, but your request is denied. We have jurisdiction here. They transgressed upon a Coalition colony full of civilians and completely eradicated it. No, they need to see justice in the courts of the Coalition and charged accordingly. Until then, since they willing surrendered themselves to us, they are under our protective custody, until handed off. You may if you wish, wait until a dispatch is received from the government and you can send your protest."
Liala clicked off the link and slumped into the command chair.
"They are totally not going to like that response."
"Not much we can do. Orders are orders, and we've to follow them just the same," said Ty.
Ugh, still..." Liala said, as she crossed her legs. "We can't afford, nor can we moderately hope to combat against them should they try to take them by force."
"Then it would kind of make them hypocritical don't you think? And, pretty much place us back at square one," Lt. Nai'ti chimed. "Either way, if they are like the Kitt'ane, they'll probably try to bully their way to what they want, with the "I'm older than you" card."
"Pfft, well they have a surprise in for them," Liala said ending that conversation. "How's the SARs?"
"Slowly but surely," reported Ty. "They actually do have a few jump ships, so we're getting them loaded up now. And I do believe we are almost finished scanning for pods."
"Good work everyone," praised the new Commander.
Navigator Liala, shook her head. "I thought the Captain was pretty clear on everything..."
"Seems not," Ty said. "Patching it through."
"Captain Nikoli, this is Sera Kalari. Father Terel help me because I don't know what the hell to do. I... I'm sending a couple of log files over from the Hand. Robbins' interview with the Elders as well as what happened on the bridge... and the aftermath throughout the ship. I think we can both agree that what happened here did not need to happen. My people... we... we have seen war, captain, as your kind no doubt has... we have seen terrible things, things... things that do not bear repeating. We have long seen it as our duty to try to prevent wars... to stop other species making our mistakes. We sponsored an organisation called the Interstellar Senate back in our region of space because of this. Here... here the Hand attempted to open diplomatic dialogue and recieved wounded from the Bismarck, just as they would have taken on your own wounded, and then attempt to mediate the conflict. Even when they knew they had failed, they withdrew from the area and contacted Robbins so that he could explain the actions of his people, and when your ship almost rammed the Hand Elder Amaar grew... angry. Irrationally so. More than anyone alive today she and her husband suffered terribly because of war. This led to her threatening, bluffing, against Robbins to try and force some end to the fighting so that some kind of peace settlement could be reached. Instead Robbins attacked her... and it resulted in... subsequent events. Both sides are at fault, that much I admit. My leaders should not have lost their tempers, they should not have done anything to provoke the HRA... but the HRA themselves over-reacted to their provocation. They slaughtered unarmed civilians, they used mustard gas and flamethrowers. For such crimes... you must understand that I cannot allow Robbins and this... Captain Lysander to go unpunished for it. For these war-crimes, I would ask that you hand these two men into my custody for trial for crimes against my people... they will be returned to you for your own trials if that is what you wish." She shook her head, "I don't know what other course to take, Captain. My people will demand that I take some action. I cannot return to Aerin without something to show for this."
"Why am I not surprised. Of course they'll want someone to hang," said Liala as she, sighed and rubbed her temples.
"We said similar to the Elder on the Hand. Can't blame them," newly promoted Lt. Commander Nai'ti interjected. "However, I doubt the Captain will allow it."
"Yup, you're damn right," Liala agreed. "Ty, channel for response and let the Captain aware of whats up too."
Ty nodded and Commander Liala, put on her best command face. Which was seemed very casual and annoyed.
"Captain, Commander Liala, Executive Officer her," Liala announced. "We were aware of the..."complications" the Hand were experiencing, however they refused any of our attempts at mediation and assistance. Just as the Captain mentioned however, the Hand, furthered their involvement unnecessarily after their assistance was denied. Your people's logs further prove that they put themselves in a position which inevitable lead to their destruction."
Commander Liala paused, her eyes locked on the screen and face sadden.
"I am sorry Captain, but your request is denied. We have jurisdiction here. They transgressed upon a Coalition colony full of civilians and completely eradicated it. No, they need to see justice in the courts of the Coalition and charged accordingly. Until then, since they willing surrendered themselves to us, they are under our protective custody, until handed off. You may if you wish, wait until a dispatch is received from the government and you can send your protest."
Liala clicked off the link and slumped into the command chair.
"They are totally not going to like that response."
"Not much we can do. Orders are orders, and we've to follow them just the same," said Ty.
Ugh, still..." Liala said, as she crossed her legs. "We can't afford, nor can we moderately hope to combat against them should they try to take them by force."
"Then it would kind of make them hypocritical don't you think? And, pretty much place us back at square one," Lt. Nai'ti chimed. "Either way, if they are like the Kitt'ane, they'll probably try to bully their way to what they want, with the "I'm older than you" card."
"Pfft, well they have a surprise in for them," Liala said ending that conversation. "How's the SARs?"
"Slowly but surely," reported Ty. "They actually do have a few jump ships, so we're getting them loaded up now. And I do believe we are almost finished scanning for pods."
"Good work everyone," praised the new Commander.
"Captain, Commander Liala, Executive Officer her," Liala announced. "We were aware of the..."complications" the Hand were experiencing, however they refused any of our attempts at mediation and assistance. Just as the Captain mentioned however, the Hand, furthered their involvement unnecessarily after their assistance was denied. Your people's logs further prove that they put themselves in a position which inevitable lead to their destruction. I am sorry Captain, but your request is denied. We have jurisdiction here. They transgressed upon a Coalition colony full of civilians and completely eradicated it. No, they need to see justice in the courts of the Coalition and charged accordingly. Until then, since they willing surrendered themselves to us, they are under our protective custody, until handed off. You may if you wish, wait until a dispatch is received from the government and you can send your protest."
The holographicview-screen lickered out of existence as the link terminated and Captain Kalari sighed, sitting in her chair, slumping into it, "I expected as much." She said to no one in particular, "Well, I made overtures, the government is just going to be happy with that. I'm not going to go in heavy-handed and makes demands of these people... we lost one ship and fifteen hundred lives. They lost an entire colony, and probably many more people than we did."
"Sir, the King is not going to be happy about any of this." Her Executive Officer, Commander Esen Ilendi said, "Shouldn't we at least say something in response to this?"
"On what grounds? The Hand brought it upon themselves andd the HRa crimes against the Coalition Alliance outweigh ours... besides, we're in their territory. Their laws apply here, not ours... and they aren't members of the Senate so we can't drawupon its authority here anyway." She replied, "Just make sure we've retrieved everything we can from the Hand and recall the strike craft. We've got no hostiles here... and lower the weapons... keep the shields though, I don't have a habit of lowering my shields."
Her XO gave her a disapproving look but nodded, "Aye sir."
"You don't have to like it, Esen. You just have to follow orders." She told him bluntly, "I'm not treading on anyone's toes here. I think one internation inciden and diplomatic disaster is enough for one day, don't you?"
He nodded, "Aye sir... but you shouldn't allow them to order us about. We're the oldest extant civilisation int eh known galaxy for the love of the Ancestors. We deseve more respect."
"In the Known Galaxy." She reminded him, "We're out in the deep Frontier here, there's very little known about the regions beyond Senate Space. For all we know this coalition Alliance might predate us somehow. Besides, just because we've been around for a couple of thousand years doesn't make us suddenly the masters of the galaxy."
She turned to her comms officer, "Signal the Valhalla, inform them hat we acknowledge their jurisdiction and their primacy in this incident... we will not attempt to retrieve the HRA men. Let's not let them think that every Terelain is a pompous arrogant busybody with a streak of vainglory a parsec wide." She sighed, "Then contact Aerin, tell them the situation, give them all the files we have, the sensor logs of the wreckage, the Hand's footage and sensor logs of the Bismarck and its capabilities. Everything. Heavy encryption, cycle it through Ancient Terelain, bounce it off a few of the military comms relays. Let's not let anyone listen in, and don't lt any of these Coalition or HRA people trace it to Aerin. Let's not give them a straight path back home if we can help it."
"Aye sir." Her comms officer replied.
In the medbay, Elder Nathaniel Tynian cracked his eyes open slowly, a groan of pain slipping from him as he tried to sit up slowly. His entire body felt like it was on-fire, a med-tech rushed over, "Revered Elder! Don't try to move, you've been hurt pretty badly."
"My wife?" He asked hoarsely, "Nariel... is she okay?"
"I'm hre, Dearheart." She said softly from the bed near him, a weak smile on her face, "They got the bullets out of me... I'm not in as bad a shape as you are... the... the Hand is gone."
He slumped back on the bed, tired, in pain, "I know."
There were tears in Elder Nariel Amaar-Tynian's eyes, "What have I done, Dear One? Ancestors forgive me... what have I done?"
"War... that's what you've done... war with these... these HRA." He told her, "And if today was any indication... it shall be a Third Great War."
"You shouldn't have saved me, Beloved. I should be before Ilaris, answering for this." she said with a sob, "I've brought us to war! After everything we suffered... after losing my father, your parents... our children to war and... I've led us to it again."
"It is done." He said firmly, "You could not have known that Robbins would have reacted as he did. The Kingdom is at war again, but we have seen it before. We will endure it... as we have endued every other tribulation these past twenty three millennia."
"But it's still my fault... I shouldn't have theatend him." She said, "I'm a diplomat for the love of the Three Sisters... I knew it whilst I was saying it... some part of me just knew."
"We can't change what is and what was, Dearheart... only what will be. Perhaps there will still be time to stop this... but if not, we will still fight to protect our people." He told her, "It is your duty."
The holographicview-screen lickered out of existence as the link terminated and Captain Kalari sighed, sitting in her chair, slumping into it, "I expected as much." She said to no one in particular, "Well, I made overtures, the government is just going to be happy with that. I'm not going to go in heavy-handed and makes demands of these people... we lost one ship and fifteen hundred lives. They lost an entire colony, and probably many more people than we did."
"Sir, the King is not going to be happy about any of this." Her Executive Officer, Commander Esen Ilendi said, "Shouldn't we at least say something in response to this?"
"On what grounds? The Hand brought it upon themselves andd the HRa crimes against the Coalition Alliance outweigh ours... besides, we're in their territory. Their laws apply here, not ours... and they aren't members of the Senate so we can't drawupon its authority here anyway." She replied, "Just make sure we've retrieved everything we can from the Hand and recall the strike craft. We've got no hostiles here... and lower the weapons... keep the shields though, I don't have a habit of lowering my shields."
Her XO gave her a disapproving look but nodded, "Aye sir."
"You don't have to like it, Esen. You just have to follow orders." She told him bluntly, "I'm not treading on anyone's toes here. I think one internation inciden and diplomatic disaster is enough for one day, don't you?"
He nodded, "Aye sir... but you shouldn't allow them to order us about. We're the oldest extant civilisation int eh known galaxy for the love of the Ancestors. We deseve more respect."
"In the Known Galaxy." She reminded him, "We're out in the deep Frontier here, there's very little known about the regions beyond Senate Space. For all we know this coalition Alliance might predate us somehow. Besides, just because we've been around for a couple of thousand years doesn't make us suddenly the masters of the galaxy."
She turned to her comms officer, "Signal the Valhalla, inform them hat we acknowledge their jurisdiction and their primacy in this incident... we will not attempt to retrieve the HRA men. Let's not let them think that every Terelain is a pompous arrogant busybody with a streak of vainglory a parsec wide." She sighed, "Then contact Aerin, tell them the situation, give them all the files we have, the sensor logs of the wreckage, the Hand's footage and sensor logs of the Bismarck and its capabilities. Everything. Heavy encryption, cycle it through Ancient Terelain, bounce it off a few of the military comms relays. Let's not let anyone listen in, and don't lt any of these Coalition or HRA people trace it to Aerin. Let's not give them a straight path back home if we can help it."
"Aye sir." Her comms officer replied.
In the medbay, Elder Nathaniel Tynian cracked his eyes open slowly, a groan of pain slipping from him as he tried to sit up slowly. His entire body felt like it was on-fire, a med-tech rushed over, "Revered Elder! Don't try to move, you've been hurt pretty badly."
"My wife?" He asked hoarsely, "Nariel... is she okay?"
"I'm hre, Dearheart." She said softly from the bed near him, a weak smile on her face, "They got the bullets out of me... I'm not in as bad a shape as you are... the... the Hand is gone."
He slumped back on the bed, tired, in pain, "I know."
There were tears in Elder Nariel Amaar-Tynian's eyes, "What have I done, Dear One? Ancestors forgive me... what have I done?"
"War... that's what you've done... war with these... these HRA." He told her, "And if today was any indication... it shall be a Third Great War."
"You shouldn't have saved me, Beloved. I should be before Ilaris, answering for this." she said with a sob, "I've brought us to war! After everything we suffered... after losing my father, your parents... our children to war and... I've led us to it again."
"It is done." He said firmly, "You could not have known that Robbins would have reacted as he did. The Kingdom is at war again, but we have seen it before. We will endure it... as we have endued every other tribulation these past twenty three millennia."
"But it's still my fault... I shouldn't have theatend him." She said, "I'm a diplomat for the love of the Three Sisters... I knew it whilst I was saying it... some part of me just knew."
"We can't change what is and what was, Dearheart... only what will be. Perhaps there will still be time to stop this... but if not, we will still fight to protect our people." He told her, "It is your duty."
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